The first installation ceremony for Tarleton Lodge No 7871 as members of the newly amalgamated Ormskirk and Bootle Group of Lodges and Chapters was held at Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard.
Roy (left) congratulates Stephen on becoming WM.
40 members and guests, including two visiting masters, came together to see Stephen Dunn installed for the first time into the chair of King Solomon. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Roy Pyne as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison.
Roy was accompanied on the evening by grand officers Brian Fairhurst, Frank Umbers (Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman) and Malcolm Alexander (Ormskirk Group Secretary). Also in attendance was acting Provincial grand officer Malcolm Sandywell PrAGDC.
John Webster, the installing master, warmly welcomed everyone wishing them a pleasant evening saying that he looked forward to their company at the festive board later. Following the usual salutations and having had presented to him the master elect, John installed Stephen in a confident and sincere manner. Stephen was a former warder at Garth Prison and is now working as a self-employed builder.
For the ceremony John was ably assisted by installing senior and junior wardens David Greenwood and Thomas Ryding respectively, with Russell Morris as inner guard; under the direction of DC James Wright and ADC John Simpson.
The third, second and first degree tools were delivered by Eric Price, John Simpson and David Leech respectively, all of which were flawlessly given. The address to the master was presented by John Simpson with great sincerity and the address to the brethren was delivered by the guest of honour Roy.
As the ceremony came to a close Roy congratulated Stephen on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master and wished him well for the year ahead. Roy also congratulated John Webster and the installation team on a fine ceremony.
Stephen then had the pleasure of presenting Roy with three cheques. The first being £300 to the Tercentenary Festival Appeal, £300 to Variety, the children’s charity and £200 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. In response Roy thanked the brethren for their generosity on behalf of the recipients.
Following the meeting an excellent festive board was enjoyed by all with good camaraderie and many new friendships made.
Pictured from left to right, are: Malcolm Sandywell, Frank Umbers, Roy Pyne, Stephen Dunn, John Webster, Brian Fairhurst and Malcolm Alexander.