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Blackpool Group of Lodges

Grandfather’s regalia, worn with pride

Emblem Lodge No 6727 made a very special visit to Lodge St Bryde in Lanarkshire, Scotland. There has been a long and intimate association between the two lodges for many years, but what made this visit special was that the invitation to attend had been made by the Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire, Middle Ward, James Jack himself.  Before setting off on the journey north of the border the Emblem Lodge brethren assembled at their Adelaide Street, Blackpool, base for tea, coffee and especially appreciated bacon barms.

The Blackpool brethren, as always not ones to miss up on a golden opportunity, used their time on the coach to raise some money for Masonic and non-Masonic charities. A system of light hearted fines was set in place and on arrival in Scotland the ‘bonnie’ sum of £60 had been raised.  Making the journey for the first time were two entered apprentices, Martin Spencer a member of Emblem Lodge and Aaron Long from Blackpool Lodge of Tranquillity.

The travelling company from Emblem were accorded the special honour of being piped into the lodge room by David Stark, who is not only the Provincial Piper but also the personal piper for the Princess Royal.  Gordon Smith, WM of Emblem presented PGM James with an engraved tankard on behalf of the visitors to mark James’ commission and to further cement the relationship of Lodge St Bryde and Emblem Lodge. The gift, James said, would be placed with the many others which had been presented to the Scottish lodge by other lodges from the Fylde and Blackpool.

The members of Lodge St Bryde carried out a demonstration of a first degree ceremony, to which the honour of standing in as a candidate to went to Emblem’s Warren Plant; a duty he carried out with great pride.

Another member of the visiting party, Willy Hotchkiss, who is also an affiliated member of St Bryde’s and a long standing past master of Emblem Lodge, was given the opportunity to wear his grandfather’s Masonic apron. This item of regalia is still regularly used and worn by the members of Lodge of St Bryde. Willy said the knowledge that the link still exists with his family gave him a feeling of great pride.

After the ceremony the lodge room was transformed into a dinning room, a sumptuous Scottish supper was provided and washed down by the local ‘amber nectar’.   

Before departing Gordon Smith invited their hosts to an Old English Night to be held at Blackpool in June. This annual event is firmly in the hands of the very accomplished entertainer and fines master, Shaun Haynes, who will be running the proceedings. There is an open invitation evening is open to all brethren from members of Emblem Lodge.