High praise for junior brethren

Blackpool Lodge of Integrity No 5864 held their installation meeting in the presence of Stuart Thornber who was representing the Provincial Grand Master. The lodge was also pleased to welcome Blackpool Group Chairman Ian Robertson. The ceremony of installation, held at Adelaide Street Masonic Hall, was witnessed by 50 brethren from all parts of the Fylde and was carried out in an excellent manner by Derek McMenemy who ably installed the lodge’s new WM, Stephen Thorpe, into the chair in his stead.

The highlight of a memorable evening’s ceremony was without doubt the word perfect delivery of the working tools by three of the lodge’s younger brethren, Kevin Croft, Daniel Wall and Joe Codling, all of whom are in their early 20’s  Stuart Thornber’s comment on the faultless contribution made to the ceremony by the ‘magnificent three’ was: “The presentation of the working tools was simply outstanding and the finest delivery I have ever witnessed in my long Masonic career”.

Blackpool Lodge of Integrity has, over the past 12 months, made charitable donations to good causes totalling a very creditable sum of £1304 - £400 of which has been passed on to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.  Stuart in his speech of thanks to the lodge urged brethren to continue their support of the WLFC: “After the very successful 2010 Festival which raised an astounding £4.5 million for the Samaritan Fund, regrettably, as a result of the changes to our giving, depleted the funds of our very own charity. We must all now concentrate our giving to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity to help make up the shortfall”.

A splendid and genial festive board concluded the evening with a raffle taken to support a range of charities. The Master’s song was given by well known Blackpool singing ‘legend’ and Blackpool Group’s very own solo artist, William (Bill) Eardley.

Pictured left to right are: Ian Robertson, WM Stephen Thorpe and Stuart Thornber