Blackpool Group of Lodges
The Oldest Lodge on the Fylde Coast.
Clifton Lodge No. 703. is over 150 years old, being founded in 1857. On Thursday 2nd, December, 2010. W.Bro. A.L.Brown. P.Pr.J.G.D. was installed into the chair of the Lodge for a third time. Around 50 Masons from in and around the Blackpool area attended the ceremony and witnessed some pieces of the ceremony not usually heard. W.Bro. R.W.Fish. P.Pr.G.Supt. of Wks. Presented and explained the “Masters Tools” W.Bro.D.P.Taylor. P.Pr J.G.D. gave the Address and explanation of the “Immediate Past Masters Jewel”
The Lodge had been honoured by the attendance of W.Bro.R.W.Perry. P.A.G.D.C. The Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by other Grand Officers including, W.Bro. Rev. E.K.Sillis. P.A.G.Chap. and W.Bro. Ian.J.Robertson. P.A.G.D.C. Chairman of the Blackpool Group. W.Bro Ian Smith, W.Bro. Juan Topping, W,Bro Gordon Ivett, all Acting Officers of the Province was also in attendance.
At the Festive Board, W.Bro. Perry, gave thanks to W.Bro Lamb, the Installing Master for the sincere way in which he carried out the ceremony. He then went on to explain the importance of Recruitment, and gave examples of how a “Gentlemen to Dine Evening” was away of introducing people to Freemasonry. Adding that just as important was the “Retention of Members” A great many candidates are being lost to Freemasonry in the first couple of years, after becoming members of the organisation. He also explained that Freemasons in this area have donated over £250,000. to Non-Masonic Charities, a figure of which we can all be proud. Concluding, he wished Clifton Lodge Officers and brethren a successful and happy year under the direction of W.Bro.Brown. A well earned round of applause was given to the Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Fish, who at a minutes notice sang “The Masters Song”. W.Bro.William T.Eardley being unable to attend due to illness.
Left to right. W.Bro. Brown. W.M. W.Bro Robertson. Group Chairman W.Bro. Rev. Sillis. W.Bro.Perry. Representative of the P.G.M.
W.Bro.Fish. D.C