An installation ceremony involving a light blue, new to the experience, is always a pleasure to witness. When a new master is as enthusiastic as Graham Greenall, then the occasion is even more pleasurable.
Tony Bent (left) congratulates Graham on attaining the chair of Borsdane Lodge.
Tony Bent, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was delighted to attend Hindley Masonic Hall to be the principal guest at the installation ceremony of Borsdane Lodge No 6460. Tony was accompanied by fellow grand officers and personal guests of the master elect, Ian Sanderson, Paul Renton and Andy Whittle and supported by acting Provincial grand officers Alan Johnston, Peter Ridehalgh and John Bimpson ably led by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald. Wigan and District Group Chairman Geoffrey Porter, who is a member of the lodge, kept an ever-watchful eye on proceedings and was joined by his group charity steward Chris Reeman.
It had been 25 years since the installing master Roy Brooks had occupied the chair, but it all came back to him as he installed Graham as his successor. A number of lodge members ably assisted Roy, including George Seddon, who presented Graham, Frank Jones who gave the address to the master and John Seddon who gave the address to the wardens.
The working tools were presented by Jonathan Lever, Geoffrey Porter and Norman Kelly. It is not surprising that senior Provincial grand officers like Geoffrey and Norman would do a sterling job, but young master Mason Johnathan stole the show with a word-perfect rendition of the more demanding third degree working tools.
Pictured left from left to right, are: Geoffrey Porter, Tony Bent, Graham Greenall and Roy Brooks. Pictured right, Graham with his personal guests, from left to right, are: Andy Whittle, Ian Sanderson, Graham Greenall and Paul Renton.
Tony congratulated Graham on attaining the chair and Roy and his officers on installing him in such a fine way. In response Graham was delighted to present the Assistant Provincial Grand Master with charitable donations consisting of £500 to Hindley Masonic Hall, £300 to the Grand Charity, £638.20 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity (with an additional £159.55 gift aid) and £100 to Wigan St Peter’s Boys’ Brigade, who were celebrating their centenary. Tony stated that this was a remarkable amount for such a small lodge in these difficult times.
Graham joined the lodge in 2010. He is a local lad living in the Marus Bridge area. Graham works as a legal executive and is married to Sharon. His hobbies include rugby, being a referee assessor and an interest in cricket, which he played to quite a high standard, having had trials for Derbyshire. He is also secretary of the lodge of instruction.
Pictured from left to right, are: Chris Reeman, Alan Johnston, Geoffrey Porter, Tony Bent, Graham Greenall, Roy Brooks, Andy Whittle, Peter Ridehalgh and Barry Fitzgerald.