The Wigan Group members were delighted to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Kevin Poynton, who attended at Bryn Masonic Hall to witness the installation meeting of Heber Lodge No 4388. Kevin put everyone at ease from the outset with his friendly and jovial manner. He was accompanied by fellow grand officer David Ogden (group vice chairman) and group secretary John Selley.
Kevin Poynton (left) congratulating the new WM John Rylance.
Kevin was welcomed into the lodge by the WM Ian Green, who offered him the gavel, almost pleading with the APrGM to retain it. His pleas fell upon stony ground and Kevin returned it with a lively response, which turned out to be a very wise move. Ian, who has been an enthusiastic WM and no stranger to the lodges at Bryn as a result of his many visits throughout the year, went on to conduct a marvellous installation ceremony with great dignity and style.
Subject of his fine performance was new WM John Rylance. John is an experienced Mason, having served the lodge dutifully as secretary and holding Provincial rank of PPrAGSuptWks, and was previously in the chair of this very lodge 16 years ago.
Ian was assisted by a number of brethren, skilfully led by DC John Selley, and worthy of special mention are the three junior brethren, Ian Parker, Paul Davies and Stuart Borton, who presented the working tools in such a spectacular fashion. There was a very touching moment when Ian was presented with his past master’s jewel. It had previously been presented to lodge elder statesman, now sadly no longer with us, Eric Makinson in 1978. Eric had promised Ian at his initiation that, should he go through the chair at some future time, the jewel would be his.
John (left) being congratulated by installing master Ian Green.
Following his address to the brethren, Kevin brought the greetings of the PrGM Tony Harrison and congratulated the new master on attaining the chair for a second time. He then went on to congratulate installing master Ian, telling him that he had done his job with grace and elegance.
Kevin was pleased to receive a total of £2,483 in charitable donations, in favour of West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity (£997), Ashton Masonic Properties (£400), Ashton Masonic Hall Development Group (£100), Christie Cancer Centre (£263), Wigan and Leigh Hospice (£150), Joining Jack Rugby League (£160) and Arthritis Research (£263). This, he said, was an astonishing sum of money which would enrich the lives of the eventual recipients.
John is looking forward to guiding the brethren through the next 12 months and the combination of experience and light blue enthusiasm bodes very well for this fine lodge.
Pictured from left to right, are: John Selley, Kevin Poynton, Scot Davenport, John Rylance, Ian Green and David Ogden.