Although it is always a shame to leave behind Wigan Pier, Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls and the world’s best pies, some trips are just worth making. That was the case for the coach load of brethren who made the now annual pilgrimage to Blackpool from Bryn Masonic Hall, only to have their numbers further swelled by those who had made their own way there. Provincial Grand Lodge is always a special day out for the Wigan faithful and this year was no exception, but with a very nice difference.
Brethren from the Wigan Group before setting off for Blackpool.
The day started with a hearty breakfast as Bryn Masonic Hall before the customary coach journey with, as always, elder statesman Stanley Brown directing things. The group had a lot to celebrate this year, with vice chairman Geoffrey Porter being promoted to PPrSGW, to join Keith Lang of Arrowhead Lodge of Freedom No 8500 and John Hilton of Bryn Lodge No 6553 who received their promotion to the same rank during their celebrations of 50 years in Masonry. Group secretary Stewart Blagg was promoted to PPrJGW and Malcolm Bell Jnr was called on to continue in his acting rank as PrDGDC along with new acting officers Lucas Kelly, Alan Ireland and Howard Morris. Another interesting appointment was that of Graeme Hughes from Willows Lodge No 5343, who holds grand rank and in his past life as a Cheshire Mason was the Provincial Senior Grand Warden, and received the rank of PPrJGW in his adopted Province of West Lancs.
The full list of those receiving appointment and promotions is as follows:
Enjoying breakfast at Bryn and the banquet at Blackpool.
Acting Rank:
Sincerity Lodge No 3677 – M Bell, Jnr PrDGDC
Willows Lodge No 5343 – L Kelly PrSGD
Wigan Lodge No 2326 – A Ireland PrAGPurs
Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821 H – Morris PrGStwd
First Appointments:
Willows Lodge No 5343 – G Hughes PPrJGW
Sincerity Lodge No 3677 – A Greenhalgh PPrSGD
Prodesse Lodge No 8678 – B Rollins PPrSGD
Orrell Lodge No 8371 – J Wheeldon PPrSGD
Hope Lodge No 4003 – A Gerrard PPrSGD
Willows Lodge No 5343 – J Den Kaat PPrJGD
Bryn Lodge No 6553 – K Hatton PPrAGDC
Heber Lodge No 4388 – E Perry PPrAGDC
Orrell Lodge No 8371 – P Gornall PPrAGSwdB
Borough Lodge No 3996 – JD Jones PPrAGSwdB
Orrell Lodge No 8371 – S Suntha PPrAGSuptWks
Promotions:
Borsdane Lodge No 6460 – G M Porter PPrSGW
Willows Lodge No 5343 – S Blagg PPrJGW
Borsdane Lodge No 6460 – PA Dobson PPrJGW
Borough Lodge No 3996 – SL Hulse PPrJGW
Arrowhead Lodge of Fellowship No 8500 – J Barnes PPrGSuptWks
Heber Lodge No 4388 – N Bradshaw PPrGSuptWks
Langtree Lodge No 6166 – J Higham PPrGSuptWks
Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead No 6387 – DK McGraw PPrGSuptWks
Willows Lodge No 5343 – A Robinson PPrGSuptWks
Antiquity Lodge No 178 – GH Speakman PPrGSuptWks
Faith Lodge No 484 – P Walsh PPrGSuptWks
Prodesse Lodge No 8678 – J Miller PPrDGSuptWks
Willows Lodge No 5343 – J Warminger PPrDGSuptWks
Vigilance and Douglas Lodge No 6236 – JN Hitchmough PPrSGD
Celebratory:
Arrowhead Lodge of Felowship No 8500 – K Lang PPrSGW
Bryn Lodge No 6553 – J Hilton PPrSGW
Such was the support from the Wigan Group that they had four full tables at the Celebratory Banquet held at the Hilton Hotel, with further brethren scattered around the hall. All had a wonderful day out and continued to socialise back at the Masonic Hall after the coach ride home.