The Deputation, Lodge Members and Guests
On Friday 3rd June, Manchester Hall was the venue for a special evening when the Brethren and guests of Cornucopia Lodge No. 4553 celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry of WBro Brian Bint PProvJGD.
The Lodge having been duly opened by the Worshipful Master, WBro Darren Kennedy, there was a report, upon which, the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies; WBro Andrew Taylor was admitted. He announced that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire, VWBro Derek Nelson Thornhill, PGSwdB, was in attendance accompanied by a Provincial Deputation and that he demanded admission.
After welcoming the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful Master offered VWBro Thornhill the gavel which he was pleased to accept.
VWBro Derek Thornhill PGSwdB, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, presided over the meeting and he was accompanied by WBro Chris Welton PSGD Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibilities for Manchester along with a Provincial Deputation which included, WBro Chris Prax PProJGW District Chairman City Sykes, WBro Duncan Ferguson Provincial Senior Grand Warden and WBro Paul Thornton Provincial Junior Grand Warden. WBro Andrew Taylor ProvDepGDC was the Director of Ceremonies assisted by WBro Andrew Procter PProvDepGDC.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master gave his usual music quiz as part of his address with the following information of events in the year of WBro Bint’s Initiation.
In 1956 the average house price was £2,280, the average wage was £615, inflation was at a rate of 4.7%, petrol used to cost 4 shillings & 6pence (22p today), a brand new Austin A35 Car was £533 and Manchester City won the FA Cup and Manchester United won the 1st Division.
WBro Roy Chapman PProvSGD and the Lodge Secretary read extracts from WBro Bint’s Initiation which was on 24th February 1956 and his Installation as Worshipful Master in 1981.
WBro William Bell PProv JGW gave a tribute on behalf of the Lodge. (Resd the tribute HERE)
VWBro Derek Thornhill read and presented WBro Bint with a letter and Certificate from RWBro Sir David Trippier the Provincial Grand Master. After WBro Bint had been perambulated round the Lodge to great acclamation WBro Chris Prax District Chairman for City Sykes presented WBro Bint with a 60 year lapel badge.
WBro Bint now lives in America and was made an Honorary Member of the Lodge on the celebration of his Fifty years in Freemasonry. Brian was accompanied by his wife Susan on this visit. Susan and members wives of the Lodge along with guests of which some are potential joining members of the Lodge were admitted into the Lodge room to witness the presentation by VWBro Thornhill.
The Lodge closed and the members and their guests attended a vibrant Social Board where WBro Brian Lee PProvJGW gave a further tribute and toast to WBro Bint.
Cornucopia Lodge also created a commemorative booklet for WBro Bint’s 60th celebration and this can be viewed using the link HERE
Lodge members with DPGM, APGM and District Chairman
VWBro Derek Thornhill and WBro Brian Bint.