On Friday, 25th October 2024, a very special occasion took place at Iron Road Lodge number 4964. The Worshipful Master of the lodge, Bro. Christopher J. Daniels had the honour of welcoming the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Robert I. Frankl, and his very distinguished Provincial Deputation. The Worshipful Master graciously offered the gavel to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, who accepted and proceeded to introduce the members of the delegation. The occasion was further graced by the presence of numerous Grand Officers, a large gathering of ‘Light Blues’, and newly initiated Freemasons. The lodge was filled, with 117 attendees booked to attend, underscoring the importance of the event that was to follow. This was to invest in WBro Wesley Marchant PJGD as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire. Before the lodge closed, a cheque for the sum of £3000 was presented to the RWPGM by the Area Chairman WBro Nigel Johnson. This was money raised from the ‘Walk the Southern Area’ event that took place on the Sunday the 22nd September.
The dignity of the ceremony would have impressed many of those attending who had not witnessed such a ceremony before. Still, there is no doubt that it impressed even those who may have witnessed a similar ceremony in the past. There was a palpable feeling of goodwill, comradeship and joy running alongside the precision of the ritual. This feeling extended to the social board, where a hundred-plus brethren attended. Aside from enjoying a well-presented meal and the customary toasts, a raffle was held, with the proceeds contributing to the target £2,400,000. pledged to East Lancashire Festival 2026.
Towards the end of the social board, the newly appointed APGM, in response to a toast, shared some information on the journey that had led him to this occasion. Wes noted that, “I’ve been honoured to receive high Grand ranks in the Craft and Royal Arch, and I am in awe to be invited by the RWPGM Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master to become one of his Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.”
Wes brings with him a wealth of experience and dedication, having first joined Freemasonry in 1984 and serving in various significant roles throughout his Masonic career. Reflecting on his journey, Wes recalls, “Having joined Freemasonry by the traditional method of being approached by a work colleague back in 1984, I initially struggled with work commitments. For the first couple of years, I thought there was a lodge office of Apprentice Tyler, as I spent more time outside the lodge than in it. But once I got on the floor, it seemed I took it like a duck to water.”Wes’s dedication has seen him serve in both his Craft Lodge, Townley Parker, and its associated Chapter, where his leadership flourished. He held roles as Provincial Director of Ceremonies (DC) in both the Craft and the Royal Arch and served two terms as DC in his own lodge and chapter. ” As Wes states, “I’m a great believer in square pegs in square holes.”
Wes’s Masonic journey has also extended into side orders, including the Mark, where he holds the position of Grand Officer. Wes comments, “Guess what? I was a Provincial ADC for my sins.” He is a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, where he earned Provincial Rank and the Order of the Secret Monitor.
Outside of Freemasonry, Wes served as a police officer with Greater Manchester Police for over 30 years, later working as a manager for Metrolink for six years. For the last ten years, he has served as the voluntary Treasurer for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Wes reflects on his role with SSAFA, saying, “That was a square peg in a round hole!”
In his personal life, Wes has been married to Liz for 48 years. Together, they have faced challenges, including the tragic loss of their only son, Robert, 11 years ago. Wes speaks fondly of Liz’s support, adding, “She certainly keeps me on the straight and narrow.”
As a lifelong Manchester resident, Wes’s passion for his football team is well known. “If you don’t know which football team I support, then we’ve obviously never met each other! Of course, being born and brought up in Manchester, there’s only one team I could possibly support, and they play in Sky Blue.”
Wes’s appointment as Assistant Provincial Grand Master is a testament to his enduring commitment to Freemasonry, his community, and the values he upholds.
