Page 39 - EM-Issue-93

On Thursday 7th April
2022 over 60 members
and guests witnessed
an emotionally charged
meeting as Bro Mark
Lawrence was installed
as Worshipful Master of
Easterford Lodge No. 2342.
The lodge was opened in
due form at 1700hrs in the
presence of a retinue of
Grand Officers including
RW.Bro Ian Yeldham,
Provincial Grand Master of
All one happy family at Easterford
Suffolk, a personal guest All one happy family at Easterfor d
of the Master Elect and
RW.Bro John Webb PPGM.

Unfortunately, the Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Stewart Eastbrook PProvJGD was delayed with work commitments, on
any other occasion several other Easterford brethren would have stood up and taken the wand, however on this instance
he was to install his Brother-in-Law as the Master Elect.

The lodge minutes were read, slowly, visiting Master’s welcomed, Brethren thanked for their year in Office, all with the
aim to claim those extra few minutes to the allow the DC, who had arrived by this point, to adorn his Dinner Jacket and
Regalia.
Upon W.Bro Stewart’s entrance, the WM, W.Bro Derek Palmer, by this point relieved to see the DC, requested that he
occupied the Master Chair to conduct the ceremony of Installation. Bro Mark was then installed into the chair of King
Solomon in an impressive manner with a moving atmosphere in what was an excellent ceremony all round.
Then another twist, a report at the door was received and the lodge informed that Bro Brian Lawrence requested
admission, a somewhat surprised WM granted his father’s request. His entrance was received with great acclaim, as Bro
Brian had only been discharged from Colchester Hospital at 4pm that afternoon. Following the usual father & son banter
he took his seat in the lodge to enjoy the remaining proceedings.
The address to the Master was delivered by Master’s father-in-law, W.Bro Norman Eastbrook PPGJW. With W.Bro Rob
Lancashire ProvGPurs and W.Bro Martin Bevan GStwd delivering the addresses to the Wardens and Brethren respectively.
The Master appointed his officers for the ensuing year with his well-known charisma and expressed his pleasure at a busy
year ahead.
The lodge was closed in due form and the brethren retired to take Sherry and enjoy the renowned experience and
culinary delights of the Easterford festive board with Smoked Salmon, Roast Rib of Beef, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cheese
and Biscuits and Port.

To continue the family
traditions the response on
behalf of the guests was
given by W.Bro David Wilson
PGStwd, MetDepGDC, SLGR
and son of former Easterford
member W.Bro Gordon Wilson
PDepGSuptWks. All in all, a
night for all to remember.