Jubilee Installation
 
The installation meeting of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 at Ulverston Masonic Hall saw John Torrance hand over the reins to Paul Rose M.B.E.
Waiting for the off, are; Graham Corday, John Torrance and Paul Rose
Making his debut as a representative of the Provincial Grand Master was Grand Steward Graham Corday. Also in attendance was Grand Senior Deacon David Rotherham along with many other distinguished Grand officers.
 
They cannot have but enjoyed the work of John as he went about his duty of installing Paul. It was accomplished with great sincerity.
John Parrott, Paul Thompson, Martin Swarbrick and David Robinson
Others too played their part in what was an excellent ceremony. Peter Hampson presented the working tools of the degree, Peter Thompson gave an explanation of the keystone jewel, and Russ Greenhow informed the Overseers as to their duties, whilst Les Preston and Alan Jones orated, respectively, the addresses to the WM and wardens. Graham was made to sing for his supper and undertake the address to the Brethren. All played their part well.
 
Of course these things do not just happen. Jubilee Mark Lodge secretary Ray Dickinson and director of ceremonies David Smith later received much praise for their efforts in ensuring the event was such a great success.
Ray Dickinson, Treasurer Russ Greenhow and David Smith
Paul is a retired head of security at the local shipyard. Since retirement he has run a rescue centre for birds of the strigiform order – or more commonly owls. Paul didn’t bring along one of his charges on the night – it would have looked too much like Hogwarts and requires an easily cleanable floor surface! – But attached is a photograph from a charity evening at Barrow Masonic Hall when Paul took along some of his owls.
 
To mark the occasion Paul presented Graham with a cheque for £500 in favour of the Mark charity. However the collection in the lodge together with the raffle at the festive board raised £435 meaning that the lodge charity fund is not too depleted.
Scott Deakin and Paul Rose.
The Worshipful Masters of five other Mark lodges were in attendance. John Parrott of Furness No 36, Paul Thompson of Garnett No 146, Martin Swarbrick of Scorton No 1103, David Robinson of Preston No 143 and local representative Stuart Brackstone who is in the chair of Unity Lodge No 544.
Les Preston, Peter Thompson, Russ Greenhow, Alan Jones and Peter Hampson
The Worshipful Masters of five other Mark lodges were in attendance. John Parrott of Furness No 36, Paul Thompson of Garnett No 146, Martin Swarbrick of Scorton No 1103, David Robinson of Preston No 143 and local representative Stuart Brackstone who is in the chair of Unity Lodge No 544.
Graham Corday and Paul Rose
Following the formalities of the ceremony 60 members and their guests enjoyed the camaraderie of the installation banquet.
 
Russ, who is the hall chairman, was kept busy liaising with the caterers and helping out Les Preston who was running the bar. They too played an important, but often overlooked, role in ensuring the success of the evening.
Not studying the racing form but filling in their charity envelopes! Peter Quirk and Jim Richards.
A superb chicken and leek soup was followed by roast beef and topped off by sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. The portion size of the dessert was generous but this did not stop some showing their approval by the consumption of a second helping!
Some Grand chaps.
The laughter and chatter in the dining room were indicative of a good day spent in pleasant company.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear