Double Shift for Geoffrey
 
Leyland Masonic Hall was the venue for the installation meetings of Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Royal Ark Mariners and Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Mark Masters. As is the tradition of the lodges both meetings took place on the same day.
Geoffrey Lee, Neil MacSymons, Maurice Evans and Giles Berkley
First up was the R.A.M. meeting which saw Maurice Evans install Neil MacSymons as his successor in fine style. The words accurate, well-paced and sincere spring to mind when trying to describe how Maurice went about the task in hand.
Scribe Bryan Fox, Charity Steward Geoff Waters, Treasurer John Sarti and D of C Phillip Watson
The principal guest was Deputy Provincial Grand Master Geoffrey Lee who was accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Giles Berkley with Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies David Emmerson on hand to keep a careful watch on proceedings.
 
Giles Berkley, Geoffrey Lee, Bill Bruce and John Dean
Geoffrey was called into action to deliver the exposition of the R.A.M. degree. It was very well received.
To mark the occasion Geoffrey was presented with a donation of £500 in favour of the provincial charity.
Then it was all change as the room was refurnished to accommodate the Mark installation. The appropriate regalia was changed into as other Brethren joined those already in attendance for the next ceremony.
Once again the ritual was exemplary as John Dean installed Bill Bruce as his successor.
Tony Farrar and David Rotherham
Also called into action was Rod Bennison who gave the address to the new Worshipful Mark Master in a delightful manner.
David Rotherham and Tony Shaw
Provincial Senior Warden Stuart Boyd addressed the wardens as to their duties whilst Alan Fairhurst undertook a similar role in respect of the Overseers.
Tony Farrar, Bill Bruce and Arthur Robinson.
For the second time on the afternoon Geoffrey took to the floor, on this occasion to orate the address to the Brethren.  All played their part well in a most agreeable ceremony which was a pleasure to witness.
Adding further lustre to what was an already colourful occasion was the presence of two acting grand officers in the persons of Arthur Robinson and Tony Farrar.
The newly appointed stewards.
The provincial Mark charity again benefitted as John presented Geoffrey with a donation of £250.
The double act of secretary David Rotherham and treasurer Tony Shaw have become pretty much part of the furniture at Philadelphia Mark Lodge as they have given ten and nine years service in their roles. After a decade David has moved aside with Tony Farrar taking over as secretary although David will remain as his assistant to ensure a smooth transition.
The diners
One of the last acts of David Rotherham was to announce that no stewards had been nominated but he felt that the Very Worshipful Brethren who were present should all be appointed to that role. Fittingly enough for the friendly degree there were smiles aplenty as Ray Martland, Fred Hargreaves, Stuart Cowburn, Rod Bennison, Brian Davey, Ken Alker and Stuart Brackstone were duly collared as stewards.
The good humour, conviviality and friendly banter continued at the installation banquet which celebrated the appointment of Neil and Bill to their new roles.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear