Furness RAM Installation
 
John Torrance capped off his year as Worshipful Commander of Furness Mark Lodge No 375 in fine style as he undertook the duty of installing John Broadhurst as his successor in good fashion.
Stuart Brackstone, John Broadhurst and John Torrance
Principal guest on the evening at Ulverston Masonic Hall was Stuart Brackstone. There were 34 members and guests present. It was pleasing to see eight “light blues” of Furness RAM in attendance.
Visitors from Duddon RAM with Worshipful Commander Paul Dixon 2nd from right
Les Preston (senior) made the observation that in 1986 when he was installed as Commander 13 officers and Brethren of the lodge had dined which at that time was a full complement of members. To put it into perspective over double that number of members were present for the 2020 meeting.
Les Preston (junior), David Smith and Peter Hampson
There is a lot of cross-border visiting amongst all the various orders of Freemasonry with members from the Furness area and Millom in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland regularly visiting each other’s meetings. On this occasion five members from Duddon RAM Lodge had made the journey from the foot of Black Combe to the bottom of the Hoad.
 
Stuart was made to sing for his supper and superbly orated the Exposition. Your northern correspondent was called into action to undertake the presentation of the keystone jewel.
Alan Jones, Bill Glassey, Neil Brown and Ken Boon
Well earned praise was directed at scribe Peter Hampson for his work in making the event such a success. David Smith and Les Preston (junior) traded places with David going to chaplain from the position of director of ceremonies and Les making the journey in the opposite direction. They too were acknowledged for the work they had done.
 
To mark the occasion Stuart was presented with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Masons Charity.
Paul Rose MBE, Rowly Saunders, Brian Davey, Peter Schofield and Pat Moss
The formalities over it was time to retire to the dining room where an excellent three course meal, the menu being beef, was enjoyed. A raffle raised £158 which was split 50/50 between the lodge charity account and the hall building fund. For those of you who have not been to the hall recently I can inform you that the money for the building fund will be well spent. A great deal of work has been undertaken to improve facilities with the latest being the construction of new toilets.
 
There was a candidate for elevation proposed on the evening and two potential recruits dined at the festive board. The new Commander should have a fruitful year.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear