Nautical Morecambe |
| It was definitely a case of nautical but nice when Morecambe RAM Lodge No 716 met to elevate two candidates. |
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Neil McGill, George Howling, David Winder and Frank Heath |
| A duo of former merchant seaman in the persons of Frank Heath and Malcolm Brown were balloted for on the night and then elevated in a double ceremony. Malcolm is the vice chairman of the local Merchant Seaman’s’ Association. His proposer was Peter Jackson and his seconder was Nick Baxter both of whom have also served on the ocean waves. Frank is the present WM of Morecambe Mark Lodge. |
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Malcolm Brown |
| Last year Worshipful Commander Neil McGill had been unable to discharge his duties in that role to his satisfaction due to circumstances beyond his control. He asked to continue into this year so that he could do the job justice and hopefully elevate a candidate. With a double on the night, another paired elevation coming up in April and a further candidate proposed on the evening he has fulfilled that wish in spades. |
| Deacons David Winder and George Howling managed to make sure that the right candidate was in the right place at the right time and can reflect on jobs well done. |
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Peter Jackson |
| Others too played their part. Treasurer John Rimmer showed his versatility as he entered onto the floor to explain the signs of the degree. Chaplain Peter Jackson presented and explained the tools of the order. Alan Gregory, in addition to being the director of ceremonies, with responsibility for navigating a passage through the ceremony, also gave an explanation of the steps. |
| Amongst the interested spectators was Edwin Schofield who, as its Worshipful Commander, was flying the flag for Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Royal Ark Masons. |
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Visitors Peter Quirk, Jim Richards, Edwin Schofield, David Roberts and Chris Butterfield |
| Following the meeting the two other candidates who were balloted for on the evening, and are to be elevated in April, joined the members and the visitors at the dining table. Malcolm looks after the bar for Morecambe Mark Lodge and was quickly called into service to dispense the grog ration to the thirsty diners. The warm welcome, congenial camaraderie and colourful ceremony were a complete contrast to the dark, wet, windy and unwelcoming night that awaited when it was time to leave for home. However the weather will soon be forgotten and what will be remembered, especially by Frank and Malcolm, is a very pleasant evening of Masonic companionship spent in the company of friends. |
| Words and pictures by Dave Sear |
