Double Philadelphia
 
There were a good few members from that mysterious land beneath the mountains to the north of the Bay who made their way to the bright lights of Preston for the installation meetings of Philadelphia RAM and Mark meetings. Others of course arrived from different points of the compass as they descended upon Saul Street.
Keith Beardmore, Edwin Schofield and Geoff Waters
Two of those making the journey south were Geoff Waters of Furness RAM who was the outgoing Commander of Philadelphia RAM along with Jim Richards of Jubilee Mark who was leaving the prime seat of the Mark lodge.
Terry Dickinson, David Emerson, Bryan Fox, Alan Eastham, Jim Richards,
Arthur Robinson and Steve Walls
First into bat was Geoff who proceeded to install Edwin Schofield as his successor in fine style. Looking on was a suitably impressed Keith Beardmore who was accompanied by his special representative David Robinson.
Philip Watson, David Robinson, Keith Beardmore, Edwin Schofield,
Geoff Waters, Bryan Fox, David Rotherham and Jim Richards
Director of ceremonies Philip Watson kept a gentle but firm guiding hand on the tiller to ensure that everything ran smoothly.
The officers for the new year having been appointed and invested there was then a break.
John Sarti, Geoffrey Lee, Keith Beardmore, Alan Eastham, Ian Nairn, Steve Lyon and Alan Foster
The room was readied for the Mark meeting. Provincial director of ceremonies David Emerson took the opportunity to drill the Provincial team whilst the officers of Philadelphia Mark found a spare chapter room to hold a quick rehearsal in.
 
At 6 pm sharp, or thereabouts, Jim opened the lodge. After the preliminary matters were dealt with the Provincial Grand Master entered along with his deputy Geoffrey Lee, assistant Ian Nairn, special representative David and the Provincial team. In addition, I counted no less than 19 grand officers enter in processional order and they sported so much glitter I shall now refer to them collectively as a “dazzle of grand officers.”
 
The work of Jim in installing Alan Eastham in his stead can only be described as exemplary. Alan then went about the work of investing his officers in goodly style. Lodge director of ceremonies Bill Swindlehurst must have taken great satisfaction from the manner in which his charges discharged their duties.
Pics 5, 6 and 7 “At refreshment”
 
Also called into action was Provincial senior warden David Rigby who addressed the wardens as to their duties and his fellow junior warden Kieron Mullan who undertook a similar responsibility in respect of the overseers. Keith was made to sing for his supper and orated the address to the Brethren. All added to the enjoyment of the occasion.
 
On the face of it installing fellow past masters into the chair should not really cause any problems. However, the presence of so many distinguished and knowledgeable members of the two orders offers up its own challenges to those doing the work and they are to be congratulated for rising to the challenge.
 
The secretaries, directors of ceremonies and all those who helped ensure the two installation meetings were so enjoyable deserve the fullest praise.
 
The proceedings were further enhanced by the musical offerings from Provincial organist Shaun Haynes.
The formalities over it was time for refreshment.
 
The final toast done and the last fond adieu said it was time to set the sat nav for home and head back to the top of the Province after what can best be described as a very pleasant time spent in good company.
 
Words and pictures by David Sear