Furness Proclaim
 
The skirl of the bagpipes announced the entrance of Provincial Senior Warden David Winder into Furness Mark Lodge No 36 which he attended as the representative of the RW PGM Keith Alan Beardmore at their proclamation meeting.
Acting SW Geoff Waters, David Winder, Graham Benson, Eric Hart & JW Dennis Laird.
Covid restrictions and protocols had meant that WM Graham Benson had not served a full year in that important office and to ensure that he got full enjoyment of the position it was agreed he continue for a further 12 months. He is already proving an excellent ambassador for the lodge in his visits to Mark lodges in West Lancashire and has even ventured into the province of Cumberland and Westmorland.
Accompanying David on his excursion to the northern outpost of the province were junior warden Eric Hart and deputy director of ceremonies Tony Farrar. On this occasion Tony had a night off from his provincial role and entered as a grand officer. All present were delighted to hear of Tony’s upcoming elevation to the distinguished position of Grand Sword Bearer in Grand Mark Lodge.
Also present were acting provincial officers Barry Fitzgerald and Jim Richards along with a plethora of grand officers.
Bill Joughin, Barry Fitzgerald, Alan Jones, Eric Hart, David Winder, Graham Benson, Tony Farrar, Rowley Saunders, Russ Greenhow and Stuart BrackstoneG
Although it was a proclamation the lodge had decided to make it a more substantial event by including some of the addresses. The WM was addressed as to his duties by the director of ceremonies. Jon Reed then stepped up from the stewards’ bench to present and explain the working tools of the order to Graham. It was an outstanding piece of work by Jon.
Next in line it had been intended to have the address to the wardens but as senior warden Darren Stainton had fallen victim to the Covid pestilence this was dispensed with.
Standing are David Dryden, Steve Renney, Alan Pattinson, John Parrott, Gary Rogerson, David Shaw, Peter Clafton, Tony Cassells, David Baker, Jon Reed, Peter Schofield and Terry Pearson, seated are Ian Cottam, Kieron Mullan, Geoff Waters, Graham Benson, Dennis Laird and Bill Glassey.
The Overseers were addressed by assistant director of ceremonies John Parrott. David then took to the floor and orated the address to the brethren in what was an accurate and delightful manner.
The officers all remained in post with one notable exception. Lodge stalwart John Myers stood down from the post of treasurer after 19 years of service in that vital role. It was pleasing to see one of the junior members David Shaw take on the role. The position of treasurer is not always an easy one to fill. But when an email was sent out asking for a volunteer to take over from John there was a response from David, and also Stuart Braithwaite another junior member, within 20 minutes of its circulation. Just goes to show that if you don’t ask the question you won’t find out who is willing to step up to the plate and what talent you have available.
John was unable to be present due to health issues. However, when Graham paid tribute to John and asked for that to be recorded in the minutes I am sure the resultant loud and prolonged acclamation  will have a sent a tsunami of good will to John in his hospital bed.
On the evening it was a pleasure to present senior deacon Terry Pearson with a jewel signifying he is now a patron of the Mark Benevolent Fund.
Pictured acting as a deacon in 2019 is John Myers
After David had brought the greetings of the RW PGM to newly proclaimed Graham he was presented with a cheque for the West Lancashire Mark Charity for £360.
Once David and his entourage were lined up for the recession from the lodge the command  “Pipe Major, Cock of the North” was the cue for junior deacon Steve Renney once again to fill the air with the skirl of the bagpipes before the call of “forward brethren” was made. The tune “Cock of the North” is a march and jig composed in honour of the founder of the Gordon Highlanders. It certainly seemed to add a little bounce in the step of some of those retiring.
Welcoming the non-Mark Masons are; inner guard Gary Rogerson, Phil Renney, Steve Harris, David Winder, Martin McFall, Dave Hughes and IPM Peter Schofield.
In the last rising there were three propositions for membership. In addition there are others waiting in the wings. The future of Furness is looking bright.
Following the work in the lodge it was time for the proclamation meal. As is a tradition of the lodge the dessert was rice pudding.
There were four dining who are not yet Mark Masons who later expressed their enjoyment of the occasion.
In the Autumn Furness Mark Lodge will be holding an extra meeting to celebrate its 150th birthday. All will be welcome at what should be another joyous and magical Mark meeting in the upper reaches of the province.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear