Garnett Installation
 
Despite the hiatus in proceedings as a consequence of the Covid pestilence there were no signs of ring rustiness at the installation meeting of Garnett Mark Lodge No 146.
David Tattersall and Chris Larder
Outgoing WM Chris Larder deserves great credit for the manner in which he installed his successor, David Tattersall. With it being the second visit of David to the chair of the lodge the ritual was somewhat abridged. Nonetheless the accuracy, pace and accomplished delivery of the work untaken by Chris was a real tour-de-force of masonic ceremony.
 
David had been the proposer of Chris into the craft and Mark masonry so there was an added poignancy to the proceedings.
Representing the PGM at the meeting in Lancaster was Peter Mason. No mean ritualist himself Peter was effusive in his praise of Chris.
Peter Mason and Brian Davey
It was no one man show however. David also undertook his work with great aplomb. Philip Irving was called upon to give the address to the newly installed Master, Nigel Parrish delivered that to the wardens, director of ceremony Ian Stokes undertook that role in respect of the overseers and Brain Davey, making the journey round Morecambe Bay for a special guest appearance, orated the address to the brethren. All played their part well.
Nigel Parrish, Peter Tooze-Froggatt and Philip Irving
Special mention is merited in the case of junior member Peter Tooze-Froggatt who, on his debut, performed impeccably in presenting the working tools. His work bodes well for the future.
Peter Mason was called upon to present the Hallstone jewel. The lodge had not met the required payment level for the award of the jewel until, in 1985, a top payment was made and the jewel awarded to the lodge. The first person to be presented with it was Peter. In the following year he undertook the duty of presenting the Hallstone jewel and has done so on the occasion of each installation ceremony since that date.
Bill Byrne and Ian Stokes
Director of ceremonies Ian, and his assistant Bill Byrne, can take great pride in the work of their charges. They had obviously been well drilled. He helped set the tone for the evening when, just before the opening, he urged everyone to enjoy themselves. That suggestion was well and truly taken up by all.
David is well known to many as an accomplished organist and is the present Deputy Provincial Organist. No doubt he will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the lodge enjoy a successful year, his work strikes a chord with everyone and there is real harmony in the lodge.
Visiting brethren Geoff Bury, Tony Thackrah, Howard Jones, John Newton Stanley
and Bob Tinsley with senior warden Nigel Higginson
There will be no sitting back and resting on his laurals for Chris. Due to the sad calling of lodge secretary and stalwart Doug Willoughby to higher service Chris has taken responsibility for much of the secretarial work of the lodge and the arrangements for the installation. On the evening he was appointed secretary. The lodge are grateful, and indeed lucky, to have such a willing worker to call upon.
 
Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time for refreshment, an opportunity to catch-up and socialise which has been denied to us for so long. It was a delight to listen to Mark mason interacting with one and other again.
Next up for Garnett Lodge is a celebration to mark Peter Mason having been a member of the order for 50 years. It should be quite an evening so book in early.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear
Special Representative for the lodges at the top of the province.