Pleasant Morecambe
 
As Mark masons emerge from their pestilence enforced hibernation from masonic activity it could be expected that normal service would not be resumed immediately. That proved not to be the case of the installation meeting of Morecambe Mark No 716.
Alan Foster, Chris Butterfield and Frank Heath
Outgoing WM Frank Heath installed his successor Chris Butterfield in fine style. Frank has a style of delivery which is a pleasure to listen to. There were no signs ring rustiness.
There was the decrease in the numbers in attendance that all masonic gatherings appear to be experiencing post-Covid 19 but there was still that special installation atmosphere.
Representing the PGM was Alan Foster. He was accompanied by fellow grand officers Geoff Bury and John Stanley.
Alan Foster, Geoff Bury and John Stanley
There were five visiting masters watching on. David Tattersall of Garnett, Harry Kilgour of Jubilee, Paul Broadley of Lebanon, Steve Thackrah of Prince Setanta and your northern correspondent who proudly holds that position in Walton Mark Lodge.
It was also pleasing to see nine members process into the lodge following the inner workings.
Geoff Bury was called into action to deliver three pieces of work. The presentation of the working tools of the order, the address to the overseers and the address to the WM. He played his part well.
Alan was made to sing for his supper and orated the address to the brethren in fine style.
Paul Broadley, Chris Butterfield, Harry Kilgour, Steve Thackrah and Dave Sear
Hard working member Malcolm Brown was appointed to the post of inner guard as well as continuing in the role of charity steward. In addition, he also looks after the bar for Morecambe Mark.
Director of ceremonies Keith Lamb and his assistant Alan Gregory can take great satisfaction from the work of their charges.
Chris has a very distinguished masonic c.v. and will no doubt perform his duties as WM to the same impressive standard with which he has undertaken all his masonic responsibilities. He has a candidate to advance into the order and will also host the meeting celebrating the centenary of the lodge.
Keith Lamb and Alan Gregory BEM
After the formalities of the lodge room, it was time for refreshment and a very enjoyable meal with the main course being chicken.
There was of course the inevitable raffle. I am able to inform you that my number came up. However, it was the last one drawn out and I was left with the lady’s pampering set which in fact did win the approval of my senior management when I arrived home.
David Shaw, Graham Dowling and Malcolm Brown
After the final toast it was time to bid a fond adieu. The expectation had been that many of us would be meeting at Garstang for Scorton Mark Lodge installation on the following evening but the curse of Covid had struck and that meeting was forced to be abandoned.
A short walk took me to my car near the Eric Morecambe statue and a glance across Morecambe Bay made the lights along the coastal road from Ulverston to Barrow, and home, look very close. After just over an hour of Classic FM later it was time to look back across the water and look at the lights of Morecambe from the other side of the bay.
Relaxing after a job well done Frank Heath and Keith Lamb
The evening had proved to be one of good ritual, excellent food and nice company. To sum it up it was a most pleasant evening of the sort we have been deprived of due to the pandemic. Hopefully the time will not be far off when everyone feels safe and confident enough to enjoy our camaraderie.
 

Dave Sear - Northern correspondent and Special Representative