Ian in again
 
6th April 2017
 
When a hiatus occurred in the succession planning of Furness Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 36 Ian Cottam readily volunteered to occupy the Master’s chair once again.
Alan Foster, Barry Fitzgerald and Ian Cottam
The installation of Ian for the second time took place at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall with the principal guest being Provincial Grand Senior Warden Alan Foster.
 
Installing WM Barry Fitzgerald undertook the ceremony with great authority, precision and feeling. The manner in which he discharged his responsibilities indicated why he had become a Deputy D.C.in the craft and was a pleasure to witness.
Stuart Brackstone, Kieron Mullan, Ian Cottam and Alan Foster
You will see from the photographs that Barry is not wearing a R.A.M. jewel. That will be put right at the next meeting of Furness R.A.M. when he will be elevated into the order.
 
It was the swan song for outgoing D.C. Bill Joughin who moved to Assistant D.C. He can take pride in not only the work of Barry, and the other members who played a part in the ceremony, but also his own contribution. As well as overseeing proceedings Bill presented the working tools and delivered the address to both the wardens and the overseers.
Dave Sear and Bill Joughin
Secretary Kieron Mullan was called into action to present the keystone jewel, Dave Sear the address to the W.M. and Alan was made to sing for his supper and orate the address to the Brethren. The high standards set by Barry were maintained by them.
 
Bill was replaced as D.C. by your northern correspondent. It was remarked that it must be unique to have a D.C. who bears a remarkable likeness to Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, that star of the silver screen from the 1930s, replaced by one who bears a striking resemblance to that modern actor George Clooney. (O.K. it was me that said it but I’m sure everyone else was thinking it!)
Stuart Brackstone, John Morris, David Smith, Ian Cottam and Phil Irving
Amongst the distinguished Brethren looking on was special representative Stuart Brackstone. He was delighted to be in the company of three other masters from the lodges he holds responsibility for in the persons of David Smith of Jubilee Mark Lodge, John Morris of Scorton Mark Lodge and Phil Irving of Garnett Mark Lodge. There was another W.M. present who was from Unity Mark Lodge, a certain Bill Joughin.
 
What was especially pleasing was to see 12 members of Furness Mark Lodge re-admitted following the inner workings. This year may have seen a blip in the progressive offices which entailed Ian taking the reins again but the future looks very rosy. With two candidates proposed on the evening the lodge looks to be going from strength to strength.
Rowly Saunders, Peter Schofield and Alan Jones
The chain of office worn by Grand Senior Deacon Howard Emmett added further lustre to the occasion. He was able to give an insight to Ken Boon who will become a Grand Junior Deacon at the next Grand Mark Lodge meeting in June.
 
Ian is employed as a principal designer working on the next generation of nuclear submarines. He has not only to find time to fit in his duties as the WM of Furness Mark Lodge but also as a Provincial Grand Senior Deacon to which position he will appointed at Provincial Grand Lodge. He is in for a busy year.
Howard Emmett and Ken Boon
Furness and South Lakeland group chairman Peter Schofield was appointed Master Overseer. Witnessing his appointment were his two predecessors as chairman in the persons of Alan Jones and Rowley Saunders.
 
To mark the occasion Ian presented Alan with a cheque for £750 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
The local fish poacher
Following the meeting it was time for a glass of refreshment in the bar before enjoying a four course meal in the Fairfield Suite. There had been a hiccup with the caterers originally booked to provide the meal and as a result hard working secretary Kieron Mullan had had to make other arrangements at short notice. When his efforts were mentioned by Alan, in his response to the toast to the provincial officers, there was a spontaneous and heart felt round of applause in appreciation of Kieron’s work.
 
A raffle at the meal raised £181 for charity.
Words and pictures by
Dave Sear
P.S. Whilst writing this latest attempt to win the Pulitzer Prize I was distracted by the alarm call of birds in my garden and on looking out saw that the local poacher was once again after my fish!!