Furness Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. No. 375
 
Masonic Hall, Kings Road, Ulverston
 
Installation Meeting Friday 17th February 2017
 
Another great trip on the cards today for a Team visit to the farthest reaches of the Province, Ulverston, I wonder where my travelling companions Garmin and Snoopy will take me today. Nice afternoon, no rain, high clouds and a glimpse of weak sunshine, off we go 2pm, first thing of note, a record was broken, this wonderful M60 “Smart Motorway” to be, 55 minutes from the Trafford Centre to the M61 spur great, old trip time 10 minutes maximum. I did take a survival kit with me, flask, Marmite Butties, (that was the closest we had to meat when I was a youngster), spare maps, snow shovel and some US Dollars in case I had to stop at a Trading Post, however no such problems occurred, once again as my last trip I pulled up virtually opposite the Hall and in a free parking space!!
Lodge Room Awaits
Hall Outside
WM Chair
The Tylers View
The building even though placed amongst several different types, styles of buildings I found it to be impressive with its dark red stone blocks and double door entrance, it makes a statement to all who attend or pass by on the street, this is a Masonic Hall built on a solid foundation. Once inside on the ground floor there are several rooms of varying sizes and one alcove contains several large glass cases complete with a wonderful display of Masonic artefacts.
Showcase A
Showcase B
PGM always has time for everyone
The jewel in the crown of the hall is the Temple which is reached surprisingly down several steps the head of which is flanked by two large pillars, once inside it can be fully appreciated just how fine the Lodge room is with its large canopies over the principle officers chairs, a full width wall freeze, lots of ornate carefully preserved Masonic furniture, and countless individual banners old and new so pleasing on the eye.
Freeze above SW Chair
Column at approach to Lodge Room
The Secretariat. (John would like this on he’s a poser)
Group
View from Lodge Door
The scene is set, business commenced at 6pm, Lodge housekeeping dealt with and before too long, it was time for the RW. PGM. Bro.Keith Alan Beardmore to enter accompanied by members of the Provincial Team, Grand and Provincial officers, the gavel was offered to the PGM and on this occasion it was accepted. Members of the Provincial Team and other distinguished officers were then introduced to all present which is I always find a delightful tradition. Now to the main business of the evening the Installation of a new Worshipful Commander, no need here to go into too much detail save to say that I have not seen a finer Ceremony conducted than the one which took place by the Installing W.Commander Bro. David Sear, it was 1st class, excellent and one which I’m sure Bro. Ken Boon the new WC and all of those lucky enough to be present will long remember.  Officers having been Invested, the address to all present having been done and a generous cheque donation being accepted it was time for the PGM to retire from the meeting, a quick photo shoot followed then it was upstairs for some liquid refreshment. What an atmosphere in the dining room it was buzzing, full to capacity and a credit to the Scribe Peter Hampson for his organising skills.
The Busy Bar
The official Prov Wine Taster. W.Bro.John Waring PPrGWT (Past Prov Grand Wine Taster)

PGM Toast WC
Top Table
An excellent meal was enjoyed by all and served up by very friendly happy staff, the usual Toasts followed and several light hearted interesting speeches, all too soon it was that time once again, goodbye’s to friends old and new, a great evening spent in this wonderful, colourful and friendly degree, here’s to the next one.
WC & IPWC
Packed Dining Room
If you’re not a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree give it some serious thought, we all enjoy it and were sure you will.
Austin N. Fletcher.
Chorlton RAM. No. 394.