Scorton Lodge of Mark Master Masons, Wyrebank, Garstang.   No.1103.  Tues 10th October 2017
 
Advancement Ceremony and 100th Year Birthday Celebration of W.Bro.J.R.Ore.PPrGJW
 
Has winter arrived already it certainly has in sleepy Urmston, had the old Opel out twice today and got rained on, that means there could be mud under the wheel arches now !!  Not to worry looking forward to another great evening in company with likeminded Mark Masons to witness another Brother who has seen the light and joining us in this great degree and not only that ceremony tonight because we shall also celebrate a milestone achievement, the 100th Birthday of W.Bro.John (known as Jackson) Orr who is a PPrGJW.
Building
View across the basin
Plaque
Window
Set off early as usual Garmin and Snoopy not giving me any trouble, M60, M61, M6 just about to head for the short run on to the M55 then it started, the voice, A6 closed, I said are you kidding, A6 closed, I never get a real conversation with Garmin, continue to next junction, I thought on no, shall I, shant I (is that a word), no take the gamble carry on towards the A6. Well no sign of anything, the road was clear kept looking ahead waiting for the dreaded signs of road works but none came, passed the posh upmarket car dealerships, a big Scrap car dealers who tried to flag my Opel down, Barton Grange Garden Centre, World of Hedges, Dewley Cheesmakers and that was it Kepple Lane, I’d made it.  
Lodge Room
Treasurer Hard at Work
For any Brother who hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting this Masonic Hall if you do get the chance make the effort it will be well worth your while, set in a wonderful location right next to a canal basin and opposite a country style Pub on a sunny day it is idyllic. I climbed the stairs to the Lodge room to find the hardest working member usually of any Lodge in whatever degree the Secretary, on this occasion W.Bro. Bob Tinsley PPrGSO who was really pleasant and welcomed me to his Lodge, what a nice guy.  I signed in being the first to arrive well not quite because it appears that another hard working Mark Mason Ernie Gavan the Prov Tyler had been there the night before yes the night before to set up for the meeting  just in case he was late arriving, what can you say.      
WM’s Chair
SW Wicket
Second Lodge Room
Eventually members of the Provincial Team and Lodge members began to arrive including the Birthday Boy W.Bro.Orr who I had a great chat with, let’s hope we are all as lively and interesting if we are lucky enough to reach a similar age. W.Bro.David Emmerson the long standing and excellent Prov DC called out the names of officers who were on his list for duties at the meeting and practise was soon underway, once he was happy well happyish all was ready.
Two Merry Masons. Steve Walls and Ian Nairn
Prov DC Checking His Officers
WM Ready to Go
The meeting opened on time at 6 pm, all the usual general housekeeping was dealt with then it was time for the RW. PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore to enter the Lodge accompanied by Prov Team Members, Executive Officers  and Distinguished Grand Officers, the gavel was offered by the WM John Morris and on this occasion it was accepted. The PGM Keith set about introducing all who had accompanied him for this special Team visit and said how much he had looked forward to the evening before handing the gavel back to the WM who in turn was pleased to hand it on to the Lodge Secretary Bob Tinsley who had proposed the Candidate and requested the honour of carrying out the Advancement.
Practise Time Arthur can do it with his eyes closed!!
Bible on WM’s Pedestal
Three Merry Masons who have travelled far
The Celebrant
The Ceremony was excellent and all who had taken part were to be congratulated including the Candidate, now it was time to seat W.Bro. John Orr the Celebrant in a place of honour whilst the PGM read out a resume of his life and times, it was amazing, just think what has taken place over the last 100 years. The Prov Secretary John Bicknell PGJD produced an illuminated Certificate for presentation following on from this there was long and loud acclamation by all present, W.Bro. Orr was a quite lost for words but did promise to say more at the Festive Board.
Prov Secretary & The Certificate
The Certificate
WM & Secretary who did Advancemant
The lodge returned to normal after these two great events and following the First Rising it was time for the PGM, Team members and Distinguished Brethren to retire, at the conclusion of the meeting there was the usual time allotted for a photo shoot to record the event then it was time for liquid refreshment, some good banter and happy chat before everyone took up their places at the Festive Board.
PGM Craft James Harrison, PGM & Celebrant
PGM, New MM Mason & Celebrant
Group Shot
WM. Celebrant & Secretary
An excellent meal was served up including an unusual, black pudding (not for me I’m afraid) starter, however I did notice all the plates went back emptied, a very nice piece of Gammon, egg, pineapple and accompanying vegetables then a giant sticky pudding which looked delicious, unfortunately I always have to decline. (I like to keep in shape, kind of small & dumpy). The staff were really efficient, friendly and did a great job, including the bar staff.
Chains
Ready for Festive Board
All Chains
WM & PGM Cheers
Following the meal there followed the usual Toasts and interesting speeches, which of course on this occasion included one to the newest Mark Mason in West Lancs who was presented with a Mark Tie by the PGM Keith a really nice gesture, then it was time to Toast W.Bro.John Orr PPrGJW who is soon to celebrate his 100th Birthday and hopefully receive his letter from the Queen. The Lodge was proud to present him with a superb cake and following his short response he cut the first slice, oh and now I think about it I didn’t even get a piece, and I love Birthday cake, oh and Christmas cake, and Eccles cakes stop that’s enough.
The Three Chains Cheers
West Lancs Newest MM Mason Presented with a tie by the PGM
The Cake
The PGM was presented with a  lovely bouquet for his wife June and there it was gone another great night with members of the Mark Degree, outside it was cold and  drizzly but inside we were all happy with meeting each other once again, including my special friend Kieran who travelled all the way from Ulverston, as always I do look forward to seeing friends I know and those I have yet to meet at the next meeting.
Let Me At It
Tylers Toast
Flowers for the PGM’s Lady June
We all set off home, the old Opel, Garmin and Snoopy, we quickly passed the scrap yard, I’m sure I saw someone with a lantern at the gates waving us in and for once nothing happened, before I knew it I was passing under the bus stop on the bridge, then I could see the light domes at the Trafford Centre and that was it, all quiet in Urmston, car back in its warm house and a nice welcoming cup of tea, here’s to our next merry meeting.
Mark Well
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173