Garnett Mark Installation
 
The principal guest at the installation meeting of Garnett Mark Lodge No 146 was Deputy Provincial Grand Master Geoffrey Lee. Geoffrey was accompanied by special representative Stuart Brackstone. Grand officers in the persons of Grand Senior Deacon David Rotherham, Geoff Bury and John Stanley added further colour to the proceedings at Lancaster Masonic Hall.
Stuart Brackstone, Geoffrey Lee, Chris Larder, Paul Thompson and David Rotherham
They were able to witness Paul Thompson install Chris Larder as his successor in fine style. Paul’s work proved to be accurate, sincere and fully deserving of the great plaudits he later received. Paul is a busy man Masonically holding, amongst other responsibilities, the demanding role of publicity officer for the Lancaster group of lodges and chapters.
Neil Brown, Stuart Brackstone, David Rotherham, Ken Boon,
Geoffrey Lee, Alan Gregory, Geoff Bury and John Stanley
His successor Chris is also a committed Mason being the secretary of the Lancaster group. Paul will prove a hard act to follow but, in Chris, Garnett Mark Lodge have someone who will rise to that challenge. Others too played their part in what was an evening of excellent ritual. John Heaton not only provided the musical harmonies but also delivered the address to Chris. Phil Irving presented the working tools, Bob Palmer undertook the address to the Overseers and Nigel Parrish that to the Wardens. It fell upon Geoffrey to orate the address to the Brethren. All played their part well and added to the enjoyment of the proceedings.
Provincial Deputy Grand Organist David Tattersall was appointed Senior Warden whilst Nigel Higginson was appointed Junior Warden.
Graham Dowling and Paul Rose MBE
To mark the occasion Paul presented Geoffrey with a cheque for the splendid sum of £400 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity. A number of visitors had supported the lodge including Paul Rose WM of Ulverston based Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375, Graham Dowling WM of Morecambe Mark Lodge No 716. Jim Richards WM of Philadelphia Mark Lodge No 1646 and Ian Cottam IPM of Furness Mark Lodge No 36.
Of course these things do not just happen and it was only fitting that lodge secretary Doug Willoughby and DC Ian Stokes were later to be congratulated for the role they had played in ensuring the smooth running of this annual occasion.
Peter Quirk, Jim Richards, Bernard Snape and Paul Broadley
The watchful eye and careful guidance of Ken Boon as Deputy Provincial DC, assisted by Assistant Provincial DC Neil Brown, had made sure that all due ceremonial protocol and decorum had been observed throughout the evening. Following the formalities the members and their guests enjoyed a three course meal with the menu being gammon.
Nigel Higginson, Alex Lowe and David Tattersall
The touching toast to the health of the newly installed Master was proposed by David Tattersall who had been his proposer into both the craft and Mark. If everything goes to plan then the installation meeting next year will see David once again ascend to the chair but this time under the ministrations of his very good friend Chris. It should prove to be a special occasion.
 
Geoffrey’s remarks on how much he had enjoyed the evening were echoed by all who had been privileged to be present. Paul can reflect on a job, and year in office, very well done whilst the members of Garnett Mark Lodge can rest easy safe in the knowledge that they have a safe pair of hands at their helm.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear