Morecambe Advancement
 
It is only about 15 miles from Barrow in Furness to Morecambe as the crow flies but unfortunately a suitable crow was not available, so I had to make the 50-mile journey round Morecambe Bay to visit Morecambe Mark Lodge No 716 by car. What makes it all the more frustrating is that as you travel along the coastal route out of Barrow you can see the bright lights of Morecambe over the sands and when eventually pulling up at your destination on the car park next to the Eric Morecambe statue you can look back across at the ever so romantic lights on the top of the submarine sheds at the end of the Furness peninsula.
Frank Heath and Ken Needham
The journey however proved very enjoyable and worthwhile as it was a pleasure to observe Ken Needham become the newest member of Morecambe Mark Lodge as he was advanced into the order.
 
The first part of the ceremony was undertaken by WM Frank Heath who discharged his responsibilities in fine style. He has an excellent tone and pace of delivery.
Ian Cottam and Graham Benson
In the normal course of events the rest of the ceremony would have been conducted by one of the lodge members but circumstances, a triple heart by-pass I believe, meant this was not an option. Instead Ian Cottam of Furness Mark Lodge No 36 stepped in to deliver the middle part of the ritual.
 
After senior warden Chris Butterfield had invested Ken with his badge and jewel Graham Benson, his opposite number from Furness Mark, was called into action to complete the rest of the ceremony. 
Dave Sear, Paul Broadley, Frank Heath and Chris Larder
I must here declare an interest as the director of ceremonies of Furness Mark Lodge and will limit myself to observing that Ian and Graham did their mother Mark lodge and themselves proud in performing to such a standard in front of many unfamiliar faces and in a different setting to that to which they are accustomed.
 
It was pleasing on the evening to see a ballot for another candidate for advancement and then later in proceedings a proposition for a further candidate. Morecambe Mark certainly seem to be heading in the right direction.
David Rigby and Steward Aimson
Amongst the interested spectators were Provincial Grand Senior Warden David Rigby and special representative Stuart Brackstone. In addition, there were three visiting master’s in office present in the persons of Chris Larder of Garnett Mark. Lodge, Paul Broadley of Lebanon Mark Lodge and myself as the current holder of that office in Walton Mark Lodge.
 
David is a member of Prince of Wales Mark Lodge and he was accompanied by Stewart Aimson who had recently been advanced into that lodge and was making his first visit as a member of the order.
Graham Benson and Ian Cottam, &
seated Chris Butterfield, Paul Broadley and Tony Harrison
After refuelling on chicken chasseur and trifle it was time to leave for the top of the Province and during the journey muse, “when are they going to stop talking about a tidal barrage and bridge across Morecambe Bay and actually do something about it.”
And may I take this opportunity to wish all my loyal readers (both of you) an enjoyable Yuletide and flourishing New Year.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear