Advancement at Garnett
 
Nowadays you are lucky if you have an organist as a member of your lodge. In that respect Garnett Mark Lodge No 146 is indeed very fortunate as it has as its Worshipful Master David Tattersall who is the Provincial Deputy Grand Organist.
 
In addition they have among their number John Heaton who is an accomplished organist and holds that role in the lodge. His musical talents added to the evening.
John Bassinder, David Tattersall and Bill Byrne
The meeting at Rowley Court, Lancaster was an important one for the lodge as it was the first advancement ceremony for five years.
Peter Tooze-Froggatt, Ian Stokes and John Heaton
The candidate on the evening was John Bassinder who was advanced into the order in fine style. The initial part of the ceremony was undertaken by David before he handed over to A.D.C. Bill Byrne who completed the advancement in an excellent manner.
John Bassinder, Ian Lonsdale and Neil McGill
Master Overseer Peter Tooze-Froggatt was called into action to present the working tools of the degree.
Leading the candidate throughout the proceedings was senior deacon Nigel Parrish who was as equally impressive in his work. Nigel was assisted by Ian Lonsdale who had proposed John for membership of the lodge.
 
I have to observe that everyone who took part added to the enjoyment of what was an excellent ceremony. Lodge director of ceremonies Ian Stokes oversaw proceedings and can take pride in the work of his team.
The candidate enjoyed the occasion as did those who took part and hopefully word will spread and encourage others to enjoy the magic of the Mar.
Some of the visitors standing, George Howling (Morecambe), Jim Richards (Jubilee),
and Alan Gregory (Morecambe), seated Les Newlands (Scorton),
Graham Benson (Furness) and Keiron Mullan (Furness)
Amongst the observers were three visiting masters in the persons of Les Newlands of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103, Graham Benson of Furness Mark Lodge No 36 and myself as the master of Walton Mark Lodge No 161 the Lodge of Provincial Stewards. Several other visitors were present and added to the atmosphere.
 
In another addition to their ranks Neil McGill was welcomed as a joining member. Neil belonged to a lodge that had met at Leyland but with the closure of that venue, the subsequent move to another hall and a change in the calendar he was unable to attend. He will now continue to enjoy his Mark masonry in a hall which is very familiar to him.
 
Afterwards an enjoyable meal, with the menu being Cumberland sausage, rounded off the evening.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear