Nick in at Morecambe
 
The latest incumbent of the chair of Morecambe Mark Lodge is Nick Baxter. Nick has held various jobs over the years, mainly on the engineering side. However his present, and pre-retirement job, is serving his local community as a rural police officer. He has previously displayed his public minded credentials with a stint of 21 years for the R.N.L.I with the roles of deployment authority and sea safety officer. In addition he has served the good folk of the area as a local councillor.
Sporting their centenary jewels, are Tony Harrison, Nick Baxter and Chris Butterfield

The task of installing Nick was in the safe hands of his predecessor Chris Butterfield. The work of Chris was a delight to witness as he went about the job in hand in an understated but sincere manner. He fully merited the plaudits he later received.
Nick Baxter and Malcolm Cambidge
The representative of the Prov.GM on this happy occasion was lodge member and Past Prov. Deputy GM Tony Harrison.
Presenting Nick for the ceremony of installation was, appropriately, his proposer into Morecambe Mark,  Malcom Cambidge.
Geoff Bury, Kieron Mullan, Tony Harrison, Nick Baxter,
Chris Butterfield, Ronnie Gibson and John Stanley
Following the inner workings it was pleasing to see 8 members who have yet to ascend to the chair process back into the lodge.
The keystone jewel was presented and explained by Ronnie Gibson. John Stanley took to the floor to address the wardens as to their duties. Both delivered their work in fine style.
 
However there were a couple of “double-headers” that stood out. Geoff Bury not only presented the working tools of the degree but also gave the address to the Overseers. Both were undertaken with accuracy and a pleasing style of delivery.
Visitors: Jim Richards, Bob Whittingham, Peter Quirk, Les Newlands,
Graham Benson, Phil Burrow, Kieron Mullan and Bob Tinsley
Tony orated the address to the Brethren, as is often the responsibility of the principal guest. Prior to that he had delivered the address to the newly installed Worshipful Master. These two important pieces of ritual were delivered faultlessly and in good style.
To mark the occasion Nick presented Tony with a cheque for £300 in favour of the West Lancs. Mark Charitable Foundation.
There had been a delay in receiving the jewels to mark the lodge centenary. Having now arrived they were presented on the evening.
 
 
The diners
Chris did not don his slippers and take up his pipe as he moved to the chair of IPM but instead immediately plunged into the office of secretary.
Amongst those watching on were visiting masters Graham Benson of Furness Mark Lodge, Phil Burrow of Jubilee Mark Lodge and Les Newlands of Scorton Mark Lodge who were accompanied by some of their members.
 
Following the formalities of the lodge room a tasty two course meal was enjoyed in the dining room where, most importantly, good craic and fellowship topped the agenda.
 
I have to report that the Eden Project North is not the only development planned for Morecambe. The masonic hall has plans in place to alter the premises to increase the number of diners it can accommodate along with other improvements such as the provision of a lift. It might not be as nationally important as the Eden Project but is of major significance for freemasonry in the town.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear