Stormy Furness RAM
 
For a change the main topic of conversation as people gathered for the installation meeting of Furness RAM No 375 was not Covid but the foul weather which was being experienced.
 
The heavy wind and rain had played havoc with travel arrangements. At one stage during the afternoon overturned lorries and a very high tide, whipped up by the gales, had closed the two main routes from Barrow in Furness to Ulverston. Diversions were also in place east of Ulverston because of an overturned lorry. The back roads people had turned to became blocked through the sheer volume of traffic.
Stuart Brackstone, Phil Burrow and Alan Jones
Against this background, the official advice to avoid travelling, if possible, along with spates of collisions and overturned lorries on the M6, APGM John Bicknell, who had been due to represent the PGM at the meeting, arrived at the very rational decision to heed the messages being given out and not risk the journey from mid-Lancashire. Indeed, given the nature of the A590 and the forecasted increase in wind speeds together with falling snow getting home may have proved even more of a challenge.
 
Called into action to be the representative of the PGM was Ulverston resident Stuart Brackstone who was able to witness Phil Burrow being installed into the principal chair in fine style.
Sstanding are; Ken Boon, Les Preston and Kieron Mullan, seated Paul Rose
Ill health meant that John Broadhurst was unable to install his successor. However, Furness RAM are fortunate in being able to call upon Alan Jones to step into the breach. Alan performed his work in exemplary fashion and given the climatic conditions, I would venture to observe he went down a storm!
 
Phil had been presented for installation by Jim Richards. They are cousins and Jim is responsible for introducing Phil to freemasonry and subsequently to the RAM degree, or as Phil puts it “Jim is to blame.”
John Broadhurst (taken in 2020)
Peter Hampson (taken in 2020)
The address to the Worshipful Commander was undertaken in a delightful manner by director of ceremonies Les Preston. Les, and his assistant Kieron Mullan can take satisfaction from a job well done. They were supported during the evening by Ken Boon who had been called into action to act as the provincial deputy director of ceremonies accompanying the APGM. Although there was a change in circumstances Ken nonetheless led the salutations and added to the enjoyment of the ceremony and installation banquet. I was pleased to be asked to present the keystone jewel.
However, pride of place must go to Stuart who, with only two hours’ notice, gave a superb oration of the exposition of the degree. I informed Stuart, tongue in cheek, that I would report that he had done “adequately” when in fact it was an excellent job.
 
Paul Rose MBE took over from long standing (suffering) scribe Peter Hampson. He is to be congratulated for stepping up to the plate when circumstances dictated that Peter must step down. Paul and Les had taken on the mantle for much of the preparations for the meeting.
Peter Quirk, Bill Joughin, David Smith and Nigel Higginson
The sterling work of Peter over many years as scribe was acknowledged on the evening. The newly installed Commander spoke for all present when he expressed his regret that John Broadhurst and Peter could not be present and wished them both a return to better health, a sentiment which resonated with the whole room.
 
On the evening it was pleasing to witness the ballot being successful for two candidates for elevation into Furness RAM.
 
To mark the occasion one of Phil’s first duties was to present Stuart with a cheque for £375 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
Phil Burrow and Kieron Mullan
The lodge draws most of its members from Furness Mark Lodge No 36 and Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375. The lodge title was chosen to reflect both of those lodges. Following the formalities of the ceremony a very enjoyable installation banquet was enjoyed, the menu being beef.
Visiting Royal Ark Mariners (including five from Cumberland and Westmorland)
Some months ago PGM Keith Beardmore had presented Kieron Mullan with the travelling porphyry stone with the aim that it should start its journey around the province from Furness RAM. Covid and ill health meant that John Broadhurst had been unable to transfer the porphyry stone. Kieron took the opportunity to formally hand it over to Phil who will ensure that it is transferred to another Worshipful Commander before too long.
When it came to time to leave there was much checking of apps and message services to see which routes were open before venturing out into the increasing storm. Well at least it was nice to get back to the English tradition of complaining about the weather rather than Covid – made a refreshing change!
 
Word and Pictures by Dave Sear