Dave in at Furness RAM
 
Making the journey from that of sub-mariner to Ark mariner at the latest meeting of Furness RAM Lodge No 375 at Ulverston Masonic Hall was Dave Baker.
Ian Cottam and Dave Baker
Having spent 25 years serving Queen and country in the Senior Service, principally in submarines, Dave was occupied for the next 20 years in helping to build the underwater vessels at BAE Systems in Barrow in Furness. The building and development program is recognised as one of the most complex in the world rivalling space travel in its intricacy. A recent understanding with the U.S.A. and Australia as regards submarine development will further raise the international status of the project.
 
Of course, building a submarine requires great teamwork which is what we also observed when Dave was elevated into the RAM order. W.M. Ian Cottam led the way as he undertook a significant proportion of the work under his own steam with both accuracy and delightful delivery.
 
Conducting Dave as he navigated his way through the ceremony was senior deacon Peter Clafton who carried out his duties in fine style.
Kieron Mullan and Alan Jones
Furness RAM stalwart Alan Jones was on hand to present the working tools of the order and also explain the steps. Secretary Kieron Mullan ventured from behind his desk and onto the floor to demonstrate and explain the signs of the order. Both performed their parts with the ability and quality you would expect from them.
 
It was also the business meeting for the lodge. It saw Bill Glassey elected Worshipful Commander Elect and Russ Greenhow being re-elected treasurer. Bill was obviously delighted to be elected to the highest position in the lodge and promised to do all he could during his year in office despite the mobility problems that have started to beset him.
Bill Glassey and Russ Greenhow
It will be a busy year for Bill as on the evening there were proposals for a candidate for elevation and also a joining member.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear