Gray day at Ulverston
“Exemplary”– that was the word used by APGM Geoff Bury to describe the work of Phil Burrow on his having installed Chris Gray as his successor in the chair of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375.
Chris Gray, Geoff Bury and Phil Burrow.
The ceremony at Ulverston Masonic Hall proved a great success with Phil leading the way as he went about his ritualistic duties with both accuracy and a delightful delivery. It was a pleasure to witness and was something Chris was later to say had been a ceremony he had greatly enjoyed.
Brian Benn, Geoff Bury, Chris Gray and Graham Dowling
Others too played their part in adding to the occasion.
Geoff Bury and Phil Watson.
The address to the newly installed WM was undertaken by Alan Jones, Les Preston gave the address to the wardens, Russ Greenhow that to the overseers whilst Geoff orated the address to the brethren. All played their part well. I chipped in with the presentation of the keystone jewel.
 
Lodge secretary Brian Benn not only took care of all the administration for the day but acted in his capacity as Provincial Junior Deacon and was also called upon to present the working tools of the degree. A busy man indeed.
Joe Crabtree, Steve Ellershaw, Paul Johnston, Graham Lloyd, Reg Wilkinson and Keith Wood
Provincial Senior Deacon Graham Dowling had had made the journey round the Bay from Morecambe to Ulverston to support the APGM. It was also a particular pleasure to have the Grand Junior Deacon Phil Watson present adding further lustre to the occasion.
 
A late cancellation due to illness meant that Geoff was unaccompanied by a D.C. This meant that further responsibility was heaped upon lodge D.C. Stuart Brackstone. Stuart can reflect on a job well done, not only on the evening but on the work on the lead-up to it to ensure his charges were so well drilled.
Nigel Higginson, Darren Stainton, Bill Richmond and Scorton secretary Bob Tinsley
Amongst those watching on were the masters of four other Mark lodges, Bill Richmond of Scorton, Nigel Higginson of Garnett, Darren Stainton of Furness and Brian Davey of Adoniram.
 
With candidates in the pipeline, it should be a fruitful year for Chris who will be assisted by a team whose officers in successive offices are, bar one, all brethren yet to reach the chair of Adoniram.
Les Preston, Brain Davey, Stuart Brackstone, Alan Jones, Geoff Bury,
Kieron Mullan, Rowly Saunders and Russ Greenhow
Following the top-class ceremony, it was time to retire for top-class food with the menu being beef. It was very well received.
 
The craic, general banter and ambiance at the installation meal paid testimony to the Magic of the Mark and the success of the evening.
One of Steve’s prize-winning alpacas.
Name the alpaca
Jubilee senior warden Steve Ellershaw, and his wife Tracey, are breeders of prize-winning alpacas. The mothers give birth to their babies, known as cria, in early summer. In 2024 one of those cria will be given a name associating it with the Mark degree for which suggestions will be requested nearer the time, but if something strikes you as appropriate keep it in mind for then.
 
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