Garnett Installation
 
There was a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere greeting arrivals at Lancaster Masonic Hall which bade well for the installation meeting of Garnett Mark Lodge No 146. The meeting that followed did indeed live up to these early portents.
Geoff Bury, Peter Tooze-Froggatt and Nigel Higginson
Peter Tooze-Froggatt was installed as the latest master of the lodge by outgoing WM Nigel Higginson in fine style. Nigel can reflect on a job, and a year of office, well done.
Members of Garnett Mark Lodge prior to the ceremony
Peter is a network specialist employed at Lancaster University. However, he also plays a very important role in his local community as a volunteer first responder for the North West Ambulance Service. He had been late for one of the installation rehearsals as on his way he had come across a four vehicle road traffic collision, none of the emergency services were yet in attendance so Peter, who had his equipment in his car, stopped to deal with the situation. What a superb example of service in the community.
David Rigby, Chris Larder, Brian Benn and John Dean
Principal guest on the evening was APGM Geoff Bury who was accompanied by two members of the provincial D. C’s team in the persons of David Rigby and John Dean. Provincial deacons Brian Benn and Chris Larder were also in attendance. Coincidentally both are also secretaries of their Mark lodges with Chris holding that role in Garnett Mark Lodge and Brian in Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375.
The newly installed WM with the Grand Officers
The excellent work of Nigel was enhanced by others who took part in the proceedings. Nigel Parrish delivered the address to the Wardens, Phil Irving that to the Overseers, Peter Mason presented the keystone jewel and Geoff orated the address to the Brethren. All played their part in adding to the enjoyment of the occasion. I chipped in with the address to the WM.
Some of the visiting Brethren
It is worthy of note that Peter had made the large step from the office of junior warden to the principal chair forgoing the position of senior warden in order to assist the lodge.
To mark the occasion Nigel presented Geoff with a cheque for £600 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
In bringing the greetings from Grand Lodge Geoff remarked, “What an excellent installation ceremony.” A sentiment that all who witnessed proceedings could agree with.
Alan Herron, Peter Tooze-Froggatt and Frank Hogarth.
Amongst those observing the ceremony were Alan Herron WM of Morecambe Mark Lodge No 716 and Frank Hogarth WM of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103.
 
Following the ceremony an excellent installation meal was enjoyed with the main course being Cumberland sausage. The conversation and buzz during the meal was clear evidence that all present were enjoying the “Magic of the Mark.”
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear