New Laird for The Furness
 
The installation meeting of The Furness Mark Lodge No 36 at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall proved a very successful and most enjoyable affair with nearly 50 people in attendance.
Alan Foster, Dennis Laird and Darren Stainton
Principal guest on the evening was Alan Foster who later remarked as to how impressed he was by the whole ceremony.
 
Leading the way was outgoing WM Darren Stainton who went about his duties in a very accomplished fashion. The manner in which he installed Dennis Laird as his successor was both accurate and sincere, it was a delight to witness it. Darren can reflect on not only a job well done but an excellent year as the ambassador of the lodge.
Some of the junior Brethren prior to the start
Of course he was not acting in isolation with others called into action. Adding to the ceremonial side of proceedings were some lodge stalwarts. Brian Davey delivered the address to Dennis as the newly installed WM. Geoff Waters gave that to the wardens and Bill Joughin instructed the overseers as to their duties. Alan orated the address to the Brethren. They each added further enjoyment to the proceedings.
Jon Reed, who was later to be appointed senior deacon, stole some of the limelight with an exemplary presentation of the working tools of the degree.
Kieron Mullan, Bill Joughin, Brian Davey, Alan Foster,
Russ Greenhow, Rowly Saunders and Alan Jones
It was gratifying to see a good number of visitors present including a trio from Duddon Mark Lodge in the neighbouring province of Cumberland and Westmorland. What was even more pleasing to the eye was to witness over 20 Mark Master Masons re-enter the room following the inner workings.
Worshipful Masters Frank Hogarth of Scorton, Dennis Laird,
Chris Gray of Jubilee and Paul Dixon of Duddon
Dennis appointed and invested Brethren who have yet to ascend to the chair to each of the progressive offices of the lodge including a magnificent seven who packed out the stewards’ bench. In addition treasurer David Shaw is not a W. Bro.
Graham Benson, Kieron Mullan and David Shaw
Of course these things do not just happen and the work of secretary Kieron Mullan, treasurer David and newly appointed director of ceremonies Graham Benson should not be forgotten when handing out the plaudits.
David Sear with his guest David Grove Peter Schofield and his guest Allan Whittaker
On the evening an unattached member, who had relinguished his membership in the adjoining province, was accepted as a joining member of The Furness Mark Lodge. There are several candidates in the pipeline so Dennis should have a most productive year as the latest head of the lodge.
From Scorton Lodge are, Harry Robinson SW, Bob Tinsley and Frank Hogarth
To mark the occasion Alan was presented with a donation of £1,000 for the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
After the formalities of the lodge room it was time for refreshment and good craic. Two non-Marked men in the persons of David Grove and Allan Whittaker were present for what the showbiz press would call the after-party. I can report that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Watch this space.
 
The fare on offer was a fairly simple meal of steak pie, mash and vegetables followed by, in what is a tradition of the lodge, rice pudding with jam. It went down well.
Some of the diners
Amongst the visitors was Bob Tinsley the secretary of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103. Following the toast to the health of the new WM Bob was asked if he would perform the Master’s Song. With no prior notice he took to the floor and filled the room with lyrical tones as he sang the anthem to the new head of the lodge. The spontaneous applause that followed was well deserved.
 
The banter and laughter that filled the dining room, and later the bar, exemplified the camaraderie of the order and was glowing testimony to the Magic of the Mark.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear