Double Philadelphia for Tony
 
As I travelled along the coastal road from Barrow to Ulverston the almost biblical deluge was rapidly flooding the tarmac and it appeared that the highway may well meld with the inrushing tide. Somewhat appropriate for a trip to a RAM meeting I thought to myself.
Mike Pinckard, Tony Harrison, Jim Richards and Alan Eastham
The occasion was the double-header of the installation meetings at Saul Street, Preston of Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Royal Ark Mariner Commanders and Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Mark Masters both of whom bear the number 1646.
The happy crew of Philadelphia RAM
On arrival as I walked into the temple, some half an hour before the start, I was met by Commander elect Jim Richards who was beaming like a Cheshire Cat. I should have cottoned on straight away. You see Jim, and others from the Furness peninsula, are regular visitors to the other Mark and RAM lodges in the area I have responsibility for. When I arrive at the various meetings I always check if all the offices have been filled to see if I can assist the director of ceremonies. If an overseer or warden is needed I am always ready to offer up the services of Jim or another member from the band of northern nomads to stand in. This time the boot was firmly on the other foot as Jim gleefully said, “Glad you’re here Dave, the director of ceremonies and his assistant are both incapacitated. I have volunteered you for the job, enjoy.”
 
The principal guest for both meetings was Past Provincial Deputy Grand Master Tony Harrison and, as he later remarked, “He thoroughly enjoyed both ceremonies which were a pleasure and delight to witness.”
Mike Pinckard, Tony Harrison, Andy Wiltshire and David Robinson
The RAM meeting was opened by outgoing Commander Alan Eastham who before proceeding to the ceremony of installation welcomed 5 joining members into the lodge. One of whom was our newly appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mike Pinckard.
 
As the acting D.C. I then had the added bonus of having the honour of presenting Jim for installation. Alan then went about his duties in a sincere and accurate way as he handed over control of the tiller to Jim to navigate the lodge through the next 12 months.
Andy Wiltshire with his newly appointed officers
Following the ceremony Tony rose to bring the best wishes of the Provincial Grand Master.
 
The lodge was closed, a quick photo-call taken and then it was all hands on deck to ready the room for the Mark meeting.
Ken Alker, Maurice Evans, Mike Beesley and Glyn Jackson Davies
Next in the hot seat was David Robinson who had the task of installing his successor Andy Wiltshire. Once again we were able to witness a delightful ceremony of the highest standard.

Mike was called upon to deliver the address to the newly installed WM, Alan Foster that to the wardens, Alan Fairhurst addressed the Overseers as to their duties and Tony orated the address to the Brethren. All played their part well and added to the evening.
From Labour to Refreshment
As became clear at the joint installation banquet Alan and Jim as well as David and Andy were not just handing over to their successors but were in fact installing a man that they regarded as a friend of some standing. Those two friendships were reflected in the heartfelt sincerity and joy evident during both installations.
 
The fact that the lodges are Past Masters lodges does of course mean that the ritual is very much curtailed. However, what must also be considered is that it is not only a different piece of ritual to deliver but it is undertaken in front of your experienced peers which brings its own undoubted pressures. Both Alan and David can reflect on a job very well done.
The evening was not without its poignancy as not only during the meetings, but also at the meal following, tribute was paid to the memory of our Brother and friend David Winder APGM who had recently been called to higher service.
 
During the course of proceedings Tony was presented with cheques for £500 from the RAM lodge and £400 from the Mark lodge in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
In his address at the installation banquet Tony urged everyone to enjoy their Mark and RAM masonry and spread the word by taking that message of pleasure and satisfaction out to a wider audience. Certainly the buzz of conversation, sounds of laughter and the general genial ambiance suggested that those present had all taken on board the message of enjoying their masonry. The afternoon and evening had indeed exemplified the magic of the Mark and the radiance of the RAM.
 
After fond farewells to friends old and new it was time to once more venture out into the elements equipped with memories of time well spent in good company.
Had the rain cleared I can hear you say. No, the torrential rain on the M6 eventually diverted me to the safer haven of the A6 with standing water on the A590 in places I had never seen before and several tarns appearing on what had been fields. Oh well, I guess that is the price to pay for living in a green and pleasant land.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear