Scorton Mark Installation
 
It can safely be reported that the installation meeting of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 was a great success and indeed a very pleasant occasion.
Tony Harrison, Frank Hoggarth and Bill Richmond
Outgoing WM Bill Richmond can reflect on a job well done after installing Frank Hogarth as his successor in a delightful manner. It crowned an excellent term as the head of the lodge.
 
The principal guest on the evening was Tony Harrison who was accompanied by other distinguished Mark masons who included among their number such luminaries as Tom Jackson, Glyn Jackson Davies and Paul Snape.
Standing Alan Gregory, David Kirkham, Geoff Catterall, Stuart Mowbray, Paul Snape,
Glyn Jackson Davies and Kieron Mullan
Seated Thomas Firth Jackson, Bill Richmond, Frank Hoggarth and Tony Harrison
Frank, having been presented to him by lodge director of ceremonies Stuart Mowbray, it fell to Bill to set about the important task entrusted to him. The work of Bill was dignified, calm and undertaken with great sincerity. It was a pleasure to witness.
 
As Tony was later to remark, “It was a wonderful installation ceremony.”
Mark Astbury, treasurer, Les Newlands, Bob Tinsley,
Martin Swarbrick, A.D.C., and John Morris, tyler
Others too played their part with David Kirkham delivering the address to the wardens, Stuart that to the W.M. and Tony orating the address to the brethren.
 
Circumstances had conspired to render some lodge officers unavailable for the meeting. Chris Gray WM of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375, Graham Benson IPM of The Furness Mark Lodge No 36 and Nigel Higginson WM of Garnett Mark Lodge No 146 stepped in with a couple of days’ notice to act as senior deacon, senior overseer and junior overseer respectively.
 
Also playing an instrumental part in proceedings was David Tattersall whose presence at the organ acted harmony to the occasion.
Harry Robinson S.W., Frank Hoggarth and Jack Stackhouse J.W.
The meeting also witnessed Stuart stepping down from what was his second spell as director of ceremonies, a role he has carried out with great distinction. Taking his place is Les Newlands and such was the manner in which he conducted the rest of the proceedings the lodge can be satisfied they have appointed someone who will rise to the challenges of the role.
 
To mark the occasion Tony was presented with a donation of £350 for the West Lancashire Mark Charity. Other donations by the lodge over the year bring the total given to good causes to £514.70.
Chris Gray, Graham Benson and Nigel Higginson
On the evening Roland Alderton was accepted as a joining member and there was also a proposal for a new candidate.
 
The installation banquet menu was a starter of Scoth egg, a main course of steak and mushroom pie with chips and then a dessert of sticky toffee pudding. I am not aware of how many points that would add up to at Weight Watchers but it was very tasty.
Stuart Mowbray, David Kirkham and John Thornton
Despite, or perhaps because of, the calories consumed the sound of genial conversation interspersed with the occasional laughter indicated what a good time was being enjoyed by all as they celebrated a fine installation in excellent company.
 
What was a particular delight was the rendition of the Master’s song by lodge secretary Bob Tinsley. Following his battle with health problems it was a great joy to hear Bob once again restored to strong voice.
The evening was a tremendous advertisement for the Magic of the Mark.
Visitors who travelled from Morecambe and Lancaster
Next up for Scorton is a Provincial team visit on 29th February for an advancement ceremony, it promises to be another splendid occasion.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear