The Furness Installation |
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At the festive board I overheard APGM Mike Pinckard and Tony Cassells, the newly installed WM of The Furness Mark Lodge No. 36, mentioning the word Tyre and I immediately thought it must be a profound discussion about that important masonic figure Hiram Abiff, who was of course a man of Tyre. I was wrong. It transpired that both gentlemen had at one time been engaged as purveyors of tyres for automobiles. Not to be excluded from the conversation, installing master Dennis Laird added that his wife often commented on his spare tyre! | |
The grand and acting officers prior to the meeting with front centre |
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Dennis Laird, Mike Pinckard and Tony Cassells |
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The afternoon had started very convivially as Tony, or to give him his full title Little Tony, had provided an afternoon tea from 4.00 pm for those arriving early for the 6.00 pm opening of the lodge. It went down very well as it did indeed encourage an early attendance and gave everyone a chance to catch up prior to the meeting over a cup of tea and a sandwich. I can report that the sausage rolls were a particular favourite. It helped create a very friendly atmosphere which lasted throughout the proceedings. | |
Some of the “junior” Brethren being inspected by Mike prior to the installation |
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Then it was upstairs for the meeting. Dennis worked through the administrative tasks prior to principal guest Mike entering. Although protocol dictates that Mike is formally introduced to Dennis they in fact already knew each other having been acting officers together in another order in 2009. | |
Some of the visitors |
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There were some challenges to overcome, as lodge secretary Kieron Mullan was ill, resulting in Geoff Waters occupying his place. Circumstance conspired to prevent director of ceremonies Graham Benson attending so it fell to his predecessor to fulfil that role, i.e. your northern correspondent. | |
Mike Cosgrove, Mike Pinckard, Tony Jackson and Elliot Haughin |
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Having been presented, Tony was installed in an excellent manner by Dennis. They have known each other for many years and work together for the good of Barrow Masonic Hall with Tony being the president and Dennis the secretary. | |
Mike Pinckard and Tony Cassells |
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Geoff was called into action to give the address to the wardens with lodge stalwart, and Freeman of the Borough of Barrow in Furness, Bill Joughin delivering that to the overseers. Mike orated the address to the brethren in his usual impeccable style. All three added to the enjoyment of the occasion. I chipped in with the address to Tony and the presentation of the keystone jewel. | |
Steve Plevey, Steve Ellershaw, Ian Stokes and Mike Pinckard |
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One of the highlights was the entrance of the “junior” brethren following the inner workings. There were fourteen members of the lodge assembled in the north for the declaration of the new WM. One of their number, Jon Reed, took to the floor to deliver and explain the working tools of the degree. He did a terrific job. As Jon was appointed to the position of junior overseer I will be seeking out another victim, sorry a typo. I meant volunteer, to undertake that work at our meetings when The Furness recommences in September. | |
Mike was presented with two cheques, one for £400 for Mark charity and another for £200 towards the patronage for the next festival following the raffle of the bottle of whisky provided by the province. | |
Past masters of The Furness |
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On the evening there were propositions for advancement into the order in respect of four candidates. | |
At the meal there were two of the recently proposed candidates in attendance along with another non-Mark mason and he contacted me the next day and, having enjoyed the company he found himself in, requested a proposal form. I can add that he stated that the discussion that he and the other two potential candidates had had with Mike at the bar prior to the meal helped form his decision. The inviting of non-Mark masons to the festive board so that they can see what we are about is a tactic which has been proved to work. | |
Visiting Brethren at refreshment |
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There can be no doubt Tony will be enjoying a very industrious and rewarding year in the chair of Adoniram. | |
It was a delight to have a good number of visitors present which included the WMs of other lodges namely Steve Ellershaw of Jubilee, Ian Stokes of Garnett, Steve Plevey of Morecambe and of course Mike Pinckard of George Harradon. | |
The diners |
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The food on offer was quite simple fare being steak pie and mash followed by, in what is a tradition of the lodge, rice pudding. (If Mrs Pinckard should read this I can assure her that Mike had pre-ordered a salad!). | |
The sound of happy conversations formed a fitting accompaniment to the finale of what had been a delightful afternoon and evening. |
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Words and pictures by Dave Sear |