Furness RAM installation
 
Provincial Grand Master RW Bro. Keith Beardmore brought his provincial team to the installation meeting of Furness RAM Lodge No 375. Keith was accompanied by the other members of the executive as well as a number of acting provincial officers.
Keith Beardmore, Paul Johnson and Harry Kilgour
The ceremony took place at the Masonic Hall in Ulverston. The rapidly expanding market town can boast that Maude Green was born there in 1895 although she subsequently emigrated to the United States at the age of 15 years when she became a classically trained pianist. You may not have heard of her previously but you will know of her son, who grew up to become the father of rock and roll, namely Bill Haley.
The provincial officers
It was not just the provincial team who were having to travel for the meeting. Outgoing Worshipful Commander Harry Kilgour has recently relocated from Coniston to Lincolnshire and can safely claim to having travelled the farthest. There were over 50 RAM members in attendance.
The grand officers
The Commander Elect Paul Jonson was presented for installation by lodge chaplain David Smith who is his father-in-law.
Lodge stalwarts Rowley Saunders and Bill Joughin
Harry installed Paul into the chair in what was a meaningful and pleasant manner. The PGM was later to observe that it was a “delightful ceremony which he had enjoyed.” On his journey back to Lincolnshire Harry can reflect on a job well done.
Keith and Paul take wine
APGM Mike Pinckard orated the exposition of the degree in superb style.
David Shaw was presented with his grand RAM certificate by Paul following an explanation from APGM Geoff Bury.
Paul and the APGMs take wine
To mark the occasion Paul presented Keith with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time to retire upstairs to the dining room for a meal of beef followed by cheese and biscuits. Amongst those enjoying the craic and camaraderie were, as is usual, a contingent from Duddon Mark Lodge in the province of Cumberland and Westmorland.
John Browne and Bob Stafford
Another visitor was Bob Stafford the Worshipful Commander of Semper Fidelis RAM Lodge No 880. Bob had initially joined The Furness Mark but had resigned and joined Cleveleys Mark Lodge when he moved to the flatlands of the Fylde coast from whence he had originally sprung.
Some of the assembled members of Furness Mark
I can report that it was very successful occasion with the ceremony and festive board being hugely enjoyed.
The only down side was that those returning home via the A590 to the M6 were victims of the all to frequent road closures on the A590 and found themselves subject to “interesting” diversions, something with which I can empathise.
 
Paul and his new team can look forward to a busy year with two candidates in the pipeline. An accomplished ritualist the new Worshipful Commander will certainly lead by example.
 
Words and pictures by Daave Sear