John steps in at Furness
 
At the rehearsal two days prior to the meeting Graham Benson, WM of Furness Mark Lodge No 36, was nothing less than excellent in performing his role. So when sickness caused him to give his apologies at very short notice it was not only a great disappointment, but also a little inconvenient, as he was conducting the first part of the ceremony of advancement.
Matty Woods, Stuart Braithwaite, John Parrott, Steve Harris and Dave Shaw.

The IPM was absent on other masonic business so a stand-in WM was required. The obvious choices were myself, being the lodge director of ceremonies, or my assistant John Parrott. I am pleased to report that John did very well!

Steve Renney, Steve Harris and Terry Pearson.
When I say it was last minute I do exaggerate as it was at least four minutes notice. John’s arrival at the lodge had been delayed by traffic which meant that everyone else was in their seats waiting for the off as he was donning his regalia whilst being “volunteered” at the same time. Well done John.
Peter Clafton, Ian Cottam, Dennis Laird, Darren Stainton and Jon Reed.
The candidate on the evening was Steve Harris. Steve is in the chair of his craft lodge at present. His proposer for the friendly degree was Stuart Braithwaite and his seconder Dave Shaw who in his craft lodge are his senior and junior wardens respectively. That cannot have happened very often.
Steve is well known in the Furness area and wider afield  as an accomplished player of the bass guitar having featured in local groups for many years and is employed as a cyber security specialist. It will be interesting to see how he progresses as there is a precedent of bass players doing well for themselves in the province! ( One with the initials KAB springs to mind).
Lodge charity steward Geoff Waters and Corinthian group deputy charity leader Tony Thackrah.
John undertook the first part of the ceremony and was then followed into the chair by Ian Cottam who delivered that part relating to the signs. He attained his usual high standard of ritual in his work.
John was back in the Master’s chair again for the oration regarding the badge and jewel through to the welcome as a Mark Master Mason. It was very well done.
Conducting Steve throughout the ceremony had been senior deacon Terry Pearson who discharged his duty with great aplomb. He was ably assisted by junior deacon Steve Renney.
Tony Cassells, Stuart Collins, Les Newlands, Peter Quirk, Bob Tinsley and Bob Whittingham.
Junior member Jon Reed rose from the stewards’ bench to not only act as inner guard for the evening  but also to faultlessly deliver the working tools of the degree. He can take great pride in his work.
Alan Hilton, Tony Cassells and Peter Clafton did not just do the role of overseers – they delivered them. As one visitor,  Les Newlands WM of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103, remarked, “ When the panto season comes round the trio may well find themselves in demand.” Oh no they won’t!
 
Another duty for John was the presentation of a Grand Mark Lodge certificate to Matty Woods. 
Following the meeting it was time for a simple but very tasty supper of home-made meat and potato pie which was very well received.
Next up at Furness mark Lodge is a special meeting on Thursday 6th October with a team visit to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the lodge.
We are now getting quite a combo of musicians in Furness Mark. I cannot find anything appropriate by Mozart but if anyone knows of a piece written for organ, cornet, bass and bagpipes can they let me know please!

 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear