Advancement at Scorton
 
Continuing the upward trend of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 the latest meeting saw another advancement into the lodge.
Steve Parker and Frank Hogarth
The candidate on this occasion was Stephen Parker who had been proposed by director of ceremonies Les Newlands and seconded by secretary Martin Swarbrick.
John Nelson, Steve Parker and Mike Frankland
All of the master’s work was undertaken by WM Frank Hogarth. This is no mean feat and he accomplished it in fine style with both accuracy and great delivery. It was a fitting way for Frank to see out his two years in office with his next role being that of installing his successor. He can reflect on an outstanding period in the chair.
Peter Robinson
John Nelson acted as senior deacon and conducted Steve through the ceremony in an excellent manner. He was assisted by Mike Frankland who acted as junior deacon. What a contrast in experience, John has over 40 years in the order whilst for Mike, having missed the last meeting through work commitments, it was his second meeting. They formed a good team.
 
It was also very pleasing that another of this year’s tranche of recruits, Peter Robinson, was seated at the organ to provide harmonies during the evening. His rendition of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” whilst the candidate and deacons were out of the room was a particular delight.
Members of the class of 2025
Mike Franklands, Steve Parker, Robert Bradshaw, Peter Robinson and Bill Renwick
The keen eyed amongst you will notice that Mike is wearing a RAM jewel. Both Peter and he were elevated into Scorton RAM at the November meeting. They are obviously enjoying what our order has to offer.
Sojourners Jim Richards, Dave Sear and Peter Quirk
Th term sojourner refers to a visitor or someone temporary residing in a place so it was somewhat appropriate that the strolling sojourners team from the north of Morecambe Bay namely Quirk, Richards and Sear were called into action to assist the lodge.
 
Harry Robinson had to pull out of being installed as WM last year at short notice for medical reasons. Frank was able once again to declare his very good friend Harry as Master Elect for the ensuing year. It should be a ceremony worth observing.
 
Mark Astbury was able to beat off all the competition and was re-elected treasurer for the ensuing year, a role in which he excels.
Alan Gregory, Martin Swarbrick, Les Newlands and Mark Astbury
At the first rising Mike was presented with his certificate from Grand Mark Lodge.
 
When I first arrived at Wyrebank I thought we must have been dining in another room as the dining room was beautifully laid out. There were covers on the chairs, linen on the tables and a yuletide centrepiece on each table. But I was wrong as that where we were seated for our meal. The main course was beef followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies served with the coffee. I am able to report that both the food and the service were first rate. Well done the Wyrebank staff.
 
Toasts completed it was time to exchange a few more greetings for the upcoming Christmas and New Year before the journey home.
Lodge stalwarts John ThorntonStuart Mowbray, John Nelson and John Morris
What does the upcoming year hold for Scorton Mark Lodge? With Harry in the chair they will have a different character to his side-kick Frank but he will have the same enthusiasm for the role and ensure there is a happy atmosphere. There is one candidate awaiting advancement as it had been intended to hold a double ceremony on the evening but one candidate was unable to attend so he will be held over for Harry. I am sure the offices of the lodge will be filled by keen and enthusiastic men many of whom will have little experience of the order but will be eager to take part and learn on the job. The future certainly looks promising.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear