Jubilee Mark Installation
 
High winds felling trees and torrential rain flooding the roads made the journey of the provincial team to Ulverston Masonic Hall one which was more suited to the ark than the Mark. However, this did not prevent a good turn-out for the installation meeting of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375. Although it can be reported that expected visitors from Millom, in the adjacent province of Cumberland and Westmorland, had to turn back home as the River Duddon had risen and flooded several roads.
Alan Jones, Keith Beardmore and Reg Wilkinson
PGM Keith Beardmore was accompanied by his deputy Giles Berkley, assistant Geoff Bury and several of the provincial officers headed by senior warden Chris Walls on what was the first team visit of the new season.
Members of the provincial team
Outgoing WM Steve Ellershaw had another commitment he had to attend and as no other suitable alternative date could be found he was forced to miss installing Reg Wilkinson as his successor. As much as this was a great personal disappointment to Steve it was also to those of us who had been looking forward to him, given his track record, delivering what would have been a first rate installation ceremony.
Jubilee members with the exec.
Stepping in to open the lodge and welcome the PGM and his team was IPM Chris Gray.
The PGM accepted the gavel and introduced his team before handing the gavel on to lodge stalwart Alan Jones for the business of installing Reg. Alan and Keith go back some 30 years having been acting officers on the same provincial team so there was some friendly banter between them throughout the evening.
Chris Walls, Keith Beardmore, Giles Berkley, Reg Wilkinson,
Geoff Bury and Prov Sec Kevin Chicken
As is expected of Alan the work was first rate being delivered not only accurately but in an excellent manner. As Giles was later to comment, “It was a masterclass.”
Lodge SW Paul Johnson, Reg Wilkinson and Lodge JW Bob Fearnett
The address to the newly installed master was given by his longtime friend Phil Burrow, whilst Chris Walls undertook his first address to the wardens as the SW and Russ Greenhow addressed the overseers as to their duties. Keith was called into action to orate the address to the brethren. All played their part well and added to the occasion.
Reg Wilkinson and Tony Cassells WM of The Furness Mark
It was pleasing to see that the progressive ranks of the lodge were filled by those yet to pass though the chair which bodes well for the future.
 
To mark the occasion Keith was presented with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time to move upstairs for refreshment. The menu, which was well received, was beef followed by cheese and biscuits.
Brethren from the southern side of Morecambe Bay
There being more than two masons gathered together a raffle was required to be held which recharged the charity pot to the tune of £295.
At refreshment
The sound of chatter and laughter evidenced that a good time was enjoyed by all, tempered only by the occasional good natured moan about the destination of the raffle prizes!
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear