The Furness welcomes Mike
 
Mike Cosgrove was so eager to be advanced into The Furness Mark Lodge No 36 that he travelled from Bristol, where he had been working, back to Barrow by private jet!
WM Tony Cassells with Mike Cosgrove on his right with some of the 'junior' members of the lodge.
Mike is an electrical engineer employed on the submarine programme. His role necessitates frequent trips to Bristol with there being three or four company return flights a day between Barrow and Bristol.
Ian Cottam, Mike Cosgrove and Dennis Laird.
Following work in Bristol and not wanting to risk delays due to any unforeseen circumstances, he decided to hop on the first available morning plane back to the Royal Port of Barrow. He found himself to be the sole passenger. During the trip he found out why as others had obviously heeded the weather forecast and waited for later planes which were taking off after the strong winds had subsided. It left Mike to enjoy the thrill of the very noticeable turbulence in glorious solitude.
 
Circumstances dictated that WM Tony Cassells had to call upon members to fill various roles at somewhat short notice. Ian Cottam was drafted in to undertake the middle portion of the ceremony and also act as registrar with his place at the master overseer’s pedestal being taken by Geoff Waters. John Edwards-Donnelly acted as senior overseer.
Geoff Waters, John Edward-Donnelly, John Parrott and David Baker.
The first part of the ceremony was carried out by Tony. This was indeed very apt as Tony had also initiated Mike when he took his first step in freemasonry.
 
Ian then took over for the middle portion which again was appropriate as he had proposed Mike for advancement. Mike’s seconder was Dennis Laird who had an excellent view of proceedings from the chair of IPM.
The final part of the ceremony was in the capable hands of John Parrott with junior overseer Jon Reed assisting in delivering an explanation of the working tools.
Terry Pearson, secretary Keiron Mullan and Alan Hilton.
It was the first outing for Tony and his team following the installation meeting and I have to observe that it all panned out very well indeed. Wardens Alan Hilton and Terry Pearson performed their roles with distinction whilst senior deacon David Baker, ably assisted by junior deacon Bernie McGeough conducted Mike throughout the degree in fine style. The efforts of inner Guard Steve Harris and Tyler Darren Stainton should not be overlooked as their work was not only accurate but clearly audible to all seated in the large room.
 
The result of this excellent team work was a super ceremony enjoyed by Mike and all who were watching on. The first meeting of the year provided a great bench-mark for future meetings.
 
With four candidates awaiting advancement, and others in the wings, The Furness Mark is looking to perform double advancements at the next two meetings.
Some of the visiting Brethren
Following the meeting an enjoyable supper of steak pie and chips was well received by all. The meal was accompanied by much chatter and laughter signalling a good time being had by all.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear