Furness R.A.M. Installation
   
In the normal course of events 2014 would have seen Keiron Mullan installing Jim Richards into the chair of Furness Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No. 375 at Ulverston Masonic Hall but circumstances dictated that the roles be reversed. Medical problems for Keiron last year meant that he could not make the usual move from the position of Senior Warden to Worshipful Commander and instead Jim took the chair 12 months before he had expected to do so.
Tony Harrison, Keiron Mullan and Jim Richards.
The early call to office did not affect Jim who undertook his duties with great pride and no lack of ability, culminating in his installing Keiron with some style
 
Tony Harrison was representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master and in his remarks to the Brethren he made reference to the exemplary manner in which Jim had performed his role as installing master.
Peter Thompson, Jim Atkinson and Bill Jones
A cheque for £750 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity was presented to Tony by Keiron with £375 ring fenced as a donation to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation at Preston Hospital. The Rosemere unit provides treatment and support for cancer sufferers from north Lancashire and south Cumbria. Many Freemasons from the Furness area have reason to be grateful for the services provided by the unit including Keiron who is recovering from prostrate cancer.
 
The ceremony was well marshalled by lodge Director of Ceremonies Reg Carden along with his assistant David Smith. Provincial Deputy D.C. Ken Boon was also on hand to ensure that everything went smoothly for the 55 members and guests who were present.
back row Ken Boon, Reg Carden and David Smith, seated Peter Hampson and Peter Quirk
In what has become almost a tradition Peter Thompson once again presented Keiron with the hall stone jewel and collarette.
Jim Atkinson had proposed Keiron’s membership of the lodge and he had the honour of both presenting him and delivering the address to the newly installed Commander. His seconder Bill Jones was reappointed as Almoner. Secretary Peter Hampson and treasurer Peter Quirk were thanked by Tony for the work they undertake on behalf of the lodge.
 
An enjoyable meal completed the formalities when Tony observed, ”listening to the laughter and the buzz of genial conversation arising from the tables it is quite obvious that the evening is a perfect example of the friendliness associated with the degree.”
 

Photographs and story courtesy of David Sear