Deputy at Furness
   
Deputy PGM Keith Beardmore represented the PGM at the installation meeting of Furness Mark Lodge No 36 which saw John Browne attain the chair.
Back row Stuart Brackstone, John Mawdesley and Brain Davey,
front row Keith Beardmore, John Browne, Ian Cottam and Ian Nairn.
Joining Keith at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall was Assistant PGM Ian Nairn along with many distinguished Brethren including Grand Steward John Mawdesley.
Ian Cottam, Keith Beardmore and John Browne.
It was the last occasion that lodge member Brain Davey would enter in procession as the Special Representative of the PGM as he is standing down from that post later in the year. Among the 75 people in attendance was Stuart Brackstone who is the nominated successor to Brian.
Peter Jackson and John Browne.
Those present were able to bear witness to a superb installation ceremony headlined by outgoing WM Ian Cottam who performed his work in an exceptional manner. Afterwards many complements were made as to not only the accuracy of his work but also his sincerity of delivery.
Indeed when Keith, on behalf of the PGM, congratulated Ian on his performance there was a spontaneous and rousing round of applause from all in the room.
Following his installation John, on behalf of the members, presented Keith with a donation of £500 for the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
 
Stuart Brackstone, Keith Beardmore and Brian Davey.
Amongst those taking office were Graham Benson and Darren Stainton who as Senior and Junior Deacons respectively were taking their first steps on the ladder towards the chair.
Craig Boothroyd, Graham Benson, Ian Nairn and Darren Stainton.
With Grand Lodge Certificates for Graham and Craig Boothroyd available for presentation Keith was asked if would perform the task. However he, with a touch of humour which was appreciated by those present, delegated matters to Ian Nairn who undertook the duty of explaining and presenting them in fine style.
Making the trip round the bay was Peter Jackson WM of Morecambe Mark Lodge No 36 who handed over the travelling keystone to John.
At the rear David Sear and Craig Boothroyd,
front row John Myers, Bob Herbert, John Browne, Steve McKellar and Darren Stainton.
(Bob and Steve are not yet Marked Men).
Speaking at the installation banquet the newly installed John commented, “I am really looking forward to my year in office. The Mark Degree is called the friendly degree and I have always found it to be just that with it always being a pleasure to attend meetings. We have candidates waiting in the wings so I am sure to have a busy but productive time.”
A surprise for first time attendees was the offer of rice pudding with jam as a sweet option which is a tradition of the Furness Lodge on installation nights.
 
A raffle at the banquet raised £272, which will be divided between the lodge charity account and a donation to the Family Fun Day.
 
Following the formal part of the evening many took the opportunity to continue to enjoy each others company in the newly refurbished bar at Fairfield Lane. Appropriately, perhaps, the newly installed Master along with members of Baldwin, his craft lodge, was last out of the door.
Story and Photographs courtesy of David Sear