Jim in at Jubilee
   
Proud is an epithet commonly applied to the city of Preston, but following the installation meeting of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 it can surely be applied to installing WM Phil Preston as that is just how he should feel after a job so well done.
Bob McMillan, Phil Preston, Jim Richards, Steve Walls and Stuart Brackstone.
The ceremony at Ulverston Masonic Hall saw WM Jim Richards installed by Phil in an impeccable manner. Phil may sell Peugeots for a living but he delivered the Rolls Royce of ritual.
Waiting for the “off” are, rear row Keiron Mullan, Chris Walls, Peter Hampson and Tony Cross,
front Bob McMillan, Steve Walls, and Neil Brown.
Leading the praise for Phil’s work was Steve Walls who was representing the Provincial Grand Master. Steve was in the company of a veritable galaxy of distinguished Mark Masons – in fact research indicates that not since 1928, when the French fleet paid a courtesy visit to Barrow, has the Furness Peninsula witnessed so much gold braid!
Peter Thompson, Alan Jones and Russ Greenhow.
Provincial Junior Warden Tony Cross was joined by other acting officers in the persons of Master Overseer Keiron Mullan, Inner Guard Chris Walls and Assistant DC Neil Brown along with Stewards Peter Hampson and Dave Sear.
Adding further lustre to the occasion was Grand Junior Deacon Bob McMillan who is member of a Mark Lodge in Cheshire but resides in the Furness area.
General views of Brethren awaiting the festive board.
Reaching the bench mark set by Phil was not going to be easy but the others taking part in the ceremony managed to do just that. Peter Hampson explained the working tools whilst Peter Thompson presented the keystone jewel and collaret.  Handling the addresses with great aplomb were Stuart Brackstone, Alan Jones and Russ Greenhow who delivered those to the WM, Wardens and Overseers respectively. Not to be outdone Steve gave the address to the Brethren in great style.
 
Jim presented Steve with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
The acting officers wind down from the rigours of the evening.
The ceremony may have been outstanding, the guests distinguished and the attendance excellent but what really stood out was the fact that when the Brethren were readmitted, following the installation, no less than 14 junior Brethren of Jubilee Mark Lodge lined up to salute the new WM. Something many lodges can only dream of.
 
Following the ceremony it was time for victuals and friendship as the members and visitors alike enjoyed a super installation banquet.
 
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Dave Sear