Geoff in at Morecambe
 
12th October 2015
 
Peter Jackson’s two year spell at the helm of the Morecambe Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 716 came to an end with the installation of his successor Geoff Needham.
Stuart Brackstone, Geoff Needham, Michael Clarke and Peter Jackson.
If things had gone to plan this would have taken place last year but an accident suffered by Geoff prevented his ascension to the chair at that time.
 
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Clarke was on hand to witness proceedings. He was accompanied by a large number of very distinguished Brethren including special representative Stuart Brackstone and Grand Junior Deacon Bob McMillan. They were all under the watchful eye of Past Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies Ken Boon. Ken also supervised several provincial acting officers in the persons of Senior Warden Andy Whittle, assistant DCs Brian Gregson and Ray Pye, Master Overseer Keiron Mullan and Stewards Peter Hampson and Dave Sear.
The Braidy Bunch, rear row, Peter Hampson, Brain Gregson, Ray Pye, Ken Boon and Keiron Mullan,
front row, Steve Walls, Michael Clark, Andy Whittle and Bob McMillan.
Many attempts have been name to come up with a name for an assembly of so many senior officers. My latest offering is the “Braidy Bunch.”
Bill Glassey, Jim Richards, Nigel Higginson and Jim Stewart
Peter Jackson went about his work in fine style and delivered a very sincere installation ceremony.
 
The working tools were presented by Geoff Bury who also undertook the address to the wardens. Jim Pearson had initiated Geoff into craft Masonry so it was particularly apt that he gave the address to the new WM. Their work was precise, well timed and a pleasure to listen to as was the excellent address given to the Brethren by Michael.
Keith Lamb and Malcolm Cambidge
Watching on with great interest were visiting Masters of other Mark Master Lodges including Nigel Higginson of Garnett, Bill Glassey of Furness, Jim Richards of Jubilee and Jim Stewart from Belaside in  the province of Cumberland and Westmorland.
 
A cheque for £200 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity was presented to Michael by Peter.
 
Following the ceremony a delightful installation banquet was enjoyed. Jim was once again called into action and proposed the toast to the new WM.
 
There being more than three Masons gathered together there was the obligatory raffle with the proceeds going to Motor Neurone Disease Research.
Friendship and relaxation.
Secretary Malcolm Cambidge and Keith Lamb had obviously put in a lot of work prior to the evening to ensure that both the administrative and ceremonial aspects of the meeting were up to standard. Their work along with that of all those of all who took part was well worth the effort culminating, as it did, in an evening of superb Mark ceremony and an installation banquet which was happy and enjoyable.
 
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Dave Sear.