Bill in at Scorton (again)
 
To be honest an assignation with Paul Snape was not in my original plans for St Valentine’s Day. However, the journey to Wyreside at Garstang for the installation of Bill Richmond into the chair of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 proved to be very worthwhile.
Seated Paul Snape, Bill Richmond, Les Newlands and John Bicknell
with the grand and acting provisional officers
The aforesaid Paul was representing the RW PGM Keith Beardmore at the meeting. As Paul is the head of the West Lancashire Order of the Allied Degrees with Bill being his deputy, and good friend, it was a most appropriate choice of principal guest. That degree is, of course, administered from Mark Masons Hall.
 
There were other distinguished grand officers in attendance included amongst whom was APGM John Bicknell. Provincial junior warden Brian Povey and sword bearer Nigel Higginson were also amongst those present. Geoff Waters of The Furness Mark Lodge No 36 made a guest appearance as organist.
Mark Astbury, Bob Tinsley and Geoff Waters
The Master Elect was presented for installation by lodge secretary Bob Tinsley, who was later to be called upon to present the working tools of the degree to Bill.
 
Installing WM Les Newlands then went about the duty of installing his successor in a superb manner. He had obviously put the hours in to learn the ritual. It was a delight to witness.
 
In what was a surprise to Bill, and most others present, Paul took to the floor to deliver the address to the newly installed master.
 
Lodge director of ceremonies Stuart Mowbray delivered the address to the wardens whilst John Nelson undertook that task in respect of the Overseers.
Bill with the members of Scorton Mark Lodge
It then fell to Paul again to orate the address to the Brethren.
 
The ceremony was enjoyed by all who witnessed it with everyone who took part playing their part well.
Following the ceremony of installation Paul, after bringing the greetings of the RW PGM, was presented with a cheque for £300 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
 
Bill is no stranger to being installed into a chair at Garstang. It was only last November that he was installed as the Worshipful Commander of Scorton RAM, which, previous to a change of title at that meeting, had been Preston RAM. He finds himself in what must be a somewhat unique situation being both Master and Commander.
Visiting Brethren Jim Richards, Nigel Higginson, Keiron Mullan and Graham Benson
There were stories and humour at the installation festive board with “the buzz” in the ding room indicative of the camaraderie that was being enjoyed.
 
When Paul announced the news that lodge treasurer Mark Astbury was to receive promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden at the upcoming provincial meeting it was greeted with loud acclamation.
 
Spending at florists tends to reach a peak at this time of year so it would be appropriate to hand out some bouquets. One recipient would be Paul for his delightful two addresses along with Stu Mowbray and Bob Tinsley for so capably dealing with the ritualistic and administrative side of things.
Paul Snape and Bill Richmond
However the largest bouquet must be reserved for Les Newlands for not only his impressive work on the evening but his efforts throughout his year of office when he has proved an outstanding ambassador for Scorton Mark Lodge.
The view over the canal basin
A romantic Valentine’s tryst it may not have been but it was still a pleasant night spent in good company after witnessing some excellent Mark ritual. That is the Magic of the Mark in action.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear