Furness Welcomes Bernie
 
Unfortunate circumstances meant the WM Graham Benson had to be absent from the latest meeting of Furness Mark Lodge No. 36. However, the lodge was fortunate to be able to call upon IPM Peter Schofield to take the chair.
 
The main business of the evening was the advancement of Bernie McGeough. It had been planned that Graham would undertake the first part of the ceremony but a more than adequate substitute was found in the person of Brian Davey. Bernie having been admitted to the lodge it fell to Brian to conduct the initial part of the ritual which he did with the elegance of style and accuracy you would associate with this doyen of ritualists.
Brain Davey, Peter Schofield, Bernie McGeough, Ian Cottam and John Parrott
Ian Cottam then took over for the middle section dealing with the signs before John Parrott rounded it all off after the presentation of the badge and jewel. Both performed well.
Jon Reed, Bernie McGeough and Dave Shaw
Bernie had been proposed for the order by lodge steward Jon Reed. Jon was able to take part in the ceremony for his friend as he went about the presentation of the working tools in a faultless manner.
 
On the evening Darren Stainton was declared master elect and Dave Shaw, who had seconded Bernie, was declared treasurer once more.
Seated Les Newlands and Phil Burrow with Brian Davey standing
With over 30 Mark Masons in attendance, including a good number of visitors it proved a very enjoyable and successful evening. Les Newlands WM of Scorton Mark and Phil Burrow of WM Jubilee Mark were amongst the interested spectators. There was another WM present as Brian holds that post in Adoniram Mark Lodge.
 
Following the meeting a simple supper of minestrone soup and sandwiches was thoroughly enjoyed – not many dd not take advantage of a second bowl of soup.
Scorton secretary Bob Tinsley and Furness organist Geoff Waters
It was a night of good ritual, good grub and cheerful banter.
 
Next up is the installation meeting with plans already being made for the advancement of at least two candidates in the new season.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear