Scorton Double Advancement
 
The latest meeting of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 at Garstang was indeed a very successful and fruitful one with WM Frank Hogarth performing most admirably.
Robert Bradshaw, Michael Singleton, Frank Hogarth, Bill Renwick and Peter Robinson
However, before relating the details of that meeting there is another matter I feel I should bring to your notice. For the past several meetings Scorton Mark Lodge have called upon the services of an ensemble of travelling Overseers from the north, namely Richards, Quirk and Sear, to help fill the gaps in their ranks.
 
Now the future of that threesome is in some doubt. It appears that what I, as Master Overseer, regarded as being firm and to the point when addressing them as to their errors, has been viewed by Jim Richards and Peter Quirk as being overbearing, belligerent and officious to such an extent as to be regarded as amounting to bullying in the workplace. A complaint has been laid at my door.
Martin Swarbrick (secretary), Neal Atkinson (S.W.), Michael Singleton and Peter Robinson
My earnest plea that personnel management, in the period we were portraying, consisted of a brawny bloke with a whip has fallen on deaf ears. An upcoming appointment with the human resources department will decide my fate! (as I remove my tongue from my cheek I can reveal that I still gave them a lift home).
 
But seriously the double advancement ceremony at Scorton was a tremendous success with Bill Renwick and Michael Singleton being admitted to the order.
 
Deacons John Nelson and Stuart Mowbray did an excellent job in conducting the candidates through the ceremony but pride of place must go to WM Frank who undertook the whole of the advancement. It is usually the case that the work is divided up and shared by two or three people. Frank rose to the challenge of delivering the work unaided. He was not only accurate and well-paced in what he did but managed to do so with feeling. It was a pleasure to witness.
Deputy special rep. Alan Gregory and Nick Baxter, both from Morecambe Mark Lodge
On the evening Grand Mark Lodge certificates were presented to Robert Bradshaw and Peter Robinson. Peter has already been gainfully employed by the lodge in providing the harmonies during the evening as he is an accomplished organist. A bit of music always adds to the occasion.
All who took part can take pride in their work and I have no doubt it will have been enjoyed by the candidates and won the approval of director of ceremonies Les Newlands.
Jim Ricards, Peter Quirk (both Jubilee Mark), Tony Cassells, Terry Pearson,
Dennis Laird and Dave Grove (all The Furness Mark)
Taking a keen interest in proceedings was Tony Cassells the WM of The Furness Mark Lodge and several of his members. They too have a double advancement ceremony to undertake at their next meeting and were keen to witness the ritual involved.
 
Continuing with the good news, there were propositions on the night for two candidates for advancement along with one for a joining member whose home Mark lodge is in East Lancashire. It is anticipated that the next meeting will also be a double advancement.
 
The banter and laughter at the meal following proceedings was indicative of a good evening being enjoyed by all.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear