At the double at The Furness
 
In his last lodge before the installation meeting WM Tony Cassells advanced another two candidates into the ranks of The Furness Mark Lodge No 36.
Dennis Laird, Nick Collinge, Tony Cassells, Gary Mansfield and Ian Cottam.
However, prior to any other business was conducted respect was paid to departed merit following the passing of M.W. John H. Prizeman, Pro. Grand Master.
 
The candidates on the evening were Nick Collinge and Gary Mansfield who had both been proposed by Ian Cottam and seconded by Dennis Laird. A ballot having proved favourable they were admitted and advanced into the order.
 
Senior deacon David Baker carried out his duties in fine style. With it being a double-header there was much more emphasis on the work of the junior deacon. The appointed junior deacon could not attend and so a replacement was required. John Edwards-Donnelly was present at rehearsal and stepped up from the stewards’ bench to fill the gap. Both he and David can take great pride in their work.
Alan Hilton, David Baker and Jon Reed
Although he could not attend the meeting, junior deacon Bernie McGeough did attend rehearsal and assisted by acting as one of the candidates, showing nice commitment to the lodge.
 
WM Tony conducted the first part of the ceremony before handing the reins over to Brian Davey for the central portion. For part of the ceremony Gary was taken from the room and both candidates went through a vital part of the ritual as individuals. This could have caused chaos but it in fact went very well with those craftsmen who formed the procession benefitting from double wages!
 
John Parrott took over from Brian following the candidates being invested. He was assisted by junior overseer Jon Reed who presented the working tools. They both played there part with great aplomb.
Standing are Les Newlands (Scorton), Alan Gregory and Nick Baxter (both Morecambe)
Seated are Jim Richards, Peter Quirk and WM Reg Wilkinson (all of Jubilee)
Visitors from Duddon (Cumberland and Westmorland). Jubilee (Ulverston), Scorton (Garstang) and Morecambe Mark Lodges added to the atmosphere.
 
The most pleasing thing? Both candidates later said how much they had thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony and the welcome they had received. Nick is in the chair of his craft lodge whilst Gary is in the chair of the group installed masters lodge. They should prove very useful additions to the ranks of The Furness.
 
The evening also saw senior warden Alan Hilton declared as master elect for the ensuing year. A popular and very capable mason, the lodge will be in safe hands with Alan at the helm.
 
As is usual the supper was quite basic fare. Pie and peas followed by sponge and custard provided by Terry and Christine Carlos. It was not as “heavy” as it sounds and went down a treat.
 
Another cracking night at The Furness.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear