Proclaimation at Garnett |
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| The installation meeting of Garnett Mark Lodge No 146 at Rowley Court in Lancaster confirmed Ian Stokes as remaining in office for a further year as he was proclaimed Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. The representative of the PGM on this occasion was provincial secretary Kevin Chicken on what was his first outing in such a role. |
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Kevin Chicken and Ian Stokes |
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| Circumstances had required the date of the meeting being changed from its scheduled place on the calendar. As a result some regulars were unable to be in attendance due to other conflicting commitments. The ongoing situation with Morecambe Masonic Hall leading to many extra meetings being held at Rowley Court so that the choice of alternative dates was restricted and some were always going to be disappointed. | |
| Neither of the lodge deacons could attend and two willing “volunteers” in the form of the visiting “Dad ‘n Lad” team of Tony and Steve Thackrah filled their places. | |
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The assembled brethren |
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| Although several of the officers remained in place it was pleasing to hear Ian address each officer with heartfelt thanks and a personal word of his gratitude to them. A simple task very well done. | |
| Although it was a proclaimation there was still work to be done. Chris Larder, who had stood in as secretary, presented the working tools of the degree. I gave the address to Ian, Neil McGill addressed the wardens as to their duties and Nigel Higginson sprang from behind the senior warden’s wicket to undertake a similar duty in respect of the overseers. | |
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Tony and Steve Thackrah |
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| It then fell to Kevin to orate the address to the Brethren which he undertook in good style. After Kevin had brought the greetings of the PGM Ian presented him with a cheque for £500 in favour of the WLMC. He was later also to receive a donation of £85 from the gin raffle to go towards the lodges’ account for the upcoming festival. |
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| The meal following consisted of a black pudding starter followed by roast pork with all the trimmings. It went down very well. It was accompanied by genial conversations and good humour indicating that the lodge is in a good place. | |
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Kevin Chicken and Ian Stokes |
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| If all goes to plan next year will see Ian have to install as his successor a man who has not held that position previously. |
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| Words and pictures by Dave Sear |
