Decoration at The Furness
 
It had been planned to hold an advancement ceremony at the first meeting of The Furness Mark following the summer break. Unfortunately ill health meant the candidate had to withdraw on the day. Nonetheless, the ceremony went ahead to give the team, which was appointed at the installation meeting in April, a chance to practice their work. It proved a worthwhile and enjoyable exercise with all playing their part well with the work of senior deacon Jon Reed being particularly worthy of mention.
W.M. Dennis Laird B.E.M.
There have been a couple of changes since The Furness last met, both with regards to decoration.
W.M. Dennis Laird is now entitled to add the letters B.E.M. after his name having been awarded the honour for his services to the community of Barrow in Furness. When news of his decoration was announced in the lodge it was greeted with loud acclamation.
The other change is to the temple itself. During the last season water had caused a partial collapse of part of the ceiling above the junior warden’s pedestal. It had been repaired but re-decoration was held over until the hall closed for the summer. Whilst the work was being carried out the opportunity was taken to hang the warrant celebrating the 150th of the lodge.
The warrants
The four warrants, the original for The Furness Mark Lodge No 24 issued by the Grand Chapter of Scotland, the warrant from Grand Mark Lodge of 1872 under which the lodge operates, the centenary warrant and the sesquicentennial warrant were re-aligned and new light fittings placed above them. The lodge banner which had previously hung above the warrants was moved further along the wall. They now provide a very nice, and prominent, display at the south east corner.
Visitors from Morecambe Mark George Howling, Alan Gregory and Nick Baxter
The meal following the meeting was mushroom soup accompanied by an assortment of sandwiches and chips. Simple fare but very tasty and enjoyed by all.
Darren Stainton, John Parrott, Alan Hilton, Jon Reed and Tom Shankland
With another candidate proposed on the night there will be at least two advancement ceremonies for them the new team to display their talents.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear