Scorton RAM Installation |
|
| Peter Quirk of Furness RAM Lodge is a regular visitor to the Mark and RAM lodges in the north of the province but his latest trip to Scorton RAM Lodge No 1103 was a special one. It marked his debut as the representative of the RW PGM Keith Beardmore at the installation meeting held in Garstang Masonic Hall. | |
 |
|
Peter Quirk, Gowan O’Hagan and Tony Thackrah |
|
| Installing Commander Tony Thackrah was pleased to welcome Peter before he embarked on the important business of installing Gowan O’Hagan as his successor. Gowan is a Past Commander so the ceremonial side of things was very much fore-shortened but nonetheless Tony went about his duties in a calm and sincere manner which was a pleasure to observe. | |
 |
|
| Nick Baxter, Ken Needham and Alan Gregory (all of Morecambe RAM), Ross Kinder, | |
Glyn J. Davies and Peter Quirk awaiting the start |
|
| The address to the newly installed Commander was delivered expertly by Phil Watson whilst Peter orated the exposition in a fine style. Both added to the occasion. | |
 |
|
Frank Hogarth and Harry Robinson |
|
| Director of ceremonies Stuart Mowbray maintained a gentle but firm hand on the tiller throughout proceedings. The last meeting of Scorton RAM had witnessed a double elevation when Frank Hogarth and Harry Robinson were admitted into the order. Tony presented them with their Royal Ark Mariner certificates prior to the installation ceremony with Gowan later appointing them as his deacons. |
|
| It was a strange meeting in one respect in that stalwart and long standing scribe Tony Shaw was not present for the first time in many years for health reasons. Tony had been the driving force for the re-mooring of the lodge from Preston Mark to Scorton Mark. His tireless work on behalf of the lodge was acknowledged during the meeting. | |
 |
|
Phil Watson and Tony Shaw (pictured at the 2023 installation) |
|
| Taking over from Tony is Martin Swarbrick who has only recently also taken over as secretary of Scorton Mark Lodge. The words “want a job doing” and “busy man” spring to mind! | |
 |
|
Stuart Mowbray and Martin Swarbrick
|
|
| The installation meal was very well received being soup, chicken and sticky toffee pudding. It was a delight to listen to the congenial chat and occasional bursts of laughter which indicated a most successful evening. | |
| Words and pictures Dave Sear |
