Scorton Proclamation
 
There were some mixed feelings at the installation meeting of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 at Garstang Masonic Hall.
Geoff Bury and Frank Hogarth
The evening should have witnessed Frank Hogarth installing his very good friend Harry Robinson as his successor. However medical concerns, which arose a few days prior to the meeting, unfortunately meant that Harry was unable to attend on medical advice.
 
It therefore fell to Frank to keep hold of the reins for another twelve months. Frank has done an excellent job as an ambassador for Scorton Mark and no doubt will continue in the same vein albeit without his co-pilot Harry for the time being.
 
The principal guest at the meeting was APGM Geoff Bury. Provincial assistant directors of ceremony John Dean and James Rashid accompanied Geoff along with Provincial Senior Deacon Paul Broadley.
John Dean, Geoff Bury, James Rashid and Paul Broadley
Lodge director of ceremonies Les Newlands took to the floor to proclaim Frank as Worshipful; Master for the ensuing year.
 
Bill Richmond delivered the address to the Wardens whilst John Nelson gave that to the Overseers. Geoff was called upon not only to orate the address to the Brethren but was also later again in action as he gave an explanation of Grand Lodge certificate which was presented to Mike Shuttleworth.
 
To mark the occasion Geoff was presented with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
Work commitments and other issues meant that several lodge members were unable to be present. However, this gave an opportunity for some visitors to play a part. Alan Gregory and Ken Needham of Morecambe Mark acted as Junior Warden and Junior Overseer respectively whilst Peter Quirk of Jubilee Mark stood in as Senior Overseer. Their involvement seemed to add to the friendliness surrounding the whole proceedings.
John Morris at his usual post
One position that never requires a substitute is that of Tyler which has been held by John Morris for many years. So long as he been doing it that he is now classified a part of the fixtures and fittings!
 
It was pleasing to hear a candidate proposed on the evening. The lodge are actively seeking to arrange a date for the “Magic of the Mark” presentation which will hopefully engender still more interest in the order.
 
The dining arrangements were not what they usually are. Before going up to the lodge room a quick check of the dining room revealed that all the furniture had been put to one side, the lights dimmed and gentle, soothing music was playing over the sound system. Curious we thought.
The members of Scorton Mark Lodge
On returning after the meeting all was revealed. The dining room had been transformed into a yoga studio. I am not sure that the later appearance of 20 men in the next room ready for the bar and food added to the ambiance of the mystic discipline. If it helps keep the premises solvent though it cannot be a bad thing.
 
I can report that no amount of cajoling could persuade Geoff to join in with the “downward facing dog” or even the  “chatranga.”
 
A straight top table was set up in the bar with a couple of round tables seating the rest of the diners. It was in fact a superb way of doing things. The smaller more intimate surroundings suited the number who were dining whilst giving ready access to the bar.
 
When Geoff rose to speak the close proximity of everyone made it seem like he was having a chat with a few friends rather than delivering a speech. It went down well.
 
Words and pictures courtesy of Dave Sear