Harry in at Scorton
 
Twelve months ago, Harry Robinson should have been installed as the WM of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103. However, a medical problem meant that he could not attend and his good friend Frank Hogarth had to continue in office for a further year.
Harry Robinson and Frank Hogarth
For many years Frank and Harry have travelled together to masonic meetings and to see one without the other is somewhat of a rarity – a sort of senior Ant ‘n Dec duo!. This meant that the delayed introduction of Harry into the chair by Frank was undertaken with great feeling.
 
Principal guest on the evening, representing PGM Keith Beardmore, was Steve Walls. He was accompanied by his son Chris Walls the provincial grand senior warden and Gordon Sandford provincial grand steward. Another acting officer Les Newlands provincial grand senior deacon is the lodge director of ceremonies.
Steve Walls, Harry Robinson and Frank Hogarth
Before proceeding to the main business of the evening Frank had overseen a ballot for Martin Slater to become a joining member. The ballot proved favourable and added to the increasing number of Scorton members over the past year.
Steve and Chris Walls
The work of Frank in installing his good pal was not only undertaken with the great accuracy you would expect from him but also with a great depth of pleasure and pride. It was a delight to witness.
Others too played their part. Treasurer Mark Astbury delivered the address to the WM, Chris Walls that to the stewards and John Nelson expounded on the duties of the overseers. I chipped in with the keystone jewel address. Steve orated the address to the Brethren in fine style.
Alan Gregory, Stuart Mowbray, Glyn Jackson Davies and Steve Walls
It has been a busy year at Scorton with advancements to the fore. Despite there being several enforced absences there were still eight Brethren who re-entered following the inner workings.
 
This new strength was reflected in the appointment of the officers. Those present who were appointed to their first office in the lodge following their advancement this year were; Mike Frankland as senior overseer, Robert Bradshaw as junior overseer, Bill Renwick as senior deacon, Steve Parker as junior deacon and Peter Robinson as organist. They will have to hit the ground running but with other “junior” Brethren filling the progressive offices the lodge can look forward to the future with confidence.
Martin Slater, Bill Renwick, Mike Frankland, Harry Robinson, Steve  Parker,
Peter Robinson and Robert Bradshaw
When bringing the greetings of the PGM the praise of Steve for the work of Frank was heartfelt. He also thanked Les for his work in overseeing the ceremonial side of things.
 
Steve and the grand officers exited the lodge to the appropriate tune of the “Z Cars theme.” Just part of the pleasure of having an accomplished organist in the lodge.
Chris Walls, Les Newlands and Gordon Sandford
The menu at the festive board was pork and went down well. I can report that the buzz at the dining tables indicated that there is great camaraderie in the lodge.
In replying to the toast to the grand officers Steve paid tribute to the work of lodge secretary Martin Swarbrick and treasurer Mark Astbury.
The travelling overseers firm of Richards, Sear and Quirk
You may recall that Peter Quirk, Jim Richards and myself have been acting as guest overseers for Scorton Lodge during the recent tranche of advancements. Roles we have undertaken with great verve and enthusiasm.
We commenced the installation meeting as the overseers and were then handed our P45s. It was very pleasing that the introduction of new blood made us redundant. However, the three of us were absolutely bowled over to be made honorary members of Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 for our services to the lodge over the past several years. A great honour indeed – and we still be on the subs bench.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear