At the 2024 installation meeting, Hartington Lodge No 1021 installed Matty Woods as its master at Barrow’s Masonic Hall, The Fairfield. Under the watchful eye of director of ceremonies Mort Richardson and in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield, 112 brethren witnessed the ceremony.
Matty is the current Chairman of the Cavendish (light blues) Club and was joined by 15 members from his own and other lodges in the Furness and South Lakeland (FSL) Group. Andy McClements was also in attendance, in his capacity as Chairman of the Lancastrian Club, the Lancaster and Morecambe Group’s own light blues club.
Also in attendance were grand officers; Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland Keith Beaumont, Past Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson (emphasising the close ties between lodges in the FSL Group and their sister lodges in the South West Cumberland Group), Dave Kellet, John Quiggin, Rowley Saunders, Allan Jones and Phil Preston.
Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Alan Pattinson and vice chairman Chris Gray were accompanied by acting Provincial grand officers Dave Paton, Andy McClements and Phil Renney (Provincial Grand Stewards) Richard Jenkinson Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, Tony Jackson Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and Mort Richardson and Les Gilston Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies.
Matty was installed fluently and precisely by immediate past master of the lodge Barrie Bray, in a relaxed and assured ceremony. Barrie’s calmness helped to settle Matty’s nerves, understandable on such a big occasion. That said, it must also be noted that the new WM Matty took to his duties with gusto, self assurance and clearly a lot of preparation.
On rising to bring the greeting from Mark Matthews, the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Schofield congratulated Matty, Barrie and Mort on the quality of their work, adding the watch words: “Continue to enjoy your Freemasonry.”
At the festive banquet, Peter was presented with a cheque for £1,021 in favour of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity with a note detailing a donation made by Hartington Lodge in the last year of £240 to Alice’s Escapes, a local charity which provides complimentary holidays for families with a terminally ill child and breaks for those who have lost a child. Peter thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generosity.
The strong supporting cast of secretary Ian Thompson, Scott Deakin, Andy Baxter and Zak Stephenson presented and explained the working tools of (respectively) an installed master, master Mason, fellow craft and entered apprentice with great style.
Hard on their heels were Keith Templeton, Harry Chatfield and Peter Schofield delivering the addresses to (respectively) the master, wardens and the brethren of the lodge. It’s no understatement to say the assembled brethren were treated to a veritable feast of good ritual.
Alms collected in the lodge room realised £306 and the raffle held at the festive board achieved the remarkable sum of £790. The Master’s Song was performed by Mike Jenkins in fine voice and lodge organist, Norman Thomas, provided the customary musical accompaniment during the ceremony.
