On a lovely late summer’s day, the picturesque South Lakeland village of Hawkshead was the setting for a truly enjoyable evening of Masonry. The Market House, which serves as home to Hawkshead Lodge No 4354, saw a good number of brethren present to witness the installation of David Cole as master for the sixth time. David plans to serve for two years this time around.
The principal guest for the day was Harold Rowland Saunders, known to all as Rowley. Among the other attendees were Hawkshead Lodge member and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Grainger, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland Keith Beaumont, along with an Assistant Provincial Grand Master of that Province John Fielding. Also present was Norman Thompson, Past Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland.
Installing master David Kellet opened the lodge in fine style then continued up into the second and third degrees. At which point the DC announced that Rowley Saunders was outside them lodge and requests entry. Rowley then entered the lodge escorted by the 13 grand officers present and led by six acting Provincial grand officers.
The installation which followed was first class and to the acclaim of everyone present. During the installation ceremony the working tools were ably presented by Tim Brown, Simon Harvey and Shaun Gregg. Many commented on how it was nice to see the tools being delivered by three brethren who are yet to pass through the WM’s chair.
Also of a high standard were the addresses given by various brethren to those taking office with Graham Dowling giving the address to the deacons, Andy Baxter giving the address to the stewards, Hawkshead Lodge members Gary Rogerson and Alan Pattinson (Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman) to the WM and wardens respectively, with Rowley Saunders addressing the brethren of the lodge.
When David had been installed and Rowley had brought him the greetings of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, David took the opportunity to present a cheque for the Masonic Charitable Foundation of £400. Rowley thanked David and the brethren of the lodge for their generous donation.
Special mention must be made of the lodge secretary Andrew Thompson and director of ceremonies Tim Gill. Both had clearly put a lot of hard work and effort into the ceremony that was clear for all to see.
Afterwards, the members of Hawkshead Lodge got to work and cleared away the lodge furniture and set out the tables and chairs for the festive banquet. All present enjoyed a three-course meal that capped off a pleasant day of Masonry.
