Despite the best efforts of the day’s inclement weather, the brethren of Ulverston Lodge No 7872 hosted a warm, happy and very busy installation, as Lee Parkinson became the lodge’s newest master, in the presence of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald.
Barry, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was accompanied by Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray, group secretary Tony Jackson, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Grainger and grand officer Phil Preston.
Also present were acting Provincial grand officers Steve Ellershaw, Steve Murray and Andy Baxter were accompanied by Lancaster and District Group’s own father and son duo, Syd and Stuart Bateson. The work that all of these brethren have put in can’t be understated, they have been virtually permanent fixtures across the Furness and South Lakeland Group and beyond.
Installing master Tony Taylor completed the lodge business with customary efficiency and assembled the lodge officers in the north to thank them for two years of hard work, support and company on his many visits around the group. During those two years of tenure, Tony has himself conducted two initiations, two passings and two raisings.
Lee Parkinson, senior warden and master elect, was presented by director of ceremonies Stuart Allison. He was installed in a highly competent and sincere manner by Tony to the approval of all present. The working tools of an installed master were presented and explained by Alan Tomlinson of Semper Sursum Lodge No 5622.
After the first proclamation, Lee was saluted by the junior members of his lodge as master Masons and the working tools of the third degree were presented and explained
by Walt Nayman with great panache. At the second proclamation, Vin Linnane, one of the lodge’s most recently raised brethren, presented and explained the second degree working tools in an excellent manner. After the third proclamation, David Lamb, Ulverston Lodge’s very own operative mason, presented the first degree working tools in exemplary fashion.
Lee then appointed and invested his officers with pinpoint accuracy. Immediate past master Tony was put straight back to work, being collared as charity steward of the lodge. Group charity steward Paul Ackred addressed him with regards to his role. While the officers receiving appointments on the day were a good mix of old hands and newer faces, it’s worth pointing out that everyone in a progressive role was the wearer of a light blue apron, which bodes well for Ulverston Lodge’s short to medium term future.
It was at that point that Alan Hilton rose to address the worshipful master, quickly followed by Gary Rogerson addressing the wardens and Barry Fitzgerald gave the address the brethren of the lodge. Soon after re-taking his seat, Barry was again in action, rising to bring the greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Barry was delighted to praise the junior brethren who had presented the three sets of working tools, complimenting them on their ritual skills.
As Barry was about to sit down, Lee presented him with a note detailing the lodge’s donations to charity and deserving causes during the previous year, which makes wonderfully impressive reading. £500 to Ulverston St Marys Hospice, £482 to Ulverston Food Bank, £216 to Papyrus, £78.72 to the Furness and South Lakeland Group Masonic Fellowship, £50 to the Furness and South Lakeland Group Dinner, £40 to the Furness and South Lakeland Group Boxing evening, £25 to the West Lancashire Masonic Bowling Tournament, £15 West Lancs Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society, £1,000 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Total amount of donations for the year is £2,406.72. Barry praised the brethren of the lodge for their very donations.
90 brethren witnessed a day of excellent ritual and it must be noted that there were 31 light blues in attendance and that 11 masters of other lodges took the time to visit.
