Stephen Horrocks was installed as master of Carnforth lodge No 4951 in the presence of Deputy Provincial Grand Master Philip Gunning. Philip was accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield, with grand officers Michael Church-Taylor and Neil McGill.
Also present were the Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Scott Devine, group vice chairman Chris Larder, Provincial Grand Deputy Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons, Provincial Senior Grand Deacons Tony Jackson and John Reynolds, Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies Larry Branyan, Ian Moss and Morton Richardson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Rick Winfield, Provincial Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works Paul Dent with Provincial Grand Stewards Andy McClements and Phil Renney. The acting Provincial Deacons were Ian Allison and Richard Blenkharn.
The lodge was opened by the WM Mike Barratt who handed over to Director of Ceremonies Paul Fuery who conducted the installation ceremony. The installing officers were senior warden Richard Blenkharn, junior warden Ian Allison and inner guard Jeff Cox.
The master elect Stephen Horrocks was presented for installation by his old friend Paul Coward. The third degree working tools were presented by Paul Turner, the second degree working tools were presented by Mike Barratt and the first degree working tools were presented by Steve Birch.
The WM appointed Simon Forgham as senior warden and Lee Mackie as junior warden. The address to the deacons was given by John Reynolds and to the address to the stewards was given by first-degree Andy McClements.
The address to the master was given by Ian Allison, the address to the wardens by Paul Coward and the address to the brethren of Carnforth Lodge by Philip Gunning. Philip brought greetings from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and congratulated Stephen Horrocks on taking the chair of King Solomon and all those who had taken part in the ceremony, and particularly the brethren who presented the working tools.
In reply, Philip was presented with a list of donations by Stephen that the lodge had made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities totalling £3,307.15. Philip thanked Stephen and the lodge brethren on behalf of the recipients for their very generous donations.
A total of 58 brethren attended the festive board. The raffle raised £500 with an additional £45 from the master’s swindle. The Master’s Song was performed by John Bates accompanied by the lodge organist Peter Wood. The toast to the WM was given by Ian Allison.
WM Stephen worked for the Prison Service for 33 years in 12 different prisons, eventually being promoted to senior management before retiring at the age of 53. He now works for the Woodlands Trust for six days a month, recreating habitats for our ever-dwindling wildlife.
Stephen was initiated at Carnforth Lodge in 2010 and is a member of Lancaster Castle Chapter No 5952, he has three children, seven grandchildren, 25 longhorn cattle and a few Shetland sheep that belong to Jessica his eldest grandchild.