Robert takes the Chair at Lodge Amounderness

Robert Irwin was installed as Master of Lodge Amounderness No 7105 for the ensuing year at a ceremony held at Wyrebank, Garstang.

The installation was attended by the Provincial Junior Grand Warden Ian Sanderson as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master Tom Blackburn, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Teddie Dickson and Bill Huck, and Grand Officers Colin Williams, Don Richardson, Gordon Payne and Ernie Rhodes.

Pictured from left to right, are: Ian Sanderson, Robert Irwin, Stephen Pemberton and group vice-chairman Martin Baxendale.

The immediate past and installing Master Stephen Pemberton conducted an excellent ceremony ably aided by the officers of the lodge who all played a full part in the proceedings. Robert was presented by Mike Threlfall with whom he has a close connection as they both joined the police force together – too many years ago to dwell upon Robert had to say! Mike also gave the address to the master in an exemplary display of ritual.

Ian Sanderson, as presiding officer, delivered the address to the wardens. The address to the brethren was given by Gordon Payne. The working tools of the third and first degrees were given by lodge secretary Ian Cuerden and Graham Davies respectively in the very competent manner which comes from long experience. However, it was the presentation of the second degree tools by a relatively junior member Hal Hamer which brought great acclaim from the assembled brethren when he delivered the long version of the explanation of the working tools in a most impressive and faultless manner.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Ian brought the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master, adding his own congratulations on a most sincere and dignified occasion. He said he was delighted to receive cheques for charity and good causes; £750 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £500 to the Rosemere Cancer Care Unit at the Royal Preston Hospital, and £500 to BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-servicemen’s Association).

The Festival of St John was held in the Wyrebank Banqueting Suite attended by over 60 members and guests who raised over £460 for charity. The assembled brethren were also impressed by a superb rendition of the Master’s Song in the form of a duet by Ian Cuerden and John Kay accompanied by David Tattersall.