Nick Collinge has been proclaimed WM of Piel Castle Lodge No 6099 for a second year, in a highly polished ceremony held at Fairfield Masonic Hall in Barrow, in the presence of Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Keith Kemp, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
There were 70 brethren in attendance, including six grand officers, Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray, group vice-chairman Harry Chatfield and group secretary Tony Jackson, accompanied by four acting Provincial grand officers, all of whom enjoyed a feast of ritual drawing this Masonic season towards its conclusion. It should also be noted here that there were 14 masters of other lodges in attendance, no small achievement.
WM Nick has been a prolific visitor throughout the Furness and South Lakeland Group, a credit to his lodge and an excellent ambassador for Freemasonry. He manages to combine a successful family business, the Furness Brick & Tile Co. Ltd and a busy home life with his wife Paula and two teenage daughters, while simultaneously being chairman and producer of the Abbey Musical Society and WM of his lodge.
Nick opened the lodge and carried out the business listed on the summons with his now customary blend of wry humour, efficiency and speed. Opening up to the third degree, Keith Kemp, grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers comprising Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary Mick Southern, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, Kevin Rigg, Provincial Grand Stewards Ryan Mangnall and Stephen Renney were admitted and welcomed to the lodge. Keith expressed his pleasure at attending and remarked on how nice it was to see so many brethren present.
Nick was proclaimed master for the second term by director of ceremonies Dennis Laird. Although the proclamation was, by its nature, a somewhat short ceremony, there was no lack of sparkle to the proceedings. Immediately after the proclamation, there followed a rousing rendition of the Masonic song ‘Prosper the Art’.
The brethren who presented and explained the working tools of the three degrees had ample opportunity to shine and they did so with great distinction, a real mix of youth and experience. Tim Haughin presented the third degree tools, Ian Cottam the second degree tools and Peter Clafton the first degree tools and all were on top form, acquitting themselves with dignity, warmth and great precision.
The addresses continued this vein of top-class ritual, including that to the wardens by Dennis Laird and to the deacons by Kevin Rigg. Stephen Renney gave the address to the stewards and Keith Kemp gave the address to the brethren of the lodge.
As Nick reverted to the summons, Keith rose to bring the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, commenting on how enjoyable the ceremony had been and congratulating all those who had taken part, especially the junior brethren. Singling out the director of ceremonies and secretary with praise for their hard work and preparation for the meeting.
Nick handed Keith a list detailing all the charitable donations made during the first year of Nick’s tenure, a list that made impressive listening: £500 to the British Heart Foundation, £500 to the Masonic Charitable Foundation, £114 to the Cavendish Club, £50 to the Furness and South Lakeland Group, £40 to the Furness and South Lakeland Boxing Committee, £15 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Clay Pigeon Committee, £25 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Bowling Committee and £3000 to the St Mary’s Hospice in conjunction with the Abbey Musical Society. Keith gave great thanks to the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
The officers of the lodge were then appointed and invested, alms were collected and the lodge finally closed in due and ancient form. The lodge being closed, the brethren retired to the festive banquet, at which lodge stalwart Bill Joughin gave an outstanding a cappella version of the Master’s Song to great acclaim.
