It is, unfortunately, none too rare an occurrence for a Masonic assembly to be interrupted by the tone of a phone sounding. This was the case at a meeting of Arthur John Brogden Lodge No 1715 when all eyes turned in the direction of inner guard Tim Horsfall.
Tim was straight on his feet and instead of the usual embarrassing mumbled apology to the WM he said: “WM, I have a call-out.” He then vacated the room with a focused look on his face. Tim serves the local community as a retained firefighter and the call-out was to an industrial unit at Sandside, where firewood which was being processed had ignited.
In addition to the usual fire engine, Grange-over-Sands fire Station also has a water bowser holding 7,200 litres of water. (A water bowser is a water tank designed to be towed or affixed to a vehicle bed or body) It was this piece of equipment which was urgently needed to be mobilised for the blaze due to a lack of water. The bowser was emptied three times before the fire was extinguished.
Tim was still at his duties and was seen filling up the bowser as his Masonic colleagues made their way home after the meeting. Tim commented: “I am proud to serve the community in my role as a retained firefighter. From being in the bath or at lodge and then being on the way to assist at a house fire or car crash in three minutes or so does present some challenges. But I am pleased to be a small cog in a system that can make a difference when people really need help.”
The role also requires a regular commitment from Tim as he trains once a week. He is also required to attend Penrith for a few days each year for driver training and to hone his skills in the various disciplines required for the role.