Thomas Firth Jackson Council No.262
20th October 2017
 
For the first time this Masonic Season we entered a Masonic Hall in the dark, outside not inside of course. The Masonic Hall in question was 'The Fairfield' located in Barrow in Furness, on this occasion the venue for the peripatetic Thomas Firth Jackson Council No.262, affectionately known as TFJ. Some twenty-seven Allied Masons made the long trek to Barrow in Furness from Central Lancashire, East Lancashire, the Fylde Coast, Lancaster and District, Cumberland and Westmoreland and places in-between.
Can. Bro. Peter Schofield with W.M. Marc Goldsworthy
The Council was opened at 6.30 PM by Brother Marc Goldsworthy Worshipful Master in charge for the first time since his Installation in June. Salutations were given to The Right Worshipful District Grand Prefect and The Deputy District Grand Prefect both members of TFJ, and both suitable responded.
A ballot took place for Brother Peter Schofield a Barrow in Furness Mason for membership of TFJ Council; the ballot proved in favour and Brother Schofield was Introduced, Received and Admitted a Brother of St. Lawrence by the Worshipful Master in an excellent ceremony. The lecture in this degree was delivered faultlessly
by Worshipful Brother John Bicknell Past Grand Steward.
W.M. with Can. accompanied by D.G.P. and Dep. D.G.P.
The Degree of St. Lawrence was adjourned and the Degree of the Red Cross of Babylon opened.
Next on the agenda was to Constitute and Create Knights of the Red Cross of Babylon Brothers David Sears, Ken Mullen and Peter Schofield. Like all epic productions a cast of thousands is required, well fifteen ish really. The cast in our epic, obviously well-rehearsed, did an excellent job and are to be complimented. The lecture in this degree was delivered by Worshipful Brother Ernest Gavan Past District Grand Junior Warden/District Grand Sword Bearer in his own inimitable manner (He wrote modestly).
W.M. with Can's for Red Cross of Babylon, D.G.P., Dep.D.G.P. and TFJ Wardens.
The Red Cross of Babylon Degree was closed and after some further domestic business The District Grand Prefect asked the Grand and District Grand Officers to rise and greetings were given on their behalf by The District Grand Prefect. The Worshipful Master closed the council after announcing the venue, date and time of the next meeting.

After a quick couple of photo’s, we went for a refreshing drink before we sat down to a delightful three course meal. The toast were short and quick fire was given, which seems to be the norm in TFJ, with equally short responses. The labours of the evening being over, and the refreshments having been taken It was back into the night and our journey home. Another fine Allied meeting over.   

Report and photos by our Ernie Gavan