Hawkshead Re-visited
Friday 17th June a normal day north of Lancaster, south of Lancaster total mayhem, at 02:30 a lorry had turned over on the north bound M6.
 
Thomas Firth Jackson Council was holding their Installation Meeting that evening, which was also to be a Team Visit. For those south of Lancaster, a challenging journey loomed, one party skirted the west of Preston eventually via Cockerham joining the M6 at Forton, another  party took the eastern route via Ribchester, Chipping and Oakenclough joining the M6 at Forton.
Crossing Lake Windermere
From then on a picturesque ride over the Windermere - Hawkshead ferry before finally arriving at Hawkshead.
Relaxing before the meeting
The meeting opened later than normal to allow members of the District Team time to settle after their tortuous journey.
Marc Goldsworthy, Brian Ogden, Bill Byrne
The District Team entered the Lodge the Master, Bill Byrne, then welcomed the District Grand Prefect Paul Snape who then introduced members of the District Team.
Paul Snape, Brian Ogden, Bill Byrne, Mark Barton
After everyone had settled down and before any further business could be undertaken a surprise guest !! (the name of the Council gives a clue) demanded admission, yes you've guessed it, it was the Grand Master Tom Jackson, all present stood and gave a very warm welcome to the Grand Master, he was escorted by the Deputy Grand D.C. Matthew Hampson.
Four local Lads
A moving eulogy was conducted for Peter Hampson by his son Matthew, an equally moving eulogy was then conducted for Timothy John Lewis Past Grand Master by the present Grand Master Tom Jackson.
 
The next business was to Install as Master Bro. Brian Ogden, at this point the Master  Bill Byrne invited Marc Goldsworthy, to act as Installing Master, Brian Odgen was the Installed as Master in an excellent manner by Marc Goldsworthy.
And so to Refreshment
Following the Installation, Paul Snape the District Grand Prefect congratulated Brian on becoming Master of Thomas Firth Jackson Council, wishing him well for the future. He also commented on the high standard of Ritual worked in the Ceremony of Installation thanking Marc Goldsworthy for the excellence of the work carried out.
 
At this meeting Stuart Leach retired as Council Secretary, the District Prefect Paul Snape paid tribute to the work carried out by Stuart not just for his work as Secretary, but also for the work carried out as Founding Secretary.
Buffet by Elizabeth Seward and helpers
In reply Brian Ogden thanked the District Grand Prefect for his generous comments inviting him and all present to join him for well earned refreshment.
 
Report and Photos from our South Lakes Reporter