Busy Birley
 
On a very warm summer early evening it was a pleasant drive from Barrow in Furness to Windermere. The hot weather meant that people were still enjoying the beaches of Morecambe Bay as I travelled along the coastal road, the Fell Foot park at the base of Windermere remained busy, Bowness was a hive of activity and the views over the lake towards the fells were a delight. It would have been a nice run-out on its own but it was just a means of getting to Windermere Masonic Hall for the meeting of Birley Council No 79 in the District of Cumberland and Westmorland in the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
Joe Crabtree, Keith Beaumont, Jim Richards and Joe Sudhakar
The main business was to create three Brethren as Knights of Constantinople, namely Birley member Joe Sudhakar and Thomas Firth Jackson No 262 members Joe Crabtree and Jim Richards. Jim had only been admitted into the order on the previous Friday at Grange over Sands.
 
Late absences due to an outbreak of Covid meant that there was some rapid changing of plans and positions. However, WM Keith Beaumont did not let this affect him as he went about opening a Lodge of St Lawrence prior to then opening a lodge of Knights of Constantinople. He then created the two Joes and Jim as Knights of the order in fine style.
Standing Geoff Waters, Jim Richards and Joe Crabtree, seated Bill Richmond and Stuart Leach
Amongst the onlookers were Bill Richmond and Stuart Leach who are members of both Birley and TFJ Councils. Goeff Waters the newly appointed senior deacon of TFJ was also present.
 
Following the meeting a splendid buffet provided by Elizabeth Seward of Burneside was enjoyed. The beef and salmon were delicious but I felt that the roast ham was the star of the show. Strawberries and cream completed the meal.
The buffet
It was an evening of meaningful ritual, pleasant company, excellent food and good craic- and to think that in order to attend I had had to forsake the “pleasure” of watching England and Slovenia playing out a goalless bore-draw!
 
It was also particularly nice that the evening did not carry on too long and the journey home was made in daylight.
 
Article and  photos by Dave Sea, WM. Thomas Firth Jackson Council No 262 21/06/2024