Hawkshead Lodge No 4354 with 38 members is certainly not the largest lodge, nor is it the oldest or grandest. However, it can with confidence claim to be held in probably the nicest setting as Hawkshead is often described as the prettiest village in the Lake District. It is a very popular tourist destination all year round due to its association with the author Beatrix Potter and the poet William Wordsworth.
Pictured from left to right, are: David Cole, Tim Gill and Barry Wilson
Just travelling to the village is a nice trip out, whether you travel up from Newby Bridge, go round Windermere via Ambleside, pop over the hill from Coniston or even venture across Windermere by car ferry.
The village is set in the vale of Esthwaite with the square being at its very heart. Located in the picturesque square is the old market hall which nowadays is very much a community centre. That is the venue for the meetings of Hawkshead Lodge.
The installation meeting welcomed Provincial Junior Grand Warden Jonathan Heaton as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master tony Harrison. He was accompanied by several acting Provincial grand officers in the persons of Richard Wilcock, Andrew Ridal, Barry Fitzgerald, Chris Gray and Ian Thompson. Adding to their number was Leigh Group member Steve Ralph, who had joined Jonathan in the journey north.
Adding further lustre to the occasion were grand officers Rowly Saunders, Alan Jones and David Kellet. Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Peter Schofield also added his support along with his deputy Gary Rogerson and secretary Barry Hadley
Pictured from left to right, are: Rowly Saunders, Peter Schofield, Jonathan Heaton, Alan Jones and David Kellet.
Outgoing master of the lodge David Cole was completing his second year in office. During that time he has learnt the value of delegation and handed over the reins to Barry Wilson who gave a master class in ritual as he installed Tim Gill into the WM’s chair of the lodge in fine style.
Tim is a resident of the small village of Satterthwaite situated in Grizedale and after retiring as a forester set up his own business as a Christmas tree merchant.
David Kellet delivered the address to the newly installed master, Barry Wilson that to the wardens and Phil Burrow that to the brethren. Long standing director of ceremonies Dennis Batey ensured that the proceedings ran smoothly and that due protocol was observed.
The day of the installation proved to be bright, sunny and unseasonably warm with the heat meaning that a lot of brows were mopped during the ceremony.
As is usual at the installation meeting the lodge furniture had to be removed and the room transformed into a dining area. Many of the members and visitors took advantage of this enforced break to enjoy the sunshine in the square whilst ensuring that they were adequately rehydrated! The dining facilities having been put in place 75 members and their guests returned to the market hall to enjoy the installation banquet.
Peter observed: “Dave has been an excellent ambassador for the lodge during his two year stint as its master. He can be proud of his efforts and look back on a job well done.”
Both Jonathan and Peter thanked the secretary Andrew Thompson for all the work he had undertaken on behalf of the lodge.
Pictured top left: Dennis Batey (left) and Andrew Thompson. Top right from left to right, are: standing Steve Ralph, Barry Fitzgerald, Ian Thompson and Chris Gray, seated Richard Wilcock, Peter Schofield, Jonathan Heaton and Andrew Ridal. Bottom: Rehydration in the square!