MORE than 500 Freemasons gathered to see Lake District businessman William Bewley installed as the new provincial grand master for the province of Cumberland and Westmorland.
Mr Bewley, who lives in Ambleside, is chairman and a director of Windermere Lake Cruises and the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow.
The ceremony, in Carlisle, was conducted by the deputy grand master of the United Grand Lodge of England, Jonathan Spence.
Mr Bewley, paid tribute to his predecessor Norman Thompson, deputy lieutenant of Cumbria, who served the province for the last 10 years and promoted the Freemasons' charity work for the community.
Mr Bewley said he hoped to "continue along the same lines" and he urged brethren to be "more open" about their Masonic membership and activities, especially in the cause of charity.
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