Annual Assembly of the Ancient and Honourable Royal Ark Mariner Degree
Tuesday 7th December 2021 at the Grand Temple, Freemasons Hall, Queen St, London
 
A great day to look forward to, first let me apologies for this late report which is due to me being laid low since the trip to London and I am only just coming round.
Caught the train in good time, jumped in a taxi outside Euston of which there are always plenty available, very pleasant driver who would you believe it just happened to be a Mason, no trips round the houses like I had one year, when after going round Trafalgar Square I thought this doesn’t look right, the cabbie this time only charged a nominal fee as well.
   
When entering the Grand Lodge building you can’t help but be impressed with its magnificence which always takes my breath away, and as I have said on many occasions if you haven’t yet visited put it on your list of things to do, you don’t have to be a Grand Officer or someone with high rank to attend, just get one of your friends to go along and have a great day out.  
The meeting started on time at 4.45pm with a Grand procession to lead M.W. Bro. His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Grand Master into his seat in front of distinguished members not only from Britain but from many parts of the world. The agenda began which included “In memoriam” to Brothers lost during this dreadful Pandemic, the report of the Grand Masters Council, Amendments to the Regulations, then it was time to Invest the recipients of Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, which is a very proud moment for everyone receiving the Honour.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master then gave his address to the Annual Assembly, which was well received by all present, then all too soon it was over, everyone stood to order and gave loud acclaim whilst the Grand Master retired accompanied by the many distinguished Royal Ark Mariners, his Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer.
Once changed everyone then made their way to the Connaught rooms for some liquid refreshments before attending the Festive Board, I unfortunately had to leave early but did manage to get a few pictures, however the camera was handed over to an apprentice photographer to capture the members from West Lancashire who had received Grand Rank, unfortunately they couldn’t be used as they were  so blurred, ah well that’s the way it goes, nothing I could do with them.
I did manage to produce a few pictures, but they don’t do justice to the occasion, hopefully I will see you there next year when I will chain the camera to my wrist.
Here’s Wishing Everyone a very Happy Christmas and let’s hope this coming year gets much better.
Get in Touch with your family, friends and members of your Lodges especially if you haven’t seen them for a while, TX, E. Mail, phone call or even a card in the post, no one should be alone at Christmas.
Austin N Fletcher. RAMGR. Chorlton RAM.