Bill in at Preston RAM
 
The installation meeting of Preston RAM Lodge No 143 held at Garstang Masonic Hall was something of a unique event.
 
Bill Richmond started the evening as senior warden and commander elect before being installed as Commander of Preston RAM Lodge and subsequently ending the evening as the Commander of Scorton RAM Lodge without moving seats.
John Bicknell, Bill Richmond and Gowan O’Hagan.
Watching on with keen interest was principal guest APGM John Bicknell. He was joined by several distinguished Royal Ark Mariners including Tom Jackson a member of the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council. They were under the guiding hands of provincial assistant directors of ceremony Terry Dickinson and John Dean.
 
Outgoing Commander Gowan O’Hagan installed Bill in a sincere manner under the watchful guidance of lodge D.C. Stuart Mowbray.
The distinguished Brethren
Bill had been installed by dispensation as he has not been in the chair of a Mark lodge although he is the master elect of Scorton Mark Lodge.
 
Keen observers on the evening were two other Worshipful Commanders in the persons of David Winder of Morecambe RAM Lodge No 716 and Bob Bennett of Edmund Taylor RAM Lodge No 296.
John Dean, Stuart Mowbray and Terry Dickinson
Despite the fact that on the evening the lodge fees were slightly increased John Sarti was once again collared as treasurer. Martin Swarbrick had been admitted as a joining member early in the proceedings and must have made a good impression as he was appointed junior deacon!
 
When it came to the agenda item of notices of motion and propositions lodge stalwart and scribe Tony Shaw rose and, pursuant to a notice of motion, proposed that the lodge become moored alongside Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 and adopt that lodge’s name and number. The motion was passed.
Bob Bennett, Bill Richmond and David Winder
It is hoped that the change will give fresh impetus to the lodge as it will now be associated with the place it meets.
 
Following the formalities, it was time to move from labour to refreshment. I have to report that the main course of chicken was very well received. Some 30 members and their guest were present.
 
The lodge room at Wyreside is one of my favourites but the subdued blue lighting can have a rather soporific effect and tint the tone of any photographs taken in the room.
Peter Quirk, Bob Whittingham, Tony Thackrah, Eric Hart and Jim Richards
The journey back to the Furness peninsula was accompanied by torrential rain of biblical proportions forming a fitting backdrop to a Royal Ark Mariner meeting.
 
Words and Pictures Courtesy of Dave Sear.