Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No.296 |
Installation of Brother Bob Bennett. Tuesday 18th October 2022 |
The Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool. |
| At last, I can get some time to sit down and write a report on one of the Best Ever meetings I have attended. Let’s start at the beginning with the travel information, I know your going to find this hard to believe but went straight up the on ramp on to the M60, yes and on to the inside lane of the high-level bridge! It seems that the new traffic lights weren’t working, well they didn’t last long, crept across the other two lanes which is what you have to do to clear the other junctions before arriving at the M61. On I went no more hold ups, M6 on to the M55 which is mostly still 50mph with not a workman in site. Found Adelaide St and the car park nearby, £5.50 not too bad these days, the last one near the Savoy was £8.50, I told this guy in a yellow jacket that I didn’t want to buy the space, but he had no sense of humour and just climbed back in his van and drove, he wasn’t a happy chap, I guess we had to pay for his transport as well. |
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| Parked up made our way to the hall but couldn’t get in, I guess we were too early so off we went to find a coffee shop, went passed the Winter Gardens and spied a Costa, in we went ordered a couple of drinks but I soon got the impression that as they were wiping in between the cups and blocking tables off with rows of chairs that they wanted us out of there so they could close up. ! Ah well not to worry set off to walk back to the hall, got a couple of sticks of rock including my favourite type bananas, funny really because I don’t like real Bananas. |
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| Got back to the Hall, which really is a credit to all the members who meet there, went inside into the long bar area, where a lot of brethren were already gathering then made our way downstairs to the Temple anti-room where the cases were being left, the Lodge was already set up in fine style for the Royal Arch Mariner meeting. Everyone greeted us including a special member, the PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore RAMGR, who always has a smile and time for everyone. |
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| The meeting opened on time at 6.30 pm and following several items of general Lodge business it was time to Install Bro. Bob Bennett as Worshipful Commander for the ensuing year, this was done in fine style and from the heart by W.C. Bro. Patrick Dwyer, who was closely followed around the Lodge by the wonderful D.C. Ray Lamb. |
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| Our PGM Keith who is an Honoured member of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge didn’t parade in as is usual in Lodges where he visits, for a change he was able to just sit and enjoy every minute of the very dignified ceremony. Time seemed to fly by and all too soon it was all over, a few photographs were taken to mark the occasion before we made our way to the dining room which had been set up correctly, again something which doesn’t always happen in this day and age, I felt very honoured to have a seat on the top table, yes the top table. |
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| Some first-class speeches and responses were given, Keith mentioned how approachable he has found the Asst G.M. the Dep G.M. and the new rulers of the order, in my small speech I pointed out what an example that our PGM was, he always finds time to speak to members of the Mark and the Royal Ark Mariners, I’m sure he makes everyone feel important no matter who they are or whatever rank they have achieved. |
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| Before I close I would like to give special thanks to W.Bro. Tony Farrar, Scribe for his excellent communications with me, a top Mark Mason and Royal Ark Mason, as I said earlier one of the best nights I have had since becoming a Mason 40+ years ago, a very warm and friendly atmosphere, a lodge which I look forward to attending in the future, even the Treasurer W.Bro. Emmett was smiling (only kidding) along with PGM’s Special Rep W.Bro. John Forster who it is always a pleasure to meet. |
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| Here's looking forward to my next meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet. If you’re not yet a member of this lovely colourful degree, give it some careful consideration, come along and join us. |
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| The Magic of the Mark & the Royal Ark Mariners |
| Words & Photo's by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. RAMGR |
| Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark No.1173. Chorlton Mark 394 |
