Morecambe RAM at the Double
 
When you mention the words Morecambe and double act in the same sentence the names of Eric and Ernie spring to mind. However, at the meeting of Morecambe RAM No 716 the duo at the centre of attention were named Graham and Alan. That is to say Graham Dowling and Alan Herron who were two of the three candidates successfully balloted for on the evening.
Rear Geoffrey Lee and Henry Mayor,
front row Paul Broadley, Graham Dowling, Alan Herron and Alan Gregory
Circumstances dictated that Worshipful Commander Henry Mayor had had to request lodge members to fill in for missing personnel. With the junior warden unable to be present Henry had the luxury of being able to call upon the experienced hands of someone who had been a junior warden in Grand Mark Lodge in the person of Tony Harrison to fill that role. Director of ceremonies Alan Gregory demonstrated, once again, that he could not only talk the talk but could also deliver the goods as he took on the role of junior deacon.
David Winder and John Rimmer
I had never witnessed a double elevation ceremony before and there was obviously the possibility of chaos ensuing. Those worries were not realised as all played their part in ensuring the ceremony proceeded in a pleasing and dignified manner.
Roy Turner
Graham and Alan Heron were conducted throughout the ceremony by Paul Broadley and Alan Gregory who ensured they were in the right place at the right time.
As well as being junior deacon and director of ceremonies Alan Gregory also orated the working tools of a Royal Ark Mariner in fine style.
Treasurer John Rimmer was summoned from the benches to explain the signs of the order, which he did in an accurate and meaningful manner.
David Winder, Graham Dowling, Alan Herron, Phil Burrow, Kieron Mullan and Peter QuirkA
Also adding to the enjoyment was senior warden David Winder whose explanation of the steps was a delight to witness.
One of those watching on was Roy Turner who was one of the founding members who is looking forward to the golden anniversary of the lodge when it celebrates 50 years since its inception at the next meeting. Roy was the Worshipful Commander in 1974.
Phil Burrow and Henry Mayor
Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time to enjoy a two-course meal and the friendly company of each other in the dining room.
 
The toast to the health of newly elevated Graham was undertaken by his proposer lodge scribe Geoff Bury, his seconder being Tony Harrison, whilst that to Alan Herron was in the hands of his proposer Alan Gregory, with Geoff Bury being his seconder. The manner of their replies to the toast to their health suggests that Morecambe RAM has come across a pair of gems.
Alan Gregory, Geoff Bury, Graham Dowling, Alan Herron and Tony Harrison
Amongst the visitors were members of Furness RAM No 375 who had accompanied their Worshipful Commander Phil Burrow who took the opportunity to transfer the travelling porphyry stone to Henry. The journey of the travelling porphyry stone has been somewhat delayed due to Covid and other issues. Hopefully now that is has started on its voyage it will soon be wending its way amongst the RAM lodges of the province to encourage visiting and the camaraderie that goes hand in hand with that.
 
To sum it up, it was a pleasing night of Royal Ark Mariner ritual delightfully delivered with good food and company to follow.
Words and Pictures by Dave Sear