Annual Provincial Assembly of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity
of Royal Ark Mariners of West Lancashire
The Savoy Hotel, Queen’s Promenade, Blackpool, FY2 9SJ
Sept 20th 2022. 1100 am
 
Well, here we are at last, things are slowly getting back to normal and a great meeting to look forward to today, as usual set off early, some high white clouds with some nice sun shining through. Managed to get straight up the on ramp for the M60 which is a first, soon joined the M61, not too much traffic then it was the M6 before the M55, the only thing slowing everyone down is the enforced 50 mph which goes on for miles, only spotted three workers on the whole length of it and that was the same for both sides. Is this me having my usual rant about these wonderful smart motorways, now would I ever.
Arrived at the Savoy in good time, and for a change a reasonable parking fee of £5 right next to the hotel. Went inside found the robing room and then made my way into the area being used for the meeting, which was the same one as used last year, perfect for our Royal Ark Mariner Assembly. The first person to greet me was our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore who always makes you feel welcome and in my case he always asks how am I doing health wise, because as a lot of you already know I’m falling to bits!  
Anyway, let’s get back to the meeting It was really good to see all my friends once again it does seem like an age since we were all last together. The acting Provincial Officers were already being put through their paces under the watchful eyes of the Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson, the Dep. Prov D.C. W.Bro. A. Farrer, they were on this occasion being ably assisted by the best D.C in the country W.Bro. David Emmerson who has just retired after being the Provincial D.C. for many years.
The assembly started on time at 11 am and once opened due respect was given to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which I’m sure we will all miss. The minutes of the last assembly were approved, the Provincial Scribes Report was presented and then just before the PGM gave his address to the meeting which is always well worth listening to he introduced three special guests who were in attendance, all were from the Province of  Cumberland and Westmorland, the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Hodgson who actually retires from that office the following day, he was accompanied by the Dep PGM V.W. Barry Kirkbride and  Asst PGM V.W. Bro. Douglas Sanderson.
Keith’s first items was to thank the members of the executive for all the hard work they do not only to get this meeting organised but for all the hard work they do throughout the year, and always being on hand to help and assist members of the Mark and the Royal Ark Mariners with any questions they may have.
Next it was an item which our PGM always enjoys and that is when he invests all the recipients of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, and as he said it’s not awarded by right but for hard work, dedication and participation in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree.
Following on from this Bro. Paul Renton presented a lecture entitled “What inducement is there to become a Royal Ark Mariner” which was well received with loud acclaim.
Our PGM thanked Bro. Renton for his Lecture and also everyone else for their attendance, he informed all present that next year’s Royal Ark Mariners Assembly would be held once again at the Savoy Hotel on Tuesday 19th Sept 2023 with the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Meeting being held at the Winter Gardens on Thursday 27th April 2023.
All too soon it was time to close the Assembly for another year, the first verse of the National Anthem was sung before everybody retired to get some liquid refreshment, lots of friendly chatter as always with stories from all over the Province before taking up their allotted seats at the Festive Board.
A first-class meal was served up by the very friendly and efficient staff, the usual speeches and responses were given and well received, then it was time for everyone to make their way out into the sunlight to make their way home some members as far as Barrow.
Here’s looking forward to our next Meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, be it the Magic Mark Degree or the Royal Ark Mariners your welcome will be the same.
 
Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark No. 1173. RAMGR