Ridgmont RAM Team Visit
 
The first Team Visit of the new season was to Ridgmont Royal Ark Mariner Lodge – one of the comparatively rare visits to a RAM Lodge by the Team in the year.   And so it was that our RT W Prov GM Keith Beardmore, accompanied by his Deputy PGM Geoff Lee, his Asst PGM Giles Berkley, both Provincial Wardens, David Durling and Brian Povey, and a goodly number of the Provincial Team, descended on the Ridgmont Royal Ark Mariner Lodge to witness a first class Installation ceremony; after we all found our way beyond the wall where the sat nav inevitably led us!
The Team gathers for the first team visit of the new season
A magnificent turnout from the new Provincial Team 
Worshipful Commander his successor
We all gathered in the magnificent surroundings of the Masonic Hall, Ridgmont House, surrounded by art work, wonderful architecture, and of course Mark men all having a great time.  
Our Prov.GM with the Dennis Wilson & Clive Butterworth
Bro Matthews (no relation) receives his Grand Lodge Certificate from Giles
Geoff Lee and Keith Beardmore deep in conversation
The ceremony was conducted by the Worshipful Commander, Bro Clive Ernest Butterworth, and Bro Dennis Wilson was Installed in fine style.   For those of you who are yet to go through the Chair of a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, I can only tell you that the ceremony is one of the the very best in Freemasonry.   Any Mason worth his salt should seriously consider joining a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge.
And receiving alcoholic sustenance!
Giles Berkley and John Waring, laughing as ever
The new Provincial Team dine in style, led by SW David Durling and JW Brain Povey
This meeting was just a few days after the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.   We were all suitably attired in black tie, and we were some of the very first Masons to sing the new National Anthem, God Save the King.   The circumstances were all the more poignant as our Rt W Prov GM had intended to launch the new Royal Ark Mariner tie, which was delayed until the RAM Provincial Assembly at the Savoy on Tuesday the 20th of September, where we again all wore black ties, out of respect for our beloved Queen. 
After the ceremony of Installation, there was a happy duty to be discharged, which fell to Giles Berkley – the presentation of a Royal Ark Mariner Certificate to Bro Gary Matthews, another new Mariner in this wonderful Degree. 
The Team continues
What a nice Festive Board!
John loves a nice big G&T
The Festive Board was the usual blend of fun, formal toasts and wine takings, with the buzz in the room being very loud at times!
DCs on parade – Arthur Robinson keeping all in order
The Lodge members enjoying their meal
The new SW, David Durling and JW Brian Povey
Geoff Lee proposed the toast to Keith Beardmore in his usual humorous fashion, and Keith entertained, informed and encouraged to a rapturous welcome.  
The toast to the Worshipful Commander
Peter Maxwell, our new Provincial Tyler, ended the proceedings with the final toast, for his first time, and we all parted after a superb meeting, welcome, and our first return to Masonry, after the long summer, for many of us.  The next day was Grand Lodge in London, but that is another story!
Peter Maxwell, our new Provincial Tyler gives the final toast of the evening
Words and pictures by Giles ( get well soon Austin!)