Southport RAM Installation
 
Thursday 3rd February saw members and guests arrive at Southport Masonic Hall for the Installation meeting of, Royal Ark Mariners, Southport Lodge No473. 
Representing the R.W. Provincial Grand Master was WBro John Waring, RAMGR, and also in attendance was WBro Maurice Evans, RAMGR, the PGM’s Special Rep for the area. 
John Waring with Neil Latham
The lodge was opened by the Worshipful Commander, WBro Colin Jenkins.  With the lodge open it was time to do the in Memoriam to WBro John Dixon, RAMGR; who had passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 15th January.  John had been elevated into Southport RAM in 1979. 
John Waring, Neil Latham, Colin Jenkins and Maurice Evans
John was a stalwart of the Mark degree and Royal Ark Mariner degree in Southport and will be sadly missed by all.
Maurice Evans and John Waring
With the salutations done; the Worshipful Commander placed WBro Stan Martin, RAMGR, into the Senior Wardens chair and WBro Ian Scott, PrRAMGR, into the Junior Wardens chair and WBro Alan Foster as Guardian, ready for the lodge DC, WBro Colin Sherman, PrRAMGR to present Bro Neil Latham Commander elect for the purpose of installation.  
Maurice Evans and Neil Lathom
It was a well worked ceremony by the Worshipful Commander and enjoyable for all of us who saw it.  An excellent address to the new Worshipful Commander was given by WBro Colin Jenkins.  The exposition was delivered in fine style by WBro John Waring. 
NEil Lathom with Colin Sherman
With the ceremony completed it was time for WBro Waring to bring the PGM’s congratulations to the Worshipful Commander and installing Commander.
WBro John Waring also congratulated WBro Colin Sherman for the smooth running of the evening.  We wish WBro Neil Latham and Southport RAM an enjoyable season.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell