Fresh start at Scorton RAM
 
All RAM lodges must by regulation be moored alongside a Mark lodge and bear the number of that lodge. It is rare for the RAM lodge to cast off and move to another anchorage.
Geoff Bury and Tony Thackrah.
Many years ago Preston RAM No 143 moved from its original base at Preston Masonic Hall and made the journey up the A6 to Garstang Masonic Hall. Scorton Mark Lodge No 1103 also meet at that venue. Eventually it was decided that it would be more logical to moor alongside the Mark lodge which met in the building. Secretary Tony Shaw canvassed support and after liaising with all the parties involved submitted the necessary report. Tony hoped that the move would breath new life into the lodge and save it from floundering.
 
Representations having been made the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council agreed to the change and issued a certificate of confirmation. Asst. PGM Geoff Bury attended the newly named RAM lodge accompanied by James Rashid from the provincial director of ceremonies team. He formally presented the certificate to Worshipful Commander Tony Thackrah. It will be displayed alongside the original warrant.
Senior deacon - Eric Picton, Frank Hogarth, Harry Robinson and John Sarti junior deacon
The masonic hall at Garstang overlooks a basin of the Lancaster Canal which is popular with boat users, an appropriate venue for a RAM lodge to meet.
 
On the evening two new members were elevated into the order namely, Frank Hogarth the present WM of Scorton Mark Lodge and his senior warden Harry Robinson. The ceremony was a team affair with Tony calling upon several members of his crew to assist him.
Phil Watson, Geoff Bury, Tony Thackrah, Tony Shaw, Bob Bennett and James Rashid
Phil Watson took the chair for the ceremony with Tony Shaw communicating the signs and Tony explaining the steps of the order. Visitor Bob Bennett of Edmund Taylor RAM delivered an exemplary presentation of the working tools.
 
A double elevation in itself is an unusual event but Frank later remarked, “I thought it must be usual practice with it being the Ark and therefore admitting us in pairs.”
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear