Annual Provincial Assembly of the Ancient and Honourable
Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners of West Lancashire
The Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9SJ
Tuesday 17th September 2024 at 11am
 
Here we go off to Blackpool yet again, set of at 8.15. am to beat the traffic, who was I kidding, everything back to normal, a crawl up the on ramp, the same all the way over the High-level bridge and on to the M61, I kid you not the traffic heading towards Manchester was virtually stopped for seven miles.! Can you imagine having to get to work every morning having to travel down that piece of road?
Anyway Rant over, arrived safely at the Savoy in good time, some lovely warm sun, yes sun was shining across the sea which usually makes everyone feel better, even managed to get a parking space next to you know who’s wonderful Maserati, I think Nortons car would fit in the boot, but that’s life.
Once inside the atmosphere was buzzing, lots of smiling faces and genuine handshakes of friendship you could tell it was a Mark or Royal Ark Mariner meeting. Found a spot for my case and made my way into the room allotted for our use by the Savoy Hotel. Camera in hand I started to get a few shots as the practice progressed and in no time at all (well after coffee and biscuits of course) everyone took up their seats to welcome our R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Grand Rank Commanders, Wardens and Past Commanders of Royal Ark Mariner Lodges of the Province and beyond.
The meeting was opened, a minute’s silence was shared by all in memoriam for those we have lost since our last Provincial Assembly, minutes were then approved from Sept 2023, next up was the Prov Scribes Report, followed by the PGM’s address to all, then it was the highlight for quite a few of the members present to be invested with Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.
Our Provincial Grand Scribe Kevin Thomas Chicken GStwd then presented us with an Advancement in Masonic Knowledge entitled “Two Reflections on the Royal Ark Mariner Degree” it was projected on a screen along with excellent sound, to note you could tell that everyone enjoyed it because it was being viewed intently by everyone present, well-done Kevin.
Next up was Any Other Business, then the Assembly was closed in due form followed by a hearty rendition of the National Anthem, all in all a great assembly as always and well worth the trip. Everyone made their way to the luxurious dining room, charged their glasses and after having a good old chinwag took up their allotted seats for the Social Board. An excellent meal was served up by the friendly and efficient Savoy staff, quite a few Toasts and Responses followed and that was it for another year.
We set off back to Manchester after a few minutes I did mention we are  going in the wrong direction, Norton replied “she said go this way” (Sat Nav) well next minute we came up behind stopped traffic for as far as you could see, I pointed out that we came in along the promenade and should have gone back the same way, (I ask you she said !) TURN RIGHT. Having done that we made our way back along the front to Bloomfield Road and on to the M55, M6, M61 and that was it, Urmston, easy chair and a small glass of Laphroaig.
Not a member of the Royal Ark Mariners Yet, why not join us now, ask your Mark Lodge ambassador.
The next Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly is the Savoy Hotel Tuesday 16th September 2025.
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. R.A.M.G.R.
Chorlton Royal Ark Mariners. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark
Mark Well