Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 296
 
Elevation meeting Tuesday 20th February 2024 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
24 Brethren present including 2 visitors, plus a candidate for elevation.
The Worshipful Commander, Bro Shaun Haynes, opened the Lodge and worked through the summons up to the ballot for Bro. Malcolm Davis, a member of Bispham with Norbreck Mark Lodge 866. The ballot was taken and proved in favour.
The elevation team worked the ceremony in an excellent and sincere manner led by the Commander.
The deacons; Bro. Alan Barnes (SD) and Bro. James Rashid (JD), conducted the candidate around the Lodge.
WBro Brian Ogden ProvRAMGR, at short notice, explained the signs and tokens in an excellent manner.
WBro. Bob Bennet gave a sincere and very memorable explanation of the working tools.
Bro. Alan Barnes demonstrated the steps under the direction and explanation of Bro. Barry Shaw (SW).
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the bar for refreshments prior to the festive board; garlic mushrooms, various options of mains and a black forest gateau.
A lively festive board with good food, banter and good craic was enjoyed by all!
A raffle was run by WBro. Steve Smith, which raised £120.
WBro Eric Picton ProvRAMGR, won a box of Quality Street, checked and in date, which he graciously passed around the festive board a number of times to be left with a near empty box and some wrappers!
Everybody went home happy after an excellent evening of Royal Ark Mariner Masonry.
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross