Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 296
 
Christmas meeting Tuesday 17th December 2024 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
The Worshipful Commander, Bro Barry Shaw opened the Lodge at 18.30hrs.
Eighteen members and guests were present, including Bro. David Kenworthy WC Semper Fidelis RAM, Bro. Bob Stafford and WBro. Jimmy Rogers RAMGR.
The Lodge business was worked through in an efficient manner by the Commander.
The Lodge was closed at circa 19.00hrs and the Brethren retired to the bar for refreshments, prior to joining St. Johns Lodge No 2825 for a joint festive board. The WM being Bro Malcolm Davis also a member of Edmund Taylor RAM.
Prior to the Festive Board both sets of Brothers listened to a very informative and interesting talk given by Samantha Ashcroft a representative of a local charity; Headway, who help people on the Fylde coast of all ages to recover as far as is possible with all forms of acquired brain injuries. The talk was very informative with a number of Brothers outlining people they knew who had suffered brain injuries. The talk was very well received by all present.
After the talk WBro. Tony Farrar informed Samantha, that Edmund Taylor RAM Lodge would make a donation to Headway.
A lively festive board with good food, banter and good craic was then enjoyed by all!

A Fylde coast fiddle was run by WBro. Bob Bennet, which raised £210 which was also to be donated to the Headway charity.
At the end of the evening a grand total of circa £500 was to be donated to the Headway charity to further help with the excellent work they do on the Fylde coast!
Everybody went home happy and with the best wishes for Christmas and the New year from both the Commander and the WM.
 
Words and pictures bt Tony Cross