Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No. 296
 
Elevation meeting, Tuesday 29th April 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
23 Royal Ark Mariners were present plus the candidate.
The Worshipful Commander, Bro. Barry Shaw, opened the Lodge at 18.30hrs.
The Commander asked those present to stand to order for departed merit for WBro. Brian Ogden who had passed away on the 3rd March 2025.
The RWPGM and Deputy PGM were both in attendance for the meeting.
The Commander offered the RWPGM the sceptre of the Lodge who accepted and then  returned it with alacrity.
Bro. David Kenworthy, a visiting commander; Semper Fidelis RAM No. 880 was also present.
The Commander worked through the summons up to the ballot for Bro. Clive Gitsham who had finally decided to take the plunge and join the Royal Ark Mariners. He had joined Mark Masory when Noah was a lad!
A ballot was taken which proved in favour and then an excellent ceremony was carried out by the members of the Lodge, with Bro. Gitsham guided around the Lodge floor by Bro. James Rashid (SD) and Bro. Dennis Askam (JD).  Bro. Alan Barnes (SW) gave an explanation and demonstration of the steps.
WBro. Bob Bennett gave an excellent explanation of the working tools on the completion of the ceremony.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren mustered in the East for some photos and then onto the bar for drinks on the forecastle and then onto the poop deck for the festive board, which was lively with excellent food, banter and the usual Edmund Taylor good craic, which was enjoyed by all!
Bro. Chris Sage proposed the health to Bro. Clive and presented him with a Royal Ark Mariner tie that had previously belonged to their good friend (and ours) WBro. Ernie Gavan. A very nice touch.
A Fylde Coast fiddle raffle was organised by Bro. Steve Smith, which raised £115 for Masonic Charities.
An excellent night aboard the Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross