19th April – A delegation of Royal Ark Mariners grace Cerdic Mark Lodge at Chard
A very special night in Chard on 19th April at Cerdic Mark 571 where the second Advancement Ceremony in two months was worked, after not having any Advancements for three years, due to lockdown etc. The meeting also saw a goodly number of visitors from Bridport, Seaton and Yeovil…….the three contiguous counties combining!
Brother Neil Braginton was Advanced, in fine style, by WM Alan Gitsham and his officers. Thanks also to those brethren who stood in at short notice, the ceremony went really well.
Immediately following the ceremony, a rare event occurred, when a delegation from Cerdic Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No 571, entered the Mark Lodge wearing full RAM regalia and were welcomed by the Master Alan Gitsham and the Mark brethren.
Organised by the Mark Lodge Secretary, Paul Brice-Bullows, the idea was to raise the profile of the RAM by bringing the Ark Mariners into the heart of the Mark and let the Mark brethren have a glimpse of the beautiful Ark Mariner degree. The Ark Mariners took their places in lodge and a short talk was then given by the Secretary (and also RAM Scribe) Paul, including a potted history of the degree. This proved helpful and was appreciated by the brethren who applauded at its conclusion. The Secretary already has one brother’s application for Elevation, with hopes that others will follow!
The brethren retired to a cracking festive board ( as always), at the Phoenix Hotel. A number of the Cerdic brethren, including our newest brother Neil, plan to visit William de Irwin Mark at Yeovil on Thursday 25th May, where they will also be working an Advancement!
Report and Photos from Bro Robert Thomas and WBro Paul Brice-Bullows
