The Travelling Ark finally docks at a busy night for Chard based Cerdic RAM 571
It was an eventful evening at Cerdic RAM 571 on 13th March which was close to not happening after the brethren waited half an hour to be able to enter the lodge room after the Scribe’s key failed to unlock the door! Rescue came in the form of W Bro Mike Froom, a Senior Past Master from Hall owners Prudence & Industry Craft Lodge.
With around 35 brethren attending and many visitors from around the Province, there was a full agenda, the main business of the evening being to Elevate Bro Neil Braginton , also a member of the Mark at Cerdic. The ceremony was conducted in a splendid manner by the Worshipful Commander Ken Crang, ably aided by his brother, Norman when needed, as brother’s ( literally ) do !
The signs and secrets were well demonstrated by Bob Loader, the Working Tools were expertly explained by W.Bro Michael Nathan and the explanation of the nine Steps were demonstrated in able form by W Bro Richard Stone.
All done , with a heart-warming sincerity and leaving a memorable impression, on our newly Elevated brother Neil had a most enjoyable evening which he confirmed at the festive board when responding to his toast.
The members at Cerdic also had the pleasure of receiving the Travelling Ark, from Exmoor RAM 697 which was presented in a fine manner by the Worshipful Commander of Exmoor, W Bro Steve McNaughton, who spoke about the importance and enjoyment of visiting. Joined by seven members of his lodge, a good old jolly from Minehead to Chard!…….and not too soon either, there had been so much rain in Chard over the past three months, they were thinking they may very well need the Ark! Commander Ken Crang and a band of Cerdicians are booked in to deliver the Travelling Ark to William Long RAM Lodge 191 at Burnham on Friday 22nd March, a good meeting to visit if you can!
The brethren then retired to the Phoenix Hotel for a cracking festive board as per usual. The Commander talked about the raffle, which raised a goodly sum, and was immediately given to help a young girl in Yeovil, who has a rare and life limiting illness and mobility issues.
All in all a really enjoyable meeting, made so much the better by so many visitors, particularly the brethren from Exmoor who sailed the Ark into Chard and made the night what it was.
Photos and narrative: Robert Thomas & Paul Brice-Bullows
