F & U RAM 348 Host The Provincial Team and Exmoor RAM
The first meeting of F & U Royal Ark Mariners new season on 9th October was a busy night. Not only did they host the Provincial Grand Master RWBo Tony Guthrie with his Provincial Team, but also welcomed the Worshipful Commander WBro Alan Dummett and members of his team from Exmoor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge bringing the Traveling Ark. They also carried out an Elevation ceremony and one Brother received his 40 year RAM certificate.
To start at the beginning the new Worshipful Commander, WBro Bob Nicholls opened the Lodge and welcomed over 20 guests. There were fifty three brethren present in the Lodge Room.
He then received and welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Team.
The agenda business was then carried out, up to the ballot of our candidate for the evening Bro Steve Clift who many will know. The ballot proved clear so the Worshipful Commander supported by his Officers carried out an excellent Elevation ceremony. On the conclusion of the ceremony both the W C and PGM welcomed him into this wonderful degree.
The next item was for the WC of Exmoor Royal Ark Mariners and his members who had attended to deliver The Traveling Ark to the Lodge. WBro Bob received it with thanks and confirmed that he and members of the Lodge would deliver it to Thackeray Royal Ark Mariner Lodge on the7th December.
The Agenda ” Any other Business” item brought the PGM to his feet and requested that the Prov GDC present WBro John Phillips RAMGR to him to be presented with his 40 year RAM Certificate. He explained to those present that WBro John was actually a long standing Freemason from Sussex who had moved to Somerset some 4 years ago. The PGM then explained that he had emailed his very good friend, the PGM of Sussex to find out a little bit more about John. I quote from the first paragraph of his reply.
” John was affectionally known as the ‘ Dick Turpin ‘ in the very many Orders that he was in. This being because of his knack of extruding monies for charitable purposes from any brother who left his pockets unguarded. He always wore a smile and contributed to every unit of which he was a member”
On arriving in Somerset John stated that he would only become a joining member of one each of the Orders of which he was a member. It was this Lodges great pleasure to welcome him to Somerset Royal Ark Masonry some 3years ago.
The PGM had read his long data sheet and had noted that he had been Elevated into this degree in Sussex on 10th October 1986 thus making him one day short of his 40 years in the degree. RWBro Tony stated that he would excuse him that day and so presented with his 40 year certificate. WBro John thanked the PGM and the Lodge and indeed all the brethren of Somerset for accepting him as one of their own within the Province.
To complete the night in the Temple, two new candidates were proposed, so subject to the ballot, our next meeting in January will be a double Elevation ceremony.
On the closing of the Lodge all retired to an excellent festive board where the good humour and banter continued.
The Lodge thanks the PGM and his Team along with members of Exmoor RAM team for their attendance at this meeting. We all look forward to an enjoyable year in this wonderful degree.
Narrative & Photos Credit: WBro Rod Green, Asst Scribe.
