Page 12 - Keystone Spring 2019 Issue 2
P. 12
Development Team
Derek Wilton heads up the: TEAM OF DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPROVEMENT
He talks about the role they play in the Royal Ark Mariner
degree
In his early days as Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro.David
Nelson decided that there was a possible need for a
demonstration team to provide assistance to Lodges in the
Province, more often than not to be used when there was no
candidate or ceremony. It was emphasised at the time that this
was not to be some elite group as some might had presumed but
that they would only attend when requested by the Lodge.
When forming the team we were careful to choose members that were not just
good at their ritual but had the ability to promote friendship and camaraderie with their hosts.
Another plus to Lodges who may be struggling with attendance is that we take up to ten members on
visits which helps swell the numbers. All members pay for their meals so there is no expense to the
Lodge.
When R.W.Bro.John Morgan became P.G.M. he was keen to continue the practice and changed the
name of the team to the “Team of Development and Improvement” as it better reflected the
purpose of the team. Since then he has continued to give us great support and encouragement.
We are available to perform lectures, tracing boards, as well as demonstrating advancements and
elevations. Recently the team has performed a play entitled Noah and the flood at our own Royal Ark
Mariners Assembly as well as in other Provinces.
As there is no references to either, Royal Ark Mariners degree or the Mark degree the PGM has
commented that he can see no reason why this cannot be performed on an evening in a lodge as
something a little different.
The team have always been well received on their visits and the members enjoy the evening as much
as their hosts.
We would welcome any requests for visits but
please give us some notice as it is sometimes
quite difficult to get all the members required
to make the evening work.
Contact: Derek Wilton Tel Home 01275
878337, Mobile: 07889077968, E mail
derek.witon@sky.com
Spring Issue 2019 Page12
