Page 2 - Triangle Spring 2018 Issue 23

The Provincial Grand Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners

The ever popular Assembly meeting met for the second year at All newly Elevated Royal Ark Mariners since the last
its new venue; a happy setting for all concerned. Grand Assembly had been invited as Provincial Guests &
Somerset is the only Province in the country to invite the ladies the PGM personally welcomed each in turn.
to join the brethren at the Festive Board that follows the Annual A special moment came with the investment of Provincial
Meetings & consequently now not only are they invited to attend Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank by the PGM to the
the Mark Annual Provincial meeting, but the Royal Ark Mariners following W.Brethren:-
Assembly also! F.A.Silver-Bath TI, K.W.Kelly-128,
Under the critical eye of the Provincial Grand Director of R.P.Hutchings-191, M.P.S.Bajona-348,
Ceremonies, W.Brother Mark Golding, & to the strains of the W.R.Newton-571, P.R.A.Thresher-697,
organ, the various groups processed into the Lodge room N.Hurcum-730, & A.Douglas-967.
accompanied by much applause, the opening hymn was sung & Finally, R.W.Brother John rose to address the Provincial
the Assembly was opened in due form. Grand Assembly, thanking all for the planning of the
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, John meeting, the many guests & all the brethren of Somerset
Graham Morgan, was saluted by all present after which he who helped in many ways to make this Grand Assembly
welcomed the many guests from other Provinces, including three a pleasure for all.
Provincial Grand Masters. The Closing Hymn was sung & the PGM, accompanied
From Monmouthshire, R.W. Bro. Derek Thomas, who later in by his Provincial Team & the many Guests & brethren all
the Ceremony presented a talk entitled, retired in procession. After a very crowded trip to the bar
‘The Royal Ark Mariner Degree through the Ages’ & a relaxation in the sunshine, all took their seats with the
Truly ‘A Daily Advance in Masonic Knowledge’ for us all! ladies for a very happy Festive board. All rose for the
He was accompanied by his Deputy PGM both of whom are Mark Loyal Toast & the brethren for the Grand Master. This was
Master Masons of this our own Province of Somerset. followed by a sincere but tongue-in-cheek appreciation
From Cornwall, R.W.Bro. Kevin Hicks, R.W. Brother Hicks was for our Provincial Grand Master by his Deputy, Philip
well supported by the attendance of his Deputy PGM, Assistant Voisey. The toast to the Visiting Brethren & Ladies was
PGM, Provincial Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Provincial given by the Provincial Grand Junior Warden David
Almoner. Hutchings & the special day ended with an extra
FromWiltshire, R. W. Bro. Andrew Beaumont, appreciation from R.W.Brother Derek Thomas, PGM for
It was indeed a full house & the Assembly was also pleased to Monmouthshire.
salute R.W.Brother David Brian Nelson, Immediate Past ….Copy/pics…Ed…
Provincial Grand Master for Somerset & three Past Deputy Grand With many thanks to Ian Strickland, Provincial Grand
Masters of Somerset, V.W.Brothers A.Patrick Parker, Geoff Secretary, for all his help.
I.Nash & Raymond Guthrie.

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