2018 Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly at Corby Masonic Centre Saturday 1st December

Saturday 1^stDecember saw eighty Royal Ark Mariner brethren from all of the thirteen RAM Lodges of the Province assemble at the Masonic Centre at Corby for the annual Royal Ark Mariner Assembly.

During the meeting eight brethren received from the Provincial Grand Master their well deserved promotion to Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand rank.

Whilst the meeting was taking place the Ladies were treated to a talk by Margaret Hinshelwood, the wife of Deputy Provincial Grand Secretary, Des Hinshelwood, entitled “A Short History of Garden Design”

Lunch followed where almost 103 sat down to enjoy the fellowship that the degree of Royal Ark Mariner engenders.

Brian Elliott

Photo: Ian McLachlan

Brethren receiving Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank

L to r: W.Bro. Frank Brierley– Ferrers Lodge N^o.1341,W.Bro. Philip Potter-  Vikings Lodge N^o.245, W.Bro. Jeff Chambers- Lilford Lodge N^o.471, W.Bro. Brian Elliott DepPrGM, W.Bro. Andy Adamson– Perseverance Lodge N^o. 685, W.Bro. Mike Sheppard– The Graftonian Lodge N^o. 1243, W.Bro. David Sutton– Steanforde Lodge N^o. 752, R.W.Bro. Bob Stokes Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Bob Jeffery  - Admiral Beatty Lodge N^o. 594,W.Bro. David Balmer– Powys Lodge N^o. 477 and W.Bro. Richard Bedells - ProvGDC.

Presentation to St. John Ambulance of an ambulance support vehicle – 1st December 2018

The Northamptonshire vehicle is one of over 50 mobile treatment centres, ambulances and support vehicles which are being handed over in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands in a phased programme from October 2018 to early 2019.

The vehicles have been secured by a capital grant by the Mark Benevolent Fund of over £3M to the Order of St.John with the specific aim of providing new vehicles to the operational arm of the Order, St.John Ambulance.

The Northamptonshire vehicle will be put to use at events in the county as volunteers deliver life saving first aid to members of the public.

At the handover ceremony, Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Bob Stokes said “18 years ago the MBF carried out a similar exercise donating vehicles in every county so that the charity could continue its life saving mission.  We look forward to continuing our long relationship with St.John Ambulance and the Order of St.John over the coming decades and sincerely hope that this vehicle will provide many years of service for the Northamptonshire volunteers”

In reply Alan Boaden, Chair of the Northamptonshire County Priory Group said “The donation of this vehcicle is wonderful news for both counties and will significantly help enhance patient care and contribute to more lives saved locally.  We are immensely grateful to the Mark Master Masons of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire and to the Mark Benevolent Fund for their generosity and we look forward to seeing the positive use made by local St.John Ambulance volunteers in the future as they continue the charity’s life saving mission”

Before presenting the keys of the support vehicle vehicle to Peter Castle, the Provincial Grand Master called upon W.Bro. Rev’d Tony Avery, the Provincial Grand Chaplain who then delivered a dedication address and blessed the vehicle. 

Brian Elliott

Photos: Ian McLachlan/Darren Coleman

l to r: Peter Castle - St.John Ambulance, Darren Coleman– MBF Charities and Communications Co-Ordinator, R.W.Bro Bob Stokes– ProvGM, W.Bro. Brian Elliott– DepProvGM, W.Bro. Richard Bedells– ProvGDC and W.Bro. Rev’d Tony Avery– Provincial Grand Chaplain.