Tapton Hall, Sheffield on Saturday 3rd October 2026 saw Brethren from across the Province gather to see those Brethren to be appointed to Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank and of course enjoy the company of The Carl Whitehead Lodge of RAM No. 110.
It was a fabulous day enjoyed by the Brethren and their better halves. Whilst the Brethren enjoyed the meeting the Ladies were entertained by a wonderful talk about hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation by Cheryl Barton. Cheryl received several donations for her charity and was also lucky enough to win a bottle of wine from the raffle on behalf of The Cleeves and Whitehead Trust which raised £265.
In the meeting there were seven joining members. W. Bro. Andrew Johnson was also declared W.C.N. Elect to be installed at the next meeting on Saturday 8th May 2027 by the W.C.N. W. Bro. Edward Wilkinson. But, by far the most important business of the day was the receiving of Prov.RAMGR from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master J. Trevor Bolton. Those Brethren were: W. Bro’s. Thomas Brian Jenkins, Peter Firth, Steven Colin Hides, Norman Barry Smethhurst, Ivor Christopher Emo, John Alan Beardmore, Enrico Antonio Vendettuoli, Trevor Kinvig, Jules Paul Boyeldieu, Stuart John Lines, Robert James Patrick and Paul Cook. All thoroughly deserved.
Trevor spoke about the responsibility of that new appointment and that they should go out wear the collarette with pride and promote the wonderful order.
The various processions into Lodge and the superb choreography was great to watch which was seen by a full temple and W. Bro. Darren Colman-Heald who is the Charity Manager of The Mark Benevolent Fund based at Mark Masons Hall. Darren at the Festive board expressed his enjoyment of the day going on to say he had been in Sheffield to witness the fantastic work ‘Support Dogs’ do in our region in helping people with such things as autism and, in the case of epilepsy are able to warn ‘their human’ about an imminent seizure up to 30 minutes before it happens giving ‘their human’ a chance to prepare for that eventuality. Proving what benefit the recent donation from the MBF of £25,000 really makes to a varied group of people and who benefit immensely from that support.
Trevor also announced those Brethren who are to receive R.A.M.G.R. at the Annual Assembly at Grand Lodge, London on Monday 7th December. Many congratulations go to: W. Bro’s Paul Leach, Clive Hawkins, Stephen Wood, and Roger Quick. Thoroughly well-deserved Brethren. It’s a fantastic day out. Why not join them in celebrating their special day.
A wonderful meeting for all and a great Festive Board.
Until our next merry meeting.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager