It was their Installation Friday 29th of September 2023. W.Bro. John Sullivan as Commander shared the duties with W.Bro.Stuart Prince. And what a great ceremony it was. John leading the way as Commander and Stuart doing a fantastic job of putting Bro. Howard Thompson in the chair, finishing the meeting with the final address. Oh, he just happened to be the Director of Ceremonies as well! Great work Stuart.
Once in the chair the now Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Howard Thompson took the helm and sailed through the rest of the evening. There was of course some sadness shown at the passing of W.Bro. Martin (Sooty) Sutcliffe and W.Bro. Michael Prodywus. W.Bro. Jack Acton giving a fitting eulogy during the meeting to booth Sooty and Michael. It brought back great memories and smiles of their achievements in both Mark and Royal Ark Mariner as did further tributes upstairs at the festive board.
The festive board at Bingley is always a treat and this meal was no exception. Mushroom Soup, Roast Beef with all the trimmings, Sherry Trifle and Cheese & Biscuits. Representing the Province W.Bro. Trevor Bolton who had quite rightly received a warm welcome in the meeting and had received due salutations spoke at the festive board. Congratulating Howard on reaching the chair and thanking the two installing officers for their great work. He congratulated St.Hiev on their contribution to the 2023 Festival and in fact to all the lodges in the Province, what a fantastic effort it was and what a marvellous result achieved. John as the I.P.C.N. congratulated Howard on now being commander. He was certain he would do an excellent job and would certainly have the support of the Brethren. Responding Howard assured all he would do his best and was confident the Lodge could move forward after a difficult year with the loss of Sooty and Michael.
In his toast to the visitors W.Bro. David Hymas was as entertaining as usual. Opening saying his toast would be short as everything he had planned to say had already been ‘stolen’. Thanking those earlier speakers for their help! Going on to say that this however was a bonus as they now didn’t have to listen too long to a grumpy old man! He thanked the visitors for their support and trusted that they had enjoyed a great evening and toasted then sincerely.
It was another great Royal Ark Mariner meeting. Brethren saying their goodbyes and setting sail to their home ports.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager