There is always a festive feel to December’s Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly and Monday was no exception. The near full Grand Temple at Freemasons Hall looked spectacular with the Brethren dressed in their rainbow trimmed regalia.
There was normal business to be dealt with but of course the appointment of 117 Brethren to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank was the highlight of the day. Brethren from West Yorkshire to receive honours were W. Bro’s. James Newman, Edward Wilkinson, Tony Hobson and, Martin Scott. Unfortunately, Tony and Martin were unable to be present. There was plenty of support from West Yorkshire to see both James and Edward receive their new rank.
The Pro Grand Master M.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman then addressed the meeting welcoming everyone including those from foreign constitutions and Districts oversees. He spoke of new beginnings and the new masonic journey for the recipients of RAMGR. Closing the meeting he wished everyone the very best for a happy Christmas and New Year, and good wishes for our endeavours in the order for 2025.
The Brethren then retired, many taking the opportunity to join the dining in the Grand Connaught Rooms, not before of course as is the tradition in West Yorkshire to join together in one of the many happy hostelries on Great Queen Street to chat and toast each other’s health.
The Connaught Rooms were certainly very busy with the Brethren of West Yorkshire sat near to our wonderful friends from the Province of North and East Yorkshire with plenty of chat and friendly banter as the photographs suggest.
All good things must come to an end and the Brethren bade their farewell and headed home to their respective ports.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager