The weather outside might have suggested we needed to start building an Ark of our own, but the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits at the Carl Whitehead Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 110.
The welcome was as warm as the tea and coffee served on arrival, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of stellar Masonry and even better company.
The meeting opened on a respectful note with an ‘In Memoriam’ for M.W. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman, followed by the pleasure of welcoming four new joining members W.Bro.’s Marcus Greenwood, Peter Grace, Martin Grace and, Marcus Higgins into the Lodge. Unfortunately, Marcus Higgins could not be there but will certainly be warmly welcomed at the next meeting Saturday 3rd October 2026 at Tapton Hall, Sheffield.
The Lodge was honoured with the presence of the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton, accompanied by the Deputy P.G.M., W.Bro. Andrew James Brown, the Assistant P.G.M., W.Bro. G. Gary Parker, Past Rulers of the Province and a fine escort of Acting Officers.
The Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Mark Kenyon, then proceeded to install W.Bro. Edward Wilkinson as Worshipful Commander in truly fine style. The Worshipful Commander’s first act was to appoint W.Bro. Andrew Johnson and W.Bro. Mark Holland as his Senior and Junior Wardens respectively.
Particular recognition is due to W.Bro. Stuart Prince, the Lodge D.C. Having directed the Installation meeting at Wharfedale Mark Lodge not two days prior, he didn’t miss a beat, directing the day’s proceedings and delivering the Address to the Commander with expert precision. We also enjoyed a masterclass in the Traditional History delivered by W.Bro. Richard Boswell Puttrell.
The new Commander also showed he has a keen sense of humour. Now living in Harrogate, Edward made it clear he is very much looking forward to “relying” on the Harrogate-based Brethren for lifts around the Province this year! Thankfully however, he did reaffirm the Carl Whitehead tradition to bring a bottle of Port with him to every RAM Lodge that he visits.
After the labour upstairs was concluded, we enjoyed a wonderful three-course fayre. To close a fantastic day, W.Bro. Kenyon gave a characteristically kind and genuine toast to the new Commander, praising Edward’s dedication and wishing him a fruitful year in the Chair.
A brilliant meeting of fellowship and fun. Congratulations to the Worshipful Commander and all the Officers of the Carl Whitehead Lodge.
With thanks to
Bro. Christian Holmes