Wednesday 30th July 2025 and a super night at Claro Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.525 saw Prince Edward Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.14 bring the Porphyry Stone to Claro for safe keeping until its next onward journey early next year. The Stone has been travelling for many years but, the recent initiative from the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. J. Trevor Bolton now sees it travel 3 times a year to named Lodges with an escort of Provincial officers led by a Ruler. This initiative has been a real success with over fifty Brethren there to prove it. This time it was the turn of W.Bro. G. Gary Parker Assistant Provincial Grand Master to lead the team under the guidance of W.Bro. Edward Wilkinson an Prov.A.G.D.C.
The stone was brought into the Lodge and presented to the W.C.N. of Claro W.Bro. Ian Cotton by W.Bro. Garry Milnes W.C.N. of Prince Edward. The stone was delivered by Garry in a sincere manner and accepted in an equally sincere manner by Ian. Garry was supported by several members of his own Lodge including W.Bro. James Henry Newman. James is the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding and is a great supporter of both Mark and Royal Ark Mariner. And as the Asst Prov.G.M. said later that support is very much appreciated and we should continue to give our support to both Craft and the Holy Royal Arch. Success breeds success and together we grow and move forward.
Garys work for the night included him presenting a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Nigel Atkins who acted as candidate in a fantastic demonstration of an Elevation. Nigel had only joined Claro in January 2025 and said the occasion had helped cement memories of him becoming a member of this wonderful order.
It really was a brilliant night with the three Stewards of the Lodge present R.W.Bro. James Steggles P.Prov.G.M., W.Bro. John F. Clough P.A.Prov.G.M. and, W.Bro. Alan Webster Prov.G.S. in the Scarlet Cord and Dep.Prov.G.S.R. in order of the Secret Monitor working hard behind the bar and ensuring everyone was fed. Although they did seem to have a little trouble with the till – bringing back memories of Arkwright’s till in ‘Open All Hours’!
Thanks to all concerned for a wonderful night. To our next merry meeting.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager