A most enjoyable evening in Barnsley on Wednesday, the 26th June 2024 to witness the Proclamation of the Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother Chris Beaumont, taking the helm for his third year. Given the temperature in the Temple, the heating had come on!!, this being evident before proceedings commenced, W.C. immediately allowed all to relieve themselves of jackets, very welcome
To witness the event we were fortunate to have Worshipful Brother Gary Parker, the Provincial Grand Secretary present and a deputation from the Welcome Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 651 including the W.C. W,.Bro. Tim Hendra. The Lodge was then opened in due form by W.Bro. Chris which was followed by the Scribe, W.Bro. Charles Lindsay reading out three dispensations covering the third year for W.Bro. Chris, W.Bro. Ray Hooley to act as Senior Warden and Treasurer and W.Bro. Charles Lindsay as Junior Warden and Scribe, all received with approbation and relief by the Brethren.
The Immediate Past Commander, W.Bro. Trevor Hurd then Proclaimed W.Bro. Chris as Commander for the ensuing year reminding him of his responsibilities and commitments, he was then saluted by all present. The officers for the year were then appointed and invested, a delight for the Lodge as we had two Brethren on the ladder for the first time for some years, Brothers Alan Bartrop and Richard Schofield.. To the assembled delight of all, a ballot was then taken for two new members Bro’s John Sealey and Barry Walker, onwards and upwards for the Lodge as I understand that there is another in the wings. The Treasurer, W.Bro. Ray then gave his report, nothing of great moment and the Almoners report by myself, again nothing of significance. The remaining business was then swiftly despatched and the Lodge closed.
The Festive Board was then consumed, a light offering of Broccoli and Stilton soup, Poached Salmon and Fresh fruit salad, highly appropriate.. The Toast list commenced under the guidance of the Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Ian Yates initially the proposer of all in the hands of the W.C.until that to the Province by W.Bro. Shaun Keighley who thanked W.Bro. Gary for enhancing our proceedings by his presence and the Provincial Officers for their constant support and commitment. In reply W,.Bro. Gary outlined the changes that are to take place in respect of attendance at Installations by Representatives of the Provincial Grand Master. Undoubtedly a Ruler will be present if the Worshipful Commander is a new incumbent and Rulers may also be seen at Elevation Ceremonies,. we must ensure with three in the pipeline we ask the Province to arrange attendance at our meetings
W.Bro. Ray Hooley sang the praises of the Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Chris who, quite rightly was proud of the changes that have occurred in the past two years, and those we can look forward to in the future, thanks and well done W.Bro. Chris. Do not forget you have another year to do so out with the Ritual book! Finally the Toast to the visiting Brethren was eloquently delivered by W.Bro. Charles Lindsay, the response in similar fashion by W.Bro. Tim who also thanked the Brethren for the warmth of their welcome, not just the temperature.
It has been a delight to be a member of Portal R.A.M. for the past 31 years, none more so than at present, long may it continue.
A most enjoyable evening, smile, be happy, you are all Royal Ark Mariners.
Worshipful Brother Duncan Smith R.A.M.G.R.