Flixton RAM No 1173 Installation
 
Installation meeting Thursday 14th May 2026 at The Masonic Hall, Westhoughton.
Twenty-two brethren present aboard the Flixton RAM vessel!
WBro. David Robinson RAMGR (Special Rep for Chorley, Horwich & Preston area) was present representing the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.
WBro. Gowan O’Hagan Dep Special Rep was also in attendance.
WBro. Martin Stokes Special Rep for the area was also present.
The Worshipful Commander, WBro. Ian Edge opened the Lodge and welcomed everyone present.
 
The Commander proceeded to install the Commander Elect; Bro. Brian Sharples SW as Commander of the Lodge.
The ceremony was conducted with sincerity and in an excellent manner.
WBro. Robinson congratulated the Commander on attaining the chair of the Lodge and the IPC for the manner in which he installed him.
A cheque for £250 was presented to WBro. Robinson for the WLMCF.
The Commander had both his father and his uncle present at the meeting to support him.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the Festive Board for an excellent meal and convivial manner with a great deal of RAM banter and craic!
WBro. David Robinson responded to the toast to the holders of Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank and highlighted the need for recruitment and retention both in the Mark, the RAM and the Craft.
WBro. James Rashid Worshipful Commander of Prince Setanta No 1446 was present along with fellow members of the Lodge: WBro. Tony Cross, WBro. Melvyn Cross and Bro. Craig Scott and responded on behalf of the visitors and brought the Commander a gift… the travelling porphyry stone, which had taken a short hiatus and been in the special keeping of Prince Setanta RAM Lodge for a number of months. The stone was delivered into the special keeping of the Commander of Flixton RAM, much to the obvious delight of the all the members present!
An excellent night of Royal Ark Mariner Masonry was enjoyed by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross