Prince Setanta Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 1446
 
Installation meeting 6pm on Monday 16th March 2026, at Blackpool Cricket Club West Park Drive, Blackpool.
WBro. Giles Frederick Berkley was in attendance for the meeting, along with 3 Provincial DC’s: WBro. Dave Rigby, WBro. John Askew and Bro. Paul Shirley.
28 members and guests were in attendance for the Installation meeting.
The Commanders of Edmund Taylor RAM, Bro. Alan Barnes and Semper Fidelis RAM, Bro. Bob Stafford were both present.
Bro. Chris Tittley, Worshipful Commander, opened the Lodge and welcomed all the Brethren.
A memoriam was given by WBro. Berkley for the Pro Grand Master, MWBro. John Herbert Prizeman who passed away in January.
The business on the summons was worked through, which included a ballot for a joining member; WBro. Jimmy Rogers. The ballot proved in favour and WBro. Rogers was welcomed into the Lodge.
The Commander proceeded to install Bro. James Rashid, SW Commander elect as Worshipful Commander with Bro. Barnes and Bro. Stafford, acting as installing SW and JW respectively. WBro. Alan Gould acted as Guardian.
Bro. Rashid was installed in fine form by the Commander.
WBro. Rigby gave the address to the Commander in an excellent manner after being asked to do so only 5 minutes (literally) before the opening of the Lodge, due to WBro. Philip Watson being unable to attend on the night.
WBro. Berkley rendered the Exposition following the Installation.
Donations to Charity were made in the sum of £300; £250 to WLMCF and £50 to the cricket club youth development fund.
The Officers of the Lodge were duly appointed and invested including WBro. Rogers as Scribe.
WBro. Tony Thackrah Assistant Sec thanked WBro. Mike Casey for the work he had done as Secretary over the last 12 months in keeping the Lodge on an even keel.
The Lodge was closed and derigged and the Brethren assembled in the bar whilst a number rerigged the room for the festive board, which was an excellent buffet followed by cakes and cream.
A raffle was organised by WBro. (Bosun) Bob Bennet, which raised £150 for Charity.
An excellent or Royal Ark Mariner Masonry was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross