Early start for Southport R.A.M., 5th February 2026
 
Southport R.A.M Lodge No 473 had an early start at Southport Masonic Hall on 5th February for their Installation meeting. At last year’s Installation meeting they also fitted in an elevation ceremony and had so much fun they decided to do it again this year. Representing the RW Provincial Grand Master was WBro Cliff Hughes and also attending was WBro Roy Hedges the PGM’s Special Rep for the Southport group of Mark and R.A.M Lodges.
Everyone
Once the Worshipful Commander, WBro Karl Brennan had opened the lodge, the first item was an In Memoriam for Most Worshipful Bro John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, who passed to higher service on 22nd January 2026. All stood in respect to departed merit.
 
Then with the minutes approved and the successful ballot for a new member, Bro Ian Tupling; (who had been proposed by last year’s candidate Bro John Wootton), it was time for the first of the meeting’s two ceremonies. Bro Tupling was met in due form and then placed in to the safe hands of the Senior Deacon, WBro Alan Foster. WBro Karl Brennan worked a very confident and enjoyable ceremony and was ably assisted by WBro Colin Sherman who explained the signs; WBro Derek Gaskell, who presented the Working Tools and Bro Mark Taylor who gave the explanation of the steps.
Lodge members
With Bro Ian Tupling safely on board and seated in the lodge, it was time for Karl to take a deep breath. Then WBro Colin Sherman, the DC, presented the Commander elect, Bro Mark Taylor to    WBro Brennan for the second ceremony of the evening. WBro Brennan carried out the Installation with the same assured authority that he had already shown and it was equally as enjoyable. The Presentation of the Keystone Jewel and Address to the Commander were given by WBro Terry Tasker.
 
A first-class rendition of the Exposition was given by WBro Cliff Hughes. With the ceremony over WBro Cliff Hughes brought the congratulations of RWBro Keith Beardmore to WBro Mark Taylor on taking the chair for the first time. WBro Hughes then also gave the PGM’s congratulations to WBro Karl Brennan for two first class ceremonies and this was met with spontaneous applause. He also gave a mention to the DC, WBro Colin Sherman, for the smooth running of the meeting.
Cliff with Mark and Karl
WBro Mark Taylor then presented WBro Cliff Hughes with three very generous cheques for charity.
 
When the Lodge was closed it was time for an excellent dinner. From a Masonic point of view what could be better than great ritual, good food and excellent company?
 
WBro Mark is in for great year, with hopefully a double elevation in October and two visits; one to Mark Provincial meeting in Blackpool on 15th April and the Provincial R.A.M Assembly on 15th September at Westhoughton. We also wish Ian many happy years in the  Royal Ark Mariner degree.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell.