Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 296
 
Installation meeting, Tuesday 21st October 2025, at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
The Worshipful Commander, Bro. Barry Shaw opened the Lodge with 19 members and visitors present including; WBro. Melvyn Cross, WBro. Tony Thackrah, WBro. Tony Cross and WBro. John Dean ProvAGDC.
The Commander offered the RWPGM the sceptre of the Lodge who accepted it for a fleeting moment and then returned it with zeal.
Salutations were given to the RWPGM under the direction of WBro. Dean, for which he thanked the Brethren and then to WBro. Bob McGown and the holders of RAM Grand Rank, who thanked all the Brethren for their kindness.
The Commander then proceeded to install the SW, Bro Alan Barnes, into the chair of Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in a memorable, excellent and very sincere manner.
The new Commander invested all his Officers.
WBro. Bob Bennet gave the address to the new Commander and the RWPGM gave the Exposition, a regular address in RAM Lodges in West Lancashire for a number of years now.
Bro. Steve Smith, (a member of Edmund Taylor RAM) the recently installed SW of Mount Cardo Lodge of RAM No. 1920, based in Lanzarote, brought the greetings of the Commander of the Lodge and said that he would hopefully be installed as Commander next year and all were welcome to attend!
The Lodge was duly closed and the Brethren retired to the bar area and onto the festive board, which was lively with good food and banter, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present!
A Fylde fiddle raffle was organised by Bro. Steve Smith, which raised £88 for Charity.
A very good night aboard the Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge was had by all, with the new Commander looking forward to a great year in Office and hoping to visit as many other RAM Lodges as possible!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross