Two for One at Southport R.A.M.
 
The February meeting of Southport Royal Ark Mariners No 473, (who obviously meet at Southport Masonic Hall), is their Installation and last meeting of the season.
Roy Hedges & John Wootton
With an eager candidate waiting to join the lodge,  it was decided to hold the Installation and Elevation ceremonies on the same night. This meant a 17.00 start time in order to get the two in. This actually proved to be a blessing on the night because the R.W Provencal Grand Master’s representative, WBro Stephen Gregory was stuck in traffic and over an hour away as the Lodge opening time approached. This was a bit stressful for WBro Gregory as this was the first time he had represented at a RAM lodge since obtaining his RAMGR.
Roy & Terry Tasker
Mean while back at Southport the Commander, WBro Jim Molloy opened the Lodge and cleared as many items on the summons as possible, before handing over the chair to WBro Kevin Chicken to carry out the first part of the Elevation ceremony.
Roy, Terry & Mark Teylor
The candidate Bro John Wootton was admitted and placed into the safe keeping of the Senior Deacon, WBro Neil Latham. After the obligation WBro Kevin Chicken passed the chair over to WBro Alan Foster. WBro Colin Sherman gave the explanation of the signs, while WBro Ian Scott explained the working tools. The explanation of the steps was given by Bro Karl Brennan and not leaving out the Junior Warden WBro Mark Taylor. Bro John Wootton was welcomed in to the lodge by the commander and into the order by WBro Roy Hedges, the PGM’s Deputy Special Rep for the area. It was a truly an Elevation ceremony of teamwork and an enjoyable one at that. With WBro Jim Molloy safely back in the Commanders seat and as if on cue there was a knock on the door, WBro Stephen Gregory had arrived. WBro Gregory entered and was greeted by the Commander and salutations given.
The team welcomes John
Now it was time for WBro Colin Sherman the DC to present the Master Elect, Bro Karl Brennan to the Worshipful Commander for the ceremony of election.
'The team'
WBro Jim Molloy conducted an excellent ceremony and was ably assisted by WBro Terry Tasker who presented Keystone Jewel and also gave the address to the Commander. It was the turn of WBro Stephen Gregory to give the Exposition.
 
At the completion of the ceremony WBro Stephen Gregory congratulated WBro Karl Brennan on taking the chair and WBro Jim Molloy for the fine ceremony on behalf of the R.W Provencal Grand Master.
Neil Latham & Alan Foster
The Commander then presented WBro Stephen Gregory with several cheques for charity, which were grateful received.
Who's paying the bill?
Both Karl and John are now welcome to attend the Provincial Grand Lodge at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool Thursday 8th May 2025 and the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly, on Tuesday, 16th Sept 2025 at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Peel St., Westhoughton.
 
We wish Karl and Southport RAM Lodge a great summer and very successful 2025 /26 season.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell.