Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No. 296
 
Elevation meeting, Tuesday 17th February 2026 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
21 Royal Ark Mariners were present, plus the candidate. A number of officers of the Lodge were unable to attend the meeting and those present stood in for them.
Bro. Bob Stafford, a visiting commander; Semper Fidelis RAM No. 880 was also present along with his immediate past Commander WBro. David Kenworthy.
WBro. Howard Emmett was in attendance with his son James.
The Worshipful Commander, Bro. Alan Barnes, opened the Lodge at 18.30hrs.
The RWPGM gave a memoriam for the Pro Grand Master, MWBro. John Herbert Prizeman, who had recently passed away and asked those present to stand to order for departed merit.
The Commander worked through the summons up to the ballot for Bro. Mark Anthony Stevens, a recent advancement into Bispham with Norbreck Mark Lodge No. 866.
The ballot proved in favour and then an excellent ceremony was carried out by the members of the Lodge, with Bro. Stevens guided around the Lodge floor by Bro. Dennis Askam and Bro. Chris Sage.
WBro. Ray Lamb gave an explanation of the signs and the working tools on the completion of the ceremony.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren rendezvoused in the East for crew photos and then to the bar for drinks and onto the festive board, which was lively with excellent food, banter and the usual Edmund Taylor good craic, which was enjoyed by all!
A Fylde Coast fiddle raffle was organised by Bro. Steve Smith, which raised £116 for Masonic Charities.
An excellent night aboard the Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross