Annual Provincial Assembly of the Ancient and Honourable
Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners of West Lancashire
Brookfield Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton. Tuesday 15th September 2026
 
Here we go it’s that time again, for meeting up with friends from our two wonderful Degrees, the Mark and Royal Ark Mariners, on this occasion over 130 plus attended the Provincial Royal Ark Mariners Assembly.
The journey started from where we left off last June with a slow climb up the on ramp to get onto the M60, traffic was moving all though only slowly as normal, we made it to the M61 junction, now we started to move which is more than I can say for the other side heading towards Manchester, at least eight miles of standing traffic, which included at least 40 heavy weight wagons, (40 tons) it’s no wonder our roads are falling to bits!   
In no time at all we arrived at Peel Street, plenty of cars already in the car park went inside up the stairs to the Lodge Room area, lots of happy chat and handshakes, our excellent Provincial DC Arthur Robinson was already getting together members of the Team for the usual practice which he always does before any Team visits, whether it’s Mark or Royal Ark Mariners.   I went for my usual mooch around, this building is like a maze lots of other rooms including at least one more fair-sized Lodge Room, Regalia storage areas changing rooms etc, next time you visit you should take a few minutes and have a look round.
Downstairs there is a large well-appointed dining room complete with a first-class bar and comfy lounge area. 
The time seemed to fly bye, everyone made their way to the Temple for the meeting to start, on this occasion it was under the control of our much loved, Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C.
It was in some ways a sad occasion because this will be the last time we will have the pleasure of seeing Keith as our PGM taking charge of the Provincial Royal Ark Mariners Assembly as he is retiring from that role next year.
The meeting rolled along including the appointment and Investiture of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank to several brethren, along with 3 members were awarded the Order of Merit.
W.Bro. Mathew Christmas R.A.M.G.R. presented a lecture entitled “Enoch” The Lost Patriarch of English Freemasonry. The PGM then gave his address to the meeting, which was well received, this was followed by any other business, this Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Assembly was then closed and then the National was sung by all.
Another Great Meeting was over, everyone than made their way downstairs and charged their glasses before taking up their allotted places for the Festive Board, the excellent meal was served up by the very efficient and friendly Hall Staff.
Several Toasts were given and well received with good responses and then that was it all over for another year, genuine handshakes which we all share were given before stepping out into the pleasant afternoon sunshine to make their way home to all parts of West Lancashire.  Here’s to the next one.
 
Mark Well
Words by Austin Fletcher R.A.M.G.R. Lodge, No.394
Pictures by Tony Cross which continue below

Words by Austin Fletcher R.A.M.G.R. Lodge, No.394 Photos Courtesy of Tony Cross