Richard Gale completed his two years as Commander of Cerdic Royal Ark Mariners by installing his successor Mike Nathan. Before doing so he elevated Brother Rob Thomas into the degree in an excellent ceremony. The signs of the degree were communicated by W.Bro Bob Loader and Mike Nathan explained the significance of the working tools. The explanation of the nine steps leading to the ark was given by the acting Senior Warden, Ron Troup who completed them successfully without tripping over his own feet, but only just!
Bro Rob was welcomed into the degree by the Commander and to the Province by the Deputy PGM W.Bro Tony Guthrie.
The Commander went on to install his successor in the Chair of the Lodge. New Commander Mike Nathan, thanked W.Bro Richard and invested his as Immediate Past Commander following which he invested his officers, including the very recently elevated Brother Rob Thomas as Steward! The Deputy PGM gave the address to the Commander in exemplary fashion.
After the Installation the Deputy PGM rose to congratulate the new commander and remind the brethren that on Saturday 7th September the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly would be held at the Webbington Hotel. Seven brethren of the Province would be invested by the Provincial Grand Master with Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank. However due to a diary clash two of those seven could not attend but they were present in lodge this evening. He then asked the Provincial ADC W.Bro David Rockey to present to him W.Bros Bob Loader and Mike Nathan, who were then invested by the Deputy PGM with their Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank Collarettes to acclamation from the brethren.
A very pleasant festive board was served at the Phoenix Hotel after the meeting during which the brethren sang happy birthday to W.Bro Norman Crang who was 85 years young on the day! The Commander presented Norman with a birthday cake that Norman very kindly shred with all the brethren.
It was a very enjoyable Royal Ark Mariner evening!