As is the norm the 2021 Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Assembly took place at Tovil, on Friday 27th August, within the Kent Installed Commander’s Lodge regular meeting and was presided over by the Provincial Grand Master RW. Bro. Archie Torrance in one of his last official duties.

The Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by members of the Provincial Executive, entered and occupied the Chair. After the Provincial Grand Master had appointed his Officers he opened the Provincial Grand Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners.

The Prov. G.M. explained the purpose of the meeting and welcomed the visitors. After the Roll of Royal Ark Mariner Lodges within the Province was called, he presented lapel pins to the newly Elevated Brethren welcoming them into the Order. The recipients of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank were then invested.

The Provincial Grand Master presented Festival President’s Awards of silver goblets to representatives of four Mark and Royal Ark Mariners Lodges thanking them for their support of the 152nd MBF Festival.

Malling Abbey Mark Lodge 1425 = £31,932 total
Amherst Mark Lodge 266 = £909.60 per capita
Thanet R.A.M. Lodge 1073 = £15,044 total
The North Kent R.A.M. Lodge 1682 = £600.24 per capita

The Provincial Grand Master then addressed Provincial Grand Assembly. In his address he presented Patents of Appointment to W.Bro. Perri Ahmet as Deputy Provincial Grand Master; and W.Bros., David Stiff and Martyn Summers as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

He also presented a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master collarette to W.Bro. Ian Gallehawk thanking him for all he has done for the Province over a number of years. Unfortunately VW.Bro. Fred Brown, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, was unable to attend so he will be presented with his collarette at a later date.

The Provincial Grand Master closed the Provincial Grand Assembly and retired in procession with his Officers.
Photos by Chris Eley