The event of a Provincial Deputation to Unity Mark Lodge in Seaham was chosen as the launch of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree representatives scheme, it was also appropriate that the talk that evening was to be about the RAMs or ‘The Charming Little Degree’
The special guests for the evening were Herbert Lazet, from the Netherlands who researched and prepared the talk for use at home but then converted it to English and the presenter of the talk, Alan Young from West Yorkshire. This would be only the second time the talk had been given in the UK
Herbert is a member of the Internet Lodge No.9659 in Manchester, he assisted in the launch of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree Representatives for each lodge in order to promote the RAM and encourage brethren to join and share the enjoyment of this ‘ Charming Little Degree’.
This was an opportune moment as the Province of Durham are launching the RAMs Representatives. It is hoped to have a RAM Rep in each of the Mark Lodges throughout the Province to generate more interest in this Degree which adds another dimension to the Mark and is a very colourful Degree. There are just less than 50% of Mark Masters who are already in the RAMs and it is hoped that this figure will increase with the help of the Reps
The Talk by Alan Young entitled ’The Charming Little Degree’ was superbly delivered with the very interesting historical information of the origins of the RAM clearly illustrated on the screen, adding an extra dimension to the talk.
Alan did have a scare just before the meeting started when his projector failed, but he was lucky another machine was made available to him just in time for his talk to be delivered.
After the talk, Herbert presented the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Hanson with a copy of the talk and presentation on DVD for the exclusive use by the Province of Durham in the hope of encouraging more Mark Masters to join the ‘Charming Little Degree’ of Royal Ark Mariners.
At the festive board Herbert and Alan were presented with two of the new Mark ties. Herbert being a bit of a historian, also received a book and histories of Queen Street Temple in Sunderland and Seaham.
Alan was presented with a special bottle from Ireland for medicinal purposes only, off course!
