Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, the Provincial Grand Master, recently attended the St Nicholas Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 540 meeting in Ilfracombe.

During the meeting, the outstanding and dedicated service of one of its members, Worshipful Brother David Woolley was recognised, and he was presented with his Citation and Certficate for 50 years service to the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners.

W. Bro David joined Mark Masonry in Ilfracombe by being advanced into the North Devon Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons in 1972, and was soon after elevated into the St Nicholas Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in 1973.

Having served as the Commander in 1986, he gained recognition in 1993 for his dedication to the Fraternity, by being awarded Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. He became a Founder of Devonshire Lodge of Installed MMM 1750 and also a Founder of Devonshire Lodge of Installed Commanders 1750, where he was the Commander in 1999. Also in 1999, he was further honoured by being invested with his Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. 

It was highlighted during his presentation that, along with many other interests, he had the priviledge, during his National Service, to be a member of the Guard of Honour on The Mall for the Late Queen Elizabeth's Coronation in 1953.

A truly caring and thoughtful brother, who is a very dedicated freemason and Mark Man, always willing to help out where he can. A well deserved recognition for his service.