The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David C. Purdie, recently attended the 49th meeting and the ensuing birthday party of the Hawton 100 Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in Ivybridge.

He was joined on this occasion by  the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Assistant Provincial Grand Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Past Provincial Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother Peter Hawken, and Very Worshipful Brother Bill Daw.

The brethren then went on to witness a wonderful elevation ceremony, undertaken in an excellent manner by the brethren of the lodge, and we congratulate Brother Peter Ellis on joining such a wonderful order.

Later in the meeting, the Provincial Grand Master was invited to present a Royal Ark Mariners Grand Council Certificate to the most recently elevated member, Brother Stephen Joint. It is wonderful to see that Brother Steve is continuing to show the close bonds enjoyed across all of the orders within the province, with him being the Second Grand Principle of the Holy Royal Arch within Devonshire.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to the refectory for the festive board and birthday party, and even a slice of birthday cake. It is tradition that at their party, that the brethren don their party hats and enjoy the fun and enjoyment well known within the degree.

During the meeting it was also a pleasure for our Provincial Grand Master to present the new elevatee, Brother Peter Ellis, with his Provincial Royal Ark Mariner tie, which he assured all present that he would wear with pride.