Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, was the presiding Officer at the installation ceremony of the Benevolent Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 316, which was held in the Masonic temple in Teignmouth. He was accompanied on this occasion by a number of members of Royal Ark Mariner Grand and Provincial Grand Rank, including Worshipful Brother Gilson Rowe, the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

After being welcomed by the Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother Paul Penny, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master was presented with an envelope containing two donations, one for £500 to the Devon Mark Charity Association and a further £200 to the Provincial Grand Master's Special Fund. This was in addition to the £300 the lodge had already given to other worthy local causes and charities.

The main event of the evening was the installation of the new Worshipful Commander into the seat of Noah. Due to a sudden bout of sickness that day, Worshipful Brother Gorst, who was going to assist as the Installing Commander, was unable to attend. The Treasurer, Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, stepped in and assumed the role of Installing Commander. Worshipful Brother Jon undertook the ceremony in an excellent manner and supported Worshipful Brother Penny as he installed his successor, Worshipful Brother Paul McCormick, as their new Commander. The collarettes were presented to the Worshipful Collarettes, together with their explanation, by Worshipful Brother Gilson Rowe, and then the Worshipful Commander went on to appoint and invest his crew for the year. The address was given to the Commander by Worshipful Brother Jon, and the new Commander then continued the business of the evening.

  

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to partake in an excellent festive board, during which a presentation of cheques was made to Worshipful Brother Geoff Taylor on behalf of both the Teignmouth Soup Kitchen and the Mary Risdon Trust, by Worshipful Brother McCormick.