The brethren at the Strode Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 1495, who hold their meetings in Plymouth, recently undertook their first elevation ceremony in several years. Following the sad closure the Strode Mark Lodge in 2023, they re-moored to the Spencer Mark Lodge 1495. The brethren were aware that if circumstances did not improve, then their own RAM Lodge could suffer the similar fate.

The successful talks being given around the Province by Worshipful Brother Bill Philip, who is the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner lead, pointing out the attraction of this wonderful degree, this lodge has changed its course, and is sailing again, with more prospective members waiting on nearby shores.

The Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Cyril Whittaker, lead his team in an excellent Elevation ceremony, with members of the Devon Mark Support Team assisting them. The lodge welcomes Brother James Currie into this Ancient and Honourable Fraternity, and hopes he has many happy years in the Lodge.

  

Following the ceremony, the lodge saw its long-standing Treasurer, Worshipful Brother Tony Vickery R.A.M.G.R., announcing his retirement and standing down after 14 years of incredible service to the lodge. Worshipful Brother Tony, a Past District Grand Prefect in the Allied Masonic Degrees, still remains an active member of many degrees in freemasonry across both Devon and Cornwall, and will be continuing to enjoy his masonry for years to come.