Welcome
Welcome to the Home of Royal Ark Mariner
The necessary Masonic qualification to join the Degree is to first be a Mark Master Mason. This association with the Mark Degree is derived purely from the administrative links and accordingly the Degree is led in this Province by the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark. It follows that the happiness and joy which is embedded in the Mark Degree, is equally present in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree.
The Degree teaches the importance of "family" strengths and it emphasises the need for each member of society to play his part for the benefit of all. We are reminded that out of chaos and disaster mankind has the will and the strength to survive and that we should unite to face adversity together, looking after those less fortunate than ourselves.
There are currently 11 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges in the Province of Nottinghamshire, all of which are moored to the Mark Lodge bearing the same number.
A representative of each RAM Lodge is welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge as part of the RAM Delegation, wearing the regalia of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. There is also a separate Provincial Grand Assembly of the Order when appointments to Provincial Grand Rank are conferred. This Assembly is held to coincide with the May meeting of the Notts5. Installed Commanders Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.1808.
Progression to the chair is similar to those of other Orders and many of the Officers of a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners will be familiar to you, although some bear different names. The Master is known as The Worshipful Commander, the Secretary as the Scribe, the Inner Guard as the Guardian and the Tyler as the Warder.
The principal Officers represent Noah (Worshipful Commander) and his two sons; Japeth (Senior Warden) and Shem (Junior Warden).
This Degree is at once easy of comprehension; yet it yields ever more intriguing subjects for contemplation and learning as you increase your own research.
Membership offers happiness of meeting fellow Royal Ark Mariners, the fraternal friendship that comes from mutual support and the idea that we are in it together; but more importantly that no worthy brother shall be left behind. That we all have our part to play and that the highest is he who performs his part best, not he who fills the most exalted position.
Fraternally
Peter Maxwell Ball
Provincial Grand Master
Nottinghamshire Provincal Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons
The PGM
The Provincial Grand Master Mark Master Masons
Peter Ball has taken an active part in the administration of the Nottinghamshire Mark Province throughout the past decade and was appointed as Provincial Grand Secretary in 2005, promoted to Deputy Provincial Grand Master in March 2010 and appointed Provincial Grand Master in March 2012.
At the earliest opportunity, being just 21 years of age, Peter joined Freemasonry as a "Lewis"; that is to say by virtue of being the son of a Freemason. In fact, Peter was actually proposed by his Grandfather and seconded by his Father to join the Duchess of Portland Lodge No.3570, a connection of which Peter is quite rightly very proud. They in turn would have taken great pride in the extent of Peter's subsequent involvement in the wide range of Masonic Degrees and Orders to which he belongs, together with the commitment he brings to all that he does.
He served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1985, but was Installed again in the Master's Chair for the Lodge's Centenary in 2011. During the year he has initiated both his Sons thus bringing a fourth generation of the family into the Lodge.
Born and educated in Nottingham, Peter commenced his career in the motor trade here too, before moving to Derby in 1975 in order to focus on commercial vehicle sales. After a long and successful career in selling Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, which has seen him winning several national sales awards, Peter is now enjoying his retirement from commercial life and somehow finding the time to expand his Masonic interests alongside his family and household commitments.
Success in business has provided Peter with many opportunities to travel to glamorous locations; sometimes to admire the "oily bits" on the latest version of a new Mercedes-Benz lorry, but equally as likely to be a well-deserved leisure excursion and to admire some of the areas of breathtaking beauty that this World has to offer.
Peter is married to Kate and together they have an extended family of five children and two grandchildren. Being a Grandfather is a relatively new role that Peter is enjoying and one that his natural good humour and patience is well suited to.
His retirement affords him the opportunity to expand his role as Grandfather and to indulge in a few of his favourite pastimes. Music has always been an important element in Peter's life, whether performing semi-professionally as bass guitar player with his father's band back in the 1970's and early 1980's, or simply enjoying the musical talent of others.
Classic cars have long held a particular captivation for Peter and it was particularly fitting that when Kate and Peter married in August 2009, they were able to use a classic car that Peter had once owned. A keen interest in local history and gardening, as well as Peter's numerous Masonic and charitable activities will no doubt occupy any free time that his retirement may try to create.
Peter is always happy to assist whenever and wherever possible, working hard to the mutual benefit of others. His ability and experience in managing administrative issues whilst demonstrating his sense of humour and maintaining efficiency enhances his natural leadership qualities and are greatly appreciated by those who know him.
He has a great desire to ensure that Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees continue to be enjoyed by all those who are members of these Orders.
The Dept PGM
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master Mark Master Masons
Chris Adkin was born in Nottingham in 1964, educated locally; and after obtaining his Degree in Accounting & Finance he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. The decision to become a Chartered Accountant was first settled upon by Chris as a schoolboy at the tender age of 8 and he has demonstrated his commitment to steadfastly pursue an established worthwhile goal many times since.
His involvement with Freemasonry first began when his father introduced him to Le Willows Lodge as a "Lewis" (the son of a Freemason) in 1991. Chris has since expanded his research and knowledge to embrace many of the other Orders that Freemasonry has to offer, with the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees being foremost among these. Having filled the Office of Deputy Secretary within the Province since 2005, he was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary in March 2010.
Chris married Tina in November 1995 and they now live in Mansfield, where Chris runs his own Accountancy Practice. Since 2007 they have had an apartment on the Black Sea coast at Sozopol in Bulgaria and recently they embarked upon a shared aim to learn the Bulgarian language, enrolling for a beginner's class at the local college.
Interests beyond family and Freemasonry include all forms of motor sport, gliding and travel. Chris assisted with the running of a National road safety competition for over 20 years, he has marshalled on many national and international rallies, as well as attending some events whilst still in a 'carry cot' as a very young baby! Gliding became a passion whilst he was still a student and has provided him with plenty of opportunity to travel the UK in support of this absorbing sport, including the chance to be part of a team entered in the Universities Flying Week competition.
Chris always delivers his full commitment to any activity with which he becomes involved, willing to take an active role if appropriate, believing firmly that we all get out of our activities in proportion to what we put in to them.
An occupational hazard that usually befalls any Accountant is that the job of treasurer frequently lands at their feet. Chris has willingly taken on the job of treasurer many times, including that of the Parish Church where he and Tina were married and he was also the finance Trustee for the national drugs education charity, DARE (UK), for a number of years. Currently Chris is a member of the Mansfield Armchair Club, which raises money for local sports people and helps enable those of all abilities to reach their potential and enjoy their chosen sport.
Chris is a most capable administrator who has a keen interest and appreciation of the traditions and ceremonial aspects of the Mark Degree. He is a regular visitor to many of the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges within our Province and he is always pleased to widen his circle of friends whenever visiting other Lodges and Provinces. It is clear to all who know him that he thoroughly enjoys his own Mark Masonry and that he is keen to help others enjoy theirs.
