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The founding of Hyde Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners was ostensibly due to the hard work of W. Bro. Eric Hall, (Senior Warden Designate). Eric was the owner of a local garage repair and engineering business in Hyde. Eric invited, or should I say "Press Ganged" a number of enthusiastic Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Masons, mainly from the Masonic Halls of Hyde, Dukinfield and Stalybridge to become founders of a new Royal Ark Mariner Lodge to be based at Oaklands Masonic Hall, Mottram Road, Hyde, which would be attached to The Hyde Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 868. Seven members of Hyde Mark who were not members of the R.A.M. were elevated into Staley Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 597 on the same evening, in order for them to qualify to become Founders of the new Hyde Lodge. Many members of the Hyde Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners attained High Rank not only in the R.A.M. Degree but also in Craft and other Degrees, with Norman Plant becoming Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft and David Alldred installed as Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Mark Degree in 2002 and promoted to Deputy in 2003 David Alldred is the only remaining Founder.
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