Cranley Lodge of MMM 1616 – Installation – Tuesday 14th May 2024

With thanks to W Bro Jim Sampins for his report on this weeks Cranley Lodge of MMM 1616 – Installation – Tuesday 14th May 2024
Taking a brief sojourn from my duties in the Royal Arch, I was honoured and delighted to Install W Bro Norman Birkitt as the 39th Worshipful Master of the Cranley Lodge of Mark Master Masons 1616 on Tuesday 14th May.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable meeting, graced by the presence of the Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire, and he was accompanied by several Provincial Grand Officers including the ProvGSW W Bro Julian Pacey.
It was particularly nice to see my personal guest W Bro Paul Ackland Snow PAGDC working for his supper, and once again wielding his DC wand as the acting ProvGDC. W Bro Norman invested his officers impeccably, and W Bro Brian McCormack ProvGChStwd, in his usual inimitable style, gave an immaculate explanation of the working tools.
The evening was topped by a superb festive board in the Windsor Guildhall, preceded by a Champagne reception, and the five course dinner was accompanied by superb (and copious) wines and port, carefully selected by W Bro Guy Barlow PAGDC.

Berkshire pays a visit to Oxfordshire’s Provincial Meeting

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for his report on his visit to Oxfordshire Freemasons Mark Provincial Meeting.
Last Thursday, May 9th, a Posse of Berkshire Mark Masons, attended the Annual Provincial Meeting of Oxford. The Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire, accompanied by VW Bro Mike Sanders & W Bros. Jim Payen, Huw Hopkin, Ted Lewis, Phil Damant & myself, descended upon the Bicester Hotel, golf & spa resort to support our historically very close neighbour.
A mid afternoon start was preceded by a reception of tea or coffee and some biscuits with the meeting commencing at 3pm. Berkshire is always well represented, indeed, the PGM of Oxford, RW Bro. Ian Watson Wright, on welcoming distinguished guests, described our attendance as more of an invasion, given we had the largest attendance of any Province.
The highlight was the installation of a new DPGM VW Bro. Adrian Hadley Barlow a fitting appointment in my opinion. It was a precursor to our own Annual Meeting when we too will install a new DPGM, an exciting event for any province.
The meeting concluded and we sat down to a largely pleasant festive board. Once again, Mark Masonry put on a marvellous display of the friendly spirit of our degree.
Brethren, please consider attending one of these provincial meetings. Being an active provincial offer isn’t the single qualification to attend. Let it be known you wish to and provided numbers we will support it, and you pay for your own meal, you’d be very welcome.
The bonds built across the provinces enriches the Masonic experience, one, I’m certain you’ll very much enjoy. Roll on Bristol, this Saturday.

May meeting of The Pangbourne Mark Lodge 1094

With thanks to W Bro Adie Lovell for his report on this weeks Pangbourne Mark Lodge 1094 meeting.
Tonight (May 14th) we met at Pangbourne Mark 1094. Yes we had so much fun. A skeleton crew led by W Bro John Jenkins. Our acting officers were away supporting VW Bro Mike Sanders at Wantage Mark his last official meeting. Good luck Mike.
We practiced and carried out a full advancement with the majority of work by W Bro John (Thank you Bro Alex for being the advancee) . Ably supported by all his attendant Officers Deacons Lindsay and Dean. Wardens Ian and Phil. And the Overseers Simon , Gary and our Guest overseer W Bro Richard Mackrow.
The chaplaincy was taken by our other Guest W Bro Huw Ranscombe.
We couldn’t have asked for more. The spirit of the Mark degree was upheld and enjoyed by all.
The toasts were honoured at the Festive board and everyone went home with a warm Mark feeling.
This is how Free Masonry should be. Thanks also go to Alan for arranging the festive board.

Our Provincial Visit to The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mark Master Masons.

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for this report on his visit to the Provincial meeting of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mark Master Masons.

 

Today, seven brethren, V.W. Bro. Michael Sanders, accompanied by W. Bro’s Huw Hopkin, Ted Lewis, Laurence Riel, Kevin Dodd, Philip Damant and Brian McCormack, attended the Annual Provincial Meeting of Hampshire & Isle of Wight, held in the Guildhall in Portsmouth. Over 300 attended to celebrate their Sesquicentenary year and were treated to a fantastic reception. It was very fitting that a Past Provincial Grand Master was in attendance in the person of none other than the Pro. Grand Master John Herbert Prizeman, who was PGM between 2007 and 2016.
A wonderful potted history was presented, filled with interesting & amusing facts about the Province. This was followed by the investiture of the officers for the year but, the highlight was a field promotion which was conferred by the Pro.G.M. The official part over, brethren retired for the VIP drinks reception then the festive board. Over £1100 was raised at the annual “heads & tails” where the prize was a cake baked by Gerry Gangadean.
I came second, which, in reality, is first last, and missed out on a delicious rum infused iced cake. Indeed, there’s so much rum in Gerry’s cakes, they’re more Jamaican than Bob Marley.
The day ended all too soon and brethren, from numerous provinces headed home, having enjoyed a typically brilliant event. This is my third visit but certainly not my last. Brethren of Berkshire, consider attending and help us win the title of the largest number of Provincial Officers to attend. Whilst we had 7, Dorset claimed the gold medal with 8. Let’s right that “wrong” with a larger number next year. I can highly recommend it.
Everyone who attended received a wonderful goody bag containing a book, detailing part of the history of the Province, other keepsakes the best of which was a double sided coin to commemorate this wonderful anniversary.

The Magic of The Mark Breakfast Seminar

 

For all interested in our wonderful degree, our provincial Executive will deliver an engaging presentation on the Mark/RAM degree. This will be the perfect opportunity to find out about the Mark degree, meet the executive and ask questions. Further details will follow, please share…

Event Facebook Link

 

 

 

The Provincial Grand Master’s Reception and Dinner

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for his report

Friday night The Berkshire Mark Masons, and their partners, enjoyed an excellent evening at the annual Provincial Grand Masters Reception and Dinner.
The event was held at Sindlesham Court, whose staff looked after the 105 attendees, in a very professional manner. The menu consisted of either Chefs Prawn Cocktail or Medley of Melon Cocktail, Coq au Vin with minted potatoes & seasonal veg or strudel of leek, cherry tomatoes & goats cheese & cheese platter or ice cream. All three courses were delicious and a credit to the chefs.
The evening was filled with a lively buzz as we caught up with one another. The raffle raised a magnificent £700 which will allow BeMBA continue to support local charities & brethren alike.
Credit must go to the members of the executive who worked tirelessly, in the background to pull together another superb fundraising event. These events are the social jewel in the Mark calendar so roll on 2025 when the Magic of the Mark will shine again.

Caduceus Lodge of MMM – 4th March 2024

Caducius Lodge of MMM – 4th March 2024

Caducius Lodge of MMM – 4th March 2024. In the presence of the RW Provincial Grand Master Graham Seeman and the Provincial Officers of the year, we witnessed a splendid Installation of W.Bro David Briggs by W. Bro Raymond Cochrane, in what can only be described as a wonderful ceremony that was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The PGM also presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Brother Richard Williams. Afterwards we dined in fine style where the normal toasts were observed.

 

Fundraising for London’s Air Ambulance

Charity is at the heart of every Freemason, it is what we do!

Our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro Tim Spriggs is raising money for a very worthy cause. London’s Air Ambulance.
Here is Tim’s message….
Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s cornerstone support of the ‘Up Against Time’ appeal is paving the way for the replacement of London’s Air Ambulances, which provide vital trauma responses throughout the capital. Wednesday 17th April will see me and a group of Metropolitan Masons take the plunge with a mass ‘de-bearding’, hopefully shaving years off of appearances and raising a bumper amount for this worthy cause!
Having met several people who are only here today because of this charities ability to deliver an advanced trauma team to London’s most critically injured patients , I couldn’t say no to getting involved in raising funds to help replace the two air ambulances that are going out of service.
Not only am I attached to my beard, but I’m especially attached to avoiding the daily hassle of shaving!
Support us in supporting all those who live in, work or visit our capital, and give generously to see me back in a clean-shaven state! That’s right…if you’ve complained about my beard, now is your chance to make a change…
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/…/the-great-metropolitan…

Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623. A Triple Celebration!!

Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623

It was an evening of great celebration at Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623 on 28th February where we saw the PGM, RW Bro. Graham Seeman present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Peter Dresser. The Advancement of Bro Jason Ayers done in fine style by the Worshipful Master David Barber ably supported by the Lodge Officers. The PGM then presented a certificate to W. Bro David Loyd-Langston in celebration and recognition of his 50 years in Mark Masonry, on the 51st anniversary to the very day of his Advancement into Valentia Lodge of MMM. A very rare and special event indeed. We then enjoyed a splendid and affable Festive Board. A fine evening for sure, and will be remembered for years to come!

Your Communications Team Need You!!

The Provincial communications team are looking for volunteers to join our enthusiastic and busy team. We have a range of projects we are currently working on and many planned for the future. We are particularly keen to hear from members who have skills with graphic design/media creation.  This is a great opportunity to assist our thriving province.  Full training and support will be given.

For more information please contact our Provincial Communications Officer – Mark Davis

Email: berksmarkcomms@gmail.com