Happy New Year 2026 from all at Berks Mark
Its RAM Grand Rank for Kevin!!
Congratulations go to
W Bro Kevin Dodd on his promotion to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.
Well deserved!! From all at Berks Mark & Royal Ark Mariner
November’s Newsletter from Mark Masons Hall
Its all happening at The Linden Acre Lodge!
On Tuesday, 14th October, W Bro John Ferguson was proclaimed WM of The Linden Acre Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1568 for a second year, members and visitors enjoyed a lecture on the Tracing Board with multiple members taking part in the lecture, including:
WM John Ferguson,
SW Ian Wharton,
JW Rt W Bro Peter Sands,
JO Bro Mickey Labana,
SO W Bro Steve Graesser,
SO W Bro Ian Osborne,
JD Bro David Samsome,
IG Bro Chris Young.
The Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire informed everyone that the tracing board was changed in the 19th century, at the same time the working changed from Latin to Hebrew. Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Grand Lode certificate to Bro Chris Young by the PGM.
All attending retired to enjoy a lovely meal and each other’s company. A great night was had by all.
Donation to Wargrave Bowling Club
Recently the Wargrave Bowling Club were pleased to welcome members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Berkshire who were representing The Mark Benevolent Fund, to formerly hand over their generous donation of £11,471 to fund a new lawn mower for the club. The new Dennis machine replaced a 30 year old mower that was completely worn out.
Chez Annetts of WBC explained “the machine we had was old and constantly requiring repair. Our green is maintained solely by our members, many of whom are in their later years. The old equipment did not allow us to keep the green to the high standard required for bowling, making the process so much harder. The new machine will help us reach the high quality expected of a bowling green assisting us to attract other clubs to play against, bringing in revenue and for our facilities to be open much longer for our members and anyone who would like to come and try the sport.”
Wargrave Bowling Club supports all ages of members and works hard to keep access to everyone who wants to play. Chez explained “we have members who have various physical disabilities, some who have had strokes and a few with dementia. We aim to support these members, helping them play as long as they feel able to. The social side of our club also allows all members and their families to continue to see friends and be supported in any way needed. We are a close knit group who look out for one another. It’s a wonderful environment to be part of with the added fun of a game of bowls as well!”
The Mark Benevolent Fund is the charity of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Mason, the third largest branch of Freemasonry. The fund was established in 1868 with the sole objective of providing immediate financial aid to eligible members of their close family, who may be in distress. In modern times this has been extended to helping those in need in communities across the provinces and districts across the globe.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire James Payen said “The MBF donates to many organisations large and small. We have in the past provided funding for Ambulances for St John Ambulance as well as supporting more local projects like wheelchair rugby. We believe the social element of Wargrave Bowling Club, as well as providing a sporting opportunity, is a highly prized part of the local community that brings together people of all ages and abilities and deserves our support.
The Provincial Grand Charity Steward of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire Brian McCormack, the visit to Wargrave Bowling Club was emotional. His father Roy McCormack was heavily involved in the Northern Ireland Bowling Association and played for many years “It’s been a real treat coming to Wargrave today” he commented “I saw my father play Bowls regularly over many years, so to visit a bowling club and see the green and the community spirit and team it takes to run a club such as this, I am pleased we have been able to assist in securing the future of WBC into it’s centenary next year and beyond.”
President Marion Pope, Chairman Roger Prew and Head Groundsman George Hedges were on hand to receive the cheque and unveil the new machine, which was quickly put to work later that morning!
Pictured (Right to left) – George Hedges- Head Groundsman, James Payen DPGM Berkshire Mark, Roger Prew- Chairman, Marion Pope – President and Brian McCormack – Provincial Grand Charity Steward.
This weeks newsletter from MMH
A Double Deputies night
With thanks to W Bro Paul Wilding for this report.
Great to see the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire Jim Payen Installed as MEZ ( after only 39 years in the Royal Arch) of Hope Chapter at Newbury Masonic Centre. The visiting executive officer was The Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch Province of Berkshire.
The Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire along with the Past PGM took active parts in the ceremony, and a number of Berkshire Mark Masons were there to support Jim. So: if you are in the Mark, but not in the Royal Arch – OR vice versa – why not take inspiration from this mutual support across Orders and join the other Order?
Provincial Calling Notice 2025
It was found at Pangbourne Mark Lodge
IT WAS FOUND ….. at Pangbourne Mark Lodge No 1094
With thanks to our Communications Team Roving Reporter, Scoop Cottrell.
The word got out that Pangbourne Mark was having an Advancement as only they can. So the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire, the past PGM Peter Sands, and the past DPGM Mike Sanders, plus several other Grand Officers felt it was so important that they must attend! They were accompanied by a host of acting Provincial Officers led by Ian Spence. They were treated to a superb advancement ceremony of Bro Nestor Orolloga ( PM of Victory lodge). In true Pangbourne tradition, the officers and members booed and hissed at all the right moments, the stone was eventually “Found” having made it most of the way round the Lodge without most noticing!
Credit to the WM Ian Braithwaite on his first ceremony as Master in front of such an illustrious audience ….. Lyndsey Maskell as SD in true Frank Sinatra fashion, “ Did it his way”. Then off to the festive board at Goring and Streatley golf club for a superb and “ lively” meal.