The PGM’s Reception, a Wonderful Evening

The Provincial Grand Masters Reception

Click Here to watch the after dinner speech

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for this report

Friday 17th April, a total of 102 brethren and wives/partners/guests, sat down to a wonderful evening. Each of us enjoyed a delicious three course m

eal, accompanied by wines, which flowed almost as freely as the conversation. Laughter was constant, easy gathered by the good choices around the room and it was clear that by the volume and tempo, we were all very much having a superb time.

We were delighted to host Lee Shergold, from Bridge For Young People, who gave us an update on the work of that Newbury based charity and how our donations has helped to support the lives of the young patrons they assist. A very moving presentation when you hear of the journeys some of our young adults take as they start the next chapter of their lives.

One of the highlights is the raffle and we were inundated with prizes, over 50 in total. This generosity led to us raising, via the raffle, a fabulous total of £815.20. I know, where did the 20p come from and did that person claim one fifth of a prize?

This total surpassed that of last year and I am even incredibly grateful for the support brethren give BeMBA. However, that wasn’t the final total. I was humbled by one brother who asked me if they could top up that total to £1000. As this was a personal donation, not part of the raffle, we were able to see our BeMBA QR code and claim the gift aid taking the total to £231.25. Our final total is, therefore, £1046.25.

We would like to say a huge Thank You to W Bro Paul Tomlinson for the tremendous work behind the scenes organising this wonderful event.

Another wonderful social and charitable evening for the thriving Mark province of Berkshire. More exciting events to follow.

The Provincial Grand Master’s Reception

This evening we look forward to one of the highlights of our Masonic year.

The Provincial Grand Master and members of his executive will welcome our members together with their families and friends to a wonderful reception and banquet. We are delighted to have joining us, members of charities we have supported throughout the year.

Photos and videos of the evening to follow

Full Provincial Team Visit to Windsor Castle Lodge

It was a special night at Windsor Castle Lodge of Mark Master Masons when the R.W. Provincial Grand Master brought his full Provincial team for an official visit, complete with sword and standard. This historic lodge, founded in 1898, meets right next to the walls of the castle itself and over the years has had many members of the Royal Household in its ranks.

The lodge, led by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Ed George put on a superb demonstration of the Advancement ceremony, with one of the Provincial team acting acting as candidate. The photograph shows the Provincial Team with the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Graham Seeman.

Afterwards, all those present retired to the Bexley Arms for a sumptuous four course Festive Board and all then made their way home having enjoyed a superb evening of Mark Masonry and companionship. The Magic of the Mark weaving its spell once again.

Erlegh Lodge is on a roll!!

Erlegh Mark welcomed Bro. Nic Dima whom we advanced on the 15th November, pictured is WM Jim Owens and the team with Bro Nic to his left and Bro Andy Smith to his right, who received his Grand Lodge Certificate.

Erlegh is on the up, having advanced 4 new members over the last 4 regular meetings, with more in the pipeline, being the only Saturday Mark Lodge in the Province.

If you enjoy a Saturday meeting, Erlegh Lodge is well worth a visit!

Leopold Mark Lodge install a familiar face into the chair.

A wonderful Installation meeting of Leopold Mark Lodge

W Bro David Green was installed into the chair for the Nth time (they have lost count ) by W Bro Huw Hopkin, witnessed by a good number of the active Provincial Officers of the year, including the Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire. It was a great meeting with plenty of laughter, the festive board was also very good.

Try to support this small lodge at their next meeting as they have a candidate to advance, you will be made most welcome.

A new Master for The Old Rectory Lodge

This week Old Rectory Lodge held its installation meeting attended by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire and a team of Provincial Officers.

A wonderful ceremony was performed by various members of the Lodge, it was a pleasure to see Bro Patrick O’Neil Brown take the chair for the first time.

Following the meeting, members and guests enjoyed a lovely meal in the new catering facilities adjacent to the Lodge room.

A visit to Leopold Mark Lodge

With thanks to W Bro Paul Tomlinson, one of our Communications Team roving reporters for his report on this week’s meeting of Leopold Mark Lodge.

The meeting of Leopold Mark Lodge Monday evening where the brethren were enlightened by a lecture regarding the “History and Meaning of parts of the Mark Ritual”, delivered by Brother Hopkins which was interesting if you have not heard it before. Also, Bro Todor was finally presented with his long-awaited Grand Lodge Certificate! The festive board was an enjoyable two-course meal with plenty of banter If you have never visited Leopold Mark Lodge, add it to your diary, it’s an enjoyable night and take your ritual book as you may get a job…

The latest from Erlegh Mark Lodge 1627

Fresh on the back of an advancement ceremony in September, Erlegh Mark Lodge 1627 the Province’s Saturday Lodge held another successful meeting on Saturday 16th November where they were pleased to advance a new member Bro Peter Emerton and welcome a joining member Brother Graham Strood.

The ceremony of advancement was carried out by the Worshipful Master W Bro Dave West who was ably assisted by the officers of the lodge along with some guests who were pleased to fill a few offices.

All in all a great afternoon enjoyed by all – pictured are W Bro Dave with Bro’s Pete and Graham and the rest of the officers and guests. The lodge now look forward to their Installation Meeting on 22nd March where Bro Jim Owens will take the chair for the first time, all visitors will be made most welcome.

Royal Ark Mariner Assembly – Berkshire

Last night we held our Royal Ark Mariner Provincial assembly. A well attended meeting held at the lovely Windsor Masonic Hall.

Donation to Bracknell Rugby Football Club

Donation to Bracknell RFC

The Berkshire Mark Benevolent Association (BeMBA) have recently donated £200 to Bracknell Rugby Football Club and as a result contributed to the purchase of a new kit for the U14 team.

We look forward to watching the team win many games wearing the kit and wish them all the very best of luck!!

Charity is at the heart of every Berkshire Mark/Royal Ark Mariner Freemason, we continue to provide much support for local charities and national projects.