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.

Porchester Mark No 27 are on top form!!

Outstanding Installation meeting at Caduceus Lodge of MMM

The Installation meeting of the Caduceus Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1631 was not only an impressive Mark ceremony but a feast of Berkshire masonry in general.

The new Master, W.Bro. Marcus Hilsdon was Installed in an exemplary manner by the outgoing Master W.Bro. David Jarvis, who is also the Insptector General for Berkshire in the Ancient and Accepted Rite (also known as Rose Croix).  The meeting was attended by both the Provincial Grand Master and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, two Past Provincial Grand Masters and the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master.  We also welcomed the Provincial Grand Master for Wiltshire to ‘mark’ the fact that the new Worshipful Master is also in the Chair of a Wiltshire Mark Lodge.

The Berkshire Craft hierarchy were also out in force.  The Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Anthonhy Howlett-Bolton, Grand Senior Deacon, took over as lodge Secretary, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Mark Heppelthwaite, was appointed Junior Deacon and the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Matt Walker, was appointed Junior Overseer.

The meeting was followed by a delicious Festive Board after which all the customary toasts were duly honoured with suitable responses.

A happy, convivial and successful meeting which emphasised everything that is best in Freemasonry.

This weeks newsletter from Mark Masons Hall

This weeks newsletter from Mark Masons Hall can be viewed by clicking on the image above.

 

Old Rectory Lodge – An Exciting New Year Ahead!!

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

Charity, Its what we do…

 

 

Our Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire and other members of our Province have been out selling poppies for the Royal British Legion.

The RBL is a charity who do amazing work, we are very happy to support them in all they do.

PGM’s Address to Provincial RAM Assembly

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.