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.

Mark Masons hit the streets of London for Charity!!

What a fantastic team effort, as always, we are delighted to see our very own Provincial Grand Charity Steward of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire W Bro Brian McCormack involved in this wonderful fundraising event.

On 16 May, a team from Mark Province of London set off to visit the London cabmen’s shelters, spread all over London, in aid of the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund in their 150th anniversary.

The 4-man team led up by R.W.Bro. David Ashbolt P.ProvG.M. and consisting of W.Bro. Marios Styliandes A.Prov.G.M., W.Bros Stacy Harman and Brian McCormack (Provincial Charity Stewards) headed off on an unusually sunny day from the St John’s Wood shelter – the oldest functioning shelter in London. Before we set off, we had the honour of being allowed inside the shelter, with the permission of the Trustees, which is normally strictly reserved for licenced taxi drivers only.
The team managed to catch a lift off the Widows Sons on the first leg, with the bikers turning up in numbers to support the challenge and whisked the team to the second shelter of the day, where we were met with what was the common theme of the day – a big smile and appreciation for what the Mark Province of London was doing for the shelters.
After a quick photo, we headed off to the next shelter where David and Marios were given a mop and bucket for a cleaning job! Once the floors were mopped, we the made our way across London, battling the traffic any way we could. After taxi rides, walking and pulling Marios around in a wheelchair – due to him trying to get the sympathy vote – the team marched on ticking off each visit as we went.
With a long day under our belts, lots of photos, fun and stories from all the shelter’s operators, the team finished off the challenge with quick dart over to Mark Masons’ Hall, where we were met by our Provincial Grand Master and the Trustees of the CSF and sat down to a celebratory meal by the team at MMH

Provincial Charity Steward hits the streets of London!!

Posted on behalf of our wonderful Provincial Grand Charity Steward of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire

Today, 4 Mark Master Masons, David Ashbolt, Marios Stylianados, Stacy Harman & myself, will be yomping around London, to visit the remaining Cabmens shelters to raise funds for their upkeep. This is a 22 mile trip ending at MMH. This is a final shout out to anyone/lodge that would like to donate on the link below. Any, and all, donations will be very much appreciated.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/…/cabmens-shelter-challenge-1

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…