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

The Make Your Mark Club Launch Event

 

Date for your diary,

Saturday 4th July, 09:30 at Sindlesham. The MYM Club launch event (including all you can eat buffet breakfast for all who want to eat, £16).

Meet the committee, hear the vision, and suggest educational and social events you would like to attend. Help develop your club.

Please spread the word; further details to follow.

Club email: MakeYourMark@berksmark.org.uk

 

Berkshire well represented at Surrey Provincial meeting

The Annual Surrey Provincial Mark meeting held at Croydon on Saturday 21st March was the usual great occasion and Berkshire brethren were out in force to support our neighbouring Province.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Graham Seeman and W.Bro. David Reeves, the Provincial Grand Junior Warden, were the official representatives, but they were joined by many other Berkshire brethren.

The picture shows (l to r) W.Bro. Paul Ackland-Snow, P.A.G.D.C.; W.Bro. Anthony Howlett-Bolton, G.S.D.; W.Bro. Kevin Dodd, P.Prov.G.J.W.; W. Bro. David Emonds, W.Bro. David Reeves, Prov.G.J.W. and Bro. John de Lara.

The strong turnout from Berkshire just might have had something to with the fact that our own V.W.Bro Steve Berkshire, P.G.J.O was being Installed as an Assitant Provincial Grand Master for Surrey!  Congratulations to Steve and many thanks to the visiting Berkshire brethren for their support.

The Make Your Mark Club Committee

Contact the Make Your Mark Club,

Email: MakeYourMark@berksmark.org.uk

Your club committee

Chair: Graham Thornton

Secretary: Paul Tomlinson

Provincial Executive Liaison: Jim Payen

Member: Brian McCormack

Member: Grant Goddard

Member: Kevin Dodd

The MYM Club is a sub committee of the Provincial Communications Team and is overseen by The Provincial Communications Officer, Mark Davis.

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!!