May meeting of The Pangbourne Mark Lodge 1094

With thanks to W Bro Adie Lovell for his report on this weeks Pangbourne Mark Lodge 1094 meeting.
Tonight (May 14th) we met at Pangbourne Mark 1094. Yes we had so much fun. A skeleton crew led by W Bro John Jenkins. Our acting officers were away supporting VW Bro Mike Sanders at Wantage Mark his last official meeting. Good luck Mike.
We practiced and carried out a full advancement with the majority of work by W Bro John (Thank you Bro Alex for being the advancee) . Ably supported by all his attendant Officers Deacons Lindsay and Dean. Wardens Ian and Phil. And the Overseers Simon , Gary and our Guest overseer W Bro Richard Mackrow.
The chaplaincy was taken by our other Guest W Bro Huw Ranscombe.
We couldn’t have asked for more. The spirit of the Mark degree was upheld and enjoyed by all.
The toasts were honoured at the Festive board and everyone went home with a warm Mark feeling.
This is how Free Masonry should be. Thanks also go to Alan for arranging the festive board.

Our Provincial Visit to The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mark Master Masons.

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for this report on his visit to the Provincial meeting of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mark Master Masons.

 

Today, seven brethren, V.W. Bro. Michael Sanders, accompanied by W. Bro’s Huw Hopkin, Ted Lewis, Laurence Riel, Kevin Dodd, Philip Damant and Brian McCormack, attended the Annual Provincial Meeting of Hampshire & Isle of Wight, held in the Guildhall in Portsmouth. Over 300 attended to celebrate their Sesquicentenary year and were treated to a fantastic reception. It was very fitting that a Past Provincial Grand Master was in attendance in the person of none other than the Pro. Grand Master John Herbert Prizeman, who was PGM between 2007 and 2016.
A wonderful potted history was presented, filled with interesting & amusing facts about the Province. This was followed by the investiture of the officers for the year but, the highlight was a field promotion which was conferred by the Pro.G.M. The official part over, brethren retired for the VIP drinks reception then the festive board. Over £1100 was raised at the annual “heads & tails” where the prize was a cake baked by Gerry Gangadean.
I came second, which, in reality, is first last, and missed out on a delicious rum infused iced cake. Indeed, there’s so much rum in Gerry’s cakes, they’re more Jamaican than Bob Marley.
The day ended all too soon and brethren, from numerous provinces headed home, having enjoyed a typically brilliant event. This is my third visit but certainly not my last. Brethren of Berkshire, consider attending and help us win the title of the largest number of Provincial Officers to attend. Whilst we had 7, Dorset claimed the gold medal with 8. Let’s right that “wrong” with a larger number next year. I can highly recommend it.
Everyone who attended received a wonderful goody bag containing a book, detailing part of the history of the Province, other keepsakes the best of which was a double sided coin to commemorate this wonderful anniversary.

The Magic of The Mark Breakfast Seminar

 

For all interested in our wonderful degree, our provincial Executive will deliver an engaging presentation on the Mark/RAM degree. This will be the perfect opportunity to find out about the Mark degree, meet the executive and ask questions. Further details will follow, please share…

Event Facebook Link

 

 

 

The Provincial Grand Master’s Reception and Dinner

With thanks to W Bro Brian McCormack for his report

Friday night The Berkshire Mark Masons, and their partners, enjoyed an excellent evening at the annual Provincial Grand Masters Reception and Dinner.
The event was held at Sindlesham Court, whose staff looked after the 105 attendees, in a very professional manner. The menu consisted of either Chefs Prawn Cocktail or Medley of Melon Cocktail, Coq au Vin with minted potatoes & seasonal veg or strudel of leek, cherry tomatoes & goats cheese & cheese platter or ice cream. All three courses were delicious and a credit to the chefs.
The evening was filled with a lively buzz as we caught up with one another. The raffle raised a magnificent £700 which will allow BeMBA continue to support local charities & brethren alike.
Credit must go to the members of the executive who worked tirelessly, in the background to pull together another superb fundraising event. These events are the social jewel in the Mark calendar so roll on 2025 when the Magic of the Mark will shine again.

Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623. A Triple Celebration!!

Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623

It was an evening of great celebration at Valentia Lodge of MMM No.623 on 28th February where we saw the PGM, RW Bro. Graham Seeman present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Peter Dresser. The Advancement of Bro Jason Ayers done in fine style by the Worshipful Master David Barber ably supported by the Lodge Officers. The PGM then presented a certificate to W. Bro David Loyd-Langston in celebration and recognition of his 50 years in Mark Masonry, on the 51st anniversary to the very day of his Advancement into Valentia Lodge of MMM. A very rare and special event indeed. We then enjoyed a splendid and affable Festive Board. A fine evening for sure, and will be remembered for years to come!