Provincial Mark Grand Lodge Meeting 22nd June 2019

The 34^thAnnual Meeting of the Mark Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire was held at the Masonic Hall, Sheaf Close, Northampton on Saturday 22^ndJune, where the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Robert Stokes, presided over a meeting with over 200 in attendance. The ProvGM was delighted to welcome and introduce to the meeting the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, who was escorted by Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Mark Golding, together with R.W.Bro. Michael Herbert, Past Deputy Grand Master and the ProvGM’s of 17 other Mark Provinces.  In total 30 Mark Provinces were represented.

During the early part of the proceedings a delegation of Commanders of each of the 13 Mariner Lodges of the Province were welcomed into the meeting accompanying the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Banner.

Later, following the investiture of new Provincial Officers and brethren receiving promotion, the ProvGM invited R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison to present provincial mark tokens to brethren that had been Advanced into the order during the past 12 months.  He readily agreed to the delight of all present.  Together with the token, those brethren present were advised that a bar drinks token would be available to them post the meeting!

During his address to the brethren, the ProvGM spoke warmly of the two brethren had retired that day from active provincial office. W.Bro. Brian Bell PAGDC had, as Provincial Grand Charity Steward given 6 years of loyal and dedicated service raising the profile of both the N&H MBA and in turn the MBF and will be long remembered for his catchphrase “enthusiasm is infectious do you want to catch it”. Also retiring was W.Bro. Stephen Eales PGJD, who had been in post 20 years as Provincial Grand Registrar and was responsible for the creation and maintenance of the provincial membership database and reporting system.  The ProvGM presented both brethren with retirement gifts and in turn wished their respective successors, W.Bro. Jeff Chambers and W.Bro. Tim Almond every success for the future.

Turning to appointments to Grand Rank, he welcomed to the assembled brethren W.Bro. Brian Hornigold of Ferrers Lodge No.1341 who had received the active rank of Assistant Grand Sword Bearer and W.Bro. Mike Nixon of Ailwyn Lodge No.1871 who had received Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies at the recent Grand Investitures meeting.  In September W.Bro. Trevor Boswell of Simon de St.Liz Lodge and W.Bro. Andrew Woodward of The Graftonian Lodge would both be promoted to Past Grand Junior Deacon.

The Province continued to remain in good health showing a small increase in Mark membership of 1.98% over the year but a decrease of 1.32% on Mariner members.

During the year Team Visits have been well supported by both the active Provincial Officers and the Grand Officers. Two Lodges, Powys RAM and Powys MMM celebrated their Centenary Anniversaries and were honoured with visits of rulers; the Deputy Grand Master at Powys RAM Lodge and the Assistant Grand Master at Powys MMM Lodge.

At lunch following closing Provincial Grand Lodge, the ProvGM was pleased to be able to present a cheque for £450 to Lewis Chowney of St.John Ambulance for the provision of an ALS (advance life support) bag along with medical gas bag and kit (Entonox).

Brian Elliott

A delegation of Commanders representing the Province’s 13 Mariner Lodges

Some of the brethren Advanced into the Mark Degree during the year who by attending received their unique provincial mark token

ProvGM presents a cheque for £450 to Lewis Chowney of St John Ambulance for the provision of an ALS (advance life support) bag watched by R.W.Bro Davison, Assistant Grand Master

Gallery of photos from the day

Mark Grand Lodge honours brethren of the Province with Mark Grand Rank at the annual Investiture Meeting on the 11th June 2019