Latest News & Events
Recent Lodge Fundraising, Donations and Charity
- MBF supports Dogs for Good and Safe Anchor Charities
- Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire MBA with Croyland and Admiral Beatty Lodges provide assistance to local Charity
- Charity news from our Provincial Grand Almoner
- Lilford & Ferrers Charity Luncheon in support of the Mark Benevolent Fund
- MBF support for Lifelites Charity
PGM Special Announcement 15th December
Message from the Most Worshipful Grand Master - M.W.Bro. HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO
N&H Provincial Assembly 'Virtual' of Royal Ark Mariners - 5th December 2020
Due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic it was not possible for the Province Royal Ark Mariners to hold their Annual Assembly on 5th December in Corby and afterwards to hold the Festive Board with the Ladies present.
Being one of the Progressive Orders the Brethren held a Virtual Provincial Business Meeting, 56 brothers had indicated an intention to attend and received the logon information of which a total of 50 were able to attend the meeting with 14 apologies received. The Presiding Officer, R. W. Bro. Robert A. Stokes, the Provincial Grand Master declared the meeting open at 10.33.
Following the reading of the Grand Lodge Letter of Authority, authorising the meeting, the minutes of the previous Assembly were quickly approved, proposed by W. Bro. Keith Hewitt Prov. R.A.M.G.R. and seconded by W. Bro. Peter Dawson R.A.M.G.R.
The Presiding Officer then expressed his disappointment in not being able to invest and personally congratulate those brothers who had been preferred in the rank of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, namely:-
|
Name |
LODGE |
No. |
|
W. Bro. N. R. Sidey |
Vikings |
245 |
|
W. Bro. I. O. Michel |
Lilford |
471 |
|
W. Bro. R. Johnston |
Powys |
477 |
|
W. Bro. D. R. Hitchcock |
Admiral Beatty |
594 |
|
W. Bro. M. A. Hamilton |
Perseverance |
685 |
|
W. Bro. C. N. W. Smith |
Steanforde |
752 |
|
W. Bro. T.J. Almond |
The Graftonian |
1243 |
|
W. Bro. W. B. Glover |
Forest |
1645 |
In his Address to the Brethren , the Provincial Grand Master thanked the brethren for their attendance and referred to the disruption in the lives of everyone due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, lodges had been unable to physically meet since St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March but being resilient had adopted technology to hold Virtual Business Meetings. He encouraged the use of virtual meetings for both business and pleasure and particularly for involving candidates.
The importance of communicating was stressed several times, some brothers did not have a laptop or the confidence to join in in a virtual meeting. A telephone call to those brothers and to the widows of brothers, particularly to those living alone might be the only contact with a human being that day. Attention was drawn to the work of the Lodge Almoner and the need to keep him informed of the health and welfare of the brethren and the widows of the lodge. Similarly, the Lodge Almoners were requested to keep the Provincial Almoner appraised of the health and welfare of their charges as he is the conduit to the Mark Benevolent Fund for guidance and assistance whenever appropriate.
He thanked the brethren for the support they had given the Province during what was a difficult and testing time and especially his Deputy, W. Bro. Brian Elliott who would be retiring at the Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in 2021. His wise council and advice had been much appreciated as had his support in ensuring that the Province was progressive, proficient, communicative and above all a happy one.
In remembrance of those brothers who had been called for greater service by the Supreme Commander of the Universe, the Provincial Grand Chaplain was called upon for prayer.
Roll Call of Deceased Mariners
|
NAME |
LODGE |
No. |
|
|
Bro. Clifford James Dragon |
Great Ouse |
607 |
Died 6 February 2020 |
|
Bro. William Burt King |
Great Ouse |
607 |
Died 29 February 2020 |
|
W.Bro. Raymond Clifford Taylor |
Steanforde |
752 |
Died 22 April 2020 |
|
W.Bro. Stanley George Wilford |
Installed Commanders |
1346 |
Died 14 June 2020 |
|
W.Bro. William Reginald Whittaker |
Great Ouse |
607 |
Died 29 June 2020 |
|
W.Bro. Michael Robert Bell |
Great Ouse |
607 |
Died 15 July 2020 |
|
W.Bro. David Balmer |
Powys |
477 |
Died 31 July 2020 |
|
W.Bro. John David Loebell |
Ferrers |
1341 |
Died 9 November 2020 |
The Provincial Grand Master took the opportunity to congratulate the undermentioned brethren who were to be preferred in Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank effective on 8 December 2020 but again due to the current Pandemic a physical Investiture would not be practicable .
|
NAME |
LODGE |
No. |
|
W. Bro. G. J. Minett |
The Graftonian |
1243 |
|
W. Bro. S. K. Hewitt |
Ferrers |
1341 |
|
W. Bro. C. W. Hughes |
Installed Commanders |
1346 |
He was also pleased to report that those Brethren Elevated since 1 October 2019 had been posted a Province Royal Ark Mariner Pin which he hoped they would wear with pride. The Pin is normally reserved for those Elevated between the first of October and thirtieth of September Annually who attend the Annual Royal Ark Mariner Assembly in December.
In summing up he again offered his congratulations to those promoted in both Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge stating that it was an important step in their masonic careers, adding that he looked forward to their continued support when normality returned. He thanked the Brethren’s families for the support that they had given and wished all the Brethren of the Province and their families a very Happy Christmas.
The meeting was declared closed at 10.48.
N&H Prov RAM Assembly Attendees
SUMMONS / BOOKING FORMS FOR GRAND / PROVINCIAL MARK & RAM MEETINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS
(N.B. not all Summons's and Booking Forms have been issued as yet)
List of dates of 2020 Grand Meetings of all Orders Administered by MMH (17/03/20)
Mark Grand Lodge
Due to the suspension of masonic activity it is unlikely that those Brethren, Appointed in Active Grand Rank and those to receive a First Appointment in Past Grand Rank, will be Invested at the Quarterly Communication due to be held on Tuesday 9th June. However, they will assume their new Grand Rank on that date. It is hoped that the suspension will be lifted in time for the September Communication at which time those brethren are to be invested – further information will be provided nearer the time.
Summons, Booking forms & Minutes can be downloaded directly from the Mark page on the MMH Website
Royal Ark Mariner Grand Assembly
Due to be held on Tuesday 8th December 2020
Summons, Booking forms & Minutes can be downloaded directly from the RAM page on the MMH Website
Mark Provincial Grand Lodge 2021 TBA
[Decision to be made regarding postponement for Coronavirus safety]
Due to the formal Suspension of Freemasonry on 17 March and the continuing restrictions covering the unnecessary movement and gathering of people implemented by Government you will have understood that the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting due to take place on 27 June has been cancelled. Under the Constitutions & Regulations of the Order the Provincial Grand Master is required to hold an Annual Provincial Grand Lodge. Such will be held later in the Year subject to the Suspension being lifted and Government relaxing/removing the “Covid 19” Regulations but primarily when it is deemed safe for the brethren to meet.
When normality returns a truncated form of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held as soon as possible to transact essential business which will include the adoption of the accounts and the election of the Treasurer and Account auditors there will not be an investiture. There will be no official visitors and currently the intention is that there will not be a festive board afterwards. Those officers appointed in both Active and Past Rank will assume their new ranks and be entitled to wear the Collar, Collar Jewel and Apron of their preferment as of 27th June 2020. With regard the Collar Jewels of the Active Officers, the Deacons Wands and the regalia of the Stewards instructions will follow once normality returns, the current thinking is that they could be passed on to the new team at the rearranged Provincial Annual Meeting. The Advancees of the year will each receive their Province Token during July
Summons / Booking Form TBA
Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Assembly
Virtual Business Meeting will be held at 10:30am on Saturday 5th December 2020
Paper of Business / Letter to Brethren / ProvRAMGR Recipients 2020
RAM Pin for newly Elevated RAMs
Provincial Mark Sunday Lunch
was held on Sunday 15th March 2020
N&H Mark Benevolent Assoc AGM
was to be held at Rushden Masonic Centre on Saturday 6th June 2020
Mark 2021 Ladies Festival Weekend
The President, Worshipful Brother Graham Minett and his Lady Denise, sincerely hope that the Covid-19 pandemic subsides to the extent that they can invite you and your lady, friends and family [Masonic or not] to the 'usual' hotel at Chichester from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th April 2021 for the Provincial Ladies Festival Weekend - details of which will be forthcoming soon
Details of Weekend and Booking Form TBA
SOCIAL & PRIVATE LODGES
APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
Mark Grand Ranks 2020
Due to the suspension of Masonic activity forced upon us by the Covid-19 crisis, those Brethren Appointed in Active Grand Rank and those to receive a First Appointment in Past Grand Rank, were not invested at the Quarterly Communication which was due to be held on Tuesday 9th June 2020. However, they did assume their new Grand Rank on that date.
Active Rank Appointments:
|
V.W. Bro. Rev'd A. (Tony) W. Avery |
Simon de St. Liz Lodge |
Deputy Grand Chaplain |
|
W. Bro. Barry Weigleb |
Croyland Lodge |
Grand Senior Deacon |
Past Rank First Appointments:
|
W. Bro. Barry G. Stephenson |
Simon de St. Liz Lodge |
Past Asst Grand Director of Ceremonies |
|
W. Bro. Dennis F. Stewart |
Rockingham Lodge |
Past Grand Standard Bearer |
| W.Bro. Mick Pescod | Earl of Euston Lodge |
Past Grand Senior Deacon |
As the June Investiture meeting of Mark Grand Lodge has been severely oversubscribed in recent years, Brethren receiving Promotions in Past Rank are Invested at the September meeting of Mark Grand Lodge - this year this was again disrupted by the Covid-19 crisis
Provincial Grand Mark Ranks 2021
The following Brethren are 'hopefully' to be invested by the Provincial Grand Master at the meeting of Mark Provincial Grand lodge at Sheaf Close, Northampton which is due to be held on Saturday 26th June 2021
List of 2021 Appointments & Promotions
Royal Ark Mariner Grand Ranks 2020
Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Ranks 2020
The following Brethren will assume their new ranks at the Virtual Business meeting of the Provincial Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners due to be held online at 10:30am on Saturday 5th December 2020
Members Section
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Forthcoming Meetings
| Wed Jan 20 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM 1486 Beneventa Lodge of MMM |
| Fri Jan 22 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM Northants, Hunts & Beds Installed Commanders Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
| Mon Jan 25 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM Perseverance Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
| Tue Jan 26 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM 1341 Ferrers Lodge of MMM |
| Wed Jan 27 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM Great Ouse Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
| Wed Jan 27 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM Steanforde Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
| Thu Jan 28 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM 477 Fitzwilliam Lodge of MMM |
| Tue Feb 02 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM Ferrers Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
| Mon Feb 08 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM 1643 Norman Rolfe Lodge of MMM |
| Mon Feb 08 @ 6:00PM - 10:00PM The Graftonian Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners |
OFFICIAL VISITORS & ESCORTS
(2019-2020 Ver#8 26/01/20)
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DIARY OF GRAND MEETINGS AT
MARK MASONS HALL
(2019 Diary - V#1 22/12/18)
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Lodges and Masonic Centres
List of the Mark and RAM Lodges in the Province and the Masonic Centres where they meet (with links to detailed location maps)
A general map highlighting the Masonic Centres around our Province (clicking on the masonic centre icon of interest brings up a photo of that Masonic Hall)
How Many Visitors?
 | Today | 142 |
 | Yesterday | 223 |
 | This_Week | 1312 |
 | This_Month | 3033 |
 | All_Days | 118061 |
| 87.5% |  | United States |
| 9% |  | United Kingdom |
| 0.9% |  | India |
| 0.5% |  | Belgium |
| 0.1% |  | Monaco |
| 0.1% |  | France |
| 0.1% |  | Netherlands |
| 0.1% |  | Canada |
| 0.1% |  | New Zealand |
| 0.1% |  | Switzerland |
| Yesterday: | 1 |
| This Week: | 31 |
| Last Week: | 244 |
| This Month: | 332 |
| Last Month: | 427 |
| Total: | 18698 |
Our Provincial Grand Master Welcomes You
On behalf of the Mark Master Masons and Royal Ark Mariners of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, I welcome you to our Provincial Website, which I hope you will find both informative and interesting.
Our Mark Province is steeped in masonic history, the oldest Lodge received its Warrant in 1879, fifteen years before the Constitution of the Province of Northampton, Huntingdon and Bedford in 1894. Previously the Province was known as Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutlandshire.
With the Constitution of the Province of Bedfordshire in 1985, the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire was created and remains as such to this day.
The Province, of which I am the 11th Provincial Grand Master since 1894, consists of 16 Mark and 13 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges.
The two Degrees are collectively known as the “Friendly Degrees” and like all of the masonic degrees they carry an important message covering the manner in which we conduct our day to day lives and encourage learning and the expansion of our knowledge.
Should you like to join the “Friendly and Happy” Mark Degree or just learn a little more, please use the 'Contact Us' Tab.
RWBro. Robert Andrew Stokes
Provincial Grand Master
.
.
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CURRENT FREEMASONRY @ 86
NEWSLETTER
(08/01/20)
PGM presents keys of Support Vehicle to Northamptonshire's St John's Ambulance - one of 50 vehicles funded by the MBF
Page 1 Page 2
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MBF hands over first 4 of 52 ambulances to St John Ambulance
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