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

Powys Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.685 celebrates Centenary.

In the month of May 1919 the Powys Lodge of MMM N^o.685 was Consecrated taking its name from the 5^thBaron Lord Lilford, John Powys, who was Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire between 1912 and 1939.  As well as giving his name to this Mark Lodge he was also a founder in the formation of Lilford Lodge MMM N^o.471 and Powys RAM Lodge N^o.477. which celebrated it 100^thyear in 2018.

Exactly 100 years to the day on the 21^stMay 2019, the Lodge held, by an emergency meeting, it’s Centenary Meeting at the Masonic Hall, York Road, Kettering.

Members and guests in attendance were honoured by the presence a number of senior brethren from Mark Grand Lodge, namely that of the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, the Grand Secretary, R.W.Bro. Ryan Williams and the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Mark Golding.  Also attending was the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Bob Stokes, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Brian Elliott and a large number of active Officers of the Provincial Team in support of the Provincial Grand Master.  In all around 50 attended the meeting.

The AGM took the Chair to present the Lodge with its Centenary Warrant before which he called upon the Grand Secretary to read in full the original Warrant of 1919 and then the Centenary Warrant was presented to the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Kevin Williams.  The historic origins of the Lodge was then delivered in a very interesting presentation by W.Bro. David Jackson who spoke about the Lilford family connection as well as the town’s links with leather and lace making.

The Chair was then taken by the Provincial Grand Master who along with members of the Provincial team and those of the Lodge dedicated a banner for the use of the Lodge.  Following the dedication an oration was ably given by the Provincial Chaplain, V.W.Bro. Tony Avery on the origins and purposes of masonic banners which was well received by all present.

A presentation to all members of the Lodge of a centenary jewel had to be unfortunately postponed to another occasion due to its delay being received in good time from the manufacturers. However, the AGM kindly agreed to make a return visit to the Lodge on a future occasion and to undertake this pleasant duty.

The brethren retired to enjoy a wonderful festive board of Mark fellowship during which and to the enjoyment of all, the Assistant Grand Master gave an entertaining reply to his toast.

The Powys Lodge Banner

After 100 years of continuous service the Powys Lodge of MMM N^o.685 now has a Lodge banner.

The design shows a leather hide fringed with lace depicting the industries of the town from whence the founders were largely drawn.

Centenary Meeting – Tuesday 21^stMay 2019

l to r: W.Bro. Mark Golding, DepGDC, W.Bro. Richard Asher, GJD, W.Bro. Brian Elliott, PGSD., DepPrGM, R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, AGM, W.Bro. Kevin Williams, W.M, R.W.Bro. Bob Stokes, PrGM, R.W.Bro. Ryan Williams, GSec, V.W.Bro. Tony Avery, PGJO., ProvGChap, V.W.Bro. Brian Ennever, PGJO, PDepPrGM.

The WM, W.Bro. Kevin Williams together with members of Powys Lodge present for the Centenary Meeting and Dedication of the Lodge Banner.