Magic of the Mark

The Magic of the Mark

ISSUE TW10 2017 NEWSLETTER

 DGM Visit DGM visits Progress Lodge

 Grand Lodge On Wednesday 7th September 2016, the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro. Raymond J. Smith,
appointments visited the Progress Lodge of Installed Masters No. 1786. He witnessed the Worshipful Mas-
ter and PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison, install WBro. Stephen Johnson into the Chair. The
 MBE Installed meeting was well attended and the occasion proved very successful.
At the Festive board, the DGM was presented with two books on the History of the Province
 Portland Bill of Leics. & Rutland and its Side Orders. A Melton Mowbray pork pie and a Stilton cheese
was also presented for consumption back in London. A happy time was had by all, as can be
 Flamingo lunch especially seen in the photograph.

 William Kelly Grand Lodge Appointments
Elevation
On 7th June 2016, a luxury
 SuperSub coach left Syston with support-
ing members of the Mark degree
 Banner Dedica- and headed for Mark Masons’
tion Hall in London. At the meeting,
the MWBro. His Royal High-
 Flamingo ness Prince Michael of Kent,
appointed and invested to active
 Mark Ladies rank, WBro. Barry Sayers as
Dining Out Inner Guard and WBro. Phillip
Mann as Steward.
 Zoe’s Place WBro. Keith Harkness was pro-
moted to PGSO and WBro. Bry-
 Honfleur an Simpson to PGJO. As a re-
sult, both Keith and Bryan be-
 Tuk Tuk come Very Worshipful Bros.

 New Wardens

 Defibrillator for
Hinckley

 Cyprus visit

 Sandbanks

 Up t’North

 Bollywood

 Donation to
Intercare

 Joey Dunlop
RAM

 Xmas Mark
lunch

 Court’s 50th

Stony Gate holder of MBE Installed into Chair

On Friday 11th March 2016, WBro. John Stock and his team of officers, installed Bro. Bryn Bedder MBE into the chair of
the Stony Gate Lodge No. 751. A dispensation was granted by the PGM resulting in a unique experience for Bryn, as this is
his first chair in Freemasonry. The Provincial Senior Warden was in attendance and presented the Book of Constitutions and
the By-Laws of the Lodge. He also presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bros. Carl Johnson-Biddles and WilliamRoberts.
VWBro. Ghanshyam Patel delivered the lecture on the Keystone Jewel and also presented the newly installed Master with the
2008 Festival Jewel. The address to the Master was given by VWBro. Ghanshyam Patel, to the Overseers by WBro. Les
Shoebridge and to the Brethren by WBro. Geoff Hibbert.
The Festive board was a continuation of a very pleasant evening. A raffle raised £117.50 for the Lodge Discretionary Fund.

Provincial Registrar visits Portland Bill Quarry

On a college re-union in Weymouth, the Provincial
Grand Registrar, WBro. Terry Weston, had the
opportunity to visit Portland Bill to see at first hand
the quarrying sites of a by gone age. The old hoists
have been left in place as a reminder of how the
blocks of stone were lowered down onto the await-
ing barges, before heading for their intended desti-
nation. The Thames estuary, the gateway to Lon-
don was one of the ports of call. Nelson’s Column
and Buckingham Palace are just two examples of
where the stone has been used.

2

ISSUE TW10 2017

Super Sub stands in for Howe Mark

Each year the Provincial Grand Master pays at least
one Official Visit to a Mark Lodge in the Province
accompanied by his Provincial Officers. On March
15th 2016 it was the turn of Howe Lodge of MMM No
21 to receive the Provincial team. The Lodge was
opened and the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Ste-
phen Davison, accompanied by his Deputy, VW Bro
Ghanshyam Patel, and the Past Deputy Grand Master,
RW Bro Michael Herbert, and escorted by 23 Provin-
cial Grand Officers of the year and 10 Grand Officers
entered in procession.
The PGM was offered the gavel by the acting Wor-
shipful Master, W Bro Martin Collins, who was occu-
pying the Chair due to the indisposition of the WM, W
Bro Alan Young, but politely declined the honour.
The Lodge also received a deputation from the Fidelity
Lodge No 491 who were making a reciprocal visit.
The acting WM then advanced Bro Shaun Kerrigan,
who must have been impressed by the excellent cere-
mony and the very large attendance.

WBro. Don Peacock

New RAM Banner dedicated at Lutterworth

The new Royal Ark Mariner Banner was officially dedicated on Friday 15th April 2016 in the Pro-
gress Lodge of Enthroned Commanders at Lutterworth Masonic Hall. The Commander of the Lodge,
WBro. John Pinnock, invited his Senior Warden, RWBro. Stephen Davison to take the Chair for the
dedication ceremony. The PGM then proceeded to ask his acting officers to take their respective
places. The ceremony was conducted with much pomp and dignity under the direction of the Provin-
cial DC, WBro. Bruce White. The acting Provincial Chaplain, WBro. Don Peacock, gave a well re-
searched oration, explaining the History and purpose of the Banner dedication.
During the Lodge meeting, wives and partners of the Brethren were treated to a talk given by WBro.
Michael Robinson on the subject of the Joey Dunlop Lodge. They then joined the Brethren at the
Festive board for an excellent meal. The whole occasion was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

3

Flamingo Indian Sunday Lunch

An Indian Sunday lunch was held at the Flamingo
restaurant on 13th March 2016, organised by the
Fowke Mark Lodge No. 19. The PGM, RWBro. Ste-
phen Davison was in attendance to support the event
as were many other Provincial Grand Officers. The
afternoon was comprised of a three course meal and a
raffle in aid of charitable causes. The Master of the
Lodge, WBro. Roger Quantock can be justifiably
proud of the occasion, having filled the room with
115 happy customers. From the proceeds of the raf-
fle, £300 was donated to the PGM’s Discretionary
Fund.

William Kelly Elevation

On Monday 11th April, the Worshipful
Master, Bro. Chris Packham, assisted by his
Officers, Elevated Bro. Brent Goodwin into
the William Kelly Royal Ark Mariner
Lodge No. 19. They are shown here with
the official visitor, the Provincial Grand
Treasurer, WBro. Keith Harkness. WBro.
Cliff Rowley gave the Secrets & signs and
Bro. Roger Quantock the Working Tools.
The Address to the Elevatee was delivered
by Bro. Paul Wallace.
Two Past Provincial Grand Masters,
R.W.Bros.
Michael Herbert and Tony Morris were in
attendance, a total of 36 Brethren in all.
4

Father Advances Son into Fowke Mark

On Thursday 14th April 2016, the Worshipful Master, Bro.
Roger Quantock handed over the Chair for WBro. Michael
Hollier to Advance his son, Bro. Francis Hollier into the
Fowke Mark Lodge No. 19. The PGM and DPGM were
both in attendance, together with the PPGM. The Con-
cluding address was given by Bro. Bipinchandra Shah, the
Working Tools by WBro. David Sandrovitch, and the Se-
crets by WBro. Steve Finnigan. The WM, Bro. Roger
Quantock, gave the lecture on the Mark Master Masons’
Degree.
The Festive board continued in the same spirit and the
Brethren enjoyed the meal, which was selected from the St.
George’s menu.

New Chairman of Worthy Causes Committee

RWBro. Anthony Morris has been appointed as Chairman of the Worthy
Causes Committee in London. The Mark Benevolent Fund receives nu-
merous applications for support and these are referred to the Worthy
Causes Committee for consideration. Their findings and recommendations
are then put to the Board of Trustees of the MBF for final approval or re-
jection.

*****************************************
At the Communication of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, held
on Tuesday 6th June 2016, RWBro. Anthony Morris, was Appointed and
Invested as Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund.

5

ISSUE TW10

East Goscote Installation with French connection

On Tuesday 26th April 2016, WBro. Ivan Scott installed WBro. John Hoskins into the Chair of the East Goscote Mark Lodge
No. 970. The Provincial Junior Warden, WBro. John Goodacre was in attendance and presented a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro
David Highton and also presented the Warrant, Book of Constitutions and Lodge By-Laws to the new Master. The Keystone
Jewel was presented to the WM by WBro. Gordon Richardson who also gave the Address. The Address to the Wardens was
given by WBro.Cliff Rowley, to the Overseers by WBro. Martin Waddington and to the Officers, WBro. Ray Folland. WBro.
Simon Castleman presented the Working Tools. The event was well supported with 42 in attendance.
WBro. John Hoskins is a Past Master of the Duquesne Mark Lodge No. 13 that met in Dieppe, France.

Simon de Montfort - Elevatee

The new Elevatee is shown here with the Worshipful Commander, Bro. Stephen Johnson, The Worshipful Commander,
flanked by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro. Stephen Davison and the Deputy PGM, Bro. Stephen Johnson, Elevat-
WBro. Ghanshyam Patel. ed Bro. Roger Sherriff into the
Simon de Montfort Lodge of
Royal Ark Mariners, on
Thursday 30th June 2016. He
was ably assisted by his offic-
ers. The DPGM, WBro.
Ghanshyam Patel, delivered
the Secrets, Bro. Darren
Bowles the Working Tools
and WBro. John Pinnock gave
the Concluding address. The
PGM, RWBro. Stephen Da-
vison, a member of the Lodge,
was in attendance.
The Festive board completed
an enjoyable evening, with
good food and company.

6

ISSUE TW10

St. Peter’s Charity donations

There was a Charity donations evening on Wednesday the 20th April 2016 at the
Masonic Hall in Market Harborough. The Worshipful Master, Bro. Matthew Robin-
son, presented cheques of £200 to each of the charities: 3rd Kibworth Guides Group,
Shopmobility and Dementia. The PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison was in attendance
and contributed a further £250 to each of the said charities from his Discretionary
fund. The event was well supported by the Brethren of the Lodge, together with their
partners and friends.
An enjoyable buffet was supplied by the Brethren, together with drinks from the bar.

Full Circle Tuk Tuk Challenge

Bro. Stephen Gibbs of the Wyggeston Lodge No. 1149 has completed a Full Circle Tuk Tuk challenge to raise money for the
British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. He was sponsored by the Leics. & Rutland Mark Master Masons. The journey of
2,650 miles, took 21 days to complete. His route took him from Wigston, on to Fenny Drayton (the centre of England), Liz-
ard Point-Land’s End, Ardnamurchan Point, Dunnet Head, John O’Groats, Orkney, Lowestoft Ness and back to Wigston.
The vehicle has a 198cc engine and was made in India. Bro. Steve has become so attached to it, that he has bought it for
keeps. He is shown here with the PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison. To date, the challenge has raised £2,500.

7

Visit to Honfleur, Normandy

On Monday 23rd May 2016, a luxury coach left Syston with members of the Mark degree and
their partners for Honfleur in Normany, France. The first port of call was Portsmouth, to board
an overnight Normandy ferry and crossing the English Channel to Caen.
Arriving in the early morning, we were transferred to the hotel Mercure in Honfleur, which
proved to be very convenient for the old harbour and the many restaurants, with sea food readi-
ly available.
Trips during the week included a visit to the Pegasus Bridge Museum, Bayeux to see the world
famous tapestry, Arromanches to view the Mulberry Harbour, which played a vital role in
bringing ashore heavy equipment and reinforcements for the allied troops following D day.
Other trips included visits to the holiday resorts of Trouville and Deauville. The coach took us
around the Cider Route, enabling viewing of many picturesque villages. Cider, pommeau and
calvados were sampled at one of the distilling houses, near Cambremer. A trip to Le Havre
allowed the party to do a little shopping. A river trip was also organised to view the impressive
Normandy bridge.
Before we left for home, a tractor train ride round Honfleur, took us up a hill to an old Chapel
that overlooked the town. The chapel was adorned with model boats on shelves and hanging
from the ceiling, which sailors had donated. A carillon of bells were outside the chapel, which
were automatically triggered at certain times of the day.
Thanks to the PGM for arranging such a wonderful trip were given by John Stock. All of the
party fully agreed what a great Magic of the Mark trip this had been. How lucky we had been
with the weather, which had been exceptional. Just a week later floods had descended on
France!

8

Mark Ladies Dining Out

On Friday 19th August 2016, the PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison and his Deputy VWBro. Ghanshyam Patel, welcomed
Brethren and their partners to the Annual Mark Ladies Dining Out Evening. It was once again well attended and all those pre-
sent enjoyed an excellent evening, with good food, drink and convivial conversation. On this occasion, the evening had the
added live entertainment from Lisa Jane Kelsey, who sang many memorable classic and modem songs.

9

ISSUE TW10

New Defibrillator for Hinckley

A public access defibrillator has been installed at the Hinckley Masonic Hall, thanks to the generosity of the Leics. & Rutland
Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The equipment, costing over £1,000, donated from the PGM’s Discretionary
Fund, is in the centre of Hinckley, close to the new Leisure Centre and The Crescent, both being venues that attract large num-
bers of the public. It is the intention of the management of the Hinckley Masonic Hall, to organise, in conjunction with the am-
bulance service, training sessions for local businesses etc., located close to the Hall.
Shown here from left to right are; the PPGM, RWBro. Anthony Morris, WBro. John Bevington, Master of the Knight of Malta
Lodge, the PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison, the Secretary of Hinckley Masonic Hall Ltd., David Fell, the ProvGSec. WBro.
Donald Peacock and the ProvDGSec., WBro. Peter Gibson-Leitch.

Simon de Montfort RAM Donate to Belper

On Thursday 8th September 2016, at the Simon de Montfort Lodge of RAM meeting, WBro. Richard Moss gave a talk
entitled: ‘The two Mark Degrees, the Royal Ark Mariner Degree and the basic Masonic structure’. It was very informative
and well received by those present. The collection at the Festive board, raised £165 which was donated to the Belper
Masonic Benevolent Association.
During the meeting, £250 from the Almoner’s fund was donated to the PGM’s Discrcetionary Fund

10

ISSUE TW10

Zoe’s Place-Baby Hospice

Zoe’s Place, although based in Coventry, serves Leicestershire & Rutland children under 5 years old who need palliative care.
The PGM, accompanied by the Provincial Treasurer, VWBro. Keith Harkness, the Provincial Charity Steward, WBro. Clive
Weston and WBro. Mark Pierpoint, handed over cheques totalling £2,000.
As a baby Hospice, this proved quite an emotional visit, but an extremely worthwhile cause.

Bro. Bigam steps into the breach

Collarette Presentation
VWBro. Barrie Percival
presented the Grand Patron
collarette and also the Be-
nevolent jewel collarette to
the new Master, WBro.
Nick Simpson.
£212 was raised and donat-
ed to the Rainbows Hos-
pice.
On Tuesday 20th September 2016, WBro. Mark Bigam acted as Master of the Howe Mark Lodge No. 21 in the absence of
WBro. Alan Young, who is recovering from an operation. The Provincial Grand Junior Warden, WBro. Stephen Johnson
was in attendance as the official visitor. The new Master, WBro. Nick Simpson, is shown here with his Wardens, WBros.
Geoff Searson and Peter Crankshaw, together with the PGJW. The adress to the Master was given by VWBro. Richard
Davis, to the Wardens, VWBro. Peter Foster, to the Overseers, WBro. Richard Lambert and to the Officers & Brethren,
WBro. Graham Roper.
11

Rutland Lodge Installation

On Wednesday 11th May 2016, Bro. Vaughan
Griffiths was Installed as Master of the Rutland
Lodge No. 1051. The PGM, RWBro. Stephen
Davison was in attendance, together with his
Deputy, VWBro. Ghanshyam Patel.
The photograph also shows the Provincial DC,
WBro. Andrew Lee, the Lodge Secretary,
WBro. Paul Wright and WBro. Philip Gardner,
who acted as Junior Warden.
The Worshipful Master, presented a copy of
the recently published book entitled, ‘Wicklow
Lodge, Melton Mowbray, Masonic Jewels’ to
the Provincial Grand Master.

New Provincial Wardens Invested

On Tuesday 10th May 2016, the PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison was pleased to appoint and invest WBro. David Sansam as
Provincial Grand Senior Warden and WBro. Stephen Johnson as Provincial Grand Junior Warden. Both will carry out their re-
spective duties during their term of office. The whole occasion was a total success and well attended by both Brethren of Leics.
& Rutland and Visitors from other Provinces including Spain and Belgium.
On this occasion, the new Royal Ark Mariner banner was ceremoniously paraded into the meeting with the delegation of Com-
manders.
At the Festive board, WBro. David Sansam gave an entertaining toast to the PGM.
Regretfully and unexpectantly, WBro. David passed away on 3rd August 2016.

12

Sandbanks Weekend September 2016

Another Magic of the Mark weekend, was once again enjoyed by
those attending theSandbanks Haven hotel. Most arrived on the
Friday 2nd September and left on Sunday 4th, but some couples
arrived earlier in the week and stayed an extra night on the Sunday.
Once again, the food and entertainment were excellent, especially
the Abba appearance at the Saturday evening banquet. Rick Morris
ensured that the evening went well and he gave an enlightening
supporting toast to our PGM, Stephen Davison. Our thanks go out
to Rick and Lynn for all their hard work in organising the event and
to all others who assisted them.
Many Brethren and their partners took advantage of Malcolm
Longley’s kind invitation to his house party on the Sunday after-
noon.

13

ISSUE TW10

St. Peter’s Mark Lodge No. 1078 Installation

WBro. Matthew Robinson of St. Peter’s
Lodge of MMM No. 1078 Installed his suc-
cessor, Bro. Earl Harrison into the Chair at
their regular meeting in Market Harborough
on Wednesday 5th September 2016. The Dep-
uty Provincial Grand Master was in attend-
ance to witness the occasion, together with
forty four other Brethren.
The Festive board was enjoyed in true ‘Magic
of the Mark’ style.

WBro. Michael Robinson

Wyggeston Mark—Official Visit

On Tuesday October 11th 2016 the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Stephen Davison, and the Deputy Pro-
vincial Grand Master, VW Bro Ghanshyam Patel, and a large number of escorting Provincial Officers attend-
ed Wyggeston Lodge of MMM No 1149. The PGM was also accompanied by a number of Grand Officers.
After the PGM was escorted into the Lodge a very poignant eulogy was given in respect of the Worshipful
Master, W Bro Remy Fuccio, who had regrettably died after a long fight with cancer.
The next business was to see a new Advancee, Bro Christopher Turner start his career as a Mark Master Ma-
son. The ceremony was ably carried out by the members of the Lodge, led by WBro. David Pearson and Bro.
Chris was welcomed into the Fraternity.
The PGM then presented a 50 year Certificate to W Bro William A James PGStdB and gave a resume of his
long career in Freemasonry and especially in the Mark and RAM Degrees.
The Festive Board was excellent and the sight of so many Mark Masons dining together at a regular Lodge
meeting showed that the event was very well supported.

Don Peacock
14

ISSUE TW10

William Kelly RAM

On Monday 10th October 2016, the Worshipful Master, Bro. Chris
Packham Elevated the candidate Bro. Trevor Rogers into the
William Kelly Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners.
He was assisted by Bros. Stephen Finnigan who delivered the Se-
crets, Paul Wallace, the Address to the Elevatee and Brent Good-
win the Working Tools.
At the same meeting, Bro. Simon Sharman was elected into the
Lodge as a Joining member.
At the end of the ceremony, RWBro. Michael Herbert rose and on
behalf of RWBro. Anthony Morris and himself, congratulated
those who took part in the ceremony.
RWBro. Anthony Morris presented a Grand Council Certificate to
Bro. Brent Goodwin

East Goscote Mark-Advancee

The photograph shows the new-
ly Advanced Bro. Situl Raitha-
tha, with the Worshipful Master,
John Hoskins, together with the
Director of Ceremonies, WBro.

Ken Evans.

On Tuesday 25th October 2016, the East Goscote Lodge of MMM No. 970 met at the Masonic Hall, Syston and Advanced
Bro. Situl Devji Raithatha into the Order. The Master, WBro. John Hoskins, led a strong team of officers during the cere-
mony. WBro. Gordon Richardson delivered the Secrets, WBro. Simon Castleman the Working Tools and Bro. Richard
Barnett the Concluding address. WBro. Gordon Richardson also presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Barry Web-

ster, who was Advanced on 23rd February 2016. The evening was rounded off with a very enjoyable Festive board.
15

Devonshire Court 50th Year

On Wednesday 2nd November 2016 WBro.
George Stamp of the St. Peter’s Lodge of MMM
No. 1078 unveiled a brass plaque to mark the
refurbishment of the lounge at Devonshire Court,
now named the Lifford Lounge. This was paid
for by a legacy from the late WBro. Fred Lifford
who was a member of the St. Peter’s Lodge No.
1078. It is now 50 years since the residence was
opened by the late Queen Mother.
There were 60 invited guests, joined at 2pm by
Brethren from Market Harborough and Lutter-
worth.
Bro. George Stamp gave a eulogy for the late
Fred Lifford.
The Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro. Don
Peacock was in attendance.

Mark Provincial Visit to Cyprus

Thirteen happy travellers set off from Birmingham on November 13th for the island of Cyprus to enjoy a convivial week
together at the Hotel Elias in the city of Limassol. On arrival we found the hotel situated on a very beautiful part of the
coast in the Amathus district and the whole ambience was everything we could have wished for. The package was all
inclusive and the food and drinks were plentiful and free all day long. The weather was bright and sunny; in fact the
island had not experienced any rain since April, apart from one 3 hour storm during the night.
Several of the party rented cars and we explored various parts of the island including Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos. My
ambition was realised when we tracked down a wintering party of greater flamingos on the Larnaca salt lake.
We were joined on the Wednesday night by the Provincial Grand Master and also by WBro Ian McCafferty who had
opted for a 4 day package.
On the Thursday 3 car loads set off for Polis in the north-west of the island and explored this most beautiful area. The
experience on the way back over the Troodos mountains will become the stuff of legend and will no doubt be recounted
by many of the travellers during the course of the Masonic year.
On Friday we all attended the meeting of the District of Mark Master Masons of Cyprus at a neighbouring hotel and
after the meeting were joined by the ladies for a very good banquet.
Saturday was a day to explore the city of Limassol and its attractive marina and shopping district and then on Sunday
after a very good breakfast and lunch it was time to return to Paphos for the flight home to Birmingham. Everyone en-
joyed the trip very much and all are looking forward to the next MAGIC OF THE MARK ADVENTURE.
Top row WBros. John Goodacre, Mark Meade and Clive Weston.
Seated: WBros. Ian McCafferty, Geoff Hibbert, Don Peacock, RWBro. Theodosius Theodossiou (District Grand Mas-
ter of Cyprus), RWBro. Stephen Davison, WBro. Jeremy Ridge and WBro. Bert Attfield.
The Brethren were joined on the trip by Mrs Kathy Goodacre, Mrs Hazel Meade, Mrs Anne Weston, Mrs Maureen
Kerr, Mrs June Ridge and Mrs Margaret Attfield.

Don Peacock.
16

Provincial Visit to Howe RAM

On Monday 14th November 2016, the PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison, together with his Deputy, WBro. Ghanshyam Patel
and Officers of the year, attended the Howe RAM Lodge. He was welcomed as an Honorary member and given the By-Laws
of the Lodge. Also in attendance, was the PGM of Nottinghamshire, RWBro. Peter Ball and his Deputy, WBro. Chris Adkin.
The WM, Bro. Stuart Cooper then Elevated Bro. Jimmy Wheatley into the Lodge, assisted by his Officers. The WM present-
ed the Working Tools, WBro. Graham Jackson delivered the Secrets and WBro. Michael Gyles gave the Concluding address.
The Festive board was an enjoyable occasion with good food, wine and friendly conversation. A raffle raised £168, which
was divided between the two Provinces.

Donation of £500 to Intercare Medical Aid to Africa

On Friday 2nd December 2016, at Syston Masonic Hall,
Charlotte Wright, a representative for ‘Intercare’, received a
cheque for £500 in support of the excellent work for aid to
numerous countries in Africa. VWBros. Bryan Simpson,
PPGSec. and Keith Harkness, ProvGTreas. were in attend-
ance.
The donation was from the PGM’s Discretionary Fund, in
support of Bryan’s application for assistance.
Recycled Medical items, donated to the Charity, are sent to:
Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania and Mala-
wi.
Charlotte gave a comprehensive talk on the organisation’s
work and how the thousands of pounds worth of medical sup-
plies helped the needy in some of the poorest parts of Africa.
Donate your surplus healthcare goods (at least 6 months in
date) via your GP practice, or send direct to Inter Care.
For a full list of items acceptable, visit their website or email:
[email protected]
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ISSUE TW10

East Goscote Mark Dispensation

On Tuesday 6th December 2016, East Goscote Lodge MMM No. 970 held an Emergency meeting in order to Advance Craig
Curtis, a close friend of the Master, WBro. John Hoskins. 30 attended the meeting to support the WM, his Lodge and the Candi-
date. The PGM was in attendance with his Deputy DC, WBro. Simon Castleman. WBro. Martin Waddington delivered the Se-
crets, Bro. Stephen Topham the Working Tools and Bro. Richard Barnett gave the Concluding address.
A raffle at the Festive board raised £210 which was donated to the PGM’s Discretionary Fund. The PGM thanked the Brethren
and then announced that he was instructing the Provincial Grand Treasurer to support the WM’s Charity to the sum of £500, the
charity being the Baldwin Trust and their Narrow boats.

RAMGR Recipients

A luxury coach left Syston on Tuesday 13th December 2016 with
many Royal Ark Mariners, travelling to London to support the recip-
ients of RAMGR, namely WBros. Peter Foster of Howe Lodge No.
21 and Keith Hallam of Rutland Lodge No. 1051. Other supporters
were picked up in Lutterworth en route. The Journey was enjoyable,
with no traffic holdups, taking us to Mark Masons’ Hall for lunch.
Aterwards,
The party re-boarded the coach and headed for Great Queen Street
for the Annual meeting. This was led by the Pro Grand Master,
MWBro. Richard V. Wallis. Our own WBro. Barry Sayers also took
part in the ceremony as Grand Inner Guard.
After the meeting, with excellent timing, the party met the coach
outside the Hall and returned to Leicester. Ham and Tongue rolls
were well received, provided by our PGM’s daughter Emily. Our
thanks go out to Emily and also to WBro. Bryan Simpson for all his
hard work in organising the trip.
For those who have never attended these annual meetings, I can rec-
ommend them to you. An enjoyable day was had by all.

18

ISSUE TW10

Lutterworth holds Bollywood Evening

Provincial Mark Charity Stewards Report
Our first Provincial fund raising event took place on Saturday 12th of November 2016 in the form of a Bollywood night held at
Freemasons’ Hall, Lutterworth. 101 guests attended the event which was a great success and a total of £1125.00 was raised for
the Provincial Grand Masters Discretionary Fund. My thanks must go to our Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro
Ghanshyam Patel who organised the Indian Dance group. My thanks must also go to the Lutterworth Masonic Association for
the use of the Hall.
We have now obtained a licence to be able to run a Provincial raffle and again my thanks to our Treasurer for obtaining this. It
is hoped to run a Provincial raffle during 2017. Both our PGM and I are aware of what financial commitments from both the
Craft and other orders and we feel that we do not want to overtax our members.
It is my intension to visit as many Mark and Royal Ark Mariners lodgers as possible to keep them informed of what fund rais-
ing events are being held.
Clive S Weston Provincial Grand Charity Steward

Provincial Team Visit Fowke Mark Lodge No. 19

On Thursday 8th December 2016, the Provincial team visited the Fowke
Lodge No. 19 and witnessed Bro. Paul Roberts, the Craft Provincial DC,
Advanced in style.
The PGM, RWBro. Stephen Davison, Grand Lodge Officers and his
Officers of the year were received ceremoniously and welcomed by the
WM, Bro. Michael Ludlow. The PGM presented a Grand Lodge certifi-
cate to Bro. Francis Michael Hollier.
During the ceremony, WBro. Malcolm Hollier delivered the Secrets,
WBro. David Sandrovitch the Working Tools and Bro. Bipin Shah the
Concluding address.
The evening was well attended and the Festive board was enjoyed by all,
with good wine, food and convivial company.
A raffle raised £300 which was donated to the PGM’s Discretionary
Fund.
The candidate, Bro. Paul Roberts is shown here with the Worshipful
Master, Bro. Michael Ludlow and the DC, WBro. Tony Fraser.

19

Fearnley Mark Lodge No. 58-Mirfield

On Wednesday 12th October 2016, the PGM,
WBro. Barry Sayers and WBro. Terry Wes-
ton, travelled North to visit Fearnley Mark
Lodge No. 58 in Mirfield, West Yorkshire.
WBro. Barry has connections within the
Lodge, having travelled in the North during
his working career and knowing the three
Oldfield brothers. WBro. Philip being the
Lodge Secretary, WBro. Alan the Provincial
Grand Secretary and also WBro. Chris.
The WM, Bro. Rod Dyer is shown here with
the contingent from Leics. & Rutland. He
made us most welcome and performed admi-
rably during the Advancement ceremony.
The Deputy PGM of West Lancs. WBro.
Richard Puttrell was also in attendance, 47
Brethren in all. The Festive board was an en-
joyable occasion, with good food, wine and
friendly conversation throughout. Their Pea &
ham soup was the starter, attracting Brethren
from far and wide, followed by home made
steak & kidney pie.

William Kelly Installation

On Monday 12th December, the WM, Bro. Christopher Packham Installed Bro. Ian
Johnson into the Chair of the William Kelly Lodge No. 19. The Deputy PGM,
WBro. Ghanshyam Patel was in attendance, 38 Brethren in all. A Dispensation was
read out by the Secretary before the Installation ceremony. The address to the new
Master was given by WBro. Anthony Morris. A collection raised £75 which was
donated to the PDM’s Discretionary Fund.

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Joey Dunlop RAM Consecration

Right Worshipful Brother Stephen Davison, the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Leices-
tershire and Rutland, supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Very Worshipful Brother
Ghanshyam M. Patel, and the Consecration team, constituted and consecrated the Joey Dunlop Lodge of
Royal Ark Mariners No. 1881, on Saturday 10th December 2016.
The Provincial Chaplain W. Bro Anthony Avery delivered an Oration paying tribute to the memory of Jo-
ey Dunlop O.B.E, M.B.E. after whom the Lodge is named.
The ceremony was witnessed by a capacity crowd in the very impressive Holmes Lodge room at London
Road Leicester.
The Lodge will hold its Installation meeting at Freemasons’ Hall, Lutterworth, and two further meetings at
whichever location is chosen by the Master of the Joey Dunlop Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1881,
to which the Joey Dunlop R.A.M. Lodge is attached.

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ISSUE TW10

Howe Mark Advancement

On Tuesday 17th January 2017, the Worshipful Master, Bro. Nicholas Simpson, with the assistance of his Officers, Advanced
Bro. Andrew Parkinson into the Howe Lodge of MMM No. 21. VWBro. Richard Davis delivered the Secrets to the Candidate,
Bro. Geoff Barnes the Working Tools and Bro. Paul Blakemore the Concluding address. Being a member of the Lodge, the
PGM was in attendance and had the pleasant duty of presenting a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Ian Hammond.
A raffle at the Festive board raised £175 which was to be donated to the Heart Link charity.
The meeting was well attended and the Festive board completed an enjoyable evening.

Trio of Westons at Wiclif Mark Ceremony

A splendid evening was had by all
at the Wiclif Lodge of MMM No.
1068 at the Masonic Hall in Lut-
terworth on Wednesday 25th Jan-
uary 2017.
The WM, Bro. Keith Tiplady,
with the assistance of his Officers,
Advanced Bro. Paul Weston into
the Order, fondly observed by his
father, WBro. Clive Weston.
The Deputy PGM, VWBro.
Ghanshyam Patel was in attend-
ance and presented a Grand Lodge
Certificate to Bro. John Glover.
The Provincial Grand Registrar,
WBro. Terry Weston, was also in
attendance as a guest of WBro.
Clive, thereby forming the said
Trio. An excellent Festive board
rounded off the occasion.
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ISSUE TW10

Mark Christmas Lunch 2016

Mark Christmas Lunch

On Sunday 18th December 2016, Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Master Masons with their families and friends, ar-
rived at Freemasons’ Hall, 80 London Road, Leicester, to enjoy another Mark Christmas Sunday lunch.
As usual, the event was well attended and the PGM, Stephen Davison welcomed his guests as they arrived, to the sea-
sonal background music of a Brass band.
The Oliver dining room was beautifully set out, creating a welcoming atmosphere for adults and children alike. The
meal was excellent, with menus catering for all.
Father Christmas appeared, together with his hard-working Elf, to the hearty carol ‘Jingle Bells’. Each child received
a Christmas present suitable to their age.
Our thanks go out to all the organisers and to the staff of Freemasons, Hall.

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Stony Gate’s Valentine Evening

On Saturday 11th February, Stony Gate Lodge No. 751, held their annual Valentine evening at the Scraptoft Golf Club. As usu-
al, it was well attended by Brethren of the Lodge, their partners, families and friends. The PGM, Stephen Davison and the
PPGM, Tony Morris are regular attenders and once more enjoyed the warm atmosphere of the occasion.
The meal was excellent, both in quality and presentation and the choice of all three courses was impressive. Balloons added to
the colourful table decorations.
Before the raffle, the PGM said a few words about his discretionary fund and how it was used. In response, £700 was raised and
a cheque for that amount was handed to him. He rose and thanked everyone for their generosity and explained that it would not
sit idly in the bank.
Our thanks once again go out to WBro. Geoff Hibbert and all those who helped him organise the event.
The WM, Bryn Bedder closed the evening with a few words of appreciation, reinforcing the enjoyment of the whole experience.

Dates for your diary:
February 22nd Magic of the Mark trip to India
March 7th Mark Grand Lodge
March 20th PGM and his Provincial Officers visit Oliver Lodge of RAM and work the ceremony of Elevation.
March 21st PGM visits Howe Lodge of MMM with his Officers to present a 50 year Certificate to VW Bro Peter Foster.
March 29th Mark Grand Officers Mess.
April 5th PGM visits St. Peter’s Lodge of MMM with his Officers, to present a 50 year certificate to VWBro Michael Robinson.
April 15th Musical tribute evening, Jersey Beyond and Tamsin at Lutterworth.
April 25th Grand Master’s Lodge of Instruction meet at Northampton.
May 6th Mark Benevolent Fund Charity walk through London Parks. Province will field a team of 6 led by the PGM.
May 9th Provincial Grand Lodge of MMM of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The Magic of the Mark is printed & published by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons
of Leics. & Rutland. Editor: Terry A. Weston. Tel: 01664 424573 mobile: 07806659176
Email: [email protected]

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