This year R.W.Bro. Stephen C. Hallberg, Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Masonic Province of Lincolnshire was pleased to welcome twenty two visiting Provincial Grand Masters to the Provincial Meeting at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.
Brethren: Good morning and a warm welcome to Lincolnshire and to our Provincial Grand Lodge meeting . Thank you all for attending today , particularly our friends from other Provinces who I know have travelled extremely long distances to be with us. Star prize must go to R. W. Bro Peter Furness PGM of Cornwall, Peter I will be joining you in Newquay on 10th May and looking forward to it immensely. My wife and mother-in-law are coming down with me to re-unite with family in Mevagissey so it will be a nice break for them also. Likewise our friends from the southern part of Wales and England – your dedication to duty is admirable!
This last year has been, as usual, a busy one and immediately following Provincial Grand Lodge last year The John O Gaunt Lodge in Gainsborough celebrated its 150th anniversary. Once again we were blessed with the presence of the Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Denny Wilson who presented the Sesqui-centenary Warrant and who seems now to be our designated Ruler for such occasions residing in Durham, up the A1, not too far away from us here in Lincolnshire.
Of course our own Provincial sesqui-centenary was celebrated in this building in November and I’m delighted over 300 attended a wonderful event. It was a great privilege and honour on your behalf to present the Pro Grand Master with a donation of £20,000 to the newly constituted Grand Masters Keystone Fund. As most of you now know it was brought into existence to mark the Grand Master’s 40 years as head of our Order and specifically to give bursaries to young people to aid them in educational, vocational or sporting activities. I’m reliably informed 2025 will see the first of these bursaries being distributed. Do keep an eye out in the 86 online newsletter which we all receive every Friday afternoon . That donation had the added
advantage of topping up our donations to the Oxfordshire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight and Warwickshire Festivals at the same time.
Looking to upcoming events this year: on April 29th at Grimsby Masonic Centre the Grand Master’s Lodge of Instruction is coming to town and is now fully booked. It promises to be both interesting and enjoyable in equal measure. When I was approached 2 years ago by R W Bro Tom Quinn the PGM of London (in Wiltshire) I had no hesitation in accepting the offer.
However, I do appreciate it has put extreme pressure on our hard working Provincial Secretary already preparing for today’s meeting , and Neil I wish to thank you publicly for the tremendous effort you have put in to making both events come to fruition.
And whilst I’m talking about you- warmest congratulations from us all on your forthcoming promotion to Past Asst. Grand Director of Ceremonies in Supreme Grand Chapter. A great honour and richly deserved.
We ran two very successful Mark Awareness evenings the 17th April last year in Spalding at the Mercia Lodge and again on 13th November 2024 at the Earl of Scarbrough Lodge in Skegness. We will have effectively covered all parts of our Province spreading the word and engaging with Master Masons on the virtues of joining the Mark- I continue to be sad to note some had heard little about our Order and wanted to know more. Our Facebook feed now has almost 600 followers and can be another avenue to get interested parties engaged in our Order. Thank you all involved in keeping it functioning. One certain way of spreading the word is to perform quality ceremonies that candidates will be keen to talk about with friends. It is a fact
that one or two good quality candidates can bring in a rich stream of their Craft brethren and can quickly transform a Lodge’s fortunes. Likewise a Mark Mason being Elevated into Royal Ark Mariner can have a similar positive effect. Please remember if your Lodge needs stand-in Officers the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers Mark Lodge or The Ark Lodge RAM can provide willing, and well qualified members to help you.
Remember the ceremony should the very best impression to a candidate- we owe them that much. Our numbers show encouraging signs with increased advancements and elevations and reduced resignations in both Mark and Ark.
Last year I challenged every member present to go out of their way to ask a Master Mason to come and join us. I think we still have some way to go to achieving that goal.
We have one great threat to face – its called AI- that’s not artificial intelligence- it’s apathy of our own members and ignorance of others. It is only by us talking one to one with Craft Masons that our existence and benefits can be demonstrated. Use the tri-fold leaflets available to download on our website and encourage them to learn more about us. Only by doing that can we properly engage. My message continues to be - start asking people to join us. You will be amazed how many will willingly say ‘’yes’’ and how many will say ‘’I’ve never been asked’’.
W Bro Phil Spicksley our Membership Officer , has continued to be instrumental in organising blue and white table events in Lodges where there is no candidate, and giving thought provoking Talks to encourage awareness and membership. It is a way of inviting Craft Masons to your own Lodge and learning more about us and the benefits of joining- I hope every one of you will give him , me, and the Province every bit of help you can. If you don’t have a ceremony- give him a call, and he will explain the way forward.
We undertook 11 Provincial team visits since Provincial Grand Lodge met last year. On each occasion we have received the warmest of welcomes. On 20th September this year another 150th is taking place for the Sutcliffe Lodge 188 in Grimsby. It will be I’m sure a memorable event.
We have two new Lodges to Consecrate in the near future, one Mark and one Royal Ark Mariner. The ‘’Open Road’’ Lodge MMM, with a fair wind will come into existence before the summer recess ends in September. ‘’The Lodge of the Land’’ Royal Ark Mariner Lodge ’’, Long Sutton , is also on the horizon.
Moving to Charity: we continue to keep up our support for the forthcoming Mark MBF Festivals in the same way others supported us. We have as you now know donated a further £15,000 to the Craft 2025 Festival , and our Craft PGM has already explained his genuine gratitude. This brings us up to a magnificent £50, 000 donated to the Craft 2025 Festival during my tenure of office for which we must all be mightily proud. My sincere thanks to every Mark/ Ark Mariner Mason in this Province for the tremendous generosity which has allowed this to happen.
Finally on the subject of charitable giving we in Lincolnshire have historically been guilty of not putting forward worthy cause applications for needy local projects to the MBF which could be supported by them . I have been humbled to present on your behalf cheques to The Lincoln Multiple Sclerosis Centre for a replacement automatic door, enabling easier access for wheelchair users. To Green Synergy Project in Lincoln to replace vandalised polytunnel and stolen equipment. To North Kelsey Community Shop for kitting out the premises. Believe me Brethren every one of them were so immensely grateful for the MBF’s financial assistance.
It is a(sad) fact that relatively modest sums donated to a small charity can have a huge positive impact and I’m hopeful more will be forthcoming over the next 12 months. To cap off a truly memorable year on 10th April at the Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln I will on behalf of the Trustees of the MBF present a cheque of £25,000 to the Lincolnshire Blood Bikes Service , part of the MBF Major Grants project giving £750,000 to the Blood Bikes Charities across England & Wales and also a donation presentation on 17th April of £11,604 to the Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society for starter packs.
If you feel you know of any charitable organisation requiring necessary capital equipment to be replaced then please approach Province and start the ball rolling.
These applications can be dealt with extremely quickly which is the guiding principle of the MBF of course. The criteria for worthy cause donations is available to view on
the MBF website but in any doubt contact W Bro Mick Stocker our hard working Charity Steward who will give guidance.
To this end I ask you all to continue making donations to our Lincolnshire Mark Benevolent Fund with gift aid envelope collections. Linked to this charitable giving is our quarterly Mark Prize Draw – I encourage all those participating to continue to do so. It distributes great prizes , and gives us the ability to fund both our Provincial Grand Lodge in this magnificent setting and it also provides funds for Festival donations, something we can be very proud of.
Turning to Grand Mark Lodge : we were pleased to attend at the June 2024 Investiture meeting and see W Bro Phil Spicksley ,receive first appointment to the active rank of AGSwdB , and in September W Bro’s Ian Castledine and Alan Farmer to PGJD’s and and W Bro. Rod Rouse promoted to PAGDC. They are a reward for past services but more importantly to future commitment and service. In December at the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly we saw W. Bro’s Colin Burke and Tony Marsden receive promotions to Grand Rank in the ancient and honourable fraternity – once again richly deserved.
Lastly I congratulate all Provincial Officers appointed, promoted and invested today and remind each and every one how very important the rank is- you will be looked up to for an example of good order and practice, and for that reason I ask you set high standards for yourselves and all those around you.
Provincial Grand Lodge requires a tremendous amount of organisation and once again I do sincerely thank our hard working Provincial team for all their efforts in making today possible and in particular White Stone Lodge , Lincoln, for their ever present support and sponsoring Lodge- St Botolph’s Lodge , Boston . Thank you all for getting today to run so smoothly.
We can all do a great deal to promote our two Orders of Mark and Royal Ark Mariner, both beautiful in their own rights. Essential to this of course is ensuring our Craft Lodges remain vibrant and providing the right men to join freemasonry .
I continue to be thankful to you all for the great privilege of being your Provincial Grand Master and wish you continued happiness in our Mark & Royal Ark Mariner Masonry.
May the Great Overseer of the Universe Bless you All & Mark well.
Provincial Grand Master
22nd March 2025.
On Thursday, 20th March, the St Oswald Royal Ark Mariners had the honour of welcoming the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and his team to witness the elevation of Bro Ian Needham as the newest member of the fraternity.
The evening held added significance as it marked the final outing of VW Bro Keith Robinson as the Provincial Grand DC before ceremonially passing the wand to W.Bro Boulton on Saturday. Congratulations to VW Bro Keith Robinson, and heartfelt thanks for your many years of dedicated service.
The Traveling Sceptre was also contested, with a spirited raiding party from St. Deny's Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in Sleaford, led by the Worshipful Commander, Roly Freeman, successfully claiming it. The next opportunity to compete for the Sceptre will be at their meeting on 7th May. Brethren interested in participating are encouraged to contact the lodge secretary for further details.
Commencing May 2nd 2025, Brethren from each Province, plus guest riders from other Provinces are setting off from Cleethorpes Masonic Hall and over the next 4 days will be heading across the country before completing the ride in Hoylake, Merseyside.
The ride will see stops at numerous Masonic Hall across the route, including overnight stays.
Cycling from Lincolnshire will be W Bro Phil Aitken (APGM), W Bro Geoff Tuckett (PrGChaplain), W Bro Tony Marston (PrGRegistrar) and W Bro Chris Fletcher (PrGADC) and we are all doing this to support the Craft 2025 Festival
The route is as follows
Day 1 – Cleethorpes, Market Rasen, Lincoln, Newark – 62 miles
Day 2 – Newark, West Bridgford, Long Eaton, Derby – 54 miles
Day 3 – Derby, Kidsgrove, Nantwich – 50 miles
Day 4 – Nantwich, Shotton, Hoylake RNLI – 50 miles.
If you would like to help the brethren on there way, you can make a donation at:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-aitken-2?newPage=true
Our PGM, RW Bro Stephen Hallberg was pleased to witness the opening of the North Kelsey Community Hub and delighted our donation, on behalf of the Trustees of the Mark Benevolent Fund and our own Mark Masonic Province of Lincolnshire , has speeded up the completion of the project. He wished the project every success for the future and had no doubt it will become a great success and valuable addition to the local facilities.
This year’s GRAND MASTER’S LODGES OF INSTRUCTION FESTIVAL will be held at The Masonic Hall, Cambridge Road, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN34 5SZ on 29 April and is this year, being hosted by the Mark Masonic Province of Lincolnshire, with RW Bro Stephen Charles Hallberg, Provincial Grand Master, as its President.
What is this Festival?
It is an annual event, hosted by different provinces, and consists of demonstrations of both the Royal Ark Mariner Degree and the Mark Degree ceremonies by the GMLOI team. These demonstrations, with an exceptional standard of ritual that include the Royal Ark Mariner Tracing Board as well as the Lecture on the Degree of Mark Master Mason, will be conducted with “live” candidates who will be formally advanced into the Mark degree and elevated into the Royal Ark Mariner degree.
The Royal Ark Mariner degree will be hosted by Bayons Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, No. 1365 and Bro Richard Hollingsworth is the candidate to be elevated. The Mark degree will be hosted by St. Matthew Lodge of MMM, No. 1239 and the candidate to be advanced will be Bro Eric Whitworth.
This is a major event in this year’s masonic calendar. It is hoped, therefore, that the event will be supported in strength not only by all the brethren in Lincolnshire but also from other Provinces around the country.
It is also anticipated that at least one of the Rulers of the Mark Degree will be present.
The event is expected to commence at 12.00 noon with The Festival Dinner planned for 5.00pm and a close at or around 7.30pm. The cost will be £20.00 per head.
A booking form is available HERE or from your lodge secretary and as there is limited seating of 150, it is suggested that you book early!
Get a raiding party together from your lodge and claim the Travelling Gavel or Sceptre.
Gavel – 14th Jan St Oswald’s MMM– Scunthorpe
Sceptre – 22nd March – St Oswald’s RAM Scunthorpe
Congratulations to the following Brethren on their good fortune before Christmas:
|
Drawn at |
Remigius MMM |
||
|
On |
17/12/2024 |
||
|
By |
Remigius WM |
||
|
Prize Tally: |
|||
|
Amount |
Name |
Lodge |
|
|
First |
£ 200.00 |
John Sharpe |
St. Wilfrid's |
|
Second |
£ 150.00 |
Peter Isaac |
White Stone |
|
Third |
£ 125.00 |
Alan Petherbridge |
Sutcliffe |
|
Fourth |
£ 100.00 |
David Richardson |
St. Wilfrid's |
|
Fifth |
£ 75.00 |
Phil Aitken |
St. Oswald's |
The Provincial Grand Master sincerely hopes that all members of the Province will actively support the draw if possible., as an easy way to support the aims of our Order and worthy causes.
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a prize, simply download the form on this page, fill in the few details and post if off (details on form). If you already play but want to have a greater chance of winning then you only need to amend your standing order by £5 per ticket.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Lincs MMM Draw application form and a standing order
W.Bro Duncan Cameron of Remigius Lodge 117 was surprised to receive his 60 year Certificate in the Mark Degree from W.Bro Neil Hollingsworth at the Lodges December meeting in Lincoln. W.Bro Cameron the Lodges Organist was Advanced into the Mark Degree in ‘XI Lodge’ Scottish Constitution in 1962. W.Bro Cameron is seen here being congratulated by W.Bro Hollinsworth, the Worshipful Master W.Bro Steve Smith and the Provincial Wardens W.Bro Chris Oates and W.Bro Terry Wallhead.
Delighted and very proud to advise that the Mark Province of Lincolnshire is now a Patron of the Grand Master's Keystone Fund in both the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner degrees following our recent donation of £20,000 from the Lincolnshire Mark Benevolent Association (LMBA), which was presented by our RW Provincial Grand Master to the MW Pro Grand Master at the recent Sesquicentenary celebration.
The donation to the Pro Grand Master was a 'package' donation incorporating that to the Keystone Fund along with further donations to the MBF Festival Funds of various other Provinces
At the Quarterly Communications in June 2023, the name and purpose of the '150th Anniversary Keystone Fund' was changed to "The Grand Master's Keystone Fund" to celebrate our Grand Master, M.W.Bro. H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, G.C.V.O. having given forty years of service to Mark Masonry.
Initially, the purpose of the new fund is to grant awards to individuals to offer encouragement and financial support with their educational, vocational, and sporting achievements.
The Grand Master’s Keystone Fund is allied to and will be administered by the Mark Benevolent Fund Board of Trustees.
The collarettes were presented to the RW Provincial Grand Master last night at the Installation meeting of the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers Lodge no. 1910 (LPOL) which took place at the Louth Masonic Centre, by the Provincial Charity Steward, W. Bro. Mick Stocker.
Following the presentation, the PGM remarked of his delight at the support given by the Mark Brethren of Lincolnshire and that he would always wear the Collarettes with pride.
Grateful and heartfelt thanks to all the Lodges and Individuals who continue to donate and contribute to the LMBA, allowing the Province to make such a donation - not forgetting the participants of the Lincolnshire Mark prize draw who also make such a big difference to the funds of the LMBA.
Special thanks also to W. Bro. Stocker who works tirelessly and under the radar as Charity Steward.
The PGM being presented with the collarettes by W. Bro. Mick Stocker, the DPGM and W. Bro. Gary King, the newly installed Worshipful Master of LPOL, no. 1910
The presentation of the donation cheque to the Pro Grand Master and several of the collarettes and jewels.
Grand RAM Assembly
Brethren, the Grand RAM Assembly will take place on Monday, 9th December at Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, commencing at 12.30 pm.
Following the RAM team visit last tonight to Saint Denys Lodge RAM no. 427), I am directed by our RW Provincial Grand Master to announce that at this meeting, W. Bro. Anthony Marston (Saint Wilfrid’s Lodge RAM no. 209) and W. Bro. Colin Burke (Saint Swithun’s Lodge RAM no. 445 ) will both receive preferment to RAM Grand Rank. We heartily congratulate these Brethren on their forthcoming appointments and wish them well, both for the day and for the future in their new ranks.
The booking form for the meeting and the festive board is now available on the MMH website https://www.markmasonshall.org/news/events and your support for these Brethren and our RW Provincial Grand Master would be much appreciated – See you there.
Drawn on 16/09/2024 by the WM at White Stone MMM
|
Prize Tally: |
|||
|
Amount |
Name |
Lodge |
|
|
First |
£ 200.00 |
A Austin |
St. Botolph's |
|
Second |
£ 150.00 |
B Robinson |
St. Matthew |
|
Third |
£ 125.00 |
C Brader |
Urania |
|
Fourth |
£ 100.00 |
T Knight |
Spurn & Humber |
|
Fifth |
£ 75.00 |
B Foster |
White Stone |
The Provincial Grand Master sincerely hopes that all members of the Province will actively support the draw if possible., as an easy way to support the aims of our Order and worthy causes.
If you want to be in with a chance of winning a prize, simply download the form on this page, fill in the few details and post if off (details on form). If you already play but want to have a greater chance of winning then you only need to amend your standing order by £5 per ticket.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Lincs MMM Draw application form and a standing order
On Sunday 11th August Lincolnshire hosted a return fishing match with Nottinghamshire at Froghall Fisheries, Legbourne, Louth. The weather was baking hot full sun with a brisk breeze.
The PGM is pictured presenting Bro. Jason Henfrey from the Notts team with his prize winnings for BOTH biggest fish ( an 11lb carp) AND biggest total catch ( 38lb 10oz). The two teams' weights were slightly closer with Notts winning out 55lb 2oz vs 49lb 4oz for Lincs. Hey hoe we always have 2025 to set things right?
The PGM did suggest to W Bro. Bruce Routledge DPGM they might like to leave Jason at home the next time we meet!
A good day was had by all and the bond between out two Provinces remains as strong as ever, and to put icing on the cake £60 was sent to our LMBA Charity account from entry fees.
The Leonard Anderson Lodge of Mark Masters No1412 What a wonderful meeting we had at Gainsborough on Thursday 20th June.
The W.M. W.Bro. Colin Fox led from the front to a lodge of over 30 members and guests. 10 new members proposed and to be balloted for with two more to add in September.
After a short lodge and business, we attended the Gainsborough Old Hall for a guided tour before returning to the Masonic Hall for a Summer Festive Board of 3 meat salad and Strawberries and cream.
If you are a WM. of the Mark Degree you are invited to join the Lodge and enjoy our outings in the future to see other buildings of interest around Lincolnshire.
The Lodge meets in June and September.
For more details contact W.Bro. Philip Spicksley A.G.Swd.B.
W Bro, Arthur Baxter Almoner & W Bro, Chris Parrot Treasurer, of St Matthew Lodge MMM No1239,
made a Surprise visit, to see W Bro, Ken Braithwaite at his home in Brigg.
The surprise visit had been made with the help of Ken’s wife Pamela, who kept the reason for the visit under wraps. Ken had a fall in his garden in November last and broke his hip. Taken into hospital! Tests showed Ken had early stage lung cancer. This was caught in time, but went on to have another fall: Breaking his other hip. Ken is now back driving. A magnificent recovery.
On behalf of the R W Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Charles Hallberg. W Bro, Baxter & W Bro, Parrot, after a cup of tea and biscuit, presented W Bro, Braithwaite with the MBF Certificate and Collaret jewel of the well-earned level “GRAND PATRON GOLD”
Ken was thanked for his continued support to the MBF, who couldn’t make such donation’s that they do, without the generosity of brethren like himself.
Ken was truly taken aback by the presentation of the Jewel and certificate, as he only expected a visit for a chat. (Well done Pamela)
He said he enjoys his masonry and pleased with what he had achieved.
A very unassuming Brother.
St. Wilfrid’s RAM Lodge met at Alford to install Bro. Peter Rafferty as Worshipful Commander on 21/05/24. The evening was made very special by the unannounced arrival of the PGM as a guest. In total there was 52 present with 30 guests representing 9 Lodges. The installation was excellently done. by W. Bro. Andrew Wrisdale.
To add to the occasion the Travelling Sceptre was claimed by St. Deny’s Lodge and was whisked off back to Sleaford. Pics show W. Bro. Derek Perkins, who was also representing the PGM, receiving the Travelling Sceptre.
A wonderful evening was had by all.
Why not set up a raiding party from your Royal Ark Mariner Lodge and head to St Denys Lodge on 30th September to claim it for your Royal Ark Mariner Lodge?
If your Mark lodge would like to claim the Travelling Gavel, it is next available to claim from The Saint Matthew Lodge at Barton, on 8th October.
On behalf of our RW Provincial Grand Master - more congratulations are due - this time to those Lincolnshire Brethren who will be appointed and invested with RAM Provincial Grand Rank at the RAM Assembly which will take place at Skegness Masonic Hall on Saturday 1st June:Brian McDonough was placed in the chair of Worshipful Commander in the Haven Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners for the second time, twenty five years after he first had that privilege. Brian is held in high esteem by brethren in many orders and this was attested to by the fact that the evening was very well attended by visitors from several other RAM lodges.
John Moulson was representing the RW PGM and is seen here after congratulating Brian McDonough on the evening.
A picture of the founders of the Have Lodge on Royal Ark Mariners
See if you can spot Brian in this line-up.
An eventful night at Remigius Lodge RAM 117 saw a few firsts and lasts. W.Bro David Pattison announced he was stepping down as the Lodge Liaison Officer after 10 years, W.Bro Chris Oates on his first official visit as the Provincial Grand Senior Warden announced he is to become the next Lodge Liaison Officer.
Worshipful Brother David Wheeler on his last full meeting as Worshipful Commander Elevated three Candidates, Alexander Peadon, William Gregory and Mike Martin. The Senior Warden Bro Mike Clay was elected as the next Worshipful Commander. W.Bro Terry Wallhead the new Provincial Junior Warden and the Lodge Chaplin at his first meeting since his appointment.
Bro’s Stephen Ellicker and David Willets both Elevated at a double ceremony at the last meeting received their Grand Lodge Certificates.
A contingent of 'Raiders' led by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. David Crosskill of St Matthew Lodge 1239 MMM travelled the full distance of the Lincolnshire Province on Tuesday 26th March 2024 to visit the Alexandra Lodge No 1230 at Long Sutton.
Brethren: A warm welcome to Lincolnshire and to our Provincial Grand Lodge meeting . Thank you all for attending today , particularly our friends from other Provinces who I know have travelled extremely long distances to be with us .
Today for the first time in the last 4 years I have a warm feeling of cautious optimism and confidence that we have turned a corner after the devastating effects the pandemic had on Freemasonry in general and our wonderful Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Orders in particular.
We ran a very successful Mark Awareness evening at the St Oswald’s Lodge in Scunthorpe in November with two thirds of the Master Masons attending either joining us or committing to do so in the near future. Similar events are planned for the 17th April in Spalding at the Mercia Lodge and event flyers have already gone out to Lodges and is available to view on the website- and again on 13th November at the Earl of Scarbrough Lodge in Skegness. We will have effectively covered all parts of our Province spreading the word and engaging with Master Masons on the virtues of joining the Mark. I was surprised and more than slightly disappointed that when chatting to the potential new members at that Scunthorpe event some had heard little about our Order and wanted to know more. Our Facebook feed from a standing start now has over 400 followers and can be another avenue to get interested parties engaged in our Order. My special thanks go to Bro Chris Tandy for his expertise in making it happen.
We have to concede it is only by us talking one to one with Craft Masons that our existence and benefits can be demonstrated. Use the merchandise which has been sent to all members – give the tri-fold leaflets and business cards to interested candidates. Invite them to scan the QR codes which takes them to our website and encourage them to learn more about us. Only by doing that can we properly engage. The discussions should be cordial and not in an way pushy or overly burdensome and my message continues to be - start asking people to join us. You will be amazed how many will willingly say ‘’yes’’ and how many will say ‘’I’ve never been asked’’ !
We still have a few Lodges that continue to struggle – W Bro Phil Spicksley our Membership Officer , has been instrumental in organising blue and white table events in Lodges where there is no candidate , and giving thought provoking Talks to encourage awareness and membership. It is a way of inviting Craft Masons to your own Lodge and learning more about us and the benefits of joining- I hope every one of you will give him , me, and the Province every bit of help you can. If you don’t have a ceremony- give him a call, and he will explain the way forward.
We have undertaken 10 team visits since Provincial Grand Lodge in 2023. On each occasion we have received the warmest of welcomes , and next Wednesday the new team will accompany me to celebrate the sesqui-centenary or 150th anniversary of the second oldest Lodge in Lincolnshire – The John O Gaunt Lodge in Gainsborough. The Assistant Grand Master will once again grace us with his presence and it is shaping up to be another very memorable evening with our wives and partners joining us to witness the presentation of the Warrant and see a Dedication ceremony in the Lodge room – their involvement is something I have been keen to promote since taking this job 5 years ago.
Our Province will reach its own 150th anniversary this year and a special event will take place in this building on the 9th November- arrangements are already well advanced and more information will follow over the coming weeks/ months . Do make a note in your diaries as we expect all 3 Rulers to attend and once again it should prove to be a wonderful event.
Four of us attended the District Grand Lodge of Spain in Benidorm in 2023 on the first Saturday in February- this year a dozen did the same although regrettably I was unable to join them, but my Assistant PGM Phil Aitken lead from the front and did a great job in growing support - mainly from the Scunthorpe Brethren, for this excursion into international Mark Masonry- long may it continue putting Lincolnshire on the map - I’m told the weather was once again kind and the party sat in temperatures around 18 degrees plus - to consume pre-luncheon drinks, and enjoy the sunshine the following day before returning home. The tapas starter lasts about 2 hours Brethren and I can testify is worth the trip just on its own!
We continue to keep up our support for the forthcoming Festivals in the same way others supported us- we have this year donated £10,000 to the Craft 2025 Festival , our Craft PGM has already explained his genuine gratitude .
We have also supported Cheshire’s Festival cumulating in July this year – Gary – my wife and I will be with you in July at Manchester and look forward to the amazing experience of dining under the wings of Concorde- I’m told there are a few remaining paces still available? and I hope your result is one you can be proud of- I’m sure it will . Thank you too, for the kind mention you gave our Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Aitken at the Address you gave to Grand Lodge this month for joining your cycling challenge - in your 2024 Festival update- he and I are most appreciative.
Brethren
we have also contributed £5,000 to Oxfordshire’s MBF Festival in 2025 which means we are well ahead in our charitable giving- I’m delighted R W Bro Ian Wright is here today to receive that in person. Ian we hope you are in line for another amazing MBF Festival next year.
Finally on the subject of charitable giving we in Lincolnshire have been guilty of not putting forward viable needy local projects to the MBF which could be supported by them . If you feel you know of any charitable organisation requiring for example a new minibus or similar or necessary capital equipment then please approach Province and start the ball rolling. Remember it should be equipment and not daily running costs that can be funded. These requests can be dealt with extremely quickly which is the guiding principle of the MBF of course.
To this end I ask you all to continue making donations to our Lincolnshire Mark Benevolent Fund with gift aid envelope collections. Linked to this charitable giving is our quarterly Mark Prize Draw - I encourage all those participating to continue to do so. Not only does it distribute great prizes , it gives us the ability to fund both our Provincial Grand Lodge in this magnificent setting it also provides funds for Festival donations, something we can be very proud of.
Turning to Grand Mark Lodge : we were pleased to attend at the June 2023 Investitures and see W Bro Brian McDonough receive first appointment to the active rank of Grand Steward , W Bro Neil Hollingsworth to PAGDC and W Bro. Derek Perkins promoted to PAGSwdB.
In September V W Bro Bob Paterson was promoted to PGJO , W Bro Colin Fox to PGSD and W Bro Peter Dolby promoted to PGJD – all thoroughly deserved. They are a reward for past services but more importantly to future commitment and service.
In December at the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly we saw W. Brothers Rod Rouse, Brian McDonough and Bruce Goodman receive promotions to Grand Rank in the ancient and honourable fraternity – once again richly deserved.
Lastly I congratulate all Provincial Officers appointed, promoted and invested today and remind each and every one how very important the rank is- you will be looked up to for an example of good order and practice, and for that reason I ask you set high standards for yourselves and all those around you.
Provincial Grand Lodge requires a tremendous amount of organisation and once again I do sincerely thank our hard working Provincial team for all their efforts in making today possible and White Stone Lodge , Lincoln, for their ever present support and sponsoring Lodge- St Wulfam’s Grantham . Thank you all for getting today to run so smoothly.
We can all now do a great deal to promote our two Orders of Mark and Royal Ark Mariner, both beautiful in their own rights. Essential to this of course is ensuring our Craft Lodges remain vibrant and providing the right men to join us. Remember to ask politely-avoid pressuring - and you will be pleasantly surprised at the answer.
I continue to be thankful to you all for the great privilege of being your Provincial Grand Master and wish you continued happiness in our Mark & Royal Ark Mariner Masonry.
May the Great Overseer of the Universe Bless you All & Mark well.
Provincial Grand Master
23rd March 2024.
AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Get a raiding party together from your lodge and claim the Travelling Gavel.
