The Ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge!
I am sure most sensible Mark Master Masons spent Christmas and the New Year at home by the fireside, with a glass of something warming in their hand.
Brother Richard Powell, of the Bayons Lodge MMM, spent this Christmas in a lakeside log cabin north of the Arctic circle in Northern Finland. After visiting a reindeer farm and visiting Santa, a northern lights safari and driving skidoos, Richard's wife, Lisa, found a hotel further along the lake that has an indoor swimming pool and also cuts a hole in the ice on the frozen lake, which reaches a meter thick. Lisa suggested that he might like to jump in the hole for fun. He naturally declined such a ridiculous idea.
Richard said, "The idea, however, sparked something inside me. It occurred to me that it would be the ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge. So, as the Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons are raising money for the MBF 2018 Festival I decided that I would jump in if I could get enough sponsorship so to do. Money is being raised for the MBF Festival 2018 to help the'Hope For Tomorrow' charity to provide mobile chemotherapy units."
He continued, "We stayed 300km north of the Arctic Circle, a little over 185 miles.
I paid 5 Euros to use the sauna, pool and ice hole and when we got down to investigate the hole it was frozen over and we had to dig it out. Originally I was going to do it on the 28th, but decided to pop to Sweden instead so it happened on the 29th.
The temperature was the warmest I could have picked by pure chance. Up until that day we had been constantly below -27 down to -36.5, but it was a balmy -14.5 when I did it. So perhaps the shorts were not out of place."
If anybody would like to support Richard with further sponsorship, please get in touch: richard@powells.me
Geoff Burgoin, the "Champion" of the St Guthlac Lodge of MMM No.1122 has set an early example to all its members by raising a magnificent £235.00 for the Lincs Mark 2018 Festival at Burghley Park in Stamford.
The pictures show....BEFORE ....DURING and AFTER!
1. Heading for the start in full Santa uniform.
2. Completing the first lap.
3. Enjoying some welcome mulled wine and proudly displaying his medal.
Geoff sends his thanks to all who sponsored him and says, "The idea that we should all enjoy our fundraising ran through my mind as I trudged round the course, and I can say that (now that I have completed it) ....it was great fun".
PGM Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker hosted his usual
Christmas Service at
Binbrook Parish Church
SUNDAY 21st DECEMBER
which was followed by mince pies and wine!
This was a wonderful ‘’warmer upper’’ and got everyone into the Christmas spirit. The Church was once again filled this year. It was a great occasion for all who attended.
To find out what you missed, you will have to come along in 2015 and clear the lungs!
Grand Royal Ark Mariners Investiture.
Several Lincolnshire Royal Ark Mariners were honoured at the Grand RAM Investiture in December. The picture above shows the PGM and other brethren relaxing afterwards in the Connaught Rooms.
The four recipients were, Geoff Burgoin, Keith Craig, Fred Clarke and Malcolm Forrest. Our congratulations go to them all.
Bro George Buxton received a large bottle of Malt Whisky from W Bro David East, Worshipful Master of the St. Wulfram’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons 916, meeting at Grantham.
The Whisky was presented at last meeting on 27th November.
The presentation was to mark George's recent 100th birthday and was thankfully received and no doubt will be faithfully applied!
George is a much loved and valued member of the lodge who really enjoys his Mark Masonry .
50 Year Certificate is presented to W.Bro. Keith Jowett PPrGSW at the John O'Gaunt Lodge MMM
W.Bro. Jowett was advanced into this honourable degree on 16th November 1964, and his 50 year certificate was presented almost 50 years to the day.
The APGM, W.Bro Derek Bontoft travelled from Bourne to present the certificate to W.Bro. Jowett on this memorable occasion. W.Bro Bontoft also took the opportunity to present W.Bro. Jowett with a solid silver Mark token, lapel badge and keyring.
He said how wonderful it was to see Keith still in office as the lodge Registrar after 50 years in this happy degree - a feat unlikely to be repeated anywhere.
After receiving his certificate, Kieth replied by saying what a good time he has enjoyed in Mark Masonry, He gave a humourous anecdote about having to assist a previous PGM out of his sports car by removing the roof! This had the brethren in stitches.
The night was topped off by witnessing a near faultless demonstration ceremony with the Provincial Junior Warden, W.Bro. Robbie Nasmith, acting as the candidate (who was able to give a couple of prompts to a grateful S.D. when required).
A good night was had by all in our happy Mark Degree.
Good Old Days
On Saturday November 8th 2014 the Festival kicked off with a fantastic evening of fun at the Grimsby Masonic Hall. Starring singers Jeannine Ridha and Rita Grove Grimsby Mark Masons staged a night of fun and entertainment based upon the Old Time Music Hall theme of ‘The Good Old Days’.
Go to the Festival Page for more details