The event, which was attended by over 130 Brethren and partners, was organised by W. Bro. Paul Sefton, ProvGJW ably assisted by his wife Pat and Mrs. Olive Urwin.
Provincial News & Events
Dyffryn Clwyd RAM Installation
On 24th September the Provincial Team accompanied the Provincial Grand Master to the Installation Meeting of Dyffryn Clwyd Royal Ark Mariner Lodge.
W. Bro. Graham Sherratt was Installed in an excellent manner by W. Bro. Derek Baldwin who had obviously spent a considerable time in learning the Ritual.
This was the first outing for the new Provincial Team who all seemed to enjoy the evening.
Elffin Lodge Installation
Representing the Provincial Grand Master was W. Bro. Roger Littlewood, PAGDC.
Northern PGMs Weekend
Our own PGM, R.W.Bro. Peter Talbot, was in attendance and sent in the following report:
We stayed at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Clayton Le Moors and trips were arranged to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, the John Rylands Library and Howarth Art Gallery in Accrington.
Nine PGMs, including for the first time R.W.Bro. Martin Blackburn, PGM for the Isle of Man, and eight Ladies attended in all. It was a wonderful weekend, with good company, good food and a little liquid refreshment.
Next year the event will be hosted by the Province of North and East Yorkshire.
MBF Thanksgiving Service
Many Provincial Grand Charity Stewards were present, invited as a thank you for all the work they put in to help make the Fund such a huge success. Among them was W. Bro. Mike Pugh and his wife Sandra.
At a reception after the service the Grand Master spent time meeting all of those who have made a difference, listening with intent to their stories of support to the Mark Benevolent Fund.
Coffer of Gavels Dedication
Province of Worcestershire
Provincial Almoners’ and Charity Stewards’ Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1943
Worshipful Master V.W. Bro. P. G. Orton
V.W. Bro. Phillip George Orton PGJO will be holding the second meeting of his Lodge on Saturday 20th October 2018 at the Masonic Hall, Llandudno commencing at 11am.
Our PGM will be in attendance along with other members of the Provincial Executive.
At this meeting the PGM of Worcestershire along with some of his Provincial Team will be attending to dedicate a Coffer of Gavels that the WM presented to the Lodge at his installation and which were expertly crafted by W.Bro. Stewart Cole PPGJW, Hunter Lodge no. 324.
There will also be a talk given by a representative of N. Wales St. John’s on the new Ambulance.
The Lodge is one of great distinction, whose members include, the Pro. Grand Master, Dep. Grand Master, Grand SO, Grand DC, Past Assist. Grand Sec. MBF Charities Manager, as well as many other very distinguished brethren, many of whom it is hoped will be present.
Fundraising BBQ
The weather was not as good as in recent years but that did not spoil the enjoyment of those who attended.
The event raised £870 by way of raffles, a quiz (The PGM’s team were runners up, some improvement on their past performance) and donations, this to be shared equally amongst St. Seiriol Mark, St. Eilian Mark and St. Eilian RAM Lodges.
W.Bro. Brian Sion Jones (Dixie Rebel) provided the entertainment.
National Blood Bike Dedication and Handover
The Blood Bikes provide out of hours transportation services for local NHS in the movement of blood and human tissue, they do this free of charge thus reducing the strain on the NHS.
Grand Officers Luncheon 2018
Following the luncheon, the Provincial Grand Master addressed the brethren present to update them on matters relating to the Province and beyond. On this occasion he also invited the new Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to speak about the Ritual and the new Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary to speak about the new Provincial website.
Team Visits 2018-2019
The Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Team are scheduled to visit the following Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges in 2018-2019.
Date | Lodge | Location |
September 24th | Dyffryn Clwyd 1647 (RAM Installation) | Mold |
October 24th | St Grwst 1772 (Mark Installation) | Llanfairfechan |
November 21st | Snowdonia 259 (Mark Installation) | Bangor |
December 19th | Hunter 324 (RAM Elevation) | Rhyl |
February 15th 2019 | Elffin 321 (Mark Advancement) | Caernarfon |
March 4th 2019 | Flint 1509 (Mark Installation) | Flint |
April 12th 2019 | Yr Ysgallen 38 (RAM Elevation) | Llandudno |
May 9th 2019 | Hawarden 838 (RAM Installation) | Connah’s Quay |
Other dates for your diary include:
Saturday 29th of September – Charity Social – Lyons-Mound, Rhyl
Saturday 6th of April 2019 – RAM Assembly – Bangor
Saturday 8th of June 2019 – Provincial Grand Lodge – Connah’s Quay