MARK & ROYAL ARK MARINER EVENTS

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- MORE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

N.B. THE DATE FOR THE 2013 MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MMM HAS BEEN MOVED TO SAT 6th JULY 2013

AND THE 2013 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF RAM's OF THE PROVINCE WILL BE ON SAT 7th DEC 2013

- 2013 MARK LADIES FESTIVAL WEEKEND 

- MARK BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION - JUNE 2013

- INFORMATION ON THE 144th Mark Benevolent Fund Festival - PROVINCE OF MIDDLESEX

- GRAND HOG ROAST - ENGINE FARM - June 2011

- 142nd MARK BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL -PHOTOS & RESULT

-DOWNLOADABLE FILE OF 2010 FESTIVAL PHOTOS

NORTHANTS & HUNTS MARK PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE EVENTS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

BANNER DEDICATION AT NORMAN ROLFE MARK - 16TH APRIL 2012

On Monday 16th April, the PGM, attended by his team of Provincial Officers conducted a Banner Dedication Ceremony to mark the 100th Regular meeting of Norman Rolfe Lodge of Mark Master Masons meeting at the Ellindon Centre, Peterboro.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MARK BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

A good number of brethren turned out at Corby on Saturday 2nd June 2012, for the AGM of the Northants & Hunts Mark Benevolent Association. VW Bro Simon A. Mighall, PGJO attended and made a Presentation on the Mark Benevolent Association, which we supported with our Festival in 2010. FYI, a copy of the Notice of AGM, Agenda and Accounts for YE 31/12/11 are available for download below.

Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Chris Beck
Provincial Charity Steward

Notice of AGM

Agenda of AGM

2011 Accounts

ANNUAL MARK SUNDAY LUNCHEON

The Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro George E Bonham and Avril, had the support of a good number of brethren at the Annual Mark Luncheon, held at the Peterborough Masonic Hall on Sunday 3rd March 2013. It is hoped that this very pleasant annual social event continues for many years

ANNUAL PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS

On Saturday 3rd December, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons held the Annual Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners, at The Masonic Hall, Corby, when the Provincial Grand Master was pleased to invest those Brethren he had appointed to Provincial RAM Grand rank, following which the PGM addressed the Brethren.

During the meeting, the Ladies were invited to an audience with WBro David E. A. Adams, Grand Organist for "Getting to know You ........ Name that Musical?"

The Assembly was followed, as usual, by a luncheon to which the Ladies were invited. The event proved to yet another very enjoyable occasion.

A list of the Brethren receiving Provincial RAM Grand Appointments can be downloaded here

ANNUAL MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS

On Saturday 25th June 2011, the brethren of the province assembled at Freemasons Hall Northampton for the annual meeting of Mark Provincial Grand Lodge. After welcoming the large number of visiting PGM's, DPGM's, Heads of Orders and other distinguished brethren and having completed the usual labours of PGL, the PGM requested the PrGSec, WBro Peter Dawson to read the patent granted to WBro Brian Ennever, following which he was pleased to appoint and install WBro Brian Ennever as his new Deputy.

Our PGM, RWBro George Bonham and his newly appointed Deputy - WBro Brian Ennever

The PGM was then pleased to invest those brethren on whom he had conferred first appointments and promotions to both acting and past Provincial rank.
In presenting his annual address to the assembled brethren, the PGM warmly thanked VWBro Richard Turpin OBE PGJO, who was retiring as DPGM after giving 5 years of dedicated and learned support to both himself and the province and presented Bro Richard with a PDPGM's collarette. The PGM then instructed the PrGDC, WBro John Clarke to bring WBro Arthur Piggins to him. The PGM requested VWBro Simon A Mighall DepGSec, PGJO to read the certificate marking his 50 year anniversary to the assembled brethren before he presented it to Bro Arthur. Following this the PGM explained that the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Michael Herbert, a close family friend of Bro Arthur, had hoped to be present at the meeting to make the presentation himself, but having left hospital only 3 days previously following his recent hip replacement, he was unable to attend.  The PGM then continued by saying that as the Grand Master, MWBr His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, KCVO, had been pleased to promote WBro Arthur Piggins to the rank of PGJO, RWBro Herbert had obviously hoped to be present to perform this duty also, but instead, our PGM had been charged with the responsibility of carrying out that very pleasant task, on a very surprised - and now VWBro Arthur Piggins. Bro Arthur was congratulated warmly by all of the brethren present.
VWBro Simon A Mighall DepGSec, PGJO then read the contents of a patent extension which the Grand Master had been pleased to grant to our PGM - and jokingly said that this was a task he had only consented to carry out, because he had been our PGM's proposer into the Mark degree - a few years before.
The meeting of PGL was then closed and the brethren retired to a very enjoyable and convivial festive board

WBro Brian Ennever DPGM, RWBro George Bonham PGM and VWBro Simon Mighall DepGSec PGJO, congratulate VWBro Arthur Piggins following his being presented with a certificate to celebrate his 50 years in the Mark and his promotion to PGJO

A list of the Brethren receiving Mark Provincial Grand Appointments & Promotions can be downloaded here

REPORT ON THE 2012 MARK LADIES FESTIVAL WEEKEND

Brian and Michaela wish to thank everyone for your tremendous support for their Italian Themed weekend, our own ‘Cheltenham Festival,’ in April.
Once again we were fully booked with two on the waiting list making it only at the last minute due to unfortunate cancellations owing to ill health. Our best wishes go to both who had to miss out on the weekend.
Despite a few catering ‘hiccups’ on Thursday for the early attendees, we were superbly looked after by the hotel staff, and judging from the positive feedback you all felt it was ‘probably the best yet’ to steal a phrase from one of our local brewers.
We were perhaps too ambitious to include a fish course to the Saturday Banquet which left too little time for dancing to ‘Soundscene’ who again provided our music that was much enjoyed both last year and this, so much so that they have already agreed to play again next year.

........AND SO TO NEXT YEAR........

In the light of this success, the 2013 Weekend will be held in the comfort of a Four Star Hotel, the Norton Park Hotel, close to the Cathedral City of Winchester from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th April. This Hotel has recently undergone a £14 million investment and offers good value for money, comfort and location
and is part of the QHotel Group, the same group as Stratford Manor and Cheltenham Chase that were very much enjoyed for the 2011 and 2012 Ladies Weekends.
It has 175 bedrooms , free WiFi throughout for all guests, parking for 220 cars, a leisure centre with pool and Spa facilities. From the bright reception area to the immaculate bedrooms, you will be reassured that your stay at this spectacular Hampshire hotel will be one to remember.

It is situated in 54 acres of grounds (just off the A34) and just 10 miles from the historic city of Winchester with its magnificent cathedral and guided city walks and tours. Slightly further afield, but within easy reach, is the spectacular New Forest, or enjoy coastal walks close to Southampton or the maritime history of Portsmouth where you can also take in the stunning views across the Solent from the top of the Spinnaker Tower. There are a host of picturesque villages and country towns nearby to browse around, alternatively relax in the hotel’s peaceful grounds and enjoy a stroll around the woodland walk or a game of croquet.

Once again we are taking on the organisation ‘in house’ and the Festival Secretary has secured this well appointed venue for the two day Festival, with additional days available, again at the very reasonable price of £130 per person for two nights DB&B, payable direct to the hotel, plus £20 per person for Sat Banquet/Dance with music by ‘Soundscene’, payable to Festival Sec. Extra nights are available at the discounted rate of £65 per person per night (Dinner B&B) for Thurs and Sun.

The President is W Bro Tony Greene, and both he and Julia, look forward to you, your families and friends (Masonic or not), joining them for a very enjoyable weekend.

To avoid disappointment, you can book your places with the Festival Secretary, W Bro Rick Bott, whose details are on the Croyland Mark Lodge 594 page in the Year Book (Charity Steward).

Please make a note in your diaries - Further information as well as an invitation and booking form can be downloaded below.

Come and join us in Hampshire!

Invitation to, and information on 2013 Ladies Festival Weekend

Booking form for 2013 Ladies Festival Weekend

REPORT ON THE 2011 MARK LADIES FESTIVAL WEEKEND

The 2011 Mark Ladies Festival Weekend was held at The Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon from Friday 15 April to Sunday 17 April.  The hotel, set in 21 acres of beautiful countryside, proved to be a delightful new venue for us situated just 5 minutes from the centre of historic Stratford-upon-Avon.  Many found the leisure centre with pool and fitness facilities the perfect place to relax and unwind after visiting Stratford, Warwick or any one of the wealth of nearby interesting venues in the surrounding area.
The President, VW Bro Richard Turpin, and his wife Doris would like to thank all who attended for their support and for their encouragement in taking the decision to move to a new venue which, by all accounts, was appreciated by all who came along.  The standard of the hotel and catering was first class and, thanks to the effort put in by Rick and Gill Bott in taking on most of the administration, were outstanding value for money.  It was a pity that some who had hoped to come were unable to be accommodated at the Festival rate but, given the uncertainties of the potential support in the early days, it was difficult to estimate how many rooms we could guarantee taking up.
Watch this space for the announcement of the 2012 event and, to avoid disappointment, get your bookings in early.