New Master for Provincial Grand DC's Lodge

With R W Bro Keith Emmerson, Assistant Grand Master in attendance, the new Worshipful Master of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Lodge No 1813 was installed on Saturday 4th February 2012 at the Masonic Rooms, Kings Heath Birmingham.

This being the first meeting of the lodge following the appointment of one of its members to the high office of Assistant Grand Master the DC broke with tradition and formed a column of acting officers of the Worcestershire Provincial Grand Lodge to escort the R W Bro Francis Charles Spencer, Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Laurence Eric Bourne, Deputy Provincial Grand Master accompanied by the Provincial Grand Wardens W Bro Ian Melville Strongman and W Bro John Francis Icke, into the lodge.

The R W Bro Keith Emmerson was then admitted and greeted with sustained applause before being afforded salutations appropriate to his exalted rank.

The installing Master V W Bro Paul Paterson, expressed thanks to those who had travelled to Durham to be with him at their last meeting and thanked his officers for their continued support. He then installed his successor W Bro David Mogford.

This peripatetic lodge meets twice a year, the Installation meeting always taking place at the Masonic Rooms Kings Heath Birmingham with a regular attendance of between 80 and 90 brethren. The second meeting is normally held in the home province of the Worshipful Master and in his address to the brethren W Bro David Mogford announced that the next meeting will be held on Saturday 6th October at the Masonic Centre in Neath, South Wales. He gave some detail on the arrangements for the entertainment of those visiting. He announcement that the festive board would be £12.50 for four courses, accommodation was available and for those who wished to travel on the Friday, a number of tee times have been reserved at the local golf club and a luncheon arranged for the wives whilst the brethren are at lodge. A not to be missed occasion, brethren.

When addressing the brethren at the festive board the Assistant Grand Master R W Bro Herbert Keith Emmerson reiterated the strong message contained in the Grand Master Annual address regarding visiting by the Rulers of our order. Rulers are available to visit lodges celebrating special occasions such as centenary or other significant milestones in a lodges history. On a less formal matter he asked that his standing within this lodge should return to normal after todays celebration of his appointment. Saying he will be most happy to take his normal seat in the lodge. He got a laugh when he asked the secretary if it were possible that his name was shown as Keith Emmerson on lodge paper work expressing an opinion that there might be one too many Herberts in the Mark Degree.   posted 20 February 2012

Cheers for the Festival Appeal at Stourbridge

30 people attended an evening wine tasting session at the Majestic Wine Store in Oldswinford Stourbridge on Friday 3rd February. With eight different wines featured the evening was a tremendous success, so much so that all retired to the organisers local where they enjoyed the two for £9.95 menu before moving on to his home where the fermented grape juice continued to flow well into the night.

Reports say it was a very enjoyable evening and more importantly it raised £150 for the Festival Appeal 2015.   posted 9 February 2012

Sunday Lunch and Auction of Pledges

I hope by now most of you will have received, through your lodge, the notice concerning the above event at Kings Norton Golf Club on Sunday 1st April 2012.

We hope that many of you will be able to support the event by attending the Lunch. For those who are unable to attend we ask for your support by way of a donated item for auction. It could be a pledge whereby your are able to undertake something on behalf of the successful bidder, or it might be a gift suitable for auction.

Bottles, Household items, Sports equipment or what ever you wish, we will attempt to convert it into cash for the Festival Appeal 2015.

Shortly, the donated items will be catalogued and a copy of the catalogue will be circulated through lodge Secretaries and Charity Stewards. If you are unable to get to the lunch you may still make a sealed bid prior to the event. Write down the catalogue number of the item and record the amount you are prepared to pay for the item. Don't be afraid to bid what you wish or can afford. Sometimes things go for silly money and its too late afterwards to say "I would have paid more for it than that".

Write the lot number only on the front of the envelope and slip it inside another envelope and post it off to George Simpson. His contact details are on the booking form available on the events section of this web site.

Amongst the larger items already received are:

• A Masonic Watch (estimated value between £800 and £1,500).
• Tea for 4 People at the Ritz Hotel, London.
• An signed England rugby shirt. (That's by the team not George).
• A weeks break in a beautiful holiday home in Wales.
• An Architects planning appraisal. (A chance to consider an extension?)
• Swimming Lessons.
• Have a go at Driving something different. (Your chance to feel what its like behind the wheel of one of those juggernauts we all try to avoid on the motorway).

Bidding on the day is quite simple your seating programme will have a number on the reverse registered against your name so that all you have to do, if successful in the bidding, is hold up your card to reveal the number.

It's Simple and it's Fun but the best thing is we are raising money that will go to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Please inform George if wish to donate an item for the auction ASAP so that it can be catalogued.

• PLEASE GIVE ALL THE SUPPORT YOU CAN
• BOOK A TABLE FOR A PARTY FROM YOUR LODGE
• SUPPORT YOUR PGM AND YOUR PROVINCE

  posted 9 February 2012

Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire General Purposes Committee

With an excellent turnout of representatives of lodges within the province present the General Purposes Committee was held at the Masonic Centre Rainbow Hill Worcester on Monday 30th January 2012.

Following the recording of apologies the Provincial Grand Master called for propositions in connection with the approval of the circulated minutes of both the GPC meeting held on the 29th Jan 2011 and the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge meeting held in June 2011. The brethren present signified their approval of the propositions in the usual manner.

The PGM then invited W Bro Eric Bourne, Chairman of the 2015 Festival Appeal Committee, to present a report and update on the progress of the appeal. W Bro Eric explained the reasoning behind recent changes to the appeal committee structure highlighting the need of continued fund raising whilst also addressing the important issue of planning the Festival Celebrations. He explained that he would head a small committee concerned with the planning of the festival celebrations with W Bro Jeff Whiteley acting as festival secretary. In addition the valuable experience and knowledge of R W Bro Stuart Edwards, VW Bro Tim Morris and VW Bro Ted Kettleborough had been retained whilst recent experience of the very successful arrangements for the 2011 Craft Festival Celebrations would also prove invaluable through the inclusion of W Bro Howard Wilson on the committee.

W Bro George Simpson will head the Fund Raising Committee with each lodge Charity Steward filling a vital and important role. He mentioned the forthcoming 2012 Middlesex Festival to be held in September at Twickenham. Saying "we must demonstrate our support of others if we expect their support in making a success of our festival and I therefore hope that I will see many of you at Twickenham" .

The PGM then invited the Provincial Grand Treasurer to present his report and update on the Provinces finances. W Bro Michael Taylor spoke of the continued success of the province and finished his report by saying that we are in good standing having a surplus of income over expenditure and that accordingly he was not considering any increase in either dues or fees.

The Provincial Grand Master then addressed the meeting detailing some changes that will occur in June at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting.

In particular he paid tribute to W Bro Norman Yarnell our Provincial Grand Almoner. Norman has served our province as Almoner since his appointment by the former PGM RW Bro Colin Woodward in 2001. Sadly Norman has decided that he can no longer fill the office of Almoner and had requested the PGM to find a replacement. Recognising the increasing demands on the office of Almoner the PGM agreed to Normans request but before announcing his successor wanted to place on record his personal thanks, coupled with those of the province, for the dedicated hard work that Norman had undertaken on our behalf. He wanted also to thank Normans wife Sylvia who had travelled round our province with him and who had been a comfort to many at difficult times. Those present showed their appreciation of Normans services with warm applause.

The PGM then announced that W Bro Jim Willis would be appointed the new Provincial Almoner at our annual meeting in June.

There followed a meeting of The Worcestershire Mark Benevolent Fund

The Provincial Charity Steward, W Bro George Simpson informed the meeting that the Charity Committee had agreed to impart more information into the province in respect of lodges standing on fund raising for the 2015 Festival. The figures contained within the paper presented related solely to the lodges, he stressed that individual giving remained a private matter between the individual and his lodge Charity Steward.

He expressed his disappointment that with 530 plus members we have just 80 standing order gift aid contributors. He appealed to those present to return to their lodges and do everything possible to convince the members to support the appeal with a standing order for just £10 per month. The most efficient and economical way of both contributing and collecting and all that is necessary for us to reach our target.

He highlighted one or two fund raising events that have taken place together with news of proposed events. Recommending that people see the details on the Events section of our provincial web site.

He announced a Sunday Lunch at Kings Norton Golf Club on the 1st April 2012 incorporating an auction of pledges. He appealed for items suitable for auction.

He also spoke of Local Charity Fund raising and reported that the brethren from Malvern Priory Lodge, Lechmere and Ark Lodge Worcester and St Egwin Lodge Evesham, assisted by many senior brethren from across the province, had recently completed the annual "Santa's Grotto" at W Bro Tony Blake's St Peters Garden Centre Worcester which this year will be donated to the Little Princess Trust. A Hereford based charity dealing with children across the whole of our province who suffer the side effects of cancer treatments.

Their efforts raised the magnificent sum of £6,000 which will be presented to the charity by the PGM sometime during February.

He thanked Ted Kettleborough and the members of the Quill and Key lodge for arranging the recent Sunday Lunch and W Bro John Fleming for the wine taster sessions to be held in February saying it was important that such social events take place.

The Provincial Grand Almoner gave his annual report saying that thanks to the generous nature of some lodges his funds were in a healthy state. He had sufficient monies to hand over to his successor. He urged all to ensure that they informed him of anyone who's health or well being required his attention. He congratulated W Bro Jim Willis and asked everyone to give him the support he will need to fill the duties of his new office.

The PGM then introduced the remaining business during which proposition were accepted and approved in connection with the following awards:

• £1,000 to Mark Benevolent Fund 144th Anniversary Festival Appeal in the Province of Middlesex.
• £500 To the Festival Appeal of Worcestershire Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons.
• £250 each to St Marys Tenbury Wells and St John in Bedwardine under local church awards.

W Bro Brian Wattison expressed on behalf of all Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire feelings similar to those expressed by the PGM in connection with our Almoner, saying that the manner in which W Bro Norman Yarnell had undertaken his duties as Provincial Almoner over the last twelve years was magnificent. Together with his wife Sylvia he had responded to calls from lodge representatives on behalf of brethren who had fallen sick and had responded in a caring and dedicated manner often going that extra mile which bought much relief and comfort to those in need. Those present responded with warm sustained applause.

The PGM thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed.   posted 9 February 2012

First Master in Lodge's New Home

W Bro Dr Kamran Hammed Shaikh installed his successor into the Chair of the Stechford Lodge of MMM No 747 on Saturday 28th January 2012 at Kings Heath Birmingham.

A unique occasion since this was the very first installation of a Master since the lodges removal from Stechford to a new home in the Masonic rooms at Kings Heath. W Bro William John Liggins, a Past Master of the lodge, was installed in a short but nevertheless impressive ceremony and both he and the lodge members celebrated the news that TWO re-joining members were present. Following the declaration of their election the new Master wasted no time in welcoming W Bro Norman Burden and W Bro George Bradley and immediately proceeded to invest them into an office within the lodge which they both accepted.

VW Bro Ted Kettleborough's plea for generosity at the festive board resulted in more than £200 being collected for charitable purposes.

Our picture shows W Bro William Liggins (centre) with the Installing Master W Bro Dr Hammed Shaikh on his left and VW Bro Ted, who has facilitated the move to the new home by undertaking an enormous amount of work, seated on his right.   posted 1 February 2012

Two by Two into the ARK

More than forty Royal Ark Mariners gathered at Redditch to witness a double ceremony when W Bro Eric Lee elevated Bros Trevor Jarvis and Robin Skinner which he immediately followed by installing his successor Bro Bryan Cable as Commander of St Laurence Lodge of RAM No 893.

The manner in which both ceremonies were conducted illustrated the effort and preparation that W Bro Eric had put into the evening. It was a joy to be a visitor and witness the warmth and vitality of this splendid lodge.

Commander Bryan Cable's enthusiasm for the degree coupled with the promise of further candidates will ensure that St Laurence Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners will continue to flourish and remain a popular visiting place within our province.

In his address the PGM extended a warm welcome to our latest Royal Ark Mariners Bros Trevor and Robin expressing his confidence that they will enjoy the friendship and companionship of both the St Laurence Lodge and the order in general.

Our picture (From the Left) has the newly Installed Commander Bryan Cable, Brothers Trevor Jarvis and Robin Skinner and W Bro Eric Lee.   posted 15 January 2012

Double Workings at Stourbridge

Visitors to the Athlumney Lodge of MMM No 590 enjoyed two very fine ceremonies on Thursday evening 5th January 2012 when W Bro Stephen Wyer first Advanced Bro Robin Arthur Oakes into the friendly degree and then installed his successor, W Bro Tony Moody, into the chair.

Close to 40 brethren enjoyed a very relaxed atmosphere generated by the skill and confidence which the Master displayed throughout the evening. Bro Oakes, a very experienced Mason himself, recognised the quality of the work during his response to the candidate's toast.

Without pause the Master embarked upon the installation of his successor which he did in a similar relaxed and confident manner to the delight of everyone present. W Bro Stephen was very well supported by his team on both occasions.

The new Master appointed and invested his officers in a manner which suggests that the lodge has been passed into safe hands. With an easy and relaxed approach he installed confidence that the lodge is in for another excellent year.

Modesty prevents me from telling you of the quality of the provincial addresses but I can say that the provincial team very much enjoyed the superb hospitality of this wonderful lodge.

Our picture shows Bro Robin Oakes, the newly advanced brother, flanked by the Installing Master W Bro Stephen Wyer, on his left and the incoming Master W Bro A Moody on his right.   posted 8 January 2012

Provincial 100 Club

The January Draw of the Provincial 100 Club took place at the Talbot Hotel Stourbridge on Thursday 5th January 2012 during the festive board of Athlumney Lodge of MMM No 590.

The winners were as follows:

• £200 Prize No 24 John McGann
• £100 Prize No 91 Malcolm Hancox
• £60 Prize No 93 John Ashmore
• £40 Prize No 42 Tony Blake

Brethren we are at the start of a new year, renewal subscriptions are now due. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.

W Bro George Simpson
Provincial Charity Steward

  posted 8 January 2012

Provincial Grand Wardens

The PGM has announced that: W Bro John Stafford Stevens of All Saints Kings Heath Lodge of MMM No 1462 is to be appointed as Provincial Grand Senior Warden for the year 2012/13.

John was initiated into Freemasonry in the St Nicholas Lodge No 4846 in 1970 and subsequently Advanced into All Saints Kings Heath during 1990. He has held several provincial offices the most recent being that of Provincial Grand Master Overseer in 2008.

W Bro John McGregor Fleming of Athlumney Lodge of MMM No 590 is to be appointed as Provincial Grand Junior Warden.

John was initiated into Freemasonry in Dudley in 1986 and subsequently Advanced into Athlumney Lodge in 1997 and has twice served as Master in 2004 and 2005. John has previously served as Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, Assistant Provincial Grand DC and most recently as Provincial Grand Senior Overseer.

We congratulate them both on their promotion to these high offices and wish them good health to enjoy their year.   posted 24 December 2011

New Office in a Neighbouring Province

Brethren, we offer warm congratulations to W Bro David Iliffe PGJD who has agreed a request from his Provincial Grand Master to carry out the duties of the Provincial Information Officer for the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Province of Mark Master Masons and Royal Ark Mariners, an office new to that Province.

David was Advanced into the Mark Degree in William Bathurst Lodge of MMM No 1420 meeting in Cirencester. He was Master of the lodge in 1996 and later served as Provincial Grand Senior Warden. He was appointed GStwd in 2008 and promoted to PGJD in 2011.

As David sets about the duties of his new office we wish him every success.   posted 13 December 2011

100 Club December Draw

The latest draw of the 100 Club took place at Moseley Lodge of MMM, Kings Heath On Monday 5th December.

The winners were:

• No 26 Stephen Nicholas
• No 95 Chris Farrer
• No 96 Mrs Liz Farrer

A reminder to all about renewing your subscription for next year and of course to watch for the BIG DRAW in January.   posted 10 December 2011

Calling All Golfers

The announcement that we are to have a Mark Golfers Lodge within our Province is the latest news hot from the press.

The Golfers amongst you will know only too well that W Bro Keith Crawford has been organising our very successful and well attended Mark Golf days for many years. Knowing first hand the strength of interest in Golf within the province W Bro Keith has been asked to record the names of those interested in becoming either Founder or Joining Members of the proposed lodge.

When the registration stage has been completed, an Organising Meeting will take place, possibly during February 2012, chaired by the Provincial Grand Master, himself a very keen Golfer.

Worcestershire Mark Golfers play representative matches with many friends from the surrounding provinces and we assure them of a warm welcome should they wish to become members of this new and exciting lodge.

If you have any interest either as a possible Founder or Joining member can register your interest NOW using the form or by emailing the Information Officer. List your name, address, telephone number and Lodge Name and No, together with your interest (Founder/Joining Member) in the body of the email and Keith will contact you.

For those who are not Mark Masons and are feeling left out the good news is that we would love to welcome you not only into this new and exciting Lodge but also into Mark Masonry, the friendly degree.   posted 10 December 2011

Seasonal Work to Benefit Charity

Fund raising by Santa's "Little Helpers" got under way on Saturday 26th November at St Peters Garden Centre Norton Worcester.

The team have chosen the "Little Princess Trust" as the beneficiary of this years activities.

The Little Princess Trust provide real hair wigs for children who suffer hair loss as a result of chemotherapy associated with the treatment of cancer.

The charity was launched in 2006 by Wendy and Simon Tarplee who sadly lost their little Princess Hannah to cancer the previous year. When Hannah was diagnosed it became apparent that she would need a wig as her chemotherapy treatment would cause hair loss. Her parents found it very difficult to obtain a suitable one easily and this added to the stress that they were experiencing at the time.

Hannah's fight to beat the illness touched the hearts of many friends and associates who raised a considerable sum of money to send her on a special holiday. Sadly circumstances did not allow for Hannah to take that special holiday.

Wendy and Simon, knowing only to well the trauma resulting from both the diagnosis and treatment wanted to use the monies raised to help families in a similar situation and to provide children with real-hair wigs.

To date the charity has provided almost 900 wigs and often assists children suffering hair loss for reason other than Therapy treatments.

The charity relies solely on individual fundraisers or groups, such as ourselves, to raise money on their behalf.

Help us make this fund raising event successful by bringing along your children or grand children to Santa's Grotto between now and Christmas.   posted 6 December 2011

Provincial 100 Club Draw

The October draw winners were:

• No 85 M H R Cole
• No 84 Eric Lee
• No 44 Mrs Ann Smith

The November Draw was made at the Provincial Lodge of Instructions Annual Dinner held at Tenbury Wells on Wednesday 30th.

Winners were:

• No 71 Ken Stooke
• No 94 John Moore
• No 78 Mrs M Kindon

posted 5 December 2011

New Master for the Worcestershire Installed Masters Lodge No 1409

On Saturday the 5th November the regular installation meeting of the WIM Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1409 took place at Rainbow Hill, Worcester.

More than forty members were joined by a small number of visitors to witness W Bro Fred Hall complete his year in fine style by installing and handing over the running of this prestigious lodge to W Bro Robert Rice PGSD (Pictured left).

We understand that Bob, as he is known throughout the province, has his year all mapped out and will include a ladies to dine evening.

Bob is a member of several Mark lodges within Worcestershire. He was advanced into Bromsgrove Lodge No 1334 serving as Worshipful Master in both 1994 and 1995.

He joined Perseverance Lodge No 733 and actually became Master in 1993 prior to attaining the Chair in his mother lodge. He joined Moseley Lodge No 667 and served as Master in 1998 and 1999.

Having served as a Secretary within the Mark Degree, Bob took up his entitlement to membership of the more recently formed Quill and Key Lodge No 1901 and currently fills the office of Charity Steward.

He is a member of the Grand Stewards Lodge and was granted Honorary Membership of Millennium Lodge No 1822 on the occasion of its consecration in 2001.

Bob has held several offices within the province including that of Provincial Grand Junior Warden in 2001.

His first Grand Rank appointment was that of Grand Steward being promoted to Past Grand Senior Deacon in 2009.

We wish him a very successful year and good health to enjoy it.   posted 6 November 2011

Changes a plenty during September and October

A busy period for the Provincial team has seen the installation of several Masters both in the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degree.

On Monday 26th September the team travelled to Kings Heath where following a short RAM business meeting Bro Keith Beard was installed as Worshipful Master of Moseley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 667.

The members were supported by several visitors and a fine night was enjoyed by all who attended.

On Tuesday 11th October the team visited Stourport where a good number had gathered to witness the advancement of a new member into Vernon Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 923 followed immediately, by the installation of Bro P W Rogers as Worshipful Master. A busy night for W Bro Andrew Skidmore who gave a very polished performance on both occasions being well supported by the regular lodge officers. A super evening which everyone enjoyed.

On the Wednesday we travelled to Hereford to St Ethelbert Lodge of MMM for the Four Provinces Meeting. See separate report for this visit.

Back within Worcestershire, just, on Friday 14th October at Teme Valley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1260 meeting at Tenbury Wells. This special meeting was taking place on the 50th Anniversary of the day on which the lodge was founded. Bro D J Bell was installed the fiftieth Master of this splendid lodge by W Bro Sean Warner the outgoing Master.

Bro Bell then installed his officers for the year in fine style. With a couple of recent advancees and the mention of further candidates the future of the lodge is looking secure.

The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Francis Charles Spencer, then called upon the Provincial Wardens to discharge their duties and they were escorted to the South and West respectively. With the principal officers in position the PGM then called upon other acting officers present to discharge their duties also.

The provincial Director of ceremonies W Bro Jeff Whiteley Grand Steward, President of the Board of Provincial Grand Stewards, formed an escort to retire from the lodge to escort the Lodge officers engaged in the ceremony of dedicating the new honours boards.

Following the addresses and a splendid oration by W Bro Justin Parker, acting as Provincial Grand Chaplain, the PGM unveiled the new boards.

The lodge arranged what proved to be a most interesting conclusion to the ceremonial proceedings when W Bro A R Painter, the soul surviving Founder member of the lodge, related some of his memories about Teme Valley Lodge its members and its history.

The 50 Mark Masons present then retired to the dining rooms for an evening repast in a manner which only Tenbury seems able to provide.

On Tuesday 18th October the team were at the oldest Mark Lodge in our province, Lechmere Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 59 at Rainbow Hill, Worcester, to see the Provincial Grand Secretary, W Bro Adrian Church, install his successor Bro David Jones as Worshipful Master. Another fine ceremony witnessed by forty five Mark Men says a great deal about the strength of our Mark Province.

The week finished on Friday 21st with a visit Eaton Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 977 at Kings Heath. On this evening W Bro David Stanford, often part of The Team being the Provincial Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies, found himself on the other side as installing Commander when he installed W Bro Brian Wattison RAMGR into the chair.

Brian has been a very loyal long serving member of Eaton Lodge and this will be his Fourth term as Worshipful Commander having previously served in 1982,83 and 1993. He joked that he had now served in years ending in 1, 2 and 3 but not necessarily in that order.

Both W Bros David and Brian expressed the lodges joy in seeing W Bro Tony Mawdsley back in the lodge following his recovery from illness, sentiments endorsed by all present.   posted 1 November 2011

Four Provinces Meeting at Hereford

The St Ethelbert Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 243 in the Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire hosted the Four Provinces Annual meeting on Wednesday 12th October with more than 130 Mark Masons from Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire in attendance.

Worcestershire was very well represented with almost every acting Provincial Officer in attendance.

St Ethelbert installed a new Worshipful Master and afterwards we were treated to an entertaining talk on Tokens. The main interest being in the Mark token although the presentation touched on the general use of tokens over many years.

Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely meal in good company.

 

In our pictures the Rulers of the Four Provinces gather before the Masters Pedestal and in the other picture the Acting Provincial Officers of Worcestershire are a colourful and impressive group.   posted 15 October 2011

Grand Lodge

A large number of Worcestershire Mark Masons travelled to Great Queen Street London on Tuesday 13th September to witness and enjoy the Installation Ceremony of a new Pro Grand Master, a new Deputy Grand Master and a new Assistant Grand Master in the persons of Benjamin Addy, Michael Herbert and Keith Emmerson respectively.

It was a superbly colourful occasion with wonderful ceremonial. The meal at the Connaught Rooms, expensive as it was, was splendid and helped to send everyone home in a happy frame of mind.

The Grand Masters Address.

Brethren, it is that time of year, when I can take pleasure in welcoming you back after the summer break, although I am afraid that I use the word "summer" this year rather more loosely than I would normally. However, it is the start of another new Masonic Year and I have no doubt that you are fully refreshed for the season which lies ahead.

Since we met in June, the one hundred and forty-third Anniversary Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund has been held in the Province of North Wales. More specifically it was held in the seaside town of Llandudno on Saturday 2nd July under the Chairmanship of R.W.Bro. Gareth Williams, the Provincial Grand Master. It was a truly impressive occasion raising the magnificent sum of £630,738 for which I offer him and his generous Province our hearty congratulations and our very grateful thanks.

Today has seen the investiture of a new Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Assistant Grand Master in the persons of M.W.Bro. Benjamin Addy, R.W.Bro. Michael Herbert and R.W.Bro. Keith Emmerson. I have every confidence in their abilities to promulgate to the brethren the very special fellowship and happiness that members of our Order share and I wish them every success in their new roles.

It is now a matter of the greatest importance that I express my admiration for our retiring Pro Grand Master, M.W.Bro. John Hale who for twenty-one years was a Ruler in our Order and held a very special place in our hearts. In the eleven years that he was Pro Grand Master he represented me on very many occasions, not only in this country, but also abroad and he rightly became a much loved and revered figure for the sterling work he did and the friendly and dignified way in which he did it.

He will be sorely missed and I wish him a long and happy retirement. However, his retirement will be the first stage of my endeavour to reduce the age profile of the Rulers of the Mark and to show to our membership that promotion to the highest level is perfectly possible for all and is based upon ability and not age. I have discussed this initiative with the Rulers I installed today and I am delighted to say that they are in complete agreement with my approach. We must also remember that we are in an era where less and less young men are coming into Freemasonry generally and I believe it to be important that we show that our Order can appeal to like minded Masons regardless of age.

Brethren, our September Communication is normally very short but today has been a special day and has been somewhat longer than usual. I'm sure that you are all looking forward to the refreshment that now follows I will, therefore, simply close my remarks by thanking you all for such a splendid turnout today and by wishing you all a very happy and successful year in which to further and extend the tradition of our Order.

After the dinner which followed the meeting Prince Michael expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the new team and said that he felt we were very definitely on the right track. Saying his feelings were that the new team would be more visible and be prepared to make more visitations than before.

Worcestershire Mark Masons welcome the announcement and guarantee all of the Rulers a tremendously warm welcome where and whenever they are able to join us in the Province.   posted 15 October 2011

Variety Night Special!!

Almost ninety Masons with families and friends enjoyed a very special treat on Saturday 17th September when the Worcestershire Mark Charity Committee staged a Variety Night in aid of the Festival 2015 appeal.

With the Rainbow Hill room near to capacity the atmosphere was fantastic. With a slightly different room layout from the norm, parties were seated at individual tables, careful planning by Mel Broadhurst helped accommodate everyone in comfort.

Jeff Whiteley volunteered his professional services, a Sound System and a Stage for the evening which was very much welcomed and certainly added a touch of professionalism to the whole proceedings.

After a drinks reception we were all welcomed by George Simpson who detailed the proceedings for the evening saying he thought we were in for a treat.

Following the meal the entertainment got under way when Mark Watson 1st Violin, Jacqui Hill 2nd Violin, Fiona Swadling Viola and Jenny Pearson on Cello, collectively know as "The Bellini Strings" played the first half of their programme for the evening. Recognising the obvious quality of the performers, the audiences attention was grabbed right from the start and every piece played was applauded with great enthusiasm. The first half of their programme included music by Vivaldi and Elgar and their rendition of the Glenn Miller classic "Moonlight Serenade" had the whole room imagining they were gliding around on the floor of a splendid ball room. The completion of the first half of their performance came all too quickly and was greeted with vocal encouragement and sustained applause.

"Follow that" was on everyone's mind when George stood to introduced his grand daughter Georgia. Georgia has a beautiful voice and performed two numbers. Her performance matched the magic that had gone before as she held the audience spell bound with her rendition of "Make You Feel My Love" followed by "Jar of Hearts". A real treat especially for those who were experiencing her talents for the first time. George then introduced his other grand daughter Rhiannon whose instrumental musical talents are being well developed. On this occasion she played the violin showing every sign of matching her sisters flare and talent. She was accompanied by Fiona Swadling, in a string duet during the first number. Fiona moving to the keyboard for Rhiannon's second number.

Sending the girls around the tables promoting the raffle in the break allowed everyone to compliment them both and helped swell the total amount raised by the raffle.

On their return to the stage, Mark Watson introduced the members of the "Bellini Strings Quartet" explaining that the group was formed in 1994 by graduates of the Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music. The second half of the programme included a selection of modern classics including "That's Amore" , "Can't take my Eyes off of You" , "She" , "Lets face the Music and Dance" and the Abba hit "Mamma Mia" ending the concert with "Viva La Vida" an ideal piece to round off a magnificent concert. The completion of the programme was greeted with a standing ovation lasting some time.

Everyone agreed that the whole evening had been staged in a most professional manner. From the temporary stage, a first class sound system which complimented the performance of every artist, to the fantastic backing tapes which had been professionally produced for Georgia's performance. I've already mentioned that this was in the main part down to the efforts of Jeff Whiteley. His low key profile on the evening says everything about the man whose input into everything Mark in our Province, is nothing short of magnificent.

After the raffle had taken place George thanked all those who had helped make the night special. He thanked the kitchen, Mel Broadhurst and John Icke for everything leading up to the evening. He thanked the Sponsors for raffle prizes, Trevor Sleigh for the gallon of Whiskey which he had auctioned and Jeff for the use of the equipment that had made the night a tremendous success. He paid special thanks to everyone present for their support which he could now say had raised the magnificent sum of £1,117.

Jeff then called for a well earned round of applause for George and Jenny Simpson for their wonderful enthusiasm and energy in making the whole evening happen.

  posted 19 September 2011

Lodges Relocation

Following the Installation meeting at the St Laurence Lodge of MMM No 893 in Redditch, the provincial team were welcomed at Godson Lodge of MMM No 330 at the Masonic Hall Dudley on Thursday 15th when W Bro Gordon Green was proclaimed Master for a second term.

Godson Lodge 330 , consecrated in 1884, is currently preceded by only one lodge in the province and a glance at the membership, both present and past, indicates the quality of many distinguished members who have held office in the lodge over the one hundred and twenty seven years of the lodges history.

Following the appointment and investiture of the officers present, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Jeff Whiteley gave a power point presentation highlighting the charitable work enabled by Mark Charity generally whilst identifying several locally based organisations that have derived benefit.

A very pleasant evening was rounded off at the festive board when the Deputy PGM W Bro Eric Bourne reinforced the message put over by W Bro Whiteley urging the brethren to support the province in its quest to reach the target set by the PGM. He asked all present to consider maximising their contributions by gift aiding a regular donation using the standing order forms which W Bro Jeff Whiteley just happened to have available, returning them, on completion, to our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro George Simpson.

Friday 16th saw the team visiting the Centenary Lodge of MMM No 1623 at Kings Heath, Birmingham to enjoy a delightful ceremony when Bro John Ling was installed as Master. The new Master is easily recognised by all Masons throughout our province as the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Craft.

The installing Master, W Bro T G Woolley finished off his year in superb style by the manner in which he installed his successor.

The lodge appears to be going from strength to strength and long may it last. The good humour which prevailed throughout this meeting almost led to spontaneous applause when the Treasurer, W Bro Michael Taylor announced that he proposed to reduce the subscriptions for the ensuing year. Never has "those in favour" been so aptly illustrated in the manner usual observed amongst masons.

The rest of the evening was spent in an agreeable manner at an excellent festive board where the Deputy PGM reminded the brethren of the need to maximise their efforts for the Festival 2015 appeal, in particular regular giving using a gift aided standing order.   posted 19 September 2011

Busy Week in the Province

Following the closure of the Masonic Rooms at Stechford the Lodges previously meeting there have relocated to other masonic centres within our province.

Two in particular, Stechford Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 747 and Stechford Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 747 have moved to Moseley Masonic Hall, Alcester Road, Kings Heath Birmingham.

In preparation for the move the Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings were removed from Stechford, adapted, resized, cleaned and refitted into Lodge Room No 3 at Kings Heath. The whole having been undertaken by V W Bro Edward (Ted) Charles Kettleborough.

Brethren your first visit to this newly refurbished room will be a joy because the work carried out by Ted really has changed the nature of the room which now has the feel of a long established traditional Lodge Room.

Stechford Lodge of MMM and RAM will hold their first meeting in the newly refurbished room on Saturday 24th September 2011 with a RAM meeting at 10am followed by a Mark Meeting at 11.15 am.

Brethren, this meeting of the lodge, consecrated in 1921, will be the first to be held anywhere other than at their previous home and is therefore a new start in the history of this proud and splendid Lodge.

Anyone who is able to support them on the 24th can be assured of a warm welcome and should in the first instance contact the Secretary V W Bro Ted Kettleborough on 0121 744 3743   posted 19 September 2011

New Master for St Laurence Lodge MMM No 893

The new Worcestershire Mark Provincial year got under way with the first Installation which took place at Redditch on Monday 12th September 2011 when Bro David Collett was installed as Worshipful Master of St Laurence Lodge of MMM No 893.

More than thirty members and guests gathered to support the Installing Master W Bro Bryan Cable and his officers to start off a new year in this proud and long established lodge.

All present were treated to a splendid ceremony and were most congratulatory on the manner in which the new Master was installed.

A very good festive board followed and the Alms collection and a small raffle resulted in more than £250 being raised for charity. The sum being split between the 2015 Festival Appeal and the Lodges local charity giving.

A report on the recent Heritage Open Day showed that 60 plus visitors came to the Masonic Rooms in Redditch including the local MP and representatives of the Local Authority. A number of visitors were surprised to see the huge sums of money donated by Masonic Charities in response to appeals at National and International level.

An update of the Festival Appeal showed that we have to date raised £151,000 ( inclusive of Gift Aid) towards our target of £375,000. The Provincial Grand Master appealed to all Mark Masons of Worcestershire to consider Gift Aid, the most efficient way of fund raising, because of the income tax returned by the Chancellor.   posted 19 September 2011

Athlumney Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 590

Another super evening at Stourbridge to witness the Installation of Bro S Williams as Worshipful Commander for the ensuing year.

The number suggests how long the Lodge has existed. Knowing that only two other lodges in our Province have lower numbers, 59 (Ark Lodge RAM) and 330 (Abraham Green Lodge RAM), it comes as no surprise that Athlumney Lodge will soon be celebrating its centenary.

Consecrated during the first world war, on the 12th September 1912, in the name of Lord Athlumney, the lodge has a long and very proud history and its membership over the first 100 years records some very distinguished Masons.

Its founder, whose father was made a Baron under the peerage of the UK, took the title of Lord Athlumney on his fathers death in 1873. He later became Provincial Grand Master of our Province.

We understand that the planning of the celebrations is well in hand and that a very special and splendid occasion is anticipated.

A must occasion for all who are able to secure a place at the festivities.   posted 12 September 2011

Mrs Anne Hall

Brethren, I refer to the entry on this Web Site with regard to the passing of my wife Anne and the article concerning the banner dedication at Millennium Lodge.

During the period of Anne's illness she and I have received from Freemasonry in general and the Mark Province in particular enormous support, encouragement, kindness, friendship and Love. This was also reflected by the number of the cards and letters of sympathy which were sent to my family by the members of the order and their families (and of course from Anne's many friends and colleagues throughout her life).

This 'flood' of affection and regard for Anne was again amply demonstrated by the extremely large number of people who were able to attend her funeral service and the after proceedings at Redditch Masonic Hall (a very comforting and supportive sight to all the family at a very stressful time.)

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks together with the thanks of my daughter Enid, my Grandson Kai, and all the other members of my family for being there for us at a very difficult and sad time.

You have again confirmed that Among Mark Master Masons you will ever find friends.

THANK YOU ALL Fred Hall   posted 7 September 2011

Advancement and the Dedication of a new Banner at Northfield

In what was clearly a very moving moment for Fred who said there was no doubt that the whole family would be delighted to accept the gift and that seeing it would remind them of Anne.

  posted 5 September 2011

Provincial 100 Club Monthly Draw

The winners in the July draw of the 100 Club were:

• No 95 W Bro Chris Farrer
• No 81 V W Bro Ron Ge
• No 39 W Bro John Icke

Following a short spell without lodge meetings the monthly draw for both August and September were made at Millennium Lodge on the 1st September.

August Draw

• No. 6 W Bro Vivian Fogarty
• No. 89 W Bro Paul Wong
• No. 68 W Bro K H Shaikh

September Draw

• No 69 W Bro JC Parnell
• No 48 W Bro Trevor Still
• No 78 Mrs M Kindon

  posted 2 September 2011

All aboard as the Train leaves Kidderminster

The PGM and Debbie joined more than fifty Masons and visitors to fill a number of the carriages on this "Special Evening Scenic Trip" on the Severn Valley Railway. The trip was a sell out with more than 200 in total enjoying the beautiful countryside and the Fish and Chip Supper at Bridgnorth.

With more than 200 Fish and Chip suppers ordered the organisers began to worry a little when with only five minutes to go to the trains departure back to Kidderminster there was no sign of the suppers. Thankfully they arrived just before the train was to pull out and its said that you could hear Antony and Andrew breath a sigh of relief.

The weather was fine and the beer flowed freely and everyone had a most enjoyable evening. Always ready to assist, our PGM and Debbie sold the raffle tickets which helped swell the total raised during the evening to a splendid £350 toward the Festival 2015 Appeal.

A big thank you to all who provided raffle prizes and to those who supported this function. It was the first time the Worshipful Master of Vernon Mark Lodge and the Commander of Vernon Royal Ark Mariners W. Bro Andy Skidmore, had attempted anything like this, but hopefully, it won't be the last.

Warm congratulations to both Antony and Andrew on this successful combined lodge function.   posted 17 August 2011

Mrs Anne Hall

Brethren across the whole of our province and beyond are saddened by the news of the death of Mrs Anne Hall wife of W Bro Fred Hall the Provincial Registrar.

She passed away on Monday 8th August

Anne was a wonderful woman, loved by all who knew her. A brave lady who throughout her illness never complained choosing instead to present a brave face with that beautiful smile that constantly graced her face.

She was renowned for her skilled needlework in making banners for Mark Lodges within the province. The very presence of these banners will remind us all of this wonderful lady who supported and worked so hard alongside her husband in serving our province.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred and his family at this very difficult time.

The funeral will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 17th August at Redditch Crematorium. The family invite you to join them for light refreshment at the Masonic Centre Easemore Road Redditch B98 8ER after the ceremony.   posted 14 August 2011

North Wales Festival

Several members from our province recently accompanied the Provincial Grand Master at the North Wales Festival celebrations.

John and Sheila King

Trevor, Jeff and George

They were able to enjoy a brilliantly sunny weekend in Llandudno for the 143rd Mark Benevolent Fund Festival hosted by the RW Bro Gareth Williams, Provincial Grand Master and Festival President.

The Festival raised the magnificent sum of £625,796

Our Province was well represented with W Bro George & Mrs Jenny Simpson, W Bro Trevor & Mrs Joyce Sleigh, W Bro Jeff & Mrs Debbie Whiteley, VW Bro John & Mrs Sheila King and Ms Debbie Dale accompanying the RW Provincial Grand Master Francis Charles Spencer.

CONGRATULATIONS - WELL DONE NORTH WALES.   posted 14 August 2011

World Beating Therapies now available at Star College

R W Bro Benjamin Addy, the Deputy Grand Master recently paid a visit to The Star College at Ullenwood, Cheltenham in the neighbouring province of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Representing the Grand Master he said " The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons extends to the National Star College, congratulations on the successful completion of their £7.7 million building project at Ullenwood, Cheltenham. Grand Lodge, through its Mark Benevolent Fund, consider it a great privilege to have supported the "Star Appeal". We are delighted the new flats will provide an excellent start on the road to independent living for students of this remarkable College. It is a sign of our support, that the Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent has approved the units to be named after himself and his wife. We wish the College well in its future endeavours."

Following the official opening the party were able to view the new facilities which are considered to be amongst the best anywhere in the world.

The new therapies centre includes a large physiotherapy suite where students can have one-to-one drop in sessions with specialist equipment. There is also a sensory suite with three separate rooms with audio, light, touch, and motor skills equipment including a ball pit and trampoline.

Therapy provision plays a huge role in the lives of the students in preparing them for life after they leave the college.

The new centre is world Class and really is invaluable in terms of the benefits that students will now get.

Supporting such projects is a wonderful reminder to all Mark Masons of the importance of fund raising events.

To us in Worcestershire, passing through the funding raising years leading up to our Festival in 2015, it is a timely reminder very close to home.   posted 14 August 2011

St Egwin Treasure Hunt and Garden Party

88 people attended St Egwin's Lodge Garden Party on Sunday. The weather forecast was for rain and wind and the organisers spared no effort in having two large marquees available for the comfort and protection of all. Whilst the cloud cover hid the sun for part of the afternoon the rain held off until late afternoon resulting in a superb and enjoyable event.

20 teams entered the Treasure Hunt with most delaying their start until after a picnic lunch. Whilst some said they found solving the clues in the Treasure Hunt difficult, the scoring was higher than previous years with just two points between the first three places. Team "Pershore Plums" were victorious with 49 points whilst the second and third places were tied with 47 points.

On their return the teams joined those who came for the cream tea and enjoyed the scones with jam and cream and generous amounts of home made cake.

Our picture shows John and his daughter Joanne (holding the trophy) following its presentation by our hostess for the day Mrs Jenny Simpson.

With several Games, Quizzes and a Tombola Stall to entertain, the afternoon passed all too quickly.

Congratulations to team "Pershore Plums" otherwise known as the Pritchard Family.

Once again George and Jenny did us proud by welcoming us to their home for an event in aid of the Worcestershire Mark Festival Appeal 2015.

Georges enthusiasm and energy in working for the appeal is an example to us all.

Thanks to all who made cakes and those who donated prizes for the tombola.

With some promised donations still to come the event raised £900.   posted 14 August 2011

Addition to Bromsgrove Lodge of MMM No 1334

The brethren of Bromsgrove Lodge welcomed their latest member, Bro Adrian Smith, on Friday 8th July .

Many visitors joined the lodge members to swell the attendance to witnessed an excellent Advancement ceremony. The Master having conducted the proceedings beyond the obligation invited VW Bro John King , Bro Adrian's Proposer, to complete the final stages of the work from the chair.

The PGM delivered an excellent explanation of the signs to our new brother, W Bro Bob Rice presented the working tools and RW Bro Colin Woodward, the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master of our Province, concluded the ceremony with a superb presentation of the final address to the newly advanced brother.

Left - The PGM and Bro Richard Macey with the framed certificate

After the ceremony the PGM presented his first ever Certificate of Appreciation to Bro Richard Macey. Having been escorted to the East Bro Macey listened intently to the Provincial Grand Secretary as he read the citation recorded on the framed certificate before accepting it from the PGM. His look of bewilderment slowly changed to a broad smile when the PGM explained that the certificate was in recognition of the splendid work Richard has done in helping the lodge raise many thousands of pounds for charity both locally and Nationally.

The PGM then rounded off a busy evening by investing W Bro Christopher Farrer, Deputy Provincial Grand Chaplain, explaining that due to circumstances beyond his control, W Bro Christopher, had been unable to attend the PGL meeting in June.

Immediately prior to the Mark meeting the Bromsgrove Lodge of RAM held a business meeting.

Our picture (right) shows the Master and Principal officers of the RAM Lodge together with some of the distinguished guests present.

  posted 11 July 2011

Sunday Lunch At Bridgnorth

Perseverance Lodge members had Lunch at The Dog Inn and Davenport Arms On Sunday 26th June in a social gathering of members friends and family. The 22 people attending enjoyed the warm sunshine coupled with good food and all left the venue saying "we must do this again".

A bonus on the day was to discover that the village of Worfield was holding a Flower Festival and visitors found the village particularly well presented.

The 8th Century Church, at the heart of the village, being the focal point of the festival was well worth a visit.

Well done the organisers and make sure that the provisional booking made for next year is featured on the web site.

Thanks to Bob Rice for the detail in this report.   posted 6 July 2011

St Laurence Lodge Sunday Lunch

46 People, mostly Masons with friends and family attended the St Laurence Lodge Sunday Lunch held at The Arrow Mill Hotel Alcester, on Sunday 26th June.

The informal relaxed atmosphere was very much enjoyed by all who attended. Warm sunshine always helps and this coupled with a fine lunch saw many with a contented smile as they left for home.

A raffle raised £215 for the Mark Festival Appeal 2015. W Bro George Simpson, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, was in attendance and accepted the proceeds on behalf of the appeal.

Well done to the organising committee.   posted 6 July 2011

Worcestershire Mark Annual Open Golf Competition

More than 40 people attended the Dinner following Wednesdays "Open" Golf day at Bromsgrove.

Taking advantage of the dry conditions and the benefit of full handicap allowance some good scores were recorded.

Best performance of the day came from Bernie Ibbs, a guest, who managed 40 points off an 18 handicap to win the open event.

A fine 39 points from Mike Perrott took the Mark Winners Cup and Kay Evans carded a very good 36 points to retain the Ladies section trophy on which she has adorned the golfer in a Tutu and Headscarf. Most appropriate appearance for a woman's event trophy.

Richard Billingham won the "Nearest the Pin Trophy" and having driven the ninth 346 yard hole, Nick Spencer, son of our PGM, walked off with the trophy for the longest drive after hitting a similar drive on the eighteenth.

Thanks to all who contributed prizes for the draw which made £220, and thanks to Debbie and Kay for selling the tickets.

Keith, you did a fine job in organising the event, as you have for the past nine years, we all say a very special thank you not forgetting the part played by your lovely wife.

We hope you all enjoy the picture gallery.

  posted 6 July 2011

Provincial Grand Charity Steward

Our picture shows W Bro George at the merchandise stall at the PGL meeting at Kings Heath.

At the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting in June W Bro George Simpson, PProvGSW, was appointed Provincial Grand Charity Steward. He will maintain fund raising throughout our province by continuing and developing the excellent work previously undertaken by V W Bro Ted Kettleborough PGJO.

A glance at the events section on this site gives an indication of just how busy you all are in your fund raising programmes. Debs cycle ride, a Skittles evening for Bromsgrove Lodge, a Sunday Lunch for St Laurence Lodge and on the same day one for Perseverance Lodge and the Annual Golf day at Bromsgrove Golf Club, have collectively raised many hundreds of pounds and we have events such as the Treasure Hunt and Garden Party, The Annual Pudding Club Meeting, the Scenic Rail Trip on the Severn Valley Railway and the Variety Night at Rainbow Hill still to come.

George and his wife Jenny have been hosts to many Masonic Functions at their home and they will again host the Treasure Hunt and Garden Party on the 17th July. We may all be assured that George will work tirelessly to keep us active in achieving the target which the PGM set us earlier this year.   posted 6 July 2011

W Bro David Price PGJD

Brethren. it is with much sadness that we report the death of W Bro David Price of Eaton Lodge No 977.

W Bro David Price PGJD served as Master of Eaton Mark in 1974 and Commander of Eaton RAM in 1972. He was an active and energetic member of the lodge and served as Organist for many years.

A member and Past Master of the Installed Mark Masters Lodge No 1409 in 1995 and a member and Past Commander of the Installed Commanders Lodge No 1409 in 2002.

His skills as an accomplished organist, brought joy and respectful merriment to our ceremonies and he will be missed in many lodge buildings throughout our province. W Bro David 's contribution to his lodge was marked by the members when he was afforded Honorary Membership status earlier this year in recognition of his long and loyal service.

Our thoughts and condolences go to his family at this sad time.

Funeral

W Bro David's funeral service will take place at 1pm on Friday 8th July at Saint Michaels All Angels Church, South Yardley Birmingham B26 1AP and then on to Yardley Crematorium B25 8NA for 2.30pm.

You are invited to join the family afterwards for light refreshment at the Ivy Leaf Club, Sheldon Birmingham B26 3JR.

Sheila has requested no flowers please but donations to Cancer Research U.K. or The Worcestershire Mark Benevolent Fund would be much appreciated.   posted 24 June 2011  (updated 27 June 2011)

Temple 100 Club

The monthly prize winning numbers in the June monthly draw of the Temple 100 Club are:

• No 100 Mr Brian Simpson
• No 78 W Bro Bro Ron Kindon
• No 88 Bro Peter Ross

  posted 19 June 2011

Provincial Information Officer

Brethren having first been asked by our PGM to look at our web site back in January of this year, I am happy and honoured to have been asked to continue as your information officer for the coming year.

Your response and assistance since January has been magnificent and I trust you will continue to assist me throughout the coming year. Our social scene seems to be gathering pace as we work harder in connection with the Provincial Grand Masters Festival Appeal 2015. Please do keep sending me news on your events. I am more than happy to write a report for you if you let me have facts and figures and please remember that pictures are always welcome.

Some of you are aware that our web site was first established just before the tragic death of Rodney Pitham who was instrumental in its conception and early development. Rodney was ably assisted by Phil Benson, a Warwickshire Mason, who continues in helping me present the content of the site. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Phil for the many hours worked, he may have had a quiet time before my appointment but he has responded magnificently since January for which I thank him both personally and on behalf of our province.

Your comments to date are most encouraging and I hope, circumstances permitting, to be visiting every lodge within the province during the coming year.

Brethren, please do keep me informed of your events be they special meetings, members achievement celebrations or social events, I in turn will present it on the site for the information of others.

W Bro John Icke Prov GJW   posted 19 June 2011

Honours even at Kings Norton

Teams representing Warwickshire and Worcestershire Craft Lodges played out an honourable draw in the annual fixture at Kings Norton Golf Club of Tuesday 7th June.

Although rain was forecast and a heavy shower passed over the course whilst the players were taking coffee before the start, the whole of the days play was completed in good conditions without further rain.

In the first game the Worcestershire pair took a one hole lead before Warwickshire pulled out three wins to take a two hole lead into the back nine. Warwickshire went further in front at the twelfth before Worcestershire fought back taking two of the next four holes. Derek Silks short par putt at the seventeenth lipped out and Warwickshire held a one hole lead going onto the eighteenth tee. A par at the difficult par five last hole by John Icke for Worcestershire earned them an excellent halve.

Playing well seemed to be the order of the day. In game two the lead changed from Warwickshire to Worcestershire for seventeen holes with Worcestershire holding a one hole advantage going to the eighteenth tee. In a reverse of game one Warwickshire pulled out a win to end it all square.

The remaining games went two wins to each province resulting in the match being halved.

  posted 11 June 2011

Warwickshire Hit Form at Harborne

Twenty fours hours later many of the same players represented their respective Mark Provinces in a match at Harborne Golf Course. The good conditions of the previous day failed to materialise on the Wednesday and heavy showers made conditions more difficult although some very good golf was played. On this occasion Warwickshire took advantage of their local knowledge of the course and came out comfortable winners 4 and 2.

Keith Crawford, the provinces golf guru does a wonderful job on our behalf. We all look forward to this years Annual Individual and Lodge Pairs Competitions which takes place on the 29th June at Bromsgrove Golf Club followed by a dinner for partners and guests.   posted 11 June 2011

Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting

Our Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting once again approaches and we look forward to a typically well organised meeting when we extend a warm and sincere welcome to our many distinguished visitors and friends.

Mrs Ann Smith and Mrs Sheila King

Besides the sterling work of our Secretarial team we have for the past eight years benefited from the excellent work of two wonderful helpers in the persons of Mrs Ann Smith and Mrs Sheila King affectionately known as the "Provincial Elves". They have until now been the unsung helpers to the Provincial Grand Secretary, folding 200 plus summonses and Officers' reports, placing them in the correct envelopes and seeing that each envelope is labelled with the individual Brothers name and seat number. The have also ensured that every distinguished guest has a packet of mints in their envelope, a little treat unique to the Province of Worcestershire.

Well done ladies your work is a great contribution towards the smooth running of our special day and very much appreciated.  posted 11 June 2011

Fine Dining Experience

Members of Athlumney Lodge were recently joined by friends in Halesowen to sample the delights of tomorrows Celebrity Chefs at the local Catering college.

A warm welcome awaited them together with a reception drink before being shown to the tables to enjoy silver service and excellent cuisine.

A collection taken at the end of the evening was presented to the students to help offset the expense of an end of term celebration.   posted 11 June 2011

Installed Mark Masters Lodge No 1409

A recent meeting of the Worcestershire Installed Mark Masters Lodge was well attended by members and visitors together with the Warwickshire Lodge of Instruction Demonstration Team who the Worshipful Master had invited to perform a representation of ancient ritual.

The Master, W Bro Frederick Hall, opened the lodge after having offered the gavel to our RW PGM Francis Charles Spencer. Also in attendance was RW Bro David J F Rawlins PGM of Mark Master Masons of Warwickshire who was accompanied by many Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge Officers all of whom were saluted in appropriate style.

After completing the regular business and closing the lodge the WM introduced the Warwickshire Lodge of Instruction Demonstration Team.

Whilst the team retired to prepare, the orator set the scene explaining how the ritual to be demonstrated was discovered amongst the old records kept within the archives at Grand Lodge. He explained that the document was hand written and that the ink had faded as a result of its age. Whilst it was neither dated or identified as to its origin, the content included some indication as to the date it may have been recorded. Its reference to the then monarch together with mention of other occurrences permitted research which in turn points to a "coming together" of the several aspects in or around 1810.

Having previously rearranged the lodge room the demonstration team entered dressed in period costume and formed a lodge. Seated as they would have been at the period, the layout was somewhat different to present day and it was pointed out that an additional office appeared to have been in use in those times.

There followed a delightful demonstration of the workings which, perhaps not surprisingly, differ little from that currently used. The whole ceremony was demonstrated in a very accomplished manner and much to the pleasure and entertainment of those present contained amusing references to many aspects of the ritual.

On the completion of the demonstration the team gathered in the west. W Bro Fred Hall expressed his appreciation to the team for attending and entertaining us all so well.

The team retired and the Director of Ceremonies then formed a column to escort the Master and Distinguished Brethren from the lodge room.

The rest of the evening was spent in harmony at the festive board enjoying "Evesham Asparagus " Baked Gammon and Jersey Royals followed by Strawberries and Cream.   posted 27 May 2011

Worcestershire Installed Commanders Lodge

R W Bro Stuart Edwards GMRAC

Almost seventy members and guests attended the Worcestershire Installed Commanders Lodge No 1409 held at Rainbow Hill Worcester to witness the installation of the new commander for the ensuing year.

In thanking his officers for their support and assistance, the outgoing Commander W Bro Bob Reid, made mention of the many activities which had taken place during his year. In particular the Burns night at Kings Heath which was very well attended and raised a considerable sum which had since been donated to the 2015 Festival Appeal.

He then proceeded to Install his successor, R W Bro Stuart Edwards GMRAC, Grand Treasurer, PDepPGM, who appointed and invested his officers for the year.

Addressing the members assembled he said he looked forward to the year, had hopes of holding a successful social event and that it would be in addition to the regular and very successful Pudding club which has featured in our diaries over the past years.

Following the completion of business and propositions the lodge was closed.   posted 27 May 2011

Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Assembly

Following immediately after the Installed Commanders Lodge The R W Bro Francis Charles Spencer Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire assisted by the Provincial Grand Wardens opened a Royal Ark Mariners Grand Assembly to appoint and invest the following brethren with Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.

In his address the PGM made special mention of the late Bro Wilf Allbutt saying that earlier this year Bro Wilf was in attendance at a meeting of St Laurence Lodge although he was not feeling particularly well. The PGM decided that it would be his pleasure to recognise the wonderful work that Wilf had done for our order over many years. He therefore asked the Director of Ceremonies to bring Wilf before him and much to Wilfs amazement appointed and Invested him with Prov RAMGR. The PGM told of how Wilf was taken aback by the honour conferred upon him and was often heard to say "it was the highlight of my Masonic Life" . Sadly Bro Wilf Allbutt passed away not long after that meeting but his memory will long live on in the minds of all who knew him.

The PGM then requested the Provincial Director of Ceremonies to bring W Bro A. C. Church before him and announced that as he was to become the Provincial Grand Secretary at the PGL meeting in June, it was fitting that his rank should reflect that office and informed him that it was his intention to appoint and invest him with Prov RAMGR.

The PGM expressed his delight at the number of Royal Ark Mariners in attendance at this the Seventh Assembly to be held within our province and said it was his hope that the assembly would continue to grow in numbers.

The recipients of the appointments were saluted and greeted with warm applause from all present.

Following the closing of the Assembly the brethren gathered in the dinning hall to enjoy a fine meal and congenial Company.   posted 27 May 2011

Temple 100 Club

The following were winners in the latest monthly draw of the Temple 100 Club.

• Douglas Savage Lechmere No 59
• Bernard Mitchell Mosaic 1136
• Ken Stooke Vernon 923

  posted 27 May 2011

Skittled Out

31 Masons and friends from around the province joined the Bromsgrove Members who attended the Skittles night at the Fountain Public House, Clent on Friday 6th May. Whilst the organisers say they would have liked a few more people attending, they are to be congratulated on raising £565 for the 2015 Festival Appeal.

Everyone had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. This seems to be a fine way to enjoy a fun evening so why aren't Lodges challenging Lodges there's surely a skittle alley near ever Masonic Centre in the province?

Why not put out a challenge on this site by using the contact us section.   posted 14 May 2011

PGM of London pays a visit to Evesham

W Bro Ron Brookes has waited until his 87th Year to become the Worshipful Commander of the St Egwin RAM Lodge No 1135 at Evesham, but don't think that his will be a quiet year for the lodge. This is a Mason who celebrated his 86th and 87th birthdays by walking 16 miles from his home village to the lodge rooms at Stratford upon Avon gathering sponsorship amounting to over £1,000 for the 2015 Mark Festival Appeal.

The Lodge has a candidate for membership so he will enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate that he still has a wonderful memory and a sound knowledge of our ritual.

Ron has been supported on several occasions by a close friend who just happens to be non other than R W Bro Ray Smith the Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of London and a member of the Grand Masters Royal Ark Council.

Ron being congratulated by R W Bro Frank Spencer and Ron flanked by the Provincial Grand Masters

R W Bro Ray was in attendance to see Ron Installed into the Chair on Monday 9th May and joined our Provincial Grand Master R W Bro Frank Spencer in both congratulating and wishing Ron good health to enjoy what promises to be a marvellous year for him and the lodge.   posted 14 May 2011

W Bro John Hubert Hazell Champkin PPGJW

The funeral of W Bro John Hubert Hazell Champkin Past Master of Teme Valley Mark Lodge 1260 and founder member of Teme Valley R.A.M. No 1260 who passed away peacefully in his sleep on the 29th April will take place on Monday 16th May at 11.30 in St Michaels Church Tenbury Wells.  posted 8 May 2011

Mrs Margaret Oliver

At the same venue on Friday, 13th May at 2.30, a memorial service has been arranged for Mrs Margaret Oliver the widow of Dr John H. H. Oliver who was Provincial Grand Master in this Mark Province of Worcestershire between 1993 and 1998. A former member of Teme Valley Mark Lodge and the consecrating Officer of the Teme Valley Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 1260.   posted 8 May 2011

St Michaels is a large Church situated on the main road between Tenbury Wells and Leominster (A4112) approx 2 miles outside of Tenbury at St Michaels. Post Code for Satnav Users WR15 8TG

Final Day !!!

Waved off in Malvern on a bright morning Deb's was soon down the hill and away through Powick on the road to Worcester where a warm reception awaited her. After a short break she was back on the bike amongst heavy traffic through Worcester city centre and on towards Whittington. Passing over the motorway she made good progress towards Pershore where she says she felt her energy was just about drained finding the going very hard. The thought that this was the last day spurred her on and she arrived in Evesham exactly on time.

In common with every centre throughout the province, Deb was afforded a tremendous welcome on arriving at EVESHAM.

St Egwin members were joined by representatives of other lodges at a Champagne Buffet arranged in Debs honour to mark the tremendous effort she has put in for our Masonic Charities.

With more than SEVEN THOUSAND POUNDS pledged to date who knows what the final total will be. The PGM will formally announce the Grand Total at the upcoming Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in June.

Deb was looking forward to a hot bath and a well earned day of rest watching the Royal Wedding on Friday.   posted 1 May 2011

Day Three - Dudley to Halesowen on to Stourbridge and then off to Kidderminster

Boy is this girl getting fit. Her times are shortening day by day and she might have caught us out by arriving ahead of schedule. Although we are not aware of anyone having missed her we do apologise just in case anyone did. We did our best to get revised times out to all concerned and since we seem to have collected from everywhere we hope we succeeded.

Special thanks to all those who turned out in good numbers to see Debs off from Dudley at the start of day three. Arriving at Halesowen she was greeted by representatives of Perseverance Lodge before moving on to Stourbridge where she was greeted by members of Athlumney and Stability Lodges. Finishing the day in Kidderminster she was welcomed by members of the newest Mark Lodge in the province, St George's.

Brethren, Debs has done us all proud and it must also be said that your response throughout the whole province has been MAGNIFICENT.

  posted 1 May 2011

Grand Rank Appointments

In addition to those brethren earlier mentioned in the Province of Worcestershire's Grand Lodge Appointments, we also congratulate W Bro Michael John Baker of the Provincial Grand DC Lodge No 1813 who is to be appointed a Grand Steward.

W.Bro. Michael John Baker is a past Provincial Grand Senior Warden (2007) in the neighbouring Province of Warwickshire. He is a member of St Martin's Lodge No 959, Progress Lodge No 1746 and Ronald Albutt Lodge No 1818.   posted 1 May 2011

Cycle Ride Gathering Pace

"Hi all I've had a fantastic day, money raised and pledges etc has been coming in thick and fast. I am so pleased and so grateful to everyone's generosity. The hospitality received at the lodges as I've travelled through has been wonderful. I'm looking forward to Tuesday & Thursday.

Photos attached from today's antics!

Kindest regards, Deb Dale"

  posted 1 May 2011

Two By Two at Lechmere Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 59

The Senior Deacon, just like Noah, led them Two By Two in an elevation ceremony at Lechmere Lodge on Tuesday 19th April 2011.

Bros Clay and Allen flanked by RW Bro Woodward and W Bro Savage

Members were joined by a nice number of visitors to witness a double elevation of Bros Clay and Allen.

Interesting point to note about these two Masons: they were Initiated into Freemasonry together in a double ceremony; they were Advanced into Mark Masonry together in a double ceremony, and have now been Elevated into RAM Degree together in a double ceremony.

RW Bro Colin Woodward, PPGM, gave the explanation of the Tools and W Bro Douglas Savage, PGStdB, the signs. The steps were very well explained by W Bro Brian Scoffield, PGStdB.

This meeting was followed by a short business meeting the Mark Degree before the brethren congregated in the dining room to take supper.   posted 29 Apr 2011

All change at Stability Mark Master Masons Lodge No 1281 in Stourbridge

Bro M J Cooper was recently installed as Worshipful Master of Stability Lodge of Mark Master Masons and immediately appointed and invested W Bro Adrian Church as Senior Warden and Bro K H R Byrne as Junior Warden.

Our picture shows the new Master (centre) with his Wardens.

Members of Stability Lodge were pleased that so many visitors had joined them to witness a fine installation carried out by W Bro Brian Hughes, who was standing in at short notice for the Worshipful Master D C Cowell who was unable to attend. The Presiding Officer, the R W Provincial Grand Master Frank Spencer, delivered the address to the new Master. W Bro George Simpson Provincial Grand Senior Warden, the address to the newly appointed Wardens. W Bro Trevor Sleigh Provincial Grand Junior Warden, the address to the Overseers and on the completion of the investiture of all the lodge officers, W Bro John Fleming the Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, gave the address to the brethren.

On completion of all other lodge business the lodge was closed and the brethren gathered in the dining room to enjoy a fine festive board.

During the speech leading up to the Formal Toast to the PGM, the Master handed over a cheque for £250. The amount representing the lodges sponsorship of Debbie Dales sponsored cycle ride around all Mark Lodges meeting within the province of Worcestershire.

In response the PGM said this was a superb effort for a lodge so small in numbers and expressed thanks to the lodge for their generosity. A fine start to what we all hope will become a major fund raiser for the 2015 Festival Appeal. The PGM went on to introduce and congratulate those brethren present who are to receive appointments and promotions at Provincial Grand Lodge in June.

Amongst those present were W Bro John Icke the Provincial Grand Junior Warden designate, W Bro John Fleming Provincial Grand Senior Overseer designate, W Bro George Simpson Provincial Grand Charity Steward designate, Bro Keith Whitehouse to be reappointed as Provincial Grand Tyler, and W Bro David Cleveland who is to be promoted to PPGReg.

The PGM then made a surprise announcement concerning the office of Provincial Grand Secretary. He informed those present that W Bro Kevin Bryant, our much respected Provincial Grand Secretary, had felt it necessary to inform him of the difficulties he was experiencing in trying to find the time to keep abreast of the tremendous amount of work associated with his office. He was concerned that employment developments would further reduce the time available to him to perform the duties annexed to his office and therefore expressed a wish to be released from his duties at a convenient time in the near future.

The PGM expressed regret but recognised that W Bro Kevin Bryant's well being came before all other considerations. He had therefore accepted his wishes.

He announced that a successor had been found and that he also happened to be present this evening. The PGM then announced that W Bro Adrian Church was to be appointed Provincial Grand Secretary at the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting in June. W Bro Adrian was warmly congratulated by all present.

The Temple 100 Club monthly draw was made and the winners were as follows:

• W Bro Mel Broadhurst of Lechmere Lodge 59 Worcester
• W Bro Malcolm Cannings of Moseley Lodge 667 Kings Heath
• Mrs Pat Taylor

  posted 29 Apr 2011

Tenbury to Stourport and on to Bromsgrove

Debs Dale and Kevin Bryant completed day one of the sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Festival Appeal 2015, taking in all Mark Lodge Meeting places throughout Worcestershire, in warm sunny conditions on Sunday 17th April .

A good crowd was there to see them off at Tenbury where cheques were presented even before they had ridden a single mile. A welcoming party awaited them at Stourport where they were again presented with donations for the worthy cause before moving on to Bromsgrove and completion of day one.

After refreshments of Champagne and Bacon Sandwiches both Debbie and Kevin were said to be in good spirits and still quite fresh.

A little bird says that Debbie retained the leaders "yellow vest " throughout the ride with Kevin a little way back.

WE say that he was brave to put on that gear never mind the ride. WELL DONE TO YOU BOTH looking forward to the next leg.

They say every picture tells a story, so enjoy the pictures.

  posted 20 Apr 2011

Ladies Festival Weekend

Unity Lodge No 5812 has arranged this special weekend ladies festival, a repeat of the very successful festival held a few years ago, with a view to raising a few pounds for both the Craft 2011 and the Mark 2015 festival appeals.

See the Events Page for full details.   posted 5 Apr 2011

Just how fit are YOU ?

Are you aware that a Sponsored Cycle ride will take place during the month of April?.

The PGM's friend, Debs, will be pedalling along the roads between every Masonic Centre in the Province.

With your assistance we can make this the current years principle fund raiser for the festival appeal 2015.

Any of you, and there are some who have already signed up to ride part of the route, who feel fit enough to pedal a few miles please get in touch with the information officer.

The distance you ride is down to you, its a fun event so please feel free to just ride a mile or two but make sure all your friends are supporting you with lots of sponsorship.

The event will take place over four days and the programme of rides is as follows:

• DAY 1. Starting 8am Sunday 17th April accompanied by Kevin Bryant, leave Tenbury Wells heading towards Stourport, take a short break and then push on to finish day one in Bromsgrove.
• DAY 2. On Sunday 24th April, 8am Start from Stechford, Birmingham. Heading towards Kings Heath and from there across the City to Northfield, after a short water break the final leg of the day takes us to Redditch.
• DAY 3. On Tuesday 26th April, 8am start from Dudley through a bit of the Black Country in the direction of Halesowen. Say hello to any who have gathered to greet us and then press on through Stourbridge and from there onto the final leg of day three to finish in Kidderminster.
• DAY 4. On Thursday 28th April 8am start from Great Malvern, down the hill to the Masonic Hall Worcester. Back in the saddle and a good stretch to finish off the whole ride in Evesham.

  posted 2 Apr 2011

Grand Lodge

The following appointments and promotions have been announced and will be conferred at the next Grand Lodge Meeting to be held on Tuesday 7th June 2011.

Appointments:
PAGDC	Jim Willis	St Laurence Lodge No 893	Redditch
PAGDC	Mike Simpson	Mosaic Lodge No 1135	Dudley
PAGDC	Kevin Bryant	Teme Valley Lodge No 1260	Tenbury Wells
PGStB	Tom Gray	Millennium Lodge No 1822	Northfield
PAGStB	Bruce Baker	Athlumney Lodge No 590	Stourbridge
Grand Steward	Jeff Whiteley	Vernon Lodge No 923	Stourport
Promotion:
PGSD	Fred Hall	Bromsgrove Lodge No 1334	Bromsgrove

We offer hearty congratulations to these worthy brethren whose loyalty and work adds much to our province. Their appointment and Promotion to Grand Rank is justly deserved.   posted 19 Mar 2011

Advancement at Redditch

The number of Mark Masons within the Province of Worcestershire was increased by not one but TWO candidates advanced at the latest meeting of St Laurence Lodge No 893 meeting at Redditch. The ceremony was described as "established Redditch Workings" and no doubt Bros Trevor Jarvis and Andy Skinner enjoyed the experience of the making of a Mark Master Mason.

A good number of visitors swelled the attendance beyond 40 and a very good evening was rounded off by an excellent festive board.

The proposer and seconder W Bros Jim Willis and Roger Bennett will no doubt be on the look out for the next candidates for our popular and friendly degree.

W Bro George Simpson was in attendance and the monthly 100 Club draw place.

The winners are:

• W Bro David Stean St Egwins Lodge 1135 Evesham
• W Bro Bob Reid Lechmere Lodge 59 Worcester
• Bro W. G. Liggins Stetchford Lodge 747 Stetchford Birmingham

  posted 19 Mar 2011

Total now exceeds £25,000

Worcestershire Mark Masons have now raised more than £25,000 from their activities in Santa's Grotto at St Peters Garden Centre Worcester to further the excellent work of the Noah's Ark Trust.

The Provincial Grand Master Frank Spencer hands over a cheque for the current years proceeds to Noah's Ark Trust Chief Executive Gabby Beddows, whilst the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Eric Bourne and Tony Blake the owner of St Peters, Bob Reid the Organiser and Coordinator and John Icke the Provincial Information Officer look on.   posted 17 Mar 2011

An Advancement in Teme Valley Lodge No 1260

A new member was welcomed into Mark Masonry at Tenbury Wells on Wednesday 9th March 2011.

Members, assisted by one or two of the visitors filling in for officers unable to attend, advanced Bro Edwin Anthony Corfield.

A good number of visitors enjoyed a very pleasant evening in the company of a most friendly lodge and will no doubt be looking forward to the next occasion when they are able to visit Tenbury Wells.

Most encouragingly for the lodge the name of a further candidate for advancement was proposed and seconded.

The lodge celebrates its Fiftieth Anniversary in October of this year. A must be there occasion for the friends of Teme Valley Lodge.

Our picture shows the Master, W Bro Sean Warner with the newly advanced Bro Edwin Corfield together with a few of the brethren who assisted in the ceremony.   posted 13 Mar 2011

Mosaic Lodge of MMM No 1136 Dudley

A well attended meeting of Mosaic Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1136 held at the Masonic Rooms, Dudley, advanced the latest Mark Mason into our Province.

The Worshipful Master, W Bro Ian Thorpe PPGJW, extended a warm welcome to a very large number of visitors.

Our Provincial Grand Master's request for the support of his Provincial Team on this occasion was certainly heard and his officers had responded accordingly.

The Rt Worshipful PGM Francis Charles Spencer with the Rt Worshipful PGM of Staffordshire and Shropshire David William Edwards.

The brethren were also delighted to welcome, the Rt W Bro David Michael Edwards, Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Staffordshire and Shropshire, who was accompanied by no fewer than fourteen of his Current and Past Provincial Grand Lodge Officers.

An extract from the minute book of fifty years ago was read by the Secretary. He pointed out that W Bro Jack Smith PAGDC was mentioned in those minutes as a Steward and further, that amongst those present this evening there were one or two who were little boys of members mentioned in those minutes.

Before handing the Chair back to the WM the PGM said it was most pleasing that tonight the lodge had its first candidate for Four years. (The saying about waiting for buses... came to mind when the WM announced the ballot, not for one but TWO candidates).

W Bro John Moore AGDC who acted as Senior Deacon for the evening.

This evenings candidate, Bro John William Evans was duly elected and advanced in a most delightful manner, conducted around the lodge by the acting Senior Deacon W Bro John Moore AGDC. Welcomed into the Province by our PGM who then seated him between himself and PGM of Staffordshire and Shropshire. Bro John Evans will surely remember his advancement if only for the exalted position he found himself in so early in his Mark Masonic Career.

W Bro Bob Rice was invited to update the brethren on the appeal 2015. He praised the members for their generosity saying for a lodge small in numbers their total was most commendable. The WM added to the comments with particular praise of W Bro Vic Southan PPAsstGChap, saying that the brethrens giving was entirely down to Vic's continued hard work on behalf of the lodge.

The WM informed the brethren that he had been Advanced into this Degree in a Staffordshire Lodge. Saying "I kept the token presented to me on that evening and tonight I have passed it on to my good friend, Bro John Evans".

Rt W Bro David Edwards, made comment that when the Master said he had given the candidate his token, he first thought Worcestershire could not afford the penny token but realised it was done for other reasons. His comments caused much laughter.

An escort to accompany the Provincial Grand Masters from the Lodge was formed under the direction of W Bro John Fleming Prov AGDC.

The brethren retired to the dining room and spent the remainder of the evening in friendship and harmony.   posted 8 Mar 2011

W Bro Wilfred Henry Allbutt PPGJO, Prov R A M G R

Brethren, during the past week we have had the sad announcement of the death of W Bro Wilf Allbutt.

Wilf knew so many in masonry all of whom were proud to regard him as a friend. Amongst those very close to Wilf was W Bro Jim Willis PPGSW of St Laurence Lodge No 893 Redditch.

Jim has very kindly put together a brief tribute to Wilf which he is happy to share with us all.

Wilfred Henry Allbutt was born in Redditch on the 15th September 1917. He lived in Redditch all his life, attended the local schools, (St. Luke's, in Rectory Road being the first school) and left school at 14 without too much in the way of education.

He later attended "night school" to further his education, and worked at various establishments in the Redditch area. When the war broke out, Wilf became a member of the Home Guard (is that where he got his sense of humour?), and eventually joined the R.A.S.C. He served his time in the Army and eventually ended up at Wolverley, near Kidderminster.

After the war years he worked for Austin cars, delivering new vehicles up and down the country, having to get back to base in any fashion he could. He remembers those years with fond memories.

Wilf became a member of Redditch Golf Club in 1931. He was made an honorary member and had his own parking space at the clubhouse.

In 1941, he married Barbara, a local girl from Barnt Green. He used to deliver fish (his father was fish and chip shop owner in Redditch) to Alvechurch on his bicycle, and he would use that as an excuse to go courting. He also recounted the story to me recently where he was so late setting back to Redditch after seeing Barbara, he missed the last bus home and often had to walk back to Headless Cross from Barnt Green!

In 1943 his son David was born.

Wilf bought his paper shop in Headless Cross in 1947, and it became his life. He became the community centre and not much went on without Wilf's knowledge. He finally retired, well after retirement age, but carried on working for Stars Newsagents who bought the goodwill, and finally the Co Op who are the current incumbent. He worked in his shop right up to the day he died. When he was 90 the BBC did a feature on him, and he was very proud to be honoured in this way.

Wilf lost his soul mate Barbara in July 2009. They had been married for 67 years. This sad loss was a great tragedy to Wilf, but he coped extremely well on the surface.

His Masonic career did not start until about 1985, when he joined Seymour Lodge 2804 in Redditch, a Warwickshire Lodge, and he was made Charity Steward after he decided he would not progress to the chair. This office he held until his death having raised thousands of pounds over this time. He was honoured by first being appointed to P.Prov.G. Std. B. and at the January 2011 meeting he was promoted by the current PGM to P.Prov. J.G.D. He was extremely thrilled and honoured to receive this.

He became a Mark Mason in Oct 1987 joining St Egwin's Lodge Of MMM in Evesham. He declined to go through the chair but always played an active part in the Lodge until he felt he could no longer undertake the journey due to age, he had been promoted to P.Pro.G.J.O during this time. He became a member of St Laurence RAM in Redditch some time later. As he was a regular visitor to St Laurence Mark, he was made an honorary member of the Lodge, for services rendered.

At the last meeting of St Laurence Lodge of R.A.M in January 2011, the Rt W.Bro. F. C Spencer appointed Wilf to Prov.R.A.M.G.R. Wilf was truly overcome by this high honour, and told me "it is the highlight of my Masonic career".

Wilf has done so much for the community and Masonry during his 93 year lifespan, there are many people who can be grateful to him, and in Masonic terms, he cannot be replaced. We will all miss him, and our fraternity will mourn the loss of such a great hearted Brother.

Funeral Arrangements

Wilfs Funeral will take place at 11.45 on Friday 11th March at the Redditch Crematorium. and afterwards brethren are invited to join the family to take refreshment at the Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Southcrest, Redditch B97 4JS   posted 8 Mar 2011

New Mark Lodge within The Province

Eighty Mark Masons gathered at the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley on Monday 6th September 2010 to witness the consecration of the most recently formed Mark Lodge within the province of Worcestershire.

Master and Wardens

RW Bro Francis Charles Spencer, Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire, performed the consecration of St Georges Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1920, following which, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire, W Bro Laurence Eric Bourne installed W Bro Paul Milner PAGDC as the first Worshipful Master.

The Master immediately proceeded to invest as Wardens, W Bro Cecil Cariss PPGSD as Senior Warden and W Bro Adrian Church PPGStwd as Junior Warden. The Provincial Grand Master, having declared the meeting a Provincial Team event, was supported by a magnificent number of current Acting Provincial Officers. The lodge most graciously agreed that the status of Honorary Member should be bestowed on the whole of the consecration Team.

Some of the Brethren Present

The Lodge will meet three times a year on notable dates in the English calendar, 23rd April (Installation) St George's Day. 1st Monday September Battle of Worcester/King Charles hid in Oak Tree and 30th November which is Sir Winston Churchill's Birthday. The aims of the Lodge are to promote Mark Masonry in the area and support Local Charities, in particular, Young Persons Organisations like the Scout Movement.

W Bro Justin Parker Tel: 01562 820181 has been invested as the first Secretary and would be very happy to provide further information to anyone interested.   posted 27 Feb 2011

Festival Goal Announced

The RW Bro Francis Charles Spencer PGM announced what he hoped would be an achievable figure in connection with the Provinces Festival Appeal 2015.

Opening a meeting of Charity Stewards and Almoners assembled at Rainbow Hill, Worcester, on Thursday 24th February, the PGM invited RW Bro Stuart Edwards the Grand Treasurer to outline the principles of the Grand Charity. By way of explanation the Grand Treasurer made reference to a local cause as an example of what might qualify. His reference was to the giving of a new fully fitted and adapted mini bus at a cost of £40,000, to the Dial a Ride scheme operating in the Wyre Forest District around the Kidderminster Area.

The PGM then invited the Chairman of the Worcestershire Provincial Appeal 2015, W Bro Timothy Morris PDPGM to address the meeting.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their efforts thus far, saying the current total, taking into account sums pledged but not yet received, stands at £120,000. He went on to say that with the close of the Craft appeal imminent he hoped that brethren having monthly gift aid thereto, would consider continuing their giving in favour of the Mark Appeal 2015. He referred to the re-launch of the network scheme in connection with the grouping of lodges and assistance for lodge Charity Stewards. He announced the introduction of a League Table type report listing every lodge giving, detailing the amount raised by the lodge in general and that given by individuals. Whilst every lodge would be included it was not intended to be a yardstick to judge lodge against lodge, but to be informative for members to see their lodges performance by comparison with lodges of similar status. He acknowledged that we are heading into difficult times and stressed the need for Charity Stewards to maximise their efforts in arranging and encouraging events. He pointed out the importance of the first three letters in Fundraising and said its much easier to raise funds if the Fun of the event is at the forefront.

VW Bro Ted Kettleborough, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, then spoke of the past year and expressed his appreciation for the support the brethren had continued to give him. He picked up on the same theme as the Chairman, reference the new report format, saying brethren may well be surprised at the differing levels of giving when lodge totals are measured on a pro capita basis. He urged all lodges to maximise their efforts. He mentioned sales of Provincial Merchandise and said that he hoped that lodges would hold items such as Ties which proposers, might like to present to candidates on their advancement in much the same way as we offer ritual books.

The PGM then thanked both the Chairman and Charity Steward for their work on behalf of the Province. He paid special thanks to W Bro Ted Kettleborough who is retiring from the office of Charity Steward.

He made reference to the £5 levy introduced by The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons saying, the Province of Worcestershire will find resources to make a contribution of £2 towards the total levy leaving individuals or lodges to find the additional £3 by which ever means the lodge decides. He stressed the urgent need of forwarding the monies to Grand Lodge and urged those present to bring to the attention of their lodges the need to forward the levy without further delay. The Grand Treasurer supported the PGM comments saying that already £567,000 had been received and that Grand Lodge would be pleased to receive all dues as soon as possible.

The PGM then came to the awaited announcement. First he set out a little detail as to how he reached a decision on the amount he hoped the brethren would aspire to achieve.He had considered most carefully the results of similar sized provinces. He explained how other provinces would effectively make contributions to the festival appeal which would considerably swell the total achieved. He spoke of the extent of the Mark Masonic Family and how it spread beyond the confines of our Country saying we could expect support from overseas regions. To this end he announced that he thought that £750,000 was achievable and of that amount he hoped we would be able to raise £375,000.

In conclusion he mentioned the Provincial Web site, expressing his pleasure that it was now beginning to meet the requirements of the Province. He urged all brethren to inform the Information Officer, W Bro John Icke, of all events and occurrences which might be of interest or informative to others.   posted 27 Feb 2011

Eaton Lodge Regular Mark Meeting

A good number of visitors swelled the attendance at the February meeting of Eaton Lodge of MMM No 977 at Kings Heath Birmingham. Many of them found themselves gainfully employed filling the offices for which members were not available. The labour for the evening was a rehearsal of an Advancement Ceremony. With visitors from at least three different provinces and a member originating from the Irish constitution taking part, the ceremony had a few little variations from our usual custom making our visit a most rewarding experience.

The Master, W Bro P H Bennett had put a great deal of effort into his preparation and that showed in the quality of the work delivered which was matched by VW Bro Smith, a visitor who acted as Senior Deacon to great effect.

Good news from the Almoner that W Bro Tony Mawdsley is getting better and hopes to be at the April meeting. Unfortunately the Almoner went on to report that W Bro David Price, the lodge Organist, was not at all well. We wish you well David and hope to see you soon.

The evening was rounded off with a very pleasant festive board and much to the satisfaction of W Bro Keith Crawford, an excellent charity collection.

Truly a lodge small in numbers but generous in nature.   posted 27 Feb 2011

Great Menu for The St Laurence Sunday Lunch

St Laurence Lodge extend a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join them for their Sunday Lunch Special at the Arrow Mill Hotel Alcester on the 26th June 2011.

Bring along family and friends to enjoy a lovely meal served in salubrious surroundings. Reception 12.30pm for 1.30pm

Adults £22.50 Children £10.00

Details here.  posted 27 Feb 2011

New Commander for Ark Lodge of RAM No 59

A good attendance at Rainbow Hill Worcester on Tuesday 15th February 2011 witnessed the installation of the new Commander, Bro D R Jones. Travel conditions were certainly improved over those that prevailed in November when heavy snow falls resulted in the cancellation of the regular Installation meeting.

Following the opening, a dispensation was read authorising the Lodge to Install Bro D R Jones as Commander previous to his having occupied the Chair of a Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Bro Jones is currently Junior Warden in the Lechmere Lodge of MMM No 59.

Following a fine ceremony the presiding officer, W Bro E C Bourne Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire, complimented the installing Commander W Bro Adrian Church on the excellent manner in which he had installed his successor.

The Ark meeting took place in the recently refurbished John Hart Room. It was a pleasure to sit in very nice surroundings. Congratulations to all concerned with the refurbishment and redecoration which has been carried out to a very high standard. The room is a welcome addition to the facilities at Rainbow Hill.

There followed a regular meeting of the Lechmere Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 59 in the main lodge room. Upon the completion of the lodge business those present were entertained by a team from the Mark Provincial Lodge of Instruction, lead by the RW Bro Colin Woodward, with a presentation of the Tracing Board and the Mark Lecture.

The Secretary reported the receipt of a letter from The RW Provincial Grand Master Francis Charles Spencer thanking and congratulating the brethren of Lechmere Lodge for their part in the combined lodges Christmas activities at St Peters Garden Centre in the Christmas Grotto. Announcing that £3,200 had been raised.

At the Festive Board following the meetings the monthly draw of the 100 Club was made. The winners were: W Bro Bernard Mitchell and VW Bro John King.   posted 20 Feb 2011

Mark Masons help secure the future of a Valuable and Essential Service

Users and volunteers welcomed the news that The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons had agreed to support a petition on behalf of the Wyre Forest Dial a Ride scheme.

The scheme, which provides transport for the elderly and disabled, was under threat following a road accident last February when one of their Mini Buses was written off. When VW Bro Timothy Morris heard of their difficulties he decided to have a word with RW Bro Stuart Edwards.

R W Bro Francis Charles Spencer, Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire, hands over the keys whilst W Bro Lawrence Eric Bourne, Deputy PGM, RW Bro Stuart Edwards, Grand Treasurer and VW Bro Timothy Morris, PDPGM look on.

Application was made and following the news that the scheme was to receive a £40,000 grant for the provision of a brand new fully fitted and adapted Mini Bus, there was a good reason to celebrate.

At the hand over ceremony in Kidderminster, Rob Hartell, a very happy and jubilant co-ordinator said, the write off of the previous vehicle was a hammer blow. But this is fantastic, the biggest thing that has ever happened to Dial a Ride. It's just brilliant".

With the arrival of the new bus the scheme is back to having a total of five vehicles, four in service daily and a spare in case of breakdown.

The new bus was handed over to Rob Hartell and Mark Lawley a regular and grateful user.   posted 6 Feb 2011

Combined Efforts Benefit Noah's Ark Trust

Volunteers from Lechmere Lodge No 59 Worcester, St Egwin Lodge No 1135 Evesham and Malvern Priory Lodge No 1351, together with Mark Masons from across the Province of Worcestershire, created a little magic in the grotto at St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester during the period leading up to Christmas.

Mrs Ann Jones, representative of Noah's Ark Trust with Our RW PGM Francis Spencer, W Bro Bob Reid, co-ordinator, and W Bro Tony Blake.

They raised more than £3,000 that will help to meet the annual expenditure of the splendid work carried out by Noah's Ark Trust across our region, working with bereaved children.

The Province is rightly proud of these Mark Masons whose fund raising on behalf of the Trust over the last few Christmases amounts to £20,000.

Special thanks to Tony Blake for allowing the fund raising to take place at St Peters Garden Centre Worcester.

During a social gathering in the restaurant at St Peters, the Vice Chair of the Trust, Mrs Ann Jones, acknowledged the marvellous work of Worcestershire's Mark Mason's, enabling the Trust to work at rebuilding the children's confidence in every day life.

The trust is to be a beneficiary of BBC Hereford & Worcester Radio charity appeal 2011. The cheque for the money raised at St Peters Christmas Grotto is to be handed over during a live broadcast in February.   posted 6 Feb 2011

100 Club

With the Craft Festival Appeal coming towards its conclusion, now is the time for us to step up our efforts.

In this connection the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire 100 Club was launched. The success of this venture is dependent on your support.

Early indicators are encouraging and sales are steadily climbing towards the first 100 Mark.

Participation is open to both you and your partner. £15 buys you a number entered in 12 monthly draws for cash prizes. The number of prizes each month is determined by tickets sold but will not be less than two prizes.

Print a Standing Order to complete your application.

Alternatively you may contact W Bro George Simpson on 01905 381278   posted 6 Feb 2011

Congratulations !

The Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Provincial Junior Grand Warden for 2011 have been announced.

W Bro Ian Strongman from Perseverance Lodge of MMM 733 will become the Senior Warden and W Bro John Icke of St Egwin's Lodge of MMM 1135 will become the Junior Warden.

We congratulate them both.   posted 2 Jan 2011