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At Christmas the lodge provided the funds for the Barton Upon Humber Rotary Club in order that they could purchase the food for their members to take out to the lonely and elderly in the area around Barton.

The Rotary Club of Barton Upon Humber have been cooking meals for the elderly for many years and last year the St Matthew Chapter provided funds for the purchase of the food.

This last Christmas it was the turn of the Mark members to show support for this very worthy cause.

On Tuesday 11th February the President of the Rotary Club. Eliza Hinksman attended the Masonic Hall with member David Lee. (photgrapher). The lodge Charity Steward W. Bro. Mick Wright had pleasure in presenting a cheque for £200. W. Bro. Phil Spicksley, Lodge Secretary is seen in the photograph representing the lodge in the absence of the Master.

Mrs. Hinksman thanked the members and on behalf of the Rotary membership stated that the club were very grateful for the continued support of local Masons, the donation of the money was very heartwarming and demonstrated how local charity organisations work together.

Provincial Grand Lodge MMM Lincolnshire 2020

Your summons to the Provincial Grand Lodge MMM Lincolnshire meeting for 2020 will be out shortly, but if you are wanting to get your meal booking in ASAP, you can download the MEAL BOOKING FORM HERE.

The meeting will take place, as usual, at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln. SATURDAY 28th MARCH 2020.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - RAM Assembly

The Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly will this year take place on SATURDAY 6th JUNE at SKEGNESS MASONIC HALL commencing at 11 am.

As usual, our ladies will be invited to accompany us and following the formal business of the Assembly, they will be invited into the Lodge Rooms to hear a talk from the Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, on the on-going work that the charity undertake on our behalf as Mark Master and RAM Masons and which we supported so well in 2018.

The summons and booking form will be sent out in due course but please make a note of the occasion.

What is different, is that the Assembly will, for the first time, take place on a Saturday.

It is hoped that this change of day from the usual Friday will allow more of the Brethren to attend and that this initiative will swell the numbers present to support our PGM and those brethren who will be receiving preferment.

May I emphasise that the Assembly is not only for Grand and Provincial Officers but that all RAM Brethren of the Province are entitled to attend, so please make every effort to be there.

The Lincolnshire MMM Provincial Draw

The Lincolnshire MMM Provincial draw continues to raise a considerable amount of money to aid the Province to support other charitable causes, whilst offering the opportunity for Brethren to win approximately £3000 of prizes each year. The prizes are drawn Quarterly, and the next draw will happen at the 50th Anniversary meeting of the Bayons Lodge of MMM on 26th March at Market Rasen.

On this occasion the draw will be for a bumper total prize fund of £1000 with a first prize of £500

You need to be in it to win it - Do you have a ticket?

The draw application form are available on the Provincial web site or from W. Bro Andy Carr on andy.kestrel@gmail.com.

Download a form HERE, fill it in and send it off, and you could be sharing the £1000 prize fund in March.

Tickets cost £5 each month paid straight by direct debit.

The PGM and Draw committee welcome and appreciate all your support.

Latest Draw takes place at Heneage RAM Installation

On Friday 13th December 2019, Bro Craig Maurier was installed into the Commanders chair of Heaneage RAM. R.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith, representing the R.W. PGM, commended several of the brethren on the manner in which they installed Bro Maurier.

*Drawn at*	Heneage RAM Installation
On	26/09/2019
By	WBro A Carr
*And*

*Prize Tally:*
	*Amount*	*Ticket No.*	*Name*	*Lodge*
*First*	£ 200.00	253	S Roberts	Nene
*Second*	£ 150.00	226	M Robinson	St Swithuns
*Third*	£ 125.00	250	I Slapp	White Stone
*Fourth*	£ 100.00	112	G Newstead	St Wilfreds
*Fifth*	£ 75.00	269	P Hooper	St Wulframs
*Sixth*	£ 50.00	155	G Simmons	Alexandra

Updated RAM Tracing Board

At the recent RAM Grand Assembly which was held at Great Queen Street, the MW Pro Grand Master unveiled an updated RAM tracing board which has been hand painted by a Royal Ark Mariner from Essex.

The intention is to digitise the new board with copies being available to Lodges in the near future.

Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly 10 December 2019
Pro Grand Master’s Address

Brethren, it is a once again a great privilege, delight and pleasure to have the honour to preside at today’s meeting, to welcome so many to this Grand Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners and supporting this delightful order in our Masonry.

Before proceeding further it is my duty to bring you fraternal good wishes from our Most Worshipful Grand Master. He is unable to be with us today but Brethren I am able to tell you that he has recovered well from a recent operation. It is likely we will have him present on several occasions next year and in particular we hope his busy schedule will permit him to be involved in the Keystone Conference next September when our Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons will be hosting other Mark Grand Lodges from across the world.

This annual meeting of our Order is important, but to more than 130 Brethren who have received appointments to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, most of whom have been invested today, it marks a most significant milestone in their masonic life. They have shown their dedication to Masonry in general and to this Royal Ark Mariner degree in particular, and have succeeded in extending their Masonic knowledge so successfully to have warranted their appointment to Grand Rank. Congratulations to all of you and it has indeed been my great pleasure and privilege to have invested you today.

All of you who have received preferment should rightly be proud of your achievement and here in this Grand Assembly, in your Provinces and in your Lodges your appointment to this high office will rightly be recognised.

I hope, however, that having achieved such high office your dedication will not diminish but that you will continue with your commitment to this Order and will encourage others to follow in your footsteps.

During the last year this Order of Royal Ark Mariners has seen a drop in head count slightly above the average for all the Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall. Such performance whilst disappointing is, I believe, within acceptable margins given the challenges facing Freemasonry at this present time. Memberships fared much better and were almost unchanged at the Masonic year end in August.

Recruitment and Retention initiatives, led by the Working Party, have been rolled out during the year creating important opportunities to attract and retain members.

A number of requests have in the last year or so been received by the Grand Secretary to make available a clearer image of the Royal Ark Mariner Tracing Board. In response to those requests, an artist has been commissioned to paint an updated version and I am delighted to unveil that to you today. Grand Director of Ceremonies would you please present the new Tracing Board.

Brethren, when you have had an opportunity to look closely at it, I am sure you will agree that this is a significant improvement on what we had before and I must thank W. Bro Paul Swinge from the Province of Essex for producing such fine work.

Brethren, the timing of this meeting is not great for many of you, we are well aware the late start causes difficulties with travel. This is due to the Connaught Rooms having a long-term commitment to a third party so are unable to accommodate us until this time of day. We are tentatively exploring other options which would enable us to meet and dine earlier. We hope to make an announcement about this very early in the New Year.Just over three months ago The Grand Secretary launched a new communications strategy focusing on creating an environment where recruitment and retention become less of a challenge and we grow our footprint by educating our members, and those who have not yet joined our Orders, what we are about.

Our vision will be to share best practice, promote growth and safeguard the future of our Orders by sustainable development through a fully integrated recruitment and reinvigoration programme. The strategy speaks of our core values of respect, friendship and care with a strong emphasis on inclusion, creating a sense of belonging and compassion and concern for others.

This will help us to achieve what our Grand Master set out in his Address last June – an enthusiastic membership organisation with a clear purpose and a commitment to supporting our local communities and those in need.

As we approach the Festive period let us adopt the simple word of ‘kindness’. Not just for the Festive period, but for all of next year and thereafter. Simple acts can make such a great difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

Tea and cake for a neighbour, help a neighbour with shopping, help your Lodge organise a party at your local Hospice or Care home. Start small, keep it simple but show kindness.

If nothing else from this meeting, on you way home, at breakfast tomorrow and then every day say the word ‘kindness’. Don’t just say the word but act upon it and let the office at Mark Masons’ Hall know of you actions so it can be reported on our social media platforms and thereby encourage others to do the same.

Many of you will have noticed our higher profile on social media recently. I understand that in July of this year 2,344 of our Twitter posts were being read. This had risen to 107,000 at the end of November and coupled with our weekly electronic newsletter ‘Freemasonry@86’ it demonstrates the positive outcome that this work is creating.

Let us show on our social media those acts of kindness I am asking you to undertake.

Two years ago I mentioned that because it is such a long period between the meetings of Mark Grand Lodge in September to the following one in March it was my intention to report on various matters that have happened. I intend to do that again this year.

During 2018 the Worthy Causes Committee of the Mark Benevolent Fund received 40 applications for grants approving 65% of those received totalling £933,024.

This year the Committee received 44 applications of which 80% were approved totalling £1,458,982.

Brethren, it is thanks to your generous donations that the Fund has been able to support more and more community based projects.

The Petitions Committee has received 48 requests for assistance from individuals in need and 81% of those applications have been approved totalling £94,791.

For the first time, this year we asked our Provinces to tell us how much they were giving to local charitable causes over and above the grants from the MBF. Brethren I am delighted to tell you that during the first half of 2019 £151,717 was given directly by Provinces to over 200 charities, the average grant being just over £5,000.It is now my pleasure to welcome on your behalf our distinguished visitors and members from our Districts overseas:

Firstly, I welcome Heads of our other Orders:

R.W. Bro. Paul Clement, the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master of the Great Priory of the United Religious Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple.

R.W. Bro. Kessick Jones, Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters.

R.W. Bro. Thomas Jackson, Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees.

R.W. Bro. Ian Currans. Grand Summus of the Grand Senatus of the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.

R.W. Bro. Michael Herbert, Past Deputy Grand Master, Grand Master of the Grand Priory of the Knights Beneficent of the Holy City.

R.W. Bro. Sir Frederick Crawford, Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Rite. Sir Fred, what a pleasure it was to have the privilege on behalf of our M.W. Grand Master to very recently present you with your certificate marking 60 years since being Advanced into the Mark. Thank you for all you have contributed over those 60 years.

R.W. Bro. David Williamson, Grand Chancellor of the Ancient and Accepted Rite and
Past Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
W. Bro. Tony Llewellyn, Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicrutiana in Anglia.

Brethren, we welcome from overseas:
From Belgium: As usual a very large representation, 12 members led by R.W. Bro. Jean Verbist, the District Grand Master. A very warm welcome to you all.

From Brazil, delighted to welcome W. Bro. Jayme Barboza De Freitas Filho, the Assistant District Grand Master. Thank you for making the long flight to be here today From Germany: RW Bro Michael Cooper, District Grand Master, accompanied by seven members of the District, two of whom received Grand Rank today.

R.W. Bro. Michael Cooper has been the District Grand Master since November 2009, not only has he been an excellent and extremely hard-working leader of his District but he travels extensively to meetings across Europe, representing his District and also on many occasions representing Grand Lodge.

Bro. Grand Director of Ceremonies, would you please present R.W. Bro. Michael Cooper to me that I may, on behalf of our M.W. Grand Master thank him, R.W. Bro. Michael, not only do I wish to thank you before all those present for your loyal and dedicated service but on behalf of our M.W. Grand Master it is my honour and privilege to acknowledge your meritorious service to this Order of Royal Ark Mariner and to confer on you the rank designated the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council (Honoris Causa) and to present to you the jewel of that rank.Michael congratulations and thank you for all your support.

From Hong Kong: R.W. Bro. Herbert Tsoi, the District Grand Master, accompanied by three members of the District. I am very much looking forward to attending your Annual meeting in July next year.

From Singapore: R.W. Bro. Justice Rubin, the District Grand Master, accompanied by W. Bro. Yuen Tin Laurence Wong. A very warm welcome to you both.

From Spain: R.W. Bro. Barrie Mansell, the District Grand Master, accompanied by seven members of the District. I understand the Assistant Grand Master will be attending your annual meeting in January, please take great care of him.

From the Netherlands: R.W. Bro. Cornelis van Putten, District Grand Master, with four members of the District. A very warm welcome to you.

From Romania, our newest Inspectorate: Bros. Silviu Dascal and Florin Serban. Delighted to have both of you with us.

And two Most Worshipful Brethren that I am delighted to have with us today, our Past Pro Grand Masters: M.W. Bro. John Hale and M.W. Bro. Benjamin Addy.

M.W. Bro Richard Wallis is unable to be with us today but we wish him a speedy recovery from his recent minor accident.

We have present 42 of our Provincial and District Grand Masters, thank you all for your support and for the management, leadership and dedication you provide to our Provinces and Districts.

Brethren, always here and always supportive we have 16 Past Provincial and District Grand Masters spread about on the dais behind me. Brethren we will include them in your very warm welcome and appreciation of all those I have just introduced.

Brethren please show that appreciation.

Before I close this meeting I wish to thank the Grand Secretary and the team, both male and female, from Mark Masons’ Hall. Not just for their work preparing for today’s meeting but for their sterling service and dedication over the past year.

My thanks also go to the Grand Director of Ceremonies and the Deputies, both past and present for their work today and for all the support they have given to me, to the Deputy Grand Master and the Assistant Grand Master. On the many visits which takes a Grand Lodge team all over the country, the support of all the active Officers who show such dedication and commitment is very much appreciated.

Brethren it has been an enormous privilege, delight and pleasure to preside at this meeting of Grand Assembly. Thank you all for your presence and support, I shall end by once again congratulating all who received preferment today, On behalf of myself, the Deputy and the Assistant Grand Master we do wish you and all your families a very happy Festive Season, and may the coming year be a healthy, peaceful and enjoyable one for all of us, and may ‘kindness’ be the word we forever associate with this beautiful Order and Royal Ark Mariner masonry.

Thank you and may God bless you all.

Another Grand Day Out

Nineteen brethren travelled to Freemasons' Hall in London with the Provincial Grand Master for the RAM Grand Assembly, where they were delighted to see Worshipful Brothers Geoff Tuckett and Peter Dolby receive Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.

The Assembly was attended by some 600 Brethren from across the country with the Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Ray Smith presiding, in the absence of the Grand Master who is recovering from a recent operation.

Many congratulations to the recipients, including Worshipful Brother Mick Stocker who was unable to attend due to a long arranged holiday.

A great day of RAM fellowship - the Assembly is open to all subscribing Royal Ark Mariners, not just Grand Officers - why not consider joining the PGM and the other Lincolnshire Brethren next year ?

Royal & Select Masters, District Grand Master Present Cheque for Lincs Mark Benevolent Fund

The annual meeting of the North Midlands District in the Order of the Royal and Select Masters has just been held at the Masonic Rooms in Worksop with many Lincolnshire Mark members attending to support this further Progressive Order and the District Grand Master, Rt. Illustrious Companion Neil Hartburn.

The District which covers both Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Craft areas has eight Councils split between the two Provinces.

It was particularly a special day for our PGM, R.W. Bro,. Stephen Hallberg with him being appointed and Installed as the District Grand Lecturer - further to which he was then called up by the District Grand Master who took the opportunity to present him with a cheque for £400 for the Lincolnshire Mark Benevolent Fund in recognition of the commitment shown by our Provincial Grand Master and the Mark Province of Lincolnshire to charity in general, following the recent donations by the Province and especially after the floods in our Province.

Our Provincial Grand Master received the cheque with gratitude and grateful thanks for the gesture - a great illustration of Freemasons working together across borders for the benefit of those in need and distress.

Ask A Busy Man

They say if you want something doing, ask a busy man.

Well that was certainly the case at the Installation meeting of the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers Lodge no.1910 when our Deputy Provincial Grand Master was Installed as the Master of the Lodge.

An excellent meeting, with 48 brethren being in attendance at Alford was enhanced by a happy and convivial festive board with 20 of the Ladies joining the Brethren following an entertaining talk by Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs.

Our DPGM was installed into the chair in an exemplary manner by W. Bro. John Winter and then proceeded to invest his Officers for the year in his inimitable way, including our APGM, W. Bro Jack Geelhoed as his Registrar of Marks, W. Bro Les Darby as DC and W. Bro. Phillip Anyan as Senior Warden - many congratulations to all those who were invested as Officers in this prestigious Lodge.
Quite simply, a super evening in every way.

If you are a Provincial Officer and not yet a member of the Lodge but would like to join, please contact the Provincial Secretary for details etc.

Travelling Gavel

The 'Travelling Gavel' has moved on again, and another great evening was to be had when brethren of the St Matthew Lodge MMM 1239 made the journey to John O Gaunt Lodge MMM No 172 to claim the Travelling Gavel for their lodge.

W Bro, P.W. Spicksley representing St Matthew Lodge MMM No1239, receives The Travelling Gavel from Worshipful S.J. Riding, Worshipful Master of John O Gaunt Lodge MMM No172, at their regular meeting on Monday 18th November.

PGM Dedicates new collar at Spurn & Humber Lodge MMM

The R.W. Provincial Grand Master was pleased to dedicate a new Master's collar at the Spurn and Humber Lodge meeting on Tuesday 12th November 2019. R.W. Bro Stephen Hallberg had donated the collar to the lodge to mark the 25th anniversary of his advancement into the lodge. R.W. Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith, who was the PGM at the time of the 50th anniversary, was also at this very special meeting which was attended by the team of Provincial Officers for the year. The evening was rounded off by a very convivial festive board heartily enjoy by the brethren who attended.

Left to right: W.Bro Ron Harrison, DPGM, W.Bro. Keith Robinson, ProvDC, R.W.Bro Stephen Hallberg, PGM, W.Bro Nigel Winn, Master, W.Bro. Geoff Tuckett, ProvGChaplain, W.Bro Jack Geelhoed, APGM.

Sutcliffe Lodge MMM Installation

On Friday 8th November 2019, W.Bro Colin Hill was proud to take the chair of Adoniram in the Sutcliffe Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 188. On this ocassion Rt.W.Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith represented the Rt.W. Provincial Grand Master, and was pleased to remark at the Festive Board, what an enjoyable evening it had been, and congratulated the new Worshipful Master on attaining the chair, and the Installing Master, W.Bro Craig Maurier on the way in which he installed his successor.

Left to right: W.Bro Tolson (Chaplain), Bro Staley (SW), W.Bro Hill (WM), W.Bro Maurier (IPM), Bro Hewitt (JW).

Mark Master Masons donate £141,000 to Lifelites

Archie Torrance (centre), Mark Benevolent Fund Trustee, presenting the cheque to Lifelites Chief Executive Simone Enefer-Doy alongside (l to r) Bryan Giddings, Lifelites, Daniel Brand, Lifelites, Darren Coleman-Heald, Mark Benevolent Fund, and Caroline Jellyman, Lifelites

Full details can be found on the Freemasonry Today website - click HERE.

Team Visit to the Haven Lodge MMM - 25th Anniversary

R.W. Bro. Stephen Hallberg was pleased to lead his team on a visit to the Haven Lodge MMM at Cleethorpes on Friday 4th October to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the lodge.

The Provincial Grand Master also dedicated three Quarrymen Aprons, donated to the lodge by the secretary W.Bro. Mick Boulton. It was a busy evening, as brethren travelled from all over the province to see the ceremony and welcome Bro Wayne Hill, the newest advancee in the province, through his ceremony of advancement into this happy order.

WM Mark Doughty. SW Michael Stylianou. JW Steve Sykes. Founders; John English, Arthur Baxter and Brian McDonough. SD Leigh Holton. JD Simon Dixon and the Candidate, Wayne Hill. The latter are wearing Quarrymen aprons donated to the Lodge by Mick Boulton to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Haven Lodge. Two other founders, V.W. Bro Roy Eaton, who provided the inspiration for the name of the lodge, and V. W. Bro John Board were present. R.W.Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith, who was the PGM at the time, and consecrating officer, was also in attendance on this special occasion.

Lincs MMM Draw

Drawn at St Swithuns MMM installation festive board On 26/09/2019 by WBro A Carr and WM / WBro M Robinson

Amount Ticket No. Name Lodge
First £ 200 215 George Young White Stone
Second £ 150 22 Shaun Dickson Alexandra
Third £ 125 5 Conor Burke John O Gaunt
Fourth £ 100 296 David Harness St Swithuns
Fifth £ 75 218 Chris Rimington St Oswald
Sixth £ 50 162 John Moulson Sutcliffe

Travelling Gavel

The Traveling Gavel currently resides at:

John O'Gaunt Lodge MMM No:172

Meeting in Gainsborough on Third Monday, November, January, April (I), September.

Contact the lodge secretary, Martin Levick martin@levickandson.co.uk toget booked in.

Get your brethren together and claim it for yourselves. A great night is always on the cards when you have the gavel at your Masonic centre.

Leonard Anderson Lodge of IMM, No. 1412

Photograph shows W. Bro. Colin Brader, newly installed WM, presenting a cheque for £100 to Margaret Clarke following her talk to the Ladies who attended the Installation meeting on Wednesday, 11 September at Alford. Looking on is W. Bro. Fred Clarke, a Past Master of the Lodge.

The donation is for the Katie Clarke Memorial Fund, in memory of their daughter.

All proceeds donated go towards children’s Brain Tumour research in Nottingham University and Queens Medical Centre. Fred and Margaret have raised £105 000, substantial amounts having been raised from charity golf days, where Margaret’s free cakes and scones have become infamous amongst the golfing community!

Photograph by W. Bro, Ray Wade the IPM.

The PGM congratulates V W Bro Derek Bontoft PGJO on his appointment

to the Provincial Team as Provincial Grand Lecture Master.

The PGM attended the Sutcliffe Lodge No 188 with a Provincial Team on 13th September 2019, and appointed V W Bro Bontoft PGJO as Provincial Grand Lecture Master.

This new role has been created to assist the PGM and his team in delivering success in recruitment, retention and re-invigoration initiatives and running awareness evenings to promote the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner degrees. Derek has educated many of us, over many years, with interesting and thought provoking Talks on the Mark/ RAM and several other Orders. His past life as a Head Master qualifies him uniquely for taking on this challenge to grow our wonderful Mark & Royal Ark Mariner degrees, and we all wish him well for a happy and successful time in office.

Immediately following this appointment the PGM called forward W Bro Craig Maurier PrAsstSec and conferred on him a field promotion to PPrGInspWks in recognition of his outstanding work and contribution to the Province as Assistant Secretary, among such tasks he had created, and regularly maintains and updates our website. He has also been responsible for printing our PGL Summons, charts and many other tasks. The PGM commented the Province is lucky to have such a talent in the team.

The PGM also took the opportunity to remind the brethren of heartfelt items from his provincial address in March which included a reminder of what he said about charity:

"On this subject I must emphasise the work of the MBF did not stop at midnight on 7^th July 2018. We must keep up our support for the forthcoming Festivals in the same way others supported us . To that end I ask you all and Charity Stewards in particular to continue to use the MBF gift aid envelopes in our Mark and Ark Lodges using the MMM2106 suffix on the form.

You will continue to be eligible for Mark honorifics and ensure your donations go in to our Relief Chest so Lincolnshire can afford to be generous to others in Festival over the coming years. I look forward as your PGM to presenting cheques to those in Festival as others have done so generously to us. As tangible evidence of the MBF’s work one of their projects in the last few years has been to replace over 50 St John ambulances across the country costing approximately £3.2m."

The next Team Visit will be to the Haven Lodge MMM in Cleethorpes on Friday 4th October 2019. A warm welcome is extended to all Mark Master Masons to attend and enjoy not only the meeting and festive board, but to take part in the splendour of a Team Visit.

Another 'Grand Day Out'

Several brethren from our province attended the Septmber meeting at Grand Lodge.

These days are a 'grand day out' and all members are entitled and encouraged to attend.

Magnificent Sum Raised for MBF Festival 2019

The 2019 MBF Sussex Festival which was held in Brighton, raised a grand total of £1,352,563, and was well supported by Lincolnshire Mark Masons.

As you can see below, after the official proceedings, our PGM had great fun on the dodgems.

Latest Winners of the Draw

Can be found by clicking HERE

Lincolnshire Freemasons donate £75,000 to flood victims in Wainfleet

21st June, 2019

A donation of £75,000 from Lincolnshire’s Freemasons has given a welcome early boost to a relief fund set up in readiness for the rebuilding of homes in and around Wainfleet after the floods.

And in a surprise presentation to Mark PGM Stephen Hallberg, the Mark Masons of Cumberland and Westmorland added a further £2,000 to the pot, taking the donation to £77,000.

The fund has been set up by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, which is bringing together fundraising efforts behind the long-term recovery plan which will swing into action once the floodwaters have receded.

Already there have been about 500 people from a number of agencies working around the clock to provide an emergency response to the incident, which has forced the evacuation of almost 300 homes.

But it’s the recovery phase that will take time, and that’s where the Freemasons’ donation will be directed. Provincial Grand Master Dave Wheeler said: “To see anyone driven from their home by flooding is heartbreaking, especially when it’s in your own community.

“The emergency response to the incident has been extremely effective through the days after the torrential rainfall followed by the breach of the banks of the River Steeping, but that is only part of the story. The recovery phase will be long, and will take considerable effort.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to move so quickly in making this donation of £75,000. It underlines that Lincolnshire Freemasons are determined to help put the heart back into this part of Lincolnshire, and we have every confidence that the Lincolnshire Community Foundation will make sure the money is used effectively in making that happen.”

The donation is made up of three Masonic grants of £25,000 each, from The Province of Lincolnshire, the Mark Benevolent Fund, and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The latter two are national charities subscribed to by Freemasons all over the country, including those in Lincolnshire.

James Murphy, Joint CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, said: “There are lots of people for whom properties in Wainfleet are their ‘forever home’. We shall be doing what we can to return things to normal for this community. It’s when something like this happens that you find out how good a community is, and Wainfleet’s is particularly strong.

‘The Lincolnshire Community Foundation is working in partnership with the Recovery Coordinating Group to raise funds and support Wainfleet and the surrounding area. Money donated will help to relieve hardship, complete repairs, make good loss or damage, help to prevent the flooding happening again, and to improve the response in the event that it ever does. 100% of donations will be spent in and around Wainfleet,” he added.

To donate online, please go to the Total Giving page at this link.

Here is the article on the Craft website

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture

Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 11 June 2019

The annual coach trip to London set off at 7.30am in the pouring rain but this did not dampen the spirits of the 21 Mark Master Masons on board or spoil this splendid occasion which has traditionally been arranged to support those receiving their first Grand Rank appointments. Sadly two others who should have been on the coach had to withdraw at the last minute.

After a short stop in Baldock for bacon butties, the coach arrived in sunshine at Grand Lodge bang on 12.00h - the planned time of arrival!

A superb day was enjoyed by all, evidenced by the happy faces seen on the attached photograph taken on the return to Baldock for the festive board.

All involved expressed their wish to repeat the same next year.

A Grand Day Out

Tuesday the 11th June saw yet another memorable ' Mark day' with approximately 55 brethren from Lincolnshire attending the annual Investiture meeting of Mark Grand Lodge at Freemasons' Hall in London.

The meeting was presided over by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, his Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent with the Temple being completely 'sold out' and overflowing with Brethren from all over the country.

On this occasion, our very own W. Bro Tim Bird and W. Bro. Colin Fox were both invested with the well deserved ranks of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies - Many congratulations to them on the honours conferred.

The Lincolnshire brethren had made their way to London in various ways with a good number of our Brethren taking the opportunity to travel down on the bus arranged by W. Bro. Wade.

A stop on the way down for refreshment was followed by a further stop on the way home for a celebration meal at Baldock - details regarding future trips may be obtained by contacting W. Bro. Wade or the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Those who had used the train dined at the Connaught Rooms when again the Most Worshipful Grand Master was in attendance along with 980 brethren.

It was particularly pleasing to see our Provincial Grand Master and his predecessor. R.W. Bro. Trevor Walker in attendance and both processing in to the Grand temple with the associated pomp and ceremony.

Brethren are reminded that the meetings of Grand Lodge are not only for Grand Officers but are open to everybody who is a subscribing Mark Master Mason. If you have never been before, you are encouraged to do so and experience the unique fellowship of these meetings.

Following on from the decision last year to separate the first appointments and the promotions, the next meeting of Grand Lodge will be on Tuesday the 10th September, at which W. Bro. Nev Storey, our past DPGM will be promoted to P.G.S.O, W. Bro. Dave Robson will be promoted to P.G.S.D, W. Bro. Arthur Baxter will be promoted to P.G.J.D and W Bro Philip Anyan to PGJD.

The promotions have all been made for their unstinting continued hard work and commitment to the Mark Degree in Lincolnshire and it is hoped that many Brethren will take the opportunity to attend the meeting to support them.

CAPTION COMPETITION

Send your answers to lincsmarksec.sroberts@gmail.com

PROVINCIAL ROYAL ARK MARINERS’ ASSEMBLY

GRIMSBY- 17th MAY 2019

ADDRESS BY THE PGM

Brethren I welcomed you all to our 12th Lincolnshire Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly at the start of tonight’s proceedings -and make no apology for doing so again.

I thank you for your support and I trust you and your ladies will enjoy your visit to Grimsby- not incidentally as advertised in the Blue Book - due to an oversight - and nothing to do with me living just 3 minutes down the road ! and no fault of our hard working Provincial Secretary.

However I can tell you that in an effort to make attendance more easy and fairer for everyone we will be altering the normal format as an experiment next year to hold this meeting in Skegness on the first Saturday in June- 11.30(am) start to then have our Assembly followed by lunch with our wives and partners. Therefore travelling will be by daylight and hopefully no-one has more than an hour or so to drive to get there . There will be no more clashes with other Masonic meetings and hopefully attendances will continue to grow so we can enjoy seeing our fellow Ark Mariners receive their Provincial honours. I can tell you it is exactly because of clashes our APGM Jack Geelhoed is not with us- he is representing Lincolnshire in Oxfordshire today at the Installation of another PGM. Nothing meets on the first Saturday in June so far as I know and should prove a popular date in your busy diaries.

As always I do wish to record my thanks to those Brethren who have worked so hard to make this evening possible . I especially thank W. Bro. Steve Roberts our Provincial Grand Secretary and W. Bro. Keith Robinson our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Included in those thanks is our gratitude to all the staff at Grimsby for the local arrangements, and accommodating us at fairly short notice when we thought we had a major problem.

12 years ago at our first Annual Assembly Trevor Walker was pleased to dedicate the travelling Sceptre. Over the last 12 years the S ceptre has travelled the length and breadth of the Province. I am so pleased that it has moved around and encouraged visits between our Lodges. Visiting, entertaining and welcoming Brethren to our Lodges is at the heart of Freemasonry. Especially in the Mark and Ark . Those seeking to claim the Sceptre makes for some very happy meetings and long may the Sceptre continue to travel bringing joy wherever it goes. I was very pleased to receive the Sceptre tonight from the St Wilfrid’s Lodge in Alford and promise to pass it back before the end of the meeting with the hope it will continue to travel round the province and inspire our members to visit other Lodges.

I was most grateful to see the Commanders of the Lodges enter Provincial Grand Lodge at Lincoln on 23rd March . It is a wonderful dash of colour into the Mark proceedings to see the Commanders parade into Provincial Grand Lodge.

The main purpose of this evening’s Assembly of course is to invest worthy brethren with R.A.M.Provincial Grand Rank , and it is a privilege for me to have invested those most deserving recipients.

It is an appreciation for their service to the Royal Ark Mariner Degree and I hope they will enjoy their new rank. I congratulate them and also hope they will endeavour to inspire others to greater efforts . I especially hope they will look to encourage other Mark Masons who are not yet Ark Mariners to consider joining this beautiful Order.

Some of you may not appreciate the constraints we have to work within when offering R.A.M. Prov. Grand Rank. We get 2 appointments for every 3 RAM Lodges. As you know we have 18 Lodges – divide by 3 = 6 multiply by 2 = 12. That is the number invested tonight but although 2 RAM Lodges are Installed Commanders, that still leaves 16 therefore 4 Lodges potentially will miss out every year and that is regrettable for me but ensures we only choose the best of the best. Many years ago you sensibly joined our wonderful Mark degree and became 1 in 4. Sometime after that you made another good choice by becoming Royal Ark Mariners- you then became 1 in 8! That means there are 7 Craft Masons for every one of us who is yet to appreciate the depth and meaning of our ceremonies.

I will give you nine reasons why I think this Order is so very special :-

1)Exclusivity- Membership of our unique and independent Fraternity is restricted to Brethren who are already Mark Master Masons. It is the only Order in Freemasonry requiring membership of the Mark alone

2)Beauty- The R.A.M. Degree is regarded as the ‘beautiful Degree’ and is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring to be found in Masonry. It teaches many interesting and valuable lessons and contains some of the most beautiful ritual in all Masonry. The regalia worn is amongst the most colourful being symbolically composed of the colours of the rainbow.

3)Fellowship- There is a very different feel about our Order which is difficult to explain. A very real bond of fellowship exists – particularly shown during the Installation ceremony.

4)Antiquity-The Degree takes its rise from the story of Noah and the great flood, one of the oldest biblical stories. However traces of this Degree can be found in Craft workings going back well over 300 years.

5)Connectivity-Every R.A.M. Lodge is moored to a Mark Lodge and bears the same number (but not necessarily of course the same name). The core messages of the Mark and Ark beautifully compliment each other.

6)Meaning-In the Mark we learn the value of doing what we know to be ‘right’ and staying on a righteous path when others do not appreciate our actions. The R.A.M. builds on this by demonstrating the strength to be found as part of a family or group ( or Lodge) working together to do what is ‘right’ in the face of great adversity. Both Mark and Ark Masonry teach the message that virtue has its own reward. It develops the keynote of Initiation: the making of a new beginning or the adoption of a fresh outlook on life.

7)Esteem-As a reflection of the esteem the Order is held executive officers in Mark Grand Lodge must be Royal Ark Mariners and Installed Commanders. We are governed by the Grand Master’s Royal Ark Council.

8)Daily advancement- Elevation to an Ark Mariner represents another step in our constant journey of Masonic discovery and knowledge.

9)Progression- Membership is an important consideration for appointment to senior positions in the Province. Without being a member for example it would be impossible for an active Mark officer to fully enjoy all team visits as roughly one third are to R.A.M. Lodges.

So far as our Province is concerned I am obviously keen to see the maintenance and improvements, if possible of standards. Not everyone can learn ritual (well). I am fast becoming one myself! However care and thought should be applied to help those individuals who struggle without destroying the fabric of our ceremonies. The explanation of the 9 steps for example should be delegated to a Brother who will explain them well as opposed to a SW going through the motions and making a less than acceptable job of it. Likewise I am concerned about the prevalence of absentee officers and too many resignations- I will be doing something personally regarding the latter in particular.

Brethren I have referred to our ladies and they await the entertainment of the evening in the form of V W Bro Derek Bontoft

- I’ve heard a version of what he has to talk about and found it enjoyable and fascinating in equal measure . I again thank you as always for your support, fellowship and friendship which means so much to me.

Enjoy the remainder evening and I look forward to seeing you in your Royal Ark Mariner Lodges during the Masonic year ahead.

May the Supreme Commander Bless you All

Thank you - for allowing me to be your Provincial Grand Master.

Travelling Sceptre quickly moves on from St Wilfrid's RAM

The Travelling Sceptre didn't get chance to get comfortable at St Wilfrid's RAM, as it was claimed from St Wilfrid's by St Mary's soon after they had claimed it from St Mary's.

There were eight visiting brethren from St Mary's Lodge. The worshipful commander of St Wilfird's can been seen in the above picture presenting the Travelling Sceptre to Bro Dave Hudson the Senior Warden of St Mary's Lodge.

Why not organise a raiding party from your lodge and claim the sceptre for yourselves?

RAM Provincial Grand Assemby

The RAM Provincial Grand Assemby, presided over by the Provincial Grand Master was held on Friday the 17th May at Grimsby with a total of 110 brethren and their Ladies attending.

The Provincial Grand Master who was presiding for the first time since his Installation was particularly pleased to invest the 12 recipients of RAM Provincial Grand Rank and warmly congratulated them all on the work that they had undertaken to achieve the honour bestowed.

Following conclusion of the business, the Assemby was closed and the Ladies were then invited into the Lodge room to hear a very informative and engaging talk by V.W. Bro. Derek Bontoft entitled 'Let us now praise famous men' which was enjoyed by all present.

The evening was concluded with an excellent and convivial Festive board.

Please note that next year, the Assembly will be held on SATURDAY 6th JUNE 2020 AT SKEGNESS.

The change of day and date has been instigated to avoid clashes with any other Lodges which may be taking place on the same day and it is hoped that the brethren will support the change and swell the numbers.

Travelling Sceptre moves on

On Thursday 9th May 2019 the St Wilfred’s lodge RAM 209 claimed the traveling sceptre from the St Mary lodge RAM 326.

It was also the Installation meeting and they were pleased to welcome visitors from St Wilfred's, pictured below.

The new Worshipful Commander of St Mary Lodge, W Bro John Moore, was please the hand over the Sceptre to St Wilfred's very own uncle Albert.

Grand Master's Lodges of Instruction

Our Provincial Grand Master continued with his hectic schedule since being installed when he recently led a delegation of the Lincolnshire Brethren to York to witness a demonstration of both the Ceremonies of Mark Advancement and RAM Elevation by the Grand Master's Lodges of Instruction at their annual Festival, which this year was being hosted by the Mark Province of North and East Yorkshire.

The Demonstrations were carried out at the Ebor suite of York Racecourse with some 160 Brethren in attendance from all over the country including 12 brethren from Lincolnshire with both ceremonies being undertaken in a superb and exemplary manner by the Lodge members and were a real treat to witness. A very enjoyable Festive Board followed to complete another happy day of Mark Masonry.

NB - The Grand Master's Lodges of Instruction meet at Mark Masons' Hall, fortnightly and although the majority of it's members reside in London and the Home Counties, they are open to membership of all Mark Masons and Royal Ark Mariners wherever they reside in the country.

Please contact the Provincial Secretary should you require further details.

St Mary RAM 326 claim the Traveling Sceptre

Twelve brethren from St Mary RAM 326 visited Trent RAM 172 on Wednesday 17th April 2019 and claimed the travelling sceptre, which had only recently been claimed by Trent RAM.

Provincial Team meeting

The recent meeting of the Mercia Lodge MMM no. 1240 was the occasion for the latest 'Provincial Team meeting' under the direction of our new Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Stephen Hallberg with some 56 Brethren attending and enjoying another happy and memorable evening of Mark Masonry with the PGM being accompanied by his Deputy PGM and Assistant PGM and escorted by a delegation of his Provincial Officers.

Under the leadership of the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. David Dorey, an excellent ceremony of Advancement was carried out by the Officers of the Lodge with Bro. Scott Laird being welcomed into the Mercia Lodge as the latest member of the Mark degree in our Province.

The evening was also further enhanced by the presentation of a 60th year certificate to W. Bro. Bryan Robinson, MBE, by the Provincial Grand Master (yes, you read it right - a 60th).

W. Bro. Bryan was initially advanced into the Mark degree on the 24th March 1959 in Urania Lodge no. 326 at Louth which then allowed him to set up and become a founder member of Mercia Lodge in his home town of Spalding on the 18th November 1959.

Typical of Brian was that he used to travel to Louth on his motorbike, padded out with newspaper to keep out the cold - dedication !

The Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to this remarkable Mark Mason, praising his unstinting diligence and commitment, not only to Freemasonry but also to his service to the local community for which he was honoured by being awarded the MBE in 2016 - quite simply an example to each and every one of us and we wish both Brian and Scott many more good years of health and happiness as Mark Masons.

Grand Rank Appointments & Promotions

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master is delighted to announce that the following Brethren of our Province will receive preferment at Grand Lodge this year;

1st Appointment (to be conferred at the meeting of Grand Lodge on Tuesday the 11th June)

W. Bro. Colin Fox to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies;

W. Bro Tim Bird to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.;

Promotion (to be conferred at the meeting of Grand Lodge on Tuesday the 10th September)

W. Bro. Neville Storey to Past Grand Junior Overseer (becomes Very Worshipful)

W. Bro. Dave Robson to Past Grand Senior Deacon;

W. Bro. Arthur Baxter to Past Grand Junior Deacon.

Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master is delighted to announce that the following Brethren of our Province will receive preferment to Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank at the forthcoming RAM Assembly which is to take place

on Friday 17th May at THE MASONIC HALL, CAMBRIDGE ROAD, GRIMSBY, DN34 SZ.

W. Bro. Anthony R. Marston St. Wilfrid's Lodge no. 209

W. Bro. Ian G. Gilliatt St. Mary Lodge no. 326

W. Bro. Terence D. Walton St. Oswald Lodge no. 387

W. Bro. Paul J. Diggins St. Deny's Lodge no. 427

W. Bro. Peter Needham St. Swithun's Lodge no. 445

W. Bro. Simon H. Butler St. Wulfram's Lodge no. 916

W. Bro. Andrew Black St. Wulfram's Lodge no. 916

W. Bro. Anthony Brockbanks Earl of Scarbrough Lodge no. 1032

W. Bro. Barry C. Harriman St. Guthlac Lodge no. 1122

W. Bro. Richard A. Garn Mercia Lodge no. 1240

W. Bro. Jeffrey H. Stephenson Bayons Lodge no. 1365

W. Bro. Robert J. Stevens The Haven Lodge no. 1732

#Ladies and partners are cordially invited to attend the evening and will be invited into the Lodge room after we have conducted the Masonic business of the evening to hear a talk by Very Worshipful Brother Derek Bontoft - 'Let us now praise famous men'

All Royal Ark Mariners, regardless of rank are able to attend the Assembly and it is hoped that the Provincial Grand Master and the appointees will receive the support of the Royal Ark Mariners of Lincolnshire on this special occasion.

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture
Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 11 June 2019

All Mark Master Masons may attend, and those who have never been to Grand Lodge are particularly encouraged to attend this splendid occasion which has traditionally been arranged to celebrate those receiving their first Grand Rank appointments at a festive board in Baldock.

Itinerary

Outward:

07.15hrs Depart Eastgate Car Park, Sleaford, (behind The Mallards, NG34 7DJ)
08.00hrs Arrive Asda Supermarket, Union St., Grantham, NG31 6NZ
08.45hrs Arrive Premier Inn, Norman Cross, Peterborough, PE7 3TB
09.30hrs Arrive ‘The Templars Hotel and Carvery’, Baldock, for ‘Bacon butties’
10.15hrs Coach leaves for London
12.00hrs Arrive Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

Return:

16.15hrs Leave Freemasons’ Hall
18.00hrs Arrive ‘The Templars Hotel and Carvery’, Baldock, for evening meal
19.45hrs Leave Baldock
20.45hrs Arrive Norman Cross
21.30hrs Arrive Grantham
22.00hrs Arrive Sleaford

(Note: Times approximate only)

Costs:

The cost depends on numbers travelling on the coach; with a full 29-seater coach this would be approx. £54; this includes travel, bacon buttie/coffee or tea on outward journey and a 3-course evening meal on the return journey (excluding drinks).

R. Wade, Esq.
15 Westwood,
Broughton,
N. Lincs.,
DN20 0AU

Tel. No.: 01652 652592; e-mail: raymond.wade@outlook.com

SKEGNESS ROYAL ARK MARINERS PUSH THE BOAT OUT!

The Installation meeting of The Earl of Scarbrough Lodge No1032 of Royal Ark Mariners (RAM), was held on 27 March 2019, at the Skegness Masonic Centre.

The Lodge was honoured by the presence of R.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley-Smith as the personal representative of the PGM (R.W.Bro Stephen Hallberg). After a very successful meeting all RAM brethren joined their partners and retired to the ‘White Table’ festivities, which had been opened up to all Mark Master Masons and their partners with a view to giving them a greater understanding of the Order with the hope that they may make further enquiries and ultimately make an approach to join.

Subsequently at the very convivial Festive Board, of some 74 diners, a raffle was organised to raise funds for the local RNLI, which was very well supported. The newly installed Worshipful Commander (W.Bro Norman Rollitt) was pleased to present W.Bro Alan Fisher, in his capacity as Skegness Lifeboat Operations Manager, with the proceeds of the raffle some £275.

W.Bro Norman Rollitt (Right) presenting W.Bro Alan Fisher with the proceeds of the raffle.

“The Degree of Royal Ark Mariner is worked in Royal Ark Mariner Lodges, but such Lodges are, and must be, attached (“moored”) to a Mark Master Masons Lodge.”

Any MMM interested in this most rewarding degree can find more information at: http://www.markmmlincs.org.uk/?Royal-Ark-Mariners.

St John’s Ambulance Dedication at St Mary & St Nicolas Church Spalding

Sunday the 31st March proved to be yet another day to remember for the Mark Masonic Province of Lincolnshire with the official handover and blessing of the Treatment centre vehicle which has been donated by the Mark Benevolent Fund for use by the volunteers of the St. John Ambulance in Lincolnshire who provide such a valuable community service to the people of the County.

The handover took place at the Parish church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas in Spalding following a delightful service of Evensong and was attended by our Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Stephen Hallberg and his Assistant, W. Bro Jack Geehoed, along with a sizable contingent of Mark Master Masons and their wives, many of whom had travelled long distances to witness and share the occasion with Grand Lodge being represented by W. Bro. Dan Heath, one of our Assistant Grand Secretaries.

The Blessing of the vehicle was undertaken by the County Chaplain of the St John Ambulance following which our Provincial Grand Master ceremonially handed over the keys to the head of the Spalding St John Ambulance unit.

The treatment centre is one of 52 which have been donated by the MBF for use across the country, a donation of which the Mark Masons of Lincolnshire can be justly proud, having contributed to the fund so generously during our 2018 Festival.

Team visit to St Wulfram's Lodge MMM

On Thursday 28th March 2019, The St. Wulfram’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons 916 in Grantham was honoured by the visit of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful Assistant Provincial Grand Master, other distinguished brethren and most of the Provincial team on their first Provincial visit following the recent installation of Right Worshipful Brother Steve Hallberg as PGM.

The visiting Provincial team witnessed the Installation of Bro. Steve Heath into the Master’s chair, which was undertaken with great proficiency and sincerity by the Installing Master, W. Bro. Peter Chandler. During the Lodge meeting, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master kindly agreed to make a presentation, on behalf of the Lodge, to the retiring Secretary, W. Bro. David Burnett, to thank him for 18 years of service to the Lodge in that role.

Earlier in the meeting, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master had informed the brethren that the date of the meeting was very meaningful to him and the Lodge as it was 12 years earlier, on 28th March 2007 that he was present at Grantham for the Installation of the Past Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Reverend Trevor John Walker.

Memories of a Wonderful Day at PGL and Installation of new PGM

Congratulations to 4 brethren from St Oswald's Lodge MMM

St Oswald's MMM lodge at Provincial Mark Grand lodge on Saturday had four Brethren receiving Active Provincial Grand Rank: W.Bros. Phil Aitken David Metcalf Richard Brady Martin Cooper.

A Message from RW Bro Dave Wheeler, the Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent

... who was one of the first to offer sincere congratulations to R.W. Bro Steve Hallberg on his being installed as Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Masonic Province of Lincolnshire.

You can read his message HERE.

Address to Provincial Grand Lodge by R.W.Bro. Stephen Charles Hallberg

Provincial Grand Lodge 23^rd March 2019.

Brethren- It is an enormous privilege to be in this position and addressing you today. At the outset, I pay tribute to our immediate Past Provincial Grand Master , RW Bro Rev. Trevor Walker for leading us so magnificently for almost 12 years. I had the honour to serve under him for all but one of those 12 years and can state that so far as I am concerned our philosophy remains unaltered- that we continue to enjoy our happy and friendly Order to its fullest. If I learnt anything from Trevor, it was to have a good time enjoying the undoubted privileges that being a Mark and Ark Mariner Mason brings. I cannot replicate his personality but I can carry on the legacy he has left us, and try to build on that . I am confident our new Deputy and Assistant PGM’s will prove excellent choices and join with me in steering our Mark Province to greater success. One thing I can guarantee is if the subject of a new Provincial Mark tie ever crops up - I will be thinking long and hard about changing -I don’t have the luxury of a Priest’s collar to blame for not joining in with the rest of you!

I thank you all for attending and especially thank our distinguished guests for making many long journeys to join us today. We certainly hope this will be just one of many visits to Lincolnshire. I also welcome all who are attending Provincial Grand Lodge for the first time. It is a pleasure for me to welcome newly Advanced Brethren into our happy Order and I hope this will be the first of many Provincial Grand Lodge meetings for them.

Provincial Grand Lodge requires a tremendous amount of organisation , especially during this past year with two major events to plan, administer and deliver and I do sincerely thank our hard working Provincial Grand Secretary Steve Roberts, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Robinson and all the other Provincial Officers involved for their efforts too. The Brethren of today’s sponsoring Lodge St.Oswald’s Lodge , Scunthorpe, and, as always, the Lincoln Lodges have been busy setting up the rooms, transporting furniture, and undertaking many tasks.

Sadly V W Bro John Clements steps down as our Provincial Charity Steward after 25 years in the role. John I cannot comprehend how many gift aid envelopes have passed through your hands and how many hours you and Pam have given up in dealing with our charitable giving. Thank you for making our LMBA Charity run so well for a quarter of a century, particularly culminating in the 2018 Festival . We wish you and Pam our very best wishes for a long and peaceful retirement.

Taking over from V W Bro Clements is W Bro Mick Stocker and so Nene Lodge can now boast three very eminent Brethren in the permanent Offices in Provincial Grand Lodge- I know you all work very well together. We also welcome W Bro Les Darby in to the fold as Provincial Almoner. Regrettably W Bro Malcolm Forrest steps down after a decade of entertaining us with his wonderful music and we welcome W Bro Graham Steen who I know will delight us in similar fashion. All those I have invested today have been rewarded for services past, present and more especially future and I am confident you will all serve me and the Province well over the coming months and years.

We also mark the retirement of W Bro Neville Storey as our Deputy PGM . He has served our Province with distinction for many years since being made Provincial Grand Senior Warden in 2003, Provincial Director of Ceremonies in 2010, and serving the last two years as Deputy Provincial Grand Master .

This last year has been a happy year for the Lincolnshire Mark Degree. The 150^th MBF Festival was held here on a red hot summer’s evening on 7^th July last year. What a wonderful occasion that was with our Provincial Grand Master hosting the event and in good form. The staggering final total of £853,023 exceeded all expectations and can make us all very proud of the contribution made by Lincolnshire- not forgetting the financial support given by other Provinces particularly London , East Anglia and our own Craft Province . I also thank once again, our Craft PGM Rt W Bro David Wheeler and his Festival Committee for so ably steering us to the end result . We thank each and every one of the contributors and I take the opportunity to wish RW Bro Martin Wilson PGM of Sussex every good wish for the 151^st MBF Festival to be held in Brighton on 6^th July – (Sir,) we are bringing a bus load to give you our support.

On this subject I must emphasise the work of the MBF did not stop at midnight on 7^th July 2018. We must keep up our support for the forthcoming Festivals in the same way others supported us . To that end I ask you all and Charity Stewards in particular to continue to use the MBF gift aid envelopes in our Mark and Ark Lodges using the MMM2106 suffix on the form.

I will be attending on your behalf a hand-over ceremony a week tomorrow - 31^st March- in Spalding. It will be my first official engagement and I welcome as many of you as can make it to come along to St Mary & St Nicholas Church at 6.30pm, to show our support for both the MBF and St John’s ambulance service.

Linked to this charitable giving is our Mark Prize Draw, necessarily tweaked in its constitution after the Festival, and now administered by W Bro Andy Carr and his team - I encourage all those participating to continue to do so. Not only does it distribute great prizes , it gives us the ability to fund both this Provincial Grand Lodge and use funds for Festival donations. Please do continue your support for this initiative which , thanks to the foresight of W Bro Mike Robinson when the Festival was launched raised over £50,000 for the2018 Festival.

Turning to Grand Mark Lodge- I wish to thank publicly W. Bro. Ray Wade for organising the annual coach trip to the Investiture meetings in June- regrettably he has been unable to gain enough support to run it again this year and for that I am very disappointed- hopefully it means more of you will join with me and dine in the Connaught Rooms after the Grand Lodge meeting. Over the past 12 years our support for the quarterly meetings has been excellent and I very much hope you will support me and continue in the same vein. The dates and start times are on the GLMMM website to enable trains to be booked in good time and cheaper rates, however I can tell you it is a 1pm start in June . It will be good to have a strong contingent from Lincolnshire at each meeting and will also please the Pro Grand Master.

We are a very happy degree but we must be a caring degree. To that end I encourage the work of the Lodge Almoners- do assist your Lodge Almoner by telling him whenever you hear of a brother or his dependents in need of assistance. Likewise I am of the opinion we can and should do everything in our power to prevent resignations . I charge every proposer and seconder to work with the Almoner and others to encourage that Brother to reconsider his decision. I note from the Registrar’s report that we suffered a larger than acceptable reduction in the number of subscribing members. It is about 2.6% but any decline is to be regretted . If we take the extra time and effort both to prevent resignations and encourage membership things will surely improve?

However we remain a strong Mark Province - but we do need to ensure that we provide for the future. First we must make sure our Craft Lodges are strong and attracting new members .

Secondly amongst the members of our Craft Lodges we must seek out men who will both enjoy and enhance our Mark Degree -they will then certainly bring in their friends.

For those Lodges who are presently finding difficulty in attracting candidates - we will try to offer help and guidance on initiatives for recruitment being used successfully in various parts of the Province. I encourage all Lodges to consider helping neighbouring Lodges in need of support by reciprocal visiting by Lodges close to one another. Perhaps once each year get group together and go along and support a neighbouring Lodge, I’m sure they in turn will do likewise. It only takes one individual with a bit of effort to make these things happen. You should bear in mind that the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers’ Lodge will willingly help Lodges by providing Officers at short notice or indeed put on demonstration ceremonies to assist struggling Lodges. Contact the Provincial Secretariat for information if that appeals to you.

Visiting is at the heart of all Masonry and especially so in the Mark degree. I was pleased to receive the Travelling gavel from W Bro Michael Drury the IPM of John O’ Gaunt Lodge, Gainsborough . The gavel has journeyed around Lincolnshire encouraging visiting between our Lodges. It really does work and I encourage the Lodges to arrange raiding parties – if you aren’t successful - I guarantee you a super night out with some friendly banter and competition . Please continue to chase the gavel and keep it moving – the revised rules of man/ miles encourages even the smallest of Lodges to have a good chance of claiming and then reaping the benefit of a bumper attendance at your next meeting. Visit our Provincial website to keep an eye on where the Gavel has moved. I thank you for the privilege of becoming your Provincial Grand Master and wish you every happiness in our Mark Masonic Order for many years to come.

May the Great Overseer of the Universe bless you All

- and Mark well.

Deputy PGM saves Grimsby man from the clutches of an escaped lion.

The brethren were reminded by the PGM during the installation of Deputy PGM W.Bro Ron Harrison that our DPGM had once saved a man from the clutches of an escaped lion. You can read the story HERE.

St John Ambulance Handover

Our recent 2018 Festival raised an astounding £853,023, an amount of which we as Lincolnshire Mark Masons should be justly proud.

This donation, along with the money already in the fund and that collected since has been used by the MBF to fund a number of projects and schemes which assist both Freemasons and the general public, including a substantial donation to the 'Hope for Tomorrow' charity which provides mobile Chemo therapy units, one of which is now operating in Lincolnshire.

A further scheme initiated has been the funding to provide 52 new ambulances and mobile stations for the St John Ambulance across the country costing £3 million over 2 years, an organisation which provides invaluable assistance to the community including ourselves at our various meetings.

It is not often that we get the chance to see the fruits of our labour but please be advised that an ambulance is to be provided for the Lincolnshire Division of the St John Ambulance.

It is customary for the vehicles to be blessed by the St John County Chaplain along with an official handover and I therefore advise you that the handover of our vehicle will take place at the annual Service of the St John Ambulance at the church of their Chaplain in Spalding

The vehicle blessing/handover will be on 31 March 2019 at St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Spalding. PE11 2RA. The service will commence at 18.30 hrs and will last approximately 50 minutes and then we will go outside for the blessing and dedication.

This is a unique occasion and I would therefore be obliged if you could circulate the details of the handover to all your members and request their support.

Not only is it a celebration of our efforts but it will also be one of the first occasions that our new PGM will be 'out and about' in his new Office and it is hoped that a substantial number of the Brethren of the Province will turn out.

To assist with the arrangements. Brethren who wish to attend, please let your Secretary know.

Sceptre goes to Gainsborough

A raiding party from the Trent Lodge of RAM managed to claim the Sceptre from St Oswald lodge of RAM on the 21st of March in Scunthorpe .

Gainsborough now have the Gavel, and the Sceptre, and all those who wish to visit and make a claim will be made most welcome.

Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, Neville Andrew Storey presents 50 year Certificate

Another great night of Mark Masonry at White Stone Lodge in Lincoln with some 57 brethren attending.

The occasion was the presentation of a 50th year certificate to W. Bro Brian Hunt by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, Neville Andrew Storey who took the opportunity to bring together brethren of the current active Provincial team for the last time before Provincial Grand Lodge takes place on the forthcoming Saturday.

Our DPGM in charge gave a brief overview of W. Bro. Brian' s Mark Masonic service and thanked him for his commitment and contribution, both to the White Stone Lodge and also the Province of Lincolnshire.

W. Bro. Brian himself was genuinely shocked at the presentation, being completely unaware that it was to take place and in turn thanked the Brethren for all their best wishes and kind thoughts..

The evening was rounded off by an excellent advancement ceremony of Bro Darren Sewell by the Worshipful Master and his Officers and the usual enjoyable and convivial festive board.

Travelling Screptre Moves On

On Wednesday 27th Fabuary, St Oswald RAM Lodge No 387 claimed the Travelling Sceptre from St Denys Lodge.

Eight Brethren travelled to Sleaford to claim the Sceptre. At the same time, eight Brethren from Trent RAM Lodge in Gainsborough also travelled to claim the Sceptre but St Oswalds won by virtue of superior mileage.

The travelling Sceptre was an inspiration the late W Bro Alan Birkett, a member of St Oswalds MMM and RAM as an incentive to encourage visiting to other Lodges and last night it proved how successful it was, St Denys had a total of twenty Visitors.

I am sure there will be an attempt by other RAM Lodges to reclaim the Sceptre at the next St Oswalds RAM lodge on 21st March.

Letter of thanks for Retirement Gift

31st. January, 2019.

Dear Brethren,

I should be very grateful if you would please convey to all the brethren of your lodge my sincerest thanks for the exceedingly generous cheque that was presented to me at the St. Wilfrid’s Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners Burns Night last Monday. When the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Nev Storey rose to make the presentation I was taken completely by surprise and most unusually for me was lost for words. I am overwhelmed by this generosity and do thank you all.

It has been a wonderful delight to be Provincial Grand Master for nearly twelve years. They have been very happy years and I have been so proud to be PGM of such a wonderful Province as ours in Lincolnshire. Through all these years I have been fortunate to have the support of my wife Lynne who has enjoyed visiting other Provinces and attending our gatherings when ladies have been invited. She was quite overwhelmed by the beautiful bouquet of flowers that I brought home to her on Monday and asks that you note her gratitude for such a lovely gift.

The generous cheque will allow us to plan a trip together that will not also involve a Provincial visit so Lynne is very grateful for that as well! She does though join with me in her thanks for this great generosity.

I now ask you all to please fully support the Deputy in Charge over the next few weeks and then please enjoy the installation of W. Bro. Steve Hallberg as Provincial Grand Master in March. It will be a splendid meeting and I know with your support he will lead our happy degree in the Province of Lincolnshire to greater success in the future.

With my very best wishes,

Yours most sincerely and fraternally,

Revd. Trevor John Walker - Provincial Grand Master

Superb Evening of Mark Fellowship

The St Wilfrid's Lodge of Royal Ark Mariner has just held it's annual Burn's night following the regular January meeting and an enjoyable and fraternal evening was held with 88 Brethren attending, the Lodge being honoured by the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master designate who were further supported by the Deputy PGM, the Assistant PGM and the Past Deputy and Assistant also.

Having completed the necessary business, the brethren retired to the Festive board with the haggis being piped in by Bro Daniel Fleming who gave the address to the haggis and also the immortal memory.

The event has gone from strength to strength since it's inception in 2002 and is now firmly bedded in the RAM calendar of the Province.

As is now the custom , the Provincial Grand Master Designate. W Bro. Steve Hallberg. used the occasion to announce his Senior and Junior Wardens whom he will invest at Provincial Grand Lodge in the afternoon of March 23rd, these being W. Bro, Richard Garn, (Mercia 1240) and W. Bro. Andy Carr (White Stone 1203) respectively.

The Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will be preceded by the Installation of our Provincial Grand Master Designate in the morning and he further took the opportunity to announce that he will be especially delighted to invest W. Bro. Ron Harrison as his Deputy and W. Bro. Jack Geelhoed as his Assistant, both of whom were present and received great acclaim from the Brethren attending.

Many thanks to W. Bro. Tim Bird and W. Bro David Richardson for all their efforts in arranging such a wonderful evening of Mark/RAM Masonry (not forgetting W. Bro. Robbie Burns also).

Presentation to Rt. W. Bro. Trevor Walker

The recent Burns night held by St Wilfrid's Lodge RAM at Alford proved to be a memorable night for a number of reasons.
The Burns celebration in itself was a superb evening of Mark fellowship at which the Provincial Grand Master Designate, W. Bro Steve Hallberg took the opportunity to announce his intended DPGM and his APGM along with his Wardens for the ensuing year.

However, it was also the last meeting that our current Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Trevor Walker would attend in his role in which he has served the Province of Lincolnshire in such an exemplary manner for 12 years. He will of course retire from his Office on the 31st January.

The current Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro Neville Storey gave a short speech regarding the Provincial Grand Master and his legacy to the Mark Province of Lincolnshire and presented him with a cheque for £2750 on behalf of all the Lodges and Brethren in the Province who had so generously donated to a retirement fund as a measure of their appreciation.

R.W. Bro Trevor replied with his usual warmth and humour, advising the brethren that it was his wish to undertake a quite a bit of travelling in the near future (beyond Southport and Blackpool) following his retirement and that the Brethren of Lincolnshire would be in his thoughts when he did so, following which he received a standing ovation from the brethren who were privileged to be present.

The Travelling Sceptre sails on

The Travelling Sceptre was last night successfully claimed from the St Wulfram's Lodge RAM by the Worshipful Commander and a further 9 brethren of the St Denys Lodge RAM.

An enjoyable night all round with a good ceremony and an excellent happy festive board with the usual fellowship amongst those attending - The Provincial Grand Secretary even leant how to fire - eventually !!!

The next and Installation meeting of the St Denys Lodge RAM is scheduled to be held on Wednesday the 27th February at Sleaford and all other Lodges are warmly invited to attend this meeting to claim the sceptre for themselves.

District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Mumbai,

Annual Convocation, Saturday 5th January.

Lincolnshire was well represented at the District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Mumbai, Annual Convocation, Saturday 5th January, by our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Ron Harrison and W.Bro. Phil Anyan.

The District Grand Master, Stephen Hindes, third from the right in the picture below, originates from Woodhall Spa, Lincs.

I am sure observant brethren will notice that the Festive Board shown in the pictures below, was somewhat different, being held outside.

Alexandra

Prov.G.Secretary

2018

MMM Prize Draw

The latest MMM Prize Draw has yielded the following lucky winners in time for Christmas:

*Drawn at*	Barton, St Matthew MMM
On	11/12/2018
By	WBro A Carr
*And*	WBro T Burton

*Prize Tally:*
	*Amount*	*Ticket No.*	*Name*	*Lodge*	*Sent out*
*First*	£ 250.00	32	Simon Butler	St Wulframs	13-Dec
*Second*	£ 200.00	36	Raymond Wade	St Oswald	14-Dec
*Third*	£ 150.00	171	Les Darby	Urania	13-Dec
*Fourth*	£ 100.00	230	John Robinson	Spurn and Humber	13-Dec
*Fifth*	£ 50.00	96	Chris Fletcher	St Matthew	11-Dec

Royal Ark Mariner Assembly 11th December 2018

Travelling Gavel moves on

The Traveling Gavel is now in the safe hands of the John o Gaunt lodge No 172. Brethren from the John O Gaunt Lodge MMM arrived in numbers and made a successful claim on the Gavel from the Urania lodge in Louth on Tuesday 13th Novmber.

Why not get a group of brethren from your lodge to claim the gavel for yourselves at the next John O Gaunt meeting on Monday 21st January 2019.

Team Visit to ST Oswald's Lodge

Rt W Bro Trevor Walker was please to present Bro Iain Morrison with his 50 Years Certificate in Mark Masonry.

Iain took his Mark Degree in Scotland on 2nd November 1964 in Lodge Doric Killwinning No 68, Scottish Constitution.

He joined St Oswalds Lodge No 387 on 12th January 1998.

The WM of St Oswalds Lodge, W Bro Rob Pursey kindly presented the Lodge with a new set of Mallets for the WM, SW and JW.

These were hand turned in Walnut with Ash handles.

The PGM, RW Bro Rev Trevor John Walker dedicated and blessed the Mallets.

The WM presented one to the JW (Bro Rick Brady), one to the SW (Bro Barry Bradley) and the PGM presented the WM with his.

Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons Prize Draw

Rule Changes for Payments Made from 1^st October 2018

The Lincolnshire MMM Prize draw has been run for the past few years to excellent effect by the team of WBros Mike Robinson, Phil Anyan and Chris Oates. It has raised a tremendous amount for the MBF towards our Provincial total. This team have decided that they wish to step down in September 2018 as the Festival in Lincolnshire is over.

The Provincial Grand Master has decided that he would like the draw to continue with the same great momentum that has already been built up. To this effect he has authorised WBros Andy Carr, Trevor Burton and Steve Roberts to act as the new committee for running the draw.

The PGM wishes that, after running expenses attributable to the prize draw are deducted, the remainder of receipts will be allocated to the General Fund of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire and further distributed by and at the discretion of the Provincial General Purposes Committee.

The continuing lottery does not require a licence and comes under the Gambling Commission category of a Private Society lottery. This means several small changes to the rules have had to be made, as provided for under rule 18 of the draw.

What does this mean for you?

You are entitled to a copy of the new rules, found overleaf.

All monies up to and including those paid in September were included in the scheme under the previous rules and distributed accordingly. By Sept 30^th the account balance will stand at £0.00

Any monies paid in and collected from 1^st October onwards will accumulate quarterly for the next draw.

The Provincial Grand Master sincerely hopes that existing members will continue to support the draw and that charity stewards will continue to promote it as an easy way to support the aims or our Order and worthy causes.

If you wish to still be in with a chance of wining a prize, you need do nothing, the usual banking arrangements will still apply.

Remember - there are still very good odds on winning a sizeable cash prize, and we encourage you to maintain the great impetus that our previous committee have built up.

Lincolnshire Mark Master Mason's Prize Draw

Sceptre Moves On

The Travelling Sceptre was claimed by the Worshipful Commander, and a number of Brethren, of St Wulframs RAM Lodge no. 916 from the newly installed Worshipful Commander of the Ark RAM Lodge no. 1910 at Alford last week on the 13th July.

The next chance for your lodge to visit and claim the Travelling Sceptre for yourselves is at the next meeting of St Wulframs RAM Lodge is on the 10th of October at Grantham.

A total forty seven brethren attended the meeting, and a great night was had by all.

This picture shows W Bro David Burnett, the W Cdr of the Ark Lodge, handing over the sceptre to W Bro Stephen Heath, the W Cdr of St Wulframs, along with the accompanying brethren of his Lodge.

THE DRAW

The Committee of W. Bro's. Phillip Anyan, Chris Oates, and Mike Robinson would like to thank everyone who has been in The Draw during the last four and a half years. You helped us to raise £54,412.00 towards the Festival whilst, at the same time, we were able to pay out £14,888 in prize money.

As you have all been informed by the P.G.M. in a letter, sent to you via your Lodge Secretary, it is intended that a Draw should continue. Over the years the Province of Lincolnshire has spent a lot of money on charity as well as the running of the Province and funds are very low. Regrettably one of the options is to increase the Provincial Annual Dues.

I have enjoyed running The Draw for you and The Festival especially with the incentive of the possibility of winning something for my money. The thought that that can continue and , at the same time dangle the carrot of possibly winning something for paying my subscription, appeals tremendously. What is even better is that any surplus from running the Province will go to charity.

Please continue to support The Draw and look forward to the quarterly draws when YOU might be a winner.

During the period that we have been running it it has not been feasible to pay out every £ of prize money that has accumulated so this month we held a draw to empty the bank account of the £3,500.00 which had accumulated. I am pleased to tell you that the following were winners:

£500.00 - Mrs. J. Robinson, W. Bro. I. Gilliatt, and W. Bro. D. B. Richardson.

£400.00 - W. Bro. F. Clarke, W. Bro. J. Bush, and W. Bro. D. F. Price.

£200.00 - W. Bro. G. Young, W. Bro. J. Haslam, and Bro. J. Robinson.

£100.00 - Bro. J. G. Tasker, and W. Bro.C. Hunton.

Festival Thanks

The 150th. Mark Benevolent Fund Festival hosted by our splendid Mark Province of Lincolnshire came to a wonderful conclusion last Saturday 7th. July 2018. It was a great personal delight when the Grand Secretary Rt. Wor. Bro. Ryan Williams announced the total raised was a staggering £853023. This is a wonderful achievement and I congratulate the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner brethren.

I am especially pleased as I was determined that no targets were to be set and I would trust the brethren of the Mark Province of Lincolnshire to support the Festival to the best of their ability. As I stated on Saturday you did not disappoint and I sincerely thank all who have given to the Festival in this most generous total raised. Lincolnshire can be truly proud.

I am very grateful to those who have worked so hard on the Festival Committee and brethren who served as Lodge Champions, Lodge Festival Stewards and in so many other ways. I have been amazed on my visits to Lodges at the amounts donated to the Mark Benevolent Fund by brethren and the number of fund raising events arranged. Thank you for all your efforts which have contributed to our amazing Festival total.

Especially I thank those who contributed in any way to make the Festival weekend and the Banquet at the Epic Centre such a resounding success. The staff at the Epic Centre delivered both a delicious meal and efficient service. Our many visitors have already commented on the warmth of the welcome they received and how much they enjoyed being with us.

The money raised for the Mark Benevolent Fund will go a long way to enable it to continue its charitable work into the future. Thank you Lincolnshire for making me so proud to be your Provincial Grand Master for the 2018 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival. The 150th. Anniversary Festival will long be remembered.

Yours most sincerely and fraternally,

With my best wishes,

Revd. Trevor John Walker - Provincial Grand Master

Over £853,000 raised for the 150th MBF Festival.

The 2018 150th Mark Benevolent Festival has come and gone. The countdown clock stopped on Saturday 7th July 2018. The party is over and the baton handed on to the Province of Sussex who will host the 151st Festival banquet on 6th July 2019 in Brighton. That's a short summary of what has been a tremendous effort on behalf of all Lincolnshire Mark and Royal Ark Mariners; their families and friends. The Festival weekend was a wonderful celebration and the culmination of many years of hard work by a lot of people. I thank everyone who took part, whether donating to the Festival or helping out at the numerous events that have been held.

I know that everyone who was at the Festival banquet on Saturday 7th July 2018 will never forget the moment when R.W. Bro Ryan Williams, the Grand Secretary, revealed the total raised for the 150th MBF Festival.

£853,023 is a staggering amount of money, raised over a short period of time and exceeds all expectations that anyone could have had when the Festival was officially launched in 2015.

Thank you to you all on behalf of the Lincolnshire 2018 Festival Committee.

Dave Wheeler
Lincolnshire Festival Committee Chairman

LINCOLNSHIRE 2018 - THE FESTIVAL RESULTS
	Published	Additions	Totals
Lincolnshire Mark Lodges	289,361	49,051	338,412
Lincolshire RAM Lodges	17,619	26,110	43,729
Unattached Lodges	4,024		4,024
Provinces and Districts	346,857	4,194	351,051
Other Masonic Orders	18,049		18,049
Other Donations	77,079	246	77,325
Total Donations	752,989	79,601	832,590

Interest Credited to the festival from MMH	20,300	133	20,433

Festival Total	773,289	79,734	853,023



In addition to the published figures a further £79,734 has been received as below:

Lincolnshire Mark Lodges	49,051
Lincolnshire RAM Lodges	26,110
Provinces:
Berkshire	250
Hong Kong	569
Oxfordshire	1,100
Wiltshire	1,000
Worcestershire	1,000
Other sundry donations	521
Interest	133
	79,734

Making a grand total of	853,023

50th year Mark certificate

At the last regular and Installation meeting of the Millennnium Lodge of Installed Commanders no.1412, our Right Worshipful Grand Master, the Reverend Trevor Walker had the pleasure and honour of presenting his predecessor, Right Worshipful Brother Gordon Walkerley Smith with a 50th year Mark certificate.

Right Worshipful Brother Gordon was advanced into the Sutcliffe Lodge MMM no.188 on the 12/01/1968 and has served this Province with outstanding commitment and diligence ever since, especially since having being Installed as the Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire in 1993 until 2007 when he handed over the reins to our current PGM.

The Provincial Grand Master gave a brief overview of Right Worshipful Gordon's Mark tenure (to do so fully would have taken all night such is his contribution in the Mark degree) to which Right Worshipful Brother Gordon replied in his usual inimitable manner thanking all for the surprise and their support & friendship - A truly outstanding Mark Mason.

The Provincial Grand Master also took the opportunity to present his good lady wife, Lynne with a certificate of appreciation to the 'Mark & RAM' ladies which had been received from the Grand Secretary on behalf of the MBF.

Since the 2018 Festival fund had been commenced in 2014 and unbeknown to any of the Brethren, the Ladies who have attended the various functions have undertaken to raise their own contribution to the fund, culminating in the presentation of a cheque to the Provincial Grand Master for £1000.00 at the RAM Provincial Assembly - who says a Lady cannot keep a secret !!!

Ladies all, we thank you for your support and generosity.

Happy and Very Successful Afternoon

Once again Frank and Julia Powell pulled out 'all the stops' to host a magnificent summer barbecue at their lovely home, the Old Schoolhouse, Lea, Gainsborough on Sunday 24th June 2018. All in aid of the MBF 2018 Festival, the food; drink; weather and company were exceptional and a great time was had by all who attended. Available drinks included a local brew, 'vino collapso' which went down extremely well and there was also a chance to end the day with a substantial measure of Pussers rum which, as a former submariner, was Frank's parting shot. There was also a very enjoyable raffle with many prizes to be won so everyone went away very happy.

The happy and very successful afternoon raised the tremendous sum of £500 for the MBF 2018 Festival and grateful thanks go to Frank and his family for, once again, putting on such a wonderful event.

The photograph shows, from left to right, Brother Frank Powell; his daughters and granddaughter; wife Julia; APGM Ron Harrison and DPGM Nev Storey receiving a cheque for £500 for the 2018 MBF Festival.

MANCHESTER UNITED SIGNED FOOTBALL

Many thanks to all the lodges who conducted a "Heads and Tails" competition.

A draw has been made and the Provincial Grand Master presented the football to the winner....W Bro John Speed at the Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Assembly in Grimsby.

Apologies go to W Bro Steve Roberts who wanted to kick it into the river Slea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture
Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 12th June 2018

The annual coach trip has been organized by W. Bro. R. Wade for the Grand Mark Annual Investiture on the above date. Each year the Province is well represented at this meeting to support those being promoted or receiving their first appointments.

All Mark Master Masons are invited to attend, and those who have never been to Grand Lodge are particularly encouraged to attend this splendid occasion.

A full itinerary together with costs can be download if you click HERE. If you would like to attend, please contact W. Bro. R. Wade with the information requested.

Congratulation to the following on their promotions and appointments:

Please be advised of the following appointments to Grand Mark for Lincolnshire Mark Brethren which will be conferred at the Grand meetings on Tuesday the 12th June (Active Officers and 1st appointments) and on Tuesday the 11th September (Promotions).

I am sure that you all will join the Provincial Grand Master in congratulating these Brethren on their forthcoming appointments, whom I am sure would welcome your support at the respective meetings.

V W Bro John Board (PDPGM) - promotion to PGSO;

W Bro D.S. Bontoft (PAPGM) - promotion to GJO;

W Bro V.B. Topliss - promotion to PGSD;

W Bro S.C. Hallberg - promotion to GJD;

W Bro M.J. Stocker - 1st appointment to PAGDC;

W Bro T.W.E. Knight - 1st appointment to PAGDC;

W Bro D.W Southwood - 1st appointment to GStwd

Arthur’s epic rugby rugby ramble from Market Rasen rakes in £4,500

Read all about Arthur's exploits detailed in the Market Rasen Mail by clicking HERE.

Address to the Brethren at Provincial Grand Lodge, 24th March 2018,

by Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker.

It is a very great pleasure for me to welcome everyone to this 144th. Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Lincolnshire. Thank you for your support and I hope you will discover friendships renewed, new friendships made and great enjoyment from visiting Lincoln. A most important item in all our Masonic Meetings is to welcome our guests. I have already welcomed our distinguished guests and heads of other orders but brethren I am sure you would join with me in emphasising just how delighted we are to welcome so many who have travelled long distances to be with us. We are delighted you are here.

We too have travelled from Lincolnshire. Last June many brethren journeyed to London to witness the impressive installation of the Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Assistant Grand Master by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Freemasons Hall was packed to capacity and similarly afterwards the Connaught Rooms struggled to dine some two thousand brethren. Nevertheless it was a most memorable day for all who were privileged to be there.
At Grand Lodge the Grand Master invested W. Bro. Gary King as Assistant Grand Standard Bearer and appointed W. Bros. Len Armiger and Barry Humphrey to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. W. Bro. Dave Wheeler was appointed Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer and W. Bros. Malcolm Forrest and Roger Hansard were promoted to the rank of Past Grand Junior Deacon. We once again congratulate those brethren on receiving these well-deserved honours which are a credit to them and our Province.

Now I have just said the meeting last June was extremely well attended but unfortunately this meant some were not able to be accommodated in the Grand Temple nor able to dine in the main dining room afterwards. Grand Lodge realised this situation is not acceptable and decided to address the problem. This year those appointed to active Grand Rank and those receiving first appointments will be invested as usual at the June meeting of Grand Lodge. Those receiving promotion in Grand Rank will be invested at the September meeting. Please also note that letters offering promotion will not be sent until after the June meeting. So if you have not received the letter you thought you were going to receive in April – don’t lose heart it might still arrive in June!

Hopefully this new arrangement will alleviate the pressure on the June meeting without having to restrict the number of those attending. So please come to Grand Lodge in June to support those getting active or first appointments. We are all very grateful to W.Bro. Ray Wade for arranging the usual coach to Grand Lodge. It is hoped this year you will find it easier to obtain a seat in the Grand Temple.

Each year I am delighted to welcome the Worshipful Commanders and representatives of the Royal Ark Mariner Lodges into Provincial Grand Lodge. If you are not yet a member of this lovely order then I urge you to seriously consider joining. I also remind you that we hold an Annual Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly alternating between Grantham and Grimsby. This year the meeting is at Grimsby on 18th. May when I shall invest the recipients of Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank. After the meeting we shall dine together with our ladies and guests. Do please support this meeting which is always a very happy and enjoyable occasion.

I now wish to thank the Provincial Officers who have supported the Team Visits we have made since last April. The turnout has been tremendous and as I have said before and will not cease to say I always feel so privileged to walk through such a long column of officers on our entry into lodge. I know it is an impressive sight for the members of the lodge we are visiting. I look forward to further team visits this coming year with the officers appointed today. I also thank the lodges we visit for their wonderful welcomes and the hospitality so generously bestowed.

Brethren of Lincolnshire can I tell you that when you are represented either by myself or others from this Province on our visits to other Provinces we without exception receive wonderful hospitality. It is a privilege but also a very great pleasure to make these visits and I thank again those other Provinces for their generous and warm welcomes. I hope their visit to Lincolnshire today will be some small return and be as enjoyable to our visitors as the hospitality we have received.
Visiting is at the heart of masonry and this is especially true for the Happy Degree. Several years ago we inaugurated the Travelling Gavel and Travelling Sceptre to encourage visiting in the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. Over the years they have moved the length and breadth of Lincolnshire and raiding parties to claim the gavel or sceptre have boosted lodge attendances immensely. Most importantly these visits have made for more happy meetings and more new friendships made. Because of the gavel and sceptre some lodge attendances have exceeded eighty. Please do continue to visit around the Province.
I have enjoyed receiving reports from those representing me at Installation meetings and from the Provincial Grand Wardens. I am pleased to note that our lodges are in good heart with candidates being advanced and good ceremonies performed. Complacency though is not an option and we must always be looking for the right master masons to join the Mark. Likewise the standard of ritual must always be maintained. It is not acceptable to read the ritual for learning means understanding it and only then can we convey the meaning to the candidate. Please do keep up those good standards that have been reported to me.

Our meeting today is primarily for the appointment, promotion and investiture of the Provincial Grand Officers. I congratulate all those I have just appointed, promoted and invested and thank you for all your efforts in the Mark that has earned you this honour. I am sure I do not need to remind you that it is also an encouragement for further service in the Degree and to your lodges. That goes without saying. But I do say it, I said it last year and I say it again, without apology.

I now wish to record the tremendous work done by the Provincial Wardens. W. Bro. Colin Fox and W. Bro. Tim Bird have visited all the lodges in the Province travelling from one end of Lincolnshire to the other – and that can be a long way! I know they have enjoyed their year in office and I am sure W. Bro. Bruce Goodman and W. Bro. Steve Siddall will have an equally successful and enjoyable time as Provincial Wardens this year. I am sure you will welcome and look after them when they visit your lodges.

I looked at the Provincial web site so expertly maintained by W. Bro. Craig Maurier and noticed the clock is still counting down. Only 104 days to go until the 150th. MBF Festival which we shall host in this building on 7th. July. All the arrangements have been made with my very grateful thanks to W. Bro. Dave Wheeler and the members of the Festival and Banquet Committees. It will be a most splendid and memorable occasion and I urge anyone who has not yet booked their place at the banquet to do so without further delay. You really will not want to miss 7th. July and your wives and partners will not forgive you if you do not bring them to the festival.

I am staggered at the number of fund raising events and efforts that are taking place. W. Bro. Ed Backus’ sponsored bike ride, W. Bro. Mick Stocker walking over 1000 miles, W. Bro. Geoff Burgoin and the Spires and Steeples half marathon, W. Bro. Arthur Baxter walking from Market Rasen to Leicester. Events still to come are W. Bro. Richard Woods and the model railway exhibition on 7th. May and the Family BBQ on 24th. June with thanks to W. Bro. Frank Powell.

These are just a few events brethren. Thank you for your continuing support of the MBF by your individual donations and support of the Mark Draw. I know that your support has been extremely generous by the number of MBF honorifics I have presented. I now ask the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to please conduct W. Bro. Dave Wheeler to the pedestal. W. Bro. Wheeler by command of the Most Worshipful Grand Master I am delighted to present you with your Grand Patron Diamond Award. Thank you for your generosity but also for your hard work as chairman of the Festival Committee. I also take this opportunity of congratulating you on being our Provincial Grand Master elect for the Craft in Lincolnshire. Do enjoy many happy years as Provincial Grand Master.

Freemasonry is a family. This is shown to me by the way in which all our masonic orders work together in mutual support. I have seen this particularly in the most generous donations I have received for the 2018 Festival. I have already acknowledged the outstanding donation from the Lincolnshire Craft Province. Brethren I have received donations for the Festival from many orders which to me has been most humbling and shows what freemasonry really is all about. Helping one another. I thank the Allied Masonic Degrees, the Worshipful Society of Freemasons, the Holy Royal Arch, Order of the Secret Monitor, the Scarlet Cord to name just a few. We are on track for a Festival Total that I am sure will make Lincolnshire proud. I look forward with great anticipation to that moment on 7th. July when our Festival Total will be announced.

If you are still wondering how you might assist at the Festival then I have been asked to say that because of extra bookings just being taken more stewards are required. Please contact the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. Keith Robinson if you are able to offer your services in that capacity. He will be extremely pleased to hear from you.

Meetings such as this one require much work. The brethren of the Urania Lodge No. 326 and the brethren of the Lincoln Lodges have undertaken the local arrangements by preparing the lodge room, transporting furniture and all the preparations of these last few days. I thank W. Bro. Malcolm Forrest our Provincial Organist, not just for the wonderful music, but also for getting the organ here. The Provincial Stewards and Directors of Ceremonies with their team have provided flawless choreography, and the Provincial Grand Secretary and his team have seen to their usual highly efficient arrangements. Thank you brethren.

Time marches on and change as they say is inevitable. This is now the twelfth Provincial Grand Lodge I have called. I have enjoyed them all immensely and they have been occasions I shall never forget. This Provincial Grand Lodge of 2018 is special in that I have not had the opportunity to appoint W. Bro. Steve Hallberg to any office. W. Bro. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies please bring W. Bro. Hallberg to me. W. Bro. Steve Hallberg you have served this Province and me as a most efficient Provincial Grand Secretary and before and after as Deputy Provincial Grand Secretary. As a small token of my gratitude for all your help and assistance I now present you with my Certificate of Merit.

As I have just said brethren time marches on and now I, and I am sure you, will be pleased to know it is time for me to cease talking that we might proceed to our refreshment. I thank you all for your attention and look forward to welcoming you here in July for the Festival. I wish you a happy Mark Masonic year ahead and may the Great Overseer ever bless and keep you.

Travelling Gavel

The travelling gavel was claimed on Tuesday 20th March from St Wilfrid's Lodge MMM No. 209 by Urania Lodge MMM No. 326 - the PGM's own Lodge and just in time for Provincial Grand Lodge!

The Traveling Gavel moves on again. Why not get a group together from your Mark Lodge and go and claim it for yourselves?

Traveling Sceptre

The Ark Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners claimed the Traveling Sceptre last night from St Owald RAM Lodge No 387.

Eight members had travelled to St Owald RAM Lodge to claim it.

W. Bro Ron Harrison was the leader of the raiding party

We had a candidate for elevation Bro Rob Pursey a great night was had by all

Thirty two brethren enjoyed the comradery at this splendid meeting. See if you can get a group from your own RAM lodge to claim the travelling sceptre for yourselves, and add to the fun.

RAM 50 Year Certificate

At a presentation ceremony in his home on Monday 12th March 2018, W.Bro. Peter Bray PrRAMGR of Mercia RAM Lodge 1240 in Spalding was presented with his RAM 50 Year Certificate by senior members of the Lodge. W.Bro Bray (aged 93) will in fact be celebrating 55 years in the degree in 2018 but had somehow managed to slip through the net regarding his certificate! The Lodge Scribe, W.Bro Barry Humphrey RAMGR explained to W.Bro Peter that a recent trawl of Lodges, at the request of the Provincial Secretary, had uncovered the anomaly and that they were there to put matters right.

The Certificate was then formally presented by W.Bro. Bryan Robinson RAMGR aged 92, the senior member of Mercia RAM Lodge and himself a holder of a RAM 50 Year Certificate (and currently heading towards 60 years service) and W.Bro Douglas Drakard RAMGR (age 81) the third senior member of the Lodge after W.Bro Peter Bray. The photograph (showing left to right W.Bro Bryan Robinson, W.Bro Peter Bray and W.Bro Douglas Drakard) with over 153 years of service between them, was taken by W.Bro Barry Humphrey RAMGR, Lodge Scribe.

The winner of the first quiz on Coastal Towns...

... was Joy Geelhoed with Runner Up being Bro. Chris Rimington who both scored 50/50...the winner being decided by a draw.

Just to prove that it was not a fluke and what experts they are at these quizzes, the winner of the Castles Quiz, again with 50/50 was Joy Geelhoed... the Runner Up was Bro. Chris Rimington who got 49/50.

Many thanks to all who submitted entries.

Derek Bontoft.

Arthur's Epic Trek

MBF Hope for Tomorrow Charity and The Matt Hampson Foundation Walk

Tuesday 6th February 2018. Market Rasen to Lincoln

My walk started with a great send off by the President Tony Smith and members of Market Rasen and Louth RUFC AT 8-30 am with a weather temperature of -1 deg C , and a sprinkling of snow.
The Club had pledged the sum of £250-00 so I was warmed by this generosity for two very worthy causes.
I proceeded to Linwood, Lissington, Wickenby, Snelland, Scothern, arriving at Lincoln Rugby Club Nettleham at 3pm. A few photographs were taken and I proceed to Lincoln Cathedral thus ending my journey at around 4-15pm., having completed 18.9 mile. Well and Truly worn out.

Wednesday 7th February 2018. Newark to Grantham
I did not want to get out of bed ! Or rather I couldn't. My hips sere sore, my feet were sore, and old sporting injuries seemed to return.
I was thinking ! What excuse can I make so as not to go. All the way to my start point, I was still thinking ! How can I get out of this.
I could not think of any good reason, so I started my journey to Newark.
Called at Pennells for a quick cuppa.
After a couple of "painfull miles" I headed towards Haddington, Thurlby, Bassingham, Norton Disney to Stapleford.
Taking the route through Stapleford woods, which was endless.
I continued on my journey to Coddington. Stopping at the Plough Inn for a cup of tea and sandwhich. Getting up was hard work as I had sat for half hour and was "stiff" again.pp
I continued into Newark down the hill ( thankfully not up the hill) and was beginning to tire.
I past the Castle and headed for Newark Rugby ground. Arriving at 3-20pm.
I met the President of the Club Mr Alan Swain, who was very accommodating . I had another cup of Tea and more photo's.

Friday 9th February 2018
I started my journey from Newark at 8-30 am, Feeling pretty well considering the journey so far.
I was anticipating rain, sleet and brisk winds. However! Fortunately neither appeared.
I hit Long Bennington and picked up the Viking Way across the A1 motorway.
The state of the Viking Way heading towards the Grantham Canal is terrible. A real disgrace.
The servicing of the fields by the farmers is a necessity, and must come first. However! The water levels and "deep ruts" by tractors in my opinion is dangerous. Perhaps notices saying "not recommended for use at this moment of time"
You guessed it ! I fell in a trench after it gave way.
I eventually made the Grantham Canal and had a pleasant walk along the "Tow Path" into Grantham.
Faced with the prospect of Somerby Hill to the Kesteven Rugby Ground, I headed through Grantham Town appearing like a "mud man" and receiving some very strange looks.
I arrived at Kesteven RUFC about 3-30 pm, about 1 hour ahead of schedule.
Again! I was greeted by the Club President Mr Mick Money, along with 6 other club members.
Again photographs were taken.
The clubs press officer reported my walk to BBC Radio Lincs, who I gave brief details to. I understand BBC wish to talk to me again when I set off on my next leg from Grantham to Melton Mowbray.
I received the sum of £340 with a further amount to be donated shortly.

I have noticed on my journey how close the clubs are with each other, the friendships they have made over the years, and the respect for each other's efforts. Keep it up.
At Newark the junior membership is around 430 kids
Kesteven about 350.
Market Rasen and Louth. ?
I am already looking forward to the journey to Melton Mowbray and Syston.
My journey takes me from Melton Mowbray to Burrough on the Hill, where I will be visiting the New Matt Hampson Foundation Building which is named Better Living and is for those sportsmen who have suffered Catastrophic sporting injuries.
No doubt I will find it a bit emotional seeing these youngsters.
So the Matt Hampson Foundation will benefit so will the MBF who have pledged £2.6 million pounds to "Hope for Tomorrow " for 10 mobile Chemotherapy units.
One of which is based at Lincoln Hospital.
This Unit travels to Boston, Skegness, Louth, and Grantham and saves already poorly patients the arduous journeys traveling to major hospitals for treatment. This has already saved patients in excess of some 2 million miles travelling.
So two very worthy causes.
I must thank John Wood of Rasen, who has been there for me at every twist a turn to ensure I was ok. Middle of nowhere he would appear. Taking me to my start point and picking me up at the daily finishing point.
I thank members of Market Rasen & Louth RUFC particularly Tony Smith, adding his weight to introduce me to other clubs. Secretary Claire Fenwick , for taking my request forward, and not forgetting those who turned up in the freezing cold to see me off.
Thank you all
Best wishes
Arthur

Striding Out Tuesday 6^th February between Market Rasen and Lincoln

Arriving at Lincoln Rugby Club welcomed by W. Bro John Wood

Welcome to Lincoln Masonic Hall by DPGM W.Bro Neville Storey

Wednesday 7th February Start again from Lincoln here pictured at passing Lincoln Pennells Garden Centre

Arthur with President of Newark RUFC Mr Alan Swain, after competing Stage 2, Lincoln to Newark RUFC 8th February .

A note from the Chairman of the MBF 2018 Festival Committee

As the 2018 Festival end date of 7th July 2018 is rapidly approaching there is a need to ensure that all Festival merchandise and monies for the same are consolidated as soon as possible. If you have any pens, ties (both RAM and Mark) coasters, tokens, key rings, cufflinks or 2018 lapel badges, or the cash raised from selling these items, can you ensure it is passed over to Dave Wheeler at the Mark Provincial Grand Lodge on Saturday 24th March 2018 please? Dave will be looking after a table selling such items in the foyer of the Events Centre, Lincolnshire Showground and will be on site from 08.30.

I would walk 1000 miles update

Last year W.Bro Mick Stocker pledged, in the presence of Rt W Bro Trevor Walker, that he would walk a cumulative 1000 miles between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017, to raise funds for the 2018 Festival.

Mick also opened a sweepstake to win a bottle of whisky if anybody could estimate the total number of miles he would walk, and having complete his epic journey of 1355 miles, W.Bro Stephen Roberts came nearest with an estimate of 1342 miles.

Rt W Bro Trevor Walker was on hand to present the bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label to the lucky winner.

Congratulations to W Bro Stocker for completing the walk and raising £1122 for the MBF Festival 2018, and to W Bro Roberts for winning the sweepstake.

Support W. Brother Arthur Baxter on his Epic Trek!

At a young 75 years of age, W. Brother Arthur Baxter is planning a Sponsored Walk for the MBF 2018 Festival and the Matt Hampson Foundation.

All Masonic donations will go to the 2018 MBF Festival and any other donations, from rugby clubs etc. will be spilt 50/50 between the MBF 2018 Festival and the Matt Hampson Foundation whose aim is to provide advice, support, relief and/or treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in or training for any sport, sporting activity or other form of physical education or recreation.

Arthur is receiving great support from the local rugby clubs and also Premiership side Leicester Tigers where Arthur is a regular visitor.

How can you help?

Sponsor Arthur by pledging some money. Arthur’s email address is:

arthur.baxter832@btinternet.com

Meet and greet Arthur at any of the locations on his itinerary below.

Walk a few miles with him to show solidarity and to encourage him on his way

Planned Itinerary for Arthur:

6th February 2018

8-30 am, Market Rasen RUFC to Lincoln RUFC arriving about 2-30 pm

7th February 2018

Leave Lincoln at 8-30 am, to Newark RUFC arriving about 4pm

9th February 2018

Leave Newark at 9 am, to Kesteven RUFC (Grantham), arriving about 4-30 pm.

15th February 2018

Leave Kesteven at 9am to Melton Mowbray RUFC, arriving about 4pm.

16th February 2018

Leave Melton Mowbray at 10am to Syston RUFC arriving about 2-30pm.

17th February 2018

Leave Syston at 9am, arriving at Leicester Tigers about 12 to 12-30pm

St Wilfrid's MMM Lodge No 209 claimed the Gavel from St Oswald's MMM Lodge No 387 on 9th January 2018

It was a great night with 58 brethren present. made up of 36 Member's and 22 visitor's 13 from St Swithin's MMM Lodge No 445 . 8 from St Wilfrid's MMM Lodge No 209 And 1 from John O'Gaunt MMM Lodge No 172

The Prov Junior Warden was the Principal Guest and a member of St Wilfrid's MMM Lodge No 209

St Oswald Mark Lodge made a presentation to the prov Junior Warden of a check for £1000.00 to the 2018 festival

There was an excellent presentation of the Mark Lecture by Junior and Senior Brethren which was well received by all present.

Travelling Gavel and Sceptre

Both the Gavel and Sceptre are in the custody of the Mark & RAM lodges in Scunthorpe at the moment this is the first time I think that this is the first time they have been in the same masonic building a unique occasion as the both were the instigated by W.Bro Alan Birkett from the St Oswald's lodge in Scunthorpe.

The January Antiques, Fine Art, Silver & Jewellery Catalogue Sale - Lincoln - Lot 2196

To be sold on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund Charity

An early 20thC Continental silver Masonic crown wind triangular pocket watchAn early 20thC Continental silver Masonic crown wind triangular pocket watch, the mother of pearl dial decorated with various symbols, the case with similar decoration, sold with a silver watch chain and Masonic related fob, stamped Mexico 950.

Raised £850 at auction. A tremendous sum towards the festival.

Click HERE for detals

2017

Royal Ark Mariner Grand Assembly

Steve Roberts celebrating at Connaught Rooms with some of the lads after receiving Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank at the Annual Assembly.

Binbrook Christmas Carol Service

Letter of Thanks to the Brethren

Dear Sirs,

I just wanted to say how much the Mobile Chemotherapy Unit is appreciated, and to thank you all.

The service it gives is 'second to none' for local people. The Sister always has everything very well organised, and takes pride in caring for all patients' needs, both physically and emotionally. A Staff nurse works with her using the same expertise and kindness.

The two drivers (they take it in turns) Stephen and David are both helpful in the vehicle, as well as driving to Louth etc.

Thank you once again.

Yours sincerely,
An appreciative patient.

The Charity Hope for Tomorrow celebrates its 10th anniversary this year 2007 to 2017.

There are now 12 mobile units in operation and they have saved the patients 2.000.000 miles of travel and 170.000 hours of time.

Elaine, the Lincolnshire mobile chemotherapy unit had its third anniversary in May of this year.

The unit now visits Lincoln Louth Grantham and Skegness, and has saved patients over 120.000 miles of travel and 10.000 hours of time.

Spires and Steeples 1/2 marathon cross country challenge

WBro Geoff Burgoin St Guthlac ran the Spires and Steeples 1/2 marathon cross country challenge in October for the Festival. He Thanks all those who sponsored him.

Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons Prize Draw

The September Prize Draw was held on the 5^th October when the following were prize winners:-

First Prize, £300.00 W. Bro. R. Hansard, Whitestone 1203.

Second Prize, £200.00 W. Bro. P. Needham, St. Swithun’s 445

Third Prize, £150.00 W. Bro. G. Young, Whitestone 1203

Fourth Prize £100.00 W. Bro. W. N. Smith, St. Swithun’s 445

Fifth Prize £60.00 W. Bro S. E. Siddle, Spurn and Humber 1199

Sixth Prize W. Bro. L. A. Darby, Urania 326

We have forwarded a cheque for £4,060.00 to the Festival making a total so far of £42,360 donated from the Draw.

£9,610.00 in total has been paid out in prize money so far.

Many thanks to all of you who are participating in the Draw we are very happy, as we are sure that you are, in the money raised so far.

I would walk 1000 miles.

On 13th September 2017, he walked the thousandth mile of his challenge with his wife Sandra at Barkston near Grantham. Sandra also completed the 1000 miles. During the year so far they have walked in Grand Canaria, India, Bulgaria and Slovenia outside the UK, whilst not only walking in Lincolnshire they have done walks in Nottinghamshire, Cornwall, Norfolk, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria.

The 250th mile was walked on 26th February at Scopwick, the 500th mile was reached on 24th May at Biscathorpe in the Wolds, and the 750th at Gainsborough on 27th July. A highlight was the 650th mile at Osojnica Mala, in the Slovenian Alps on 6th July.

The walking goes on and sponsorship is still open as the person predicting the final mileage on 31st December will win a bottle of whiskey.

So far £1087 has been raised for the Festival.

You can download a sponsorship form HERE.

Mark Benevolent Fund - Anniversary Festival

Friday 6th – Saturday 7th July 2018 - Assistance Needed

By now you all will be well aware of the forthcoming event at The Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground next July. These events take a great deal of preparation and as the Provincial GDC I am tasked with ’stewarding’ the event, accordingly I am looking for volunteers to assist me.

The festivities start with a day trip to East Kirkby for the Aviation Heritage Tour on Saturday 7th July and our Festival Banquet being held at The Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground that evening.

In order to ensure that everyone attending these functions has an enjoyable time, we will need the assistance of some Festival Stewards throughout the weekend for a variety of tasks:-

• Greeting our guests with welcome packs at their hotels, which will be The Double Tree by Hilton, and the Holiday Inn which are both situated next to one another on Brayford Wharf. The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, the Holiday Inn Express, Brayford Park and The Bentley Hotel, South Hykeham and generally assisting with any queries that they may have.

• Helping our guests with their coach travel on the Aviation Heritage Tour on Saturday 7th July, and more importantly, ensuring they return from the tour on time!

• Marshalling guests onto their coaches for the short journey to The Epic Centre on the Saturday evening.

• A team of Stewards will be required at The Epic Centre to ensure the whole evening runs smoothly including car parking duties. For those who are able to assist at The Epic Centre and are not booked in to dine, a small buffet will be provided.

Brethren, your Mark Province needs your assistance and if you are available and willing to help, please do not delay and reply today by answering the following questions and emailing your responses to me:- korobinson43@gmail.com 07775556758 (mobile) or 01522 790807 (home)

1. Name?
2. Email address?
3. Mobile phone number?
4. Are you available to assist with greeting guests at one of the hotels on Friday 6th or Saturday 7th ?
5. Will you be able to act as a ‘coach steward’ for the Aviation Heritage Tour on Saturday morning?
6. Are you able to act as a Steward at The Epic Centre on the evening

PGM Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker hosted the annual

Christmas Carol Service at

Binbrook Parish Church

SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER

What better way to start the Christmas Festivities? A lovely atmosphere was enjoyed by all who attended. The usual mince pies and wine were available afterwards. Thank you to all those who came along and helped make it an extra special evening.

If you missed out this year, do come along in 2017, to get into the Christmas spirit and start the Festivities early!

I would walk 1000 miles.

W.Bro Michael Stocker pledged, in the presence of Rt W Bro Trevor Walker, that he would walk a cumulative 1000 miles between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017, to raise funds for the 2018 Festival.

You can download a sponsorship form HERE.

December Draw

The December Draw was made at The Earl of Scarborough Lodge on Wednesday 14th.

The winners were £300 W. Bro. Richard Kent, £200 W. Bro. Peter Hooper, £100 W. Bro. John Figge, £60 W. Bro. G. Simmons, and 2 x £60 Bro. D. Densham.

The photograph shows W. Bro. Mike Robinson presenting W. Bro. Roderick Williams, Master of The Earl of Scarborough with a cheque for £3,460 which has been forwarded to the Festival making a total, so far, of £30,832 from the Draw.

If you are not already in it there is an application form on this site, just download it an join!

Worshipful Master of St Wulfram’s Lodge MMM No 916, Bro Simon Butler claimed the travelling gavel from St Botolph’s Lodge MMM No 946.

W. Bro. Bryan Skinner is seen handing over the traveling gavel into the safe custody of W. Bro. Simon Butler.

The gavel was hard fought with four Lodges attempting to claim it. St Wulfram’s narrowly edging out Nene Lodge.

A packed Lodge enjoyed an excellent and interesting presentation by W. Bro. Derek Bontoft entitled “Mark my Words”

THE TRAVELLING SCEPTRE

The Sceptre was successfully claimed by the Haven Lodge from St Mary at Louth last night. Haven next meet on Thursday next week the 1st December at Cleethorpes.

I know fish n chips will be on the menu so try and come along to support an attempt to claim the Sceptre.

Bookings through Dave Robson Scribe - dave.robson@hotmail.com

The Travelling Gavel being presented to W.Bro. Bryan Skinner, the WM of St Botolphs Lodge of MMM No 946 by the WM of St Wilfrids Lodge No 209.

Nine members of the St. Botolphs Lodge travelled from Boston to Alford to claim the Gavel and enjoyed a very special double advancement ceremony in the presence of the Rt. W. Provincial Grand Master.

St Botolphs next meeting which is on Tuesday 29th November. Get your members together and go and claim the gavel for your lodge!

OCTOBER 2016

Half Marathon Cross Country Challenge

W.Bro Geoff Burgoin ran the Spires & Steeples 1/2 marathon cross country challenge from Metheringham to Sleaford on Sunday 16th October to raise money for Hope for tomorrow 2018 festival.

He thanks all those who have sponsored him so far, but looks forward to hopefully receiving some more from those he hasn't seen yet.

SEPTEMBER 2016

THE HENEAGE LODGE OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS No 188 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

On Friday 30th September, the Worshipful Commander Worshipful Brother Paul Ellis opened a Special meeting at Cleethorpes to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Heneage Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. It was indeed a special meeting in that in attendance, not only was the Provincial Grand Master, Rt Worshipful Bro The Reverend Trevor John Walker, and the entire Provincial team but the occasion was graced with the presence of the Assistant Grand Master, Rt Worshipful Bro John Prizeman and the Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro John Vause.

It was a packed house as when the Lodge was called off, the Ladies were admitted to listen to Rt Worshipful Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith give a most interesting history of the Lodge since its consecration.

The consecration of the Lodge took place on 28th September 1916 at the Grimsby Masonic Hall in Osbourne Street, Grimsby. It was named after the Provincial Grand Master, the Hon George E Heneage, who strangely, was not a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Fraternity, so could not conduct the Consecration ceremony himself and it was performed by the Grand Mark Treasurer, V W Bro J F Cleeves. Bro Frank Barrett was installed as the first Worshipful Commander. In order to regularise matters with the PGM, an emergency meeting was held on the 4th December when the Hon George Heneage was elevated in the presence of many distinguished visitors.

Rt W Bro Gordon Smith recalled that at that time in 1916, the country was half way through the Great War and the Battle of the Somme had begun on the 1st July and did not end until November. During those months hundreds of young men from the Grimsby area, known as “the chums” had been killed. He reflected that it must have been a depressing and sad town at that time and on that particular day, the government proposed that there would be one meatless day to cut food price rises.
Colonel George Heneage, as he was then, had been installed as Provincial Grand Master of the Mark degree in 1905 and was so until 1954, a period of 49 years. He became Lord Heneage in 1922 and succeeded Lord Yarborough as Provincial Grand Master of the Craft in 1936 until his death in 1954. He had also been Provincial Prior of Lincolnshire from 1910 until 1954.

In 1937, V W Bro Frank Barrett presented to the Lodge a brass tablet for the Roll of Past Commanders. This was beautifully executed by local craftsmen and is a highly prized ornament of the Lodge today. Interestingly, the first Past Commanders jewel was presented to V W Bro Frank Barrett in 1916/17, which for some unexplained reason became lost, but surprisingly was found in a second hand shop in Hull by a brother who recognised its worth and he organised its return to the Lodge and is being worn today by W Bro Philip Spicksley who is the current IPC. The jewel is gold and the Lodge have permission to use the jewel this way as Gold jewels are normally only worn by Grand Officers.

Rt W Bro Gordon Smith concluded, “tonight we recognise 100 years of history, being the third senior RAM Lodge in the Province, the Lodge is enjoying “good times” and as the Psalmist has written – This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

The Assistant Grand Master, Rt W Bro John Prizeman presented the Centenary Warrant and addressed the brethren and ladies, after which The Provincial Grand Master, Rt W Bro Trevor Walker, dedicated a new Lodge Tracing Board.

A magnificent festive board was enjoyed by all.

AUGUST 2016

The Province of Berkshire 2017 MBF Festival lapel badges

The Province of Berkshire is hosting the 2017 MBF Festival and lapel badges are available at a cost of £10 each to support their festival. If you would like one please contact one of the following who will arrange delivery to you:

Steve Hallberg - stephen.hallberg@btconnect.com
Mick Stocker - mick.stocker@yahoo.co.uk
Dave Wheeler - davewheels@tiscali.co.uk

From July 2017 the Lincolnshire Provincial lapel badges will be available so 'watch this space'!

Lincoln Mark Masons were joined by Brethren from around the Province, their family, friends and local people at the first Summer Fair held to support the MBF 2018 Festival at the Lincoln Masonic Centre on Saturday 6th August 2016.

Thanks to many generous donations there were some very successful activities including bric a brac, cake and craft stalls together with a tombola, raffle, shoe-shine, games and refreshments that ensured a very happy and sociable occasion. The event raised £1228 for the MBF Festival which was a tremendous effort from all involved.

Pictured is W.Bro. Mike Clay of Remigius MMM Lodge no. 117 with the first prize in the raffle, a gallon of Bells whisky, very generously donated by Gerard Buckle of Spurn and Humber MMM Lodge 1199. Mike, who collects bottles of whisky was both delighted and surprised to receive his prize.

JULY 2016

Are you and your family coming to SUMMER FAIR on Saturday 6th August? Something for all ages.

It was a great success last year and, with your support, we hope it will be again this year.

All proceeds will be going to the MBF Festival 2018.

Prize Draw Presentation

W Bro Mike Robinson presenting prize draw cheque £3.444 to W Bro Les Darby for the 2018 Festival.

Interesting Talk about the Childrens' Fund of Sri Lanka

W Bro Les Darby presenting a cheque £220 to W bBro John Speed which was collected at the festive board for the children's fund of Sri Lanka supported by Freemasons of Lincolnshire as a thank you for a very interesting talk by W Bro Speed about the visits he has made to Sri Lanka and how the money is distributed.

Elaine's Second Birthday

The 7th Mobile Chemotherapy Unit 'Elaine', which was named in memory of the wife of Phil Anyan, has now celebrated her second birthday.

The Mobile Chemotherapy Unit is now fully staffed and in use. It is currently working in Lincoln and Grantham. This autumn, the unit will be working in two further locations, in Skegness and Louth.

JUNE 2016

Pictures after the Grand Investitute meeting at Great Queen's Street on Tuesday 7th June.

Congratulations to W.Bro Dennis Berry on his appointment as Assistant Grand Inner Guard.

Below: W Brothers, David Gentle, Ron Harrison PGJD, having received their new appointments enjoy their meal at the Connaught rooms. Accompanied by ! W Bros, Malcolm Forrest, Arthur Baxter, Dom Limkin, Les Darby, Garry King, Jack Geelhoed, John Winter, and Ian Gilliat. All supporting our Provincial Grand Master.

MAY 2016

MODEL RAILWAY OPEN DAY for MBF 2018 FESTIVAL

Once again, and by kind invitation of W. Brother Richard Woods, an open day was held to view Richard's model railway at Gainsborough in aid of the 2018 Festival.

As you can see from the photos, a good number of people turned out to enjoy the three model railway layouts and also to be treated to tea and a wonderful selection of delicious cakes baked by Joy. It was a delightful afternoon, both watching the trains and relaxing in the garden, and a great way to raise funds for the Festival.

Grateful thanks go to Richard and Joy Woods, and their many helpers, for all of their hard work in putting together such an enjoyable event.

Hope for Tomorrow

Around The Mark Masonic County

Derek Perkins has now finalised the dates for his ride to every Masonic Centre, which has a Mark Lodge meeting there, on a 1929 AJS motorcycle.

SATURDAY 18^th JUNE 2016

Southern half of the Province

Commencing at Deeping St. James at 0900 and finishing at Grantham via Spalding – Long Sutton – Boston – Skegness – Alford – Spilsby – Sleaford and Grantham.

SUNDAY 19^th JUNE 2016

Northern half of the Province

Commencing at Lincoln at 0900 and finishing at The Fun Day at Market Rasen via Gainsborough – Crowle – Scunthorpe – Barton on Humber – Grimsby – Cleethorpes – Louth and Market Rasen.

Derek would be pleased to have the company of other Masonic Motorcyclists, Ancient or Modern ( Bikes not the Bikers!!).

Derek can be contacted on 01778423610.

dandm.perkins@mod-comp.co.uk

Lodge Champions will have sponsor forms

Grand Rank Appointments for 2016

This year’s appointments are as follows:

Active Ranks ( First Appointment)

W Bro Dennis Berry- Grand Assistant Inner Guard

W Bro Phil Anyan -Grand Steward

Past Rank Promotions

W Bro Tony Greswell- Past Grand Senior Deacon

W Bro Ron Harrison -Past Grand Junior Deacon

W Bro Bob Paterson -Past Grand Junior Deacon

W Bro John Winter- Past Grand Junior Deacon

First Appointments- to Past Grand Rank

W Bro Geoff Burgoin -Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies

W Bro David Gentle -Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer

If you wish to attend the Investiture meeting on 7th June to support our brethren, W. Bro. Ray Wade may have some spare places on the coach - his email contact is ray@wade01.fslife.co.uk

Meeting of Mark and RAM Lodge DC’s and ADC’s on Saturday 16^th July 2016

At

Lincoln Masonic Centre, Nettleham Road, Lincoln, LN2 1RR.

Brethren

It is some time since we had a meeting of lodge DC’s and a number of issues have been raised recently which have needed clarification.

It was felt therefore that a meeting would be beneficial to all concerned for which purpose the Deputy PrDC and I will be holding the above meeting in the hope that we can all go into the new season with confidence in the knowledge that we all know how things should be done.

The plan is to start about 10.am and hopefully conclude around Noon depending on the number of questions raised in conclusion.

Please let us know if you plan to attend in order that we can arrange seating and refreshments.

Please make every effort to join us.

Yours fraternally

Nev Storey

The Travelling Sceptre is currently residing at St Wilfrid's Lodge RAM No. 209

During an enjoyable evening at the St Mary Lodge RAM No 326 Installation evening the Travelling Sceptre was claimed by St Wilfrid’s Lodge RAM No 209.

St Wilfrid’s Lodge next meet on TUESDAY 17th MAY at 6.30pm in ALFORD.

This is 3 days before the RAM Assembly on 20th and of course the custodians of the Sceptre will have their Commander present it to the PGM on Friday 20th.

There is therefore an incentive for someone to grab it before the meeting of the Provincial Assembly .

The St Wilfrid’s Scribe is our own Provincial Registrar Dave Robson and I’m sure he would welcome multiple visitors- his contact dave.robson32@talktalk.net

Good hunting!!!!

APRIL 2016

The Mark Festival Newsletter is now on the Festival 2018 page. Please click HERE

St Wilfrid's Lodge Mark Master Tony Marsden accepting the travelling gavel after it had been claimed from John O'Gaunt Lodge, Gainsborough on Monday 18th April 2016.

On Monday 18th April, ten members of the St Wilfrid's Lodge at Alford travelled to Gainsborough and claimed the gavel. They clocked up 490 man/miles.

It may be claimed from St Wilfrid’s on Monday 24th October 2016.

Second were St Swithun’s (Crowle) with 3 members( 66 man/miles).

The Charity Collection envelopes for the 2018 Festival are being used in the majority of Mark and RAM Lodges and the Festival total is slowly rising as a result, especially with the addition of Gift Aid tax relief. Our Provincial Charity Steward, W. Bro John Clements, would appreciate the Lodge Secretaries, Charity Stewards and brethren being reminded of filling in the Gift Aid form fully otherwise they may not be credited with the donation which counts toward their honorifics. It would also be helpful if all sponsorship forms were fully completed with the name and address of the sponsor or that the sponsor form is accompanied by a completed Gift Aid slip completed by each donor for the same reason.

MARCH 2016

Brethren,

Following the discussion and agreement at the last Festival Committee meeting, I have now come to an arrangement with HSBC that they will accept cheques made out either to “Lincolnshire Festival 2018” OR “The Provincial G.L. of M.M.M. – 2018 Festival Cttee”.

I hope this will assist in simplifying both the writing of cheques and banking them.

S & F,

Mick Stocker

Another Successful Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Rev. Trevor John Walker and members of Provincial Mark Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire were pleased to receive the Assistant Grand Master R.W.Bro. Raymond John Smith and many distinguisehed guest at our Provincial Grand Lodge on Saturday 12th March 2016 at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground.

After greeting our distinguished guests, Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker was pleased to appoint and invest his active team for the coming year and other Past Rank appointments and promotions.

The Provincial Grand Master then gave the following address to the assembled brethren:

It is a very great pleasure for me to welcome you all brethren to this 142nd. Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Lincolnshire. Thank you for your support and I hope you will discover friendships renewed, new friendships made and great enjoyment from your Provincial Grand Lodge meeting.

I have already welcomed our distinguished guests and heads of other orders but brethren I am sure you would join with me in emphasising just how delighted we are to welcome our Assistant Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother Raymond John Smith. Sir, on behalf of the Province of Lincolnshire we thank you for taking time out from your very busy schedule to come to Lincoln. We hope you will enjoy your visit and return home with many happy memories of your time amongst us.

On Tuesday 7th. June there will be a very special meeting of Grand Lodge. The Most Worshipful Grand Master will be installing new Deputy and Assistant Grand Masters in addition to investing recipients of Grand Rank. Brethren I am sure you all join with me in congratulating our Assistant Grand Master R. Wor. Bro. Raymond John Smith on his promotion to Deputy Grand Master. We really are honoured today brethren for the Assistant Grand Master elect R. Wor. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman is also with us. We offer you our sincerest congratulations and wish you both many happy years in these offices.

W. Bro. Ray Wade will again arrange the coach trip to Grand Lodge. You will need to book early brethren as this Grand Lodge Meeting will be very heavily subscribed. There will of course be the traditional celebratory dinner at Baldock for those travelling on the coach. If you have never attended Grand Lodge, then I do urge you to do so. It is always a most splendid occasion and you will be supporting your brethren from Lincolnshire being honoured with Grand Rank. The meeting is open to all Mark Master Masons and you can either travel on the coach and dine at Baldock or join me and other brethren at the Connaught Rooms. Whichever you choose you will be guaranteed a most enjoyable day.

The Provincial Grand Secretary being a model of efficiency contacted me shortly after last year's Provincial meeting to say we had a problem looming for 2016. Our scheduled meeting date would conflict with Easter weekend – we would have to change it. I did tell him I ‘d be working at Easter anyway but was reminded that other people enjoy holidays at Easter so a change of date had to be arranged. I do apologise for the fact we have clashed with the Province of North and East Yorkshire meeting this morning at York. We shall be back to our usual date next year and meet on the fourth Saturday in March – 25th. Please put the date in your diaries and I do hope we shall see all our guests with us again next year.

This is our second meeting to take place at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground as a consequence of the Bishop Grosseteste University being unable to accommodate us. We have been victims of our own success as our attendances and dining numbers have increased to a level the university was unable to handle. I am delighted we are at the Showground again hoping this meeting will be as successful as last year and meet with your approval I hope for many years to come.

It has been a busy year in the Mark Degree. Last June the Grand Master honoured W. Bro. Tony Austin and W. Bro. Keith Robinson who were promoted to P. G. Jun. Deacon, W. Bro. Mike Robinson received a first appointment as P.A.G.D.C., W. Bro. Steve Roberts P.A.G.Swd.B., and W. Bro. Ian Castledine P.G.Std.B. W. Bro. Les Darby was appointed to the active rank of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. All these brethren continue to work very hard for the Mark Degree and we congratulate them on the recognition afforded by those appointments which were so well deserved.

I now take this opportunity to thank brethren who have accompanied me to the other meetings of Grand Lodge. They have all been happy enjoyable occasions. As well as your company at Grand Lodge I am very grateful to those have travelled with me to other Provinces for their Annual Meetings. We all enjoy these visits and you would wish me to say to our visitors from those Provinces how much we appreciate the most generous hospitality extended to us and hope your visit to Lincoln will be equally enjoyed by yourselves.

Last year the Provincial Team made five official visits in the Province. Without exception these were delightful occasions. I am especially pleased by the support of the provincial officers - virtually 100% attendance at each visit. Thank you brethren, as I confess it does make me feel proud to be led into a lodge by such a long column of officers. It is also impressive for the brethren of the host lodge to see their lodge being honoured by so many Provincial Officers. Without exception the lodges we visit have given us a wonderful welcome and very happy evenings have been enjoyed by all present. I also thank you for the warm welcome extended to me and my Directors of Ceremonies when I personally attend your lodges. The puddings continue to please as well!

Such visits are an opportunity for new friendships to be made by the Provincial Officers of the year. I hope these new friendships might be continued by joining the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers’ Lodge. I have a feeling the secretary will supply application forms for any Provincial Officers who are not yet members! The lodge only meets twice a year (where have you heard that before?) but the installation meeting is very much a social occasion when wives and partners join us for the festive board. I hope all Provincial Officers will seriously consider joining.

Our meeting today is primarily for the appointment, promotion and investiture of the Provincial Grand Officers. I do congratulate all those I have just appointed, promoted and invested and thank you for all your efforts in the Mark that has earned you this honour. I am sure I do not need to remind you that it is also an encouragement for further service in the Degree and to your lodges. That goes without saying - doesn't it brethren? But I have said it!

I now wish to record the tremendous work done by the Provincial Wardens . W. Bro. Barry Humphrey and W. Bro. David Wheeler have visited all the lodges in the Province travelling from one end of Lincolnshire to the other – and that can be a long way! I know they have enjoyed their year in office and I am sure W. Bro. Trevor Knight and W. Bro. Mick Stocker will have an equally successful and enjoyable time as Provincial Wardens this year. I am sure you will welcome and look after them when they visit your lodges.

The Grand Officers in the Province represent me at Installation meetings and also act as liaison officers to the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. I am very grateful to them for fulfilling these duties and for the reports they compile. These reports help to identify brethren for promotion and also enable assistance to be given to any lodge where required. Sometimes it is thought that receiving Grand Rank means you get a nice apron and sit at the top table and do nothing else. Not in this province brethren. The Grand Officers work very hard and I am pleased to place on record my thanks and that of the province to them.

It is now 846 days until we celebrate the 2018 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival here at Lincoln. It is a very special festival for it is the 150th. and we are very honoured to be the host province on this historical occasion. I know the festival is very much in all your minds and you are doing so much to support the Festival Fund. The number of events happening is truly staggering ranging from sponsored leg waxings - ouch! sponsored rides and walks, sponsored slims, and many others besides. There was the dinner dance held last September, race nights, Last Night of the Proms, model railway exhibition, organ concerts and others too numerous to mention.

All these events add to the generous donations you are making through collections, supporting the Mark Draw, and your regular giving to the Mark Benevolent Fund. I am confident we shall raise a splendid total for the Festival but please do not let the momentum slow. There are only 846 days to go! I do thank you for working so hard to make the Festival a success and I also pay tribute to the members of the Festival Committee, the Lodge Festival Champions, and Charity Stewards.
This year has seen many Lincolnshire brethren receive Mark Benevolent Fund Honorifics. These honorifics are permanent jewels and will continue to be worn in your Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges for as long as you are Mark Master Masons. They are not Festival Jewels but are a recognition of your generosity and an advert for the Mark Benevolent Fund that will hopefully encourage others to give their financial support. I now ask the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to bring W. Bro. Ian McFeeters forward. I now present this Grand Patrons Jewel.

We know in Lincolnshire that the Mark Benevolent Fund is supporting the Hope for Tomorrow Charity in providing Mobile Chemotherapy Units and have, ‘Elaine’, our Lincolnshire Unit, already in use. The Mark Benevolent Fund does much more than support Hope for Tomorrow. Some £100,000 has been given to assist in those parts of the country affected by the recent flooding, money was donated to assist with the devastation in Vanuatu, and the fund continues to support needy brethren and their families. Your donations are put to very careful, good use and help many hundreds of people here and abroad. Thank you for your support of the MBF.

In Lincolnshire we have a very happy relationship between the Craft and the Mark. You have already seen that expressed by the very generous donation to the 2018 Festival from the Provincial Grand Master for the Craft Rt. Wor. Bro. Graham Ives. Bro. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies please escort V. Wor. Bro. Ives to me. Graham, I thank you for the donation you presented but noticed you did not appear to be properly dressed. Your very busy schedule precludes you from attending as many lodge meetings as you might wish. I am very aware you support the Royal Ark Mariner Degree as much as you can so I now have the very greatest pleasure in conferring on you Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank and investing you with the collarette of that rank. You now look properly dressed! You’ve also saved the fee of honour!

The Registrar’s report shows an increase in subscribing members for 2015 over 2014. That is very gratifying but we must constantly look to the new Master Masons in our Craft Lodges to identify those who would make good Mark Master Masons. Perhaps you could hand them a copy of the leaflet produce by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master that explains the degree? Please remember it is from the Craft we find our members and it is therefore so important for us to get the right men into our Craft lodges. I urge you all to be active in your Craft lodges and do all you can to make them successful growing lodges.

Meetings such as this require much work. The brethren of the Haven Lodge No. 1732 and the brethren of the Lincoln Lodges have undertaken the local arrangements by preparing the lodge room, transporting furniture and all the preparations of these last few days. I thank W. Bro. Malcolm Forrest our Provincial Organist, not just for the wonderful music, but also for getting the organ here. He’s a wandering Minstrel! The Provincial Stewards and Directors of Ceremonies with their team have provided flawless choreography, and the Provincial Grand Secretary and his team have seen to their usual highly efficient arrangements. W. Bro. Craig Maurier the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary has organised printing and we especially thank him for all his efforts whilst not being in the best of health and wish him a speedy recovery.

It is a wonderful privilege to serve as your Provincial Grand Master and I have enjoyed many happy hours visiting your lodges and representing the Province of Lincolnshire around the country. Happy hours brethren, for that is what being a Freemason and especially a Mark Mason is for. We are a happy Degree and I wish you - many, many happy hours in your lodges and in the year ahead. The words from the second degree remind us what it is all about, “Happy have we met, happy have we been, happy may we part,” and especially, “Happy meet again”.

May the Great Overseer be with you all in a happy Mark Masonic Year to come.

After the meeting, brethren who were able to stay for the meal were treated to an excellent meal with convivial company. If you were not able to come this year, make sure your reserve the date in your diary for next year, when our next Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will be held on Saturday 25th March 2017.

The newly appointed and invested Senior Warden, W.Bro. Trevor Knight proposes his toast the Rt.W. Provincial Grand Master

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture

Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 7 June 2016

The annual coach trip has been organized for the Grand Mark Annual Investiture on the above date. Each year the Province is well represented at this meeting to support those being promoted or receiving their first appointments.

All Mark Master Masons may attend, and those who have never been to Grand Lodge are particularly encouraged to attend this splendid occasion.

A full itinerary is below together with costs.

Travel Details

Outward:

07.15hrs Depart Eastgate Car Park, Sleaford, (behind The Mallards, NG34 7DJ)

08.00hrs Arrive Asda Supermarket, Union St., Grantham, NG31 6NZ

08.45hrs Arrive Premier Inn, Norman Cross, Peterborough, PE7 3TB

09.30hrs Arrive ‘The Templars Hotel and Carvery’, Baldock, for ‘Bacon butties’

10.15hrs Coach leaves for London

12.00hrs Arrive Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

Return:

16.00hrs Leave Freemasons’ Hall

17.30hrs Arrive ‘The Templars Hotel and Carvery’, Baldock, for evening meal

19.45hrs Leave Baldock

20.45hrs Arrive Norman Cross

21.30hrs Arrive Grantham

22.00hrs Arrive Sleaford

Costs:

The cost depends on numbers travelling on the coach; with a full coach this would be £49;this includes travel,bacon buttie on outward journey and 3 courses evening meal on the return journey but excluding drinks. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master will preside at the Festive Board.

Please contact W. Bro. R. Wade, PAGDC, RAMGR, if you wish to attend or for further information.

Copies of booking forms are available via e-mail (see address below) or on the Provincial web site:

R. Wade, Esq.

15 Westwood,

Broughton,

N. Lincs.,

DN20 0AU

Tel. No.: 01652 652592; e-mail: ray@wade01.fslife.co.uk

Click HERE if you would like to download this form.

Provincial Grand Lodge MMM Lincolnshire 2016

By now, you should have received your summons to the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting for 2016. Because of the clash with Easter weekend in 2016 the date has been moved forwards to SATURDAY 12th MARCH 2016 at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground,Lincoln.

W BRO DR. J.M.B. CARR PGSD RECEIVES 50 YEAR CERTIFICATE

W Bro Mike Carr is seen receiving his 50 year certificate from the Provincial Grand Master R W Bro Rev Trevor Walker at St Matthew Lodge MMM 1239 on Tuesday 9th February. Looking on is the Worshipful Master W Bro Andrew Dollery. The Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to Mike’s long and distinguished career in both the Mark and other Orders both in Lincolnshire and the North & East Ridings of Yorkshire.
A good night was had by all and Mike was able to attend the Festive Board in his honour and then treated all present to a glass of wine!

W. Bro A V Judge Receives 50 year Certificate

W.Bro Tony Judge received his 50 year Certificate from W.Bro John Hockin in recognition of his membership of Mark Masonry at a meeting of Remigius Lodge 117. Tony was Advanced into Remigius Lodge 20^th December 1965 and finally became Master in 2003, and is currently PPrGSD within the Province.

Tony has also now achieved 60years in Freemasonry being Initiated into Ashlar Lodge5219 26^th January 1956 when they met at the Masonic Rooms in Mint Street Lincoln, before the move to the Assembly Rooms in the early 1960’s.

The New Provincial Mark and RAM ties are now available!

I know that many brethen will be excited to know that the new Provincial Mark and RAM ties are available to buy for only £15. The profits will go towards the MBF 2018 Festival.

The ties are available from W.Bro's Mike Robinson, David Wheeler, Stephen Roberts and Craig Maurier.

If your lodge would like to get a group order together, please do so through your lodge secretary.

£75,000 pledged to help Provinces

Mark Benevolent Fund – It seems that not a week goes by without reports of severe storms and flooding somewhere in the world. The United Kingdom has certainly had its fair share this winter and most recently the Mark Provinces of East Lancashire, North & East Yorkshire and West Yorkshire have taken a hit.

The Trustees of the Mark Benevolent Fund have once again stepped up to the plate and pledged £25,000 for each of the Provinces to use to help those in distress. The funds will be used to help individuals and larger community projects – wherever there is a need.

We hope this will go some way to help alleviate the stresses and strains of those who have been affected.

WBro Geoff Burgoin after finishing Santa Run in Burghley Park. A big Thank You to all those who sponsored me for the festival.

Sunday 20th December

PGM Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker hosted his annual

Christmas Service at

Binbrook Parish Church

SUNDAY 20th DECEMBER

at 6pm

It was a nice way to start the Christmas Festivities and a lovely atmosphere was enjoyed by all who attended. The usual mince pies and wine were avaialable afterwards. A nearly full church made it an extra special evening.

If you missed out this year, do come along in 2016, and get into the Christmas spirit and start the Festivities early!

Royal Ark Mariners Grand Assembly

Some of the Lincolnshire lads enjoying themselves at the festive board in the Connaught Rooms after the meeting where W Bros Jack Geelhoed, Reg Brittan, David Southwood & Peter Hooper received RAMGR. Our congratulations to them all.

125th anniversary of the Lodge coupled with the presentation of a 50th year certificate

On Thursday the 26th November at Sleaford, the Nene Lodge MMM met for what was designated a regular meeting but was actually a very special night.

55 brethren gathered to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Lodge coupled with the presentation of a 50th year certificate to W Bro John Rodgers PGSD.

Left: DPGM and W Bro John Rodgers, PGSD, with his 50th year certificate which was presented by the DPGM at the meeting

Add to that the advancement of Bro Dan Stansfield and a visit by the Provincial team and it was undoubtedly, a night to remember for all.

Right: V W Bro John Boad (DPGM) / Bro Dan Stansfield (candidate) / W Bro Alan Mawer (WM)

The DPGM was kept busy throughout the evening by presenting a 50th year certificate to W Bro Rodgers and also a certificate of advancement to Bro Roly Freeman.

Left: DPGM receiving a commemorative mug & a cheque for £1000 for the 2018 festival from the WM

The festive board proved to be just as enjoyable and in addition to each brother receiving a commemorative mug, W Bro Alan Mawer, the WM of the Lodge presented a charity cheque for £1000 to the DPGM for the 2018 Festival.

DPGM addressing the brethren at the festive board

Anexcellent meeting, a good festive board and superb company - quite simply Mark Masonry at it's best.

SUCCESSFUL SWINGTIME EVENT AT SLEAFORD

On Saturday 26th September over 100 Mark Masons, their families and friends attended the Swing Time event held at St. George's Academy, Sleaford.

The evening had been organised by Malcolm Forrest and Mike Lock and featured the 'Miller Magic' of the Sleaford Town Band. Many of the guests had g

An excellent two-course buffet was provided and also a cocktail bar serving a wide range of exotic cocktails! The band played two long sessions and were excellent throughout the evening with many people dancing the night away.

During the interval, Malcolm Forrest kept everyone entertained with his skills on the Wurlitzer organ which, as always, was very well received.ot in to the spirit of the '1940's' theme and dressed up in a variety of styles ranging from military uniforms to de-mob suits and this added to the atmosphere of the evening.

The final sums have not yet been completed but it is hoped that the evening, as well as being great fun, will have made a substantial contribution to the 2018 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival.

Peter Dolby Completes Indoor Rowing Challenge

The Indoor Rowing Challenge took place at The Masonic Hall Deeping StJames on Saturday 17th October, the 113 Kilometres, representing the distance between Lincolnshire's Southernmost and Northernmost Masonic Centres, and 13 kilometres further than Indoor Rowings ultramarathon. It was completed in a time of 10hours and 38minutes, A total of 59mins and 6secs were taken for fluid and comfort breaks, the actual rowing time was 9hours 38minutes 54 seconds. And for the the sad ones amongst us that's an average split of 2:33.6 per 500m.

Peter said, "Now the important bit, thanks to all who have sponsored and donated, including the online donations via MyDonate and a few people who were out shopping on the day and called in to see what was going on as well as have tea and a cake, the money raised for the Mark Benevolent fund so far is approaching £500 without the gift aid applied.

This is wonderful and I thank all who have helped.

The photo abovew shows me looking unbelievably at the machines display, I am sure that I was working harder than it said".

HOPE FOR TOMORROW VEHICLE IN LINCOLN

Hope for Tomorrow, the charity being supported by the Masonic Benevolent Fund, brought the Lincolnshire Mobile Chemotherapy Unit, into City Square, Lincoln on Tuesday 13th October as part of their 'Chemotherapy in the Community' week.

Dave Wheeler, the chair of the 2018 Festival Committee was invited to attend by the charity. Community Fundraiser, Clemmie Rubenstein is pictured at the front of the Lincolnshire MCU, 'Elaine', with W. Brother Phil Anyan. The MCU is named in honour of Elaine who, very sadly, lost her battle with cancer. Phil is also pictured near to the entrance of the MCU with one of the patients currently receiving treatment on the MCU. The personal testimonials from patients who have received treatment in the MCU were truly heartwarming and they all followed a similar theme in that they had had horrendous journeys to receive chemotherapy at hospital oncology units before the MCU was available.

They now can have this treatment very locally which helps them tremendously in their treatment and well-being. One patient said that travelling to Lincoln for treatment had not only taken most of the day but the journey home, feeling very ill, had been most difficult. They now receive their treatment at the MCU when it is at Grantham which is a five-minute walk from their home or, in their case, a one-minute cycle ride. In the future, the MCU will travel to Louth, Skegness, Lincoln, Boston and Grantham to continue with this tremendous work.

HAVEN LODGE MMM presents cheque to R W Bro Trevor Walker

Bro Gareth Cookson was the latest brother to be advanced into the Haven Lodge MMM on Friday 2nd October, in a ceremony that he is likely to remember for some to to come.

Everyone in attendance witnessed an excellent cermony and after the meeting, W.Bro Boulton, Master of the Haven Lodge MMM was pleased to present a cheque for £1000 for the MBF Festival 2018, to the Right Worshipful Provinical Grand Master.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION

W.Bro. Phil Anyan presenting W.Bro. J. B. Bennett, master of ALEXANDRA Lodge with a cheque for £2,928.00 for the Festival making a total donated to date to £13,720.00. In the background W.Bro. D. S. Bontoft, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The winners of the Draw were £300.00 Bro. Shaun Dickson of Alexandra Lodge, £200.00 W. Bro. Mike Robinson of St. Swithun's Lodge, and £100.00 W. Bro. Leslie Hamp of Nene Lodge.

L. to Rt. W. Bro Tim Bird Ass. Prov. D. C., W. Bro. Mike Robinson, Bro. Shaun Dickson, W. Bro Bennett, W. Bro. Derek Bontoft.

BRO. FRANK & JULIA POWELL’S MBF BARBEQUE 23 AUGUST 2015

On the 23 August 2015 Bro. Frank & Julia Powell from the John ‘O Gaunt Lodge, Gainsborough invited brethren to attend their MBF Sunday Family Barbeque at their house The Old Schoolhouse in Lea, Gainsborough.

Frank & Julia were joined by 39 guests which included brethren and their ladies/partners from numerous lodges, including John O’ Gaunt, St. Swithuns, St. Oswald’s, Yarborough and other lodges, plus family friends.

Frank & Julia were supported by their two daughters Dawn and Karen and son-in-law Trevor and their two grandchildren Chloe and Jessica without whose help the day would not have been such a success.

A full buffet menu was provided which included barbequed Roast Beef and Pork with roast potatoes and a selection of vegetables. For the vegetarians fresh salmon with a choice of various salads was available.

The main course was followed by a selection of puddings including sherry trifle, summer pudding, strawberry cheesecake, black forest gateau and Eton mess. The final course was a selection of cheeses and biscuits.

Much festive spirit was consumed and most of the brethren and guests completed their meal with tea or coffee.

To complete the day a raffle was held with 21 prizes donated by various brethren.

It is understood that all brethren and guests had a thoroughly good afternoon with all enjoying themselves. Brethren and guests were also extremely generous and a total of £350.00 was raised for the MBF and which included proceeds from the raffle.

Finally, Frank & Julia would like to thank all Brethren for their support, encouragement and generosity in making the afternoon such a success.

Watch this space for the next John ‘O Gaunt Lodge MBF event!!

WM, W Bro Mike Denny, of St Swithun's Lodge MMM 445 Crowle, at their last meeting presenting the Travelling Gavel to WM, W Bro Barry Cooper, of John O'Gaunt Lodge MMM172.

It now resides at the John O'Gaunt Lodge MM 172 and our next meeting is September 21st 2015

We welcome any Lodge wishing to attend and stake a claim !

Successful Railway Day

On Sunday 2nd August 2015 around forty people visited Richard and Joy Woods home in Gainsborough where Richard had opened up his three model railway displays to raise money for the 2018 MBF Festival.

As well as the superb model railway display Richard's wife Joy and his daughter Jane had prepared a wonderful assortment of cakes, served with tea and coffee, which were enjoyed by all who went along. It was a beautiful day so, after spending time looking at the display it was very pleasant to sit in the sunshine in a lovely garden and chat to friends.

A huge 'thank you' goes to Richard, Joy and Jane for all their hard work to make it such a successful event that raised £237 for the 2018 Festival

Tea and cakes in the sunshine Richard with his wife Joy and daughter Jane

Richard Woods and Keith Robinson all smiles as the MAMOD steam engine whizzes past!

Joint Coffee Morning

Remigius MMM 117 and White Stone MMM 1203 Lodges in Lincoln ran a joint coffee morning on Saturday 18th July for the 2018 Festival at the Nightingale, Lincoln. The event was very successful and well-attended and a happy time was had by all.

A combination of a cake stall, raffle, tombola and a shoe-shine stall raised just over £400 for the Festival. Pictured are people enjoying their day and W. Brother Richard Kent working hard to apply a 'military-style' shoe shine to a pair of Lodge shoes!

St Oswalds MMM No 387 Sponsored Bike Ride – Sunday 19th July 2015

When I announced a possible sponsored bicycle rise around the Masonic Centre’s in the North of the county which had a Mark lodge attached, it seemed like a good idea! I had already roughly checked the mileage as around 74 miles, which was significantly more than I had cycled in a day before, but with the support of a number of other brethren and my brother, the plan was set!

Training rides were undertaken, bikes polished and oiled, and the weather was keenly watched over for the previous week and looked ideal for the day of the ride – slightly overcast, warm with little wind. All looked well set!
On the day of the ride however, the weather had decided to change – with rain forecast for the morning, and winds increasing throughout the day, but undeterred, we arrived at the Scunthorpe Masonic Hall in plenty of time for the 08:30 start time.

The six cyclists were myself, my Brother Rob, W Bro Alan Armiger, W Bro Dave Metcalf, Bro Dave Dowell and Bro Barrie Graham, ably assisted by support car driver Bro Fred Coles. We were waved off by Bro Steve Spavin.

Scunthorpe Start

Our first destination was Barton Masonic Hall, 14 miles away, via Dawes Lane, Ermine Street, Horkstow Bridge, Horkstow Hill and down into Barton.

Horkstow Bridge

This part of the journey was relatively uneventful, albeit wet, having a slight back wind for quite a lot of the journey and apart from most of us walking up Horkstow Hill, we were soon at Barton where we were met by Bro Trev Mason.
Pic 3 – Barton Masonic Hall
From here we retraced our steps, back to Horkstow Hill, and down through Saxby All Saints, Bonby, Worlaby to Elsham.

Elsham

Proceeding onwards, we rode through a huge downpour towards Wrawby before stopping for a well deserved coffee break in Brigg, where the sun began at last to shine! 29 miles were now completed!

Coffee in Brigg

Feeling somewhat refreshed, we cycled on through Brigg, to Scawby Brook, Hibaldstow before cycling to our lunch stop at Scotton, via Cleatham Hill in what was rapidly becoming a strong wind. On paper, this should have been a relatively easy ride but it was far from it and there were some tired legs when we finally wobbled into the Three Horseshoes Car Park! We were almost at the 40 mile marker!

A reviving drink, and some excellent sandwiches and we were soon ready to push onto our next destination, Gainsborough Masonic Hall.

We were again at the mercy of the wind and another scenic section of Lincolnshire felt less wonderful as we pushed through Laughton, across to Morton before arriving at Gainsborough Masonic Hall, where we were warmly greeted by Bro Frank Powell, Festival Champion, W Bro Chris Oates and W Bro Barry Cooper. Also waiting patiently was W Bro David Wheeler, who was joining as a guest cyclist for the final 2 legs of the journey.

Gainsborough Masonic Hall

We were now 49 miles into the ride and I was beginning to doubt my arithmetic in adding up the distance of the ride, realising 74 miles was definitely not correct, but we were committed to carrying on (I think!). Never rely on Google Maps!
After another drink, biscuit and rest, we set off, over the Trent, along the riverbank until we reached the long slope into Beckingham which was (guess what) – head wind, and even stronger than before! Oh how we laughed!

Beckingham was reached, then Walkeringham, Misterton, then along the riverbank to West Stockwith, Gunthorpe, to Owston Ferry. This part of the ride had side winds and the occasional back-ish wind.

A quick break at Owston Ferry Playing Fields for drink (and my 4th banana of the day) before what I knew was going to be a hard part of the ride, inclines and head winds – my favourite! I must apologise to my fellow cyclists as I lost all sense of humour at this point and basically focussed on keeping going until we reached Epworth, Belton, then into Crowle where W Bro’s Mike Robinson, Ray Stokes and Cliff Burke had the coffee made and biscuits ready for us. 71 miles recorded!

Crowle Masonic Hall

The last leg from Crowle to Scunthorpe was thankfully backwind and along the A18 we reached some reasonable speeds, though this was probably driven on by the thought of the beer waiting at the finish line, which was at the Dolphin Inn in Scunthorpe, and there was NO-ONE happier to see it than me!

Final mileage 80 miles plus all riders had to get to the start point and back home so most were in the mid to high 80’s!

The End – The Dolphin Inn

Personally this was a real achievement for us all, and way above my own personal comfort zone, and everyone did brilliantly well, and over a beer we discussed next year’s challenge, which at first I wanted to be a 5’s and 3’s domino-fest, but as the beer flowed I found myself once again drawn to another bike ride – oh dear – here we go again!

Provincial Draw held at The Ark Lodge No. 1910

The latest MBF Festival Draw was held on 10th July at The Ark Lodge No.1910, at Alford. The photo shows W.C Geoff Burgoin RAMGR receiving a cheque from W.Bro Mike Robinson for £2708.00 to forward to the Festival making £10,788.00 donated so far. The prize winners were 1st for £300.00. Bro. Shaun Dickson of Alexandra Lodge, 2nd for £200.00 W.Bro. Hugh Smith of St. Swithun's, 3rd for £100.00 W.Bro. john Moulson of The Haven, and the promotional prize for May and June of £60.00 went to Bro. Gregory Stratford of Spurn and Humber Lodge.

Grand Mark Investiture

W.Bro Ray Wade organises a coach to the Grand Mark Investiture. A day out to support the brethren receiveing honours and a chance to experience masonry at our Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street, London. A meeting not to be missed. Afterwards, on the return leg, there is always a meal stop, with a chance to enjoy a great meal and reflect on the day's events.

Enjoying the festive board at the Templars Hotel Baldock after supporting the six Lincolnshire Brethren being invested with Grand Lodge Honours.

Joey Dunlop Lodge MMM

The Joey Dunlop MMM Lodge 1881is a peripatetic Lodge of Motorcycling Mark Master Masons dedicated to the memory of Isle of Man TT legend Bro. Joey Dunlop OBE. Installation is always at their “base” (Lutterworth) in Leicestershire but other meetings are all over the country.

On Saturday16 May they brought their meeting to Lincoln with White Stone MMM Lodge 1203 being the sponsoring Lodge. 18 members of the Joey Dunlop Lodge came to Lincoln from all over the country, many travelling by motorcycle, and they were welcomed by 8 Lincolnshire Mark Masons, including Very W. Bro J. C. Board the Deputy PGM. What followed was an excellent Lodge meeting followed by a very enjoyable Festive Board.

The WM of Joey Dunlop Lodge said he was overwhelmed by the welcome their Brethren had received at Lincoln. It was a super day and the only disappointment was that not more Brethren were able to attend to enjoy the event. It is hoped that the Joey Dunlop Lodge may visit again in the future and I would suggest this would be an event not to be missed.

St Oswalds Mark Lodge Presents Cheque

W.Bro Keith Lacey receiving a £600 cheque for the 2018 festival from Martin Cooper the WM of the St Oswalds Mark Lodge

Mobile Chemotherapy Unit

W. Bro Phil Anyan & W. Bro Chris Oates recently took the opportunity to catch up with progress and visited the unit in between Patient appointments on one of its many visits to Lincoln County Hospital.

W Bro Phil Anyan is pictured with Deputy Sister Katrina who is responsible for the day to day care and treatment of patients making use of this excellent facility. Also pictured is Dave who is responsible for the driving, along with all other aspects of running the unit.

The Unit, based in Boston, has so far proved to be a valuable asset for the County and will shortly be further utilised in Grantham, followed by other County locations as soon as is possible. Katrina commented that patients who have had the opportunity to use this mobile facility have been very appreciative of the relaxed, comfortable and convenient surroundings.

JOHN O’ GAUNT, ST. SWITHUNS & ST. OSWALDS LODGES

HARBOUR CITY FLOATING RESTAURANT CHINESE BANQUET 30 APRIL 2015

On the 30th April 2015 the Harbour City Floating Restaurant at Burton Waters, Lincoln played host to eighty three Brethren for a Chinese Banquet which was organised by the MBF Champion Bro Frank Powell from the John O’ Gaunt Lodge, Gainsborough.

Guests included brethren and their ladies/partners from numerous lodges, including John O’ Gaunt, St. Swithuns, St. Oswalds, Nene, St. Wilfreds, Mercia, St. Nicholas, Yarborough, Remigius and other lodges.

Steven Lee the owner, the manager Bing and the staff were very proficient and the chef put on a splendid buffet menu which included such culinary delights as Chicken sweet corn soup, Prawn on toast, BBQ ribs, Salt chilli chicken wings, Crab claws and Thai fish cake for starters.

The main courses included Stirred Fried Beef in ginger and spring onion, Duck in Thai red curry, Sweet and sour chicken Cantonese style, Szechuan chicken, Homemade sweet and chilli port, Stirred mix vegetables, Steam Salmon in Japanese teriyaki sauce and Prawn in oyster sauce.

This was all accompanied with various types of rice, chips and prawn crackers. What was even more surprising was that the chef also put on a Chinese Fruit Platter to finish with.

Much festive spirit was consumed and most of the brethren and guests completed their meal with tea and coffee.

To complete the evening a raffle was held with seven prizes donated by various brethren and which included a consolation prize of one MBF Pen.

It is understood that all brethren and guests had a thoroughly good evening with all enjoying themselves. Brethren and guests were also extremely generous and a total of £662.50 was raised for the MBF and which included proceeds from the raffle, the sale of MBF Pens and donations.

Finally, the John O’ Gaunt MBF Champion would like to thank all Brethren for their support, encouragement and generosity in making the evening such a success.

The next event will most probably be a Barbeque in the summer. What’s this space!!

Urania Race Night

The Urania Lodge Race Night in Louth raised £500 for the Mark Benevolent Fund. A entertaining night was had

by all. With thanks to St Wilfreds, Bayons, Mayflower, and Earl of Scarborough for their support, and a special thank you to Derek Meakin and his Horse Racing Team.

Further to the postage stamps, the first lot sold for £46 and the second for £44.So after fees hope to have raised £80 or so after E-bay fees. So now desperate for more stamps, so please continue to clip the stamps off your mail and get them to me. Thank you for your support and the support to the 2018 Festival. David

Wanted
Your Old or New postage stamps and postcards

Juvenile collections gathering dust somewhere, clippings from your own or office mail anything I can group together and sell on eBay to raise funds for the 2018 Festival.

Over the next couple of years I will be travelling around the Province so can collect from Masonic Centres or if you are visiting Louth or Alford please just leave them there and I will pick up.

(Not looking for 1d Blacks)
Just your support

Thank You

David Southwood
Provincial Junior Overseer

Contact TEL: 01507 606236
or
Email: dws414@tiscali.co.uk

Lincolnshire Mark Prize Draw

The Prize Draw was drawn at the Provincial Grand Lodge, at the Lincolnshire Show Ground on Saturday 28th March.

There were three winners:
1st Prize £300 Bro. P.L. Gibbons of Sutcliffe Lodge No. 188
2nd Prize £200 Bro. C. L. Rimington of St. Oswald’s Lodge No. 387
3rd Prize £100 W. Bro. C. L. Burke of St. Swithun’s Lodge No. 445

A cheque for £2,368.00 was handed to W. Bro. John Clements, the Provincial Charity Steward, to go to the Festival appeal making a total of £8,084.00 in the last year.

We now have sufficient members to make the Draw four times a year, the next one will be at the end of June when the prizes will be a minimum of £320, £215, and £105.

This is a good way to help the Festival and your honourifics.

If you are not a member of The Draw already ask your Lodge Champion for an application form and join now, if you’r not in it you won’t win it!

Mark Festival Raffle

The raffle was also drawn at the Provincial Grand Lodge and the winners were:-

1st Prize £500 W. Bro. J. A. Clarke
2nd Prize £300 S. Lambert
3rd Prize £100 Bro. C. A. Lines
4th Prize £50 W. Bro. C. Hunton
5th Prize £50 W. Bro. D. M. Wheeler

We would like to thank everyone who returned the raffle tickets, we were able to donate £1,877.00, after expenses, to the Festival.

Saturday 28th March 2015

Provincial Grand Lodge was held at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln on Saturday 28th March 2015.

Visitors and Mark Master Masons who attended enjoyed a great day.

After opening PGL, Rev. Trevor Walker, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Mark Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire, was pleased to welcome visiting Provincial Grand Masters and distinguished guests from thirteen other Provinces.

Following the investiture of the officers and brethren of the province, he later gave the following address to the assembled brethren, who then retired to a sumptuous repast in the adjoining room.

R W Bro Peter Connolly PGM of West Lancashire is asked to draw a lucky number for the Mark Draw.

The PGM toasts with R W Bro Peter Hamilton Rollin Past PGM of East Anglia and President of the General Board at Mark Masons’ Hall.

Breakfast butties as well as tea and coffee were available at the new venue and the brethren are seen availing themselves of the goodies on offer.

Address by Rt. W. Bro. Rev. Trevor Walker

It is a very great pleasure for me to welcome you to this 141st. Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Lincolnshire. As always it is wonderful to see you gathered together and especially this year - as you have obviously been able to find your way to our new venue - the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Our move from the Bishop Grossteste University was necessitated due to our success. Growing numbers attending this meeting meant the university was no longer able to accommodate us. Provincial Grand Lodge is for all the Mark brethren and it was neither my wish nor that of the executive that anyone who wished to attend should be precluded from doing so for lack of space. So brethren I hope you will enjoy our new spacious meeting place.

Moving the location of Provincial Grand Lodge has entailed a lot of hard work and I especially wish to thank my Deputy and Assistant PGMs, the Provincial Grand Secretary and his assistants, the Provincial Grand DC and his team, and of course the Lincoln brethren. Thanks also go to the members of St. Botolph's Lodge No. 946 and Mercial Lodge No. 1240 for hosting this meeting and for all their assistance in its smooth running.

It was a great sadness for all of us who knew him to receive the news of the death of V. Wor. Bro. Trevor Harold Kitchen last year. V. Wor. Bro. Kitchen was our P. Dep. PGM. and he was a tireless worker for and supporter of the Mark Master Mason and Royal Ark Mariner degrees. I will always be grateful to Trevor for all the assistance and guidance I received from him when I was appointed P.G.M. We are all missing his cheery presence in our lodges and pray he now rests in peace.

The main business and the purpose of our meeting is to appoint and invest the Provincial Officers for the forthcoming year. I congratulate all those I have been privileged to appoint and invest today. These appointments are awarded on merit and are a token of appreciation for all your work for the degree in our province. They are also of course an encouragement for your continued efforts and I am sure that trust will not be misplaced. I also apologise if anyone feels they have been overlooked. Brethren I am restricted in the number of recipients of these honours I can confer and I am aware there are more who deserve honours than I am allowed to bestow. Please be patient - all things come to he who waits! I think!

It has been a great joy for me to be accompanied on team visits by the Provincial Officers for this last year. The numbers attending have filled me with pride (yes I know it is a sin!) and from the comments I have received I know you have enjoyed those visits. It is also a great boost to the lodge we are visiting to see the team parade in. Often on these evenings new friendships are made and is not that what freemasonry is about? Visiting and making new friends! To enable this fellowship to continue I do urge all Provincial Officers to consider joining the Provincial Officers' Lodge.

Now I wish to thank the Provincial Wardens. W. Bro. Phil Anyan and W. Bro. Robbie Nasmith have travelled the length and breadth of Lincolnshire. As Phil lives in the far North West and Robbie in the equally far South East I thought they might have divided the county between them. But brethren as you are doubtless aware they have visited most of the lodges all over Lincolnshire. Thank you brethren.

I have appointed a new Provincial Grand Almoner - W. Bro. Jack Geelhoed. V. W. Bro. Bob Parsons has held this office for fifteen years and of course was before that Provincial Grand Secretary. I am very pleased that he has agreed to continue as a member of the General Purposes Committee to assist us with his great experience. I therefore take this opportunity to confer Life Membership of that Committee on V. Wor. Bro. Robert Spencer Parsons. I and all the Lincolnshire Mark brethren are indebted to you V.W. Bro. Parsons for all you have done and especially for your very caring way in looking after the needs of brethren and their families. We are the caring friendly degree in freemasonry and brethren our Past Provincial Grand Almoner has shown this to be truly so. I am also pleased to remind you brethren he is very much NOT retired and will be offering assistance and counsel to W. Bro. Jack Geelhoed.

Bro. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies I should be pleased if you would now escort the Provincial Grand Tyler into Provincial Grand Lodge and bring him to the pedestal. Brethren Bro. Colin Hornsey has in his own quiet and unassuming way undertaken the duties of Provincial Grand Tyler for several years. He to my knowledge has never or very rarely been absent from a Team Visit and therefore I have no hesitation in promoting him in Provincial Grand Lodge to Past Grand Sword Bearer. Thank you Bro. Hornsey.

Last June many brethren from Lincolnshire travelled to London to witness the Grand Master appoint and invest the new Pro. Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Assistant Grand Master. It was a most splendid occasion and made more so by the Grand Master also promoting and investing V. W. Bro. Graham Ives Past Grand Senior Overseer, W. Bro. Walter Beard and W. Bro. John Hockin Past Grand Junior Deacons. W. Bro. Barry Robinson received the first appointment of Past Grand Senior Deacon, W. Bro. Peter Hooper Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer and W. Bro. Alan Farmer Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer. W. Bro. Philip Aitken received the Active Rank of Grand Standard Bearer.

On Tuesday 9th. June W. Bro. Ray Wade will again arrange the coach trip to Grand Lodge. This year I am delighted to announce that the Grand Master has been pleased to confer the following ranks in Grand Lodge to brethren from Lincolnshire. W. Bro. Tony Austin is to be promoted to P. G. Jun. Deacon, W. Bro. Keith Robinson to be promoted to P. G. Jun. Deacon, W. Bro. Mike Robinson receives a first appointment as P.A.G.D.C., W. Bro. Steve Roberts P.A.G.Swd.B., and W. Bro. Ian Castledine P.G.Std.B. W. Bro. Les Darby is to be appointed to the active rank of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. We congratulate all those brethren and look forward to seeing them receive their honours in Grand Lodge. The coach is not yet full brethren - but nearly - so do make your booking with W. Bro. Ray Wade as soon as possible.

Last November a most splendid occasion here at the Epic Centre marked the culmination of the Lincolnshire 2014 Craft Festival. I know the Provincial Grand Master was very proud to announce over two and three quarter million pounds had been raised for the RMTGB and was very grateful for the support received from Lincolnshire Mark brethren in achieving that wonderful total. We offer you, sir, our sincerest congratulations on a wonderful festival.

Brethren our thoughts and efforts now turn to our 2018 Mark Festival which Lincolnshire is privileged to be hosting in aid of the Mark Benevolent Fund. This charity has for nearly one hundred and fifty years been providing assistance to needy Mark Brethren and their families. This assistance is able to be given very quickly when needed and often before other help can be organised. An example of this is only yesterday the MBF issued a newsletter you will all receive detailing an emergency grant to the people of Vanuatu who recently suffered severe devastation from a cyclone. Those funds are already with the people of the South Pacific. As well as providing immediate relief the MBF also supports worthy causes. One such you are all aware of - Hope for Tomorrow - which provides Mobile Chemotherapy units.

Our 2018 Festival is also the 150th. Anniversary festival of the MBF and it is an honour for Lincolnshire to be the host. It has been decided by the Trustees of the MBF that in recognition of this milestone in its history a special worthy causes grant would be made to Hope For Tomorrow. This will provide ten mobile units by 2018. Last May one such unit was presented at Grantham to be used in Lincolnshire. It has been named Elaine after the late wife of our Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden. Elaine fought bravely against cancer and I am sure Phil is proud her name is continuing that fight here in Lincolnshire through the work of the Hope For Tomorrow Mobile Cancer Unit named in her honour.

We must do all we can to support the 2018 Festival - not least as we have already benefited from the charity. To that end I appointed a new 2018 Festival Committee which is now working very hard under the chairmanship of W. Bro. Dave Wheeler Prov. G. Junior Warden. I thank all the brethren now serving on the committee for their hard work.

I also thank W. Bro. John Moulson, a member of the committee, for instigating the idea of Lodge Champions. Each Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodge has appointed a Festival Champion to work alongside the Lodge Charity Steward in promoting the 2018 Festival. I thank the Champions for the work I know they are already doing from the number of events in support of the 2018 Festival already arranged. Please give these events your strongest support brethren. It is not just about money - it is also about fun and enjoying our Mark Masonry.

W. Bro. Mike Robinson inaugurated the Lincolnshire MMM 2018 Festival Draw. It has already raised a substantial amount of money and brethren your donation can count towards your MBF honorific. If you have not yet joined then do remember there is nothing wrong with trying to win a draw - St. Matthias was elected an Apostle that way as was Pope Francis! The latest draw will take place after the festive board today.

The 2015 Mark Festival in aid of the MBF is being hosted by Worcester and some of us from Lincolnshire are looking forward to going in July. Bro. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies please escort W. Bro. Adrian Hutt to me. W. Bro. Hutt please accept this cheque from the brethren of Lincolnshire with our very best wishes for a most successful 2015 Festival.

I am very pleased to note from the Registrar's report today that our membership shows a slight increase from the figures for last year. I do urge you to continue to seek out the right brethren to join our lovely order. I commend to you the information leaflets produced by W. Bro. Derek Bontoft the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Make sure they are available in your Masonic Centres and pass them to any Craft Masons who might be interested. Above all do what you can to support your Craft Lodge and make sure it is strong with new members being welcomed. Without a strong Craft we cannot have a strong Mark!

I also commend to you the Lincolnshire Mark Website. I am very grateful to Bro. Craig Maurier the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary for compiling the web site and being the web master. If you have not yet logged on - then do so as you will see what is happening and will find it of great interest. I suggested to my daughter in Australia that she had a look at the web site. She found it extremely interesting - especially the picture of Bro. Terry Clay of Spurn and Humber Lodge. Terry is riding in the world naked bike ride in June to raise funds for the 2018 Festival! However my daughter was worried she might be in trouble for viewing the picture on her work computer.

Brethren this address to you is really all about thanks. I thank you all for the wonderful welcome and hospitality you extend to me and my representatives when we visit your lodges. I thank you for the wonderful events you organise and invite me to. I thank you for your attendance today and hope you enjoy Provincial Grand Lodge - and come again! More than anything else I thank you for allowing me to be your PGM and thank you for the fraternal friendship we all enjoy through being Mark Master Masons.

May the Great Overseer of the Universe be always with you.

Wednesday 25th March 2015

Members of John O’Gaunt Lodge from Gainsborough made a raid on the St Swithurns Lodge in Crowle with 13 brethren to claim the Gavel.

Unfortunately for them, 14 brethren of the St Oswald's lodge were also in attendance and claimed the Travelling Gavel for Scunthorpe.

Why not get a party together to claim the travelling Gavel for your Mark Lodge? You will enjoy a great night whilst on your raid and enjoy the company of more visitors to your lodge when they try to make a claim on the Travelling Gavel at your next meeting?

Friday 20th March 2015

Race Night at Lincoln Masonic Centre in aid of MBF 2018 Festival

The Race Night was a tremendous success and raised over £1300 for the MBF 2018 Festival. It was a very convivial evening with lots of fun and an excellent fish and chip supper that was enjoyed by all who were there. There was also a raffle and the sale of a few of our new Festival pens which, together with the proceeds from six races that were held (you can see a couple of the horses in the photos!) which raised over £1300 for the MBF 2018 Festival.

If you have a fun idea to bring the brethren and family together and raise some money for a very worthwhile cause, please speak to your Lodge Festival Champion.

Wednesday 18th March 2015

Ladies Half Marathan

Joy Bontoft celebrated her birthday on the 18th March 2015 (I dare not say publicly, which one!) by completing a half marathon, together with three friends. Walking from Stamford Masonic centre to Bourne Masonic Centre, the 13 and a half miles were completed in under three and a half hours. Total sponsorship realised over £1,000.00!
The pictures show:

1. The four ladies from left to right... Heather Ayliff, Barbara Brown, Joy Bontoft and Tricia Farmer ....fresh and raring to go from Stamford Masonic Centre.

After passing through the villages of Uffington, Greatford, Braceborough, Wilsthorpe, Obthorpe, Thurlby and Northorpe they arrived at the Masonic Centre in Bourne.

2. the ladies celebrating the completion of the walk.

3. Enjoying a welcome and relaxing cup of tea in the centre at Bourne.

4. The new flags were flying to welcome the ladies back to Bourne after their magnificent efforts.

A splendid effort ladies.....Well done.

Saturday 28th February 2015

The second Champions meeting was held at Sleaford and again a very successful meeting resulted in many ideas being put forward for consideration.

The emphasis was on finding different and entertaining ways of raising funds for the MBF 2018 Festival.

Saturday 21st February 2015

"Fab----U----Lous" , "Am----az----ing", "Spectacular", and "Once in a Lifetime Experience" were just some of the comments after the Gary Williams fundraising evening at the Oaklands Hotel.

What a fantastic way to raise money and enjoy a great night out that will be remembered for some time to come.

Gary Williams waived his normal fee and claimed expenses only, and with Barry Flint @ the Oaklands Hotel keeping his costs down, a substantial sum was raised for the good causes the evening was supporting.

We Raised a total of £2728 which will be distributed as follows

£1000 to The Mark Master Masons MBF Festival 2018

£500 to LMCA via Saint James Lodge

£500 to LMCA via Earl of Yarborough Lodge

£728 to a LOCAL charity to be chosen by Gary Williams

Saturday 21st February 2015

The first meeting with several of the Festival Champions.

It was a successful meeting with many fund raising ideas put forward.

The next meeting is in Sleaford on Saturday the 28th of February for those in the South of the County.

Thursday 5th February 2015

Team Visit to Remigius Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 117

On the 5th February Remigius Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners celebrated 125 years since the Lodge was founded on 20th February 1890.

Fifty two brethren attended the meeting including the Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro the Rev Trevor Walker accompanied by his Provincial Officers. All the brethren in attendance were presented with a commemorative mug to mark this special ocassion.

Newly elevated Bro Johnathan Harvey (centre) receives one of the commemorative mugs at the festive board.

The Worshipful Commander, Bruce Goodman gave the following short history of the lodge:

"In 1871 Remigius Lodge No 117 of Mark Master Masons had been formed from members of the Craft Lodge Witham (warrant dated 1793), also that year another Craft Lodge was consecrated St Hugh. In 1890 these Lodges held meetings at the Masonic Rooms, Mint Street, Lincoln. A petition had been raised by four Brethren from the Remigius Lodge MMM to form a Royal Arc Mariner Lodge and the Warrant bears their names. Bros Henry Edward Cousans who became the first Worshipful Commander, Joseph Arthur Robinson first to be Elevated and became the second Worshipful Commander, Benjamin Hill Russell and Richard Cotton Carline. The Warrant bears the name of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons HRH Prince of Wales later to become King Edward VII."

A great night was had by all on this last team visit before the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on Saturday 28th March 2015.

Tuesday 13th January 2015

Team Visit to St Oswald's Lodge MMM

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Rev. Trevor Walker was accompanied by members of the Provincial Team to attend the Advancement of Bro. Barry Bradshaw at the St Oswald's Lodge MMM on Tuesday 13th January 2015.

An excellent ceremony was enjoyed by all. It was a cold night outside, but picture below shows the the PGM, Rt.W.Bro. Rev. Trevor Walker, the candidate, Bro. Barry Bradshaw, and the Worshipful Master, Bro. Tony Reeves, enjoyng the warmth of the Festive Board.

Thursday 29th December 2014

The Ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge!

I am sure most sensible Mark Master Masons spent Christmas and the New Year at home by the fireside, with a glass of something warming in their hand.

Brother Richard Powell, of the Bayons Lodge MMM, spent this Christmas in a lakeside log cabin north of the Arctic circle in Northern Finland. After visiting a reindeer farm and visiting Santa, a northern lights safari and driving skidoos, Richard's wife, Lisa, found a hotel further along the lake that has an indoor swimming pool and also cuts a hole in the ice on the frozen lake, which reaches a meter thick. Lisa suggested that he might like to jump in the hole for fun. He naturally declined such a ridiculous idea.

Richard said, "The idea, however, sparked something inside me. It occurred to me that it would be the ultimate Ice Bucket Challenge. So, as the Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons are raising money for the MBF 2018 Festival I decided that I would jump in if I could get enough sponsorship so to do. Money is being raised for the MBF Festival 2018 to help the'Hope For Tomorrow' charity to provide mobile chemotherapy units."

He continued, "We stayed 300km north of the Arctic Circle, a little over 185 miles.

I paid 5 Euros to use the sauna, pool and ice hole and when we got down to investigate the hole it was frozen over and we had to dig it out. Originally I was going to do it on the 28th, but decided to pop to Sweden instead so it happened on the 29th.

The temperature was the warmest I could have picked by pure chance. Up until that day we had been constantly below -27 down to -36.5, but it was a balmy -14.5 when I did it. So perhaps the shorts were not out of place."

If anybody would like to support Richard with further sponsorship, please get in touch: richard@powells.me

Sunday 21st December - Santa raises money for MBF 2018 Festival

Geoff Burgoin, the "Champion" of the St Guthlac Lodge of MMM No.1122 has set an early example to all its members by raising a magnificent £235.00 for the Lincs Mark 2018 Festival at Burghley Park in Stamford.

The pictures show....BEFORE ....DURING and AFTER!

1. Heading for the start in full Santa uniform.

2. Completing the first lap.

3. Enjoying some welcome mulled wine and proudly displaying his medal.

Geoff sends his thanks to all who sponsored him and says, "The idea that we should all enjoy our fundraising ran through my mind as I trudged round the course, and I can say that (now that I have completed it) ....it was great fun".

Sunday 21st December

PGM Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker hosted his usual

Christmas Service at

Binbrook Parish Church

SUNDAY 21st DECEMBER

which was followed by mince pies and wine!

This was a wonderful ‘’warmer upper’’ and got everyone into the Christmas spirit. The Church was once again filled this year. It was a great occasion for all who attended.

To find out what you missed, you will have to come along in 2015 and clear the lungs!

Tuesday 9th December

Grand Royal Ark Mariners Investiture.

Several Lincolnshire Royal Ark Mariners were honoured at the Grand RAM Investiture in December. The picture above shows the PGM and other brethren relaxing afterwards in the Connaught Rooms.

The four recipients were, Geoff Burgoin, Keith Craig, Fred Clarke and Malcolm Forrest. Our congratulations go to them all.

Friday 31st October

This photograph was taken on the occasion of the third draw of Lincolnshire Prize Draw when the three winners were:- 1st W. Bro. John Bush of Nene M.M.M. No.427 who won £325.00; the 2nd prize winner was W. Bro. Chris Oates of John O'Gaunt M.M.M. No 172 who won £215.00; and the 3rd prize winner was W. Bro. Bob Parsons who won £110.00.

The photograph shows me presenting the W. Commander of The ARK Lodge RAM No 1910, W. Bro. Ray Wade, with a cheque for £2,592.00 to be sent to W. Bro. John Clements, Mark Provincial Charity Steward, for the 2018 Festival.

This donation makes the total that has been given from The Draw in its first year £5,700.00 and total value of prizes won £1,420.00.

For more information look at the Festival 2018 page.

Monday 15th December 2014

W. Bro. Nev Storey organised a team of Provincial Officers from the Lincolnshire Provincial Officers Lodge to visit and to do a demonstration Advancement Ceremony Remigius Lodge 117.

The photographs show the team together with the incumbent Master of Remigius Lodge 117.

left to right:-

Steve Roberts acting Registrar of Marks, Malcolm Forrest, Colin Fox acting Master Overseer, Phil Anyan did the Conclusion, Phil Aitken did the Signs and Secrets, Nev Storey was in the Chair, Mike Robinson did the Badge Charge, W. Bro. D. M. Wicks Master of Remigius, David Salton acted as I.P.M., Ian Castledine acted as Junior Warden, David Wheeler acted as Inner Guard, John Moulson acted as Senior Overseer, Steve Hallberg acted as Junior Overseer, Kieth Robinson, R.Wall acted as Junior Deacon. Peter Hooper acted as Senior Deacon.

An excellent evening was had by all, who thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration ceremony.

Thursday 27th November 2014

Bro George Buxton received a large bottle of Malt Whisky from W Bro David East, Worshipful Master of the St. Wulfram’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons 916, meeting at Grantham.

The Whisky was presented at last meeting on 27th November.

The presentation was to mark George's recent 100th birthday and was thankfully received and no doubt will be faithfully applied!

George is a much loved and valued member of the lodge who really enjoys his Mark Masonry .

Monday 17th November 2014

50 Year Certificate is presented to W.Bro. Keith Jowett PPrGSW at the John O'Gaunt Lodge MMM

W.Bro. Jowett was advanced into this honourable degree on 16th November 1964, and his 50 year certificate was presented almost 50 years to the day.

The APGM, W.Bro Derek Bontoft travelled from Bourne to present the certificate to W.Bro. Jowett on this memorable occasion. W.Bro Bontoft also took the opportunity to present W.Bro. Jowett with a solid silver Mark token, lapel badge and keyring.

He said how wonderful it was to see Keith still in office as the lodge Registrar after 50 years in this happy degree - a feat unlikely to be repeated anywhere.

After receiving his certificate, Kieth replied by saying what a good time he has enjoyed in Mark Masonry, He gave a humourous anecdote about having to assist a previous PGM out of his sports car by removing the roof! This had the brethren in stitches.

The night was topped off by witnessing a near faultless demonstration ceremony with the Provincial Junior Warden, W.Bro. Robbie Nasmith, acting as the candidate (who was able to give a couple of prompts to a grateful S.D. when required).

A good night was had by all in our happy Mark Degree.

Saturday 8th November 2014

Good Old Days

On Saturday November 8th 2014 the Festival kicked off with a fantastic evening of fun at the Grimsby Masonic Hall. Starring singers Jeannine Ridha and Rita Grove Grimsby Mark Masons staged a night of fun and entertainment based upon the Old Time Music Hall theme of ‘The Good Old Days’.

Go to the Festival Page for more details

HAVEN LODGE NO:1732 OF MARK ASTER MASONS HELP IMMINGHAM AIR CADETS

Recently the Air Cadets of 866 (Immingham) Squadron approached the Haven Lodge of Mark Master Masons to ask for assistance in purchasing extra adventure training and camping equipment. When they were made aware of the various activities enjoyed by the cadets and the help that they gave to the community the Lodge was only too pleased to make a donation.

The presentation of a cheque for a considerable amount towards the equipment was made at the Squadron Headquarters recently.

The Worshipful Brother Andy Downes – the Worshipful Master of The Haven Lodge No 1732 of Mark Masters Masons at Cleethorpes – accompanied by the Secretary of the Lodge Worshipful Brother David Maultby, hand over the cheque to the Chair of the Squadron Civilian Committee Joyce Storer. Also present are the Squadron President Air Commodore Neil Gammon, the Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Simon Dunn and Committee member Mrs Tracey Pursglove – who had made the first approach to the Freemasons

Flt Lt Simon Dunn said “The money will be spent directly on adventure training equipment. The squadron is very active in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and many weekends are spent on either training or qualifying expeditions and my intention is to use the money to purchase GPS locators. These will allow us to be aware of their exact position at any time on these ventures and greatly increase the safety of the cadets while on the unaccompanied qualifying expeditions at all levels of the Award Scheme. Funds are becoming increasingly hard to raise and we are therefore immensely grateful for donations such as this”

After the presentation the Freemasons were taken for a visit around the squadron to see the cadets at work on projects and other activities.

For details on joining the squadron ring the Adjutant: Wing Commander Tony Lark (01469-573463).

MARK DEGREE PAYS TRIBUTE TO V.W.BRO. TREVOR KITCHEN

The Province of Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons held a celebration dinner for the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master V W Bro Trevor and Mrs Colleen Kitchen to commemorate his many years of dedication and work and the contribution he has made to Mark and Ark Masonry in the Province.

V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen and Mrs. Colleen Kitchen

The event, hosted by Provincial Grand Master Rt.W.Bro. Rev Trevor Walker and Mrs Lynne Walker, was held at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa and was attended by many Masons and their Ladies on Tuesday 29th June who enjoyed a happy evening.

V.W.Bro Kitchen and the Provincial Grand Masters he has served under (L to R) V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen, Deputy Provincial Grand Master MMM; Rt.W.Bro. Rev Trevor Walker, Provincial Grand Master MMM and the Past PGM, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith

Rt.W.Bro. Trevor Walker and the Past PGM, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Smith, in their speeches after the dinner praised V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen for his 16 years service and assistance as Deputy.

Past PGM, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Smith and V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen clearly enjoying their time together.

SUTCLIFFE LODGE MMM NO:188 LADIES FESTIVAL BOOSTS 2014 FESTIVAL

W.Bro Paul Doughty and his wife, Allison, have made a significant contribution to the 2014 Festival by donationg the proceeds of their Ladies Festival to the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

L to R: The Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, Rt.W.Bro. Rev. Trevor Walker; Mrs Allison Doughty; W.Bro. Paul Doughty, Master of Sutcliffe Lodge MMM No:188; Mrs. Walker

Paul has been the Worshipful Master of Sutcliffe Lodge MMM No:188 for a two year spell and has enjoyed two Ladies Festivals with Allison as a result - in 2009 and 2010.

The total raised was £1175.00 and this was presented at the Provincial Meeting of Royal Ark Mariners at the Masonic Hall Grimsby and will be passed to the 2014 Festival by the Mark Degree..

The Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, Rt.W.Bro. Rev. Ian Walker (right) receives the cheque from W.Bro. Paul Doughty with Mrs Allison Doughty.

Paul and Allison thanked all the Mark Masons, their Ladies, Guests and friends for their support in raising such a wonderful sum for charity.

ST MATTHEWS LODGE MMM NO:1239 CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH.

St Matthew Lodge of Mark Master Masons’ Held their regular Lodge meeting, at the Masonic Hall, Barton on Humber to celebrate their 50th Anniversary, and to dedicate a new Bible for use in the Lodge.
The event was attended by the Provincial Grand Master, Rt Worshipful Brother Trevor John Walker and his team on an official visit.

Following the dedication and Lodge business, cheques were presented for the Lincolnshire Mark Benevolent Association in respect of the 2018 Lincolnshire Mark Festival to the Provincial Grand Master, by Worshipful Brother Dave Robson, ProvGJO, Treasurer of the Millennium Lodge of Installed Commanders for £2,500.00 on behalf of that Lodge.(Above)

Also, Brother Graham Summerell of the St Wilfrid’s Lodge presented two cheques for the Benevolent association, of behalf of the St Wilfrid’s Lodge of MMM and the St Wilfrid’s Lodge of RAM in the sum of £300 each. (Above)

Rt Worshipful Brother Trevor John Walker thanked both the Brethren and their Lodges and stated how grateful he was to the Mark and Royal Ark Brethren for their generosity shown by these cheques. The Provincial Grand Master reminded us all that charity is at the heart of Freemasonry and should be in the heart of every Freemason and especially Mark Master Masons. It is his earnest wish that all Mark Brethren will be at the forefront in Lincolnshire by fully supporting the Craft 2014 Festival. However as Mark Master Masons we know how much more enjoyment we receive from our freemasonry - but the more we receive the more we must give. In this respect the 2018 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival to be held in Lincoln must also be fully supported. The Provincial Grand Master commended the 20 pence daily savings scheme suggested by his Deputy V.Wor. Bro. Trevor Harold Kitchen. The Mark Brethren should all be able to save their twenty pences and still fulfil their obligations to the 2014 Craft Festival. Rt. Wor. Bro. Trevor Walker thanked W. Bro. Robson and Bro. Summerell for their presentations and also for helping to keep our charitable obligations at the front of our minds.”

Below is the Celebratory cake which was received end enjoyed at the festive board, kindly made by the daughter of W.Bro Arthur Baxter, Secretary of the Lodge.

Rt Wor Brother Trevor John Walker pictured with the current Master W. Bro Michael Robinson, and the much loved but now departed cake.

A FIRST FOR MARK MASONRY IN LINCOLNSHIRE

On saturday 25th April 2009, a new Mark Lodge was consecrated at Grantham. The Mayflower Lodge of M.M.M. No. 1899 was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. The Rev. Trevor John Walker, assisted by his Provincial team.

The picture shows the PGM,R.W.Bro. the Rev. Trevor Walker; the Deputy PGM, V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen; the Provincial Chaplain, R.W.Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith and the Past Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Raymond Leonard Ringrose as the W.Master, Ian Charlton receives the warrant from the PGM.

It is a first for the Province in that it will be held in "daylight" hours at Spilsby.
The consecration was followed by installation and W.Bro. Ian Charlton was installed as the first Master by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro Trevor Harold Kitchen. The first meeting at Spilsby takes place on Tuesday 5th May at 11am.

V.W.Bro.Trevor Kitchen conratulates W.Bro Ian Charlton after installing him as the first Master of the Mayflower Lodge MMM No:1899.

ST SWITHUNS LODGE MMM NO:445 MAKE PRESENTATION TO ST. ANDREW'S CHILDRENS HOSPICE IN GRIMSBY

St Swithuns Lodge of Mark Master Masons which meet at the Masonic Hall, Crowle continued their record of charitable giving by making a donation of £500.00 to the St Andrew's Childrens Hospice which is based at Peakes Lane in Grimsby.

Ever the gentleman, W.Bro. Cliff Reeves lets his wife Pamela present the cheque to Mr Mike Gresham of St Andrews Hospice as he shakes hands.

W.Bro. Reeves, of St Swithuns Lodge MMM, took the opportunity to visit the hospice along with his wife Pamela before enjoying a visit to Cleethorpes. The presentation was going to be made by W.Bro. Mike Robinson the Lodge Charity Steward but, unfortunately, his wife Isabel broke her ankle and they could not attend.

St. Andrew’s Hospice really does make each day count. They provide holistic care for children and young people living throughout Lincolnshire, Hull and East Riding who have a progressive life limiting illness. Their main aims are to improve their quality of life, to bring fun into their everyday routines by providing specialist medical and nursing care and to keep them smiling. They also offer extensive help and support to their families and carers.

Visit the St Andrew's Children's Hospice web site by Clicking Here

ST WITHUNS LODGE OF MMM NO:445 CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

St Swithuns Lodge MMM No:445 had a wonderful night of celebration to mark their 100th Anniversary.

In addition to the ceremony, the evening was made all the more special by the presentation of a '50Years Certificate' to W.Bro. Victor Hirst PGStB by V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen the Deputy Provincial Grand Master together with a Rose Bowl and Stand which W.Bro. Cliff Reeves (WM) presented to W.Bro. Hirst on behalf of the Brethren of the Lodge.

Left to right: W.Bro. J. C. Board GSD the Provincial DC, V.W.Bro. T.H. Kitchen the DPGM, W.Bro. C.V. Hirst holding the Rose Bowl and W.Bro. C.M. Reeves.

St Swithuns Lodge of MMM No:445 meet on the fourth Wednesday, September (I), October, March, May and June at the Masonic Hall Crowle.

Festival 2018

£853,023 is a staggering amount of money, raised over a short period of time and exceeds all expectations that anyone could have had when the Festival was officially launched in 2015.

Thank you to you all on behalf of the Lincolnshire 2018 Festival Committee.

Dave Wheeler
Lincolnshire Festival Committee Chairman

LINCOLNSHIRE 2018 - THE FESTIVAL RESULTS
	Published	Additions	Totals
Lincolnshire Mark Lodges	289,361	49,051	338,412
Lincolshire RAM Lodges	17,619	26,110	43,729
Unattached Lodges	4,024		4,024
Provinces and Districts	346,857	4,194	351,051
Other Masonic Orders	18,049		18,049
Other Donations	77,079	246	77,325
Total Donations	752,989	79,601	832,590

Interest Credited to the festival from MMH	20,300	133	20,433

Festival Total	773,289	79,734	853,023



In addition to the published figures a further £79,734 has been received as below:

Lincolnshire Mark Lodges	49,051
Lincolnshire RAM Lodges	26,110
Provinces:
Berkshire	250
Hong Kong	569
Oxfordshire	1,100
Wiltshire	1,000
Worcestershire	1,000
Other sundry donations	521
Interest	133
	79,734

Making a grand total of	853,023

News Archive

2019

St Matthew MMM 1239 makes sure that the elderly and lonely in Barton Upon Humber have a hearty meal on Christmas Day.

Provincial Grand Lodge MMM Lincolnshire 2020

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - RAM Assembly

The Lincolnshire MMM Provincial Draw

Latest Draw takes place at Heneage RAM Installation

Updated RAM Tracing Board

Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly 10 December 2019Pro Grand Master’s Address

Another Grand Day Out

Royal & Select Masters, District Grand Master Present Cheque for Lincs Mark Benevolent Fund

Ask A Busy Man

Travelling Gavel

PGM Dedicates new collar at Spurn & Humber Lodge MMM

Sutcliffe Lodge MMM Installation

Mark Master Masons donate £141,000 to Lifelites

Team Visit to the Haven Lodge MMM - 25th Anniversary

Lincs MMM Draw

Travelling Gavel

Leonard Anderson Lodge of IMM, No. 1412

The PGM congratulates V W Bro Derek Bontoft PGJO on his appointment

to the Provincial Team as Provincial Grand Lecture Master.

Another 'Grand Day Out'

Magnificent Sum Raised for MBF Festival 2019

Latest Winners of the Draw

Lincolnshire Freemasons donate £75,000 to flood victims in Wainfleet

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture

Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 11 June 2019

A Grand Day Out

CAPTION COMPETITION

PROVINCIAL ROYAL ARK MARINERS’ ASSEMBLY

GRIMSBY- 17th MAY 2019

ADDRESS BY THE PGM

Travelling Sceptre quickly moves on from St Wilfrid's RAM

RAM Provincial Grand Assemby

Travelling Sceptre moves on

Grand Master's Lodges of Instruction

St Mary RAM 326 claim the Traveling Sceptre

Grand Rank Appointments & Promotions

Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank

Grand Mark Lodge Annual InvestitureFreemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

SKEGNESS ROYAL ARK MARINERS PUSH THE BOAT OUT!

St John’s Ambulance Dedication at St Mary & St Nicolas Church Spalding

Team visit to St Wulfram's Lodge MMM

Memories of a Wonderful Day at PGL and Installation of new PGM

Congratulations to 4 brethren from St Oswald's Lodge MMM

A Message from RW Bro Dave Wheeler, the Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent

Address to Provincial Grand Lodge by R.W.Bro. Stephen Charles Hallberg

Deputy PGM saves Grimsby man from the clutches of an escaped lion.

St John Ambulance Handover

Sceptre goes to Gainsborough

Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, Neville Andrew Storey presents 50 year Certificate

Travelling Screptre Moves On

Letter of thanks for Retirement Gift

Superb Evening of Mark Fellowship

Presentation to Rt. W. Bro. Trevor Walker

The Travelling Sceptre sails on

District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Mumbai,

Annual Convocation, Saturday 5th January.

2018

MMM Prize Draw

Royal Ark Mariner Assembly 11th December 2018

Travelling Gavel moves on

Team Visit to ST Oswald's Lodge

Lincolnshire Mark Master Masons Prize Draw

Rule Changes for Payments Made from 1st October 2018

Sceptre Moves On

THE DRAW

Over £853,000 raised for the 150th MBF Festival.

LINCOLNSHIRE 2018 - THE FESTIVAL RESULTS

50th year Mark certificate

Happy and Very Successful Afternoon

MANCHESTER UNITED SIGNED FOOTBALL

Grand Mark Lodge Annual InvestitureFreemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

1.00pm Tuesday 12th June 2018

Congratulation to the following on their promotions and appointments:

Arthur’s epic rugby rugby ramble from Market Rasen rakes in £4,500

Address to the Brethren at Provincial Grand Lodge, 24th March 2018,

by Rt W Bro Rev Trevor Walker.

Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly 10 December 2019
Pro Grand Master’s Address

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture
Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

Rule Changes for Payments Made from 1^st October 2018

Grand Mark Lodge Annual Investiture
Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London