5th.Nat. Masonic Clay Shooting Championships
On Saturday 27th.June 2009, a team of 3 MMM shooters attended the 5th.National Masonic Clay Shooting Championships, which were hosted by the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society at Dolphin Shooting Ground at Longton near Preston.
The 3 team members were W.Bro. Phil Orton P.Dep.G.Swd.Br. Prov.G.Almoner, W.Bro Bill Stains Pr.G.St.Br. and Bro. Ian Adams all of Hunter Lodge of MMM No 324 who shot under the team name of "The Hunters". The team set off for the event at 8:00am on the Sat. morning arriving at the venue by 10:30am. The weather for the day was dry but very humid and sticky.
The event was attended by nearly 100 shooters from 14 different Masonic Provinces. N. Wales Province sported the minimum qualifying team number of 3 guns. The competition was a 100 bird sporting clays over 14 stands. The standard was set quite high and the competition took almost 2hrs. for our team to finish. At the end of shooting the team enjoyed a splendid buffet lunch which was included in the entry fees.
At the completion of the competition a prize giving ceremony was hosted by the PGM of West Lancashire R.W. Bro. Peter Hosker who presented the awards. In the individual competition our team member Ian Adams came a very noteworthy 3rd with a score of 87 - only 1 behind the runner up on 88 with the top gun scoring 92. This was an excellent result for Ian Adams out of such a large field of shooters.
As a team N.Wales was only 14 clays behind the 3rd.placed team - a creditable performance since we had the minimum team membership as each team's top 3 scores counted for the competition. The winning team was from the Province of Surrey. At the end of the presentations the PGM was presented with a cheque for £10,000 towards his Provincial Festival to be held in 2010. This is the second entry into the competition for the N.Wales MMM team, the first was 2 years ago. The team look forward to the next competition which being a bi-annual event will be held in 2010. Each team member thoroughly enjoyed the day representing N.Wales in this National Event.
My Dad has Installed me twice!
“My Dad has Installed me twice!” W. Bro. Sean Brimlow was Initiated into Wynnstay Lodge No. 3876, Ruabon in 1994 and in 2004 was Installed in the Chair by his father - W. Bro. Stanley Brimlow.
Sean was Advanced into St Mabon Mark Lodge in 1996 and was once again encouraged by his father to fulfil each Office with pride and honour. By 2008 he had reached the Office of Senior Warden and was looking forward to his Installation. This year was also the 75th Anniversary of the Lodge, and the Worshipful Master’s Chair was occupied by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. T. Gareth Williams.
As the month of Installation approached, it was agreed that once again, W. Bro. Stan Brimlow would Install Sean in the Chair - but this time, the Chair of St Mabon No.919.
However, disaster struck and Stan was admitted into Hospital having mysteriously collapsed during the night. He spent the next three weeks in hospital undergoing several tests, and recovering from three broken ribs sustained during his collapse. The Lodge D.C., W. Bro. David A. Wright created numerous and alternative possible solutions to the problem.
Stan, was not to be robbed of the pleasure of Installing Sean, and with just three hours to spare he was released from hospital and permitted by the doctors not only to attend the Lodge, but to carry out the Installation.
The ceremony was carried out with honour, pride and brotherly love in spite of the pain that Stan was experiencing.
Sean says “ It was the proudest Masonic day of my life, and I feel that this story should be shared. I am extremely proud of my father, and grateful for all that he has done for me”
And so say all of us!!
.
The picture shows W. Bro. Stan Brimlow, P.Pr.G.Swd.Br. (Right) congratulating his son, W. Bro. Sean Brimlow at his Installation.
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Elffin Lodge No. 321 keep up the good work!
For the last few years, Elffn Lodge under the direction of Peter Brindley, has held a Social Evening where members and guests, their wives and partners have met, enjoyed a meal together and relaxed while chatting with their friends. For the first few years the function was held at Oswald's in Bangor, but when that closed the venue was changed to the Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge.
At the suggestion of Margaret, the Prov.G.M.'s wife, the venue and timing was changed this year and became a Sunday Lunch at Andy Chape's Hotel/Restaurant, the Nant-yr-Odyn near Llangefni.
It was a great success and was attended by the Prov. G.M. and his wife, John Farrall and Mary, the Past Prov.G.M., Allan Powell and Margaret, the Past Prov.G.Sec. Barrie Owens and Mair, the Prov.G.D.C. and Graham Bradshaw the Prov.G.Sec. together with other Guests and members of the Lodge.
A raffle was held and thanks to a generous donation by Mrs Chape and a gentle dip into the Charity Account a cheque, appropriately to the value of £321, was presented to R.W. Bro. T. Gareth Williams by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Ken Pugh towards the 2011 Festival
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A Jewel for our 2011 Festival?
Don't forget that we are running a Competition (open to all) to design a Commemorative Jewel for our Festival. Our previous Festivals have been in 1940 and 1974, and the Jewels for those years are shown below.
The design for the 1940 Jewel appears to be the Coat of Arms of the then Mark Provincial Grand Master - R.W.Bro. Sir William Hughes-Hunter, Bt .while the 1974 jewel is a freely adapted representation of the our mountains covered in snow, together with the rivers and forests of North Wales.
If you can come up with an original idea for a jewel, then why not submit it to our Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Graham Bradshaw before 30th May 2009. The only criteria is that it must include the words "Mark Benevolent Fund", "2011", "Steward" and optionally, the name of the Province (in English or Welsh).
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More "Goodies" at Hunter's 125th.
Following the Dedication of the new Banner, a copy of a Book "The History of the Hunter Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 324" written by W. Bro. Robert Griffith, P.Pr.G.S.O. of Dyffryn Clwyd Mark Lodge No. 1647 (and meticulously compiled by his wife, Mrs. Ruth Griffiths) was presented to every Brother present at the Festive Board.
W. Bro. Ian Perkin, P.Pr.G.J.W., Acting Lodge Director of Ceremonies (due to the unfortunate absence of W. Bro. Phil Orton, P.Dep.G.Swd.B.) then presented the first new Commemorative Lodge Token to the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Thomas Gareth Williams.
This magnificent token, seen below, was designed by W. Bro. Nigel Smith, P.Pr.G.S.D. and other members of the Lodge and incorporates the Hunter Crest. This is an amalgamation of the Coats of Arms of the Bulkely-Hughes and Hunter Families and was adopted by Sir William Bulkely Hughes Hughes-Hunter, the Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Province of North Wales from 1909 to his death in 1951.
A commemorative token was then distributed to each of the Brethren present at the Festive Board.
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Hunter Lodge celebrates its Quasquicenntennial
Hunter Lodge No. 324 was consecrated in November 1883 and has maintained 125 years of continuous Mark Masonry in Rhyl. This special anniversary was celebrated initially at the Installation Meeting of the Lodge on 3rd November 2008 when W. Bro. Paul Sefton was Installed as Worshipful Master by W. Bro. Charles William Turner.
A cheque for the magnificent amount of £1,000 was presented by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Paul Sefton to W. Bro. Eric Wyn Owen, P.G.J.D., the representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master towards the 2011 Festival.
The Lodge was consecrated on the 19th November 1883 and further celebrations took place on Monday 5th January 2009, at the first Regular Meeting following the completion of 125 years.
Members of the Lodge had decided to commission a Banner and this was Dedicated by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Thomas Gareth Williams and the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W. Bro. Gwynfor Williams, B.E.M., O.St.J. They were assisted and accompanied by the Active Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge.
The solemn and impressive Ceremony was witnessed by over 70 Brethren and the musical accompaniment was provided on the organ by Bro. Wynford Davies. At the conclusion of the Dedication, the Worshipful Master, Bro. Paul Sefton made a presentation of a further cheque for £1,250 towards the 2011 Festival.
W. Bro. Paul Sefton receiving the new Banner from the R.W. Provincial Grand Master.
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Lifeboat for Wales.
THE GRAND LODGE of Mark Master Masons has donated £1.6 million to purchase a lifeboat for the RNLI. This is a fully ocean going vessel of the Tamar class, with capacity for carrying 120 souls, and will be based at Angle, near Milford Haven.
It will be named "Mark Mason", and is scheduled to be launched on 5th June 2009 by our Grand Master. All Mark Masons are welcome to come along and enjoy this unique presentation.
In addition to our own donation, local fund raising activities by the residents have produced a further £700,000 for the construction of a purpose built lifeboat station.
The RNLI aims to save lives by changing attitudes and behaviour among people who use the sea regularly. Last year, R.N.L.I. rescued almost 8,000 people, an average of 21 people a day.
Our last major donation was made at the 150th Anniversary celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall in 2006, when we gave £3 million to the National Osteoporosis Society.
Pictured with our Grand Master, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO on board a Tamar class lifeboat at the Poole headquarters of the RNLI are (L-R): RW Bro Michael Herbert, President of the General Board RW Bro John Brackley, Grand Secretary and RW Bro Stuart Edwards, Grand Treasurer together with their Ladies.
(Photograph and article by kind permission of Warwickshire "Welcome to the Mark" Newsletter)
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St David's Eve Dinner Dance
Since the very successful Spring Ball was held a few years ago to launch the 2011 Festival, the Executive of this Mark Province has been under great pressure to repeat the evening. Finally, plans have been made, and the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Gareth Williams announced that a Dinner Dance would be held at the Robin Hood Cabaret Club on Saturday,28th February 2009.
Dress would be "Black Tie" and "posh frocks". Further details will be sent to all Lodge Secretaries by V.W. Bro. Eddie Urwin shortly and it is emphasised that attendance will be restricted to a maximum of 140.
Tickets are limited and priced at £20 each. They are obtainable ONLY from Eddie Urwin at his home address, and applications MUST be accompanied by the correct remittance.
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St Mabon Lodge No. 919 is 75!!
The Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Gareth Williams had been installed in the Chair of St Mabon Lodge at the last Installation, and on Friday evening, 25th September 2008 St Mabon Lodge celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a memorable evening.
The 80 odd Brethren that attended, enjoyed a presentation of the Lecture of the Mark Master Masons' Degree faultlessly delivered by Bro. Allan Horne, and W. Bros. Stephen Tilston and Lynne Mitchell.
The Guest Speaker for the evening was V.W. Bro. Richard L. Gan, P.G.M.O., the Deputy Grand Secretary from Mark Masons' Hall.
Following an excellent Dinner at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Ruabon all in attendance were presented with a commemorative Crystal Whisky tumbler suitably engraved, together with a clock inscribed with the names of the Principal Officers and the individual Brother.
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Eifl Lodge No. 927 is also 75!!
On Tuesday 18th November an exceptional event took place at the Masonic Hall, Lleyn Street, Pwllheli when V.W. Bro. William George Strain, P.G.J.O. was installed as Worshipful Master of Eifl Lodge No. 927 in a superb manner by the Installing Master, W. Bro. Ian Hamilton.
This
completed a unique "double" because the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.
Bro. T. Gareth Williams was also Worshipful Master of St Mabon Lodge
No. 919, and that too was celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
A record attendance was present at the Meeting, and included the Active Provincial Officers of the year, together with a large number of guests.
A most generous donation to the sum of £1,000.00 was presented by the Worshipful Master to the R.W. Provincial Grand Master for the 2011 Festival.
A most enjoyable and happy Festive Board was held at the Nanhoron Hotel at Nefyn, and a commemorative slate coaster was presented to each of those present.
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What a busy week for "The Team"!!
Following the 75th Anniversary Celebrations at Eifl Lodge in Pwllheli on Tuesday 18th November, "The Team" was once again on duty at Elffin Lodge No. 321 on Friday 21st November to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Lodge, and for the Dedication of a new Lodge Banner.
The Banner had been designed by W. Bro. Mike Davies and sponsored by W. Bro. (Rev.) Gwynfor Williams. It was unveiled and dedicated for the use of Elffin Lodge by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro.T. Gareth Williams, and the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W. Bro. (Rev.) Gwynfor Williams.
The impressive and solemn Ceremony was witnessed by a "full house", and the Banner having been paraded around the Lodge three times by the Banner Bearer, W. Bro. Edwards Aubrey, (a Senior Past Master) and the Banner Escort, was received on behalf of the Lodge by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Kenneth G. Pugh. During the various perambulations, the Processional Hymn "Now thank we all our God", and the Dedicating Hymn "Supreme Grand Master, God of Power" were sung to the accompaniment of the Lodge Organist, Bro. Llew Williams.
An Oration on the subject of Banners in general, and this new Banner in particular, was given by W. Bro. (Rev.) Gwynfor Williams and followed by an Ode written especially for the occasion by W. Bro. Norman Davies, P.Pr.G.S.D. and read by him.
At the conclusion of the Ceremony, the Worshipful Master thanked the R.W. Provincial Grand Master for the work that he and his "Team" had done, and was pleased to present a cheque for £1.250.00 for the Festival on behalf of Elffin Lodge. An enjoyable and convivial Festive Board followed at the Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge.
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Welsh P.G.M.'s "Get Together"!
R.W. Bro. Gareth Williams and other members of our Executive attended the Installation Meeting of R.W. Bro. Paul Clement, the new Provincial Grand Master for the Province of South Wales on Wednesday 4th June 2008 in Cardiff following the retirement of R.W. Bro. Desmond Barnett.
Once again, the Pro Grand Master, M.W. Bro. John Hale conducted the impressive and memorable Ceremony which was followed by the usual Banquet. R.W. Bro. Paul Clement attended our Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting on 21st June, and once again, the four Welsh "Rulers" were together and the opportunity was taken to "snap" them before they removed their regalia.
From left to right - R.W. Bros. Paul Clement (South Wales), David James (Monmouthshire), Gareth Williams (North Wales) and Nigel Adams (Dyfed)
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Midsummer Madness at "The Hall"
Bros. Keith Thompson, R. John Davies and James Roberts of St Mabon Lodge No. 919, aided and abetted by numerous friends, held a most successful evening at Keith's farm, Gardden Hall, Ruabon on the night of the Summer Solstice, June 21st. immediately after the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting.
The event, which took place in a "spick and span" barn, consisted of a four course buffet, plenty of free inclusive wine, and an extensive and cheap "pay-for" bar. Following the meal, entertainment was provided by a very popular trio from Shropshire, called "Three men in a bow tie" telling their funny stories, jokes and singing.
A raffle was held and the proceeds from the whole evening resulted in a fabulous sum of £1,045 which is being donated to the Mark 2011 Festival. Everyone that attended agreed it was a wonderful night out for the £20 ticket price, and now Keith is now under great pressure to repeat the event again next year!
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A Double Presentation to our longest serving Brother
W. Bro. Edgar Griffin, P.G.J.D., R.A.M.G.R., a member of Welchpool
Lodge of M.M.M. No. 1084 and Welchpool Lodge of R.A.M. No. 1084 was
recently honoured by the presentation of two Long Service Awards by
the Provincial Grand Master. R.W. Bro. T. Gareth Williams, on behalf
of the M.W. Grand Master, Bro. H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent.
Edgar was Advanced over 61 years ago into Barnet Mark Lodge No. 947 on 13th May 1947. This Lodge met in No. 10 Duke Street, London SW1 and regrettably, some time later surrendered its Warrant and amalgamated with Mark Well Lodge No. 897 which now meets in Mark Masons Hall, St James's Street, and Edgar was installed as Worshipful Master in 1958,
Just four years after his Installation, in 1962 Edgar received the Grand Rank of Assistant Grand Inner Guard. It is interesting that there are only two other Brethren that have held Grand Rank longer than Edgar. Firstly, Sir Kenneth Maxwell Stoddard, the Past Prov. Grand Master of West Lancs. (and incidentally an Honorary Member of Maen Clo Lodge No. 1451 in this Province), who was appointed P.G.J.D. in 1960 (that's 47 years) and Bro John Henry Dresler who was appointed Grand Steward in 1961 (that's 46 years).
In 1992 he received further promotion to the rank
of Active Grand Junior Deacon.
W. Bro. Edgar Griffin was Elevated in the Degree of the Ancient and
Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner on 31st August 1955 (52
years ago) in the Barnet Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 947. He was
Installed as Worshipful Commander in 1964. He was elected Holder of
Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 1985 and received Royal
Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 1990.
After a period of years spent in Suffolk, and having been granted Honorary Membership of his Mark and RAM Lodges, he moved to Welchpool where he has continued his Masonic careers in our Degrees by becoming Worshipful Master in 2002 and Worshipful Commander in 2005.
The picture shows (from left to right), the Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Edgar Griffin, P.G.J.D., R.A.M.G.R. and Bro. Mark Nixon, the Worshipful Master of Welchpool Mark Lodge No. 1084.
Since the entry of the above report, we are delighted to say that Edgar was honoured by the M.W. The Grand Master, Prince Michael of Kent by promotion to the rank of Past Grand Junior Overseer on 10th June 2008. Henceforth his title is, Very Worshipful Brother Edgar Griffin, P.G.J.O.
The Provincial Grand Master is Installed as Worshipful Master!
All roads led to Ruabon on 26th of November 2007 when St Mabon Mark started their 75th Anniversary Year with the Installation of the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Bro T Gareth Williams into the Chair of the Lodge.
There were some 123 Brethren in attendance (54 Lodge Members, 46 Guests and 23 members of the Provincial team). The evening started well with the Provincial Grand Master presenting the Lodge with a new Gavel suitably engraved to mark the occasion.
He was Presented by R.W. Bro John H Farrall P.Pr.G.M. (an Honorary Member of the Lodge) and was Installed by W Bro J Michael Davies last year's Master who was promoted to P.Pr.A.G.D.C. by the R W. Provincial Grand Master at the completion of the Ceremony. (This was received with acclaim by all of the brethren present).
The Wynnstay Arms Hotel was the venue for the Festive Board - which, due to numbers present, necessitated the Dining taking place in both the Function Room and the Dining Room. Everyone present joined together for the Toasts after the meal and this rounded off a very pleasant evening.
The Celebration of the 75th Anniversary will be held on Friday 26th September 2008 when a talk will be given by V W. Bro Richard Gan, P.G.M.O., Dep.G.Secretary and the Festive Board will be held at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel.
Further details are available from the Secretary of St Mabon Lodge.
Official Team Visits September 2008 - June 2009
The Provincial Grand Master has decided to make the following Official
Visits during the next year and will be accompanied by the Active
Officers appointed and invested by him on June 21st 2008.
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Date
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Lodge
|
Agenda
|
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10th September 2008
|
St Eilian Mark Lodge No.360 (Amlwch) | Installation Meeting |
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2nd October 2008
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Welchpool RAM Lodge No. 1084 (Welshpool) | Installation Meeting |
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1st November 2008
|
Charity Fund Raising Evening at Robin Hood Cabaret Club, Rhyl | Social Evening |
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18th November 2008
|
Eifl Mark Lodge No. 927 (Pwllheli) | Installation Meeting |
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21st November 2008
|
Elffin Mark Lodge No. 321 (Caernarfon) | 125th Anniversary & Banner Dedication |
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5th January 2009
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Hunter Mark Lodge No. 324 (Rhyl) | 125th Anniversary & Banner Dedication |
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17th February 2009
|
St Seiriol Mark Lodge No. 688 (Holyhead) | Installation Meeting |
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12th March 2009
|
Idris RAM Lodge No. 821 (Bala) | Reg. Meeting (Elevation) |
|
15th May 2009
|
Gwynedd Lodge of IMM No.1591 (Bangor) | Regular Meeting and AGM of NWMBF |
All Brethren are reminded that should they wish to attend any of the
above Meetings, they will be most welcome. They are required to inform
the Provincial Grand Secretary at least two weeks before the Meeting
so that reservations can be made for dining.
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Created and maintained by: Bro. David Anthony Fink