#1
Constantine No.145
Tuesday 18 January 2022
At a meeting held on Tuesday 18 January 2022 the Travelling Maul set out on its long journey through the province of Essex and started from Constantine Mark Lodge No.145, the oldest Mark Lodge in Essex. Its journey will take in all the Mark lodges in the province through to the year 2030.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Richard Goodwin, who is the chairman of the Festival 2030, attended the meeting and presented the Travelling Maul to the lodge. The W.M. was not able to be present, so a sprightly 98-year-old named V.W.Bro. Alf Garner, who was deputising as W.M., received the Travelling Maul on behalf of the lodge, and with V.W.Bro. Alf being so well known in the province it was fitting that he should be the first to receive it. A parchment accompanying the Travelling Maul was signed by the W.M. and the Travelling Maul continued to be used for the rest of the meeting.
Constantine Mark Lodge will now take the Travelling Maul onto Beaconsfield Mark Lodge in February who will be the next lodge to receive it. It will wind its way through the province and be used by each lodge at the presentation meeting. At each meeting a collection pot is passed round at the Festive Board with all proceeds going to the Festival 2030.
Having started the Travelling Maul on its journey, it will find its way back to Constantine Mark Lodge in 2030 who will present it to the P.G.M. of the time at the Festival Banquet in July 2030.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Richard Goodwin, who is the chairman of the Festival 2030, attended the meeting and presented the Travelling Maul to the lodge. The W.M. was not able to be present, so a sprightly 98-year-old named V.W.Bro. Alf Garner, who was deputising as W.M., received the Travelling Maul on behalf of the lodge, and with V.W.Bro. Alf being so well known in the province it was fitting that he should be the first to receive it. A parchment accompanying the Travelling Maul was signed by the W.M. and the Travelling Maul continued to be used for the rest of the meeting.
Constantine Mark Lodge will now take the Travelling Maul onto Beaconsfield Mark Lodge in February who will be the next lodge to receive it. It will wind its way through the province and be used by each lodge at the presentation meeting. At each meeting a collection pot is passed round at the Festive Board with all proceeds going to the Festival 2030.
Having started the Travelling Maul on its journey, it will find its way back to Constantine Mark Lodge in 2030 who will present it to the P.G.M. of the time at the Festival Banquet in July 2030.
#2
Beaconsfield No.205
Wednesday 2 February 2022
On Wednesday the 2nd of February at Saxon Hall in Southend, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. John Finlay made an official visit to the Beaconsfield Mark Lodge No. 205.
There was, however, business to take care of in the Beaconsfield Royal Ark Mariner Lodge which met prior to its Mark and saw W. Bro. Mick West, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, present a new Tracing Board to the RAM on behalf of W. Bro. Dick Caldwell, who gifted this new Tracing Board to replace the old one, which has seen better days.
W. Bro. Dick is considered the Grandfather of the Mark Province of Essex at a sprightly 99 years of age. He could not be there in person and had asked that W. Bro. Mick present it to the Lodge on his behalf. The RAM meeting not yet done, W. Bro. John Finlay, the DPGM then presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. David Weightman explaining the various elements of the document before asking him to check it and then sign it.
There was, however, business to take care of in the Beaconsfield Royal Ark Mariner Lodge which met prior to its Mark and saw W. Bro. Mick West, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, present a new Tracing Board to the RAM on behalf of W. Bro. Dick Caldwell, who gifted this new Tracing Board to replace the old one, which has seen better days.
W. Bro. Dick is considered the Grandfather of the Mark Province of Essex at a sprightly 99 years of age. He could not be there in person and had asked that W. Bro. Mick present it to the Lodge on his behalf. The RAM meeting not yet done, W. Bro. John Finlay, the DPGM then presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. David Weightman explaining the various elements of the document before asking him to check it and then sign it.
The Beaconsfield Mark was then opened and the official visit of the DPGM was conducted, with W. Bro. John Finlay entering the Lodge and taking his place to the right of the Master. The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Martyn Pinkney was then presented with the Travelling Maul, now known as ‘Mauly’.
The Travelling Maul began its journey across the Province with the Constantine Mark Lodge No. 145 as the oldest Mark in the Province of Essex, on the 18th of January 2022 in Colchester. The Secretary of Constantine, W. Bro. Sid Philpin, presented ‘Mauly’ to the Master and Brethren of the Beaconsfield Lodge No. 205 as the second oldest Mark in the Province.
The Travelling Maul will make its way around the Province and into every Lodge over the next 8 years, in aid of the 2030 Essex MBF Festival. Each Lodge is to receive the Maul, use if during the course of their meeting and keep it safe for onward transmission to the next Lodge in chronological order. The members of Beaconsfield No. 205 will attend a meeting of the Chelmer Mark Lodge No. 342 in order that the Maul can be presented to them in due course.
The Travelling Maul began its journey across the Province with the Constantine Mark Lodge No. 145 as the oldest Mark in the Province of Essex, on the 18th of January 2022 in Colchester. The Secretary of Constantine, W. Bro. Sid Philpin, presented ‘Mauly’ to the Master and Brethren of the Beaconsfield Lodge No. 205 as the second oldest Mark in the Province.
The Travelling Maul will make its way around the Province and into every Lodge over the next 8 years, in aid of the 2030 Essex MBF Festival. Each Lodge is to receive the Maul, use if during the course of their meeting and keep it safe for onward transmission to the next Lodge in chronological order. The members of Beaconsfield No. 205 will attend a meeting of the Chelmer Mark Lodge No. 342 in order that the Maul can be presented to them in due course.
After the presentation of the Travelling Maul, the Lodge received an informative talk by V.W. Bro. Dennis Baum entitled ‘The History of Freemasonry in Southend’. Many of the Brethren commented on how enlightening the talk was and thanked V. W. Bro. Dennis for their advancement in masonic knowledge!
At the end the meeting, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master took the opportunity to address the Brethren about various news items from across the Province. Moreover, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master also requested that the brethren who had received Provincial honours in 2021 be presented to him so that he may thank them personally on behalf of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.
After the meetings, the Brethren enjoyed a hearty Festive Board, accompanied by a Raffle in the cause of charity and towards the Essex MBF Festival.iol9
At the end the meeting, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master took the opportunity to address the Brethren about various news items from across the Province. Moreover, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master also requested that the brethren who had received Provincial honours in 2021 be presented to him so that he may thank them personally on behalf of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.
After the meetings, the Brethren enjoyed a hearty Festive Board, accompanied by a Raffle in the cause of charity and towards the Essex MBF Festival.iol9
#3
George Graveley No.461
14 March 2022
#4
Chelmer No.342
13 April 2022
On the 13 April the Chelmer Lodge No.342 met for their RAM Installation meeting followed by an Advancement in the Mark.
The Commander for the Chelmer RAM was W.Bro. Chris Brown who proceeded to Install Bro. Rob Whitfield into the Commanders Chair in a manner described as ‘exceptional’ by those in attendance.
The new Commander then Installed and Appointed his officers for the ensuing year. V.W.Bro. Mark Reeve, Assistant Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Lodge on quality of the Installation and sent best wishes to the Commander from the Prov.G.M., R.W.Bro. Terence D. Sheern.
It was then the turn of the Chelmer Mark in which W.Bro. Ian Taylor, the current Master opened the Lodge and awaited the arrival of the official visitor, V.W.Bro. Mark Reeve as A.P.G.M. He was escorted into the Lodge and took his place to the right of the Master.
A Eulogy for W.Bro. Ian Kenwood was presented by W.Bro. David Chambers on his passing to the Grand Lodge above. The Lodge undertook a period of reflection for the loss of their Brother.
The Commander for the Chelmer RAM was W.Bro. Chris Brown who proceeded to Install Bro. Rob Whitfield into the Commanders Chair in a manner described as ‘exceptional’ by those in attendance.
The new Commander then Installed and Appointed his officers for the ensuing year. V.W.Bro. Mark Reeve, Assistant Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Lodge on quality of the Installation and sent best wishes to the Commander from the Prov.G.M., R.W.Bro. Terence D. Sheern.
It was then the turn of the Chelmer Mark in which W.Bro. Ian Taylor, the current Master opened the Lodge and awaited the arrival of the official visitor, V.W.Bro. Mark Reeve as A.P.G.M. He was escorted into the Lodge and took his place to the right of the Master.
A Eulogy for W.Bro. Ian Kenwood was presented by W.Bro. David Chambers on his passing to the Grand Lodge above. The Lodge undertook a period of reflection for the loss of their Brother.
The Travelling Maul known as ‘Mauly’ is slowly making its way round the Essex Province and it is now the turn of the Chelmer Mark to receive Mauly, from the George Graveley Mark No.461. W.Bro. David Burgess from George Graveley Mark presented the Travelling Maul to W.Bro. Taylor who accepted it on behalf of the brethren of Chelmer Lodge.
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The Master and his team proceeded to Advance Bro. Robert Hendrie into the Mark. An excellent job was carried out by the W.M. and the officers. Our new Mark Brother was then welcomed into the Province of Essex and the Mark Degree V.W.Bro. Mark Reeve, who was put to work once more with the presentation of the a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Bruce Heubner.
#5
St. Nicholas No.413
21 April 2022
At Harwich, in the far northern reaches of Essex, the members of the St. Nicholas Mark Lodge No. 413 held their Installation meeting, on a day the sun tried to break the grip of winter and almost succeeded.
The Lodge was also hosting the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. John Finlay, on his official visit to the Lodge. The Master, W.Bro. Colin Kendrick welcomed the Dep.P.G.M. on behalf of St. Nicholas. Also in attendance were members of the Chelmer Mark Lodge No. 342, who had braved the journey to the wilderness of the north so that they could officially pass the Travelling Maul to its new home with St. Nicholas.
The Lodge was also hosting the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. John Finlay, on his official visit to the Lodge. The Master, W.Bro. Colin Kendrick welcomed the Dep.P.G.M. on behalf of St. Nicholas. Also in attendance were members of the Chelmer Mark Lodge No. 342, who had braved the journey to the wilderness of the north so that they could officially pass the Travelling Maul to its new home with St. Nicholas.
The Travelling Maul will pass through every Lodge in the Mark Province of Essex over the coming years, with each Lodge visiting the next so that ‘Mauly’ can be passed to the Master, for use during their meetings. W.Bro. David Rootkin and Brian Collings of Chelmer officially passed the Maul to St. Nicholas and informed them, that the members of ‘St. Nics’ will need to attend and pass the Travelling Maul to the Brentwood Lodge No. 377 in due course.
The Installation of the new Master and his officers then took place and the Maul was used by the outgoing and incoming Masters. On the completion of the Installation, the Master, now W.Bro. Martin Humphries thanked the members of the Northern Cluster for their assistance and continued inter-visiting. He also informed the Brethren that the collection box that accompanies the Travelling Maul, raised £42 with a further £100 being donated by St. Nicholas, for the 2030 Essex MBF Festival.
The Installation of the new Master and his officers then took place and the Maul was used by the outgoing and incoming Masters. On the completion of the Installation, the Master, now W.Bro. Martin Humphries thanked the members of the Northern Cluster for their assistance and continued inter-visiting. He also informed the Brethren that the collection box that accompanies the Travelling Maul, raised £42 with a further £100 being donated by St. Nicholas, for the 2030 Essex MBF Festival.
All in attendance retired to the Festive Board and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master gave the Brethren an update on the activities of the Province. This included the recent ‘Zip Wire Challenge’ completed a few days prior which had so far raised £6000 for the 2030 Festival. The D.P.G.M. also congratulated the Master on his return to the Chair after 23 years after his Installation in 1999.
The Brethren completed the evening with full bellies and plans to visit Brentwood No. 377 to pass on Mauly.
The Brethren completed the evening with full bellies and plans to visit Brentwood No. 377 to pass on Mauly.
#6
Brentwood No.377
6 June 2022
On Monday 6 June, Mauly made the long journey from Harwich, down the A12, to Shenfield, where members of St. Nicholas Lodge No.413 presented him to the Worshipful Master of the Brentwood Lodge No.377, W.Bro. Mike Jervis, during their regular Mark meeting.
However, before that, the visitors were treated to a double Elevation ceremony carried out by the Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Nigel Owen assisted by his Officers.
The Brentwood Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.377 was opened at 1630 with 20 Brethren present. After the initial business of the Lodge had been concluded, which included the Brethren standing to order in memory of R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, the Assistant Grand Master, who had passed to the Grand Lodge above on 20 April 2022, the Brethren held ballots for Bro. Alistair Barnwell and Bro. Gavin Burgoyne, both of which proved unanimous. The 2 candidates were then admitted to the Lodge and Elevated in an exemplary manner. |
Having received reports from the Almoner and Charity Steward and there being no further business for the good of the Fraternity in general or the Lodge in particular, it was closed in due form.
After a quick re-arrangement of the lodge room, the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.377 was opened with 23 Brethren present.
After a quick re-arrangement of the lodge room, the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.377 was opened with 23 Brethren present.
After the Lodge had paid tribute to R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, members of St. Nicholas Lodge No.413, presented Mauly to the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Mike Jervis, for him to use during the remainder of the ceremony.
In return, and as a thank you from the Lodge, a cheque for £25 made payable to the Essex Mark Benevolent Fund was presented to the delegation to be allocated in their name.
Once the initial business had been concluded, a ballot was held for Bro. Stuart Buckley, which proved unanimous.
Bro. Buckly was admitted to the Lodge and Advanced to the degree of a Mark Master Mason by the Worshipful Master, ably assisted by the Officers of the Lodge.
In return, and as a thank you from the Lodge, a cheque for £25 made payable to the Essex Mark Benevolent Fund was presented to the delegation to be allocated in their name.
Once the initial business had been concluded, a ballot was held for Bro. Stuart Buckley, which proved unanimous.
Bro. Buckly was admitted to the Lodge and Advanced to the degree of a Mark Master Mason by the Worshipful Master, ably assisted by the Officers of the Lodge.
W.Bro. David Harvey then presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Sarbjeet Singh.
After reports from the Almoner and Charity Steward had been received, the Lodge was closed in due form and the brethren retired to the bar for some quick refreshment before proceeding to the Festive Board.
After reports from the Almoner and Charity Steward had been received, the Lodge was closed in due form and the brethren retired to the bar for some quick refreshment before proceeding to the Festive Board.
During the Festive Board alms were collected and a raffle was held which then enabled the Worshipful Master to make a donation of £250 to the Essex Mark Welfare Fund.
After a most enjoyable meal, accompanied by excellent company, a collection of all remaining loose change was made and realised the sum of £56.17, which will be added to the running Mauly Festive Board pot.
A delegation from the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.377 will be making their way North to Chelmsford in October to deliver Mauly to his next temporary home with the West Ham Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.467.
After a most enjoyable meal, accompanied by excellent company, a collection of all remaining loose change was made and realised the sum of £56.17, which will be added to the running Mauly Festive Board pot.
A delegation from the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.377 will be making their way North to Chelmsford in October to deliver Mauly to his next temporary home with the West Ham Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.467.
#7
West Ham No.467
6 June 2022
Wednesday 26 October, saw the Travelling Maul arrive in Chelmsford to the West Ham Lodge having taken a short trip along the A.12 from Hutton, and was also the Installation Meeting of the Lodge.
After the Lodge was opened, there was a period of reflective silence, in memory of the sad passing of our late Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, additionally the assembled Brethren also marked the passing of W.Bro. Dennis May with an obituary read by the Secretary, and the Brethren marking his passing with a further moments silence.
Moving on, the Lodge moved to more pleasurable business and welcomed members from the Brentwood Lodge, No. 377, bringing with them the Travelling Maul, which was to be entrusted in the care of West Ham Lodge until Monday 21st November 2022, when it will be passed on to the Dunmow Lodge No. 527 at Braintree.
That done, the main item of the meeting was then the very pleasurable duty to install W. Bro. Steve McConnell into the Master’s Chair for the forthcoming year, followed by the appointment and investiture of his officers.
The W.M., Steve, himself an experienced and very capable Mason, in thanking the members for the trust placed in him, then added how pleased he was to see a number of newer brethren occupying officers’ positions, something that they hadn’t seen in West Ham Lodge for a number of years, which he felt illustrated the upturn in the fortunes of the Lodge. This was similarly evidenced by the decision later in the meeting to return to three meetings a year, such is the likely workload.
Grand Lodge Certificates were presented to Bro’s David Lee, Andrew Shepherd, Dan Moore and Rob Coates before the other regular agenda items were completed.
An extremely convivial festive board concluded the evening.
After the Lodge was opened, there was a period of reflective silence, in memory of the sad passing of our late Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, additionally the assembled Brethren also marked the passing of W.Bro. Dennis May with an obituary read by the Secretary, and the Brethren marking his passing with a further moments silence.
Moving on, the Lodge moved to more pleasurable business and welcomed members from the Brentwood Lodge, No. 377, bringing with them the Travelling Maul, which was to be entrusted in the care of West Ham Lodge until Monday 21st November 2022, when it will be passed on to the Dunmow Lodge No. 527 at Braintree.
That done, the main item of the meeting was then the very pleasurable duty to install W. Bro. Steve McConnell into the Master’s Chair for the forthcoming year, followed by the appointment and investiture of his officers.
The W.M., Steve, himself an experienced and very capable Mason, in thanking the members for the trust placed in him, then added how pleased he was to see a number of newer brethren occupying officers’ positions, something that they hadn’t seen in West Ham Lodge for a number of years, which he felt illustrated the upturn in the fortunes of the Lodge. This was similarly evidenced by the decision later in the meeting to return to three meetings a year, such is the likely workload.
Grand Lodge Certificates were presented to Bro’s David Lee, Andrew Shepherd, Dan Moore and Rob Coates before the other regular agenda items were completed.
An extremely convivial festive board concluded the evening.
#8
Dunmow No.527
21 November 2022
On Monday 21 November 2022 the Provincial Grand Master was due to make an official visit to Dunmow, but due to family issues he was unable to attend. Not wanting to cancel the planned official visit he asked W.Bro. Richard Goodwin Assistant Provincial Grand Master if he could attend in his place. This he did and W.Bro. Richard Goodwin was accompanied by around 20 Active Officers of the year.
The Royal Ark Mariner meeting received a joining member W.Bro. Terence Nash. This was followed by the Election of W.Bro. Roger Wacey as Commander Elect (by Dispensation) who was duly Installed into the chair. He then Invested his Appointed Officers of the year. W.Bro. Andrew Cuthbertson gave the Address to the Commander. The A.P.G.M then had the pleasure to present Grand Lodge Certificates to Bros. Ian Barbrook and Nigel Farmer, who he had the pleasure to see Elevated at the February meeting. An enjoyable meeting enjoyed by all attending.
The Royal Ark Mariner meeting received a joining member W.Bro. Terence Nash. This was followed by the Election of W.Bro. Roger Wacey as Commander Elect (by Dispensation) who was duly Installed into the chair. He then Invested his Appointed Officers of the year. W.Bro. Andrew Cuthbertson gave the Address to the Commander. The A.P.G.M then had the pleasure to present Grand Lodge Certificates to Bros. Ian Barbrook and Nigel Farmer, who he had the pleasure to see Elevated at the February meeting. An enjoyable meeting enjoyed by all attending.
The Mark meeting followed with the A.P.G.M being received and taking the Chair on request from the Prov.G.M. After the presentation of the minutes the A.P.G.M introduced the Active Officers to those in attendance at the meeting and thanked them for giving up their time to attend. The A.P.G.M then returned the chair back to the W.M. There then followed the presentation of the Travelling Maul to Dunmow Mark Lodge from members of West Ham Mark Lodge, with the Travelling Maul continuing its journey around the Province and its Mark Lodges.