PGM of DURHAM - RW.Bro. Prof. DENOVAN KEITH WILSON

PROVINCIAL NEWSLETTERDURHAM

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS AND ROYAL ARK MARINERS OF DURHAM

DECEMBER 2019

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PGM of DURHAM - RW.Bro. Prof. DENOVAN KEITH WILSON

PROVINCIAL NEWSLETTERDURHAM

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS AND ROYAL ARK MARINERS OF DURHAM

It might have beenbonfire night, so itwas a perfect excusefor some fireworks atCestria Mark tocelebrate 60 years inthe Mark for LarryTinkler.Cestria Mark Lodgeworked tirelessly tomake sure that therewas a slick andextremely wellorganised evening to

acknowledge the incredible contribution Larry has and still ismaking to Freemasonry in general and the Mark Degree inparticular. This occasion would also see a full ProvincialDeputation supporting the Provincial Grand Master, DennyWilson who would be making the presentation to Larry.Larry is held in such high esteem that the lodge room andhall were filled to capacity with many Heads of Orders,Grand and Provincial officers and most importantly, friendsof Larry.

After the Lodge had conducted all its business, includingballoting for two new members, and the ProvincialDeputation has processed in ceremonial style, the mainpurpose of the evening could commence. The PGM invitedLarry to the front of the lodge room where they entered intoan enlightening and intriguing conversation. As Larry hadcommenced his Mark journey in Scotland in 1959, there wasa 20 year gap in the information Denny could obtain fromGrand Lodge which he knew Larry would complete, eventhough to Denny's amazement his Grand Lodge CV extendedto 14 pages! Larry provided many stories and anecdotes onhis time to date in the Mark Degree as well as the many other

Orders he is a member of.

Larry's commitment to Freemasonry was later re-emphasised when Mark Gilpin proposed a toast to Larry. It isan incredible achievement that Larry is a member of over 50units (lodges, chapters etc) and in so many different Orders,achieving Grand Rank honours in most of them as well asbeing a founder member of over 20 different units. Larry isalso very well known for encouraging many a Mason intoother Orders, many of us on the receiving end of themountain of Membership Application Forms he alwayscarries with him, along with his secret weapons of whiskey, apen and piece of paper - this later turns out to be theApplication Form.Larry's dedication and commitment to Mark Masonry wascommemorated with the presentation of a certificate sentfrom the Grand Master in London as well as one from theGrand Lodge of Scotland.To add a bit of sparkle to the evening, Larry providedfireworks on each table and there was also a token bonfire toacknowledge it was November 5th. Such was the warmth ofthe friendship that the fire alarm decided to let rip, it couldn'thave been the fireworks after all! The PGM also noting thatthe alarm was really effective as there was no attempt toform an orderly queue, it was far tooimportant an evening to miss aminute!

It was a great evening and one thateveryone who was there willremember, especially Larry. Welldone and congratulations on yourachievement Larry.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED.The presentation of the generous donation of £250 from the ProvincialGrand Lodge of the Mark Masons of Durham, which will go towards therestoration of the War Memorial in Dipton.The presentation took place in front of the current Memorial in the village.

left to right on the photo are Brethren Steven Goss and Ivan Jewell in front of theWar Memorial with Susan Goss (Secretary ) and Alan Roy (Deputy Chairman ofthe group).

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

JARROW MARKLODGE 701

JARROWMARK LODGE NO.701

One hundred years is a fantastic milestone for any lodge especiallywhen that lodge is still very much alive and well. The Jarrow MarkLodge No.701 was therefore delighted to welcome to their Centenarycelebrations numerous brethren some of whom had travelled manymiles to be at this super special occasion.

The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Ronald Stobbart first welcomed intothe lodge the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Prof. DenovanK.Wilson and his Provincial Grand Officers. He then welcomed theAssistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison, and invited himto occupy the Master's Chair for the presentation of the specialWarrant.

The AGM extended a very warm welcome to all the brethren, hopingthey would all enjoy this centenary of the Jarrow Mark Lodge. Thesplendid setting of the Temple interior with so many brethren presentmade the event even more colourful and memorable.

After the salutations were concluded, RW.Bro. Davison rose to deliverhis official oration to the Jarrow Lodge after which he invited theAssistant Grand Secretary, W.Bro. Paul Merryfellow to read out aproclamation from the Grand Master, then the Centenary Warrantbefore the official handing over to the Worshipful Master of JarrowMark Lodge. The WM was delighted to receive the Centenary Warrantand thanked the Assistant Grand Master on behalf of the Jarrow Lodge.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Keith Dinning rose and gavethe lodge his moving and thoughtful Oration which perfectly expressedin words the significance of this milestone of Jarrow Mark Lodge.

With the official business concluded the brethren retired to a mostexcellent dinner in the beautiful dining room.

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DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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On Monday 4th November 2019 on a wet and windy Gateshead evening theDPGM David Hanson made an official visit to INDUSTRY LODGE OFMMM NO.993 where a warm welcome is always extended to all visitingbrethren no matter what time of year. Once the lodge was opened the brethrenwere treated to an excellent ceremony during which Bro. Gordon Sloan, whotravels from Lancaster, was advanced into theMagic of the Mark. In the second rising Davidcongratulated all who took part in theceremony and welcomed Gordon into MarkMasonry. Another highlight of the eveningwas seeing W.Bro. Alan Shaftoe also joiningthe lodge. Once the lodge was closed thebrethren retired to the festive board where thefriendship and fellowship was of the highestorder. An excellent night for Industry Mark

Lodge with two new members pointing to a successful and happy future for the lodge.

Alan Crusher VGO, Gordon Sloan candidate, DPGM ,Kenneth Hiles WM, Frank Rankin, John Stevenson RAMRepresentative.

BARNARD CASTLE LODGE OF ROYAL ARKMARINERS NO. 778The Installation meeting of the Barnard Castle Lodge ofRoyal Ark Mariners was held on Monday 11th November,when W. Bro. Graham J. Mitchinson, RAMGR wasInstalled as Worshipful Commander. W. Bro. GrahamMitchinson was a Founder Member of the Lodge, and hasheld the office of Scribe since the Lodge was consecratedin 2003. Graham was Elevated into the Stockton on TeesLodge of Royal Ark Mariners in March 1997 and wasInstalled asWorshipful Commander in January 2002. TheInstallation meeting was well attended with 20 of the 23members of the Barnard Castle Lodge being present, therewere also 15 visitors present. Sadly, W. Bro. Graham’sfather,W. Bro. BrianMitchinsonwas unable to attend dueto his recent illness. The Provincial Grand Master wasrepresented by W. Bro. John T. Dodds, the ProvincialGrand Senior Warden, who was accompanied byW. Bro.John M. Nye, Provincial Deputy Grand Director ofCeremonies. At the conclusion of the Lodge business, thebrethren retired to the dining hall and enjoyed an excellentfestive board, where the usual masonic toasts werehonoured.

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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Photo 1 W Bro Frank Sanderson, PGJD with his wife Sheila. Photo 2 From left to right W Bro Trevor Lynn, Asst PGM, W Bro Malcolm Maddison PAGDC, W Bro FrankSanderson PGJD and W Bro Gordon Pybourne, W M of Stanhope Mark Lodge No 1551.Photo 3 W Bro Trevor Lynn Asst PGM, W Bro Frank Sanderson, PGJD and RW Bro Den Wilson, PGM

Provincial Grand Master presentsMark 50 Year Certificate to W. Bro.Frank Sanderson, PGJD.

On Friday 8th November 2019W. Bro. FrankSanderson’s dedicated long service to the MarkDegree was rewarded with a visit from theProvincial Grand Master to present a 50 YearCertificate of Membership from Mark Grand Lodgein London.

Frank was Advanced intoWalton Mark Lodge No1106 on 6th October 1969 and became WorshipfulMaster in 1978. He was a Founder Member ofStanhope Mark Lodge No 1551 at its Consecrationon 29th November 1980 and became the Lodge’sfirst Worshipful Master. Frank’s recent health

problems have prevented him from attending his Lodge in Stanhope to receivehis Certificate. However W. Bro. Malcolm Maddison, PAGDC, a member ofStanhope Mark Lodge had kindly made the arrangements with Frank and hiswife Sheila to welcome the PGM, R.W. Bro. Prof. D.K. Wilson and the Asst.PGMW.Bro. R. T. Lynn, to visit their lovely home in rural Weardale for thePresentation. Also in attendance was W. Bro. Gordon Pybourne, WorshipfulMaster of Stanhope Mark Lodge.

At the age of 86 Frank still has an excellent memory and enjoyedsharing with his guests some truly memorable events of his outstandingMasonic career.

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“The 4th Time”.On Wednesday 6th November 2019, the Ryton Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.1714 met for their Installation. Once the Lodge wasopened W.Bro. Keith Liddell, the Representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master, was admitted under the guidance of his DC, W.Bro.Ken U. Robson. The Worshipful Commander welcomed Keith and all the visitors and wished them an enjoyable evening. The ceremony ofinstallation was performed by the Worshipful Commander who installed W.Bro. Malcolm Ormiston into the chair. The address to theWorshipful Commander was impeccably given by W.Bro. Roger Layton. W.Bro. Ormiston invested his officers and closed the Lodge.Once the brethren had enjoyed a superb buffet the toasts began. W.Bro. Keith Liddell responded on behalf of Province and said this was“The 4th Time” he had been the Representative when Malcolm had been installed into the chair, twice in craft, once in the Mark and thisevening. Keith also mentioned the importance of the degree and thanked the lodge for the generous donation to the Centenary celebrations.Another wonderful evening was rounded off when the Worshipful Commander drew the raffle and W Bro Keith had the lucky number.Keith returned the bottle to the Lodge and said raffle it at the next meeting when there will be a full team visit.Malcolm thanked all his friends for making it such a special evening and is looking forward to the year ahead.

Photo : KeithLiddell,MalcolmOrmiston andDavid Hanson

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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They each coped in their own way but found that sharing their thoughts, anxieties and concerns with each other was extremely helpful. They also gave each other lots of hugs in times of fear, sadness and joy!

Now going strong in University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Blackpool Royal Victoria Hospital, the aim of Hug in a Bag is to help reduce these experiences of vulnerability and loneliness by giving the gift RI�D�+XJ�LQ�D�%DJ�FRQWDLQLQJ�JLIWV�DQG�LQIRUPDWLRQ�OHDÁ�HWV��

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6275 HIAB 'Ladies who Rock' event Press Ad.indd 1 07/10/2017 12:02

Gary and Christine Walker with Jimmi theHug in a Bag bear with a cheque for £210

Christine and myself holding a very big "thank you" for the donation to Knitted Knockers for £140

HALLOWEENNIGHT IN SHILDON!

Shildon Masonic Hall was again transformed thisyear into a cavern of strange creatures assembled foranother fantastic evening of ghoulish antics andgames intended to raise funds from unsuspectingpersons lured into the venue by the charming hostand event organiser W.Bro. Ken Moore whotogether with his family members has once morecreated a wonderful event much enjoyed by all whohad made it to Shildon on the 26th October 2019

Annual Sheep Drive across London Bridge

The right of freemen of the City ofLondon to drive a flock of sheepacross London Bridge withoutpaying tolls or taxes dates back tomedieval times.

W.Bro. John Nicholson, last year’sProv. GJW, a member of ErnestDixon Lodge MMM No 1015 and ofMetropolitan Lodge MMM No 2003Province of London, was made afreeman of the City in 2017. As alivery man of the WorshipfulCompany of Felt makers, John tookthe opportunity of availing himself(and his family) of this longhonoured tradition and on the 29thSeptember 2019 participated in theannual sheep drive organised by theWorshipful Company of Wool men,driving “his” flock of sheep acrossLondon Bridge in aid of charity. The event was a huge success and raisedsignificant funds for (non-masonic) charities. However, John’s thoughts andappreciation did go to the numbers of helpers that stayed to tidy up after theevent; John did laugh about the state the bridge would have been in by theend of the day (the last drive was at 16:00). Despite raining for a number ofhours prior to the event, as John took up his position the skies had clearedand when his drive began at 10:30 it was beautiful weather. It was a fantasticday and it was encouraging to see so many participants. Definitely a once ina lifetime opportunity and certainly one that will not be forgotten!

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DURHAM LODGE OF INSTALLED COMMANDERS NO.1492

W.Bro. Ralph JacksonShort,RAMPGR, newlyinstalled as the WCmdr.on the 21st.November2019. On same nightPeter Harrison, andWilliam E.Hobsonbecame joining membersof the lodge.

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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“THEY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS AND THEIR GOOD WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM, THANKS BE TO GOD THEY HAVE MARKED WELL”

OB ITUARIES

'A Letter From America'Good evening R.W Bro Denovan, I hope all is well upthere in the greatest Province of all.

Currently I am on Holiday in New York City andthought I would visit the Grand Lodge of the State ofNew York. Unfortunately there were no tours today andthe building is not normally open to the public. However,I managed to charm my way in and ended up having aone to one tour culminating in a personal tour of theGrand Secretary's Office by the man himself R.W.Bro.Richard T Schultz. He was such a nice man and veryaccommodating indeed.

Whilst in his office I noticed a large round woodentable with a glass top, under which there was animpressive display of Masonic Coins from all aroundAmerica.

I just happened to have a Durham Mark Master MasonsToken in my pocket (Not the one presented to me onadvancement) and once my tour was complete I gifted itto Richard for his table.

I had a great time with R.W Bro Richard Schultz andwhen I returned to my hotel room found the followingphotograph in my email inbox.

It shows the Durham M.M.M Token under the glass ofhis display table in his amazing office.I thought you might be interested to know that theProvincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons OfDurham is now represented by my M.M.M Token in theGrand Lodge of the State of New York.

Very kind regards, S&F -- Keith Armitage.

☞

30/10/2019 - Bro. Derrick Redden - M 930 R 930 - DoB - 30/06/1932

12/11/2019 - W.Bro. Victor McAvoy - PPGJO - M1015 - DoB - 03/12/1933

W.Bro. Stuart Ingram the new Worshipful Master of theD.L.I.M.M. No.1492, installed on 28th October 2019 .

STAINDROP LODGE OF MMM NO.1274Installed W.Bro. M.P.Lambird as Worshipful Master on 4thNovember 2019

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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On the evening of Thursday 7th November2019 the DPGM, David Hanson made anofficial visit to George Washington Lodge ofMark Master Masons at Birtley.Once the lodge was opened the ProvincialAssistant Grand Director of Ceremonies,W.Bro. Sid Watson announced that the DPGMdemanded admission. He was accompaniedinto the lodge by a number of Provincial andGrand Mark Officers. After the salutationsDavid thanked the Worshipful Master for thehonour and privilege of occupying the chair ofthis fine lodge and said he was lookingforward to the evening. The next business ofthe evening was to demonstrate a ceremony of

Advancement. The candidate for the evening was the DPGM. After a very good ceremony theDPGM presented Bro. David Francis Cunningham with his GrandLodge Certificate. With the business of the lodge finished theWorshipful Master closed the lodge and the brethren retired to thefestive board.When the DPGM responded to his toast he thanked all the brethrenwho took part in the ceremony, especially the Senior Deacon W.Bro.Charles McLeod who kept him right! He also thanked the brethrenof George Washington Lodge of MMM for a generous cheque for theCentenary. Another cracking evening in the Mark degree.

David Hanson with the SeniorDeacon W Bro Charles McLeod

DPGM presents Grand LodgeCertificate to Bro David FrancisCunningham

THE BERNARD GILPIN LODGE OF MMM NO. 860 welcomed the “4 Steps to the Mark” Team to Hetton le Hole fortheir ‘Open Night’.The Bernard Gilpin Mark Lodge wanted to raise awareness of the Mark Degree and decided to invite the 4 Steps Team todeliver their presentation at their regular Lodge meeting on the evening of 12 November 2019. The Lodge also hoped that thiswould be an opportunity for Lodges to send interested Masons or ‘guests’ along to find out more about the Degree.

There were 4 guests attending to find out more along with many visitors who were equally inquisitive and, perhaps wanting torefresh their knowledge a little.The presentation team consisted of Michael Wilkinson, George Paylor along with their visual effects master, George Young.The guests were greeted by David Hanson and Graham Wharton, who chatted with them whilst the formal business of theLodge was completed before the presentation and then introduced them to the Lodge and its visitors after it had closed itsformal meeting. Michael and George explained about the Degree so that interested guests could make an informed decisionon whether they would like to join the Mark. There was also an opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

The event so far has been successful in helping 16 brethren take that step to become a Mark Master

The Hosts for the evening, George Paylor, P. Heaviside,WM,

Fred Piggford, George Tilley.

DECEMBER 2019INFORMATION

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11 Marwell Drive,The Glade,Usworth Hall,

Washington,Tyne and Wear, NE37 3LH.

Tel: 0191-4166764Email: j.stubbings@talktalk.netLots of Regalia in stock,

please ring orcall in to see what is

available.

JIM STUBBINGSWARDEN OF REGALIATel: 0191-4166764

Email:j.stubbings@talktalk.net

The Mark Province enters into new cyberspace

A long time ago in a Province far, far away, a new Provincial Grand Master tookup his office to lead the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons inDurham. He had a mission with a list of changes he wished to make. The lastremaining item on that list is to create the ultimate Provincial Mark website. Toalso help prepare for the approaching Centenary, the new website will belaunched on the 1st December 2019 into cyberspace. From this date the new

website can be reached at: www.durhammarkmasons.org

We hope you like the new website’s new modern format and find it informative, useful andhelpful. We also hope it is faster on both the PC and mobile.The ‘old’ website will continue for a short while but will ultimately close down. It has notbeen possible to copy all the old news items from the old site, so if there is anything youwish to copy from there yourself, you will have a short time to do so, but please be veryquick.

You will need to update any bookmarks you have to the ‘old’ site as this will soon disappear.To help make the news items more enjoyable, we are providing more pictures in a carouselat the top of the news item. You can ‘click’ on these pictures to enlarge them and flickthrough them.The communications team will welcome any stories Lodges and Brethren have to offer.Anyone interested in having a story published will have to send some information about theoccasion, it doesn’t have to be a finished article, but there needs to be sufficient to create astory, and as many good photographs as possible (6 to 8 different ones would be great).

We have also introduced a “What’s On” page and this is open to Lodges to advertise theirevents. All we need is a poster (preferably in pdf format) and a few words and a contactemail. We can then help advertise the event and hopefully increase its success.For Lodge Secretaries, there is a “Download” page where current documents, applicationsforms, toast lists etc can be downloaded.

There are more changes planned and information will be updated as we move forward, soplease keep visiting the website. We hope you like it.

DavidBattensby

DECEMBER / MARK 2019 DAY TIME NOTES

Walton no.1106 2 Monday 6.45 Installation

Industry no. 293 2 Monday 7.00

Hackworth no.761 3 Tuesday 6.45 Provincial Visit

Cestria no.1151 3 Tuesday 6.45

Steadfast no.846 4 Wednesday 6.30 Installation

St.Aidan no.1145 9 Monday 7.00

Harte no.740 9 Monday 7.00

Bernard Gilpin no.860 10 Tuesday 7.00 Date Change

Percy no.122 12 Thursday 7.00

Bede no.605 13 Friday 7.00

William Todd no.929 17 Tuesday 6.45

Elevation no.1112 17 Tuesday 6.45 Date Change

Clavering no. 896 19 Thursday 6.30 Installation

Moseley no.925 20 Friday 7.00

DECEMBER / RAM 2019 DAY TIME

Monument no.1055 3 Tuesday 10.30

Eclectic no.39 2 Monday 7.00

Darlington no.250 11 Wednesday 6.45

Union no. 124 11 Wednesday 7.00

Chief / Builders no.1806 13 Friday 10.30

Hackworth no.761 16 Monday 6.30 Provincial Visit