Newsletter
Winter 2004
From: W Bro Philip Hoy Provincial Information Officer
So much is always happening in our Province that from time to time it seems appropriate to put out an e-newsletter as well as putting items up on our website. This also gives me the chance to wish you all a very Happy New Year on behalf of our RW Provincial Grand Master, the Provincial Executive and myself.
Well Done Hertfordshire Mark Masons
I have received the following item of news from our Provincial Grand Treasurer which should give us all a sense of pleasure, and I think some pride, particularly at this time of year.
Since the 1999 Festival, when the Province handed over the best part of £450,000 to the Mark Benevolent Fund, the cash actually donated by the brethren of this Province has just surpassed £100,000 - this in about three-and-a-half years - a magnificent effort.
This has enabled the Province: firstly to complete its obligations to the MBF left over from the Festival; secondly to make many masonic and local charitable donations in that period; and thirdly to be on target for purchasing our second ambulance for the Order of St John. (One more year and £14,000 to go).
RW Bro Keith Emmerson responded to this news with the following message:
"This is a wonderful response by the brethren of the Province and, as PGM, I am most grateful to everyone for their support toward the various initiatives and projects we have sought to introduce.
The Mark Province of Hertfordshire has shown the way in many issues during the period I have had the privilege of being PGM but, without the support and generosity of the brethren, we would not have been able to achieve any of this. Terrific news."
This is a significant landmark and thanks are due to all.
Berkhamstead Mark Lodge No.1172 celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
The lodge meeting on the 26th November was a very special occasion. It was attended not only by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Keith Emerson and the Executive, but also by a numerous retinue of Acting Provincial Officers.
Official guests were the Worshipful Master and Secretary of the Watford Mark Lodge No 241, the sponsoring Lodge, together with the Worshipful Master and Secretary of the Hemel Hempstead Mark Lodge No 1291, the daughter Lodge of Berkhamstead.
It was a very full meeting with an Advancement ceremony to begin the proceedings, followed by the Proclamation of W Bro Paul Lewis to start his second year in office and the investiture of his Officers.
The Jubilee celebrations commenced with the Assistant Secretary reading the Minutes of the first Regular Meeting held on November 25 th , 1953 .
The Worshipful Master then invited the Provincial Grand Master to present Jubilee Jewels to the Lodge members. This he was most pleased to do, offering congratulations to all. The Worshipful Master then took pleasure in presenting Jubilee Jewels to the Provincial Grand Master, and to his Deputy and Assistant. The Tyler and guest Organist were also presented with jewels.
The Provincial Grand Master was then pleased to present to the Worshipful Master a Maul & Plinth in recognition of the Lodge's donations to the Mark Provincial Benevolent Fund.
The Worshipful Master, W Bro Paul Lewis, reciprocated by presenting a cheque for a further donation of £500 to the fund, requesting that this be added to the St John Ambulance Appeal.
The Provincial Grand Master thanked the WM for the donation and congratulated the Lodge on its fifty years of existence wishing it well in the future, and with more candidates in the pipeline, noted that the Lodge is well placed to continue on its happy way.
The evening was rounded off by a splendid Festive Board as is a fitting finale to the Lodge's 50th Anniversary and a good start to the next fifty years.
Forthcoming Digswell Lodge 75th Anniversary
Digswell Lodge No 872 celebrates the 75th Anniversary of its Consecration with a special meeting at the Hertingfordbury Masonic Centre, Hertingfordbury on Friday, 30th January 2004, the exact anniversary of its Consecration at the Red Lion, Hatfield on 30th January 1924 . The Emergency Lodge Meeting will start at 5.30pm. and be followed by a Celebration Dinner at 7.30pm.
Brethren wishing to attend should either contact members of Digswell, or apply directly to the Secretary. Details available from the Information Officer. Because numbers for dining are restricted, meals will only be available to ticket holders - first come, first served! Tickets are available from the Secretary at a cost of £25 which includes wine.
Please send cheques (made payable to Digswell Lodge of MMM No. 872) to the secretary with details of names and ranks for the table plan.
Calling all Golfers
The Hertfordshire MMM Charity Golf Day next year will be held at Chesfield Downs Golf Club on Wednesday 23rd June. The first Tee Off will be 12-02 pm.
Notices will be going out to all MMM Lodge Secretaries in due course. At the moment this is just for people to log the date in their diaries.
Old Soldiers never die, they become PGMs
R W Bro Keith Emmerson at the Cenotaph for the Rememberance Day parade. He was a member of the Guards Parachute Company.
Items of news should be sent to Philip Hoy at info@hertsmark.org or by fax to 01279 817793.
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