Province of Buckinghamshire launch ‘March Into Mark’
at the Chalfonts Lodge 1779
The Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire, R W Bro Keith Bristow and his team of Provincial Grand Officers, made an official visit to The Chalfonts Lodge of Mark Master Masons at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre on the 28th February 2024 with 43 brethren in attendance. The occasion was the Installation of Bro Peter Smith into the chair of Adoniram. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master took the Chair and conducted an excellent ceremony assisted by a number of distinguished brethren.
The newly installed W Bro Smith then appointed and invested his officers of the year. The Provincial Grand Master then presented Grand Lodge Certificates to recently Advanced Brother Simon Oliver. The last item on the agenda was a new recruitment drive by the Province called ‘March into Mark’ presented by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V W Bro. Peter Cole. He outlined an imaginative method of recruitment for the Mark Degree, which will involve all the Mark Lodges in the Province of Buckinghamshire. He stated that there were 35 Brethren waiting for Advancement in the Province and many more to come. This was very well received and looks as if the Mark Degree in Buckinghamshire is in for some exciting times!
The Bucks Mark Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.1941
The Bucks Mark Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No1941 has just Celebrated its 11th birthday with around 44 members of the Mark Degree present. There were present the Bucks Mark Provincial Grand Master R W Bro Keith David Bristow along with two P.Prov.G.M.’s, many Grand Officers, Active Provincial Officers and members from 4 other Provinces Mark Stewards Lodges.
The Lodge was opened by W. Bro. Michael Melia, W. Bro. Graham Dearing a Past Master gave a heartfelt Eulogy to the late V W Bro Tim Hancock P.G.J.O. The Assembled Brethren to departed Merit. W Bro Paul Lear, a P.M. was invited to the Masters’ chair and Installed W Bro. Stephen Philip Smirthwaite the Masters’ chair of this Lodge. It was announced that the Province was about to Launch “March into Mark” noting that there were approximately 20 plus prospective new members across 18 lodges already. Following a yummy meal the all Brethren commented how enjoyable the whole evening was, it was good to see the Lodge and its guests in such good heart. It was evident by many smiling faces around both the Temple & Dining Room.
Bletchley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1499
Emily’s Star is a Charity based in Milton Keynes, being a small Charity small amounts of money mean a lot. This charity has been going around 12years. It was formed to raise awareness of Trisomy 18 / Edwards Syndrome. Further it supports all children in Milton Keynes aged 0-25 who fall under the care of the Children with Complex needs nursing team. It helps to provide premature babies with clothing, bonding aids & more via boxes & mini packs across the UK.
A number of members of Bletchley Mark have been supporters of this fine charity for a number of years. Some years ago it tried to donate a sum to small group in need of support, sadly because of Covid it was impossible to do so. A group of senior members of the Lodge decided to collate the money’s raised from that era until the present the present to a small charity close to many members hearts. So, of Friday 26th Jan 2024 our Secretary James Blackhurst along with a few members met with Katy from Emily’s Star and gave her over £1200-00.
Calling all
Mark
Master
Masons
out there!
Its more than an Installation, its more than just with a
TEAM VISIT! ITS THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BUCKS MARK MASTER MASONS LAUNCHING "THE MARCH INTO MARK!"
If you are near Beaconsfield on February 28th 2024 and a Mark Mason come along and support a new Master Peter Jack Smith being Installed into the Chair of Adorniram of the Chalfonts Lodge, plus our Provincial Grand Master launching "MARCH INTO THE MARK". This is the Bucks Mark recruitment drive. The good news, even though it is not launched until 28th February, we are amazed how many are in the pipe line to be Advanced in Bucks Mark Lodges. Bletchley has three; Herschel has five over two meetings, the Chalfonts three; AND, that's before its launched fully! If You are able to support this event:
Then email the Chalfonts Mark Lodge Secretary for details
including meal cost too: - brian.roake@btopenworld.com
50 years in Buckinghamshire
W.Master, W.Bro Ian Townsend, V.W.Bro Michael Jolley and R.W.Bro Keith Bristow.
V.W.Bro Michael P.G.S.O. was Advanced into the St Peter & St Paul Lodge No:163 in Wolverton, Bucks on the 16th October 1973. His long service to the Lodge and the Order in general was recognised at the meeting of the Lodge on the 17th October when he was presented with his certificate by the R.W.Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro Keith Bristow.
South Bucks Hospice Donation
On the Wednesday 4th October, the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Keith Bristow visited the South Bucks Hospice and met with Jackie Ward, the Chief Executive Officer. He then presented the cheque on behalf of the Bucks Mark Province for £1200 to Mr Chris Beech to fund vital updated equipment and needles for acupuncture treatment in the physiotherapy department at the Hospice. Chris, who is in charge of the acupuncture department,
was absolutely delighted at receiving the funds for this long-overdue equipment and thanked the Bucks Mark for their generous donation to enable the purchase.
Mark Inter-Provincial Golf Tournament
Brian Roake, Peter Smith, Ken Coker and Joel Nanton
The Mark Province of Buckinghamshire played in the
Mark Inter-Provincial Golf Tournament organised by the Province of Kent on the 20th July at the delightful Westerham Golf Club.
Bucks finished runners up to a combined Provincial team including two players from Middlesex. In teams of four with the best three stableford points counting. Bucks finished with 117 points with our team consisting of Ken Coker (Wycombe Lodge) 41 Points, Joel Nanton (Wycombe Lodge) 38 Points, Brian Roake (Chalfonts Lodge) 38 Points and Peter Smith (Chalfonts Lodge) 32 Points. However, the winning team amassed 126 points with one player scoring an incredible 49 points off a 30 handicap and also winning the longest drive. A great day was had by all and a good amount of money raised for Charitable causes.
Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge
of Mark Master Masons Buckinghamshire 2023
June 22nd saw the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons for the Province of Buckinghamshire.
R W Bro Keith Bristow the Provincial Grand Master conducted an excellent meeting. The PGM re-appointed his Deputy, V W Bro Peter Cole and then honoured a number of Brethren with Provincial Grand Rank in both the Mark Degree and Royal Ark Mariner Degree. To view photographs of the meeting and festive board. please
click here
The Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master
and Provincial Grand Officers of the year.
150 Years of St. Peter & St. Paul Mark Lodge No. 163
In 1873 St. Peter & St. Paul Mark Lodge No. 163 was the second Lodge in Buckinghamshire which was consecrated. Tuesday 6th June 2023 saw the Lodge host not only the Provincial Team headed by R W Bro Keith David Bristow and around 20 Provincial Officers, but, also the Deputy Grand Master R W Bro Edward Vause. The Lodge was led by W Bro Ian Alexander in an exemplary manner.
Once the Lodge was opened the Provincial team entered the Lodge, to warm applause and the Worshipful Master offered the gavel to the Provincial Grand Master, who accepted the chance to sit in the Chair of Adorniram with pleasure. R W Bro Keith Bristow thanked the Lodge for allowing him to sit in the Masters chair, he proceeded to outline for this especial meeting.
The Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies entered the Lodge and the Deputy Grand Master entered the to much warm & welcoming applause; the Deputy Grand Master explained in more detail the background and the differences of Victorian times and today.
The Consecration Warrant was read by the Lodge Secretary in a very clear manner; the Deputy Grand Master made comment that these are not easy document to read, he then proceeded to present the Sesquicentenary Warrant the W Bro Ian Alexander as the current Master of the Lodge. The Provincial Chaplain gave an oration regarding the historical detail of the Lodge; the members and saying how important the history was for any Lodge.
It is evident from the photographs taken on the night, the whole event went well and note least everyone thoroughly enjoyed the proceeding as well as the Festive Board, it was clear it was not just the “Fizz” that was bubbling, but the enjoyment of all those in attendance bubbled up to the surface making this an event which will be long remembered for all the right reasons by all.
Great Ouse Valley Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No: 1675
The Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro. Keith Bristow and his Provincial Team visited the Great Ouse Valley Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No: 1675 to witness the Installation of W Bro Andrew Routledge in an excellent ceremony conducted by V W Bro Michael Jolley. The meeting continued with the elevation of Bro Ben Fitzpatrick, which was also conducted by V W Bro Michael Jolley. The brethren then retired for the Festive Board.
R W Bro Keith Bristow, W Bro Andrew Routledge and Bro Ben Fitzpatrick
R W Bro Keith Bristow and his Provincial Team
Wycombe Mark Lodge No. 480 Installation
On Wednesday the 2nd February, the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Keith Bristow and his Provincial Team visited Wycombe Mark Lodge No.480 for their Installation meeting of W Bro Nicholas White. They witnessed a superb ceremony of Installation by W Bro Richard Church P.G.Std.B. The Brethren then retired for an excellent Festive Board.
Provincial team prior to entering into Wycombe Mark Lodge No. 480 Installation.
Keith Bristow PGM, W Bro Nicholas White & Peter Cole Dep PGM
Buckinghamshire Mark Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 1941
R W Bro Keith Bristow, W Bro Mickey Melia, W Bro Paul Lear and W Bro Peter Cole
At the meeting of the Buckinghamshire Mark Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.1941 on Monday 30th January, W Bro. Mickey Melia was installed as Worshipful Master in an excellent ceremony conducted by the Master W Bro Paul Lear and witnessed by over 40 Brethren.
The Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Bristow was also in attendance and gave the address to the Brethren. The address to the Master was given by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W Bro. Peter Cole. The address to the Wardens by W Bro. Kevin Shannon and the address to Overseers by V W Bro. Bob Chevin. The meeting concluded with an excellent Festive Board.
Presentation by Bucks Mark Province to the South Bucks Hospice
The Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro. Keith Bristow presented a cheque for £1000 from the Bucks Mark Province to the South Bucks Hospice, Butterfly House, Kingswood Park, High Wycombe.
The cheque was presented to Jackie Ward the Chief Executive Officer.
They were extremely pleased indeed and wished to thank all of the Bucks Mark Masons for such a generous donation.
Beaconsfield Mark No.1712 Installation
Tuesday 8th November saw the Installation of W Bro. Kevin Saunders into the Chair of Beaconsfield Mark Lodge No.1712.
The ceremony was conducted by R W Bro. Peter Harborne and was witnessed by 21 Brethren, including the Provincial Grand Master
R W. Bro Keith Bristow along with his deputy W Bro. Peter Cole. Also present was the Worshipful Master from the Beaconsfield Lodge in Essex. The brethren then retired for an excellent Festive Board.
Provincial Grand Master Installed in Chair of Misbourne Mark
A unique ceremony took place at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre on the 19th Oct with Keith Bristow, The Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Buckinghamshire, installed in Chair of Misbourne Mark Lodge No.1087. W Bro Brian Roake, acting Master, conducted the Installation ceremony. The meeting was well attended by a number of Provincial dignitaries including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W Bro Peter Cole and the Provincial Grand Junior Warden Neil Harvey.
The Brethren then retired for an excellent Festive Board of Roast Beef with all the trimmings.
Honours for Buckinghamshire Mark Masons in the Allied Masonic Degrees
Mark Masons Hall are pleased to announce that our very own W Bro. Ian Bailey of the Nightingale Lodge has been appointed Deputy Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees. Therefore, V W.Bro Bob Chevin is to be appointed District Grand Prefect of Thames Valley at the Annual Meeting on the 15th October. On behalf of the Mark Province of Buckinghamshire, The Provincial Grand Master R W Bro Keith Bristow offers his sincere congratulations to them both and good wishes and those of the Province for the future. It is a great honour, well deserved and we all look forward to seeing them Installed.
W Bro Ian Bailey and V W Bro Bob Chevin at the recent meeting of
Mark Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire.
Keith Bristow Installed as
Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire of Mark Master Masons
June 23rd saw R W Bro Keith Bristow installed as the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Buckinghamshire. All witnessed an excellent ceremony conducted by the Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Raymond John Smith and a number of Officers from The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The PGM then appointed and invested his Deputy, W Bro Peter Cole. In the afternoon the new PGM honoured a number of Brethren with Provincial Grand Rank in both the Mark Degree and Royal Ark Mariner Degree. To view photographs of the meeting and luncheon. please click here
Keith Bristow appointed Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire
After the retirement of R W Bro David Tremaine. We are delighted to announce that W Bro. Keith Bristow has been appointed as the new Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Buckinghamshire. Please see appointment below. His installation will take place at the Provincial Grand meeting on Thursday 23rd June.
March Communication of Mark Grand Lodge
Provincial Grand Master R W Bro, David Tremaine at March Communication.
On Tuesday, 8 March, Brethren from across the Constitution
arrived at Freemasons' Hall, London, for the first communication of Mark Grand Lodge of 2022. Despite there still being some understandable anxiety around travelling into central London, and attending large gatherings, we were delighted to see such a good turn out for this meeting. It was strange to reflect that two years previously.
In his address, the Pro Grand Master, M.W.Bro. Raymond JohnSmith, took the theme of 'A Helping Hand' to highlight the need for Brethren to assist those who may yet be comfortable returning to meetings adding that "A Helping Hand, to enable members to return, needs thought, action and sensitivity, which I know you have in abundance".
For more information and further pictures of the meeting, click on Freemasonry@86 at the top of this page.
The Chalfonts Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1779 Installation
On 23rd February 2022 The Chalfonts Lodge No. 1779 held their Installation meeting at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre. The ceremony of installing Bro. Nick Pond was conducted by the Worshipful Master W Bro. Chris Holland, ably assisted by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W Bro. Keith Bristow. The Brethren then retired for an excellent Festive Board.
W Bro Keith Bristow, W Bro Nick Pond and W Bro Chris Holland
The Chalfonts Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1779
RW Bro David Tremaine, Bro Robbie McKinnon, W Bro Chris Holland and W Bro Keith Bristow
The Chalfonts Lodge of MMM No.1779 welcomed Bro Robbie McKinnon on him being advanced to the Honourable Degree of a Mark Master Mason. The ceremony was conducted by the worshipful Master Chris Holland and assisted by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Keith Bristow. Witnessed by the Provincial Grand Master David Tremaine, the lodge also thanked a number of Provincial Grand Officers who also assisted in the ceremony due to illness of a number of lodge officers. The Brethren then retired for an excellent Festive Board.
Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons Buckinghamshire 2021
On Tuesday 21st September. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Buckinghamshire held their annual meeting in Beaconsfield. Over 60 Brethren attended the meeting, which was combined with the Installation meeting of Brian Meager to the chair of the Beaconsfield Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1712.
David Tremaine, the Provincial Grand Master was delighted to personally invest the officers he had appointed in 2020. During his address to the brethren, he announced his intended retirement in June 2022 after 7 years of wonderful service to the Province. The brethren then retired for an excellent and most enjoyable Festive Board.
The see more photographs. Click on AGM 2021
Willen Hospice Donation
Those in the photo are. L -R W.Bro. Nigel Beaven - Prov.Dep.G.Sec.; Alison Tremaine - wife of Prov.G.M. and former Hospice Shop volunteer; W.Bro. Simon Baines - Prov.G Secretary; R.W.Bro. David Tremaine - Prov.G.M.; Nikki Poole -Community Fundraising Manager; W.Bro. Keith Perrett - Prov.G.Ch.Stwd.; LynnGorman - Head of Development; Oli Hiscoe - Asst. Director of Income Generation.
We were given a tour of the facilities and shown the building work going on for which our donation will be used. This is a very well run hospice and one which I and my Lodges are proud and pleased to support.
The First of Many
Members and guests at the Installation meeting of the St Peter & St Paul Lodge of M.M.M. No.163 held at Wolverton on Tuesday 20th July.
W.Bro Matt Arnold was Installed as W.Master by W.Bro Richard Shaw.
Also in attendance were the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro David Tremaine and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master W.Bro Keith Bristow together with other members and guests.
Misbourne RAM & Mark 1087 Meet Again
Misbourne Royal Ark Mariner and Mark Lodge No.1087 met on the 16th June at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre. Their first meeting since covid pandemic restrictions prevented any masonic meetings. The meeting was held under the strict rule of six and social distancing. After the meeting, W Bro Nick Holden opened the bar and the Brethren enjoyed a very welcomed pint and chat .
Provincial Grand Lodge meeting 2021
Brethren, will you please note that the Provincial AGM won’t be held on 24th June as previously planned, but will now be on 21st September at Beaconsfield, following the Mark meeting currently scheduled. The June date is just too soon after the end of Lockdown. The meeting will be a closed one, ie no representatives from other Provinces, and will be limited to about 100 Brethren overall.
Online Christmas party for Mark Master Masons of Buckinghamshire
The R.W.Provincial Grand Master David Tremaine held an online Christmas party on the Tuesday 22nd December. The party was attended by 26 Brethren. All contributed to the party by wearing their Christmas attire with a fantastic variation of fun hats. The brethren also added to the party with some very funny stories. A great time was had by all and the PGM at the end, wished all the brethren of Buckinghamshire a very happy Christmas.
