âThe Worshipful Master, W. Bro. David Woods, and the Brethren of the Amherst Mark Lodge No.266 were delighted to welcome W. Bro. Ian Gallehawk, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, to their regular meeting at the atmospheric Sandgate Masonic Centre on November 22nd.
The lodge and the visitors
W. Bro. Ian was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Martyn Summers and eleven escorting Provincial officers making a total of 45 in attendance at the meeting.
It had been planned to Advance Bro. Colin MacKenzie, from the village’s Commemoration Craft Lodge No.5329, but unfortunately he was admitted to hospital shortly before the Meeting. We are delighted to report that Bro. Colin is now back home and we wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to warmly welcoming him into the Mark degree at a date in the near future.
An MBF Grand Patron certificate being presented (L to R) WM, W.Bro David Woods, W. Bro. Robert Preston, Bro Zafer Nivamettin and W.Bro Ian Gallehawk
Undeterred by not being in accordance with the original plan, the Worshipful Master and his officers gave a demonstration of the Ceremony of Advancement to a very high standard; following which the Assistant Provincial Grand Master took great delight in presenting two Mark Benevolent Fund Grand Patron collarettes. One to W. Bro. Robert Preston, a member of the Amherst Mark Lodge, and the other to Bro. Zafer Nivamettin, a member of the Folkestone Mark Lodge No.380. The APGM then took the opportunity to explain some of the current initiatives being undertaken by the MBF and to thank the brethren of the Amherst Lodge for their tremendous efforts in supporting the 2020 Festival.
Following the meeting the brethren retired to the festive board to enjoy wonderful food and company, at which W. Bro. Ian responded on behalf of the Province and took the opportunity to update the brethren on Provincial matters, including initiatives around membership, and to thank his escorting DC and active Provincial officers for accompanying him to the meeting.