2020 News & Events
ROYAL ARK MARINER GRAND RANK
Grand Assembly of Royal Ark Mariner
. 
Every year on the Tuesday before the second Wednesday in December, Royal Ark Mariners from all parts of England and Wales and Overseas, converge on Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Grand Assembly of The Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner.
It is always a joyous occasion when we attend to support and congratulate those brethren who have been honoured with Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. The occasion also marks the beginning of the Festive Season and the spirit of Christmas with a banquet after the meeting followed by greeting our friends from other Provinces and Districts at local hostelries.
Sadly, this year for obvious reasons, we have been denied this highlight in the Mark calendar but I am delighted that the Most Worshipful Grand Master has been pleased to confer Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank on three Sussex brethren, who will assume their new Rank as from today.
We offer our congratulations to
W. Brother Adrian Leonard Verco of Southdown Lodge of RAM 164 (our Prov.G.D.C.)
W. Brother Norman Grant of Southdown Lodge of RAM 164 (our Prov.G.Chaplain)
W. Brother Michael George Dent of Lewis Lodge of RAM 391 (P.Prov.G.Chaplain)
We wish them continued good health to enjoy their new status and look forward to their continued support to expand and develop The Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner
Provincial Grand Almoner
Provincial Grand Almoner
W.Bro. Mike Marchant our Prov.G.Alm has clearly taken some time off from his Provincial Almoner’s duties.
Using his surplus timber to great effect!
He is asking for names for the Reindeer, not necessarily those that are generally accepted;
Any ideas to provgalm@sussexmark.org.uk
Bill & Tina Symmonds
W.Bro. Bill & Tina Symmonds
Bill and his Wife Tina along with neighbours have a magnificent Christmas light show outside their houses.
They are raising money through donations for Purple People Kitchen food bank. So far, they have collected enough for 3 crates and 20 bags filled with food.
Well done Bill & Tina and their neighbours.
David (Garf) Arseneault
Has Received
West Sussex Special
Volunteer Recognition Award
West Sussex Special Recognition Volunteer Award
SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS
The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, launched a unique award, in partnership with Sussex Newspapers, to recognise individual volunteers who give exceptional service for others. The High Sheriff of West Sussex Special Recognition Volunteer Award celebrates and acknowledges publicly those who have, in a voluntary capacity, shown exceptional acts of kindness and thoughtfulness during the pandemic lockdown and beyond. And, do you know what, a member of West Sussex Lodge of MMM No. 453, Bro David (Garf) Arseneault has been recognised? Many freemasons in and around Worthing know Garf, he’s one of those warm hearted, generous, modest freemasons who goes the extra mile to help out anyone in need. He’s rather embarrassed at the award but he has been persuaded to waive his anonymity and allow this good news to be shared with you all. Well done Garf, congratulations from us all – you’ve Marked Well.
East Sussex Lodge
of
Royal Ark Mariners
No 166
East Sussex Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No.166
East Sussex Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No.166 consecrated in 1899 held their first Virtual Business Meeting in their history by Zoom on Monday 23rd November which should have been their actual Installation meeting.
14 members were in attendance together with distinguished guests R.W. Prov.G.M., Asst.P.G.M., Prov.G.S.W. and Prov.G.J.W.
At the meeting the current W.Cdr. Peter Broomhead declared himself as the W.Cdr. for the ensuing year.
An interesting experience, hopefully not to be repeated.
Surprise Presentations
to
Peter Wreford
on his
89th Birthday
W. Bro. Peter Wreford
SURPRISE PRESENTATIONS ON HIS 89TH BIRTHDAY
Brother Peter Wreford P.G.St.B. R.A.M.G.R., born on 14th November 1931 was celebrating his 89th birthday at his home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, on Saturday last. Imagine his surprise when answering a knock on the door, to find Prov.G.M. R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson, there to greet him in person, not only for his birthday but to make two other presentations.
The first was a Grand Certificate to commemorate his achievement of over 50 years continuous service in the Mark Degree and the second, was a certificate from the Mark Province of Sussex, marking his achievement of 50 years plus in the Mark and over 40yrs in the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner.
W. Bro. Peter was Advanced into Hothampton Mark Lodge No. 703 on 19th November 1969 and Elevated into the Royal Ark Mariner, moored to that Lodge in March 1980. He has given sterling service to both Lodges, now as the Lodge Almoner and for many years as the Director of Ceremonies, keeping a close eye on protocols and the standards of ritual. As a businessman, Peter was well known in and around Bognor as a Master Builder, specialising in property renovation and extension.
Due to the present restrictions on masonic meetings, it has not been possible to make these presentations as we would have preferred in open lodge. However, with the help of Dan Heath, Assistant Grand Secretary, the Grand Certificate was able to be presented on this special day under controlled conditions. Peter’s wife Pam was in on the surprise and was just as delighted as Peter. their parting comment was:
“It doesn’t get much better than the magic of the Mark”
Congratulations to W. Bro. Ray Hackett G.Stwd.
W Bro Ray Hackett G.Stwd
My Grand Steward Collar arrived yesterday as much as I am disappointed at not being invested with it in June by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, I am very proud and honoured. I look forward to representing the Province at Grand Lodge and wearing it around the Sussex Lodges when circumstances permit.
W. Bro. Ray Hackett G.Stwd.
Lewes Freemasons Hall
Comes To
The Rescue
Lewes Freemasons Hall
Due to the temporary closure of the Sussex Masonic Centre at Brighton, the Installation Meetings of Harold W. Richardson 1490 lodge of Royal Ark Mariners and Brighton Mark Lodge No 426, were held by dispensation at Freemasons Hall Lewes.
On Tuesday 27th October W.Bro. Peter Brynin Commander of Harold W Richardson Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, Installed his successor, Bro. Osji Onah with the full ceremony of Commander. The new Commander then went on to acknowledge the election of W.Bro. Peter Brynin as the Lodge Treasurer for the ensuing year.
Pictured Right to Left
Roger Richardson Osiji Onah Peter Brynin
On Tuesday 3rd November, again at Lewes, the Installation meeting of Brighton Mark Lodge No 426 was held at 6pm. Bro. Keith Mates was duly Installed as W.M. with the full ceremony, working tools and Address by W.Bro. Gary Clark in an exemplary manner.
Both Lodges were held with the maximum permitted attendance of 6. By coincidence, Prov.G.M. R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson was in attendance as a subscribing member of both lodges and acted as Director of Ceremonies on both occasions.
Pulborough RAM Lodge helps Midhurst Macmillan Nurses
Midhurst Macmillan Nurses
Pulborough RAM Lodge helps Midhurst Macmillan Nurses – Just a Little Bit.
Pulborough Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No. 1245 recently [October 2020] held a draw for two cases of wine. Two lucky participating Brethren received an early Christmas present of a case of good quality wine each – very many congratulations to them both.
This draw was organised by our Lodge Charity Steward, W Bro David Tunks, ProvRAMGR to benefit Midhurst Macmillan Nurses. These Nurses offer palliative care to terminal cancer sufferers and support for their loved ones. They cover over 100,000 people in parts of Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex.
The profit from the draw amounted to £100 and the Lodge Charity Account added another £100. W Bro David recently presented the £200 to the Midhurst Macmillan Nurses which was gratefully received.
Pictured is a representative of Macmillan Nurses after she received the two cheques.
Thomas a Becket Lodge of Mark Master Masons 1831 Installation
Thomas a Beckett Installation
Thomas a Becket Lodge of Mark Master Masons 1831
Installation meeting during the rule of six
On the 21 0ctober 2020 the Thomas a Becket Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1831 held its Installation meeting at the Charmandean Centre, Worthing. This was the first time it had met since January and dispensation first had to be obtained to Elect and Proclaim the Master at the same meeting.
The rule of six and the fact that no movement was allowed in lodge meant that imagination had to be used in sharing out the offices. After some thought the following was decided on:
W.Bro. Craig Mackay, Worshipful Master and Chaplain.
Bro. Peter Kersley, Senior Warden and Inner Guard, and presenting the working tools
W.Bro. Andrew Kilvington, Junior Warden and giving the address to the Worshipful Master.
W.Bro. Paul Brennan, Master, Senior and Junior Overseers, and Tyler.
W.Bro Christopher Vickers, Secretary
W.Bro. Ken Howard, Director of Ceremonies and Proclaiming the Worshipful Master.
The meeting was held in the Ionic room; those of you who are familiar with it will know that there was no problem with social distancing. Bearing in mind the distance between the members and with everyone wearing face masks you will also not be surprised to be told that voices had to be raised. The photograph shows the brethren before the meeting started, all socially distancing of course.
There was a full agenda of 20 items which included the election of Treasurer and Tyler. There was also a ballot for a candidate for Advancement.
As a Festive Board could not be held the evening was very pleasantly rounded off with a fish and chip supper.
Harry Waddingham
104 years young and still going strong
Harry Waddingham
Harry on the front page of Daily Mirror December 1939
W.Bro. Harry Waddingham P.G.S.D. celebrated his 104th birthday on Friday last. Born on 16th October 1916, Harry joined the Royal Navy shortly after his 16th birthday. He relates many stories of his naval service and life on board as a Seaman Gunner. After qualifying as a P.E. instructor, he would put the ratings through their paces whilst in Port, all for an extra one shilling and threepence a week.
On completion of his service in the Royal Navy, Harry embarked on a new career as head of P.E. and gymnastics at the local Grammar School. Many of his ‘Old Boys’ attended his 100th birthday and still keep in touch. The standards of discipline and presentation expected by the Royal Navy have remained with him through his teaching career and as a Mason. He is still active in body, alert in mind and is known by the local Rotary Club and other groups as an entertaining after lunch speaker.
Harry is an honorary member of Bexhill Lodge Mark Master Masons No. 1058 and Bexhill Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. He will be known by many by his contribution to the meetings at the keyboards of the organ. For many years, Harry and Collette have joined the Sussex contingent heading off to the Mark Benevolent Fund Festivals around the Country. He always has a selection of jokes for the amusement of all on the coach.
As possibly the oldest Mark Man in the Order, his birthday could not pass without a visit from Prov.G.M. R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson and Jackie, which he regarded as the perfect opportunity to get dressed in number ones for a photo call. When asked what is the secret of his longevity, he would respond, “keeping fit and active, a strict routine, lunch at 12noon, nothing to eat after 6pm, my daily ration of Navy rum, my caring wife Collette and the love of my Mark Masonry.
R.W. Bro. Archibald Iain Torrance and R.W. Bro. Roger Richardson
the Provincial Grand Masters for Kent and Sussex
joined forces to make a socially distanced presentation
Martha Trust
Presentation of an MBF grant to the Martha Trust on the 17th September 2020
W. Bro. Archibald Iain Torrance and R. W. Bro. Roger Richardson the Provincial Grand Masters for Kent and Sussex respectively joined forces to make a socially distanced presentation of £16, 908 on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund to the Martha Trust facility located in Deal, Kent. They were accompanied by W. Bro. Ivor Bennett Prov. G.S.W. of Sussex and W. Bro. Brian Ward Prov. G.Ch.Stwd. of Kent.
The Provincial Grand Charity Stewards from the Provinces of Kent and Sussex worked together on a joint application to the MBF to support the Martha Trust with a grant to purchase 14 specialist beds which would be used at their facilities in Kent and Sussex.
The Martha Trust is a Charity which supports people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) at their facilities based at Deal in Kent and Hastings in Sussex. These facilities provide a home for life as well as respite care.
During the presentation to representatives of the Martha Trust the Prov. G.M. for Kent R. W. Bro. Archibald Iain Torrance said,
“As a trustee of the Mark Benevolent fund it is a great pleasure to be able to formally present the Martha Trust with a grant from the MBF to support the amazing work they do. Thanks go to Julie Gayler (the deputy CEO) and Kerry Banks BEM (Fund raising manager) for hosting the visit and making us so welcome”.
The Prov. G.M. for Sussex R. W. Bro. Roger Richardson then went on to say,
“We are all aware that in these uncertain and unprecedented times, inspiring charities such as the Martha Trust, are really feeling the pinch due to the restrictions on fundraising. I am therefore proud to represent the Mark Masons of Sussex in this joint presentation with the Mark Masons of Kent, with this grant for essential equipment in support of Martha Trust locations in Kent and Sussex”.
Having witnessed first-hand the appreciation and thanks from the staff at the Martha Trust and the difference our grant will make to so many lives we can all be rightly proud in knowing that we have all “Marked well”.
Red Cross of Constantine in Sussex supports the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity
Rocking Horse Children's Charity
THE INTENDANT-GENERAL PRESENTS A £2,500 CHEQUE TO
THE ROCKINGHORSE CHILDREN’S CHARITY
On Tuesday 11th August 2020, the Intendant-General, Paul Rose, attended the Rockinghorse Children’s charity HQ in Brighton, East Sussex and presented a cheque in the sum of £2,500 from the Grand Sovereign’s Care For Children Fund on behalf of his Division of Sussex. He was accompanied by his Deputy Intendant-General, Ill.Kt. Andy Knight to keep our attendance to a minimum due to Covid19,
The Intendant-General and his Deputy, were met by the Charities Fund Raiser, Hollie Trezise, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity. The photos show the presentation, with Paul on the left, Hollie in the centre and Andy Knight on the right, as well as a picture outside the entrance of the hospital exhibiting their logo.
Rockinghorse is a Brighton based charity that has been supporting children in Sussex for over 50 years and was set up by Dr. Trevor Mann in 1967, who recognised a real need for additional resources to improve healthcare services for sick children and babies. The charity is best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
They also provide vital support to the neighbouring Trevor Mann Baby Unit and it’s sister site, the Special Care Baby Unit based in the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. In addition, they support paediatric wards in hospitals across Sussex, specialist neonatal units, respite centres and children’s services in the county.
They fundraise to provide life-saving and cutting-edge medical equipment, and additional services and items to ensure that young people are treated in an environment better suited to their needs. They believe that wherever they are, children should always be allowed to be children.
The charity does not receive any government funding and relies on the generous support of individuals, community groups, schools, companies and trusts: people like us !
Paul said he was extremely pleased to make the presentation of the cheque for £2,500 from the Grand Sovereigns care for children fund, as it will be well used and will benefit those using the facilities. He added that, during his visit, he had been reminded that although there are many children who are suffering from an illness, they are all being extremely well cared for.
Red Cross of Constantine in Sussex supports the Time 4 Children Charity
Time4Children
THE INTENDANT-GENERAL PRESENTS A £2,500 CHEQUE TO
TIME4CHILDREN’S CHARITY
On Friday 25th September 2020, the Intendant-General of the Red Cross of Constantine in Sussex, Paul Rose, attended the Time 4 Children charity HQ, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex and presented a cheque in the sum of £2,500 from the Grand Sovereign’s Care For Children Fund on behalf of the Division of Sussex.
Paul, accompanied by his Deputy, Andy Knight, was met by the Chairman and Founder, Vicky Chalmers MBE, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity. The photo shows the presentation, with the Head of the Order for Sussex, Paul Rose, on the left, Vicky Chalmers MBE, Centre and Andy Knight on the right.
Time 4 Children was established in 2005, after it’s Founder, Vicky Chalmers MBE piloted a school project through 2003 to 2004 in mid-Sussex, whilst working for the Children Hours Trust. It became very clear there was little support for many local children in need of having someone safe to listen to them. The project was hugely successful and formed into a charity in its own right and received charitable status in October 2005.
All children need to be listened to. There are many children who need the help and support of a “listening ear” which is where the Charity can help. Their volunteer practitioners are trained to listen to children using Reflective Listening and Non-Directive play techniques. Each child is given a weekly one-to-one session where there is the time and space to explore their worries, fears, upsets or anxieties.
The sessions are held in the school where the child attends. The number of sessions can vary according to the needs of the child. Some need short term support and others need a lot longer. Most children average between 15 and 20 sessions, but occasionally there will be a need for more sessions.
The children benefit from increased emotional well-being, self confidence, self-worth & self-esteem, feeling better about who they are and what they can achieve; improved social skills; more able to learn at school.
Paul said he was extremely pleased to make the presentation of the cheque for £2,500 from the Grand Sovereigns Care for Children Fund, as it will be well used and will benefit those using the service. He added that, during his visit, he had been reminded that although there are many children who are suffering from emotional distress, Time 4 children helps to prevent mental health problems spiraling and becoming entrenched in young children.
Sussex MarkBenevolent Fund supports three Sussex hospices: St Peter and St James, St Wilfrid’s and Hospice in the Weald.
MBF Donations
As previously posted the Mark Degree through the Benevolent Fund allocated £500 of members funds to each of the following three hospices: St Peter and St James, St Wilfrid’s and Hospice in the Weald. With social distancing and other safety measures in place the presentation of funds, was made by David Dumigan, Asst. Prov. G.M. accompanied by a delegation of Mark Masons at Uckfield Civic Centre. With thanks to Ron Hill for the photos and to Cathy Watson of the Uckfield News for her report which can be found here: https://uckfieldnews.com/uckfield-rotary-club-and-sussex-freemasons-present-charity-cheques/
