2022 News & Events
Family Xmas Party
18th December 2022
Family Christmas Party
Well, that was hugely enjoyable, everyone had a great time, and the Christmas spirit was shared at the Family Christmas Party on Sunday 18th December.
Undaunted by a clash with the football World Cup final over 100 freemasons and their extended families enjoyed a combination of Mr Clumsy (and his magic tricks), Kimberley (singing her heart out and eating fire!) and bouncy castles and then, topped off by a visit from Santa “Jack” Claus distributing gifts.
Thanks to all the organisers, especially Nigel “MC” Barry and Jack “Santa” Rose who made it all happen alongside the Charmandean team, all under the watchful eye of the Assistant PGM and the kind sponsorship of the Mark Degree. It was “Magic”.
PERSEVERE LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS No 732
CENTENARY
Persevere Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 732
Friday 30th September saw a gathering in Brighton to witness the Perseverance Mark Lodge No. 732 as they celebrated their (belated) Centenary.
The Provincial Team, headed by the Prov.G.M. Roger Richardson, attended along with the Sussex Craft Prov.G.M. Christopher Lintern Moore, who also lent his support to the proceedings.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, clashes of diaries and other forces majeures, none of the Grand Lodge Executive were able to be present at the meeting.
Nonetheless, Roger did a first class presentation of the Centenary Warrant in his inimitable style to the acting WM – Jason Charman, followed by an excellent rededication of the Lodge Banner.
All-in-all it was a terrific meeting thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The evening didn’t end there though; a sumptuous feast including Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding awaited those who dined, and were treated to a fascinating and interesting history of the first hundred years of the Perseverance Lodge No. 732.
As a point of interest it was noted that there will not be another Mark Centenary in Sussex until 2033 – so put this in your diaries now!
W.Bro. Steve Campbell
Apuldram Centre
Mark & Craft
Work Together
Mark & Craft support the Apuldram Centre
Dear Brethren,
A joint venture between the Mark and Craft in Sussex culminated in a visit to the Apuldram Centre in Fishbourne, near Chichester, by Steve Campbell (Provincial Charity Steward for Sussex Mark) and Colin Ballard (Trustee for Sussex Craft).
After a warm welcome from Rachel Aslet-Clark (CEO) and Paul Lynch (Operations Manager) we were shown the item the Sussex Masons had funded – a much-needed horizontal shower stretcher to enhance the charity’s disabled wet room facility and accommodate those persons who have physical issues with mobility and standing unaided.
This device will aid both care-staff and individual users as those who need to will be able to shower lying or sitting instead of struggling or being assisted to stand.
A tour of the facility was the next order of the day. We were shown round therapy rooms, fitness rooms, vegetable gardens, kitchens, art and craft rooms and many other areas used for interacting with adults who have learning difficulties. There is a soon-to-be-open centre for teaching how to look after pets – they are awaiting delivery of some guinea pigs.
Unfortunately, we were not able to have a cup of tea and slice of cake in the café, it is being refurbished and re-opens on 4th October.
During our tour we were introduced to many of the individuals who use the Centre, they even interrupted their lunch to say hello to us. One young chap mentioned how much he liked my tie (the Sussex Mark tie!).
Everyone at the Centre had a smile on their faces both staff and individuals alike – it is a really happy place to use, and a happy place to visit as well. The Café and shop are open to the public, so please pop in if you have time and would like to support a very worthy enterprise.
Steve Campbell
28th September 2022
Fairwarp Junior Football Club
Thornton Mark Supports Fairwarp Junior Football Club
Fairwarp FC pictured in front of their new larger goals for the new season. Now playing in the Crowborough and District Junior Football League it meant that as well as more players, independent match officials they needed larger goals. One of the local Masonic Lodges, Thornton Mark Lodge No 631 at Uckfield along with the Sussex Mark Benevolent Fund donated the monies necessary for the club to purchase the goals.
Inter – Provincial Cricket 2022
Inter-Provincial Cricket 2022
Congratulations to the Province of Kent who won this years inter Provincial Cricket Tournament at The Warren, Bromley. They narrowly beat Sussex in a competitive final where the standard of cricket was very high.
On a blisteringly hot afternoon, shade was at a premium but a good time was had by all. Well done to Surrey for the excellent organisation and hospitality and thank you to the Sussex supporters. Better luck next year when we are the hosts.
St. John Ambulance of Sussex
Service of Thanksgiving
St. John Ambulance of Sussex Service of Thanksgiving at Arundel Cathedral
Sunday 3rd July was a warm, sunny day – made all the more pleasant by an invitation to the St. John Ambulance of Sussex Service of Thanksgiving at Arundel Cathedral.
There we saw ambulances being blessed and dedicated to the service of the good work carried out in Sussex. Several young “Badgers” took their solemn oath in front of the congregation, and other Cadets were rewarded for their hard work with promotions in the County.
The Sussex County President, having completed her term of office, handed the reins over to the new President – Giles York – more of him later.
After an hour or so of singing hymns and observing the ceremonies we were invited to the Baron’s Hall in Arundel Castle for much-needed refreshments. Pimm’s and soft drinks washed down the sandwiches, cakes and as many sausages-on-sticks as you could handle.
As Ambassadors for the Mark Master Masons Order it was incumbent upon us to mingle and promote the contributions Sussex Mark Master Masons had made in recent times.
Bro. Peter Brynin managed to secure a request for a Mobile Defibrillator – and after an impromptu meeting of the Trustees quorum it was agreed a cheque for £62 would be sent without delay to fund this.
Our Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson, was mingling on a higher level and met Mayors, Presidents, Chief Presidents, Chaplains, Deans, Sheriffs, Lord Lieutenants and many other VIPs from all corners of Sussex. A photo opportunity arose when we were introduced to the new President, Giles York, and our Prov.G.M. was able to present him with a cheque for £1000 (which included contributions from the Mark Brethren of Sussex). We all had a jolly old time, and now many more people are aware of the good work we do worldwide, UK-wide, and Sussex in particular.
W.Bro. Steve Campbell
Prov.G.Char.Stwd.
West Smithfield Lodge
Royal Ark Mariners
30th June 2022
West Smithfield RAM Lodge
West Smithfield Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No. 223 were pleased to elevate Bro. Alan Fry on Thursday 30th July. Bro. Alan was the third new candidate in as many meetings and we are hopeful of further elevations and joining members in the near future.
The Lodge was founded in London in 1907 but relocated to Chichester and retains members from Sussex, Hampshire & IOW, Surrey, and London. Obviously new members are most welcome to join us and experience a festive board with a difference!! There is also West Smithfield Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 223 which was consecrated in 1878 and normally meets on the same evening as RAM.
For anyone wishing to join us or attend a meeting, the Lodges meet on the third Thursday in January, the second Thursday in April, and the fourth Thursday in November (Installation).
Contact: 223ram@sussexmark.org.uk
Clifford W Jeapes Lodge of MMMs
Clifford W Jeapes Lodge of Mark Master Masons
Clifford W Jeapes Lodge of Mark Master Masons
Installation & Lodge of Sorrow
The installation meeting of the Lodge held on Tuesday 31st May at the EBM Centre, Peacehaven was part of the RAM and Mark daylight meeting. The day kicked off with an ample supply of bacon sandwiches.
The Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Nigel Orme did a great job installing his successor, W.Bro. Michael Lycett. W.Bro. Colin Stanley Prov.G.S.W. attended as the Provincial Representative, escorted by W.Bro. Ray Hackett G.Stwd, congratulated W.Bro. Mike for taking the office and supporting the Lodge.
This was a thoroughly good day out, but with some sadness as the Lodge remembered the passing of Bro. James Waldock in a Lodge of Sorrow.
Annual RAM Assembly 2022
Thursday 19th May
Annual Provincial RAM Assembly 2022
Many congratulations to the following brethren who were appointed to RAM Provincial Grand Rank at the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly at the Normandy Centre, Horsham last week:
Raymond David HACKETT Sussex 75
Alan BOUSFIELD East Sussex 166
William Alfred PLUMMER Lewis 391
Colin Ray HARTLEY Abbey 1086
Michael Robert DUNNE Hampton Parva 1117
David Irvine BELL Hailsham 1234
Robert Charles ASHLEY Pulborough 1245
Peter Terrence WHITESIDE Harold W Richardson 1490
Gerald Wilfred FURNISS James Webster 1795
R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson Prov.G.M. was escorted by a full Provincial Team to a most enjoyable meeting which was hosted by Mid-Sussex Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 449 and, additionally, saw the Proclamation of W.Bro. Angus Cameron at the helm for a further year. Thanks must go to the lodge Scribe, W.Bro. Derrick Simpson for his administrative skills and also the Provincial team who were marshalled by W.Bro. Adrian Verco and his team, as well as W.Bro. Simon Larard and his team for the administration.
R.W.Bro. Roger took the opportunity to announce that the meeting of the Provincial Annual RAM Assembly for 2023, will be held under the banner of the Rottingdean Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 918 on Monday 8th May 2023 at the East Brighton Masonic Centre, Peacehaven.
Charmandean Mark Lodge
Supports Ukraine Appeal
Charmandean Mark Lodge No 1763
“Our Bro. Charity Steward reported that he had nothing to report but called upon our Treasurer to report on our Charity account. This account has been cancelled as it costs more to run the account than we actually raise, the £320 in the account has been transferred to our main account and our Bro. Treasurer was going to propose that £300 was given to the Sussex appeal fund as requested by our Provincial Grand Master but in view of the present situation he was proposing that the £300 was given to the Emergency Relief Fund for the Ukrainian appeal, this was seconded by our Worshipful Master and was agreed on a show of hands. “
W. Bro. Bill Hurren P.Prov.G.M.O.
Secretary
Charmandean Mark Lodge No. 1763
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 12th April 2022
Sussex Mark Annual General Meeting 2022
The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Sussex took place on Tuesday 12th April at The Charmandean Centre in Worthing. Brethren received a very warm welcome on our arrival, followed by tea/coffee and bacon or sausage butties. There were honoured guests from many Provinces, and other Masonic Orders in Sussex.
The Brethren were called to order to receive the distinguished guests, including Right Worshipful Brethren and past members of the Provincial Executive.
The meeting was called to order by W.Bro. Adrian Verco, P.G.Stwd., the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the Provincial Officers of the year accompanying the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson, led by the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and followed by the Provincial Grand Standard Bearers.
Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form by the Provincial Grand Master, who was saluted with seven under the direction of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Provincial Grand Master then received a delegation of Royal Ark Mariners.
Before approving the minutes of the previous meeting, those present remembered the Brethren who had passed to the Grand Lodge above since the last annual meeting.
The Provincial Grand Master then individually welcomed the many representatives of other Provinces and Masonic Orders, thanking them for their support for Sussex Mark.
The Provincial Grand Master re-appointed V.W.Bro. Christopher J Farrow, P.G.J.O., as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and W.Bro. David B Dumigan, P.A.G.D.C., as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. A total of 71 appointments and promotions in Provincial Grand Rank were announced. The Annual Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners will be held under the Banner of the Mid-Sussex Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners on Thursday, 19 of May at the Normandy Centre in Horsham.
The Provincial Grand Master addressed Provincial Grand Lodge. In his Address he said how pleased he was that at long last we could meet again in person. The VBM last year was successful, but no substitute for a face-to-face meeting. The future looks bright with the majority keen to return to meetings and looking to the future. He spoke about the inter Province Cricket Match on 17 July hosted by Surrey; as well as the Surrey Mark 2022 MBF Festival Gala Dinner to be held in Brighton on Saturday 2 July 2022, encouraging full Sussex support.
The Provincial Grand Master closed by congratulating those Brethren who will receive appointment or promotion in Grand Lodge in June and September; as well as all those he appointed or promoted. The Provincial Grand Master closed by congratulating those Brethren who will receive appointment or promotion in Grand Lodge in June and September; as well as all those he appointed or promoted that day. The meeting was then called to order and closed in due form.
The Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, together with members of the Past Executive, honoured guests and Provincial Officers then left the Temple in procession, to the echoing strains of the Organist, V.W.Bro. Richard Baker, on loan from Surrey.
The Brethren of the Mark Province of Sussex and their guests then retired to the bar. After refreshments the Brethren of the Province of Sussex and their guests dined together in peace and harmony, where the customary Loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured.
We all agreed that it was a most enjoyable day at Sussex by the Sea.
Article and photos by V.W.Bro. Chris Eley, G.J.O.
Provincial Grand Officers’ Mess
Annual General Meeting
Provincial Grand Officers' Mess AGM - Thursday 30th May 2022
Last Thursday evening the AGM for the Provincial Grand Officers’ Mess was held at the Peacehaven Masonic Centre attended by the Prov.G.M., A.P.G.M. and a small number of members and some wives.
The AGM was held in the lounge where the business of the day was taken care of and then we retired to the dining room for a wonderful meal and afterwards entertained by Kimberley who sang, danced and did some fire eating. All this for £23, absolutely great value for money!
The attendance was disappointing, maybe understandable with Covid still raging in the community.
Further events will take place throughout the year. Lookout for the fliers that will appear on Facebook and the Web.
Ray Hackett
Sussex
Grand Rank
Appointments 2022
Sussex Grand Rank Appointments 2022
Many congratulations to the following brethren who have received recognition from Grand Lodge for their services to Mark masonry in general but especially within Sussex. Their Grand Ranks are richly deserved and, for those receiving a first appointment, will be honoured at the Grand Rank investiture at Great Queen Street on 7th June 2022. We do hope that M.W.Bro. His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, Grand Master will be attending to make the appointments.
Promotion
W.Bro. Adrian L Verco
Past Grand Junior Deacon
First Appointments
W.Bro. Roderick J Barker
Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
W.Bro. Gregory J Shackelton
Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
W.Bro. David C Cowstick
Past Grand Standard Bearer
W.Bro. Jonathan E Staples
Past Grand Standard Bearer
Midhurst Mark Lodge No 1009
Tuesday 23rd March 2022
Midhurst Mark Lodge No 1009
Midhurst Mark Lodge No 1009
Installation and Advancement
Hot on the heels of the Mark Amity Lodge No. 1931 meeting I had the pleasure of Escorting the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro Francis Richardson to Midhurst Mark Lodge No. 1009. W.Bro George Maunders was proclaimed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year after which he appointed and invested his officers. Not being content with that alone he then proceeded with assistance from W.Bro Richard Saleh to advance Bro. Malcolm Hunt.
A First Class meeting and superb Festive board afterwards at the Cowdrey Park Golf Club.
Amity Lodge No 1931
Banner Dedication
Amity Lodge Banner Dedication - 22nd March 2022
Amity Mark Lodge No. 1931 held its (far from) Regular meeting on Tuesday 22 April 2021 at the East Brighton Masonic Centre.
W.Bro Robert E Martin was Proclaimed as Worship Master for the ensuing Year, re-appointing his Offers and Wardens. W.Bro Alan Hobden became a joining member of the Lodge. The Lodge was then called off for a comfort break when members with their Ladies and guests were admitted along with the Provincial Grand Master. R.W.Bro Roger F Richardson escorted by the Provincial Team after which the ‘New Banner’ (designed by Bro. Bob Mayston ad supplied by Regalia World) was dedicated to the Lodge, followed by a most enjoyable Buffett lunch.
Amity Lodge No. 1931 was the brainchild of the late R.W. Bro Brian Wareham the Provincial Grand Master for Sussex from 2007 – 2012. He became the Charter Master with R.W. Bro Charles Martin Wilson (the then Deputy PGM) as Senior Warden and R.W.Bro Graham Flight as Junior Warden. Our current Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro Roger F Richardson (the then APGM) was the consecrating officer, of the eighteen founders, only nine remain.
The name ‘Amity’ means friendly relations, to meet in harmony, concord and brotherly love were selected. Brian’s vision was that the lodge would limit its members to executive members (chains) from all the orders in Sussex and other executives from other provinces who resided in Sussex to the benefit of all.
Another objective was to encourage those executives who were not yet Mark Masons, to be advanced into the privileges and share the benefits of the ‘Magic of the Mark’. This initiative has been achieved with W.Bro’s Mike Harris, Paul Rose and currently Robert Martin as the lodge’s Worshipful Master.
The lodge meets twice a year in the mornings, after which a light buffet lunch is followed by a pre-arranged topic of masonic interest to all orders, for an informal discussion. The lodge and its purpose has been a great success and to mark the tenth Anniversary it now has its own banner.
May the great overseer of the universe ever watch over your proceedings.
