2021 News & Events
Royal Ark Mariner
Grand Assembly
December 2021
RAM Grand Assembly 2021
Congratulations to W. Bros. Geoff Field and John Ellenger who received their RAM Grand Rank from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, HRH Prince Michael of Kent in the Grand Temple, Great Queen Street. They were supported by a Sussex contingent of Mark Master Masons and there then followed a Grand Festive Board in the Connaught Rooms. Well done chaps, richly deserved.
Sussex Mark
Donates Special Swing
to
Demelza Hospice
Special Swing at Demelza Hospice
Once again, the wonderful Lead Nurse, Melissa, warmly welcomed our three amigos to Demelza Hospice in St. Leonard’s.
This visit was not to present a cheque but to have a look at a new swing that you, the Mark Master Masons of Sussex, have purchased. The basket swing, a much needed, item of equipment, is for those children with disabilities or who need additional assistance; the size and design of the basket swing seat is intended to allow them to be accompanied while they play as they are unable to use traditional swings.
As Steve was the only one of the three who was under the maximum permitted weight for the swing (!) only he was actually allowed a go on it. Never before has the finest English oak creaked so loudly.
After a photo-shoot which, once again, included our friends Lenny and Tig, Melissa treated us to a healthy slice of the most delicious Madiera cake. Several slices and many cups of tea later we left Demelza again with the reinforced knowledge that it is a happy – not sad – place despite its raison d’etre.
Provincial Grand Stewards
A-Team Visit
East Sussex Mark Lodge No 166
East Sussex Mark Lodge - Monday 29th November 2021
The Provincial Grand Steward’s A-Team lead by R.W. Bro. Roger Richardson and other brethren visited East Sussex Mark Lodge No 166 on Monday 29th November to assist with the Advancement Ceremony of Bro. Leon Olivier.
During the Advancement R.W. Bro. Roger emphasised that the Friendly Mark Degree was ‘THE FOURTH REGULAR STEP IN FREEMASONRY’ and in conclusion ‘AMONG MARK MASTER MASONS, LEON WILL EVER FIND FRIENDS’
Afterwards, all the brethren enjoyed a buffet at the Festive Board.
The future of East Sussex Mark Lodge No 166 looks bright with another candidate to be advanced at the Lodge’s February meeting on Tuesday 15th.
Mark Well Brethren
Confirmation, Investiture and Installation
of
R.W. Bro. Roger F Richardson
Special Provincial Meeting 27th November 2021
Lewis Mark
Special Meeting
Tuesday 23rd November
Lewis Mark Lodge Hosts P.G.L. of MMM of Sussex
On Tuesday 23rd November, we witnessed a truly bumper event at Lewis Mark Lodge No 391.
The Lodge meeting started with an Advancement of Bro. Andy Coe ably performed by Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andrew Conibear assisted by Bro. Andy Chequers as S.D. along with W.Bros. Richard Jones and Rod Barker.
The Right Worshipful Prov.G.M. Roger F Richardson took the Chair and opened Provincial Grand Lodge. He then Invested and Installed V.W.Bro. Chris J Farrow as Dep.Prov.G.M. and W.Bro. David B Dumigan as Asst.Prov.G.M. The Prov.G.M. referred to their respective Patents dated 14th April 2020, the date when these Installations should originally have taken place. The Provincial Team, were of course, in attendance under the guidance of the Prov.G.D.C. W.Bro. Adrian Verco.
The Prov.G.M. made a special mention of W.Bro. Ronald A Newth, a long serving supporter of Lewis Mark and the Province, the Prov.G.M. gave W.Bro. Ronald a Field Appointment to P.Prov.G.S.W.
The Lodge then resumed its normal business, which included the Proclamation of W.Bro. Andrew Conibear as Worshipful Master and we wish him a full and uninterrupted Year. W.Bro. Andrew installed his officers.
Afterwards 40 Brethren crossed the road to the Westgate Chapel for a most convivial Festive Board. The many Toasts included significantly the newly Installed Deputy and Assistants Prov.G.Ms., the newly Proclaimed Worshipful Master and most importantly our New Advanced Brother Andy Coe.
The evening be remembered as a very unique and special occasion in the “History of Lewis Mark Lodge No. 391”.
A big Thank You to All Participants and Attendees.
Martin & Beryl’s Swansong
Farewell 'DO' for Martin & Beryl
“On Saturday 2nd October the party that had been deferred on four occasions, was eventually held to recognise the retirement of Martin Wilson as the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree and Roger Richardson as the District Grand Prefect of the Allied Masonic Degree. And what a party it was; held at the Chichester Park Hotel, the supreme masonic organiser, Glen Coneley and his mini team of helpers, surpassed themselves by laying on an extravaganza that left no one in any doubt that Sussex freemasons and their partners know how to enjoy themselves.
A sumptuous meal was followed by the necessary and appropriate toasts and responses to thank Martin & Beryl and Roger & Jackie for the fantastic contributions they had made during their tenures in their respective high offices. The entertainment provided by The Jersey Boys tribute was simply stunning and the dancing continued until carriages or the hotel bedroom beckoned. Sore heads and limbs the following morning were a testament to another great event – the Magic of the Mark.”
Dear Brother Mark Master Mason,
Having timed my retirement as PGM to coincide with the arrival of the pandemic, Beryl and I were very disappointed that the farewell party organised by Glen had to be postponed. However, at the fourth attempt we made it to the Chichester Park hotel on Saturday 2 October and enjoyed a superb evening amongst many friends. Definitely an occasion we will remember for a long long time.
As part of the evening I was presented with “Saxon” and “Bentley”, two bronze owls in the Frogman series of sculptures and Sussex vodka, sparkling wine and beer together with a substantial cheque, which will probably be used to add to the Parliament. The owls are beautiful and will bring back many happy memories of the times Beryl and I have enjoyed in your company.
I am overwhelmed by your generosity and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Martin
MBF Presentation
to
St. Catherine’s Hospice
St. Catherine's Hospice
Three SMBF Trustees, Martin Wilson, Nigel Potter and Mike Marchant visited St. Catherine’s Hospice, they were greeted by two charming young Ladies but unlike other Hospices St Catherine’s is situated in a busy residential road in Crawley. Due to very strict COVID restrictions we were not allowed inside the building, but we were told that currently there are twelve patients under care. Opened in 1983 the Hospice has now out grown its current present home and will be moving to a new home 2023 in Pease Pottage near Crawley. The new home will allow up to 24 beds and a larger presence for the community in North Sussex. After the photos were taken, we wished them well for the future move, and all the care they give to Crawley and beyond. The ladies thanked us Mark Masons for our generous donation.
SMBF
Presentation to
Sussex Community Search Team
Sussex Community Search Team
The Trustee of the SMBF discovered in late 2019 that the radio equipment of the Sussex Community Search Team was need of urgent replacement. The Trustees were unanimous in agreeing a donation of £1008 for the purchase of 8 new radios.
On Monday 5th October Mike Marchant and Ivor Bennett were at last able to visit the Sussex Community Search Team at Haywards Heath Police Station are they are based, to formally had over the radios.
The radios have been put to good use since they were purchased in early 2020. The Sussex Community Search Team work closely with Sussex Police searching for Missing Persons, Crime Scenes and Safety Searches of Public Places.
The Team have been involved in 8 Missing Person Searches, they were stood down in one case before they could deploy, however, they discovered 4 persons safely, but unfortunately 3 deceased persons.
The Team were asked to carry out 25 Safety Searches and discovered 8 dangerous knives were found. These knives were not discarded or dropped accidentally but deliberately placed with the purpose of being recovered later when the need arose for possible criminal activity.
The work of the Team has so impressed our Provincial Grand Almoner he is a now a volunteered to assist with any call out.
MBF Presentation
To
Hospice in The Weald
&
The Cottage
Hospice in The Weald & The Cottage
The Hospice in the Weald and the Cottage were visited on Monday 6th September by our Prov.G.Alm. Michael Marchant and Prov.A.G.Char.Stwd. Malcolm Shapcott, to present cheque from the Mark Benevolent Fund Hospice Initiative.
Rebecca Lindsey informed Michael & Malcolm that the Hospice in the Weald offers care and support to patients with a terminal illness, and those closest to them, throughout West Kent and northern East Sussex. They offer medical care, advice and support at the end of life, issuing of medical prescriptions and advice on pain management and symptom control, via their five key hospice services delivered at the patients’ home, care home setting, through their outreach day service and at their ward rooms at their Pembury site and the outstanding care provision afforded to patients, their wider families and even their pets at their ‘home from home’ hospice setting, Cottage Hospice in Five Ashes, East Sussex. Despite all of these services being available completely free of charge to patients and their families, it costs over £7 million each year to provide them and this simply wouldn’t be possible were it not for the generosity of organisations like the Masonic Lodges.
The grant of £2,000 towards our Cottage Hospice and £3,000 for our Pembury Hospice as nominated by the Sussex Mark Master Masons helps us to ensure delivery of our expert care to anyone living with terminal illness in our community, whenever they need it, day or night, 365 days a year.
Lou Wardle, Head of Fundraising at Hospice in the Weald shared this with us: “We are so incredibly grateful for your kind and very generous donation. Hospice in the Weald strives to ensure that no one within our community faces the challenges of living with terminal illness alone or unsupported. We are here for patients from the time of diagnosis to support and care for them every step of the way. Thanks to every pound donated, your gift enables us to deliver this support and the outstanding care provision we pride ourselves on, to those who need it, making a huge difference to many hundreds of patients and their families each year. On behalf of myself, the teams at Hospice in the Weald and the patients and families we care for, thank you.”
Whilst we were chatting, Rebecca also thought that she should share their free will-writing service with Sussex Mark Brethren. It’s not necessarily the best thing for complicated wills, but will do anything that’s fairly simple and I thought it would be a nice way to offer something back as a thank you 😊
MBF Presentation
to
St Peter & St James Hospice
St Peter & St James Hospice
On September 30th four Mark Masons, Ivor, Nigel, Mike, Keith and Andy representing the Craft visited St Peter & St James Hospice for a photo-opportunity. Upon arrival we were met by Roz, Ian and Gavin who showed us the new garden furniture that had been purchased with the £4000 from the Mark Benevolent Fund.
After the photo shoot we were refreshed with tea and cakes and met two dedicated nurses Ali and Claire. They explained the ethos of the Hospice and how they not only supported patients in the Hospice but also in the patient’s own homes. All of us left a lot wiser about the service that St Peter & James Hospice provides for the Local Community.
Roz later replied with the following:
“Thank you so much for coming into the Hospice this morning with your fellow Masons. Ian, Ali, Claire, Gavin and I loved meeting you all and are so grateful for your support of St Peter & St James Hospice. It was really interesting to hear more about how you all support the Sussex Hospice community.”
MBF Presentation
to
The Martlets
The Martlets
Ivor Bennett Prov.G.S.W. and Malcolm Shapcott Prov.A.G.Char.Stwd. were honoured to represent the Mark Benevolent Fund on Friday 17th September confirming the donation of £3000 from the Mark Benevolent Fund.
“We at Martlets Hospice are so grateful to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons Sussex for their thoughtful recommendation and the Mark Benevolent Fund for the generous £3,000 donation to help us provide end of life care to people living in Brighton & Hove, the Havens and Deans. We were delighted to have been chosen by three Mark Master lodges to receive this special gift providing much needed funds especially as we continue to be affected by the impact of COVID-19 on our services and finances.”
Gary Moyle, Grants Manager, Martlets Hospice
Martlets is your local charity providing Life-changing Hospice Care for terminally ill people in Brighton and Hove, and surrounding areas, the very best care and support. Their expert team helps people do the thing they love with the time they have. The Martlets want everyone affected by terminal illness to know they can still feel hope, purpose and possibility.
Most people receive care from the Martlets in their own home via the specialist community team. Outpatients also visit Martlets for pain relief, physiotherapy, counselling, welfare advice and social activities. Others choose to spend their final days at Martlets, or stay with Martlets for respite care or symptom management.
Sussex Royal Ark Mariner Assembly
St. Leonards 31st August 2021
Sussex Royal Ark Mariner Assembly 2021
Sussex Royal Ark Mariner Assembly
was held in conjunction with East Sussex RAM Lodge
at St. Leonards on 31st August 2021
The East Sussex RAM Lodge was opened, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Roger Francis Richardson entered the Lodge, he was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Christopher John Farrow, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Brian Dumigan and a delegation of Provincial Officers.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master took the chair and after opening the Assembly, he presented Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank to a number of Brethren and he gave a short address to the brethren.
The Royal Ark Mariner Assembly was then closed, the Worshipful Commander and officers of East Sussex RAM resumed their places in the Lodge.
The Worshipful Commander Peter Broomhead was proclaimed Worshipful Commander for the ensuing year and then along with the Officers of the Lodge performed a ceremony of Elevation for Bro. Michael Jackson in an excellent manner.
W. Bro. Ray Hackett handed out the Masonic passports to those who wish to take part in the challenge of visiting all centres, Mark Lodges and RAM lodges throughout the Province.
Sussex Royal Ark Mariner Assembly 2021
Sussex Royal Ark Mariner Assembly
was held in conjunction with East Sussex RAM Lodge
at St. Leonards on 31st August 2021
The East Sussex RAM Lodge was opened, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Roger Francis Richardson demanded to enter the Lodge, he was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Christopher John Farrow, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Brian Dumigan and a delegation of Provincial Officers.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master took the chair and after opening the Assembly, he presented Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank to a number of Brethren and gave a short address to the brethren.
The Royal Ark Mariner Assembly was then closed, the Worshipful Commander and officers of East Sussex RAM resumed their places in the Lodge.
The Worshipful Commander Peter Broomhead was proclaimed Worshipful Commander for the ensuing year and then along with the Officers of the Lodge performed a ceremony of Elevation for Bro. Michael Jackson.
W. Bro. Ray Hackett handed out the Masonic passports to those who wish to take part in the challenge of visiting all centres, Mark Lodges and RAM lodges throughout the Province.
Sussex Mark Masons
support
Craft P.G.M.’s Golf Day
Sussex Craft Golf Day
The Sussex Craft Prov.G.M.’s Golf Day, held on Friday 27th August at the testing Mannings Heath Golf Course, saw a large field of golfers from across the Province raise over £5500 for Provincial funds.
The Mark Degree entered a team and sponsored the signature 10th hole.
Whilst the golf wasn’t quite up to standard, great fun was had by the intrepid team of Mike Sayer, Ivor Bennett, Adrian Verco and David Dumigan. Adrian did, however, win a nearest the pin [prize for the team].
Moreover, the funds were raised for the Craft Province and the Magic of the Mark Degree was advertised.
MBF Presentation
to
St. Barnabas Hospice
St. Barnabas Hospice
The P.G.M., Roger, and his Director of Photography (Jackie) accompanied Mike Marchant and Steve Campbell to St. Barnabas Hospice in Worthing. Covid regulations meant we were not able to enter the building to see the facilities on this occasion. Our host, Wendy, permitted photos to be taken in the area surrounding the entrance, and was happy to accept the £3000 cheque from the MBF.
St Barnabas House was the inspiration of local anaesthetist Dr Francis Gusterson and was one of the first three hospices providing end-of-life care to be built in Britain. It was opened on 1st January 1973. St Barnabas House embarked on an exciting new era in 2016 by investing in four new specialist nurses to provide care for people with other end-stage conditions, enabling them to reach more local people with non-cancer related illnesses. They also expanded their Voluntary Services and Education Team, as well as developing a new Therapy Team which provides rehabilitative palliative care for their patients.
The P.G.M., Roger, and his Director of Photography (Jackie) accompanied Mike Marchant and Steve Campbell then continued to Chestnut Tree House.
MBF Presentation
to
The Chestnut Tree House
Chestnut Tree House
The PGM, Roger, and his Director of Photography (Jackie) accompanied Mike Marchant and Steve Campbell to Chestnut Tree House on the same day as St. Barnabas Hospice in Worthing. After presenting a MBF cheque to St. Barnabas Hospice, they were led by the co-host (Charlotte Waring), convoy-style, to visit The Chestnut Tree House as she was involved in fund-raising for both Hospices. She also explained that St. Barnabas is for adults, and Chestnut Tree House specifically for children.
Again regulations precluded us from entering the building, but we were treated to a walk around the Garden of Remembrance to look at the stones adorned with children’s names who have stayed there. This was followed by a walk around the Alice-in-wonderland themed woodland walk – a most enchanting way to spend an afternoon.
Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice operates throughout East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire to give children with life-shortening conditions and their families care, support, quality time and most importantly – fun. The aim is to make every day count. The good days, the bad days and the last days.
A very generous donation of £5000 was gratefully received from the Mark Master Masons Benevolent Fund. Each Mark Masons lodge across the country was asked to nominate a hospice to receive £1000 in memory of HRH Prince Philip and Chestnut Tree House were lucky enough to receive nominations from five Sussex Lodges: Midhurst 1009, Adur 386, Pulborough 1245, Persevere 732 and Charmandean 1763. A huge thank you to these local lodges for their nominations and to the Mark Benevolent Fund for their generous support of hospices across the country.
SMBF & MBF Presentation
to
St Wilfrid’s Hospice
St. Wilfred's Hospice
“Friday 16th July saw 3 intrepid Trustees, in the persons of the PGM Roger Richardson, Alan Hobden and Steve Campbell, visiting St. Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne. They were met by the St. Wilfrid Trust Fundraiser, Kathryn, who began by explaining all about the building itself, capacity, departments.
We were able to present not one but two cheques to Kathryn. The first, presented by Steve on behalf of the SMBF, was for £500 and was promised by the Sussex Mark during the Silent Auction initiative that was run last year. The second was for £2000 and was presented by our PGM, Richard. This was a recent grant from the MBF who has offered to send £1000 on behalf of each Mark Lodge in Britain to every nominated Hospice in their Province. Luckily for St. Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne), they were nominated by two of our Lodges.
More presentations to other Hospices in Sussex will follow – more reasons to be proud to be a Mark Mason.”
RainBow Appeal Raised £4100
for
Demelza Hospice, St Leonards on Sea
Demelza Hospice, St Leonards on Sea
Dear Brethren,
Just over a year ago, as a result of the “Thursday Night Clap for the NHS” the Rainbow Request initiative was launched. Donations were sought to support Chestnut Tree House and Demelza (St. Leonard’s). The sum of £4100 was raised due to the generosity of both the Royal Ark Mariner and the Mark Lodges. This was subsequently match-funded by the Province of Sussex and so we were able to give a similar amount to both Hospices.
Monday 28th June 2021 was the first covid-safe opportunity we had to go along and see how, why and where our money was being spent. We were warmly welcomed by a wonderful nurse called Melissa – who showed us around the facility, the different “sensory stimulation” rooms, children’s play areas etc.
She took the time to explain that Demelza Hospice Care for Children supports families of children who have life threatening or life limiting conditions, from birth to 18 years. Their team in East Sussex is community based, with most care, support and activities for our 80 families happening within the family home or the local community. The office base has an activity room, sensory room and garden which all of their families can access. Their work is child and family centred and responsive so no two days are the same. They provide advice and support, respite care, advocacy, short breaks at our two in-house hospices in Kent and South East London, symptom management and control, family support, therapies, end of life care and bereavement support. They also run regular activities and this has included a festival event for our teenagers, afternoon tea, sensory stories, arts and crafts and specific sessions for siblings, parents and carers and grandparents. People often assume that their work is all about death and dying, when for the most part, it is about supporting children and their families to live the best life possible, having the most fun and creating memories to cherish in the precious time that they have together.
Because of our donation they had recently been able to purchase a special “cold mattress” – something they had needed for some time which they could now afford.
We all popped outside for the publicity shot of us handing over a cheque, but on the way back in we spotted a room full of cuddly children’s toys. This was too good an opportunity to pass up – and so we had another photo-shoot posing as Noah, his sons, and the animals on the Ark.
Time for a cup of tea – Melissa made us all a brew and then made the mistake of asking us about Freemasons, what we do, what sort of people joined up, why did we do so much for charity.
Several cups of tea and many biscuits later we had to leave as it was getting late by then. Thankyous were exchanged, and promises were made to come back and visit in the future.
Although what happens in a Children’s Hospice is naturally very sad, Melissa and her colleagues were all upbeat and positive about what they can do for the children and their families to help them through the difficult times. Ivor, Mike and I left having learnt a lot about what happens in a Children’s Hospice, the mindset of those who choose to work there – and happy with the fact that the RAM and Mark could help out in some small way to provide them with the sort of equipment they so desperately need.
Steve Campbell
Provincial Grand Charity Steward
