NEWS LETTER FOR MARK MASTER MASONS & ROYAL ARK MARINERS OF SOMERSET ISSUE 2 - MARCH 2007

Over 5000 Mark Master Masons and their families celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Mark Grand Lodge at the Royal Albert Hall

What a sight it was, the Royal Albert Hall full to capacity with Mark Master Masons, all in their regalia, with their wives, all there to celebrate the 150th birthday of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. It was a day of highlights. It started with the entering in procession of the heads of all the other Masonic Orders and overseas representatives, each in their own colourful regalia, this culminated with the entry of HRH the Duke of Kent, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England accompanied by his Pro Grand Master, Deputy and Assistant Grand Master. Finally the Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, HRH Prince Michael of Kent entered with his senior officers and the proceedings began in earnest.The Grand Master made his opening address, including the welcoming of all the guests, particularly his brother HRH the Duke of Kent. The Grand Chaplain then offered an opening prayer that was followed by the singing of “Guide me oh thy Great Redeemer” This marvelous old hymn sung with great gusto by so many voices really brought a lump to my throat!Jim Daniel, Past Grand Secretary of the Craft, stepped up to the podium to give a very interesting and lively talk on the founders and builders of Mark Grand Lodge, commenting first that he had never witnessed such a display of Masonic bling in his life!! There then followed a musical interlude including performances by the Royal Masonic School for Girls Choir and several solo performances.Next was the presentation and dedication of five new Lodge banners, one each to the five

founding Lodges of Mark Grand Lodge. (See item Royal Cumberland Lodge opposite).The climax of the event was an announcement by the Chairman of the General Board Keith Carmichael that the Mark Benevolent fund would donate the sum of £3million to the National Osteoporosis Society. The money was to be used to fund the purchase of mobile scanner units for the NOS. These units would make it much easier for women in remote rural areas in particular and those who were not able to travel far to be checked for signs of this crippling disease. The cheque was received by the Chief Executive of NOS Angela Jordan, our front cover shows Angela addressing the meeting just after the presentation. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was also in attendance in her capacity as President of the NOS.See http://www.nos.org.uk for more details.

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The 150th Aniversary Meeting October 26th 2006

The Royal Albert Hall was the venue for a great celebration that climaxed with the presentation

by the Mark Fund of Benevolence of £3 million to the National Osteoporosis Society

Angela Jordan, Chief Executive of NOS receives a

cheque for £3,000,000 from Keith Carmichael.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall,

Presedent of NOS greets Angela Jordan Chief

Executive of NOS, Grand Secretary John Brackley

and Deputy Grand Secretary Richard Gan.

Meritorious Chaplain!A Lodge secretaries life is full of suprises but the last thing that Provincial Chaplain Les Downs was expecting to hear when the PGM visited Nailsea Lodge was that Les was to be the recipient of the PGMs certificate of Merit for his services to Somerset Mark Masonry. David Nelson commented that Les had done a great job in his seven years as

Provincial Chaplain and had continued to support Nailsea Mark Lodge as secretary, a position he has held since 1997.

In the last issue of Triangle we announced the formation of a 500 club to support the Somerset Mark Provincial Benevolent Fund. You have responded in a magnificent way and thanks to a lot of work by the Provincial Charity Steward, Eric Kellet

and his two representatives, John Nicholson and Keith Fisher and indeed all Lodge Charity Stewards, 450 shares of £10 each were sold. This raised a sum of £4500, half of the amount going directly to the Provincial Benevolent Fund and half redistributed in the form of prizes. The main winner of course is the Benevolent Fund, but so far 18 brethren or their wives have shared in the prize money. There are still four monthly prize draws to come in March, April, May and June, so if you haven’t won yet you still have a chance. The prizes of £145.00 first £53.50 second and £30.00 third are drawn every month.Eric and John have also started work selling shares for the 2007/8 500 club. To join the 2007/8 club and support the fund as well as giving yourself 30 chances of winning a cash prize, complete the entry form enclosed with this magazine. Simply decide how many shares you would like to buy, fill in the form and return it. If you don’t have a form put your name, address and phone number on a piece of paper, indicate how many shares you want and send it with your cheque for the correct amount to Eric Kellet, 23 Mendip Lea Close, Draycott, BS27 3SY. Remember the 500 club is also open to wives and partners of members.

As one of the five founding Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, The Royal Cumberland Lodge of MMM Time Immemorial received from Grand Lodge a splendid new Lodge Banner at the recent 150th celebrations in London. The Master Richard Thurston accompanied by a deputation from Royal Cumberland Lodge received the Banner from the Grand Master and proudly displayed it to all the members at the

Lodge meeting on 2nd November. Our photo shows Richard next to the Banner together with (l to r) David Nelson, Nina Booth Clibborn and Angela Jordan from the National Osteoporosis Society, Tony Carter and Trevor Burton the Lodge Wardens. The NOS which is based at Camerton near Bath, Nina and Angela gave a very interesting talk on the work of the Society and how the £3 million donation from the Mark Benevolent Fund will be used.

The 150th Anniversary Meeting Page 2

Provincial meeting Page 4

Endoscope appeal Page 5

Masons Marks Page 6

500 club results Page 3

Provincial LofI Page 4

Important dates for Provincial Officers Page 4

Mark Golf Day Page 6

Letters Page 8

Son advances Dad Page 8

Calling all Bowlers! Page 6

Royal Ark Mariner News Page 7

In This Issue

Sep-06 Bro. Cardy Foulds 967

W Bro. Mike Waterman 128

W Bro. Jimmy Evans 571

Oct-06 Mrs Liz Booty 177

W Bro. Peter Thomas 1295

Bro. Bob O’Malley White 781

Nov-06 Mrs Nicola Neville 1295

Bro. Bob O’Malley White 781

W Bro. LJ Cottell TI

Dec-06 Mrs MZ Cottell TI

Bro. Jim Arnott 781

Bro. Peter Civil TI

Jan-07 W Bro. Jim Summers TI

R W Bro. David Palmer 191

Bro. JW Morris 749

Feb-07 W Bro. John Hunt 749

W Bro. Tony Robins 162

W Bro. Mike Waterman 1623

500 CLUB LUCKY WINNERS Draw Name Lodge

Royal Cumberland Founder ofGrand Lodge

Benevolent Fund &500 Club

ProvincialMeeting 3.00 p.m. Saturday 5th May

It is not only for Provincial Officers but an opportunity for all brethren to come along to make new friends and enjoy the pageantry and ambiance of the occasion. It is a meeting where all Mark Master Masons whatever their rank are welcome, together with their wife or partner.

New Appointments The Provincial Grand Master will be investing and promoting brethren from all the Lodges in the Province, in particular the new Wardens Adrian Jones and John Peters and the new Provincial Secretary, John Morgan. Ladies are very welcome! For some years now the Ladies have been invited to join us for dinner after the meeting. Somerset is the only Mark Province to do this and it has proved very popular. Catherine Nelson and Hazel Guthrie will again welcome the Ladies and a presentation on reflexology will be given by Mrs Jo Jeffrey while Provincial Grand Lodge is in progress. Important notice for all Provincial OfficersDuring your year in office the Provincial Grand Master would very much appreciate your support at all Mark Lodge Installations. On the evening you will be expected to process into the Lodge with the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy or Warden. You are all welcome to attend as many Installations as you can, you must book in with the Lodge Secretary or dining steward and you will be responsible for the cost of your meal.

The Scottish Constitution and the Mark Degree.The Mark is an integral part of both Craft and Royal Arch Chapter in Scotland: it is the fourth degree of Scottish Craft Masonry, there are no Mark aprons an Craft regalia is worn.In Chapter a candidate must be a Mark Mason before being exhalted as a Companion. Some R.A.Chapters are therefore warrented to advance candidates to the Mark Degree. The words and ritual of the advancement ceremony in a Craft Lodge, we as English Mark Masons would find very familiar but a Chapter advancement takes some interesting and alternative forms.One ceremony comences with the Master Mason entering the Chapter with the deacons, wearing the large operatives apron and carrying material for inspection. After the normal inspection, rejection and finding of the stone, the candidate is congratulated on his skill displayed in cutting the stone and finding it uninjured in the quarry. He is now advanced to the honourable degree of Mark Master Mason. To do this he retires and is received back into the chapter in due form. He is formally introduced, selects his Mark, is paid his wages and takes his obligation. The Senior Warden communicates the secrets and invests him as a Mark Master, this is followed by the presentation of the working tools.There is another simple form of advancement in a Scotitish Royal Arch Chapter. The candidate enters with an example of his work, this is examined by the Right Worshipful Mark Master, if aproved and the candidate can provide proof of his rank to the Junior and Senior Wardens he then choses his mark, receives his wages and takes his obligation as a Mark Master Mason. The Lecture on the Mark Degree is delivered in all three forms of advancement ceremony. David Platten.

2007 Festival target is reached!Our Provincial Grand Master in the Craft, David Jenkins has announced that he expects the 2007 Festival target of £2.5 million will be met and he thanked all the Masons in the Province for making such a magnificent effort. The exact total will be announced at the Festival Dinner to be held at the Webbington Hotel on Thursday 17th May. In addition to the President and other members of the RMBI team the Pro Grand Master, Lord Northampton is expected to be present. There are still a few tickets (£37.50 each) available, application should be made to the Festival Dinner Secretary.

Phillip Summers Flat 59 Madeira Court, Knightstone Road, Weston super Mare, BS23 2BH

Tel;01934 644252

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Mark Lodge Installation Programme 2007 Principal LodgeNoDateOfficer

Royal Cumberland TI 14-Mar-07 PGM

Somerdale 1608 16-Mar-07 PGM

Royal Sussex 177 26-Mar-07 DPGM

Mendip 781 27-Mar-07 JW

Carnarvon 119 16-Apr-07 DPGM

Hallam 730 25-Apr-07 PGM

Exmoor 697 10-May-07 DPGM

Somerset I.M.M. 1652 4-June- 07 DPGM

Monument 1295 19-Sept-07 DPGM

Langdale 1695 24-Sept-07 PGM

William de Irwin 162 27-Sept-07 JW

Eldon 807 4-Oct-07 SW

Cerdic 571 17-Oct-07 PGM

William Long 191 19-Oct-07 JW

Fidelity & Unanimity 348 30-Oct-07 DPGM

Nailsea 1548 12-Nov-07 PGM

Science 128 15-Nov-07 DPGM

Else 102 20-Nov-07 P.SEC

Portcullis 1658 20-Nov-07 PGM

George Norman 967 26-Nov-07 SW

Provincial Lodge of Instruction The Provincial L of I (North) will perform their first demonstration Cermony at the regular meeting of the Lodge of Fidelity & Unanimity No 348 Taunton. Any Mark Master Mason who would like to attend to see how it should be done should book in with the Lodge secretary David Palmer; Tel 01823461381David Platten (01935862512) will hold a meeting of the Provincial L of I (South) at Glastonbury MH on Wednesday 28th March at 7pm.

The Provincial Grand Master will be attending both meetings.

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Prostate cancer appeal exceeds expectations

Don’t panic he’s not going to ask for a volunteer!! Some worried looking brethren listen carefully as consultant Chris Galligos explains

the equipment used in the treatment of prostate cancer and how the £25,000 donation by Somerset Mark Masons will be spent.

David Nelson, Provincial Grand Master accompanied by thirty brethren, representing all the Lodges in the Province, presented a cheque from Somerset Mark Master Masons for £25,000 to Chris Gallegos at Bath RUH on 26th January 2007. Before making the presentation four consultants, Graham Howell, Tim Bates, Jon MacFarlane and Chris Gallegos gave an illustrated talk describing the treatments available at the RUH for prostate cancer and how the brachytherapy unit, largely financed by the Mark Benevolent Fund two years ago, was being utilised. This was followed by a tour of the operating theatre.The hospital offers three main types of treatment:Surgical - known as radical retropubic prostatectomy, an incision is made in the abdomen and the prostate is cut out from behind the pubic bone. After removing the prostate, the surgeon stitches the urethra directly to the bladder so urine is able to flow.Radiation - external beam radiotherapy. CT scans and MRIs are used to map out the location of the tumor cells, and x-rays are targeted to those areas. With 3D conformal radiotherapy, a computerised programme maps out the exact location of the prostate tumours so that the highest dose of radiation can reach the cancer cells within the gland.Brachytherapy here tiny little metal pellets containing radioactive iodine or palladium are inserted into the prostate via needles that enter through the skin behind the testicles. As with 3D conformal radiation therapy, careful and precise maps are used to ensure that the seeds are placed in the proper locations. Over the course of several months, the seeds give off radiation to the immediate surrounding area, killing the prostate cancer cells. Over a year, the radioactive material degrades, and the seeds that remain are harmless. At the moment there are approximately 250 procedures each of surgery and radiotherapy carried out each year in our area. Of that total consultants think that 150 would be suitable for treatment using brachytherapy but at the moment only 50 patients

a year are being treated. The reason as one might expect is one of cost, the radioactive seeds alone for brachytherapy cost £3,500 making the overall cost of the procedure £7,000 or three time the cost of radical surgery. Chris Gallegos was fulsome in his praise for the M B F and Somerset Mark Masons, without their support there would not be a brachytherapy unit at the RUH. Over the last two years the procedures carried out had proved 100% successful and he was now very hopeful that the NHS would provide the funding to carry out more operations. He then went on to explain the recent advances in the design of Laparoscopic Instruments that now made Radical Laparoscopic Prostectomy (key hole surgery) a possibility. Some of the money so generously donated by Somerset Mark Masons would be used to purchase this latest technology thereby helping to provide the local community with the best treatment.

The Provincial Grand Master presents a cheque on behalf of Somerset Mark Masons for £25,000 to

Chris Gallegos;. They are flanked by consultants Jon MacFarlane, Tim Bates and Graham Howell.

Masons Marks Or those marks by which we are known to each other

Mark Golf Day 2007This years competition for the Provincial Grand Masters Shield will be held on Wednesday 18th July 2007 at Bath Golf Club. All golfers are welcome to enter, the Provincial Grand Master would like to see all Lodges represented. Please contact; Richard Stone; Tel 01935 864553

email - rich@vertexeng.demon.co.uk or Calling all Bowlers

The fourth annual Mark v Craft bowls competition will be held at Shepton Mallet Bowls Club on Monday 9th July. This is always a very pleasant day in the Mark social calendar. Assemble at 10.00am for coffee, there will be four rinks of four followed by lunch at the club. Any brother who would like to play on the Mark Team should contact the Deputy PGM Ray Guthrie on 01761471275

Did You know?that the first recorded Mark advancement ceremony in England took place on the 1st September 1769 in the Royal Arch Chapter of Friendship, now number 257 in Portsmouth, when Thomas Dunkerley made brethren Mark Men and Mark Masters.

Three examples of masons marks from the Kennet and Avon Canal

At a recent Craft Lodge of Instruction meeting a question was raised about the “Masonic Code” as displayed on the Third Degree Tracing Board. As Preceptor I explained that, as far as I knew, it was based on an old substitution code, i.e. a single symbol for each letter of the

English alphabet. At the same time I distributed copies of the “Masonic Code” as published in the Mark Degree Ritual book. (Note that no particular combination of this code has ever been approved or adopted by any Grand Lodge.) By so doing I was trying to create some active interest in the Mark Degree.However while attending a Royal Arch Chapter admin meeting at Burnham-on-Sea I picked up a leaflet published by the Rural Philanthropic Lodge No 291 on the same subject but which included some additional and interesting information about the code. The code is based on a noughts and crosses frame for 18 letters and a saltire cross for the remaining 8 letters. These two basic forms are said to represent two of the three Great Lights in Freemasonry, namely the Square and the Compass. The Square denotes good conduct and the Compass signifies the keeping within or encompassing God’s Laws. In this form letters A-R are based on the Square and the letters S-Z are based on the Compass. A J B K C L S W D M E N F O V Z TX G P H Q I R U Y

(Square letters) (Compass letters)

These marks are easily entered on the edge of a chisel! In each case the right hand letter uses the same form as the left hand letter but includes a dot in the form. Thus Royal Sussex would become

The same code was found on a headstone in the West Huntspill churchyard and was set up to commemorate

one John Jennings who was a Founder Member of the Rural Philanthropic Lodge No 291 which met at the Highbridge Inn. John Jennings was an architect and surveyor and undertook the repair of the river gates and lock in the river Brue at Highbridge. To fulfil his contract it cost him a £100 of his own money and to record this fact for posterity he arranged to have it inscribed on his headstone which was made from part of the original

lock. The details were carved, using the “Masonic Code” in six lines at the foot of the headstone and are thus translated;“This stone is part of the apron or floor of Highbridge, which being much broken and in vain attempted to be repaired for sixty years, was completely repaired in the year 1779 by John Jennings, who lost £100 by doing it.”As was explained to the Brethren at the L of I this ‘simple’ code has many variations for instance:A B C D E F S T F E D C B A T SG H I J KL Y Z U V L K J I H G V U ZY M N O P Q R W X R Q P O N M X W

You can also read the code, either from right to left or left to right! As you will soon realise the combinations are almost infinite and more so if you introduce the use of a password! I’ll leave those calculations to the mathematicians or computer buffs in our midst. So saying, can you work this one out?

In future whilst out walking, look out for the operative mason’s marks in some of our local old buildings. For instance if you happen to be walking along the Kennet and Avon canal the masons marks can be clearly seen in some of the bridges that cross over the canal and again at the Tythe Barn at Bradford upon Avon. As the work generally was piece work, that is payment by results, these marks were an effective way of establishing whose work was being inspected and hopefully approved for payment The marks are there for all to see but how often do we seek them out? To quote Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes “We see but we do not observe.” So Mark Well those masons marks.David George Preceptor St Lukes Lof I(Chaplain Royal Sussex Lodge of MMM No 177)With due acknowledgement and thanks to the RuralPhilanthropic Lodge’s paper.

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On Wednesday 20th September the Provincial Grand Master David Nelson and his Provincial team assembled at the Frome Masonic Hall with a group of Founders and their guests to consecrate the Portal Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 155. After the ceremony the Deputy PGM Ray Guthrie installed the first Commander, Trevor Burton who in turn appointed his officers. The alms collected were divided equally between the PGM’s endoscope appeal and the Lodge Charity account.The ninety or so Royal Ark Mariners present then enjoyed an excellent festive board after which, to mark this special occasion, the Lodge made presentations of inscribed firing glasses to the PGM his Deputy and the two Wardens Michael Meade (PGM Wilts) and Stanley Hopkins (Past PGM Somerset Craft).I would like to thank the founder members for their support throughout the last two years. Some have given very freely of their time others have been very generous in gifting the Lodge furniture and regalia. I am honoured to be your first Commander I look forward to seeing it flourish over the years “like an evergreen tree whose leaves fade not” Trevor Burton

CommandersInstallation dates for your diaries!Visiting is one of the great pleasures of Freemasonry especially in the Mark and Mariner degrees. Make the most of your year as Commander by trying to visit the other 10 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges in the Province, you can be sure of a warm welcome. To help you plan ahead here is the list of Installation Meetings for the next twelve months. Please book in with the Lodge Scribe.Irwin, Keynsham, Mon 19th March, 18.30Fidelity & Unanimity, Taunton, Fri 13th April 18.30Cerdic, Chard, Thurs 6th September 18.15Thackeray, Clevedon Mon 1st October 19.00Nailsea, Wed 10th October 18.30William Long, Burnham, Fri 26th October 19.00Bath, Wed 7th November 18.30Exmoor, Minehead, Fri 9th November 18.30Installed Commanders, Including Provincial RAM Assembly. Nailsea 11.00 Saturday 23rd February 2008.The Travelling ArkHerbert Fuller to visit Cerdic at Chard on Wed 23rd May.Cerdic to visit Exmoor at Minehead on Fri 8th June.Exmoor to visit William Long at Burnham Fri 26th Oct.William Long to visit Irwin at Keynsham on Mon 19th Nov.Irwin to visit Somerset Commanders on Sat 23rd Feb 08. As many brethren as possible should accompany their Commander on these visits, a warm welcome awaits you

Provincial Royal Ark Mariner AssemblyThe Provincial Grand Master presided over a Royal Ark Mariner Assembly at the meeting of Somerset Installed Commanders Lodge at Burnham on the 24th February. During the meeting he appointed six brethren to Provincial Grand Rank. (LtoR)Tony Snook, Les Armitage, Peter Rowarth, Stephen Wheeler,Edgar Mining and Bill Knight. (inset)

In Command again at 90!At the same meeting of Somerset Installed Commanders Lodge Bill Shorey, who celebrates his 90th birthday this month was installed as Commander of the Lodge. In his distinguished Masonic career he has been Commander of Exmoor RAM, Master of Exmoor Mark and Somerset Installed Mark Masters and is currently Master of the St Bernard Craft Lodge in Minehead, Phew!!

Consecration of Portal RAM Lodge

September 20th 2006

The P.G.M David Nelson and Deputy PGM Ray Guthrie with the first Commander of the new Portal RAM

Lodge Trevor Burton. (centre)

Royal Ark Mariner News

Clevedon Pier at sunset by Geoff Nash. If you have a favourite photo of a

local scene, send it to the editor.

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The Somerset Triangle is produced for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Somerset. Editor, Ray Guthrie, Kynance, Timsbury Road, High Littleton, Bristol, BS39 6HL Tel 01761471275. email; raygu3@btopenworld.com

The Late Jim WebberI was saddened to read W Bro Jim Webber’s obituary in the last edition of your excellent magazine. He was a long-time friend of my late father and a lovely man.Your readers may be interested to learn a few details of his distinguished war record.On 7th November 1942 the 10th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was re-badged as the 7th (Light Infantry) Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. At 00.50 hrs on D-day (6th June 1944) the Battalion parachuted into Normandy with the task of securing and holding the area surrounding the bridges across the Caen Canal and Rover Orme at Bénouville and Ranville (now known as Pegasus and Horsa bridges respectively). A detachment of the 2nd Bn the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry had already landed alongside the bridges by Horsa Glider at 00.10 hrs and taken the German guards by surprise. No. 2 Commando Brigade, the first detachment ashore on Sword Beech, eventually relieved the Airborne Forces at 14.00 hrs. Two 7th (L.I.) Para soldiers involved that day were later to become prominent Somerset Masons – Capt. Jim J. Webber (2i/c of A Coy) and Capt. John D. Went (Admin Capt. of H.Q. Coy). A Coy held the forward easterly flank against determined German counter-attacks for most of D-day. Active command was exercised by Capt. Jim Webber, the only Officer on his feet, despite having received a gunshot wound to the chest. John Went served throughout the War relatively unscathed and was later promoted to the rank of Major. Among the many decorations gazetted after that momentous day was a M.C. for Capt. Webber.

Dr Roger H Jago. PM Taunton School Lodge,

Grand Superintendent - Hampshire and IOW.

Chip off the New Block!The meetings of the Else Lodge of Mark Master Masons are always happy occasions, but the last meeting on Tuesday 16th January was very different.For his first Ceremony, Toby Hammond the new Master had a very special Advancee: no other than Hammond

the elder, Dennis by name and Dad to Toby. Many fathers have Initiated their sons into various Degrees, but this occasion was very special, not only for the Master, but for those who witnessed it. All went very well; the Candidate was suitably admonished in the very best manner and eventually welcomed into the Lodge by the Master who presented him with a book of Ritual and a Lodge tie.This happy atmosphere continued into the Festive Board when Dennis reminded his worshipful son that this was a long awaited return match, for had he not Initiated him into the King Alfred Craft Lodge fifteen years ago! All in all a happy ending to a not-to-be-forgotten evening. The raffle raised £202 which will be presented to the Weston-super-Mare Guide Dogs for the Blind, the chairman being Bro. Chas Heard, Senior Overseer of the Lodge.

Pat Morrisey, SecretaryBurns Night at George Norman

Goodness knows what Burns would have made of it, the Master, Ted George wearing a tartan bonnet and a shock of Orange hair while the address to the Haggis given by “wee” Jimmy Halfpenny in full highland dress and a wooly hat! But everyone there enjoyed an exceptional advancement ceremony, not least the candidate Nigel Lovett (left of WM) followed by a raucus festive board! Mark Masters Mervyn Western has been a member of Carnarvon Lodge for over 25 years. In that time he has proposed many candidates into the Lodge including this years Master, Mike Greaves. Mike says he has had a fantastic year in the Chair of a great Lodge enjoying terrific suport from the brethren. As a thank you to Mervyn for proposing him in the first instance he presented him with a 25 year Mark lapel badge at the Lodge meeting in December.

Thank you to all Somerset Mark Master MasonsIt is with the greatest of pleasure that I write through our newsletter to thank you all for your generosity and hardwork in raising over £26000 for

my Endoscope appeal. It really was a magnificent effort by everyone concerned and I am very proud of what the Mark Master Masons in Somerset had achieved in such a short period of time. This wonderful total will be used for the purchase of equipment at the Bath Royal United Hospital which is the region centre for treating urological health problems. An official handover was made by me on the 26th January and I had the support from Brethren of every Lodge in the Province for which I was most grateful. To help the community and ourselves in such a worth while project is I believe at the heart of Masonic charity and everyone in Somerset can be justly proud of our success in raising this truly marvellous total.

David NelsonProvincial Grand Master

Letters to the editor