Colchester "Big Breakfast Awareness Event"
Saturday 3 September 2022

St.Giles Masonic Centre in Colchester was the venue for the third of this years highly successful Mark Awareness Events.

Mark Ball, a visually impaired Brother, registering for the event.

More registering

Saturday 3 September saw 25 Brethren from Colchester Lodges arrive at St. Giles to be given a very warm welcome by the Mark Men from Colchester and surrounding area. The morning started with a welcome from W.Bro. John Stannard, everyone then sat down in the dining room for a superb full English buffet breakfast cooked by James and his staff, there was a noticeable absence of fried bread on the menu, thankfully a prominent member of the executive was not in attendance.

Sitting down to a hearty breakfast

Great Breakfast

All smiles

The legend that is Paul Humphries with our Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary, Colin Kendrick flanked by two possible candidates.

​The Brethren were sat at tables with the Mark Men for an informal chat about the “Friendly Degree” before entering the Temple to commence the official business of the day.

Ready and waiting for the event to start.

​Our Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. John Finlay welcomed everyone to the presentation and introduced the speakers for the presentation, unfortunately one of them had been delayed in the aftermath of an accident on the A12, and John very kindly stepped in to replace him. Along with Roger Davis, they gave an introduction to the Mark Degree, explained its heritage and its connections to the Craft and Holy Royal Arch degrees to all of those present.

The main narrator Roger Davis in full flow.

Rob and Bob during the "Walking Narration" explanation of the Degree.

​In a change to previous presentations, there was a “Walking Narration” performed by Rob Whitfield and assisted by Bob Lawman acting as the Candidate. This part of the presentation was met with a good response from the Brethren. John and Roger gave a first-class presentation of the Degree without giving any secrets away and spoiling the Ceremony for any potential candidates.

All finished, Mick West rubs his chin, thinking why I didn't leave home earlier!!!!

Once the presentation has finished the Dep.P.G.M opened the floor up for a question-and-answer session, which proved to be a great success and prompted V.W.Bro. Paul Humphrey a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master to give a short talk on his experiences in the Mark Degree whom expanded on why it is called the Friendly Degree. Paul is a highly respected member of Freemasonry in Colchester and within the Province of Essex in all branches of masonry, and when he takes to his feet, he is very informative and entertaining. Paul can be seen below wearing his “smart casual “ wear.

Paul showing the true meaning of "Smart Casual" Top half smart, bottom half casual.

All those present retired to the bar for some refreshment and for another chance to chat. Some 8 Advancement forms were completed and handed to the respective Secretaries. Its onwards and upwards for the Mark Degree in Colchester.

Brian Birkin talking to a candidate

Les Morgan and Paul Firmin

All smiles, Bill Dyer, Our media manager and John Adams

Potential candidates

Presentation Team L to R. Rob Whitfield, John Finlay Dep.Prov.G.M, Roger Davis and Bob Lawman

​Congratulations to Sidney Philpin, Brian Dack and the rest of the team for producing a first-class event. A special thank you must also go to  John Finlay and  John Stannard for overseeing the presentation.

Posted 06/09/22