ESSEX BOYS GO TO THE EAST ANGLIA PGL MEETING 2024
It was on a very hot sunny day on Wednesday 26 June 2024, that 14 Mark Men from Essex ventured over the Border into Suffolk.
Although the invitation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Anglia was sent to our own Prov.G.M, Dep.Prov.G.M, Asst.Prov.G.M and Secretary, the invite also extended to Essex Active Officers to "attend and Dine at their own expense and they would be made most welcome”.
The East Anglia Province is unusual and cover a vast area of 4,700 square mile comprising the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
So a bunch of us ‘new’ Active Officers joint our Provincial Executive at Venue 16, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich
Although the invitation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Anglia was sent to our own Prov.G.M, Dep.Prov.G.M, Asst.Prov.G.M and Secretary, the invite also extended to Essex Active Officers to "attend and Dine at their own expense and they would be made most welcome”.
The East Anglia Province is unusual and cover a vast area of 4,700 square mile comprising the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
So a bunch of us ‘new’ Active Officers joint our Provincial Executive at Venue 16, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich
|
|
On signing in we were each welcomed as a VIP Guest and given a welcome pack.
This contained a VIP Pass, Seating Plan and Table Plan
Using the VIP Pass we were escorted by Provincial Stewards to the VIP Lounge
There were were able to not only 'rub shoulders’ with our own Provincial Executive, but those from other Provinces and Heads of other Orders.
It was here that I was able to network with many old and new friends.
This contained a VIP Pass, Seating Plan and Table Plan
Using the VIP Pass we were escorted by Provincial Stewards to the VIP Lounge
There were were able to not only 'rub shoulders’ with our own Provincial Executive, but those from other Provinces and Heads of other Orders.
It was here that I was able to network with many old and new friends.
And here is 10 of our 14 all booted and suited ready to leave the VIP Suite.
My friend Pete Maloney ’sold’ me an early edition of the new Oxfordshire MBF lapel badge.
We were offered tea and biscuits before the meeting but some opted for 'other refreshments’!
Getting ready for the meeting to start. No air con - it was hot!
But we were about to take our seats ready for the Processions to start….
|
Then a quick selfie was in order with the two Johns in conference
Pete helping Steve with his PRAM collarette
Now this Brother was in the VIP Lounge sporting his EA Mark tie. But I immediately recognised him as Geoff KEER who is the Secretary of Columbyne Mark Lodge in Stowmarket. AND more importantly Geoff is the head of another Order - Allied Masonic Degrees of East Anglia. Smashing guy look forward to seeing him again soon when I next visit Columbyne Lodge.
|
Sat next to Phil Richardson who is our DeputyDC. He gave me loads of excellent advice on protocols. And watched with interest how things were done differently to us in Essex
And I also know these two Brothers from EA Province. Geoff Spencer is the D.G.M of Royal and Select EA Province and a P.M at Eric Lodge (Craft) in Woodbridge. I visit there regularly.
Then John Shaw who is DC at Columbyne Mark Lodge in Stowmarket. Again I visit there regularly.
|
Many of you will know Kaz Kassowski who is very active in the Columbyne Mark Lodge in Stowmarket, Hartismere RAM Lodge in Diss AND telling out at our own Naze Tower Lodge as acting D.C - smashing bloke.
|
After the meeting these guys picked on poor old Richard Goodwin who said, “I’m just taking my cases to the car”!
AND ON OUR TABLE WAS...
Mike Barrett Prov.G.S.D. - we shared a few jokes about haircuts!
|
Steve McConnell Prov.G.M.O. - we got to know each other a bit better during the Festive Board
|
Laurie Kavangh Prov. G.Tyler - who explained that he loves the job and going on the various visits
|
“Excuse me Sir, I’m Dave from Essex, can I take a selfie with you please?”
Prov.G.M - “Yes of course dear boy. Where do you want me to stand”
Sharing the same Christian names we then had a good old fashioned chat.
He gave me his business card! I’ll certainly look out for this friendly Brother at future meetings.
Note the perfect backdrop!
So in conclusion, an enjoyable visit to the Annual Meeting of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Anglia. I was proud to be part of the Active Officers entourage from the Province of Essex
Posted 29/06/24
