Ilford St Mary Lodge No. 1470
Wednesday 22 May 2024
Mount Avenue Banqueting Centre, Hutton
And it is closed accordingly -
Prov.G.M.
Forty seven Essex Mark Masons gathered at Hutton Centre on Wednesday 22 May to assist the Ilford St Mary lodge to Elevate Ian Allen into the Royal Ark Mariner degree and to then witness and help in the Advancement of Mark Woolterton into the wonderful Mark Degree. The Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Terence D. Sheern, accompanied by the Deputy Prov.G.M, W. Bro. John Finlay, and a goodly team of Active Officers, were admitted to much acclaim. Ilford St Mary members performed their given tasks superbly and both ceremonies were enjoyed by all.
During the meeting, a ballot was taken to confer Honorary membership of the Lodge on R.W.Bro Terry and W Bro. John. Both accepted this honour with thanks.
The Provincial Grand Master then presented a Diamond MBF Collarette to Worshipful Master Adrian Fox, in recognition of the Lodges charitable donations.
Unusually, the Prov.G.M. chose not to take the gavel on entry, instead preferring to do so at the end of the meeting, and to then address the Lodge with his more usual introduction of officers, along with many notes of thanks.
A special festive board of seafood pancakes and mixed grill, being a well-known favourite of the Prov.G.M, were cheerfully enjoyed by the members and guests. The usual toasts were accompanied by several gifts to Terry. Worshipful Master Adrian Fox presented some handmade chocolates from Buckingham Palace along with a bottle of Terry’s favourite vodka.
Laurie Kavanagh, Provincial Tyler, presented some Terry’s chocolate oranges and Lodge Secretary Geoff Newman presented more chocolate, appropriately labelled “Mark”, “The Boss”, whilst reminding Terry that he only had one week to eat them! Not to be forgotten, Geoff then presented some Toblerone bars to Prov.G.M Designate John Finlay. Again, appropriately labelled with John’s name - although spelt wrongly! Finally, an acrylic paperweight, bearing Terry’s mark was given to him by Geoff.
This was a special meeting in many respects. Mark Woolterton was welcomed to our order. Ian Allen was welcomed to RAM. Fun and memorable meetings were had in both orders, and the festive board. But most importantly, those present got to witness Terry’s very last meeting as Prov.G.M. and to give him a perfect send off.
Well done Ilford St Mary Lodge and thank you Terry.
Posted on 25/05/2024
