North by North Awareness Event
Saturday 2 April 22

Saturday the 2nd of April was a sunny day in the North of the Province and saw 60 Mark and Non-Mark Men descend upon the Kirby Masonic Centre for the second Mark Awareness event. This event had been organised by W.Bro. John Stannard who had put together a team of members from all the Northern Lodges to assist and help to make this event a great success.

With two days to go, however, the Kirby Masonic Centre suddenly found itself without a caterer for the event! A near catastrophe as the Prov.G.M. was also attending and expecting an “all you can eat” breakfast! Thanks to the hard work and effort from Alan Keyte, the current Commander of Naze Tower RAM and Chairman of Frinton  and Walton Masonic Centre, a caterer for the event was sourced to ensure the day went off without any more hitches, or so they thought, until Andy Sylvester who has been the “secretary” behind the scenes organising the day phoned in sick, not covid related thankfully.

Those attending were welcomed by John Stannard and then invited through to breakfast before the subsequent explanation of the Mark Degree.
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It was noticed that a certain "senior member" of the Province changed table numbers to ensure that he was first to be served breakfast, rank, it appears, does have its privilege!

Once breakfast was over, the prospective candidates made their way to the Temple to receive an introduction to the Mark Degree. The explanation of the Degree was delivered by W.Bro. Michael J. West, Prov.G.D.C. and W.Bro. James Tyrrell, Prov.G.S.D. Both gave a very informative and interesting insight to our Friendly Degree, and those guests present were suitably impressed by the presentation. With this part completed, the Temple was set up for a Royal Ark Mariner presentation.

This time the presenters were W.Bro. Jack Saunders, Prov.A.G.D.C. and W.Bro. Colin Kendrick. Jack had finished work at 10 o’clock and had hot footed it down the A12 on his motorbike, observing the speed limits he assured us! Jack and Colin also gave an exemplary explanation of the Mariner Degree.

At the completion of the talk, W.Bro. John Stannard thanked everyone for attending, and hoped that people would consider joining the Mark Degree, and that any completed forms would be entered into a draw for a bottle of wine!
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Finally, the Prov.G.M. addressed those present and thanked everyone for attending and hoped that they enjoyed the presentations.

Several forms were completed and handed to the respective Secretaries ensuring that the Mark Degree will continue to grow from strength to strength, thanks to all those involved in making the day a great success.

We look forward to the next event in the future.

​Mark Well Brethren.

Posted 5 April 22