2025Northern Cluster MeetingThis year's Northern Cluster Meeting was hosted by:
Naze Tower Lodge No.1380Wednesday 19 February
Kirby Cross Masonic Centre
Report by David Rout Mark Media Team |
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The Northern Cluster was attended by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Finlay, accompanied by members of his Executive and this years Active Officers.
On a bright and breezy winter’s afternoon 62 Mark Master Masons assembled at the Frinton and Walton Masonic Centre at Kirby Cross. The event was of course the annual Northern Cluster meeting being hosted by Naze Tower RAM and Mark Lodges.
In recent years Naze Tower Lodges have struggled to retain their membership and back in April 2017, a flurry of activity to provide support kept the Lodges going. This was due to many members of the Craft Lodges joining up and supported by members of other Mark and RAM Lodges. This support continues today.
In recent years Naze Tower Lodges have struggled to retain their membership and back in April 2017, a flurry of activity to provide support kept the Lodges going. This was due to many members of the Craft Lodges joining up and supported by members of other Mark and RAM Lodges. This support continues today.
Naze Tower Members
Members of Naze Tower Lodges are now proud to be able to continue with only occasional support from visitors.
The Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. John Finlay, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master’s John Stannard and Geoff Newman and twenty-four 'active' Provincial Officers escorted him on this official visit. A very popular and well attended meeting saw all other Northern Lodges represented making a total of 62 Brothers. Other Lodge Members present were from St. Nicholas of Harwich; Beriffe of Brightlingsea; Aurelius of Clacton; Wyvern of Wivenhoe; Constantine of Colchester; Wayfarers of Colchester and Saxon Shore of Tollsebury.
In recent years members of neighbouring Lodges have assisted Naze Tower members get back 'on their feet'. A proud moment for many of us who attended. And a great example of true friendship in the 'Friendly Degree'.
We all gathered in eager anticipation before the meetings in the well-appointed Bar. There we saw various members of the Provincial Executive ‘working the room’ and rubbing shoulders with many of us in particular the newer members. This is so important and makes us all feel valued.
Dick Jones and the Prov.G.M.
I made sure that our Prov.G.M. John Finlay was introduced to our newest member, Bro. Gary McDonough of St. Nicholas Lodge was only advanced on 16th January 2025.
Naze Tower opened their Royal Ark Mariner Lodge first with the Worshipful Commander W. Bro David Telling and his team of officers putting on a fine show at what was a ‘quick business meeting’. The highlight of course was when our Prov.G.M presented two Grand Lodge Certificates to Bro.’s Les Bargus and Tony Dack in his fine friendly style. Of particular note was that this meeting was the 100th Meeting of this RAM Lodge.
Then Naze Tower opened the Mark Master Mason Lodge with the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. John Warwick and his team in firm control of the proceedings. After the minutes, The Prov.G.M, his Executive Officers and escorting Provincial Officers were admitted in due form. As is the custom the Prov.G.M took the Gavel upon invitation from the W.M. and occupied the Chair briefing taking the opportunity to introduce all of the escorting Provincial Officers.
Naze Tower were due to perform a ceremony of Advancement, but disappointingly the Candidate had reported sick. Bro. Les Bargus, who is also the Centre manager stood in for a demonstration of the ceremony of Advancement. This was performed with great enthusiasm by Naze Tower members who had been practicing hard in the weeks leading up to the meeting.
Alan Keyte, Prov.G.M and John Warwick
The Treasurer presented a cheque to the Prov.G.M. for £200 to go towards the ZipWire Challenge and towards the 2030 Festival. The Prov.G.M announced that with this donation the Naze Tower Lodge was very close to becoming a Diamond Patron of the M.B.F. Post meeting W.Bro Richard Jones donated the balance of £300 to ensure the Lodge achieved this award and being one of 16 Lodges within the province to achieve this status.
In recognition of his tireless work and donations W. Bro Tony King was presented and awarded by the Prov.G.M as Grand Patron to the M.B.F. which was met by a hearty round of applause.
After the RAM and Mark meetings we all adjourned to the Bar for more socialisation and refreshments.
We were then all treated to an exquisite four course Festive Board.
As well as the usual raffle, W.Bro. Colin Kendrick supplied a special bottle of Ukrainian Vodka which had been distilled not once, but 13 times! This special raffle alone raised an extra £55.
As well as the usual raffle, W.Bro. Colin Kendrick supplied a special bottle of Ukrainian Vodka which had been distilled not once, but 13 times! This special raffle alone raised an extra £55.
Everyone
PHOTO GALLERY
Published on 24/02/25
