A very special and unique meeting was held at Adoniram Mark Lodge No. 1483 here in Northumberland on Friday 8^th November. This being the Annual Night of Installation, proceedings started early because of later scheduled events. The evening commenced with W. Bro. Michael Saint performing a commendable ceremony installing W. Bro. Graham Rowley as his successor for the ensuing year. W. Bro. Graham then proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers.

The meeting closed and there followed a special presentation and dinner for the donation of two cheques totaling the magnificent sum of £153,035 to the Children’s Heart Unit Foundation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

The presentation of these two cheques occurred in memory of R. W. Bro. Gordon Craigs, the Past Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Northumberland, who was also an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft and Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch at the time of his sudden and tragic death in July. R. W. Bro. Gordon became very supportive of the work of CHUF following the invaluable treatment his grandson received shortly after he was born and was very grateful for its life-saving work.

We welcomed guests for the presentation, and these included R. W. Bro. Ian Clark, Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, the Craft Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Ian Craigs, our own Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Ray Walton along with R. W. Bro. Gordon’s wife, Barbara and family. We also welcomed two representatives of CHUF, Charlotte Campbell, the Director of Fundraising and Operations, along with Alicia Clovis-Mothalib, the Corporate Partnerships Manager.

W. Bro. Ian Craigs expressed gratitude for Gordon’s legacy, hoping that it would inspire others to follow in his footsteps saying ‘’Gordon’s unwavering dedication, his service, and his love for Freemasonry have left an indelible mark on our community. R. W. Bro. Ray added, ‘’We are honoured to make this donation in his memory, knowing it will bring hope and healing to young lives at CHUF. Our donation to CHUF embodies Gordon Craigs’ spirit of service and his lifelong commitment to supporting those in need. His legacy will be remembered and cherished by his Brethren and Companions across all Masonic Orders.’’