The meeting was very successful and went without a hitch which was testimony to the tremendous effort put in by the Secretariat and DC’s team to ensure that all went well.

Many congratulations go to all those brethren who received appointments, re-appointments and promotions in Provincial Grand Lodge. They were all very well deserved, and we hope that they have a happy and enjoyable year in office.

During his address, the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Ray Walton, shared some wonderful news with us all. This was that after we petitioned the Mark Benevolent Fund for funding towards three EPIQ scanners, which give the best possible 3D imaging available, for the Children’s Heart Unit based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, the Trustees have awarded a fantastically generous grant of £103,340. The petition was presented in memory of our Past Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Gordon Craigs, and this, together with a generous grant of £50,000 from the Craft’s Richard Henry Holmes Fund, means that the Children’s Heart Unit Fund will receive the full amount of £153,340 necessary to purchase the three machines. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Trustees of the Mark Benevolent Fund and the Richard Henry Holmes Fund for making this fantastic gesture possible.

Many thanks go to our Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. John Park, and his team, along with our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Duncan McIsaac, and his team, for arranging such a well organised day.

Grateful thanks go to all the staff at Hexham Mart for all their help and fantastic service which helped make it such a wonderful day, not only for us, but also for our many guests.

Many thanks also to the catering staff for the excellent food provided for us after our meeting.

Another wonderful day of Mark Masonry!