Another important event in the Mark Calendar occurred when Farne Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1540 received a Provincial Visit on Friday 28th April. On this occasion the Provincial Team was led by the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Raymond Walton and there was another excellent turn out from the Team with 16 Officers being in attendance. They received a wonderful reception from the Master, W. Bro. Paul Cassidy and the other members who were present.

After the Team had been welcomed into the Lodge, W. Bro. Jim Thompson P.A.G.Swd.B. then gave an authoritative lecture on Mark Masonry in Northumberland and the Old School Building which is now Farne Lodge’s Masonic home. Many thanks go to W. Bro Jim for giving such a thoroughly researched and well delivered presentation.

After the talk the Provincial Grand Master presented, on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund, a Lodge Grand Patron Gold award to W. Bro Paul Cassidy the Worshipful Master, and also a Life Governor award to W. Bro. Harry Clark P.Prov.G.S.D. He thanked all the members of the Lodge for their many charitable donations, without which the marvellous work of the MBF and NMBF would be impossible. Later, during the Lodge business, W. Bro Paul was also re-elected to remain in the chair of Worshipful Master for a further year.

W. Bro Ray Walton also hoped to be able to present a 40 Year Certificate to W. Bro. Michael Murray P.Prov.G.J.D. who unfortunately, was unable to attend. The Certificate, Tie and Handkerchief were given to the secretary to take to W. Bro Michael and a personal letter of congratulations and thanks for his long service to Mark Masonry in Northumberland has been sent by the Provincial Grand Master.

Once the formalities of the meeting were finished, there then followed a first-class meal in very enjoyable and convivial company with a wonderful atmosphere generated throughout the evening.

In reply to his toast at the Festive Board, the Provincial Grand Master made mention of the upcoming Northumberland MBF Festival to be held in 2031 and how preparations were underway for an official launch possibly in November 2024.

He informed everyone that the Northumberland Mark Festival Jewel would be on sale soon and encouraged everyone to consider buying a Jewel and therefore becoming a Festival Steward and being able to wear it at all Mark Lodges in the Province.

Mention was also made of the next NMBF Social Event which is to be the Annual Barbecue and will be held on Saturday 15th July at Shiremoor Masonic Hall. The nominated local charity on this occasion being Scarborough Court.

Finally, he pointed out that we have two Lodges, Amble Mark Lodge and Whitley Mark Lodge, celebrating their Centenaries very soon and support for these two important events would be greatly appreciated, especially as we will have two rulers in attendance to preside over the celebrations.

The Visit proved to be yet another Magical Mark evening!