Many congratulations go those brethren who received their appointments, they were all very well deserved, and we hope that they have many years to enjoy their new ranks.

W. Bro. Ray also took the opportunity to present two cheques on behalf of the Northumberland Mark Benevolent Fund. The first was a cheque for £500 to W. Bro. David Auld in aid of Newsham Lighthouse Community Hub. This worthy charity is part of the North of Tyne Child Poverty Prevention Programme. The second cheque for £1,000 went to W. Bro. John Harvey, District Grand Master of the Order of Royal and Select Masters, in support of Northumberland’s contribution to the Grand Council’s Sesquicentenary Appeal. This is to raise £150,000 by the end of December 2024 for redistribution to charities suggested by the members. Both donations were very much appreciated and gratefully received.

With the business completed and Triangle Lodge closed, everyone then retired to the Festive Board where good food was enjoyed in the company of good friends. It is worth mentioning that the raffle on the evening raised the magnificent sum of £385! Many thanks to all who bought tickets.

Many thanks also to the Secretariat and DC’s team for all their hard work to ensure that the meeting went smoothly and which enabled us to have such an enjoyable evening. Finally, an especial thanks must go to all the staff at Ashington Masonic Hall for the first-class meal and excellent service which helped make it such a successful event.

This was another wonderful evening where the companionship and friendship of the order was on full display.