From the Provincial Grand Master – R.W.Bro. George Deacon
What an amazing day at Botley on Saturday at the Provincial Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners – over a 150 attended the meeting and 108 dined.
The Pro Grand Master , Most Worshipful John Prizeman was in attendance as a private Guest escorted by Adrian Cleightonhills Deputy Grand DC, Chris Brier Sword Bearer and Malcolm Lloyd as Standard Bearer. The Pro Grand Master addressed the brethren at the Luncheon with the usual humour and banter as expected.
A cheque for £500 was presented by W.Bro Mark Denton Worshipful Commander on behalf of the Installed Commander for the 2026 Festival. Further cheques were presented to John Donaghue for his Charity Bike ride to Spain , £1,000 from the Province and £250 from the Installed Commanders. Thank you John and we all wish you well and please read his leaflet regarding his Journey and engraved stones in memory of our loved ones.
I thank you All for attending in such large numbers, Our Members, Our Distinguished Guests and Heads of Orders. Another great day in the Calender and our thanks to Mark , Pippa and the Staff at Brook House.
John Donoghue will be undertaking a challenge with a 650 Cycle ride around Spain.
As well as raising money for the Mark Benevolent Fund, John will be honouring past members by laying stones at Cruz de Ferro where for centuries, pilgrims have laid a stone in memory of those who have died.
Mark / RAM lodges, and indeed individuals, can make a pledge with Bob Brown or Nigel Wilkinson to have stone laid in their name. John and his wife will inscribe the name of the lodge and it’s number onto a stone which will be laid.
John’s route will be as follows:
1. 26th April St Jean Pied de Port.
Roncesvalles – Pamplona – Estella – Logroño – Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Villafranca Monte’s de Orca – Burgos – Castrojeriz – Carrion de los Condes – Sahagun – Leon – Astorga – Ponferrada – O Cebreiiro – Sarria – Palas de Rei – Azaua – Santiago de Compastela.
Arriving on Mon 13th May
John will then receive the Compostela Certificate from the pilgrims office and attend the Pilgrims Mass, returning to Portsmouth on 17th May.
Please support this endeavour by contacting Bob Brown or Nigel Wilkinson – further details are on the website.