The Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire has the honour of presiding over the 153rd Mark Benevolent Fund Annual Festival. Festival Badges costing £10 each are now available from members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Executive team including the Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Wardens, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, and the Provincial Grand Treasurer. Please support the Mark Benevolent Fund and the Province of East Lancashire by purchasing a badge.

Those Brethren who were able to view the Provincial Wardens regular Monday night light hearted banter and the toast to absent Brethren on Facebook, were treated to a very important guest this week, the Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman. It was a very informative and interesting evening, with the DGM providing up to date information regarding our Order, and enlightening us on the current situation at Mark Masons Hall.

Dear Brethren All, 

Good morning to you all, it would appear that I owe some of you an apology because you have not been able to download my letters due to me not using PDF. I have had my knuckles rapped, I am not overly technically minded when it comes to computers. Today I will attempt to send this in PDF format.

Dear Brethren,

I am delighted to be able to report that the Grand Master has been pleased to appoint to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank the following Brethren,

Dear Brethren All,

Not a sunny day at all today, what some incessant rain yesterday, it seemed endless. Was this what it was like for a number of days prior to Noah and his family entering into the Ark? If this keeps up I will have to contact Alex Ward and get some guidance on how to build an Ark or suitable vessel.

Dear Brethren, 

Hello to you all,

Well we are faced with more restrictions, which are brought in for the protection of us all. Let us hope that we do not have to go back to a full lockdown. I know that I have said it before but it means that we have to be very cautious and keep safe as much as we can. There will be light at the end of the tunnel but I notice there is a kink in the tunnel.

Dear Brethren, hello once again,

I hope that I find you well. Yesterday I received a phone call from our good friend and brother, Stan Rickeard, he tells me he celebrated his 95^th birthday on Monday, after the small party, he was quite tired. He sends his and his wife Gwen‚Äôs best wishes to all. They are both well. Stan has obtained a small buggy to help with his mobility.

Dear Brethren,

Hello to you all, I trust that I find you all well and safe. I know some are suffering ill health and I wish you all the best and hope that you might be on the road to recovery.

Dear Brethren,

It is with sadness that I start my letter this week, unfortunately Sue Jennings, wife of W. Bro. Don Jennings, passed away this week. On 2^nd September a good friend and well-respected Brother, W. Bro Roy W. Ford suffered an accident from which he was subsequently called to the Grand Lodge Above. He will be missed. Please have Don and Mrs. Ford in your thoughts and prayers.

Brethren,

The Provincial Grand Master wishes to remind Brethren about the Coronavirus Information which is regularly updated on the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Website. It may be found at the following link;-