The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, was joined by more than 40 brethren in Ashburton recently at the Annual General Meeting of both the Province's General Purposes Committee and the Devon Mark Charity Association. Also joining him at the meeting were Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Also present were members of the Devon Mark Support Team as well as Worshipful Brothers John Betts and Garry Kitchen from the Devon Mark Charity Association.

The meeting was opened by Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who immediately proceeded with the proposal to elect as the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, which was agreed unanimously. Next came a roll call of all lodges, confirming that all were represented or had apologised, followed by the acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting. The relevant reports were read, and then there was a presentation by the Devon Mark Support Team demonstrating their “Magic of the Mark” and “Craft Meets the Mark” display that they take to lodges. The members of the team, Worshipful Brothers David Barton, Garry Kitchen, Paul Stephenson, Jon Webber and Nick Chapman, presented the display excellently, with many positive comments from those present who had never seen it before.

There was then a short interlude before the commencement of the Devon Mark Charity Association, which held its Annual Meeting. The meeting was opened by Worshipful Brother John Betts, the Chairman of the DMCA, who then, after confirming the minutes of the previous meeting, gave his report. A copy of the Chairman's report is available at – DMCA Chairmans Report 2026

Following this report, the treasurer's report was given, and the accounts were presented and adopted. Elections were then held for the following year, confirming that Worshipful Brother John Betts would remain as the Chairman, and Worshipful Brother Garry Kitchen as the Deputy Chairman. The Treasurer/Secretary, Worshipful Brother Paul Howard-Baker, and his Deputy, Worshipful Brother Dr Alan Howlett, were both re-elected in their respective offices.

A presentation was then given showing the donations made by the DMCA over the previous 12 months, including photographs and descriptions.

The meeting was then closed, and the brethren retired to the refectory to enjoy a fabulous buffet, provided by the Province. The Province wishes to thank the trustees and caterers at the Ashburton Masonic Centre for accommodating the meeting and providing the buffet during one of the hottest weekends so far this year.