The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, together with his Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, and Very Worshipful Brother Ronald Smerdon, Past Grand Junior Overseer, joined the brethren of the Devon Mark Rugby Lodge 958 at the latest meeting. Although designated as a business meeting, the atmosphere throughout the whole night was full of enjoyment with quite a number of visitors also attending.

Following the routine elections for the year and the unanimous acceptance of an Honorary member, several items were brought before the lodge. The first item considered was the charitable donation for the year, and it was proposed that the lodge support the local rugby fraternity in Exmouth. The Exmouth Rugby Club have a newly created Women’s team, and although being well supported, the team themselves have no suitable changing facilities for their match days. Local fundraising as already begun and is progressing well, but the brethren felt that it was such a worthy cause, they would donate £1000 towards their project (on track to be completed by the end of the year). This donation was being supported by the Devon Mark Charity Association with a further donation of £5000. A truly wonderful overall donation to such a worthy cause.

The next item was a presentation to the lodge on behalf of Worshipful Brother Trever Deadfield, who unfortunately was unable to be with the brethren on the night by Worshipful Brother David Greenaway. The Worshipful Master and the brethren were informed that it had been Trever’s wish, since the transition from the Athelstan Mark Lodge 958 to the Devon Mark Rugby Lodge 958, to see the regalia and assets in the lodge, amended and refurbished to now include the reference to the Devon Mark Rugby Lodge. On this occasion a newly designed set of working plans were delivered to the Worshipful Master on his behalf, which were immediately put to good use by the Overseers.

During the first rising, the Provincial Grand Master then had the pleasure of presenting Mark Benevolent Fund collarettes to two of the brethren. Firstly, the Patrons collarette was presented to Worshipful Brother John Hipwell, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. The second was the presentation of the Grand Patron Gold collarette to Worshipful Brother Andrew McGoldrick. Both brethren were thanks for their contributions to the Mark Benevolent Fund and that all contributions are used to benefit those in need of help and support.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to the refectory where they donned their traditional rugby caps and other suitable headdress for the visitors before taking their place at the festive board. During the meal itself, an honoured guest had been invited to speak to the brethren assembled.

  

    

Mr Andrew Pearce, a Veteran Rugby Referee for more than 25 years, and is still a match official undertaking supporting roles within both World, National and local matches. He was also fortunate to officiate alongside Very Worshipful Brother Ron Smerdon, who is also still an active RFU referee assessor. 

  

Andrew gave the brethren assembled an excellent insight into his experiences as a rugby official including stories from his travels overseas, whilst also showing how times have changed as technology has improved. He also spoke about the importance of local rugby and the support from their communities that are the lifeblood of rugby continuing. Andrew is also the very proud father of one of the country’s best referees, Luke Pearce, who travels all over the world to referee matches, whilst still running out in the 6 Nations and Premiership matches around the UK. Andrew and Luke made history in 1998 when they were the first father and son team to undertake roles of officials together in the same match. Upon completion of his speech, the brethren thanked him immensely for his contribution to the evening.

The evening ended with all the brethren suitable filled with the great food and beverages laid on by the excellent catering staff at the venue, and made their way back to their homes, content after enjoying such a superb time with great friends.