The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, joined the brethren of the Ashburton Mark Lodge 1038 for their installation meeting recently. He was accompanied by Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother Bill Humphries, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother David Eldridge, Grand Inner Guard and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and the Provincial Grand Secretary. Joining them were Worshipful Brother Barry Purdy, the Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, Worshipful Brother Robert Truesdale, the Provincial Grand Senior Overseer, and Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, the Provincial Grand Junior Overseer.
After welcoming the Provincial Team, the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Professor Stephen Michell, then presented the Provincial Grand Master with a virtual cheque for £400 towards the Devon Mark Charity Association, as well as informing him of further donations totalling £300 to other local good causes.
The next item was for the Worshipful master to install his successor, namely Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, who was returning to the chair of Adoniram for a second time. The ceremony was undertaken in an immaculate manner by Worshipful Brother Michell, and the Worshipful Master went on to appoint and invest his team of officers for the year. Worshipful Brother Stephen was also presented his Past Masters Jewel by the Provincial Grand Master.
The next labour was to propose a member of the lodge for Honorary membership. Brother Heath Dadd, who recently turned 100 years of age and is approaching his 60th anniversary of being a member of Mark degree, was balloted for and agreed unanimously. His son in law, also being a member of the lodge, said that he would be so proud and over the moon to have the honour bestowed upon him by the brethren.
The business of the lodge being completed, the brethren retired to the refectory for a great festive board with lots of fun and humour and was enjoyed by all.
