The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, was joined by a host of brethren of Grand and Provincial Grand rank at the recent Installation of the Pleiades Mark Lodge 675 in Totnes. The entourage joining our Provincial Grand Master included Right Worshipful Brother Peter Hawken, Past Provincial Grand Master, and the two active Grand Officers for the year, namely Worshipful Brothers Paul Howard-Baker, Grand Senior Deacon and Dennis Challis, Grand Steward. 

The acting Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Andy Hall opened the lodge and then duly welcomed the Provincial Party. Before any further business commenced, the brethren present were informed of the sad passing of Worshipful Brother Jim Evans P.A.G.Std.B., who had passed to the Grand Lodge above that day following a recent severe medical event from which he never recovered. Worshipful Brother Jim, who was the Charity Steward, was an integral part of the lodge structure, and was always smiling and had a heart to help anyone. He was well respected across all the orders in which he was a member, and will be greatly missed.

Worshipful Brother Hall proffered the gavel to the Provincial Grand Master, who after a few words, handed it back accordingly. He then offered a charitable cheque on behalf of the lodge in the same manner. The cheque for £250, was a donation towards the PGM’s Special Fund, was gratefully accepted by the Provincial Grand Master.

Worshipful Brother Hall then went on to install his successor, Worshipful Brother Rex Brown. The ceremony was undertaken in an impeccable style, which was both warm and sincere, and the new Master went on to appoint and invest his strong team of officers for the year. The addresses to the Master, Wardens, Overseers and Brethren followed the same vein and were recited with emotion and cander. The new Master then proffered the Gavel to the Provincial Grand Master, but again he returned it after a few short words, and unsurprisingly, when a further cheque was offered, he once again accepted this donation for £500 in aid of the Devon Mark Charity Association. The Provincial Grand Master also had the opportunity to present a Vice Patron’s Collarette during the risings, to one of his Active Officers, namely Worshipful Brother David Barton.

  

The brethren then retired from the lodge and made their way to the Seven Stars Hotel for a wonderful festive board. It was highlighted how much laughter was present and why the Mark degree is seen as the fun degree. Worshipful Brother Rex, who had returned to the Master's chair exactly 10 years after his first installation, stated how much he had not only enjoyed his ceremony, but also the friendship within the lodge since he had been a member. 

During the festive board, the Provincial Grand Master responded to his toast, and during his response, referred to the recent appointments to Grand Rank, but also announced the appointments of his Provincial Overseers for the forthcoming year, of whom two were present, namely Worshipful Brothers Andy Hall, Master Overseer Elect, and Jon Webber, Junior Overseer Elect.

The brethren then made their way home having enjoyed a great evening, with the wonderful company that was around them.