On a warm sunny day, it was a packed house in the temple at Exmouth for the Installation meeting of the Devonshire Lodge of Installed Mark Master 1750. Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, the Provincial Grand Master, lead a plethora of distinguished brethren, who had travelled from all corners of the Province, and across the borders.

Accompanying him were Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother Michael Daniels, the Provincial Grand Treasurer, Very Worshipful Brother Bill Daw, the Worshipful Master of the Grand Stewards Lodge which has no number, and Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Provincial Grand Secretary and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Designate. The Provincial Grand Master took the opportunity for a picture of the members of the Grand Stewards lodge that were present.

He was further accompanied by a host of holders of Grand Rank, including Worshipful Brother David Eldridge, Grand Inner Guard, Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and Worshipful Brother Nicholas A. Ball, Past Deputy Grand Sword Bearer and the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft and Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch in the Province of Devonshire.

Joining them were a number of holders of Provincial Grand Rank, both Present and Past, including Worshipful Brother Garry Kitchen, Provincial Grand Senior Warden, Worshipful Brother Julian Turner, Provincial Grand Junior Warden, Worshipful Brother Nigel Frude, Provincial Grand Master Overseer, Worshipful Brother David Richards, Provincial Grand Senior Overseer and Worshipful Brother Dr Alan Howlett, the Provincial Grand Junior Overseer.

After being welcomed into the Lodge, the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Eddie Dymond, presented the Provincial Grand Master with a Cheque for £200 for the Devon Mark Charity Association whilst informing him of a further donation of £300, which was soon being presented to the Children’s Hospice South West.

Worshipful Brother Eddie then went on to the main business of the evening, by installing Worshipful Brother David Tucker into the chair of Adoniram, who went on to appoint and invest his fine team of officers for the year. A notable moment for the evening was when due to an absentee, no-one was able to deliver the working tools. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master stepped forward and delivered the working tools perfectly in a sincere manner, which again demonstrates the unending support the Provincial Executive provide in the moment of adversity.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to a packed refectory, where more than sixty brethren enjoyed an excellent festive board and atmosphere which was described by many as buzzing with happiness, friendship and fun. During the speeches, the Provincial Grand Master, once again reiterated his personal thanks to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master who will be retiring in October, as well as congratulating those being appointed to their new roles within the Executive. He also thanked the brethren of the lodge for the honour of having Honorary membership bestowed upon him that evening.

After a fantastic evening, the brethren made their way home, with their bellies full of food and their hearts full of happiness.