The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons held the Annual Mark weekend in Torquay recently, and was attended hosted by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie and his wife Sue. More than 200 brethren, partners and guests joined them to enjoy the feeling of togetherness within the order, but also to celebrate, as a thank you, to the families who support the brethren in their Mark Masonry.

The brethren arrived at The Grand Hotel on Torquay’s seafront during the Friday afternoon, where they enjoyed some relaxing time to meet with friends, both old and new. This continued into the evening when those assembled joined together in the main dining room for a wonderful meal. This was then followed by music supplied by the ever-resourceful Worshipful Brother Rob Summers, P.G.J.D., who was this time putting his hands to work on the decks, as he became the DJ for the evening. The atmosphere of fun, music and dancing rounded off the evening in style.

  

The following day brought sunshine and warmth to the English Rivera, with many brethren taking the opportunity to go exploring with some travelling to the nearby towns or other local places of interest.

Later in the day, as the brethren and their partners relaxed in the warm surroundings of the main bar, Worshipful Brother Mark Rodd held the usual quiz, which had many of those present scratching their heads and thinking deeply to try and answer the questions. After a fun afternoon the attendee’s retired to prepare themselves for the evening’s gala dinner.

The Gala Dinner, which is the high point of the weekend, gave those attending the opportunity to scrub up and look resplendent in their dinner suits and dresses. They enjoyed the wonderful meal in the perfect setting of the ballroom, which the venue had prepared wonderfully for all to see.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Following the meal, the Provincial Grand Master, made a speech thanking those attending and especially to those who organised the event, namely Worshipful Brother John Hipwell, his wife Sally, and Mrs Sally Trewin. He also presented a bouquet of flowers to the lovely Mrs Angela Smerdon, wife of the late John Smerdon, a stalwart of the Province and supporter of the event, who had recently passed to the Grand Lodge above. She had been accompanied to the event by her sister, Mrs June Staddon.

     

   

The usual draw was then taken, and the winners were Worshipful Brother Tom Betts winning the Dual Drawer Air Fryer, Worshipful Brother Robert Hendy winning the flat screen television and Ms Jane Morgan winning the Super Hamper.

    

The brethren then retired and enjoyed the remainder of the evening either relaxing or enjoying the entertainment supplied by the Eclipse Duo.