A large number of brethren from the Province, together with their partners, headed over to Spain recently, to enjoy the annual District Grand Meeting of the Mark Master Masons of Spain. The meeting was held in the Conference centre located at the Gran Bali Hotel in the coastal resort of Benidorm. Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, headed up the delegation and was accompanied by Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Very Worshipful Brother Bill Humphries, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, together with many Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.

The brethren and their partners arrived a few days before the event and not only participated in enjoying the local Tapas restaurants and shops, but also participated in an excellent day out, organised between themselves, to the nearby village and Castle at Guadalest. The first stop on the coach trip was to the private motorcycle collection in the local museum, which housed a wonderful selection of restored motorcycles from around the world. They then proceeded up the village and enjoyed the atmosphere in the shops, sampling the local food in the nearby restaurant, and all against a backdrop of stunning views with the nearby mountains and countryside.

  

  

The evening before the meeting saw the brethren and their partners participate in a welcome evening, enjoying an informative talk by Worshipful Brother Mike Neville, a retired Detective Chief Inspector. Following this talk, all assembled upstairs in the crystal terrace and participated in the District Grand Masters welcome reception.

  

The meeting itself took place on the Saturday morning, with 450 brethren attending the meeting, which was presided over by Right Worshipful Brother Barrie Mansell, the District Grand Master. 

 

After the excellent meeting had been held, the brethren congregated in the restaurant and enjoyed an afternoon of festivities, excellent food and good wine, whilst enjoying the company of all those around them. The meeting was also an opportunity for some to meet up with others, whilst making new friendships.

  

    

  

Whilst the brethren appeared to be enjoying themselves in Benidorm, the partners were taking part in an excellent day excursion. Their first port of call was to a new Bodega nearby, where they were welcomed after walk through the vines, with a welcome wine and introductory video. They then had the opportunity for a tour before participating in a wine tasting experience, which was complimented by local cheeses and cured meats.

    

    

    

Following this part of the outing, they all boarded the coaches and continued to the nearby town of El Campello and enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the La Cova restaurant, before they returned to join the brethren in the hotel.

After a wonderful few days in Spain, many of the brethren returned to home shores, whilst some remained to explore other sights in the nearby region. An excellent time was had by all with many saying that they would be returning once again.