More than 40 brethren recently travelled across the county to the easternmost tip to attend the Installation meeting of the Devonshire Lodge of Installed Mark Masters 1750. Presiding at the meeting, which was held in the Masonic temple in Seaton, was Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. He was accompanied on the evening by Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, the Past Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, the Provincial Grand Secretary. They were escorted by a number of Grand and Provincial Officers, including Worshipful Brother Barry Purdy, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden, Worshipful Brother Robert Hendy, the Provincial Grand Junior Warden, Worshipful Brother Robert Truesdale, the Provincial Grand Senior Overseer, Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, the Provincial Grand Junior Overseer, all kept in line by Worshipful Brother Simon Wills, the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Also present were a host of Grand Officers, who were members of the lodge, and in particular, Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother Michael Daniels, the Worshipful Master (Elect) and Very Worshipful Martin Smith, the Provincial Grand Chaplain.

After being welcomed by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother David Tucker, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master was proffered the gavel, which he declined graciously, but accepted the cheque for £500 as a donation to the Devon Mark Charity Association.

The next labour of the evening was to see the Master Elect, Very Worshipful Brother Michael Daniels, installed into the chair of this fine lodge. Worshipful Brother David installed his successor in an excellent manner, who then appointed and invested his team of Officers for the year, with excellent addresses delivered by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Junior Warden, Provincial Grand Junior Overseer, and the Past Grand Steward, Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to the refectory to enjoy a wonderful festive board, in the delightful surroundings of the Seaton Masonic Hall. The atmosphere within the lodge and at the festive board was wonderful to see, especially as the lodge only meets twice a year. The brethren, having enjoyed the company of so many friends, then made their way back across the county, looking forward to the next occasion when they would come together.