Newsletter

See the iconic Debating Chamber, that has seen all these visitors, and where generations of UK Prime Ministers and the world's leaders have learnt their trade. Visit the Old Library, adorned by murals of Arthurian legend, painted by the greatest Victorian artists. And re-unite with old friends and find new ones, as the Province of Oxfordshire gives you its warmest welcome.

Grand Patron Gold

Patron

Vice Patron

Grateful, given the inclement weather, that the event was being held indoors, Thames Mark Lodge recently ran a successful race night at The Salisbury Club in Henley.

The evening was brilliantly run by Stephen Quant and Allan Dishington, and supported by the members of The Salisbury Club and Masonic Brethren. John Grout is President of the club and, as always, worked behind the scenes to get the event organised.

The event was undoubtedly a social success, but financial success for the punters was "variable". Nonetheless, money was raised for the MBF Festival 2025, and we can look forward to warmer weather when we visit Newbury Races for another Festival event on Friday 16^th May next year.

Another lucky winner!

More Profit for the MBF!

Alfred the Great: Oxford was an important town in Saxon Wessex, and boasts a close association with Alfred the Great (born down the road in Wantage, Oxfordshire). Oxenford was where the Oxen (the symbol of our City) crossed the River Thames, or Isis. So, unless you believe the probable legend that Alfred founded the University, the town is far older than the university. Similarly with masonry; the senior craft lodge in the Province, named after Alfred, pre-dates University Freemasonry. Alfred of course was not a Freemason, but shared many of our values. Most notably, he invented the candle clock and, "So divided the twenty-four hours of the day and night as to employ eight of them in writing, in reading, and in prayer, eight in the refreshment of his body, and eight in dispatching the business of the realm."

Alfred at Wantage, Oxfordshire

Cattle fording the Isis at Port Meadow, Oxford

Duke Humphry's Library, Bodleian

The Medieval University: Just when the University was founded is unclear; it is of Time Immemorial foundation. But it is clear that it is the second oldest university in continuous operation, and the oldest in the UK. (Exiled Oxford scholars much later fled to the swamps of East Anglia and set up a splinter faction). Oxford was a beacon of learning throughout the Middle Ages, where scholars rich and poor alike could study the liberal arts and sciences, theology, law and medicine.

Renaissance: The Oxford of today was shaped by the Renaissance and Reformation, suffering through the upheavals of the sixteenth century. Its grandest College, Christ Church was founded as Cardinal College by one Thomas Wolsey. It was re-branded after Wolsey fell from favour and Henry VIII took over his college and his palace (at Hampton Court). Sir Thomas Bodley (Elizabethan diplomat, spy and Lecturer in Greek) re-founded the University's library and in so doing had built perhaps the first monument to the Five Orders of Architecture in England.

Tower of the Five Orders

Tom Quad, Christ Church

Revolution: Oxford is often known as the "Home of Lost Causes", so it was to Christ Church that Charles I headed in search of a court away from the Parliamentarian heartland of London and East Anglia. Oxford suffered terribly in the Parliamentarian siege of the City, but stayed loyal to Charles when all others had forsaken him and the dark days of Cromwell (Sidney Sussex, Cambridge) took hold.

Restoration: One of Charles' lieutenants in Oxford was a Staffordshire solicitor called Elias Ashmole. After the fall of Oxford, Ashmole travelled back to his wife's homeland in Cheshire where, on 16 October 1646, he was "Made a Free Mason at Warrington in Lancashire", and in so doing became the first recorded English Speculative Freemason. Following the Restoration of Charles II, Ashmole, a keen antiquarian, collector and alchemist, founded Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, the first truly public museum in Europe, a monument to learning and self-improvement.

Elias Ashmole

Encaenia Procession, Radcliffe Square

Meanwhile other prominent Royalists like Sir Christopher Wren (Wadham and All Souls), thought to have been a member of the Lodge of Antiquity No. 2, worked to restore Oxford's splendour. Wren's Sheldonian Theatre, a dazzling reconstruction of a Roman Theatre, forms the heart of the University today.

Eminent Victorians: Freemasonry really took hold in the Town and University of Oxford in the Nineteenth Century (of which more on another occasion). Edward VII and his brother Prince Leopold both went through the Chair in Oxford, while Cecil Rhodes was initiated in Oxford. One George Portal was initiated in 1848 and, after taking holy orders, was instrumental in the development of Mark Masonry and the founder of the Mark Benevolent Fund. He was also a founder of University Lodge of Mark Masters, Oxfordshire's first Mark lodge. One later member was Brother Oscar Wilde who (according to masonic legend) remained a member of the Mark after his infamous trial, when all others forsook him. The true story will be found in volume two of this story . . .

You will have chance to see all the places mentioned in this article as you tour Oxford with us this summer, seeing places never usually visited by tourists. As Oxford is very busy over the summer, please book now to secure your ticket and accommodation.

Revd Canon George Raymond Portal

Oscar Wilde in Apollo Court Dress

Despite being physically unsuited for the task, David Cumming, the Festival Secretary, has completed his ROWVEMBER CHALLENGE!

He was attempting to row on dry land (he cannot swim) the distance that the River Thames runs through Oxfordshire, from Lechlade to Henley-on-Thames, during the month of November. This is a total of 136.6 km, or 85.37 miles.

By the end of the first week, he had covered 31.5 km (19.6 miles), reaching Pinkhill Lock; the second week took his total to 66.5 km (41.6 miles), getting to Culham Lock; in the third week he brought his total to 97.7km (61 miles), reaching Goring Lock; his final week's efforts brought him to Henley Bridge with a total of 136.63 km (85.4 miles) and the successful completion of his challenge.

This was a difficult task for a 75-year-old with no previous rowing experience. David told us: "This has been the start of my rowing 'career' and it is also the end of it." His legs are no longer muscular and, although he has decent shoulders (for his age!), there must be some magic in these special shorts he wears when rowing.

David has been greatly encouraged by his wife, Ginny, who was happy for David to take on the challenge provided he did not expect post-task physiotherapy. He was spurred on by the sponsorship he received, raising over £2,500 for the MBF Festival 2025, Oxfordshire. He is very grateful to over sixty kind individuals who contributed – members of Oxfordshire Mark Province, other Masons, together with an assortment of other generous souls including his family, friends from his football club (no, he does not play . . . don't be daft!), his golf club and, last but by no means least, his dentist.

https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/mmm2030-pgl-of-mark-master-masons-of-oxfordshire/rowvember-challenge

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Adrian Barlow, reports "I was honoured to attend Steven's installation into his Mother Craft Lodge Charles Dickens at Cosham in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. I have extended our collective congratulations to Steven on this achievement. It was a fantastic evening and Steven surprised me by asking for the Director of Ceremonies to present me to him. He then proceeded on behalf of the brethren of Charles Dickens to present me with a cheque of £200 towards our MBF Festival appeal. I thanked the WM and brethren for the generous donation and assured them that it would be put to immediate and excellent use. What an example to set!"

Brethren of Thames Mark Lodge have given great support to the MBF Festival 2025, Oxfordshire, and the Lodge is on the brink of receiving the Grand Patron Diamond collarette in recognition of this great achievement.

At their November meeting, the Lodge was honoured by the presence of Worshipful Brother Darren Coleman-Heald, MBF Charities Manager, who gave a talk on the charity and its work. As well as encouraging Brethren of Thames Mark Lodge, and representatives of other Lodges present, to continue their support of the Festival in its final months, Darren was at pains to ensure that Brethren were aware that the MBF charity was always on the lookout for organisations or individuals who might benefit from financial assistance. To this end, he promised to send the Lodge Secretary a list of local organisations who might benefit.

Please enter any allergies or intolerances on the booking form.

Saturday Dress Code:

Brethren & Gentlemen: This is a Black-Tie Event, Lodge Past Masters, Provincial Grand Lodge Officers (Past & Active), Grand Lodge Officers (Past & Active) are permitted to wear their respective Collars and Jewels.

Provincial & District Leaders are permitted to wear their respective Chain of Office. No Aprons are to be worn.

Ladies: Formal Evening Dress

Brethren: MBF Collarettes may be worn; Ladies may wear their MBF brooches if they wish.

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