Newsletter

Oxfordshire Festival Committee At Mark Grand Lodge

At the meeting of Mark Grand Lodge at Freemasons' Hall on 11^th March, we were given the opportunity to meet and chat with representatives of several charities who have recently benefitted from MBF donations.

When we donate to the MBF, and particularly during our Festival period, our focus is on collecting funds without giving much attention to where these financial contributions are spent. This meeting was a welcome opportunity to rectify this.

Charity representatives from a wide range of sectors joined us informally prior to the meeting in the Grand Temple. They were paraded in to thunderous applause and tribute was paid to their work. In turn, via some moving video presentations, the charities thanked the MBF for its financial help in delivering support to vulnerable individuals and communities.

Our Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Wright, was given the opportunity to speak in his role as President of the MBF Festival 2025 Oxfordshire. He began by producing his speech from the sleeve of his jacket with the quip "a few off-the-cuff remarks". This was well-received, as was his address, in which he paid tribute to the work of the charities represented. He reiterated what we had all been saying after our earlier informal chats, that it was important that Brethren were aware of how their donations were being "faithfully applied". He asked those present to spread these findings to members of their Lodges, in the certain hope that our reassurances would strengthen their resolve to continue to support our great charity, the Mark Benevolent Fund. Recent grants made by the MBF total £1,303,064, you can read all about the MBFs work in the 2024 Annual Review here

A great number of Oxfordshire Mark Masons were present to support the Provincial Grand Master and to enjoy each other's company at the festive board.

MBF Patronship & Grand Masters Keystone Fund

The Oxfordshire Mark Masonic Benevolent Association (OMMBA) has approved a £30,000 donation to the Mark Benevolent Fund in support of our festival. Rather than have this money attributed to the Province, the OMMBA committee instead decided to attribute it to the lodges in recognition of their many years of support to OMMBA which has enabled this substantial donation. Therefore, every Mark & RAM lodge in the Province has been credited with sufficient money to raise them to their next level of Patronship of the Mark Benevolent Fund. Additionally every Mark & RAM lodge in the Province has also been credited with sufficient money to grant them the Grand Master Keystone Fund award, which can also be displayed as an honorific on their Summonses.

A presentation event has been organised to commemorate this notable accomplishment to be held at 11:00am on Saturday 5^th April at the Civic Hall Centre in Didcot.

Every Worshipful Master and Worshipful Commander in the province have been cordially invited to attend the event to receive their Lodge's jewel, collarette, and button. Attendees are requested to wear dark lounge suits with collar and tie, along with their collar of office as Master or Commander.

Light refreshments will be provided, and ample parking facilities are available at the venue. We anticipate that a distinguished speaker from Mark Masons' Hall will be present to deliver a brief address.

It is essential that a delegate from every lodge (preferably WM/ WCN) attend the presentation event to ensure that each Lodge is properly represented and has the opportunity to receive their jewel, collarette, and button.

OMMBA Donation To The Hummingbird Centre

In addition to the substantial donation to our Festival, the Oxfordshire Mark Masonic Benevolent Association has also approved a donation of £1,000 to the Hummingbird Centre, a cancer support centre in the village of Launton, near Bicester in Oxfordshire. Run by a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals, they offer a warm welcome and a range of (mostly) free services to help cancer patients and their families feel well and supported.

Mechele Harris, one of the founders of the Hummingbird Centre, sent us the below thank you letter and certificate:

 On behalf of the Hummingbird Centre please accept our Certificate of Appreciation in regards to the donation granted to ourselves by the Oxfordshire Mark Masons Benevolent Fund, of which I enclose a receipt for your records.

As Founder of The Hummingbird Centre, I always ensure that we invest of our sponsors money wisely to enable us to keep on providing the services that we do for those who reach out to us. One of those being the Equine Therapy using horses, over the years we have found this form of counselling to be so empowering especially for children and those going through bereavement, with your permission it will be my intention to put the donation received towards this, I've enclosed a leaflet for your perusal.

On behalf of The Hummingbird Centre and I thank you for supporting the work of our charity. 

Provincial Grand Lodge AGM 8^th May

Save the Date !

Our Provincial AGM will be on Thursday 8^th May 2025 in a new venue, Cardinal House – the Oxford Masonic Centre in Marsh Balden. Letters have been dispatched and many brethren shall be receiving either First Appointment or Promotion in Provincial Grand Rank. Please come and support the brethren of your Lodge who are receiving their new collars and jewels. The official Summons will be sent out in due course.

Provincial Class of Improvement

Whilst the sessions of the Class of Improvement will be of particular use to those who may be still young in their Mark/ RAM Masonry and just starting out on the journey through the progressive Offices, all members of the Province (including Directors of Ceremonies and their assistants) are welcome to attend. Having a familiarity with the ritual assists in both learning, teaching, and delivery. We only get one opportunity to make a first impression which is both good and well received by the candidate. The Class of Improvement can help to supplement rehearsals as well as serving as a friendly atmosphere in which to get to know brethren from a wider circle of lodges across the province.

So, What Is A Lewis?

My somewhat limited knowledge tells me that there are several definitions of a "Lewis" as used as part of Masonic terminology. The son of a Freemason is a Lewis. There is a grip in Mark Masonry called a Lewis. Also, a Lewis is a cramp for lifting or supporting as found on the Senior Warden's pedestal in Craft Masonry.

In addition, we found that it is also the surname of the latest member of St. Mary's Mark Lodge, Brother Gareth Lewis. He was Advanced during a visit to Thame by Right Worshipful Brother Ian Wright and his Provincial team.

L-R WBro Adrian Barlow DepPGM; RW Bro Ian Wright PGM;
Bro Gareth Lewis; WBro Tony McGahan (Installing Master)

Gareth survived the ceremony and had the privilege of sitting next to the Provincial Grand Master at the festive board, which was enjoyed by members and visitors alike.

Oxfordshire Festival Skydive

On Saturday 8^th March, our Skydive team took to the skies before plummeting back to earth at 120mph, and then gliding to a triumphant landing at the Hinton Airfield near Banbury. Including Gift Aid, over £7,000 has been raised by our Skydive team. You can still donate if you wish through our donation page.

 And The Rest Is History . . .
A Busy Evening For Philip

Very Worshipful Brother Philip Kavanagh had a very busy time at the recent meeting of Godstow Mark Lodge.

Firstly, he delivered a most interesting talk on the origins and history of Mark Masonry, focussing in particular on Mark Masonry's relationship with other Degrees over time. Philip's speech was well-received by all Brethren present.

Then, Philip was invited by Worshipful Brother Simon Escott, Godstow Lodge's Worshipful Master, to present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Brother Paul Kitchin. Philip's reply was "I will give it a try", prior to him making the presentation in exemplary fashion.

Oh, I almost forgot, Philip also carried out his duties as Chaplain. I expect he slept well that night!

Worshipful Brother Simon and Very Worshipful Brother Philip are pictured after the meeting with Brother Paul and his Grand Lodge Certficate.

Och Aye! A Great Night At Henley

Thames Mark Lodge's last meeting was attended by fifteen members and sixteen visitors, including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Adrian Barlow, and several Grand and Provincial Officers.

The action-packed evening began with the Advancement of Brother David Spruce by the Worshipful Master, David Miller, and his officers.

Then, at the festive board, the kilt-wearing Worshipful Brother Allan Dishington treated the diners to his incomprehensible rendition of "Address to a Haggis" by Robert Burns.

Lots of fun was had by all, a "few wee drams" of whisky were consumed, and alms and the raffle raised well over £400, which is destined for the MBF Festival fund.

Mark Lodge Meeting Dates

Calendar

Installation Dates are displayed in bold italic. If you have any images or news articles about lodge meetings, perhaps advertising an advancement or installation please contact us and they will be included in the Newsletter and on Social Media. In order to keep up to date with goings on in the Province, please ensure that you are following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

RAM Lodge Meeting Dates

Calendar

Installation Dates are displayed in bold italic. If you have any images or news articles about lodge meetings, perhaps advertising an elevation or installation please contact us and they will be included in the Newsletter and on Social Media. In order to keep up to date with goings on in the Province, please ensure that you are following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The St. Mary's Posse Visits
Marlborough Mark Lodge

The recent meeting of Marlborough Mark Lodge was enhanced by the presence of a delegation of Brethren from St. Mary's Mark Lodge, who journeyed all the way from Thame to accompany the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Adrian Barlow.

Many of this posse, and some members of Marlborough Mark Lodge, had not seen many Advancements other than their own. So, they benefitted from the Advancement rehearsal conducted by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Stephen Bowers and his Officers. These Officers were helped by some of the visitors, principal amongst whom was VW Bro Barrie Vernon who did his usual professional job as Senior Warden.

The stand-in "candidate" (who will remain nameless for complicated legal reasons) was as nervous as he was at his own Advancement several years ago. He was guided on this occasion by Brother Paul Blake and Brother Matthew Walton who, as Deacons, ensured the candidate stayed on the right path and was able to withstand the Overseers' strict examinations without too much trauma.

As can be seen from the accompanying photographs, a good fraternal time was had by all at the festive board.

Sign Up Now for
Oxfordshire MBF Festival Banquet Waiting List!

Join us at the prestigious Oxford University Examination Schools for the Mark Benevolent Fund Festival Banquet! Thanks to incredible support, we've nearly filled our initial venue. But don't worry - we're ready to open the equally impressive adjoining room to welcome everyone who wants to experience this unique celebratory event.

Why Join?

         Be Part of Something Special: We need at least 100 more guests to unlock additional seating, so bring your friends along!

         Exciting Perk: All participants helping us hit this milestone will enter a draw to win two free tickets to the Oxford Union Drinks Reception on Friday 18^th July 2025.

Don't Miss Out!

We need at least 100 more guests to open the additional space. Sign up now and encourage your friends to join you! We'll confirm your place as soon as we reach the required number.

No Payment Needed Yet

We'll only request payment once your place is confirmed.

Accommodation

Our booking agency has rooms on hold until May, so no rush to book your hotel.

Welcome Drinks

You can still book into our welcome drinks at the Oxford Union while waiting for your dinner spot confirmation.

Full details are available on our website.

How can I support the Oxfordshire Mark Festival?

A Mark Festival in support of the Mark Benevolent Fund (MBF) is hosted by a single Province for the year. The Mark Province of Oxfordshire will be hosting the celebratory dinner on Saturday 19^th July 2025 being the conclusion of our current fund raising efforts. At this event we also be receiving many guests from Provinces from around England and Wales together with a deputation from Mark Grand Lodge.

Donations and fund raising in support of the Festival can be as individuals, the Lodge, and the Province. All events held should be fun and enjoyable.

As Individuals

Purchase the Oxfordshire MBF Festival Stewardship Jewel. The application form may be downloaded here.

Now that the Craft Festival has finished you may wish to this opportunity of making the regular contribution by

         Standing order to the MBF.

         Ad-hoc single donations.

         The forms may be downloaded here.

         Arrange an event to raise funds.

A range of merchandise is also available, please contact your Lodge Charity Representative, your Lodge's Festival Area Representative or visit the website here.

The Lodge

Arrange an event or series of events to raise funds. Don't forget to invite other members and Lodges from around the Province.

Hold a raffle at the end of the meeting.

Province

A number of events to be held have been planned. The exact dates will be announced in good time to enable you to reserve the timing in your diary.

Details of Lodge and Provincial events will be publicised here.

The Oxfordshire Mark Masons Benevolent Association (OMMBA)

Where funds are raised through an event either as a Lodge or by an individual, our own charity OMMBA has agreed to match the funds raised to a limit of £1,000 per event for a Lodge or £100 for an individual.

Further information

Our dedicated Festival Website.

The motto of the MBF is "Bis dat qui cito dat" – he gives twice who gives promptly