Newsletter

Address From The Chair Of The Festival Committee

Dear Brethren,

It's incredible to think that after years of hard work, planning, fundraising, and attending events to support our cause, the 157th MBF Annual Festival 2025 in Oxfordshire is now less than a month away!

Our much-anticipated Festival will begin on Friday, 18^th July with a welcoming reception at the world-famous Oxford Union, followed by a grand celebratory banquet on Saturday, 19^th July at the distinguished Examination Schools, where the total amount raised will be revealed. Regardless of the final figure, one thing remains certain the Province of Oxfordshire can take immense pride in what we have accomplished together.

Over the Festival weekend, nearly 400 Mark Masons, friends, and family from across the country—and beyond—will join us. With Oxfordshire in the spotlight, this is our opportunity to showcase the rich history and charm of Oxford City, alongside the genuine warmth and camaraderie that defines Oxfordshire Mark Masonry.

Of course, fundraising has been a core objective, but to me, this Festival represents so much more. I have witnessed the extraordinary way Brethren have united, hosting and supporting events, donating generously even amidst a cost-of-living crisis and truly embracing the spirit of our Festival. Whether it was dancing at an ABBA night, skydiving, or walking along the Thames, every effort has contributed to something greater: a lasting sense of fellowship, fun, and mutual support that I hope will extend far beyond this event.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Though we have faced challenges, we have always found solutions together—with determination and a smile. The bonds within Oxfordshire have strengthened, along with the friendships we have fostered with other Provinces. Long may this continue.

I eagerly anticipate celebrating with you at the Festival Weekend, but if you are unable to attend, please know that your support is truly valued and deeply appreciated.

Yours sincerely and fraternally,

W.Bro Mocky Khan

Chair of the Oxfordshire Festival

How can I support the Oxfordshire Mark Festival?

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

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.

Jewels Glinting in the Sunshine

On a gloriously sunny day, eighty Brethren of Oxfordshire Mark Province met at Didcot Civic Centre for a day of celebration.

A recent donation of £30,000 by the Oxfordshire Mark Masonic Benevolent Association (OMMBA) has enabled every Oxfordshire Mark and RAM Lodge to be awarded a Grand Master's Keystone Fund (GMKF) collarette.

All Worshipful Masters and Worshipful Commanders in the Province were invited to attend to receive their collarettes from the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Wright. Before this, the PGM was himself presented with a GMKF collarette on behalf of our Province. The presentation was made by Right Worshipful Brother James Hilditch, a Past Provincial Grand Master of our Province and currently Mark Grand Treasurer.

Each Lodge, by virtue of the donations to GMKF, had also improved its MBF honorific status, and collarettes indicating these changes were also presented to Worshipful Masters and Commanders.

The Provincial Grand Master also took this opportunity to present individual MBF collarettes to several Brethren present.

Worshipful Brother Matthew Christmas, who has been closely involved with the establishment of the GMKF, gave an informal and most informative talk on the fund and its purposes. In summary, the Mark Benevolent Fund (MBF) tends to disperse its funds to charitable organisations and to talented individuals involved at a high level in their chosen field (Olympic prospects, for example). The GMKF is focussed more on giving financial assistance to individuals in Masonic Brethrens' families to help them develop their talents in the arts, sport, and education. For example, a talented ballet student's family may not be able to afford the expenses involved in training and the associated travel costs; an application can be made to the GMKF for assistance.

After enjoying a buffet lunch, all the Brethren were called to a photoshoot in the garden by Brother Steven Purnell. He had to use special filters on his camera-phone to shield himself from the dazzle of the assorted gleaming jewellery on display.

Provincial Grand Lodge AGM 2025

Oxfordshire Mark Brethren held their Annual Provincial Meeting at Cardinal House on the 8^th of May, when they were joined by representatives of other Provinces, including several Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Masters.

Right Worshipful Brother Ian Wright, our Provincial Grand Master, began his address to the meeting by noting that it was VE Day, when we finally overcame a foe which rejected principles and values held dear by Freemasons, and which are fundamental to a normal society. He added that Freemasonry reflects the strength of humanity in its moral standards, which were fought for eighty years ago. "We will remember them".

The Provincial Grand Master thanked the visiting Brethren for attending the meeting and for the great support they have given us in our Festival. On behalf of our Province, he thanked all Provinces, Districts, and other Orders for their generosity.

He also recognised the contribution of his Festival Committee and all Oxfordshire Mark Brethren for making the MBF Festival 2025 a success. He is looking forward to celebrating this success at the Oxford University Examination Schools in July with Brethren from all Provinces.

The Provincial Grand Master thanked the Provincial Officers who had supported him in the previous year.

Turning to the organisation of this meeting, he made particular mention of Worshipful Brother Eugene Gratwohl and Worshipful Brother Ray Harrison, but added that all who made the day a success deserved a round of applause.

Congratulating the following Officers whom he had earlier invested, he told them that they should be proud that they have been selected to represent this Province:

The following received promotions in Past Rank:

The following received their first appointments to Past Rank:

The Provincial Grand Master concluded his address by thanking all present for listening to him, thanking the Brethren of Brethren of Oxfordshire Mark Province for giving him the honour of being their Provincial Grand Master.

Finally, he thanked all those who had fought for our freedom many years ago.

After the meeting, Brethren took the opportunity to chat with old acquaintances and make new friends.

At the enjoyable festive board which followed, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Adrain Barlow, proposed the toast to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.

Worshipful Brother Adrian paid tribute to the Provincial Grand Master's skill, care, and enthusiasm in leading the Province. As a result, he has enhanced the Province's reputation in this country and in Districts overseas.

The Provincial Grand Master took on two daunting challenges. First, he walked more than 50 miles along the Oxford Canal and the Thames Path from Banbury to Henley. Later in the year, he took part in a tandem sky-diving event. Together, these events raised over £20,000 for the MBF Festival.

Worshipful Brother Adrian concluded by mentioning the MBF Festival celebration in July. Whatever the final total, we will have done our best and will be proud of our achievement.

Worshipful Brother Adrian thanked Right Worshipful Brother Ian for this leadership, care and friendship and looks forward to the years ahead with him leading us.

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.

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.

A Busy Banbury Night With An Advancement,
A Festival Boost, And Some Birthdays!

It was a very busy night in Banbury for Brethren of Cherwell Mark and Cherwell RAM Lodges and their visitors.

Firstly, Worshipful Brother Peter Gilkes was proclaimed as Worshipful Commander of Cherwell RAM Lodge for a second year.

After a quick change of regalia, the Brethren joined other members of Cherwell Mark Lodge for their meeting, during which Brother Don Crook was Advanced in exemplary manner by Worshipful Master Michael Bishop and his Officers.

During the Charity Steward's report, the Worshipful Master presented the Festival Secretary with a magnificent £2,500 donation to the MBF Festival. The driving force behind the donation was Worshipful Brother Nick Turner during his time as Worshipful Master. He is pictured with the Worshipful Master and the Festival Secretary who, despite appearances to the contrary, is not standing in a hole!

Our other picture shows the newly-Advanced Brother Don Crook with the Worshipful Master and members of Cherwell Mark Lodge.

At the festive board, Worshipful Brother John Williams was presented with a card to mark his 90^th birthday. He shares a birthday with the relative youngster, Worshipful Brother Mike Smail, a mere stripling at 75-years-young!

On Tuesday 12^th November, the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Ian Wright, presided over the Oxfordshire Provincial Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners. This was held at Woodstock under the banner of Marlborough RAM Lodge.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Adrian Barlow, and many of his Provincial Grand Officers. He was pleased that all the Province's Royal Ark Mariner Lodges were represented at the meeting.

One highlight of the evening was the appointment of the following Worshipful Brethren to RAM Provincial Grand Rank: David Portman; Terry Mallarky; Chris Norman; George Penny; Grahame Lee and Alex Yen. They celebrated their appointment at the festive board which was thoroughly enjoyed by all Brethren present.

Double Diamond Works Wonders!

Members of Thames Mark and RAM Lodges held their meetings in Henley recently and were joined by a large number of guests and visitors for a very enjoyable evening.

Worshipful Brother David Miller was proclaimed as Worshipful Master for a second year by Brother Secretary, and the Addresses were given by Very Worshipful Brother Barrie Vernon, Worshipful Brother Ray Cochrane and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Adrian Barlow.

The meetings were an opportunity for celebration. Both Lodges have achieved MBF Grand Patron Diamond honorific status, the highest available. The Worshipful Master and Worshipful Commander wore their new collarettes with pride, as well as the Grand Master's Keystone Fund (GMKF) collarettes; these latter were achieved thanks to OMMBA's £30,000 donation which benefitted all Lodges in the Province.

Of additional interest was the range of visitors at Henley that evening. Right Worshipful Brother David Aspinwall, a hugely experienced Freemason, was joined by a number of the Lodge's "usual suspects", and by Brother Don Crook, who was Advanced in Cherwell Mark Lodge just a few weeks ago and was on his first 'away fixture'; start as you mean to go on Don!

Our picture shows some of the attendees at Henley ... the others were hungry!

A Sunny Day At The Home Of Cricket

On May 9^th, Oxfordshire Mark Brethren, their friends, and families, made their annual "pilgrimage" to Lord's Cricket Ground.

Some had been to Lord's before, but they, and those for whom this was a new experience, enjoyed a beautifully sunny day watching the Oxford University v Cambridge University matches.

The Festival Secretary grumbled throughout about the standard of the cricket on show. Worshipful Brother John Grout, his fellow MCC member, spared himself this trauma by remaining in charge of socialising in The Long Room Bar.

Those who ventured out to watch the games had a most enjoyable experience, as can be seen from the accompanying photographs.

Fun was the main purpose of the day, but in addition over £200 was raised for the Festival.

An Optimistic Way Forward For Weyland!

"What great fun!" ... "Best ceremony I have been involved with" ... "I can't wait to come again" ... "I am sold on Mark Masonry".

These are just a few of the comments made by two Brethren at Weyland Mark Lodge's meeting in Bicester recently.

The Provincial Grand Junior Warden had difficulty finding the Masonic Hall. This is in no way an indication of how the building was well-hidden. It has more to do with his inability to find anywhere, including his home, successfully. Without the kind personal intervention of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, this sorry individual would probably still be wandering the narrow Bicester streets.

He was, though, very glad to eventually attend, as he took part in a very enjoyable evening. Weyland Mark Lodge has struggled with numbers, but this is now a thing of the past. Thanks to the enthusiasm and determination of its members, the Lodge is starting to grow.

The two Brethren quoted above were Brothers Tatum Webb and Marcus Goldsbrough, who were both Advanced by the Worshipful Master, Stephen Mitchell, and his team in exemplary fashion.

There is more cause for optimism, as there are three more prospective candidates on the horizon, two of whom it is planned to Advance at the Lodge's next meeting in September. The Provincial Grand Junior Warden plans to be there ... provided he finds his way.

There was a lot of laughter that evening in Bicester, and not all of it at the festive board.

The new members are pictured with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Adrian Barlow, and the Worshipful Master, with members of Weyland Mark Lodge.

Fun And Fortune In The Sunshine At Newbury

Thirty Oxfordshire Mark Masons, their families and friends journeyed to Newbury Racecourse in mid-May in search of fun and possible fortune.

Their annual battle with the bookmakers got off to a miserable start in the first race. An unattractive beast, avoided as a betting prospect by our whole party for a variety of reasons (not all of which are printable), transformed itself into Pegasus and romped home at the staggering price of 25-1!

Thereafter, some of us had more luck and some even went home with a profit. The Festival Secretary and his wife went home smiling, having gained £1.50 on the day ... riches indeed. By way of tragic contrast, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master lost on every race!

Financial matters of a personal nature aside, the event was a great success. All our racegoers enjoyed a day of fun with friends in the sunshine. In addition, almost £500 was raised for the MBF Festival.

Our thanks are due to Allan Dishington and Barry Weston for once again organising the event.

We are looking forward to next year, hoping for better luck and determined not to avoid backing horses with dodgy names.

Oxfordshire Province's Inaugural Darts Competition:
A Night To Remember!

The energy was electrifying at the first-ever Oxfordshire Province's darts competition in Bicester last night! Laughter filled the room, friendships were forged, and the competitive spirit was in full swing as players took aim, cheered on by enthusiastic supporters.

The evening kicked off with a sumptuous buffet—a feast fit for champions—ensuring that every player was well-fuelled for the excitement ahead. As the darts began flying, the group stages set the tone, packed with tense moments and impressive displays of precision. As the competition narrowed down, the final match kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Cheers and gasps echoed across the venue with each dramatic throw, making for a truly spectacular showdown. A massive congratulations to the Provincial Grand Master, who emerged victorious in a thrilling final.

The inaugural event proved to be more than just a competition—it was a celebration of camaraderie, skill, and pure sporting fun. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next time.