MBF Tribute Benefits Durham Hospices
The Mark Benevolent Fund MBF pays tribute to His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh by a Grant of £1.25m to support hospices in England and Wales
Prince Philip
The Province of Durham Mark Master Masons are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of HRH Prince Philip
Mariner Appointments 2021
The Provincial Grand Master, Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, has great pleasure in announcing that the following Brethren have been offered, and have accepted, Provincial Grand Rank in the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner. Pandemic restrictions permitting, they … Continued
Centenary Year Final Grant
The Province of Durham Mark Benevolent Fund closed the Centenary Year with a final grant for to create a child friendly bereavement room.
Christmas Message from the PGM
A Christmas Message from the PGM to all our members. Dear Brethren, This time last year our Centenary plans were in place and we were looking forward to a year of celebration. How could we possibly have known that the … Continued
Lifeline grant to Heel and Toe
The Durham Mark Benevolent Fund are proud to be able to offer a lifeline grant to the Heel and Toe Children’s Charity. The Province of Durham Mark Benevolent Fund has helped a wide range of charities over the years. In … Continued
Centenary Dinner Rearranged
Finally, there was to be a collective celebratory event the ‘Centenary Dinner’ at Hardwick Hall on the 13th June 2020, followed by our Centenary Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 26th June 2020. Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic both had … Continued
Mark Money Draw
The 2020 Mark Money Draw in aid of the Durham Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund are provided below. Congratulations to all the winners and a BIG thank you to all who supported the raffle. The raffle raised over £2000 for the … Continued
Centenary Dinner Update
For the latest update please visit the latest post here The organising team have issued a Centenary Dinner update. The organising team, like so many others, were disappointed to be forced to cancel the Centenary Dinner. However, the Centenary Director … Continued
Provisional Exit Strategy
The Grand Secretary issued a blueprint for a Provisional Exit Strategy from the suspension of our activities. The letter regarding the Provisional Exit Strategy is available here. Similar information has been provided by United Grand Lodge of England. We will … Continued
Importance of Communication
Recently, there have been numerous remarks about the importance of communication in our daily lives. For those responsible for delivering our emergency services, clear communication is vital. Support services include the ‘Blood Bikes’. The volunteer run charity started here in … Continued
Three times a hero
This is the story of Captain George Burdon McKean, three times rejected, three times a hero. We are grateful to Peter Beale for sharing his amazing family story about Captain George Burdon McKean, VC, MC, MM. He could rightly be … Continued
Time on their hands
The lock-down has opened up many opportunities for people with time on their hands. For many it has been a bit of gardening and for some painting but not always decorating. David Brown, a member of Walton Mark Lodge at … Continued
Volunteer Ambulance Drivers
Phil Heaviside, a past master of Lodge of Progress saw an appeal for volunteer ambulance drivers on the Lodge Facebook page. The sister of one of the members works for NE Ambulance service and had asked him to share it. … Continued
PPE from the Mark
How does the Mark become involved in the supply of PPE you may ask. Grand Lodge is supporting an initiative to provide Provinces, wishing to participate, with a reasonable supply of re-usable full-face visors for onward distribution to those in … Continued
Zoom in on Progressive Orders
The Grand Secretary, Ryan Williams held a Zoom conference on 12th May 2020. He took the opportunity to explain and discuss the Progressive Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall. Nearly 600 members from around the world tuned in to participate … Continued
A Message from the Grand Master
The Grand Master Prince Michael of Kent GCVO has written to all Mark Masons reflecting on the Coronavirus pandemic we are all working through. A copy of his letter is available here
Support for St John Ambulance
We have probably all seen the appeal on TV by St John Ambulance which is struggling under the strain of the extra burden put on its resources by the Coronavirus pandemic. This wonderful organisation always steps up when its vital … Continued
Durham gives neighbourly support
The Province of Northumberland recently received a request for computer Firesticks for a group of care homes. It transpired that of the 9 homes involved, 3 were in the Province of Durham. The Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland therefore suggested … Continued
A story to warm the heart
Michael Jordan who it the Almoner of Dunelm Lodge of Mark Master Masons contacted the Durham Mark Benevolent Fund. This followed an approach by Natalie Maughan, the Head Teacher of Silver Tree Primary School in Ushaw Moor, Durham. Since the … Continued
2020 Wardens Dinner Gallery
The 2020 Warden’s Dinner took place at Ferryhill. To mark the occasion and as a memoir, we present here a small gallery of photographs taken during the evening.
Happy Birthday Your Majesty
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Durham would like to send our sincere best wishes for a happy Birthday to Her Majesty the Queen on her 94th Birthday. We would like to wish her continued good health … Continued
Mark Provincial Appointments and Promotions 2020-21
We are delighted to announce the appointments and promotions to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Durham for the 2020-21 year. We congratulate each and every one of the brethren who have been offered and have accepted … Continued
Mark Grand Rank Appointments
We are delighted to announce that the following Brethren from the Province of Durham have been offered the following appointments and promotions to Mark Grand Rank. We congratulate each and every one on well deserved ranks in Mark Grand Lodge. … Continued
Caring for one another
The following is a message for the Provincial Grand Master encouraging us to continue caring for one another whilst we are having to social distance. The message is provided below but the full letter can be found here. Dear Brethren, … Continued
Mariner Promotions and Appointments
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of Durham are pleased to announce the appointment and promotions to Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank. We congratulate each and every one on their appointments. We hope you enjoy your office … Continued
Centenary Dinner Refunds
The following is the content of a letter from the Provincial Grand Secretary regarding the Centenary Dinner. A copy of the letter can be obtained here. Brethren, As you may have read in an earlier announcement, the above Centenary Dinner … Continued
Update on Planned Events
Brethren, For the sake of clarity, and to avoid any confusion, I have been asked to make the following announcement: In view of the recent advice and instructions received from UGLE and Mark Masons’ Hall, the Provincial Executive have taken … Continued
Coronavirus Update from Mark Grand Lodge
The following is a reproduction of the letter which was released from Mark Grand Lodge today – 17th March 2020 To: Members of All Orders Administered from Mark Masons’ Hall Dear Sir and Brother Notice of a General Suspension of … Continued
All shipshape at Shipley Mark
Friday 6th March 2020 was the first working meeting of the reactivated Shipley Mark Lodge. Worshipful Master, David Hanson had a busy night getting through the business and advancing two new members. It was very pleasing to see the Lodge … Continued
Birtley Lodges Mark the Centenary Presentation
The Provincial Executive decided to do something special to help celebrate the centenary of the Mark Province of Durham in 2020. They formed an idea to let every Mark and Mariner Lodge identify a worthy cause that benefits children and … Continued
Moseley Lodge provides historical enlightenment
Moseley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 925 were delighted and honoured to receive the Provincial Grand Master and a delegation of Provincial and Grand Lodge Officers at their meeting in Birtley on the 21 February 2020. Due to their … Continued
Generosity abounds at Hackworth Mark
On a cold frosty night on Tuesday 4 th February the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Trevor Lynn, was given a very warm welcome on an Official Visit to Hackworth Lodge of Mark Master Masons, held at Shildon. Over forty Brethren, … Continued
Eclectic Lodge of Mark Master Masons welcomes the Assistant PGM
On Tuesday 28th January, the oldest Mark Lodge in the Province, which meets at Hartlepool, gave a very warm welcome to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Trevor Lynn who was attending the Lodge on an Official Visit. The Worshipful Master, … Continued
Darlington Mark does Mark Mastermind
The Provincial Grand Master and his Deputation visited Darlington Mark Lodge on 8th January 2020. The Lodge saw this as a perfect occasion to do something a little bit different. Darlington Mark did a Mark Mastermind. The Lodge has its … Continued
Shipley Mark Lodge Reactivated
Something very special occurred on Friday January 3rd. It was something very rarely witnessed. It was the evening that the Shipley Mark Lodge was reactivated. What an evening it was and it will be remembered by all who were there. … Continued
The Mark helps Santa in Dawdon
Santa made an early appearance at Dawdon Community Centre in Seaham on Dec 23rd. It happened when the Mark Benevolent Fund responded to a late appeal for funds. This would enable them to stock up their food bank and to … Continued
Durham Mark responds to West Yorkshire Appeal
Jim Steggles, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Yorkshire, was looking for support for a Cycle Challenge in aid of their 2023 Festival. This came to the attention of the Durham Mark Benevolent Fund. Although the event could … Continued
Terry Lewis, young at heart at 101
I am Philip Quinn and I am the Almoner of the Eclectic Mark Lodge No. 39, a job that I enjoy. What makes my job enjoyable is some of the people that I visit, and one of those people is … Continued
Grand Rank for 3 top Mariners
The Province of Durham was once again well represented in London when 37 Royal Ark Mariner Brethren travelled to the Great Queen Street Temple together with the Provincial Grand Master to support those brethren receiving Grand Rank in the Ancient … Continued
Hackworth Lodge goes festive
Hackworth Lodge of Mark Master Masons hosted their Christmas Party on their regular meeting at the beginning of December. The meeting was to see the Provincial Grand Master and a Deputation of Provincial Officers also attend. This would make the … Continued
The Province enters into new cyberspace
A long time ago in a Province far, far away, a new Provincial Grand Master took up his office to lead the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons in Durham. He had a mission with a list of changes … Continued
Eclectic Mark Lodge shows its maturity
Eclectic Lodge of Mark Master Masons is the oldest Lodge in the Province of Durham and put on a special night for the Provincial Team. The Lodge pre-dates the formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham. It was consecrated … Continued
Deputy PGM Visits Moseley RAM
Moseley Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners meets in Birtley and has a mixture of young and experienced members. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master David Hanson made an official visit to Moseley Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners on Monday 25th November … Continued
Indaba Mark Installation
The Indaba Lodge of Mark Master Masons which meets in Darlington, was founded on a Scouting pedigree.<br><br> As with all Lodges, they annually install a new Master. Friday 22nd November saw the Installation of Tony Bird into the chair of … Continued
Jarrow Mark marches past 100
On Monday 18th November 2019, Jarrow Lodge of Mark Masons celebrated their centenary in style. This Lodge was one of only 10 Lodges which existed when the Province of Durham was founded, this being the last of the 10 to … Continued
4 Steps to Hetton le Hole
The Bernard Gilpin Mark Lodge welcomed the “4 Steps to the Mark” Team to Hetton le Hole for their ‘Open Night’. The Bernard Gilpin Mark Lodge wanted to raise awareness of the Mark Degree and decided to invite the 4 … Continued
50 Mark Years and not out for Frank
Click in the images above to view them at full size. The Provincial Grand Master presents a Mark 50 Year Certificate to Frank Sanderson in recognition of his fantastic achievement in the Mark Degree. On Friday 8th November 2019 Frank … Continued
George Washington Lodge takes the Deputy PGM back to his roots
On the evening of Thursday 7th November 2019 the Deputy Provincial Grand Master (DPGM), David Hanson made an official visit to George Washington Lodge of Mark Master Masons at Birtley. Once the lodge was opened the Provincial Grand Director Ceremony, … Continued
The 4th Time
On Wednesday 6th November 2019 Ryton Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners met for their Installation meeting. Once the Lodge was opened Keith Liddell the Representative of the Provincial Grand Master was admitted under the guidance of his Director of Ceremonies, … Continued
Marking well for 60 years – and counting
It might have been bonfire night, so it was a perfect excuse for some fireworks at Cestria Mark to celebrate 60 years in the Mark for Larry Tinkler. Cestria Mark Lodge worked tirelessly to make sure that there was a … Continued
Industry Mark Lodge takes two
On Monday 4th November 2019 it was a wet and windy Gateshead evening outside when the Deputy Provincial Grand Master David Hanson made an official visit to Industry Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Once the lodge was opened the brethren … Continued
A Durham Mason makes his mark in New York city
It is often the case that when a Freemason is on holiday, he will find a way to continue his interest. A trip to New York was just the case for one Mark Mason. Keith Armitage is a member of … Continued
Mark Adds Colour to a Site for Sore Eyes
Following an approach to Rob Dickinson and Peter Harrison of Auckland Lodge No 596, a £500 grant has been awarded to Bishop Auckland Hospital Paediatric Ophthalmic Dept for a beautiful mural to be produced to entertain and distract children undergoing … Continued
Bernard Gilpin RAM welcomes the Deputy PGM
Previous Next On Monday 21st October 2019 the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Hanson made an official visit to Bernard Gilpin RAM Lodge which meets at Hetton le Hole. Once everyone had assembled, the main purpose of the evening was … Continued
Moseley welcomes its new Master
P. Layton was installed as the Worshipful Master of the Moseley Lodge of MMM No. 925 by the Installing Master, Neil Garrett on the 18th October 2019 in Birtley. This is the second time for W.Bro. Layton to occupy the … Continued
St Aidan shines brightly at Blackhill
An invitation from St. Aidan Lodge of MMM saw the Provincial Team make their way to Blackhill on a mid-October evening. The Brethren of St. Aidan Lodge gave the Provincial Grand Master and the Team a warm welcome on a … Continued
RAM Reps Launched at Unity Lodge
The event of a Provincial Deputation to Unity Mark Lodge in Seaham was chosen as the launch of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree representatives scheme, it was also appropriate that the talk that evening was to be about the RAMs … Continued
Travelling Gavel Stops Off at Birtley
On Tuesday evening at the Cestria Mark Lodge meeting, brethren from Moseley Mark Lodge claimed the gavel. The Travelling Gavel has resided at Cestria Mark in Chester-le-Street for a little too long, so thought the Master of Moseley Lodge. He … Continued
Mark Centenary Fund receives a boost from the Craft
Mark Centenary Fund receives major boost from Craft A wonderful gesture by the Craft Benevolent Committee saw a proposition to donate £3000 to the Mark Centenary Fund approved unanimously at its quarterly meeting held at Ferryhill on Saturday, September 14, … Continued
Young dancers and Union Mark support the TLC Teddies
Another great example of the community being inspired by what Masons do and coming together with Mark Masonry and the Craft Freemasons to help our community. Each year the Karen Shiel School of Dance organises a charity show and this … Continued
Remembering the Fallen
In the peaceful surroundings of the Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street, a presentation of £500 was made by the Province of Durham Mark Benevolent Fund to the North East War Memorials Project. In its application the … Continued
Visually impaired children receive boost from Mark Benevolent Fund
Roy Neville accompanied by Martin Schoolkate attended an activity session at Washington Leisure Centre for visually impaired children. A cheque for £1,000 was presented on behalf of the Durham Mark Benevolent Fund to a wonderful Charity called “ Useful Vision … Continued