Newsletter

Address from Festival Chairman
Bro. Mocky Khan
Provincial Communications Officer

Dear Brethren,

Time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe that, when I last wrote for the Festival Newsletter, I was wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

It has been a busy but fun six months, there has been loads going on in terms of Festival events and Lodge meetings.

As I visit around the Province or speak to Brethren, I have noticed a positive view and more people engaging with the Festival. I do not like singling out any event, but I must mention the ABBA night – what a great event, brilliantly organised and, equally importantly, it got people dancing and strutting their stuff! Plus, money was raised for the Festival.

By the time you read this, we will only be two years away from our Festival Weekend at the Examination Schools; I can hear the countdown clock ticking down. There is still lots to do but we are currently on track on key milestones. I have asked the leaders of the Festival Sub-committees to provide a summary of what they have been up to; you can see their reports in this edition.

There is still time for you to get involved. Get a few of your Lodge Brethren together and arrange a curry night, quiz or go for a round of golf using our vouchers (see later on). Whether the event is big or small, it does not matter. It is all about having fun and raising money as you have a great day or night out.

You can also help by attending events that have been organised. There is nothing better than seeing Masons, their friends and families letting their hair down, enjoying a glass or three and just relaxing!

Enjoy the summer holiday. I look forward to bumping into you at Festival events – please do keep checking our website for the latest news and information.

S&F,
Bro. Mocky Khan Prov.G.Stwd
Festival Chair
Provincial Communications Officer

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.

www.oxonmarkmasons.org.uk/province.html

Lodge MBF Honorifics So Far

Mark Lodge Meeting Dates

Calendar

Installation Dates are displayed in bold italic.

We have been advertising Lodge meeting dates on our social media exactly one week before a meeting takes place. In order to benefit from these helpful reminders, please ensure that you are following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

RAM Lodge Meeting Dates

Calendar

Installation Dates are displayed in bold italic.

We have been advertising Lodge meeting dates on our social media exactly one week before a meeting takes place. In order to benefit from these helpful reminders, please ensure that you are following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Astrology? A load of nonsense!! Or is it?

Resourceful friends may be keen to involve you in plans. The bolder their suggestions, the more you'll enjoy being part of this. While they might be the driving force, your ability to organise and stay the course could be the keystone. Without your help, the outcome may suffer. - Metro newspaper 18^th May 2023

The above was the Festival Secretary's horoscope on the 18^th of May. He and the Festival Chairman then met Darren Coleman from Mark Mason's Hall on the 19^th of May at Lord's cricket ground to discuss and make further plans for the 2025 MBF Festival.

Despite appearances in the accompanying photograph, they did work hard that day. Darren was extremely helpful and a strong working relationship was forged, which bodes well for the Festival's success.

Provincial Team Visit to Bowyer RAM No. 1655

On Wednesday 6^th April, the Provincial Team made a visit to Bowyer Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in Banbury. In addition to a warm and brotherly welcome, we were treated to an exquisite performance of the Elevation ceremony by the Worshipful Commander, Grahame Lee, and his officers, which brought Bro. Michael Barrett into our wonderful order. The brethren then retired to enjoy an excellent, and extremely well-priced, festive board complete with port and cheese!

Team Visits for 2023-4 have yet to be announced, but the Travelling Keystone will this year be handed over to Abbey Lodge 225 on Thursday 30^th November 2023 and then to Godstow Lodge 1546 on Wednesday 6^th March 2024.

Heaven's Above!

A man went up to Heaven and reported to St. Peter at the pearly gates. "What's your name, sir?" asked St. Peter.

"Jones," replied the man.

"Oh yes, we were expecting you. But I am afraid that you haven't done very well down on Earth. You will have to do a year's penance before you become a full member of the Heavenly Host."

"Oh dear," said Jones. "What do I have to do?"

"Well," said St. Peter. "You see that old crone over there with one tooth and no hair. I'm afraid you will have to live with her for a year."

"That’s a bit tough but, if you say so, I must do it," said Jones and went over towards the lady to introduce himself. But before he could reach her, across a cloud came a cheerful-looking Boris Johnson with Raquel Welch on his arm. He, not surprisingly, looked very happy. So Jones, in surprise, went back to St. Peter and said: "That's a bit unfair. Look at that Boris chappy with that lovely lady. Surely I wasn't a worse sinner than him?"

"No. You've got it all wrong," said St. Peter. "That's Raquel Welch doing her penance."

Provincial Annual General Meeting

On Thursday 11^th May, the Provincial Annual General Meeting was held at The Bicester Hotel for the second year.

The Provincial Grand Tyler and his setup team arrived bright and early to make a few improvements to the signage and layout of the Temple. While the outgoing Provincial Grand Secretary liaised with the hotel staff and laid out the seating plans, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies cracked us into shape during the rehearsals before our guests started to arrive.

We had a number of distinguished guests from across the Provinces and Districts, who were greeted and guided to their private robing room by our wand-bearing stewards, stationed at the stairs overlooking the hotel balcony. The success of the day owed much to several Brethren who worked hard, visibly and behind the scenes; we are extremely grateful to them.

During the meeting, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was pleased to invest and promote Brethren in recognition of their past and continuing support of the Mark Province of Oxfordshire. The full list of appointees is available on the Provincial website, and the recipients are shown below with the Provincial Grand Master.

After the meeting, we all enjoyed a splendid festive board and were entertained by speeches including one by the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who did well to overcome the idiosyncrasies of the hotel's sound system. It was an all-round excellent day; a celebration of our Brethren and the whole Mark Province of Oxfordshire.

Standards Need To Be Maintained

Nowadays, there is much debate about the need to maintain moral standards, although those in the public eye and public service seem oblivious of the need for correct behaviour.

Discussing this with friends, I was reminded of this story (I am not sure if it is true, and I don't really care).

Lord Reith, the first Director General of the BBC, was known for his puritanical outlook. He required and demanded the highest moral standards from his staff. One evening, Reith was going round the studios in Broadcasting House and went unexpectedly into one of the drama studios. There, to his horror, he found one of his top producers making love to a beautiful leading BBC actress on the table in the studio.

He closed the door quietly, rushed back to his office and summoned one of his assistants.

"I want you to get rid of the producer John Smith and the actress Betty Jones. I have found them making love on the studio table."

The assistant looked very embarrassed and said that he could not do this.

"Don't argue", roared Reith, "Get rid of them both immediately!"

"But, sir," said the assistant, "Smith is far and away our best drama producer and Jones our best actress. Furthermore, the play they are rehearsing is already billed in The Radio Times and goes out next week. It would create an awful scandal if it was cancelled now. The reason would be bound to come out."

Reith thought for a moment and then made his decision. "Very well, then. Get rid of the table."

Festival Events

The Provincial Grand Master and Festival President was keen that our MBF Festival should be fun for everyone in our Province and that events should be a way of getting Brethren together to enjoy each other's company.

Gala Night in Bicester

In March, a gala night was held in Bicester and this was a great example of what the PGM wanted. We had a brilliant evening, dancing and singing along to the Abba Girls. Ray Harrison and Nick Turner had a particularly good time and we have photographic evidence of their performances with the aforementioned ladies. Brilliantly organised by Nick Walker and Ray Harrison, the event raised a good sum towards Festival funds while giving everyone who attended a super evening. We are promised a similar event next year; I cannot wait.

Race Night in Henley

Stephen Quant ran a very enjoyable Race Night in April at The Salisbury Club in Henley and, again, great fun was had by all while we raised money for the Festival. The Provincial Grand Master subcontracted his wife, Wendy, as his "bookie's runner" for the evening, but this surprisingly brought him very little luck. There are plans to repeat the event here in September, and possibly at a venue in the north of the Province.

3^rd July - Visiting Lord's Cricket Ground

John Grout and The Festival Secretary are taking twelve Brethren to Lord's to watch MCC (Marylebone CC) v MCC (Melbourne CC, Australia) from the comfort of the Lord's Pavilion on 3^rd July. All tickets have now been sold, but we are trying to organise a further visit later in the year.

21st July - Newbury Races

We are visiting Newbury Racecourse for what has become an annual event. Allan Dishington and Barry Weston always organise an enjoyable day at a reasonable price, providing another chance for Brethren, their families and friends to socialise. Contact Allan (allan.dishington@jacobs.com) or Barry (barryweston01@btinternet.com) for details. A flyer (see events page) has been circulated to all Brethren.

22^nd September - Festival Golf at Badgemore GC

We are holding our third Golf Day at Badgemore Golf Club in aid of the Festival. Twenty-six of the available thirty-two places have already been booked, which is testimony to the popularity of this fun event. For just £35 (less than the normal green fee at Badgemore), players get a game of golf, tea/ coffee and bacon roll, the chance to win prizes and an enjoyable afternoon in pleasant company. To secure one of the remaining places, contact David Cumming (hcc.david@gmail.com)

John Grout has obtained a number of 4-ball golf vouchers from a variety of generous golf clubs throughout the Province. Contact David Cumming. Vouchers are available at less than the normal green fee for the following clubs:

Tadmarton Heath; Wychwood; Rye Hill; Kirtlington; North Oxford.

3^rd-5^th November Provincial Ladies Weekend in Stratford-Upon-Avon

After last year's Mark Ladies Festival were you one of those thinking, "that was a great weekend" or one of those thinking "I wish I had attended the Ladies Festival"? Now is the time to put the date and event into your diaries!

The Ladies Festival of the Mark Master Masons Province of Oxfordshire 2023 will take place over the weekend of 3^rd-5^th November when you will be invited to join the Provincial Grand Master's Lady, Wendy (and of course the Provincial Grand Master, Ian) for a weekend which will fully live up to our reputation of being "the friendly Degree".

We will be hopefully swapping the wind and sea mist of Bournemouth for the country views and beautiful surroundings of the Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club at Snittersfield near Stratford-on-Avon.

All of the amenities and sights of historic Stratford will be close to hand. Look out for more information and ticket and booking details in the coming weeks.

Numbers will be limited as we anticipate taking over the whole hotel so don't miss out when the tickets become available.

Communication and Marketing Team

The Comms Team have been busy over the last few months. Our role is to keep you informed and get details of events, information, and news out to Brethren using our various communication channels.

We share news on our e-newsletter, social media, and website. Generating content is difficult but thankfully we have keen Brethren that send us articles, features, and stories to keep us occupied. Plus, I have two great team members who have worked tirelessly to deliver the comms and marketing, W.Bro Phil Harley and Bro. Steven Purnell. Ideally, we like to receive content that has copy and an image to go with the article or story. If you send it to the comms team in plenty of time before an event or the e-newsletter deadline, we can work on to get in ready for publication.

We also work very closely with the other committees, project teams and event organisers to make sure that everyone in the Province is aware of what is going on and what is happening in Oxfordshire.

We are always looking for people to help so if anyone has any copywriting or design experience then please do contact me.

Bro. Mocky Khan
Provincial Communications Officer

It Is Indeed The Very ... Er ... Steak!

Having decided on a weekend away in London free from any Masonic 'stuff', the Festival Secretary and his wife, their son and his partner stayed in an hotel in Blackheath and went to see Peter Kay perform at the O2.

Everything went according to plan; the hotel was lovely, Peter was hilarious and everyone was feeling relaxed and refreshed when they gathered for lunch at The Flat Iron restaurant on the Caledonian Road.

Looking up from his delicious meal, The Festival Secretary saw this road sign and decided that for him there is no escape from Masonry, try as he might to hide!

Fund Raising Subcommittee Report

The key focus for the team to date has been promoting the fun aspect of the festival by encouraging lodges to individually or in conjunction with other Lodges to hold localised events to get together and have fun whilst raising some funds for the festival. Advising that the Provincial charity OMMBA would fund match up to £1,000 for any Lodge based event that raises money for the festival. An excellent example of two such events are the 'Abba Evening' arranged by Marlborough Ram and Weyland lodge MMM which was a very enjoyable and a huge success. Another was the Windrush Ram 'Mad March Hare' challenge during the month of March, which when gift aid and fund matching from OMMBA is taken into account raised a tremendous £3,253.

The fund-raising co-ordinators have been presenting at individual Lodge meetings and encouraging the adoption and use of both regular and single donation giving attracting gift aid.

Also, the sale of merchandise including ties, tokens and of course wrist bands.

As we enter our new season it is encouraging to see how many candidates Mark and RAM lodges have to advance and elevate. Indeed, St Marys Lodge MMM are so encouraged they have recently purchased a further 10 tokens to present to their new advancees. Should any other Mark Lodge wish to place an order for any merchandise or want to have a presentation from us please do contact their lodge coordinator or me.

We will also be focussing on encouraging members to become Festival Stewards which has a double headed benefit, as by purchasing a Festival Jewel the individuals are registered in the Stewards register for the 2025 Festival and at the same time become life Governors of the MBF which attracts two Jewels for the price of one.

A renewed vigour and enthusiasm are in the air and the team look forward to assisting each and every lodge in whatever way they require, if they but ask!

W.Bro. Adrian Barlow Prov.G.J.W.
Fund Raising Coordinator
Tel: 01865 375180 | Email: adrianbarlow@btinternet.com

A Masonic Journey: Chapter 3

Bowled over by Mark Masonry

Galloping Away

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 5^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