Worshipful Master Martin Russell, Provincial Grand Master David Boswell,Advancee Miles Bateman and Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Good
Walpole Mark were honoured to receive an official visit from RW.Bro David Boswell, Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro David Good.
Not only were we Advancing our new brother Miles Bateman, the PGM brought along a certificate to recognise 50 years of service in Mark Masonry to W.Bro Terry Nicholl, who was Advanced into Walpole Mark fifty years ago to the day!
Provincial Grand Master David Boswell with Terry Nicholl
Seated in the centre of the lodge in front of the Worshipful Master, Terry recalled his time in Mark Masonry in discussion with the Provincial Grand Master. Terry was Advanced into Walpole Mark by his father Frank Nicholl, who was Worshipful Master in 1975. In 1983 Terry was expecting to be installed into the Chair by his father, but sadly Frank died a few months before. In his absence, the Installing Officer was W.Bro. James Holden Smellie, who was a very good friend of Terry and Frank and a senior member of Walpole Mark Lodge.
Although now not being able to attend regularly, Terry continues to enjoy the Mark Masonry fellowship and Walpole Mark in particular. He thanked the Provincial Grand Master for attending and making the presentation. In return, the PGM congratulated Terry on achieving fifty years in Mark Masonry, which is a rare accolade on it’s own, but especially as in this case continuous service in the same lodge in which Terry was Advanced.
Members and visitors witnessed excellent ritual for our Advancee Bro. Miles Bateman, with the ceremony undertaken by WM Martin Russell and W.Bro Martin Day. This was followed by an outstanding Festive Board where the raffle was in aid of the WM;s chosen charity Parkside School, Norwich, which is a specialist school supporting the individual needs of pupils with significant learning and intellectual disabilities.