Today I had the privilege of representing Berkshire Mark at the Annual Provincial Meeting of Sussex. The meeting was held in The Charmandean Centre, which is an impressive venue. Over 150 brethren attended and dined on what was a very enjoyable event. Their PGM, R.W. Bro. Roger Richardson took the opportunity to welcome distinguished guests and I was delighted to be able to pass on apologies, and best wishes, from our PGM. Sussex, with 39 lodges, isn’t too much larger than Berkshire. I noticed that there appeared to be a greater proportion of young Mark Masons (not a grey hair in sight) than we enjoy so one for us to look at and see how we can encourage a similar demographic into our degree. One very nice touch was the entrance of a delegation of RAM brethren who processed in, in line astern, before breaking off to form a triangle on the centre of the room. After being thanked, by the PGM, they very neatly broke the triangle and processed back into, this time, line abreast. All very Red Arrowsesque.
The festive board was filled with great noise, always a good sign in my opinion. This was my first visit to Sussex but not my last. It was great to catch up with brethren of other provinces and enjoy the building of bonds that visiting affords. Several more Provincial Meetings are just around the corner so please consider joining us and blowing the “Berkshire Bugle” very loud indeed.
