On Friday the 30th of January 2026 Richmond Lodge of Mark Master Masons advanced another candidate to the Honourable Degree of a Mark Master Mason, Brother Mark Wells. This brings the number of subscribing members of the Lodge to 37.
The Afternoon
The afternoon started with the RAM Lodge, which was opened in due form by the Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Nick Butterworth, who welcomed everyone, especially our Official Visitor, W.Bro. John Rollason, who was on a private visit.
The next item was to elect the Worshipful Commander and Treasurer for the ensuing year. W.Bro. Nick Butterworth and W.Bro. John Fitzgerald being the only members nominated for these offices and no one having called for a ballot, the Worshipful Commander declared the election in favour of the nominated Brethren.
The Lodge was closed and the Temple rearranged for the Mark meeting.
The Mark Meeting
The Mark Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Allan Steele, who welcomed everyone, especially our Official Visitor, W.Bro. John Rollason, P.Prov.G.J.D., on a private visit, and W.Bro. Tim Ford, P.A.Prov.G.M., on his first Masonic meeting on his return from his travels around the world.
V.W.Bro. Chris Eley, P.G.J.O., P.A.Prov.G.M., gave a moving tribute to our well-beloved and highly respected Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman, who passed to his eternal rest on the morning of 22 January 2026 at the age of 79.
The Advancement
A ballot was taken for Brother Mark Andrew Wells as a Candidate for Advancement. This proved in his favour and W.Bro. John Fitzgerald, G.Stwd., Prov.G.Reg., was invited to conduct the first part of the ceremony.
Brother Mark was Advanced to the Honourable Degree of a Mark Mason in an excellent and enjoyable manner. The Senior Deacon was Bro. Steve Traynor, Bro. Mark’s proposer, and the Junior Deacon was V.W.Bro. Chris Eley, his seconder.
When the Workmen returned from the quarries they found W.Bro. Tim Ford back from his travels in the Chair to conduct the remainder of the ceremony. To round off a most enjoyable ceremony W.Bro. Andrew Banks presented the Working Tools.
Afterwards Brother Mark was congratulated by the Worshipful Master and welcomed into the Lodge. W.Bro. John Rollason also congratulated him and welcomed him into the Order and the Province of Surrey.
The Festive Board
After the Charity had presented his report, the Lodge voted to donate the sum of £500 to the Surrey Mark Benevolent Fund. V.W.Bro. Chris then had much pleasure in presenting Brother Brian with his Vice Patron collarette and certificate thanking him for his support for the Mark Benevolent Fund.
After a very successful and enjoyable meeting, the Lodge was closed and, after refreshments, the Brethren of Richmond Lodge and their guests sat down to a most convivial meal at the Surbiton Masonic Hall.