The Travelling Gavel has been introduced as a unique method by which Mark Masons in Nottinghamshire can be encouraged to visit other Lodges in fraternal friendship. Visiting is oft described as a most pleasant aspect and life blood of Masonry. This was proven at a regular lodge meeting of Ashfield Mark No 1146, the holders of the Gavel ,held at the Masonic hall Mansfield on the evening of November 10th.

There is no doubting that the challenge of the gavel enhanced the attendance with 22 visiting brethren enjoying both the Ceremony and the Festive Board.

The Gavel was presented to Rt W Bro Michael Gutteridge by W Bro Con Clare of Pax Magna Craft Lodge. It has particular relevance since it depicts the shape of a keystone, the emblem of the Mark Degree. It was carved in the Holy Land from Olive wood found on Mount Lebanonand the grain within the wood shows a beautiful pattern which extends through the handle or stem.

There are of course rules in every form of competition and making claim for the Gavel is no exception. Two basic ones need to be followed. To win, a challenge must muster 20% in visiting brethren relative to the assembled holder Lodge numbers. If two or more Lodges challenge then the greater number wins.

Mansfield Manor Mark Lodge 654 on this occasion won the Gavel against fierce but friendly competition from Woodthorpe Mark 1144. Bro John Summerfield SW of the Lodge on receiving the trophy congratulated the Woodthorpe brethren for the challenge and reiterated the objective which had been exemplified during this special evening. Visiting is an important feature in this most happy of Masonic Orders. The Photogragh shos Bro Summerfield receiving the Gavel from W Bro Bates, W M Ashfield Mark