Support for the families of our Armed Forces.

Article by W. Bro.Geoff Tindall. Secretary of the Fleming Lodge of Mark Masters No. 265

On Friday 19th December, 2008, the Mark Masons of Newark presented a cheque for £2,800 to Patrick Mercer, M.P., the Patron of the Newark Patriotic Fund. Bro. Brian Rollitt, Charity Steward of the Fleming Lodge of Mark Masters, made the presentation, in the presence of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Nottinghamshire, W. Bro. Terry Ward, and members of other Lodges. Brian is a former member of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, and it was decided in April that the Fleming Mark Lodge would make a donation towards the national Help for Heroes Appeal. Shortly afterwards the Newark Patriotic Fund was established by Mr Mercer to assist the families of troops in the Newark Advertiser area who were experiencing their own difficulties in visiting and caring for their relatives. The Fund affords immediate help to individuals, and, as many of those who serve in the Armed Forces are recruited from the Newark area, it was felt appropriate that we should make great efforts to make our own contribution in recognition of what our men and women are doing under extremely difficult conditions. Three of the Newark Craft Lodges, as well as The Newark Ways & Means Committee made a generous contribution and a Quiz Night was held for members, families and friends at Newark Masonic Hall. One hundred people attended the Quiz Night on 28th November. Everyone enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the event and the superb supper of Steak Pie, Mash and Mushy Peas which was followed by Apple Pie (Especially for W. Bro. Bert Emerson and myself). W. Bros. Chris Grant and Jim Molloy were our Quizmasters and selected a wide range of topics.

Brian may be too modest to mention the fact that he recently celebrated a significant birthday and he requested that instead of gifts, guests may wish to make a donation to our ‘appeal’ and that gesture was much appreciated.

It is also appropriate to record our thanks to the several volunteers who assisted on the night to make this such a successful occasion in support of this most worthy cause, and we trust that it may be regarded that the Brethren of Newark have ‘Made their Mark in the Community’. It is particularly appreciated by the W. Master and Brethren of the Fleming Lodge of Mark Masters that by opening up the initial concept of the ‘worthy cause’ to all Lodges, that it was so well and heartily supported by everyone.

The photograph of the presentation (courtesy of W. Bro. Jim Molloy) shows Mr Patrick Mercer M.P. (with cheque) and from (L. to R.) W.Bro. Terry Price 265 & 8332, W. Bro. Mike Harbron 3570 (hard working supporter at Newark), W. Bro. Geoff Tindall 265/1526, Bro. Brian Rollitt 265&8972, W. Bro. John Peet 1526 & 5528, W. Bro. Terry Ward. Dep. PGM (Mark) 265, Bro.Richard Hill 8332 (another loyal supporter and a member of the winning quiz-team) and finally Bro. Chas. Black 265 & 8332 who is also Museum Curator at Newark.