Mark Masons' Hall

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

When disaster strikes, help matters. ❤️ On World Humanitarian Day, we are proud to reflect on the impact the Mark Benevolent Fund has made in supporting communities when they need it most.
Over the years, we have donated £414,850 to ShelterBox, helping to fund humanitarian relief efforts following devastating disasters around the world, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and other emergencies.
From Haiti and Nepal to the Caribbean, Gaza, Pakistan, Jamaica and Venezuela, our contributions have enabled ShelterBox to provide essential support to individuals and families facing incredibly challenging circumstances.
This vital work is made possible through the generosity and dedication of our members. We extend our sincere thanks to every member whose support has helped make these donations possible. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference when it matters most. ❤️ ShelterBox

14/08/2026

- Celebrating the Difference That Matters!

Today, on Blood Bike Day, we celebrate the remarkable volunteers who keep vital medical journeys moving and the difference that support from the Mark Benevolent Fund has helped make possible.

Through the Blood Bikes Project, the Mark Benevolent Fund has supported groups across the UK, helping provide the vehicles and equipment needed to transport essential medical supplies where and when they are needed. Between 2016 and 2025, the project supported 31 Blood Bike groups, providing 38 bikes, 24 cars, two vans and a moped, alongside other vital equipment, representing an investment of £1,181,585.

But, Behind every vehicle is a volunteer giving their time, skill and commitment. Behind every journey is a patient, a family, a clinician or a healthcare team depending on something arriving safely and on time.

That is why the Mark Benevolent Fund is proud to support the Blood Bike movement. It is practical kindness in motion, helping dedicated volunteers make a real difference, one journey at a time.

Today, we say thank you to every Blood Bike volunteer who rides, drives, organises, maintains, coordinates and responds, often quietly and without recognition.

And we celebrate what can be achieved when volunteers, communities and charitable support come together for the benefit of others.

Happy Blood Bike Day, and thank you for every mile that makes a difference.

Darren Coleman-Heald

14/08/2026

Blood Bikes Awareness Day 2026 highlights the vital work of volunteer Blood Bike charities, providing free, rapid medical transport services to the NHS across the UK and Ireland. Volunteers transport blood, medical samples, platelets, donor milk and other essential clinical supplies, often around the clock.

The Mark Benevolent Fund has supported Blood Bikes since 2016, contributing more than £1.2 million towards motorcycles and response vehicles. This support has included a £437,934 fundraising effort in 2017 and, more recently, funding that has strengthened Blood Bike services across East Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the wider North West.

On this Awareness Day, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Lancashire recognises and thanks the many volunteers who ride, drive, coordinate, fundraise and maintain the vehicles that keep this essential service moving. Their dedication makes a direct and lasting difference to patients, hospitals and healthcare teams.

Content credits: Hiten Patel

07/08/2026

This week’s Freemasonry@86 News update! 📰 Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the Freemasonry community and gain insights into the Companion Orders’ activities. 🌟 Read the full newsletter by clicking here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/15TNLcgEUBiULznWY9cHPsX4a8MKmIFPg/view?usp=drive_link

07/08/2026

St Aubyn Council No. 33 Time Immemorial witnessed a memorable and uplifting evening as Brothers Matthew Evans and Geoff Kavanagh were formally admitted into the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees. Their double admission brought a sense of renewal and continuity to the Council, reminding all present of the living strength of our traditions.

The ceremony was conducted under the steady guidance of Worshipful Master George Bennell, who led from the front with assurance, dignity, and a deep respect for the ritual workings of the Order. His delivery provided the candidates with a clear and confident first step into their new Masonic journey.

The evening was further distinguished by the attendance of senior District leadership. R.W. Bro. Barry Slade, District Grand Prefect, honoured the Council with his presence, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Alongside him stood his newly appointed deputy, W. Bro. Richard Thomas, Deputy District Grand Prefect, whose early commitment to active engagement within the District was warmly noted.

A large number of active District Officers also attended, filling the room with fraternal support and demonstrating the unity and vitality of the Allied Masonic Degrees within the District. .

Brothers Evans and Kavanagh now embark upon their path within the Allied Masonic Degrees, guided by the virtues of service, humility, and brotherly fellowship. Their admission stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of St Aubyn Council No. 33 and to the shared commitment of all who labour within its walls.

Content credits: Cameron Raphael

07/08/2026

On **1 August 2026**, seventy-five members of the Royal & Select Masters gathered at the Masonic Hall, 6 Portland Place, Penrith, for the **reconstitution of Applegarth Council No. 30**.

Originally established in Ambleside in 1904, Applegarth Council operated until 1909, when it surrendered its warrant. Over a century later, the idea of reviving the Council was first proposed by the late District Grand Master, Norman Dunkeld Milburn, although it failed to gain momentum. His successor, Right Illustrious Companion Douglas Graham Sanderson, renewed the initiative, and following approval from the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Kessick John Jones, in 2025, a group of founders met to bring the project to fruition.

Over the following months, the founders worked together to agree the Council's fees, officers, by-laws, meeting venue and arrangements for the reconstitution and celebratory luncheon. Although the original venue in Carlisle had to be abandoned following the closure of the Masonic Hall there, Penrith was chosen as an excellent alternative because of its facilities, transport links and hospitality.

The ceremony was attended by 32 founders, 15 Grand Officers led by the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Kessick John Jones, and 28 Companions from Lancashire, Northumberland, and Cumberland & Westmorland. At 11.00 a.m., the Most Illustrious Grand Master entered the Council with his officers and presided over an impressive ceremony to reconstitute Applegarth Council No. 30. During the proceedings, Right Illustrious Companion John Harvey, District Grand Master, was installed as Thrice Illustrious Master by the Deputy Grand Master, Paul Norman, after which the Council's first officers were appointed and invested.

Following the meeting, 64 diners attended a celebratory three-course luncheon at the Roundthorn Country House Hotel on Beacon Edge. After the customary toasts, the Grand Team departed for the West Coast Main Line station to begin their journey south, several carrying generous liquid gifts presented by the founders, bringing a memorable and historic occasion to a fitting close.

Content credits: Bob Sanderson