Page 1 - Keystone Summer 2020 Issue 5

Issue 5: Summer 2020 www.somersetmarkmason.co.uk

STRONGER TOGETHER

Brethren, normally August would be the last month of
the summer recess which, for most of us, would run
from June to August, but this is 2020 and we have so
far had an extended break from Lodge meetings and
each other. This has kept us apart physically but in the
age of technology we have been working together for
the benefit of not only our Brethren but the
communities we live in.
The Mark Benevolent Fund (MBF) has helped this
Province with two donations to the Foodbanks and
Bath Square Meals. You may be aware that Somerset,
as with all Provinces, support the MBF with donations
to the current host Province, East Lancashire, 2021
rd
being 153 Festival. Joint financial support from
Brethren in Provinces has made donations from the
MBF possible.
I would encourage you to read the article on MBF
patronage in this edition of the magazine, bearing in
mind that a long-standing commitment and 25% tax
relief can make an award achievable. You will be
aware we have started to support my nominated
charities as detailed in the last Keystone magazine -
finance at this time is crucial. I trust you will support
me and the Provincial Charity Steward as we start a
new year of the 600 club. This is particularly important
as this is currently our main fundraising programme.
In the Mark Degree we are fortunate that the forward
thinking of Mark Masons Hall allows the use of virtual
business meetings to keep Lodges ticking over until
better times.
I am pleased to say that our keeping-in-touch initiative
with Lodge Secretaries has been very useful in keeping
the Executive informed on each Lodges’ wellbeing and
generally the Brethren are in good spirits. The keeping
-in-touch programme has restarted, and this will now
be by way of a monthly Zoom meeting with Lodge
Secretaries.
Brethren do not forget that while we are apart, we can
still come together at 9.00 pm on Tuesdays. I will be
taking wine with you all at this time, when we can share a moment thinking of members in our Lodge.
Finally Brethren, I would be pleased to see you join us for the Provincial virtual business meeting in
September. We are apart but let’s be stronger together at the same time.

Summer Issue 2020 Page1