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Not content with consecrating one new Mark Lodge this week (Locomotion) the PGM and his team finished off a hectic round of engagements over the last few days by consecrating a second new Lodge – Spirit of Rugby Lodge of MMM No. 2014 on Saturday 2 November. The day started well with some 40 brethren gathering in the bar at 86 St James’s Street to watch the final between England and the Springboks, on a specially-erected large screen and fortified by bacon rolls, tea and coffee all generously supplied by Catering and no doubt also washed down with something a little stronger. Whilst not achieving the score everyone was hoping for, the PGM in his opening Address made fitting reference of the achievement of the England team in reaching the Final in such a prestigious tournament and the brethren in Grand Temple joined with him in a round of applause for their valiant efforts.

There followed yet another excellent Consecration ceremony, with the London Mark Executive displaying that same team spirit demonstrated earlier in the week and producing a memorable occasion for the Founders – both in the Consecration of their new Lodge and the Installation of their Primus Master. The Festive Board which followed was also an extremely happy affair. The new WM, Richard Hogg, presented a number of rugby-related gifts to the PGM, which included an England Rugby top (which Tom delighted in wearing immediately as our photograph shows). After Richard downed (in one) the customary ‘dirty pint’, the PGM sweetened everyone’s palate by producing a loving cup filled with stuff from North of the Border, which was passed eagerly round the Festive Board.

In his Toast to the new Lodge, the PGM stated how honoured and delighted he was to receive into the Province of London yet another new Lodge, filled with such enthusiastic members and looked forward to its growth and success over the coming years. The Province now has 106 Mark Lodges – but it’s not standing still. Number 107 is already off the starting block, as the Khalsa Lodge is due to be consecrated on 7 March next year. Put that date in your diary if you would like to attend to witness another Consecration – these are very special moments in the Province’s history and this one will prove to be another happy and significant event for London Mark.