A serving police officer is advanced at Croydon by the Provincial Grand Master

Northern Heights Lodge of Mark Master Masons met at Croydon at the end of July with visitors from the surrounding Provinces. The Lodge draws its members from past and present members of the armed and civilian services, and it is soon to be renamed the Surrey United Services Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 989.

The Lodge was opened by its Worshipful Master, R.W. Bro. Ian Clark, our Past Provincial Grand Master and President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, who welcomed everyone and in particular the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. John French, calling on the brethren to salute him with seven. R.W. Bro. John thanked the Master and the brethren and wished everyone an enjoyable meeting. The Master then welcomed W. Bro. John Rollason, P.Prov.G.M.O., the official visitor.

A new Brother

After the regular business, the main item was the ballot for Bro. Benjamin Charles Leonard of Sir Francis Drake Lodge No. 6053, a serving police officer. The ballot proved in his favour and the Master invited the Provincial Grand Master to take the chair and advance Bro. Ben, which he did in fine style with the Officers of the Lodge. A visitor, V.W. Bro. Chris Eley, P.G.J.O., stepped in as Senior Deacon at the last minute.

Bro. Ben was congratulated by the Master and welcomed into the Lodge, and by the Provincial Grand Master, who welcomed him into the Order and into the Province of Surrey.

W. Bro. Paul Fitzgerald was declared Master Elect and W. Bro. Tony Rastall Treasurer for the year ahead. The Lodge was closed and, after photographs, everyone retired to the bar and then to a most enjoyable meal together at Croydon Masonic Hall.

Reported in the Surrey Keystone, issue 84, August 2026.