- Brainwave DonationMARK BENEVOLENT FUND DONATION TO BRAINWAVE
The Mark Benevolent Fund have been very generous in providing a grant of £13,026 for a much needed wheelchair enabled roundabout at the Brainwave Headquarters at Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater On 16th September 2024 members of Quantock Mark Lodge 749, Bridgwater attended at Brainwave for the official handing over of the roundabout which was provided by Rhino Play a specialist company based in Newton Abbot.
A plaque providing details of the Mark Benevolent fund donation was then unveiled by R W Brother Kevin Hicks, a MBF trustee W Brother Stewart Morgan, Charity Steward of Quantock Mark then presented a cheque to the CEO Keith Sinclair which was gratefully received.
The group photograph of Quantock Mark Lodge included the Master W Bro James Brown, who is sat on the roundabout.
This all came to fruition as a result of the Brainwave fundraiser, Sarah Cummins, who got in touch with the then Master of Quantock Mark Lodge, W Bro David Preece hoping that we could perhaps donate some of the funds. W Bro David then approached W Bro Morgan with the relevant details. A detailed report was submitted to W Bro Darren Coleman-Heald, Charities Manager, Mark Masons’ Hall. The much-appreciated outcome being most welcomed.
The Brethren of Quantock Mark Lodge would like to express their sincere thanks to the MBF for this generous grant. Also, a special thanks to Les Pickersgill, the Provincial photographer, for taking the photographs.
Article by Stewart Morgan Charity Steward, Quantock Mark Lodge
Photo’s courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer
- Charity Donations
BRIDGWATER FREEMASONS AND POPPY CELEBRATE £13,343.00 CHARITY DONATIONS.
Recently all Lodges and other Orders meeting at Bridgwater invited the Charities they have supported in the last year to join with them and celebrate the total sum of £13,343.00 donated to them between October 2023 and September 2024. This well-attended event was held at the Bridgwater Masonic Hall. W.Bro. Stewart Morgan and W.Bro. Tony Saunter, Charity Stewards of 4692 and 7994 and Bro Les Pickersgill, Provincial Photographer assisted W. Bro. Norman Hucker with the organising of the event, following the success of last year’s event.
Norman welcomed and introduced W. Bro. Adrian Robson, Prov. G. Almoner, W. Bro. Val Cooke, Prov. G. Charity Steward (Mark Degree) and W. Bro. Derrick Griffin, Deputy G. Supreme Ruler (OSM) together with other Masters and Rulers in attendance.
W. Bro. Tony Ward introduced Poppy, his guide dog of only 12 weeks and her first visit to any Lodge. Poppy was very attentive and looked interested in what was going on and no doubt will look after Tony and. given time, will, should the occasion occur, give him the proper prompts – if ever necessary of course!
After briefly explaining how Freemasons operate and raise their charitable funds, Norman welcomed and introduced those in attendance that represented the 25 Charities that had already received funding before announcing a further 7 presentations which were made that morning. The representatives in turn gave short explanations as to how the Charities benefitted from the monies received. Furthermore, he mentioned that an external cabinet and bleed kit will be purchased and fitted to house the defibrillator outside the rear end of the Lodge for use, should the occasion arise, by the general public. This being funded from the surplus from the joint Ladies’ Weekend at Torquay earlier in the year and the balance made up from the Bridgwater Masonic Hall Management purse.
Stewart Morgan and Val Cooke also gave a brief explanation regarding a separate and additional funding of £13,026.00 for a children’s wheelchair-enabled roundabout at Brainwave Huntworth, by the Mark Degree Benevolent Fund, the official hand-over being made a few days later.Everyone then retired to the Dining Hall for coffee and a raffle which raised in excess of £300.00 to donate to Valley Kings, a local charity offering free boxing and gym facilities to local youngsters.
To conclude Norman Hucker thanked everyone for attending and in return, Derrick Griffen gave a vote of thanks to the organisers.
Photo’s courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer
- Armed Forces Day at Vivary Park, Taunton 6th July 2024.
Armed Forces Day at Vivary Park, Taunton 6th July 2024.
“Strong people don’t put others down. They lift them up.” Darth Vader
The Freemason stand was visited by many of the general public and a surprise visit by members of a new Lodge (I’m told from another Galaxy), who were very keen to show off their Regalia. Although I think providing the ‘Inner guard’ and ‘Stewards’ with guns is probably a step too far for our Somerset Lodges.
The Somerset Freemasons gazebo stood firm in Vivary Park despite the overnight high winds and was well attended by Brethren from across our region, including of course, Tynte Lodge.
Organised by W Bro Barrie Palmer, Provincial Grand Membership Officer, and with cake supplied by W Bro Duncan Sully-dunbar (kindly home made by his dear wife), the day went well. The weather was very kind, encouraging the public to attend this fantastic event and enjoy a fly-past by the hugely popular RAF Red Arrows.
Submitted by L. Pickersgill LCO (Tynte 7994) and Provincial Photographer____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Cadogan Court Fete 8th June 2024Cadogan Court Fete 8th June 2024Brethren from Admiral Blake Lodge & Tynte Lodge supported the annual summer fete at Cadogan Court near Exeter today
Although only a few managed to attend on this occasion, it was a grand day in the sunshine and enjoyed by all.Submitted by Anthony Saunter____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
TYNTE LODGE FLY HIGH FOR CHARITY
- Charity Donation to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
TYNTE LODGE FLY HIGH FOR CHARITY
Tynte Lodge (Bridgwater) yesterday presented the magnificent total of £1430 to the (DSAA) Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance at their meeting on April 18th. This comprised £1,000 from Lodge funds and a magnificent £430 from those present, including one private donation of £100.
Pictured are Emma Jones (DSAA) together with WM Peter James and ChStwd Tony Saunter
Members of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Team
DSAA’s Fundraising Manager, Emma Jones, gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the work of the Air Ambulance with an ideal balance of humour and gravity. This was extremely well received by members of all three Bridgwater Lodges together with many ladies, all of whom subsequently enjoyed the customary revelry of the Tynte Lodge Festive Board.
Pictured are Emma Jones (DSAA) together with WM Peter James and ChStwd Tony Saunter
- Masonic Gala Weekend
Bridgwater Masonic Gala Weekend 15th to 17th March 2024
Members of the three Bridgwater Lodges (Lodge of Perpetual Friendship 135, Admiral Blake Lodge 4692 and Tynte Lodge 7994) got together for a Ladies Weekend celebration at the Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torquay.
A total on 102 guests booked for the Saturday night Gala and most also attended for the Friday night which featured a meal followed by musical entertainment and a quiz presented by Chris Marchmont.
The Saturday morning started with a wonderful sunrise for those lucky enough to have a sea view room and guests had a day to relax in the hotel or enjoy a visit into Torquay or Paignton.
The three masters, Norman Hucker, Andy Wood and Alan Chambers, together with their wives, welcomed the guests as they arrived at the start of the Gala Dinner. The meal was excellent and served by a professional Hotel team.
After the meal Alan proposed the toast to the Ladies and called all the men up to sing the ‘Ladies Song’ which was, largely, in tune and very well received by the Ladies.
Their wives, Delphine Hucker, Shelly Woods and Sue Chambers, responded to the toast, taking it in turns with an amusing anecdote and thanks to those who had helped to prepare for the weekend and to make sure it went well.
Those present then enjoyed music by the Haus Band before saying goodnight. Everyone had a great time and are hoping for a similar trip next year!
Photo’s courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Burns Night January 2024BURNS NIGHT DINNER 26th JANUARY 2024
Tynte Lodge have again staged and hosted their annual Burns Night dinner at theFifty-seven members and friends enjoyed a splendid evening of Scottish tradition to celebrate the birthday of the nations Bard, Robert Burns (25th Jan) with, of course, the magnificent sound of the bagpipes and the consumption of haggis, neeps & tatties, along with a wee dram or two of Scottish wine.
The Lodge Master, Alan Chambers, welcomed everyone to their now annual event and wished everybody a grand evening of tradition, singing, fun and great food.
Brother Tony Saunter recited The Selkirk Grace, a short prayer traditionally given before supper is served:Some hae meat an canna eat, and some wad eat that want it; but we hae meat and we can eat, sae let the Lord be thankit.(Robert Burns: 25.1.1759 to 21.7.1796).
And of course, the organiser of this wonderful event, Brother Chris Marchmont gave his traditional Address to a Haggis which captures the poets love of the dish.His knife, see rustic labour dight and cut ye up wi ready slight.As the poor haggis is ritually disembowelled.
 
This was quickly followed by the assembled company singing (mostly in tune) Flower of Scotland
Brother Alan Chambers proposed a toast to the lassies in his usual tongue-in-cheek humorous form and Mrs Sue Chambers rose to the challenge with her equally tongue-in-cheek response.
The traditional Burns Night meal provided by the Lodge caterer (Martin Felstead of Greenway Farm) then followed and was heartily
Brother Tony Saunter organised a heads and tails which raised £110 for their charities fund with Brother Andy Teal (Lodge of Perpetual Friendship) and Mrs Carol Kilburn each winning a bottle of whisky.Everyone then drifted back home, saying goodbye to friends old and new.Editorial and Photos courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer)———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— - Christmas 2023Christmas 2023 Festive BoardTynte Lodge celebrated it’s Christmas meeting in style as usual.
A wonderful Christmas dinner rounded of by Tony Saunter getting
everyone involved in a rendition of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”.
Here are some Photos of the evening.____________________________________
 
 
Photos courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
- Grand appeal Donation
_____________________________________________
The Grand Charity Appeal
Submitted by: Martin Poynter-Smith Lodge Communications officer____________________________________________________________ - Grand appeal Donation
The Grand Charity Appeal
Freemasons from Tynte Lodge 7994, meeting in Bridgwater, recently presented a cheque for £850 to The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Childrens Hospital Official charity.
Tynte Worshipful Master Alan Chambers said: One of our Brethren, Gerry Smith is currently making use of one of the homes provided by the Grand Appeal whilst his daughter, Becca, is receiving treatment at the Childrens Hospital. The charity has three homes for the use of parents and it is a godsend to the family as they can stay close to the hospital and provide support to Becca.
The Grand Appeal supports the BCH through family accommodation, medical research, purchasing specialist state of the art equipment, music, play and art therapy. They work hard to make sure Bristol Childrens Hospital provides a fun, stimulating and comforting space for the brave children it cares for.
Pictured are Alan Chambers (left) Stephanie Benson, Senior Community Fundraiser and Tony Saunter Charity Steward.Contributed by Alan Chambers Master, Tynte Lodge 7994Photos courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event PhotographerSubmitted by: Martin Poynter-Smith Lodge Communications officer__________________________________________________________________________________________ - Burns Night 2023
Tynte Lodge, Burns Night social event 27th January 2023
On 27th January 2023 Tynte lodge hosted a social evening celebrating Burns night, the evening was well supported by members of Tynte Lodge and other Bridgwater Freemasons, their partners, guests and friends.
The evening started in traditional manor with the piper Mr Mathew Bartlett escorting the Haggis into the dining room and around to the tables where Chris Marchmont duly dealt with it, humanely with his sgian-dubh ( or black blade to us foreigners ), whilst reciting the address to the Haggis in a very convincing Scottish accent. Before everyone got down to their Haggis an enthusiastic (and occasionally tuneful) rendition of the Flower of Scotland was sung by the newly formed Tynte Lodge Tartanistas. The serious business of eating and drinking was then addressed.
Many of those assembled wore kilts some of Irish origin, as Burns had a strong connection with Ireland and In 1786 Burns wrote for the Belfast News and his other link was that his eldest sister Agnes moved to Ireland and married into a wealthy family, although it has never been confirmed or disproved if Burns went to Ireland or not, Burns night is always a good excuse for the Irish contingent to celebrate. When his sister died she was buried in the Cemetery of St. Nicholas Presbyterian Church in Dundalk and a monument was erected to Robert Burns nearby.
 
After everyone had had their fill Alan Chambers, the master of Tynte Lodge made the Toast to the Lassies and informed everyone of Robert Burns affinity with the lassies and the many liaisons he had. Mrs Sue Chambers then responded for the Lassies in due form.
Everyone agreed it was a wonderful evening. Then everyone drifted back home, saying goodbye to friends old and new with the anticipation that the celebration will be repeated next year on January 26th.
Martin Poynter-Smith Lodge Communications officer
Photos courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer)
- Hog Roast 2022
Tynte Lodge 7994 Hog Roast 9th September 2022
Tynte Lodge (Bridgwater) hosted another Hog Roast at Greenway Farm Wembdon. This was arranged and organised by David Flack from Tynte Lodge due to popular demand following last year’s highly successful event.
The Chefs. Left to right, Barrie Palmer, Ray Guthrie, David Flack. Many members from the two other Lodges in Bridgwater and elsewhere also attended, along with ladies, guests,
potential candidates and joining members.
Some Tynte Lodge members and their ladies. left to right Gary Boon, Norman Hucker. It was decided to use the event to commemorate the life and reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
During the evening the current Master of Tynte Lodge, Alan Chambers,
read the official press release from the United Grand Lodge of England.
Alan Chambers. The event was also attended by some notable Somerset Freemasons, including Ray Guthrie (Provincial Grand Master designate)
and Richard Winter (one of the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters).
Left to right, Alan Chambers, Ray Guthrie. Left to right, Richard Winter, David Flack. ___________________________________The Hog RoastThe tradition of the Hog Roast probably goes back to ancient times when man first discovered fire and roasted a boar in the ashes.
As time went on they knew that cooking a hog would taste much better raised from the embers.
They then came up with a way to lift the hog off the flame and cook it slowly,
by using wood or bone skewers layered over a sunken pit.
Eventually the hog was raised even further to enable it to be turned and basted on a spit to cook it more evenly.
People use the hog roast as a focal point at events all around the world.
It has many names in many different countries, for instance in Spain it’s cochinillo asado.
In Serbia it’s prase enje and here in the UK we call it a good old fashioned Hog Roast.
___________________________________
Group. Left to Right, Barrie Palmer, Christopher Marchmont, Rod Mudge. 
Left to right, Sue Chambers, Karen Flack, Lesley Mallon Left to right, Adrian Robson, Andrew Teal, Alan Chambers. Following on from the enthusiasm of everyone who attended,
the positive feedback indicates that there is an encouraging level of support for a social event such as this,
which gets everyone together before the start of a new masonic season.
The Tynte Lodge hog roast is therefore likely to become an annual fixture.
Photo’s courtesy of Les Pickersgill (Provincial Event Photographer)
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
- Charity Donation to St Margarets Somerset Hospice
Tynte Lodge, donate to St Margarets Somerset Hospice
23rd March 2022
Members of the Tynte Lodge in Bridgwater recently donated the magnificent sum of £600 to assist St Margarets Somerset Hospice,
with their efforts to recover from lost funding during the Covid Lockdown.
The Hospice were forced to close many of their retail outlets due to Covid, and consequently their income was seriously affected.
Members of Tynte Lodge heard about the problem and visited the Hospice Retail and Logistics Centre
where they donated the entire proceeds of a recent dinner to celebrate
Burns Night.
During the visit,
they learned that St Margarets are very keen to hear from anyone who might have large items of furniture etc.
that can be donated to help with fundraising. Pick-up can be arranged by calling St Margarets on 01823 218313.
(L to R) Mandy Poynter-Smith (Logistics), Tony Saunter (Tynte Lodge, Charity Steward), Emma Grant (Logistics),
Susan Kerber (Retail & Commercial Manager) and Martin Poynter-Smith (Tynte Lodge, Worshipful Master).
Photograph: Les Pickersgill (Tynte Lodge Photographer) ______________________________________
______________________________________
- Social get together 26th January 2022
Bridgwater Freemasons Honour Robert Burns
A tradition suspended during COVID came back on January 21st,
when Tynte Lodge, Bridgwater, staged another Burns Night.
Some suppers are grand affairs, while others are less formal; this one, as always, was slightly less formal,
even though it was a black-tie affair, with many of the Bridgwater Freemasons,
guests and visitors arriving in kilts and being piped in, as is customary.
The haggis was duly piped around the dining room, followed closely by Adrian Robson carrying two bottles of whisky held in saltire, as tradition dictates.
These were donated by Martin Poynter-Smith and his good lady Amanda, and were used later in the evening to raise money for charity.
The haggis was then humanely dealt with by Chris Marchmont whilst reciting the traditional address in a very convincing Scots accent.
On completion of the address, everyone with a tot of whisky toasted the haggis, which was then honored by the piper on its journey back to the kitchen.
Mr. William Russell, a true-blood Scot, recited the Selkirk Grace.
Then, he interestingly informed everyone that although it is attributed to Robert Burns,
a version of it was known in the 17th century as the Galloway Grace or the Covenanters Grace
and was said in Lallans (the Lowland Scots dialect). The serious business of eating and drinking was then addressed.
The toast to the lassies, proposed by James Brown and was enthusiastically received by them.
Amanda Poynter-Smith then responded on behalf of the lassies with some humour,
which again was enthusiastically received by all, ending with the line that life would be much duller without you laddies
The toast to the Immortal Bard was proposed by Angus Russell, who was also very informative on the life of Burns.
Rod Mudge officiated heads and tails by flipping the coin, which was to raise money for St Margarets Hospice.
This raised a goodly sum, with many people putting in a little extra.
Undoubtedly, all present had a most enjoyable evening,
which was brought to a close with everyone singing Auld Lang Syne.
Then all they drifted back home, saying goodbye to friends old and new,
and it was mooted by many that the whole process should be repeated next year.
Slainte
Photographs: Les Pickersgill
____________________________________
____________________________________
