Friday 12 December 2025 saw a brilliant Advancement at Ripon Masonic Hall. There to see the event was W.Bro. Andrew James Brown the Dep. Prov.G.M. and a posse of Brethren from The Provincial Grand Steward Lodge No.2018 and acting officers of the year.
Bro. Daniel Clint Tranmer really enjoyed a first-class ceremony despite the S.D. wand breaking at a crucial moment. He rectified it at once by demanding the J.D.’s wand who went ahead to continue his duties with a short wand like those seen in Harry Potter! It was a great ceremony enjoyed by all and Daniel took his rightful place in the Lodge.
However, the night was far from finished. Andrew stood and informed all that W.Bro. Alan Hopwood was improperly dressed and should be brought before him. He then promoted Alan on behalf of the Prov.G.M. to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden. Alan being a good honest Scotsman looked a little worried, but Andrew assured him that as it was a field promotion there was no cost whatsoever, apart from the new Provincial Tie which was 15 quid! Alan smiled wiped his brow and relaxed. What an honour Brethren, Alan was clearly moved and accepted with pride and grace, thanking everyone in the order which he said really was the friendly degree.
At the Festive board Andrew spoke of the progress the initiatives were making and how Lodges appreciated this. The numbers attending certainly supported that. Not yet finished with surprises he then announced ‘Hot of the Press ‘again with permission of the Prov.G.M. that W.Bro. David Todd was at this coming April’s Provincial meeting to be appointed Provincial Grand Junior Warden, an honour certainly deserved by David.
W.Bro. Rob Smith of The Farmers Lodge ‘OO-AR’ Province of North and East Yorkshire responded on behalf of the visitors telling jokes involving Lurches and Racing Pigeons! The real message behind this of course was the great friendship between the two Provinces of West and North and East Yorkshire.
Congratulations W.Bro. Alan Hopwood P.Prov.G.S.W. A Mark Master Mason for over 41 years and W.M. of Prince Leopold 3 times. Commitment indeed.
Congratulations W.Bro. David Todd our next Prov.G.J.W. whose commitment is there for all to see.
And, welcome to our fantastic order Bro. Daniel Clint Tranmer. We wish you many years of fun and enjoyment as a Mark Master Mason.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager