The Essex Mark Province continues to be a busy hub of activity and the Media Team are always there to capture the story behind an event. The Media Team also strives to continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing world of social media. Here are introductions to the Team along with biographies below. The Province continues to be covered by 4 Media Liaison Officers (MLOs) each of whom has around 12 Mark & RAM Lodges to look after. Their relationship with secretaries & scribes is most important and the Media Team will always try to make sure this is in place and arrange for information and photographs to be sent in about Advancements, Elevations, Installations and Anniversaries that occur at any of their meetings, although this has to be a two-way street and those Lodge officers are encouraged to ensure the information flows.
There is also a dedicated photographic team who are available to assist Lodges.
Stories are then published on the Essex Mark website and the Facebook/Twitter social media platforms by the provincial Media Team, thus promoting the news and events from your Lodges and twice a year selected stories are published in the editions of the Mark Times.
As well as the hard working MLOs there are other members of the Media Team that get involved and the Masonic Centre Co-ordinators (MCCs) assist in continuing to put up posters and promotion of events on notice boards at many masonic centres.
We also have a very successful Twitter account @PGLEssex, and two Facebook groups, one is members only and one is open to the public titled "Essex Mark and RAM: Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons"
The Media Team can be contacted by emailing: essexmarkcomms@gmail.com
There is also a dedicated photographic team who are available to assist Lodges.
Stories are then published on the Essex Mark website and the Facebook/Twitter social media platforms by the provincial Media Team, thus promoting the news and events from your Lodges and twice a year selected stories are published in the editions of the Mark Times.
As well as the hard working MLOs there are other members of the Media Team that get involved and the Masonic Centre Co-ordinators (MCCs) assist in continuing to put up posters and promotion of events on notice boards at many masonic centres.
We also have a very successful Twitter account @PGLEssex, and two Facebook groups, one is members only and one is open to the public titled "Essex Mark and RAM: Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons"
The Media Team can be contacted by emailing: essexmarkcomms@gmail.com
W.Bro. David Todd
Media Manager
I joined Freemasonry in 2009 in Essex United Service Lodge in Harwich; my father was already a member and was Junior Deacon at my Initiation. I subsequently moved my Masonry to Clacton and became a member of Colvin Lodge. It was there that I was asked why I hadn’t joined Mark before as my Father was a member of St. Nicholas in Harwich. I explained that it was due to my job as an HGV driver which took me away all week and it made regular attendance difficult. I was then informed that the Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons met on a Friday and “here’s a joining form!” I have never regretted filling the form in and I was Advanced in February 2018.
I can honestly say that since I have joined the Mark Degree my outlook on Freemasonry has changed for the better. I am currently the Master in my Mark Lodge and Commander in Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. I was deeply honoured to become a Founding Member of the Essex Armed Forces Lodge No.2016 where I am Charity Steward and looking forward to progressing towards the Chair. Outside of Masonry, I served for 15 years in the Armed Forces and saw service in the South Atlantic, Belize, Norway, Germany, the 1st Gulf War and in Northern Ireland.
Media Manager
I joined Freemasonry in 2009 in Essex United Service Lodge in Harwich; my father was already a member and was Junior Deacon at my Initiation. I subsequently moved my Masonry to Clacton and became a member of Colvin Lodge. It was there that I was asked why I hadn’t joined Mark before as my Father was a member of St. Nicholas in Harwich. I explained that it was due to my job as an HGV driver which took me away all week and it made regular attendance difficult. I was then informed that the Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons met on a Friday and “here’s a joining form!” I have never regretted filling the form in and I was Advanced in February 2018.
I can honestly say that since I have joined the Mark Degree my outlook on Freemasonry has changed for the better. I am currently the Master in my Mark Lodge and Commander in Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. I was deeply honoured to become a Founding Member of the Essex Armed Forces Lodge No.2016 where I am Charity Steward and looking forward to progressing towards the Chair. Outside of Masonry, I served for 15 years in the Armed Forces and saw service in the South Atlantic, Belize, Norway, Germany, the 1st Gulf War and in Northern Ireland.
W.Bro.Les Morgan
Centre Co-Ordinator Lead
Official Photographer
I Joined freemasonry in 1994 and became WM of Colvin Lodge No.5374 in 2000. I was MEZ of Coronation Royal Arch Chapter in 2008. I became a member of the Mark on 08/02/2008 when I was Advanced into Aurelius Lodge of MMMs No.814 which meet at Clacton and duly Elevated to the Aurelius Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in 2011. I became WM of the MMM Lodge in 2015. On the 9th October 2015 the Lodge welcomed the PGM and the visiting acting officers of the year, to watch an Advancement and attend the 1st North Essex Cluster Meeting.
I was Installed as WC of the Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in 2018.
I am also a member of the Stilus Et Denarius Lodge, and a Founder member of Essex Armed Forces Lodge.
In addition to the Craft and HRA, I was MWS of Kincaid Chapter Rose Croix 2 years in succession and was also a Founder of the King Sebbi Chapter Rose Croix in 2014. I also become a Knight Templar in 2014 in St. Osyth Preceptory at Clacton.
My hobbies are mainly photography, (which has meant me becoming a member of the Media Team, assisting Peter Nason with the photographic needs). Also, I travel often to South Africa to take photos of the animals, I have recently completed the training and examinations in South Africa to become a qualified Field Guide (Safari).
Centre Co-Ordinator Lead
Official Photographer
I Joined freemasonry in 1994 and became WM of Colvin Lodge No.5374 in 2000. I was MEZ of Coronation Royal Arch Chapter in 2008. I became a member of the Mark on 08/02/2008 when I was Advanced into Aurelius Lodge of MMMs No.814 which meet at Clacton and duly Elevated to the Aurelius Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners in 2011. I became WM of the MMM Lodge in 2015. On the 9th October 2015 the Lodge welcomed the PGM and the visiting acting officers of the year, to watch an Advancement and attend the 1st North Essex Cluster Meeting.
I was Installed as WC of the Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in 2018.
I am also a member of the Stilus Et Denarius Lodge, and a Founder member of Essex Armed Forces Lodge.
In addition to the Craft and HRA, I was MWS of Kincaid Chapter Rose Croix 2 years in succession and was also a Founder of the King Sebbi Chapter Rose Croix in 2014. I also become a Knight Templar in 2014 in St. Osyth Preceptory at Clacton.
My hobbies are mainly photography, (which has meant me becoming a member of the Media Team, assisting Peter Nason with the photographic needs). Also, I travel often to South Africa to take photos of the animals, I have recently completed the training and examinations in South Africa to become a qualified Field Guide (Safari).
W.Bro.Andy Sylvester
Centre Co-ordinator
After many years of subtle prompting, I finally took the plunge and in 2015 was initiated into Masonry joining the Frituna Lodge No 2949. I was promptly elected as Treasurer to the Kirby Centre Management Committee, as my first year in office was about to end, the Committee was notified that Naze Tower Lodge No 1380 was about to hand in their warrant , as they were down to their last three members.
It was time to take my first step into Mark Masonry and for my sins, responsibility of Secretary. An extremely short period later, I was Elevated into RAM and appointed Scribe. I was now starting to meet and greet, many who have now become what I hope to be life-long friends. Stilus et Denarius Mark Lodge No 1735 was my next step, swiftly followed by Fillebrook Mark Lodge No 944 (and a rapidly growing waist line!).
The next honour was as a Founding Member of Northern Star Mark Lodge No 2012.
I have attained the privilege of sitting in all sorts of chairs within the different Lodges, but due to the covid pandemic have not quite made the big one of Master. which, in my eyes, would see me complete my apprenticeship, as I did in Toolmaking on leaving school. I took early retirement from Ford Motor Co. European Logistic Organisation and prior to that served in the London Fire Brigade.
Centre Co-ordinator
After many years of subtle prompting, I finally took the plunge and in 2015 was initiated into Masonry joining the Frituna Lodge No 2949. I was promptly elected as Treasurer to the Kirby Centre Management Committee, as my first year in office was about to end, the Committee was notified that Naze Tower Lodge No 1380 was about to hand in their warrant , as they were down to their last three members.
It was time to take my first step into Mark Masonry and for my sins, responsibility of Secretary. An extremely short period later, I was Elevated into RAM and appointed Scribe. I was now starting to meet and greet, many who have now become what I hope to be life-long friends. Stilus et Denarius Mark Lodge No 1735 was my next step, swiftly followed by Fillebrook Mark Lodge No 944 (and a rapidly growing waist line!).
The next honour was as a Founding Member of Northern Star Mark Lodge No 2012.
I have attained the privilege of sitting in all sorts of chairs within the different Lodges, but due to the covid pandemic have not quite made the big one of Master. which, in my eyes, would see me complete my apprenticeship, as I did in Toolmaking on leaving school. I took early retirement from Ford Motor Co. European Logistic Organisation and prior to that served in the London Fire Brigade.
W.Bro. Phil Hind
Graphics Co-Ordinator
I was Initiated in 1996 into the Thomas a Becket Lodge No. 5184 and raised the following year. I was installed as Master of the lodge in 2001 and was lucky enough to be asked to hold that honour again in 2010. I was Advanced into the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No . 377 in 1999 and Elevated into the Brentwood Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 377 in 2000. In 2003 I was Installed as Commander in RAM and as Worship Master in Mark in 2007. I was honoured to be appointed as PAGDC in Mark in 2011 which allowed me to escort members of the Provincial Executive to a number of other Centres and Lodges which I really enjoyed. I was further honoured to be appointed as PGSO in 2018 and PPGJW in 2021. I am also a member of the Chapter of Hope and Unity No. 214, where I am currently Scribe E.
Outside of Masonry, I am actively involved in Scouting and have recently achieved my 20 year service award.
In my professional life I am an IT Consultant and Agile Coach.
I have been married to my wife Gill for 28 years and we have 3 great kids. The eldest is currently training to be an Emergency Medical Technician, number 2 is at Brighton Uni studying Psychology and my son is preparing to take his GCSEs. We also have 2 Bernese Mountain dogs and a budgie.
Graphics Co-Ordinator
I was Initiated in 1996 into the Thomas a Becket Lodge No. 5184 and raised the following year. I was installed as Master of the lodge in 2001 and was lucky enough to be asked to hold that honour again in 2010. I was Advanced into the Brentwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No . 377 in 1999 and Elevated into the Brentwood Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 377 in 2000. In 2003 I was Installed as Commander in RAM and as Worship Master in Mark in 2007. I was honoured to be appointed as PAGDC in Mark in 2011 which allowed me to escort members of the Provincial Executive to a number of other Centres and Lodges which I really enjoyed. I was further honoured to be appointed as PGSO in 2018 and PPGJW in 2021. I am also a member of the Chapter of Hope and Unity No. 214, where I am currently Scribe E.
Outside of Masonry, I am actively involved in Scouting and have recently achieved my 20 year service award.
In my professional life I am an IT Consultant and Agile Coach.
I have been married to my wife Gill for 28 years and we have 3 great kids. The eldest is currently training to be an Emergency Medical Technician, number 2 is at Brighton Uni studying Psychology and my son is preparing to take his GCSEs. We also have 2 Bernese Mountain dogs and a budgie.
W.Bro.Peter Nason
Official Photographer
I was initiated into Blackwater Lodge No. 1977 in October 1992 and Exalted in Blackwater Chapter No. 1977 in September 1994.
I then went on to join Wayfarers Mark Lodge No.1096 in October 2006, rising to WM in 2014 and then took up the job as Treasurer in 2015. Straight after vacating the WM's chair, my first appointment in Mark was in June 2016 receiving the rank of Prov.G.S.D. Another promotion followed in 2018 to Prov. G.J.O both of these appointments have been very pleasurable in escorting the PGM on his visits to Lodges around the Province.
The next progression was of course the Royal Ark Mariners degree. I joined Constantine Lodge of RAM No.145 (the oldest in Essex) being Elevated on 9th October 2008 and should have been WC in April this year had we not been in lockdown (we just look forward to when this will happen). Other Mark Lodges I belong to are Essex installed Mark Masters Lodge No.1044 (Steward in 2017), and Northern Star Lodge No.2019 (founder member and first ADC)
With the Mark degree, my skills behind the camera are put to good use as part of the Media Team around the province
Other orders and units I belong to include : Essex First Principles which I joined in September 2019, Royal & Select Masters Stour Valley Council in January 2019 (I am the equivalent of Inner Guard), and The Court of Athelstan, Aethelflaed Court No.49 and was WM in 2018 and Upmunstra Court No.121 of which I was a founder member and the first Almoner in 2017.
My main interests are my family which being an only child is small and with no cousins either. I am very pleased my son and daughter are both settled with children, and there are two in the UK and our son lives in New Zealand and has one child which was born in the lockdown period, so we have not had the opportunity to see them yet, although through Skype we can see both of our granddaughters.
Official Photographer
I was initiated into Blackwater Lodge No. 1977 in October 1992 and Exalted in Blackwater Chapter No. 1977 in September 1994.
I then went on to join Wayfarers Mark Lodge No.1096 in October 2006, rising to WM in 2014 and then took up the job as Treasurer in 2015. Straight after vacating the WM's chair, my first appointment in Mark was in June 2016 receiving the rank of Prov.G.S.D. Another promotion followed in 2018 to Prov. G.J.O both of these appointments have been very pleasurable in escorting the PGM on his visits to Lodges around the Province.
The next progression was of course the Royal Ark Mariners degree. I joined Constantine Lodge of RAM No.145 (the oldest in Essex) being Elevated on 9th October 2008 and should have been WC in April this year had we not been in lockdown (we just look forward to when this will happen). Other Mark Lodges I belong to are Essex installed Mark Masters Lodge No.1044 (Steward in 2017), and Northern Star Lodge No.2019 (founder member and first ADC)
With the Mark degree, my skills behind the camera are put to good use as part of the Media Team around the province
Other orders and units I belong to include : Essex First Principles which I joined in September 2019, Royal & Select Masters Stour Valley Council in January 2019 (I am the equivalent of Inner Guard), and The Court of Athelstan, Aethelflaed Court No.49 and was WM in 2018 and Upmunstra Court No.121 of which I was a founder member and the first Almoner in 2017.
My main interests are my family which being an only child is small and with no cousins either. I am very pleased my son and daughter are both settled with children, and there are two in the UK and our son lives in New Zealand and has one child which was born in the lockdown period, so we have not had the opportunity to see them yet, although through Skype we can see both of our granddaughters.
W.Bro Robert Benham
Twitter Administrator
I joined Ilford Castle Lodge No.7144 (Essex) on 1st April 2010 and progressed through the offices, but sadly the lodge moved from Upminster Masonic Hall over to Harlow. So, I later resigned and then joined Saint Augustine Lodge of Contentment No.6273 (Metropolitan Craft) and became Master in 2016/17. In 2012 I joined King Harold Chapter No.1327 (Hertfordshire) and progressed through all the offices and became 1st Principal in 2018/19. In 2017 my London Craft lodge set up a new Chapter ‘Saint Augustine Chapter of Contentment No.6273 (Metropolitan Chapter) by taking over the warrant of the Marble & Hammersmith Chapter. In 2017 I joined The City of London Lodge of Installed Masters No.8220 (Metropolitan Craft) and became Steward in 2019/20 and due to Covid-19 will continue for a further year.
In 2013 I joined Essex Jubilee Mark & RAM Lodge No.1123. I progressed through the offices and became Worshipful Commander in RAM 2018/19, Worshipful Master in Mark 2019/20 and due to Covid-19 will continue as WM for a further year. In 2015 I became a founding member of Flanders Mark & RAM lodge No.1966 which meets in Belgium. Then In 2016 I joined Euston No.499 Mark & RAM Lodge (London) and am progressing through the offices to WM. My next steps will be to join the Essex Installed Masters & Enthroned Commanders’ Lodge No. 1044.
Going beyond the 4th step, in May 2014 I joined Knight Templar Chelmersforde Preceptory 274 (Essex) and I progressed through the offices and will be installed Eminent Preceptor on 13th October 2020. In 2015 I joined The Council of the Four Kings No.7 (London Allied Masonic Degree) and became Master in 2018/19. In November I shall be appointed Active District Grand Steward for 2020/21. In 2017 I joined Ross Croix Sovereign Mount Calvary No.3 (London, St Johns Division) and in 2018 I became a member of the City of London Royal Order of Scotland.
Twitter Administrator
I joined Ilford Castle Lodge No.7144 (Essex) on 1st April 2010 and progressed through the offices, but sadly the lodge moved from Upminster Masonic Hall over to Harlow. So, I later resigned and then joined Saint Augustine Lodge of Contentment No.6273 (Metropolitan Craft) and became Master in 2016/17. In 2012 I joined King Harold Chapter No.1327 (Hertfordshire) and progressed through all the offices and became 1st Principal in 2018/19. In 2017 my London Craft lodge set up a new Chapter ‘Saint Augustine Chapter of Contentment No.6273 (Metropolitan Chapter) by taking over the warrant of the Marble & Hammersmith Chapter. In 2017 I joined The City of London Lodge of Installed Masters No.8220 (Metropolitan Craft) and became Steward in 2019/20 and due to Covid-19 will continue for a further year.
In 2013 I joined Essex Jubilee Mark & RAM Lodge No.1123. I progressed through the offices and became Worshipful Commander in RAM 2018/19, Worshipful Master in Mark 2019/20 and due to Covid-19 will continue as WM for a further year. In 2015 I became a founding member of Flanders Mark & RAM lodge No.1966 which meets in Belgium. Then In 2016 I joined Euston No.499 Mark & RAM Lodge (London) and am progressing through the offices to WM. My next steps will be to join the Essex Installed Masters & Enthroned Commanders’ Lodge No. 1044.
Going beyond the 4th step, in May 2014 I joined Knight Templar Chelmersforde Preceptory 274 (Essex) and I progressed through the offices and will be installed Eminent Preceptor on 13th October 2020. In 2015 I joined The Council of the Four Kings No.7 (London Allied Masonic Degree) and became Master in 2018/19. In November I shall be appointed Active District Grand Steward for 2020/21. In 2017 I joined Ross Croix Sovereign Mount Calvary No.3 (London, St Johns Division) and in 2018 I became a member of the City of London Royal Order of Scotland.
Bro. Rob Whitfield
Website Administrator
I was initiated in Craft Lodge Nore No.3610 in December 2014 and Raised in the Feb 2015. I now attend Peverel Lodge No.7743 for my Craft.
I was Advanced into Chelmer Mark No.342 in January 2016 followed by Chelmer RAM No.342 in April 2016. I recently joined St Katherines Mark No.1026 in November 2019 and will be a re founder of the new Isthmian Mark Lodge No.891. I am also a founder member of the Freemasons Without Borders Lodge of MMM to be consecrated on 30th October 2021.
Beyond the fourth regular step, I am also a member Allied, OSM including the Arch of Steel and finally Canute Chapter.
I have 1 teenage son and my partner has 2 boys under 8 years old. I run a PAT Testing business, manufacture products for the bushcraft market and also, I am a bushcraft instructor all year all weathers. Spare time I am a wild west reenactor where we travel across the country doing about 8 shows a year. I have allotments and keep chickens, quail and ducks so trying to be as self-sufficient as we can.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, snake, lizard, turtles, giant snails, tarantula also share the home. I spend as much time as possible outdoors under canvas or in a hammock. As well as that I play heavy metal guitar, read a lot and cook indoors and out.
If a Mark Lodge was formed that meets outdoors in the woods, I would be first in line to join.
Website Administrator
I was initiated in Craft Lodge Nore No.3610 in December 2014 and Raised in the Feb 2015. I now attend Peverel Lodge No.7743 for my Craft.
I was Advanced into Chelmer Mark No.342 in January 2016 followed by Chelmer RAM No.342 in April 2016. I recently joined St Katherines Mark No.1026 in November 2019 and will be a re founder of the new Isthmian Mark Lodge No.891. I am also a founder member of the Freemasons Without Borders Lodge of MMM to be consecrated on 30th October 2021.
Beyond the fourth regular step, I am also a member Allied, OSM including the Arch of Steel and finally Canute Chapter.
I have 1 teenage son and my partner has 2 boys under 8 years old. I run a PAT Testing business, manufacture products for the bushcraft market and also, I am a bushcraft instructor all year all weathers. Spare time I am a wild west reenactor where we travel across the country doing about 8 shows a year. I have allotments and keep chickens, quail and ducks so trying to be as self-sufficient as we can.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, snake, lizard, turtles, giant snails, tarantula also share the home. I spend as much time as possible outdoors under canvas or in a hammock. As well as that I play heavy metal guitar, read a lot and cook indoors and out.
If a Mark Lodge was formed that meets outdoors in the woods, I would be first in line to join.
