Mark Provincial Weekend 2023

24/10/2023

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The annual Provincial Weekend recently took place at Torquay, Devon, on the famous English Riviera. Some 100 Brethren and Partners attended this top-quality weekend at its new location, having moved from Bournemouth, Dorset.

Guests arrived on Friday afternoon, where they were welcomed and greeted. After settling in, they had an informal evening drinks reception and meal, followed by a quiz.

On Saturday daytime, there was ample opportunity for everyone to enjoy their free time ahead of the evening’s festivities. Some went on a walk around the South West Coastal Path, taking in such sites as Thatcher’s Point, Hope’s Nose and Babbacombe Bay. Others caught the train to Paignton and headed south to Kingswear on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Some just stayed local, went for a spot of lunch in Torquay, and caught up on the weekend sporting action.

After their day out and having built up an appetite, the Provincial Grand Master welcomed everyone to the highlight of the weekend, the Saturday Evening Banquet. The receiving line opened, and he greeted everyone individually. The Director of Ceremonies then called everyone to take their places for dinner, followed by a delicious six-course banquet accompanied by a top local pianist. The evening was rounded off by toasting the King and the Royal Family. Guests then retired to the lounge bar and enjoyed good conversation and company in the early hours.

If you have photo memories from the weekend, please share them with the news team so we can share them on this page. news@somersetmarkmason.co.uk