L.to.R. --  R.W.Bro. Robert Mitchell P.Asst. G.M, R.W.Bro. John Montgomery Asst. G.M., M.W.Bro. Richard Ensor Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Grahame Harper Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Robert Overend P. Asst. G.M., R.W.Bro. Alan Maguire P. Asst. G.M., R.W. Bro. Stuart McCarter P. Asst. G.M. and R.W.Bro. Leslie Nixon Deputy Grand Master.

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The hall was full to capacity for this unique communication as we were privileged to have the attendance of The Most Worshipful Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. Richard Ensor, his Deputy, Rt. Wor. Bro. Leslie Nixon and the Assistant Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. John Montgomery.

Before the start of business, there was a short religious service of remembrance led by V.W. Bro. the Venerable Donald McClean, P.G.L. Chaplain.

The main items on the agenda were the installation of the new Provincial Grand Master and his Officers.

The Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. Richard Ensor duly installed Rt.Wor.Bro. Grahame Harper as Provincial Grand Master.

In turn, Rt. Wor.Bro.Harper then installed Rt.Wor.Bro. Robert Mitchell as Provincial Deputy Grand Master, and Rt.Wor. Bro. Stuart McCarter as Provincial Assistant Grand Master.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Raymond Robinson who had held the post since March 2019 had completed his tenure of office and during his term as P.G.M. Rt.Wor.Bro.Robinson encountered several challenges, including Covid, the sad death of our Grand Master, M.Wor.Bro. Rodney McCurley and his own personal health issues. He confronted these difficulties with positive determination.

Rt. Wor. Bro. Harper then invested Wor. Bro. Colin McCandless  (Lodge 589) as Provincial Grand Secretary and Wor. Bro. John Wilson (Lodge 297) as Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary.

Following the communication there was a celebratory banquet and once again, we owe a sincere depth of gratitude to the management and staff of the White Horse Hotel for their usual co-operation and excellent cuisine.​​

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On Thursday 17/10/2025, the P.G.M. held his annual Social Evening for Lodges in Limavady, Londonderry and Donemana in The White Horse Hotel, Campsie.

Wor.Bro.Ivan Smyth welcomed everyone to the dinner. He gave a particular greeting to Mrs. Pamela Smyth, widow of the late Wor.Bro.David Smyth, past member of W.E.Scott Memorial Lodge 554 and her daughter Jennifer, who received life-changing injuries in a sports accident in 2013. Thanks to funding provided by Freemasonry and other charities, Jennifer is now regaining some mobility with the use of her wheelchair. Everyone gave her an enthusiastic round of applause.

Over ninety senior brethren, their wives, widows and friends attended and were treated to a first-class carvery dinner. Many thanks to the hotel’s catering staff for providing the usual high standard of  repast.

Wor.Bro. Ivan Smyth provided the background music for the evening, and we were entertained by a lone piper, Mr. Scott Burns, a member of The Bready Ulster-Scots Pipe Band.

On behalf of all the guests, Ms. M. Leslie, a widow of Moville Lodge 297, expressed thanks and gratitude to the Provincial Grand Lodge for again hosting another memorable evening.

Appreciation must also go to Wor. Bro. Norman Boyd who organized the evening, likewise, thanks to the various Lodge Almoners who helped transport some of the guests to and from the venue.

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David Allen, W.M. of Island of Inch Lodge 589 and the Lodge Secretary W.Bro. Colin McCandless presented a cheque for £1300 to Foyle Hospice on 15th October 2025 in memory of Mrs Violet Gault, wife of V. W. Bro John Gault.  The cheque was the proceeds of the BBQ held during the summer.

On Thursday 10th July 2025, members of “Island of Inch” Masonic Lodge 589, had the pleasure of handing over a cheque for £300.00 to the Alzheimer’s Society, the proceeds of an Easter Hamper Draw organized by 589.
The money was received by Ms. Amy Foley representing the Alzheimer’s Society.
Also in the picture are, left to right. Wor.Bro. David Allen, (W.M), Wor.Bro. Colin McCandless, Lodge secretary and Wor.Bro.John McLaughlin, Lodge Steward of Charities.

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Royal Blue Masonic Lodge No 404 Portstewart held their annual Big Breakfast in Portstewart British Legion Hall, Lever Road, Portstewart from 8.00AM until 12.00 Noon on 14th June. Their selected Charity this year was The Alzheimer Society and the Lodge Refurbishment fund.

There are over 22,000 people with dementia in Northern Ireland and the people in The Alzheimer Society are working hard towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They do this by providing help to those living with dementia today and providing research and hope for the future. 

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As you can see from the attached photographs, the Lodge had a very successful day serving some 170 breakfasts and after all costs were deducted ended up with some £ 1,200.00 for the Alzheimer Society.  Brethren, once again, a very successful venture by the members of Royal Blue Masonic Lodge No. 404 Portstewart. Their members and friends worked hard all morning to make the occasion a success, and of course, many old friends turned up for their breakfast during the morning.

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An abridged report by

Robert Bashford

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The Provincial Grand Master presenting the J.L. Rankin Trophy

to W. Bro. Stephen Boyd, Lodge 779, Garvagh

An abridged report by

R.W. Bro. Robert Bashford

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My work this morning took me to Greysteel, Ballykelly and Limavady, so for once I was nearby and had the opportunity to take a few photos for the organisers. And as most of you know, I have absolutely no knowledge of Golf. By 1.30pm I was joined by the Provincial Grand Master of Londonderry & Donegal – Rt Wor Bro Raymond Robinson, and he did his best to explain some of the finer points on golf to me. Raymond did his best, but I’m more of a brown trout fisherman. Whilst taking two action shots, I got caught in the rain, and shortly thereafter retired to my next meeting in Ballymoney.  I hope all concerned had a great day over the course, and later today, once the last card has been returned, there will be a prize giving in the top floor of the Castlerock Club, with those magnificent views of the North Channel with the Bann Mouth, Portstewart and Portrush in the distance.

After I left there was apparently, glorious sunshine for the rest of the day!

The winner of the J.L. Rankin Cup (restricted to brethren from PGL of Londonderry & Donegal) was Stephen Boyd of Lodge No 779, Garvagh, with 39 pts. The Masonic Visitors' Prize was won by Gary Monteith, Phoenix Lodge 836, Dungannon, PGL T&F, with 42 Pts. The Non-Masonic Visitors Prize went to William Chambers of Castlerock Golf Club with 41 Pts and  the Ladies Prize went to Norma Brogan of Strabane Golf Club with 35 Pts.  Nearest the pin was Adam Gibson and the Longest Drive went to Colin Wilson from Newtownstewart Golf Club. There were also runners up prizes, 20 raffle prizes etc.

Our thanks go to Tournament Organiser R.W. Bro. Raymond Eakin and his team of Zane Cole, Gary Tosh and John Walls who looked after the registration, checking scores etc., as well as getting the signage out to the tees and collecting them again.

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Robert Bashford​​

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W. Bro. David Liddell Joined Royal Blue Masonic Lodge 754 on 10th November 1972 and went on to become Worshipful Master in 1984. He took on the role of Director of Ceremonies from 1984 until 2003. He is one of a number of hall trustees from 1995 until the present day. David received his 50 year jewel and certificate on the 14th March 2025 from the R. W. Provincial Grand Master of Londonderry and Donegal,  R. W. Bro. Raymond Robinson and R. W. Provincial Assistant Grand Master R. W. Bro. Alan Maguire.

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)n Friday7th February R.W. Bro. Alan Maguire (P. Asst. Grand Master), presented a cheque for £500 on behalf of PGL Chairties to the Simon Community in Coleraine. They currently house 16 people, 14 men and 2 woman, many of whom have issues with mental health, addiction or just homless, and currently they can be housed for up to two years.

The manager Joy was very appreciative, and informed me that her grandfather was a Freemason in Omagh.

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On Saturday 14th. December 2024 the Social Club in the Freemason's Hall, Bishop Street held their Childrens Christmas party.

Once again it was a remarkable success, enjoyed by all the children, and adults.

Special thanks must go to Wor. Bro. Norman Boyd and his wife Margaret, who devoted many hours of planning, and coordinating  entertainers, food and helpers, ensuring everything went without a hitch.

Perhaps the most energetic and popular attraction for the children was the Bouncy Castle.

Some of the assistants for the day were Wor. Bro. Ivan Smyth who provided the music, Mrs. Irene Jones for  her expert painting and coloring skills, Mrs. Julie Mercer for the skillful guidance at her cake and cookie stall. Thanks also go to Rt.Wor. Bro. Robert Mitchell for providing his customary annual  role, which is a closely kept secret!!  

Before Santa arrived, the children all enjoyed a tasty sausage supper, courtesy of  The Village Fryer, Newbuildings. It was a pleasure to see how all the children enjoyed the various attractions, not to mention the highlight of the afternoon which of course was the arrival of Santa with a present for everyone.

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The two recipients were John McMillan who was initiated in 1972 and served as WM in 1983, and Joe Colgan who was initiated  in 1974 in Lodge 38, Ballintoy in the PGL of Antrim and was WM in 2001.

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WM Nigel Patterson and WB Treasurer Alistair Moore.along with representatives Moira & Hugh of the We Care Food bank Letterkenny.

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WM Nigel Patterson Friendship 341, Martin Pyper (representative of Donegal Down Syndrome and WBro John McKinney Pioneer 271

WB John McKinney, Sylvia Speer (Representative of Killygordan Primary School)and  WB Nigel Patterson.

On Thursday 17th October the third and final Provincial Grand Lodge Social Evening for 2024 was held in the White Horse Hotel, Campsie, attended by approximately eighty guests.
The P.G.M. welcomed everyone, expressing his delight at the good attendance, and Provincial Assistant Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Robert Mitchell said Grace before we were treated to an exceptional carvery, followed by sweets with tea/coffee.
We were more than fortunate to have as compere and comedian for the evening, the well-known Gary Wilson who entertained us with his usual brand of comedy and laughter. He then introduced the famous Trevor Dixon who treated us to his solo act of music and song, demonstrating his talent for playing many different musical instruments.
At the end of the night, the P.G.M. again thanked everyone involved, especially Wor. Bro. Norman Boyd for his work in acquiring the talents of the performers and also the considerate hotel staff.
He wished everybody a safe journey home and as is the custom in Freemasonry, everyone joined in the singing of Auld Lang Syne to close a highly successful evening.


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On Wednesday 9th October 2024 the second Social Evening was held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, which is already renowned for its cuisine and hospitality.
The P.G.M. welcomed 120 guests and brethren and thanked all the Lodge Almoners for ensuring the safe transport of our guests to and from the venue.
Wor.Bro. John Kerr, a Provincial Grand Physician also spoke and gave the guests a warm welcome.
The evening commenced with a succulent carvery followed by a dessert and tea/coffee. For the rest of the evening, we were magnificently entertained by the music of the Deja-Vu trio.
As is customary on these nights, the ladies all received a small present, courtesy of their respective Lodges.
 

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On Thursday 3rd October 2024 the Provincial Grand Master, Rt. Wor.Bro. Raymond Robinson hosted the first of the annual and popular Social Evenings around the Province, in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, Co.Donegal.
The P.G.M. welcomed everyone to the venue and assured them of a first-rate dinner followed by some exhilarating cabaret.
He thanked, in particular, Wor. Bro. Gordon Scanlon who played a significant role in organizing the entire evening. He expressed his appreciation, to the various Lodge Almoners for their support and help with transport arrangements for those requiring it. Fifty-five guests enjoyed a first-class five-course meal, followed by some professional entertainment, provided by Gary McCready.
A few of the ladies even received instruction on a novel dance routine and, In conclusion, the P.G.M. thanked everyone present and wished them a safe journey home.

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The Provincial Grand Lodge Golf Tournament was held at Foyle Golf Centre on Friday 14th June and the winner of the J.L.Rankin Cup was Frank McClintock (second from the left).
Our thanks go yet again to R.W. Bro. Raymond Eakin, who despite still recovering from a serious illness, managed to be there to ensure everything went like clockwork.
He was ably assisted by Worshipful Brothers John Walls, Trevor Purce, Ian Leslie and Gary Tosh who helped throughout the day. R.W. Bro. Eakin has yet again managed to increase the number of our sponsors to whom we are eternally grateful and to our competitors without whom the day would not have been possible.
The prize winners in the various categories are as follows:
 
Non Masonic Winner       1st  Harry Phillips           36 pts
                                            2nd Alex Madden           36pts
 
Masonic visitor                  1st Gary Monteith         37pts
                                           2nd Brian Monteith        35pts
Ladies.                                1st Thelma Monteith    35pts
 
JL Rankin Trophy.             1st Frank McClintock     37pts
                                          2nd Zane Cole                  36pts

Rt. Wor.Bro. Raymond Robinson and the Asst. Provincial Grand Secretary Wor. Bro. Colin McCandless presented a cheque to Ms. Aimee Foley who received it on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.  On the left is the Asst. Provincial Grand Master, Rt.Wor. Bro. Robert Overend and third from left is Rt. Wor. Bro. Alan Maguire, Asst. Provincial Grand Masters and Chairmen of the Entertainment committee.
(The actual donation was for £2100.00).
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Rt. Wor. Bro. Robinson also presented cheques for £2100.00 to Mr Ian Crowe MBE for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, of which Mr. Crowe is Joint Deputy Chair, and Mrs. Kathleen McBride MBE, the Public Relations Officer for the N.S.P.C.C. in Northern Ireland.

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On Saturday 8th June 2024 another successful “Cream Tea” was arranged for Lodge widows, senior brethren and their friends. A formal welcome was extended to everyone by the Ass.P.G.M. Rt.Wor. Bro. Robert Mitchell. The organizing of the event was in the capable hands of Rt.Wor.Bro. David Bratton and the food was prepared by Wor.Bro.Norman Boyd, with the capable assistance of his wife Margaret. Entertainment was provided by Ms. Laura Flanagan who provided some popular music, much appreciated by her audience. Our guests were also entertained by a short session of Bingo.
Grateful thanks must also be extended to the many Lodge members who so willingly gave their time to assist at the event or transported some of our guests to and from the venue.
Mrs. Marjorie Leslie, on behalf of the guests, spoke of her sincere appreciation to everyone involved and expressed her pleasure with these informal events as it created a welcome opportunity to meet and renew established friendships.

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Pioneer 271 held a very successful Quiz Night and raised €1410 for Alzheimers Society and the hall repair fund.

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