The Pro Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex recently attended a meeting of Javea 40 Lodge in the Province of Valencia. Accompanied by W Bro David Wareham, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, he was there to witness a significant moment—the installation of W Bro Alex Wilkins as Worshipful Master. W Bro Wilkins, a distinguished Freemason, has previously served twice as Worshipful Master of Ashford Manor Lodge 5045 in the Province of Middlesex.
The meeting was held in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia, RW Bro Rodney Bignell, who was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Sword and Provincial Standard, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, and six Provincial Stewards. The installation ceremony was conducted in English and, while similar to an Emulation ritual ceremony, had some notable differences. One such aspect was the inclusion of the rarely seen opening and closing ceremonies of a Board of Installed Masters, an intriguing feature not often observed in English Lodges.
Javea 40 Lodge boasts a diverse membership of both British and Spanish brethren and prides itself on maintaining a strong Lodge of Instruction. Following the meeting, the Brethren gathered for a pre-dinner social around the bar, setting the stage for a warm and convivial festive board. The evening’s menu showcased the best of the region’s freshly farmed and fished local produce, complemented by fine wine.
During the festive board, the newly installed Worshipful Master expressed his gratitude to his personal guests and paid tribute to his proposer into English Freemasonry forty-three years ago—both individuals with whom he has shared friendships spanning more than fifty years. W Bro David Wareham also responded to the visitors’ toast, recalling his long-standing friendship with the Worshipful Master, which dates back to their time at the Royal Masonic School sixty-three years ago.
The evening was a resounding success, reaffirming the benefits of visiting other Lodges and experiencing the universal camaraderie of Freemasonry. Wherever Freemasons travel in the world, they can always expect a warm welcome, enduring friendships, and the shared values that bind our fraternity together.
