Sunday 29th May, 2025 Harrow Masonic Centre
What do you call a sunny afternoon filled with burgers, Brethren, and a booming Loud Haler? A recipe for success — and that’s exactly what we had at this year’s Mark Provincial BBQ!
Hosted by our very own RW Bro Peter Hyde and his lovely wife Tina, the event took place at the Harrow Masonic Centre under glorious sunshine, with just enough breeze to stop us melting like cheese slices on a hot grill.
The scene was set: aprons tied, flames roaring, and stomachs growling in anticipation.
George Fraser and Ed Smith manned the grill with such wizard-like precision, you’d swear they’d graduated from the Hogwarts School of Grillcraft and Sausagery.
Each burger was flipped with flair, and not a single banger met a fiery fate — thanks in no small part to the watchful eye of the Master Overseer.
Any sausage that didn’t make the grade was swiftly exiled to the bin, while the worthy ones were proudly served with the unmistakable Mark Master’s seal of approval.
At one point, someone even whispered they’d seen George muttering “Expelliarmus” at a rogue wasp — now that’s commitment to the craft.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any tastier — out came the salads, homemade coleslaw and potato salad. Fresh, zesty, and made with love (and possibly a touch of competition-level pride). Let’s be honest: if you didn’t go back for seconds, were you even at the BBQ?
Fuelled by food, the banter began to bubble nicely. Stepping up to the mic — or more accurately, the invisible megaphone — was none other than our Provincial Loud Haler, Darren Payne. Part announcer, part stand-up comic, part foghorn, Darren kept the jokes rolling all afternoon. Some were classics, some were questionable, and one or two may have been older than the sausages — but all were delivered with gusto and volume.
A special shoutout to the Brethren who brought along their classic cars — there were plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from those of us pretending to know the difference between a carburettor and a coat hook.
The bar was, shall we say, a short countryside walk away. But the reward — a cool pint in an air-conditioned haven — was well worth the trek. Think of it as a mini pilgrimage, only with Guinness at the end instead of spiritual enlightenment.
Best of all? No washing up. It was one of those afternoons where everything just worked — good weather, good food, good humour, and great company.
A huge thank you to Peter and Tina for hosting, George and Ed for manning the flames, Darren for the commentary, and everyone who came and made the day such a success.
Next stop: The Prince Michael of Kent Lodge Banner Dedication at Mark Masons’ Hall. Slightly fewer sausages. Just as many smiles.
