Ray Martland 50 years a Mark Man

V.W.Bro SR (Ray) Martland 50 years a Mark Man

On Tuesday 3rd February 2026, V.W.Bro SR (Ray) Martland celebrated exactly 50 years in Mark Masonry at the Regular meeting of Murray Mark Lodge No 490 at Pemberton Masonic Hall. Ray had been Advanced into Murray Mark Lodge at Tower Buildings, Wigan on the 3rd February 1976.

*Ian, John and Ray*
The Representative of the R.W.P.G.M was V.W.Bro Ian Douglas Nairn P.Asst.P.GM. who orchestrated the evening celebration with his usual style and humour.

Ian with Ray
Present to bare witness and to celebrate Rays wonderful achievement were 43 Mark Masons.

*Ray can be seen here with his fellow Grand Lodge Officers:*
*W.Bro M Currie, W.Bro MR Stokes (The R.W.P.G.M Sprecial Representative), W.Bro M Currie,*
*W.Bro MR Stokes (The R.W.P.G.M Sprecial Representative), W.W.Bro A Robinson,* *V.W.Bro ID Nairn*
*(The R.W.P.G.M. Representative), V.W.Bro SR Martland (The Celebrant), V.W.Bro I Clark,*
*V.W.Bro MM Evans and W.Bro G Corday*
Before finishing the celebration in Lodge Ray presented a wonderful personal cheque to V.W.Bro ID Nairn for the benefit of Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

The celebration continued in fine style at the festive board.

Words and pictures by Andrew McMath