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A long-held ambition became a reality in October when the Provincial Grand Master for Durham travelled to Romania to attend the Annual Meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons.
Inspired in part by the number of Romanian Brethren visiting Grand Mark Lodge, the visit was finally arranged following the news that a Durham member was to receive a promotion within the District of Romania. The PGM was joined by his Deputy and Assistant, both enthusiastic about the opportunity, and their wives, turning the occasion into a memorable four-day break.
The party flew out on Thursday 8 October, staying at the Carro Hotel in Bucharest, the venue for the Annual Meeting. A welcome gathering on Friday evening provided the perfect opportunity to meet fellow Brethren and begin what would prove to be a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
Saturday’s Annual Meeting, held at 11am, attracted around 250 attendees. The Durham delegation was delighted to support George Young as he received the honour of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
The formal proceedings were followed by a gala dinner at 7pm, where the warmth of Romanian hospitality was very much in evidence. The evening featured excellent food, wine tasting with Cristian Mihutoiu, District Grand Master of Romania, and lively entertainment from Romanian singers and dancers.
On Sunday, the visitors explored Bucharest’s historic Old Town, sampling local cuisine and enjoying the friendly welcome of the people they met along the way.
The visit combined Freemasonry, friendship, culture and relaxation, providing a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties between Durham and Romania. It was a busy and different kind of weekend, but one filled with warm memories and a fitting example of the international fellowship at the heart of Freemasonry.