The brethren of Jávea Lodge No. 40 gathered on 25 March 2026 for their Regular Meeting at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre, where a fine attendance of 30 members and visitors filled the lodge room with warmth, harmony, and fraternal spirit. The Lodge was delighted to welcome visiting brethren from Buckinghamshire, Rugby Bastion Lodge and Thistle Lodge in Scotland.

This meeting marked an important milestone for the Lodge, being the first to be chaired by W. Bro. Kevin Hamilton, who conducted the proceedings with confidence, dignity, and good humour—qualities that were warmly appreciated by all present.

The Lodge was further honoured by the presence of distinguished Provincial Officers:

• V.W. Bro. Frank Wallace, Provincial Grand Inspector
• W. Bro. Paul Norman Nicholls, Provincial Senior Grand Warden
• W. Bro. Peter Johnson, Provincial Junior Grand Warden

Their attendance added greatly to the significance of the evening.

Bro. Paul Lewis with W. Bro. Kevin Hamilton and our visitors from Buckinghamshire

A highlight of the meeting was the Raising of Bro. Paul Lewis to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. The ceremony was carried out with solemnity and precision, befitting the importance of the occasion. Paul’s advancement carries a special resonance—his grandfather was a Master Mason in a Scottish Lodge, making Paul almost a Lewis called Lewis!

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Following the meeting, 28 brethren gathered for a lively and enjoyable Festive Board. All Toasts were observed with due respect, and the atmosphere was one of genuine camaraderie.

The raffle brought a moment of light-hearted excitement, with V.W. Bro. Frank Wallace taking home the First Prize—a unit in Asociación Fraternal Unidad, much to the amusement and applause of the brethren.

The evening will be remembered not only for its ceremonial significance but also for the warmth, unity, and good fellowship that define Jávea Lodge No. 40. As the Lodge continues its work under the guidance of W. Bro. Hamilton, the future looks bright indeed.

The Grand Lodge of Spain – Grande Oriente Español held its XLV Ordinary Grand Assembly in Madrid on Saturday, 14 March, during which M.W. Bro. Shaun Parsons Herrera was formally installed as Grandmaster of Spain.

The event brought together an impressive international delegation, including the Grandmasters and representatives of the United Kingdom, the District of Gibraltar, France, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Andorra, Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Brazil, and others. Also present were representatives of the Supreme Council of the 33rd and Last Degree for Spain, the District of Mark Master Masons of Spain, and the International Order of DeMolay.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia was prominently represented, with R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, Provincial Grand Master, attending the Assembly and installation ceremony.

As is tradition, Valencia once again played a vital ceremonial role. A strong contingent of Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies from Valencia formed a significant part of the new Grandmaster’s escort and Valencian Stewards assisted throughout the day. Their professionalism, discipline, and commitment were widely noted and contributed greatly to the dignity and smooth running of the ceremony.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia extends its warmest congratulations to M.W. Bro. Shaun Parsons Herrera and reaffirms its full support as he begins his tenure as Grandmaster.

Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No. 58 held a well‑supported meeting on Tuesday 10th March at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre, with more than twenty brethren in attendance. The Lodge was also delighted to welcome six visiting brethren, including W. Bro. Terry Whitehead, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, whose presence added particular distinction to the evening.

A highlight of the meeting was an illuminating lecture delivered by Bro. Stephen Young, titled “The Repression of Freemasonry in the Franco Years.” Bro. Young guided the brethren through the early development of Freemasonry in Spain, the rise of General Franco, and the systematic efforts made during the dictatorship to suppress Freemasonry and the values it upholds. His presentation offered both historical insight and a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Craft.

Following the lecture, W. Bro. Terry Whitehead provided an important update on the ongoing work to establish the Marina Alta Masonic Centre. He shared the latest floor plans, thanked the Lodge for all of its donations so far and encouraged the brethren to continue supporting the project—both through contributions and by attending the fundraising events being organised to bring the Centre to fruition.

The evening concluded in fine tradition as the brethren adjourned to the Festive Board, where good fellowship was enjoyed and all customary toasts were observed.

Santa Faz Lodge No. 48 held its much‑anticipated Annual Beach Walk and BBQ on Saturday, 7 March, delivering one of the most successful events in its history. This year’s gathering introduced a new format, offering two walking routes to ensure that every participant could take part comfortably.

Two Walks, One Purpose

The first route—a challenging 15‑kilometre trek along the full length of Playa San Juan—was organised by Richard Davis. The walk took approximately three hours to complete and attracted members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge along with friends from Bonalba Golf.

For those preferring a gentler pace, a second “Lighter” walk set off from the International Club at 1:30 p.m., allowing participants to contribute according to their ability while still supporting their sponsors.

A Feast and Fellowship

In a welcome change, the renowned Santa Faz Masterchefs were given the afternoon off as catering was outsourced for the event. The Santa Faz Ladies, however, ensured the tables were beautifully complemented with an impressive selection of homemade salads and side dishes.

More than one hundred brethren, partners, guests, and a group from the Elche Children’s Home attended, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. Live entertainment was provided by the talented and ever‑popular singer Ben Ashley, adding to the day’s enjoyment.

Supporting Worthy Causes

This year’s sponsorship and donations will benefit the Master’s Charities:

• MABS Cancer Relief
• The Elche Children’s Home
• The Marina Alta Masonic Centre (included for the first time)

At the time of publication, the Lodge has raised over €3,500, with additional contributions still expected. For the first time, the Lodge also introduced the “WhyDonate” crowdfunding platform, which has already generated €1,162 and remains open until Sunday 15th March.

A Special Thank You

No Santa Faz event would be complete without acknowledging the tireless efforts of our Charity Steward, Barry Hovell, and his wife Gill. Their dedication, organisation, and enthusiasm once again ensured a memorable and smoothly run event. The Lodge is truly fortunate to have such a committed couple among its members.

Report by Bro. Hamish McConnachie

Dovre Lodge No 184 gathered at the La Laguna Hotel in Quesada on Saturday 7th March to celebrate their 10th anniversary, with 47 Brethren and guests enjoying a memorable evening of fellowship and reflection.

The festivities were opened by the head of the Festive Committee, W. Bro. Rolf Kristiansen, followed by a heartfelt welcome address from Dovre’s Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Morten Holm Gundersen.

The R.W. Provincial Grandmaster, R.W. Bro. Rodney Bignell also extended warm greetings to Dover Lodge No 184 on this special occasion.

A highlight of the evening was the generous gift from brethren in Iceland: a beautifully crafted flag pole displaying all the Nordic flags, symbolising the international brotherhood that defines Dovre Lodge No 184.

Dovre Lodge No 184 was formally consecrated as a Lodge on 30 January 2016, yet the history of Norwegian Freemasonry on the Costa Blanca reaches back to 1974. Today, Dovre Lodge No 184 continues this proud tradition by offering Nordic Brethren the opportunity to practise Freemasonry in the Swedish Rite while residing in Spain.

It was an evening filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values that unite us across borders.