The Provincial Grand Assembly of Valencia convened this year in impressive numbers, with 184 Brethren gathering to review the work of the Province, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to an ambitious future. Following the meeting, 149 Brethren attended the Festive Board, while 20 Ladies enjoyed a separate lunch graciously hosted by the Provincial Grand Master’s wife, Jeanette.

Distinguished Visitors and International Harmony

The Assembly was honoured by the presence of distinguished Brethren from Essex, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, the Channel Islands, the Province of Murcia, the Province of the Balearics, the Grand Herald of Norway, and the Assistant Grand Master of Spain, R.W. Bro. Barrie Roy Mansell. Their attendance underscored the strong bonds of friendship and fraternal co‑operation that extend far beyond our own Province.

Reports, Accounts and Provincial Business

The Assembly received detailed reports from Provincial Officers outlining the extensive work carried out across the Province during 2025. The Brethren then approved both the 2025 Provincial Accounts and the budget for 2026, ensuring that the Province continues to operate with transparency, stability and sound financial stewardship.

Investiture of Provincial Officers

A highlight of the meeting was the Provincial Grand Master’s installation of his Officers for 2026. This included the formal investiture of two Provincial Assistant Grand Masters of Valencia, W. Bro. Terry Whitehead and W. Bro. Ian Bullock, who were warmly welcomed into their new roles.

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Mason of the Year

The Provincial Grand Master was delighted to announce W. Bro. Ian Brown as Mason of the Year, recognising his tireless dedication in managing the Province’s finances and ensuring that our interests are properly represented at the Grand Lodge of Spain. His commitment and professionalism have been invaluable to the Province.

The Provincial Grand Master’s Address

In his address, the Provincial Grand Master reflected on the continued growth and diversity of our Province. With Brethren speaking English, Spanish, German, Norwegian and Dutch, he noted that Valencia stands as a living example of international harmony and co‑operation.

He went on to congratulate the Brethren on the remarkable achievement of raising sufficient funds to purchase the building in Ondara for a total of 225,000€, securing a permanent home for the Marina Alta Masonic Centre. While celebrating this milestone, he reminded the Assembly that further work—and further funds—will be required to bring the Centre fully to life. He expressed the hope that all Lodges will consider dedicating their charitable efforts for the remainder of 2026 to support this important Provincial project.

Festive Board and Presentations

Following the formal proceedings, the Brethren adjourned to the Festive Board, where all appropriate Toasts were observed in fine spirit. During the celebrations, the Provincial Grand Master received thoughtful presentations from delegations representing Jersey and Guernsey, further strengthening the bonds of friendship across Provinces.

Conclusion

A memorable Assembly marked by unity, progress and shared purpose, this year’s gathering demonstrated once again the strength, diversity and forward momentum of the Province of Valencia.

The Crystal Terrace of the Gran Bali Hotel in Benidorm provided a superb setting on Friday, 27th February, as more than eighty Brethren and guests gathered for a convivial Drinks Reception ahead of the Provincial Grand Assembly.

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The atmosphere was one of genuine friendship and anticipation, with the terrace offering an elegant backdrop for informal conversation and renewed acquaintances. The reception brought together a wonderfully diverse mix of attendees, including visiting groups from Lancashire, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Balearic Islands, all of whom received a warm welcome from local Brethren.

Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with discussion about the forthcoming Assembly, shared experiences from across the Provinces, and the pleasure of reconnecting with friends old and new. The presence of so many visiting Brethren added a special sense of unity and mutual support, reflecting the strength of our wider Masonic family.

Events such as this Drinks Reception continue to demonstrate the value of fellowship at the heart of our Craft—reminding us that, wherever we travel, we are never far from a friendly handshake and a warm smile.

The R.W. Provincial Grandmaster and his wife were delighted to pose for a photograph with visitors from Jersey and Guernsey at the Drinks Reception before the Assembly

Results of the Provincial Grand Prize Draw

First Prize of 500€ – Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58

Second Prize of 250€ – Euromason Lodge No 55

Third Prize of 100€ – W. Bro. David Perkins – Oliva La Safor Lodge No 112

Fourth Prize of 50€ – Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65

Full Report on the Provincial Grand Assembly will follow soon

The Installation of W. Bro. Kevin Hamilton as Worshipful Master on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, was a warm and memorable occasion for Jávea Lodge No. 40. Brethren and honoured guests gathered at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre to witness this important moment in the Lodge’s calendar, celebrating continuity, friendship, and the shared commitment that defines our Craft.

The ceremony was conducted with dignity and precision, as W. Bro. Hamilton was installed into the Chair of King Solomon by his predecessor, W. Bro. Alex Wilkins, in full accordance with our cherished traditions. The work was carried out with great care, earning the heartfelt approval of all present.

The Lodge was especially honoured by the attendance of R.W. Provincial Grand Master Rodney Charles Bignell, accompanied by his escort of Provincial Grand Stewards and other members of the Provincial Executive. Their presence added distinction to the evening and reaffirmed the strong and valued relationship between Jávea Lodge No. 40 and the Province of Valencia.

W. Bro. Phil Munroe, W. Bro. Kevin Hamilton and W. Bro. Dave Bruce

The Lodge was also honoured by three guests from England. W. Bro. Phil Munroe, of the Provincial Stewards Lodge of West Kent No. 8565, first met our new Worshipful Master in Qatar, in 2008, and the two remained friends for three years before discovering they were both Masons! W. Bro. Dave Bruce, who served as Master of Merchant Navy Lodge No. 781 in 1999 when Kevin returned from Kenya as a new Master Mason and worked with him for more than a decade, during which they helped regenerate that Lodge to nearly forty members. The gathering was further distinguished by the presence of W.Bro. Graham Dickerson, Past Senior Grand Warden of UGLE and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Essex, of Mountfitchet Lodge No. 1234.

Following the ceremony, thirty‑eight members and guests gathered at the Festive Board to celebrate W. Bro. Hamilton’s Installation. The atmosphere was one of genuine fellowship, with lively conversation, shared reflections, and a clear sense of unity.

A charity raffle held during the Festive Board raised a commendable €375. The prizes—two units in Asociación Fraternal Unidad—were won by R.W. Bro. Rod Hales and W. Bro. Kjell Arild Vaage. The proceeds will support the ongoing development of the Marina Alta Masonic Centre, a project which the Lodge is very proud to support.

The Installation of W. Bro. Kevin Hamilton was a resounding success, marked by dignified ceremony, distinguished company, and warm fraternity. The Lodge extends sincere thanks to all who attended, with particular appreciation to the R. W. Provincial Grand Master and to Kevin’s guests who travelled from England to share in this special occasion.

Here is a selection of photographs from the day. Please double click on the image to expand them.

The delegates at the Quesada Course (Bro. Kevin Bird in the centre)

Freemasonry in Valencia is unique in many ways, owing to the unusually high proportion of members who are of a certain age when compared with both the national average and, quite possibly, the international one. We often hear the saying that “old age doesn’t come alone”, and it is undeniably true. The older we become, the more we must rely on others for help and support.

The Lodge Almoners of Valencia do everything they can to assist their Brethren and their partners—whether that means offering a sympathetic ear, helping with a hospital appointment, or providing a lift to the Lodge when driving becomes difficult.

The Provincial Grand Almoners continue to support Lodges with practical guidance and initiatives, such as the “Early Detection is the Best Protection” campaign on prostate cancer.

Recently, we held a series of seminars at Costa Nova and Quesada—“First Responders Awareness Training”—which offered practical advice on how to act when encountering someone in need of immediate, potentially life‑saving assistance.

The course covered key areas including: arriving safely at the scene, carrying out a visual assessment, removing yourself or the casualty from further danger, placing the casualty in the recovery position, administering CPR correctly, and understanding the purpose and use of a defibrillator.

These two‑hour sessions were extremely well received and warmly praised by all who attended, and we thank them for their participation.

A very special thank you goes to Brother Kevin Bird of Dama de Elche Lodge No 163 for delivering the course and entertaining the audience with vivid—and at times humorous—anecdotes.

Of course, we hope none of us will ever need to put these new skills into practice, but it is reassuring to know that we now have a number of members across the Province who are better prepared to help should the need arise.

Report by: W. Bro. Chris Ward – Provincial Grand Almoner