The PGM

The Provincial Grand Master Mark Master Masons

Chris Adkin was born in Nottingham in 1964, educated locally; and after obtaining his Degree in Accounting & Finance he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. The decision to become a Chartered Accountant was first settled upon by Chris as a schoolboy at the tender age of 8 and he has demonstrated his commitment to steadfastly pursue an established worthwhile goal many times since.

His involvement with Freemasonry first began when his father introduced him to Le Willows Lodge as a "Lewis" (the son of a Freemason) in 1991. Chris has since expanded his research and knowledge to embrace many of the other Orders that Freemasonry has to offer, with the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees being foremost among these. Having filled the Office of Deputy Secretary within the Province since 2005, he was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary in March 2010. In 2015 Chris was appointed to the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master and in April 2021 he became Provincial Grand Master.

Chris married Tina in November 1995 and they now live in Mansfield, where Chris runs his own Accountancy Practice. Since 2007 they have had an apartment on the Black Sea coast at Sozopol in Bulgaria and together they embarked upon a shared aim to learn the Bulgarian language, enrolling for a class at the local college.

Interests beyond family and Freemasonry include all forms of motor sport, gliding and travel. Chris assisted with the running of a National road safety competition for over 20 years, he has marshalled on many national and international rallies, as well as attending some events whilst still in a 'carry cot' as a very young baby! Gliding became a passion whilst he was still a student and has provided him with plenty of opportunity to travel the UK in support of this absorbing sport, including the chance to be part of a team entered in the Universities Flying Week competition.

Chris always delivers his full commitment to any activity with which he becomes involved, willing to take an active role if appropriate, believing firmly that we all get out of our activities in proportion to what we put in to them.

An occupational hazard that usually befalls any Accountant is that the job of treasurer frequently lands at their feet. Chris has willingly taken on the job of treasurer many times, including that of the Parish Church where he and Tina were married and he was also the finance Trustee for the national drugs education charity, DARE (UK), for a number of years. Currently Chris is a member of the Mansfield Armchair Club, which raises money for local sports people and helps enable those of all abilities reach their potential and enjoy their chosen sport.

Another one of Chris’s long held beliefs is that Freemasonry is something to be shared with family and friends. The Mark has a very strong tradition of encouraging friendship, something which Chris is always keen to promote through the various social activities arranged by the Mark, whether it be through individual Lodges, the Province or Grand Mark Lodge (and particularly throughout 2020/21 online events too).

Chris is a most capable administrator who has a keen interest and appreciation of the traditions and ceremonial aspects of the Mark Degree. He is a regular visitor to many of the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges within our Province and he is always pleased to widen his circle of friends whenever visiting other Lodges and Provinces. It is clear to all who know him that he thoroughly enjoys his own Mark Masonry and that he is keen to help others enjoy theirs.

The Dept PGM

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master Mark Master Masons

Bruce Routledge was born in Wood Green, London in 1952. A year after emigrating to the USA in 1956 at the age of 4 his Parents decided to return to the UK, to Harlow in Essex, where he attended both Junior and Senior School before undertaking further studies at Harlow Technical College to gain a distinction in HNC Business Studies.

After 14 years working in the “Export” departments of several British manufacturers, a career change took him into Field Sales in the Aluminium Industry, spending the next 30 Years in Senior Sales for a number of Multi-National organisations. One of those roles brought Bruce and his family to re-locate to Nottingham in 1987.

Bruce is a father of 3, with both sons serving Officers in the Military (Navy and Army) and a Daughter in retail based in Cambridge. He has 2 Grand-children and with his (newly married) Wife Pamela, they have an extended family of 6 Children, 7 Grand-children and 3 Great-Grandchildren.  

Outside of Freemasonry, Bruce has many interests: particularly Travel, Sport, Reading, Cooking, Classical Music, DIY and Military History.

In 2005 he undertook his own Self-Build House Project which was completed in 2008, fulfilling a 25year ambition.

Bruce became a Freemason in 1997 and a Mark Master Mason in 2002. He has always worked diligently and enthusiastically as he progressed through the various Offices leading to the Chair, following which he has invariably taken on either a DC or a secretarial role in support of his Lodges and Chapters. A very clear demonstration of his willingness to be actively involved in undertaking the essential work of a Lodge.

This same blend of willingness and ability led Bruce to be appointed as an Active Provincial ADC in the Mark in 2011 (a couple of years before he became Worshipful Master of his Mark Lodge). A natural progression took him to Provincial Deputy DC in 2015 and then to take over as the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2016.

After 10 years at the heart of the Ceremonial team, Bruce takes on the role of Deputy Provincial Grand Master with that same enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the team effort, and also brings with him his slightly mischievous sense of humour.

The Provincial Grand Secretary

The Provincial Grand Secretary  Mark Master Masons

W. Bro Simon James Morris was born in Bulwell, Nottingham in 1965. His roots firmly lie in Bulwell where his Father Eddie who had served in the Royal Marine Commandoes during the Second World War ran his fruit and vegetable wholesale business. His Mother Cynthia also ran a local fruit and Vegetable shop Having been educated locally Simon completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship with the East Midlands Electricity Board after which and in between jobs started work at GTA Electrics Limited. After rising to manager, Simon bought the business which continues to trade.

Simon was introduced and initiated into Thoresby Lodge No. 3106 in 1993. Simon has since expanded his research and knowledge to embrace many of the other Orders that Freemasonry has to offer, with the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees being foremost among these. Having filled the Office of Deputy Secretary within the Province from 2015 - 2019, he was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary in March 2020.

Simon`s long term partner Dee have three children between them Becky, Hayley, and Sarah (25). All three girls having graduated from university Becky works as a chef on an ocean-going yacht based in Auckland, New Zealand where she has been resident for eight years. Hayley as a media co-ordinator for Durham County Council and Sarah as a quantity surveyor for a local building company.

Outside of Freemasonry Simon`s interests include Rugby Union, all types of Motor Sports (watching not competing) and cycling including a John O`Groats to Lands End charity ride in 2007 a tour of Mont Blanc and Chamonix to Nice.

Simon is a very experienced and capable administrator, having held a wide range of Secretarial Offices throughout his time in Freemasonry. Just as important is his willingness to help others and to organise events for the enjoyment of all. Simon is very approachable and clearly demonstrates his own enjoyment and commitment to the Mark Province through his regular attendance at our meetings, both in Lodge and at Social events.