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The Province's Initiative for New and Young Masons
Introducing, Supporting, Nurturing and Developing New and Young Masons within the Province
TBQ
Chairman's Message
It affords me great pride to address you at the beginning of this new year. The sentiment I wish to convey is a simple one, yet deeply sincere.
I extend my warmest wishes for good health and happiness in the year ahead — to you, your families, your friends, and, most importantly, to those whose support enables us to gather and enjoy the privileges of our Freemasonry.
To those who may have stepped away from the bustle of Christmas Day — whether from playing with Lego, assembling doll houses, returning the Scalextric car to its track for the tenth time, or completing the final preparations for the inaugural dinner — to listen to His Majesty The King’s Speech, we were reminded of themes of international travel, pilgrimage, unity, togetherness, community, and love for our neighbours. The repeated emphasis on the word “Journey” may well have prompted thoughtful reflection.
For those who had the opportunity to listen, you may have found yourselves contemplating your own journey: within the Craft, within life, and within the bonds we share as Brethren. Each of us travels a path shaped by experience, guided by principle, and strengthened by the companionship we find in one another. And as January unfolds, many of us embrace the long‑standing tradition of forming New Year’s resolutions — to improve our wellbeing, to pursue new interests, to devote more time to loved ones. This year, perhaps, the resolution may simply be to embark upon more journeys.
His Majesty also reflected upon the past year, including the commemorations of VE and VJ Days during the summer.
While reflection is essential — and we often find ourselves “journeying back” in thought — it is equally important to acknowledge how far we have travelled. In 2025, it was a privilege to welcome newly initiated Brethren into The Borders Quarrymen and to witness their support of their Mother Lodges throughout the Provincial Grand Lodge of The Scottish Borders. Together, we contributed significant charitable assistance to those in need. Brethren from across Scotland journeyed to distant lands such as Zambia, where discussions were held on the future of the Craft and the continued development of the Young and New Mason Initiative. We witnessed the conferral of honorary Grand Ranks, and we saw The Grand Lodge of Scotland open its doors on a Saturday, enabling young and new Masons from across the country to unite, labour, and learn together.
It is the journey ahead, however, to which I invite your attention as we raise one final glass during this festive season.
Let us travel forward together, Brethren. Let us deepen our understanding of this ancient and honourable Craft together, Brethren. And let us enrich our Masonic journeys throughout 2026 through the guidance, leadership, camaraderie, and enduring friendships of all Brethren.
Bro. P. M. Farquhar - Chairman
The Borders Quarrymen
Peter Farquhar - Vice Chairman
Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32
Jack Brown - Vice Chairman
Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32
Jake Hume - Secretary
My masonic career began almost 3 years ago at the Hawick Lodge No. 111 (or yin yin yin) where I have now taken up a working office.
I have been involved with the quarrymen from its inception and watched it grow from strength to strength as our members have progressed in freemasonry through charitable work and participation in masonic degrees.
Please feel free to contact me at our email address at thebordersquarrymen@outlook.com if you have any queries about the Young and New Masons of the Scottish Borders.
supporting our communities
Escape Youth Services
Escape Youth Services
Secretary of the Borders Quarrymen, Jake Hume, met with Andrew Shields from Escape Youth Services to present a cheque for £300.
Escape Youth Services are an after school social club based in Hawick that arranges sports events and an area to hang out for youths from primary 7 to S2.
Escape Youth Services plan to use this donation to help fund their summer events and are looking to raise funds of up to £18, 000 to cover their services.
If you are able then please think about sending a donation their way so they can keep their services running for the future.
Denholm Rainbows
Escape Youth Services
Secretary of the Borders Quarrymen, Jake Hume, met with Leader of the Denholm Rainbows, Lesley Aird, to present a cheque for £500
Lesley plans to use the money to take the Rainbows on an end of term trip and use funds to help cover costs for the year ahead
The Quarrymen plan to continue charitable fundraising in the future so that we can help contribute to the Scottish Borders and help vital services and organisations continue to provide for the wider community.
Children 1st
Chairman of the Borders Quarrymen met with service manager, Sarah Axford, from the Children 1st charity in Selkirk to present a donation of £150..
Children 1st are a charity that aim to protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through their national and local services. Children 1st help children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Friends of the BGH
The Chairman of the Borders Quarrymen Peter Farquhar met with representative Lisa Hume of the Friends of the Borders General Hospital charity to provide a cheque for £150. A good example of the charitable work the Borders Quarrymen participate in throughout the Scottish Borders. The Borders Quarrymen aim to help the youth of the Scottish Borders through charitable donations, with plans in the year ahead to continue our charity fundraising. A massive thanks again to everyone who has participated in our fundraising activities!
Meeting of Minds
Meeting of Minds
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The Chairman of the Borders Quarrymen Peter Farquhar, Right Worshipful Provincial Grandmaster Andrew Forsyth and Past Master of Lodge Kelso and Tweed Bro. Tim Slater, met with the Meeting of Minds charity to present a cheque of our charitable donation of £500.
Meeting of minds aim to support local families raising children with complex or additional support needs.
A great step in making positive contributions to the Scottish Borders! Please find a link to the meeting of minds charity for more information.
The Borders Quarrymen Launch Event & Charity Race Night
The Borders Quarrymen Launch Event & Charity Race Night
On Saturday 25th May 2024, The Borders Quarrymen performed an exemplification of a second degree at The Haughfoot Lodge No.1824.
The degree team did a fantastic job and special mentions must go to Bro. Peter Farquhar, of The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis, for explaining the Working Tools for his first time on the floor, Bro. Jake Hume, of The Hawick No. 111, for doing the charge for the first time, Bro. Shawn Watson, of Lodge St, John Jedburgh No. 104, for his first rendition of the Tracing Board and Bro. Mark Forsyth of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, for his first attempt at the secrets.
We would like to thank RWM Bro. Kevin Stewart for leading the degree and The Haughfoot Lodge No. 1824 , for inviting us to work the exemplification at their meeting.
Following this meeting the Quarrymen held their Launch Event Charity Race night. The Race night was a resounding success with £1500 raised in total with £1000 of that raised on the night which was brilliant. We would like to say thank you to those who attended on the night, sponsored races, bought horses or supplied raffle prizes.
Special thank you must go to Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32 for allowing us the use of their venue and to their RWM, Bro. Brian Dodds, for not only manning the bar but for personally supplying the food on the night.
Congratulations and well done to all involved!
The Borders Quarrymen Launch Event & Charity Race Night
The Borders Quarrymen Launch Event & Charity Race Night
On Saturday 25th May 2024, The Borders Quarrymen performed an exemplification of a second degree at The Haughfoot Lodge No.1824.
The degree team did a fantastic job and special mentions must go to Bro. Peter Farquhar, of The Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis, for explaining the Working Tools for his first time on the floor, Bro. Jake Hume, of The Hawick No. 111, for doing the charge for the first time, Bro. Shawn Watson, of Lodge St, John Jedburgh No. 104, for his first rendition of the Tracing Board and Bro. Mark Forsyth of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, for his first attempt at the secrets.
We would like to thank RWM Bro. Kevin Stewart for leading the degree and The Haughfoot Lodge No. 1824 , for inviting us to work the exemplification at their meeting.
Following this meeting the Quarrymen held their Launch Event Charity Race night. The Race night was a resounding success with £1500 raised in total with £1000 of that raised on the night which was brilliant. We would like to say thank you to those who attended on the night, sponsored races, bought horses or supplied raffle prizes.
Special thank you must go to Lodge St. John Selkirk No.32 for allowing us the use of their venue and to their RWM, Bro. Brian Dodds, for not only manning the bar but for personally supplying the food on the night.
Congratulations and well done to all involved!
YOUNG MASONS PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE
FIVE YOUNG PROVINCIAL OFFICE-BEARERS
At the Installation of Elected Provincial Grand Lodge Office-bearers on 17 February 2024, in the premises of the Hawick Lodge No. 111, FIVE Young Masons, all members of The Borders Quarrymen, the Province's initiative for New and Young Masons, were installed in to their respective Offices, three of which being Installed for the first time.
Pictured Left to Right is Bro. Andrew McMenamin, Master Mason of Lodge St. John Selkirk No. 32 and Secretary of The Borders Quarrymen, was installed into his first Provincial office as PG Inner Guard, Bro. Mark Forsyth, Master Mason of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 and Vice Chairman of The Borders Quarrymen (also the PGM's son) was installed into his first Provincial office as PG Sword-bearer, Bro. Dale Hall, Past Master of Lodge Dunse No. 23, was Installed as PG Junior Warden, Bro. Euan Heard, Master Mason of The Galashiels Lodge No. 262 and Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, as well as being Chairman of The Borders Quarrymen, was installed as PG Bible-bearer and Bro. Stewart Wilson, Master Mason of Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856, was installed into his first Provincial Office as PG Marshall. At the back and looking over the young members of his team, is the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth.
Congratulations, well done and all the very best of luck Brethren.
A proud rwpgm
Historical Night at St. Ebbe
The first time the Borders Quarrymen have worked a degree, in the awe inspiring surroundings of Lodge St. Ebbe, which dates back to 1758.
The Quarrymen are our Provinces group of younger and new Masons, with Provincial Grand Master AE Forsyth as enthusiastic President of the group, which formed this year.
Brother George Donnelly, Past Master of Lodge St. Ebbe an a Past Provincial Grand Master, was the candidate and I believe thoroughly enjoyed his evening! Several Borders Lodges were represented, including St. Ronan’s 856 through Stewart Wilson as Senior Deacon.
Hopefully the Quarrymen can continue to grow in strength to support our fraternity in the province, and encourage new members to get involved in the craft.
the borders quarrymen
"CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE"
On 27 April 2023, a number of younger Lodge Members within the Province met at Lodge Kelso and Tweed with a view to creating and operating a "Young Masons Group" aimed at young and new members of the craft. Watch this space for further developments.
