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Freemason Family at the Heart of Durham’s Market Revival

27 April 2026
David Wilson of Durham City Watches and Ferryhill Freemason. =AT63OwCRGDpxOVSeGqUmxaouofvamcHqOaWDwYjKmlDQLCJtP7e3nFuTofN0Kv1l1oE4REeYhvZoam3YXiTVl7gEk1NF-RZTNpEuEBml4DN-Xb9gAE682VrNkp2sWggQDbiQn6oNasX5OHa4nkG7sskdDZSo1kypEs5eatarL_WrjgItEX0OxDhC_jog8rA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1eqxd0pv1go]

A Ferryhill Freemasons family has been featured in a recent BBC News report celebrating the importance of Durham City Market, highlighting the enduring value of local enterprise and community connection.

Father and son David Wilson and Mark Wilson, both members of Ferryhill Freemasons, were showcased through Mark’s business, Durham City Watches. The business continues a proud family legacy, originally established by David in 1985 and now carried forward by Mark with the same dedication to service and quality.

Speaking in the report, Mark highlighted the growing importance of traditional markets in a retail landscape increasingly shaped by “copy-paste” retail parks and automated checkouts.

“It’s really important that we continue to keep places like this going,” he said. “To have something on your doorstep where you can shop locally is great for residents and the local economy.”

Their story reflects a wider truth about Durham Freemasons. Across the Province, members are deeply rooted in their communities, contributing not only through charitable work but also by sustaining local businesses, supporting high streets, and strengthening community life.

Read the full BBC story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1eqxd0pv1go