the magazine for freemasons in the province of gloucestershire · from this initiative in 2011....

squaretalkThe Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire

Spring 2012

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Editor’s Page

Contacts

Square Talk Editor: WBroDick Smith editorst@glosmasons.org.uk 07966388993Square Talk Advertising:Manager South: WBro Simon Waring adverts@glosmasons.org.uk 07850865996Manger Central: WBro Bob Osborne 07831344108Manger North: WBro Mark Cameron 07774742480Provincial Website: WBroPhil Clements website@glosmasons.org.uk 01453732035

This issue . . . Ihopeyouenjoythisedition.Wehavesomefascinatingarticles,manywithoverseasthemes,includingRussia,Africa,Spain,FranceandJersey.TherearesomeinterestingmilitaryconnectionsandBrethrenwithapenchantforhistorywillnotbedisappointed.Masonicwidowsalsofeature,witharticlesabouttheassociationsatCirencesterandDownend.

Cover . . .ThefrontcovershowsWBroDavidLangleyabseilingfromthefamousTransporterBridgeatNewport.Thearticle(oppositepage)demonstratesjusthowquicklyMasonswillrespondtoacalltohelpaworthycause.

Charity . . . LocalgrantshavebeenmadetothirteencharitiesfromtheProvincialGrandMaster’sEndowmentFundinconjunctionwithGloucestershireCommunityFoundation.Youcanreadabouttwoexamplesonpage18.

Advertising . . . ThanksgotoWBroSimonWaringandhisteamforgatheringintheadvertising,whichmakesthepublicationofthismagazinepossible.

Contributions . . . Mostthanks,however,aredirectedtowardsyou,Brethren.ThisisyourmagazineandIcontinuetobeoverwhelmedbythequalityandvariationofthearticlessubmitted.Pleasekeepthemcoming!

Dick Smith

Tenerifepage12

Jerseypage24

Francepage22

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Contacts

Square Talk Editor: WBroDick Smith editorst@glosmasons.org.uk 07966388993Square Talk Advertising:Manager South: WBro Simon Waring adverts@glosmasons.org.uk 07850865996Manger Central: WBro Bob Osborne 07831344108Manger North: WBro Mark Cameron 07774742480Provincial Website: WBroPhil Clements website@glosmasons.org.uk 01453732035

“If it’s there . . . do it!”

fundraisingteamwasmorethanhappytosignupanothervictim,(sorry,volunteer). “Aquick‘lasttext’tomywifereceivedtheimmediateresponse,‘Iknewit!’WhilstIwaswaiting,Imadefurtherfrantictextstofriends,bothinlodgeandoutside,andreceivedfantasticallygenerousrepliesofpromisedsponsorship.InnotimeIraised£400. “I’dneverdoneanythinglikethisbefore,”continuedDavid,“butthetrainingwasbrief,reassuringandeffective.Thenthelongclimbupthestairs,hookupandhangon!” That£400isenoughtoprovideaccommodationataCLICSargentHome-from-Homeforthreeweeks.SophiePorfirio,theFundraisingManagerforCLICSouthWestsaid,“Congratulationsandahugethankyou.Weraisedmorethan£12,000fromtheabseil.” Photoscourtesyof www.purelightphotography.co.uk

“AndthereIwas;asunnySundayandsuddenlysuspendedfromaropeaboveNewport,”saidWBroDavid LangleyofRoyal Edward Lodge.“Itwasactuallytotallyexhilaratingandsurprisinglynotscary!Ifoundmyselfnolongergazingupwardsatthismagnificentandveryrare100yearoldGradeIlistedstructure,nordownattheground180feetbelow,butratheroverNewportandacrosstheChannelintoGloucestershire.Moral support

“Mysister-in-law,Judy,wasontheropealongside.Ionlycamealongtoofferhermoralsupport.She’dsignedupfortheCLIC Sargent abseilandonlythenfoundouthowbigthebridgereallywas!” WBroDavidwasdrawntothisamazingandhistoricTransporterBridgeassoonashesawit,andthought,“I’mitchingtohaveago!”Thefriendly

The Big Give ChallengeinDecembertomakethisdonation,makingitworth£6000fortheCathedral.GloucesterCathedralwastheonlycathedralinthecountrytobenefitfromthisinitiativein2011.

100,000 . . . . ....isthenumberofpeopleintheUKwhoarecurrentlyaffectedbymultiplesclerosis.ItisalsothenumberofpoundsdonatedbytheFreemasons’GrandCharitytotheUniversityofCambridgetowardsresearchintothedisease!InNovember,itwasannouncedthattrialsintoanewdrug,alemtuzumab,hadbeensuccessful,markingasignificantdevelopmentforsufferers.ItishopedthedrugwillbeapprovedbytheUKandUSregulatorybodiesinthenexttwoyears,tobecomeaculminationof36yearsofresearch.FulldetailsmaybeviewedontheProvincialwebsite.

361 . . . . ....isthenumberoftheRoyalMarineCadetCorpsTrooptowhich11-yearoldOliverSuttonbelongs.YoungOliverreceivedthediamondawardasoneofthemostoutstandingcadets.HeispicturedhereatapassingoutceremonyinPortsmouthwithhisfather,WO2NeilSuttonRN,sonofWBroPaul SuttonofHambrook Lodge.Neil,whowasrecentlypromotedtoWO2,hasservedinconflictsinIraq,Bosnia,CroatiaandAfghanistan.

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89 . . . . . .

....isthenumberofbirthdaysbeingcelebratedherebyWBroPhil Braund.Hechosetheoccasiontotakethechairat

Lodge of FidelityandperformtheinitiationceremonyforBro Ian Duke.AlsopicturedistheWM,WBroRoger Duddridge.WBroPhilisalsothePreceptoratStapleton Lodge of Instruction.

3,000 . . . .

....isthenumberofpoundsdonatedtowardsthefinalphaseoftheSouthAisle

restorationatGloucesterCathedral.GMCATrusteestookadvantageofmatchingby

Significant numbers!

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PC12 Gloucestershire ConstabularyParkend Carnival

TogetherwithhiswifeCherryl,WBroAndy Barrow,Ex-PC12,wasinvitedtobeguestofhonourattheopeningoftheParkendCarnivalintheForestofDeanlatelastsummer.TheyarephotographedherewithParkendCarnivalCommitteeChairman,MrRoyTurley.

Prestigious event

WBroAndyacceptedthehonourwhichwasaffordedinrecognitionofthededicationtoservicetothiseventovera20yearperiod.Hetoldsquaretalk,“SinceretiringfromthePolice,Iamplayingmoregolf.IhavebeenCaptainofTheForestofDeanGolfClubinColeford,whichwas

onceownedbythelateWBroHenryLudlam.Intournaments,IhavealsorepresentedTheForestofDeanCouncil,whereInowworkasafraudinvestigator". AndyistheSecretaryofThe Vale of Castiard LodgeandSeniorWardenofBlueLampLodge(Monmouthshire).

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Stewards host the Scouting LodgeDispensation

Outoftheordinary,andbyspecialdispensation,theGloucestershire Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodgecarriedoutaceremonyatitsrecentregularmeeting.Impeesa Lodge hadnecessarilyearmarkedoneofitsmeetings,foraspecialoccasion,toreceiveapresentationfromscoutswhomtheysponsoredtoattendtheWorldJamboreeinSweden.So,insteadofpostposingtheraisingofBroRob Morris,arrangementsweremadefortheStewardstoconducttheceremony. Impeesabrethren,manyinscoutuniform,attendedinforceatWotton,ledbytheirWM,WBroJim Arthur,andsomeassistedintheceremonycarriedoutbytheStewards’WM,WBroRichard Chatham. TheproceedingswerewitnessedbyvisitorsfromStewards’LodgesinHantsandIsleofWight,SurreyandSomerset.

Unique tankard

Atthefestiveboard,therewasaraffleforastrikingredtankard,inscribedwiththelodgelogoandcommissionedbylodgememberWBroTony Putterill.ItwaswonbyBroKeith Morris,thenewMasterMason’sfather. Photographedabove(LtoR)areWBrosChatham,Paul Hill,BroKeith Morris,WBroFred WebbandBroRob Morris.

Caring waitresses

Asusualonthenight,the“WottonWaitresses”,weretheretoensurethemealwentsmoothly.Inpersonallyaddressingandthankingthewaitressteam,(whichischairedbyMarilyn Mapstone),WBroChathamremindedeveryonethattheladiesgivetheirtimefreely,proceedsfromtheirlabourgoingto

Cotswold Care Hospice.Inthe19yearstheyhavebeencarryingoutthisservice,nolessthan£321,000hasbeendonated.Lesley Hollandresponded,“WecannotsayenoughhowweappreciatethegenerosityofalltheWottonbrethrenandtheirvisitors.”

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So, what happened next? Impeesa’s meeting

TwoofthefourscoutssponsoredbyImpeesa LodgetoattendtheWorldScoutJamboreeinSwedencametoanImpeesameetingtotellmembers,partners,familiesandfriendsabouttheirexperiences. Asyouwillhavereadonthepageopposite,thehelpinghandfromProvincial Grand Stewards' Lodgehadmadethisallpossible. Accordingly,ExplorerScouts,SamPotter(AvonContingentBristol)andHelenTatlow(GloucesterContingent),andsupportersvisitedtheDownendMasonicHallandgaveanilluminatingandenthusiastictalktoagatheringofover60,manyofwhomwerewearingscoutuniform,evidencingtheirowncommitmentstotheScoutMovement.

Swapping souvenirs

BothSamandHelenhadcommentedaboutthevalueofthenewrelationshipstheyhadformedwithotherscoutsfromallovertheworldand,inadditiontothephotographstheybroughtalong,theyalsosetupastaticdisplayofmementosandsouvenirsfromtheSwedenJamboree.Manyofthesehadcomeaboutthroughthescoutingcustomof'swapping'.Thisprovedaverypopularattractionandencouraged

manyquestionstotheyoungspeakers.aswellasanecdotesfromtheoldergeneration. Toroundofftheoccasion,adinnerwasheldandlivelyconversationcontinued.Araffleraisedthesumof£200inaidofImpeesa'sfundforfutureWorldScoutJamboreesponsorshipopportunities.ThenextWSJisinJapanin2015. Summingup,theWM,WBroJim Arthur,observed,“Alovelyevening!Wewerepleasedtohavehelpedlocalscoutsnotonlytoparticipateinthisuniqueexperience,butalsotobeabletoshareinitviaSamandHelen.WearealsogratefulforProvincialGrandStewards'Lodge’sgesturewhichenabledustodothis.” BrotherJimalsoremarkedonthesimilarityoftheaimsofbothourorganisationsandmentionedthatthisyear'sPrestonianLecturewouldbedeliveredbyDerbyshire’sWBroTony Harvey,afrequentvisitortoImpeesaLodge,underthetitle‘ScoutingandFreemasonry:twoparallelorganisations.’

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TLC updateTeddies for Loving Care

YouwillhavereadinthepreviouseditionofsquaretalkthatTeddies for Loving CarewasacharitysetupbyFreemasonsforthepurposeofsupplyingteddy-bearstoMinorInjuryUnitsandEmergencyDepartmentsthroughouttheProvince.Theteddiesaregiventoyoungpatientswhoattendthehospitalssufferingfromdistressortraumatohelptocomfortthemwhentheyaremostfrightened. Theinitiativeisprovingagreatsuccess.

Try this for size!

DuringavisittoStroudMIU,NurseJanHaughtoninsistedontryingontheProvincialGrandMaster’schainofoffice.RWBroAdrian Davies wasaccompaniedonthevisitbytheProvincialGrandAlmoner,WBroMark Smith.

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Seven Springs ACF on parade!

Attention!

Itwasamemorableoccasionnotonlyfortheinitiate,BrotherMajorPaul Saunders,butalsoforSevens Springs Lodge,asitwelcomedthefourthmemberofGloucestershire Army Cadet Force(ACF)intoitsmidst. BroMajSaunders,whobydayistheAcademyManagerforRenishaw,spendsthemajorityofhisweekendsandeveningsfulfillingtheroleofOfficerCommandingBCompanyGloucestershireACF.PaulhasservedintheACFinvariouspartsofthecountryforover25yearsandnowhasresponsibilityforsevenplatoonsinthesouthofthecounty.Theseplatoonsarerunbyateamofabout30otheradultvolunteersandprovideworthwhileactivitytoover150youngpeopleperweek. PaulwasinitiatedbytheWorshipfulMaster,WBroMajMatthew Fellows,whobydayworksforRemploy,butbynightistheCountyStaffOfficerforGloucestershireACFandPaul’spredecessorinBCompany.Thelodge’sTyler,WBroCraig Fellows,whoisalsotheWMof Cherleton Lodge,isanotheradultvolunteerandisaStaffSgtInstructorinGloucestershireACFandthePlatoonCommanderofStonehousePlatooninPaul’scompany.

Thelodge’spreviousinitiate,BroMajAlec Masson,witnessedhisfirstceremonysincehisowninitiation.BroAlec’sfulltimeroleisthatofCadetExecutiveOfficerforGloucestershireACF,havingservedintheRoyalArtilleryforover30years.Alsopresentwas

anotherofPaul’sadultvolunteers,BroRussMyers,aStaffSergeantInstructorinDursleyPlatoonandamemberofCherleton Lodge.

Distinguished military Mason

AlthoughthelodgehasnorealhistoricortraditionallinkswiththemilitaryortheCountyACF,manyofitsbrethrenhaveservedQueenandCountryovertheyears,intheArmy,RAFandNavy,andthelodge’sfirstWM,WBroCaptHayman,wasadistinguishedmasonandwell-knowninthecounty.Hewasseriouslyinjuredin1918duringWW1. In2012,SevenSpringsLodgewillbecelebratingtwomilestones.TheSeptembermeetingwillbethe500thregularmeeting,andinNovember,thelodgewillcelebrateits60thanniversary.AnyotherservingorretiredmembersoftheCounty’suniformedyouthorganisationswishingtocomeandvisitthelodgewouldbemademostwelcome.JustcontacttheWMon07810544918.

At ease!Photographedaboveare(LtoR):BroMajAlecMasson;BroMajPaulSaunders;WBroMajMatthewFellows,WM;BroRussMyers;WBroCraigFellows,WMCherleton.

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A Glos Mason to look up in TenerifeIfyoufindyourselfinTenerifeandyouwanttogotoameeting,lookupWBroJim Selbie!

Many orders

Priorto2000,WBroJimwasveryactiveinGloucestershiremasonry,passingthroughthechairsinCraftandChapter.HehadhighofficeinmanymasonicordersandusedtohelpoutthreemorningsaweekintheProvincialoffice.YetdespitehavingmovedtoTenerifewithhiswifeRita,heremainsamemberofHambrook Lodge. ArrivinginTheCanariesin2000,however,hasnotdulledhisenthusiasm.Notonlyhashejoinedexistinglodges,hehasbecomeinstrumentalinsettingupotherordersontheisland.“TenerifelieswithintheSpanishConstitution,”Jimtoldsquaretalk.“AswellasmyCraftlodge,IamaDCintheRoyalArch.I’vejoinedMarkandRAM,OSMandAllied,inallofwhichIholdoffice.WemeetinLanzarote,GranCanariaandTenerife.WesucceededinformingaKTPreceptorylastApril,takingthenumber(12)ofaBrazilianPreceptorythatwasdefunct.TheEPlivesintheUKandoftencannotattend.I’llgiveyouthreeguesseswhohadtojumpin!Si,me!WearenowattemptingtocircumnavigateSpanishredtapeandformtheKMpartoftheKTOrder.

Rush of blood!

“IhadasuddenrushofbloodanddecidedtoseeifwecouldintroduceHRAKTPtotheCanaries.Success!WearetobeconsecratedinGatesheadshortly.It’sworthmentioningafewofthefounderswehavemanagedtofind;theGrandMasterofTheGreatPrioryofSpain,theGrandPriorofMalta,theGrandChancellorandtheViceChancellorofKT/KM,thePastProvincialGMoftheBalearesIslands.IamgoingtointroducethemtoalittleRNdiscipline...beingaretiredandveryretiringChiefPettyOfficerwhospenthislast3yearsintheServiceasoneofonly8instructingatThePettyOfficerDisciplineandLeadershipSchool.IfearImaynotachievetoomuch!”musedJim. “Itdoesn’tfinishthere!InApril,wearetointroduceaCourtofAthelstan.IbelievethereareafewcourtsinIndia,AustraliaandUSA,butthiswillbethefirstinEuropeoutsidetheUK.Ihavemanagedtonametheselastthreeall‘StAndrew’.AllmyfamilyareScots.MymotherPreceptoryisStAndrewandthePatronSaintofTenerifeisSantaAndreus.Soitfits.7 candidates in one night!

“AstheDCofHRA,Ihadtoworkoutawayofexalting7SpanishcandidatesintoHRAonthesamenight.WehadtwoRepsfromSpanishHQtowitnesstheeventandgivetheirblessing. “LastSeptember,wetook5Spanishand5EnglishcandidatesintoKTwiththeassistanceoftheGrandMasterandapartyfromTheGrandPrioryofSpain.Itwasquitealongevening;everythinghadtoberepeatedinEnglishandSpanish,mostly‘Spanglish’!” WBroDavid DurnfordofDownendandHambrook Lodges,washolidayinginTenerifeinJanuary.WBroJimwastheretomeethimattheairport,ofcourse,andnaturallytoinvitehimtoameeting

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atTeideLodgeNo34inPuertodelaCruz.“ButIhavenotbroughtregalia,”declaredDavid.”“Notaproblem,”saidJim,kittinghim

outwithaMMapronandaGloucestershiretie.Inspectingtheapron,Davidproclaimedhefelt50yearsyounger! WBroJiminformsusthattheTenerifetemplewasquiteasplendidplaceuntilFrancoconfiscateditatthestartofhiscampaigninthe1930s;doingmuchthesameasHitlerinpersecutingmasons.ThearmyusedthebuildingformanyyearsandthenthePolicetookitfortheirHQ.Theinteriorwasguttedandlefttorot,butSpanishmasonsarefightingthegovernmenttoclaimitback.Ithasbeenofferedforsaletothem....attoday’sprices! Thereappearstobearecentchangeofheart;theCityCouncilisengaginganarchitecttorestoreit,usingoldphotographs.LodgemembershavebeentolditistobeaMasonicmuseum.Ofcoursetheyarehopingthatitisaployanditwilleventuallybereturnedtothem.

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Square Talk scoop . . . . .

Seven in the bed!

Oneassumesthatit’snottoooftenthattheProvincialGrandMasteriscaughtinaCoventryhotelbedwithsevenladies.....atthesametime,thatis!OursnoopingphotographercreptintoChristineHowes’bedroomfollowingatip-offwhenRWBroAdrianandhisveryunderstandingwifehadbeeninvitedfor“pre-dinnerdrinks”. Whenconfrontedwiththeevidencebysquaretalk,thePGMmadeanastonishingconfessionandadmitted“ThisissomethingAngelaandIhavebeendoingsince1996whenIwasProvincialAlmoner.Theyinvitemetojointhemeveryyearasapayingguestand,asyounowknow,wehavegreatfun!”

Downend Widows

Theyareajollylot,theDownendWidows!OtherMasonicwidowsarewelcometojointhem,so,ifyouthinkyoucanlastthepace,justcontacttheChairlady,MaryGulley,on01179560469. Below,AngelaandRWBroAdrianarepicturedlessprovocativelywithKayBlackmore,theoldestwidowontour,beingover90yearsofage.

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Masonic flats ~ Open DaysCastlemeads Court, Gloucester

YouwillknowthatGloucestershireMasonicHousingProjectownsanumberofapartmentsatthisarchitect-designedretirementcomplexnearthecitycentreandthehistoricdockarea.Thesefully-servicedqualitypropertiesareavailableatverycompetitivemonthlyrents,whichincludetheservicecharge.

Benefits

Well-appointedaccommodationincludeslivingroom,fittedkitchen,bathroomandbedroom.Aresidentmanagementteamand24-hourcarelineareprovidedandextensivecommunalareasincludingaspaciousresidents’lounge,laundryroomandguestaccommodation.Accesstothegardensandparkingiseasy.Thereareregularsocialactivitiessuchasmusicaleveningsandguestspeakers.Citycentrefacilitiesarenearby,includingdentists,doctors,postofficeandbanks.Useofelectricshoppingbuggiesisprovided,ifrequired.Inshort,youhavesecurity,peaceofmind,nomaintenancechargesandnooverheads!

Open days:

Wed 28-Mar between2pmand5pmSat 31-Mar between10amand1pm Brethren,relativesandLodgeAlmonerswillhaveanopportunitytolookattheapartmentscurrentlyavailabletogetherwiththeexcellentcommunalfacilities. Furtherinformationfrom:WBroMichael Bennetton01453890651or:WBroMark Smithon01453753779.

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Cathedral TourUnity Lodge, Derby

BrethrenofUnityLodgehavemadeseveraltripstoGloucesterinrecentyearsinordertovisitMay Hill Lodge.ThecatalystfortheexcursionswastheinitiationintoMayHillofBroMatt Baines.Hisfather,Unity’sWBroAllan Baines,wasnaturallyinattendanceandhassincebroughtacar-loadwithhimonavisitatleastonceayear. UnityLodgewasconsecratedinOctober1926,formedasa“RailwayLodge”soonaftertheheadquartersoftheLMSwasrelocatedtoDerbyfromEuston,withmembershiporiginallyrestrictedtocompanyemployees.“OurDerbyvisitorstellusthattheyenjoycomingbecauseofthewarmwelcometheyreceiveinMayHill”,saidWBroPeter Williams.“TheylovethecharacteroftheMasonicHallinCrossKeyslane.Theyhadpreviouslysaidthattheysometimestooktheopportunitytovisitthecathedralbeforeourmeetingstarted.

Masonic Guide

“Thissetusthinkingandso,asatokenofouraffectionforourDerbybrethren,andingratitudefortheirsupport,itwasarrangedforthemtohaveaspecialMasonictour.WewereveryfortunatetobeabletosecuretheservicesofWBroRichard CannofVia Lucis Lodgewho

haswrittenabookletabouttheMasonicconnectionswiththecathedralandisalsoveryknowledgeableonitsstainedglasswindows.Togetherwithhisexperienceasaregularguideatthecathedral,itensuredthatourvisitorshadaveryenjoyableandinformativetour.” WithMayHillLodgeorganistBroDavid Reeves-Jamesonthefarleft,thephotocapturesUnityLodgebrethren,(LtoR),BroGary Morgan,WBroEric GreyWM,WBroAllan BainesandBroPaul Warrington.

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Charity for Children of Chernobyl Weallenjoyagoodbarbequeandnevermoresowhenourenjoymentraisesmuchneededfundsforaverygoodcause!

Blink

WBroTerry Hill ofthe Lodge of the Perfect Ashlar threwopenhishomeinthesummertohostaBBQ.Itproducedagoodattendanceof90+andwasenjoyedbythebrethrenandfamiliesofthelodge.Aswellasbeinganexcellentsocialgathering,thisevent,togetherwiththeproceedsfromaraffle,raisedinexcessof£1100for‘Blink’,theChernobylChildren’sLifelinecharity. TheChernobylnucleardisasterinApril1986seemssuchalongtimeagotous,buttheeffectoftheradiationfalloutontheBelarusianpeopleisstillhappeningtothisday.ChildrenareparticularlysusceptibletotherelentlessbombardmentofradiationandthecharityraisesfundstobringchildrentotheUKforamuch-neededbreak.However,thisexcursionisnotjustaholiday.ItisestimatedthatstayingintheUKforamonth,breathingcleanairandeatingnourishingfood,canaddupto2yearstotheirlifeexpectancy.

One carrier-bag!

Aswellasorganisingthefund-raisingbarbeque,TerryandhiswifeRuth,alsoactedas‘hostfamily’fortwoChernobylchildren.Theyweremetattheairportwithonecarrierbagcontainingalltheclothestheypossessed.Thesechildrenwenthomefourweekslater,well-nourishedandcarryingluggagethatweighedmorethantheydid!What’smore,ithadallbeendonated.

BroKevin NorthoftheLodgeofthePerfectAshlartoldsquaretalk,“WearesureyourreaderswilljointheLodgeofthePerfectAshlarinapplaudingTerryandRuth’shardworkforsuchaworthwhileandhearteningcause!”.

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GCF Freemasons Fund GrantsThefirstgrantsweremadeinNovemberfromtheinterestonthePGM’sEndowmentFundsetupinpartnershipwiththeGloucestershireCommunityFoundation.ThirteenGloucestershireCharitiesarethefirsttoshareatotalsumof£23,000.00.ThesecharitiesworkwithcommunitiesanddisadvantagedgroupsintheForestofDean(4),Thornbury(2)andGloucester(7).Examplesofsomeoftheworkbycharitiesthathavereceivedgrantsinclude:

Thornbury & District Stroke Support Club

Thisprovidessupport,advice,recreationandleisureactivitiesforstrokesurvivors,theircarersandfamilies.Theclubhelpssurvivorstore-establishtheirlives,copingwiththephysical,psychologicalandmentalimpairmentsthatresultfromstrokes.Supportisalsoprovidedathomeforthoseunabletoattendtheclub.Itsactivitiesincludeswimming,art,indoorbowls,lunches,talks,speechandcommunicationgroup,summeroutings,shortholidaybreakandtransport.Eachmemberhasacontactvolunteertoassistthem,enablingcarerstohavesomepersonaltimeduringclubmeetingsandactivities.The£1700grantwillsustaintheclub’splannedactivitiesforthenextyearandenablemorethanthecurrent46strokesurvivorstobehelped.

Forest Pulse, Coleford

Thissupports212familieswithchildrenwithdisabilities(atotalof244)livingorattendingschoolintheForestofDean.Twostaffand30volunteersprovideparentsandcarerswithadviceandassistancewithbenefits,educationandhealthmatters,aidsandequipment,funding,communitysupportservices,

mutualsupportgroups,outofschoolactivities,holidayclubs,recreational,sportingandsocialactivities.Wherepossible,childrenwithdisabilitiesareencouragedandassistedtoparticipateinmainstreamactivitieswiththeirnon-disabledpeers.Theaimisalsotoenableparents,carersandfamiliestobenefitfromtherespiteprovidedbysharingcareduringthegroupactivities.Thegrantof£2,000istowardsprovidingBoccacia(bowlsplayedfromasittingposition)andmusicsessionsforchildrenwithprofounddisabilities,usingSoundbeam;(musiccreatedbymovementacrossalaserbeam).

Grant applications

Grantapplicationsareconsideredtwiceayear.Thedeadlineforreceiptofthenextroundofapplicationsis16March2012forconsiderationinMay2012.SeetheGloucestershireCommunityFoundationwebsite:www.gloucestershirecommunityfoundation.co.uk,orcontactGailMattocks,GrantsDevelopmentManager,on01452656386fordetailsofthegrantcriteria.

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Watch out, Jack!

Gloucestershire Masonic Bowling Association

WBroIan Tuckerwrites,“TheMasonicbowlsseasonfor2012promisestobeevenbusierthanthatoflastyearwithtwentyfixturesplanned! “OurmaincompetitorswillbeotherProvinces,butasinrecentyears,wehaveincludedlocalbowlingclubsintoourprogramme.Theadvantageofthislocaloutreachinitiativehasprovedmostbeneficialandwehavebeenreceivedwithgreatwarmthwhereverwegoensuringreturnfixturesforthefollowingyear. “OurcalendarstartswithourAnnualDinnerheldatStroudon28-Mar-12.Theseasonopenswithagameon18-ApragainstTewkesburyBowlingClub,followedbyawholerangeofmatches.

Three Shire Robocap

“Probablythehighlightofouryearwillbeon10-Aug,whenwehostTheMACETrophycompetitionattheCotswoldBowlingClub.ThiseventisaMasonicCharitybowlscompetitionwhenweanticipateentertainingeightyplusMasonicBowlersfromProvincesacrossthesouthofEngland.TheMACE(Masonic

AnnualCharityEvent)objectiveistofosterbowlsinacompetitiveenvironmentandraisemuchneededfundsforournominatedcharityRobocap.TheThreeShiresRobocapCharityhelpsprovideroboticsurgicalmachinery,particularlyfortreatmentofprostateproceduresandwillbelocatedinCheltenhamGeneralHospital. “WeholdourPairsandTriplescompetitionsinAugust.Theseasonendsinmid-September.

“OurphotoshowstheAssociationPatronbeingpresentedwithachequefortheProvincialGrandMaster’sDiscretionaryFund,byapensivePresident,WBroGeorge Lee,whoisclearlythinking,‘IreallymustjointheNightAtHomeLodge’!” Asalways,theAssociationneedsnewmembers.ContactWBroIan Tuckeron01242-238288ori.tucker@sky.com.

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Stroke victims say “Thank-you”

W Bro John Donaldson . . .

....ofRoyal Edward LodgehasbeeninvolvedwithThornbury&DistrictStrokeSupportGroupforsomeyears.YoumayhavereadoftheGCF Freemasons’ Fund Grant of£1700.Hewritestosay“thank-you”ontheirbehalf. “BeingalodgeCharityStewardgivesmeextrainsightandthisgiftprovestomethatthePGM’sfestivalisreallyworking! “OurStrokeGroupisoneofseveralinthecounty.Sinceitsfoundationin1981,wehavehelpedmanystrokesurvivorstoimprovetheir“LifeAfterStroke”.Ourcostsareintheregionof£11kperyear,mainlyprovidingtransport,hireoffacilitiesandequipment,andweeklyswimmingfor20+members.Someofourmembersarehouseorwheelchairboundandlivealone.Theyallhavealinkvolunteer.Twomemberscannowswimontheirbacksusingonlyonearmandleg.Sixarenowwritingorpaintingwiththeirlefthand.

56 survivors

“Wenowhave56registeredstrokesurvivors,anincreasefrom38inthelast18months.ThisisdueinnosmallwaytotheimprovementinNHStreatmentandsuccessofthe“FASTCampaign”,(FACE,

ARMS,SPEECH,TELEPHONE),runbytheStrokeAssociationtofast-trackvictimstoA&E. “ThefactsarethatintheUK,somebodyhasastrokeevery5minutes,resultinginbraindamageandcausingmajororminordisability.Onein4menand1in5womenwillhaveastrokeiftheyliveto85.Also,strokesareNOTanoldperson’sproblem.Highbloodpressureisamajorcause,regardlessofage! “Pleasecontactmeifyouwouldliketovolunteer,especiallyasacardriver.Itisveryrewardingtoseepeoplelearntousetheirlefthandandimprovetheirspeech.” Johncanbecontactedon01454416072ordetailsobtainedfromthewebsite:www.thornburystroke.co.uk. PhotobelowshowsWBroRoger Bennett,PastMasterofSodbury Vale Lodge,receivingone-to-onetuitionfromKateHickman.

22 squaretalk

Third son becomes brother!Special night

Proudfather,WBroJoe Ogden,herecongratulateshisthirdson,BroPhilip,onbecomingaMasterMasonatChosen Hill Lodge. Itwasaveryspecialnightindeed,asthiswasthethirdofWBroJoe’ssonstostepontothesquare,joiningbrothersWBroRobinandBroSteve.

So many invitations!

BroPhil,whonowrunshisowndecoratingbusiness,toldsquaretalk,“IwasactuallyfirstaskedaboutcomingintomasonrybyBrosHenry FordandBill BromleywhenIworkedforthem.Ithoughtaboutitforquiteawhile.

ThenmyfatherandbrotherstoldmehowmuchIwouldenjoyit.Mywife'suncle,whoisamasonwiththeLadywellLodgeinLondon,encouragedmeaswell.AtthatpointIthought‘Yesit'stimeIcameinfromthecold!’AsHenryusedtosay,‘Therestishistory!’”

Chez KeithLanguedoc-Roussillon

SouthofPerpignanandonly15kmfromtheSpanishborderiswhereBroKeith WhittakerofManor of Ashley Lodgehasahome.Forsomeyears,thedesignonhisneighbour’s“Julietbalcony”hasobviouslyinterestedhim. Theoriginalownersofthehouse,anelderlycouple,havebothpassedawayanditisnowunoccupied.ThefamilyliveinParisandvisitforholidays.“IamwaitingforanopportunitytoquizthemaboutanycurrentMasonicconnections,”saidBroKeith.“Indeed,myresearchintoMasonryinthelocalareahassofarfallenonstonyground. “IamawareoftheUGLErulingregardingFrenchvisitsbutwouldstillbeinterestedifanybrotherhasknowledgeofFrench

Masonryintheregion(PyreneesOriental),whereIshallbespendingfarmoretimeinthefuture.TheProvincialGrandRegistrar,WBroDavid Mason,isaregularvisitortouswhenheisinThePyrenees.” BroKeithcanbecontactedatkandvw@gmail.com.

23squaretalk

If you are contemplating placing a relative or friend in a care home (or organising their care in their own home), you are probably feeling emotionally drained right now. The process of finding a suitable care provider and sorting through the legislation, not to mention helping them to fundamentally change and come to terms with the major changes to their lifestyle, can be extremely difficult.

Add to this confusion, stress and guilt and it is not surprising that many people feel somewhat overwhelmed and worried at a time like this. There are many financial advisers in the country but only a handful in any one region with the specialist skills and knowledge to be able to guide you through the care fees planning maze

SYMPONIA [Greek. adjective: compassion]

Symponia has the answer — our adviser members are all suitably experienced and appropriately qualified. We are therefore able to provide a unique concept within the field of care fees planning which, in turn, gives you and your family truly independent financial advice at a time when you most need it .

Symponia are also approved suppliers of care fees planning services to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Care Fees Planning advice; when and where you need it from your local

specialist Neil Gayler

Neil Gayler is your local Symponia member for Gloucestershire. For a confidential initial consultation (without any cost or obligation to you), call him on 01242 538 383

24 squaretalk

Jersey’s Historic MasonryW Bro John Slade . . .

....ofDownend LodgewasonholidayonJerseyandtooktheopportunitytorevisitDeCarteretLodgeNo3459.HewasmetbyWBroGeoffreyMorris,whoisalsotheMuseumLibrarianandCurator. Ithasbuiltforitselfanenviablereputationandnowgreetsvisitorsfromaroundtheworldwhowishtoseetheimpressivecollectionofbooksandotheritems,manyofwhichrelatetotheGermanOccupationandtheFreemasonswhoweresenttoconcentrationcamps. Jersey’sMasonicLibraryandMuseumwasfoundedsomesixyearsbeforetheoneinLondon,theearliestevidencegoingbackto1859.TheProvincialGrandMastercongratulatedthefoundinglodgeonitsforesightandpresentedabookentitled"TheHistoryofFreemasonry",byBroOlliver.Thelibrarysoonhadasizablecollection,althoughmanybookswerenotofaMasonicnature.

Gambling prohibited!

AreadingroomwasopenedtheobjectbeingtocultivateandpromoteatasteforMasonicliterature,toassociateandmeetforrecreation,conversationandreading,forwhichpurposesnewspapers,periodicalsetcweretobesupplied.Therulesalsostatedthattheamusementswouldconsistofcards,dominoes,chessandbackgammon,andthatgamblingandbettingwouldbestrictlyprohibited. Theprecursorofthepresentlibraryandmuseumwasin1916.ThefirstappointmentofnotewasWBroGeorgeStodartKnockerMBE,whotookuphisdutiesin1927andremainedinchargeuntilhisdeathin1952attheageof86.Hehadbeenamarineengineer,spendingtimeinHongKongandBangkokandservinginthesignalsbranchoftheRoyalEngineersduringTheGreatWar.

Underhisleadership,anumberofimportantcollectionsofMasonicitemswereobtained,includingtheVatcherandVonbergcollectionsofjewels.

Berlin find

ThedamagedonetotheTemple,libraryandmuseumduringtheOccupationiswellknown.Fortunately,WBroKnockerhaddecidednottorelyontheassurancesthathadbeengivenbytheGermanauthoritiesandhehidanumberofbooksanddocumentsawayfromtheTemple.ThesewerenevertracedbytheGermansandwererestoredtothelibraryafterthewar.Amongstthesewasascrapbookthathehadcompiled,whichhasrecentlybeenphotographedtoprovideamostinterestingillustratedlecture.WBroKnockerwasresponsibleformakingknowntheplightoftheProvinceandcontributionsofbooksandotheritemsflowedinfromallovertheworldafterWWII.In1946,asubstantialnumberofoldrecords,minutebooks,andbooksfromthelibrary,werefoundintheOffenbachArchiveDepotintheAmericanZoneinBerlin. WBroGeoffrey,(photographedabovewithWBroJohn)isalwaysdelightedtoconductanyoneinterestedarounditsmanyexhibits.

25squaretalk

Wine Winners!2011 Provincial Wine Draw

HeldinsupportoftheProvincial Grand Master’s Charities Appeal,the2011drawtookplaceattheinstallationofBroIain SimasmasterofRoyal Edward Lodge.AllfourProvincialrulerswerepresentatthefestival,aswereanumberofotheractiveProvincialofficersandvisitorsfromoutsidetheLodge. Aspartofthecelebrations,theProvincialGrandMasterconductedthedraw,firstlyannouncingthat£3,500hadbeenraised.Hethankedallthosebrethren

whohadcontributed,withparticulargratitudetoLodgeCharityStewardswithintheProvincewhohadpromotedthesaleoftickets. Healsopaidtributetothedrawcoordinator,WBroSteve Farrandalsotothe50/100 Club,themembersofwhichhadcollectivelydonatedthewine,somaximisingfundsraised. InrecognitionofthehighestnumberofticketssoldbyaCharitySteward,WBroLouis RobbinsofZetland Lodge,wouldlaterbepresentedwithabottleof“Champers”byamemberoftherulingexecutiveandhislodgewillreceiveaplaquetocommemoratethisachievement.

Winners

1stPrize(100bottles):BroRoger Mead(Harmony & Concord Lodge)

2ndPrize:(50bottles):BroTom Carr(Cherleton Lodge)

3rdPrize:(25bottles):BroPeter Harris(St Bernard Lodge,Somerset).

26 squaretalk

This beautiful Bristol Blue firing glass, with fluted top and collared firing base, has been produced to raise funds for the Provincial Grand

Master’s Gloucestershire Charities Festival.

The term “Bristol Blue” means literally what it says, namely, not a type of glass or the origin of it , but simply a colour. Bristol Blue was what

everyone wanted to achieve in the period 1760 and 1770 and they had to go to Bristol to buy the colouring matter.

Like all Bristol Blue glass, it is entirely free-blown and hand-made, using the same methods as in Roman times.

Each glass is individually shaped, using hand tools instead of moulds, giving each firing glass its own unique character.

Numbered and engraved with Bristol on the base, each glass comes with its own presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.

It has been approved by the Provincial Grand Master

R.W Bro ADRIAN FREDERICK RAYMOND DAVIES JP

Cost £32.00 P/p £ 3.00

All profits to the PGM’s Discretionary Fund. To place an order, contact:

W Bro T F Putterill, Sodbury House, 51 Bowling Road,

Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6EP

01454 324841 t.putterill@talktalk.net

27squaretalk

A “Grand” day out!

Experiment

SometwelveMasterMasonsfromtheProvince,togetherwithWardens,Masters,PastMastersandGrandOfficers,attendedtheDecemberQuarterlyCommunicationofGrandLodgeinLondon.TheinvitationforMasterMasonstoattendwaspartofanexperimentbeingtrialledbyGrandLodge.TheProvincialGrandMaster,wholedtheparty,wasdelightedthatsuchagoodnumberwasabletoattend. Thebrethrentravelledbycoachandafterthemeeting,nolessthan40from

GloucestershiredinedattheGrandOfficers’MessLuncheonintheConnaughtRooms.

Grand processions

AllwhoattendedexpressedtheirappreciationinseeingGrandLodgeinceremonialsession,includingtheGrandMastersortheirrepresentativesfromsome15OverseasGrandLodges. Ifthepracticeisrepeated,thenitishopedthatotherbrethrenwilltakeuptheexcitingandrewardingopportunity.

28 squaretalk

Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens

W Bro Roger Cullimore

ST: So, are you sat with your feet up now?RC:Hardly!JulieandIenjoyedvisitingfamilyandfriendsinNewZealandandAustraliafor10weeksin2010.Socially,IaminvolvedlocallywiththeStroudAnnualCountryShowasPresident,butalsohelpoutwithothercharities.Ialsohavealoveofcricket,lookingforpromisingyoungstersforGloucestershireCountyCricketClub...andrugby,mainlywithmysonMoretonandotherfriendsatKingsholm,Gloucester.ST: I understand other pastimes include music? RC:Yes,thereareevensomedancingmedalsinthedrawer!Iplaythetrumpettoo.Ialsolovewaterskiingandhorseriding.IparticularlyenjoytracingBritishhistoryandourrelationshipswithAustralia,theCaribbean,theFarEastandUnitedStates. ST: How have you been spending your year as Senior Grand Warden?

RC:IhavereceivedthewarmestofwelcomesonmyvisitstotheForestofDeanandLydneyrepresentingtheProvincialGrandMaster,aswellasvisitstoBristolandtheStroudarea.MysoncomingintotheOldWycliffianLodgeinAprilandinitiatinghimmyselfinmy50thyearinFreemasonrywiththeProvincialGrandMasterpresenttogetherwithmanymasonicfriendswasawonderfuloccasion. ST: Any other outstanding moments?RC:ThevisittoWestWaleswiththeProvincialGrandMasterwasagreatexperienceforme.Iamreallylookingforwardtotherestofmyyear,visitingotherlodgesintheprovinceandseeingmasonryelsewhere.

ST: Are you a local man, Roger? RC:Ohyes.IwasborninGloucestershireandhavealwayslivedinthecounty. ST: And family life . . . . . . .?RC:MywifeJuliehassupportedmeforthe40+yearsthatwehavebeentogether,whichIgreatlyappreciate.Iamstillbusylookingafter“LandandWater”andcreatingnationalhabitatsthroughourfamilybusinesses,buttwoyearsagohandedtheMDroletomyson.Ourtwodogsloveaccompanyingmewheneverpossible,butespeciallywhenIgototheWaterPark.

29squaretalk

Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens

W Bro Mike Bennett

ST: How are you finding your year “representing the Provincial Grand Master by command?” MB:ThereceptionIhavereceivedfromtheLodgeshasbeentrulyoverwhelming.ThewarmthandkindnessIhavebeenshownhasmademeextremelyproudtobeafreemason. ST: Tell us about you and your family.MB:MywifeRosandImovedtoGloucestershire36yearsagoandwehavelivedinourhouseinSlimbridgeformostofthattime.Iamthesenior

partnerofafirmofcharteredsurveyorsandestateagentsandbasedinourDursleyoffice.Ourtwosonslivenearbyandwehavetwobeautifulgranddaughters,whoareourprideandjoy. ST: How do you spend your time?MB:Apartfromfamily,workandmasonry,Ialsoenjoyanumberofhobbiesandpastimes,includingbeingakeenrugbysupporter.Ihavebeenaseason-ticketholderatGloucesterRFCformanyyearsandrarelymissahomegame.Ialsomakeittoahandfulofawaygameseachseason.Mybiggestrugbythrillwasfollowingthe2005BritishLionsTourinNewZealand,despitethepoortestmatchresults. ST: We’ve also heard about your love of motor-racing. MB:Yes,it’salsobeenagreatinterestofminesinceIwasayoungboy.ApartfromlocalracingvenuessuchasCastleCoombeandPrescott,Ihavebeenluckyenough

toseeanumberofF1races,includingtheMonacoGrandPrixlastyear.ItrytogetThe24HourLeMansasregularlyasIcan.AttendingwithfriendsledtofourofusbuyingahouseinFrance,ascampingisalittlelessenjoyablewiththepassingofyears!Thehouseisusedbyallourfamiliesandnowhasafewmore“basicamenities”thanwhenwefirstacquiredit! ST: What now?MB:IamlookingforwardtotheremainderofmyyearasProvincialJuniorGrandWarden.IthasalreadyintroducedmetomanynewMasonicfriendsinthiswonderfulProvinceofGloucestershire!

30 squaretalk

Ladies’ song . . . breaks with tradition! Weekend Away

“ThetraditionalLadies’FestivalwastransformedbyGloucestershire Round Table Lodgewhenmembers,guestsandtheirpartnersvisitedaBournemouthhotel,”writes,BroDavid Townend.“ItkickedoffwithaninformaldinnerfollowedbyaquizorganisedbyWBroMartyn SlaterofSt John’s Lodge.TheSaturdaynightsawamoreformalbutrelaxedeveningoffunandentertainment.”TheWM,WBroIan Davies,said“Itwasatremendoussuccess;ateameventwitheverybodymixingintogether.”

Handcrafted chocolates

IanparticularlywantedtothankJudithandBroMike Burfield,whoputahugeamountofeffortintotheplanning.MikeistheCharityStewardandFestivalSecretaryandenjoysmakingthemostoffundraisingattheseevents.Withsome60peopleattending,anamazing£500wasraisedbytheraffle.Oneofthespecialtouchestotheeveningwasthegifttotheladies;aboxofchocolates,handcraftedbytheWMhimself;provinghewasnotjustaWorshipfulMaster,butaMasterChocolatier! WBroDavid CarterentertainedhisaudiencewiththeToasttotheLadies,

deliveredwithhisinimitable“piquant”wit.Afterdinner,thetraditionalLadies’SongwasreplacedbyanewrenditionperformedbyaMasonicEnsemble(seephoto),accompaniedbyBroGordon Moir onguitar.Theperformancewassaidtobesoentertainingthatarequestwasmadeforthewordstobesharedwithotherlodges.Thelodgehasenjoyedaparticularlyhealthyintakeofnewmembersoverthelasttwoorthreeyears.Indeed,Octobersawa‘DoubleSecond’,whichwasalittletesting,butsuperblyexecuted;notleastduetotheexhaustiveplanningandscriptingbyWBroMalcolm SergeantandDC,WBroMike Gander.Photo(LtoR):BrosGordonMoir,BroDavidTownendWBroIanDaviesandwifeSue,BroGaryShellard(VigilanteLodge),BroAlanJohnson,WBroJohnLane(VigilanteLodge).Front:BroNigelClarkeandWBroScottWilson.

31squaretalk

(To the tune of Jingle Bells)Dashingroundthehouse,Don’tgetinherway,Ladiesgettingready,‘Costhey’regoingouttoplay.Twohoursinthebath,ThenwhatshallIwear.Thisiswhenthetroublestarts,Andwepulloutourhair.Oh...That’stoobig,Thisistight,Thatwillmakemecold.Putthisinthejumble,Asit’snearlytwomonthsold.Oh...That’stooposh,Thosetwoclash,Can’tyouseethetear?Wardrobefullofclothing,Yetthere’snothingshecanwear.

Timeisgoingfast,Thingsaregettingtight,Doesn’tmatterwhatyousay,Youknowitwon’tberight.Noyoudon’tlookfat!I’mnotjustbeingnice.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,Thenwhydidyouaskadvice?Oh...That’stoolong,Thisisshort,WhatshoesshouldIwear.SawyouwatchingTV,SeeIknewyoudidn’tcare.Oh...Ringsherfriend,RingsherMum.Doesn’thelpabit.TellthemI’mnotcoming,‘Costhere’snothingthatwillfit.

S-D TREE CARE

Tree ReductionsThinnings and Take DownsHedge MaintenanceStump GrindingChipping

All aspects of tree and hedge maintenance undertaken

with prompt and efficient service

For a free quote contactCharlie Sanger-Davies

01452 713707 / 07774 158240charliesangerdavies@talktalk.net

Ensemble Song

32 squaretalk

St John’s Lodge teddiesWBroTrevor ColesofSt John's Lodgehassentinthisterrificphoto.Thislittleladisoneofover350childrenwhohavesofarenjoyedreceivingateddybearduringtheirstayintheChildren'sDepartmentsofGloucesterandCheltenhamHospitals. TheideawassuggestedtothelodgemembersbytheCharitySteward,WBro.Robin Tudor,whowantedtocelebratethe150thanniversaryofthelodgein2009.

Generosity

WBroTrevortoldsquaretalk,“ThegenerosityofthemembersmadethisallpossibleandtheschemeprovedsuchasuccessthatthelodgehascontinuedsupplyingboththeseChildren'sDepartmentseversince. “Werecentlyreceivedawonderfulhandmadecardand‘thankyou’letterproducedbythechildren.”

33squaretalk

Valentine’s Ball swings . . . . . TheThistleHotelinCheltenhamwasanidealvenuefor140Brethrenandpartnerstoenjoyandhelpraiseinexcessof£2000fortheProvincialGrandMaster’sCharitiesAppeal.

34 squaretalk

Apprenticeships PGM’s support sought . . . .

YoumayhaverecentlyseenthepublicitywhichNational Apprenticeship Weekattracted. WBro John KeighleyofRoyal Union LodgehassoughtthesupportoftheProvincialGrandMasterinaddingtheweightofmasonrybehindaninitiativeinspiringtheprovisionoftrainingplacementsinthecommunity.WBroJohncommented,“Weallappreciatethecharitablefund-raisingachievedthroughtheorder.However,thereareotherwayswe,asmasons,canservethecommunity. “Weallrememberthetransitioninouryouthwhenwelefteducationandmovedintoourfirstjob.Wealsoknowthatthingsaremoredifficultforyoungpeopletoday,notleastbecauseofthecostofhighereducation,thedownturnintheeconomyandtheincreaseinunemployment. “Asmasons,wecanplayourpartinassistingtheyoungbyencouragingbrethrentousetheirinfluencetoincrease

opportunities.Alargenumberofourmembersareemployersordirectlyinvolvedinemployment.TheexcellentsystemofProvincialcommunicationthroughLodgeSecretariescouldmotivatebrethrentohelpyoungpeoplewithcareers.”

. . . and received!

InaresponsetoWBroJohn,RWBroAdrian Daviestoldsquaretalk,“Iamfullysupportingthisinitiativeandwillensurethatthemessageisbeingcirculatedtoindividuallodges.”

AUTUMNEDITION

July 7thFor contacts for articles and adverts please see

inside cover

35squaretalk

Double 50 at Tyndall

Thereweretwobrethrencelebratingtheir50yearsinmasonryatTyndall Lodgeveryrecently.TheProvincialGrandMaster,RWBro

Adrian Davies,inpresentingthemwithacertificateandlapelbadge,spokeglowinglyoftheirdevotiontotheCraftdespitelivingbusylives.Healsopickeduponsomeantecedentcoincidences.

W Bro Dickie Rossiter

FormerlyacommissionedofficerintheRoyalNavy,WBroRichardstartedanaccountancybusinesswithhisbrother,whowasalsoaTyndallmember.HewasthemasteratTyndallin1977.Heisthefatherofthreedaughtersandhaseightgrandchildren.Alsoverymuchinvolvedinsport,WBroRichardwaschairmanofCliftonRFCandChairmanofGloucestershireCricketClub.

Bro John Ivory

AlsoaformerRoyalNavyman,BroJohnwasamemberoftheCharteredInstituteofSecretariesandworkedwiththeoutdoorclothingcompany,Milletts.Havingbeen

maderedundant,healsowentintoaccounting.Again,hehaseightgrandchildrenfromhisfourchildren.RWBroAdriancommendedhimonservingthelodgeastreasurerforamere34years!

LtoR,WBroPhilTrotmanWM,RWBroAdrianDavies,WBroDickieRossiter,BroJohnIvory

36 squaretalk

“We even had a Trogg there!”Earl Bathurst widows remembered

DuringhistenureasLodgeAlmoneratEarl Bathurst Lodge,WBroRoger Dakin openeduphisgardenforaBathurstWidows’summertea-party.Itbecameanannualeventandgrew“likeTopsy”,evenstrayingintoWiltshire,toWBroBernard Norton‘shome.Seekingvariationonatheme,forthelastcoupleofyearsthelodgehasheldanextremelysuccessfulBBQatDaglingworthVillageHall.IthasbeenopentoCirencesterbrethren,familiesandfriends.TheEarlBathurstLodgewidowshavebeeninvitedatnocosttothemselves,aswellastheCirencester Widows Association.

PGM’s Discretionary Fund

“Wewereluckytocatchsomegoodweatherforthe2011BBQevent,”saidcurrentAlmoner,WBroFrank Crossland,“andover100attendedfromtheCirencesterlodges.WealsohadrepresentationfromSherborne LodgeandHicks Beach Lodge.TheProvincialGrandMaster,Adrian DaviesandwifeAngela

joinedus,togetherwiththenewProvincialAlmoner,WBroMark Smithandhisfamily. “Eachyear,wetendtospiceitupalittle.Thisyear,wehadourcustomarylambroast,sausagesandpuddings,allprovidedatminimalcostbyourwives.However,wealsointroduceda“Bring-and-BuySale”,abookstallandcakestallinordertoraisefurtherfundsforthe PGM’s Discretionary Fund.

Wild Thing!

“AllourthanksgotoBroMick McCormick,ourSW,whoonceagainsupervisedthelambroast,toWBroAlan Dolmanwhowasinchargeofsettingup,andallourotherhelperswhodidsuchagreatjob,”continuedWBroFrank.“WewereentertainedinstylebyWBroDavid Wells (CotteswoldLodge)onguitar;alsobyChrisWatson,aguitaristfromTheTroggs...‘WildThing’.Rememberthat?)Hisdaughter-in-lawjoinedonvocals.“Shemadehisheartsing!” “WBroBrian Newell,theWM,presentedtwochequestotheRWBroAdrian;onefromEarlBathurstLodgemembersandasecondof£500fromtheprofitoftheBBQ. “Themainthingisthateveryonethoroughlyenjoyedthemselves,includingourwidows,whoonthisoccasionnumberedfifteen!”

37squaretalk

38 squaretalk

Spotlight on . . . . squaretalkshinesthespotlightonabrotheralongsidewhomthereadersmayhavethegoodfortunetositatameetingoneevening.Inthiscase,itcouldbeinoneofanumberoforders.BepreparedtolistentosomestoriesofhislifeinAfrica!

W Bro George Morris

ST: We met at Downend Lodge a few months ago, George, and I took this photo. Remind me, what was the occasion?GM:ThiswaswithmyCandidate,BroPaul Spark.ImethimwhenIreturnedtoEnglandinin2008.HeexpressedanamazinginterestinMasonry.Igottoknowhimwellandthenproposedhim.PaulwillmakeafineMason.WBroTerry Wilmshurstontheleftwashisseconder.ST: So when did you join Masonry, George?GM:In1975,inRhodesia,asitwascalledthen.IwasfirstlyintheIrishConstitution.ST: What were you doing out there?GM:IwasworkingasSeniorAccountantforBulawayoMunicipality.

ST: But you were born in England?GM:Yes,inLondon,comingupto89yearsago!ST: So how did you find your way to Africa?GM:IwasanRAFFlightSergeantduringthewar,butin1944,IwastransferredintotheArmyandsenttoserveinIndia,endingupWO1.Iwasdemobbedin1946andreturnedhome,buttherewaslittlechanceofemploymentandalotofcrimewhereIwasinLondon.MymotherwasborninSouthAfrica,soIwentoutthereforguaranteedworkonaschemerunbyGeneralSmutsandItrainedinaccountancyandadministration.

Bechuanaland

ST: You moved further north, though?GM:Yes,in1961,toBechuanaland(Botswana),inthePublicWorksDepartment.TheCountrywasgrantedindependencein1966andAfricanswere

39squaretalk

trainedtotakeover.Afteranothersixyears,ImovedontoGweruinRhodesia.ST: Was that not at the time of the Bush Wars?GM:Yes.ThatwasgoingonwhilstIwassecondedtoBulawayoMunicipality;atthattimeitwasdifficulttogetcivilservantstogooutintotheDistricts.Wehadsomeinterestingtimes!Iusedtoleadteamsoutintothebushtotakethecensusandrecordbirthsanddeaths.IalwaystreatedmyAfricanworkerswithrespectandfoundthattheyreturnedthecompliment.ST: When did you retire?GM:1982,afterZim’sindependence.IswannedaroundforsixyearsandthenmovedtoSouthAfricaandjoinedtheMasonicDistrictofTransvaal,(nowSouthAfricaNorth).ST: And what about your family, George?GM:I’msadtosaymywifepassedawayinRhodesia.ShehadbeenMatroninthehospitalthere.Wehadtwosonsandadaughter.TheboysarestillinSouthAfrica;onelivingnorthofPretoriaandinvolvedinhorsedressagetraining.TheotherisaseniorPolicemaninCapeTown.MydaughterlivesinPucklecurch.Shemovedherein2008too.

Freemasonry’s appeal

ST: You found Masonry appealed to you in Africa?GM:Ohyes!Icouldnotgetenoughofit!ButtheIrishConstitutionhadadistinctlackofotherorders,soIwentintotheEnglishConstitution,andjoinedthelot;HRA,Mark,RAM,KT,KTP,Rose,RedCross,RSM,Allied;younameit!Imaintainmembershipinmuchofit.IamPastDistrictJWinCraft,andholdGrandRankinseveralorders.

ST: And you clearly still embrace Masonry?GM:Certainly.I’minDownendLodge,TyndallChapter,RichardIKT,StMathiasRCC,NBristolRoyal&SelectMastersandFrederickLaceAlliedinBath.ST: I hear you still perform a great deal of ritual.GM:IndeedIdo.Youhavetokeepmindandbodyactive!ST: So, you are obviously enjoying a full life here in Gloucestershire.GM:Iam,butImustsayIhadawonderfultimeinAfricatoo.I’lltellyouasecret;Ilovedthesun,butifIburnedmykneesthey’dswellup.Soinallthoseyearsoutthere,Ineverworeshorts!ST: Good luck, George. We’re sure to see you on the circuit!

Oxford University Artists in Residence

Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,

houses, invitations)

• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,

Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.

No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:

www.flagstonepress.co.uk

Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and

Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

Email: robin.wilson@hmc.ox.ac.uk

Oxford University Artists in Residence

Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,

houses, invitations)

• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,

Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.

No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:

www.flagstonepress.co.uk

Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and

Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

Email: robin.wilson@hmc.ox.ac.uk

Oxford University Artists in Residence

Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,

houses, invitations)

• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,

Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.

No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:

www.flagstonepress.co.uk

Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and

Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley

Email: robin.wilson@hmc.ox.ac.uk

40 squaretalk

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To find out more, call Chris Pointing now on:

Chrysanth Champ!Record Visitor

HavingvisitedVassar Smith Lodge,fiveorsixtimesayearfor43years,WBroBruce ReedbelieveshemaywellholdsomekindofvisitingrecordinGloucestershire.Hehasputhisreigninjeopardy,however,sincehehasnowbecomeajoiningmember! DespitealwayshavinglivedintheForestofDean,WBroBruce’smotherlodgeistheValeofBrislingtonLodgeintheProvinceofSomerset,whichmeetsatKeynsham,performingthe“BristolWorking”.Hewentthroughthechairtherein1980.National Champion

AnotherofWBroBruce’sclaimstofameisthatinNovemberhebecametheNationalChampionofAnemoneChrysanthemums.TheNationalShowisheldeachyearatStafford,andattractsexhibitorsfromalloverthecountry.“Myexhibitconsistedoffivevasesoffiveblooms,andIdisplacedthepreviouschampionoffiveyears,”hesaid.“Iwasalsoluckyenoughtowintheawardfor‘thebestvaseofanemonechrysanthemumsinshow’.” WBroBruceisaNationalChrysanthemumSocietyJudgeandalsotheChairmanoftheForestofDeanChrysanthemumSociety.

41squaretalk

Vassar-Smith vetW Bro Cecil Hugh Baber Watts recognitionofthelongtradingconnections

betweentheirrespectivefathers.

PPrSGW

AttheendoftheeveningthePGM,withoutnotice,investedCecilasaPastProvincialSeniorGrandWardeninrecognitionoftheservicehehadgiventohislodges,presentingtheapronwhichhadpreviouslybeenusedbyhisuncle,JohnWatts,andhisnephew,PastAssistantProvincialGrandMaster,WBroJohn Thurston. CecilwenttoWycliffeCollege,theschoolbeingevacuatedtoLampeterduringwartime.ForaperiodduringthewarheservedasaconductoronhisUncleJohn'sRed&Whitebuses,travellingtothemunitionsfactoriesinSWales.HethensignedupfortheRAFandwasanavigator.Thisgavehimaloveofflyingandlaterheobtainedapilot'slicenceandevenhadhisownaeroplane...G-TYRE. ImmediatelyafterthewarhereturnedtotheRed&White,workingfortheinternalauditdepartment,wherehemethisbridetobe. InJuly1950,hemarriedJoan,whosefatherwasafreemason,andtheyhadthreechildren,Lawrence,HelenandChristine.Tyring business!

Inthe1950sCeciljoinedthefamilycompanylookingaftertheladiesintheWattsAccountsDepartment!Heledtheintroductionofcomputingtechnologybyhavingapunchedtapesalesledger.Intheearly70s,heestablishedasmallsuccessfulaviationtyresalesanddistributionbusiness,whichstillsurvivestoday.HewasaWattsGroupdirectorfor53years,arecordonlysurpassedbyhisfather.

Novembermarkedthe60thanniversaryofWBroCecil’smasoniccareer.TheRWProvincialGrandMasterdulypresentedhimwithhiscertificateandpin,

notingthat,beingaLewis,CecilandhisbrothershadbeenbornintoafamilywithaMasonichistory.Theirgrandfather,Josiah,wasthetreasureratVassar-Smith LodgeandeventhedeliveringdoctorathisbirthwastheDC! Cecil,histwinbrother,Melvilleandbrother,Geoffrey,werealllodgemastersandalsofoundermembersofOld Wycliffian Lodge.AgoodlynumberofOWsattendedthecelebratoryeveningatLydney,includingtheProvincialSeniorGrandWarden,WBroRoger Cullimore,whopresentedCecilwithamodeltruckin

42 squaretalk

Busy social calendar nets its rewards!Downend Lodge . . . .

....WM,WBroJim MacLeodhasbenefittedfromwifeBarbara’sorganisationalskills,tomakehisterminofficea“socialandfunyear”.

Varied events

“Withjustalittlehelpfromthelodgesocialteam,”withtonguefirmlyincheek,AlmonerWBroTerry Wilmshurst,toldsquaretalk,“wemanagedaStGeorge'sNight,anafternooncream-tea,asalmonluncheonatHambrookHolidayInn,aLadies’NightattheAztecHotel,aChristmasCaroleveningforallmembers,wivesandlodgewidows,andfinallyaBurnsNight;allwithsomeformofcabaret,bothpreparedandimpromptu! “Overall,theyearhasresultedinafantasticachievement;inexcessof£3,500donatedtothechosencharity,TheJessieMayTrust,whichprovidedthemwithsupportandkindnesswhenBarbaralostapreciousGod-daughter.”

Lord Lieutenant

TheTrustpatronandHMLordLieutenantofBristol,MaryPriorMBE,enjoyedtheLadies’Nightcelebrations,gracefullyreceivingacheque.FurtherchequeswerepresentedtoTrustrepresentative,EmmaKenton,(below)whoattendedtheBurnsNight. JimandBarbarawereover-whelmedwithallthesupporttheyreceivedinhisyear,enablingthelodgetoaccrueafurther£1000topassontothePGM’sAppealwhichsupportsallcharitiesthroughoutGloucestershire.

43squaretalk

Masons and Gloucester Shrievalty WBroJeffswasaprominentFreemason.HewasinitiatedintoRoyal Lebanon Lodgein1863,Masterin1866/7andagain1875andofZetland Lodge1880and1882/3.ThechainwaspresentedtohiminrecognitionofhisservicestotheCraft.ItwaslaterwornwithdistinctionbytheDeputyProvincialGrandMasterWBroColJHCollett. Attheconclusionofhisyearinoffice,WBroJeffshandedthechaintotheCorporationforthefutureuseofSheriffs,alargenumberofwhomhavebeenMasons.From1483until1972,anyoneintheCitycouldbeelectedtoholdtheofficeofMayororSheriff,anhonournowonlyaffordedtoelectedmembersofthecitycouncilfollowingreorganisationoflocalgovernment.

Headstone restoration

WBroJeffsdiedin1898inhisseventiethyearandwasburiedinHempstedChurchyard.WBroGordonlocatedthegraveandraisedfundstocleanuptheheadstone;(photosbelow,beforeandaftertherestoration).Youmaycontacthimforfurtherdetailedinformationandphotos.

W Bro Henry Jeffs

Inthepreviousissueofsquaretalk,thespecialhistoricallinkbetweenGloucesterlodgesandtheSheriffofGloucester’sChainofOfficewasreported.ItwasdonatedbybrotherFreemasonsin1883tothethenSheriff,WBroHenryJeffs.WearegratefultoWBroGordon WilliamsofRoyal Lebanon Lodgeforhisresearch.

The chain and badge . . . .

...are,aswewouldexpect,verysymbolic.Thechainismadeupofalternatelinksofgarterandshield,withmuralcrownsatthetopandblockscontainingemblemsoftheSherriff’soffice,comprisingswordandfasces,withaxeandmace.Thebadgeconsistsofthecityarmsandmotto.Everythingis18-caretgoldapartfromtheswordandaxes,whichareplatinum.

44 squaretalk

Swan Song?W Bro Bernard Norton writes:

“WBroHarold FlookisaMasonwellknownintheProvince,particularlyatAvonmouth.Bornin1915,heisproudtocallhimselfaBristolian;itwasinthatcityhemadehimselfasuccessfulbusinessman.Heenteredthefamilybusinessasatraineeaccountantandeventuallytookover;expandingittosuchanextenthewasabletoretireat61. “InitiatedinMarch1954intotheSt Andrews Lodge,BroHaroldhaswrittenahistoryofMasonryatAvonmouthinwhichheindicatesthatthelodgemembersbuilttheMasonicHallthemselves,completingtheworkin1904,indicatedbyaplaqueatthetopofthebuilding.

WM at 80

“HebecameWMin1968andagainin1995,aged80.HewasalsothetreasurerandinvolvedintheHallCommittee.Notonetostandaround,BroHaroldbecameamemberoftheGloucestershire Installed Masters LodgeandwastheWMin1988.HewashonouredwiththerankofProvincialSeniorGrandWardenin1990.In2001,attheageof86,hebecameafounderoftheLodge of Light & Reflection,wherehewastheChaplainfor8years,retiringin2011. “InSeptember,alongwithothersrepresentingthelodgestowhichhebelonged,IwasinvitedtoafamilypartytocelebrateHarold’s96thyear.Itwasinterestingtomeetthefamilythatspansfourgenerations;Harold,hisdaughters,grandchildrenandthelatestgreat-grandson,onlythreeweeksold.

“BroHaroldisoneoflife’sgentlemenanditwasatthepartyheaskedifIwouldmindifhecametothenextmeetingoftheLodgeofLight&Reflection;astrangerequest,onemightthink!Hewas,afterall,stillinoffice.However,becauseofillness,hehadbeenunabletoattendmeetingsforoverayearandIhadhadtocover.Hedulyarrivedatthemeeting,againstdoctor’sorders,andperformedhisduties,word-perfectasusual,includingtheinnerworkingoftheInstallation. “HewasthankedbyVWBroColin Bendon,theDeputyProvincialGrandMaster,(picturedbelow),fortheworkhehaddoneforFreemasonryingeneralandAvonmouthinparticular.NotsurprisinglyBroHaroldleftearlyandwhisperedtome,‘Ithinkthisismyswansong.Idon’texpecttomakeanymoremeetings.’”

45squaretalk

Full Team at 75th Anniversary

Royal Arch celebration

ThefullProvincialExecutiveteamwasmusteredtocommemoratetheseventy-fifthanniversarymeetingoftheCotteswold Royal Arch ChapteratCirencester.TheywerenaturallyledbytheMostExcellentGrandSuperintendentofGloucestershireandHerefordshire,Graham King;photographedabovewiththeMEZ,ExCompDouglas Collett andSecondPrincipal,ExCompNigel Bridges.

Engraved gavel

OversixtymembersandguestswerepresenttoseetheMEZexalthisson,BroAndrew Collett,intoRoyalArchMasonry.Notcontenttojustsitandwatch,theProvincialGrandScribeE,ExCompRay Bennett,wasquicktoofferhissupporttofillthethirdchairwhentheChapterThirdPrincipalbecameilljustbeforethestartofthemeeting.Allthecompanionsthatattendedreceivedacopyoftheoriginalorderofservicefortheconsecrationmeetingheldonthe2ndOctober1936.ExCompPaul Turner,

theChapterScribeE,readoutasummaryoftheoriginalminutesandtheorationthatwasdeliveredattheconsecrationmeeting.TheMEGScongratulatedthechapteronits75thanniversaryandpresentedanengravedgaveltomarktheoccasion.ECompPaultoldsquaretalk,“Tocompletetheevening,theProvincialExecutive,visitorsandmembersweretreatedtoaspecialbanquetmealbasedontheconsecrationmenu;

theonlydifferencebeingthatthediningfeewasslightlymorethanthesevenshillingsandsixpencechargedin1936."

46 squaretalk

W J Moss Ltd Stonehouse

Tel : 01453 821185 Mobile : 07887 660712

or 07748 937351 http://www.wjmoss.co.uk

Teak is a very oily hard wood, which does not require any treatment to

extend the life of the product.

A beautiful silver grey, when left to weather or good as new with regular oiling.

Only sustainable Teak from government controlled, well managed

forests is used in our furniture and is kiln dried before construction so doesn’t warp.

BLESMA

Asanex-serviceman, Zetland LodgeWM,WBroGeorge Walker,(photoleft),chosetheBritishLimblessEx-ServiceMen’sAssociationasoneofhistwocharitiesforhisyear.Afterdisplayingmaterialatalodgefunction,CharitySteward,WBroLew Robins,(photoright),alsodecidedhewouldsimilarlyadoptBLESMAasoneofhistwocharitiesinhisroleasPresidentofhisBowlingAssociation.

“Stumped” for words!

Toawakeninterest,Chris Jones,theGloucestershireBLESMAWelfareRep,whohadlostalegattheageof18whilstservingwiththeRoyalSignals,wasinvitedtoZetland’sStGeorge’sDaylunch,togiveatalkonthehistoryandworkofBLESMA.SuchisthenatureofcheerfulChris,whosmilesthroughadversity,thathecreatedhise-mail

address“half_legless@yahoo.co.uk”.Atthechequepresentation,heshowedhowhecouldturnhisartificiallegfromthekneedownaround180degrees,sothathisfootwaspointingbackwards!WBroLewnearlyfelloverwithshock...thiswasthefirsttimehe’dbeen“stumped”forwords!Atotalof£1300waspresentedtoBLESMAforwelfareandotherwork

withintheoldboundariesofGloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust

InadditiontoadonationtothePGM’s Discretionary Fund,anotherchequefor£500waspresentedtoWendyDavies(photobelow)oftheGloucestershireArthritisTrust,forextraequipmentandpooltimeatGloucesterRoyalHospital’sHydrotherapyPool.AlsopicturedwithWBroGeorgeisPhysiotherapyAssistant,JudiStrickland.

Half-legless visitor to Zetland!

47squaretalk

48 squaretalk

Sports Master!

London Marathon

2011wasaheavyyearforWBroDavid Michael,evenbyhisstandards.NotonlywasheinthechairofRichard Whittington Lodgeandconductinganinitiation,twopassingsandaraisinginaveryactiveseason,butinthespringhefulfilledanambitioninrunningtheLondonMarathon,(refreshingphotoabove).Hisfirsttargetwasofcoursetofinish,whichhedidintheentirelyrespectabletimeof6hrs11minsand42secs.Indoingso,heraisedwellover£3000forMasoniccharities.

Charity ride

WBroDavidwasnotlazyoverthesummerrecess,energeticallyraisingfundsforhisfavouritecharitybycyclingfromLondontoBrightonintheannualMasonicCharityRide.“IamdelightedtoannouncetomymanysupportersthroughouttheProvincethatthisyearIhaveincreaseddonationstotheWheelchair Support Charityto£4694.25;evenmorethanlastyear!”hetoldsquaretalk.“Thereisstillmoretocomefromafewlate-payers,sodopleasegetintouchwithmeandhonouryourpledge!”

Paralympics

“ThisisthefourthyearthatDavidhastakenpartinthisevent,”saidLodgeSecretary,WBroDick Blakemore.“Davidsaysthatitdoesn’tgetanyeasier.Thecharitythathesupportsprovidestheveryspecialwheelchairsthatchair-boundathletesneedtoparticipateintheirevents,leadingtotheParalympicGamestakingplaceinthesummer.“Justtofinishoffhishecticyearinoffice,”Dick

continued,“Davidhasannouncedhisengagementtobemarried!ThelodgeandallhisfriendsinFreemasonrycongratulatehimandJulieandwishthemwell.”

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49squaretalk

Do you have a spare room?

Letter from the Provincial Ambassador for the RMTGB

“ThiswastheposterthatcaughtmyeyeasIenteredtheChapterHouseatGloucesterCathedralrecently.TheProvincialGrandAlmoner,WBroMark Smith,andIhadbeenaskedtorepresenttheProvincialGrandMasterandtheProvinceatapresentationofNightstop,alocalcharityhelpingyoung,homelesspeople.TheCathedraleventwasfundedbytheGloucestershireMasonicCharityAssociationandwaslively,wellplannedandveryinformative. “NotonlywerethePatron,ChairmanandTrusteestheretogreetus,whichtheydidsowarmly,butalsosomeofthemanyyoungsters(referredtoasNightstoppers)whothecharityhashelpedsofar.WealsometthefamilieswhosonoblyhosttheseNightstoppersforone,twoormorenightsuntiltheygetbackontheirfeet.

Astonished!

“EachNightstopperhadadifferentstorytotell,butwewereastonishedbythenumberofyoungpeoplewhoarepropelledfromtheirfamilyhomeswhentheyreach16,withnomoneyandnomeansofsupportingthemselves.Familyargumentsoftenprecipitatetheirleavingandallitneedsisa

stablefamilyenvironmentwhereahotmeal,bathandacomfortablebedforthenightcandomuchtoalleviatetheproblemandgetthemtheadviceanddirectiontheyneedtopreventthemfromendinguponthestreets. “Therearetwofulltimemembersofstaffandoneparttime,withtherestoftheworkbeingcarriedoutbyvolunteers.ItistheirjobtoreceiveyoungsterswhoarereferredbySocialServices,thePoliceoreventheChurches.Theywillthenidentifyasuitable“host”familyandintroducethemtoeachotherafterobtainingtworeferencesfortheNightstopper.Thehostthendoestherestintheknowledgethatintheunlikelyeventofanyconcerns,theCharityTeamisonhand24/7toofferhelporplacethemelsewhere.TheNightstoppersareoftenmorenervousaboutenteringafamilyhomethanthehostsareatopeningtheirdoorstostrangers!AllthehostsreceivetrainingfromtheCharityinhowtodealwithyoungpeopleinsuchsituationsandoutofpocketexpensesforfood,hotwaterandaccommodation.WhattheyreallygainisagreatsenseoffulfilmentwhenaNightstopperissetontherighttrackagain. “Thischarityisoneoperating‘undertheradar’ofmostofusandIcertainlyhadnoideaofitsexistenceuntilthatevening.ItiscertainlyworthyofourcontinuedsupportandhelpingyoungvulnerablepeopleinGloucestershireisafoundingprincipleoftheGloucestershireMasonicCharityAssociation.FurtherinformationaboutthegreatworkbeingcarriedoutbyNightstopcanbefoundatwww.gloucestershirenightstop.org.uk.”

W Bro Chris Ames

50 squaretalk

Gloucestershire Masonic Golf Society

GMGSCaptainforaverysuccessful2011wasBroMike JacquesofPrince of Wales Lodge,whichmeetsatStow-on-the-Wold.Hewasquicktoacknowledgethatsuccesshadbeenachievedbycamaraderieandteam-playfromacommittedmembership.Inencouragingnewmembership,BroMikeisinvitingallthoseGloucestershiregolfingmasonstoseriouslyconsiderjoiningthesocietyinordertoenjoyrewardingdaysout. “Handicapsarevaried,tosaytheleast.Sodonotbeputoffifyouthinkyouarenotgoodenough”,saidBroMike.“Wealsohavelowhandicapplayers,soIalsoencouragethebetterplayerstoconsiderjoining.Thecostsforadayoutareveryreasonableindeedasnegotiationswithexcellentgolfcourseshavegoneverywell.Youwillenjoyverygooddinnersafterplay;butalsothefriendliestofatmospheresamongusall.Theannualfeeforthisisjust£12.Forthisweadministerandarrangetendifferentvenues,sixofwhichareplayedagainstotherprovinces. “Thisyearstartedwiththein-houseNorth/SouthShield,playedatBurford.WethenplayedBristolProvinceatBristolandClifton,ouronlylossoftheyear!

WeplayedSomersetatCotswoldEdgeandatlasttooktheirtrophyhome.Theircaptaindidmentionthathewouldnowbeabletogethiscarinhisgarage.(Itisaverylargetriple-handledcider!) “WehadasocialdayatMinchinhamptoninvitingguestsandladiestojoinus.TheKeene&StonesalverwaswonbyBrosMikeParkin,MartinHexter,GeorgeParsonsandRoyMarklove.TheladywinnerswereOliveWyatt,PatSpencerandPatCrawford.ThereafterweplayedandbeatMonmouthshireatStPierre;aspectacularresultforus!NextwasHerefordshireatCotswoldHills.

Winning year for Golf Society

51squaretalk

Theymusthavethoughttheywouldretainthetrophyasthey'forgot'tobringitwiththem.A5-1win!

Miguel Jiminez shirt

“ThreecupswerefoughtoveronCaptain'sandPresident'sDay.WeraisedmoneywhichhasbeendividedequallybetweenthePGM'sDiscretionaryFundandDreamflight,acharitywhichwasessentiallysetuptochartera747fromBAtotakechildren,whohavenorealprospectofqualityoflife,offtoDisneyworldforonememorableholidaywiththeirvolunteercarersandnursesetc.ThemainraffleprizewasaRyderCupshirtdonatedandsignedbyMiguelJiminez. “NextwasawaytoWiltsand,withthesunonourbacks,webroughthomethesilver.Aswellassharingtheraffleproceedsforprovincialcharities,theircaptainalsopresentedagavelasakeepsake. “ThenwecometoourAGM,followinganopportunitytoplaytheexcellentchampionshipcourseatChippingSodbury.TheProvincialGrandMasterpresidedovertheevening.(Hehadmanagedtoplaywiththesameballthisyear!)Fivetrophieswereawarded;tonametwo,theListerSalverwaswonbyWBrosRoger DakinandBroPhil Prescott.TheYeoCupwaswonbyWBroBrian Gargett,whowillbethenextViceCaptain.Wewereabletodonate£220tothePGMforhisfund.

54 on the course

“ThefinalmatchoftheyearwasatCirencester,againstWorcestershire.Nolessthan54playersonthecoursesawthematchhalved.“2012promisestobeeasilyasenjoyable.TheCaptainwillbeBroDavidLomax.(He’sonmyleftinthephotoontheoppositepage.)Weare

continuingtoensurethateveryonewhowishestogoonaparticulardaymaydosoandtheywillgetagame.Wefeelthatthisassurancewaswhywehadsuchgoodattendancesin2011. “Iwouldliketothankallourmembershipfortheirteamworkinmaking2011suchamemorablysuccessfulyear.” Thosereadersandgolferswhowishtojointhisillustrioussocietywillfindawelcome.YouwillneedtobeisasubscribingmemberofaGloucestershirelodge.Afewclubsandatleastoneballmayalsobeuseful!Youmaycontacttheadministrator,WBroMichael Stevens,'Bramley',LawrencesMeadow,Gotherington,Cheltenham,GL529UH,ore-mailstevens39@btinternet.com.

The Masons ArmsA Free House

Paul, Kay & Staff welcome all customers

A Traditional English PubOpen all day . . . . every day!

Mon – Sat from 11 am Sun from 12 noon

6 Real Ales always availableTraditional Pub Food served Tue to Sat

Hot and Cold Bar Meals available from midday

124 Park Road, Stapleton, BristolTel: 0117 939 3919

52 squaretalk

Gloucester

WBroJohn HopkinsoftheOperative Masons Lodge,

placesonrecordmore of the story ofthetempleinGloucester.“Thebuildingisaformerhotelandisnotthatancient;althoughagreatmanyofthetimbersare.ThehotelproprietorwantedalargersuiteoffunctionroomsandtookthetimbersfromarowofcottagesatQuedgeley,re-erectingthemintheirpresentsituation.Indeed,closeinspectionrevealsthattheydonotbelonginthepositionswheretheystand.WhenthehotelwasintheownershipofBroCyrilRich,hegavethewholebuildingtoMasonryforapeppercornfee.Thisstorywaspassedontomeaslongagoas1953byacraftsmanwhoworkedontheproject.”

H4H

AttheTraditionalChristmasDinnerofOld Patesians Lodge,TheWM,WBroRobert Ward,presentedachequefor£600toSergeantFisheronbehalfofHelpforHeroes.Theeveningwasattendedbylodgemembers,

theirladiesandguests,whowerewelcomed

intothehistoriclodgeroomatPortlandStreet,tobegivenashorthistoryofthebuildingbyWBroNigel Greenwood,followedbyexcellentfareandcarols,ledasalwaysfromthefrontbyWBroGeorge Lee.

Skittles

Over40brethrenwithwives,partnersandfriendsenjoyedasplendidevening,brilliantlyorganisedbyBroRichard Bryant andstaffattheUnitedServicesClubinCheltenham,ontheoccasionoftheannualskittlesmatchbetweenManor of Ashley Lodge andSudeley Castle Lodge. ThephotoshowstheMOAWM,WBroAlan Woodman,receivingthewinners’tankardfromhisoppositenumber,WBroJames Stubbs.ThematchproperwasoverseenbyWBroMaitland Cook who,despiteseveralmathematicalmiscalculations,couldnotcontriveawinforhisownlodge! Variousfundraisingactivitiesrealised£320,which,splitbetweenthelodges,gotocharitiesoftheWMs’choices.

Lodge of Rugby

DiscussionsareunderwaytoformanewGloucestershirelodgeaimedatrugbyenthusiasts. Ifitappealstoyou,pleaseregisterthatinterestwiththeProvincialOffice.

Shorts!

53squaretalk

Advertisement

54 squaretalk

“Fellowship Meeting” at H&C

bytheProvincialGrandMasterandabouttwentyofhisactiveofficersforthecurrentseason;andthirdly,thededicationofnewprincipallodgeofficers’aprons. The“fellowshipmeeting”normallyprovidestheProvincialGrandMasterandhisactiveofficersanopportunityforR&R(asocialnightout)intheirhecticcalendar.Onthisoccasion,however,withadutyinthe

formofthepresentationanddedicationofthenewlodgeaprons,itmeantthatRWBroAdrian Davies,togetherwiththeProvincialDirectorofCeremonies,SwordBearerandStandardBearers,hadlittlerespite.Thiswasrectifiedatthefestiveboardlater! Thespin-offforthelodgeinhostingsuchameetingensuresaverybusyeveningandithelpssupportthoselodges

Unique!

AfulltempleatStapletonwasthesettingforthisuniqueNovembermeetingfortheLodge of Harmony & Concord.Itwasimportanttothelodgeforthreeespecialreasons;firstly,therewastheinitiationofBroDes Holl;secondly,theywerehostingavisitfromthe“ProvincialFellowship”,led

55squaretalk

whichmaybefindingdevelopmentdifficultinpresenttimes.ForHarmony&Concord,thePGMwasclearlyimpressedwhenheinformedtheWorshipfulMaster,WBroLes Bendall,howhappyhewastoseethetempleandfestiveboardsowellattended.

New finery

Thededicationandpresentationofthenewprincipalofficers’apronstotheLodgewasasaresultofdonationsfromthecurrentWM,theSeniorWarden,BroPeter ColesandtheJuniorWarden,BroReynold Badger.

Theprincipalofficers’apronswillbepassedontotheincomingofficersforthefollowingyearateachInstallationmeeting.Eachapronhasamedallioninthecentrewiththelodgenameandnumberandintheverycentretheemblemsofthesquare,thelevelandtheplumbruleasappropriate. Theaprons,(suppliedbyWBroChesney PriceatMasonicRegaliaSales),markanotherstepintherefreshingofthelodgeregalia,sincemanyoftheitemsdatedbacktotheinaugurationofthelodgein1966.

Provincial WebsiteFor submitting articles to

www.glosmasons.org.ukplease contact:

W Bro Phil Clements

Email: website@glosmasons.org.uk Tel: 01453 732035

15

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ORDER FORM Your Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Your Tel: ……………………………………. No. of SINGLE tickets @ £10.00 each …… No. of FAMILY tickets @ £25.00 each (2 adults + Children under 14 years) ...…. Cheque enclosed for: ………………………(the usual garden admission fee has been waived)

Please enclose a stamped S.A.E. for the return of your tickets Please make cheque payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”. Send to : Philip Waring, 18 Deverose Court, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3SW. Tel: 0117 9605413.

Come and enjoy a

Family Day at Highnam SATURDAY 16th JUNE 2012 – 2.30pm to 8.00pm

In support of the PGM’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal Highnam Court, Highnam, Gloucester GL2 8DP - www.highnamcourt.co.uk

Join the Provincial Executive and the Festival Team for arelaxing afternoon in the stunning gardens of Highnam Court. Enjoy strawberries and cream with a glass of bubbly between strolling through the gardens, enjoying a family picnic in sumptuous surroundings with fine musical entertainment by the renowned tenor Tim Pitman and of course visiting the bar.

Highnam Court (just 2 miles west of Gloucester) is a Grade I listed mansion built in 1658 and surrounded by fine landscaped gardens, including four lakes, rockeries, a fernery, knot garden, a one acre rose garden and fine lawns. It was once the home of Sir Hubert Parry, the composer of “Jerusalem” and the present owner has restored the Victorian gardens and increased their size to 40 acres. Tim Pitman