surrey mason magazine - spring 2013
DESCRIPTION
Surrey Mason magazine Spring 2013 issueTRANSCRIPT
Issue 30 spring 2013 £1.75 where sold
SurreyMasonOfficial Magazine of the
Province of Surrey
IN THIS ISSUETwo new AProvGMs 2Surrey Craft Festivals 3‘World of Wonders’ – the PGM travels to
Turkey 4Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments 5Leodride Lodge celebrate 100 years 8Masonic Quiz 9
SMWA - Guildford 11Successful Mentoring workshops 13Provincial Debate 14A Freemason’s dying wish 15Weybourne House, Guildford Report 16Surrey for Surrey Fund presentations 17Pinewood Lodge and Scouting 18Masonic antiques and collectables 19
Inter-Provincial Debate 20DepGM of Hungary visits Carshalton Lodge 22 Provincial Grand Charity Steward 23Royal Arch Matters 24-25Provincial Grand Almoner 28Your Letters 32Copy date for next issue: 13 October 2013
WEYBOURNE HOUSE,GUILDFORDReport – Page 16
If you are not a Freemason but would like to know more about us and where your nearestMasonic centre is located, contact www.surreymason.org.ukFurther information about Freemasonry can be found also at www.ugle.org.uk
NEW UPDATED PROVINCIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED www.surreymason.org.uk
Who cares?
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Surrey Mason
Editorial submissions to:Surrey MasonProvincial Grand Lodge of Surrey71 Oakfield RoadCroydon CR0 2UXTel: 020 8686 8388email: [email protected] [email protected]
Surrey Mason Committee:Chairman: W.Bro James Cook Secretary: W.Bro Steven SavvasTreasurer: W.Bro David MatthewsW.Bro David T O’LearyW.Bro Jim BarnesW.Bro Peter CartwrightW.Bro Chris Eley (Royal Arch)
Editor:W.Bro Peter [email protected]
AdvertisingW.Bro Jim BarnesTel: 01306 882412M: 07967 [email protected] Surrey Mason is published by the ProvincialGrand Lodge of Surrey. All material used is ©copyright of the Provincial Grand Lodge and maynot be reproduced, copied or held on anyelectronic media without the express permissionof the Provincial Office.
Every effort has been made to ensure theaccuracy of editorial and advertising content. Nocontent may be reproduced or stored in anyelectronic retrieval system in whole or partwithout the written permission of the publishers.Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannotbe held legally responsible for any errors inarticles or advertisements. Contributed materialwill be returned if possible and if requested(accompanied by a stamped-addressed envelope),but the publishers accept no responsibility for theloss of such material howsoever caused.
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Guildford Masonic Centre, and is currently Chairmanof Godalming Masonic Hall Association and theChairman of the Friends of Shannon Court. Davidwelcomes the opportunity of joining the SurreyExecutive and continuing to serve the Province.Appropriately, he will be heading up the St. DavidGroup of Lodges and is looking forward to getting toknow all the Brethren of these Lodges as well as histeam of Official Visitors.
JIM HAGARTY was Initiatedinto George Price LodgeNo.2096 in December1989. He was Installed asWorshipful Master inOctober 1998, and hasbeen the Secretary of thatLodge since 2003.
His first ProvincialAppointment was asProvincial Senior GrandDeacon in 2005, and he was then appointed toProvincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in2007.
Jim is also a Member of East Surrey MastersLodge No.5888, in which he has served asSecretary since 2008.
He is also a Past Master of Gatwick LodgeNo.2502, the City of London Lodge No.901, and isan Honorary Member of Pishon Lodge No.6458(London).
Jim was honoured with Grand Rank in 2012 whenhe was appointed as Past Assistant Grand SwordBearer, and served as an Official Visitor in the St.Stephen Group from 2012/2013.
He was Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in theGeorge Price Chapter No.2096 in January 1992 andbecame MEZ in 2002. He served as Scribe E from2004–2012. In 2008 he was appointed asProvincial Grand Sword Bearer, and is due to beappointed as Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiaat the Annual Convocation in May this year. Jim isalso a Member of East Surrey First PrincipalsChapter No.5888 and currently serves as Director ofCeremonies. He is also a Past Master of a MarkMaster Masons Lodge.
Jim had a varied career in sales and media and,since retiring in 2000, has lived with his wifeRosanna in East Sussex where they both enjoy theirinvolvement with the local community.
Retiring this year are two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters: W.Bro Colin Palmer and W.Bro JonathonKnopp both of whom have served a six year term in office.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Derek Barr paid this tribute to the retiring Executiveofficers. “Colin has played a major role in preparing for the next Masonic Festival and in the Surrey forSurrey Fund being chair of the Provincial Charity Committee. His dedication to this area of the Province’swork has been tireless. He was also the chairman of St Stephen’s Group. Thanks must also go to him forhis efforts and good council as a member of the Provincial Executive for all these years.
Jonathon has spent his years by giving his expertise on administration and finance to the Province,previously Provincial Treasurer then going on to chair the Audit committee and the Surrey Masonic HallsFund along with his chairmanship of the St David’s Group of Lodges.
Colin and Jonathon have served the Province with distinction and we wish them both well.”The new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters who will be appointed at the AGM in June are W.Bro DavidElse and W.Bro Jim Hagarty.
DAVID ELSE was born in Godalming and now lives inthe nearby village of Elstead with his wife Jenny, alocal Borough Councillor. Between them they havefour children and eight grandchildren.
David has run his own Architectural Practice since1986, concentrating on residential work and thedesign of new houses for individual clients,extensions and refurbishments as well as works toListed and Historic buildings.
During the late sixties and seventies, he alsoworked as a disc jockey in clubs and pubs inLondon, Surrey and Hampshire, indulging hispassion for rhythm & blues and soul music.
David was Initiated by his father, Bernard, intoCastle Keep Lodge No.6446 in 1975, becomingMaster in 1989 and again in 2007 when the Lodgecelebrated its 60th anniversary, which was also the50th anniversary of his father being Installed.Between the two Installations David served asLodge Secretary for 11 years. He has also servedhis Lodge of Instruction as either LoI Secretary orPreceptor since 1990.
In 2005, David was the Master of SurreySecretaries Golden Jubilee Lodge No.9764, havingbeen the founding Junior Warden three years earlier,and is a member of South West Surrey MastersLodge No.5965 and The Friends’ Lodge No.9789.
In the Surrey Province, David has been ProvincialGrand Standard Bearer and Provincial Deputy GrandSuperintendant of Works, both of which officesincluded escorting duties; Past Provincial GrandRegistrar during his 5 years as an Official Visitor inthe St. Swithun Group and, in 2006, ProvincialGrand Junior Warden.
In 2010 he was appointed to the Grand Rank ofPast Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
He was the first Companion to be exalted into the(then) newly consecrated Castle Keep ChapterNo.6446 in 1990, becoming MEZ in 1998 and
currently holds theProvincial Chapter rankof Past ProvincialDeputy GrandRegistrar. David is alsoa member of severalMark Lodges, RoyalArk Mariner Lodgesand Royal & SelectCouncils. Additionally,David has in the pastserved as a Director of
Two AProvGMs retiring and two new to be appointed in June at the AGM
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Surrey Mason
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Did anyone spot the article and photographs in the Mail Online on20th March? The article supported by photographs was of HerMajesty The Queen leaving hospital after her recent bout ofgastroenteritis.
As she came to the door of the hospital it was clear to see thatshe was accompanied by a nurse. Guess what the nurse waswearing? Yes, it was the nurses belt of the Royal Masonic Hospital.Good that our Queen has recovered and great to know that in thebackground there’s a Masonic connection.
Sorry we can’t show you the photograph its has a rather anexpensive copyright on it! But look up www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287402/Healthy-happy-Queen-leaves-hospital-smiling-treated-nasty-stomach-bug
The Royal Masonic Hospital nursesbelt was not easy to obtain. They hadto work extremely hard during theirtraining and even when they qualifiedas a State Registered Nurse, theycould only get them for exceptionalnursing skills.
The Royal Masonic Hospital wasopened in 1933 and was situated at Ravenscourt Park, WestLondon. It was first proposed by members of Malmesbury LodgeNo.3156 in 1911 and in 1913 Grand Lodge approved the idea withfundraising beginning in 1916. King George V and Queen Maryopended the new hospital and the King gave permission for it to benamed The Royal Masonic Hospital. Funds for the hospital wasraised through donations, with donors being awarded a special jewel,known as the Permanent Steward’s Jewel.
The hospital treated over 8,600 servicemen at no cost to thegovernment during World War II. After the war the hospital became ateaching hospital and gained a reputation for producing highly-skillednurses whose distinctive silver belt buckles became a covetedhonour amongst the profession. Ed.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT!Its that time once again for the Surrey Craft Lecture Festivals.Brethren of the four participating Lodges have been working hardpreparing for the Festivals. Show them that you will be in supportby attending what promises to be a splendid occasion. For furtherinformation contact W.Bro Clive Newman [email protected]
The Queen attended by nursestrained at The Royal Masonic Hospital
SURREY CRAFT LECTURE FESTIVALS 2013Founded 1987. President: The Provincial Grand Master
W.Bro N. Parsons AProvGMwill preside at
Croydon Masonic Halls73 Oakfield RoadCroydon CRO 2UX
Sponsored by Old Palace L of IFor information please contact
W.Bro Andrew Fox07930 955423
CROYDON – MONDAY 10th JUNE at 5pm
W.Bro C. Magee AProvGMwill preside at
Camberley Masonic HallAgincourt Hall, London Road
Camberley
Sponsored by Camberley L of IFor information please contact
W.Bro David Matthews01344 775671
S.W. SURREY – MONDAY 17th JUNE at 5pm
W.Bro C. Palmer AProvGMwill preside at
Glenmore HouseThe Crescent
Surbiton KT7 4BN
Sponsored by Kingston Aero L of IFor information please contact
W.Bro James Annand07798 634504
SURBITON – MONDAY 24th JUNE at 5pm
W.Bro T. Rains AProvGMwill preside at
Nutfield Masonic CentreNutfield Road, Redhill
RH1 4ED
Sponsored by Tandridge Hundred L of IFor information please contact
W.Bro Piers Mason07799 760967
NUTFIELD – MONDAY 1st JULY at 5pm
For further information on Surrey Craft Lecture Festivals see www.surreypillars.org.uk or contact:Secretary, W.Bro Clive Newman on 01483 415669 or [email protected]
On Saturday 30thMarch by kindpermission of the R.W.Provincial GrandMaster, a Lodge ofInstruction was held inone of the lounges at
James Terry Court and for the members to wear full regalia. This waspurely for the benefit of the resident Masons and judging from thecomments received by the Activities Coordinator, Carol Roberts (who didso much to encourage the men to attend and to get ready on themorning) and the Home Manager Diane Collins it was a success. SevenResidents – Bros R. Wright, T. Ball, C. Knowles, V. Drust, J. Pachter,J. Hindley and D. Gibbs attended the meeting. W.Bro Frank Lee was theActing Master and W.Bro Charles Dench gave a talk entitled “The Lodgeof Instruction is the heart of any Lodge”. W.Bro David Watts, Master ofMid Surrey Lodge No.3109 accompanied by W.Bro Penegar-Mills andW.Bro J. Burger presented to W.Bro Lee a purpose made L.o.I. box oftools etc. to JTC – a magnificent gesture for which we are very grateful.
The Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro John Tomlin was in attendanceand said the PGM sent his warmest good wishes for a successfulmeeting. Other volunteers were W.Bro G.J. Cranefield, acting D.C.,W.Bro M. King, W.Bro P. Tree, W.Bro J. Jenkinson, Bro G. Drust and“yours truly”. All the residents either wore their own or donated regaliaand the meeting took about an hour.
There then followed refreshments in the dining area and later aFestive Board. The next L.o.I. will be towards the end of June, for whichdue notice will be given. John Banks Secretary
Is this the first Lodge of Instructionin a RMBI Home?
Editor’s comments
NEW PROVINCIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHEDAfter much work behind the scenes SurreyFreemasonry has a great new public website:www.surreymason.org.uk has beenbrought right up-to-date with a fresh look, easy to navigatepages and simple information about Freemasonry with details ofLodges and Masonic halls through the county.
Our new site will support recruitment across the Province andin many cases be the first contact with a potential new member– who can then be introduced to a Lodge and form a relationshipthat could lead to membership.
This is a major new initiative created and run by the Provinceto support Lodges by attracting, informing and giving a pathwayto joining for new members.
HISTORY OF SURREY FREEMASONRYIf you’re a history buff like me you’ll be delighted to know thatThrough the Lodge and Chapter Doors – A History ofFreemasonry in Surrey has now been published by the Province.The 300 page hardback book is available to order from theProvincial Office for delivery in early June. See page 6.
W.Bro Peter Cartwright
World of WondersHerodot Lodge 205, Bodrum, Turkey, invited The Old England LodgeNo.1790 and the Provincial Grand Master of Surrey to a triple firstdegree ceremony in October 2012, which was performed exquisitely.Herodot Lodge had also invited the brethren of Bellator 42 ofFrosinone, Old England’s twinned sister Lodge of the regular GrandLodge of Italy and their delegation was headed by their GrandSecretary, our own and very good friend, W.Bro Antonio D’Emiliotogether with the Master of Bellator, W.Bro Massimo Cerri. TheGrand Master of Italy, Dr Fabio Venzi was away in Sardinia at thetime.
Our Provincial Grand Master the RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamfordheaded the English contingent and we were fortunate to have theDeputy Grand Master of Turkey present at both the Lodge Meetingand the Festive Board, since the Grand Master of Turkey, ProfessorDoctor Remzi Sanver was away in Oslo.
The visit was the culmination of hopes and plans made by BroAykut Korkmaz, a Turkish member of Old England and his father-in-law W.Bro Mustafa Bornovali of Herodot Lodge. The very specialfraternal links with Herodot Lodge enabled us this year to raiseAykut to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Aykut lives and worksin London with his wife Ceylan and beautiful little daughter Alara. Asa result of this very successful meeting, Herodot and Old EnglandLodges have been invited to attend the Installation Meeting ofBellator in Frosinone, Rome in January 2013. W.Bro Tom
Livingstone, Master of Old England will head the trip to Bellator andwe currently have up to 10 brethren attending from Surrey.
The organisation for our trip to Bodrum last month was excellent.All our transfers and transport arrangements were efficiently metand we were all booked into the all-inclusive resort of the World ofWonders in Gumbet, next to Bodrum, where we had first class food,accommodation, service and facilities. Trips to the amazingEphesus, accompanied by one of the brethren of Herodot Lodge, aProfessor of History and professional tour guide and St Peter’sCastle in Bodrum, where we had the services of another excellenttour guide were totally inspiring and absolutely amazing.
We were treated to a wonderful BBQ at the home of Mustafa andFerda Bornovali. Their hospitality was truly magnificent and we spenta very happy few hours with them, Aykut, Ceylan and Alara.
On the Thursday evening our first lady, Libby Stuart-Bamfordtogether with a few of our hosts’ beautiful ladies, lead a shoppingtrip into Bodrum, whilst the brethren were attending the LodgeMeeting and Festive Board.
The Gala Dinner on the Friday evening was superb and held in aroof top restaurant overlooking Bodrum Marina. There was muchfraternal love and affection shown by everyone. All of this, plus theweather during our stay turned out to be hot and sunny, making ourvisit perfect.
Several people have asked me why Old England is such a popularand flourishing Lodge. We consider ourselves a family and our wivesand partners, generally and wholeheartedly support us in ourendeavours. In my opinion, the floor work in the Lodge is second tonone, lead by our Preceptor W.Bro Tim Pretty and our Lodge ofInstruction is always well attended. Our Sports and Social Organiserand Charity Steward, W.Bro Damon Caraccio arranges successfuland enjoyable events, with healthy amounts raised for our chosencharities.
Another facet to our success is, of course, the internationalfraternal association we have with several recognised Lodgesabroad. This undoubtedly enriches our Masonic lives and those ofour families.
I would urge any Brother, who wishes to be inspired and topromote the growth of our fraternity, to contact the Secretary of TheOld England Lodge, W.Bro Bill Slater to witness the happiness andfraternal friendship we as a Lodge enjoy. Alfonso Camisotti
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Surrey Mason
The annual Official Visits to all Surrey Lodges have now beencompleted and it is that time of year when Provincialappointments and promotions are announced.
There are many Brethren who misunderstand theappointments and promotions system and the criterion onwhich honours are awarded. In general terms a Brotherbecomes eligible for a first appointment six years after comingout of the Master’s chair. There are, however, some Brethrenwho may be given a first appointment after only a couple ofyears after becoming Master.
These Brethren have been selected because of exceptionalmerit either for their work in the Lodge, on ProvincialCommittees or for work they may have done in the community.It is normal for such a Brother to be made an Provincial GrandSteward – the Red Apron.
When it comes to promotions, a Brother becomes eligiblefor consideration eight years after his first appointment or hislast promotion.
The key word here is “eligible”. Just because a Brother hasmet the time criteria does not mean he will automatically begiven honours. All honours are considered on merit and ability.
But what about the process? I am often asked how thesystem works.
The Province has developed a selection process which wehope is as fair, open and transparent as possible.
The process starts with the Official Visitor and the LodgeSecretary. It is the OV’s job in conjunction with the Secretaryto carefully review an eligible Brother’s work, commitment,ability and attendance record before making arecommendation to the Group Assistant Provincial Grand
Master responsible for the Lodge.(Sometimes the Official Visit is carriedout by the AProvGM himself).
Each eligible Brother is listed on aform which is then submitted to theProvincial Office. By the end of theround of Official Visits the office willhave processed about 1,000 names –each of which has been carefullychecked before being put before theAppointments and Promotions Board.
The job of the Board is to scrutiniseevery single Brother who has been put forward to ensure thatnothing is overlooked when considering a Brother for honours.Even the unsuccessful recommendations are reviewed for asecond time to ensure that a mistake has not been made.
The Board then sits for two days in deliberation.You can see from the above that each recommendation has
now gone through four stages of consideration before the finalrecommendations are made. But that’s not the end of it.
All candidates for honours are then put before the Executiveand Management Committee for final ratification, and beforethe Provincial Grand Master himself confirms the honoursrecommended.
There are still many who believe that the honours system isa matter of “if your face fits” or “if you know the right people.”This is far from true, and I hope that what I have explainedabove shows just how fair they system is.
John U Tomlin, Provincial Grand Secretary
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Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments
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Albert Edward Lodge impressthe DepProvGM
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Derek Barr, visited Albert EdwardLodge No.1714 on Wednesday 1st February at Camberley and was impressed withthe quality of the ritual and the growth of the Lodge through new membership.
Nearly 100 Freemasons saw an Initiation Ceremony excellently performed. Allthe Lodge officers, with the exception of the Past Master roles were filled byMaster Masons.
The Year Book reported the Lodge as having 71 subscribing members so it cameas no surprise when the Lodge Membership officer reported that seven newapplication forms had been received to boost membership even further. Said Derek“Quite frankly, success is breeding success. Whilst I have no reason to suggestany specific reason for the growth of the Lodge, it must be worthwhile reporting tothis magazine that recruitment can and IS working in the Province.”
At the Festive Board ofCherchefelle Lodge No.6543It was noted that W.BroTurner and W.Bro Blemingboth had had their moustaches for overthirty years, well trimmed, groomed andunderlining their proboscis – but havingnever been removed. On the contrary, W.BroBray had never grown a moustache or abeard. The Brethren agreed to raise moneyinto the charity column for St Catherine’sHospice and the Amyloidosis Charity ifW.Bros Turner and Bleming would shave offtheir moustaches for the January meeting;and W.Bro Bray arrived with a full set!
A number of the Brethren rose andpledged their support, and immediately over£300 was pledged. It is hoped that £1,000can be raised.
If anyone would like to support thesethree Brethren in their quest then alldonations would be gratefully received bythe Charity Steward, W.Bro Nick Smith atc/o 263 High Street, Dorking, Surrey.
Cherchefelle Lodge are keen onalternative ways of raising money for charity,and finding new members – their somewhatunorthodox approach in the past hasresulted in a strong Lodge with many newmembers recently, and indeed the need foran extra meeting in January where thecurrent Master W.Bro Don Pirt will beperforming an Initiation and Raising on thesame night! Michael J Bray
Surrey Mason
Bro Taylan Goktopal of Croydon MillenaryLodge took a couple of copies of the SurreyMason into his salon in the Glades, Bromleyand in no time his customers were pickingthem up. With thousands of gentlemenattending hair salons in Surrey what a greatopportunity we have to promote ourselvesto the public. Pick up a copy at your centreand give to your local hairdresser.
UPPER THAMES LODGERECEIVE A WELCOMING
HAMPSHIRE HANDUpper Thames Lodge No.6138, held their Installation meeting on26th November at Surbiton Masonic Centre with W.Bro JonWhittaker, PSGD, AProvGM (Hampshire & Isle of Wight), a formerSecretary, Almoner and now Honorary Member of the Lodgeinstalling his next door neighbour, Bro Chris Clark into the chairof King Solomon, ably assisted by W.Bro Alan Barker. They beingthe respective incoming Worshipful Master’s Proposer andSeconder.
The afternoon was attended by over fifty Brethren with guestsfrom Hampshire, Kent and Wales. All were treated to the usualUpper Thames’ excellent ceremony interspersed with sweetsbeing handed round by the Lodges well-known Director ofCeremonies, W.Bro Mike Ellis.
The Christmas Festive Board ended traditionally with a stirringrendition of “Old Father Thames” in memory to the Founders ofthe Lodge, formed in 1945, by members of the only water-bourneunit of the Home Guard who guarded the upper reaches of themighty and majestic Thames from the menaces of the Kingsenemies, during the second world war!
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Surrey Mason
Leodride Lodge No.3585celebrate their Centenary Meeting
On Wednesday 10th October 2012 Leodride Lodge No.3585celebrated its Centenary meeting at the Sutton Masonic Hall.
The RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford, Provincial Grand Masterpresented the Centenary Warrant to the Centenary Master W.BroKevin Woodward and commented that this was a greatachievement within the Province of Surrey.
Amongst the 68 Members and guests were two Past ProvincialGrand Masters, RW.Bro Terry Doyle and RW.Bro Denis Phipps and aPast Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro Michael Yalden.
There were also Members of the Present and Past Executivetogether with members of the Provincial Management Team.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master of St Stephen Group,W.Bro Colin Palmer and the Official Visitor, W.Bro Neil Powlingwere amongst those who attended together with a number of GrandOfficers.
The Treasurer presented a cheque for £500 for the Surrey forSurrey Fund to the Provincial Grand Master.
The Festive Board Banquet was also a memorable occasion andthe Provincial Grand Master was presented with a Commemorativebound edition of the 100 year history of Leodride Lodge written bythe Centenary Master himself.
A birthday wish to Brother Justin Connolly Composer and Conductor Justin Connolly is a member of SouthCroydon No.4567 and will be celebrating his 80th year. Justingained the John Clementi Collard Fellowship of the WorshipfulCompany of Musicians 1983-1986, before his appointment tothe staff of the Royal Academy of Music. The organ concertoDiaphony is one of this composer’s most substantial works.
Make a daily advancementin Masonic knowledge
A Masonic Library is located on the top floor of SurbitonMasonic Centre, and contains some 4,000 books and papers.Covering every aspect of Freemasonry and Lodge history.These include details and sources of the various branches ofFreemasonry, it’s unification in 1717, famous Freemasons, andeven the current Dan Brown novel. Somewhere there will bethe answer to every “Why do we do ..?” or “What’s the originof ...?” or “When did this originate?”, etc.
There is nocharge limit ona book’swithdrawal. Allthat’s asked isthat you sign abook out andsubsequentlysign it back in.
Surrey Mason
1 The MW Grand Master, The Duke of Kent’s fatherwas killed in a plane crash.True nn False nn
2 The second man on the moonwas a Freemason.True nn False nn
3 The Shriners are anAmerican baseball team.True nn False nn
4 A Freemason crowned HM The Queen in 1953.True nn False nn
5 “It” is a poem by Freemason Rudyard Kipling.True nn False nn
6 The Provincial Grand Master’s favouritesport is fishing.True nn False nn
7 During WWII and before it became the CroydonMasonic Hall the building stored jars of Bovril.True nn False nn
8 Freemason Dr Edward Jenner discovered Penicillin.True nn False nn
9 R F Gould was an author of Masonic history.True nn False nn
10 Freemason Len Shackleton played football forSunderland FC.True nn False nn
11 Freemason Sir Richard Burtonwas married to Elizabeth Taylor.True nn False nn
12 Past Deputy Provincial GrandMaster, VW.Bro Mike Yalden’scareer was in Engineering.True nn False nn
13 Friday the 13th is considered unlucky because ofthe persecusion and murder of the Knights Templar onthat date in October 1307.True nn False nn
14 Freemason Thomas Arne wrote Rule Britannia.True nn False nn
15 Freemason William IV was the grandfather ofQueen Victoria.True nn False nn
16 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’scharacter Sherlock Holmes was aFreemason.True nn False nn
17 Freemason Peter Ebdon wonthe World SnookerChampionship in 2005.True nn False nn
18 Freemason Thomas Dunckerley was the MasterGunner on board HMS Vanguard in1760.True nn False nn
19 The Statue of Liberty was a giftfrom Scottish Freemasons to AmericanFreemasons.True nn False nn
20 The Grand Lodge of England’s firstmeeting was held on John the BaptistDay, 24th June, 1717.True nn False nn
The answers appear on Page 31along with your rating.
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Surrey Mason
PRIORY SCHOOL, CROYDON – UPDATE30th November saw members of Old Palace present a cheque tothe Priory School in Croydon as part of the ‘Engaging with theCommunity’ project. The school looks after special needs childrenfrom the age of 9 years up to 16 and will soon be moving to a brandnew site in Croydon and become a ‘Woodland School’. This willbenefit the children with outdoor activities that will help them.There is already a teacher who is being put through specialist‘Forest Ranger’ type training to accommodate this and the chequeof £600 is going towards weather-proof clothing, outdoor sportsequipment and some new football goals.
W.Bros Andy Fox and Bryan Taylor were warmly received by theschool at their assembly and to help the children understand why wewere there. The head teacher, Jill Thomas put together a Power-pointpresentation showing pictures of what the money will be spent on.
As part of the sponsorship deal the school is getting a plaquewith our coat-of-arms made to show the donation from Old PalaceLodge and is appearing in the school’s magazine with our websiteaddress and will also be displayed on their their website for thenext 3 years.
Andy and Bryan have already spoken to some of the teachersand invited them to the Masonic halls. It is our hope that with thistype of project we can form new links to increase our numbers.Looking to the future, one of our aims is to recruit new members toFreemasonry by showing the local community what we are aboutand what we do. In fact in June we are holding another communityevent to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.
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W.Bro Andy Fox, Jill Thomas and W.Bro Bryan Taylor
Explosive weekend(or nearly)
Croydon-based Lodge of Resolve No.7177 had arranged aLadies’ Festival at the The Hythe Imperial Hotel for28th–30th September 2012.
As this year’s Master, and now a resident of Surrey,although a Man of Kent by birth, I thought it would be agood idea to go back to my paternal grandfather’s homearea for the Festival. As we have over recent years been toBath, Brighton and Bournemouth, it seemed a good idea toget away from another B town.
So, everything was organised: venue, menu and music forFriday evening, Saturday’s Banquet and disco, flowers, MC,etc. Weekend itineraries including directions were sent tothe Brethren, mainly based in Surrey or Sussex.
Friday 28th midday – leave Croydon, a steady drive downthe M20 – the A261 to Hythe – turn right by the Bell Innand onto the sea front. EXCEPT after 100yds there was apolice barrier across the road. Further along by the hotelwere 4 cars with flashing lights. The police indicated for usto turn round and go back. After enquiring and meeting withno response it was suggested that we enquire again in acouple of hours. We were left with no choice but to head offto the Bell for liquid refreshment at which point a convoy ofvehicles – three police cars, a white van and a large blackvan with the words ‘Bomb Disposal Squad’ in whitelettering containing policemen dressed in black uniforms,helmets and visors, and black body armour approached frombehind us.
As the afternoon progressed the Bell Inn gradually filledwith members and guests of the Lodge. Every hour a trip tothe barrier for news with the same response. What is goingon and why was the helicopter hovering above our hotel?
At 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, the same response – ‘Comeback in 2 hours’. Darkness had now descended at 7pm.Word had now arrived that the staff had been allowed backin the hotel. By 8pm we were allowed with all the guests toqueue at reception accompanied by armed police. What hadhappened? At about 10.30am a man had arrived at thehotel reception claiming to be a police officer and asked tosee the manager as he had to arrest someone in the hotel.Once in the manager’s office he pulled a gun and claimedto be a member of Al Quaeda and had a bomb in his bagdemanding £150,000 from the safe. Where and how he gotaway remains a mystery, hence the helicopter search. Thebomb squad and dogs had spent the rest of the daychecking the hotel to make sure it was safe.
All praise to the hotel staff though. By 9.15pm there wasa hot and cold dinner buffet served for the guests and theysomehow managed to change all the beds so that by dinnertime was over the last few could be allocated their rooms.We never did get our Friday night dancing but somehowafter an afternoons drinking and jollity in the pub, the thrillof a ‘bomb’ in quiet, peaceful Hythe, it didn’t seem tomatter too much.
By Saturday evening the banquet went ahead as thoughnothing had happened. The food and service were superb. Ifany one you want a good venue that’s the place to come.You may miss out on a bomb scare though!
Steven Wren, WM, Lodge of Resolve
Surrey Mason
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Last year whilst watching Comic Relief I mentioned to mywife that I wished I could do more than just making adonation.
Jane said that given that as I was part-owner of a CallCentre, that I should make contact with Comic Relief in orderto see if there were other ways to help. So I applied to beone of their nominated volunteer call centres, and on 22ndJanuary I received confirmation that our offer of help hadbeen gratefully accepted.
The technical and staffing plans were put into place andwe manned at least 50 phones from 6.45 till midnight on the15th March. Therefore, my wish to put something back hasbeen fulfilled. We now need to wait and see if we have beenaccepted to carry out a similar service for Sports Relief andChildren in Need. Contact: [email protected]”David Palmer, James Speller Lodge No.3577
SURREY MASONIC WIDOWS ASSOCIATIONGUILDFORD BRANCH
The Guildford branch of the Masonic Widows started in October2000 and I was one of the founder members. Mike Yalden took usunder his wing and nurtured us on the path we have reached today.His guidance and support took us along a road which has grown asthe years have passed. Many of the original members are still withus and friendships have been forged as we all have a commonlegacy left to us by our husbands.
Guildford was the third branch of the Masonic Widows to beformed under the chairmanship of Jane Hall. Her chairmanship wasfollowed by Audrey Tasker and two years ago I took over when Audreystood down.
Over the years our membership has remained pretty constant withbetween 40 to 45 members.
We meet every two months commencing in October going throughto June. Our meetings are held at the Guildford Masonic Centrecommencing with a speaker followed by lunch. A few years ago Ithought it would be a good idea for us to meet up on the months inbetween our meetings and so started what has become known as‘In Between’ lunches. On these occasions we meet at a public housefor lunch, both the locations and days vary each time to giveeveryone a chance to join us. These have proved a great successand I believe the idea has been taken up by other branches.
Our activities have been varied and hopefully interesting. InSeptember 2010 we celebrated our 10th Anniversary by visitingHighclere Castle. The day was warm and with lunch taken in therestaurant was a great success. Last year we visited Brighton andthe Poppy Factory in Richmond where we were taken for a tourseeing how the poppy wreaths are assembled. This was followed bylunch at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. Both again were asuccess due to the sunny weather – someone is looking after us! Wenormally have at least two outings during the year which we try toorganize for as many widows to attend as possible. The NationalProvincial Office has always been very generous to us bothfinancially and with their support. We receive invitations to eventsorganized through out the year such as Carol Services, The ShannonCourt Garden Party and the Annual Masonic Service at GuildfordCathedral. We always appreciate the invitations and are made to feelmost welcome.
We are a friendly group sharing common needs and interests andalways welcome new members. The Almoners of our husband’sLodges can be contacted for our details or we can be contacteddirectly.
I hope this year continues to be enjoyable and that our meetingsare well attended to take advantage of the wonderful opportunitiesand friendship left to us by our husbands.
Anne Stanford, Chairman of the Guildford Branch
An ambition fulfilled
Surrey Mason
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Issue 28 (Summer 2012) of Surrey Mason reported a Ladies’Night held on P&O’s cruise ship Oriana, where £520 was raisedfor the Captain’s charity, Cancer Relief. On a subsequent cruise onP&O’s Aurora, a similar function was held where £504 was raiseddespite a much lower attendance (49 instead of 63), with £250going to the RNLI, the Captain’s charity, and £254 for the RMBI.
The initial ‘any interest’ meeting resulted in 28 masons and onelady mason debating the usual ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘how much’.
I was asked to be President (the grand officer had refused); thelady volunteered for Secretary and a fellow mason volunteered for
Treasurer. We all quickly agreed on a drinks and nibbles Ladies’Night, and at £10 per head. However, the ‘when’ was far fromstraightforward as one of the second sitting people wanted an 11a.m. event as he didn’t want to dress up (DJs/posh frocks) for a5.45 p.m. Ladies’ Night when his dinner wouldn’t be until 8.30.When we re-convened a few days later, the Secretary announcedthat 5.45 p.m. was the only option at which point all bar one votedfor the 5.45 slot and one stood and voted with his feet! Once thedust settled we agreed to include a raffle with prizes donated bypassengers or the ship’s facilities and shopping outlets.
Subsequent ‘committee meetings’ ensured that themeeting took place without any hiccups and on the day,41 masons and partners, 8 guests and 2 masonicwidows met and were honoured with the presence of theStaff Captain and various of the ship’s personnel. Themoney raised by the raffle covered the cost of the drinksand nibbles and helped us pass the £500 level. Allpresent received a souvenir brochure complete with theusual printing errors with the ship’s printers, yet again,promoting me to grand office by omitting the “rov”!
W.Bro Alan Corb
Freemasonry Still At Sea
A charity donation from Morden Park Lodge, No.8038 was madeto the local boys rugby team at Sutton & Epsom. Brother JohnMurtagh, a Fellowcraft who made thepresentation is also the team manager.
Morden Park’s newly-Initiated Brother,Martin King who was Initiated in October2012 presented a cheque from the Lodgeof £405 to the CO of the Royal Marinesat the Royal Marines Union Jack Clubfollowing their annual Christmas churchservice. Bro Martin was a Royal Marineand his brother is still actively serving.
Morden Park Lodge hand outthe cheques
Camberley Lodge No.5591 visit to ScotlandDuring February of 2013 eight members of Camberley Lodge paida repeat visit to Scotland, where they visited four Lodges andpresented a demonstration of an English Third Degree to LodgeCaledonian Royal Arch Campsie No.195. The visit returned a visitby officers of Lodge Caledonian to Camberley in 2011 when theydemonstrated a Scottish Third Degree and led a magnificentBurns’ Night celebration in honour of Camberley Lodge 75thAnniversary. Among the past officers of Lodge Caledonian No.195is a certain (now Sir) Alex Ferguson, who leftthe Lodge when he became Manager ofAberdeen Football Club.
Three other Lodges were visited over thecourse of a week: Lodge Bonhill AlexandriaNo.321; Bridge of Allan Lodge No.531;Lodge St Andrew Cumbernauld No.199.
The visit culminated in excellentdemonstration of an English Constitution ThirdDegree ceremony by Camberley Lodge and a demonstration of aGrand Lodge Certificate presentation.
At the end of the week-long visit the English delegationreturned home after being treated to wonderful Scottishhospitality and post meeting “harmony.”
Brother Alex Ferguson asAberdeen’s manager
Astolat Lodge No.5848raises £3,000 for local charity
It was with great pleasure that W.Bro Nigel Graham on behalf ofAstolat Lodge No.5848, accompanied by his wife Paula, recentlypresented a cheque for £3,000 to Stepping Stones DS. The charityis run by parents of 90 families with Downs Syndrome children.
This fantastic sum was raised by Astolat Lodge, that meet atSouth West Surrey Masonic Centre, and at a successful Ladies’Festival, attended by almost a hundred guests.
The donation will be of major benefit to Stepping Stones DS andenable them to continue to provide mutual support and lifeenhancing activities for the wellbeing of the children. Emma Hall,the Charity Organiser, whose daughter Isla benefits from SteppingStones DS said, “This money will help to provide essential activitiesfor months to come. Everyone involved does so voluntarily toensure donations like this have a maximum impact”.
Surrey Mason
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Messages of congratulationswere received by theMembership DevelopmentCommittee under theChairmanship of W.Bro NickBurger for the Mentoring‘Workshops’ at Croydon,Surbiton and Guildford.
The MDC set out to explainand offer solutions to theproblems encountered by someLodges in retaining members.
The team produced four mini-plays each with a differentmentoring problem for theaudience to ponder and discuss.The questions asked by theChairman after each play raisedsome many interesting andthought-provoking answerswhich showed how responsivethe audience was to theproblems typified by the plays.
“. . . the way the teampresented the points made veryclear the problems in allLodges.”
“Congratulations, I thoughtthe whole evening was inspiring.I’m going back to my Lodge andimplement some of thesuggestions.”
The team were made up ofhighly-skilled actors and script-writers. The actors were John‘Taff’ Edwards, Rod Culbertson,Nigel Worsfold and Bev Porter.Written by John ‘Taff’ Edwards,Stephen Davids, Des O’Hara andJohn Woodville with productionarranged by Paul Palombo, NickBurger, Miguel Godfrey, RodCulbertson and John Woodville.Committee in support were NeilPowling, Charles Hoseason andGerald Phillips.
Successful Mentoring evenings atCroydon, Surbiton and Guildford
Two of the actors in aplay
Encounters:Artists and FreemasonryArtists have been associated with Freemasonry since the18th century. For some artists Freemasons and theirLodges were a useful source of patronage. Other artistsresponded to the values of Freemasonry and its legendaryhistory incorporating its symbolism and stories in the artthey produced. Drawing on the collections of the Libraryand Museum and with examples from across Europe, thisexhibition will explore those individual artistic responses.William Hogarth or Alvin Langdon Coburn looked atFreemasonry within their established fields of,respectively, satirical prints and photography. Otherartists produced Masonic designs in media for which theyare less well known in art history. Many artistic stylesacross three centuries are represented includingexamples of contemporary artists.
Library & Museum of FreemasonryExhibition runs 25 Feb. – 20 Sept.Great Queen Street, London WC2.
Admission Free
Purley Lodge No.3136oldest member at
97 honoured ‘locally’It was an unusual setting for thepresentation of a 50th Certificate whenW.Bro Graham Potter requested it to be ina local coffee house in Dorking. At 97years of age, and Purley Lodge’s oldestmember, Graham gas been unable to attendmeetings because of immobility. With thehelp of his son he was able to meet withPurley’s Grand Officer, W.Bro Jim Jones andProvincial Senior Grand Warden Jim Barneswho is also a Purley member.
Graham was initiated into EuphratesLodge No.212 in which he became anHonorary Member in 2007. He joined Purleyin 1991. Graham’s forte in the Lodge wasproposing the Toast to the Initiate – a taskhe undertook for many years.
Chairman W.Bro Nick Parsons, APGM, broughtthe Provincial Debating team to Surbiton whereElmbridge Lodge hosted another lively debate.For the Motion were W.Bros Steve Jones andSteven Draper, and against the motion wereW.Bros Klick Rahman and Sylvester Osei.Researchers were W.Bros Don Craig, AlanDibble, David Williamson and Robbie Dobbie.Secretary was W.Bro Jeff Penfold.Chairman’s Opening Statement: W.Bro Parsonsopened the debate by introducing the SurreyProvincial Debating Team. The debate was‘Oxford Union style’ with 1 minute openingstatements for and against the motion, followedby 4 minutes from the opposing sides, questionsand comments from the floor and a shortsummary from both sides before the vote.THE MOTION FOR: W.Bro Jones opened thedebate by re-stating the motion and went on tosay that television is the most powerful form ofcommunication on the planet; it can record thegreatest moments of human triumph and ourabject failures, it can help influence theformulation of an opinion which can destroy aGovernment or sweep a politician and his partyto power and television touches literally billionof souls every day. There is no more powerfulweapon that man possesses in his battle to
alter the way we think and how we view theworld than television.
W.Bro. Jones went on to say that Televisioninforms the masses & educates the ignorantand it makes us laugh and cry, be happy or sad,inspires us or makes us despair with ourinhumanity to each other.AGAINST THE MOTION: W.Bro Rahman openedhis counter-argument with apologies toShakespeare by saying “TV OR NOT TV That isthe Question?” He proposed to show you thatthis whole idea of TV advertising was a non-starter. Whilst he was in favour of greateropenness and would encourage all Freemasonsto be proud to declare their membership to theworld with clarity and confidence, he believedthat advertising “on the box” was, literally, “ABridge too far”… There then followed the caseFor and Against the Motion with elegant andthoughtful arguments given on both sides. TheChairman then asked for comments from thefloor before asking both sides to make theirclosing statements.
After the Chairman’s closing remarks, theteams withdrew for the vote to be taken. The Worshipful Master rose to declare thatthere were 6 votes For the Motion, and 26votes Against the Motion. W.Bros Rahman and
Osei were declared the winners.The Worshipful Master congratulated and
thanked the Team for presenting an entertainingand lively debate. If you wish to view the whole debate in a ‘Word’document, please email the Editor.
Surrey Mason
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Elmbridge Lodge host Provincial Debating TeamThe Debate: This House believes that Freemasonry should advertiseon TV to correct misconceptions and get its message across
A young Master Mason in Elmbridge Lodge,Surbiton has been awarded a WWF (WorldWildlife Fund) Hidden Heroes nationalaward for his environmental work atSurbiton Fire Station and on his allotmentsand other projects he undertakes.
This firefighter has made a big differenceto his workplace with his passion for theenvironment. Through his efforts, frommaking the station more energy efficient tocreating a roof garden with reclaimedplanters to provide seasonal fruit and vegfor crews, he has succeeded in makingSurbiton Fire Station London’s greenest firestation as well as raising awareness locally.
Bro Simon Jakeman
Good Fire(man)!
Brother Luigi Angeloni was born on 9thNovember, 1758 in Frosinone in theProvince of Lazio. He was well educatedand well versed in the liberal arts andsciences. He was a philosopher, linguist,scientist, author and mathematician and asan adult he was vehemently opposed to theNapoleonic occupation of that part of Italyand wrote and distributed pamphletsopposing the occupation. This anti-Napoleonic stance, as you can imagine,resulted in him being detained, beaten andimprisoned. However, he managed toescape with the help of members of theGrand Orient, but was recaptured and sentto Paris, where once again he escapedaided by local Masonic brethren. Hetravelled to London from where he continuedto bombard the Napoleonic Regime withanti-French literature. Whilst living in theParish of Covent Garden, Luigi Angelonisadly made some bad investments and adebtor placed him in The Covent GardenUnion Workhouse in Cleveland Street, wherehe subsequently died aged 84 years just sixmonths later on 5th February, 1842.
Being an Italian and a Catholic, LuigiAngeloni was not permitted to be buriedwithin the city walls, but was placed into agrave in what was then the Old St PancrasChurch Yard in the County of Middlesex,close to St Pancras Station. St Pancras OldChurch is a delightful small Chapel and inthe Church Yard grounds there is aspectacular Obelisk, a large ossuarycontaining the remains of countless notablepeople.
The Railway Company wanted to extendinto the graveyard, but before any of thegraves were desecrated, the local Baronessemployed the then unknown poet andauthor, Thomas Hardy, a surveyor, toundertake the removal and cataloguing ofthe headstones and the placing of many ofthem round a tree, now known famously asthe The Hardy Tree.
In October 2012 a small quantity of soilfrom the area around the tree was removedand given to members of Lodge Bellator 42to take back to Italy. Bro Giacinto Mariotti, amember of Bellator 42 and an author in hisown right, who has just completed amammoth ten year task writing the Historyof Freemasonry over the last two hundredyears in the Province of Lazio, entitledMassoneria in Ciociaria, received the casketof soil and gave a talk at the Lodge meetingof Bellator 42 in December 2012.
Bro Giacinto Mariotti invited me to aCeremony of Repatriation for Luigi Angeloni,
a Freemason and an Italian Patriot. Thelocal Grand Orient Lodge, who are inharmony with the United Grand Lodge ofEngland, but not recognised, paid for therefurbishment of the monument to the fallenpatriots of Frosinone and the RepatriationCeremony took place on 21st December,2012. An orchestra played the ItalianNational Anthem in the Piazza della Libertaand the dignitaries included the Minister ofCulture, the Prefect for the area, the Mayorof Frosinone, the local Bishop and the fourpolice services were represented. TheBishop conducted prayers over LuigiAngeloni’s casket, which was thenceremoniously and with great dignity placedand buried at the right hand corner of theimpressive monument.
Following the ceremony we were allescorted into the municipal building for aReception, when we once again stood forthe Italian National Anthem and were thenduly seated in the main reception chamber,where an Italian/Brazilian composerconducted the orchestra and delighted uswith a special piece he had written for theoccasion. It was excellent and in the style ofthe great Italian composers. All thedignitaries gave a speech and then I wasinvited to the podium and from the lectern I
addressed the august company and thankedthem for their invitation and their mostgenerous hospitality and that I was mostmost honoured to be present. The Mayorpresented Bro Giacinto Mariotti and myselfwith a commemorative medallion inrecognition of our involvement in theresearch and repatriation of Luigi Angeloni.
The Masonic connection has been reallyquite extraordinary. At around the time thatLuigi Angeloni was in London, fighting hiscause, the famous and subsequent GrandMaster of Italy, General Giuseppe Garibaldi,with substantial British help, was striving toliberate and unify Italy. He was in sympathywith Luigi Angeloni and we were honoured atthe Repatriation Ceremony, by the presenceof a direct female descendant of the lateGiuseppe Garibaldi, his great niece SignoraG. Garibaldi.
Bro Giacinto Mariotti has commissioned abeautiful bronze plaque to be placed onLuigi Angeloni’s last resting place andhopefully when Old England Lodge, led bythe Provincial Grand Secretary, John U.Tomlin, visit Frosinone on 16th January2013, we will have the opportunity duringour busy schedule to visit the monumentand see the bronze plaque in place. OldEngland No.1790 twinned with Bellator 42in October 2009 and on the bronze plaqueis the Old England insignia. Also during thisvisit, as well as attending the BellatorInstallation Meeting, we have been invited tothe Municipal Building for the specialPresentation of Bro Giacinto Mariotti’s bookand to a Provincial Gala Dinner in Rome tobe attended by both the Provincial and theGrand Master of Italy.
Without the fervent and passionatedetermination of Bro Giacinto Mariotti littlewould have been known about Luigi Angeloni,so it is he whom we must sincerely thankfor fullfilling a Freemason’s dying wish.
Alfonso Camisotti
Surrey Mason
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Gravestones around thefamous ‘Hardy Tree’ in
the Old St PancrasChurch Yard, which webelieve to be the last
resting place of BrotherLuigi Angeloni
15
A Freemason’s dying wish
Surrey Mason These pages were kindly sponsored by
16
Guildford Masonic CentreWeybourne House also known as Guildford Masonic Centre issituated in a leafy corner of Guildford town.
The original Weybourne House, a detached Victorian stone-cladbuilding, built in 1897 as a Catholic Girls school, is situated at thetop of Hitherbury Close, close to the Portsmouth Road. Circa 1937 itbecame Weybourne School and Children’s Guest House. We, asFreemasons, purchased the property in 1948 and this remained thecentre of Freemasonry in Guildford until the new Guildford MasonicCentre was constructed in 2004/05. The original Weybourne Househas since been converted into high quality residential apartmentsand has been re-named Willow Reach.
As was often the case elsewhere, Lodge Meetings prior to 1948were held in local hotels, etc. Records for some of the older Lodgesbased at Guildford show that regular use was made of places such asthe Lion Hotel, Angel Hotel, Castle Inn, Borough Hall, Holy TrinityHall, Ward Street Hall, Bretts and Abbot’s Kitchen Restaurants.Most of these no longer exist but were central meeting places for thetown in general and not just for Masonic use.
The public face of Freemasonry has evolved and changed since wemoved in to the original Weybourne House all those years ago. Wehave gradually started to share our Centres with the rest of thecommunity. Where previously the Lodges, who had met in publicplaces then subsequently met in a very private Weybourne House.Now we have opened our doors and welcome the wider community tohold their events with us. Naturally with the “new” Weybourne Housebeing of recent build, these are modern facilities and include under-croft car parking, lifts to the bar and meeting rooms, access to theproperty from the river for those newly married couples arriving bynarrow boat, toilets for the disabled, etc. We also offer the servicesof a Wedding Planner and Events Organiser.
It seems in these modern times that, with a large Masonic Centre,such as there is in Guildford, there is a real need to integrateourselves into the community in which we live. This has a two-foldpurpose. Firstly and although we have been fortunate in Guildford inhaving a healthy numbers of active members this alone does notcover the overhead and operating costs as the Centre can be leftunused during the day. Secondly, the Centre with its excellent viewsover the River Wey and towards the Chantries lends itself tocommercial opportunities. The more we involve ourselves within ourcommunity, by hosting events, parties and celebrations that are notexclusively Masonic we demonstrate to the wider world what being aFreemason is truly about. By demonstrating those private qualitieswe uphold and champion in the public light we are able to
communicate to potential members who may not have evenconsidered joining Freemasonry up to that point and thereby helpreverse the national membership decline.
In the past year we have hosted a number of private, non-masonic,functions which have includes weddings, funerals, birthday parties,retirement parties, to name a few. A highlight of the year wascelebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with a Beacon Lightingparty to which we invited all of the local community. This was animportant occasion on many levels by not only to showing oursupport for HRH Queen Elizabeth II but also to engage with ourneighbours and encourage better community relationships. We alsotook an active part in Guildford’s Heritage week-end when the centrewas open to all who wished to visit.
Weybourne House boasts a spacious bar area of 1,200 sq ft withwalk on access to a large decked area overlooking the river. Ourdining area of 2,000 sq ft. will comfortably accommodate 120 seatedguests and has a small adjoining dance floor area. There isunderground parking and also new riverside access so guests andparticularly wedding couples can arrive by riverboat. All usualfacilities are provided with a lift for wheelchair access to all floors ofthe premises.
In recent months we have started a ‘bit of a makeover’ at thecentre, with some new furniture in our bar area. The landscaping ofthe garden and the riverside access is virtually complete and someareas have been repainted to enhance the overall look of the interior.
Visit us at Weybourne House, Hitherbury Close, Guildford, Surrey.GU2 4DR. Tel: 01483 568768 or contact us via our website:www.weybournehouse.co.uk to see full details.Copy by Don Craig and Melvin Cowie, with grateful thanks to other contributions.
Weybourne House
Surrey MasonD A V I D O F F
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Surrey for Surrey FundCheque Presentations
Over £60,000 was donated by Surrey Masons to 17 Surrey Charities inDecember 2012 at the Surrey for Surrey Fund Presentation evening atSurbiton. The Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford was busyfor a great part of the evening presenting cheques and shaking hands with therepresentatives of the various charities. In the past 3 years more than£450,000 has been given to worthwhile charities. Included in this presentationis £19,000 received from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity in support of Surreycharities. The Grand Charity has since 1984 donated £9.9 million to hospicesacross England and Wales – all this money has been raised by Freemasons andtheir families.HOW IT WORKS1. Individual Lodges and Chapters decide on the charity they want to supportand send their cheques to the “Provincial Charity Committee” for whateveramount they wish to donate.2. The Provincial Chariity Committee then pools the cheques from numerousLodges and Chapters for a nominated charity making one sizeable donation,which can be used for a specific project. If appropriate, a further contributionmay be made from the Central Fund. Several times a year, we add up all themonies intended for each charity and a cheque for the total amount is eithersent or, better still, presented by our Provincial Grand Master, in person, to aRepresentative of the chosen charity.
We encourage all Lodges/Chapters to send representatives to eachPresentation Event so they can meet with their chosen CharityRepresentatives and witness their money being handed over. These eventsalso give each Charity an opportunity to publicise their individual causes bycoming along and telling the representatives of these Lodges a little moreabout the work they do.
Those receiving cheques were: Royal Marsden Cancer Charity; Lifelites;Macmillan Cancer Support & Macmillan Nurses; DEBRA; Parkinsons UK;Horsley & Bookham Riding for the Disabled; Hounds for Heroes; NASS (NationalAnkylosing Spondylitis Society); St Peters Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; SurreyAir Ambulances; The Prince’s Trust; Christopher’s Childrens’ Hospice (ShootingStar Chase); Princess Alice Hospice; Phyllis Tuckwell Memorial Hospice; StRaphael’s Hospice; The Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.
If you have any queries or suggestions, please contact Klick Rahman on020-8560 4963 or e-mail him at: [email protected]
Photos: Colin Antill
Over £60,000donated by
Surrey Masonsin December
2012
£450,000given by
Surrey Masonsto charities in
3 years
Well done you!
Surrey Mason
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Pinewood Lodge No.8426 which meets in Surbiton was primarilyformed for enhancing the ties between those now or formerlyassociated with the work for the well-being of young people hasbeen a member of the Kindred Lodges’ Association for 40 years,and has supported Bentley Copse Camp Site – being a member ofthe 1,000 Club – and in addition other Scout Groups in Surrey, theLittle Acres Camp Site Lodge Fund of Epsom District Girlguiding andthrough individual members Walton Firs Camp Site.
In addition to supporting charities locally, Pinewood Lodge supportsScouting in South Africa. Scouting for boys and girls in all sections isthriving plus Beaver Scout Colonies, recently new to South Africa arebeing formed but training books are expensive and difficult to obtain.
Thanks to the generosity of Banstead District, it was possible in2011 to purchase £250 worth of new books which, with a largecollection of second-hand books, magazines and training manualswith training material from Gilwell all of which was transported free ofcharge by Virgin Airways. Subsequent to this, in response to arequest for any surplus camping and other equipment, British Airwaysflew free of charge a container to Cape Town. In January 2012 andthanks to the South African Inland Revenue Service being supportiveof Scouting, no import tax was charged.
In addition to Banstead District’s generous donation of £413 plus£35 from Banstead Scouters and a further £250 donated by aMasonic benefactor, much needed camping equipment for a ScoutGroup located in a very deprived area.
At a recent Kindred Lodges’ Meeting hosted by Pinewood Lodge£500 was raised to support Scouts living in townships with theirScout training following which, because of the high regard Scouting isheld by the community, assists them getting employment when theyleave school and transforms their lives.
A further shipment of books, equipment and uniforms is beingorganised for this year and should you have any contributions oftraining materials, Scouting books or camping equipment which youno longer require, please contact John Freeman, Group Chairman ofthe 1st Tattenhams (St Mark’s) Scout Group. His email address [email protected]
If you wish to find out more about becoming a member ofPinewood Lodge or the Kindred Lodges’ Association initiatives pleasecontact: Ken Bush, East Surrrey District Chairman, e-mail:[email protected]
Pinewood Lodgeand Scouting . . .kindred spirits
Carry on CampingThe Lodge of Grand Design that meetat The Old Barn Hall, GreatBookham, Surrey, foundedby members of the local HomeGuard in 1945 presented chequesof £650 each to the Group Leadersof the 1st and 3rd Bookham Scoutsand the 1st Leatherhead Guides.
Although the recipients, in thanking theBrethren did not specify where the money wouldbe spent, equipment for their Summer Camp would be high on theirlists. So happy Scouting and Guiding.
A Special 50 Year CertificateAt the December Convocation of the North Surrey FirstPrincipals’ Chapter the ME Grand Superintendent,E.Comp Eric Stuart-Bamford presented E.Comp H A (Bert)Davis, PAGSoj, PProvGSN, with a Certificate commemora-ting 50 years of service to Royal Arch Masonry in Surrey.
Bert was initiated in Mitcham Lodge on 3rd September1960 became a Founder of Watermeads Lodge in 1966.He joined 8 other Lodges from 1970 until 2003 and is stilla member of the Royal Colonial Institute, North SurreyMasters and Castlemartyr Lodges.
He was exalted into Mitcham Chapter in 1962. He joined6 other Chapters and is still a member of North SurreyFirst Principals, London First Principals and UnitedChapter of Prudence being MEZ in five different Chaptersincluding Mitcham, Esher and North Surrey First Principals.
Bert was an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in theCraft from 1996 to 2000 and last year was promoted toPast Deputy Grand Sword Bearer in United Grand Lodge.
His Royal Arch career in Surrey was recognised by hispromotion to Provincial Grand Scribe N in 1982 and inSupreme Grand Chapter when he was promoted to PastAssistant Grand Sojourner in 2000.
In presenting the Certificate, the ME GrandSuperintendent said that Bert’s dedication to his Masonicduty, his attention to detail and his ability to spot practicalsolutions to awkward problems and situations have provedto have been of immense value and he hoped that Bertwill have good health and continue to enjoy his Masonry.
Surrey Mason
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One of my pleasures is researching throughhistorical records to find out a bit more about anartefact. When my friend first let me look at thishall-marked silver-cased watch I was intriguedby the picture of the locomotive in enamel on the
face. What could have it signified?Researching William Betts (1790-1867), I
found that he was a railway contractorand engineer of some repute. He was
contracted to build the Royal Pier atSouthampton, parts of the Southern
Railway and later commissioned theNewtown Wesleyan Chapel in
Southampton. It is known thathis son – Edward Betts
(1815-1872)was also arailway
engineer whobuilt vast stretches of
railways across Canadaas well as the Crimea.
Could our Bro William Betts ever have known the greatest engineer ofthe day – Isambard Kingdom Brunel? Records show that William Bettscertainly knew or had business dealings with George Stephenson who builtthe first railway line between Stockton and Darlington in 1825.
Unfortunately, there is no record of Betts Masonic career at the Library& Museum at Great Queen Street. The watch is worth around £600.
This wonderful Masonic door knocker, purchased from anauction house is made of bronze. It has been well usedsuggesting it is probably Victorian in date. 6 ins. in depth.Worth in excess of £100.
These candle holders are a bit of a mystery. The size of the apertureseems rather large for a normal size candle. They could be matchholders. It was not uncommon to have these on a table for the use ofthe guests when dining. They are made by Tunnicliffe of Hanley,Staffordshire (mark on bottom). c.1875. £60-£80.
Printer’s Block (left).Used in the Letterpressprocess of printing. Thisone is wood-carved but canbe copper or zinc alloy.These blocks were used forprinting summonses andmenu cards. There aremany designs availablefrom a few £s upwards.
These Masonic stamps are often known as the ‘PeaceStamps’ because of the dove carrying the sprig of arcasia.They were issued in 1946 and show HM King George VI whosanctioned them for distribution being a Past Grand Masterof the United Grand Lodge of England.You can still buy these atauction or througheBay ataround £10-£15 for aset of 6.
Recommended readingIf you seriously want to start a hobby or even a business collecting andselling Masonic antiques and collectables, I would recommend youpurchase a copy of Masonic Memorabilia for Collectors by Bill Jackson.The A5-sized book of 120 pages on quality art paper contains a wealth ofillustrations accompanied by some well written text on nearly every subjectin Masonic collecting.
Bill Jackson who became a Freemason in 1992 specialises in china andglass but the vast array of items illustrated in the book belonging in hisown collection and cover Masonic jewels, regalia, pottery and porcelain,glass, watches, books, prints and paintings, barometers, grandfatherclocks, and many other various Masonic artefacts. He also gives a briefhistory of the fraternity; the differences of the antients and moderns;and a useful guide to buying at auction. I found this book to be ofimmense value when starting my own collection. Published by GeminiPublications (ISBN 0-9530637-2-0). Also available at Masonic retailers.
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Inter-Provincial DebateEast Kent v Surrey
The Debate: This House believes that theMasonic Dress Code should be relaxedDebate Chairman: VW.Bro Roger Odd, DepProvGM EastKent and Worshipful Master of East Kent Masters’ LodgeNo.3931.For the Motion: East Kent – W.Bro Geoff Harris; W.BroSteve Bispham and W.Bro David Kershaw.Against The Motion: Surrey – W.Bro Adrian Bean, W.BroMiguel Godfrey and W.Bro Stephen Davids.Chairman’s Opening Statement: VW.Bro Odd opened thedebate by welcoming the two Debating Teams andexpressed his delight at the full house attendance and inparticular the large contingent from Surrey. He went on tointroduce the East Kent Team and Nick Parsons AProvGMintroduced the Surrey Debating Team and its supporters.
The Chairman explained that the debate was ‘OxfordUnion style with elements of University College of Londondebating rules for good measure.Chairman’s Closing Remarks: The Chairman restated thatthe motion that had been debated was “This Housebelieves that the Masonic Dress Code should be relaxed”and that the floor had heard arguments For and Against,and many of those were elegant points, given in aheartfelt way.
The post debate votes were as follows: For the Motion4; Against the Motion 60; Abstentions 6.
The Chairman therefore announced that the SurreyProvincial Debating Team was the winner by aconsiderable margin.
W.Bro Jeff Penfold (Surrey) Debate Secretary
A Word Document of the full debate can be obtained byemail to the Editor.
Our Indoor season is reaching its inevitable conclusion,notwithstanding having experienced a few heavy defeats weprepare for our Outdoor programme of 15 matches including 3internal competitions throughout 2013 with great enthusiasm.
Our bowling programme includes visiting 12 Clubs in theCroydon/Sutton/Chessington area, also Worthing, Guildford andThatcham.
To meet other bowlers is always a joy but possibly our mostenthusiastic and sought after fixtures are played againstBrethren of Sussex MBA: Bucks MBA, North Hampshire MBA andBerkshire MBA where the true tenents of the Craft hold sway.
We are very fortunate that Sutton BC affords us access totheir excellent facilities to play our internal competitions. Datesof our fixtures are on the Surrey Pillars website in thehomepage/calendar section and within there is SMSA in thedrop down menu. We would be delighted to see any Brother whocares to make contact with a view, hopefully, to join us. If youwish for further information please contact [email protected] with your details.
SURREY MASONIC SPORTS ASSOCIATION – ANNUAL DRAWW.Bro David Eager, Deputy Chairman of the Surrey MasonicSports Association presented W.Bro Steve Webber, WorshipfulMaster of the Lodge of Quality with a cheque for £500,following the annual draw for participating Lodges who supportthe Association’s activities during the year’.
In addition to enjoying the sportingand social pastime of bowls, theSMBA also raises funds for charitablecauses. The goodwill of players isappealed to by levying ‘fines’ atgames for misdermeanours such asbowling a ‘wrong bias’ or being‘lowest losing rink’. We also have astanding open invitation to contribute to the President’s charity forthe year. Opposing players are not fined and not expected tocontribute, but they are often keen to support fund raising efforts.Such is the friendship and camaraderie of the bowling fraternity.
The organisation chosen to benefit from funds in 2011/2012 byBrian Robotham (SMSA President) was YORDA. This is a Tolworth-based group providing care and support for children from 5–19with severe learning difficulties. Stimulating play projects andindependence training are key activities with respite support givento parents. Information from [email protected] or07939 844978.
Picture shows Laura Smyth, General Manager of YORDA at abowls match at King George Field, Tolworth on 14 November. PeterDavison the current President, has pledged to continue support forYORDA.
Surrey Masonic Bowls Association
Laura Smyth receives a £2,000 chequefrom Peter Davison (President) left, andBrian Robotham, Past President (right)
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At the age of 71, Sovereign Lord was the first piece of music I everwrote. Two years later it is soon to be performed and it is wonderfulto have this opportunity to speak about my music and myself in ourmagazine.
Having joined South Croydon Lodge No.4567 some 37 years ago,I need not tell you how much I have enjoyed Masonry and all that itmeans to all of us; it helps others; and it provides a worthwhilebrotherhood of inestimable value.
I am PPGJW in Craft and am really enjoying my current role asChaplain. I have also been in Royal Arch for over a quarter of acentury and am currently 2nd General in Rose Croix. I think you willrecognise elements of the essential brotherhood and our ethosembodied in my Oratorio, Sovereign Lord which I commenced writingin the early hours of Sunday 22nd August 2010. I owe tremendousthanks to Bro Fred Scott for his help with the computer programme‘Sibelius’ and facilitating the music, and for his tremendous supportand encouragement at all times.
Sovereign Lord is based on my experience of life and commenceswith the memory of suffering a near fatal pulmonary embolism in1991. Combining my subsequent thoughts of life at Church, inMasonry and at work, I have never failed to be impressed at justhow much can be achieved by people of all ages when intent ondealing with every kind of circumstance and when working for the common good and engaging in the basic but wonderful tenets towhich we subscribe. Therefore, Sovereign Lord ends in music ofgreat faith, joy and peace.
Sovereign Lord will be performed at St Mildred’s C.E. Church,
Bingham Road (corner of Sefton Road) Addiscombe, Croydon onSunday 12th May at 6.30pm. The tram stop and bus routes fromEast Croydon railway station are nearby and parking is in side roadsor outside the church. No tickets – retiring collection for charities.Please advise if you are attending to cater for seating andcomplimentary refreshments at ‘half-time’. You will be verywelcome. Please e-mail us on [email protected] accordingly
John Collins
Surrey Masons produce an Oratorio fit for a Queen
Fred Scott (left) and John Collins
On the 23rd November 2012, W.Bro John Franks achieved50 years in Freemasonry and this magnificent achievementwas celebrated by the members of Weybridge Lodge No.6787at their recent meeting on the 20th February, by presentinghim with an engraved pen set.
His 50 years in Freemasonry Certificate was presented onbehalf of the Provincial Grand Master by W.Bro Trevor RainsAProvGM who gave an interesting and entertaining speechoutlining John’s employment history mostly in engineering andhis Masonic career.
John was Initiated into Footscray Ex-Servicemen’s LodgeNo.640 (Melbourne) in 1962 and remained a member of theLodge until 1980. He then joined Panmure Lodge No.723(Hampshire) in 1976 and then joined Weybridge LodgeNo.6787 (Surrey) in April 2000. John became Master in 2007.
He has always beenactive in the Lodge and heis currently Almoner whichhe has held for severalyears. John was thankedfor his contribution andwishes of more years ofactive service withWeybridge Lodge weremade.
From Australia to GuildfordFrank’s 50 years in
Freemasonry
Astede Lodge’sSpanish Inquisition
From left to right they are:W.Bro J. D. Winteridge, Bro S Morales, RW.Bro J. Escalada, W.Bro S.Grundy (Master), RW.Bro J. Gutierrez, Bro B. Chicavez and W.Bro S. Perada.
On Saturday 2nd March 2013 Bro Scott Grundy was Installedin the Chair of King Solomon at the Installation meeting ofAstede Lodge No.4693. Also in attendance was the Lodge’slong-standing Spanish member W.Bro Sabeno Perada, who hadbeen through the chair in 1995-96.
This in its self was not unusual, as Bro Sabeno oftenattends our meetings. What was unusual this time was thatBro Sabeno brought with him four Spanish Masons, includingtwo Grand Officers, namely RW.Bro J. Escalada, RW.Bro B. J.Gutierrez, Bro S. Gonzalez and Bro B. Chicavez. All of whomcan be seen in the attached photograph, along with Astedeown Grand Officer W.Bro J. D. Winteridge.
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The Deputy Grand Master of Hungary RW.Bro SandorSzatmári, accompanied by his Grand Orator VW.Bro DezsoMeksz and ten other brethren, all members of SAS (Eagle)Lodge in Budapest paid a visit to Carshalton Lodge at theSutton Masonic Halls in December. They were greeted byAssistant Provincial Grand Masters Trevor Rains who wasmaking an official visit and Jim Cook who is a Lodge member.The Worshipful Master W.Bro Major Mike Charlesworth BEMreceived the visitors in fluent Magyar before discovering thatmost of them speak excellent English!
Deputy Grand Masterof Hungary visitsCarshalton Lodge
An English Masonproving himself in
the USAWe all know that when we hear apresentation of a Grand LodgeCertificate, to a newly made MasterMason, mention will be made of the factthat it does not entitle you to entry into
another Lodge and you may be asked to prove yourself. For the last6 years that I have been visiting my son’s town near Seattle andlooked at Ashler Lodge in the high street but only recently has mytravel plan fitted with their meeting. The Lodge is 110 years old andthe annual membership fee is $35! We had an exchange of emailswith the IPM, whom I knew, who asked me to bring my “Paid upAccount Card”. I told him we use the Grand Lodge Certificate asproof of being a Mason and those that don’t pay up get Excluded!
So off I went to the meeting with my wife and son – they havedinner before the meeting at 6.30 and the busy ‘city boys’ turn upjust for the meeting only at 7.30pm. I was taken to a convenientroom adjoining the Lodge and met a Past Master and two MasterMasons. The PM looked up Purley Lodge No.3136 in the ‘yellowbook’ to see if we existed, I then proceeded to explain the GrandLodge Certificate. As the Lodge was opening straight into the 3rdDegree I was asked for the password, then asked to show the signs
in the 3rd Degree. Knowing they were different I said “I don’t knowwhat you do but here’s what we do” – yes some surprised faces!Finally, I was asked to read a piece of paper saying “I do declarethat I have never been Excluded or Suspended from a Lodge so helpme God” I asked if they wanted me to read it in the Lodge? Onesaid “Nope Yer Done!”
What followed was fascinating. Opening straight into the 3rdDegree every Mason in the room was asked to whisper to theDeacons the password. There was no Inner Guard and the JuniorDeacon calls to the Tyler that they are close tyled. The Masterresumed in the 1st Degree and 6 Entered Apprentices marched in.The DC is called “the Marshal” – well this was the Wild West – and Iwas escorted to the Master who warmly welcomed me. Thebusiness of the day was not a ceremony but during the meeting anEntered Apprentice had to prove he had made progress in the 1stDegree by a retrospect of the degree. Stating (in a ritual learnt)what was said at each Wardens pedestal and reciting his Obligation.Although there was the Deputy Grand Master of Washington, a VWBrother, in the Lodge there were no Salutations. Finally, the Mastercalled upon the Secretary for the Minutes – not the last meeting butthis one! The Secretary had been tapping the keyboard of his laptopduring the meeting and read the Minutes of the business just done.After a vote of approval he pressed the Save Icon!
What I do remember was the great hospitality and friendship theyoffered me – even the Master asking me if I wanted to come to hishouse on Christmas Day. What a great organisation we are if a littledifferent. Jim Barnes
Fairfield Halls is a Registered Charity No.277818
It would, I think, be fair to say that duringtimes of austerity, the likes of which we areseeing at the moment, there is a greaterdemand on charities to help those in need.This of course means that, in turn, thecharities themselves need more support.However, this does not always mean supportin the form of financial donations. In myletter that I sent to Charity Stewards beforeChristmas, I spoke about the work of FoodBanks. There are now many Food Banksrunning across the Province and theyoperate all year round, not just at Christmas.If you read reports in the local and national
press, you will find that they are being usedmore and more, and if they are to meet thedemands being placed upon them then theyrequire continual donations of food items. Ifyour Lodge is in a position to support a localFood Bank then please consider doing so.Details of local food banks are available onthe internet.
Charity Stewards will be pleased to learnthat I will be holding a short series of CharitySteward Surgeries at various centres acrossthe Province in April and then in May therewill be two Charity Steward Workshops atwhich we will be talking about the role of the
Charity LiaisonOfficers. Detailsof all of theseevents will besent to CharityStewardsdirectly.
In the mean-time I wish you all well and would remindyou all that should you have any questionsor enquiries about Masonic Charity, thenplease feel free to contact me. My detailsare available on surreypillars.org.uk or in theProvincial Year Book. W.Bro Paul Crockett
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News from the Provincial Grand Charity Steward
On February 11th, Regis Aurigae Lodge No.9264 met to celebrate its 25thanniversary. On this occasion eight of the original Founder members attended,including W.Bro D.M. Richardson, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
It was a joyful, if emotional evening, as W.Bro Stratton (himself a Foundermember) installed W.Bro Tony Attfield, the prime mover in Founding the Lodge andits first W.M., back into the Master’s Chair again.
Innumerable Grand Officers graced us with their presence to offer him theirsupport and their congratulations to the Lodge including: W.Bro Trevor RainesAProvGM, W.Bro Nicholas Parsons AProvGM and VW.Bro John Edgecumbe.
The Festive Board offered the Lodge and others the opportunity to pay tributeto Tony and to express appreciation for his steadfastness and the vision he hasshown throughout his distinguished Masonic Career.
Regis Aurigae celebrate 25 years
Surrey Mason ROYAL ARCH MATTERS
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Freemasonry Cares PresentationIn January, the Companions of Stoneleigh Coronation Chapterreceived a most interesting and enjoyable talk and DVDpresentation on the Freemasonry Cares project from E.Comp. DavidGould, PProvGSwdB. David was the Craft Provincial Grand Almonerfor many years and is still very involved with the FreemasonryCares project.
Following a series of presentations at Masonic Centres aroundthe Province the team are now visiting Lodges and Chapters toensure that as many Brethren and Companions are aware of theFreemasonry Cares project and that they pass on the informationto their relatives and dependents.
Also present at the Convocation was the Chapter’s OfficialVisitor, E.Comp. Chris Eley, PAGDC, Assistant to the ProvincialGrand Principals, who came along this time not in an officialcapacity but to give an Oration entitled ‘An Explanation of the FinalSteps in Pure Ancient Freemasonry’.
This was well received and generated a good discussionafterwards from both the senior members present, as well as thenewer Companions.
As the Chapter MEZ was unfortunately unable to be presentE.Comp. Chris was also asked to stand in as MEZ for theConvocation.
Provincial Family Carol ServiceThe Provincial Family CarolService this year was heldon Sunday 9th December atSt. Mary’s Church,Beddington.
Fortunately the weatherwas better than two yearsago when due to the heavysnowfall the service had tobe postponed for two weeks.
It was good to see the church so full this year. Additional extrachairs had to be brought out for people to sit on, and some wereeven standing at the back of the church.
If any Chapter wishes to show the Freemasonry Cares DVD, or letany of its Companions take one home to show their family, pleasecontact the Provincial Office.
A Lovely Masonic StoryThis was a very pleasant moment which sums up Freemasonry.At the Frederick of Unity convocation in January they had a guest,
E.Comp. Eddie Zissler. Also present wasE.Comp. Harry Winter, the Janitor of FrederickChapter of Unity.
They were introduced to each other as theyhad both been prisoners of war in the SecondWorld War, II but in very differentcircumstances. Harry was shot down whilst ina RAF Wellington bomber over Hameln in1943 (70 years ago!) He parachuted out andwas captured.
Eddie is originally from Nuremburg and moved to England in 1955.He was serving with the German Army and was made a POW by theAmerican army.
Both men were doing their duty for their country at that time.Harry says that he received excellent medical care in the HermannGoring Hospital, where they put a metal pin in his leg.
We only hope he declared this when he became a Mason manyyears ago as he was not supposed to have metal substances abouthim.
Eddie (left) and Harry
Everyone had a most enjoyable time singing many traditionalcarols and listening to the Provincial Choir under the direction ofGlyn Harvey, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Organist, BobSoper.
The congregation receiveda hearty welcome from theRector of St. Mary’s, Revd.Justine Middlemiss.
The readings weredelivered by Jessica Best;Eric Stuart-Bamford, GrandSuperintendent; EleanorSutherland; Alan Bayliss,Deputy Grand Superintendent;Richard Wileman, SecondProvincial Grand Principal;Rod Culbertson, ProvincialGrand Chaplain; Betty Hewitt,Croydon Widows Association;Glyn Harvey and the Rector,Revd. Justine Middlemiss.
The eighth lesson was dueto be read by Andy Birchall who sadly passed away a few weeksearlier. Glyn Harvey read the eighth lesson in memory of Andy in avery moving way.
After a rather non-traditional rendition of ‘While ShepherdsWatched their Flocks by Night’ by the choir, assisted by thecongregation, the concluding voluntary was ‘Choral Song’ by S. S.Wesley.
Afterwards the Companions and their families enjoyed mince pies,cake, tea and coffee in the church hall with the Rector and her team.
Surrey MasonROYAL ARCH MATTERS
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Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary AppealThe Royal Arch Masons 2013 BicentenaryAppeal has been established to help fundthe The Royal College of Surgeons ofEngland’s successful surgical researchfellowship scheme, which enables thebrightest and best surgeons of eachgeneration to explore treatments forconditions and injuries that affect millionsof people worldwide.
Future innovations in surgery will be driven by research.However, nationally less than 2% of funding for medical research isgiven to surgical projects. Further funding is urgently needed anddonations to The Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary Appeal willhelp to support advancements in surgical care for current andfuture generations.
Official Visit to Chipstead ChapterIn January, the Companions of Chipstead Chapter were honouredby a visit from the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp.Richard Wileman, PAGSoj. On this occasion his Escorting Officerwas E.Comp. Chris Eley, PAGDC, Assistant to the Provincial GrandPrincipals, who is the Chapter’s Official Visitor. Also present wereE.Comps. Stephen Dingvean, Provincial Grand Scribe E, BrucePerry, PGStB, Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe E, Pat Drummy,ProvDepGSwdB, and Kevin Todd, MBE, ProvGStwd.
After the Chapter was opened the Escorting Officer entered andadvised the MEZ, E.Comp. Tim Ford, that the Second ProvincialGrand Principal was in the ante-room and demanded admission tothe Chapter. The Second Provincial Grand Principal entered tospontaneous applause, was greeted by the MEZ, accepted theSceptre and took his seat in the First Principal’s Chair.
E.Comp. Richard Wileman said how much he was looking forwardto the Convocation and festive board after which he introduced theActing Provincial Officers present. After taking and signing theminutes he invited the MEZ to resume the First Principal’s Chair.
Then followed the installation of the Principals and the appoint-ment and Investiture of the officers present. E.Comp. Tim Ford wasproclaimed as First Principal and E.Comp. George Hanson-Graville,PPGSN, as Second Principal of the Chapter for a second year.
Comp. Wally Maynard was then Presented, Obligated andInstalled as Third Principal of the Chapter by E.Comp. Tim Ford.The Chapter was then called off and E.Comp. Mike Neville gave amost interesting and enjoyable talk entitled Sacred Secrets – RoyalArch Masonry, the Bible and Christian Faith.
E.Comp. Mike has published a book entitled Sacred Secrets whichoffers a guide to the stories used in Masonic ritual and their linksto the Bible and Christianity. He says that new Masons are directedto a “serious contemplation of the Volume of the Sacred Law,” and
his book will enable initiates tounderstand the Biblical text.
Furthermore, it is a guide tothe historical and geographicalsetting of the Bible for allFreemasons and will allow themto make “a daily advancement inMasonic knowledge.”
Much of the ritual is based onthe Bible, but many younger Masons may not have attendedSunday school, so many of the Biblical characters and stories willbe unknown to them. Without this knowledge, much of the ritual isvery difficult to understand, and his book bridges that gap.
His book will also aid the clergy, theologians, and anyone elseinterested in Freemasonry to see the clear links between ritual andscripture. It names the chapters of the Bible which have the mostinfluence on the ceremonies.
After the Chapter was closed the Companions of ChipsteadChapter and their guests sat down to a splendid festive board atthe Croydon Masonic Hall.
At the DecemberConvocation of theNorth Surrey FirstPrincipal’s Chaptera team from theRoyal College ofSurgeons wereinvited to give apresentation onsome of theresearch work they are undertaking.
Freemasonry has had a long and close association with theCollege through the 250th Anniversary Fund established in 1967,and is delighted to have supported so many important researchprojects.
This campaign givesus an excellentopportunity tocontribute furthertowards something thatis helping to save livesand improve the qualityof life for us, ourchildren andgrandchildren.
A BIG WELCOME TO NEW ENTRANTS AND JOINING MEMBERS TOTHE SURREY ROYAL ARCHThe Executive and all the members of the Royal Arch Province ofSurrey congratulate all these new entrants whose names are listedbelow:F L Austin, C Azar, G N Billington, A R Billington, R B Boileau, D J Bowers, W E Brodie, D K Brunt, L G Burton, M R Carpenter, A H G Cox, A P Davison, S Defraine Ford, G A Dougherty,S P Edwards, M M Fahmy, A J Ford, R W Garrood, P Giovannetti,P A D Hayes, L T Hopkins, C B Hunt, R M Jenkinson, J R F Kelly,M Khan, A McG Lees, P S Macklin, N R Marchant, A W L McDonald,S E Mewse, J A Newland, M T O’Donoghue, S J Pieterse, S B Potts,P Ramachandran, A D Redhead, C J Reville, B A Roane, C A Roslyn,M H Smith, D J Staerck, M Stanic, R J Stevenson, N W Tamila,A P Tull, N J Vadgama, H West, J D White, M R Wilson,
Send items for future publications, together with an original digitalcopy of the event to:C W Eley, ‘Thornbury’, 3 Heath Drive, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5RP. Email: [email protected]
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125th Anniversary for Onslow Lodgeand 60th for
Bro Roy Shipway
The 125th Anniversary Meeting of Onslow Lodge was held inJanuary at Guildford and attracted a large turnout of members andguests led by the Provincial Grand Master, who was welcomed tothe Lodge by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro AVM Andrew Vallance.
W.Bro Chris Rashbrook gave an amusing and interesting orationentitled ‘The Origin and History of Freemasonry’ after which theProvincial Grand Master presented a certificate to Lodge memberBro Roy Shipway marking his remarkable 60 years in Freemasonry.
Among the other distinguished guests was the President of theRMBI, VW.Bro Brig. Willie Shackell who was presented with a chequefor the RMBI and who later spoke at the festive board to thank themembers for their generous donation and to congratulate OnslowLodge on its anniversary and the great success of the meeting.
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Provincial Petitions CommitteeAlthough the four central Masonic Charities can generally provide allthe assistance a Mason or his immediate family may require therewill always be cases which may not qualify for their support due to avariety of reasons. There may also be a delay in obtaining thatsupport whilst an applicant is waiting for a visit from his Almoner orsupporting paperwork is being obtained. This is where the ProvincialPetitions Committee steps in.
The PPC meets on a quarterly basis at the Surbiton MasonicCentre and considers applications for support, usually financialassistance, submitted by Lodge Almoners. The PPC consists of asmall ‘standing committee’ consisting of the Chairman, who iscurrently W.Bro Trevor Rains (APGM), the Provincial Grand TreasurerMike Harding, the Assistant Secretary Rob Peak and the ProvincialGrand Almoner, together with the Lodge Almoners in attendance.This group hear applications for support, make a decision as towhether assistance is required there and then and, if the Almonermaking the case is in attendance, a cheque is provided for him totake away on the day. If you are aware of anyone in the Lodge whomay need support from the PPC speak to your Lodge Almoner whowill be able to apply to the PPC via his Group Almoner.
Freemasonry CaresWe have almost reached a full year since the launch of theFreemasonry Cares initiative within the Province and I pleased tosay almost every Lodge has been represented at one of theFreemasonry Cares presentations held at the various MasonicCentres. If you have been unable to attend any of the presentationsit is not too late. You can arrange a presentation to your own Lodgeby contacting the Secretary to the Freemasonry Cares Team RobPeak by email: [email protected].
The initiative is proving to be very effective the FreemasonryCares Team at Grand Charity receiving more than 300 enquirieseach month, three quarters of which end with the provision ofsupport from one of the Masonic Charities. During the past year151 enquiries were directly attributed to this Province.
At the suggestion of the Surrey Freemasonry Cares Team, one ofthe new initiatives introduced last year was the provision of freeChristmas Cards to Lodge and Chapter Almoners to send to theirwidows and ‘country’ members. The idea was so successful thatalmost 5,000 Christmas cards were distributed via the MasonicCentres and the Freemason’s Grand Charity is going to repeat theexercise this year. Similar cards are also to be produced to markspecial occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries as well ascondolence cards. All these cards will carry the Freemasonry Caresmessage and remind the recipient of the helpline telephone number0800 035 60 90.
Debt Counselling ServiceGrand Charity has been providing a free debt counselling servicesince October 2012. Any applicant who applies toGrand Charity for financial support who has beenidentified as having debt problems will be offeredthe facility to contact ‘Stepchange’, a consumercredit counselling service, for specialist debtadvice. The service can also be accessed bycontacting Grand Charity direct on 020 7395 9261
or via your Lodge Almoner.Any contact with thecounselling service or anyadvice given will be treatedwith strict confidence nofeedback being given to yourAlmoner or anyone else inthe Province.
New Masonic Samaritan Fund CounsellingCarelineMost people will manage their physical health far better than theiremotional well-being which can result in unresolved and on-goingpsychological issues and problems that may cause long-term harm.It can help to talk to family and friends but often they do not havethe expertise or knowledge to provide any substantial support.Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress are very common andcan arise from difficulties such as bereavement, redundancy, familybreakdown, debt or illness.
A brand new service now available from the Masonic SamaritanFund is the Counselling Careline. This is a confidential, 24 hour, freephone helpline operated bytrained counsellors who will listen and offer professional guidance.This service does not require the completion of an application formor a financial assessment but can be accessed by contacting theMasonic Samaritan Fund during office hours on 020 7404 1550.The MSF team will confirm eligibility to access the service and passon the helpline number to call.
The MSF Counselling Careline is a confidential and free helplineoperated by trained counsellors who will listen and offerprofessional guidance. Up to six additional telephone or face-to-facesessions with a trained counsellor can also be arranged within 15miles of a person’s home or work.
Surrey Masonic Widows AssociationThe six branches of the SMWA are going from strength-to-strengthwith their membership gradually increasing over the years. EachBranch meets regularly at their local Masonic Centre to enjoy lunchand listen to an entertaining speaker. Outings are also regularlyorganised. Please bear the SMWA in mind when communication withyour Lodge widows and try to encourage them to consider joining.The SMWA contacts are currently as follows: Camberley – AngelaHudson 01252 513639; Guildford – Anne Stanford 01483 415601;Surbiton – Margarette Donaldson 01932 560161; Sutton – JenniferAllen 020 8395 2146; Croydon – Patricia Stone (Sec) 020 6601466; Nutfield – Diana Garland 01737 768847.
Bob Jenkinson, Provincial Grand Almoner
NEWS FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND ALMONERW.BRO BOB JENKINSON, MBE
Surrey Mason
Province of Surrey
A letter from Eric Stuart-BamfordProvincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Superintendent of the
Province of Surrey
3rd March 2013
Dear Brethren and Companions,
During 2008, our four charities became aware that, whereas the majority of masons wereenthusiastic supporters of our charities, most did not fully appreciate the help that could be givenin time of need. Unfortunately this meant that their wives, widows and families, (who may well havebeen eligible for help) were invariably totally unaware of the assistance that was available.
On Wednesday the 15th February 2012, the first of six “Freemasonry Cares” launches took placeat Surbiton. Unfortunately, at the time, I was at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey undergoing surgeryon my knee, so was unable to introduce the evening. Thankfully, VW Bro Michael Yalden, DeputyProvincial Grand Master, who is Chairman of the Freemasonry Cares Committee for Surrey, stood infor me. I was very pleased to hear that a capacity audience of more than 200 masons and their wivesand partners attended this launch, where Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of the Freemason’sCharity introduced the excellent and now quite famous DVD.
(Go to www.surreypillars.org.uk – “Freemasonry Cares”-“click here”-“Resources”-“Watch Film”)
Since then the Freemasonry Cares Team have been hard at work to ensure that:• All masons and their dependants in Surrey are aware of the help available.• The additional route for individuals to contact the charities, via the free phone number• 0800 035 60 90, is well publicised.
You will be delighted to hear that to-date, representatives from 258 out of 299 lodges (86%) and106 out of 137 chapters (77%) have received the Freemasonry Cares presentation. My thanks goto all those that have been involved in this tremendous project.
This is a UGLE initiative and, as a result, I can also report that from 1 January to 31 December 20123,037 enquiries were received at the above free phone number, of which 151 were directlyattributable to Surrey.
You will find a copy of the “Freemasonry Cares” booklet enclosed. Please give a copy and explainit to your wife, or partner and family, if you have not already done so.
I hope that you will never need the services of our four charities, but these days, none of us can everbe sure.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Eric Stuart-Bamford
Provincial Office: 71 Oakfield Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2UX. Tel: 020 8686 8388. Email: [email protected] and Provincial website for Surrey Masons: www.surreypillars.org.uk
Public website: www.surreymason.org.uk
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Surrey Mason
Squaring the Circle
30
It is not unusual to hearFreemasons talk of ‘Squaringthe Circle’ and this wascertainly the case on Saturday13 October at Porchway Lodgewhen W.Bro Derek Barr, DeputyProvincial Grand Master wasable to make a flying visit tothe Lodge to congratulate W.BroBill Hubbard on being Installedas Master.
The significance of the visitwas that W.Bro Barr had himselfInitiated Bro Bill into the Lodgeon 12 April 2003.
W.Bro Barr is not a member ofPorchway Lodge but back in2003, as an Assistant ProvincialGrand Master as head of the StThomas Group, the idea wasborn of holding a CharityEvening, when Bro Derek himselfand the Official Visitors in hisgroup would perform theCeremony of Initiation, withsome extras in terms of theMode of Preparation and thePresentation of Gloves. BroDerek himself took the Chair andthe evening raised themagnificent sum of £5,300towards the Province’s Festivalfor the RMTGB.
W.Bro Chris Rashbrook wasthe only member of the originalteam who was able to bepresent for the whole of therecent Installation Meeting and
Festive Board, but how appropriate it was that Bro Derek should have thoughtfully madethe time to look in tocongratulate Bro Bill. The look ofthe new Master’s face was apicture and everybody present sovery much appreciated thisgesture by the new Deputy.
However, that meeting in2003 was only the start as faras Charity Evenings areconcerned as it is a format thathas now been copied by severalProvinces and MetropolitanGrand Lodge both in the Craftand the Holy Royal Arch.Ceremonies have been carriedout by the Provincial GrandMaster and the ME GrandSuperintendants and it may wellbe that further variations arepossible in the future. Suchevenings combine all theessential ingredients of ourMasonic life, good ritual, raisingcharitable funds and great fun,with Rulers and their teamssetting a wonderful example byleading from the front. 13thOctober 2012 is an evening thatBro Bill Hubbard and themembers of Porchway Lodge willnever forget, made perfect bythe Deputy Provincial GrandMaster squaring the circle.
The SURREY MASONis offering a NEW advertisement service
ONLY FOR LODGES ornon-commercial individuals who wish toadvertise their social or Lodge events,
etc. at only £10 pre-paid
Caxton Lodgeare hosting a
WHITE TABLE EVENTat the Godalming Centre
on Sat 20 Jan 2012.Entertainment provided
3-course mealTour of the temple and history
£28ppOpen to Masons and non-Masons
Wives, Partners, Friends and FamilyProceeds to Charity
t: 02734 841230
ATTENTION!ALL LODGE SECRETARIES& LODGE MEMBERSHIP
OFFICERS
SAMPLE
Windlesham Dawn Lodge No.9686 in conjuction with Windlesham Club & Theatre
CRAFT & SMALL BUSINESS FAIRfor the benfit of local charities
SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 2013Windlesham Club & Theatre, Kennel Lane, Windlesham GU20 6AA
12 noon – 4pm
Craft stalls for jewellery, cakes, books, sculptured clays, textiles,wood-turning, plus other crafts • Refreshments available • Raffle
Stalls for the period of the Fair will be £15An A3 Business advert for the period will be £10
For further information contact: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected] [email protected]
Surrey Mason
31
HIDDEN TALENT?Surrey Masonic Widows
AssociationSeek new “Speakers” to
entertain themat their lunchtime meetings.Do you have an interesting
Job, Hobby, Experience,you would like to share?Please contact: Rob Peak
Secretary to SMWAEmail
[email protected] a brief resume
of your topic
AN APPEALCalling all extreme fundraisers; registration to skydive with The Soldiers’Charity in 2013 is now open!Register for Team Soldiers’ Charity today http://tinyurl.com/ABFskydiveA tandem skydive is the ultimate adrenaline challenge and without doubt,the extreme way to raise much needed funds for soldiers, former soldiersand their families in times of need.When? Friday 17th May: Netheravon Airfield, Wiltshire; Wednesday 26thJune: Netheravon Airfield, Wiltshire; Friday 6th September: SibsonAirfield, Cambridgeshire.
Soldiers’ Charity Ambassador Major Kate Philip, who was the firstfemale soldier to lose a limb in Afghanistan, undertook a tandem skydivefor the Charity in May of last year – you can watch her training, jump,and the enormous smile appear across her face when she lands here:http://tinyurl.com/ABFkate
On behalf of the soldiers and their families we thank you for yourcontinued support. Bob Thomas, Cherchefelle Lodge No.6543
Answers to Masonic Quiz on page 91. True. Sadly on 25 August 1942, Prince Edward’s father, the Duke of Kent, waskilled when his plane crashed in bad weather in Caithness.2. True, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was a Freemason.3. False. The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonlyknown as Shriners were established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry.4. True. Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, was Initiated into Old ReptonianLodge No.3725 at Freemasons Hall, London on 11th January 1916.5. False. Rudyard Kipling’s poem was called “If”.6. False. The Provincial Grand Master is a crackshot in shooting winning many titlesand has represented his country in competitions. 7. False. During World War II, and before it was a Masonic Hall, the old church storedOxo cubes.8. False. Edward Jenner, Freemason, was a pioneer of smallpox vaccination, but itwas Freemason Alexander Fleming who discovered Penicillin.9. True. Robert Freke Gould was an author of Masonic history.10. True. Len played most of his football for Sunderland but did appear for BradfordCity, Arsenal and Newcastle United. After retirement in 1957 he became a journalist.11. False. Sir Richard Burton was an explorer. Plain Richard Burton who marriedElizabeth Taylor (twice) was not a Freemason.
12. True. Mike became a very successful engineer as well as a great Freemason.13. True. Arguably, they say Friday 13th is unlucky because of the action by Philip IVof France who was behind the ruthless move to destroy the Knights Templar.14. True. Thomas Arne did indeed write Rule Britannia.15. False. William IV was Queen Victoria’s uncle.16. False. There is no mention in any of Conan Doyle’s stories that Holmes was amason. However, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was.17. False. Peter Ebdon won the title in 2002.18. True. Read Thomas Dunckerley – A Remarkable Freemason by Ron Chudley19. False. It was a gift from the Grand Orient of France, mainly subscribed by FrenchFreemasons to the US Congress in 1884.20. True. At the Goose and Gridiron alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard, where theyelected a gentleman, Anthony Sayer, to the chair as Grand Master, and calledthemselves a Grand Lodge.
HOW DID YOU FARE?1–5 Correct. Get over to Surbiton and start researching in their library. 6–10 Correct.Attend Lodge of Instruction regularly and read the Surrey Mason from cover to cover.11–15 Correct. Good – you’re destined for high office. 16–20 Correct. Their waitingfor you at the Lodge Quatuor Coronati.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED!
Whiteley Village is to host acharity “ALMS RACE” on the1st June 2013 and Bro IanLansley of Woodstock LodgeNo.7948 is appealing forvolunteers to act as stewards.
Details of the Alms Race,including entry details and costs,can be found atwww.whiteleyvillage.org.uk orwww.TheAlmsRace.org.uk or byemailing Ian Lansley [email protected]
Surrey Mason
LLeetttteerrss ttoo tthhee EEddiittoorrDear Editor
At out festive boards, we often hear that visiting is the lifebloodof Freemasonry, and a recent experience has reinforced this. Myselfand three other brethren from Crescamus Lodge have recentlyreturned from a visit to Israel. On our trip we had the pleasure ofvisiting Lodge Ra’anana, and we were also given a tour of the GrandLodge in Tel Aviv where we were treated to a hospitality supreme,demonstrating Masonry universal and creating a lasting bondbetween Crescamus and our Israeli brethren.
On our return home it brought me to thinking about my ownexperiences of visiting other Lodges in England. I am fortunate tohave made many connections during my six short years in Masonryand I could no doubt visit a Lodge on several, if not every night ofthe week, if I so desired. This however has not always been thecase, for it wasn’t until two and half years of membership that I hadmy first opportunity to visit another Lodge, and meet Freemasonsfrom outside of my own Lodge. Unfortunately I know of otherbrethren in the same situation, many of the newer members of myLodge have yet to experience visiting other Lodges.
Having spoken to other Masons in Surrey, this has led me tobelieve that as a Province, we could only benefit from a scheme,which could provide events and other occasions, of either a socialor (Masonically) educational nature for new Freemasons to meeteach other and encourage their involvement within the fraternity.Similar initiatives in neighbouring provinces have not onlydemonstrated the need for such an initiative, but also proved verysuccessful.
I would be very keen to hear from any Brethren (through SurreyMason) who would like to explore this idea and even arrange an
informal meeting with a view to enable Freemasons across Surreyto meet and socialise with like-minded people who would otherwisebe dispersed across the Province.Bro. Sam Norman, Crescamus Lodge No. [email protected]
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Editor’s Note:I think Brother Norman’s proposal has some sound reasoning to it. Notonly would it be good to have new experiences but some of the Lodgeswith smaller attendances might benefit too! Anything to help retain newMasons must be a winner. I would suggest Sam that you put your idea,through the appropriate channel, to your Visiting Officer who may wishto solicit the views of your group’s Assistant Provincial Grand Master.Very often schemes of this nature come from the Provincial Executivebut it is only by bringing your ideas to the fore that the Province candiscuss the merits. Good luck!