west wales mason magazine autumn 2011
DESCRIPTION
West Wales Mason Magazine from the Province of West WalesTRANSCRIPT
Story Page
Grand Charity 4/5/6
Connect 14
Music in Masonry 20/21
Scolton Manor 26/27/28
Royal Arch Appeal 33
Candlewick Makers 40/41
Offas Dyke Walk 42/43
Grand Officers 59/60/61
Autumn 2011
Volume XXXI
Scolton Manor a Success
Well, what do you know; Well, what do you know; Well, what do you know; Well, what do you know; a bear and a giant rabbita bear and a giant rabbita bear and a giant rabbita bear and a giant rabbit
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 2222
The summer recess seems to get shorter each year, and before I know it we are back in harness
again and off on another Masonic Year. I must admit that I look forward to it each year, and
wonder what challenges lay ahead.
I thank everyone for their messages of goodwill after my illness at the end of June. It is most
heart-warming to know that there are brethren who care out there. I have now recovered (I
think) but I have taken heed of the warnings.
I also thank those brethren who helped me personally over the two days of the Provincial
Meetings in July. Their assistance made it possible for me to attend and do my part of the
proceedings. The Provincial Meetings were a great success, and I thank and congratulate
all those brethren who contributed to the success of the day. Particular mention must be
made of the brethren of Old Priory Lodge and the companions of Kensington Chapter who
worked hard and diligently on both days. After the event I received many letters of thanks
and congratulations from visitors, which was most gratifying and shows that we made a
very good impression.
On that day, of course, the new teams of Provincial Officers were duly invested, and having
enjoyed a relaxing recess, they are keen to start getting around the circuit. I too am looking
forward to seeing them all again and being in their company, and to being in your lodges
and chapters sharing in your enjoyment of Freemasonry.
The annual Provincial Meetings is one of two events each year at which the Province seeks
your attendance and support. The other is the Church Service, which this year will be held
at St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen on Sunday 16th October 2011, starting at 3.00 p.m. The service
this year will again be interdenominational. We need to fill the Church and therefore need a
lot of Masons, and their families and friends, to be there. Please make every effort to be there,
not only to celebrate our Freemasonry but also to support the Provincial Grand Master, and
the brethren of the Carmarthen Lodges who are organising the occasion.
We are now over half way in our progress to the 2015 Festival, and I know that the Chairman
of the Festival Committee, W Bro Brian Hilling, has written to every lodge seeking a
redoubling of effort to reach the target that we would like to achieve. The Provincial Grand
Master thanks all of those brethren who do contribute regularly and those who put in extra
effort through fundraising events, and he urges those who do not make a regular contribution
to start doing so now. This is a message that will be repeated often in the coming year.
However, I am reliably advised that we will stop banging on about it when the message gets
home and the vast majority of brethren do give on a regular basis.
And finally..............
I can find no different way of saying this so I shall continue to use it as my sign-off paragraph.
May we all continue to enjoy our Freemasonry, and please remember – whilst we all have
slightly different reasons for being Freemasons, we should all be doing it for fun as well.
Be assured that the Provincial Officers are all here to help. All you have to do is ask. If we do
not know the answers we will soon find someone who does.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 3333
Teddy Bears galore, destined to help make
a little child smile, were delivered recently
to the four main A & E units at Bronglais
(1); Withybush (2), Prince Phillip (3) and
Glangwili (4).
The Appeal is now well established in the
Province of West Wales. Fundraising
amongst West Wales Freemasons and
Lodges was started in April 2005, and
A&E units have been using the TLC
Teddies since October 2005. In that time
more than 17,000 severely distressed
children at A&E units Bronglais,
Aberystwyth; West Wales General,
Carmarthen; Withybush, Haverfordwest;
and Prince Phillip, Llanelli; more recently
Cardigan has been added to the list and
have benefited from a TLC Teddy. That’s
around 17,348 smiling faces and a
potential 34,000+ parents, grandparents,
siblings and friends of the families who
have come into contact with Freemasonry
in this particular way. The success of the
Appeal is rightly attributed to them all.
For the young recipients it does
not just end in hospital; they are
encouraged to give their new
cuddly toy a name and of course
they will be taking it home. On
every Teddy there is a small tag
saying "Donated by Local
Freemasons”.
For every bear that ever there was...For every bear that ever there was...For every bear that ever there was...For every bear that ever there was...
1 2
3 4
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 4444
Supporting Freemasons in the local area
One of the key priorities for The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is providing Masonic
Relief Grants to assist Freemasons and their dependants in need. Grants are made
towards:
Essential daily living costs
Unexpected needs (e.g. funeral bills, minor home repairs, or hardship faced following
an accident, redundancy or other personal crisis).
In the first six months of this year, £17,000 was given to support Freemasons and their
dependants in the West Wales area.
If you or someone you know would like to enquire about help available please contact
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity on 020 7395 9391 / 9293 or visit www.grandcharity.org
New national grant - £5,000 for a West Wales branch of Parkinson’s UK
The 2011 Annual National Grant from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has been
awarded to Parkinson’s UK. Each of the 48 Metropolitan and Provincial Grand Lodges
have been given £5,000 to donate to a local Parkinson’s UK branch, and the money will
be spent on helping to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. The aim of
this grant is to support local branches, allowing them to decide how they spend their
money. The branch allocation is being decided by Parkinson’s UK.
Teresa Forgione, Major Gifts Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:” We are delighted that
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity are joining us and supporting our work with this generous
donation. Our local groups run a wide range of activities and support for people affected by
Parkinson’s, including Pilates classes, education days or day trips for members. The money may
also go towards part funding a new Parkinson’s nurse or a new minibus.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, which affects 120,000 people
in the UK. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of a chemical called dopamine
because some nerve cells in their brain have died. Without dopamine people can find
that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things. The loss of nerve
cells in the brain causes the symptoms of Parkinson’s to appear. There’s currently no cure
for Parkinson’s and we don’t yet know why people get the condition.
Siobhan McCarthy
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 5555The main symptoms of Parkinson’s are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. As
well as affecting movement, people with Parkinson’s can find that other issues, such as
tiredness, pain, depression and constipation, can have an impact on their day-to-day
lives. The symptoms someone has and how quickly the condition develops will differ
from one person to the next. The symptoms can be controlled using a combination of
drugs, therapies and occasionally surgery.
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has funded Parkinson’s UK since 1981 and in 2010,
finished funding £177,056 for a three-year study into a gene involved in Parkinson’s
called PINK1. The research was carried out by Professor Nick Wood at University
College London. The research team aimed to find out more about how mutations in
the PINK1 gene might be linked to the death of specific nerve cells within the brain.
The PINK1 gene gives rise to a protein that usually keeps nerve cells healthy, but the
protein needs to be changed from its original form before it can work.
Through their research, Professor Wood’s group have discovered new factors that
work with PINK1 to alter it to allow it to work correctly. Mutations in the PINK1 gene
prevent that interaction, and this eventually leads to nerve cell death. But scientists still
need to understand more about how this happens and how they can prevent the death
of nerve cells occurring. However, the team’s discovery is a significant step towards
understanding how the nerve cells die in Parkinson’s and to finding out whether and
how the cells can be rescued.
Major grants from the Grand Charity – over £1 million donated so far in 2011
The Major Grants programme provides funding for national charities in support of
medical research, vulnerable people and youth opportunities. So far this year more
than £1 million has been given to support over thirty organisations. Examples of some
recent grants:
£50,000 for St Dunstan’s in Llandudno
£50,000 has been donated by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity to St Dunstan’s, the
national charity supporting blind ex-Service men and women. The donation is helping
to build a new Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Llandudno. The new Centre will
provide state-of-the art rehabilitation, training and respite support for blind ex-Service
men and women from all over the United Kingdom, but particularly those from Wales
and North West of England. The vast renovation and expansion project which began
on the former North Wales Medical Centre is due to complete this Autumn.
The 40 bedroom Centre will also house a rehabilitation sports gym, arts and crafts
room, training kitchens and specially adapted dining and accommodation facilities ca-
tering for everything from residential training weeks, to nursing and respite care. The
new facility will enable St Dunstan’s to help even more ex-Service men and women to
discover a life beyond blindness.Continued over page......
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 6666Robert Leader, Chief Executive of St Dunstan’s, said “We are honoured to accept the
£50,000 donation from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, which will help towards St
Dunstan’s mission to enable ex-Service men and women overcome the challenges of
blindness so they can live independent, full lives.
£35,000 for Catch22
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity recently donated £35,000 to a vocational skills centre,
run by young people’s charity Catch22. The much needed money will be ploughed
into continuing the work that Catch22’s Vocational Skills Centre has been doing for the
last 16 years. The purpose-built training centre reflects the set up of a motor vehicle
garage; the upper level containing a PC suite for classroom learning and offers young
people vocational related qualification Level 1 in car mechanics.
Mick McCarthy, Catch22’s area manager says “This donation really will make a difference
to the lives of the young people that use the Centre. Our work with young people shows that
they need the right support and proper preparation if they are to make the most of real job
opportunities. It takes time and effort to get young people job-ready and this means giving them
access to the right training that will equip them for the workplace”
The Centre works closely with the young people it trains to find out how best to meet
their individual learning needs and help them obtain the skills they need. This might
involve help with numeracy and literacy skills and an onsite tutor helps with exam
preparation methods.
£50,000 for immediate help following disaster in Japan
On 11 March a massive earthquake struck Japan, triggering a tsunami that swept
across the east coast, leaving a trail of destruction. Thousands of people were killed
and whole towns destroyed. Red Cross
© British Red Cross/Claire Durham
The President of the Grand Charity approved an emergency grant of £50,000 to the
British Red Cross, to assist with its Japan Tsunami Appeal. In the weeks following the
earthquake, there were repeated earthquakes, with magnitudes of 6.6, every 30 to 60
minutes. The tsunami alert has remained active. Landslides were reported in 37 areas.
Roads, bridges, railroads, dykes and buildings were damaged in about 460 places and
many roads remained impassable for weeks. 15,400 people have been confirmed dead
and some 7,400 were missing following the disaster.
The Japanese Red Cross mobilised 14,000 volunteers who provided mobile kitchens,
distributed food and relief items and directed people to evacuation centres, helping
people to recover homes that have been buried in mud.
The Grand Charity donation helped to purchase: 131,500 blankets; 183,000 items of
clothing;; 28,000 emergency relief kits; 12,500 sleeping mats; 15,500 household tools;
4,900 buckets; 30,000 towels and other hygiene items; 61,000 instant meals.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 7777
On Saturday June 4th the Provincial
Grand Master Rt.W.Bro. Eric Mock
accompanied by his wife Helen hosted
the annual Provincial Officers dinner at
the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen.
There was a good attendance of Provincial
Officers and Grand Officers accompanied
by their Ladies. A most pleasant and
convivial evening ensued with everybody
enjoying the good food and excellent
company. All this contributed to a very
successful celebration for a Provincial team
of Officers who had really enjoyed their
year.
The evening was organised by the
Provincial Senior Warden W. Bro. Syd
Smith who provided a superb finale when
he introduced Alwyn Evans a young tenor
from Machynlleth and his pianist Elenid
Thomas who enthralled us with a
wonderfully balanced and crafted
programme of traditional music.
The Provincial Grand Master expressed his
thanks to all his Officers for their support
throughout the year and said how much
he was looking forward to the Provincial
Meeting at Trinity College on July 7th.
E R Hughes Consultancy Services
Box 32Cefn Esgair
Llanbadarn FawrAberystwyth SY23 3JG
Tel/Fax 01970 615 3054Mobile 07831 391 841
Emyr Rh Hughes F.S.Ag.S., A.I.Ag.S.A.
Email: [email protected].
Agricultural Consultant
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 8888
The photograph shows, back row: Ill. Bro. Tom Place 32° [North Wales]; Ill. Bro. D Keith
Davies 32° [District Recorder, South Wales & Monmouthshire]; Ill. Bro. Michael Nelson 18°
MWS; Ill. Bro. Colin Fisher 32°; Front row: V. Ill. Bro. David Edwards 33° [Inspector
General, South Wales & Monmouthshire] ; Ill. Bro. Colin James 32°; V. Ill. Bro. Dr. John
Lloyd 33° Inspector General the District of Dyfed.
At a meeting of Ceredigion Chapter Rose Croix on 25th March 2011, Ill Bro Colin James
32nd Degree was presented with a certificate celebrating his 50 years as a Rose Croix
Mason. He was perfected in the Ledbury Chapter on 23rd March 1961 and spent much
of his Masonic career in South Wales before returning to Cardiganshire on his retirement
from the teaching profession. The certificate was presented to him by V Ill Bro Dr John
Lloyd, Inspector General for the District of Dyfed and the Chapter was further honoured
by the presence of V Ill Bro David Edwards, Inspector General for South Wales and
Monmouthshire. We congratulate Ill Bro James on attaining this milestone in Masonry
and we wish him good health and every other blessing so that we can continue to enjoy
his company for many to come.
Colin’s Rose Croix History: Perfected in Ledbury Chapter [April 1961]; Founder of Maesyfyd
Chapter [February 1963 and its Sovereign 1969]; Member of Sir Frederick J Alban Chapter
[Sovereign 1989]; Founder Recorder of Wye Vally Chapter; Founder D.C. Of Sarn Helen
Chapter [1983]; Founder D.C. Of St Mary’s Priory Chapter [1980]; Founder member of
Cornelius Chapter [1998] and last but not least a joining member of Ceredigion Chapter.
Comment West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 9999
None reading this needs to be told we are
living in austere times, and there appears
to be no end in sight. We all know that
inflation figures are poppycock. There have
been massive increases in the call for our
income and pensions through higher costs
of necessities and increased taxation, stealth
or otherwise.
All this has an inevitable reduction in our
deposable income. One of the causalities of
this is the ability to give to charities and
good causes. Having given you the doom
and gloom, and it’s very real, we see from
from the pages of the West Wales Mason
that many thousands of pounds have been
donated to worthy causes.
We are now half way through our Festival
2015 appeal and it is our duty to support
the Province and with it our Provincial
Grand Master. We now need to pull out all
the stops to make the Festival the success it
merits.
The Scolton Manor event was a success,
although Saturday was a tad damp! Sunday
turned out to be a perfect day with the sun
shining and hardly a cloud in sight.
Seven Lodges had stands which helped to
raise additional monies for the Festival.
Perhaps next time more Lodges could see
their way to have a stand. If it’s difficult for
individual Lodges to have a stand possibly
the Lodges that meet in the same Masonic
Hall could organise a joint stand.
The Province and its members owes a well
deserved thanks to all those Masons who
helped and made the event a pleasure for
the rest of us. Against all rules that say you
should not name names, one name does
come to mind and surely all members of the
Province appreciate the hard work that Bob
Darkins and his team have done to organise
the event.
We have had two cracking shows. Will
there be another?
This comment page is being written in an
hostelry, with the obligatory ale when a text
request for information received the reply
of, ‘Yes’.
So let the West Wales Mason be the first to
encourage everyone to make it an even
greater success.
Let’s go for it...
Our Deputy PGM took this photo
[you’d think the bear could have taken
it!] at the Masonic stand at the
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Show.
This event was organised by Iwan
Jenkins, and yes he is the bear.
The photograph shows from left to
right:- David Elsley, Bradley Davies,
Iwan Jenkins, Gerald Taylor, Phillip
Rimell and John Everett.
Is this the first of many?
Masonic Samaritan FundJohn Williams
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 10101010
The Masonic Samaritan Fund was established in 1990. It is a grant making charity
that supports those who:
HEALTH, DENTAL, MOBILITY, HOME ADAPTATION or
RESPITE CARE need
Authority
And
Support is available to: Freemasons Their: Wives, Partners, Dependants and surviving
dependants.
There are no age limits – to date applicants have ranged from 6 months to 104 years!
There is no qualifying period of membership and no requirement for the Freemason to
still be active in the Craft.
Freemasonry Cares “It really does work”Dear Brethren,
We as Freemasons have all heard the message that “Freemasonry Cares”. Indeed
many of us will have the Leaflet, which tells us where we can readily get help.
I want to tell you about two instances where my wife and I have witnessed for
ourselves that care which bind us together in the fraternity.
The first was when I needed urgent medical treatment for a debilitating condition,
which left me unable, to walk and in a wheelchair. I was told I would have to wait at
least eighteen months before I could have surgery on the NHS. This was devastating
news because the pain was becoming unbearable.
This was when my Lodge Almoner advised me to apply to the Masonic Samaritan
Fund for help. The application process was done in the strictest of confidence and
within a short time I received the welcome news that the Fund would pay for my
treatment. Everything was arranged with my comfort and convenience in mind. I had
the operation in the private wing of a local hospital and the care I received was first
class. I cannot thank my fellow Freemasons enough for the relief from pain and the freedom from the worry that I could not afford to pay for the treatment.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 11111111 This, Brethren, is what making a difference really means. My
quality of life improved one hundred per cent in the years
that followed and I shall always be grateful that the MSF
came to my aid when I needed it most.
Little did I know that twelve years later I would be asking the
Fund for help once again? Although my condition improved
and walking became much easier, over the years it had become increasingly difficult to
bathe or to shower. I applied to my local council for a Disability Grant but
unfortunately did not qualify. Once again the Fund came to my assistance and paid for
an adaptation to my bathroom. This has made such a difference to the quality of my
life and is yet again a manifestation of the message that “Freemasonry Cares”.
These two examples have made such a difference to our lives. My wife no longer has to
push me in a wheelchair and she also now receives the benefit of a walk-in shower.
My wife and I are both pensioners on a modest income. There is no way we could have
afforded the medical treatment and the bathroom adaptation from our savings
Brethren, this is Masonic Charity at its best. I cannot better praise the work of the Ma-
sonic Samaritan Fund than by recommending it to you and your loved ones in your
time of need.
I cannot adequately express our admiration for and our appreciation of the Masonic
Samaritan Fund in this short article, which I hope you will read with interest.
Sincerely and Fraternally
A Grateful Brother
If you know someone who you think needs our help PLEASE tell them to contact
the Fund on 0207 404 1550 or via Freemasonry Cares on 0800 035 60 90.
Masonic Samaritan Fund, a
charitable company limited by
guarantee, registered in England.
Company number 6876310,
Charity Number 1130424
Pictured below, looking on with keen interest and proudly savouring his Lodge's
achievements at the inaugural playing of this precision instrument – a concert grand
piano no less – is V W Bro Tom Evans, Deputy President of the West Wales Grand
Charity. Seated, with his fingers almost magically moving at prestissimo speed
over the ivories, is Mr Islwyn Evans, the Musical Director of Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion.
Whether it was musical or bank notes – it mat-
tered not; for the Brethren of the Peterwell
Lodge were both pleased and proud to spear-
head the response when the Province of West
Wales heard the members of Ysgol Gerdd Cere-
digion, a musical organisation for youngsters
based at and from around Newcastle Emlyn,
needed financial help to purchase their own
concert grand piano.
It was the plaintiff tugs on the heartstrings of
the Brethren rather than musical chords on this
occasion that triggered the response when they,
the members, heard the children were anxious
to purchase their own precision musical instru-
ment.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason
Accountancy and Tax Services1, Parc y Cwm
Glan yr Afon Industrial Estate
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JQTelephone: 01970 627 561 Fax: 01970 627 560
Email: [email protected]: M B Samuel M J Lawton Mrs K A Jones
M. B. Samuel & Co.
12121212
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason
Wines from around the WorldChris Samuel
07816 857 [email protected]
13131313Having achieved major
successes at such venues
as St David's Hall,
Cardiff, Llandaff
Cathedral and the Royal
Albert Hall, London,
coupled with their
outstanding wins at the
Llangollen International
Musical Eisteddfod and
culminating with first
overall at the National
Eisteddfod, they were
finding they were much
in demand – both locally in person and nationally on CD material.
Buying and installing their own precision musical instrument was the only way to offset
the costs of long distance travelling to recording studios in Swansea, Cardiff and London
– these venues generating the added disadvantage that the children could hardly be
expected to be at their best after such tiring journeys.
Following an impassioned appeal by V W Bro Tom Evans at the October 2010 meeting,
the members of the Appeals Committee of the West Wales Grand Charity were pleased
to recommend the approval of the substantial award of £15,000. The Trustees,
unanimously and without any hesitation whatsoever, endorsed the Committee's
recommendation and immediately made the award.
Thus the children, and not forgetting the Musical Director of course, had the instrument
of their dreams. One only has to look at the expressions on their faces in the group
photograph shown above to realise their appreciation. Also shown are V W Bro
Tom Evans and the Charity Stewards of the local Lodges.
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 14141414
Since the introduction of the Freemasonry Cares project in West
Wales Province, initial results indicate that there has been an increase of 17% in
inquiries for help. Not all have been successful but at least it shows that Brethren
are becoming aware that help is available.
Brethren, I cannot remind you often enough how important it is to keep your
wives/partners and close family fully informed of the Freemasonry Cares project and exactly
what it does. God forbid but if anything happened to you, make sure that your loved ones
know that help is at hand if they need it.
Remember:-
Grand Charity can help in providing financial help for Masons and their families who are experiencing
hardship. Grants are made towards: essential daily living expenses; unexpected needs (e.g. urgent property
repairs, funeral expenses, major household appliances)
The Masonic Samaritan Fund. Provides support to those who have an identified health care need
(Medical; Dental; Ophthalmic treatment and respite care.) and who are faced with a long wait for treatment
on the NHS and cannot afford to go private without incurring financial hardship. Furthermore,
in certain circumstances, mobility equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, stairlifts, electric scooters) can
also be provided.
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Provides help for those who look after the children of Masons
who are in difficulty through the death, disability or financial position of a parent. The trust
aims to help beneficiaries to receive the education and training they need to achieve their
potential and so succeed in life. Examples include providing assistance with the cost of
academic study or with pursuing apprenticeships for practical trades. Support is available in
a wide range of educational environments, including state and private schools, colleges and
universities.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. Provides residential, nursing and dementia care for older
Freemasons and their dependants. All of their 17 Homes can accommodate people who may
be becoming a little confused, and where specialist care is needed. The R.M.B.I. can also offer
short-stay breaks, including respite care. These are helpful both to those living alone, and for
families that need a little respite from the demands of caring for an older relative.
Who Qualifies? All current and former Freemasons under the United Grand Lodge of
England. Dependants of a Freemason, former Freemason or deceased Freemason, wives,
widows, children and partner. (A partner is defined as someone who is living with a Freemason
'as if married or was doing so at the time of his death'. This applies equally to same sex
partnerships.) A 'dependant' is someone who is physically or financially dependent on a
Freemason. (In some cases, non-dependant relatives such as mothers, sisters will qualify)
Finally, please remember that applications for all of the grants are means tested. However,
that being said, the criteria between the charities do vary considerably.
In need of Help?
Contact your Lodge Almoner, if this is difficult or embarrassing; try the Provincial Almoner
or ring. Freemasonry CaresFreemasonry CaresFreemasonry CaresFreemasonry Cares 0800 035 60 90
CONNECTRoy Leett, Provincial Grand Almoner
‘Freemasonry Cares’‘Freemasonry Cares’‘Freemasonry Cares’‘Freemasonry Cares’
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 15151515
Laura Chapman
If you needed financial, healthcare or
family help would you remember
Freemasonry Cares?
Many people only think about charity
when fundraising for events like the 2015
Festival in support of The Grand Charity.
Through Freemasonry Cares, the central
Masonic Charities are working with
Provinces to remind Masons and their
dependants that the first role of these
Charities is offering support. The
Freemasonry Cares For You leaflets, which
are currently being distributed by
Almoners, give more information on what
is available.
Freemasonry Cares is supported by a
freephone number (0800 035 60 90), which
puts individuals who are unable to speak
to their Lodge Almoner in contact with the
appropriate Masonic Charity, and provides
information on eligibility and how to apply.
For the Provincial Launch of Freemasonry
Cares, Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of
the Grand Charity, joined West Wales
Masons. In the past year, The Grand
Charity has supported nine people in West
Wales with financial grants towards daily
living costs and larger expenses, like
essential home repairs. Freemasonry Cares
aims to help many more eligible individuals
benefit from the assistance of the Masonic
Charities. Early signs are encouraging.
Freemasonry Cares has already received
over 1,000 enquiries from across the
country, many resulting in financial,
healthcare or family support being given.
If you would like more information about
the range of Masonic supports available for
those in need please contact your Lodge
Almoner or Freemasonry Cares.
At the meeting in Carmarthen
W Bro John Watson R W Bro Eric Mock
Laura Chapman
W Bro Roy Leett
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason
Quality Used Office Furniture
Hardware & Tools WarehouseCarmarthen road, Newcastle Emlyn
Carmarthenshire, SA38 9APTel: 01239 710 703
16161616
On Saturday 16th April 2011 the Assistant
Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Brian
Hilling accompanied by Strumble’s
W.M., Charity Steward, Assistant
Secretary and Bro. Joe Taylor of Tenby
Lodge, together with their wives,
attended a dinner at the Plas Hyfryd
Hotel, Narberth, to celebrate the 25th
Anniversary of the H.O.P.E. Multiple
Sclerosis Centre at Neyland.
Last year H.O.P.E. were presented with
£2,000 from the Province together with
a total of £1,550 raised by various lodges.
On this occasion the Assistant Provincial
Grand Master presented a cheque for
£2,500 from the Province and the W. M.
Basil Phillips of Strumble Lodge
presented a cheque for £250 to mark the
25th Anniversary.
Everyone wished the H.O.P.E. charity all
the best for the future in continuing their
very important service to the
community.
In the top photo, W Bro Brian Hilling, Asst.
Provincial Grand Master, presenting the
Provincial cheque W Bro Dr Bryn Barton,
and Ken Bramley, H.O.P.E. Chairman.
The lower photo, W Bro Basil Phillips,
W.M. Strumble Lodge presenting the Lodge
cheque.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 17171717
John EverettEarlier this year, VW Bro Mike Davies announced his retirement as the
head of CAD for our Province after 8 years of energetic and dedicated
leadership and I count myself as very fortunate to have been able to assist
him during that period. Everyone who knows VW Bro Mike will be aware
of his untiring energy and enthusiasm that he brings to any task that he
undertakes and over the past eight years he has generated a great deal of goodwill and
support for the CAD process which I hope will stand us in good stead for the future.
Following VW Bro Mikes announcement, I was pleased to accept the Provincial Grand
Masters’ invitation to continue the programme for the next few years and I am absolutely
delighted to announce that W Bro David Elsley has agreed to take over the duties of CAD
secretary. W Bro David has been an enthusiastic and committed supporter of the system
over the past eight years and has contributed much to the process in terms of talks and
admin details and I know that there is more to come!
Now to the future – well I start from a position of two guiding principles that I believe
are appropriate: -
anything too dramatic!
need to respond to the needs of Lodges and individual members and not
impose high ideals from above
So we have an excellent opportunity to review a number of areas such as:-
the result we determine is appropriate and attainable.
But none of this can be achieved without the support and ideas coming from both
Lodges and individual members. So if you have any constructive ideas for the future or
suggestions of how the process can be improved please contribute when the opportunity
arises - success or failure will surely be determined more by your active involvement
and support than by any smart ideas that are imposed from above.
So I intend to make a start on the review of our current achievements early in the
forthcoming Masonic year and once again I would encourage you al to participate in any
way that you can – sometimes very small contributions can have a really dramatic
impact on a sensitive programme such as CAD by ensuring that the members get what
they need rather that what other think they need!
I look forward to working with you all in the coming months.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 18181818
Earlier this year, I spent a delightful
afternoon in the company of young, Welsh,
talented musicians at the Brangwyn Hall,
Swansea. It was one day of a weeklong
Swansea Festival for young musicians,
sponsored for the next five years by our
Province of West Wales Grand Charity.
I was present at two of the classes in
particular (a) Instrumental soloists in
contemporary music, aged 13 years and
above, and (b) a piano master class
conducted by Frank Wibaut, Prof. of
Piano and Head of Post Grad
Performance studies at the Royal
Academy of Music.
Both the competition and master class
were enthralling and delighted a large
and appreciative audience. During the
weeklong Festival there were 70
competitions as well as master classes,
recitals and concerts.
The Festival organisers were extremely
grateful for our Masonic contribution
and emphasised our sponsorship during
the classes as well as in the programme of
the week.
Despite my protests, I was occasionally
referred to as the P.G.M., and thoroughly
enjoyed the experience!!!
The photo shows; Robert Codd (adjudicator),
Joshua Xerri (winner), Frank Wibaut
(adjudicator), Kate Thompson (second),
Elizabeth Silverberg (third), Anna Jenkins
(fourth) and Hywel Lewis is somewhere in there!
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West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 19191919
On Friday 24th June the Provincial Grand
Master Rt. W. Bro. Eric Mock visited the
Bush Comprehensive School in Pembroke
to attend the opening of the Sensory
garden, which had been created with
funds donated by Castle Martin Lodge
and the West Wales Province. This project
has taken several years to complete and
was undertaken by the Green Links
organisation, which was set up in 2006 to
provide practical vocational training for
children who are at risk of exclusion from
conventional learning paths. The £12,000 pounds donated by West Wales Masons has
not only given the Autistic department of Bush School a haven of peace and quiet to help
with their demanding work but has also offered other pupils the opportunity to develop
their skills and create a beautiful and tranquil garden. The Provincial Grand Master
congratulated everyone that had been associated with the project and wished them every
success in the future.
Also present was Sharon Grange the mother of Liam. Liam is an 11-year-old boy who
has been seriously ill since birth with multiple disabilities. Liam’s dream is to lead a pain
free and active life but as he suffers from spastic cerebral diplegia that affects the lower
limbs his dream appeared unobtainable. His parents discovered that there was treatment
available in America and set about
raising the money to have Liam treated.
However, during the fund raising they
found out that this pioneering
treatment is now available at Frenchay
hospital in Bristol. Sharon told the
Provincial Grand Master that the fund
raising was progressing well towards
the £32,000 goal with £28,000 raised.
She was completely overwhelmed
when Tim Mable, Worshipful Master
of Castle Martin Lodge presented her
with a cheque for £500 closely followed
by the Provincial Grand Master with a
cheque for £5,000 from the Provincial
Charity. This means that Liam’s dream
is about to become a reality.
Sensory Garden at Bush School
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 20202020
On Thursday 12th
November 2010, the
Regular Meeting of
Richard Warburton
Lodge No.9767 met at the
Masonic Hall in
Carmarthen, at which the
Provincial Grand
Secretary and Scribe E, W.
Bro. Stephen D. Hookey,
held his annual meeting
of Secretaries and Scribes
E. However, both these
meetings were shortened to
accommodate a visit by W. Bro. Wayne
Buffett Warlow S.B.St.J., B.Mus. M.A.
P.G.Org. (South Wales), the 2010
Prestonian Lecturer, who gave his
lecture on ‘Music in Masonry and
Beyond’.
The lecture was somewhat of a sur-
prise to those present as it was very
interesting and informative and deliv-
ered with the style and humour to that
of Denis Norden, present-
er of ‘It’ll Be Alright on the
Night’ fame. The evening
was punctuated with mu-
sical extracts of varying
genres throughout the
years of Masonry, starting
with the Overture to (Bro.)
Mozart’s last opera, Die
Zauberflote (The Magic
Flute) and ending with
(Bro.) Thomas Arne’s ar-
chetypal manifestation of
national pride, Rule Britannia.
The lecture and musical extracts were
interspersed with audience
participation and it was highly
amusing to see various Brothers being
dragged from their seats to assist in a
vocal demonstration. This was
rounded off with a participation in the
closing ritual of Auld Land Syne,
which was written by (Bro.) Robert
Burns to an old Ayrshire folk melody.
1111
2222 3333
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 21212121
The Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro.
Eric G.S. Mock, nine Grand Lodge Officers
and fifty-seven Brethren, who contributed
generously to the Lecturer’s chosen
Charities by purchasing booklets and
musical compact discs, attended the
meeting.
The four listed Charities were DebRA
(Dystrophic Epidermolysis Nullosa
Research Association, The Royal Society for
Musicians, The Freemason’s Grand Charity
and The Royal Masonic Benevolent Fund.
The evening was a success for W. Bro.
Warlow, as everyone left the Lodge
enriched with music in their hearts and
minds reminding them of the three great
principles in Masonry of Brotherly Love,
Relief and Truth.
W. Bro. Wayne also delivered the Lecture
to Aeron Lodge which was equally well
attended. And, equally, members of the
audience were prepared to demonstrate
their ability to abandon all embarrassment.
The photographs show: [1] W. Bro. Wayne
Buffett Warlow; [2] Richard Warburton
Lodge with, W.M. Omri Davies, Wayne
Warlow and the P.G.M. [3] Aeron Lodge
with, W.M. David Parry, Wayne Warlow
and Nigel Adams. [4] Mike Cross and
David Rees, à la 633 Squadron. [5] Mike
Cross’ interpretation of Brahms’ Lullaby.
[6] David Rees’ finest flamenco of ‘Espana
Cani.
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Learn, Enjoy and Support Charities
If you would like to purchase the
book and the CD (£5 each), contact;
Wayne Warlow through -
The West Wales Mason
On
Enjoy reading the Lecture, relax
listening to the music and help
support worthy causes.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 22222222
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 23232323
The Grand Charity Concert held on
the 26th March 2011 at the Sir Thomas
Picton School, Haverfordwest and
organised by the Brethren of
Strumble Lodge with help from
Kemes Lodge, turned out to be a
great success.
The Goodwick Brass Band together
with the Tenby Male Voice Choir
and the Welsh tenor, Trystan Llyr
Griffiths with the compère the Rev-
erend Hugh George, performed to
an audience of over 400. Many con-
gratulating messages and letters
have been received which indicates
how much everyone enjoyed Con-
cert.
The Goodwick Brass Band were
given £1,000 from the Province last
year and volunteered to give a
concert to raise money for the 2015
Festival. The Province has agreed to
provide a further £1,000 each year for
the next five years. The Provincial
Grand Master presented the first
instalment to their conductor,
Matthew Jenkins after the Concert.
The Band again won their group in
the Welsh Championships in March
and is going to Cheltenham in
September to compete in the National
Championships. The Province wishes
them every success.
Thanks are given to the ladies of
Strumble Lodge who provided a
superb tea for the performers, helpers
and all those who helped in the
organising and stewarding the event.
The Concert raised £3785 (after
expenses), which will be put towards
the 2015 Festival.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 24242424
The Province of West Wales has granted Luke Sterio £1000 to help him with
travelling and accommodation expenses for his many activities. Luke is a very
talented young man who broke previous records at Cwrt Sart Community
Comprehensive School when he sat his GCSE examinations.
He is also a fine trumpet player and has gained a place on the National Youth
Wind Band and National Youth Jazz Access Course. He has a reserve place on
the National Youth Orchestra of Wales as well.
Luke's achievement is even more remarkable as he has successfully battled
cancer during his A level course. He is in complete remission and is hoping to
read medicine next year. We all wish him well in his future endeavours and
trust that the grant will enable him to take full advantage of the places he has
earned in national musical ensembles.
Pictured presenting the cheque is Prince of Wales' Master, W. Bro. Peter Emlyn
Williams. Also pictured left to right are Luke's music teacher, W. Bro John
Jones, Lodge Secretary W. Bro. Jim Drummond, Lodge Charity Steward W. Bro.
Hywel Lewis and Master Elect Bro. Paul Mann.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason
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The Romans and Celts weekend event
at Scolton Manor proved to be success-
ful in achieving our three aims: (1)
Promoting Freemasonry, (2) Putting
on a fun filled family show, (3) Raise
money for the 2015 Festival.
Promoting Freemasonry - we
distributed 20,000 leaflets, had Radio
advertising several times a day for a
week, had an article printed in the
Western Telegraph, had a stall at the
Cardigan, Nevern and Haverfordwest
Agricultural shows plus banners and
Posters all over the place, and of course
a stall at our own show at Scolton
Manor featuring TLC Teddy Bears.
All these media outlets clearly
identified ‘Presented by the
Freemasons of West Wales'.
The first three photographs show the
Collegiate Knights Templar. A Medieval
Re-enactment group demonstrating a
living history of Knights Templar. The
Collegiate of Knights Templar was formed
some 17 years ago by three enthusiasts and
now has 18 members.
The last picture of this set is inside the
‘Crimson Moon Tavern’ run by Susie
and Iain Sewell and is decorated in
medieval fashion. You can sample fruit
wines, mead and Black Rat Cider.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 27272727
Putting on a fun filled family show -
that was evident by the amount of
young families present at the show,
there were three times more young
children this year than last year and
several comments were received
thanking us for a brilliant show.
The photographs on this page are of ‘VICUS’
an Iron Age and early Roman re-enactment
society that interprets history through the media
of experimental archaeology, reconstruction and
living history.
A Vicus is a settlement that grows outside of
Roman military bases to cater to the needs of the
soldiers (and their money).
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 28282828
Raise money for the 2015 Festival-
Again this year preliminary analysis
of the accounts show we are able to pay
a 25% dividend on each £10 ticket
bought through a Lodge. We were
hoping to achieve more but were
beaten by rain, which came down all
day Saturday. It is encouraging to
know that the two events we have
organized, we have helped Lodges to
raise around £35,000 towards their
Festival sums.
My little organizing committee and I
sincerely thank all the Lodges for their
support and those who came to help.
The first 3 photographs are of the ‘Black
Mountain Falconry’ demonstration in
the main ring. This was very popular with
the children who were encouraged to take
part in some of the demonstrations. The
were truly magnificent birds of prey, well
trained and entertaining with educational
and humorous cometary from their owners,
Roger and June. In one picture you can see
children laying down with an owl
swooping low over them.
The last picture is of our own Don Mallams
showing off his ‘Lister’ (I think) engines.
He is dedicated to keeping these find old
engines in working order.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 29292929
Right Worthy Brother David Nigel Adams
the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler for the
Province of West Wales in the Order of “The
Secret Monitor or Brotherhood of David and
Jonathan” presented a cheque for £2000 to
Dr.Urfi Respiratory Consultant at the Cardio-
Respiratory Department of Bronglais
Hospital to purchase a new Spirolink
Portable Spirometer together with network
access Software for 5 users. This will allow
detailed and portable testing of patients Lung
Function both in the Hospital and in the
Community and enable the results of such
lung function tests to be viewed on a shared
database, a considerable improvement on the
current system. Also present were Sheila
Pugh Lead Respiratory Therapist and other
members of the Masonic Order.
The Order also made a donation of £2000 for the
purchase of new equipment for Withybush
General Hospital.
Withybush General Hospital has been able to
purchase new monitoring equipment for
The Children’s ward 9. Ward staff accepted
a cheque for £2000 from R Wy Bro Nigel
Adams towards this important piece of
monitoring equipment.
Jenny Philips of Withybush said, “We would
like to thank the members of the Order of the
Secret Monitor who came to visit the ward
staff to present this very generous donation.
The P.G.S.R., Nigel Said: “A major part of
Freemasonry is to give to charity. Supporting
our local hospitals is a necessary cause, which
we are more than happy to assist. As part of
the scheme, the Conclaves in the Province
were asked to raise £1000, and this has been
match funded by the Grand Conclave in
London. It was an absolute pleasure to
present the cheques to purchase vital
equipment that will help patients throughout
the Province of West Wales.
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At the Masonic Hall, Llanelli, on 23rdJune,
2011, Mrs Yvonne Heath, wife of
Worshipful Master of the Trevor Kelway
Lodge, W.Bro Ken Heath, presented a
cheque to the value of £500to Mrs Enid
Rosser, Chairperson and Secretary of the
CefnSidan Branch Local Committee of the
British Heart Foundation.
This sum was mainly the result of monies
raised during the Trevor Kelway Lodge
Ladies’ Evening held on 9th April.
Also included in the photograph, along with the Worshipful Master and members of the
Trevor Kelway Lodge are CefnSidan Branch members Eirwen Morgan, Pat Rees, Mair
Roberts, Sally Davies and Jayne Lewis, Fund Raising Manager for West Wales.
This was followed up by the presentation of a personal cheque by W.Bro Peter Davie
(extreme left of photograph), who had recently undergone a triple by-pass operation. W.Bro
Peter became a Joining Member of the Trevor Kelway Lodge in January this year, his Mother
Lodge being the Chantry Lodge No. 4065 in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 31313131
Narberth Scouts have received a cash boost of £2,500.00 from Narberth Freemasons.
The gift will enable the progressive scout leaders to purchase much needed camping equipment
for this year’s summer camp initially, but it will also be used in extending the range of facilities
and experiences which can be offered to the new Beaver and Scout sections at Narberth.
John Mycroft, the Worshipful Master of the Narberth Masonic Lodge Number 2001, made the
presentation said, “It is great to be able to donate a substantial amount of money to an
enthusiastic and worthy organization based in Narberth. We hope that the donation will buy all
of the essential equipment that the Scouts had on their vast shopping list, enabling them to
partake in their varied outdoor activities properly equipped for the job.
It would also be a good public relations exercise if the leaders could inform us of what has been
purchased with the donation, and what they have been able to achieve as a result of the donation.
If we had this information before the Celtic Festival in Scolton Manor in August, it could be
displayed for all to see, especially the general public, and it may then assist in promoting
Freemasonry in a different light to the General Public.”
The W. M. was supported by a number of Past Masters of the Lodge, including Ronald Hurst,
Anthony Morgan (Charity Steward), Patrick Wadia (Secretary), Ray Cartwright and David Gibbs.
Upon receiving the gift, William Silverstone the Scout leader of the 1st Narberth Scout Group
said “Thank you once again for the cheque. The money will enable us to offer fantastic scouting
experiences regardless of the background of the children concerned.”
Other Scout leaders and officials had turned out in force for the presentation, which indicated
the importance of the gift to the 1st Narberth Scout Group. These included Sue Benbow (Area
Commissioner for Pembrokeshire) together with Narberth Scout leaders and officials, Steve
Goymer (Assistant Scout Leader), Clare Staniland (Assistant Cup leader), Emma Underwood
(Secretary) and Adrian Clague (Quarter Master).
Picture shows John Mycroft, the W.M. of Narberth Lodge presenting the
cheque to Scouts in the 1st Narberth Scout Group in the presence of Scout
Leaders and officials together with Narberth Lodge members
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 32323232
`The club was started about 9 years ago and has been meeting continuously since
then. There are now three groups running each evening from 4.30 to 8.30 catering
for different age groups and abilities with the seniors and most proficient last. The
group has had lots of success at both local, national and international levels with
many gold medals being won and continues to have many members who are at the
top level of the special needs gymnastics. The group has a long waiting list and
since the younger members require one to one coaching are always looking for
more volunteers to assist with the training. I have already done so and will
hopefully start in September when the group start after the summer break. The
atmosphere in the hall is fantastic and all the participants really seem to enjoy
themselves whatever level they are working at. All in all a very worthwhile
organisation that is providing a valuable service to the community.
STEADMAN JONES & BELL
SOLICITORS CYFREITHWYR
12 College Street, Ammandford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 3AF
Tel: 01269 592 306 Fax: 01269 596 127
S. Elfan Bell LL.B. Simon P. Morris B.A.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 33333333
I am delighted that we will mark our 200th anniversary in
2013 by working with The Royal College of Surgeons of
England to establish The Royal Arch Masons 2013
Bicentenary Appeal. Freemasonry has had a long and close
association with the College through the 250th Anniversary
Fund established in 1967, and we are delighted to have
supported so many important research projects.
This campaign gives us an excellent opportunity to
contribute further towards something that is helping to save
lives and improve the quality of life for us, our children and grandchildren.
HRH The Duke of Kent
First Grand Principal
We are all justly proud to be the major benefactor to The
Royal College of Surgeons of England for their surgical
research funds.
In order to provide a valuable donation to the College our
target is to raise a minimum £10 plus gift aid from every
Companion. We are using a Grand Charity Relief Chest and
there are no administrative costs.
Please fill in a donation form. You will find the form on the
Supreme Grand Chapter website at www.grandchapter.org.uk and the Grand Charity
website at www.grandcharity.org
This is a wonderful way to mark The Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary Appeal
and any contribution you may wish to make will be gratefully received.
Nigel Brown
Grand Scribe E
Reproduced by kind permission of Supreme Grand Chapter
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 34343434
Front Row: J Lewis (Treasurer): S D Hookey (Scribe E): J K Davies (Deputy Grand Superintendent): E
G Sinnett (Second Provincial Grand Principal): E G S Mock (Most Excellent Grand Superintendent): N L
Murphy Third Provincial Grand Principle): F M Williams (Scribe N): R S Darkins (Registrar): W J L R
Jones (Sword Bearer): Middle Row: R A Jenkins (Director of Ceremonies): D E Rayson (Deputy Director
of Ceremonies): I L Murphy (Charity Steward): R L Leett (Almoner): P Walkden (Sojourner): P R Evans
(Assistant Sojourner): B D J Barrat (Second Assistant Sojourner): P R Scoble (Assistant Scribe E): G Crane
(Assistant Director of Ceremonies): Back Row: D G R Davies (Steward): I W Sewell (Organist): A Hallett
(Standard Bearer): D A R Isaac Standard Bearer): S E Bell (Janitor).
Front Row: L C Hughes (Director of Ceremonies): S D Hookey (Secretary): B G W Davies: D J Elsley
(Senior Warden): V W Bro T Evans (Deputy Provincial Grand Master): R W Bro E G S Mock
(Provincial Grand Master): B C Hilling (Assistant Provincial Grand Master): R E Roberts (Junior
Warden): J K Davies (Chaplain): J Lewis (Treasurer): D E Hughes Deputy Director of Ceremonies):
Middle Row: P W Jones Assistant Director of Ceremonies): A Hallett (Senior Deacon): W Allen Junior
Deacon): P Walkden (Sword Bearer): R L Leett (Almoner): N R Leah (Mentor): I L Murphy (Charity
Steward): T S Thomas (Senior Deacon): R H Cartwright (Junior Deacon): C J Samuel (Superintendent
of Works): C R Webb (Assistant Director of Ceremonies): Back Row: P R Scoble (Assistant Secretary): A
C Barton (Steward): D E Jones (Steward): W Hale (Pursuivant): T A Evans (Standard Bearer): C D
Hann (Standard Bearer): G R Gealy (Tyler): M Manship (Steward).
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 35353535
First image is a presentation of a cheque for £440.00 to Withybush Hospital Cancer Day
Unit (CDU Appeal). Pictured are back row, Bernard George & W. Bro. John Prior, seated,
W. Bro Steve McGarvie Worshipful Master of Old Priory Lodge No. 4331, Trish
George and Margaret Prior.
Mrs Trish George said, "This wonderful donation will help us to make a real difference
for those who need the support of the Oncology Team" . This money was raised following
the raffle at Old Priory's Ladies Night held at Cleddau Bridge Hotel
Second image is following a donation of £520.00 to Ward 10 Withybush Hospital
Haverfordwest. Pictured are, left to right, Dr. Anne Barnes, W. Bro. Steve McGarvie,
Worshipful Master of Old Priory Lodge No. 4331, Nurse Janet Richards and SR Fiona
Lordan. This money was raised following the raffle at the Installation of W. Bro. Steve
McGarvie
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 36363636
The second and final Provincial Golf society meeting of the 2010/2011 Masonic year, was held at the
Milford Haven Golf Club on Friday 6th, May 2011 and although the projected weather forecast was
not good All players did manage to complete their golf before the expected rain arrived.
Some 21 Golfers who after their game enjoyed a first class dinner provided by the Milford haven
Golf Club Caterer had an enjoyable day.
The course was in good condition and some creditable scores were recorded.
Meeting result were as follows..
Nearest the Pin ( 6th) Paul Watson. Tenby Lodge
(16th) Chris Hine Cambrian Lodge
Guests Competition.
1. Justin Webb 33 Points Tenby
2. Simon Wilkie 32 Points Cardiff
3. Peter Harris 29 Points Pembroke Dock.
Masonic golfers.
With the results being aggregated with the September meeting, the competition was indeed very
close for both the Individual and the Champion Lodge trophies.
The individual Trophy was closely contested with a number of golfers being in contention after
the first round (September meeting).
The individual winner on the Day was: (Milford meeting) was:
Results and Scores
1. Chris Harding 36Pts (BB9) Cambrian Lodge
2. Chris Hine 36Pts Cambrian Lodge
3. Brian Williams 32Pts Castlemartin Lodge
The overall Individual Champion was ;-
1. Chris Hine, of Cambrian lodge -- 68Pts (Col. Trevor Kelway Trophy)
2. Brian Williams of Castlemartin Lodge – 67Pts (runner Up Trophy)
A number of Lodges were in contention for the Sydney Hughes Trophy after the first meeting but
because of withdrawals by some lodges, the competition was contested mainly between the
Cambrian lodge 464, The Tenby lodge 1177 and Castlemartin Lodge 1748 (With the best three cards
counting).
Champion Lodge
1. Castlemartin Lodge. ---183 points (Sydney Hughes memorial Cup)
2. Cambrian Lodge --- 182 points (runners up)
3. Tenby Lodge ---168 Pts
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 37373737The Provincial Grand Master will
formerly present the Trophies at
the Provincial meeting in
Carmarthen on July 7th. 2011
The retiring Captain and joint
secretary Mike Bradney told
members that they would try to
hold costs down to a maximum
of £30.00 for each day but this
was becoming more difficult
given the economic climate. He
emphasised that it was costly to
the society when members dropped out after making a booking as numbers affected the Group
Green-Fee rates and that Caterers expected meals booked to be paid for.
He stated that we had to pay for an additional three meals today.
He asked members if they were happy with Fridays being our competition days. The general
consensus was that we should keep to Friday for the meetings as they also suited Masonic
commitments.
It was proposed that Paul Watson (Tenby lodge) should take on the society Captaincy for the next
two years. Watson stated that he would be honoured to take on the role.
It was suggested that all Provincial Golf society-meeting details would be passed to an individual
golfing member responsible for each lodge that would be prepared to take on the role of
organising his own lodge team/ members and then liase with the Society secretary. This would
reduce postage and telephone costs considerably.
Those interested please contact Mike Bradney or Clive Pitten with your details
The Secretary then thanked his co- secretary and helpers on the day for their assistance and
announced that the next meeting would be on Friday 2nd, September 2011. He closed by thanking
all who had turned up.
The Provincial Grand Master then rose and thanked the organisers for an enjoyable day. He also
congratulated Paul Watson the new society Captain on his appointment and stated, that it was
very apt that Paul Watson, who is a Professional Golfer, should take on the role of Captain of the
society for the next two years. He concluded by thanking the retiring Captain for his efforts and
reminded members that he was anxious that members should treat these days as an opportunity
to enjoy each others company rather than raise funds.
The next meeting will be held at, Glyn Abbey golf club, Near Trimsaran, on Friday 2nd, September
2011. (First Meeting of 2011/12 year)
Cost will be £28.00 (inclusive of Prizes, Bacon Roll/Tea-coffee and a meal on completion. (Buggies
are available for those who wish to book them- recommended that you book these early).
Please book early. Tee times are booked from 11.30 noon until 1300..
Please make every effort to attend the two days to make the 2011/2012 competitions even more
competitive than this year.
May we close the report by thanking all who supported the society, in whatever way., during the
year and we hope that the new Masonic year will produce even more competition amongst the
provinces’ golfers..
A Copy of the accounts will be forwarded to The Provincial Treasurer at the end of each Golfing
year. (May 2011)
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 38383838
The official start to the Masonic summer was on Friday 16 April when 10 caravans from
SWWMCC gathered in Dare Country Park, Aberdare for the first rally of the year.
This rally was organised by John and Carol Edmunds and Ivor and Marion Rivers. John
and Ivor are members of South Wales Province and they and their wives organised an
excellent weekend, even down to the glorious weather we enjoyed. Dare Country Park
has many excellent facilities, which included the fully equipped Caravan Site which is
alongside the central reception area. There are plenty of walks amidst the lovely scenery.
On Saturday evening, Ivor arranged for us to all meet for dinner at Aberdare Golf Club
of which he is a recent Captain. All enjoyed a lively and enjoyable evening and the
‘ralliers’ made their way home after an excellent start to the 2011 programme.
The second Rally of the year was held at the lovely town of Aberaeron on the weekend
of 13 May, which happily coincided with the Installation meeting of Loventium Mark
Lodge, which was attended by a number of brethren with a delightful and memorable
evening had by all.
The Rally, held at Aeron Coast Caravan Site, was enjoyed by all, with the excellent
clubhouse facilities enabling us all to enjoy the usual Saturday dinner in convivial
surroundings, having had a day of enjoying the local sights and each other’s company
over a cup of tea (or whatever other libation suited them). Our thanks go to Mansel and
Linda Hughes who organised the rally for us.
The June Rally saw the Club travelling to Lucksall Caravan Park, alongside the River
Wye just south of Hereford. This is a delightful area with plenty of places to visit. We
had 11 units attending and many of our members took the opportunity of extending their
stay beyond the weekend.
We had wonderful weather over the weekend and on Saturday evening we were able
to hold one of our traditional barbeques and there really is nothing better to provoke
lively and convivial conversation amongst so many good friends. Such is Freemasonry.
This Rally was organised by Mansel and Linda Hughes and our July meeting is at
Dolaucothi.
The fourth Rally saw us visiting the National Trust site at Dolaucothi. This has seen
some memorable rallies in the past, but it has been some years since the Club has visited
this beautiful and peaceful site.
The pleasures of this site have certainly not diminished over the years and despite
occasional showers, we all had a thoroughly enjoyable time and were able to have our
traditional BBQ, following which we all
gathered together in an awning to chat
and enjoy each other’s company over a
pleasurable drink or two. This rally was
organised by Tony and Evana Trumper
and we now look forward to our annual
rally at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 39393939
TK Turks no show hands trophy to Loyal WelshWe had heard it was raining in Llanelli and that the golf course at Carmarthen bore
a strong resemblance to the Serpentine. So perhaps the Trevor Kelway boys have
been exposed as fair weather golfers (I don’t blame them, mind!) but if they had
ventured into God’s County they would have found a beautiful day awaiting them.
A different name would be on the trophy this year.
I had a wonderful picture of the legs and the golf trolleys of the great and the good
of West Wales but I managed to loose it not being a digitally educated cameraman,
which was a shame. It was the sort of picture that wins prizes and could have made
me a few bob on the side if I didn’t have it printed in this illustrious publication.
Looking at the various people that were in that shot, first prize for the celebrity look
-a -like must go to W. Bro. Tim Bourne for his wonderful impression of Don Estelle
(Lofty) in ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’. We must find him a pith helmet for next year.
As the tournament got underway it was obvious a couple of minutes on the practise
greens would have been a good idea. Much wandering around the rough looking
for a ball (any ball?) was evident from the first. The PGM said he was helping his
team find their balls and I thought better of asking where his was. Lofty skied his
tee shot, which, unfortunately for him, set the pattern for his day.
Mike Bradney’s Castlemartin team were the most confident and appeared to have
the bit between their teeth. Even the eventual winners said they would take a lot of
catching when I ran into them at the eighth. But it’s a funny old game and a good
back nine and a superb display by Danny Overend (Loyal Welsh ringer, course
specialist and probable future candidate), who managed to claim the longest drive
and the nearest the pin trophies, eventually swung the match. However, if the Turks
had been there and played anything like they did last year they would have retained
the trophy. Oh dear. How sad. Never mind. (BSM Williams - Windsor Davies - It
Ain’t Half Hot Mum.)
The Provincial Grand Master presented the trophies, which for the first time all went
to the same team, after a good meal in the club. One day he will win something and
then we’ll have the problem of finding someone to make the presentations.
Our thanks go to the South Pembrokeshire Golf Club for allowing us to use their
facilities and Janet Norrie and her staff in the restaurant for their hospitality and
making our day such an enjoyable one. Finally, of course, thanks to all who took
part in this, the seventh Atlantic Trophy tournament to be held.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 40404040
Turned over by Edgar JonesThe Candlewick Makers Lodge: Butcher’s Lane, Bow
from
The Secretary’s Diary
1869
Well we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs in our beloved Lodge, the Candlewick
Makers, down the years – more downs than ups, to tell the truth – but tonight, diary, was
little short of a disaster.
The Candidate, a Professor Richard Dworkins, came to us pretty highly
recommended from outside, though who his proposer and seconder into the Candlewick
Makers were I haven’t been able to discover. I do recall though the glowing character
reference he presented from a Mr Darwin, who unfortunately was unable to speak for
him in person, he busily hunting turtles off the shores of somewhere called the Galapagos
Islands, their shells to be used for decorative hair-combs for Ladies of Fashion. A very
lucrative business, so I’m told.
It all started off so well too; no disaster such as has happened in the none-too-distant
past: the fellow Heep in particular. Until, that is, our Worshipful Master, W Bro
Bracegirdle Tuddenhall, bassooned out: ‘In all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom
do you put your trust?’
No answer forthcoming, though our Junior Deacon fairly shrieked into the
Candidate’s ear what he had to say, ‘Tell the damn’ feller to speak up!’ tromboned our
short-fuseed lantern-jawed Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Coffin, he who had taken
great umbrage at our last Installation when W Bro Tuddenhall had accidentally come
out with, ‘Worshipful Brother Coffin, I hereby appoint you my Director of Cemeteries.’
Still no answer from our Candidate, upon which W Bro Tuddenhall stepped in loud
enough to wake the dead with, ‘Sir, it was explained to you, when you appeared before
us, that an essential for belonging to our Brotherhood was a belief in a Supreme Being.
Now all you have to do is simply reply to the question: Do you believe in one or not?’
Well the two words Supreme Being appeared to galvanise the Candidate, who started
into frenzied life just as if the Junior Deacon beside him had wound up his clockwork.
Indeed I would swear his eyes behind their blindfold glowed like carriage-lamps on a
pitch-dark night.
‘Ah! Supreme Being!’ he sopranoed reflectively in his somewhat scrapy voice. ‘In
full agreement with you there! Yes indeed, yes indeed! A phrase though that has to be
considered in the context of two parameters. Take the first. Yes, I do indeed believe in a
Supreme Being – Myself! Highly educated, enormously intelligent. Oxford man and all
that. Professor of Biological Detergence’ (that at least is what it sounded like) ‘at this new
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 41414141place, University of London. Back at me old College of course in a year or two. Civilised
life from there on. Decent port for a change. Now as to the second parameter –’
Well on he went and on, and honestly there was no stopping him. Poor Bracegirdle
Tuddenhall was the first to nod off – he had been up half the night learning his words –
and before long his snores fairly shook the canopy above our Chair of King Solomon;
while of course they communicated themselves on the instant to all those sitting at the
east end. After half an hour not one of us was awake, and a rhythmic zzzz zzzz gently
pulsated the air.
Exactly one hour on I was awakened by a kerfuffle at the door.
By this time the wretched Dworkins was well into his stride; and itemising the
thousand and one supposed iniquities inflicted by one religion on another since Day One,
he had now got as far as the Thirty Years’ War (1618 to 1648; Catholics versus Protestants,
so I discovered later).
The noise outside rose to a crescendo, drowning even Dworkins!
It was – it could be none other than – our celebrated cook, Jiulio Cesare, the envy of
every Lodge in the Province.
Thrusting his bushy black beard and side-whiskers round the door he now
full-orchestraed out, ‘When you are-a going to come-a down to dinner, hey? I am-a
waiting! My Beef-a Wellington will-a be done to old-a ropes!’
Well at this, W Bro Bracegirdle Tuddenhall, perhaps the most devoted
trencherman of us all, awoke with a start, thundered his gavel down with such force that
splinters were sent flying everywhere, and announced the immediate end of the
proceedings. The whole Lodge woke, shook itself, and pretended to have heard every
word. The two Deacons however, who though as sound asleep as the rest of us had been
kept upright by their wands, lost balance and collapsed, bringing Candidate Dworkins
down with them.
The first to extricate himself from the threshing arms and legs on the floor, he
ripped off and cast down his blindfold and made hot-foot for the door. The last we heard
before it slammed behind him was him trilling: ‘Disrespect . . . damn cheek if you ask
me . . . most famous scientist the world has ever seen . . . Oxford man too . . . religious
maniacs the whole pack of ‘em . . . Revenge is mine! Wait a minute – I can’t say that:_
it’s in the Bible! O lor’ – oh but I can’t say that either!’
Well in five minutes, no more, we were all sitting at Jiulio Cesare’s tables and
enjoying our well-earned dinner. Yes, his Beef Wellington did turn out to be a bit fibrous;
but he’d bought in a trial dozen or so bottles of a very amiable Gigondas. Delicious!
Of course I was a trifle late home again, and as usual found myself locked out
of our bedroom. A note in ‘her majesty’s’ handwriting was pinned to the door:
If you want a respectable wife, come back at a respectable hour!
Do not disturb! I am in here with the England Cricket Team!
She was, like our beloved Queen, always one for exclamation marks!
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 42424242
Day one started bright and warm at
Sedbury Cliffs by Chepstow with my
walking companion Andy
Darlington another Milford Pilot
walking to raise money for ME, it
was a bit of a false start because you
cannot get the car to the official start
so you have to walk from the road
and then back again which adds an
extra mile to the already daunting
177 miles to go! Still all was well and
we were off to Prestatyn via ten
other places in between.
The ladies were stopping at Pandy
for the first three days and Sue would pick us up and drop us off at the start and
finish of each day. I’m afraid I like a nice shower, good food and a comfy bed when
I walk so camping was a non-starter for us. Bit of a softy!
The walking was quite reasonable but some of the construction work of the Dyke
was amazing, some was built up slopes of at least 1:3 and how they managed to
keep the soil on it when building was gravity defying to say the least and very hard
to walk up and down. A construction engineer was asked how much it would cost
to build today and he said, tell me the amount of material to be shifted in m3 and
I will give you a cost, needless to say it would be astronomical.
So the halfway was reached on target between Knighton and Montgomery and
as the sign says only 88.5 miles to
go! By now all the aches and pains
were well established and we had
become used to them, feet and
shoulders are the worst! Everything
was downhill from here
psychologically speaking.
The four days in the middle we
had decided to B&B until we met
up again with Sue just South of
Llangollen, lucky for us my sister
lives there so we had some home
comforts again.
Continued next page...
Blisters, what blisters!
Phew!
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43434343 The walk takes you over the aqueduct at Froncysyllte, which is always a joy to
traverse and a little bit scary.
From Llangollen we went over the top of the mountains and had some spectacular
views but the best was on the last day when on cresting the last hill we could se
the sea and the finishing post another 2 hours and we had made it on time in 11
days not bad for 180 miles counting a few
wrong turns on the way.
All in all a very enjoyable time but I think
my last long distance walk, however fit
you are it does take it out of you and none
of us are getting any younger.
I raised just over £400 which wasn’t bad
but a bit disappointing as Andy raised
£1200 for his charity, still times are hard
and I do understand, but I will not be
doing another one.
Thanks very much to Brethren who did
sponsor me it was very much appreciated
and thanks to my wife Sue for supporting
us so well. Made it!
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 44444444
Time after time I have been asked to cover a function to provide the write up and
photographic coverage for this magazine – but rarely, if ever twice, is such an event so
enjoyable as the day I was invited to join the Narberth Lodge boys and girls for a Sunday
Lunch at the Wiseman's Bridge Hotel. That day, Sunday 13th June 2011, was and always
will be a day for me to remember.
The Sunday lunch was the brainchild of W Bro
Patrick Wadia, whose father – W Bro John – is a
resident at the Albert Edward Prince of Wales
Court at Porthcawl. Musing over the idea with
the Master, W Bro John Mycroft, Patrick was
given the go ahead to progress his plan and then,
with equal enthusiasm, John organised and
presided over an excellent meal in a most relaxed
and friendly atmosphere.
61 sat down to enjoy cuisine second to none;
melon, pate or leek & potato soup for starters; this followed by a traditional Sunday Roast
of beef, pork or turkey and ending – if you could manage to eat any more that is – with
a selection of gateaux's, trifles, ice creams and fresh fruit salads. Oh – I almost forgot –
with tea and coffee as well. The raffle, with 21 prizes no less and the tickets being sold
by W Bro Graham Thomas, raised well over £500 – with every penny being earmarked
for the Friends of the AEPOWC. That figure will surely increase even further, as with
the blessing of Patrick, John and W Bro Brian Hilling [Provincial Representative for the
Friends] every donation, by those so requiring in lieu of charging for photo sales, will be
added to the pot for the benefit of the residents.
With the almost magical words of "Narberth
Lodge" and "Wiseman's Bridge Hotel" being
uttered, there never was a shadow of a doubt
about the day being a roaring success. The
Assistant PGM's Lodge, the Tenby Lodge, was
represented by W Bro Bob and Mrs Lewis
[whose mother is another AEPOWC resident]
the Deputy PGM's Lodge, the Peterwell Lodge,
was represented by W Bro Ray and Mrs Band.
I started this piece by saying this was a day
to remember. With cuisine second to none,
calorie counting abandoned and with company one could not better, the hours sped by
and far too soon it was time to head northwards and return home. So I now conclude
this piece by saying this was a day to cherish and long may the Narberth Lodge run such
social functions.
© Tony Beckingham
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 45454545
On Saturday 20th April 2011 the wives of the officers
of Prince of Wales Lodge No 671 decided to hold a
party to celebrate the wedding of William & Kate,
the Son of the Prince of Wales.
The party took place at the Selwyn Samuel Centre
Llanelli and was billed as a night of Fun and
entertainment with a 3 course hot meal buffet – and
it certainly turned out to be a most enjoyable event
with almost 80 attending including next year’s two
initiates and their wives. The entertainment on the
evening was provided by a local fun group called “Pluck, Rattle & Squeeze” a comedy show band
that proved to be most entertaining.
The wives had decided to donate the proceeds of the night to the Lodge 2015 festival appeal and
the event, together with a raffle held at a recent social function for the ladies, raised the magnificent
sum of £811 which has been presented to the Charity Steward of the Lodge.
The Ladies have already booked the same venue for June 9th 2012 to celebrate the Queens Diamond
Jubilee and anyone wishing to join us on that occasion are asked to contact any member of Prince
of Wales Lodge. Once again the proceeds will go to the 2015 Festival
The staff, far too numerous to individually mention by name here, total 28; with every
one of them working extremely enthusiastically to ensure all the residents and every
guest [over 130] had a meal to salivate over, company to enjoy and an occasion to
remember. Look at the arithmetic and appreciate the RMBI high standards; 130 sitting
down to dine and with 28 looking after their needs – that equating roughly to 1 member
of staff being present for every 5 attendees. With the mixed aromas of lit charcoal and
cooked food wafting through the air and tantalising the taste buds, no one could fail to
have an energetic appetite. The head barbecuer, clad in Hawaiian beachwear, laid on
baps, beef burgers, sausage, chicken
drumsticks, onions, rice, pasta, roast
potato wedges and crushed potato
salad accompanied by vegetable peels
in Thousand Island Dressing. Then,
for good measure, or rather only for
those with "Desperate Dan" type
appetites, strawberry gateaux, sherry
trifle and Black Forest type chocolate
desserts; naturally with a glass or 3© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 46464646
Almost 25 years have passed since
the day this popular event was first
planned by the members as a way to
top up the Lodge's building fund;
however, now run for charitable
purposes - this year the final figure
nudging the thousand pound mark.
Firstly located at the home of W
Bro Brian Hilling, then moving on to
W Bro Roger Sheldon's and, for the
last 20 or so years, held on the spa-
cious patio area of W Bro Don Mal-
lams' bungalow – the lower lawned area being perfect for children to play and, then later
[much later when the wine had flowed], for welly wanging.
With some 80 people attending, the cooks, or should they be
called barbecuers, were kept hard at work and being led by W
Bro Dougie Waters, who provided freshly caught mackerel,
chicken, beef burgers, sausage, king prawn, Chinese spiced
chicken, salads, rice and pasta – to be complimented later with
a mouth watering strawberry pavlova and, of course, the ever
popular chocolate cake delight. The bar, as usual, being ably
run by W Bro Ian Lucas, and the quiz organised by W Bro Simon
Toy. However, this team of regulars were outshone.
Who outshone the regulars? None other than the newcomers,
the "el supremo" raffle ticket sellers, Ella and Jay Brace [W Bro
Simon Toy's grandchildren], who accounted for over half the total money changing
hands that evening. Very well done
the two of you.
Charity Stewards of old should take
note and learn a lesson or two, or even
three, from these talented youngsters
who used every trick in the book to
extract money from the members and
guests – and the winning ticket you
sold me seen the bottle of whisky
heading to W Bro John Wadia, resident
at the Albert Edward.
© Tony Beckingham
© Tony Beckingham
© T Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 47474747
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 48484848
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West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 49494949
Not reflections in the glazing of the window but rather reflecting on his past achieve-
ments during his school days [when woodwork was one of his best subjects]; this part
of his life continuing with his present day enjoyment of woodworking is W Bro Brian C
Hilling during one of his many visits as the Provincial Representative for the Friends of
the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court. The Home, as the full name is often and
affectionately abbreviated to, is situated in the delightful seaside town of Porthcawl –
conveniently midway to the many between Cardiff and Swansea.
Elsewhere in the maga-
zine you will have read of
the day out enjoyed by
many of us from West
Wales when W Bro Brian,
accompanied by W Bro
Patrick Wadia, Brethren
from the Narberth and
Fishguard Lodges togeth-
er the writer, visited The Home to celebrate the 90th birthday party of one of The Home's
newest residents; that being W Bro John Wadia of the Narberth Lodge, who has very
quickly likened himself to his fellow home mates. When reminiscing with W Bro John
of their past years – both being self employed electricians [often sub contracting to each
other at times of peak business and with the two of them being in the Royal Air Force
[John in WW2 and Brian with National Service] – W Bro Brian's eyes latched on to the
model of a four-engined Lancaster Bomber sitting in front of a wooden platter. He
quickly concentrated his focus on that platter – it was the Saskatchewan Plate. A most
convivial and nostalgic conversation followed.
Just what is this Saskatchewan Plate you may well be asking yourself. In short – if
you look at the photos, you will see the plate together with its beautiful timbers, their
characteristic grain patterns and the richness of their colours. The plate is made up from
the natural timbers as found in the
Canadian Province of Saskatch-
ewan.
John has three half sisters living
in Canada but because of one reason
or another did not meet up with
them until he visited in 1973. Fur-
ther family reunions followed and
during one of these occasions John's
half sisters presented him with the
Plate. © Tony Beckingham
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 50505050
Saturday 20th November 2010 started off for myself and, as I suspect, likewise for the
majority of my readers as being a crisp autumnal morning, complete with the sun shining
brightly and just a tingling of frost in the air. However, for W Bro John Aston Wadia of
the Narberth Lodge it was far more exiting – it was his 90th birthday no less. The occasion
was further enhanced for John by the presence of our ever smiling, constantly happy and
very popular Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Brian C Hilling, who was there,
not only to congratulate John but, to present him with his certificate for 50 years of
continuous membership of the Holy Royal Arch. Pictured above, left to right, at the
presentation of the 50th Anniversary Certificate are W Bro Patrick Wadia, John's son, John
Wadia and Brian C Hilling.
John's Masonic career is both well documented and generally known to all; suffice it to
say here, John, having been Initiated in Narberth Lodge on the 24th April 1953, was Exalted
in Arberth Chapter on the 26th May 1954. However, not so well known or perhaps not
appreciated enough is that, as well as attaining the Chair of the Narberth Lodge in 1965
and that of Arberth Chapter in 1968, John was instrumental – if, indeed, not the prime
motivator – of the Narberth Lodge moving to its present and well known home. Before
then Narberth Lodge had met at the De-Reutzen Hotel in the town centre.
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 51515151John, an electrician by profession, was born on the 20th November 1920 in Bournemouth,
Dorset. Both for family reasons and appreciating the delightful area of Pembrokeshire
was far more homely than the South Coast, John was quickly moved to Pentlepoir; where
he spent his formative years, firstly, at Pentlepoir Junior School and then, until 1938, at
Narberth Secondary. After he finished his school days, John commenced his working
years at Trecwn – would you believe it – driving a very slow "chuff-chuff" train! Quickly
realising sparks from cables were brighter and certainly far more exciting than sooty
smuts from a coal fired locomotive, John trained, subsequently qualifying, as an
electrician.
Called to service with his country in 1943, John was a flight engineer in the Royal Air
Force; serving firstly with 77 Squadron before joining the newly formed 578 Squadron
based at RAF Burn, between Selby and York. There he soon learned and quickly
appreciated his much loved flying of four-engine Halifax bombers was far more adrenalin
inducing than driving the Trecwn train. However, we must deliberately return to John's
school days; for when he was idling his time at Narberth Secondary, he, no doubt already
futuristically utilizing the RAF's legendary 20-20 vision, had spotted the sparkling eyes
of a very pretty girl by the name of Ceinwen. It was, as they say, love at first sight and
in 1950 they were married. Patrick, usually but not always being "the apple of their eyes",
for he was rather prone to getting in mischief, arrived in 1960; later following in his
father's footsteps as an electrician. Penultimately, when John was sure that Patrick could
correctly remember the colour codes for both cable and flex and, further, could
successfully change a fuse, John – at the age of 70 – retired. Finally, after many happy
years at Laverock, John moved to the Albert Edward Home in 2010.
© Tony Beckingham
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 52525252
07971 042 422
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West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 53535353
The Mark Master Masons
of Dyfed have been spon-
soring their Provincial
Grand Master R W Bro
Nigel Adams in a
'Slimathon' since June last
year which culminated in
raising £6,000 for local
Children’s Charities and
the Provincial Grand Mas-
ter loosing 14lbs in
weight, a winning combi-
nation.
The first of the Children’s
Charities to profit from
the Slimathon was DASH who cater for disadvantaged and children with
special needs in Aberaeron, who were in need of a 'Ball Pool' and other safe soft
play equipment for their centre to provide leisure activities for the children.
On Monday the 18th April the Provincial Grand Master R W Bro Nigel Adams
together with the Deputy Grand Master W.Bro Ron Jones, Provincial Charity
Steward W.Bro Bob Darkins, Samuel Page from Teifi Mark Lodge and Robert
Davies from Aberystwyth Mark Lodge visited the centre and presented a
cheque for £2,000 to DASH Trustee Non Jenkins and Jo Kennaugh, to pay for
the equipment which was bought a week earlier.
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 54545454
At the Masonic Hall, Llanelli, on 5th May,
2011, Worshipful Master of the Trevor
Kelway Lodge, W.Bro Ken Heath,
presented Corporal Cory Hardy (Firstaider)
of 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron Air
Training Corps with a cheque for £640 as a
donation to help support 17 teenagers
attend an overseas diving expedition due
to take place in Gibraltar during August /
September, 2011.
In the photograph (front row) are
Worshipful Master, W.Bro Ken
Heath – Corporal Cory Hardy
(Firstaider) – Cadet Steffan
Davies (Firstaider) – Corporal
Celt Flint (RAH Marksman) –
Corporal Kieron Spain (ATC
Marksman) – Flight Lieutenant
L.D. Brace, RAF Volunteer
Reserve (Training), Officer
Commanding 2227 (Mid
Gwendraeth) Squadron Air
Training Corps, Ponthenri,
Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Also in the photograph are
members of the Trevor Kelway Lodge.
The Squadron is working towards a ten-day
overseas adventurous training camp in
Gibraltar during August / September 2011.
It is proposed that the key activity during
this camp will be a four-day open water
Professional Association of Diving
Instructors Course (PADI), the course being
split into the three areas of theory, confined
water and open water diving.
Working through the course, the cadets will
get the opportunity to learn about various
pieces of equipment as well as a variety of
skills that will help them enjoy the scuba
diving experience. On completion of this
course, the cadets will be certified to dive
with a qualification that is globally
recognised.
Flight Lieutenant Brace said that the total
end cost of this project would be £8,456
(£604 per head), to include travel insurance,
flights, accommodation and participation
in scuba diving PADI. Unfortunately,
financial support for this venture would not
be received from either the Air Cadet
Organisation or the Royal Air Force.
In the run up to this trip, the Squadron will
be self-funding various training sessions
locally in Swansea. These sessions will
prepare participants for the task ahead,
and, at the same time, will be used to
support those cadets currently working
towards both the Silver and Gold levels of
the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and
BTEC in Public Services.
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The Court of Hywel Dda, in the Province of Magonsætan and based in Aberystwyth, is
Court number 27 from 100 Courts in the Masonic Order of Athelstan. At their June
meeting they hosted an Official Visit of the Grand Master, M W Bro Michael Henry Roalfe,
accompanied by many Grand Officers from Wales and England.
The candidate on the evening was Bro Adrian Thomas, who received very special
attention and a ceremony that was second to none. Adrian will remember this special
day for a long time to come.
David Morgan, (W.M.) is flanked on his right by The Grand Master and on his left by R
W Bro Dr John Lloyd, Provincial Grand Master. Seat at their pedestals are Senior Warden,
Lt Col Stanley Simms and Junior Warden Alfred Spencer. They are ‘surrounded’ by Grand
Officers and Active Provincial Officers. A truly memorable day.
The annual Knight Templar church service was
held at the Masonic Hall, Llanelli on the 16th
April. Due to ‘health & safety’ issues it could
not be held in All Saints Church. The format
worked very well, and a lot of hard work went
into setting up the Temple.
The following is a synopsis of the address
given by Eminent Knight Rev. J. Keith
Davies, Provincial Prelate.
St Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians,
chapter 6, verses 10-17, enjoins the people
to put on the whole armour of God in their
battle against opponents of the Christian
faith. The Templars of old fought their
battles in the Crusades, in defence of the
faith and the Holy City of Jerusalem. The
battle still goes on today and we, as
followers of Christ, are called upon to play
our part and to stand tall in the Christian
battle of our age.
A traditional phrase describing the
Christian battle is ‘spiritual warfare’.
However, Christian warfare is concerned
with a battle against spirits of evil as well
as against materialism, although spiritual
wickedness is very much a fact in our world
today. If we are to defend the Christian
faith, as the early Templars did in their
crusades, St Paul tells us to put on the
whole armour of God. Paul, a prisoner at
the time, was thinking of the huge struggle
facing the people, and for him the whole
universe was a battleground. Paul, chained
to a Roman soldier, saw before him, in the
armour of the soldier, a ready-made
picture, and part by part, he translates the
armour into Christian terms.
First, we have ‘the belt of truth’. The belt
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 56565656
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 57575757around a soldier’s tunic, from which his
sword hung, gave him freedom of
movement. Other people may guess or
grope their way through life, but the
Christian moves freely and quietly because
he knows the ‘truth’ - God’s truth as
revealed in Christ.
Next, we have the ‘breastplate of
righteousness’. It has been said that when
a man is clothed with righteousness he is
impregnable. Words are no defence against
accusations, but a good life is. The only
way to meet accusations against
Christianity is to show how good a
Christian life can be.
Then come the words ‘...and your feet
shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace’. Sandals were the normal footwear
in those days and were the sign of one
equipped and ready to move. The sign of a
Christian is that he is eager to be on the way
to share the Gospel with others who have
not heard it.
Next, we are told to put on the ‘shield
of faith’. The heavily armed warrior wore
a heavy oblong shield to protect him from
the fiery darts which were dipped in tar and
set alight.. When the darts sank into the
wood the flames were put out. The ‘shield
of faith’ can quench all the flaming darts of
evil which are thrown at us. Orthodox
Christianity is right in its assertion that the
root of evil is not weakness but unbelief.
Faith is the only cure - faith and obedience
to the Word of God. The Christian Church
could perform no greater service to the
people of our disturbed and despairing age
than to extend to them, once again, the
grace of faith.
Next we come to ‘the helmet of
salvation’. The salvation, which is in Christ,
gives us forgiveness for the sins of the past
and strength to conquer s in in the days
to come. Christian faith, if it means
anything, must mean a trust in a God of
forgiving love and the drama of forgiveness
seen in the cross of Christ is our proof.
A minister was once challenged with the
question, “Are you saved?” “Yes,” he
replied, “and I can name the day and the
hour. The day was Good Friday and the
hour three o’clock in the afternoon.”
Forgiveness through the cross of Christ is a
weapon with which to confront the power
of evil.
Finally we come to the ‘sword’ which is
the word of God and it is both our weapon
of defence and our weapon of attack against
the evil of the world.. Oliver Cromwell’s
Ironsides fought with a sword in one hand
and a Bible in the other. We can never win
God’s battle without God’s book.
Trust in God is never easy. The act of
faith must be endlessly repeated. There is
no demobilization in the Christian life. The
words ‘watch’ and ‘beware’ were often on
the lips of Christ which emphasises that the
Christian life is one of disciplined and
continual remembrance.
Paul spent his life battling against
opponents of the Good News in Christ.
What Christians of today can do, and must
do, is to witness to their faith and to the
drama of salvation on which that faith rests.
Let us therefore take these words of Paul to
heart; let us put on the whole armour of
God. Let us, like Paul, be ambassadors in
chains - chained to the love of god as shown
in his Son Jesus Christ, Our Lord and
Saviour.
The picture; E. Kt. Bob Darkins, E. Kt. Gareth
Gait (Provincial Sub-Prior), R. E. Kt. Gordon
France (Provincial Prior), R. E. Kt. Paul
Clement (Grand Marshal), E. Kt. Keith Davies,
E. Kt. Colin Fielder (Prov. Marshal), E. Kt.
Harry Randell (Prov. Deputy Marshal).
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At the Installation of Wy Bro Iwan Jenkins in
Rheidol Conclave on the 14th April in an address to
the P.G.S.R., the Dep P.G.S.R. V. Wy Bro Lyndon
Hughson noted that it was the last installation that
R. Wy Bro Nigel would attend in his present
capacity.
R. Wy Bro Nigel had been P.G.S.R. for the Province
of West Wales since its consecration in 2006 and
under his leadership the Province has gone from
strength to strength, increasing in size from 4 to 6
Conclaves. R. Wy Bro Nigel has also been a 1st class
ambassador for the order, attending meetings from as far afield as Northumberland and
the Channel Islands.
Following his address V. Wy Bro Lyndon presented a photo album to R. Wy Bro Nigel
charting the previous 5 years including official and informal photographs of the many
weekends attending Provincial meetings throughout the country in the hope that it would
provide R. Wy Bro Nigel and Nesta with a record of some very happy memories.
An impressive ceremony to
Install R Wy Bro Lyndon
Hughson as the new
Provincial Grand Supreme
Ruler in the Order of the
Secret Monitor was held at
Carmarthen Masonic Hall
on 13th July 2011.
The ceremony was
conducted by the Grand
Supreme Ruler, M Wy Bro
Michael Guest and a team
of Grand Officers chosen by
him. All ran well under the
direction of the Grand D.C., R Wy Bro Paul Clement.
After being Installed the new P.G.S.R. Installed V Wy Bro James Doyle as his Deputy.
The meeting was well represented by the six Conclaves in the Province, Dyfed, Rheidol,
Gwili,Bwa Dur Tirion, Cynghordy and Stongbow.
The Grand Supreme Ruler wished Lyndon and the Province well for the future.
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Born in 1941 W Bro Syd Smith hails from Hereford,
educated at St Pauls Church School Tupsley and White
Cross Secondary, he did his City and Guilds in TV
servicing at Gloucester Technical College, married to Joan
Syd has three children and three grandchildren.
Syd and Joan moved to Aberystwyth in 1964 to be-
come manager of a TV and electrical shop at the tender
age of 23. When the company sold out to a national
multiple Syd bought his own business in 1973, which
he ran for 35 years until he sold up and retired in 2008.
A regular churchgoer Syd is Vicars Warden at his local
church and amongst his many interests Syd lists
Caravanning fishing DIY Charity work and is a classic
car buff, on retirement set about the rebuild of his beloved
Daimler SP250 sports car and the pictures say it all.
W Bro Syd was initiated into the Aberystwyth Lodge
No 1072 in February 1977 and installed as Worshipful
Master of the Lodge in 1988.
In Craft Masonry W Bro Donald was initiated into the Liddell Lodge
No 3616 in the Province of Durham by his father W. Bro. Richard
Mallams (PAGDC) in June 1968.
In 1973 he joined the Sabrina Lodge No 4158 in the Province of
Shropshire and became their Master in Nov.1984. In 1985 he joined
the Tenby Lodge No 1177 and became their Master in 1991. In the
Tenby Lodge, he held the office of Lodge Almoner from 1993 to 2001.
The then Pr Gr Master was pleased to invest W Bro Donald with the
rank of Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 1997; later, in 2001,
promoting him to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. W Bro
Donald held the office of Provincial Grand Almoner from January
2001 until July 2009 and was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director
of Ceremonies in The United Grand Lodge of England in 2002. He
is also an active member of the Kensington Lodge of Installed Masters.
W. Bro. Donald was exalted into Pengwerne Royal Arch Chapter
No 3229 (Province of Shropshire) in 1974 and became a joining
member of Dinbych Chapter in 1985. After serving as MEZ in 1990,
he was appointed Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 1991and
promoted to Past Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2002.
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Having been initiated into Freemasonry in February 1971, he had
the good fortune to be initially tutored, in the Craft, by such
knowledgeable Masonic Elders as W Bro Wynford Mabe and W
Bro Jack Webb. The lessons learnt in such an apprenticeship were
demonstrated as with his characteristic thoroughness, he
progressed through the various offices of the lodge, before being
Installed as Worshipful Master in January 1981.
W Bro Davies is a member of a long established Tenby family
and actually lives in the family home, which has been occupied
by his family since 1742.
Educated, firstly, in Tenby and, later, aboard the Training Ship
Arethusa in Rochester, Kent, W Bro Davies joined the Royal
Navy, in which he served for thirteen years and attained the rank
of Petty Officer. During this time, he served in the Far East, the
Persian Gulf, Mediterranean and Home Fleets. After completion
of his naval service, he successfully ran his own business in the
Tenby area for six years and then, on selling the business, joined
the Prudential Assurance Company in which he served for
twenty years, before eventually retiring in 1991.
E. Comp Tom Evans was exalted into Aberystwyth
Chapter No.1072 in January 1999, and in the July of that
year was one of the founder members of the Aeron and
Peterwell Chapter No.7208, being installed as its MEZ
in October 2006. In the Annual Convocation of
Provincial Grand Chapter of July 2008, the Grand
Superintendent, Most Excellent Companion Eric G.S.
Mock, appointed him Past Provincial Grand Sojourner.
At the Annual Investiture of the Supreme Grand
Chapter of England held on the 28th of April 2011 he
was honoured to be appointed as Past Assistant Grand
Sojourner by the Most Excellent Pro Grand Master,
Peter Geoffrey Lowndes.
In Mark Masonry he was advanced in Loventium
Lodge in 2000 and was Installed as Worshipful Master
in 2010. A Past Master of Peterwell Lodge and the
Kensington Lodge of Past Masters his curriculum vitae
in Craft Masonry has already been well documented.
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E Comp Stephen was exalted into Hwlffordd Chapter No
464 on 5th April 1993, and was installed as First Principal
of that Chapter in 2005. He is well known throughout the
Province as our Provincial Grand Scribe E, and of course
as our Provincial Grand Secretary in Craft Masonry. In
the Craft he is a Past Master of Cleddau Lodge, and a
member of the Kensington Lodge of Installed Masters, the
Richard Warburton Lodge and the Peter Drewett Day-
light Lodge of Progress. He also holds the rank of Past
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in the United
Grand Lodge of England.
In the Other Orders, he is a Past Preceptor of the St
David’s Preceptory (Order of the Temple), a Past
Sovereign of the St Brides Chapter (Rose Croix), and a
member of the Dewi Sant Tabernacle (Knight Templar
Priests).
His appointment was well received by the members of
his Chapter, and by Companions throughout the Province.
We wish him many years of good health to continue to
enjoy his high office and to be of service to the Province.
E Companion Teifion Evans is a native of North Pembrokeshire,
and has spent most of his life in the Llan-y-chaer area; he still lives
in the same house that he was born in with his wife Hannah. They
have two grown up children, and two grandchildren Rhys and
Cerys.
Apart from his Masonic interest, his other passions are Fishing,
Collecting old Agricultural memorabilia which is displayed on
land in front of the house, The gardens around the house is looked
after by himself, and his wife and they are both very proud of the
garden railway which runs around and through it In summer
they are very happy to let people enjoy it with them. Visitors come
from far and near even from overseas to look around and to watch
as many as five trains chasing each other. They also have a river
Bank and a large are of grass to look after
EX Companion Teifion has been a member of the Abergwaun
Chapter for over 40 years.
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For all your Legal Needs
Martin Davies, Jonathan Powell
operate with an excellent team of staff from offices in
Aberystwyth & Machynlleth
and offer a wide range of Legal Services.
“The sun is always shining when you deal with Powell Davies Solicitors”
Market Chambers, 27 Eastgate, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AR.
Telephone: 01970 636 599 Fax: 01970 630 033
E-mail: [email protected]
West Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales MasonWest Wales Mason 63636363W. Bro. George Eric Meredith Evans
W. Bro. George Eric Meredith Evans was born on the 11th January 1931 in the Cottage
Hospital in Tenby.
Bro. Eric, as he is usually known, spent his formative years attending school at the local
primary school in Newchapel followed by a period in Cardigan Grammar School.
On leaving school at the age of 15 he undertook an apprenticeship in carpentry and
joinery with W.J. Lewis in Cardigan. It is interesting to note that he was paid the princely
sum of 2s 6d (12 1/2p) per week which was all spent on his bus fare to and from home.
Having completed his 5-year apprenticeship he joined the Royal Navy in December
1950 with the sole ambition of seeing the world at somebody else’s expense. He became
an aircraft engineer in the Fleet Air Arm’s 800 squadron but, unfortunately, spent most
of his time based in Northern Ireland and at the naval base at Brawdy in Pembrokeshire
so his hopes of seeing the world were thwarted.
In 1954 he met Miss Dilys Rees and they were married in 1959. Having been married
for only six months Eric decided to go to Nigeria to work with Costain’s the construction
company who were building a large dam outside Lagos.
Returning to Wales in 1961 he worked for various construction companies eventually
settling in Saundersfoot where he and his wife purchased a dilapidated house. Eric, being
Eric, virtually pulled it to pieces before restoring into quality bed and breakfast
accommodation.
In 1976 Eric was initiated into the Narberth Lodge No. 2001 and became Master in 1989.
Eric joined the Arberth Chapter in 1979, becoming 1st Principal in 1996.
At the time when Eric was Master the Lodge meetings were held in an old Methodist
Chapel, which had been purchased in the sixties, and which had an old tower that leaked
like a sieve. During his year in the Chair he decided that the tower had to be removed
and a roof constructed in its place. A quotation from a building firm stated that this would
cost £25,000. Eric working in his spare time, sometimes until 4.00 in the morning, did the
work for £10,000.
In 1986 his carpentry skills had been brought to the attention of the Province. At that
time we had to construct our own staging for these two meetings and take it down
afterwards. Two days of hard intensive work. Over the years Eric has used his skills to
simplify the work. And whilst we no longer have to construct the stage, Eric was here
yesterday and this morning making sure that the Brethren of the host Lodge and Chapter
carried out all necessary work to his high standards. After 25 years of overseeing the
layout of this building for these Provincial meetings Eric has decided that he has, at last
found, a suitable replacement and can now hand over the responsibilities to someone
younger.
In the words of his very dear friend W. Bro. Cyril Bowen, Eric is a true stalwart with
great enthusiasm for Freemasonry, totally determined and committed to any project he
takes on. Cyril goes on to suggest that Eric was cut from the same mould as the steeplejack
Fred Dibnah.
We count ourselves very fortunate in having had W Bro Eric as a true and loyal member
of this Province, and we wish him many more years of good health so that he may continue
to enjoy his Freemasonry, and that we may continue to enjoy his company.
DH DH
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