W Bro Kel receiving his 70-year Jewel and certificate from his son W Bro Greg

Lodge Cessnock 252

Mo’ charity

During November Lodge Cessnock raised over $725 toward the Movember campaign.

Lodge Canoblas Lewis No 806

At a recent meeting of Lodge Canoblas Lewis, W Bro Kelvin Sidney (Kel) Howarth was presented with his 70-year jewel. To make this event more special, it was presented by his son, W Bro Greg Howarth.

W Bro Kel Howarth is a Lewis Mason, as is his son Greg. Kel is the son of the late Bro Sid Howarth and the nephew of the late W Bro Percy Howarth, both foundation members of this lodge.

While Kel is not a foundation member of Lodge Canoblas Lewis, he was the first person to complete all three degrees within this lodge. He was initiated in December 1952 and has been a member since then.

Kel has been Master of the lodge twice, in 1964 and 1979, and has held many other positions. He is respected as a brilliant ritualist and has been able to step in at short notice on many occasions.

During his working life Kel worked in the family orchard and for many years was a mechanical fitter at an agricultural engineering plant in Orange.

In 2005, Kel was awarded the Grand Master’s Community Award. He is a strong, valuable and popular member of the community. For example, if any of the kids in the neighbourhood ever had a puncture or a problem with their bike, they knew that Kel would fix it – with a smile and a joke.

Lodge Canoblas Lewis congratulates W Bro Kel Howarth for his long involvement in Freemasonry and as a mark of the esteem in which he is held the Lodge has made him an Honorary Member.

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. Lodge Cessnock’s brethren raised the funds through internal donations and community assistance – for which they are truly grateful.

Lodge Kiama No 35

A top shot