QUARTERLY PUBLICATION PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
What’s inside
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Provincial Meeting On your bike The next Chapter
www.durhamfreemasons.org AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 35
Everyday Freemason 1 www.durhamfreemasons.org
Editor’s Notes
What’s Inside Page 4
Durham continued with a frenzy of summer festival events including the Bike Ride, Tandem Skydive, Skiing and many others – all successfully adding funds to the Festival target.
Festival Freefall
The Communications arm of the Province of Durham is dedicated to portraying the way in which Freemasonry is enjoyed by its members and their desire to assist the local community whilst doing so. The Gazette forms a vital part of this process and allows us to share our experiences in a casual, open and modern way. Input comes from the root membership and a team of appointed “Comms Officers”, who are spread amongst us and bring our stories to the editorial team, where they are put together in this publication.
Page 9 Barking Marvellous
I am delighted to have been appointed as the new editor and I look forward to working with the team, pulling together a publication that truly reflects the many ways in which our members enjoy their involvement in their Lodges whilst at the same time helping those around them.
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Enjoying what we do makes this process a natural, rewarding and fun way to spend our free time and surely this is the main reason why we chose to become Freemasons.
A Good Reason Why
To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues, please email news@news.pgldurham.org The editorial team are always on the lookout for volunteers who would enjoy reporting on interesting events within their area by submitting short stories and photos. If this sounds like it is something you would enjoy, why not get in touch with us.
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Editor Michael Graham
If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email: news@news.pgldurham.org to order a copy for them now!
Solomon QR @PGLDurham
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PGLDurham
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3rd Annual Beer and Cider Festival
“A special ‘whisky infused’ cider had been commissioned, named Whisky 2021” Chester le Street Masonic Centre hosted its 3rd Annual Beer and Cider Festival over the first weekend in July. The Festival kicked off with a ‘Sponsors and VIP’ event on Thursday 4th and was opened to the public from Friday evening until Sunday, when a barbecue and live music brought the festival to a close. The profits made over this weekend have all gone towards the Chester le Street Lodges 2021 Festival targets, with the event being arranged by the Charity Stewards of those Lodges. To celebrate the weekend, a special ‘whisky-infused’ cider
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had been commissioned, named Whisky 2021. It was only fitting that this was the first of the 18 beers and 20 ciders on offer to be sold out completely. The beer festival also saw some familiar faces appearing, with APGM and 2021 Festival Director, John Thompson, popping in to sample a cider or two and APGM Craig Steele getting to grips with working a shift on the pumps on Saturday afternoon. The Chester le Street Charity Stewards do wish to thank everyone who supported the beer festival, especially the sponsors who helped to make it happen... See you all again next year!
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Festival Skydive
Bright and early, on the morning of Friday 7th June, a group of 9, rather nervous fundraisers, wearing their Masonic Charities tee shirts, arrived at Peterlee Parachute Centre where, under the direction of Michael Graham (Senior), they were to train for, and hopefully then make, a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet. The weather was perfect on arrival, but was not forecast to last the entire day, as there were storm clouds gathering in the distance. This adventure had begun earlier in the year when Michael, a vastly experienced skydiver with 1,500 jumps under his belt, and a former Tandem Instructor,
held an informal presentation night at Raby Road, Hartlepool, which was attended by 10 potential candidates. After the presentation all 10 signed up and the date was set for early June when, hopefully, the weather would be kind. Unfortunately one of the 10, Angela, was missing due to injury (not sustained sky-diving!). The remaining 9 were put through the ‘checking-in’ process, and their training, preparatory to getting ready to kit up at about 11am. Their jump was to be from the maximum altitude, for such jumps, 15,000 feet, which would give them over a minute in free fall, and then 5 minutes under the
parachute, before landing. Lee Harrison was selected to go first, to fill a lift of Tandem Students from a previous course; Michael jumped with him, complete with camera to record it. The jump went well and, on landing, Lee was keen to tell the others how brilliant it was. In the next 2 lifts of the aircraft the remaining Durham brethren made their jumps. On their return to terra firma, all were on a high, exchanging the thrills which can only be experienced by jumping yourself. John Arthur, our ProvGM, together with his good lady and John Thompson, the Festival Director, were all in attendance to support this
superb effort by all involved. Collectively, by undertaking this jump, they had raised over £5,000 for the 2021 Festival. This event is to be repeated next year and should you wish to take part, please send your details to Michael Graham Senior. There will be a free skydive for one of the names put forward, kindly donated by Peterlee Parachute Centre. Michael took the opportunity of using this special occasion to announce his retirement from the sport he had graced since 1980 and which has provided him with very many memories to savour in his (impending?) old age!
“Their jump was to be from the maximum altitude for such jumps, 15,000 feet, which would give them over a minute in free fall” 4
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Cheers Tigers Paul Clark, Junior Warden of Mowbray Lodge No 5373 has 2 daughters who both started out as gymnasts with AAA Sports. They then moved to Cheerleading and progressed to the cheerleading squad called the AAA Tigers. The AAA Tigers train three nights a week and most of Saturday and compete locally and nationally. The team recently returned from the National Cheerleading Championships in Manchester with three 1st places. As a result, 5 girls, the Level 5 Cheer Team, which includes Paul’s daughter Rosie, were selected to represent the UK in the European Championships in Heidelberg, over the 6th & 7th July 2019. The 5 girl team are Rosie (age 16), Alice (age 14), Millie (age 16), Annie (age 14), and Maggie (age 11).
“The team recently returned from the National Cheerleading Championships in Manchester with three 1st places”
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Unfortunately however there was no funding available for any part of this competition, including for the travel or the accommodation.
Not wanting the team to miss out on this tremendous opportunity and a great life experience, Paul began a campaign to raise funds for the travel & accommodation costs, as well as UK Cheer training and competition uniforms. All of the parents, their extended families and friends, donated time & money. Cake sales, raffles, bag packing & other fundraising events, including washing cars, were organised. Paul was told that the Durham Benevolence Fund could possibly help towards the costs of this great opportunity for the young team. After an initial approach for advice, the application form was downloaded, completed & posted; as the team continued to fundraise. Approx. 3 weeks later, a donation of £350 from Durham Benevolence was ready to be collected. The whole team, their parents and their families, are so grateful and would like to thank the Durham Benevolence Committee for their valued support. Go Tigers Cheer!!
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AGM
“He also expressed how proud he was of everyone taking part raising funds for the 2021 Festival”
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Saturday 29th June 2019 saw the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham return to the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston. After opening Provincial Grand Lodge and paying respect to those Brethren who had passed to the Grand Lodge above, John conducted the usual business and then appointed and invested his Officers for the ensuing year.
services on offer, continuing to enable Brethren to contribute to our Festival in new and imaginative ways.
A collection was then taken in aid of our 2021 Festival where a fabulous amount of £3,675 was raised!
All that was left to do was to close Provincial Grand Lodge in due form and join together in a ceiling lifting rendition of the first verse of the National Anthem, before the processions that had so ceremoniously entered the venue at the start of the meeting, were re-formed and departed once more.
It was now time for John to make his inaugural address as our Provincial Grand Master. John covered many topics in his address making special reference to the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation and its relevance within the Province of Durham. He also expressed how proud he was of everyone taking part raising funds for the 2021 Festival making special reference to our Festival Director, John Thompson, who had received a welldeserved appointment as a member of the MCF Fundraising Committee. Going on, John announced our online auction in aid of the 2021 Festival, with both prizes and
On completion of any other business, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Stephen William Walker, then proposed a vote of thanks to everyone who had made the meeting possible.
A flurry of activity soon followed as the Provincial Stewards and the Lancastrian Suite staff scurried about transforming the venue into a banquet hall for 350 people. Well done to everyone who made the day such a success and congratulations to all who received a Provincial Appointment. Roll on next year. www.durhamfreemasons.org
Meet the Wardens Martin Jameson
Jeffrey Rowe
Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Provincial Senior Grand Warden
A Brief Masonic History
A Brief Masonic History
Martin was born in Newcastle and moved gradually northwards through Northumberland ending up at Berwick upon Tweed due to his father’s promotions within Northumbria police force. He has worked in agriculture all his life and has been in the agricultural supply trade for nearly 30 years. Currently employed as regional business manager for northern and central England. He has an honours degree in biology and a diploma in agriculture. He has been married to Patricia for 30 years and now lives in Lanchester after having had time in Northumberland and North Yorkshire. His father was originally a Hebburn mason as was his grandfather. He joined Freemasonry in 1991 at Berwick St Davids Lodge No 393 when his Father was master and joined the Agricola Lodge No 7741 when he moved back to Durham, he was master of Agricola in 2009. On coming out of the chair he became Assistant Director of Ceremonies and subsequently Director of Ceremonies a position which he still holds and enjoys greatly. His first Provincial appointment was as acting Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 2016.
Jeff was initiated into Beaconsfield Lodge No 7768 in July 2000, becoming master in 2006 and again in 2011. He has been the benevolence rep since 2012, has served as lodge mentor and has been the secretary since 2015. Jeff joined Eardulph Lodge No 6645 in November 2004, becoming master in 2009, he served as lodge almoner and benevolence rep for five years and is currently the mentoring co-ordinator. In 2007 he was a foundermember of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge where he helped organise the 2010 Raby Gala and worked on education and training events for the Province. He was promoted to PPJGW in 2013. Jeff was exalted into Sportsman’s Chapter No 9440 in August 2006, becoming Z in 2013 and has served as SE since 2014, he gained his first Provincial honours in 2018, as ProvDGSwdB. For the past four years Jeff has been the east area mentoring co-ordinator and was part of the team to develop the new mentor booklets. He has been a member of the visiting volunteer scheme since it was piloted in 2016. Jeff hails from Yeovil, Somerset, and first worked for Westland Helicopters where he was recruited into project management to work on the development of the Lynx attack helicopter. He moved to Nissan, via 10 years in Peterborough, in 1987 where he worked mainly on the development of new vehicles before retiring in 2014.
Martin is also in Durham Lodge of Installed Masters No 9833 and is currently Principal Sojourner in the Chapter of Concord 124 in Durham.
He has lived in Chester-le-Street since 1987 with his wife Sue. He has two daughters who have both left home and is “grandpa” to two young granddaughters who live in York.
When not travelling around the north of England visiting farms or engaged in masonic duties he enjoys shooting, fly fishing, some cycling and his garden when time permits.
Jeff enjoys cycling, jogging, swimming and watching most other sports on TV. He is a keen gardener, having an allotment garden, and enjoys DIY and tinkering around with his old MGB Roadster.
New Provincial Grand Stewards The Provincial Grand Master appointed and invested four new Past Provincial Grand Stewards, Craig Dixon, David Frew, John Henry and Robert Villiers and we congratulate them all. They will form part of the highly esteemed Durham Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge and will support the Province in many ways over the next six or seven years. They will be responsible for helping to maintain the high standards of this special Lodge and those who have served before them.
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We will pull through together
Andrew and Stewart visit
“Andrew then presented the group with a cheque for £500 which was greeted with a cheer and a round of applause” 8
Myasthenia (muscle weakness) is a neuromuscular condition. This rare disorder affects both young and old, not being easily diagnosed by most doctors but in the majority cases is manageable. The severity of the condition varies from person to person. It tends to be worse when you’re tired and gets better after resting. In some people, the symptoms can also have a number of other triggers, such as stress, infections or certain medicines. Where the weakness of the muscles affects the mouth, throat or chest it can cause difficulty in swallowing, speaking and breathing. Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia and has been helping people since 1968. Ashleigh Gibson is the North Regional Fund raiser for
Myaware and she applied to the Freemasons of the Province of Durham for a Community Support Grant. With 143 members in the Durham Support Group they are raising funds to offer a “Skype Service,” (Skype is software that enables free video and voice one-to-one plus group calls), offering blocks of 10 sessions with accredited councilors.
to control it for years. Stewart and Andrew joined in with the session which was particularly of interest to Stewart who has suffered with the neurological condition of dystonia for some 25 years. In discussion with the group it was noted that the two conditions had many similarities, having no cure but control treatments were available.
Stewart Bell and Andrew Thompson representing the Freemasons of the Province of Durham arranged with Myaware Support Worker Pauline Brittlestone to attend their group session which meets quarterly at different location throughout the North, on this occasion in Middlesbrough.
At the end of the session Stewart and Andrew were thanked for their input and invited to attend the next northern session. Andrew then presented the group with a cheque for £500 which was greeted with a cheer and a round of applause. Fund raiser Ashleigh was delighted with the support from the Durham Freemasons and would be including coverage of the donation and group session within the Myaware social media pages.
The group of 10, ranged from a girl of 6 to two ladies in their 70s who both have ocular myasthenia and have managed
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Barking Marvellous
Gil and Nicky with Robbie
Nicky and Robbie
Over the past few years Gil Crossley Junior and his wife, Nicky, have been instrumental in helping to raise funds for local people, with various different special needs. The “Back to Basics Dog Training” business they set up in 2012 has brought them into contact with many local people whose lives have been enhanced with the help of specially trained dogs and puppies. Gil and Nicky are both retired Northumbria Police officers. Gil, who is a member of the Lodge of Concord, was a Dog Section Officer and Nicky was a Sergeant working in Events Planning. In that same year, 2012, Nicky was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). As a result, Nicky was unable to work and, as money became extremely tight, Gil decided to set up a civilian dog training business. It was hard going at first as Gil was still a working policeman, but the business has now progressed to 18 classes per week, consisting of Puppy Foundation,
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Intermediate and Advanced level courses. Their charitable journey started in April 2015, with money being raised for two animal charities, “Pawz for Thoughts” and “Animal Krackers”, with many more following. Many charities have benefited, from the club and its members, including the ”Canine Partners”, “Sir Bobby Robson Foundation”, “Wish You Were Here” and “Street Paws” as well as the “Masonic Charitable Foundation”, with a range of events including dog walks, socials and talk-ins. In 2017 Nicky and her Golden Retriever Robbie officially became part of the Kennel Club’s Bark and Read Foundation, where children read to the dog in order to help build their confidence.
“ They feel that the club belongs to all of the members and not just to them”
From humble beginnings the Back to Basics Dog Training has come a long way since those early days and they feel that the club belongs to all of the members and not just to them, and they wouldn’t have it any other way!
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Defibs4schools
Martin Rankin at School
‘Defibs4Schools’ was set up by Northumbria Police to raise funds to purchase lifesaving defibrillators for every school in Gateshead West. The charity is supported by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, plus businesses from around Gateshead, including Story Homes and Greggs. With further help from parents, teachers, counselors, and local MP Liz Twist, they have successfully raised over £10,000 to purchase lifesaving defibrillators for Blaydon West Primary School, Greenside Primary School, Ryton Infant School, Ryton Junior School, Emmaville Primary School, St Agnes Primary School, St Mary & St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary and Crookhill Primary School.
They have also successfully raised enough money to have staff trained at these schools by the North East Ambulance Service in CPR and Defibrillator use. Crookhill Primary School and Greenside Primary School will have their life saving defibrillator fitted in an external security cabinet, which means the whole community can access it in the event of an emergency. Co-coordinator for the charity PC Andy Hyde was delighted to receive a £500 Community Support Grant from the Freemasons of the Province of Durham, ably presented by Martin Rankin and other local Freemasons from Ryton Lodges.
Martin Rankin at School
“They have also successfully raised enough money to have staff trained at these schools by the North East Ambulance Service in CPR and Defibrillator use”
Derwent Lodge 4250 Derwent Lodge No 4250 proudly show off their five new members recruited this year, photographed alongside the Worshipful Master Robert Bennie . Robert informs us that they are all enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoying their
Freemasonry and looking forward to many happy years together. This bucks the trend of reducing lodge memberships and makes refreshing reading.
L to R Garry James, Jake Walker, Michael Dinsdale, Mark O’Neill and William Alexander Walby with Robert Bennie the Worshipful Master
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Banner design
Provincia Banner
Yes, it is our Provincial Banner, but look more closely. This is the artists design work, prepared as a pattern for the makers of our current Provincial Banner by WBro Tom Coulson. The banner was made to mark a special occasion in October 1995, the Silver Jubilee Celebration of The Lord Barnard, as our Provincial Grand Master.
consequently the Museum helps retain a little of that history whilst also creating a wonderful tapestry of Durham Freemasonry.
Banner makers, professional embroiderers and needle workers require a draft or plan, from which they can then fashion the finished item. The art work must be accurate in content, shape and colour. Once the final banner is complete, the art work is often discarded, which is sad, as in themselves they are items of excellent draughtsmanship.
Whilst making for an attractive and meaningful record, these sketches represent only a small portion of banner design works within the Province of Durham.
Our Provincial Museum holds many treasures and masonic artefacts, including some wonderful Lodge Banners. On those rare occasions when Lodges or Chapters close, Banners are often donated to the Museum. They have a direct affinity with a Lodge and
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Deep within the archives there are also a number of water colour sketches of lodge banners of exquisite draughtsmanship and quality.
A follow-up article will appear in the near future giving further insight into the history of some of our banners and their places within our traditions and practices. If you have any such art works which you no longer require, the Museum would certainly be grateful for any donations, allowing a small piece of your unique history to be displayed as part of our legacy.
“Our Provincial Museum holds many treasures and masonic artefacts, including some wonderful Lodge Banners�
TR Gregson Museum and Library Team
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Everyday Freemasons
From being a young man and first being taken for a pint with my dad to his local social club on a Sunday afternoon, I always enjoyed the stories and ‘craic’ with the older generation. Sadly it closed some years later and, as I had a family to look after, those days soon disappeared. I had wanted to regain that level of friendship but didn’t know what could replace it – that was until I was introduced to Freemasonry. “For me, the social side is second-to-none. I have met some amazing people in the last two years and all have had fantastic stories to tell and, for me, to learn from them even at the age of 45 has filled a void I missed. I would recommend Freemasonry to young men as mixing with the older generations seems to have disappeared in society and our younger people seem to be lost. I think they could learn valuable life skills and knowledge from our older brethren in Freemasonry. I have found new comradeship again in my life with new friends and that on the whole has changed me to be a better husband, father and friend.” Stuart, a Birtley Freemason
“Since leaving the Army way back in 2001, I had longed to be part of a brotherhood again. I had joined cricket clubs and rugby clubs (rugby league of course!), but I never found a connection like I had whilst serving in the military. To me, this is the heart of Freemasonry – companionship and being part of a team. I wear my Masonic apron with as much pride as I did wearing the uniform of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. “Young men should consider joining if they are looking for that bond of brotherhood – be part of an organisation that gives so much and continues the traditions of one of the oldest fraternities in the world.” Jim, a Barnard Castle Freemason
“The heart of Freemasonry - companionship and being part of a team” 12
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A good reason why The Province of Durham has begun a scheme to place a Defibrillator outside every Masonic Hall in the Province, and is well on the way to achieving this goal. Further to this Craig Steele, assisted by Brian Footitt, has set up a team of training volunteers and they have commenced training sessions for the general public to attend. The first of these sessions took place at Hartlepool Masonic Hall in Raby Road on the 24th July. The benefit of this scheme is amply illustrated by an incident which took place on the evening of Sunday 7th July 2019 when Myra was at home with several of her family and she suffered a T.I.A. (Trans Ischemic Attack). Her daughter, Karen, rang 999 and spoke with members of the emergency service, who talked calmly to her and established her mother’s immediate condition. Karen was supplied with a code and advised to go as quickly as possible to the Masonic Hall in Chester-le-Street and to open the Outdoor Defibrillator Cabinet which is prominently positioned on the wall of the Hall, in the carpark. Karen and family were instructed to check if her mother was unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or not breathing properly. The good news from this serious incident was that, when Karen arrived back home, the emergency paramedics were already there and Myra was whisked off to the University Hospital in Durham and after a few days made a full recovery. Karen returned the Defibrillator to the cabinet as soon as possible afterwards in case it was needed by someone else! Thankfully, the episode involving Myra ended on a happy note, but it highlights how the Freemasons within the Province of Durham are coordinating with the emergency services, to provide access to potentially lifesaving equipment and are applying and executing plans to educate masonic brethren and the general public alike. www.durhamfreemasons.org
Close up CPR
Myra and Karen
“ Craig Steele, assisted by Brian Footitt, has set up a team of training volunteers and they have commenced training sessions for the general public to attend� 13
The Halls are alive with the sound of music ROLL OF HONOUR The following Brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.
60 YEARS CRAFT: Anthony Jameson Agricola 7741 John Pike Jarrow Grange 8551 John Cumpson Bedic 5915 Thomas Moffat Lodge of Progress 8259 David Wilkinson Bede College 4840 Would you like Harmony at your Festive Board? Perhaps this choir can help make your meetings that little bit more special. The Durham Masonic Male Voice Choir have been in existence since the mid-90s and, in the period to date, have raised almost £7,000, mainly for local charities. They usually manage to put out a group of 10-12 people to sing a range of songs, from barber-shop and spirituals, to songs from the shows. What does it cost your Lodge? Nothing!! They pay for their own meals at the Festive Board How do they raise money for Charity? - They ask for a donation of an unspecified amount, entirely up to yourselves, or they rely on individual donations via a collection at the Festive Board. Why not give them a try. Singing stimulates interest. You may even like to join. You don’t have to be a super singer or be able to read music. You just need to be able to carry a tune with the rest of them. They are always on the lookout for new members.
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“What does it cost your Lodge? Nothing!! - They pay for their own meals at the Festive Board” They are also in need of a conductor/musical director at present, so if your talents lie in that direction I am sure they would be delighted to hear from you. If you would like to make a booking, or are interested in joining, please get in touch with Doug Barkess, whose contact details are shown below. Don’t be shy - get in touch. Doug Barkess 0191 3849209 d.barkess6@gmail.com
50 YEARS CRAFT: Robert Ramsey Tyne Dock 4218 Peter Martin Rowland Burdon 3960 Stanley Verrill County 6678 John Bell Crowley 6901 Derek Short Bedic 5915 John Gough Rose of Raby 1650 Frank Weatherall Caradoc 4749 Anthony Raine St Helen’s 531 George Jackson Yoden 5684 Douglas Lockerbie Tow Law 3349
50 YEARS ROYAL ARCH: Arnold Sanderson Tristram 2415 Lewis Reed Williamson 949 Colin Fitzpatrick Hebburn 1643 Kenneth Gough Hudson 2791
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On your bike
“The toughest section of the 3 days, involving some steep climbing out of Whitby”
This year’s sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival saw a team of 34 riders ably supported by 6 support drivers, take on The Three Province Pedal, a 180 mile ride from Leeds to Hartlepool via York, Beverley, Scarborough and Whitby, with the small matter of two days of climbs onto the North Yorkshire Moors along the way. The ride started with the team climbing steadily away from Leeds towards Tadcaster to their first overnight stopping point in Beverley. Saturday morning saw the team setting off to Hunmanby where lunch was provided by our very own Paul Quinn, ably assisted by his sous-chef, Harry Prince, during which time the weather began to close in and after
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donning their waterproofs the team were off again, this time heading for Scarborough. A quick diversion to Scarborough Masonic Hall saw the team meeting up with the Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire North and East Ridings, Jeff Gillyon and after a brief presentation the team were back on their bikes to their overnight accommodation in Whitby, where they were met by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Walker and his wife. The final morning of this year’s event was undoubtedly the toughest section of the 3 days, involving some steep climbing out of Whitby and up onto the top of the North Yorkshire Moors. Eventually, however, the team reached the summit
and enjoyed a wonderful downhill ride to Guisborough Masonic Hall, where Zetland Lodge, their families and their friends had put on a wonderful lunch for our weary group. After three days of arduous riding, the team congregated on the Pilot Pier, Hartlepool and were delighted to announce to John Arthur, who was on hand to meet them, that their collective efforts had raised £25,000 for the Durham 2021 Festival in aid of the RMTGB/ MCF. Pictures from the event have been uploaded to Flickr, click here to open the album. Well done team, and many, many thanks, to all who supported them.
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Swinging happiness “Lisa and the residents sent grateful thanks to the Freemasons for their financial assistance” Janice a resident using swing
Bradbury House Crook, Co. Durham, is part of the national charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and is home to 23 adults with physical disabilities and nine who attend daily and receive support to enable them to learn to work as independently as they choose. On 22nd May 1948, former RAF pilot Leonard Cheshire VC took a penniless dying man, who had nowhere else to go into his home. Leonard nursed the man himself and they became friends. This one act of kindness saw many more people coming to Leonard for help, people who were keen to share a home with others and chip in together. By the summer of 1949, his home of Le Court, in Hampshire, had 24 residents some with complex needs, illnesses and impairments. As word spread, referrals came from the new NHS hospitals already struggling to cope with
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waiting lists of people needing urgent care. As Le Court became established, people from different parts of the UK and then the world began to rally in response to a local need for similar homes in their communities. The charity, now known as Leonard Cheshire, had begun. The regional fundraiser, Vanessa Middleton, applied to the Freemasons of the Province of Durham for a Community Support Grant to assist with the purchase of a wheelchair garden swing for use by the residents of Bradbury House. The specialised swing is manufactured in Denmark and at a total cost of £4,000 is supplied and fitted by the company. The swing can accommodate two adults, one of whom is in a wheelchair.
On the 4th July 2019, Stewart Bell representing the Freemasons of the Province of Durham, visited Bradbury House and presented a grant of £1,000. A few weeks later Stewart, supported by other Durham Freemasons and partners returned to attend a coffee morning. Lisa the Home Administrator and the residents sent grateful thanks to the Freemasons for their financial assistance and were keen to give a demonstration on the workings of the swing which was situated in the garden area. After enjoying the jollities of the coffee morning Stewart and party left feeling pleased that the Freemasons of the Province of Durham were able to assist in bringing much joy into the lives of people for whom day to day living is a constant struggle.
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Zoe’s Place” tackled “DMRFC are a partner club of Wooden Spoon, a charity which aims to change children’s lives through the power of rugby”
The Durham Masonic Rugby Football Club (DMRFC) are on the lookout for new players and members, not only to take part in the great sport, but to help support excellent initiatives like “Zoe’s Place”. The seeds for the Club were sown in 2012, when a team of Northumberland Masons challenged Durham Masons to a rugby match. This was played at Ryton and Durham were soundly thrashed. In 2013 a re-match at Darlington saw Durham take revenge with a decisive victory and, due to greater organisation, they raised a few hundred pounds for charity. The Club progressed to the point of going nationwide in 2014 when with Northumberland, they formed a team from English Lodges to play Scottish Lodges in a “Calcutta Cup” match, played at
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Murrayfield and which England narrowly won. It was at this time that they realised that DMRFC was a strong entity and the natural thing was to register as a bone fide club under the RFU. Plans for future international matches are under way, with Wales being the next likely game. DMRFC are a partner club of Wooden Spoon, a charity which aims to change children’s lives through the power of rugby. Each year Wooden Spoon fund around 70 projects, from community programs and specialist playgrounds to medical treatment centers and sensory rooms. Locally they have just funded the purchase of two special needs cots for Zoe’s Place, a hospice which provides respite and palliative care to terminally and seriously ill children from
across the Province and beyond. The founding Chairman of DMRFC, Richard Hogg, together with Andy Dixon and Kieran Fyland of Spirit of Rugby Lodge No.9910, represented the club at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice for the presentation of a plaque from Wooden Spoon, of whom Richard is also the Treasurer in Durham. Also in attendance at the presentation were representatives from Rugby Tots, the joint presidents of Wooden Spoon Durham, England Six Nations Rugby Captain, Tamara Taylor and ex-Newcastle Falcons hooker Rob Vickers. Well done to all involved and carry on the good work.
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The Next Chapter in the Story
The Importance of the Royal Arch
“Completing their knowledge of the Master Mason’s duties is an important part of every Freemason’s journey”
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As a Freemason attains the status of a Master Mason, he is introduced to a story surrounding Hiram Abiff the legendary architect who oversaw the construction of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. At the conclusion of this story, it is evident that there is more to the legend than meets the eye and that there is still more to learn and understand about being a Master Mason. Almost 500 years after the events of Hiram’s story, King Solomon’s Temple lies in ruins, having been destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar II and his conquering Babylonian armies. Three workers are digging in the foundations of the ruined structure when they make a discovery of unique importance. It is this incident that forms the basis of the next chapter in the story – explored within Royal Arch Masonry. The Holy Royal Arch is a separate Masonic body and in England, is considered to be a continuation of Craft Freemasonry.
Joining the Royal Arch is regarded as the completion of “pure ancient Freemasonry” and every Master Mason is encouraged to do so when he feels conversant with the Craft. A body of Royal Arch Freemasons is called a “Chapter”. As the story takes place almost half a millennium later, a Chapter is organised in a different manner to a Lodge, to reflect certain historical changes that have taken place. As an intimate link has existed between the Order and Craft Freemasonry from the time of the United Grand Lodge of England’s establishment, the Royal Arch Jewel is the only jewel from another order that can be worn in a Craft Lodge. The Grand Superintendent for the Province of Durham, John Arthur, is keen to encourage all Master Masons who have not yet done so to join the Royal Arch. After all, you wouldn’t read a story and not read the end. This final part is found within the “Chapter”.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
Festival Fundraisers hit the Slippery Slope On Sunday 7th July 2019 Durham Freemasons, ranging in age and ability with the oldest participant at 85, took on another challenge in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival, 2019 Events. The weather was perfect, not too hot and a little overcast, as they set about their challenge of 96 descends with some doing over 100. Thanks to David Lonsdale and Silksworth ski slope for a fantastic day of Skiing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, skiing almost twice the height of Mount Everest. Well done everyone who took part and to everyone who sponsored the skiers and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. All told they hope to have raised more than £2500 and are already looking at options for next year.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, skiing almost twice the height of Mount Everest”
Christmas Cards It’s that time of year again The annual allocation of Christmas cards should now be with your Lodge charity steward and we urge you all to get your packs as soon as possible. Next year, 2020 will see us enter the fifth and final year of our 2021 festival appeal and the support you give by your purchase of these cards makes a huge difference. www.durhamfreemasons.org
As you know the Masonic Charitable Foundation provides a wide range of grants and support services for freemasons and their families who are experiencing a financial, health, family or care-related need, as well as charities that help disadvantaged members of local communities.
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Everyday Freemasons “Freemasonry helps me and the people around me live a happier life”
Everyday Freemason John Cooper
Everyday Freemasons Gaurav Jamnadass
“Every Freemason knows the three Grand Principles of the organisation - brotherly love, relief and truth - but for me, Freemasonry is fundamentally based on the idea of helping people. My interpretation of the heart of Freemasonry is to be nice for the sake of being nice, tell the truth if it’s kind to do so and, most importantly, help people if you can. I try to live my life by these principles and, by doing so, I feel happier. As a result, Freemasonry helps me and the people around me live a happier life.
“Freemasonry to me is very simple: it is great fun! It puts a smile on my face. It makes me a better person and makes me see the best in others. What more can anyone ask for? In this the 21st Century, everything is starting to get a bit confused. We are, through technology, ever closer to each other, but yet community grows further apart. Freemasonry keeps strong the tradition of inclusivity, cohesion and support. It brings us back together. It is ever so relevant in these times.
“Nobody is perfect but Freemasonry does encourage me to reflect on my actions and try to be a better man. Since joining Freemasonry, I have had more opportunities to support charities and good causes. I’ve also been able to meet a lot of new friends from all walks of life which has widened my understanding of people and cultures.”
“I am more confident. I am more able. I am more supported. I am more guided. I am more humble. I am more conscientious. I am more benevolent. I am more alive. I am a Freemason!” Gaurav, a Blackhill Freemason
John, a Seaham Freemason
The deadline for issue 36 is 31st October 2019. NEWS@NEWS.PGLDURHAM.ORG Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH. T: 0191 5675365. www.durhamfreemasons.org
