gazette-issue-32 by Durham Freemasons

ISSUE 32 – WINTER 2018

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

What’s inside this issue...

P11

P12

A New Beginning at Dunston

DLBC

Muddy Mayhem

Garden Party

GET THE POINT ISSUE 32

WINTER 2018

EDITOR’S NOTES

WHAT’S INSIDE

As the year draws to a close it offers the perfect opportunity to look forward to the future and reflect on one of the busiest years in the Province of Durham in recent times. The highlight of the year was the Installation Ceremony of VWBro John Arthur as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent following the retirement of his predecessor RWBro Norman Eric Heaviside as PGM/GSupt. This was emphasised by a packed Lancastrian Suite with all those present enjoying an outstanding day; everyone appreciated all the pomp and pageantry that such a momentous occasion delivers. It is also a time for reflection as we remember and commemorate across the Province the Centenary of the end of the First World War. After enjoying another successful year of events, the Festival goes from strength to strength with a wide range of events planned for 2019; the total raised so far is over £2,000,000.

This edition sees a change in the Gazette Editorial team, with me becoming the Editor following the recent appointment of Paul O’Doherty as the Provincial Comms Officer.

9 10 14

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for all his assistance and guidance in my formative months in the role. Please continue to report matters of interest - events both within your lodge and the local community - to the Communications Team who rely heavily upon your editorial contributions. To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues email: news@news.pgldurham.org

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!

Bob Jubb Editor

@PGLDurham

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

PGLDurham

Durham Widows’ Sons, Royal British Legion, Dipton Local Community pay their respects

NEWLY DESIGNED WAR MEMORIAL FOR DIPTON’S FALLEN UNVEILED At 11:00 am, on Sunday 14th October, members of the Dipton War Memorial Group and representatives of the local community took part in the unveiling of a newly designed enhancement of the Dipton War Memorial. The special ceremony was organised by the group which consists of nine members, three of whom are Durham Freemasons. Mike Arnot of Liberty Lodge No. 9614, who joined the Dipton War Memorial Group earlier this year, was determined to show that they were still active and wanted to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War. In order to further heighten awareness of the group and its aims Mike came up with a plan to enhance the current monument. He designed, commissioned, funded and installed a feature which reflects all of the services and serves to demonstrate that we are still grateful for their sacrifice.

After the Last Post died away, the official unveiling of the enhancement was then conducted by the family of Sapper Daryn Roy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. The event also had particular resonance for Mike as his great-grandfather, Thomas Hicks Arnot, was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The unveiling ceremony was extremely well-attended by members of the local community as well as by groups such as the Royal British Legion and also by the Widow’s Sons Masonic Bikers Association.

Lest We Forget

ISSUE 32

WINTER 2018

LIFELITES MAKE AN IMPACT IN STOCKTON

John tries out Eyegaze.

aviside at the A delighted Eric He

presentation

Life-limited and disabled children at Butterwick House Children’s Hospice in Stockton have received an incredible donation of specialist assistive technology from national children’s charity, Lifelites.

and is donated completely free of charge. The charity will replace the technology every four years.

said “We are incredibly grateful to Lifelites and all their supporters for this wonderful package of equipment”.

One of the amazing pieces of technology the children received is an Eyegaze. This is a piece of equipment which allows those with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes.

Lifelites has donated equipment to every children’s hospice in the British Isles over the past 18 years and continues to provide new technology and ongoing support to ensure that children in hospices have unlimited possibilities.

A Lifelites package of equipment, which includes training and technical support services provided by the charity, costs around £50,000 over its four-year lifespan,

The charity also donated a whole host of other equipment specially adapted for the children at the hospice. Debbie Jones, CEO of Butterwick Hospice Care

The charity also donated a Magic Carpet. This is a portable box which projects an image onto the floor, a wheelchair or a bed, which children can interact with.

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Lifelites was only able to donate this equipment thanks to the generosity of donors, which included the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, the George Moore Foundation and Children with Cancer UK.

www.durhamfreemasons.org

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA AT DUNSTON Saturday 6th October marked a red-letter day for Durham, as over 400 hundred Durham Freemasons and Brethren from many other Provinces gathered to witness the Installation ceremony of VWBro John Arthur, PGSwdB, as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent following the retirement of his predecessor RWBro Norman Eric Heaviside as PGM/GSupt.

Some 10 years have passed since the Freemasons of the Province of Durham witnessed an event of such high importance, emphasised by a packed Lancastrian Suite and who enjoyed an outstanding day with all the pomp and pageantry one would associate with such a momentous occasion. Both Provincial Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Lodge were respectively opened in due form by the Presiding Officer, WBro John Watts, before he graciously handing over to the Deputy

Grand Master, RWBro Jonathan Spence, who presided impeccably over both ceremonies, supported by RWBro Oliver Lodge, Grand Director of Ceremonies of UGLE. The day also saw Stephen William Walker appointed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Michael Stuart Shaw appointed as Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch. It was a fitting day for John Watts and Paul Paterson to stand down from their respective positions as Assistant

Provincial Grand Master, and Deputy Grand Superintendent. Other appointments on the day included Gordon Brewis and Michael Graham Jnr who were both appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Likewise, in the Royal Arch with Andrew Charles Moule appointed Second Provincial Grand Principal, and Paul Anthony Lee Hopper appointed to Third Provincial Grand Principal.

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WINTER 2018

DLBC enjoying a photographic opportunity!

THE DURHAM LIGHT BLUES CLUB The DLBC is a new group set up to enhance the feeling of brotherhood, camaraderie and fun both inside and outside the lodge room. The group is open to all Masons who hold a rank between an Entered Apprentice, to a current or Past Master who has not yet received Provincial rank. The aims of the DLBC are to connect members with a group of brethren sharing similar masonic experiences, helping to meet in both masonic and non-masonic settings. The DLBC aims to provide its members with enjoyable events and platforms to explore it and to unlock the experience to its fullest potential.

events, charity events in the community which could include enjoyable fundraising or giving time to help causes to improve our communities which is a cornerstone of our fraternity as well as informal events where masons and non-masons, friends and family can socialise in a relaxed setting.

The group has three key types of events for the membership to take part in which include organised visits to masonic events and lodges around the province including formal dining

There will be various social media platforms as well as a dedicated section on the provincial website for members to see what’s going on around the province.

ROLL OF HONOUR

The following brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.

75 Years Craft: Joseph M Slater

60 Years Craft: Trevor C Murray Ronald Smith William Ankers

50 Years Craft: William G Bittlestone Colin Hannant Peter Oughton Alan Hall Colin Reed

Constance 2135

Tyne Dock 4218 St Bede 1119 Ryton St Mary’s 6550

Service Above Self 9537 Darlington 6158 Avalon 7647 Constance 2135 Constance 2135

William K Stableforth James D Grieves John M P Kinnison Clifford Hylton Gerald Wallis Alan Lane John K Harrison Lewis Graham John F Mitchell

Cestria 4493 Cestria 4493 St George’s 5720 St George’s 5720 Strathearn 4965 Willington 4028 Tow Law 3349 King Oswald 7344 Lodge of Fellowship 9694

50 Years Royal Arch: Frederick E Dunmore William Kirkbright Alfred Wood James A Jack

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Mariner 3217 Washington 4346 Bernard Gilpin 3076 Chapter of Vigilance 111

www.durhamfreemasons.org

INTRODUCING THE NEW MAN AT THE TOP John has been married for 40 years to his wife Joan; they have no children but are kept busy with their Border Collie, Cleo. Educated at West Hartlepool Grammar School, after passing his GCEs John joined South Durham Steel and Iron Company as a Quality Control Technician/ Management Trainee, studying Metallurgical Engineering at the local Technical College. John Arthur, the new PGM

The Province’s new Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent is RWBro John Arthur, a member and Past Master of Heugh Lodge No 7773 in Hartlepool.

John then spent his entire career (over 43 years) in the Steel industry holding numerous management and senior management posts in different parts of the industry around the UK and Europe. He was responsible for numerous separate businesses during this time before retiring from his role as Director Special Profiles in 2008.

Hobbies, if he has any free time, include rugby union, photography, music, movies, theatre, current affairs, reading and gardening. John has been actively involved in the local community for his entire adult life. This has included voluntary youth work, school governorships, numerous charitable groups, five years on the Learning and Skills Council for the Tees Valley and he is currently a past President and Trustee of his Rotary Club. John led the team that developed and took responsibility for the production and distribution of the New Gazette for its launch in 2011. He has reviewed and updated the honours system for the Province and the guidance for visiting Grand Officers.

ODIN “ORIENTATION, DISTANCE AND INTERNAL NAVIGATION” Sight loss affects one in 30 people, according to the RNIB, the most severe form being total loss of vision. Fortunately, thanks to aids such as white canes and guide dogs, those affected are still able to live their lives. But does that mean we as a society should stop striving to help improve their situation? Christopher Brown of Peace and Unity Lodge No 6312 has been working to create a new way to help those who live with a visual impairment, that they may live a more independent life. He explains: “We all know or have seen those who suffer a visual impairment while out in public using their guidance aids; they rely on others such as carers, family, and members of the public to guide them through the world, to be their eyes. I wanted to change that, so that they

would not need to be so reliant on others” From this, the ODIN system - standing for Orientation, Distance and Internal Navigation - was developed, meaning that an individual does not need to rely on the support of others. The system works like satnav but on a much more accurate scale and, most importantly, is designed to work indoors. The project launched with a crowdfunding venture on Indigogo.com on 12th September. The team themselves are members of The Enterprise Place, a unit at the university of Sunderland. If you would like to know more about the idea or to support the campaign please feel free to follow the official ODIN twitter (@ODIN_ guidance)

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RUN SPIRIT RUN Run Spirit Run is a challenge event in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival and the Rock2Recovery Charities.

(Front Left) Dougie Scott and Lee Gardiner right of banner with supporters.

Rock2Recovery’s mission is to save and change the lives of those in the Armed Forces/ Veteran community and their families who are affected by stress. Their approach is to inspire, coach and motivate towards a more positive future. Run Spirit Run is the name of a year-long accumulator endurance run and is the brainchild of former Royal Marine Commando and Spirit of Rugby Lodge member, Lee Gardiner. Lee came into contact with Rock2Recovery in 2016 when he identified that he was

suffering from stress. Ten years previously he had performed back-to-back operational tours in the Marines, often witnessing distressing scenes. On his return to the UK, his wife was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Sadly, less than 18 months later and at the age of only 27 years, she passed away, leaving him and his 3-year-old daughter heartbroken. Unfortunately, the Marines is no place for a single father, and so in a short period of time, Lee not only lost his wife, but also the ‘security blanket’ provided by the Marines.

Fast-forward 10 years and Lee has a happy, well-adjusted 13-year-old daughter and has met and married a very supportive wife, Sarah. Despite this, Lee still felt he was struggling and, after talking to Sarah, they decided it was time to speak to a professional. He contacted Rock2Recovery; they set up a meeting, coached him and provided him with the tools he needed to maintain a positive mind-set enabling him to be better able to function with the rigours of civilian life. Lee wanted to give something back and, in doing so, raise awareness of the fantastic work

the charity undertakes. Joining Lee on this journey is fellow Spirit of Rugby member Dougie Scott. They will be embarking on a herculean challenge, to run the week number. So, in week 1 they will run one mile, week 2, two miles culminating in week 52, with 52 miles to round the challenge off. The challenge was launched on Sunday 2nd September, starting in Chester le Street Park with a 1-mile family run followed by a family fun afternoon with the Geordie Olympics held at Chester le Street Masonic Hall.

COXHOE ATHLETIC FC Coxhoe Athletic FC, based at Beechfield Park, Coxhoe are members of the TWR Wearside Football League. There has been a long-standing tradition of Association Football in the village of Coxhoe. Like most villages in County Durham, sport was an important aspect of life for men who worked hard throughout the day and played football on a weekend. Coxhoe Athletic FC has its origins in the Steetley FC football team. Steetley Limestone Company was a large limestone quarrying company whose headquarters were in Derbyshire but also had

an operation in Coxhoe. Like all large companies of the era, they had a thriving sports and social club of which football played a large part. When the company closed its operation in the 1970s, Coxhoe Athletic took over the running of the football side. Prior to the game against West Auckland Tunns, Duncan Maw and Ivan Lowther had the great pleasure of presenting team captain David Cairns with a Community Support Grant for £500, which will be used to provide additional kit for the players and management team.

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Coxhoe Athletic FC

www.durhamfreemasons.org

ON THE BALL AT CHESTERLE-STREET Paul Debenham was on the ball when he presented a Community Support Grant of £250 to Chester-leStreet Junior Cricket Club. Christopher Metcalfe, Director of Junior Cricket, was delighted to receive the grant, which will be used to create more outside nets at the club and indoor nets during the winter, specifically for use by the juniors. The club aim is to support all young people in the community by giving them the opportunity to develop skills through the game of cricket and its ongoing commitments. They have 127 junior boys and girls on their cards ranging from 5 -15 years of age. They have been very successful this year winning the Under 11s plus the Under 15s and finishing second in the Under 13s. The juniors are based at the Chester-Le-Street Cricket Ground which is on Ropery Lane in the town.

Eric Heaviside receiving picture

CONTINUE TO ENJOY YOUR FREEMASONRY! A packed Darlington Masonic Hall with over 122 Masons present enjoyed a celebratory banquet to bid a fond farewell to Norman Eric Heaviside on his retirement as Provincial Grand Master.

In closing, he wished John Arthur every success as Provincial Grand Master, stating that “Our Province is in safe hands, brethren. A sincere thank you to everyone for attending, and remember…. Continue to Enjoy your Freemasonry”.

The evening’s entertainment began with Enter CIC who performed elements of their latest production commemorating the fallen of the Great War. Andrew Bunting then offered ‘Some Reflections’ of Eric’s time in office, highlighting his exceptional talent of always matching names to faces and his dedication to service. Alan Farrar then rose to deliver the main toast of the evening. Alan spoke of Eric as a young initiate in 1962 and described his rise through the ranks to Provincial Grand Master. Another great friend of Eric’s, Tom Whitfield, went on to conclude the toast in song with his unique version of the Provincial Grand Master Song to a very emotional Eric.

On the Ball in Chester-le-Street

Eric responded by thanking everyone who had attended for the tremendous evening, and the outstanding performance of Enter CIC.

As Eric gathered himself, John Arthur presented him with a patio set and a rather special DAB Radio, along with a specially commissioned memory book of significant events such as Beamish Temple, Durham Cathedral Open Treasure project and experiences over the last 30 years.

All smiles in Darlington

John presenting a card to Eric

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Festival Runners

John Watts, Jo n

GREAT NORTH RUN Sunday 9th September saw the annual Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, return to the region with over 43,000 people attempting to cover the gruelling 13.1 miles from Newcastle to the South Tyneside coastline.

sporting event. The fantastic success of the day resulted in an amazing total being raised for charity, with the group raising more than £7,500 towards the 2021 Festival.

Resplendent in their orange Masonic Charitable Foundation running shirts the 12 runners who took part on behalf of the Province enjoyed being part of an iconic

This year 43,600 people crossed the finish line, the highest number since the event started in 1981.

Finished!

Maw

ixon er, John D Blood Bik

The men’s elite race was won for a record fifth time by Sir Mo Farah who was escorted by Blood Bike “Durham Mason”. The bike was donated by the Masonic Charitable Foundation to Northumbria Blood Bikes and was ridden by fellow Blood Biker and Durham Freemason, Jon Dixon of Corinthian Lodge in Shildon.

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Dixon and Dunc an

www.durhamfreemasons.org

Ready to go!

Mud, mud, glorious mud !

njoying Michael e Kelly and ayhem! the m

The end is in sight….

Finished bu t not beaten

MUDDY MAYHEM THE NORTH EAST’S ULTIMATE OBSTACLE COURSE The final major fundraiser of 2018 for the Durham 2021 Festival took place at Hardwick Park on Sunday 30th September with 30 participants representing the Province, ready for the off at 11am on a cold and fresh morning.

Aptly named Muddy Mayhem, this 5km obstacle course, rumoured to be the North East’s toughest, is a mix of running, climbing up nets, walls, tyres and fences, jumping and crawling in water and mud; a total of over 40 man-made and natural obstacles. This was a test of stamina, strength and determination but, more importantly, a chance for friendship and fun while at the same time raising funds for the Festival. After a gentle start, the course progressed to get more and more difficult with the middle to end containing lots of log and rope water crossings, slides and tunnels, most filled with water and mud, even ice and fire playing a part.

Most of the “Durham Team” were sticking together to help and encourage each other and they showed a magnificent camaraderie from start to finish, tackling everything that came their way. Memorable fun moments were aplenty with falls, trips and bumps common but the tired and smiling faces throughout will stick in all of their minds for a long time to come. This was a challenging but fun way to raise funds and, no doubt once the bumps and bruises and weary legs have recovered, minds will turn to next year and maybe another entry is on the cards. This event has raised over £9,000 so far in sponsorship and a massive thank you and well done is due to all who took part.

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A SUMMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY GARDEN PARTY

Nothing encapsulates a quintessential British summer better than a garden party. In a weekend that saw new record high temperatures in southern Europe, Hawthorn Village basked in as-close-toperfect conditions as you could get in the North East of England. The initial idea for a garden party came from Mowbray Lodge member Paul Paterson, during his second time in the Chair of his Lodge, 25 years after his first time as Master. He fancied a change from

the format of a Ladies Night and so the idea of having a garden party came about. The event has taken place twice over the years and Paul and his wife Jill once again opened the grounds of their wonderful home for their third garden party. Bubbles and Pimms were given on arrival, followed by a smorgasbord of entertainment and good food. This was interspersed with a varied fundraising programme including races, raffles, Deal Or

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No Deal that had vocal entertainment from John Rowland and Julie Pendleton. The climax of the event was their famous Last Night of the Proms. Mowbray member, Marc Krajewski then brought it all to a close with his unique range of guitar-based standards. The event raised ÂŁ1,600 towards various charitable purposes, rounding off a fantastic day in delightful company.

www.durhamfreemasons.org

THE WEARSIDE MASONIC TEMPLE OPEN DAY Wearside Masonic Temple held an open day on Saturday 27th October, allowing members of the public the opportunity of visiting one of Sunderland’s Grade II listed buildings and to give them some insight into Freemasonry. The day had been organised by Sunderland Freemasons Richard Davison and Wayne Rumley. Volunteers from various Sunderland lodges also helped out on the day, greeting visitors and answering their questions, with visitors eager to look inside of one of Sunderland’s iconic buildings. An open forum in the ballroom allowed a showcase of Freemasonry and the core charitable side of the organisation which informed, educated and dispelled some myths. Durham Benevolence, the Universities Scheme and representatives from the Order of Women Freemasons and

the TLC Teddies all showcased their organisations. The main Lodge Room was set out with explanations and descriptions of the respective chairs and the roles undertaken from the various positions in the Lodge Room. Bernard Hope then gave an informative talk on the Grade II listed building, from its inception to the present day.

Organisers, Richard Davison and Wayne Rumley

Bernard Hope delivering his lecture

The day was a great success and it is something that will be repeated in the future. With numerous enquiries into joining Freemasonry, the day showcased Freemasonry in the best positive light. Octavian Lazin and Rak Bhalla

SUNDERLAND MARITIME HERITAGE Edwin Jeffrey had the privilege of presenting Sunderland Maritime Heritage with a Community Support Grant of £500 to their Chairman, Chris Carolan, and Project Manager, Fred Gooch. Sunderland Maritime Heritage is a selffunding charity keen to preserve the maritime history of Sunderland which was once renowned as the largest shipbuilding town in the world.

It is a self-funding charity staffed entirely by volunteers who apply their skills in producing, restoring and preserving marine artifacts for display to the public. An example of their most recent work is a 1/10th scale model of HMS Venerable, which can be seen in the picture. Their latest project is the restoration of MFV Willdora, famous for taking part in the Dunkirk evacuation. As well as the larger projects, a visitors’ centre is being developed to house the many nautical items and models for display which is proving to be ever popular with the public. The centre is also a focal point to educate children on the subject of maritime heritage through the ages.

Edwin Jeffrey presenting cheque to Chris Carolan and Fred Gooch.

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LEST WE FORGET

The Cast, L-R back row, Ian Turnbull, Allan Howes, Jean Turnbull, George Branch and John Hall. L-R front row, Christine Prince, Susan Scott, Margaret Branch, Sheila Norman, Maureen Rennie and Kathleen Winter

The Lisping Army Chaplain – Ian Turnbull

Tributes to the Fallen

On Saturday 27th October, four members of Westoe Lodge No 4750 took part in an amateur dramatic production called “Lest We Forget”, at West Harton Methodist Church in South Shields, to celebrate and commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Those involved were Ian Turnbull, George Branch, Allan Howes and John Hall along with nine ladies, four of whom are the wives or

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partners of Freemasons. All 13 in the cast are members of West Harton Methodist Church. Derek Cuthbert, who sadly passed away a few years ago, was a member of the Church and Drama Group and was interested in genealogy. His interest led him to research the history of the 16 young men of West Harton Methodist Church who made the supreme sacrifice during the war and whose names are engraved on the war memorial outside of the church. After Derek’s death his daughter, Lynn, passed his research to the Drama Group. This included details of regiments, ranks, ages and dates of death. A script was compiled consisting of World War One songs, readings and sketches dealing with the whole experience from the outbreak of war in 1914, through to the end in 1918. The performance was a moving experience, not only for those in the audience but also for the cast. During the production, poppies knitted by ladies from the church were placed on the set as tributes were read out remembering each of the sixteen.

www.durhamfreemasons.org

TERRY LEWIS 100TH BIRTHDAY To mark his 100th birthday, centenarian Terry Lewis presented John Russell, the Worshipful Master of Haven of Rest No 4350 in Hartlepool, with an inscribed gold set of square and compasses. Although Terry is no longer able to attend the lodge meetings, he does take an active interest in their proceedings via regular visits from the lodge Almoner, Bill Horsley. The square and compasses he presented will be regularly used at the lodge meetings.

Terry Lewis and John Russell

Sir David Hugh Wootton and John Arthur

THE ASSISTANT GRAND MASTER VISITS DURHAM At the annual Installation of Universities Lodge in Old Elvet, Durham, the brethren of the lodge were honoured to be joined by the Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, and Sir David Wootton, the Assistant Grand Master. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed into the lodge by George Anthony Gibson, before witnessing an absolutely first-class ceremony of Installing the new Master, Christopher Watson.

As President of the Universities Scheme, Sir David Wootton tries to take time out of his very busy schedule, to visit and support as many of these lodges as he can. Tradition and continuity are two of the values which characterise the relationship between Freemasonry and universities. The Universities Scheme was set up at the beginning of 2005 and the Province of Durham is fortunate to have three lodges in the scheme: Lodge of Fraternity No 1418 in Stockton-on-Tees, Universities Lodge No 2352 in Durham and Mowbray Lodge No 5373 in Sunderland. Their membership consists of undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, ranging in age from 18 upwards.

Universities Lodge Installation

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David Homer, Dr Mike McKean, Dr Geoff Shenton, Andrew Crow

BEDIC LODGE FUNDRAISER Daniel, the son of Shiney Row mason, David Homer, sadly succumbed to leukaemia on 28th February 2017, only two weeks after his 23rd Birthday. Daniel received treatment at the Teenage Cancer Unit based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where, in addition, the family received great support from the unit. Mindful of this, the Master of Bedic Lodge, Shaun Reay, and

members of the lodge felt that it was appropriate that the beneficiary of any proceeds from the Annual Bedic Charity Ball should be the Teenage Cancer Unit.

organising the event, including arranging entertainment in the form of the Jersey 4, a Jersey Boys tribute act, a lavish buffet, ticket sales and securing the donation of many auction items.

Naturally, David Homer was hugely motivated to make the Ball not only a memorable evening, but also a fitting tribute to the memory of his son Daniel. He became an unstoppable force, taking on the bulk of the work in

The evening proved to be a fantastic occasion, enjoyed by all who attended, and raised the magnificent sum of £3,450. Dr Mike McKean, Clinical Director for Children’s Services, and Dr Geoff Shenton, Consultant Paediatric

Oncologist, representing the Teenage Cancer Unit at the RVI Newcastle were presented with a cheque from Andrew Crow and David Homer at the Bedic Lodge meeting on Wednesday 24th October. Mike and Geoff then gave some background on the Teenage Cancer Unit and thanked everyone for this amazing donation as they are hugely reliant on donations such as this.

4 X 4 RESPONSE NORTH EAST Kevin Carter was delighted to present a defibrillator to Diane Dickinson, Secretary of “4 x 4 Response North East,” which was purchased with a £738 Durham Benevolence Community Support Grant. The application for the Community Support Grant was made by Graham Moore, of Hammurabi Lodge No 9606. The presentation took place at the Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter in Benton North Farm where Diane expressed their gratitude for the continuing support, encouragement and backing they receive from Freemasonry across the North East.

This assistance enables them to continue to provide a vital allweather, all-wheel-drive logistical service to support the emergency services, the NHS and local councils when called upon.

from the East coast to Cumbria. For the last five years, they have supported “Northern Doctors Urgent Care,” to provide urgent medical assistance from their bases in Gosforth and Teesside,

Portable defibrillators are deployed with event support teams at shows and events across the region. 4x4RNE is a non-profit, volunteer group providing logistical vehicle and driver assistance to the emergency services, local authorities and associated responders in diverse weather conditions and on difficult terrain throughout the year. They operate throughout the North East from the Scottish Borders to the York area and

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helping them maintain their excellent response times, logging many hundreds of hours and managing to make every call, even in the most difficult of conditions.

Kevin Carter, Graham Moore, Diane Dickinson

www.durhamfreemasons.org

RAVENSWORTH GOLF TROPHY Friday 17th August saw the 2nd Annual Ravensworth Golf Trophy return to the Ramside Hall Golf Club in Durham.

Welcome to Ramside Hall Hotel

Kevin Howell receiving winning cup from Norman Eric Heaviside

Fine weather greeted the 72 golfers on the day, with the event organisers Frank Killen, Alan Jenkins and Brendan Morland from Eardulph Lodge No 6645 in Chester le Street and David Atkinson of Norman Lodge No 1334 in Durham all hailing the day a great success. Everyone had an enjoyable day in great company with more than £1,000 being raised for the 2021 Festival. Event organisers presenting cheque, from L-R Frank Killen, Alan Jenkins, Norman Eric Heaviside, Brendan Moorland, David Atkinson

The Ravensworth Cup was won this year by Kevin Howell from South Shields.

NEW SHIRTS FOR HARTLEPOOL JUNIORS Hartlepool Rugby Club are this year celebrating their 125th anniversary and, to mark this, they wanted to renew their junior team’s rugby shirts (under 7s to under 15s) by looking for shirt sponsors. Steven Pounder of Strathearn Lodge has a daughter Vicky Coates, who is a lady mason at Prudence Lodge in Hartlepool. Vicky’s children play for Hartlepool rugby club and she also helps coach the under 8s team. Vicky asked if Strathearn Lodge would sponsor the team and, after talking to other members of the lodge, they decided it was good for the community as well as the youngsters and gave £250. West Hartlepool Masonic Hall

Company, who runs the Masonic Hall on Raby Road, Hartlepool, matched the amount, making a total of £500. A few other Strathearn Lodge members have children playing rugby at this club too, therefore making it a great investment. Hartlepool Mason Nick Cavilla presented the shirts to Stuart Hind, who gratefully received them.

Nick Cavilla with Stuart Hind

Afterwards, Steven talked to the organiser, Stuart Hind, from the rugby club. Strathearn Lodge said that they would be the main sponsor of the under 9s team and have their logo on the front of their shirts. This is a great advert for Freemasonry in Hartlepool and surrounding areas, with the team playing in their new Strathearn Lodge shirts.

HRFC modelling their new shirts

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER – 2018

As this issue of our quarterly magazine G will be landing on your doorsteps so close to the Festive season, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me both at and since my Installation on 6th October. By the time you read this, those attending the Promotions meeting will have heard about the various plans that the new team are preparing to take the Province forward and I hope you will be able to support the various initiatives as they unfold. For now, I would just like to send my sincere seasonal greetings and best wishes to all of you, your wives, partners and families for a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

As Freemasons we all know that family and friends should be our first priority. If we get the chance to “reconnect” with those that we may have drifted away from, I hope we take the opportunity to rekindle those relationships as well as offering help, assistance or just some company to those that could benefit from our support and friendship.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2019 FEB

FEB

MONDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2019 Hebburn Lodge No. 7201 Amalgamation FTV

WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2019 Bedic Lodge No. 5915 FTV & 75th Anniversary

MARCH

MAY

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH 2019 Provincial Stewards Ball Hardwick Hall

WEDNESDAY 22ND MAY 2019 Chapter Convocation Lancastrian Suite

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS

JUNE

NOV

www.durhamfreemasons.org

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2019 Craft AGM Lancastrian Suite

FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2019 Promotions meeting Lancastrian Suite

KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS KLUB SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP John Watts had the great pleasure of making a visit to South Shields on a glorious sunny day to present a Masonic Charitable Foundation grant of £2,000 to The KAYAKS (Kids and Young Adults Klub - Special Needs Support group) or The KAYAKS as they prefer to be known. After being shown around the group by Malcolm Osborne, KAYAKS Chair, and witnessing at first hand the fun, energy and enjoyment they offer, John tried out some of the group’s equipment before presenting Kimberley Elliott with the MCF Grant. The KAYAKS is a weekend support group provided by a dedicated team of volunteers. They are an independent group who rely on donations and sponsors to provide a wide range of fun and recreational activities for special needs children, teenagers and young adults. While providing practical help, support and advice from personal experience on special-needs-related subjects for parents and carers. The group are based at the Mortimer Community College, Reading Road, South Shields and meet on Saturdays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

LIVED RESPECTED AND DIED REGRETTED Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham

Irvin, Robert Rowlands Gill L4694

Hopper, James Burns Palatine L97

Parkinson, John Thomas Washington L4346H

Todd, Charles Brian Clarence L2462 Stewart, William Charles Lambton L375

Miller, Frederick Norman Tees L509

Avery, Arthur Achates L9465

Keller, Gunter Edward Hadrian L1970

Gleghorn, Thomas Tower L7292

Graves, Gordon Nicholson Lodge of Progress L8259 Williams, Joseph Edward Cestria L4493

Brethren

Whaley, Edward St Cuthbert L3417

Lewin, Stanley Earl of Durham L1274

Whitwood, Frederick St Catherine’s L5393

Fox, Clinton Scott St Helen’s L531

Moses, John Derrik Eanred L74578

Handyside, Peter Beamish Temple L9815

Allan, Brian James Longscar L6203

Lowes, Rodney Eardulph L6645

Priest, Eric Alfred Connaught L2981

Jefferson, Frank Penshaw L3194

Chapman, Alan Lawrence Ryton Holy Cross L4231

Taylor, Nigel Keith Hadrian L1970

Errington, Ernest Rowlands Gill L4694

Ranson, Peter Manor L7908

Humble, Charles Ian Stanhope L3520 John Watts presenting cheque for £2,000 to KAYAKS

Latner, David St Catherine’s L5393 Trewick, Stanley Bernard Gilpin L3076 Greener, John Richmond Avalon L7647 Dillon, David Crowley L6901 Lawson, Sidney Corinthian L5808

John Watts showing how it’s done!

ISSUE 32

WINTER 2018

THREE CHEERS FOR

GNAAS GNAAS Combined donations see £14,000 handed over by Durham Freemasons. One of Norman Eric Heaviside’s last duties as the PGM was to lead a contingent of brethren from the Province to Durham Tees Valley Airport, Teesside, to hand over no fewer than three significant donations totalling some £14,000 to representatives of the Great North Air Ambulance. This was achieved through the collective charitable efforts of Derwent Lodge in Chopwell, represented by their Treasurer, Keith Walker who presented a cheque for the amazing sum of £9,000 raised at the lodge’s annual barbecue, Agricola Lodge represented by their Worshipful Master Philip Young who handed over a cheque for £1,000, and a Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) grant of £4,000 as part of a National program of donations seeing 20 regional air ambulances receive grants totalling £192,000, to support their outstanding work.

L-R - Phil Godfrey and Philip Young

Receiving the donations on behalf of GNAAS were Pilot, Jay Steward and Air Doctor, Phil Godfrey; both members of the of the duty crew at the Teesside Operations Centre, bathed in sunshine on Friday 28th September. On accepting the donations, Jay and Phil said “We are absolutely amazed by the continued generosity of the Freemasons of Durham in support of the service”. On presenting the MCF grant Eric, accompanied by John Watts in his role as Chairman of Durham Benevolence, stated how delighted he was once again to have the privilege of handing over the grant on behalf of the MCF. The Province has made numerous donations in recent years to GNAAS amounting to almost £220,000 with the latest contributions going towards the next generation of motor vehicles, to assist them with their life-saving work on both land and in the air.

Phil Godfrey, Keith Walker, Philip Young, Eric Heaviside, Jay Steward, John Watts

THE DEADLINE FOR ISSUE 33, IS 31ST JANUARY 2019 NEWS@NEWS.PGLDURHAM.ORG

Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS