published by the freemasons of the province of durham
ISSUE 15 – SUMMER 2014
‘HALF WAY THERE!’ WHAT’S INSIDE Two Red Rubber Things Page 4
A man on a A Brother in misson need Page 7 THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE Page 15- ISSUE 15
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I rename this building 1 Page 19 SUMMER 2014
EDITOR’S NOTES
WHAT’S INSIDE
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A whirlwind three months and so much has taken place in our vibrant and dynamic Province. During this period: •
The Provincial Chapter Convocation witnessed a new Second Grand Principal installed.
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The Provincial Craft Annual Meeting witnessed an Assistant Provincial Grand Master retire after providing six years of outstanding service and a new Assistant installed in his stead.
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A brand new Provincial team was created - including two new Wardens.
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An impressive cheque was presented to the Dean of Durham as part of our ‘Paving the Way’ scheme.
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And last but by no means least the Festival Director, who is to coordinate the up and coming Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, was revealed!
Looking to the future, the way our Province commiunicates will continue, with your help, to streamline the manner in which it operates, to be constructive, effective and efficient. May I take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has participated in the production of this Gazette, you know who you are. Your
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hard work, dedication and commitment is greatly and warmly appreciated by myself and all the Brethren of the Province. We look forward to receiving your reports as we prepare ourselves, with excitement and renewed vigour for the challenges ahead as the Festival rapidly approaches!
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The Editor
If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email news@news.pgldurham to order his or her copy now! @PGLDurham
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CRAWCROOK JUDO CLUB
LANDS BENEVOLENCE DONATION The Deputy Chairman of Durham Benevolence, John David Watts, was truly “floored” when, accompanied by local Freemasons Brian Graham and Bill Lancaster, he visited Crawcrook Judo Club, based at St John’s Community Hall in Greenside, to present a donation to the club on behalf of the Freemasons of County Durham. The Judo Club has been a major part of life in Crawcrook for well over 50 years and was the 4th in the country to be awarded Centre of Excellence status. Even more remarkable is the fact that they were the first club outside the London area to achieve this. Over the years, they have coached many competitors who have had long and distinguished careers within the sport. Diane Bell won a gold medal at the 1986 Olympics as well as becoming European and World Champion on several occasions. She later became Women’s National Coach. The club was also represented by Chloe Cowen and Cheryl Peele at the 2000 Australian Olympics and has produced many others who have won
National, European and World championships at both Junior and Senior level. Many more members from Crawcrook Judo Club have worn the Great Britain Badge throughout the world with great pride and a sense of achievement. Club Coach, Kevin Pattison, recently set out to take the club forward, with his first task being to increase the number of qualified coaches. This was achieved; with two coaches being qualified to UKCC level two, taking the club total to four and making it easier to focus on one-to-one coaching. He also saw an increase in membership to 80 participating players: Beginners, (5-7 yrs) increased from eight players to 23; Intermediates (8-16yrs) increased from 17 to 36; and Seniors (16yrs+) from six players to 11. Working closely with local schools, they now have a permanent satellite feeder club at Emmerville Primary School, Crawcrook. “Our aim is to elevate our club to become a major player once again and
we can cater for all levels of judo, including special needs”. Kevin has been working one full day a week for the last 10 yrs at Greenfields Special Needs School in Hebburn. John Watts, a keen motorcyclist, perhaps suspecting what lay ahead, arrived on his BMW fully clothed in helmet and Kevlar jeans, before boldly entering the vibrant Saturday morning training session. He was introduced to John Pattinson, Chairman of Crawcrook Judo Club, who was delighted to receive the donation. He thanked John for his attendance, before guiding him through to the training area, where the donation would be used for the purchase of new floor mats, thereby expanding the present training area. The existing mats have given sterling service for well over 20years.
Grants, the Freemasons assisted Community Groups such as theirs. All was well until John said that in order to receive the cheque, which he held aloft, they would have to take it from his grasp. The words were hardly out of his mouth before two junior black belt members swiftly came forward and unceremoniously dumped John on the floor, to the rapturous applause and delight of all present. John Pattison wishes to thank the Freemasons of Durham for their generous donation. ”We sincerely believe our club is bucking the national trend of falling membership and is delivering quality coaching at affordable levels.”
Having enjoyed watching a warm up session given by the younger children, John stepped on to the mat, briefly explaining Freemasonry and how, through the provision of Non-Masonic
John Watts addressing the group before having the cheque physically taken from him
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TWO RED RUBBER THINGS Since the beginning of June there has been immense interest at the sea front of Seaham. People have flocked there to view an awesome piece of sculpture. which has been located near to the cenotaph. The artwork in question depicts a World War One battle fatigued soldier. The 9½foot masterpiece – officially named ‘Eleven ‘O’ One’ but now nicknamed ‘Tommy’ has achieved national and international fame in a few short weeks. Produced entirely in welded metal the level of detail of the 1.2 tonne sculpture is unbelievable. ‘Tommy’ is the brainchild of acclaimed local artist Ray Lonsdale, who has a workshop at South Hetton and it took him over five months to complete. Ray has produced several large metal statues in the past. Indeed, if you were to elope to Gretna Green you could not fail to notice his statue in metal of a huge pair of entwined hands. Originally it was intended that ‘Tommy’ would only be on display at Seaham for three months, but campaigners have other ideas and hope to keep the iconic sculpture at Seaham
seafront, where they believe, is where it deserves to stay. £65,000 of the £85,000 needed to purchase the statue to enable it to remain part of the Seaham skyline has already been raised. Peter Johnson of Seaham’s Lodge Stewart, who is a family friend of Ray, has produced A3 prints of the soldier. The prints are on sale at £10, of which £5 will be donated, on behalf of the Freemasons of Seaham, to the fund, along with £300 pledged by the three lodges which meet in Seaham. Peter can be contacted at peterm.johnson@talktalk.net On every one of his works of art Ray inscribes two red rings his company is called ‘Two Red Rubber Things’. In addition he has a successful website and a Facebook page called ‘Mission 1101’ which has attracted more than 1,800 members, many pledging support and posting their own photographs of the work.
Ray with his much acclaimed work
ROLL OF HONOUR
50-Year Certificates: Rodney Curtis Brown Eric Coupland Arthur Trevor Jones David Thoms Youngson Adam Chapman Harrison Walter Alan Hutton Ronald Studholme Joseph Sanderson Ronald Gray John Craig Clive Pogue Derek Hathoway Davison John James Lormor Ernest Tweddell Stanley Ellis Husband
Presentations of certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry were made to the following Brethren:
60-Year Certificates: Dennis William Robson William Leslie Oliver John Harold Easton Derek Matthew Wintersgill
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Minerva No3385 Fawcett No661 Eslington No4623 Whitworth No1932
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Hadrian No1970 Bernard Gilpin No3076 Agricola No7741 Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters No9441 Vedra No3137 Caradoc No4749 Fraternity No1418 Fidelity No7237 Beacon No6891 St Paul No3242 Benfeldsyde No7807 Willington No4028 Bernard Gilpin No3076 Heabrym No7201 Bedic No5915
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NORTH EAST CORNER UPDATE Members chat at the highly popular launch evening
Deputy Chairman Chris Gray mans the NEC sign up desk
Since the launch of the North East Corner - a forum for young and younger minded Masons in the Province of Durham - they have been extremely busy. The members of the NEC visit lodges in their unique ‘Flash Mob Freemasonry’ style whilst at the same time fulfilling their remit of connecting and amassing younger minded Brethren. The word has obviously spread and the group now numbers 112 members at the time of this publication’s print.
attendance, and the second to support one of their members who was attaining the chair of Weardale Lodge of Installed Masters in Tow Law at which 17 members attended, with the NEC gaining a further four members on the evening! There are three more ’Flash Mobs’ arranged, two in July and one in November.
There have been two ‘Flash Mob’ events since the launch. The first taking place one week after the launch night at Darlington Lodge, where 11 NEC members were in
They also had a presence at the Provincial Meeting in June with a NEC stand, members passing out information on the forum and signing people up. Receiving a mention in
the Provincial Grand Master’s Address during the meeting was a highlight and an encouraging sign that the NEC was making waves for all of the right reasons. They are in the planning stages of their first ‘Pop up Restaurant’ evening to be held at a currently secret location, a six-a-side football tournament, a night at the Dogs, a curry evening and a summer BBQ open to the members and their families. Never forgetting of course the forty plus delegation of NEC
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members due to descend on Grand Lodge for the Quarterly meeting in September! Details of all of the above will be disclosed to members via the website, email and its Facebook page, once finalised. Do you like to enjoy yourself, are you younger minded and a Mason? Then why on earth haven’t you joined? For more information email their Secretary Paul Quinn secretary@northeastcorner. org.uk or visit their website http://northeastcorner.org.uk
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ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER 28th May 2014 saw Royal Arch Masons from throughout the Province flock to Rainton Meadows Arena to attend the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter. The meeting has become established as the highlight in the Royal Arch calendar and this particular gathering was no exception. The meeting opened with the usual colourful pomp and ceremony, which Companions of the degree love so much, and with the Grand Superintendent, Norman Eric Heaviside presiding, he proceeded to conduct the normal business of the Chapter before paying tribute to Stephen William Walker who was retiring from the role of Second Provincial
Grand Principal to become an Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham.
of Ceremonies proclaimed Excellent Companion Gordon Brewis, Appointed, Obligated, Invested and Installed as Second Provincial Grand Principal. Excellent Companion Brewis then took his rightful place among the Convocation. The remainder of normal business was conducted and the Grand Superintendent confirmed the continuation in office of the Deputy Grand Superintendent, the Third Provincial Grand Principal and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Dr Paul Mundell. In addition he appointed Andrew Charles Moule as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. The Grand Superintendent then completed the remaining Provincial Grand Chapter
At the Grand Superintendent’s request, Gordon Brewis, Second Provincial Grand Principal Designate, then entered the arena, accompanied by his escort, comprising of Chain Bearer, Richard Best from Winder Chapter in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, Charles Stewart MacLeod and David Benson both of Moseley Chapter in the Province of Durham. The Ceremony of Investiture then took place, at the conclusion of which the Provincial Grand Director
Another fantastic Convocation enjoyed by all who attended
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appointments and promotions prior to addressing the Companions. With Provincial Grand Chapter closed the Companions enjoyed a magnificent Masonic evening with a banquet to suit the occasion at which the Grand Superintendent took wine with his guests and those Companions whom he had had the privilege of appointing and investing this day. Well done to everyone involved in such a fantastic meeting. To read a full report, the Grand Superintendent’s Address or to view a full list of Officers appointed on the evening - visit the Provincial Website www.durhamfreemasons.org
A MAN WITH A MISSION Christos Katsambis was born in Stanleyville which was a northern town of the Belgian Congo just a few countries north of Zimbabwe and settled in the UK many years ago. When Christos became the First Principal of the Whitworth Royal Arch Chapter, which meets at Spennymoor, he unintentionally set out on a mission, which would see him visit every Chapter in the Province. Although he had always considered himself to be a good visitor, he certainly didn’t envisage a journey, which would take him around the many Masonic halls within our Province with a couple of stopoffs in Cyprus and South Africa to boot. In December 2012, two months after taking the position in Whitworth Chapter, he went to Cyprus for the Installation Ceremony of the St Paul’s Lodge where he has family connections. This lodge meets in the East of Limassol; in the District of Cyprus. During his stay, he was invited by the District Grand Superintendent, Totos Theodosiou as his guest at the Agapinor Chapter, which
meets in Pano Paphos. There he witnessed to his surprise, a ceremony of Exaltation performed mostly by English companions. Back in the UK at his December meeting he noticed that the numbers of visitors were small and decided that he should really pick up his visiting habit and promised to at least visit all the 15 Chapters his visitors represented since the time he went into the 1st Principal’s Chair of Whitworth. This number would steadily increase over the course of the following meetings. By this time Christos was enjoying his time as a first Principal more and more; visiting anywhere and everywhere he could in the Province of Durham. However, one of his most memorable visits was on another foreign venture, at the Harmony Chapter in the District of Zimbabwe. By the end of September 2013 Christos had visited 27 Chapters in the Province. It was then that he thought, “Why not visit ALL of the Chapters which meet within the Province of Durham?” He
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE A number of Lodges meeting at various Masonic Halls in the west of the Province have had two regular visitors to their assemblies and social events covering several decades. The duo consists of Rance Richardson and David Ross; both joined their respective Lodges in the 1960s and have become firm friends and share a love of gardening, singing and of course, Freemasonry. Their singing talents have been enjoyed at many a festive
therefore consulted with his wife and they agreed that this could be his “Masonic Mission” as long as he also complete some of the “House Missions” named on her list, consisting of gardening, painting and decorating etc. Christos set about completing his Mission in military fashion, preparing a list of all the Chapters, 64 in total, meeting at 35 different Masonic Halls within the Province, and he was determined to get to every one of them! 2014 started with just 13 Chapters left for Christos to visit for the 1st time but he could not complete his mission until the 15th of April at the Installation meeting of Clarence Chapter, which meets at Raby Road in Hartlepool. What Christos has experienced from visiting all the 65 Chapters in the Province of Durham was a warm welcoming, kindness and courtesy, hospitality and companionship, an experience he would not swap for anything. Well Done Christos…….Mission Accomplished! who is 91years young, became the latest and oldest brother to be exalted. When asked why he had waited so long to join he said that time had simply slipped by, he now had more time on his
hands and to stop David from bullying him - albeit in a friendly way. Like they say, you are never too old to learn something new.
board and they were part of a group of Freemasons who called their singing troupe, “The Masonaires” They make the most of visiting lodges together whenever they can, however, David has to go on his own when attending meetings of the Royal Arch Chapter, as his pal Rance, had never become a member. That was to change at the last regular meeting of Tristram Royal Arch Chapter meeting at Shildon Masonic Hall. It was then that Rance Richardson,
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THE PETER SOTHERAN HODGSON ROOM
IS DEDICATED AT
HARTLEPOOL MASONIC HALL 20 years ago it was no secret that over time Raby Road Masonic Hall had declined and was in a bad way financially and the building was badly run down. A number of Masons recognized this and decided that something had to be done. Peter Hodgson, a Freemason in Strathearn Lodge was keen to get on with the task and along with numerous volunteers started the recovery process. He immediately took on many roles including Company Treasurer, Managing Director, bar licensee and building licensee to address the issues and provide leadership. He had enormous drive, vision and sharp business acumen. It was crystal clear to him from the start that its management structure had to be changed and that the future of the Hall was in the modernization and innovative use of the building thereby generating funds to develop its potential.
Before
providing weddings and a café and a venue for social occasions generally.
masterminded a whole series of improvements to the building and transformed the Hall Company’s financial debt into a position where it now has substantial reserves. The bar was professionally refurbished and became a great asset. Peter organised volunteer teams working elsewhere round the building. New toilet facilities, a lift, a new roof and then 48 solar panels were installed on the roof to generate income. The old low brick wall around the front and side of the building was demolished and the area is now rented out daily as car parking to local business people. The old ball room, which used to cost money, was rented it out on a five-year lease to a local gymnastics club. This has now been replaced by another lease
Peter also registered the Masonic hall as a charity, which helped to defer costs and set up the Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association (HMBA), which passes on some of the savings as grants to local charities. The latest change was to convert two rooms, which had limited use into a magnificent new room. This has made better use of the space and produce an attractive second Lodge room that will be used by other orders. The original Lodge room is now avaialble for the sole use of the ten shareholder Lodges. Peter is the first to admit that his plans could not be achieved without the voluntary labour of many of the
Over the last twenty years he has
The Rev John Fisher, Peter Hodgson and Eric Heaviside at the Grand Opening of the room
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After Brethren over the years. In gratitude for all he had done the company directors decided to name the new room after him. To this end The Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, and his deputation visited Stranton Lodge on a fine summers evening in June to open and dedicate the “Peter Sotheran Hodgson” room. The new Lodge room was packed with Masons who wished to show their appreciation to one man who over the past 20 years has led the transformation of the Masonic centre in Hartlepool. A great night was had by all of those who attended and the highlight of the evening was Peter’s eloquent and well-structured response to the Toast he received from the Brethren. Well done Peter.
THE MAN BEHIND THE APRON George Paylor, a stalwart of Ryton Holy Cross Lodge for some 30 years, is one of those larger than life characters who leave a lasting impression. For those who have visited Ryton, it is not uncommon to see him delivering first class ritual and then strutting his stuff at the festive board, be it introducing candidates, proposing toasts, entertaining all present with jokes, singing ballads or delivering his impeccable rendition of The Master’s Song. George has sung The Master’s Song for some 10 years, mostly at local Lodges, but also in Edinburgh where he is a member of The Queen’s Edinburgh Rifles (The Royal Scots). He is also honoured to have delivered it in Mark Masons Hall, London, for the Old Wilsonians. However, it is his talents outside Freemasonry which are little known. By day he repairs and sells electric golf trolleys but by night he is a top crooner. Meet George Paylor.
When you hear George crooning the romantic Matt Monroe ballad, “Portrait of My Love”, as he cheerfully goes about his work, you sense this is a man in tune with life. A former Engineer – he was Electrical Production Manager at the now defunct ElectroSpec Ltd on the Team Valley Trading Estate – George now has a workshop at Garfield Golf Club in Chopwell, where he carries out his electric trolley business. “Golf is a passion of mine. I like meeting new people and what can beat popping into the clubhouse at lunchtime for a bite to eat, a chat and a cracking view? It’s a world away from the grind of the shop floor, which used to be my working environment, so I appreciate what I have now”. The Monroe classic is his favourite song. “One of the lines is ‘nobody
could paint a dream’ and for me that sums up working at a golf club”. The 61-year-old, who lives in Crawcrook, wears a white doctor’s coat whilst at work. “Golfers become attached to their trolleys and care about looking after them,” he added. “When someone brings one in for me to mend, I usually say, ‘come on, wheel in the patient’, and if I fancy a round of golf after work, it would be impossible to have less distance to travel.” His other passion is as a member of the Newcastle Male Chorus, meeting in Cragside Primary School. A baritone, he has performed for the last two years at such prestigious venues as The Sage, Gateshead and the Royal Albert Hall, London. The choir is a member of the National Association of Choirs and singing in support of charities is of great importance to them. Their concerts have
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raised funds for Children in Africa, British Lung Foundation, Action for Children, Christian Aid and The Alzheimer’s Society. Underpinning George’s life is his Freemasonry, of which he says: “I am proud to be a Mason and that my Masonry is associated with Ryton”.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE The Lancastrian Suite, Dunston, was once again the venue for the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham and, as always, Brethren from the four quarters of the Province flocked to support the members of their lodges who were receiving honours and to help fly the Provincial flag high. The usual hustle and bustle and enthusiasm for the occasion, was both obvious and exciting as members streamed in to the venue, jostling for the premium seats whilst the Director of Ceremonies, Provincial Stewards and Secretariat put the finishing touches to their practice drills and preparations. With the scene well and truly set and everyone and everything in place the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Norman Eric Heaviside. After first paying tribute to the Brethren who had passed to the Grand Lodge above since the last meeting, the usual Salutations were observed. The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Andrew Peter Fall Foster then retired to
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ascertain whether Stephen William Walker was present and desirous of being installed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. After confirming that he was, an escort was formed consisting of Harry Walker, Stephen’s extremely proud father, and Keith Schaible, both of Castle Lodge, and Jonathan Stapley of Marquess of Ripon Lodge, all brethren representing Stephen both as friends and members of his two Lodges. The escort retired from Provincial Grand Lodge and re entered accompanied by Stephen, who after being presented to the Provincial Grand Master, was installed as Assistant Provincial Grand Master to the delight of the crowded arena. Having been proclaimed in the usual manner, Stephen took his rightful place on the stage to his obvious pride and delight.
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The regular business of Provincial Grand Lodge was then conducted after which the Provincial Grand Master proceeded to appoint and invest the Provincial Officers for the ensuing year. On completion of the investiture of all of the officers, Provincial Grand Lodge was “called off” in order to admit Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham Cathedral and to allow the Provincial Grand Master to perform a most pleasing duty, (see separate article), after which the Dean retired from the meeting which was then “called back on”. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, George Clark rose to propose a vote of thanks to the Provincial Secretary, Phil Rann and his team for the massive amount of hard work that had gone in to the day’s event, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Andrew Foster and
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his team for the outstanding way the meeting had been conducted and of course to the Provincial Grand Stewards for their now famous level of professionalism in organising the spectacle which is our Annual Provincial Meeting. Indeed everyone who had played a part was congratulated on making the occasion so magnificent! Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in due form and the assembled Brethren stood to sing, with gusto, the first verse of The National Anthem, displaying great pride, honour and dignity to both our Sovereign and Country.
After the Brethren had re-assembled in the banqueting suite, a splendid meal was enjoyed, with the obvious buzz and conviviality around the room associated with brethren chatting with friends old and new – friendships made which will endure for years to come. After the Provincial Grand Master, his Officers, distinguished guests, Grand Lodge Officers and other dignitaries had processed from the Lodge in the same blaze of colour as they had entered, the Provincial Stewards executed what they do so well, swooping in to the arena bundling Lodge furniture, pedestals, gavels and chequered carpets out of the arena whilst preparing the room for the next team, who under the watchful eye and leadership of Paul O’Doherty ‘Provincial Grand
Table Planner,’ positioned tables, distributed menus, transforming the room from a bare shell into a banqueting suite, fit for the occasion to allow 450 Brethren to dine. After the Brethren had reassembled in the banqueting suite, a splendid meal was enjoyed, with the obvious buzz and conviviality around the room associated with brethren chatting with friends old and new – friendships made which will endure for years to come.
Once the Provincial Grand Master had taken wine with his various guests, the usual toasts were observed, with the toast to the Provincial Grand Master being proposed by Michael Graham, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. In his response the Provincial Grand Master thanked everyone who had made the day such a success. The toast to the newly appointed officers was proposed by John Paul Thompson, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, with the response by the newly appointed Provincial
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Senior Grand Warden, Kevin Robson. Once the Provincial Junior Grand Warden, Ian Heaviside, had proposed the toast to the distinguished guests, and the Provincial Tyler summoned, the Brethren proceeded to make their way home having experienced a pleasurable, satisfying and memorable day. To read the address delivered by the Provincial Grand Master visit the Provincial website www.durhamfreemasons.org Well done to everyone involved!
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THE NEW
PROVINCIAL WARDENS
Kevin Robson, Provincial Senior Grand Warden
Ian Heaviside, Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Kevin served for 30 years with Cleveland Police, holding a variety of roles in the CID and uniform and reaching the rank of Chief Superintendent. His last six years of police service were spent at the Police Information Technology Organisation in London leading a team responsible for developing new national police IT solutions.
Ian was born in Chester le Street in 1967 and has lived in the town for most of his life. In 1984 he started work as a trainee Quantity Surveyor for Chester le Street District Council remaining in Local Government for almost 20 years before moving into the private sector in 2003. He worked for a number of national constructors until setting up his own quantity surveying company in 2010 predominantly carrying out consultancy work in the public sector. Having attained an HNC in Construction in the late eighties he returned to Northumbria University part time attaining a BSc (hons) degree in Quantity Surveying in 2003.
After leaving the police in 2006, Kevin worked as Project Manager on two EU projects concerned with enhancing public protection at times of emergency, and between 2007 and 2011 he was Chief Executive of the North East Fire Control Company, working on behalf of the four Fire and Rescue Authorities in the north east. More recently he has been engaged as an Emergency Services Business Consultant, with spells at Capita and as an independent. He currently works part time
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helping a number of small businesses improve delivery of their services. He was initiated into the Lodge of Fraternity in Stockton in 1991, and was Master in 1997 and again in 2013. He is currently the Lodge Mentoring CoOrdinator and Royal Arch Representative. He served on the Provincial Media Group between 1998 and 2000 and was appointed Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 2004 and now Provincial Senior Grand Warden at the 2014 meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge. He is also a member of Tees Chapter, where he was exalted in 1993. He was First Principal of the Chapter in 2004, and is currently Director of Ceremonies. He was appointed Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar in 2010.
Initiated into Eardulph Lodge in Chester le Street in January 2001, Ian took to Freemasonry like a duck to water and in 2007 he was installed in to the Chair of King Solomon. Since then he has played a very active role within the Lodge having held office as Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Charity Steward and eventually Director of Ceremonies, a position he currently holds.
Kevin and his wife Michelle live in Stokesley, and have two grown up children.
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In other orders Ian is a member of Sportsman’s Chapter, a former member and Past Master of Cestria Lodge of Mark Master Masons - both in Chesterle-Street - and a member of Bernard Gilpin Lodge of Mark Master Masons in Hetton le Hole. Ian has always taken a very keen interest in the management of the Masonic Hall in Chester le Street and has previously held the office of Secretary and Vice Chairman. He has recently embarked on his second term as Chairman of the Management Committee. Freemasonry is very family orientated for Ian with his father, brother and nephew all being Chester le Street masons. In his own words, “Over the years Freemasonry has become a huge part of my life and is something I really enjoy. My appointment as Provincial Junior Grand Warden came as quite a surprise, however, I’m really looking forward to the challenge, having a very successful year and meeting a lot of new people all around the Province ”
REPORTING
FOR DUTY
THE NEW ASSISTANT PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER At the recent meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in Dunston, the Provincial Grand Master had the pleasure of installing Stephen William Walker as a new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, this was, of course, an extremely proud moment for Stephen and his family as his father, took pride of place in the escort as Stephen’s ‘Chain Bearer’. Stephen was born in Darlington and currently lives near Yarm. After attending senior schools in Durham and Middlesbrough, he graduated from the University of Aston in Birmingham, in 1977 with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy. He married Helen in 1980 and together they owned and ran two community pharmacies, but they are now retired. They have three children and two granddaughters who all live in the Teesside area. As a Lewis, he was initiated into Freemasonry in 1978, into the same Lodge as his father, Castle Lodge, meeting at Staindrop. He served as Master of the Lodge three times, in 1987, 1997 and 2000, has been Director of Ceremonies and Secretary and is currently Benevolent Representative. He is also a member of Marquess of Ripon Lodge, which meets at Darlington. In the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, he was appointed Past
Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in1996 and promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2003. Having being installed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Stephen will be responsible for the Lodges that meet in the South Area of the Province. Also active in the Royal Arch, he was exalted into Rose of Raby Chapter, meeting at Staindrop, in 1990 and served as their First Principal in 1995. In the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham, he was appointed Past Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer in 2000 and promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 2005. He served as Second Provincial Grand Principal from November 2011 until May 2014 when he stood down to take up his appointment as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft. In Supreme Grand Chapter he was honoured as Past Grand Standard Bearer in 2008.
The AGM also saw six brandnew Provincial Stewards appointed by the Provincial Grand Master. Our picture shows them, as they were welcomed in to the Provincial Stewards Lodge at Ferryhill on Thursday the 3rd July. Seen as the workhorse of the Province each new Steward has a particular skill set which will be utilised to complement the established teams, which include Acting Director of Ceremonies, Training and Education, Events and Demonstration teams amongst others. The Provincial Grand Master personally welcomes these new ambassadors at their July Meeting, which sees the transition of the old guard leaving the Lodge having served their statutory six years as members of the Lodge of privilege, to be replaced by the new members chosen to become part of the ‘Well-Oiled Team’. The Grand Stewards will have a particularly busy work schedule ahead in the forthcoming year, and are already preparing for the Launch of the 2016 Festival where their enthusiasm and skills will once again be put to the test.
Outside Freemasonry, Stephen is a Justice of the Peace, enjoys trying to play golf, scuba diving and spending time with his family. He is also very fortunate in having a wife who enjoys foreign holidays and feels compelled to accompany her at every opportunity! We wish Stephen luck in his new position and know that he will be well supported throughout the Province.
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‘MOVE OVER CHARLES’
IT’S TED Serving with the 6th Airborne Division, which spearheaded the D-Day invasion, Ted Holt landed in Normandy at 3.15am on the historic day 70 years ago. “That was my first experience of war, I spent three months in Normandy” said Ted, a Past Master of both Amity and Wear Lecture Lodge, and a larger-thanlife figure, who is known throughout the Province. He also served in the Ardennes, Holland, the Baltics, and Palestine, where he spent eight months before he was demobilised in 1946. Ted has just returned from the 70th anniversary D-Day commemoration, in Normandy, where along with meeting up with his old ‘brothers in arms’ he met and spoke with Prince Charles and Camilla, in fact, only by chance, as Ted had asked for the gentleman in the grey uniform, blocking his view of an organised parachute display, to please ‘move aside’. That gentleman was, in fact, Prince Charles, who promptly turned around and apologised to Ted.
More recently, Armed Forces Day on Wearside saw hundreds of people, including veterans and serving service personnel, turn up for festivities at Seaburn’s Recreation Park. Specially invited guests included Sunderland Central MP, Julie Elliott, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Sir Nigel Sherlock, Sunderland City councillors and Second World War veterans. Second World War veteran and well known Freemason Ted Hold, 93, was the Mayor’s guest of honour. When asked on the day for his feelings Ted told us “Today has been tremendous, I’ve been part of the ceremony, which I never thought I would be. I was at the front of the march; it was absolutely brilliant. I want to thank the council, and the Mayor and Mayoress, for a wonderful day.”
Ted had asked for the gentleman in the grey uniform, blocking his view of an organised parachute display, to please ‘move aside’. That gentleman was, in fact, Prince Charles. 14
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A BROTHER
The Brethren hard at work
IN NEED Freemason Allan Forster is a third generation Group Scout Leader with the First Burnmoor Scouts and also a Queen’s Scout. His father was the previous Group Scout Leader, as was his father before him. It is a family tradition! Allan has done much for his local community and works tirelessly to make life better for the local boys and girls, teaching them everything there is to know about scouting life. He has organised numerous fundraising events, all well supported and all to further his scouting passion, which dominates his life. At the beginning of May, Allan had a particularly nasty accident whilst carrying a bowl of water down the rear steps of Burnmoor Scout Hall, in preparation for a fundraising event for the upkeep of the hall and the purchase of new equipment. The injuries he sustained were so severe that, had a nearby Scout leader not prevented him from trying to stand, he could have lost the use of his right leg permanently.
live on the ground floor of his home. His problems were further compounded due to the bathroom and toilet being on the upper floor and having two teenage daughters and a 21 year old son still living at home. The future for Allan looked very bleak indeed. In order to leave hospital after initial treatment, Allan arranged for a temporary bed to be set up in the kitchen/dining room adjacent to the back door and for a commode to be located in a cupboard under the stairs in the living room. Said Ken: “I found my first visit to see Allan, once he had returned home, quite shocking. How on earth was he expected to make a full recovery when living in such conditions ?” It was then that an idea took hold: a conversion of the property was the answer. Finding the money to finance such a project was a challenge but Ken took it upon himself to try to create a more appropriate living environment for both Allan and his family.
Fellow Mason and lifelong friend, Kenneth Beck, Master of Eardulph Lodge, and his wife were among the first to visit Allan in hospital. They had met some 30 years previously as young tradesmen converting a former Anchorite building into a Museum at St Mary’s and St Cuthbert’s Parish Church in Chester-le-Street. The prognosis given by the Consultant was not good.
After consultation with the Lodge Almoner, Jeff Rowe, generous donations from both the Lodge and from Durham Benevolence in the form of a hardship grant, saw the project come to life. Ken found the community spirit of local businesses inspiring: local builders and plumbing merchant managers were all very generous, not only with their time but with their expertise and materials.
Allan would be unable to return to work for 12 to 18 months, unable to walk for at least 3 months, unable to climb stairs and thereby forced to
Allan’s old “ramshackle garage” has been emptied of its contents and slowly transformed into a bedroom/shower room. The work is almost complete. The
rooms still require decorating, carpets laid and fixtures and fittings installed, but: “God willing, and with the assistance of my Brother Masons, we will get there.” We hope that you will see photographs of the completed project in the next issue. My thanks go to the following: Tom Boyle, Manager of J.T.Doves, Birtley; Simon Sydney, Manager of CCF, Team Valley; Andy Howes, Manager of Headlam Flooring, Team Valley. Also to Neil Marsden, Managing Director of DTC Ltd., for superb plaster work; David Forster for the electrical work and, most of all, to my
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good friend, David Gibbons, for giving up weeks of his time and without whose assistance this project would never have got off the ground.
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ISSUE 15
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PHOTO COMPETITION
WINNER
Peter Johnson a Past Master of Lodge Stewart in Seaham
Winner of this issue’s competition is Peter Johnson a Past Master of Lodge Stewart in Seaham for this awesome effort. ‘Last Dawn’ shows the current war memorial at Seaham at sunrise and in our opinion is a worthy winner! Peter, your whisky is on its way! Same rules apply for this issue so keep up the good work and keep snapping!
CAPTION COMPETITION
TH THIS MON
£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner Another great response to last issue’s caption competition, featuring Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ken Howe scaling the new scouting equipment in full regalia. The winner this time is Jim Latimer, Senior Deacon of Lodge of Industry in Gateshead, with “Kenneth tries to convince newer Brethren that going on the ladder is not as scary as it looks…. Honest !” Well done Jim your prize is on its way!
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TH LAST MON
This issue’s caption features Andrew Peter Fall Foster our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies at the Annual Provincial Convocation, who and why he is blocking the person next to him from view is anybody’s guess!
Winner- Jim Latimer, Senior Deacon of Lodge of Industry in Gateshead.
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HALF WAY THERE When our Provincial Grand Master announced earlier in the year an exciting new initiative to finance the re-flooring of the Great Kitchen at Durham Cathedral as a legacy from Durham Freemasons to celebrate our tercentenary, it was hoped that it would be well received. The manner in which this project has captured the hearts of the Brethren of our Province has been staggering, with donations flooding in from every possible avenue. ‘Paving the Way’ as it has been dubbed, has already seen more than £70,000 pledged as Lodges, Chapters, individual members and other Masonic Orders dig deep to support our world heritage site. To mark the milestone of achieving half the desired target, the Dean of Durham Cathedral, Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove was invited
to the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston in June. In a historic moment Provincial Grand Lodge was ‘Called Off’ to admit the Dean who was applauded on entering the arena and taking his seat on the stage. The Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, delivered his address to the Brethren and invited the Dean to address the Brethren and tell them a little more about ‘Open Treasure’ the major multi phase development project taking place at Durham
Cathedral. The Dean delivered an outstanding talk to the Brethren in which he explained why the project was so important to the Cathedral and what part the great kitchen would play in the new display area. He also took the opportunity to thank the Freemasons of Durham for their generosity and enthusiasm and hoped that this partnership that had existed for decades would continue to flourish. On conclusion of his address the Provincial Grand Master presented the Dean
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with a cheque for £50,000 representing half of the money pledged, to rapturous applause by the Brethren. Let us continue to offer this project the very best of support to ensure that our target of £100k is easily achieved. If you are interested in sponsoring a stone, or your Lodge or Chapter wish to make a donation then please visit the Provincial Website www.durhamfreemasons.org click on ‘Around the Province’ and then ‘Paving the Way’
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FREEMASONRY
Lived respected and died Regretted
”FLIES IN”
TO SUPPORT AIR CADETS In 1964, the ‘2505’ Bishop Auckland Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets was formed to bring together young persons aged between 13 and 18 years who would meet twice a week at the Eden Armoury, RFCA Centre in Bishop Auckland. These youngsters could develop their life skills and be taught the importance of self-discipline. Teamwork was encouraged and training given in basic skills, which included, but not limited to, camping, map reading and First Aid (compulsory). With the guidance and support of a volunteer civilian committee, the Air Cadets were encouraged to prove themselves, as they developed into young adults, by participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at bronze, silver and gold level. These included expeditions, which required competency in a number of skills developed through training funded by the Cadets themselves Effective First Aid training requires that those who teach it be suitably qualified and experienced. Training equipment such as ‘resuscitation mannequins’ enable those being taught First Aid the opportunity to safely practice, demonstrate and hone their skills. Inevitably there is a cost associated with such specialist equipment.
the squadron. Keiren is now 18 and he too will be a Trainer later this year. Royston is a member of Tristram Lodge which meets at Shildon Masonic Hall and he approached the lodges in the area requesting their support. The local lodges responded to this appeal by donating £480, and the Durham Masonic Benevolent Committee swelled the coffers with an additional £500. In addition local businesses played their part. One company, based in Darlington, which provides training for the Health and Social Care Sector in the North East “Learning4ever”, provided two ‘Little Annie’ resuscitation mannequins for use by the squadron. On the evening of Monday 23rd of June 2014, members of the squadron, their Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Dr Ian Pepper, and all of the volunteer committee welcomed representatives of those organisations, which included Joe Bulmer, from the Provincial
Grand Lodge of Durham Benevolent Committee. Joe, when presenting the £500 to the Officer Commanding, outlined to those present that the Freemasons of Durham were delighted to support young persons of the area and thereby assist in their development into becoming socially responsible adults. The air cadets showed off the skills they had learned, which included map reading, camp cooking, drill movements and a practical demonstration of resuscitation. Anyone interested in learning more about ‘2505’ Bishop Auckland Squadron Air Cadets should email 2505@aircadets.org
William Arthur DENNY Ellison Hall Lodge No7165 William David POTTS Crook Lodge No2019
Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Joseph Alan ARMSTRONG Eslington Lodge No4623 Alan BULLEY Bedic Lodge No5915 Leslie BURNIP Willington Lodge No4028 Frederick Reavley HASWELL Manor Lodge No7908 Philip HELME Dunelm Lodge No4079 Charles Harrison MULLEN Kepier Lodge No8308 Edgar ROBINSON Washington Lodge No4346 Norman James TATE Windgate Lodge No6767
Brethren Alan BEST Winlaton Lodge No4546 Alan BRENNAN Pele Tower Lodge No4435
Clive ELLIOTT St Oswald Lodge No4260 Frank Christie ELLIS Tyne Dock Lodge No4218 David Wilson GRIEVES Heugh Lodge No7773 Eric JAMES Benfeldsyde Lodge No7807 Alfred Norman LEE Vale of Tees Lodge No5016 John Brian OLIVER Lodge of Concord No6859 Fred PEGG Lodge of Industry No48 James ROBINSON Phoenix Lodge No94 William ROUTLEDGE Surtees Lodge No4593
This husband and wife team have served as volunteers for the last four years, since their Grandson, Kieren Hodgson joined
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George CHEESMOND St Oswald Lodge No4260
Thomas Arthur CLARK Vane Lodge No3110
It was the need to provide such equipment that prompted two members of the volunteer civilian committee, Royston Smart and his wife Margaret to endeavour to raise funds to purchase his specialised equipment.
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Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England
Peter WEATHERALL Coronation Lodge No2929
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HEBBURN MASONIC HALL
RENAMED. Many of you will remember William (Bill) Gillhespy, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master and member of Perseverance Lodge in Hebburn, whose death at the age of 92 we reported in 2012. The Management Committee of Hebburn Masonic Hall had, for some time after Bill’s death, considered providing a fitting tribute to him as a commemoration of his unprecedented service to Freemasonry and, in particular, to the Masonic Hall. After much thought and deliberation they decided in 2013 to re-dedicate the building in his name. Wednesday 12th April saw the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside lead a Provincial Deputation to the Hall on the evening of Perseverance Lodge’s regular meeting. Stewart Baxter (Worshipful Master of the Lodge) conducted the normal opening ceremony and received the Deputation, the usual business was concluded and the Lodge was closed. The Brethren then stood to receive Valerie and Julie Swinburne, daughter and granddaughter of Bill, accompanied by Selwyn Beattie, a long time Masonic colleague and cousin. They were welcomed into the Lodge to a rapturous applause and
The escort carries the picture of Bill from the lodge room
guided to their seats by Eric Heaviside, who then proceeded to detail the remarkable contribution Bill had given to Masonry in general and to the Province of Durham in particular during his highly respected and illustrious career which had spanned an amazing 76 years, and the high respect he had for this exceptional Mason and friend. (Full details of Bill’s Contribution can be found on the Provincial Website). Eric then went on to speak of Bill’s working life in heavy industry where he ran a Tank Cleaning business based in Jarrow which serviced the many shipyards located on the river. During this time Bill also served as a Justice of the Peace at the Hebburn Magistrates Court.
At this point in the evening Eric passed the floor to Alan Hall, Past Grand Secretary of the Province, who went on to detail Bills membership of other orders. A testament to Bill was the passion in which Alan delivered his experiences with Bill, which had begun in 1978 when Bill had attended Alan’s installation. He said,
“I did not think then that we would, in subsequent years, become such close colleagues and friends in so many different Masonic circles”
Eric then rose to unveil the memorial photograph of Bill, after which the building was renamed The William Gillhespy Masonic Centre and the Provincial Grand Chaplain Canon Ronald Calderwood Black gave a suitable oration. The photograph was then taken from the Lodge room by Arnold Popay, long-time Director of Ceremonies and trustee of Perseverance Lodge, flanked by Valerie, Julie, Eric and Stewart to be mounted in a place of prominence within the Centre. A Fitting Tribute to a remarkable Mason.
He was married to his late wife Marjorie for 44 years and until his death lived at Coppy Farm, Beamish where daughter Valerie along with her late husband Ernest, managed the family riding stables, and her daughter Julie has continued the family tradition with a keen interest in horses and whose riding abilities were much admired and encouraged by her grandfather. Bill also devoted a great deal of time to “Riding for the Disabled Association” where he was greatly involved with the centre at Washington.
The special guests with the new impressive signage
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All for a good cause
WILLINGTON CHAPTER AT IT AGAIN! On 7th June 2014, four members of Willington Royal Arch Chapter set off on a sponsored walk in aid of Cancer Research. Leaving Willington Masonic Hall at 7.30am Ian Mavin, Stephen Botone, Alan Hall and Ken Newton made their way to Crook before joining up with the Derwent Valley Walk, on to the disused Durham Bishop Auckland railway line, ending back where they began at Willington Masonic Hall. And if they didn’t think that was a close shave the social evening
that followed certainly was. After the evening was underway, Ian Mavin presented Keith Gunning (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon), and Colon Cancer nurses Julie Walker and Tracy Wood from Darlington Memorial Hospital with a cheque for £720. Not enough for the demanding audience, Kevin Wise was ceremonially presented to them for his ‘Sponsored Head, Eyebrows, Moustache and Beard Shave’. This was expertly carried out by Geoff
and Sandra Austin, and on completion left a further £280 from Kevin’s work colleagues and people present in the bank for Cancer Research as well as an incredibly ‘shiny bonce’ for Kevin.
DATES FOR THE DIARY 15 SEPTEMBER
19 SEPTEMBER
24 SEPTEMBER
15 OCTOBER
21 OCTOBER
28 OCTOBER
20
MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2014 Avalon Lodge No7647 ProvGM presenting 50 Year Certificate FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2014 Heortnesse Lodge No4639 90th Anniversary WEDNESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2014 Caer Urfa Chapter No4345 Area Group Visit WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2014 Heugh Lodge No7773 ProvGM presenting 50 Year Certificate TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2014 Lodge Stewart No4261 Full Team Visit TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2014 King Oswald Lodge No7344 60th Anniversary
4 NOVEMBER
6 NOVEMBER
22 NOVEMBER
24 NOVEMBER
25 NOVEMBER
11 DECEMBER
Sneak Peek Inside the next Issue:
TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2014 Williamson Chapter No949 Area Group Visit THURSDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2014 Thornhill Chapter No3216 Area Group Visit SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2014 Lumley Lodge No5807 75th Anniversary MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2014 Lodge of Industry No48 Full Team Visit TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2014 Corinthian Lodge No5808 75th Anniversary THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2014 St Lawrence Lodge No6042 ProvGM presenting 50 Yr Cert
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All had a great night and the walk will continue next year. Anyone wishing to take part or give a donation can do so to any Willington Chapter member or contacting Ian Mavin by email rdc379@gmail.com
• The Great War Remembered • What’s in a Name? • The Mystic Tie • Plus all the latest from around the Province Deadline for next edition is 30th September 2014
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Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org