ISSUE 19 – SUMMER 2015
published by the freemasons of the province of durham
SET IN STONE WHAT’S INSIDE
P4
Freedom
P8
Das Boot
P12
Provincial AGM
P15
Be an Angel THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE
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ISSUE 19
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SUMMER 2015
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EDITOR’S NOTES
WHAT’S INSIDE
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it has been another busy three months within our extremely busy Province and, as this issue will demonstrate, when we decide to do something in the Province of Durham, we don’t half do it well! A perfect example of this is undoubtedly the Stone Laying Ceremony within the Great Kitchen of Durham Cathedral which, for all lucky enough to be present, was an inspiring day. A very worthy initiative, raising a tremendous amount of money, by enthusiastic members and executed in such style. Well done to everyone involved. We have also enjoyed an extremely successful Provincial Chapter Convocation at Rainton Meadows and a most enjoyable Annual Provincial Meeting, in the Craft, at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston.
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This issue also keeps you right up-to-date with the 2021 Festival launch, discovers some incredible masonic family ties, reports on a Mexican stand-off by the North East Corner and much, much more.
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Thank you to all who have contributed to this issue and please continue to supply us with your articles, stories and photographs, via news@news.pgldurham.org Best wishes The Editor
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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! @PGLDurham
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PGLDurham
ROOM 14 GETS A HELPING HAND After receiving a request for financial help from Thomas Jones, an area worker of the Pelton Youth Project, Durham Benevolence was delighted to award them ÂŁ500 in the form of a non-masonic grant.
Members of the youth project rocking out!
George presents the group with the cheque
On Tuesday 23rd of June, George Tilley, a representative of the Durham Benevolence Committee, went along to Room 14 of the Pelton Youth Project to present the cheque to Thomas and a number of the other youth workers. In a very busy centre, George was given a full tour of the building and shown a number of examples of the work that is carried out there. Tom, the main youth worker present, explained that the Pelton Youth Project was established in September 2008, after it had been reported that the town had the highest number of reported incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in County Durham. Room 14 has been open for five years now and celebrated its fifth
birthday on 22nd January 2015. Their current program consists of seven youth sessions in total, including senior youth clubs, junior youth clubs and a NEETs group for young people not in education, employment or training. Through their youth work programs, young people can access a range of activities designed to develop their social and emotional capabilities. These activities include film and media projects, music, Disc Jockey work, cookery, art and many others. Through engaging in educational programmes and activities, young people can learn vital skills to assist them in their transition to adulthood. In addition to maintaining the evening sessions, youth workers will strive to provide a work programme that is diverse, engaging and relevant
to current young people’s issues. They will also continue to provide a one-day session each week for those young people not in education, employment or training. The facilities and equipment will be regularly updated and maintained. This will ensure that young people have the best possible space available to spend their free time and participate in the youth work program. Thomas was pleased to tell us that the Pelton Youth Project now has a dedicated member of staff working on film and media projects. This is going to allow this area of youth work to develop considerably in the future and means that young people will have opportunities in these disciplines. Due to Room 14 being in existence for the last five years, the lives and opportunities for young
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people in Pelton and the surrounding area have been greatly improved. The support shown to the project from the community, management and all partners has been excellent and all that has been achieved this year would not have been possible without that support. This grant from the Freemasons will help to finish the music room project and they thank Durham Benevolence once again for this generous support. To read the full story visit our website www.durhamfreemasons.org
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FREEDOM June 2015 will be a month Richard Tucker will not forget in a hurry, as the start of the month saw Richard and his company, AAA Property North East, attend the North East Housing Awards Gala Dinner in Newcastle as a finalist in the categories: “Durham Student Landlord of the Year” and “North East Property Manager of the Year”. However, the climax has to be attending the Guildhall, in the City of London, on Friday, 19th June, to receive the Freedom of the City of London by redemption. The presentation was a personal one, lasting over thirty minutes, with the opportunity to learn much about the history and some of those honoured in previous years. The ceremony was conducted by Peter Ronald Kane, the Beadle of the Court, an ancient title. Previously, Aldermen appointed Ward Beadles to act as Constables for the 25 Wards within the City of London. These individuals carried staffs of office and wore the familiar uniforms that we still see today. As early as the 12th century, when the Livery Companies were forming to control the various trades within the
city, they appointed Beadles to act as a central point of contact within each company. Clerks were not appointed until much later. The Beadle took care of the company’s meeting place, called the court or livery together on behalf of the Master and enforced any disciplinary measures decided by the court. Until twenty years ago, most Beadles were recruited from senior NCOs and Warrant Officers, retiring from the armed forces. Nowadays, they come from all walks of life, but they soon learn that their main role is to maintain the traditions and decorum of the ceremonies.
Freedom – Richard proudly showing off his certificate with wife, Pam
of the framed parchment was used in the early days for carrying it. The gold frame in the picture is that of Lord Nelson’s certificate, with the blue-framed certificate being Lady Margaret Thatcher’s. Apart from a few embellished points, the
The Certificate of Freedom was effectively a licence to trade. It is, to this day, still written on parchment. and has changed little since the 1600s, in that the red casing to the left
ROLL OF HONOUR
Boswell, Gilbert Sylvester Coombs, Ralph John Coward, William John Fox, Peter Neil Hindmarsh, John George James, George Atkinson Nattrass, John Malcolm Nelson, Eric Riches, Ronald George Stephen, William Thompson, Ivan Veasey, David Terence Walls, John Kenneth Wilson, David Weatherell
75-Year Certificates: King David No7667
70-Year Certificates: Cain, Sydney
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Lewis, Terence Henry Reed, George Paylor, Kenneth Mark Reavley, Jeffery Guy Butterfield, Harold Butterfield, William Roxby
Trinity No4751 Flambard No6874 Ryton St Mary’s No6550 Marquis of Granby No124
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Hudson No2791 Caer Urfa No4345 Strathearn No4965 Strathearn No4965 Justice No8361 Finchale Priory No7059 Stanhope No3520 Aclet No5880 Pele Tower No4435 Yoden No5684 Yoden No5684 Surtees No4593 Fawcett No661 Penshaw No3194
50-Year Certificates - Royal Arch:
Amity No3193
60-Year Certificates: Atkinson, John Anthony Goad, Alan Hetherington, John Paxton, Alfred
Following the ceremony, Richard and his wife Pam retired to enjoy a celebratory lunch.
50-Year Certificates:
Presentations of certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry were made to the following Brethren:
Cohen, Mordaunt
parchment has changed little, from the first one presented, to those of today.
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Harte No4217 Rowlandson No3360 Tristram No2415 Tees No509 Tow Law No3349 Tow Law No3349
ANNUAL ROYAL ARCH CONVOCATION The last Wednesday in May saw companions from all corners of the province descend on Rainton Meadows Arena, to be part of the colourful annual celebration that is the Provincial Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham. A lot is said about how impressive our annual meetings are and the Chapter is no exception, as you couple the hubbub of chatting companions with the excitement of those receiving appointments and mix it all with the colourful Royal Arch regalia and lodge chapter room furnishings. Following the processions parading in to the arena and the usual pomp and ceremony that accompanies such occasions, the Grand Superintendent was last to enter, to rapturous applause. After the convocation had been opened in due form, the usual business was conducted, including approving the minutes of the previous meeting, receiving apologies and remembering those who had sadly passed to the “Grand Chapter Above� since the previous convocation. Once the Grand Superintendent had welcomed his guests, and other agenda items had been completed, it was time for the main business of the evening, to appoint and invest the Provincial Officers for the ensuing year. With the Investiture complete, and the newly-appointed officers now all proudly displaying their shiny new provincial collars, the Grand Superintendent
delivered his annual address. In it, he welcomed everyone to the meeting, thanked them for their kindness during his recent illness, congratulated everyone whom he had the privilege of appointing on the day and talked about how we must tackle recruitment. He also congratulated the companions who had received Grand Rank in April, spoke on charitable giving, a Grand Chapter away-day and gave thanks to everyone who had made the meeting possible. After the order of business was concluded, Provincial Grand Chapter was closed in due form and the first verse of the national anthem was sung; the Companions processed out with the same splendour with which they had entered. As the companions chatted in the bar areas, the Provincial Stewards, along with the staff from Rainton Meadows, transformed the arena and the companions were seated and ready to enjoy the banquet. All who attended had enjoyed another memorable occasion and the companions of Durham returned to their respective Chapters. Another thoroughly enjoyable masonic evening, with congratulations due to all who received a provincial appointment.
Companions enjoying the occasion
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A FAMILY AFFAIR We all know the importance of family and how we are taught from the very start of our masonic lives that family must always come first. Some people in our Province are lucky enough to be able to combine the two, and share special masonic moments with their loved ones. Here are three examples of brethren making their daily advancement in Freemasonry a true family affair.
SUPRISE TWIST FOR BEN’S INSTALLATION
The Worshipful Master, John Jennings, opened the lodge in the three degrees and obligated Ben. However, after all those below the rank of Installed Master had retired, he informed Ben that, much as he would like to have installed him, he felt that there was someone else who would much prefer to perform the ceremony. John then graciously vacated the chair and John Cauldwell, Ben’s father, took over.
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Ben had absolutely no idea this was going to happen, as it had been a closely guarded secret between the Master, the Director of Ceremonies and Ben’s father for several months. Needless to say, Ben’s face was a sight to behold; there were even mutterings of, “I’ll get you back for this!” Propriety and dignity were quickly regained and the installation continued. Ben’s ‘new’ apron dated back to 1957, having been worn by his father and his grandfather, his grandfather’s proposer and even his proposer. This completed the full set for Ben and his father, as John had initiated his twin sons days after their 21st birthday, and subsequently passed and raised them. Tim Cauldwell, Ben’s twin, was in attendance but was not able to witness the installation; he is Junior Warden of Lodge Royal Ancient 1179 in Aberdeenshire West, having ‘emigrated’ several years ago!
Ben with his father and twin brother
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I’ll get you back for this!
A good masonic crowd of 96 was there to support Ben, and a most enjoyable Festive Board followed the ceremony.
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Ben Cauldwell, the Senior Warden Masterelect of Bede College Lodge, which meets in Durham City, had a bit of a surprise on his installation night.
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ST GEORGE’S GOES 3G On the 10th March 2015, James Andrew Watson was raised to the Degree of Master Mason in St. George’s Lodge in Birtley. Although similar events take place on numerous occasions in many lodges each year, this raising was a little unusual, as James is the third generation of Watsons to become a member of St. George’s Lodge. His father, Barrie Watson, is currently Worshipful Master of the lodge, having joined in 1998 and is now in his second year in the Chair of King Solomon. James’s grandfather is Kenneth Watson, a member for 26 years and has served as Lodge Secretary
for the past 14 years. James has recently completed a course of video production at the University of Sunderland, and is currently on a work experience project with Hitachi. Both father, Barrie, and grandfather, Ken, took part in the raising ceremony and, naturally, were exceptionally proud to see yet another generation of the Watson family become a member of this fine lodge. We wish James every happiness and success as a member of St. George’s Lodge, and we hope that both father and grandfather have the privilege of seeing young James become Worshipful Master in the not too distant future.
The three generations after the installation.
60 REMARKABLE YEARS
The Atkinson clan proudly posing for a photograph Trinity Lodge, in Darlington, recently helped Tony Atkinson celebrate 60-years in Freemasonry, when the Provincial Grand Master and a Deputation visited to present him with his 60 year Certificate.
acknowledged, but was joined, without prior warning, by his three grandsons, all Entered Apprentices, and his son, Stephen, who had journeyed from Holland for his dad’s special night.
The evening was one of high emotion for Tony, as he not only had this important milestone
In total, four sons: Christopher, Stephen, Mark and Simon, and three grandsons: Jamie,
Peter and Mark Jnr, made up the Atkinson contingent to celebrate Tony’s night. To cap it all, after presenting Tony with his certificate, the Provincial Grand Master then promoted him to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden for services to masonry in a surprise field appointment.
held where many fine speeches were made, complimenting Tony’s achievement and some rib-tickling about his life as an accountant.
Well done, Tony. A truly remarkable achievement!
Afterwards, a Festive Board was
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DAS BOOT Alan Cowell is instantly recognisable by his finely groomed moustache and immaculate appearance. If you have visited Ingham Street Masonic Hall in South Shields, you will most definitely have met him; he is affectionately known as the Mackem Bar Steward. However, there is a lot more to Alan than first meets the eye.
In 2012, alongside Geoff Hadaway and Bob Summerson, he formed the “House Masons”, sprung from a casual jamming session that played at open bar nights on a Friday and Sunday evening in the Masonic Hall. They now are known throughout many Provinces and receive regular requests to play at meetings and social events. Once the bartender’s apron comes off, the rock star is released and Alan does not differentiate between Ellison Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Once he starts playing, the music takes over and the rocking starts. Alan hails from Castletown, Sunderland. His musical interests were raised around the working men’s clubs, pubs and nightspots of the region. He has a love of Blues music and his other influences included the likes of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman.
Alan’s other great passion, music.
He taught himself to play the piano, electric organ and keyboards and a range of other instruments. In fact, if it made a sound, he played it. The bright lights and neon signs of music venues, reaching from the Scottish Borders to Yorkshire, soon beckoned and, after joining his first band, “Stealers”, he went on to grace the stages of many towns with other groups, such as “Camra” and the “Gordon Bennett Band”. After enjoying good regional success, he
Service with a smile
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found himself opening the set for other bands, such as “The Toy Dolls”, as they toured the circuit. One memory that Alan recalls with a smile was when he heard he was to meet and play alongside Bryan Ferry. He practiced deep into the night, only to find that it was not “that” Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music fame. He didn’t let that bother him though and still brought the house down that night. In 1989, he joined Hadrian Lodge in South Shields and has only missed one meeting in 26 years, a remarkable achievement. He not only provides musical accompaniment during ceremonies in his own lodge, but also in many others. Alan was delighted to receive a promotion to Provincial Grand Steward in recognition of his services to Freemasonry. However, Alan is at his happiest when spending time with his grandchildren and is often seen laughing and smiling while spending quality time with them in local parks and playgrounds. But, when the play stops and the children return home, he likes to enjoy a bottle of good wine in some of his favourite watering holes, such as the Steam Boat at the Mill Dam, commencing his journey with the declaration “Das Boot”. When that is said, we all know where he is heading!
NORTH EAST CORNER
Battle wounds revealed
It was the crack of dawn on a dreary Sunday morning when a number of guys met up in a service station, en-route to a forest, somewhere near Scotch Corner, all dressed and ready for combat. They were members of our North East Corner group and they were taking part in their latest social activity paint-balling.
Ten members took part in the day’s activities, along with some members of a local aikido group. Upon being issued with the required kit at the start, it quickly became evident that there were some experts in their midst, complete with their own facemasks and markers (paintball guns).
afternoon session and more of the same.
With the group split into two teams, the games generally involved variations of “attack” and “defend”, starting from different sides of the forest. With smoke grenades and paint flying all around, it was difficult to keep track of what was going on at times and took a little while to get into the swing of it.
Everyone agreed that it had been a fantastic day, that should be repeated at some time in the future and all that remained was to count the bruises and recount the Rambo-style moves employed throughout the day.
After a quick rest and hotdog lunch, it was back out for the
and has seen membership grow to over 150 members. You may have seen those little blue badges, sported on lapel pins of masons across the province.
The day came to an end with a close-range game, designed to use up the remaining paint, and involved the last two remaining members taking part in a Mexican stand-off. This was not the best idea, with the benefit of hindsight.
The group has a number of activities organised for the coming months, including a camping weekend, BBQ and of course their now famous ‘flash mobs’. If you would like to find out more about the group, or are interested in becoming a member, please look out for their newsletter on masonic hall notice boards around the province, or check out their newly-updated website on www.northeastcorner.org.uk
The North East Corner is a social group for young and young-minded masons in our province. The group has been running for over a year now
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SET IN STONE It was special because this was the day that the first stone would be laid in the Great Kitchen, as part of the cathedral’s Open Treasures multiphase development project.
Monday, 8th June, brought out more than just the sunshine, as a lucky group of masons, representing the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, descended on the magnificent Durham Cathedral to meet up with the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham, for a very special occasion indeed.
The floor, paid for by the monumental effort of the Freemasons of the Province of Durham, will be at the centre of the new attraction when it opens in early 2016. The kitchen will house some of the more rare artifacts belonging to the cathedral, including those of St Cuthbert himself. The deputation, led by the Provincial Grand Master, assembled in Prior’s Hall, before making their way in full regalia to the Great Kitchen to meet up with the Dean, members of the cathedral staff and members of the press.
The stone laying team pose after the ceremony
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The Dean welcomed everyone to the special ceremony and thanked the freemasons of Durham from the bottom of his heart for their most generous donation. After handing over the proceedings to the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, the masonic part of the ceremony then followed, with the acting team carrying out its duties with the dignity and sincerity that an occasion of this magnitude demanded. With the inscribed plate and coins of the realm in place, Eric Heaviside received mortar from the builder, Property Facilities manager, Tom Billingtom, and spread it with the trowel over the lower stone, Tom then lifted the upper stone into its place, with Eric striking the four corners of the stone with the maul.
Some of the amazing pictures taken of the ceremony.
The Acting Wardens and Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, then checked to see that the craftsmen had done their duty before Eric received the plans from the Provincial Grand Secretary, inspected them and handed them to the Dean with the words, “I trust you will proceed without loss of time in the completion of the works”. Then came the consecration part of the ceremony, with Eric, assisted by all four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, anointing the stone with corn, wine, oil and salt, being emblems of plenty, gladness, joy and hospitality. The assembled brethren then burst into song, singing the first two verses of ‘Hail Eternal’. The Deputy Provincial Grand Chaplain then brought the masonic part of the ceremony to a close with solemn prayer, before the Dean closed the proceedings with prayer and a blessing.
The stage was then set for the Provincial Grand Master to officially present the Dean with a cheque for the absolutely magnificent sum of £136,000, on behalf of the freemasons of the Province of Durham, to rapturous applause. After photographs, the deputation then returned to Prior’s Hall for light refreshments, before Tom Billington escorted the masons on an informative tour of the whole attraction. To those who were lucky enough to be present, we are sure it will live long in the memory; to those who helped, in whatever way, large or small, to successfully complete this amazing project, we cannot thank you enough. A true legacy, left by the freemasons of Durham to a building that is, without doubt, up with the best in the world. National Heritage meets Free and Accepted Masonry. The
Total Cheque Presentation
£136,000 Total Raised by Durham Brethren
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£121,000
£10,000 given by Grand Charity £4,000 given by Durham Benevolence
2 year Project
completed in only 12 months
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PROVINCIAL AGM 2015 Saturday 27th June, saw yet another successful Annual Provincial Meeting take place at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston, with some boldly claiming that it was the best yet! For anyone who has not attended one of these meetings, it gives often-busy brethren the chance to relax with friends, make new masonic acquaintances and be part of the pomp and ceremony that accompanies such meetings. It also allows brethren to be part of an extremely special day in the masonic career of those being appointed within Provincial Grand Lodge. The planning and hard work that goes into these meetings is evident to anyone who turns up a
activity and bustle, it is fantastic to see.
little early, as you can see dozens of people all fine-tuning their particular contributions to the occasion.
All of this hard work certainly paid off, as all who attended enjoyed another flawless and thoroughly enjoyable meeting, filled with processions, appointments, addresses and salutations and, of course, more gold braid than you can shake a stick at!
Whether it be Directors of Ceremonies practicing their perambulations over and over again, people with a speaking part rehearsing their lines in quiet corners, Provincial Stewards moving furniture, preparing sign-in desks, greeting guests, or donning High-Vis bibs and heading to the car park, sound checks, a complete hubbub of
Well done to everyone who received an appointment, to the Director of Ceremonies’ team who performed so well, to the
secretarial team who organised every last little detail, and to the Provincial Stewards who work so hard in the background, keeping the Province of Durham one of the flagship Provinces in the Country. To read the Provincial Grand Master’s address to the meeting, see all the appointments made, or to view all of the photographs taken on the day, visit the Provincial website www.durhamfreemasons.org
A truly memorable day enjoyed by all
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NEW PROVINCIAL WARDENS Provincial Senior Grand Warden, Clinton Eliot Leeks Clinton worked in Hong Kong for 24 years, first for the government, for which service he was awarded his OBE, and then in the private sector. He came back to the UK in 1999 and has since been operations manager for a north east charity and a director of the Crossrail and HS2 projects in London. Clinton retired from HS2 at the end of 2013 but continues in a number of part-time consulting roles, managing a small IT company, advising a number of UK construction companies and visiting Hong Kong regularly to run training courses. He also helps a number of “not-for-profit”
bodies, in advisory and mentoring roles. He was initiated into Universities Lodge, which meets in Durham, in 2002 and became their Worshipful Master in 2009; he is currently the lodge Secretary. Clinton was exalted into Universities Chapter in 2006 and was their First Principal in 2014. He was also Perfected in Agnus Dei Chapter Rose Croix earlier this year. Clinton lives with his wife, who is a ceramicist, in West Herrington, on the edge of Sunderland, and they have two adult sons.When not engaged in masonic activities, Clinton is a bit of a history enthusiast and a keen hiker, swimmer and cyclist.
Provincial Junior Grand Warden, Ross Brown
He was Initiated into Willington Lodge in May 2001 at the age of 21, by his father and was their Master in 2008. In 2008, Ross was appointed Past Provincial Grand Steward and has served the Stewards Lodge in various roles for seven years. But his biggest role was as part of the Education Committee, who plan and deliver a series of Master Masons workshops.
Ross is currently an Assistant Head Teacher at King James I Academy in Bishop Auckland, where he has been teaching for ten years. Ross is also the Head of Science and responsible for work-related learning within the Academy. After leaving Durham Sixth Form Centre in 1998, Ross completed a BSc (Hons) Science degree at the University of Sunderland, before moving to the USA, where he worked for just over a year in a variety of roles, then returning home to complete his PGCE in Secondary Science education.
He is one of three generations of his family in Willington Lodge, along with his Father, Arnold, and Grandfather, George, who received his Provincial honours on the same day that Ross was appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Ross lives with his wife Frances and one-year-old son, Jackson, at Toronto, near Bishop Auckland.
NEW PROVINCIAL GRAND STEWARDS Amongst the many appointments made on the day was, of course, the latest batch of Provincial Grand Stewards. Referred to by some as ‘the work horses of the Province’, this appointment, although a remarkable achievement so early after occupying the chair of their lodge, comes with a
high level of commitment, dedication and effort. We thank you all in advance for everything that you will be involved with in the future and we also take a moment to thank the retiring Stewards for everything they have done in the past. The new Stewards proudly showing off their new regalia.
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CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR GNAAS Wednesday, 1st July saw Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Durham Benevolence Chairman, John David Watts, visit the offices of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which is housed in the Imperial Centre in Darlington. The reason for the visit was to present two cheques, one for £4,000 as part of Grand Charity’s annual grant and another for £100 on behalf of City Chapter, which meets at Old Elvet in Durham. After an extremely informative chat with Director of Charity Services, Deborah Lewis-Bynoe, and Head of Fundraising, Mandy Drake, John gained even more insight into the wonderful work carried out by this vital service and left with a clearer view of how we can continue to assist these ‘angels of the skies’.
John presenting the cheque at the GNAAS HQ
NEED A TALK? Sun FM and The Journal recently interviewed Bernard Hope, of Sunderland Lodge, regarding his annual involvement in the University of Sunderland Community Lectures. This is the third year running that Bernard has been asked to “kick off” the summer season of lectures at the university. In 2013, it was “Titanic, The Truths and Myths”; last year, “George Mallory, Conqueror of Everest?”; and this year, “Their Name Liveth For Evermore”, which is about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Bernard feels very proud to be involved in this prestigious annual Sunderland event and full details of the articles are on the university website. In his ‘spare time’, he puts on a number of lectures around the Province and anyone who has seen one of these will tell of his professional and interesting presentation. To see a full program of Bernard’s talks, visit his website www.needatalk.webs.com
Bernard at the recent Provincial AGM
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YOU’RE AN ANGEL When someone uses the phrase, “Oh! You’re an angel”, it is usually a term of gratitude for a service or act that shows a sense of caring beyond normal expectations. Hearing the phrase, “Blood Bikes”, you could certainly be forgiven if your first thoughts are of different “Angels”. We certainly had visions of leather jacketclad individuals displaying badges of affiliations to particular chapters, symbols of death, such as skulls and bonding “bikers” as blood brothers. However, that vision was soon dispelled when we learned about the service that the Blood Bikes deliver throughout the Northeast. They are a charity that provide volunteer riders and drivers to assist in preserving and saving life by delivering much needed supplies of blood, blood products, samples and test results completely free to the North East Health Trusts. This free out-ofhours motorcycle service is provided 365 days a year. Those who receive their caring service, at whatever level may well refer to them as Angels As a charity they are in constant need of support to help them
continue with provision of this unique service of medical assistance. That need has not gone unnoticed by members of freemasonry. Numerous lodges have raised funds on their behalf, including Surtees,Rowlandson and Manor Lodges, to name but a few, who have organised events which included a Boxing Day North Sea Dip, raising funds for a number of charities including the Blood Bikes. Members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Benevolent Committee, including Jim Forster met with a number of the volunteers and their machines. Jim took the opportunity to try out one of the motorcycles for size and presented them with a donation of £800. From the look on his face and his pose on one of the Blood Bikes, he looks delighted to be associated with their work. If you would like to know more about the Blood Bikes, you can visit their website northumbriabloodbikes. org.uk Funds to continue this much needed operation require lifeblood itself. There are numerous way you can help them through fundraising, becoming a volunteer rider or in admin support. So be an Angel and do what you can in aid of Blood Bikes.
Jim trying a bike for size
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NEVER A CROSSWORD! Across 1. It makes perfect sense in Architecture (5) 3. A Street is not to be shortened to a St Eric, is this Lodge confused! (7) 6. Kneel and take this solemn oath (10) 8. Did Shirley help Solomon construct his magnificent building? (6) 9. Did Dec meddle with Ants lathe to make this King and Order (9) 11. Place this freely, and give one of these to help out (4) 12. This ear can hear falling water, it must be close to it. (4) 16. Warden, Tow or perhaps Dennis went before this, by rule (3) 19. Seaman or nearly a former Ipswich striker perhaps will lead you to this Chapter (7) 20. The pattern on which tread is as clear as black and white (6) 22. Vince gave a tow and kept it within a length of this (5) 24. Add to corn and oil and the Apprentice has been paid (4) 26. Lend a hand and attach the cable (3) 27. Did Arnie tee off in Hebburn? (6) 28. Mother, you are full of life and absolutely blooming! (6) 30. If you have your morning tea aches will be dispersed here. (7) 32. We accept this costs nothing as Masons (4) 35. The regulations entices and lures these in a strange way (5) 36. The PGM, The Conquest or perhaps Mr Grimsdale’s employee (6) 37. Complete the third step and start anew one of these. (7) Down 2. If you add 50 and not win this will happen, shut it! (5) 3. This shady character is mixed up in rock or sand in Durham (5) 4. Frankie is a fellow and a crooner at this Lodge (6) 5. Sounds like you have changed tread on the care before you left (6) 7. Keep an eye out on the inner or outer, they both protect (5) 10. The capital place to find the United Grand Lodge (6) 13. Architecture, to make do, Richard was found sneaking inside (5) 14. The man in the East caused the stream to ripple (6) 15. Mix some tar to get Mr.Garfunkel (3) 17. They used to put a great deal of reliance in these back then (9) 18. Collect these as a result of your labour (5) 19. The food of love is one of seven, Perfect! (5) 21. Maybe 1952 or a famous street will lead you to this Lodge (10) 23. Oh Lord; you can find him in South Shields (7) 25. Keep this and take a step (5) 29. Bonnie sang outside the door (5) 31. Bob is always optimistic of this second step (4) 33. Turn to this direction to face the Master and the light (4) 34. A newspaper to some: The guiding light to Masons (3)
LAST MONTH ANSWERS
CAPTION COMPETITION Last month’s caption competition really had you all stumped with no entries at all, so we have settled for one of our own with the prize money going to masonic charities.
TH LAST MON
“It was about this time Ian really wished he had tried his Saturday Night Fever fancy dress outfit on before the big day!”
TH THIS MON
This month’s competition involves photographic history. At the recent AGM there was a vicious rumour flying around that Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Martin Rankin had actually smiled on two separate occasions during the day. The team not believing this was possible scoured back through the footage and came up with this picture, a real smile or trick photography? Let your captions decide.
£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner news@news.pgldurham.org
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FIRST PART OF GRANT FOR SIGNATURE At the recent Annual Provincial Meeting, our Provincial Grand Master had the pleasure, and indeed privilege, of presenting Signature with a cheque for £10,000, the first installment of an £18,000 grant made to them by Grand Charity. Signature is a national charity which campaigns to improve the standard of communication with deaf and deaf blind people in the UK. Their vision is of a fully accessible society, powered by a greater understanding of the languages and communication methods used by deaf and deaf blind people. In a short presentation, Gillian Marshall-Dyson, Funding and Projects Co-ordinator for Signature, explained to the
brethren, “the UK has one in six people with some degree of hearing loss, a total of about 10 million people. This means that you are more likely than ever to come into daily contact with a deaf person”. The grant is being used to develop and implement a GCSE in British Sign Language and has already been rolled out as a pilot scheme in six schools across the country.
The representatives of Signature receiving the cheque from Eric Lindsay Foster, Chief Operating Officer, joined Gillian on stage and, after her presentation, the brethren showed their appreciation with thunderous applause.
Yet another excellent initiative by Grand Charity and another huge role played by Freemasonry in the Community.
HOSPICE BENEFITS FROM LADIES EVENING Gary Quinn, the Immediate Past Master of Sunderland Lodge, presented a cheque for £600, on behalf of his wife, Sandra, members, families and friends, to Saint Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland.
The money was raised at their Ladies’ Night by the raffle and ticket sales on the evening. Receiving the cheque was Derek Moss, a representative from Saint Benedict’s Hospice, who thanked everyone for their support and kindness in helping to raise such an impressive amount. Traditionally, it is the choice of the Master’s Lady to choose the recipient of the evening’s proceeds and Sandra had no hesitation in selecting this wonderful charity, after her mum was so well looked after and cared for during her final few weeks in her local hospice in Liverpool. Gary presenting Derek with the wonderful donation
THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE
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ISSUE 19
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SUMMER 2015
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FESTIVAL UPDATE FESTIVAL UPDATE BY THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR JOHN THOMPSON
As you know, in 2016, our province will embark on a 5-year campaign to raise money for The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys (RMTGB). This will be known as The 2021 FESTIVAL. The enthusiasm I have found, as I have visited lodges across the province, has been truly outstanding and heart-warming, even though our launch isn’t until January. We have been asked by lodges and chapters to provide presentations on the festival, which we are more than happy to do. Full details are on the website.
Our current total is an impressive £631,000 - a tremendous start. Thank you to all who have given so generously. At our recent Annual Meeting, the President of the Festival, Eric Heaviside, made some very important announcements. The official launch event starts at 7pm on Sunday 24th January at The Sage, Gateshead. This world-class musical venue will be taken over
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by masons and their families and friends for one night only. The event will be a showcase of musical talent, from highly talented groups and individuals. Some of the performers will be children who have been directly supported by the RMTGB. This will be an event for all the family and I strongly recommend early ticket application, as demand will most certainly be high.
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In addition to general sale tickets, every lodge has been pre-allocated six tickets, to ensure each lodge is represented. But the lodge must purchase these tickets by October 16th 2015, or they will return to general sale. Tickets are on sale now and are available by completing the application form, which can be found on the festival website, www.durham2021.org, from your
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Lodge Secretary, or contacting the ticketing coordinator, Richard Tucker. We have 1600 tickets, of which 300 are free child places; tickets are priced at £15 per adult ticket (17+), with Children (under 16) going FREE (subject to availability, first come first served). If you have any questions on the booking process, please contact the Ticket Coordinator, Richard Tucker, email: rht727@yahoo.co.uk, mobile: 07884 492523
Our comprehensive festival website www.durham2021.org is now up and running. Please have a browse; it has all the information you need on the Sage event, the Raby Gala and the festival in general. Preparations for the Gala are going very well. The Gala team is currently selling advertising space for the brochure, so if you have a company, or know someone who could benefit from advertising in a prestigious
publication circulated around the province, please get in touch. Further details are available on the festival website. Later in the year, we are hosting four festival-awareness seminars around the province. These are intended primarily for the Charity Stewards, and it would be very encouraging if the Worshipful Master and Wardens attended, but all are welcome. The intention of the evening, as the title
suggests, is to make lodges aware of the festival, how it works, our objectives and hands-on training for the senior members of the lodge, most importantly the Charity Steward. These events will be held at Gateshead, Shiney Row, Ferryhill and Stockton and, again, all details can be obtained from your Secretary or by visiting the festival website. Working together we can make a difference!
Lived respected and died Regretted Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England Easton, John Harold, Eslington Lodge No4623
Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Allison, Geoffrey, Derwent Lodge No4250 Angus, Thomas William, Heortnesse Lodge No4639 Beecham, James Jackson, Tow Law Lodge No3349
Visit our Facebook page Durham 2021 Festival, like and Share
Bell, Brian, Strathearn Lodge No4965 Harvey, John, Tyne Dock Lodge No4218 Heslop, Roger, Lodge of Industry Lodge No48 Hill, Philip Arthur, Lodge of Fraternity Lodge No1418
Follow us on Twitter @2021durham
Hill, Noel Lionel Ritson, Fenwick Lodge No1389 Knaggs, John, Washington Lodge No4346 Leask, Peter Henry, Hedworth Lodge No2418 Lee, Stuart Martin, Commercial Travellers Lodge No5089 Skelton, George Douglas, Beaconsfield Lodge No7768 Smith, Thomas, Lodge of Concord No6859 Straughan, Johnathan Nicholson, Cestria Lodge No4493 Swinbank, John Arthur, Ravensworth Lodge No2674 Taylor, James, Heabrym Lodge No7201 Watson, George, Windgate Lodge No6767 White, James William, St George’s Lodge No5720
Brethren Bradley, Peter, Heworth Lodge No6437 Clare, Edward, St Bede Lodge No1119 Davies, Trevor John, Whitworth Lodge No1932 Eadon, Philip David, St Paul Lodge No3242 Ferguson, John, Wear Valley Lodge No1121 Hall, William Cuthbert, Bedic Lodge No5915 Laycock, Richard, Coronation Lodge No2929 Pickles, Alan, Hadrian Lodge No6772 Reed, Donald, Constance Lodge No2135 Soanes, Trevor, Rose of Raby Lodge No1650
THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE
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ISSUE 19
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SUMMER 2015
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DATES FOR THE DIARY SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2015 Spirit of Rugby Lodge No9110 Consecration at Gateshead Masonic Hall
15 AUGUST
17 SEPTEMBER
23 SEPTEMBER
7 OCTOBER
13 OCTOBER
28 OCTOBER
THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2015 St Catherine’s Lodge No5393 Full Team Visit WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2015 Caer Urfa Chapter No4345 Full Team Visit WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2015 Universities Chapter No2352 Team Visit TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2015 Lodge of Loyalty No8635 40th Anniversary - Team Visit WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2015 Lodge of Fellowship No9694 Daylight Lodge – Full Team Visit
3 NOVEMBER
4 NOVEMBER
17 NOVEMBER
18 NOVEMBER
25 NOVEMBER
27 NOVEMBER
Sneak Peek Inside the next Issue:
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2015 Williamson Chapter No949 125th Anniversary WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2015 Sincerity Lodge No6036 Full Team Visit TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2015 Fawcett Chapter No764 Full Team Visit WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2015 Rowland Burdon Lodge No3960 Full Team Visit WEDNESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2015 De Burghi Chapter No424 100th Anniversary FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2015 Craft Promotions Meeting Rainton Meadows Arena
• Get the Point • The Original Blood Brothers • BUNGI Unveiled • Plus all the latest from around the Province Deadline for the next edition is 30th September 2015 news@news.pgldurham.org
Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org
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