Gazette-22 by Durham Freemasons

published by the freemasons of the province of durham

ISSUE 22 – SPRING 2016

Widows Sons Lead the Way

What’s inside this issue...

P14

Lord Barnard Tribute

Strictly Sunderland

Gala Update

Easy As Pie

GET THE POINT THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

EDITOR’S NOTES

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 13

Since the last Gazette it would appear we have all been, as usual, extremely busy, especially with charitable giving. This issue covers a wide variety of worthy causes benefiting from Community Support Grants and individual donations the length and breadth of the Province.

We also concentrate on some remarkable individuals within our ranks; no more so than Tower Lodge’s Rear Gunner, John Linford for his extraordinary efforts during his service to the Royal Air force, and of course our very own ‘Dickie Mint’. It would of course be remiss of us not to pause and remember The Lord Barnard, our Past Provincial Grand Master who sadly passed to the Grand Lodge Above early in April. Our thoughts are with his family and we will recall, with fond memories the dedication and commitment he displayed within our Province. Our brand new Provincial website is now only weeks away from launching and we hope you find its format

a valuable resource as a member as well as a helpful recruitment tool for potential new members.

Please continue to get involved. Remember, we can only publish what you send us, we can only cover events if we know they are taking place. Help us to promote our Province and let the nonmasonic community know what we are all about, let them see the good we do, and the difference we can make within our communities. If we keep it to ourselves then how will they know the benefits of being a member of our fabulous fraternity?

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!

If you have an article to submit or an event that needs covering contact the news team news@news.pgldurham.org

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YOUNG ATHLETES BOOSTED BY GRANT The Sunderland Harriers and Athletic Club received a boost to their funds when they were presented with a cheque for £500 towards the funding of coaching courses. Although the grant was approved at the end of last year, it was March 2016 before it was possible to arrange a date for the formal presentation.

Phil Rann, Past Provincial Grand Secretary, presented the cheque to Kevin Carr, the Club’s Chairman, who welcomed the contribution. The club boasts around 260 members, split into a number of differing age ranges, from very young beginners to experienced seniors. One of the young Harriers is Sarah Crossley, daughter of Gil Crossley Junior and granddaughter of Gil Crossley Senior, both of Lodge of

Concord. Sarah had no idea that there was to be a presentation but, when she heard mention of the Freemasons’ contribution, she came forward and made herself known. Sarah explained that she loves being a member of the Club and told Phil that she now regularly completes twomile runs. She confirmed that she is much fitter as a result of her membership, often running alongside her mother, who she said she can always beat - when running uphill!

The Harriers meet at Silksworth Sports Complex, Sunderland, each Tuesday and Thursday, with sprint sessions on a Sunday. The club is split into approximately 40% senior men, 20% senior women and with the rest being junior members. They are always looking for new members and if anyone is interested, they should turn up at the Club on one of the meeting nights, or contact them on: www.sunderlandharriers.org.uk

Phil Presenting Kevin with the Cheque

Young Sarah Showing off the Certificate with Phil

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ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

WE AIN’T NOTHING BUT MAMILS

(MIDDLE AGED MEN IN LYCRA)

Saturday 25th July 2015 saw the 5th “Annual Heortnesse Charity Bike Ride”, the longest to date, some 65 miles, departing from The Masons Arms in Amble and with a final destination of West Hartlepool Masonic Hall. The Peloton was made up of MAMILs Paul Pearson, Martin Green and John Ripon of Heortnesse Lodge, Mike Smithies of Strathearn Lodge, Heugh’s Mike Altringham and his good friend Steve Bell. The support crew came in the form of Heortnesse’ very own Ian Burton & Kevin Godfrey, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, keeping the guys on the move.

A rest break was hosted by Richard Flounders, Heortnesse Lodge’s cultural attaché to the North, he being fluent in Geordie and Hartlepuddlian, who kindly supplied refreshments, including croissants - not being a cycling nutritionist! It’s rumored that the UCI are investigating suspicious doughnut allegations as we speak. Whilst the riders may deserve the plaudits for their physical and charitable efforts, those who actively provided sponsorship and support also need a big shout out for the astounding total raised of £1,800. This, it must be said, was with a very generous enhancement provided by The West Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association. Friday 19th February 2016 saw the regular meeting of Heortnesse Lodge and, following the lodge meeting, in the less

formal surroundings of the Lounge, Paul Hopper, the Visiting Grand Lodge Officer, had the great pleasure of presenting the cheques from the monies raised from the charity ride. The recipients this year were: The James Cook Heart Fund - represented by Dr Adrian Davies, who expressed his personal thanks for the extremely generous donation which would help to keep the unit at the forefront of treatment and help to fund cutting edge equipment, especially in these times of austerity within the NHS.

charity. Lindsey’s presentation was particularly poignant as her son suffers from the disease and, as a qualified nurse, she is only too aware of the impact of cuts in funding.

The Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) - Lindsey Clark, on behalf of CICRA, gave her heartfelt thanks for the support and incredibly generous donation to an often underfunded and less well known

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Hartlepool Hospice – this invaluable local charity was represented by Janice Forbes, who explained how the financial support would be put to good use. The Hospice, like many of its

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kind, must find the majority of its funding away from the NHS, and such donations are its lifeblood and, as such, are vital to the community as a whole. Once again, Freemasonry in the Community was brought to the fore and the brethren of Heortnesse in particular and Hartlepool in general, are to be applauded for such an incredible achievement.

TOWER’S REAR GUNNERS In the year that Eric Winkle Brown, arguably Britain’s greatest ever pilot, passed away, it is most appropriate that we remember those of his generation who also served and are who are fortunately still with us, to share their memories of those times. One such veteran of the RAF in WWII is John Linford, who flew with 37 Squadron, flying in combat, as a Rear Gunner, in a B24 Liberator, on more than 25 bombing missions over Italy.

John travelled with 37 Squadron, as part of the Allied advance, moving to Libya and then to Tunisia, allowing its bombers to range further across occupied Europe. Finally, in December 1943, the squadron moved to Italy, staying at Tortorella Airfield near Foggia. From 29 December 1943 until 2 October 1945, from its base in Italy, the squadron attacked targets in Italy, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Albania, as well as dropping supplies to the Yugoslav Partisans. The squadron also took part

in Allied operations to mine the Danube, blocking it to Axis shipping. RAF Bomber Command was one of the toughest of assignments of the war with roughly 50% of those who served failing to survive. Those reading this who are at all envious of John’s travelling might reconsider when they look at the quality of accommodation 37 Squadron put up with, hardly that of the modern day 5* holiday maker. Tortorella airfeld tower, 1944. The men lived in tents, using homemade gasoline stoves for

heat and constantly struggling through mud, water, ice, snow or choking dust, depending on the season. An old locomotive boiler, lying alongside the railroad at the west end of the tent area, stoked by an Italian engineer, was used to supply hot water for showers. The airfield remained operational until the end of the war and closed in late October 1945. Even Bear Grylls would struggle to enjoy that lifestyle.

years of membership before being granted honorary status in 2011. The members tell of the great times listening to John reminiscing over his wartime experiences, where even the routine would seem extraordinary to those of the us who enjoy the freedom which he and others fought and some died for. Since mobility became an issue a few years ago, John has been unable to attend the lodge meetings but still takes a keen interest in what is going on through the visits from the Chaplain and other brethren.

After the war, John returned to England and worked in his home town of Stanley, joining Tower Lodge and enjoying 43

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ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

HELP FOR HEADLIGHTS

Stewart presenting the cheque to Tricia and Monica

The Freemasons of Durham were delighted to present a cheque for £500 to Sunderland Headlight, a service user led Mental Health Resource Centre. Based in Mary Street, Sunderland, the Centre provides information about mental health issues, volunteer opportunities and points members in the right direction. They run various courses and recreational activities designed to encourage participation, to build members’ confidence and to assist the service users in becoming inclusive members of Headlight and the wider community. The Centre has been operating for fourteen years, providing the mental health service users with skills that support them on the road to recovery, to become independent, productive in the wider community. Headlight works with people suffering from a wide range of mental health issues and with all age groups. Currently the youngest service user is 19 and oldest 76. Stewart Bell and Simon Cowley, representing Durham Benevolence, met up with Tricia Doyle, centre manager and Monica Saddington, senior support worker, to present the cheque earlier in the year at their Sunderland base. The centre manager explained that support is given to individuals admitted to hospital, where Headlight’s staff and volunteers will visit patients, making them aware

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

that there are people in the community and to give them a sense of normality. When back in the community Headlight visit and aid recovery, helping individuals gain confidence, encouraging them to become active members within the organisation.

70 - Year Certificates: Gordon Johnson

Pele Tower No4435

60 - Year Certificates: Stephen William Speakman Carter Raymond Stephenson

Headlight are extremely proud of the achievements of their volunteers. Service users have often walked through the door feeling low and at the point of giving up. With support and assistance those same people are now volunteering, engaging with professionals and supporting other service users in developing skills and following their dreams.

Strathmore No6229 Fraternity No1418

Royal Arch 60-Year Certificates: Charles Vickers Scott

Liddell No3616

50 - Year Certificates:

Headlight believes that everyone has something to offer and that individuals develop a sense of belonging through participation and relationship building. Encouraging the development of community values has helped to create the caring environment people experience when they access the service offered.

Trevor Radford Clark James Graeme Pugh Kenneth Laidlaw William Chrystal George Anthony Currie Alan James Phillips Peter Barclay Lawson Thomas Allan James Ronald Hodgson William Slaughter David Harris Scattergood James Jesse Gardner Raymond McKeown William Scott Charles Sheldon Marshall John McLean Donald William Hunter

Fraternity No1418 St Helen’s No531 Gyrwy No6462 Sanctuary No8613 Restoration No111 Ryton Holy Cross No4231 Lord Barnard No2935 Tow Law No3349 Coronation No2929 Ellison Hall No7165 Vulcan No5757 Vedra No3137 St Aidan No4080 St Mary’s No4864 Lambton No375 Benevolence No6457 Stewart No4261

Kenneth Morris Shuttleworth

Hugh De Pudsey No4490

Sunderland Headlight’s Vision is:

Royal Arch 50 - Year Certificates:

Developing a sense of community for people with mental health issues where they truly have ‘A Place to Belong’.

James Peter Croft Leonard Henry Gatoff Rodney Curtis Brown Barry Funnell Dennis Fitton Geoffrey Murdoch

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Mariner No3217 Mariner No3217 Saint Hilda No240 Nevill Inst Prins No9441 St Bede No1119 Mariner No3217

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD BARNARD TD

(1923 – 2016)

Following the death of his father in 1964, Lord Barnard inherited the Barony of Barnard. He was educated at Eton and Durham University, where he gained an MSc. During the Second World War, between 1942 and 1947, Henry John Neville Vane served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, attaining the rank of Flying Officer, in 1945. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Northumberland Hussars Territorial Army in 1948 and in 1960 was awarded the Territorial Decoration. From 1964 to 1966, as LieutenantColonel, he commanded the Northumberland Hussars and between 1979-89 was Honorary Colonel of the 7th (Durham) Battalion the Light Infantry. In 1961 he became a Justice of the Peace and, in 1970, was appointed Lord-Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum (Keeper of the Rolls) of the County of Durham, a position he held for 18 years, having served as a Deputy Lieutenant from 1956 to 1970 and a Durham County Councillor from 1952-61. Lord Barnard was initiated into Agricola Lodge in 1961 and became its Worshipful Master in 1968. He was appointed as Provincial Grand Master in December 1969 and installed in 1970, a position he held for

28 years, during which time, he performed his duties and responsibilities with impeccable distinction. In April 1970 he was installed as Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England. He was also to become a Member of Castle Lodge of Harmony and Royal Alpha Lodge, both meeting in London and in which he became Worshipful Master in 2001 and in 2006, respectively. During his term as Provincial Grand Master, Lord Barnard was responsible for overseeing both the 1979 Festival in aid of the RMBI, and the 1989 Festival in aid of the RMTGB. He also saw 23 Craft Lodges being consecrated, many of which made him an Honorary Member. In 1995, to celebrate his 25 years as PGM, a Celebration Dinner was held in the County Hotel in Durham, attended by the MWPro Grand Master, the Lord Farnham and many other dignitaries. Later, in 1996, an Especial Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held in Raby Castle at which he Invested 40

brethren with various ranks. These extra Ranks were granted by Grand Lodge in recognition of his long and devoted service to our Province. Lord Barnard was Exalted into the Chapter of Concord in 1963 and became their First Principal in 1973. He was installed as Grand Superintendent in September 1980 and presided over the Consecration of seven Royal Arch Chapters, during his 17 years in that Office. Lord Barnard announced that he would retire from Office on 31st January 1998. He had served the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, as PGM, for over 28 years, with distinction, tact and authority. He also retired, after 17 years, as Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch Chapter of Durham. At the time of his retirement, Lord Barnard was the third most senior Provincial Grand Master in England. On the evening of his retirement, to celebrate his term in Office, Lord Barnard hosted a Valedictory Dinner Party, in his Raby Castle home, for those

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officers who had served him as PGM. Following the Dinner, Lord Barnard proposed toasts to the Queen and the Grand Master. In response, RWBro His Hon Judge JGK Coles, PGM of Yorkshire North and East Ridings, proposed a toast to the health of Lord Barnard in a most elegant, entertaining and elaborate manner. In replying to the toast, Lord Barnard said “It would be a pleasure to be brought before you!” The Lord Barnard’s personal support for the Masonic Charities has been well demonstrated by the ten times he has allowed the grounds of Raby Castle to be used to hold the Fairs, Fun Days and Galas, which have raised huge sums of money for those worthy causes. Throughout his association with Freemasonry, in this Province and beyond, he gained the highest respect and admiration of all who came in contact with him. He has inspired others to follow his example and there is no doubt that Freemasonry has been so much richer because of his involvement and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed.

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

STRICTLY

SUNDERLAND Six Sunderland couples put on their dancing shoes and hit the dance floor, bringing all of the sparkle, glamour and razzmatazz from the award winning BBC Saturday night family favourite show, Strictly Come Dancing, to the Quayside Exchange, on High Street East, Sunderland.

Nautilus Master, Martin receiving the cheque

The winners, Gavin and Fiona

The Charity Fundraiser was the brainchild of Nicola Collinson and her friend Debbie Hayes, from Make My Day events. Nicola, Nicola, a hugely enthusiastic fan of Strictly Come Dancing, wondered why no one had ever thought of doing a Sunderland version before, so Debbie and Nicola set about persuading people to become involved. On entering, each team received ten hours of training, to make sure they knew their dances and enjoyed the evening. The competitors on the evening were Andy Bradley and Samantha Czwordon-Wright, Ken Dunbar and Gemma Dishman, Simon Robertson and Miss Sunderland Melissa Crawford, Katie Bulmer-

Cooke from the TV programme The Apprentice and Mr Gay World Stuart Hatton, Lorraine Griffiths and DJ Sipho. Nautilus Lodge stalwart and Martinos Restaurant Chain owner Gavin Leng and his wife, Fiona, completed the evening’s dancers. Gavin and Fiona had never danced before and decided to give the event a go as a “bit of a laugh”. After the first lesson, however, they were hooked and they put their all into it and applied themselves as best as they could. In common with many people competing in something new, not finishing last was all they wanted.

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The day of the event dawned and the anticipation and nerves really started to build. Some of the entrants had danced previously, with a few dancing at a very decent level. Lots were drawn and Gavin and Fiona came out last.

in aid of the RMTGB - the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Gavin presented Martin TTelfer, Master of Nautilus Lodge Master, with the cheque at the March Nautilus meeting. A magnificent gesture, which would surely get a 10 from Len.

After a few dances, things were going well and, eventually, they shimmied their way to victory with a salsa version of Viva Las Vegas. The judges warmed to the honesty and effort they applied to the dance.

So the old adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained” certainly applied. The night was the high point of the couples dancing career and they have decided to retire at the top, apart from one final appearance, at a joint Charity Social with Amity and Nautilus Lodges at Burdon Road, in Sunderland, on 21st May.

Each team danced for a different charity, with Gavin and Fiona donating the magnificent total of £2,000 to Nautilus Lodge and in particular to the 2021 Festival is

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As they say on Strictly, “Keep Dancing!”

RABY GALA REPORT

The organisation for the 2016 Raby Gala which is to be held on Saturday, 2nd July in the grounds of Raby Castle is almost complete. The assistance, cooperation and attendance of members of the Craft and their families and its friends will be the proof of it’s success. The members of the committee have been planning the structure of this weekend for over a year and are very happy with the progress to date. The purpose of the event is to hold a Family Fun Day and raise funds for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. There is still an opportunity to take either your caravan or tent to Raby Castle and

spend a weekend under the organisation of the Provincial Caravan and Camping Club. You are able to arrive on Friday and depart on Sunday with all the facilities associated with such an event. The current numbers are approaching 100 caravans and tents. The weekend will start with a function on the Friday evening which is being organised by the Mark Master Masons of the Province under the direction of Billy Duck. This event will be a Country and Western Show and will take place in the main marquee at Raby Castle. Admission which is by ticket only includes a Hog Roast supper and entertainment by Dwight Martin. On Saturday, the main event will run from 10.30am to

and interactive stands, food and drink of almost every variety will be available.

4.30pm, when there will be an extravaganza of entertainment including more than 100 lodge stalls providing a vast array of demonstrations and a variety of entertainment.

The Saturday will culminate with the ‘Luau’ Hawaiian Night organised by the North East Corner. Entry will be by ticket only which includes traditional beach food and music by Zen and traditional beach food.

There will also be an outdoor ring where there will be a continuous stream of displays ranging from BMX bikes, bands, martial arts to fly fishing. In addition, there will be an indoor entertainment marquee which will provide a wide variety of singing, dancing, musicians and magicians.

Each lodge in the Province has been set a target to raise for the Festival and all monies raised by sales of Grand Draw tickets, brochure sales, lodge stall profits which is paid into the Gala will be credited to individual lodges.

There will be two further marquees, one housing craft stalls and the other commercial stalls. Other attractions include a display of classic cars, motorbikes and bicycles together with Army displays

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The Festival website www.durham2021.org provides details of all events, application forms and a list of lodge stalls and activities etc.

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

EGG RUN ROARING When Durham Police, through cut backs to the force, had to cancel their extremely popular ‘Easter Egg Run’, in 2014, it seemed that the event, which had run since 2005, would remain only in the memory of those who had taken part or witnessed the occasion. Tony Huspith, a Past Master of Caradoc Lodge in Castle Eden, had other ideas. Tony told us “Durham Police have, for many years, been the most proactive and biker-friendly force in the UK. I felt that due to government cut backs, sick children in local hospitals should not miss out on a special treat and, as Durham Police had supported us bikers for some time, I thought that this was our turn to support them in return”. For those not familiar, the Easter Egg Run involves a group of bikers meeting up in Durham and cruising, in convoy, to

hospitals in both Durham and Darlington, to deliver Easter Eggs in spectacular style and to the lasting enjoyment of the sick children across the region. Tony set up a Facebook page three years ago thinking it would attract perhaps 30-40 bikers and was amazed when 350 turned out for the event! Last year 700 attended and this year blew everyone away when a staggering 1,000 bikers gathered in Tesco car park in Dragonville, Durham, on a blustery Easter Sunday, to play their part in a truly remarkable occasion.

The Widows Sons ready to lead the way!

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SUCCESS As the event grew bigger Tony knew he needed help and asked the Bogeymen Motor Cycle Club to marshal the event, which was a weight off his shoulders. His thoughts then turned to someone to lead the group and he instantly thought of the Widow’s Sons Masonic Bikers (Durham Chapter). Through his regular visits to lodges around the region with the North East Corner he had met more and more Widows Sons and thought this would be an ideal opportunity for the biking community and the public as a whole to see what a great bunch of guys they are.

raised over £1,500 for Miles for Men, Durham Retired Police Dog Benevolent Fund, 4Louis Round Britain Challenge and Hands On which is a local art club for children suffering from Autism and Dyspraxia. Tony was extremely thankful to many who had helped behind the scenes in making the event possible and, of course, to the 1,000 bikers who had taken time out of their lives to make a difference to a sick child’s Easter. Well done Tony and everyone involved!

“I was filled with pride as I waved Andy “Hoggy” Bridger, Chairman of the Widows Sons and the rest of the bikers off at the start. Money is still coming in but at the moment we have

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ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

GRAND RANK CONFERRED

Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th April saw the Annual Investiture meetings of the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter respectively and, as is now the norm, a strong contingent of Durham Freemasons where in the capital to either receive or support brethren and companions receiving an appointment or a promotion. As usual, all who attended thoroughly enjoyed the pomp and ceremony of these two marvelous occasions and we offer the new appointees many congratulations and wish them the best of health and happiness to enjoy their new roles. Receiving Craft First Appointments were: David Nigel Hanson Gordon Brewis William Crutchley Edwin John Jeffrey John Nicholson Paul Bruce Debenham

GStB PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGStB

Promotion: Kenneth Wake

PJGD

Receiving Royal Arch First Appointments were: Keith Bibby Michael Davis Gordon Gary Gilbraith Gary Martin

PGStB PGStB PAGDC PAGDC

Promotions: David Bambrough Peter Cresswell Birtwisle Dr Peter Dunlop Kay

Want to keep up to date with everything that is happening within our Province and beyond as it happens? Well now you can with the launch of our very own Facebook page. Search for ‘The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham’ and hit the ‘like’ button and you will automatically be alerted when new articles are live on the Provincial website, be able to share photographs from various events, scroll back through our timeline for historic events and much more. Don’t be the last to know, join our online community today!

PAGSoj PAGSoj PAGSoj

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WHEELCHAIR PUSH...

EASY AS PIE

Joseph receiving his personalised pie from Taylor’s Pie Shop

Seasoned fundraiser, Joseph Beck (87 years old and in a wheelchair) wanted to continue collecting money for charity. The pensioner, from Sacriston, took part in a seven-mile wheelchair push, raising £1,400 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Joseph, along with his son Ken, came up with the idea of the sponsored push from Durham Masonic Hall to Chester-le-Street Masonic Hall. The pair were joined by 15 Freemasons including fellow wheelchair-user Peter Taylor.

One of the hardest things to organise was a suitable day for the push, as it needed to be a day when both Sunderland and Newcastle supporters were free. Once a day was found, the wheels were, quite literally, set in motion. One of the participants, Mark Gilpin, 59, formerly of Chesterle-Street and now Morpeth, was airlifted to hospital after a head-on car crash in 1992. Mark said: “It took me two and a half hours to be cut out of the wreckage and I lost six and a half pints of blood at the scene. I had 14 hours of surgery and spent four weeks in intensive care. I wasn’t expected to live. I wouldn’t be here without those who fought hard to save me, including the Great North Air Ambulance.”

At a recent regular meeting of Cestria Lodge in Chester-leStreet, representatives of GNAAS delivered a presentation, followed by a question and answer session, within the lodge room. Later, at the festive board, the cheque was presented by the members of the lodge and the participants from the day.

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During the event the party stopped for sustenance, in the form of a good old meat pie and where better to stop than Taylor’s Pie shop in Pity Me. Curious as to what the group were up, to the staff were extremely interested to hear of the fundraising efforts on behalf of the GNAAS. So impressed were they that they invited the group back in January to present Joe with his very own personalised pie as a thank you for his hard work!

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

HAMMURABI ON PARADE Freemasons come from all walks of life, but the members of Hammurabi Lodge steal a march on most. Born of an initiative which centred around members of the uniformed services and in particular, the Police Force, the lodge meets on a Monday evening, as this was thought the most likely time that local serving Officers would be able to find time, between shifts, to attend meetings.

The name Hammurabi is taken from the name of the sixth King of the First Babylonian Dynasty and is representative of the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest codes of Law in surviving history.

being escorted into the Lodge room by an escort of former Royal Military Police Officers and serving Masons, Mel Herbert of Quest Lodge in Seaham and Hammurabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Tom Urwin.

History was certainly being made recently when WO1 (RSM) Mark Ingram, a Master Mason, attended their meeting at Durham Masonic Hall in Old Elvet.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John David Watts, himself a former long serving Police Officer announced Brother Ingram and invited the members and visitors present to stand in a show of respect for the dedicated service shown. Mark entered in full Military No2 Dress, complete with his Master Masons Apron.

Mark is a member of Cestria Lodge, has served with the Royal Military Police for over 20 years and has seen active service in a number of Countries across the globe. He is due to retire from the Forces in June of this year. In true military style, this remarkable Soldier, Mason and Man, was given the honour of

Mark with his Escort

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS A little bit more of a brainteaser this issue! Can you find the Lodge numbers in the grid? All numbers relate to Craft Lodges and can be found in any direction, some may even be mentioned more than once! 48 6874 4750 240 2441 9255 6003 6550 7201 7856 1650 3360 1119 9815 2418 4347 9666 9440 1230 4864 4350 6859 7807 9671 6158 5879 3417 6217 7768 1970

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This was certainly a night to remember and testament to the respect shown by Freemasonry to all the Armed and Uniformed Services and, in particular, to the traditions of Hammurabi Lodge.

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SUNDERLAND LEGEND VISITS NAUTILUS The 3rd Friday of the month is a red letter day in the Masonic diary of many Sunderland Masons; not only as it’s the start of the weekend but, more importantly, it’s the regular meeting of Nautilus Lodge which meets at the Freemasons Hall, Queen Street, Sunderland.

Micky with the lodge members Friday 15th January was no exception to the rule. Not only did the lodge have two new members to initiate, it was also the date for the much anticipated visit to the lodge of Micky Horswill, the SAFC Legend and 1973 FA Cup winner. Nautilus Lodge is currently going through something of a renaissance. After some difficult times and with a dwindling membership, its days looked to be numbered. After some sterling work from lodge stalwarts David Lawson, Mark Smith and Martin Lawson, along with many others, the lodge has turned a corner and is going from strength to strength, with new members joining at practically every meeting. The much anticipated evening drew a large turnout from all corners of the Province. After a successful ballot, Wayne Anthony Hardy and Stephen John Crawford were initiated into the lodge. A double ceremony has become a Nautilus standard of late, with its current backlog of new members. The lodge was then closed and the Brethren retired to the Festive Board. The visit of Micky Horswill to the lodge was the result of a friendship established when the

lodge’s Master, Martin Telfer and fellow Nautilus member, Gavin Leng, travelled to Naivasha in Kenya to provide much needed aid for local children. They were joined by family and friends and visited Kari Nursery and Primary School and the local hospital. They were there to distribute a container-load of clothes and toys that had been donated kindly by the good folk of Sunderland. The African adventure included a visit to the local football club academy, Sunderland AFC Keroche. Martin and Gavin are part of a group of Sunderland supporters and local businessmen who sponsor the Kenyan team. They were joined on the trip by Micky Horswill, who helped at a coaching session for the local kids. At the Festive Board, Micky introduced himself and explained how, from his humble beginnings in Anfield Plain, he went on to play professional football for Sunderland, Manchester City, Plymouth Argyle, Hull City, Happy Valley in Hong Kong and Carlisle United, where he finished his career. When Alan Brown was the Sunderland Manager, he signed Micky as an apprentice, on an

initial wage of £8 per week. His duties included cleaning boots, the baths, the showers, painting offices and any other menial tasks required. When he signed as a professional his pay rose to the princely sum of £18. Alan Brown was eventually replaced by Bob Stokoe, who never made any secret of his allegiance to Newcastle, but also allowed players the freedom to express themselves, something that Alan Brown never allowed. Micky recalled Ian Porterfield giving him some of the best advice he ever received and something he stuck to for the rest of his career; “Give the ball to one of us that can play. Don’t do too much with it”. As the team enforcer, he would stick his foot in, win the ball and get rid of it, as soon as possible. The 1973 FA Cup run was recalled in great detail. From the bottom of the old 2nd Division they went on to beat Leeds United, one of the powerhouses of English Football at the time, thus going down in history and local folklore. He moved to Manchester City from Sunderland, along with Dennis Tueart, in a deal which valued him at around £100,000

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and which brought Tony Towers to Wearside. In Manchester, Micky lived with George Best for two years. Football was a very different game back then, both on and off the pitch and, by his own admission, Micky liked a drink and, perhaps not surprisingly, he doesn’t remember much about that time or of the period towards the end of his career, when in Hong Kong, playing for Happy Valley, he teamed up with the England World Cup-winning Captain, Bobby Moore, who apparently liked a drink even more than Besty. Not only was the game different in those days, so was the remuneration. The Sunderland team received £750 each and a holiday to Majorca, for winning the Cup. With a tax rate at the time of 80%, however, they didn’t see much from it. The success of the evening could be measured by the queue of people lining up for a signed copy of Micky’s book. He also signed two prints, one for the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, an ardent Sunderland supporter, and the other to be a prize in an upcoming raffle.

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

CADETS HIT BULLSEYE WITH GRANT Consett Air Training Corps started life in a building which was a little worse for wear and which was eventually demolished, causing them to move into the local Fire Station. This was logistically not very satisfactory, so when a new building was erected for the Army Cadets in the town, the ATC were given permission to share the building, as long as they paid their way. At the ATC young cadets, male and female, are kept off the streets, taught general life skills, how to help others and are prepared for adult life.

One of the instructors, Flt Sgt Les Lawson, has been teaching the cadets archery, but with only one bow and three arrows, lessons, as you can imagine, have been somewhat limited.

The application resulted in a grant of ÂŁ700, and Brian Graham, representing Durham Benevolence, was given the honour of presenting the cheque to the Cadets. Brian attended one of their meetings in Consett and was introduced to Flt Lt Dave Parker and Flt Sgt Lawson, together with several Cadets.

Phillip Hopps, who has attended many masonic evenings at Stanley and Chester-le-Street, heard that the masons offer Community Support Grants to worthy causes and thought he would apply, to enable the cadets to acquire some additional archery equipment.

The ATC were overwhelmed by the generosity afforded by the Freemasons and were keen to show Brian around their building, leaving him extremely impressed by the ventures being undertaken.

The Squadron Showing off their new Equipment

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Asking the Cadets, whose ages ranged from 14 to 20, what they hoped to achieve, many hoped, one day, to enlist in the RAF. Brian had a very enjoyable evening with them all and is sure that the grant has gone to a very worthy cause.

LOCAL CARERS ‘BOWLED OVER’ The Carers Association in South Tyneside (CAST) was recently “Bowled Over” by the generosity of the Freemasons of Durham. CAST is based in South Shields and is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the needs of carers in the Borough. CAST is now a Registered Charity and employs 21 paid staff and 29 volunteer workers. Their objective is “to provide support to persons residing in the Borough of South Tyneside, who care for persons suffering from disabilities arising from age, physical or mental conditions, leading a restricted life, and who are therefore in need of support and assistance”.

Kevin and John presenting the cheque to Gill

Approximately 17,000 people in the Borough are carers, many providing over 20 hours of support, every week.

South Shields Mason and full-time Carer, delivered a wonderful donation of £600 to Gill Smith, Chief Officer of CAST,

Non-masonic charities are regularly supported by Durham Benevolence, who were quick to act when realising the fine work done by these volunteers, who dedicate themselves to providing round-the-clock care, for those who need it.

Gill explained: - “Like many charities, we are struggling to maintain our services at the moment as austerity measures begin to bite. We are therefore extremely grateful to the Benevolent Committee of the Province of Durham Freemasons for their kind donation of £600 towards our costs. This will be put to excellent use, supporting the family carers of our charity”.

John Leadley, representing Durham Benevolence, accompanied by Kevin Carter, a

Some of the funds were used to arrange a night of fun activities which included a long-awaited visit to a local bowling alley, providing a much needed night of enjoyment for carers and cared for alike. Smiles and laughter were the order of the day and a sense of fun and relaxation proved to be the perfect score. Anyone who would like to find out more about CAST can contact them on 0191 454 3346 or by visiting www.stcarers.org.uk.

The Group Enjoying some well over-due Smiles and Laughter

THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

WHAT A MINT MAN Richard Armstrong a “Mint” Man

In a Province so large and diverse as Durham, you could ask many a brother who Richard Armstrong is and a good few may stare blankly, but ask them if they know “Dickie Mint” and a wide smile usually spreads across their faces. Richard, arguably the beating heart and soul of Rowland Burdon Lodge in Castle Eden is a man who could fulfil the mould of the perfect mason. Indeed, he will share his time, effort, energy, friendship, charity and as well as acting as chauffeur to those in need.

nervous dry mouth, be it Initiate or incoming Provincial Grand Master. But Richard is so much more than just Dickie the mint man, often found at many a lodge filling in wherever he is needed, no role is below him irrespective of his own well-earned rank.

Richard is a polite and unassuming man, extremely quick to share praise offered him, often playing down his huge contribution for all the hard work he carries out on behalf of his lodge, his Province and Freemasonry in general.

Richard is also a regular contributor to many lodge ceremonies as a guest, with his heartfelt or heart-felt wordperfect explanations. Many a brother has a more thorough understanding of the apron he is wearing, or a ceremony he has witnessed from Richard’s efforts. Richard’s work as a Steward is also one more of his well-known talents, indeed it seems he fulfils the role at least at every Hartlepool lodge, mind you, watch out as Richard’s love for dessert is almost as legendary as his mint provision.

Whether it be his ready supply of mints at many a Masonic event from the Provincial AGM to the majority of meetings in Hartlepool, Castle Eden or further afield. Richard’s warm smile and endless generosity has been the salve of many a

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Over the past several months Richard has put his mint prowess toward raising money for the 2021 Festival. As well as his usual supply Richard has carried with him a jar full of his famous mint Imperials with a view to folk paying a small fee to have a guess at the total therein, with the aim of winning a cash prize. Wednesday 16th March saw the culmination of Richard’s efforts when, at the regular meeting of Rowland Burdon Lodge, a cheque for £805 was presented by the Worshipful Master, Paul Cooper, to the 2021 Festival Director, John Thompson. Nick Cavilla from Hartlepool and Roger Douglass from Durham both correctly guessing that the jar contained 521 mints. John described Richard as a model fundraiser and that the

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lodges at Castle Eden were beacons for the Festival. He then had great pleasure in presenting Richard with the Provincial Grand Master’s certificate of recognition for his magnificent achievement, which Richard immediately assured us was not his but that of the lodge and all those who supported him from across the province Such is the measure of the man that, even when his hard work is highlighted, he insists it is shared by others. So next time you take a mint from Richard, please be sure to thank him, not just for that little mint, but for his huge ongoing contribution to Freemasonry in our Province. I’m sure you will agree, Richard Armstrong most certainly is a Mint Man.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Lived Respected and Died Regretted Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England

MAY

FRIDAY 13TH MAY 2016 Eardulph No6645 Team Visit

JUNE

SNOWBALL, Michael Sydney Universities No2352

FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2016 Nautilus No4259 Team Visit

Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham ADDISON, Peter Lowson Agricola No7741 ANDERSON, Derek Heugh No7773

MAY

TUESDAY 17TH MAY 2016 Cuneceastre Chapter No1274 Full Team Visit

JUNE

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE 2016 Lancastrian Suite, Dunston Provincial Annual Meeting

BEATTIE, Thomas Robinson Gateshead Fell No4349 CHARLTON, Albert William Sunderland No4114 DAVIES, Graham Barry Indaba No9454 DOBSON, James Eric Bernard Gilpin No3076

MAY

WEDNESDAY 25TH MAY 2016 Rainton Meadows Annual Chapter Convocation

JUNE

MONDAY 27TH JUNE 2016 Industry No48 PGM Certificate Presentation

EARNSHAW, Donald Bernard Gilpin No3076 HEWITSON, Derick Beacon No6891 HOPPER, John Norman No1334

JUNE

MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2016 St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No5720 Full Team Visit

NOV

HUME, Derek Benfeldsyde No7807

FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2016 Rainton Meadows Annual Promotions Meeting

JOHNSON, Gordon Pele Tower No4435 LEE, Eric Odyssey No9739 ROBSON, Charles Allen Ryton Holy Cross No4231

JUNE

THURSDAY 16TH JUNE 2016 Universities No2352 PGM Certificate Presentation

DEC

ROSS, Alistair Beaconsfield No7768

MONDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2016 Durham Cathedral Provincial Carol Service

RYAN, Kevin Longscar No6203 SAWYER, Richard Pele Tower No4435 STOUT, John Reginald Norman No1334 SYKES, Albert Harold Flambard No6874 THOMPSON, Gordon Hadrian No1970 TRENHOLM, John Charles Indaba No9454

Brethren BAYSTON, William Rowlandson No3360 CAIRNS, John Roger De Fery No5879 CAMERON, Raymond Winlaton No4546 DAVIS, Aubrey Bedic No5915

HUGHES, Denis Avalon No7647

HUNT, Kevin Terrence Rowland Burdon No3960 PENTLAND, Duncan Thomas Hadrian No1970

STEPHENSON, Raymond Fraternity No1418

WEBB, William Roy Stockton-on-Tees No9667 WILKINSON, Lawrence Barnard No1230

THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE

ISSUE 22

SPRING 2016

WE CAN DANCE

John Thompson and John Parker meet the team at Abbey Hill Academy in Stockton.

Operating on an entirely voluntary basis, We Can Dance, is a registered charity run by a hard-working committee of seven, chaired by Yvonne Nicholson, the wife of Chris Nicholson, a member of Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters in Darlington.

The Committee works tirelessly to raise the substantial funds required to provide professional teachers, trained by the Royal Academy of Dance and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, for ten schools, across three Provinces, one of which being Durham. This funding enables them to give weekly lessons during term-time and to operate one- and two-day workshops in term-time and during the holidays. The aim being to give children and young people with special educational needs and varying degrees of disability, the opportunities to access dance. The teachers provided are experienced in teaching children with these needs, and classes are planned to give students the maximum

Simon Atkinson presenting the Darlington Cheque

benefits and to suit the needs of each school. Since 2009, two of the schools in the Tees Valley area have been entering students in graded BATD exams, starting at level one and going up to level six, with remarkable success. John Parker a member of Marquess of Ripon Lodge, which meets in Darlington, and his wife Ann, as friends of Yvonne and Chris, have supported this Charity and attended many of the fund-raising functions over the past 15 years or more and, more recently, have been joined at these by Simon Atkinson, a member of Trinity Lodge, which also meets in Darlington, and his wife Mel.

Together, John and Simon decided to make an application to Durham Benevolence for a grant to help towards the cost of providing these teachers. This resulted in a very welcome grant of £250 and, on 11th February, John Thompson, the 2021 Festival Director, visited Abbey Hill Academy at Stockton and spent time watching the pupils enjoying one of the dance classes helped by this donation. Whilst there, he presented the cheque, from Durham Benevolence, to Yvonne Nicholson, as Chairman of the Committee.

from within the mandate permitted by their respective Lodge By-laws. As a result, on 16th March, further cheques to a total value of £650 were also presented to Yvonne by Simon and John at Beaumont Hill Academy in Darlington, another of the schools where We Can Dance provide a teacher for such classes and where many of the pupils have an even greater degree of disability. This was possible thanks to the generosity of Restoration, Marquess of Ripon, Dunelm, St. Oswald, Darlington and County Lodges, all based in Darlington.

In addition, John and Simon had canvassed the Masters of all the Darlington Lodges to see if they were able and willing to add to this sum, donating modest amounts

The total monies raised and donated, of £900, will now fund another 36 lessons for these children. To find out more visit www.wecandance.co.uk

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE IS 30TH JUNE 2016 NEWS@NEWS.PGLDURHAM.ORG

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