Gazette-29 by Durham Freemasons

ISSUE 29 – SPRING 2018

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS

OPENING CEREMONY

FOR MCF WINNERS

What’s inside this issue...

P13

P15

A Day of Joy and Celebration

Alice House

Caring Volunteers

Education and Training

GET THE POINT ISSUE 29

SPRING 2018

EDITOR’S NOTES

WHAT’S INSIDE

An action-packed end to 2017 saw the Province in all its glory in November as we celebrated at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston with those brethren being promoted within Provincial rank as a reward for their continued service to freemasonry. At that same meeting we were delighted and privileged to witness our Festival Director, John Paul Thompson, being invested as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master, followed by the Christmas Party with record numbers enjoying the festive banquet.

We are now fully in the swing of 2018, which will again see our brethren taking part in the many fundraising events organised by our Festival Team. The bath is over half full seeing a staggering £1,800,000 raised as we continue to strive towards our £3million target by 2021. Saturday 20th January saw the first of the Training and Education Seminars taking place, at Shiney Row - for Secretaries and Treasurers and proving to be a tremendous success. Further seminars, covering all disciplines, are scheduled over the coming

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months; contact your lodge Secretary for further details which can also be found on the Provincial Website.

Please continue to report matters of interest - events both within your lodges and the local community - to the Communications Team who rely heavily upon your editorial contributions To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues email: news@news.pgldurham.org Paul O’Doherty Editor

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

DURHAM BRETHREN REMEMBER Sunday 12th November 2017 saw hundreds of brethren from every part of our Province turn out in their masonic collars to attend their local Remembrance Day parades.

and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars and other conflicts to enable us to live in the peaceful society we do today. Well done once again to everyone involved.

As usual, this day was supported extremely well with many turning out on a rather chilly November morning to fall silent and spare a moment from their busy lives to remember men

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

A momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reflection at Sunderland Ceno taph

The Grand Raffle Andrew Foster and his team have almost ÂŁ8000 to give away in a Grand Prize Draw. Tickets will be going on sale soon within your lodges. These tickets can be sold to everyone including friends, family and work colleagues. The credit from your sales will be credited to your lodge against the lodge target. The draw will be held at the Promotions meeting by the PGM in November.

So good luck everyone

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A DAY OF JOY AND

CELEBRATION The Annual Provincial Promotions meeting, or the Provincial Christmas Party as it is often referred to, took place this year at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston and boasted a record attendance. Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, followed by the first main item of business which was to install John Paul Thompson installed. Eric then proceeded to promote brethren in Provincial Grand Lodge being honoured for their continued hard work and dedication within their lodges, their masonic halls and their communities. Provincial Grand Lodge was then ‘Called Off’ to allow David Innes, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, accompanied by representatives of the eight Charities receiving a special Support Grant, to enter the meeting. The Provincial Grand Master then delivered his address in which he congratulated all those he had earlier promoted, he also summarised the Tercentenary year, non-masonic donations, the future of our masonic centres, and he gave an update on the 2021 Festival.

John Paul Thompson the new Assistant Provincial Grand Master

work undertaken by the MCF over the last two years, and its plans for the future, requesting that individual Lodges record and communicate to the Province any charitable donations they make to provide a more accurate analysis of our annual charitable contributions. The Provincial Grand Master, assisted by David Innes, then proceeded to make eight very special presentations in the form of Community Awards following an online poll open to masons and the public: Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group – £25,000 Northumbria Blood Bikes – £15,000 Café JJ – £15,000 Teesdale Disability Access Forum – £6,000 Centrepoint North East – £6,000 Family Action The Bridge Young Carers – £4,000 St Mary’s Community Association – £4,000 COAST (Formerly FOCAST) – £4,000

Eric spoke of the TLC scheme and its huge success; a lot of which was attributed to the hard work and dedication our Chief Teddy, Harry Norman, who had successfully headed the TLC project for the last 12 years. Eric announced that it was Harry’s intention to retire from that position and that Duncan Maw of St Oswald Lodge had agreed lead the project. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to the scheme Eric presented Harry with the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Service to Freemasonry, an extremely high honour indeed. David Innis then addressed Provincial Grand Lodge, bringing the brethren up-to-date on the

With the meeting closed in due form the Lancastrian Suite staff, assisted by the everhard-working Provincial Grand Stewards, transformed the room into a banqueting hall allowing the Christmas festivities to begin. The evening was rounded off by an impressive toast to the Provincial Grand Master by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Craig Steele. Another fantastic evening doing what our PGM always asks us to do - enjoying our Freemasonry!

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Tony collects his award from the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court.

The Guildhall

LONDON CALLING FOR TONY! On Tuesday 28th November, in the stunning surroundings of the Guildhall, London, in a prestigious ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court, Tony Coote of Lambton Lodge No.375, was made a Freeman of the City of London.

Tony is a member of the Cambridge University Heraldry and Genealogical society and was proposed and seconded by members of London’s ancient Livery Companies. The privilege of becoming a Freeman of the City of London is awarded to those who have achieved notable success in their chosen field and is attained by few. Tony is one of just 1800 Freemen who are admitted each year, and he received his certificate from the Clerk to the Chamberlain of the City of

London at a formal ceremony at the Guildhall. On the day itself, Tony was welcomed at the Reception of the Chamberlain’s Court by the Beadle and taken by him to the ante-room, where he was given an explanation of the ceremony that was to unfold. The ceremony itself was then conducted by the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court, Mr Murray Craig. Tony was required to read the Declaration of a Freeman, swearing allegiance to the

Queen, support for the Lord Mayor and to keep the peace. Tony then signed the Register of Freemen and was congratulated by the Clerk who formally declared Tony ‘a Freeman of the City of London’. Tony was delighted to be nominated as a Freeman of the City of London and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Well done Tony, and many congratulations on your welldeserved recognition.

BRINGING BACK THE MEMORIES In early 2017, several masons from both of the Sunderland masonic halls came together to arrange a Ladies’ Gala Dinner to be held on 8th September at the Roker Hotel. The evening was a celebration of the Tercentenary of freemasonry and also a way to thank wives and partners for the enduring support they give. After forming a committee for the event, it was unanimously decided to make a donation from the evening to the Sunderland Alzheimer’s Society. It is clear that dementia affects many - either directly or indirectly - and no doubt many

have experienced this at some time, with friends or family. The management from the society indicated that they were looking to replace a projector and projector screen. This equipment was purchased and presented to the Sunderland Alzheimer’s Society on Saturday 4th November. The projector is used to show old movies and photographs of old Sunderland as part of the dementia therapy. This acts as a great tool and helps reinforce memories of happier times, which create a greater feeling of well-being.

(Left to Right) Ray Fitzsimmons, Paul Smith, Andrew Donnell Day (Support Worker) Wendy Hunter (Manager) Martin Lawson and Peter Fitzsimmons.

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BROWSING THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL MUSEUM ARCHIVES (1818 – 1917) 1970 Sunderland 28th October. Installation of RWBro The Rt Hon The Lord Barnard, TD, DL, SGW as Provincial Grand Master for Durham by The Pro Grand Master, MWBro The Earl Cadogan, MC, DL. 1973 Shiney Row Dedication of the masonic hall. After many years of anxious endeavour and organisation, members of the Management Committee of Penshaw masonic hall Company saw the completion of their dreams: a new masonic hall. The architects had designed a building of beauty and compactness and onThursday, 25th October, the dedication of the hall was performed by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Rt Hon The Lord Barnard, TD. He congratulated the brethren on their new masonic hall, saying that it was a wonderful achievement, a completely new hall, and he hoped the brethren of the lodges whose home it was, would enjoy for many years the fruits of their labour. 1975 Durham Two new standards, (which are still in use today) were presented to Provincial Grand Lodge by the Brethren of the Province, on 18th June. These replaced the original standards presented by Lord Barnard’s grandfather in 1901.

memorabilia created for this event was a limited edition of a Half Pint Grey Drinking Mug with blue printing of the hall in its original surroundings and a list of the lodges, chapters and Mark lodges meeting there. These could be purchased at £2 each. 1988 County Durham Pro Grand Master The Rt Hon Lord Cornwallis, OBE, DL, was present on 25th June at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge to mark the Bi-Centenary of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham. 1992 London On 10th June over 12,500 Freemasons and guests gathered at Earls Court in West London to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Grand Lodge. For the first time press and television were present at a meeting of Grand Lodge and the event featured on television newscasts around the world. 1992 Sunderland The MW Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, visited the Province and officially opened Peter Stracey House. He later lunched with Benevolent Representatives and Grand Officers at Burdon Road, Masonic Hall, Sunderland. 1995 Stockton On Thursday 2nd November over 130 Brethren gathered at the Masonic Hall, Stockton, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Consecration of Tees Lodge No 509 which had taken place on 10th November, 1845 at the Black Lion Hotel. The lodge had been consecrated by Bro T I Proctor, Provincial Grand Secretary, by special dispensation, assisted by seven other brethren and in the presence of thirteen visitors. 1996 Durham Dedication of New Provincial Banner. RWBro The Rt Hon The Lord Barnard, TD, informed brethren at a recent dinner to celebrate his 25 years as PGM, that a new Provincial Banner had been presented to him by the Province. This had been designed by the current Provincial Senior Grand Warden, WBro T F R Coulson.

1980 South Shields Bicentenary of St Hilda Lodge No 240 celebrated. Attended by RWBro The Hon Fiennes Cornwallis, Deputy Grand Master, Sir James Stubbs Grand Secretary and WBro A F Ferris GDC. 1983 Gateshead Dedication of new masonic hall by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Rt Hon The Lord Barnard, TD. Since 1835, Gateshead lodges have held meetings in 16 Inns or Halls, the most recent being at Queens Terrace, formerly the Central Hall Methodist Church, from 1961 to 1983. The site of the Hall was required by Gateshead Metropolitan Council as part of its plan for a new Civic Centre, and new premises were provided in Alexandra Road where the Burn Terrace Drill Hall formerly stood. The new hall is spacious and modern in conception. 1985 Sunderland In 1785, the masonic hall in Queen Street East was opened and dedicated and today is the oldest purposebuilt masonic hall in England. The Bi-Centenary Celebration was held on Saturday 13th April 1985 in a ceremony at Queen Street and a Festival Luncheon at Burdon Road masonic hall. Amongst the

In the centre, the Banner bears the Provincial Coat of Arms (“Which may only be used by any lodge or individual, for any purpose whatsoever, with the express permission of the Provincial Grand Master”) and below the armorial bearings of the Rt Hon the Lord Barnard by special permission of the Garter King of Arms. 1998 Durham Retirement of RWBro The Rt Hon The Lord Barnard as Provincial Grand Master, after 28 years of service to the Province.

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1998 Darlington Regional Meeting on Public Awareness held at the Masonic Hall, Archer Street. Representatives from Grand Lodge led the meeting and the neighbouring Provinces of Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire North and East Ridings and Yorkshire West Riding, were involved. The President of the Board of General Purposes, RWBro Gavin A R Purser, together with the Grand Secretary, VWBro J W Daniel, WBro J M Hamill, Head of Communications, WBro D Howe, Public Relations and WBro N Sebright, Training and Education, came from Grand Lodge and led the day, which was organised and devoted to Public Awareness (Openness) in the Craft. 1998 Gateshead 18th March. Installation of VWBro Dr A M Davison PGSwdB as Provincial Grand Master for Durham by RWBro I R Bryce, TD, DL, Deputy Grand Master,

2006 Hartlepool Installation of WBro D Richmond as Provincial Grand Master for Durham by RWBro P G Lowndes, the Deputy Grand Master. 2008 Hartlepool Installation of VWBro N E Heaviside PGSwB as Provincial Grand Master for Durham by The Most Hon The Marquess of Northampton, DL, Pro Grand Master. 2012 Hartlepool The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, visited HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool Marina, at which the Provincial Grand Master was in attendance. 2015 Durham The symbolic stone-laying ceremony of the Masonic Floor Foundation Stone in the Great Kitchen Durham Cathedral, performed by the PGM, RWBro Norman Eric Heaviside, and the Dean of Durham V Revd Michael Sadgrove, who was also presented with a cheque for £136,000 from the Freemasons of Durham. This was a Tercentenary project and the focal point of the Cathedral’s Open Treasures project.

2000 Beamish Foundation Stone of new Masonic Hall at Beamish North of England Open Air Museum, laid by RWBro Dr A M Davison, Provincial Grand Master.

2001 Durham A special Provincial Carol Service held at Durham Cathedral, on 21st December. 2005 Sunderland 250th Anniversary of Phoenix Lodge No 94. Attended by RWBro Cedric Gunnery, Junior Grand Warden of United Grand Lodge England. 2006 Sunderland 200th Anniversary St John’s Lodge No 80. Attended by RWBro Cedric Gunnery, Junior Grand Warden of United Grand Lodge England. 2006 Beamish Masonic Hall at Beamish North of England Open Air Museum, opened by The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent.

2017 London Tercentenary Finale. A Special meeting of United Grand Lodge of England was held at the Royal Albert Hall, where more than 4,000 Freemasons gathered from Provinces and Districts as representatives from 136 Grand Lodges around the world and were present for this Especial Meeting and action-packed afternoon of entertainment. 2017 County Durham From 1735 to the current date 119 lodges have celebrated their 50th Anniversaries, 45 lodges their 100th, 2 Lodges their 200th, 4 lodges their 250th and one lodge a 275th Anniversary.

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(Left to Right) John Paul Stabler, Anita White, Tony Raine, Edwin Jeffrey, John Watts, Paul Debenham, Avril Robinson, Peter Ross, Brian Footitt, Gemma Nicholson and Catrina Flyn. Seated: Lyndsey Barnes, Eric Heaviside, Nicola Doherty, Kay Carrick, Lisa Peverley and Tracy Woodall

Eric Heaviside, Brian Footitt and Tracy

ALICE HOUSE HOSPICE PRESENTATIONS

Woodall

Watts Nicola Doherty with John

Representatives of eight of the hospices within the Province of Durham gathered on Friday 12th January 2018 at Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool to meet up with the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, the Chairman of Durham Benevolence, John David Watts and members of Durham Benevolence to make this year’s Hospice presentations. The presentation was something of a busman’s holiday for Brian Footitt, as he is the Chairman of Alice House Hospice as well as being a GP Committee Member of Durham Benevolence. In total, the Masonic Community has awarded over £12 million to hospices since 1984 through its masonic charitable donations. Many people have experienced at first hand the fantastic work hospices provide, be it with loved ones or friends. Hospice care is a type and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, by attending to their emotional and spiritual needs.

Full List of Hospices represented, and the presentations made: Hospice

Received by

Amount

Alice House

Anita White, Trust Fundraiser and Tracy Woodall, CEO

£1,940

Butterwick Hospice

Lyndsey Barnes

£,1400

Butterwick Hospice Bishop Auckland

Lyndsey Barnes

£1,000

Butterwick Hospice for Babies, Children and Young Adults

Lyndsey Bares

£1,312

St Clare’s Hospice

Gemma Nicholson, Trust Fundraiser

£1,220

St Cuthbert’s Hospice

Kay Carrick, Senior Donor Development Fundraiser

£1,490

St Teresa’s Hospice

John Paul Stabler, Fundraising and Marketing Manager

£1,540

Willow Burn Hospice

Nicola Doherty, Grant and Trusts Coordinator

£1,360

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St Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland, does not qualify for a MCF grant due its percentage of NHS funding. A presentation was then made to them for £1,500 on behalf of a Durham Benevolence grant, which was received by Catrina Flynn, Head of Fundraising Operations, and Lisa Peverley, Community Fundraiser.

John Watts stepped forward and explained that he has experienced at first hand the quality of care given at hospices and Willow Burn Hospice has a place close to his heart. They cared for his mother during her final days. This was an emotional time for him and this was reflected in the presentation. John then handed over a personal donation to Nicola Doherty from Willow Burn, again thanking her and the team for the expert care they gave his mother, and the comfort they afforded him during that difficult time. After the presentation, on a day that saw £13,762 presented to local hospices, it was apparent from those gathered that the help and financial aid given by the Freemasons of Durham is something that is greatly appreciated.

www.durhamfreemasons.org

(Left to Right) Paul Paterson, Norman Eric Heaviside, Robin Middleton, Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Paul Butler, Dr Norman Taylor, DL, John Watts Durham Benevolence Chairman, and the Archdeacon Stuart Bain

A NICE CUPPA... Early in 2017 local freemasons became aware of one of the wonderful initiatives being organised by members of Sunderland Minster. This initiative saw the Minster providing free “Fun Days” during the school holidays for children to spend the day taking part in fun activities throughout the day, and also saw the volunteers trying to provide 160 nourishing meals for those who attended. These meals, however, were being prepared utilising less than adequate facilities, e.g. with some foods being prepared overnight by volunteers and brought in.

A quotation of £34,000 having been received for building a vestry servery, £25,000 of the £100K to be given by Freemasons to local charities was allocated to the project; the shortfall from this was made up from 18 Sunderland Brethren and their families, donating a total of £2,800 with a further contribution being made by the Sir John Priestman Trust. The vestry servery is now complete and a special service on the theme of “The Feast of Epiphany - Gifts of the Kings” which included the blessing of the new vestry servery by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, took place

Freemasons who made personal donations.

Robin Middleton and Archdeacon Stuart Bain, pre-build.

on Saturday 6th January 2018. The Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, accompanied by members of the executive and Durham Benevolence, was joined at the special service by the Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Norman Taylor, MBE. Archdeacon Stuart Bain welcomed the congregation before handing over to the Bishop of Durham for the blessing and dedication of the new servery. In his dedication, the Bishop recognised the hard work and generosity that had made this project possible; specifically the

Servery Blessing.

generous support from Durham Freemasons. “Now that the vestry servery is complete it will enable the Minster to support local children and families through tough times throughout the school holidays welcoming them into a hospitable and caring church environment.” The Bishop then led the congregation into the servery for the blessing. After the service, key members involved with the project had a photo call with the Bishop who, naturally, was the first to receive a “cuppa” from the new vestry servery.

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80,000

TEDDIES PRESENTED

Grandmother Teresa, Chrystal Edwards, baby Masie-Lea with Craig Steele.

Duncan Maw, Eric Heaviside, Harry Norman

For more than a decade Freemasons of the Province of Durham have been supplying TLC teddy bears to A&E Departments and Walk-In Centres throughout their Province. The purpose of the teddy is to alleviate the distress of children attending hospital following what is often a traumatic experience. It also acts as a distraction and allows the person treating the child valuable time to carry out what they need to do, sometimes even treating the teddy first to show the child that everything will be OK. Children can take the cuddly teddies home with them after they leave, a luxury the trust would not have without the kind donations of the freemasons. At a recent visit to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s A&E Paediatric Department the Provincial Grand Master for Durham Freemasons, Norman Eric Heaviside, accompanied by local Freemasons, met up with some of the nurses who use these bears daily. Whilst visiting, the party had the honour and privilege of presenting the 80,000th TLC bear to Alex Glover, a young girl admitted to A&E at the time of the visit.

Duncan Maw, who has recently taken over the management of the initiative, said: “All the A&E staff love the teddies as they can really help them carry out their vital work, and all kids love teddies. It’s a simple and effective way of distracting children from their illness and it is something of which we as a Province are extremely proud.”

TLC FOR NEW YEAR ARRIVALS

Debbie Hall, Paediatrics Lead Nurse of the Accident and Emergency Department at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The children we see in our department are often very distressed and upset – these teddy bears really help us to calm them down and assess their needs as soon as possible.

Mr Simon Craig Steele, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital was on duty over the New Year period,

We are grateful to the Freemasons of Durham for donating so many of these teddy bears over the last decade. It makes a real difference to all of the children who visit us, as well as the staff on the department.”

So, in his capacity as Assistant Provincial Grand Master, thought that it would be a good idea to give TLC Teddies to the New Year babies this year. This coincides with the significant expansion of the use of TLC Teddies to comfort distressed children during treatment in NHS hospitals throughout the Province of Durham. Just before 6.30am on New Year’s Day, baby Masie-Lea Edwards was the first delivery of 2018 weighing in at a healthy 7lb 4oz. Proud mum, Crystal and grandmother Teresa were delighted to receive Masie-Lea’s first teddy bear from Craig on behalf of Durham Freemasons.

A delighted Eric, Alex Glover and Debbie Hall Paediatrics Lead Nurse.

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MORGAN SETS HER SIGHTS HIGH. Martin Rankin, representing Durham Benevolence, accompanied by Jim Ryan the Almoner of Bede College Lodge, attended South Moor Golf Club to present a grant of £250.00 from the Durham Benevolence Youth Fund to Morgan Bailey. Morgan, aged 10 years, is an-up and-coming golfer who plays at South Moor Golf Club and has a current handicap of 26.

Grandma Phyllis, Martin Rankin, Morgan Bailey and Jim Ryan

She has competed locally and nationally in many competitions, finishing second in her age group in the Wee Wonders Girls National Final held at St Andrews, the prestigious home of golf in Scotland.

PACT HOUSE

Following an application from her grandmother, Phyllis, whose late husband was a member of Bede College Lodge, she was awarded the grant to help her with her competition fees and travelling costs for the forthcoming year.

Receiving her presentation, Morgan thanked Durham Benevolence for the very kind donation and said that it is her ambition to play on the Ladies European Tour. We look forward to watching her progress over the forthcoming years.

Christmas came early to PACT House in Stanley, Co. Durham in the form of a Community Support Grant of £1000 from the Freemasons of Durham. PACT House is completely run by volunteers and is about the members of a community taking care of and serving the needs of that community. PACT House creates a one-stop shop for local people to access support and advice in a relaxed café environment. They are open 7 days a week from 8am until late. Activities include toddlers dance, junior craft club, teenage youth meeting place, help and advice given for benefits claims, housing, employment, addiction, homelessness, social isolation, mental and physical health problems. One of the main attributes is running a food bank offering free meals to needy people. PACT House applied to the Freemasons of Durham for a grant to pay for Christmas day lunch for isolated people in the area who are facing food poverty. £600 had so far been raised towards a target of £1600. It was with great delight that Stewart K Bell, representing the Freemasons of Durham, presented the much-needed Community Support Grant. On Christmas day PACT House served 60 meals to people who were isolated, alone or had hit hard times. Dinners were also delivered to those unable to attend and, furthermore, 50 Christmas gift food bags were also distributed.

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DURHAM FREEMASONS

TO RECEIVE MBEs

101-year-old Second World War veteran, Mordaunt Cohen, from King David Lodge in Shiney Row, was honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for his work in re-telling the horrors of conflict to younger generations. Sunderland-born Lieutenant Colonel Mordaunt Cohen is the most senior surviving Jewish officer who served in the war, and today he plays an active and pivotal part in educating people, touring schools, places of worship and other forums where he can speak of his wartime experience.

Ed Gatenby from Conside Lodge in Consett, a stalwart of the Prison Service in both London and his native North-East, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Ed, Durham Prison’s head of residence and services, was awarded the MBE for services to HM Prison Service.

Just last year he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Sunderland University in recognition of his distinguished military career and his long-standing association with the city.

“At first, I thought it was a tax bill. I’ve been ‘breaking my neck’ to find out who nominated me.”

On receiving news of his award, he said: “When I was commanding troops many miles from here, in very tough conditions, never did I even imagine that, aged 101, I would receive such an honour. As the years go by, there are fewer of us around to tell our story. I look forward to continuing to educate as many people as possible in the years ahead, health permitting. Finally, I would like to dedicate this award to the soldiers who didn’t come home and who sadly made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The 56-year-old former basketball player said he was taken aback when the letter confirming the award arrived at his Chester-leStreet home.

Having recently received good and long-service accolades, he described the MBE award as the high spot of his 30 years in the service, working at Pentonville, Durham and Frankland prisons, plus the former Castington, in Northumberland.

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Simon in Action

CARING VOLUNTEERS The Provincial Grand Almoner, Paul Debenham, hosted the inaugural meeting of newlyappointed Caring Volunteers in the Board Room of Provincial Office in Sunderland on Monday 11th December, each chosen for having demonstrated their committed to the welfare of our widows Part of Paul’s remit is to oversee the care of the 115 widows in the Province whose husbands belonged to lodges which have now closed. The widows already receive a Christmas card and gift, but the Caring Volunteers team will help bring a more personal touch to this role. They will visit each widow and investigate whether there is anything else the Province can help them with and thus demonstrate the caring nature of our fine organisation. Personal contact

is important, especially when people become older, often less mobile, isolated and in many cases quite lonely. The role of each Caring Volunteer will be: To build a relationship between freemasonry and the widows through regular contact including home visits. They will bring the widows up-to-date with the various areas of assistance available to them, including access to the two residential housing properties within the Province at Peter Stracey House Sunderland, Boundary Court Bishop Auckland and also at Scarborough Court in Northumberland. Through this initiative they will also begin to receive the latest news on the MCF (Masonic Charitable Foundation) receiving the ‘Better Lives’ newsletter through their door. If there are any other masons, especially in the north of Province, who are interested in joining this team, please contact Paul through Provincial Office.

Front (Left to Right) Ron Black Provincial Chaplain, Tony Raine Treasurer and Paul Debenham with Volunteers.

How on earth did he become involved with kettlebells you might ask? Simon, being a keen climber, was looking for a strength exercise to help him in his hobby. Manipulating the awkward weights was excellent exercise to strengthen his wrists, hands and upper body. Once he got started he was hooked. Simon’s prowess has been noted by the Worshipful Master of his lodge, and so he is soon likely to have a role guarding the door. Cowans Beware!!

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

60 Years Craft: John Kay Constance No2135

50 Years Craft: Gerald M Lang Perseverance No1643 Arnold W Sanderson Whitworth No1932

(Left to Right) Stan Hunter (Durham Benevolence) Olga Bainbridge, Paula Nelson (Community Project Manager) and Lenny Bainbridge.

William J Stephenson Constance No2135 John L Nixon Ravensworth No2674 Brian Eltringham Penshaw No3194

SHILDON ALIVE

Richard G P Hall Lodge of Freedom No4027 Brian Edwards Ryton Holy Cross No4231 Samuel J Neil Pele Tower No4435

Shildon Alive A St John’s Church project is a community project run by the community, for the community. The Freemasons of Durham paid the team at Shildon Alive a visit recently to present them with a much-needed grant for £1000 to support their work in Shildon and surrounding areas. Paula Nelson, Community Project coordinator was overwhelmed by the generous donation and thanked Lenny Bainbridge for putting Shildon Alive forward to Durham Benevolence for a Community Grant, and local Freemasons for their invaluable support, going on to explain how

the Community Support Grant would make a huge difference to the project and would enable them to support many families and individuals in crisis in the area. Shildon Alive bring people together, promote health and wellbeing, offer support to people to grow and reach their full potential as part of the community. They will offer help and advice in a crisis, rewarding volunteer opportunities, support people in that role as they gain in confidence and develop new skills. They offer a friendly ear and advocacy service as people shape their own lives, the lives of others around them and the wider community. The team supports individuals with new universal credit claims, appeals for PIP, food support, debt and addiction, directing individuals to the relevant agencies when necessary.

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Kenneth Walker St Mary’s No4864 Gordon McKillup Hetton Lyon No6533 Colin Stokoe Ryton St Mary’s No6550 Malcolm Oliver Old Dunelmian No8100 Richard Maddison Tower No7292 Thomas W K Smith King Oswald No7344 Thomas J Watson Saint Edmund’s No7377 John Wilson Indaba No9454

50 Years Royal Arch: Alan L Chapman Ryton Holy Cross No 3290

www.durhamfreemasons.org

Tom Gittens points the secretaries in the right direction.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION Saturday 20th January was an important day for the Province as it saw the re-launch of the Training and Education Programme, now under the overall direction of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stephen Walker and coordinated by members of the Training and Education Group of the Durham Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge. The conferences make up an annual set of events aimed at giving up-to-date, as well as refresher training for Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter officers who hold various roles within our organisation. Over 50 Lodge Secretaries and Chapter Scribes E were in attendance and were brought up-to-date with their role by Tom Gittins (Provincial Grand Secretary/Scribe E), Mike Davis (Deputy Provincial Grand Secretary) and Doug Lister (Assistant Provincial Grand Scribe E) from the Provincial Secretariat. A

conference for Treasurers was held at the same time within the venue and saw the launch of the new ‘Treasurer’s Handbook’. The sessions were well received by those attending and excellent feedback was given which included useful thoughts and ideas for future planning. Members who had held the office for many years left with some new information and ideas as well as being able to add their considerable expertise to the discussions on the day. Those new to the post were happy to know that there is support for them both from colleagues old and new and of course from Provincial Office.

Keith Bibby Chairing the Treasurers session.

All conferences are advertised well in advance by email to those holding the relevant office, as well as to all members for their information and general interest via our ‘Mail Chimp’ email system. Lodges and Chapters continue to receive information via the monthly ‘2nd Rising’. Details are also available on the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Website. To reserve a place at any of the forthcoming conferences, Email: TrainingAndEducation@pgldurham.org

ISSUE 29

SPRING 2018

A NEW ERA BEGINS AT SHINEY ROW Change is something that happens all too often in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society. While change has certainly happened for Chris and Laura Thomlinson, the new Stewards at Shiney Row Masonic Hall, with a new job, house and new school for their 2 children, they have risen to the challenge and are relishing their new role. Since taking on the position in September, they have taken to the role like ducks to water. They both have over 30 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in catering; Chris and Laura are trained chefs.

Chris and Laura Thomlinson.

Benjamin Franklin once said there were only two things certain in life, death and taxes. That may well be the case, but perhaps there is a third, change.

The year ahead is an exciting time at Penshaw, with new events coming up thick and fast.

A new Facebook page highlights news and upcoming events.

A Jersey Boys tribute act is booked for 17th March, with limited tickets available, and the first Penshaw Beer Festival is on 2nd March. Tickets for both evenings are available from the bar.

Chris and Laura look forward to many happy years ahead both as a family and with the many masonic friends they have made.

Some things have continued in the hall with the Saturday evening dancing, open to all, and the usual bookings of weddings, Christenings and baby showers.

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DERWENT LODGE HELPS GNAAS

FLY HIGH

Ken Cook, Charity Steward, receives Gold Award from John Watts.

Keith Walker, Derwent Lodge Treasurer, presents Ben McWilliams of (GNAAS) with donation of £5,300 raised at their annual barbecue.

A golden and unique Masonic evening took place on Wednesday 22nd November, at the always welcoming Derwent Lodge in Chopwell which saw over £10,000 donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). This was achieved through the collective charitable efforts of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), Durham Benevolence as well the efforts of Derwent Lodge itself. John David Watts APGM was in aattendance, not only to recognise the charitable efforts of Derwent Lodge, but also to proudly present Ken Cook, Charity Steward, with a well-deserved Gold Award on behalf of Province for meeting their Durham 2021 Festival 5-year target in only 22 months!

John then had the privilege, on behalf of the MCF, to present Ben with a £4,000 grant and also an additional £1000 on behalf of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham to contribute towards the next generation of motor vehicles to assist the GNAAS with their life-saving work on land as well as in the air.

Durham Freemasons, and Derwent Lodge in particular, have a strong charitable association with the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and after the lodge had been closed, Ben McWilliams of the GNAAS gave a short presentation regarding their work.

Keith Walker, Derwent Lodge Treasurer, then presented GNAAS with an additional £5,300 that had been raised through the support of lodge members and friends and the annual Derwent Lodge Barbecue. This special event has increased in attendance from 37 to 141 people in

the 5 years that it has been in existence and is now widely supported by the Lodge members, other local Freemasons as well as in the business community.

Director of Operations at the GNAAS thanked Derwent lodge members, other local Freemasons as well as members of the business community.

Having received more than £10,000 for the GNAAS, and after a most informative talk, Ben played a specially recorded video where the

Many congratulations and thanks to the members of Derwent Lodge for such a great evening and for deservedly reaching their Gold Award!

ISSUE 29

SPRING 2018

HARTLEPOOL

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP MCF COMMUNITY

AWARD WINNERS To celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry, the Masonic Charitable Foundation held a public vote to decide how to spend £3million of charity funding. Over 177,000 people cast their votes to support a cause that matters to them: 300 charities across the country benefited from this Tercentenary celebration.

February, allowed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, accompanied by his wife Joan, and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Stephen Walker and John Thompson, along with their wives, Helen and Andrea respectively, plus a number of Hartlepool Freemasons, the opportunity to see at first hand the wonderful work of the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group and offered a chance to see the fruits of the MCF Community Awards Tercentenary Fund at first hand.

The smiles on the audience’s faces was testament to the hard work and joy the performance conveyed.

In the Province of Durham there were eight winners, one of which: Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group, were delighted to invite Durham Freemasons to attend the unveiling of their completed project incorporating a new sensory room,hall audio video system and office, made possible by the MCF community award.

Pat Allison, the centre Manager, and her son Jamie who is a Trustee of the Group and a Hartlepool Freemason, proudly showcased the fantastic new facility showing the work that has been undertaken and giving some background to the £25,000 Tercentenary award. Constellation, one of the drama groups in the building, performed a selection of songs, focusing on the sensory use of lights and music during the performance.

Throughout their 28 years in operation, they have increased membership from three families to well over 100 families who access facilities regularly, each year. Over the year family circumstances and services change, either with the group or other bodies; this is made up of present, new and old members. The services they provide are focused on supporting their beneficiaries to help them reach their full potential by increasing their opportunities and life prospects, thereby improving their chances in life.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the project complete and a demonstration of the new facilities on Sunday 11th

Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group has been running for 28 years with them acquiring their own premises in 1999. They support families with children and young adults who have various profound physical or learning disabilities with varying complex needs, including lifelimiting conditions.

Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group MCF Community Award Winners

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DATES FOR THE DIARY MAR

7 APR

WEDNESDAY 7TH MARCH 2018 Caradoc No 4749 Full Team Visit

WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL 2018 Penshaw No 3194 Full Team Visit

MAY

23 MAY

WEDNESDAY 23RD MAY 2018 Annual Convocation Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

WEDNESDAY 30TH MAY 2018 Rowlandson No 3360 Full Team Visit

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

White, Ian Watson St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5393

Hutton, Walter Alan Caradoc L4749

Ledger, Eric Tower L7292

Harrison, Adam Chapman Vedra L3137

Brunton, Silvester William Crowley L6901 Collier, Ronald Fredrick Penshaw L3194

Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Cook, Ronald Bernard Gilpin L3076

MAR

THURSDAY 15TH MARCH 2018 Unity Chapter No 661 Full Team Visit

JUN

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 2018 Craft AGM Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

Cuthbertson, Gordon Civic L5841

TUESDAY 1ST MAY 2018 Willington No 4028 Full Team Visit

Clarkson, Frederick Henry Strathmore L6229

Telford, George Conside L7179 Spencer, John Vincent Perseverance L1643

MAY

Nicholson, Raynor Stowell Lodge of Industry L48

Ellington, George William Lodge of Fraternity L1418 Brown, George Edward Bernard Gilpin L3076 Hird, Arnold Marquess of Ripon L1379 Smith, Desmond Mair Peace and Unity L6312 Cox, David Walter Milbanke L7486 Cuthbert, Brian James Lambton L375 Purdy, Stanley George Lodge of Industry L48 Easton, Donald William Benfeldsyde L7807 Veitch, John Constance L2135 Armstrong, George Matthews Ionic L6844 Beamson, Anderson Manor L7908 Jones, Wilfred Armory Norman L1334

Brethren Douglas, Bruce Norman Crook L2019 Handyside, Kenneth Beamish Temple L 9815 Dawson, Terence Alan Ravensworth L2674 Crozier, George Hugh Hedworth L2418 Thompson, Graham Harte L4217 Davidson, Jack Benfeldsyde L7807 Creed, Philip John Ravensworth L2674 Scorer, Thomas Kaye Gilpin King Oswald L7344 Thomson, David Elvet L5631 Hutchins, Henry St Bede L1119 Moody, James Alfred Ernest Dixon L7856 Thompson, Hurbert St Hilda L240

Laurence, David Norton Lodge of Freedom L4027

ISSUE 29

SPRING 2018

THE EXPLORER’S RETURN Ravensworth Lodge in Gateshead hosted a celebration night on 12th January to welcome one of their longest-serving members into the “new” building for the first time, having been initiated in the old hall at Queen’s Terrace. John Nixon’s father was killed in Normandy in 1944 just before John was born; his mother remarried in 1947 and his stepfather George Brown, as Master of Ravensworth in 1967/8, Initiated John into the Craft. Two years later, career progression took John overseas to South Africa, telling his wife Anne that they were going for three years. Nearly 50 years later they are still in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and, now retired, they spend several months in UK each year. Unfortunately, this trip saw the death of John’s 95-year-old mother and, although tinged with great sadness, it coincidentally allowed John to attend the 50-year anniversary of his joining freemasonry.

John however realized his dream going on to discover a diamond mine in Africa.

Many of us who grew up watching B movies and westerns would dream of making our fortune by uncovering a gold nugget in a river bed only to see those dreams melt away as we grew older.

Not bad for a Gateshead lad, John is rightly proud of his achievements in Africa and of his masonic membership.

His career in Africa culminated when he retired as the Chief Executive of a mining company, having spent some $40 million exploring a third of Rhodesia and discovering a diamond ‘pipe’ that is still producing today.

At the festive board he enthralled those present with tales of his time in Africa where they now live in a community development on the outskirts of the capital, Harare, playing golf and enjoying frequent visits to Zimbabwe’s safari parks. John, in his toast to the brethren of the lodge, thanked everyone for making his brief return to Gateshead such a memorable evening, and looked forward to attending again on a future occasion.

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