QUARTERLY PUBLICATION PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
What’s inside
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Festival Total New Knees Covid Walks
www.durhamfreemasons.org AUTUMN 2021 | ISSUE 39
Job Satisfaction Page 09
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Editor’s Notes
What’s Inside Page 7
After such a long time in lockdown and Government restrictions due to the COVID Pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The latest lifting of restrictions will certainly allow us a welcome but cautious return to some sort of normality and while most of us are eager to return to faceto-face meetings there are some who are apprehensive and will need more time to feel comfortable. We all need to return at our own speed and respect each other’s views.
Flag Day
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Festival Finale
I would like to thank all who have contributed and assisted in the production of this issue and hope that in the very near future Lodges will again start submitting stories and events to be considered for publication.
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Everyday Freemason
To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues, please email news@durhamfreemasons.org The editorial team are always on the lookout for volunteers who would enjoy reporting on interesting events within their area by submitting short stories and photos. If this sounds like it is something you would enjoy, why not get in touch with us.
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Covid walks
Editor
Michael Graham
If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email: news@durhamfreemasons.org to order a copy for them now!
Solomon QR @PGLDurham
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PGLDurham
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A Wonderful Memorial “But what a well lived life Mike had”
As many of you know we lost a great friend and brother, Mike Cockerton, a little less than 12 months ago, following a short battle with terminal cancer. What you may not know is that Mike left legacies in his will to be used by two of the great loves in his life, The Masonic Centre in Chester le Street and the local Chester le Street Cricket Club. On Monday the 28th June 2021 we saw the first part of this legacy come to fruition with the dedication, in Mike’s name, of a newly constructed bar terrace area at the Cricket Club, constructed with the gift that Mike had left. In a moving ceremony, presided over by Craig Pattison, a plaque was unveiled, dedicating the terrace in Mike’s memory. Mike’s brother was on hand for the ceremony and spoke eloquently of his brothers two great loves, Freemasonry and
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Cricket and thanked all for the wonderful dedication. Mike was a keen member of England’s Barmy Army and followed the England Cricket Team, all over the world. With England due to play Sri Lanka the following day at Durham’s Riverside Ground in Chester le Street, the dedication ceremony had been timed to allow many of the members of the Barmy Army to attend and there was not a dry eye in the Club as their new trumpeter “Finchy” capped off the ceremony with a wonderful rendition of “Jerusalem”. Members of the Barmy Army then played a match against Chester le Street’s second eleven and Mike would have been delighted to see his beloved local team come out on top. These were the words in full of Tim Cockerton, Mike’s brother, at the dedication ceremony:-
“On behalf of Mike’s family I would like to thank the Supporters of the Barmy Army, Mike’s Masonic Brothers here tonight and all of his friends from the Chester le Street Cricket Club for honouring him tonight and dedicating this stand in his name. I had the privilege to speak at Mike’s 70th Birthday celebration in March 2019 and said words to the effect that with his lifestyle it was a miracle he had attained that age. Two months later he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. But what a well lived life Mike had. Me being 6 years younger my early memories of him were few because even then he was always out. He had here the wealth of 2 homes, one at the Masonic Centre and the other here at the Cricket Club and it was here and there that Mike relaxed, ate and drank in no small measure and most of all
enjoyed socialising with you all. 6 nights a week he stopped in these homes and on a Saturday he went to his Office which those of you who visited him in Robertson Court will know what I mean. Putting aside Mike’s success in his professional life and the great support to the causes he was interested in, we remember Mike, the man. Friendly, approachable, affable, genial and amiable – in one word, his “bonhomie”. Thank you again for this wonderful dedication in his memory” A wonderful tribute and lasting memorial to a great friend.
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Blood biker’s work Recognised by the Grand Master Stuart Tate, a member of Sportsman’s Lodge (No. 9440) was delighted to receive a certificate of commendation from the Grand Master for his voluntary work for the Northumbria Blood Bikes (NBB), a registered charity established by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and urgent medical supplies. They operate between many hospitals and other healthcare sites in North East England, covering Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Stuart has always had an interest in motorcycles so after passing his motorcycle test in 2000 he bought one. But it was on a on a day out to BikeWise in Durham when Stuart came across the NBB display stand. After asking what it entailed he immediately became very interested adding “NBB told me that I needed my advanced motor bike licence and after some training I passed that test. I then did my first shift in 2016”. Stuart confirms that it can be very intense when on a busy shift however it is extremely rewarding, with no two shifts ever being the same. “It gives me a special pleasure when riding one of the bikes donated the by Freemasons.”
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During the pandemic the vital work of the blood biker volunteers certainly didn’t stop. They continued the carriage of lifesaving blood, with some supplies being taken to the Northumbria Air Ambulances, the blood then being used at scenes of emergencies. In addition to the blood supplies, other medical essentials are transported, with Stuart once delivering a pair of slippers left behind by a patient after leaving hospital. It has also been necessary for the NBB to transport covid samples every hour between hospitals.
“It gives me a special pleasure when riding one of the bikes donated the by Freemasons ”
Stuart said that he gets a great deal of pleasure to be part of the NBB team and that he is really looking forward when restrictions are lifted, when he intends to take his advanced car test which will then to enable him to do shifts in the blood cars - particularly when the weather is too dangerous to use a bike. Stuart concludes by saying “I am honoured to receive this commendation and would like to say that I could not do any of this without the support of my wife Karen”.
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Emergency Food Donations Millions of families have already exhausted their savings during a five-month lockdown across the country. Livelihoods and jobs have been lost, and families all over India are struggling to afford necessities like food, and the hygiene materials they need to stay safe. The collapse of savings coupled with food shortages mean thousands and thousands of children, especially girls, are going hungry. Families and children experiencing severe poverty in India during the COVID-19 pandemic will be receiving vital emergency support thanks to a grant of £50,000 from Freemasons to “Plan International UK”. Durham Freemasons contributed to the £50,000 grant which is enough to provide an expected 1,700 emergency food parcels for
some of the most vulnerable families whose livelihoods have been affected during the current crisis. Five states account for over half of India’s COVID-19 cases with many reported deaths concentrated in urban areas, especially Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab.
Rose Caldwell, Chief Executive of Plan International UK, said: “We’re very grateful for this generous grant which will allow Plan International to reach families and young children in those parts of India hardest hit by the virus. It’s critical that we act now to provide this support to those most at risk”
Andrew Thompson, Durham’s Provincial Grand Charity Steward, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Plan International with their relief effort in India. This is a desperate situation and they along with other organisations who are responding on the ground need all the help and support we can offer.”
“Sadly India’s death toll is still dramatically climbing”
Preparing for the long awaited return Many of our halls have utilised these strange times by undertaking repairs and refreshing the paintwork whilst not in use. One of which pictured is a major refurbishment to Old Elvet in Durham. Work has been ongoing for some months now, with volunteers giving up their time and skills to prepare our lodge rooms, dining halls and bars ready for our return. Well done to all those involved and thank you from all of us who can’t wait to get back to normal. www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Philip Follows New Path
“He decided that the Church was the way to go”
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Philip Carter was one of twenty-eight people from diverse walks of life, and of differing ages, ordained as Priests and Deacons for the Diocese of Durham, at ceremonies held at Durham Cathedral on 3rd and 4th July 2021. Philip, born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire in 1950, due to his father’s work moved around the country on a regular basis. He won a place at Sir Thomas Rich’s Grammar School in Gloucester and then moved to Wolverhampton where he attended the Wednesfield Technical Grammar School before coming north to read a joint honours degree in Botany and Geology at Durham.
Philip met his wife, Jean, to whom he has now been married for over 48 years, whilst at university in Durham. The couple have two daughters and two grandsons. Both Philip and Jean became teachers. Philip joined the staff of the Whinney Hill School in Durham as a science teacher, moving to the Durham Johnston School in 1979 where he taught General Science. He subsequently became Head of Biology and then, in 1999, Head of Science. In 2007, following his retirement, a comment from a visiting priest led him to look at a new vocation and, after considering his future
he decided that the Church was the way to go. He was subsequently licensed to the Parish of St John in Castleside in 2010. In 2018 the Area Dean suggested to Philip that he should explore ordination. During conversations with local area deans, retired clergy and my own parish priest, the general response was “What took you so long?” Philip said, “The fact that they could see in me more than I could see in myself has convinced me that this was where my somewhat belated vocation lies. I now desire to be more useful to God, my parish and God’s people.”
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Flag Day On the 5th July Masonic Halls throughout the Province raised the Flag in support of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day. The Flags remained on displayed for 7 days to signal the official start of celebrations to mark the 73rd Anniversary of the birth of our pioneering National Health Service (NHS), bringing free healthcare to everyone.
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ROLL OF HONOUR The following Brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.
60 YEARS CRAFT: Alan Horsfield Cestria 4493 Arthur Hare Marquess of Ripon Robert Suggett Restoration 111 Arnold Popay Perseverance 1643 Kenneth Wake Ravensworth 2674 William Wilson Eardulph 6645 Thomas Griffiths Vulcan 5757 Donald Kerr Ryton Holy Cross 4231 George Clennell Perseverance 1643 Colin Taylor Whitworth 1932 Joseph Forster Constance 2135
50 YEARS CRAFT: Ian Swann Pele Tower 4435 Ben Reed Strathmore 6229 Alan Jenkins Bede College 4840 Michael Dickinson Beaconsfield 7768 Herbert Willis Kepier 8308 William Pybourne Hudson 2791 John Moore Heugh 7773 Harry Dent Agricola 7741 Robert Blackburn Corinthian 5808 John Errington Hadrian 1970
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Thomas Gregson Quest 7102 John Brougham Lodge of Freedom 4027 Eric Brown St Paul 3242 Stanley Baldwin Whitworth 1932 Eric Hunter Coronation 2929 George Lang Corinthian 5808 George Branch Westoe 4750 Anthony Jude Phoenix 94 Alan Herbert Phoenix 94 Douglas Stewart Connaught 2981 Gerald Hopper Lodge of Progress 8259 William Swift Ionic 6844 David Dagg Earl of Durham 1274 John Powell Aciet 5880 Barry Dixon Norman 1334 Thomas Stokel Constance 2135 Stanley Hornsby Shipcote 3626 Peter Leighton Rowland Burdon 3960 Edward Ludlam Sunderland 4114 Gordon Bailey Lodge of Progress 8259 William Archer Willington 4028 Eric Armbrister Sportsmans 9440 Fred Richardson Aclet 5880
50 YEARS ROYAL ARCH: Jack Blackburn Derwent 4250 A.R.M.Thomas Rowland Burdon 3960 John Praill Cuneceastre 1274 Ronald Noble Derwent 4250 Malcolm Ross Minerva Chapter of Industry 3385 Frederick Walker Tow Law 3349 Kenneth Tindle Rowland Burdon 3960 Samuel Neil Hebburn 1643
60 YEARS ROYAL ARCH: Norman Hunter Constance 2135
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From Tattoo Artist to Paramedic! When Chris McIntyre’s tattoo business came to an abrupt halt at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, he found himself with lots of spare time on his hands and set about looking for other ways to use his skills. Certainly not being afraid of needles, and as he already held an HGV / Dangerous goods driving license, Chris, a member of Hebburn Lodge, was accepted as a volunteer ambulance driver by the North East Ambulance Service and carried out training in patient transport which he says he found to be very refreshing and rewarding. When his tattooing was allowed to reopen, Chris continued with his voluntary work and also applied for the role of a clinical care assistant (CCA), essentially an assistant to the paramedic, responding to emergency situations. After around seven months of tests interviews and background checks, he was accepted as an apprentice CCA. This required ten weeks of training on clinical issues, and advanced (blue lights) driver training followed by study of anatomy and
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physiology over a thirteen month period, after which he gained a level 3 diploma in emergency ambulance response. Chris said, “The training given by North East Ambulance Service has been second to none and the experience and professionalism of the trainers and crews is fantastic”. He added, “The 10 year old boy in me would say that driving on ‘blue lights’ is the best part of the job but, in reality, the fact that my new role makes a difference to people every day is a humbling experience. In the future I will hopefully progress to paramedic in time but for the minute I am keen to concentrate on being a competent CCA and enjoying the rewarding role I am now in.”
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Durham 2021 Festival Finale Thank you to our organisers, supporters, donors and friends and family for your support during the last 5 years
£3,477,887
Durham you should be proud
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A farewell message from the Provincial Grand Chaplain Dear Brethren All This will be my last missive as your Provincial Grand Chaplain as I formally retired from that role at the end of June, after something like twenty years being part of the Chaplaincy Team. I wasn’t sure how I might compose it then the thought struck me that I could try to emulate my Grandfather who was a master story teller. How well I recall the evenings sitting on the edge of the sofa, along with four or five of my cousins as he regaled us with great and ghostly stories by the light of paraffin lamps and the flickering of the flames of the log fire in his cottage on the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland. My Grandfather was a serious pipe smoker, and his stories were always accompanied by an atmosphere enhanced with the robust pungency of smoke from a pipe full of War Horse tobacco. Going up to bed later in the flickering half-light as midnight approached after those stories, was laden with fear, trepidation and a hesitancy only overcome by my Aunty Alice’s insistent encouragement. ‘Awa tae your beds ye wee tinkers!’
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It was going to be difficult to couch my experiences in the Church and Chaplaincy within the magic of my Grandfathers ways; I mean, how do you include tales of Burke and Hare to illustrate my story? So enough; I would like to say to you all, my time as Provincial Chaplain has been an immense part of my ministry of service to the Great Architect. It began seriously more than forty years ago when I felt the call to the vocation of Lay Ministry after experiencing a wide mix of various denominations including the ‘Wee Free’ in Scotland as well as the Church of Scotland eventually becoming a confirmed member of the Church of England when my family moved to Alnwick in Northumberland. It took me to the age of thirty-five to respond to the call and I spent several years of hard study to become a Lay Reader or, as they are often called now, Licensed Lay Ministers. It’s my hope that what I’ve said so far gives some idea of where I come from and underlines the complicated journeys we all have to undergo to bring clarity and meaning to our lives. My vocation, although fulfilled
“I’ve worked alongside some quite wonderful people in my role as Provincial Grand Chaplain for Durham” by preaching and teaching, was further enhanced by a call to the world of Chaplaincy. I found this to be a joyful, quite complicated but always an enrichment to my services to the Great Architect, God, in my very busy life. My Chaplaincy in Freemasonry has, over the years brought me into contact with many interesting and diverse people. It has added to my fulfilment in quite a unique and wonderful ministry in all the places I have served. No matter what happens Chaplains must always be aware of and rise above, all differences in culture, race or creed but be ready to deal with anything.
I’ve worked alongside some quite wonderful people in my role as Provincial Grand Chaplain for Durham and owe them all a sincere thank you for their help and support. That includes the two very distinguished Brothers who are to carry on the work of the Chaplaincy team. W. Bro. Julian Ward who is to be your Provincial Grand Chaplain and Bro. Revd. Jon Whalley as Asst. Provincial Grand Chaplain. They are a worthy pair and I congratulate them and wish them well, as I am sure everyone does. I’m assured they will welcome anyone who wishes to talk to them. Their and my prayers are with you always.
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Ravensworth Golf Trophy 2021 In 1920, our then Provincial Grand Master, Lord Ravensworth, presented to The Province of Durham a “handsome silver cup to be competed for annually by the Lodges of the Province”. The first competition was held on 15th June 1921 at Ravensworth Golf Course, with over 80 couples taking part. The first winners of the competition were Bros Olloman and Cook, of Lodge of Industry No. 48. Step forward 100 years to July 8th 2021 when, in perfect weather conditions, 68 members and guests took part in the centenary anniversary competition at Chester-leStreet Golf Course. They were joined by “Big Ted” from the Provinces TLC scheme, as all funds raised were to be presented to that very worthwhile cause. The best score of the day was recorded by John Ellis and Lindsay Collinson, two guests, with a winning score of 43 points. They received a bottle of spirit each and a fourball voucher to play Whickham Golf Course. However, only teams made up of two active members of the Province of Durham can win trophy and so, perhaps the proudest pair, were Andrew Foster and Malcolm Dunstone, both of St Cuthbert Lodge, No 3417, who scored 42 points to take the Ravensworth Trophy back to Darlington. They win a
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suitably engraved glass and a bottle of wine each, as well as a fourball kindly donated by Roseberry Golf Course. In third place with 40 points were 2 other guests – Durham County cricketer Chris Rushworth and his friend Simon Bestford. They were fortunate to win a sleeve of balls each – which had been donated as a prize by Chris Rushworth himself! Perhaps the happiest golfer of the day was Graham Allon, soon to join Finchale Priory Lodge No 7059, who won the “nearest the pin” prize of £100 at the 12th hole with a tee shot that finished only 17cm from the hole. Graham showed what an asset he will be to his lodge by donating £20 back to the TLC scheme. Special mention must also go to Anthony Marsden, of The Lodge of Progress No 8259, and his guest Daniel Michelson who finished last with 15 points and received a TLC bear each! All in all an excellent day, which raised nearly £1200 for the TLC scheme. Well done to players and organisers alike and everybody is looking forward to the 101st competition next year. Watch this space for announcement of the date and venue in 2022.
“ All in all an excellent day, which raised nearly £1200 for the TLC scheme” www.durhamfreemasons.org
Daisy Chain Launches specialist Mental Health Counselling
to Mitigate Lockdown Effects, Thanks to Durham Freemasons
Ninety autistic people, who have had severe long-term mental health conditions exacerbated by lockdown will be receiving help from new counselling support and wellbeing services, thanks to a grant of £57,000 to Daisy Chain from Durham Freemasons. The new wellbeing service offers autistic young people and adults across the Tees Valley free access to inperson wellbeing support and professional counselling services. Although autism is not a mental health condition, people on the autism spectrum are more vulnerable to mental health problems. Research indicates that 70% of children with www.durhamfreemasons.org
autism develop mental health problems. Of that number, 40% suffer with anxiety and 30% with depression. The wellbeing service has been introduced to help autistic young people and adults to develop resilience and coping strategies during stressful and challenging situations. It will also support neurodiverse people in developing a positive outlook on life as well as promoting confidence and selfworth. The grant from Durham Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Lynnette Taylor, adult and children’s wellbeing lead at Daisy Chain, said: “I’m very grateful to Durham Freemasons for their generous grant. Offering a safe space for autistic young people and adults, and enabling access to counselling and wellbeing support has never been more vital. Autistic young people, adults and their families have seen a significant decrease in critical services available to them during the pandemic, which has inevitably increased the request for our wellbeing services.” One of the service users who has accessed Daisy Chain’s wellbeing service, Quinn Cole, age 17, has shared his experiences: “Picture this - a
butterfly trapped in a cage full of thoughts for two weeks, to be released for an hour, free and happy, with no worries and not a care in the world. That is what the wellbeing service feels like to me.” Gordon Brewis from Durham Freemasons, said: “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but especially for autistic people. I’m delighted that Daisy Chain’s excellent service will be available for those with mental health problems. It’s a great start to the post-lockdown period.” For further information on Daisy Chain’s wellbeing service, please contact wellbeing@ daisychainproject.co.uk.
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Michael’s new knees prompt fundraising for NHS New Year’s Day 2021 turned out to be a lovely day for a walk. Eight months after having both knees replaced, Michael Eve (Norman Lodge) walked over 6.5 miles to raise money to buy equipment for the orthopaedic/physiotherapy department of the University Hospital North Durham. Michael walked from his home in Langley Park to the Masonic Hall in Durham and then back to The University Hospital of North Durham. Following the replacement of his second knee in February 2020, Michael unfortunately developed sepsis in his lungs and was transferred to The University Hospital. As a consequence, exercise and mobility became a massive problem for him. To help combat these problems, the hospital provided Michael with a Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM). During a conversation between Michael and the physiotherapists, it came to light that only one such machine existed in the hospital. Michael then took it upon himself to raise funds to buy another machine so that even more patients could benefit from this machine in the future. After 10 days of using the machine Michael had regained full mobility. In November 2020 a JustGiving page was set up by Michael’s wife Joy and through the generosity of his family, friends, fellow Masons, local businesses and help from Durham Benevolence he was able to raise £1870. Michael is very grateful to Mr. Stephen Scott (Surgeon), and both the nursing and physiotherapy staff, at Spire Hospital Washington and UHND. Both his new knees are working well and he suffered no ill-effects after his walk.
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Funds raised have provided a CPM machine for UHND and Bishop Auckland General Hospital, along with various other items of orthotic equipment which will aid post-operative mobility.
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#Challenge 2021 Walk In May, the UGLE Universities Scheme challenged all of its 80 plus member Lodges to take part in a walking team relay, carrying the David Kenneth Williamson Cup, covering the length and breadth of England and Wales. The challenge was to visit every Masonic venue where a Scheme Lodge meets, and in so doing complete an appropriate 2021 miles, whilst along the way raising funds for the Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Fund.
from our Province of Durham in the persons of John Arthur, Michael Shaw and Clinton Leeks. Universities Lodge brethren, Jamie Godwin, Clinton Leeks, Owen Brown and joined by Michael Shaw, then walked the cup to Northumberland’s Fern Avenue Masonic Centre in Jesmond, where they were welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland and representatives of Hotspur Lodge and Duke of Connaught Lodge.
sunny day, Lee Harrison, Corey Irons, Ethan Chapman, Alfie Mensah and his son, Louis, Michael Shaw were joined by John Thompson to walk the cup from Hartlepool to Stockton through the villages of Geatham and Cowpen Bewley.
The #Challenge2021 Walk set off from Freemasons’ Hall, London, on June 9th, heading southeast and travelling broadly clockwise around the country, returning to Great Queen Street on September 8th. The aim of the DKW Cup is to encourage inter-visiting between Universities Scheme Lodges and further the goals of fraternity and togetherness.
The following day, the Northumberland brethren walked back south over the Rivers Tyne and Wear to Burdon Road, Sunderland, to hand the cup over to Mowbray Lodge. On a very wet day, Octavian Lazin, Martin Lawson, Obi King, Bob Summerson, Andrei Lucaci, Michael Elston and Martin Talbot braved the weather to take the cup onwards in its journey south, handing the cup over to the Lodge of Fraternity at Hartlepool Marina.
Having completed its tour of our Province, the cup was finally handed over by our Deputy Grand Superintendent, Michael Shaw, to Jonathan Smith, Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings, on its journey to Hull.
On the morning of July 10th, after touring Lancashire, the cup was received at Durham Masonic Hall to a trio of representatives
“The challenge was to visit every Masonic venue”
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The members of the Lodge of Fraternity were more fortunate as, on a beautiful
For each leg of the relay the brethren were very grateful for the support of a team of car drivers providing encouragement and refreshments along the route.
All who took part and supported the walk in this Province agreed that the relay had achieved its goal of promoting fellowship between the University Scheme Lodges in this part of the world.
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Grand Master Recognises Local Freemason Durham Freemason Mark Davies was the recent recipient of a commendation from The Most Worshipful, The Grand Master, HRH, The Duke of Kent. The commendation was awarded for his outstanding contribution to Freemasonry’s role in the nations fight against Covid-19. During the pandemic, Mark was involved in various initiatives to help local residents, which included delivering cream cakes to frontline workers at a local hospital and various care homes, organising the donation of food to a local foodbank, and delivering hampers to elderly citizens and ensuring ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ were regularly supplied to the various hospitals throughout the Province of Durham. When asked about receiving the Commendation, Mark expressed his surprise and stated, “I was merely the public face of a fantastic team effort.” Congratulations Mark, and well done to all those Durham Freemasons who continue to provide assistance in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.
“Delivering cream cakes to frontline workers”
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Durham TLC offers a little comfort to hardworking NHS staff at local Hospitals
Ward Sister Sharon Carr, Nursery Nurse Leanne Gowland & Staff Nurse Surajah Hunter from South Tyneside Hospital
“We just wanted to celebrate the NHS”
Teddies for Loving Care and Durham Freemasons marked NHS Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day by providing a hot beverage and a chocolate bar as a small token of gratitude to those who have worked so hard for many years, and particularly during the pandemic. TLC Durham visited North Tees University Hospital, South Tyneside Hospital, and the
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University Hospital of North Durham with the welcome treats. Throughout the pandemic children have been arriving at Urgent Care and A & E in a very distressed state. The medical professionals have continued to care for them and Durham TLC are only too pleased that the little teddies have also played their part.
TLC co-ordinator Duncan Maw said “Those little gifts of kindness from Durham Freemasons were appreciated by the staff, patients and parents. We just wanted to celebrate the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers, and say thank you to all those who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic, putting our Teddies to good use and bringing smiles to little faces!”
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Everyday Freemasons
Thoughts of Trevor, a Hartlepool Freemason
Thoughts of Jack, a Sunderland Freemason
“I am 32 years old and work within the community/charitable sector in the town of Hartlepool. My work is centred on reducing social isolation and improving the mental wellbeing of those that use the services we provide, with the main aim of creating companionship. I am also the founder and trustee of a new national mental health charity, ‘Cops Minds’, which aims to support police officers, police support staff and retired officers within the UK who face mental health-related issues linked to their work and experiences.
“To me, Freemasonry is a connection to hundreds of years of history; it is a fraternal brotherhood that transcends race, class and age. Moreover, it is having friends that I can sometimes go a month without seeing, yet when we meet up it’s as if we had never been apart. As someone with a passion for history I always felt that Freemasonry would be something that I would naturally gravitate towards. However, having joined I gained much more than a connection to the past; I gained a set of friends that I could never have imagined.
Freemasonry is about getting together with a group of people from all walks of life, regardless of their background, and sharing and experiencing the companionship that lives within the organisation. Many people might assume that visiting another Lodge may be daunting if you don’t know anyone but with the fellowship and bond between our members, you really start to feel the true values of Freemasonry and you’ll be made to feel welcome. Within my own Lodge it is the warmth and laughter we share, especially at our festive boards (a much welcomed meal after our meetings), that exemplifies this friendship. Freemasonry to me is about supporting each other and giving everyone the opportunity to experience all aspects of the Lodge with the support of your team behind you each step of the way. Freemasonry has enabled me to develop my skills with confidence gained from taking part in our ceremonies and making speeches at our festive boards. Thanks to being a member, I have become a more confident public speaker, and can now stand up and talk in front of many people from diverse walks of life. More importantly to me, I have now made many friends both within the Craft and through the work I do to support my community.”
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I think Freemasonry is more relevant than ever in light of recent times. I have seen such great acts of kindness by both Freemasons I know and the wider Masonic community going above and beyond to support those less fortunate and those who required extra help during what has been an incredibly challenging year. At first, the appearance of Freemasonry may seem daunting to most young men with the image often presented of being mostly older men. This could be discouraging to the younger generation who may be interested in joining but it shouldn’t dissuade them. I feel very privileged to be a member of a Lodge that has members of all ages, bringing both a great deal of knowledge and a vibrant atmosphere. This is something that I feel should be seen in all Lodges as it improves both the ceremony and social side of proceedings.”
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Covid Walks
Our newest Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Clinton Leeks, spent his first Covid-19 lockdown exploring, on foot, the byways around his home in West Herrington, recording many of his travels within Tyne & Wear and County Durham. He says “I was a bit ashamed to say I had never properly explored the network of footpaths and cycle tracks (very often old pit Waggonways and railways) in our area. They took me to some beautiful places, which had been ‘hiding in plain sight’ for so long. I was amazed by the beauty of our surroundings and our heritage from past ages, farming, mining, industry and wartime. I was also impressed by the kindness of the people I met on the way, who were so proud of where they lived and happy to tell me their local history and stories.” Clinton posted the photos he took on his first 44 walks on social media, and then decided to produce a small book of the walks and photos. He said “It’s really a mapped celebration of where we live and what you see walking out your front door.” The book is titles “Covid Walks: Exploring Wearside in 2020” and Clinton is publishing it himself. Costing just £10, all profits will be going to “ShARP” (the Shiney Advice & Resource Project), a local charity where Clinton has been a trustee since 2003. The charity was formed in Shiney Row in 1981 with the aim of helping people in the Coalfields area to access welfare entitlements, and often to get their lives back on track. They do fantastic work.”
“It’s really a mapped celebration of where we live”
If you’d like a copy of the book, email Clinton at clintonleeks@gmail.com www.durhamfreemasons.org
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By George! This is Masonry in action “I get great satisfaction, especially helping the older people”
Do you have a few hours spare in the week? Would you like to reconnect with people and give something back to your community in the wake of the terrible months of the Covid pandemic?
Then why not join George Alderson, a member of Manor Lodge in Ferryhill, as a volunteer driver for Supportive? Supportive, a not-for-profit charity based in County Durham, has provided social transport across the North East of England for 27 years. George joined Supportive in 2014 and has completed more than 8,000 volunteer driver journeys. He said: “It’s far better than housework and you meet some really nice people when volunteering and I get great satisfaction, especially helping the older people.”
John Davison, CEO at Supportive, commented: “George has made a fantastic contribution to our local communities. He assists with taking people from their homes to hospital and GP appointments. We are currently short of about 20 volunteer car drivers and would love you to come and give it a go.” Supportive volunteer drivers get full training and paid expenses. If you’re interested and would like more information on joining George Alderson as a volunteer driver, please contact Heather Hopper at Supportive on 01740 658871 or
The deadline for issue 40 is 31st October 2021. NEWS@DURHAMFREEMASONS.ORG Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH. T: 0191 5675365. www.durhamfreemasons.org