QUARTERLY PUBLICATION PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
What’s inside
08 16 18
CAMRA Award Volunteer Ambulance Driving In the Captain’s Steps
www.durhamfreemasons.org SPRING 2020 | ISSUE 37
Volunteers 1 www.durhamfreemasons.org
Editor’s Notes
What’s Inside Page 3
I hope this edition of the Provincial Gazette finds you well in this extended period of lockdown, necessary to help contain the Coronavirus in our midst. While Freemasonry has been suspended and we are unable to visit each other that has not stopped our members from engaging with each other by the many means available in this day and age. Social media including Facebook and Twitter, Facetime phone calls, Zoom meetings and a good old fashioned phone call are all methods of making sure that we are all safe and well.
Reflections
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The Communications arm of the Province of Durham is still working hard reporting on all of the up to date news and with many of our Brethren and their families assisting the NHS and Care Homes in any way they can, with volunteer work and the provision of equipment, please let us know how you are doing.
Page 14 Teddies Top Up
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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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
www.durhamfreemasons.org
Reflections
“I would like say how proud I am of the members of our Province” I do not think I have ever had so much time to reflect on all sorts of subjects. The current and alarming situation we are all involved in will, I am sure, eventually become another memory that we may wish to forget but probably never will. I would like say how proud I am of the members of our Province who are working on the front line in the NHS, the Care sector, emergency and support services, key employment areas, and keeping deliveries going, as well as those supporting their more vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours. I congratulate those of you who have joined the 750,000+ citizens that have applied to be volunteers. Many of you will be staying at home, self-isolating or social distancing in accordance with government guidance and
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each and every one of you are considering the well-being of the community in which you live. I am not surprised that members of our Province have reacted in this way. The basic teaching of Freemasonry is that care for our fellow man is a fundamental part of who we are. Along with many others I have been concerned that we live in a rapidly changing world and that Freemasonry has been slow to adapt to that world with the result that some of the population do not understand what we are about, what we do and what we stand for. The world will definitely be a different place after all this is over and if the image of Freemasonry does not change, then the ‘disconnect’ with the general population will only increase.
The task for us all is reflect on the way we have done things in the past, question whether “doing what we have always done” is valid or appropriate in this changing world. We have more than 300 years of tradition behind us and this should not be forgotten, but we must ask ourselves whether some of our meetings, with their reference to ‘Secrets’, will ever result in us being truly accepted as part of a society that demands transparency. The most encouraging thing I have noticed recently is the speed at which a lot of our members have adapted behaviour and found ways of keeping in touch, whether it be WhatsApp, Facetime, Zoom and other virtual meeting software. More importantly the distinct increase in real contact with our less fortunate Brethren
whose movements are restricted through age or ill health. It is right that we prepare ourselves for the changes that may come when the present difficulties are behind us. Please use all of the communication channels to keep in touch with those who are in need or feeling isolated. A quote I heard recently “We are all Almoners(carers)” How right this is. Maybe something good will eventually come out of this unprecedented crisis. Tell people who we are and remind everyone what we stand for. INTEGRITY, FRIENDSHIP, RESPECT and CHARITY John Arthur Provincial Grand Master / Grand Superintendent
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‘Solomon’
a solution for isolated Freemasons!
We are living in difficult and challenging times for many nations across the world which have impacted upon all aspects of our daily lives. The well serving restrictions imposed to combat the Coronavirus has isolated us from our normal Masonic activities. Although isolated, we can still enjoy our ‘Learning & Development’ in Freemasonry via ‘Solomon’. For those who have not yet registered with ‘Solomon’, this may be the perfect time to do so and join the 27,000 members who have accessed its amazing content. There are countless hours of invaluable material at your fingertips. Information that can be digested in a variety of ways from ‘nuggets’ to research papers and presentation
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material to quizzes, so you can test your understanding. The ‘Guide to Solomon’ outlines the process for registering. You can also access the link to ‘Solomon’ via the Provincial website www.durhamfreemasons.org Many regular visitors to ‘Solomon’ will have noted the many new materials to be read or listened too, as there are a number of audio materials now available. As part of a structured learning programme may I suggest that we revisit our initiation into Freemasonry? ‘Solomon’ now has material that will be of most interest to a newly-admitted Brother but would be an ideal starting point
for any member. The information is contained in a new format and includes: • A Summary of Your Ceremony • Roles and Responsibilities in a Lodge • Working Tool Quiz • Tracing Board in the First Degree • Masonic Etiquette. ‘Solomon’ is constantly evolving with new content, interactive formats for fostering curiosity and developing understanding. To assist the Learning & Development (L&D) team, any feedback you wish to share would be appreciated. This can be submitted via the ‘Solomon’ site or you can email; michael.w@ learning4ever.co.uk or call Michael Wilkinson direct mobile phone: 079632 13336
“There are countless hours of invaluable material at your fingertips” www.durhamfreemasons.org
Everyday Freemason What does Freemasonry mean to me? Well for many years I worked away from home including spending time overseas, and during this time I lost touch with many of my friends. Then, around ten years ago, whilst visiting a local watering hole in Darlington, I met up with a friend of over thirty years. By chance, our discussion turned to Freemasonry. This led to attending a “gavel night”; a social event for Freemasons and non-members. The experience piqued my interest in the world of Freemasonry and, subsequently, I joined Hudson Lodge in Wolsingham. During this time, I have been installed as Worshipful Master of the Lodge, have been 1st Principal of Hudson Chapter and have been involved in other
Masonic orders. Since joining Freemasonry, I have not only met up with old friends but have made many more - indeed, I can now call them brothers. Freemasonry not only provides friendship, but also offers a support structure for each other. “I have now been a Freemason for ten years. Freemasonry is my hobby, but it’s much more than that. It is a chance to make new friends and to do our bit for those in need; raising money through social events as well as taking part in activities for charity. Freemasonry is sociable, enjoyable and fulfilling; the more you give the more you will get out of it.” Allan, a Wolsingham Freemason
“Freemasonry is sociable, enjoyable and fulfilling”
Cakes for Carers Local Freemasons from Billingham and Durham TLC spent the week taking the opportunity to show a little support for our NHS and Care Home workers. Just a small gesture, but well received none the less. Cakes for Carers, (sorry Slimming World) was their way of saying ‘Thank You’ to just a few of our many Front-Line ‘Heroes’ looking after our sick and elderly. With a much-appreciated discount from the local Cooplands, they delivered boxes of cakes to the front-line whilst observing the social distancing rules. Let’s hope our appreciation never ‘desserts’ us.
“They delivered boxes of cakes to the front-line” www.durhamfreemasons.org
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A Second Life
A SECOND life-saving defibrillator has been installed in Staindrop in memory of a Freemason who wanted to leave something for his fellow members and the community. Dave Cox was a Freemason and former Master of the Rose of Raby Lodge in Staindrop until he passed away in December 2017 following a battle with cancer. The 76-year-old, who lived in Darlington, had been keen to try to raise funds to buy a defibrillator for the village which would be sited outside the Masonic Hall on North Green. Having started by selling books, he managed to raise around £300. Following his death, fellow members vowed to keep up his good work and, through various raffles and with the help of the benevolence fund, a total of £1,500 was raised. A heartstart machine has now been
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installed on the front of the Masonic Hall in his memory. His son Phil, 42, who is a Freemason at Millbanke Lodge in Darlington, where his father was also a member for a number of years said: “It was something that was close to Dad’s heart. He would be delighted and very proud that there is a defibrillator here. He thought it was vital to have something like this. He’d had heart problems himself in the nineties and used to say, None of us is getting any younger”. Dad did a lot of work at the Masonic Hall in Darlington and he helped to get one there too. The members of Rose of Raby Lodge do so much work for the community and further afield. This place was very close to Dave’s heart and he was immensely proud of all the members of the Lodge and the work that they have
done.” The Lodge secretary and mason, Morris Race, said: “Dave was ill and he wanted to leave something for this hall. He set the fund away and we thought it would be nice for Phil because he is so proud of what his Dad did here. These machines save lives. There is access to the cabinet and there are easy audible instructions on how to use it. It is registered with the North East Ambulance Service, which is providing free training on how to use it.” Mr Cox added: “This hall is used for many other things and there are various events held here throughout the year. The defibrillator is for whoever uses the hall as well as the community. It may never be used, but it is there. It is also in memory of Dad, which is the icing on the cake.”
“Who wanted to leave something for his fellow members and community”
Another defibrillator is also located outside Scarth Hall on South Green.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
100 Years of Masonic Duty Over 100 years ago, Col. l. Robson, on behalf of the brethren of Hartlepool and West Hartlepool, presented the Provincial Grand Master the Hon. Gerald W. Liddell, with a Sword of State at the Provincial Meeting held at Sunderland on September 17th 1919. He had observed at the Provincial Grand Master’s installation earlier in 1919, some of the Hartlepool brethren perhaps with a taste more artistically critical than others found fault with the current sword which was carried, it being described as a ‘rust – bound scimitar’. They then gave a hint that they might provide another and had the privilege and pleasure of presenting the Sword (illustrated) which was copied from the Grand Sword of England and bore on its scabbard the County arms and the arms of Hartlepool. The Provincial Grand Master, in accepting this gift on behalf of the Province, assured Bro Robson it would be a memento for all time between the Hartlepool’s and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham. The sword has been used ever since on all official visits and occasions.
“The privilege and pleasure of presenting the Sword” www.durhamfreemasons.org
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CAMRA Award Chester-Le-Street Masonic Centre has been named the County Durham CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Club of the Year for 2020, beating many larger clubs to this prestigious award. Real ale has been available at ChesterLe-Street since about 2005 and has slowly gained in popularity since then. A key moment came in 2017 when, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England, a beer festival was organised by the hall charity stewards, attracting many hundreds of visitors and members alike and helping to promote their range of beers to a wider audience. The beer festival also helped to bring CAMRA on board as they provided the bar and much expertise on that occasion. A Beer (and Cider) Festival has been held at the hall every year since then, resulting in hundreds of visitors to the hall, many
thousands of pints being drunk and thousands of pounds being raised for the 2021 Festival. Richard Hogg, Chairman of the ChesterLe-Street Masonic Temple Association, likes to ensure that there are always many different types of ale on the bar to satisfy most tastes; the staff have been brilliant at keeping the lines clean and ensuring that they always serve a good pint. Not only have they received the award of Durham’s CAMRA club of the year for 2020 but they also feature in the 2020 CAMRA National guide, being one of a small number of outlets in County Durham to receive such recognition.
“Likes to ensure that there are always many different types of ale on the bar”
Roll on the 2020 Beer Festival - to be held at Chester-Le-Street Masonic Centre from Thursday 2nd July to Sunday 5th July. Richard and the team have a lot to live up to this year! Richard Hogg with staff members
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www.durhamfreemasons.org
Everday Freemason “Freemasonry to me, is companionship with like-minded, forward-thinking friends; making our communities that bit better. Initially I was attracted to the charitable work undertaken by Freemasons and I have taken part in a variety of fundraising activities. Having come from a military and police background, I enjoy the regularity of the meetings, combined with the opportunity to contribute my organisational skills towards a common purpose.” “The 21st century world is a tough - and at times unforgiving environment for young men; the pressures can be enormous with a combination of work, family and male expectations. Though the majority of Lodge members tend to be older, I believe this is a great incentive for younger members who will benefit from their life experiences. The younger brothers have a huge amount to bring to the table by way of new ideas. Freemasonry enables younger Lodge members to feel connected to their older peers, experiencing tradition and formality which, to a large part, is missing in the modern world.”
“Initially I was attracted to the charitable work undertaken by Freemasons” www.durhamfreemasons.org
ROLL OF HONOUR The following brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.
70 YEARS CRAFT: Eric Oliver Vulcan 5757
60 YEARS CRAFT: Keith Etherington Caradoc 4749
50 YEARS CRAFT: Gordon Robson Phoenix 94 Clive Dunbar Moseley 3105 Kelvin B Ferries St Hilda 240 Neil I Snowdon Agricola 7741 Peter F Young Vedra 3137 Colin Barnes Ryton St Mary’s 6550 George E Coulson Restoration 111 Robert S Parsins Palatine 97 John P Billington Doric 5455 Charles Penk Agricola 7741 Conrad Blythe Hu de Pudsey 4490 Geoffrey Whiteman Bernard Gilpin 3076 Raymond W Taffurelli Vale of Tees 5016 Kenneth Scott Stratheam 4965 Martyn Urwin St Hilda 240 Alan Bell Vulcan 5757 Thomas H Armstrong Crowley 6901 David Coppillie Johnstonian 5631 Iain A MacRae Vedra 3137
50 YEARS ROYAL ARCH: Mark L Woolfe Harte 4217 Alan Hall Constance 2135 Gerald M Lang Hebburn 1643 Alan Greenfield Crook 2019 Jeremiah Clish Penshaw 3194 William Davison De Burghi 424
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World Challenge Projects The Freemasons of Durham Benevolent Youth Fund, was keen to give support after receiving the following application; “My name is Sebastian Collins and I am a fourteen-year-old boy based in County Durham and I am determined to make our world a better place. In July 2021 following my GCSEs, I will be joining World Challenge Projects in Vietnam and Cambodia. To do this I need to raise over £4,000 by the end of 2020 to help support life-changing projects, which include Building Schools, Reforestation and Helping Abused Elephants. By the end of January 2020, I have raised £950, but I still have a long way to go and I will be doing various fundraisers over this year.” Local Freemason Roger Collins, Sebastian’s father, is proud that his son is determined to raise the funds by his own means and both were delighted when Christos Katsambis called with a grant of £500 from the Durham Freemasons which has boosted the fund immensely.
“With a grant of £500 from the Durham Freemasons”
Grand Ranks Congratulations to our Brethren who were appointed to or promoted in Grand Rank, which would normally have seen the Durham Brethren heading to Freemasons Hall Great Queen Street, London. On arrival they would have joined the throng of Freemasons from around the world, to witness the Annual Investitures of both the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch held within the auspicious surroundings of the Grand Temple. The Annual Investitures this year unfortunately are unable to be hosted in London due to the (COVID-19) crisis, which has seen Freemasonry placed into lock down for a period of 4 months. We celebrate our Craft and Royal Arch members on their preferment and while it will have been a terrible disappointment
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not to have been invested as usual, it in no way detracts from their magnificent achievement. We are extremely proud of all of them all and look forward to seeing them adorned in their new regalia and insignia when we return to our Lodges. Receiving First Appointments were: David John Green Clarence Lodge No2462 – PAGDC Andrew Charles Moule Lodge of Freedom No4207 – PAGDC Paul John Quinn Rowlandson Lodge No3360 – PGStB Nigel Fallow Rowland Burdon Lodge No3960 – PAGStB Gavin Ronald Rowell St Paul Lodge No3242 – PAGStB
Promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon: Keith Bibby Lodge of Loyalty No8635 – PJGD Frank Alexander Rankin Eslington Lodge No4623 – PJGD The Durham companions honoured on this occasion were: Dr Rakesh Bhalla Chapter of Strict Benevolence No97 – PGStB Fraser Smith Alexander Darlington Chapter No1379 – PAGDC Lewis John Ayers Clarence Chapter No2462 – PAGDC Promoted to Past Grand Sojourner: John Reginald Bayles Old Barnardian Chapter No9358 – PAGSoj We again congratulate them all on honours very well deserved and we wish them the best of health and happiness to enjoy their new preferments.
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Castletown Primary School
On 31st January 2020, The Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, accompanied by Andrew Thompson (Provincial Charity Steward) and Paul O’Doherty (Provincial Communications Officer) made a visit to Castletown Primary School, in Sunderland, to see the involvement of “Place2Be” and the impact it is having on the staff and pupils. The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is supporting Place2Be, in its partner schools across the North East, with a grant of £60,000 over three years
“Gratitude to the freemasons of Durham for their massive contribution”
Place2Be is a childrens’ mental health charity, established in 1994, providing in-school support for children, their teachers and their families. It does so with special focus on supporting the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people during the crucial and formative years of their lives. The Head Teacher Joan Lumsdon, gave a brief history of the school, which has 394 pupils ranging in age from 3 to 11 years, and the involvement of Place2Be in its day to day running. This was followed with a full tour of the school, the highlight of which was undoubtedly meeting the children in the school library. There it was clear to see the benefits of having a dedicated room for use by Place2Be, in which Karen Roe, a trained School Project Manager, for two days a week, gives counselling to any child who feels the need, for whatever reason. The feedback from the children was 100% positive, with many having used the facility and none feeling any stigma attached to using it openly when needed. Natalie Johnson, the Service Manager for the North East of England for Place2Be, expressed her gratitude to the Freemasons of Durham for their massive contribution to the charity, thereby enabling them to continue with this very rewarding project. This was a most rewarding visit, seeing the MCF donation being put to great use assisting young children to improve their lives.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Tablets for Patients “To help patients communicate with their families during this difficult time” North Tees Hospital Staff Nurses Sue Phillips Sara Bell & Student Nurse Rebecca Barraclough
As part of a National Initiative by Freemasons across England and Wales to help stay in touch with their loved ones during the Coronavirus crisis, local Freemasons have provided 50 Samsung Galaxy Tablets to NHS Hospitals in Darlington, Sunderland, Durham, Gateshead, and North Tees to allow patients to communicate with their families. During the current crisis, NHS hospitals have been forced to limit visits to patients to control infections, some of those suffering from the virus can be in intensive care for two to three weeks or more, with one-to-one
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visits only being allowed for dying patients. This has led hospitals to try to find a way to help patients communicate with their families during this difficult time. Freemasons have risen to the challenge and gifted more than a thousand devices to help patients see and hear their loved ones and provide much-needed comfort. Andie Ruddy North Tees Health Care Assistant “It’s been really difficult setting up video conferences for our patients to say goodbye. Using our existing technology we are required to sit there and inevitably listen at these difficult and private moments.
The tablets will allow us to provide privacy for our patients and their family at a very difficult time.” “Thankyou DURHAM Freemasons it will help the patients and families but also reduce the pressure and stress of those working on the ward.” Pat Chambers – Charity Development Manager County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity “We are absolutely delighted to receive the donation of 20 Samsung Galaxy tablets for issue to patients in Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham from Durham Freemasons.
Working in these unprecedented times it has been challenging to help our patients maintain connectivity with their families particularly with the current restrictions on visitors to our hospital sites. This donation from Durham Freemasons will help reduce loneliness and isolation in our wards helping patients to establish contact with their families, listen to radio, or watch a film or even play puzzle games on the tablets. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of this wonderful donation and would like to thank everyone at Durham Freemasons who made this possible.”
www.durhamfreemasons.org
Collaboration in Weardale During these challenging times, it is amazing to learn of individuals and organisations working for the betterment of communities in general. For isolated communities, that kind of bonding is even more important and this story illustrates the wider benefits. Such an individual is Gareth (Gaz) Lawton, 41 years of age, who resides in Crook with his partner Hayley and 7 year-old daughter Caitlin. Gareth was formerly employed in property maintenance and, just prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus, had invested in a 3D printing machine to pursue making models as a hobbyist. However, the Government Lock-down restrictions impacted severely on that project.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
Being aware of the concerns of essential workers for their safety within his community, he turned his attention to using his talents and 3D printer to manufacture PPE equipment, specifically visors. There was only one problem; funding for the purchase of the raw materials. Not deterred, he posted his idea and plea for support on the local Crook and Weardale Community Notice Board. On reading the notice, Bill Hobson, a well-known Freemason in the dales and Chairman of Weardale Community Transport, immediately responded. Together they reviewed the concept, visor design and cost. The production would be carried out by Gareth at his home address for no profit.
Freemasonry was swift in its support, Stanhope and Hudson Lodges and Stanhope Royal Arch Mariners each contributed £100. In turn, Gareth went into speedy production and some of the first ‘Visors’ were distributed to drivers of the Weardale Community Transport Service and also to the members of Weardale Community Hospital. Gareth has now added the production of ear holding face masks to compliment the continued manufacturing of ‘Visors’. The only restriction on supplies being the funding of additional raw materials
and possibility the purchase of a second 3D printer as he receives more requests for such equipment. To date Gareth has produced over 70 full-face visors, and over 200 face masks and extends his appreciation for the invaluable support of Freemasonry. Bill Hobson added that the production of this important equipment has assisted in the safety of those essential workers delivering a variety of services to the Weardale and Crook Communities.
“Using his talents and 3D printer to manufacture PPE equipment” 13
Teddies A local group who regularly visit the University Hospital Trust to generously present toy bears for their little patients have again, even in these troubled times, managed to drop off a fresh supply. The Freemasons of the Province of Durham have been supplying the toy bears for more than a decade and and at present more than 97,000 bears have been donated throughout the region. Volunteer responder Mark Davies visited Outpatients matron Tracy Maddison to present another collection of bears (all new and presented in boxes which are sanitised for infection control).
“Children are able to take the cuddly teddies home with them”
These Teddies will be donated to the orthopaedic outpatients department to help comfort children who may be in distress. Children are able to take the cuddly teddies home with them after they leave, a luxury the Hospital Trust would not have without the kind donations of the Freemasons.
Walk this Way Many congratulations go to Kevin Carter and Ronnie Amar, who teamed up to raise money for the TLC Teddies by walking to every Masonic Hall in the Province starting from their home town in South Shields and covering a distance of 250 miles. With the assistance of Duncan Maw, the TLC coordinator, they also gave a brief talk on the benefits of the distraction bears, which are delivered to all A and E departments in the Province. Their original target amount was to raise £2,500 but, with the generosity of friends, masons and relatives, this figure swelled to £7,500. With gift-aid and the sale of merchandise, the true total will be nearer £10,000 All of this from two masons whose original thought, was only to go for a walk each Sunday for exercise.
“With gift aid and the sale of merchandise the true total will be nearer £10,000.” 14
www.durhamfreemasons.org
Visors
About 5 weeks ago, my eldest Son Andrew joined a group (3DCROWD) to manufacture PPE Visors for frontline NHS and Care Home workers. He printed the parts at home and sent them to Sheffield for National distribution, Ray Potts (St Hilda) mentioned that locally there was a shortage and my Sisters, both Nurses confirmed this. I spoke to Andy and with the help of my younger Son Adam (St Hilda) and my daughter Stephanie we contacted local Care Homes using social media sites. The response was instant and Andrew used and easier Swedish design that reduced the manufacturing and assembly time to 55 mins per unit. 345 visors have been distributed to date directly to frontline. This project was self funded by our family. Hospitals, Care Home and Front line support groups such as Hebburn Helps have directly benefited. Andrew was put in touch with other 3D printer users by my social media posts who have also used the same design to help their own local groups. This has been coordinated by my daughter to ensure all orders are fulfilled. Schools and local businesses have been contacted as a result of the posts and another 200 sourced and distributed. Lots of schools are now using their Technology Department to produce visors. 3DCROWD are now set up locally producing any bulk orders. Masonic hospitals and charities will be able to access PPE via the national group 3DCROWD. The Provincial magazine can also help to identify other Masons in the County who are involved.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Volunteer Ambulance Driving “Saw an appeal for volunteer drivers on the Lodge Facebook page”
Phil Heaviside, a past master of Lodge of Progress saw an appeal for volunteer drivers on the Lodge Facebook page. The sister of one of the members works for NE Ambulance service and had asked him to share it. Phil’s past work history and driving experience, prompted him contact the service and volunteer straight away.
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Due to the weight of the ambulance stock, a category ‘C1’ on a clean driving license is required, which was already on Phil’s licence. A half day driver assessment and some training on the GPS / comms system and hydraulic lift, and then a drive out with an examiner to check the standard of driving was then undertaken. The required paperwork was then submitted for an enhanced DBS and also a
driver medical at the occupational health section for eyesight and blood pressure etc. The last step was a two day training course. Confidentiality, Safeguarding, correct use of PPE including face mask seal testing and a full day of moving patients and securing wheelchairs in ambulances. He was finally signed off and ready to start helping out and is at present waiting
for his first placement. The only downside is that he will probably have to stop delivering meals on wheels to the elderly and self isolating residents in his village. The ambulance service have done a great job so far. They have had 2000 volunteers and in a month, they have designed and implemented a training courses for the first group of 200 volunteers. www.durhamfreemasons.org
Blood Bikes
In these troubled times, let us remember the magnificent work being done by our NHS and all other essential workers. Freemasonry may be on hold because of Covid-19 but the blood bikes are busier than ever, assisting the NHS in their work. Many thanks are owed to their volunteer riders, including our own John Watts, for their round the clock shift work. Because of the lockdown many of the fundraising events are not taking place so online donations are now more important than ever. Here is a link if you feel you would like to assist in raising much needed funds. https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/…/ finalCharityHomepage.act… The Mark Benevolent Fund has donated £23,541 to Northumbria Blood Bikes, to enable them to purchase new radios, as the present suppliers are withdrawing their service.
“The blood bikes are busier than ever assisting the NHS in their work” www.durhamfreemasons.org
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In the Captain’s steps John Thompson was so inspired by Captain Tom Moore, and his steps around his garden to raise money for the NHS, that he set up a Facebook page to raise money for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Specifically, this was to be for their Masonic COVID-19 Appeal with their promise to match fund anything up to £1 million raised Nationally. Being no stranger to a Fitbit step challenge, the most John had ever done in a day was 40,000 steps when he completed the Great North Run in 2017. This time his aim was 60,000 steps in a day. The run/walk step challenge commenced before 6am on Sunday 26th April and continued throughout the day until the magic 60,000 total was reached at 4.30pm. In a live Facebook video John announced that he had raised the magnificent total of over £2,000; fund matching and gift aid brought that total to over £5,000. John went on to thank everybody for their support in this challenge before taking a wellearned rest and an early night. A magnificent effort John.
“His aim was 60,000 steps in a day”
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www.durhamfreemasons.org
Online Donations
Charity is symbolised in Freemasonry by a trowel; an implement which metaphorically spreads the cement of brotherly love and kindness which binds us all together. But what if your bonding material isn’t cement but solder? Freemason Christopher Bell did just that when he delivered a charity internet live stream in aid of a muchneeded service during the coronavirus outbreak. Chris, who is a lecturer in electronic engineering, took his love for
circuits and soldering irons to another level as he performed an online demonstration where he constructed a rudimentary oscilloscope from various electronic components. Whilst piecing the circuit together, Chris was encouraging the viewers to donate whatever they could afford to help support the North East Ambulance Service. Asked what prompted him to do this, Chris explained “Everybody knows somebody
who works for the NHS; my wife is a Clinical Section Manager in the North East Ambulance Service and my sister is a specialist Cardiovascular Nurse so the important work our front line services are doing isn’t just on the news but it is in my home. Like many people, I have felt helpless over the last few weeks, and that prompted me to do something to help, even if it is in a small way. I thought maybe I could entertain those that are doing their bit by staying at home and, at the
same time, raise much needed cash for those who can’t.” Chris, who lives in Sacriston but is a member of Ernest Dixon Lodge No.7856 in Sunderland, deemed the event a success – all the money raised during the online stream was donated to the Ambulance Service in support of their work against Covid-19 and Chris is looking to perform more online demonstrations to continue his charity drive.
“all the money raised during the online stream was donated to the Ambulance Service” www.durhamfreemasons.org
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Our Heroes at Work In May 2018 Tony Pharaoh was initiated into Benfeldsyde Lodge, in the Province of Durham. Tony is a Nurse Practitioner engaged on the Front Line at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle; his wife Kathleen, is also a Nurse on the Front Line, and she works in the Out-patients Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. A few weeks ago, while in their respective roles at work, they began to realise that, as their Patients were unable to receive visits from relatives, they also had their own desperate need. This was for their own toiletries including soap,
shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary pads and tissues etc. Tony and Kathleen decided that they would try to do something about this shortage. Tony spoke to one of the Past Masters of his Lodge and outlined their thinking. The Past Master immediately made a donation to Tony and e-mailed the Members of his Lodge, encouraging them to make a donation. Such was the success of this initiative that, after just two weeks, Tony and Kathleen received over £200 in donations and they had also received generous contributions from local Supermarkets. The end result of this excellent initiative is
that Tony has been able to present twenty 25 litre boxes full of toiletries to the RVI, while Kathleen has presented eighteen thirty litre boxes to her hospital. This has ensured that all patients across both NHS sites can receive essential Toiletries. Tony also collected four boxes of food which were donated to the Newcastle food bank in Benwell.
“Tony has been able to present twenty 25 litre boxes full of toiletries”
As Tony has only been a Mason for two years, this illustrates that he has taken the morals of Freemasonry very seriously and is certainly aiming to “Help those in need who are less fortunate than ourselves”.
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