www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 1 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
Over £2,000,000 raised for the A Message from the Festival Director May will see the start of this years organised fundraising activities with the Sunday Stroll to Seaham, The Great Glen Canoe adventure, Ross and Arnold Brown will take on the Edinburgh Marathon and The 3 Province Pedal will conclude this months amazing challenges. Can I thank all the organisers and the support teams for making these events happen. Many hours of organising and planning really do ensure these events run as smoothly as possible. Please, where you can, give the participants your full support. We still have places left if you fancy taking part in our other events. Please contact Paul Quinn our Festival Secretary at paul.quinn@durham2021.org for more information or to register interest. Remember the MCF is here to help. If you think they may be able to help you or someone you know please make the call or contact your Almoner or Benevolent Representative. This can be done very confidentially by contacting the MCF enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90.
Grand Auction This year we are hosting an online auction and we are requesting items to be donated from lodges. All proceeds from the auction will be split between the donating lodge and the winner of the auction prize. The prizes can be anything you like, the bigger the better. Already we have had donations of golf days, signed memorabilia including signed shirts from the 1966 England world cup squad and Usain Bolt amongst others. The auction will run from June until November. We would like every lodge to consider providing a prize but individuals can also help, so get your thinking caps on.
Contact Auction Master Andrew Thompson to donate your prize [info@compost-uk.co.uk].
Roll on the Grand Auction WBro Andrew Thompson, the newly appointed Provincial Grand Charity Steward, made his first visit to a Lodge in his official capacity, when he attended St Paul Lodge in Jarrow. Andrew gave a very informative talk to the Brethren on the role of Provincial Grand Charity Steward and the progress of the Festival and the other charitable endeavours ongoing within the Province.
Next on the agenda was part two of the celebrations, a long service certificate presentation to Edwin Howell, well known by everyone as Eddie, born in Deptford, Sunderland on 11th May 1932. At 15 years of age he began an apprenticeship as a Bricklayer. This was interrupted by two years National Service in the Royal Artillery, during which he met his wife Jean. They married in August 1954 and have a daughter called Kay.
The Provincial Senior Warden, WBro Gavin Rowell, a member of the Lodge, also donated one of the cycle tops specially designed by the MCF for our Brethren taking part in the 3 Province Sponsored Cycle Ride, to be included in the Auction Lot. Look out for further details of the Grand Auction over the next few weeks. There are some wonderful items going to be available.
Lodge Awards 99 Silver
Durham 2021 Festival
The earlier than normal start for the February meeting of Bedic Lodge, who meet at the Masonic Hall in Shiney Row, had a very special significance. It marked the 75th Anniversary of the lodge. The evening was also to celebrate a 50 year long service achievement for one of its members, Edwin Howell. To commemorate this double celebration, the Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, accompanied by a full Deputation of Provincial Officers, swelled the ranks to an almost full capacity lodge room. After being ‘warmly’ welcomed into the lodge. The first business of the evening was a concise explanation of the history of Bedic Lodge from its consecration in 1943, delivered by John Kelly. Most of these extracts were taken from the workings of a publication the lodge is working on, which we are told will be available in the not too distant future.
The Worshipful Master, WBro David George and the Lodge Brethren, were delighted to present WBro Thompson with a Carrera Vulcan Mountain Bike to be entered into the Grand Raffle.
167 Bronze
Bedic Lodge celebrate 75 years in Style
46 Gold
@2021durham
17 Platinum
Durham 2021
After the reading of the certificate Ed was presented and saluted by John before being seated again. The Master then immediately rose to present John with a very large cheque equating to the lodge’s number of £5915 to go towards the Festival. This truly was a night to celebrate.
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 2 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
Silver Awards
Vulcan Lodge
Earl Of Durham Lodge
Finchale Priory Lodge
John Thompson was in Blackhill to present a 50year Certificate to WBro Jack Blackburn. The lodge and Jack made donations which ensured the lodge achieved their silver award target. Charity Steward WBro David McGeorge received the silver pin badge in recognition of the lodge’s success.
Stephen Willis presented the lodge with their silver pin badge and wished them success for the forthcoming events: A Sportsmans Dinner on June 28th, the Beer Festival in early July. Along with encouragement for those participating in the 3 Province Cycle Ride and the Great North Run.
Our Festival Treasurer Mike Cockerton had the pleasing duty to present Martin Talbot, Finchale Priory Charity Steward with silver award.
Tees Lodge
The Hebburn Lodge
Avalon Lodge
Congratulations to Tees Lodge No. 509 on attaining the Silver Award for the Durham 2021 Festival. South Area Director Mike Smithies had the pleasure of presenting the silver pin badge to the WM WBro George Temperton.
At the amalgamation ceremony of Heabrym and Palmer Lodges into the The Hebburn Lodge, John Thompson, presented Charity Steward, Michael Graham, with a silver pin badge for raising over £26,000. Well done everyone and good luck for the future.
Bill Hobson took the opportunity this month to visit Avalon Lodge and present the silver award to Charity Steward David Graham for their continued support of our 2021 Festival for the Masonic Charitable Foundation
Hudson Lodge
Achates Lodge – A Farewell to Remember
Another very enjoyable night at Hudson Lodge and it gave John the chance to present their charity steward Bill Hobson with the silver pin badge. Well done everyone and best wishes to their Worshipful Master who will take on the Sunday Stroll to Seaham later this month.
Although Achates Lodge surrendered their warrant, it was done with dignity and a large donation of £3750 to the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Charity Steward James Redden presented the cheque to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Festival Director John Thompson to attain their Gold Award. Other cheques were given for the TLC Teddies and the Benevolent Fund. We thank them and wish all the best to the members continuing their Masonic careers in alternative Lodges.
Golden Cheer at Lumley Lodge
Benfeldsyde Lodge
Thornhill Lodge
Gordon Brewis the Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented the gold pin badge to Charity Steward, Craig Pattison, who recognised the efforts put in by all the lodges within the Temple at Chester-le-Street who have worked together to achieve their goals.
Benfeldsyde Lodge 7807, in Blackhill, were in celebratory mood after receiving their gold pin badge from Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Stephen William Walker, during the installation of Gaurav Jamnadass as Worshipful Master for the first time.
This former Seafaring Lodge hits its Gold Target and is sailing towards Platinum. Deputy Provincial Grand Master Stephen William Walker presented the gold pin badge to Charity Steward, Jim Walton, and the Gold Award Certificate to the Worshipful Master for their magnificent achievement.
Durham 2021 Festival
@2021durham
Durham 2021
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 3 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
3 Province Cycle Ride Update As of the 23rd April we have 37 riders and 6 support drivers signed up for this years sponsored cycle ride. There are 3 spaces available due to a number of injury enforced withdrawals so if anyone is interested in taking part please contact Gavin Rowell on gavin.rowell@cmsl-uk.com ASAP. Ride entry costs £150 and includes transport to the start line, 2 nights’ accommodation and a very fetching MCF Cycling Shirt. With only a little over a month to go, a review of the Durham Masonic Cycling Facebook page and of Strava shows that training rides are now well and truly underway. Mileage is being stepped up and there is even some evidence of some hill training. Rumours of the occasional hill when crossing the North Yorkshire Moors appear to have spurred our riders along. There is nothing however like a bit of sponsorship to boost the moral and to relieve those aching muscles. So far the team have raised a little over £3000 and would certainly appreciate any further support you could give them. You can visit the team Everyday Hero giving page and sponsor your selected rider by following this link: https://e0124.everydayhero.com/uk/three-province-pedal-1
For anyone who wants to cheer on the team during the event the draft itinerary is as follows: Friday 31st May 2019
Many Thanks These are just some of the very generous donations we’ve had since the last newsletter.
07.00am
Meet at Durham Services and load bikes into vans
Bedic Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5915
07.30am
Bus and vans depart to start line
Lodge of Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5000
09.00am
Arrive at Provincial Office of Yorkshire West Ridings – 18/20 Castle Grove Dr, Leeds LS6 4BR
09.30am
Ride starts
Benfeldsyde Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . £2000
12.30pm
York Masonic Hall – Duncombe Place Masonic Hall, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7DX
1.30pm
Ride to Premier Inn, Beverley – Flemingate, Beverley HU17 0NR – Overnight Stay
Restoration Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1000 St Hilda Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1000
Saturday 1st June 2019
Surtees Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1000
8.30am
Depart Beverley
12.30pm
Lunch stop at Cross Hill Methodist Church, Hunmanby, YO14 0JT
Ernest Dixon Lodge . . . . . . . . . . .£785.60
1.30pm
Depart Hunmanby to ride to Whitby
5.30pm
Arrive at Whitby YHA – East Cliff, Abbey House, Whitby YO22 4JT
Hebburn Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £720.10
7.30pm
Dinner at Hadley’s Fish & Chip Restaurant
Earl of Durham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £616
Thornhill Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £750
Sunday 2nd June 2019
DLIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500
8.30am
Depart Whitby
2.30pm
Guisborough Masonic Hall – 27 Chaloner St, Guisborough TS14 6QD
1.30pm
Depart Guisborough
Aycliffe Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500
4.30pm
Finish at The Headland, Hartlepool
Lodge of Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500
Thank you for all of the support to date
Albion Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500
Wear Valley Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500
We fund research into a wide range of disabilities, diseases and conditions. We’ve recently helped to develop a new test for prostate cancer and a more effective mode of healthcare for people with cystic fibrosis!
St Cuthbert Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500 Tees Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500 Commercial Travellers Lodge . . . . . . £500 Marquis Of Granby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500 Norman Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £300 Vane Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £300
SCUBA CHALLENGE
24hr Scuba Diving Challenge
Location Ellerton Lake, Richmond
August 2019 > Cost £30 per person (includes insurance and gas) We need a minimum of 6 masonic divers, 9 would be preferable. (We have 3 so far). Divers must be a minimum of Open Water qualified with drysuit experience. If you are interested Please get in touch with Lloyd Pickering lloyd@lloydpickering.com
Durham 2021 Festival
@2021durham
Durham 2021
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 4 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
Dragon Boat Race 1st September 2019.
Congratulations Andrew
We have our first teams from Billingham/Castle Eden and Chester le Street. Do you want to take them on? Entry fee £30p/person (£500 per team)
Our New Provincial Grand Charity Steward
No previous experience of dragon boat racing is necessary as all training will be provided on and teams are able to nominate a registered charity of their own choice.
the
day
Racing is over a course of 200 meters and teams containing up to 20 people (including reserves) are invited to enter. Each team will have a minimum three timed races where your single fastest time only will count for Grand Final qualification. The Grand Final will be a race to the finish where all the dragon boats that can be safely raced together will race one last time and the first team across the line will be declared: Dragon Boat Champions of The Tees 2019.
At his recent visit to the Chapter of Concord 124 on Tuesday 26th March, the Grand Superintendent John Arthur, chose to break with tradition and make a presentation of a Craft collar after an Exaltation Ceremony. Once the Chapter meeting was closed, the Chapters Scribe Nehemiah, Andrew Thompson, was promoted and collared to the new position of Provincial Grand Charity Steward. John explained to the members and guests present that he wished to show the indissoluble link between Royal Arch and Craft Masonry. From everyone on the Festival Team we wish Andrew all the best in his new role.
You’re closer than you think! The recent donations have been amazing. Your next lodge award may be closer than you think. If you need a lodge or an individual
£30,000 from the MCF to a charity in Darlington The Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur accompanied by Duncan Maw (Durham Benevolence) and Brian Footitt OBE (Durham MCF Representative) presented a cheque for £30,000 on behalf of the Masonic Charitable Foundation to Community Project Manager of Groundwork NE & Cumbria, Natalie Whitworth.
donation update please get in touch.
Up to 400 of Darlington’s children and their families will be receiving regular meals and taking part in fun activities over the summer break thanks to a grant from Durham freemasons. The £30,000 grant to the Groundwork NE and Cumbria charity will be helping some of the 21 per cent of Darlington’s children between the ages of 5 and 11 across Red Hall, Cockerton, Firthmoor and Skerne Park. During the school holidays, many families require additional support and this project will help provide meals as well as physical activity.
Many thanks to David Mason and North Spas for sponsoring the Great Glen Canoe Trail
Its time to tackle the Great Glen
travelling the route by Canadian Canoe
24th and 28th May 2019. The Lodge of Progress and friends plan to navigate the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness, taking In the majesty of the Caledonian Canal Loch, Lochy Loch Oich, and the mighty Loch Ness. Please give generously.
everydayhero.com/uk/canoe-the-great-glen-2019-ronnie-fraser
Durham 2021 Festival
@2021durham
Durham 2021
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 5 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
Action on Dementia
The Smarties keep on coming
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Thompson met up with the Action on Dementia Sunderland (ADS) group at one of their weekly lunch club meetings, this one held at the Chesters Pub in Sunderland on Tuesday 26th March 2019. John was armed with a cheque for £5000 awarded to them from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to assist them in their valuable work in helping support people with dementia and their carers specifically within the boundaries of Sunderland.
Thanks to our Provincial Tyler Maurice Errington who has kept our Festival Treasurer Mike Cockerton busy counting out 3 large smarties tubes. But it was well worth it for the kind gesture raised £113.50. Thank you Maurice.
The establishment of the group in 2010, after a public meeting, was felt to be necessary in view of the fact that the national organisation was disbanding its Sunderland branch, leaving the area short of the help. As an independent charity 100% of all monies raised are used directly in the assistance of care for sufferers and their carers.
The festival team welcome Craig Pattison as Hall Ambassador for Chester Le Street. If you support in CLS, Craig is your man.
Dementia is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of background, education, lifestyle or status. While it is true that the majority of people with dementia are over 65 it is not normally a part of getting older. The likelihood of developing dementia rises with age but it is not a given that an older person will develop it . In the UK 40,000 people under the age of 65 have dementia.
Sunday Stroll May 12th 2019 Cost £15 per person All ages and levels of fitness/ability are welcome to take part. Open to Durham Freemasons and their families. The Heritage Coastal Path is one of the most scenic walks in the country with stunning views of the North East Coast. The footpath from Crimdon to Seaham Masonic Centre is approximately 12 miles. Waymarkers and finger posts mark the route with a variety of informative and interesting artwork along the way.
Visit www.durhamheritagecoast.org for more information and downloadable map. To Register to take part please email ivanlowther@aol.com
Choose 5, 8 or 12 miles depending on your personal fitness level.
Raise money for the 2021 Festival through sponsorship
12
8
5
MCF Tech Shirt is included in your £15 entry fee.
MILES Sign up for the full walk from Crimdon to Seaham Masonic Centre
MILES Sign up for the mid length walk from Horden to Seaham Masonic Centre
MILES Sign up for a shorter walk from Easington Colliery to Seaham Masonic Centre
3 Peaks Ski Challenge
Friends & family welcome.
7th July 2019 > Cost £20 Ski or snowboard the height of one of three iconic mountains at Silksworth ski slope. Contact Paul Quinn paul.quinn@durham2021.org
Mount Everest (56 descents) Mont Blanc (31 descents) Ben Nevis (9 descents)
Durham 2021 Festival
@2021durham
Durham 2021
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
www.durham2021.org | May 2019 | Issue 21 | Page 6 of 6
Durham 2021 FESTIVAL NEWS A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90
Platinum Awards
Real Ale & Cider Festival Chester Le Street Masonic Centre’s Annual Real Ale and Cider Festival in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival will be held the first weekend in July 2019 from Thursday 4th July to the Sunday 7th July 2019. Normal Licensing laws apply. This has in previous years proved to be a very successful event and all the Lodge's in CLS would like to see as many visitors to CLS Masonic Centre as possible. On sale will be a number of Real Ales and Ciders for you to try. All proceeds from the fundraising event will be donated to the Durham 2021 Festival appeal.
Charity Plant Sale
Sincerity Lodge The Provincial Grand Master addressed the brethren praising the hard work put in by members of the lodge and for attaining the prestigious Platinum milestone. Lodge Charity Steward Gordon Brewis was delighted when presented with the platinum pin badge.
Saturday 25th May 2019 from 9.30am at Shildon Masonic Hall Our friends at Shildon are at it again, growing over a thousand plants for the 2021 festival. This years offerings are Begonia, Geranium, Lobelia, Impatients, Pertunia, Coleus, Marigolds, Forget me not, Pansys, Fushias and Strawberry plants. The event will open at 9.30 but if the last 2 years are anything to go by you need to be there early. Because when they’re gone they’re gone!
Eardulph hits the Platinum
Cyclone Idai victims receive £45,000
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Walker presented the PGM’s award to the lodge for achieving their platinum status for the 2021 Festival, but also to witness what turned out to be a remarkable 60 years service award for one of their members, Larry Tinkler.
Thousands of people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe whose lives have been devastated by Cyclone Idai were given access to clean water, as well as tarpaulins, plastic sheets and other emergency supplies, thanks to an emergency grant of £45,000 from the MCF.
Richard Kettlewell climbs a mountain
Another lodge Progressing well The Lodge of Progress No. 8259 marked the 50th anniversary of the lodge in addition to celebrating their status as a Platinum award winning lodge.
The Masonic charitable foundation are committed to tackling some of society's most important issues, and through our grants and partnerships with local and national charities, we are helping others to do just that.
There’s still time to give Richard your support https://e0124.everydayhero.com/uk/richard-k
Worshipful Master David Frew shocked the visiting deputation with an exceptional donation of £5,000 and Festival Treasurer and Lodge Charity Steward exchanged his gold pin badge for a very shiney platinum badge.
In the first round of charitable funding for 2019, the MCF have awarded £758,960 to 28 charities committed to giving young people from vulnerable backgrounds the best start in life, or to reducing loneliness and social isolation experienced by older people.
Happy Birthday The MCF celebrated its 3rd birthday in April, and its been a fantastic three years. Thanks to the continuing support and generosity of the masonic community, they’ve been able to support thousands of members of the masonic community and hundreds of local and national charities.
To find out more about the support they give to charities, visit https://mcf.org.uk/charity-grants/
Durham 2021 Festival
Congratulations to Richard and Steve and entire team for making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro. By all accounts it was a very tiring, enjoyable and joyous event . Is this the first Masonic Charitable Foundation shirt to reach the summit.
@2021durham
Durham 2021
MCF confidential enquiry line: 0800 035 60 90