Across the Plain
Celebrating 300 Years
Provincial Grand Lodge Summons
Cathedral Service confirmed - it’s in our DNA Summer Edition 2016Charity page 1
The Provincial Grand Master I am often reminded of that wonderful phrase in the Charge to the Initiate when we remind him of that virtue which can justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart - I mean Charity. As I journey around the Province I am made aware of many selfless acts of kindness and see for myself the open hearted generosity of our Lodges. Whether it is in the form of a gift to the Lodge widows or a collection made on behalf of a local charity or good cause, the kindness of the Brethren and their families makes me very proud to be the head of such a wonderful Province. With this in mind I am delighted to give my total support to the theme charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA a message you will see repeated in our new display stand and message boards. We need little reminding that the world economy is far from stable, or that events in a far off country can have a seismic effect for both good and bad on our national and individual prosperity. For some the ability to withstand anything but the most fleeting of fluctuations in their personal circumstances is all too apparent. It is true that for many there is a single wage packet between survival and penury, something we recognise when we remind the new Freemason that there are some who, from circumstances of unforeseen calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. However, I take great comfort in the knowledge that Lodge Almoners are fully aware of those in need of help and support. Please let me take this opportunity to remind you that John King the Provincial Grand Almoner is always available to assist Lodge Almoners in any way he can. The new Masonic Charitable Foundation has made its first grants, this new organisation has been formed through an amalgamation of the four principal Masonic charities and it will rely on the generosity of Freemasons for its funding just as the Masonic Samaritan Fund depends on the support provided by the Wiltshire 2017 Festival, incidentally, Peter Winton has some really good news on the Festival which you can read on page 12. In February I was thrilled to host a reception at Calne Masonic Hall for some of the many charities the Province supports. All the recipients do sterling work in the local community and provide essential services to the young, the more mature, those in sickness and despair and the vulnerable in society. It was a pleasure to meet so many people and hear first hand how our help and support makes a difference. I would also like to thank the Brethren and family members who attended the event, it is something I would like to develop as it provides a superb opportunity for us to showcase who we are and what we do. Talking of which, can I say how pleased I am to hear about the wonderful contributions being made by Lodges to the 300 hours for 300 years initiative. I was particularly delighted to read how members of Downton Lodge No.9064 helped their local school by arranging to paint a classroom, ensuring the pupils returned to a bright new environment after the half term holiday. Members and families of Vale of Avon Lodge No.8432 undertook an exciting project building a goat enclosure at the Leonard Cheshire Home at Kington Langley and Brethren from Gooch Lodge No.1295 gave up their Saturday leisure time to refurbish the dining tables at Swindon’s Olive Tree Cafe a charity providing help and support to people recovering from mental illness by providing them with positive, work-related opportunities. These are just a few of the fantastic examples of Freemasons working in and for the community. Stephen Bridge APrGM is keen to hear from Lodges who are planning an event which will demonstrate the practical side of Freemasonry in the community which might include helping with local Scouting or Guiding groups. The Tercentenary is a wonderful opportunity to raise the public profile of Freemasonry and I am confident that Wiltshire will benefit from the positive exposure which will be generated by the numerous events and activities planned for the year. You can read about the Tercentenary Banner Run being undertaken by Brethren from Wiltshire and seven other ‘neighbouring’ Provinces, and if you want to be part of the team why not speak to Stephen who will be delighted to add your details to his ever growing database. Plans are already well advanced with regard to a reception and lunch to celebrate the Tercentenary and the end of the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Festival. Summer Edition 2016 page 2
Join us at Salisbury Cathedral Regrettably we had to cancel the Provincial Summer Ball which Sally Bullock invites you was to be held in Trowbridge. The evening was intended to to make a Christmas Swag provide an opportunity for us all to let our hair down and enjoy Sally will show you how to use all your artistic and some terrific swing music provided courtesy of the Salisbury Big creative talent to make a Christmas swag, a festive Band. Sadly the confirmed interest was not sufficient for us to cane tree, a Christmas wreath and a table decoration. proceed with the event. The cost of £25 (all day) or £15 (evening) includes all One event I am particularly delighted to confirm will take place the materials you will need to make your festive is a Tercentenary Cathedral Service in the Cathedral Church of decorations - base, ties, cones, ribbon, wires, cane St Mary, Salisbury on Sunday 3rd September 2017. I look and some baubles and decorative pieces. If you have forward to welcoming many members of the Province and their a particular item you wish to incorporate in your families to this wonderful occasion. Please do ensure the date decoration, please do bring it to the Session. of this wonderful event, which will be a highlight of our Tercentenary celebrations is reserved in your 2017 diary. For more information call Sally Bullock on On Thursday 6th October 2016 Provincial Grand Lodge will 01380 813625 meet in Salisbury. It would be nice to fill City Hall to its capacity Sunday 4th December 10.00 am - 3.00pm and I would therefore ask every Brother to make a concerted Freemasons’ Hall, Crane Street, Salisbury effort to bring a friend or two to Salisbury. A record number of Thursday 8th December 6.00pm - 8.00pm Brethren will be receiving Provincial Honours and I am sure you The Masonic Hall, Stanier Road, Calne will join me in wishing them well on this very special occasion. Sunday 11th December 10.00am - 3.00pm The Masonic Centre, The Planks, Swindon We have made some changes to the venue which we hope will Wednesday 14th December 6.00pm - 8.00pm make the day’s experience more pleasant, including the The Masonic Hall, Market Place, Warminster provision of a new robing room on the first floor which will allow Brethren to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the vestibule Please bring an apron and a pair of secateurs area. Please can I remind you to keep free Sunday 23rd October 2016 as this is the day of the Provincial Church Service which once again will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Calne when the Rev Canon Richard Hancock Chaplain of Pleydell Lodge No.4687 will preach the sermon. As is traditional a carvery lunch will be served at Calne Masonic Hall immediately prior to the service. I am often asked by some Master Masons, “Can I attend Grand Lodge?” To which the answer is ‘yes you can’ and I am pleased to advise plans are in hand to organise a visit to Quarterly Communication on Wednesday 14 December 2016. I have been particularly moved by the work of Bro Kevin Logan who has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Not only has he demonstrated a strength of character which I can but admire, more importantly he has developed a plan to enable PSA testing to be conducted at our Masonic Halls. I am grateful for the support you have given to him.
Tea and coffee will be provided but please do bring your own packed lunch Supporting the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Festival
In this edition of Across The Plain is the Summons for Provincial Grand Lodge. I hope to see as many Brethren as possible in attendance. I offer my hearty congratulations to every Brother who has received a Provincial appointment and look forward to investing you on Thursday 6 October 2016 at City Hall, Salisbury. I have been pleased to appoint Bro Larry Baldry and Bro Mervyn Johns as Provincial Senior and Junior Grand Warden respectively. Larry and Mervyn will also be Invested at Provincial Grand Lodge in Salisbury on Thursday 6 October 2016.
Finally Brethren - be of one mind and live in peace with one another, above all have a wonderful summer break. I know you will join me in wishing them well in their term of office, and I am equally certain you will give them a warm welcome when they visit your Lodge. Summer Edition 2016 page 3
Meet the Provincial Wardens for 2016/17
Lance Andrews AFM
Larry Baldry
Mervyn Johns
Larry Baldry Provincial Senior Grand Warden While attending the regular meeting of Lodge of Good Fellowship No.8388 Philip Bullock PrGM took the opportunity to announce the appointment of Bro. Larry Baldry as the next Provincial Senior Grand Warden. Larry is married to Siobhan who he met while both were serving officers in the Metropolitan Police Service and upon retiring to rural Wiltshire have lived in Manningford Abbots near Pewsey for 20 years. His hobbies include fly fishing and clay shooting. Initiated into Arnold Lodge No.1981 (Surrey) in 1994 he became a joining member of Lodge of Good Fellowship No. 8388, which meets in Marlborough. He was Installed in the Chair in 2004. As a Royal Arch Mason - Larry was Exalted into Methuen Chapter in 1997 and served as MEZ in 2006. Larry has served the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) as District Recorder since 2007. He is looking forward to his year in office and the opportunity to visit extensively in the Province.
Mervyn Johns
Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Highworth Lodge No.9009 located at the most Northern part of the Province and meeting in a local community centre was the next port of call for Philip Bullock PrGM where he invited the Director of Ceremonies to 'summon the Tyler'. Merv Johns having been presented, the PrGM announced his appointment as the next Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Born in Cornwall and educated at Penzance Grammar School, Merv joined the Royal Air Force and after trade training was posted to Wiltshire. He enjoyed a 22 year career of serving around the world which included a 3 year posting to Hong Kong. Upon retirement he settled in Swindon founding Chromatic Arts in 1987. Merv has been married to Celia for 35 years and they have identical twin boys now aged 32. Initiated into the Highworth Lodge No.9009 in 1996 he was Master in 2002 and again in 2010. A keen Royal Arch Mason, Merv Joined Vale of White Horse Chapter at Faringdon in 2003 and became MEZ in 2009. A keen golfer, albeit playing off a ‘dodgy’ handicap, Merv is Secretary of the Wiltshire Masonic Golf Society and constantly on the lookout for recruits to join them in matches against other Provinces.
Make a note in your diary - Thursday 6th October 2016 - Provincial Grand Lodge Summer Edition 2016 page 4
Teddies for Loving Care A poorly Charlotte but Cuddles is very close
W Bro John King - Provincial Grand Almoner.
When Emma Naylor and her family including two year old daughter Charlotte travelled from Scotland to Swindon for a family wedding the furthest thought from her mind was that her little girl would end up at the local hospital. A trip to Lydiard House and Park was one of the highlights of the journey South but disaster befell the family when Charlotte took a nasty fall and had to be taken by ambulance to the Great Western Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit.
Medical staff were concerned with her symptoms which included bleeding from the ear and nausea. Worried mother Emma said “Charlotte was rushed straight to resuscitation where she was inconsolable, a lovely receptionist brought her a TLC teddy, this calmed her down straight away allowing the medical team to treat her. As a mum who was shaking and scared about losing her baby girl I can't thank you enough. I asked about leaving a donation but the hospital staff said no. If there is anything myself and Charlotte can ever do to help please just say. We honestly can't thank your organisation enough”.
A very happy Charlotte with Cuddles
Charlotte is doing well and is none the worse following her accident but she now has a constant companion who never leaves her side ‘Cuddles’ the Masonic bear and I am sure we are all delighted to see her looking so well. Teddies for Loving Care is a very special charity offering comfort to some of the most vulnerable children upset and alarmed at being in hospital. Wiltshire Freemasons are delighted to support the clinical teams in the Accident and Emergency Departments of our General Hospitals located in Swindon and Salisbury by providing a soft toy which acts both as a distraction and a comfort. To ensure the Teddies for Loving Care initiative continues its great work we need to raise £5,000 every year which we can only do through the generosity of every Lodge in the Province. If every Lodge in the Province raises just £150 each year for Teddies for Loving Care we can continue to support the two main Accident and Emergency departments in Salisbury and Swindon A recent letter from the Children’s Sister/Nurse at Salisbury District Hospital outlined how much a Teddy Bear means to a sick child. “It is difficult to find ways to express our gratitude - our task is made so much easier when we deal with sick and injured children when we are able to offer them comfort, excitement and something lovely that is theirs to keep - which happens when we give them one of the colourful Teddies for Loving Care bears! It becomes an important part of their recovery and turns a horrid frightening experience into something that isn't quite so bad after all. So, rather than the memory of frightening 'things' being done to them they go away - be that home/to a ward/to the operating theatre - clutching their very OWN bear”.
In summer 2016 we will have given 50,000 Teddy Bears since the project started in 2006 Summer Edition 2016 page 5
300 Hours for 300 Years
W. Bro Stephen Bridge PJGD, APrGM Derek Robins, Almoner of Lodge of Friendship and Unity No.1271 presented a new Projector Screen to the Mainly Music group in Bradford-on-Avon. Around 30 under fives turn up every week with their parents and enjoy two hours singing and dancing. It's very popular and run completely by volunteers. The children and their parents were very pleased with the new screen presented by the Lodge which meets in Bradford-onAvon. Three of the ladies in the picture are Freemasons’ wives. They are Janet Brown, Sue Lavis and Marlene Haffenden.
The Lodge is making a good start in building up their Community hours in support of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master's 300 hours for 300 years initiative. They also open up their doors every Thursday in support of the local Credit Union. Well done Lodge of Friendship and Unity No.1271
charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA Wearing their best decorating clothes and equipped with obligatory brushes and rollers the painters from Downton Lodge No.9064 approached the task of decorating a school classroom with the unbridled joy and enthusiasm of budding Michelangelos. Fortified only by regular cups of strong tea and copious numbers of doughnuts kindly supplied by the Master, Robin Neave, they completed the job over a weekend. The school is one of the principal community focal points in Downton and Alison Small the head teacher was extremely grateful for the Lodge’s offer of assistance, the donation of all the paint used and the finished product. I think it safe to assume the pupils were pleased to return to their newly decorated and sparkling classroom and a fresh start to a new school term. We particularly liked the report on the contribution of the chief overseer Richard Hallin who 'cracked the whip' - yet somehow managed to avoid any real work whatsoever, clearly a Freemason destined for a grand rank. Stephen Bridge - Assistant Provincial Grand Master said "I really am very proud of the efforts of all Lodges not just to achieve 300 hours but more importantly to show how Freemasons can make a significant contribution in their local communities, something which both Downton and Friendship and Unity have proved - well done to them”. Stephen Bridge JGD Helping others is what we do and defines who and what we are Summer Edition 2016 page 6
Charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA One of the most satisfying acts of human nature is being able to help someone in time of need. A recent study discovered that Britain’s community spirit is thriving with over three-quarters of those questioned reporting a neighbour had helped them in some way. Two thirds believed neighbourly spirit is alive and well and one in ten said their neighbourhood had become a kinder place over the past decade. Reading this study gave me a warm glow and reinforced my opinion that deep down people are generally very nice, but there are exceptions and sometimes unthinking neighbours can be a challenge especially if they are noisy, block a driveway or park in the wrong space. As Freemasons we are taught the importance of being charitable or to put it another way - to be kind. In the First Degree Long Closing we are reminded that ‘every human creature has a just claim on your kind offices’ and by extending kindness to all we prove to the world ‘the happy and beneficial effects of our Ancient and Honourable Institution’. In March of this year I joined the Provincial Grand Master in welcoming fifteen charities to Calne for a very special evening when we presented representatives with a cheque. For the first time ever we invited the charities to put up a display and tell us what they did. The evening was a great success with well over seventy Freemasons and their partners attending the event. The theme for the evening was simple and yet very effective. Using the Masonic Charitable Foundation logo surrounded by the DNA double helix the message was ‘charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA. This was reinforced by a series of story boards and the new display unit all featuring the words and image. Helping others is so important but we should never forget that within the Masonic family there is also a great need and I am delighted to report on this page the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
W.Bro Ian Priest PAGDC, PrGChStwd
The Masonic Charitable Foundation will take over the work of the four central Masonic Charities, providing a wide range of grants to Freemasons and their families who have a financial, health and care or family need. The Foundation will also award grants to other charities, medical research studies and disaster relief appeals. Funded entirely through the generous donations of the Masonic community, the Foundation will have an annual charitable expenditure which places it amongst the largest charities in the country. The Masonic Charitable Foundation will be financially strong, well-resourced and able to respond more effectively to the changing needs of Masonic families and other charitable organisations. What type of support will the Masonic Charitable Foundation provide? The Masonic Charitable Foundation will provide the full range of grants currently awarded by the existing four central Masonic Charities. Those seeking support from the Foundation will not notice any difference in the types of support available but will find the process of applying simpler and easier to understand. The introduction of a simplified application process will enable support to be more readily accessible and responsive to the multiple needs of Freemasons and their families. Beyond Freemasonry The Masonic Charitable Foundation will look beyond Freemasonry, making significant grants to other charities, improving countless lives across the country and overseas. If you want to learn more about the new Masonic Charitable Foundation and what it can do for you contact your Lodge Charity Steward or visit
www.mcf.org.uk
Summer Edition 2016 page 7
The Grand Superintendent I wonder if like me you can hardly believe how quickly the past year has flown by; it really is difficult to absorb the fact that in the Summer 2015 edition of Across The Plain I was able to pen the words ‘Companions, it is my great pleasure to write to you for the first time as your Grand Superintendent’ - today I am a delighted veteran contributor with two editions of the magazine already under my belt. Re-visiting my words of twelve months ago I noted how fortunate we were as a Province to have enjoyed a net gain in membership during the year. I am delighted to be able to write the same words today. To achieve new members is quite incredible particularly at a time when many factors play a part in what men choose to do with their leisure time. I have little doubt the growth in our numbers is due in no small part to the Talking Heads initiative and I wish to express my gratitude to the team who have taken this amazing project to Lodges across the Province. The results speak for themselves.
The Tercentenary of the coming together of the two Grand Lodges affords us an incredible opportunity to raise the profile of Freemasonry throughout the Province, and I am pleased to see the incredible efforts being undertaken to make sure the public is aware of who we are and what we do. At our recent Annual Convocation I had the immense pleasure to appoint to and promote in Provincial Grand Rank, a number of Companions. Each one was deserving of the office they now hold having rightly earned the accolade for the contribution and commitment to their Chapters. However, it does not stop there, it carries an expectation that Companions will continue to support the Province in promoting Royal Arch Masonry in their Craft Lodges whilst encouraging Master Masons to consider completing their journey in Pure Ancient Freemasonry. To the active Provincial Officers there is an added responsibility to support the Provincial Executive when and where you can. This Province has for many years been exceptionally well represented at Chapter Installations, inter Provincial visits and many other special occasions, your attendance is very much appreciated and well received by all the Companions. Having visited all the Chapters in the Province during the past I am delighted to say your Chapters are in good heart and I congratulate you on the standard of ceremony and ritual being delivered to our Exaltees, in particular the manner in which the work is being shared, allowing as much participation from your attendees as possible. The enjoyment shown in your ceremonies is infectious and I believe now is the time to contact those members who we have not seen for some time and encourage them to attend and enjoy the ceremonies and Companionship of our Order. Let us all make an extra effort to contact Companions who are absent from our meetings and encourage them to return to share in the Royal Arch experience we all enjoy. Companions the Provincial Executive in conjunction with the Working Group is working hard to help improve our knowledge to make our meetings more meaningful.
Are you interested in joining a local Chapter ? www.pglwilts.org.uk/royal-arch/royal-arch-news/ Summer Edition 2016 page 8
Photograph by W Bro Adrian Wooster
I have enjoyed the company of good men and witnessed acts of kindness which confirm to me that the principles of Freemasonry are alive and well in Wiltshire. With this in mind I join with the Provincial Grand Master in commending to you the theme of the newly designed Provincial Display charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA.
Provincial Convocation Address First we introduced the Janitor’s card followed by the Sojourners’ readings, both I am pleased to say have been received extremely well in those Chapters that have had the opportunity to deliver them. For those Chapters that have yet to introduce the readings I strongly recommend you consider their introduction. In addition we have just completed a commentary on the Royal Arch Ceremony which will be available to your Chapters and again is intended to increase the knowledge and understanding of our ceremonies. Companions at my installation, I encouraged you all to visit one another’s Chapters in an attempt to increase our support to each other. So to further encourage this I shall be introducing a travelling silver ‘Quaich’ to be transferred from Chapter to Chapter and could be used at the after proceedings. A Quaich, is a drinking vessel used to offer a welcome drink at a gathering between friends and strangers which incorporates trust between the giver and receiver, I am sure you will agree it is a fitting representation of the Companionship of our order. There will be more details to follow. Moving on to charitable giving, I am well aware that as individuals our major charitable giving is via our Craft Lodges but I did ask for your support through your Chapters, where you could, to support the 2017 Festival, the beneficiary being the Masonic Samaritan Fund. As always Companions your support has been most generous and I thank all those Chapters that have donated thus far and those that have propositions of donations pending on their agendas. Last year under the theme ‘Children at Christmas’ we distributed two hundred Christmas Selection Boxes between three charities. Warminster Food Bank, the Women’s Refuge, and Children’s Hospice - Julia’s House. Companions, the response from these charities was so positively overwhelming it is the Provincial Executive’s intention of building on this success by repeating the initiative by once again supporting two or three different Children’s Charities. We would be delighted to receive any suggestions you would like us to consider.
I have been privileged to visit a number of Craft Lodges at which the ‘Talking Heads’ team has made a presentation on the Holy Royal Arch. The presentation standard has been very high indeed and this is reflected in the level of interest generated amongst the Freemasons present. On each of the three outings we have attracted new Candidates and it is worth noting we averaged two Exaltees per Chapter last year, an increase from previous years. Since the beginning of this year Convocations without an Exaltee have been the exception, this tells me the Holy Royal Arch in Wiltshire is becoming an attractive Order in which to belong.
Companions you will all be aware of the Provincial website. The Royal Arch communication team worked closely with the Craft team in planning and developing the Royal Arch page, in particular being represented on the front page. I am delighted that we have a significant presence on the website and that each Chapter has a dedicated micro site. Some of our Chapters have taken the opportunity to place a Google calendar showing the dates of meetings and other Chapter activities - please do view the site and consider following their example. In order for the NEWS page to be relevant it requires a steady source of input from Chapters. I am sure we all have a tale to tell, a few words with a photograph will keep the website fresh and interesting, this is our shop window providing a showcase to the Order of which we are so proud. Please do send news items with a picture to editor@pglwilts.org.uk Please do follow the Chapter Twitter site which provides instant news of events as they happen. My very best wishes to you all
John
Talk to your Lodge Royal Arch Representative www.pglwilts.org.uk/royal-arch/royal-arch-news/ Summer Edition 2016 page 9
Editor’s Corner I know it’s a tired and worn out cliché but isn’t it true - time flies. It may surprise you to know that editing the Provincial Magazine is like painting the Forth Bridge, you finish one edition and before the ink is dry, you start another. The difference of course is that you can’t use the same colour scheme on Across The Plain whereas you can if you are painting the Forth Bridge. I am often asked where we get the material for the content and how do we decide what to use. That’s two good questions. To answer the first is easy; we rely on Brethren from across the Province to submit articles, comments, questions and pictures, and from them we select those we think will most interest the readers. From the comments we receive it would appear we get it right more often than we get it wrong.
Our cover picture shows a wonderful view of the interior of the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Salisbury. The high altar is adorned with one of the Cathedral’s modern vestments aptly called ‘Energy’ and was designed to complement the brilliant colours in the Prisoners of Conscience Window. Salisbury Cathedral is the spiritual home for many Wiltshire Freemasons . We are grateful to Bro Philip Elliott, Master of Methuen Lodge No.8692 who took this beautiful photograph. Important information. While every care is taken in the compilation of Across The Plain , errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire or the editor. Opinions and views expressed are not necessarily those of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire or the editor. Products or businesses advertised in Across The Plain do not carry any endorsement or recommendation by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire or the editor. All rights reserved. All submissions for inclusion in Across The Plain are subject to editorial approval and the editor reserves the right to review and amend or reject all copy content. Digital photographs are welcome but must not be less than 300 dpi. Images with a resolution of less than 300 dpi may be acceptable for inclusion on the Provincial website. Any image supplied and used becomes the property of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire. Reproduction of any part of the magazine is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of the editor. All decisions of the editor are final.
Advertisement requests are welcome. Editor: Philip Mackie. editor@pglwilts.org.uk Reviewers: Kevin Logan, Barry Cooper. Francis Wakem Images: Adrian Wooster, Gary Dolphin, Phil Elliott. Media Contact: Tony Batchelor. Reporters: Ian Dunbar, Paul Brown, Mike Wilson, Royal Arch Communication Officer: Alan Colman.
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However, the second question does require a little more of an answer as it is the case that some articles have to be trimmed before we publish them and that can cause a difference of opinion. In simple terms a page of text with a point size of 11 in the magazine consists of approximately 800 words and fewer if there is a picture in the mix. Clearly if an article word count exceeds the available space there are two decisions to be made, do we trim the article or do we give it more space, if it’s the latter the next consideration is what do we leave out and with only 24 pages that’s a tough choice. I am sure you are all saying, well we can do without the editor’s page and you could be right! Thankfully, we are always able to reach a compromise and todate hopefully we have not alienated anyone and if we have, I do profusely apologise. Across The Plain intends to communicate, educate, inform and entertain which I am sure you will agree is no mean ambition for a Provincial magazine which only appears biannually. Talking of time - I wonder how many of you can recall the last time the Province held a service at Salisbury Cathedral, well the good news is that there will be a Tercentenary Cathedral Service on Sunday 3 September 2017. Further details will be made available during the coming months, but please do put the date in your diary as it promises to be a real Masonic highlight and an occasion you really don’t want to miss. The Christmas Quarterly Communication meeting of Grand Lodge is a very special occasion and Philip Bullock, Provincial Grand Master invites you to join him at Freemasons’ Hall on Wednesday 14 September 2016. If you would like to attend the Christmas Quarterly Communication meeting please contact Gary Dolphin 1295@pglwilts.org.uk Tercentenary Cathedral Service - Sunday 3rd September 2017
Summer Edition 2016 page 10
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Across the Plain Across the Plain is the only magazine for Freemasons and their families in Wiltshire. It is published twice yearly generally being posted to the homes of over 2,200 Wiltshire Freemasons and their families in June and November. The magazine contains a mixture of informative articles, news and views plus a very popular quiz and comments page. Contributions are always welcome subject to appropriate content and editorial oversight. Advertising and member support ensures we can mail Across the Plain free of charge to members; if you wish to advertise please contact - editor@pglwilts.org.uk Summer Edition 2016 page 11
Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Festival Peter Winton PGSwdB, DPrGM I am sure that many of you will have seen the latest display stand and themed boards produced by the Provincial Communication Team. They emphasise one of the most important virtues of our fraternity - charity it’s in a freemason’s DNA. A virtue exemplified by the generosity of Freemasons from many other Masonic Orders. In March the Provincial Grand Master was the guest of David Nelson, District Grand Master of the Order of Royal and Select Masters at the regular meeting of St Edmund Council No.155 held in the Masonic Hall, Devizes. Fortunately for Philip and myself we were not required to play any part in the evening’s ceremony, which was just as well as we really would not have known what to do. The purpose of our visit was to receive a cheque for £1,000 towards our 2017 Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Festival target. It was a very generous gift and it was very gratefully received. During the presentation we found ourselves surrounded by a sea of familiar faces as each of the Companions is also a subscribing Craft, Holy Royal Arch and Mark Master Mason. As I heard Companion David Nelson speak I was reminded of a comment made by our Provincial Orator who recently spoke of how we are ‘Identified by similarity and defined by difference’. Certainly it is true that we are identified by charity that distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart and I am constantly moved by the overwhelming generosity of Brethren from every order within the wider family of Freemasonry and recognise a fact which can sometimes be overlooked, which is that frequently the pound given today is from the same pocket as that given yesterday and will doubtless be from the same pocket tomorrow. I thanked the Grand Superintendent when he announced the alms from the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter would be donated to the Festival, simply saying thank you often seems woefully inadequate but it is said with a genuine feeling of gratitude and pride in the selfless generosity of Freemasons throughout the Province. Having passed the mid-point in our Festival and entering the final ‘furlong’ it is only right that we take a little time to reflect on where we are in terms of achievement. The Province has already received over £650,000 for the Masonic Samaritan Fund, which by any measure is quite an astounding amount from a relatively small Province and I thank each and every member for achieving so much in so short a time. I am confident that we will meet our target of £750,000 and I look forward to hearing from Lodge Charity Stewards with details of planned activities through 2016.
Order of Royal and Select Masters The Order of Royal and Select Masters is sometimes referred to as ‘The Cryptic Degrees’ in the sense that the word cryptic alludes to the Crypt or Secret Vault as found in the Royal Arch, rather than in cryptology. Ceremonies of the Order link the building of King Solomon’s Temple, through its destruction and to the building of the second Temple. It is for these reasons that membership of the Order requires a candidate to have made the journey beyond the Craft but it is not necessary to have attained the Chair in either Mark of the Holy Royal Arch. Candidates being received into the Order will take part in some of the most beautiful and mentally stimulating passages of ritual to be found in Freemasonry. For more information about the Order of Royal and Select Masters please refer to the Provincial Year Book pages 382 and 383 or contact the Recorder: Michael Farrow. The photograph shows Philip Bullock receiving the cheque for £1,000 on behalf of the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Wiltshire Festival from Geoff Hobbs when the Lodge was ‘called off’ from its normal business. Summer Edition 2016 page 12
Celebrating 300 Years
W. Bro Stephen Bridge PJGD,
I am delighted to be able to write about three of the really important events which have been planned for the Tercentenary celebrations and which involve every member of the Wiltshire Provincial family. The Tercentenary Banner will be carried through the Provinces of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Jersey, Guernsey & Alderney and Hampshire & Isle of Wight before we hand it over to our friends in Dorset. We do anticipate considerable media interest in this event and will be using it as a means to promote Freemasonry throughout the South West and particularly in Wiltshire. I am currently in discussions with various bodies to determine the best location in the Province at which to formally receive the Tercentenary Banner. Next year marks not only the Tercentenary of United Grand Lodge but also the conclusion of the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2017 Wiltshire Festival and that provides a great excuse (as if we need one) to hold a party, or in this case a celebration lunch to be held in Trowbridge on 23 September 2017. Please make a diary note as I am sure tickets to this event will be keenly sought. After a number of very positive meetings I really am pleased to confirm that we have been granted permission by the Dean and Chapter to hold the Tercentenary Cathedral Service in Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday 3 September 2017. This very special event promises to be a highlight of the Province’s Tercentenary Celebrations. It will be an honour and a privilege to process into the Cathedral. It is hoped that as many members of the Wiltshire Masonic Family , together with their friends will join the Provincial Grand Master and Sally on this very special occasion to celebrate a milestone in our Province’s wonderful history. Your support for the Tercentenary events is vital and I thank each of you for the amazing contribution you make.
Never work with animals or children - we’re not kidding The 300 hours for 300 years challenge has been cheerfully embraced by members of Vale of Avon Lodge No.8432 which meets in Chippenham and has a special relationship with St Nicholas Special School, and with the Great House Leonard Cheshire Home where volunteers are always required (and welcome) to help in maintaining their extensive grounds. Initial contact was made with the Manager at Great House with a tentative "what can we do to help." It seemed the help required was labour to convert an area of the grounds into an enclosure for two pygmy goats - the word pygmy and the number two suggested a fairly 'small' enclosure and so it was the team volunteered their support. Little did anyone know how much room two pygmy goats would need to run around in, or just what amount of effort would be required to complete the work; but the ‘team’ worked tirelessly to complete their A slightly apprehensive looking Stephen Bridge task and it was a very proud Stephen Bridge APrGM who formally holding a somewhat bemused Daisy the pygmy goat opened the Therapy Goat Enclosure at a special reception on can you guess what Stephen is thinking and win £25 Wednesday 11 May. As for Daisy and Donald the pygmy goats, they are for your favourite charity very happy in their new home sweet home. Summer Edition 2016 page 13
He was slain 3,000 years ago…
W. Bro Michael Lee PAGDC
As a distinguished builder of the (First) Temple of Jerusalem in 1000 B.C. Hiram Abif features in several of our Masonic Orders. One Degree suggests that He was slain three thousand years after the creation of the world’ Hiram's murder was apparently coincidental with the near completion of the Temple. When our Craft rituals were written in 1730 or so, long after the Royal Society had raised searching questions about the age of the Earth, one wonders just why Creation was still assumed to have been in 4000 B.C.? One explanation may stem from the return of Charles II in 1660 when the Established Church – dispossessed by Oliver Cromwell – sought to resume its former intellectual authority. The bishops sternly proclaimed that the world around us could only be understood fully from between the covers of the Bible, not from any ‘scientific delusions' of the Royal Society. A true Christian seeking the precise age of the Earth could therefore only start from just that one source. Following the Seven Days of Creation and the fratricidal feuding of Adam’s offspring, Genesis Chapter 5 lists the subsequent family history in remarkable detail. The Gospel according to St Matthew (Chapter 1, verses 1 -17) continues in similar vein. (Apparently an awful lot of begatting went on. The absence of TV clearly had a lot to answer for.) By assessing the average life span of each descendant a working hypothesis might be established. Great minds were needed – and where better to find them than, ironically, in the rejected Royal Society? I suspect still swallowing the indignity hard, its intellectually formidable, but loyally Christian, President, Sir Isaac Newton, calculated the date of Creation as c.4000 BC. Johannes Keppler – of planetary motion fame – refined this to 3992 BC and Scaliger – a respected historian – was even more cautious at 3949 BC. They were all eclipsed in 1656 by the work of Archbishop Ussher of Dublin. Ussher’s chronology represented a considerable feat of scholarship, founded on an admirable depth of knowledge of Persian, Greek and Roman history as well as of the Biblical texts. He also drew on an equally impressive understanding of astronomy, ancient calendars and mathematics. The Archbishop eventually calculated that the Supreme Architect had, so to speak, pressed the button at 9 p.m. (or just after nightfall) on the 23rd October 4004 BC. with the Great Day of Judgement coming in 2000 AD. His logic was compelling - to a fellow churchman. In 2 Peter (chapter 3 verse 8) it was stated that ‘one day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day’. As God had completed Creation within six of his Days, surely this meant that the Earth could only last just six thousand of Man's years before that Great and Awful Day. Most scholars had agreed that Christ’s Birth was circa 4 BC. (He died in 29 or 30 AD. and lived for 33 years) Archbishop Ussher therefore concluded that Creation must have occurred not in 4000 but 4004 BC. (The 23rd October and 9 p.m. we will perhaps leave to his own mathematical refinement!) So Drs Desagulier and Anderson, as Christian Ministers, when writing our Craft rituals around 1730, would have had persuasive arguments for believing that if the Temple had been completed – and our Master died – in 1000 B.C. then it had to be three millennia after the creation of the world. (Archbishop Ussher has long had loyal supporters not only in Freemasonry. Some American Christian Fundamentalists continued to believe even in the C21 that he could not be wrong. At the the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 2000 AD. they dutifully assembled on a Kentucky mountain top to await events. One does so hope, they are no longer waiting. Michael Lee is a retired Royal Air Force Officer, married to Hazel they have a son and a daughter and live in the Salisbury area. In 1977 Michael was awarded the OBE and advanced to CBE in 1980. He was awarded the Ecclesiastical Order of St Osmond in recognition of his work for Salisbury Cathedral. Michael’s many Masonic honours include being appointed Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch (Wiltshire) an office he held between 1999 and 2008. Summer Edition 2016 page 14
Questions and Answers
The Provincial Grand Master replies to your question:
Have your say Is there something you want to know about Freemasonry, a question you have wanted to ask or a comment you wish to make, why not write to the Provincial Grand Master. Letters and emails are subject to editorial control. Send your email to
ATPLetters@pglwilts.org.uk Would you like to play a part in promoting Freemasonry in the Province, can you write media copy? The Communications Team would be pleased to hear from you. pco@pglwilts.org.uk
Anagrams (answers on page 23)
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Q. I recently attended a Lodge and at the end of the Risings a number of Brethren gave ‘greetings’ on behalf of their Lodge. I was unsure of what to say so I didn’t say anything, what is the proper procedure? A. The first thing to say is that some purists would hold that unless specifically authorised, no one but the Master has the right to convey greetings, but there is no doubt it is quite a nice experience for a Brother to convey greetings on behalf of the Lodge of which he is a member. Remember the purpose of the exercise is to give greetings, not to congratulate and not to comment on the ceremony, that task being in the capable hands of the brother who will respond to the ‘Toast to the visitors’ at the festive board. Secondly, there really is no need to say ‘the Master, Wardens and Brethren’ as everyone knows the greeting comes from them, simply restrict your words to ‘WM I bring you warm and fraternal greetings from the [name and number of Lodge] and sit down. I think you will be amazed at how popular you will be for being brief. Masonic Word Search - set by Barry Cooper of St Edmund Lodge
Find these fifteen words
ARK ARCH MARK ROSE CRAFT CROIX MASON ROYAL KNIGHT SECRET CHAPTER MARINER MONITOR TEMPLAR ATHELSTAN
W. Bro Barry Cooper St Edmund Lodge No.4714
Good Luck Summer Edition 2016 page 15
A warm welcome to all our new members 355
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If we have we missed an Initiate or Joining member from your Lodge - contact editor@pglwilts.org.uk Is for young Freemasons in Wiltshire and provides them with an opportunity to meet and socialise with Brethren of a similar age. Membership of the Club is open to any Freemason under 40 years of age and whose Lodge, place of work or home is situated in the Province. Primarily the Club’s role is to organise and host events of a social or Masonically educational nature to enable younger Freemasons to meet each other in an environment which encourages them to become more involved and develop their wider knowledge of Freemasonry, its traditions, ceremonies and ethos. To find out more about the activities of The Sarsen Club please contact David Little or Mark Shaw - sarsenclub@pglwilts.org.uk
Summer Edition 2016 page 16
Bite size news
Francis Wakem Is the head of The Ancient And Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) in the District of Wiltshire. Born in Salisbury, Francis is married to Dorothy, who is a retired midwifery sister and avid artist, they have two adult children and a grandson Robert.
The Loganberry Trust
When Kevin Logan was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer he was determined to do something positive to help others. He has set up Loganberry Trust which has been established to raise funds and organise a programme of Prostate Cancer screening open days throughout the Province. Open days have already been held in Swindon and Chippenham where more than 300 men had their PSA tested. Support Loganberry Trust email
pcscreening@btinternet.com
Francis served with distinction in the Wiltshire Constabulary first as a cadet and latterly as a senior officer in the rank of Chief Superintendent. Her Majesty The Queen honoured Francis with the Queen's Police Medal in recognition of his service to the Wiltshire Constabulary and the community in general. Tercentenary Cathedral Service Sunday 3rd September 2017 Philip Bullock PrGM invites you to join him as he leads the Wiltshire Masonic Family in the Province’s celebrations at this very special Tercentenary service in the magnificent Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Salisbury.
Summer Edition 2016 page 17
Charity - it’s in a freemason’s DNA
Paul Connor PAGDC
Members of the West of England Youth Orchestra with Summer Edition 2016 page 18 Philip Bullock PrGM.
Provincial Demonstration Team One of Wiltshire Freemasons' hidden gems is the Royal Sussex Lodge of Emulation Demonstration Team, a group of enthusiastic young Freemasons led by Director of Ceremonies, Stephen Mansfield. The Demonstration Team use the concept of 'street theatre' to perform Masonic ceremonies using presentational techniques which include the use of visualisation, acting and choreography blended with part speaking and interactive dialogue. Their work has a number of objectives including encouraging new members to take an active part in Lodge ceremonies, while educating and preparing them for Lodge office as well as promoting and developing a deeper understanding of what we do and why we do it. Stephen Bridge APrGM said “These objectives are in perfect alignment with the work of the Provincial Mentoring Team in recognising that education is not what we should do only when we have nothing else to do�. The Provincial Grand Master has asked Stephen to form a Provincial Demonstration Team able and willing to extend their appearances to the entire Province and to recruit members to the team from across the Province. If you are interested in joining the Provincial Demonstration Team contact Stephen Mansfield demoteam@pglwilts.org.uk
Did you know ? 63
the average age of a Freemason in Wiltshire.
43
Summer Edition 2016 page 19
the average age of an Initiate in Wiltshire.
Summer Edition 2016 page 20
News in Brief and dates for your diary Provincial Grand Lodge. Thursday 6th October City Hall, Salisbury. It really would be nice to fill the City Hall. Provincial Church Service. Sunday 23rd October The church of St Mary The Virgin , Calne (pictured opposite) The Preacher will be the Rev. Canon Richard Hancock - Chaplain of Pleydell Lodge No. 4687
We really would like to hear from you and find out what you think we could be doing to make your membership of the Province even more worthwhile. Why not email pco@pglwilts.org.uk with your views on what
Be Proud - Be Loud If you’re out and about this summer watch out for the new Provincial Display Stand - it is designed to attract attention and contribute to our policy of ‘being proud and being loud’ and will be in Trowbridge for the Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebrations weekend 25-26 June 2016. If you have a few hours to spare and can help to erect or man the Display Stand please contact the Provincial Communications Officer pco@pglwilts.org.uk or Mike Wilson on 07753 602171
Summer Edition 2016 page 21
My Social Network was Outside
Bro Stephen Kirwan - Lodge No.4037
During the 40 years I have worked in and been involved with Information Technology the most amazing changes have occurred in the past 10 years. Our daily lives are impacted, enriched or damned by what my work colleagues call ‘digital disruption'. The influence of social media, sometimes referred to as 'Omni channel communications' is now a necessary and at times essential part of all our lives in some shape or other and I suggest will continue to become more invasive over the coming decade. I would guess that one question we all ask ourselves is whether those advances in technology have added any value to our daily lives, or have they taken away the art of conversation and the traditional way in which we go about both our personal and business activities? I am of the view that our lives are enriched as we now have convenient and greater access to information which benefits us on an a daily basis. For example we have moved on from having to write on the calendar or in a diary the dates of the next rehearsal, Craft or Chapter meeting, Ladies’ Night or White Table function. The Digital Masonic Calendar is alive and kicking on www.pglwilts.org.uk with information available online with a click of a mouse. I am reminded by a recent comment from a good friend regarding the growth in social networking. His response to the exposure to the likes of Twitter was - “When I was a kid, my social network was called ‘outside’”. Never a truer word spoken, as a youngster in the 60’s I remember fondly the playground that was outside my own front door and how I used to be out and about with my friends for many hours; come rain, snow or sunshine 'Our street was my social world' However the way in which we go about our daily lives today and the impact that digital technology is influencing us all cannot and should not be ignored. For example, I am grateful that I do not have to queue at the bank anymore and that access to banking services is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I can pay my Masonic subscriptions online (although I am still trying to sort out the dining - but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day!) I can now book an appointment to see my GP online and my prescription is delivered electronically to my nominated pharmacy. I keep in touch with my two sons using Facebook, WhatsApp and E-Mail as they travel the world as part of their jobs. E-Mail enables me to receive and respond to Lodge minutes, rehearsal reminders and Ladies’ Night booking forms. We have instant access to a world of information on everything from a bus timetable to restaurant bookings to ordering a takeaway and importantly, what is happening in the Masonic world that is Wiltshire and beyond. The capability to reach out to past friends who have moved on in our lives and to re-establish the relationship was recently illustrated in a conversation I had with Bro Andrew Tiffin who was recently contacted via Masonic social media by an old friend who he worked with in the Army Reserve. The world has become smaller as a result of Social Media, so where next is this journey to the digital world taking us? The latest buzz words are the “Internet of Things” (IoT) and the “Internet of Everything” (IoE). You only have to look at the devices that we can wear on our person, a device to record our daily steps, what we eat and drink, monitor our heart rate and blood pressure, calorie intake, blood sugar levels, etc. All designed for us to gain a greater understanding of our health and wellbeing. Think about how this could change the way we manage our lifestyle to avoid actively doing something which could lead to a hospital admission; surely a positive step forward. In Freemasonry, our own Province has its own website designed to provide information on what is happening, where it is happening and when it is happening. It is not pervasive nor intrusive but provides an access point enhancing Masonic knowledge and connects us with a wider circle of Brethren and it's available 24 hours a day. If like me, you enjoy reading “Across the Plain” then I encourage you to embrace the website and use it as an extension of this wonderful magazine. We should use social media where it has a positive impact and can enhance the way we run our lives, use it for our own convenience but, above all else, do not to let it take over our lives. Social networks are still very much alive and still reside outside that front door!
If you have an article which you would like published in Across The Plain send it to editor@pglwilt.org.uk Summer Edition 2016 page 22
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