Nottinghamshire Mason Edition 2

mason 001

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE DIGITAL

EDITION 002 June 2014

STOP PRESS FROM THE PGM PAGE 4

&

THE GRAND SUPERINTENDENT PAGE 6

& LODGE FOCUS -

BROXTOWE LODGE PAGE 10

& TOWPATH WALK

PROFILE OF THE WALKERS PAGE 12

KNOWLEDGE BITE PAGE 16

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CONTENTS COVER STORIES

04 06 10 12

Extract from the PGM’s Address at Provincial Grand Lodge The Grand Superintendent’s Address to Provincial Grand Chapter Broxtowe Lodge Centenary Towpath Walk LO D G E N E W S

08 09 20 20 20 21

Chapter DC’s Guide Opportunity - Chapter Information Officer How Freemasonry arrived in Nottinghamshire A Stewards Guide A Beeston Lewis Lodges of Charity NEWS

05 14 15 23 30 31 32 35

Fun in the Sun at Ruddington Village RNLI Lifeboat Malaysia visit While the Husband’s at play....

Ride to the wall Climbing Ben Nevis 50 & 60 Year Certificates The Tube Challenge KNOWLEDGE BITE

16 17 18

The Forget-me-not Pin And then it’s winter Seeking Light and Knowledge CHARITY NEWS

24

The Carity Stewards of Bassetlaw, Mansfield & West Bridgford SOCIAL EVENTS

26

Social Events M A S O N I C A S S O C I AT I O N S

36

Masonic Associations contact information

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EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITOR: Bro. Kevin Rolling

EMAIL: editor@nottsmason.com

Welcome to the second edition of the digital Nottinghamshire Mason magazine, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed putting it together.

I’d like to thank all those who have contributed articles and items of interest which, I think, add up to a varied and interesting read for all.

I do hope you agree !!

magazine team editor Bro. Kevin Rolling e: editor@nottsmason.com twitter: @nottsmason

articles Please send articles as Word docs. or pdf’s. to: magazine@nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk Please send photos separately and not embedded in an article.

advertising SALES: Please contact the Editor

distribution There will be three editions of the magazine each year To subscribe please email the Editor To unsubscribe - www.bit.ly/StopMag

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STOP PRESS!!

AN EXTRACT FROM

THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS AT THE PROVINCIAL ANNUAL MEETING, 2 MAY 2014 Brethren, the future of Freemasonry in this Province lies in your hands. We have been living with reductions in new members and increases in resignations and other forms of cessation for far too long. Each Province has adopted its own methods directed at solving both these problems, with varying degrees of only partial success. Maybe (but we shall never know) the Candidate Information Programme and the recommended interview techniques have contributed to the fact that 2013, for the first time in many a long year, saw an increase in the number of members in this Province.

But brethren, as satisfying as that may be, we all know that that single swallow does not make a feast, and we should not expect that phenomenon to continue without a considerable effort on our part.

At long last, our Rulers have recognised that the efforts to increase recruitment and retention must be concerted and more structured; to that end, a Membership Focus Group was convened earlier this year, on which I was asked to serve, to research the reasons for our decline in membership and to seek ways to stem the haemorrhage which has been evident for over a decade. It was immediately obvious to us that, however Provinces have attempted to discover the reasons for resignations, no-one has ever received a wholly truthful answer. We also deduced that if we were to attempt to discover why brethren left the Craft, we needed to know why they joined in the first place, so that we could be better positioned to manage their expectations. When seeking to assess the extent of the problem, the statistic which horrified us was that, in 2010 and 2011, 10 % of all initiates leave before they take their Second Degree, while a further 10% leave before receiving their GL Certificate.

Whilst I accept that these statistics covered years before Mentoring in this Province became fully established, the fact that they are common to every Province in the Constitution must lead to the inevitable conclusion that something is radically wrong in the way in which we as an organisation receive brethren into Freemasonry and or the way in which we care for them during the very earliest period of their masonic life. To counter such a

damaging impact on the number of Freemasons, the solutions the MFG proposes must be equally radical.

To succeed, the changes will be far reaching, and will affect every lodge and every member in the way it goes about recruiting candidates, and the steps we take to ensure that they have no wish to terminate their membership. They will see a change in attitude, a change in how we see ourselves, and how others see us. Their purpose will be to influence the media, rather than the media controlling what the public think of us. They will change the way we portray ourselves, in the hope that this will change the way the public perceives us. They will change the way we recruit, where we look for candidates, and in what we look for in them.

way”.

But please be assured: our basic core principles will never change, can never change. There will be nothing in our proposals that will be incompatible with what you already know to be your masonic duty; nor will there be anything at odds with any masonic principle. But change there must be, and I will not countenance any defence that relies on the pretext that “we cannot change because we have always done it this

As a first step in this process, I was volunteered to devise a system by which every new member would be interviewed very shortly after his initiation to discover how he has taken to Freemasonry and, if he has any concerns, what is the nature and cause of them. I have agreed that this procedure will be trialled in this Province from the beginning of next season, and each lodge will therefore receive during the summer further details of how it will be operated, and how I expect that every lodge should co-operate with it.

Brethren, I urge you to come along with me on this joint enterprise from which every Province in the country will be able to benefit from our experience. But remember, brethren, your actions will speak louder than my words.

Robin K Wilson Provincial Grand Master

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CHARITY EVENT FUN IN THE SUN AT RUDDINGTON VILLAGE Hundreds of people turned out to a Family Fun Day in glorious spring weather on Sunday 4 May in the south Nottinghamshire village of Ruddington. The event was held at the Heritage Railway Centre, owned by Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN).

Organised in conjunction with Nottinghamshire Mark Freemasons, the Fun Day was about involving local community organisations and traders and a fundraiser for GCRN and other local charities including Headway, the well-regarded Nottingham based organisation which helps people improve their lives after sustaining brain injuries.

Around 500 people descended on the Heritage Railway Centre to enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions. Ticket prices included rides on GCRN’s steam train service to and from Loughborough, and trips to Clifton and Rushcliffe Halt on heritage buses owned by their road transport division.

Equally popular was a miniature railway and an impressive display of vintage and classic cars and motorbikes, brought along by local enthusiasts. The Fun Day also featured a wide selection of stalls manned by charities and organisations including Nottinghamshire Freemasons, Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue, Riding for the Disabled, Ruddington Gardeners’ Association and Rushcliffe Play Forum. The ‘Big Tent’ was also there with Steve Larimore and his team promoting freemasonry to interested members of the public.

There was no danger of anyone going hungry or thirsty, with a selection of food and drink on offer including burgers, hot dogs, doughnuts, tea and coffee and a tempting choice of home-made cakes. Local hostelry, The Three Crowns, also provided a bar service which grew increasingly busy as the sun made its presence felt.

At midday, the Fun Day was officially opened by

Dominic Heale, the well-known presenter of East Midlands Today, who also judged a painting competition with entries submitted by children at Ruddington’s James Peacock School. After his official duties were over, Dominic took a walk around the stands to chat to stallholders and try his hand at some of the activities.

‘It was a hugely enjoyable day for everyone involved,’ commented Graham Riche, for Nottinghamshire Mark Masons, and one of the event organisers. ‘We raised more about £3600 for GCRN, Headway and 2018 Festival Appeal and gave hundreds of local people a fantastic day out in the sun – who could ask for more?’

By Geoff Tindall

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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H GRAND SUPERINTENDENT’S ADDRESS

TO PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER 16 May 2014 Thank you all Companions for your attendance today. On behalf of all the Principals and representatives we thank you all for the warm welcome and the hospitality we have received during the last year when we visited your Chapters and indeed your Provincial Grand Chapters.

Our Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra Ex Comp David Scully was appointed to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer. Having previously served as Assistant Scribe Ezra, today he completes his first year in the primary role. Since I have retired from business I have been able to spend more time in the Royal Arch office and witness just how much administraMay I thank the First Principals and other repretion work is carried out every week on our behalf sentatives of the Chapters for your reports of the by the workers here in Goldsmith Street. Congratprogress you have made in your Chapters during ulations David on this well-deserved appointment the last year, these reports are always read by the and thank you and your team for all your work Provincial Principals. When writing these reports preparing for today. please use the opportunity to tell us in your own I have already referred to the work of Excellent words your feelings about the life and well-being Companion Julian Townsend and I was delighted of your Chapter. An update of the same Word doc- that he was appointed to the rank of Past Grand ument you used last year may be convenient but is Standard Bearer. In his appointment as 3rd Pronot helpful. vincial Grand Principal he will have much work to do, he has already reduced the average age of the As always I have enjoyed making the appointProvincial Principals by 5 years. ments and promotions today in Provincial Grand Chapter and I give them my warm congratulations. To celebrate the Bicentenary the First Grand PrinciRemember Companions that while these ranks are pal made some additional appointments of those intended to be a recognition of your contribution Companions who had worked in the provinces to to the Royal Arch to date, we will expect more from make the event a success. In Nottinghamshire the you now, particularly in the support and education recipient was Excellent Companion Ken Lawmon of the other Companions of your Chapters. I look who as our Provincial Charity Steward did so much forward to seeing you with your partners in the in the province to promote the Bicentenary fund more relaxed atmosphere of the Honours Banquet for the Royal College of Surgeons. I was delighted which will be held here in Goldsmith Street on that Ken received the rank of Past Assistant Grand Saturday 28th June.

Director of Ceremonies.

This year the Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter was held in London on the 1st May and I was accompanied by some twenty two Nottinghamshire Companions who I thank very much for their support. We enjoyed a very pleasant meeting and shared a very fun lunch, please remember this when shortly you receive the bill. The Pro First Grand Principal Peter Lowndes honoured three Companions of this Province.

The Bicentenary fund has now closed having reached a national figure of ÂŁ2.5 million. This a wonderful achievement and an amount exceeding expectations. It will be used by the College to finance a number of Royal Arch research fellowships.

Thank you all for your generosity.

Our own celebrations of the Bicentenary focussed on the Bash last November. I have already thanked the organising team on several occasions but

007

T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H do so again. In a relaxed party atmosphere they managed to fit in a 'mock' casino, table magicians, supper and musical entertainment. After the genuine musical artistes had completed their act, the evening ended with a 'boy band' consisting of myself and my buddy on guitar, Ex Companion Steve Greenfield of the Welbeck Chapter on lead vocals and the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Excellent Companion Peter Ball on bass guitar. I can confidently report that this province has seen nothing like it in two hundred years.

It is our new team of Chapter Almoners who are challenged with retaining our current membership. I thank Excellent Companion John Bassford and his team of Almoners for the progress we can see they are making. If you are a Chapter Almoner remember to observe and address the problems of your Companions before they affect their attendance, and to organise help and where necessary to recommend change.

I thank the 81 Companions who continue to represent the Royal Arch in our Craft Lodges. Companions remember you are the friendly, encouraging and informative face of the Royal Arch in your Lodges. Please continue to fulfil this role wholeheartedly, encourage those Master Masons to take the next regular step and remind those who have left our Order that their return would be welcomed - their circumstances may well have changed.

Thank you also for your assistance in running the Education Evening for Craft Masons which was held this year at the Mansfield Masonic Hall and again I was encouraged by the attendance and genuine interest of the Master Masons who attended.

to assume the major roles in this production, so that with the cooperation of the Provincial Grand Master we may offer a high quality presentation to any interested Craft Lodges.

Remember Companions the Nottinghamshire Sojourners under the leadership of Excellent Companion Chris Yates are available for any Chapter Convocation when an Exaltee is not available. In my opinion a high quality lecture is always more rewarding than a demonstration Exaltation.

Maintaining high standards in ur ceremonies is a major factor in the enjoyment of our Convocations.

I thank the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies for organising the recent seminar for Chapter DCs, preparing the accompanying booklet and of course for him and his team for all their work preparing for today.

If you wish to see members of the Provincial team in action then book early for the Veils Ceremony which is to be demonstrated for a second time in this province at the meeting of Welbeck Chapter on December 10th. As well as offering a very interesting and colourful ceremony the Festive Board is always great fun and an early opportunity to celebrate Christmas.

At the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge a fortnight ago our Provincial Grand Master talked about the Membership Focus Group on which he serves. This national group has the objective to establish what can be done nationally to 'stem the bleed' in our membership to meet the needs of both the Craft and the Royal Arch. At this stage the group is quite rightly concentrating on definFor some time we have been looking for a lively ing the problems rather than proposing solutions.

Royal Arch presentation that would be attractive While we were all aware it was happening this is to Craft Lodges. Metropolitan Grand Chapter have now a recognition at the highest level of the steady developed what we hope may be such a presenta- decline of our Craft and Royal Arch membership. tion in the style of the 'Talking Heads' television While all provinces work hard in their own ways programme. This is being demonstrated by memto fight the decline I am at least reassured by this bers of Metropolitan Grand Chapter to the meeting national recognition of the problem and look forof Notts Installed Masters Lodge on Wednesday 4th ward to the recommendations of the group.

June. If the presentation is considered suitable, we will be looking for Nottinghamshire Companions As reported earlier by the Registrar for the year

Continued........

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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H Continued........ ended 31st December 2013 the number of Nottinghamshire Companions has again reduced, this time by 23. An analysis of membership movements by age group shows that the encouraging increases in the lower age groups are being dwarfed by the decreases in the group of those aged 80 and above. Despite this I am still of the opinion that we are moving in the right direction. Companions keep the faith and continue the good work you are doing in the areas of recruitment, retention and retrieval.

May I thank you Companions for your donations so far to the 2018 Festival for The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. I know that you are working hard in your Craft Lodges for the Festival but I do want the Royal Arch to be well represented in the final totals. We have made a late start but a good start but there is much more to do if we are to realise our expectations.

sored walk in July from Great Queen Street in London to Goldsmith Street here in Nottingham - a mammoth undertaking. You all have the Gift Aid envelopes for our collection today and it is my intention that the total raised today is accounted to Robin's walk so please be generous.

Something I notice and admire in young people today is the way they seem to value their friendships highly and always greet each other with many hugs and kisses. On the other hand we as Royal Arch Companions with friendships established over many more years, remain very much aloof apart from that masonic handshake. We are perhaps too old to change our ways and become more tactile but let our handshakes be warm and remind us that we are all Companions sharing common values and a common purpose. May our Chapters and our Companionships continue to flourish and may God bless you all.

Our Provincial Grand Master is certainly leading from the front and we wish him well on his spon-

New Guide for Chapter DCs – .........Essential reading for all Companions All companions are encouraged to read the new Guide for Chapter DCs, available by clicking here.

It contains sections on general points, signs, the exaltation and installation ceremonies, the layout of the Chapter and the festive board.

Provincial Grand Chapter has no wish or authority to request private Chapters to alter their own particular working, especially if there are a number of traditions that members wish to continue, but the guide may help to address mistakes that have been perpetuated over the years and are now called a tradition!

Julian Townsend

Richard Gutteridge Provincial Grand Superintendent

Ceremony of the Passing of the Veils At the Ceremonial Visit to Welbeck Chapter 10th December 2014 West Bridgford Masonic Hall

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

INFORMATION OFFICER A great opportunity has arisen to become the Information Officer for the Provincial Grand Chapter of Nottinghamshire.

We are looking for a Companion to manage and develop the procurement, supply and distribution of information for Royal Arch Masons in Nottinghamshire in support of the recruitment, education, retention and retrieval of members.

He will assist the Royal Arch Leaders to increase the proportion of Master Masons in Nottinghamshire who are Royal Arch Masons to at least 40%.

The main tasks will be: a) selecting, managing and acquiring resources (both hard copy and elec tronic) to meet the Royal Arch’s current and anticipated needs; b)

classifying, collating and storing information for easy access and retrieval;

c)

writing and editing reports, publications and web site content;

d)

liaising with the Provincial Webmaster;

e)

writing the biannual ‘Discover’ news sheet;

f ) assisting in communication between the Province, Chapters, Royal Arch Representatives and Royal Arch Masons; and g)

assisting in the development of marketing materials.

If you believe you can perform these tasks, please register your interest by contacting the Scribe E at your earliest opportunity by email at the following address: scribee@nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk

Notts First Principals Chapter will be cel-

ebrating its 100th meeting in its 50th year on Wednesday 23rd July at Goldsmith Street. Will all Companions please come and support the event.

Are you an Installed First Principal? If so why not come and join the Chapter. We meet twice

a year May and July. I would be pleased to process your application. Further details please email me.

Many thanks Scribe E Comp Grayham Allenby gn.allenby@ntlworld.com

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LO D G E N E W S

BROXTOWE LODGE CENTENARY On 5 November 2013 the newly appointed Master of Broxtowe Lodge No. 3648, W Bro David Stoakes, welcomed members and guests to a special meeting of the Lodge held at the Mansfield Masonic Hall, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, at which they celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the consecration of the Lodge on 28 October 1913. W Bro Stoakes said ‘Our Lodge motto is “Each needs the Help of the Other” and in this connection Broxtowe Lodge has supported Masonic and local non-masonic charities, playing its part in the Province generally. In our centenary year however I am pleased to report that as part of our centenary celebration we have raised £4,250 which was presented to the local charity APTCOO-A Place To Call Our Own on 30th October.

During the evening the Worshipful Master also presented a cheque for £2,000 to the Provincial Grand Master, payable to The Provincial Grand Charity.

‘ Congratulations to all members of the Lodge for preserving the legacy they inherited from their forebears.

From R to L : Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, R W Bro R K Wilson & Worshipful Master of Broxtowe Lodge W Bro D J Stoakes

W Bro Stoakes presented everyone present with a brochure to commemorate the occasion. This contained a brief history of the Lodge illustrating how the members down the decades have supported the local community from which they are drawn, and played their part in ensuring that Broxtowe Lodge can now start its second century with as much optimism as their Founders started the first.

Broxtowe lodge was consecrated on 28th October 1913 and has met continuously from October to April each year since then. In seeking a badge, the old common seal of the town of Mansfield representing Saint Peter and Saint Paul was adopted. This appears on the Lodge banner, on which is also included a mailed arm grasping a broken lance, the emblem of Richard, one of the Plantaganet Lords who held the Royal Manor of Mansfield. In the early days the Lodge met at the Town Hall, Albert Street School or the Old Meeting House in Stockwell Gate. This latter venue was due to the influence of the Lodge’s first Master W. Bro J. Harrop White, a prominent Unitarian. A permanent and present home for Freemasonry in Mansfield was purchased in 1934 and Broxtowe Lodge, along with 12 other Lodges, currently meet at the Nottingham Road Hall.

In his address, the Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, Right Worshipful Brother R. K. Wilson reported ‘That Broxtowe Lodge is still very much alive and active demonstrates that, in a century when the speed of evolution has increased at a breath taking rate and at times in devastating directions, the Lodge has continued from its Consecration to its Centenary to draw members from men of good standing who remain firm in their belief in what the Lodge should be and represent, and with unswerving From right to left: Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, adherence to those R W Bro R, K. Wilson and Mrs M. Wilson; Worshipful Master of Grand Principles on Broxtowe Lodge No 3648, W Bro D.J. Stoakes and Mrs S Stoakes; which it was founded.’

He concluded by saying Chairman of Broxtowe Lodge Centenary Committee, W Bro B Payne and Mrs J, Payne

The name Broxtowe was selected as being the name of the Hundred of which Mansfield is the chief town. Since Anglo-Saxon times (600900AD) much of England was divided into ‘Hundreds’ this being enough

011 land to sustain one hundred households, and right up to the middle of the nineteenth century the Hundred was a widely used administrative unit, intermediate in size between a Parish and a County. So the Hundred of Broxtowe extended from Mansfield Woodhouse in the North to Attenborough in the South and from Blidworth in the East paradoxically to Eastwood in the West-so we had a name.

John Harrop White lived until 1951 and was hugely influential in all aspects of life in Mansfield. He was Town Clerk 1900-23, Mayor in 1923-24, Clerk to the UDC 1884-1935, Chairman of the Governors at Brunts School. There is a house named after him at Brunts and the Pr GM was House Captain for a time, but of course some years later! He was for a while Governor at QEGS. He served on the board of Mansfield and District General Hospital from its inception in 1881 until the formation of the NHS in 1948. He was a leading member and benefactor of the Old Meeting House-the oldest non-conformist place of worship in Nottinghamshirea staunch Unitarian liberal and of course Freemason.

In January 1879 he founded the law firm Harrop White Vallance and Dawson which 135 years later still bears his name.

What a CV !

The motto chosen to be included on the banner was “Alterum Alterius Auxilio Eget” which translated means “Each needs the help of the other”.

Broxtowe has earned a reputation as a happy Lodge

The photograph above shows the Worshipful Master, accompanied by the Chaplain and Senior Officers, along with Rev. Timperley and W. Bro. Burton.

which may well be the reason we have attracted a number of joining members and at least, on average, two initiates in each year of our existence.

On Sunday May 4th 2014 Broxtowe Lodge held a service at the Old Meeting House, Mansfield’s oldest non conformist chapel on Stockwell Gate, to commemorate the end of the lodge’s Centenary Year. The service was conducted jointly by the minister, Rev. Patrick Timperley and W. Bro David Burton, of Elliott Lodge No.8569, a lay preacher and vice president of the East Midland District Association of Unitarian Churches.

During the course of the service the Worshipful Master David Stoakes presented a cheque, on behalf of the members of the lodge, for £1000 to the Rev. Derek Smith, a trustee of “The Send a Child to Hucklow” charity. This charity provides a holiday break at Great Hucklow in Derbyshire to needy children of Mansfield to help enrich their lives.

The service, attended by 130 people, concluded with the laying of a wreath on the grave of John Harrop White at the Old Meeting House.

Following the service an excellent luncheon was enjoyed at the Mansfield Masonic Hall by brethren, partners and friends, and the whole day provided a most fitting finale to Broxtowe’s special year. The Lodge now looks forward with enthusiasm to the next 100 years!!

By WBro.David Stokes

Also included is the Lodge Banner, the Centenary Warrant and the John Harrop White Rose Bowl, presented to him by the Lodge in 1926 after 50 years in the craft.

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CHARITY EVENT

THE TOWPATH WALK GREAT QUEEN ST. TO GOLDSMITH ST. VIA THE GRAND UNION CANAL When R W Bro Robin Wilson first muted the idea of undertaking this particular challenge in support of the Notts 2018 Festival in aid of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys he knew he could not undertake the journey alone. Walking companions, fellow fundraisers and a support team would all be necessary to make the challenge happen safely and successfully. Detailed below is a brief profile of those involved who are all very grateful for the support they have received in conjunction with the PGM from Lodges and individuals.

The Organising Committee Chaired by Robin Wilson the small but dedicated team have planned the route, walked much of it in stages, organised permits, insurance, transport, accommodation, logistics, sponsorship and equipment.

Tony Davenport; Secretary: Tony is a Past Master and the Secretary of Broxtowe Lodge.

He is a regular member of the Notts Masonic Walking Association.

team for the walk.

David Eades; Hall Information Officer for Mansfield.

David is a member of Elliott Lodge and has been responsible for managing our Twitter feed and marketing support for the walk. He is also acting as a support team member.

Profile of the walkers and support crew joining the PGM on his epic journey

Richard Cantrill; Committee Member: Richard, a retired Police Officer. Richard is a Past Master of the Elliott Lodge and is its Charity Steward. When not walking Richard is a keen gardener and jam maker.

David Craddock; Events Director of the 2018 Festival. David is the Mentor and a Past Master of Mansfield Lodge and will also be part of the support team on the walk.

Peter Roberts; Marketing Director of the 2018 Festival. Peter is a Past master of Elliott Lodge and its current Almoner. He is also part of the support

The Walkers: Robin Wilson; Nottinghamshire Provincial Grand Master is a retired lawyer, keen sportsman and dedicated walker.

Richard Cantrill; See above Roger Alton; Past Mater of St Giles Lodge and its current organist. Despite his youthful appearance Roger is 79 years old and remains very fit.

He has walked Wainwright’s Coast to Coast for charity, run two full marathons and 49 half marathons.

Les Boyington; Senior Deacon of St Peter’s Lodge.

Les is a keen fund raiser and enthusiastic walker.

Roger Garrett; Provincial Charity Steward and Grand Lodge Officer. In his ‘younger’ days Roger was a keen marathon runner but now finds that walking is plenty fast enough!

Cliff Holmes; Past Master of Welbeck Lodge. Cliff is a semi retired building contractor and was a football referee in his younger days but now concentrates on walking.

Ken Hensby; Ken is a member of De-Sutton Lodge and is still an active runner and will only walk part

013 View the route in detail - CLICK HERE

Add your support - CLICK HERE

Updates via Twitter - @NottsPGMWalk

Celebration Lunch - BOOK HERE

of the way as he is entered into a race half way through the walk. He has completed 2 full marathons and the Lyke Wake walk and is a regular distance walker.

James Pinder; Past Master of Broxtowe Lodge and their current 2018 Festival Steward. James is a retired Optometrist, keen golfer and volunteer at Southwell Minster as well as being a keen walker.

Sue Skillington; Sue is a dedicated fundraiser and keen walker. Many will remember her magnificent achievement in walking 900 miles from John O Groats to Lands End to raise money for leukaemia research in memory of her son James who died from the illness in 2002. Sue is a regular walker and dedicated charity worker.

Yvonne Davenport; Yvonne modestly describes herself as retired and married to Tony. In reality she was one of the team that completed the Skillington Challenge from John O Groats to Lands End alongside Sue and has completed the Coast to Coast. A regular walker alongside husband Tony and the Nottinghamshire Masonic Walking Group.

Lynn Leivers; Lynn describes herself as a ‘Lady Farmer’ and mother of three grown up children, one of whom has just got married. Lynn is a regular walker with the other two ladies and completed the Coast to Coast in 2010.

Canoeist Anthony Wilson; Anthony is a teacher at Abbotsholme School in Uttoxeter and the son of our PGM. He learnt to canoe whilst at Trent College and has taken part in the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race almost every year since. In his spare time he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Support Crew As with any major undertaking of this type, the walkers will rely on a support crew to deliver them to the start point every morning, supply lunch, carry luggage and supplies and deliver them safely to their hotel at night.

Margaret Wilson: Wife of the PGM, Margaret is the only person Rt W Bro Wilson is afraid of and will be on hand to make sandwiches and make important decisions. As well as being a dedicated wife and mother Margaret is a keen fund raiser and charity organiser. Margaret is a member of the 2018 Festival Ladies Support Group.

Peter Gregory: Peter is Director of the 2018 Festival as well as being a Past Master of Edwinstowe Lodge. Since retiring Peter spends much of his time chasing four alpacas, three chickens, two cats one dog and his granddaughter. He likes dressing up like a farmer and keeps bees. His support crew week will be something of a rest!

Helen Gregory; Helen is also a retired Funeral Director and active fund raiser. She is a Trustee of the John Eastwood Hospice in Mansfield. Much of her time these days is spent looking after her granddaughter and elderly husband. Helen chairs the 2018 Festival Ladies

Support Group.

Peter Roberts; See above.

Karen Roberts; Long suffering wife to Peter. Karen works part time in the family business as HR and Administration Manager. When not working she looks after her grandson two days a week and enjoys keep fit. Karen is also a member of the 2018 Festival Ladies Support Group.

David Eades; See above David Craddock; See above

By Peter Roberts

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NEWS

RNLI LIFEBOAT 767 -JOHN F MORTIMER I am happy to report that this lifeboat now exists, and is somewhere on the coast undergoing its sea-trials!

At the end of March, with my wife Margaret, I travelled to Isle of Wight to see the boat during the course of construction at the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre at East Cowes – only an hour after a similar visit by HRH Prince Edward and Sophie. This is a fascinating complex, and well worth trying to arrange to visit if you are ever in the area, although I suspect that tours are very limited to avoid disrupting the manufacturing process.

Westmoreland tells me that several of his members are RNLI crew members, and I propose to invite them to attend if they are available.

I hope that some members from Nottinghamshire will also be able to travel to the service and witness the launch, and the unveiling of the plaque in the boathouse which will recognise the gift from the estate of John F Mortimer, and which bears the Square and Compasses to indicate his membership of the Craft. The ceremony will take place on Saturday September 27th 2014 probably in the early afternoon.

Robin K Wilson

At the time of our visit, the lifeboat was about three-quarters completed – see photograph. The engine and electronics had yet to be fitted, but the finished product is not difficult to imagine.

After the sea-trials have been successfully concluded, the boat will be transported to Workington where it will be dedicated, probably during September. I have been invited to attend, and I have arranged that our Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro John Burgess, will conduct the service. The date has yet to be fixed, in conjunction with local representatives of the RNLI, ourselves, and subject to the tide times on that part of the coast. My counterpart in Cumberland and

School visit to Newark Hospital Towards the end of 2013, Beacon Hill Day Nursery School visited Newark Hospital’s Radiology and Minor Injuries Unit/Urgent Care Centre.

Julia Watchorn, Radiographer, showed the children some interesting x-rays e.g. teddy bear, bananas, glasses, torch etc and asked them to guess what the items were. Julia also did a comparison of x-ray images to a skeleton and demonstrated to the children what would happen during an x-ray in order to help alleviate any fears they may have.

In the Minor Injuries Unit/Urgent Care Centre the children used pulse oximeters to monitor their pulse dur-

ing exercise, listened through a stethoscope for heart beats and checked each others temperature. Great fun ensued when enthusiastic children put bandages and plaster casts on teachers and nursing staff.

All the children left the hospital with a teddy bear very kindly donated to the hospital by the charity, ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ (TLC), a fun sticker and a lollypop and, hopefully, less fearful should they ever have to visit a hospital medical treatment.

Submitted by John Bassford (Sec. TLC) on behalf of Michael Thomson and Julia Watchorn, Newark Hospital

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MALAYSIA VISIT I recently visited Kuala Lumper, Malaysia, to see family and friends, and as the Masonic Hall is now just across the road from our apartment I took the opportunity to visit my Brothers in Makepeace Lodge. I have been visiting them now for 20 years and have made many close friends there. Sylvie and I took the opportunity whilst there to go out for dinner with some of them and their wives.

They have just dedicated a new Banner seen on the right of the photo enclosed. It celebrates their 100 years of Freemasonry. I was presented with lapel badge and a wrist watch bearing the same design. The new Masonic Hall has 5 Temples a Dining Room the size of the whole of Goldsmith Street which was full to capacity at an Installation for Klang Lodge that I also attended, many function rooms and District Offices. Once or twice a week the doctors who are members of the craft hold a free clinic for anyone who cannot afford to pay to see a doctor.

Martin G White PPrJGW

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KNOWLEDGE BITE

THE FORGET-ME-NOT PIN Such a simple little flower but packed with so much meaning.

The story behind this beloved emblem of the craft in germany: in early 1934, soon after Hitler’s rise to power, it became evident that Freemasonry was in danger. In that same year, the “Grand Lodge of the Sun” (one of the prewar German Grand Lodges, located in Bayreuth) realizing the grave dangers involved, adopted the little blue ForgetMe-Not flower as a substitute for the traditional square and compasses.

It was felt the flower would provide brethren with an outward means of identification while lessening the risk of possible recognition in public by the Nazis, who were engaged in wholesale confiscation of all Masonic Lodge properties.

Freemasonry went undercover, and this delicate flower assumed its role as a symbol of Masonry surviving throughout the reign of darkness. During the ensuing decade of Nazi power a little blue Forget-Me-Not flower worn in a Brother’s lapel served as one method whereby brethren could identify each other in public, and in cities and concentration camps throughout Europe.

The Forget-Me-Not distinguished the lapels of countless brethren who staunchly refused to allow the symbolic Light of Masonry to be completely extinguished.

When the “Grand Lodge of the Sun” was reopened in Bayreuth in 1947, by Past Grand Master Beyer, a little pin in the shape of a Forget-Me-Not was offi-

cially adopted as the emblem of that first annual convention of the brethren who had survived the bitter years of semi-darkness to rekindle the Masonic Light. At the first Annual Convention of the new United Grand Lodge of Germany AF&AM (VGLvD), in 1948, the pin was adopted as an official Masonic emblem in honour of the thousands of valiant Brethren who carried on their Masonic work under adverse conditions.

The following year, each delegate to the Conference of Grand Masters in Washington, D.C., received one from Dr. Theodor Vogel, Grand Master of the VGLvD. Thus did a simple flower blossom forth into a symbol of the fraternity, and become perhaps the most widely worn emblem among Freemasons in Germany; a pin presented ceremoniously to newly-made Masons in most of the Lodges of the American-Canadian Grand Lodge, AF&AM within the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

In the years since adoption, its significance worldwide has been attested to by the tens of thousands of brethren who now display it with meaningful pride.

This information has been taken from a presentation card issued by the American Canadian Grand Lodge, AF&AM within the United Grand Lodges of Germany Submitted By Wade A. Huffman (Light of the Three Stars Lodge #936 AF&AM, Ansbach, Germany and Lancaster Lodge #57 F&AM, Lancaster, Ohio)

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KNOWLEDGE BITE

‘AND THEN IT IS WINTER?’ Most of you will have heard of Stephen Sutton, the young man who died in May 2014, age 19, but who raised over £4m for cancer charities and inspired so many across the world. He made the most of every minute of his life because he knew he had so few left.

To most of us time has a way of moving quickly and catching us unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on a new life with my wife. Yet in a way, it seems like aeons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. But, here it is, the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it’s mandatory, because if I don’t of my own free will…

I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so…now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! Yes, I have regrets.

There are things I wish I hadn’t done…things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.

So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your

life, do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!

Do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

Stephen Sutton completed his journey of life tragically early but he accomplished many things, although he was not a Freemason he truly, ‘lived respected and died regretted’. When we became a Freemason we embarked on a personal journey of self-improvement. We undertook to be tolerant and selfless; to act with humility; to live a just and upright life; to care for our fellowman and to make an advancement each day in masonic knowledge – we all strive to become that ‘perfect stone’ fit for the builder. Each of us, like Stephen, can make a difference as we journey through life. ‘Life’ is a gift to each of us. The way we live our life is our gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. ______________________ The ‘Knowledge Bite” above is part of a package of seven mini-orations available to lodges. Copies have been sent to all lodge secretaries but any lodge or brother may obtain an on-line version from the Provincial Orator, Graham Riche, email: graham.riche@concourse.uk.com . No copyright applies so members are free to disseminate to others as they may desire.

As a follow up to the popular “What’s it all about booklet”, UGLE have released a video, which has been sent to all members along with their new copy of Freemasonry Today.

The video can also be seen by CLICKING HERE on the UGLE Youtube channel !

TrackEngine - is a free application which monitors a webpage and informs you via email when the page is updated. I find this particularly useful with the ‘In Memoriam’ page of the Provincial website CLICK HERE to find out more.

By Kevin Rolling

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KNOWLEDGE BITE SEEKING LIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE The toast to the new initiate is customarily referred to as the most important toast of the evening.

This is not just a platitude but in fact when analysed a truth with far reaching implications not only for the newly made brother and his lodge but indeed for freemasonry in general as well as society.

The importance has many aspects to it.

To the newly made brother he has today become a member of a society and organisation that is clearly inculcated in pursuing good deeds, helping our fellow creatures and is based on charity. The new initiate stands on the foundation of his own masonic structure.

Only by continuing along his masonic journey will he in time understand how the teachings and ideals of freemasonry will remain true and intrinsically shape his relationship with the world and society in a very positive and far reaching way.

For his lodge it is of such importance as today the newly made brother has strengthened the numbers, just as a chain is strengthened or weakened by a new link.

happen via the gravitas and meaning during the ceremony of initiation, by each officer of the lodge taking a serious approach to his part during the ceremony and delivering it with sincerity and a hint of humility. This is further achieved by taking responsibility to learn what has to be learnt and rehearsing and fine tuning the ceremony.

Further more this new link must not be ignored for the future of the lodge depends on him. As the intent of the toast continues far beyond the evening so should the newly made brother be subjected to ongoing care and mentoring of his fellows in the lodge.

Freemasonry in general and the reputation of his lodge his province and the craft are now in his hands. This is quite a responsibility. But we look to him to progress and remain a member as well as introduce other worthy men of high morals and dignity and sustain our membership and the future of the craft.

The toast to the initiate is truly the most important toast of the evening, for him, his lodge, the craft and society.

The lodge must therefore take care of this new link in such a manner as to create a strong link. This can only

Wbro K P Beardsall Newstead Lodge 47

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despage@masonicmugsandglassware.co.uk

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LO D G E N E W S HOW FREEMASONRY ARRIVED IN NOTTINGHAM Since November 2013, W. Bro. Jim Crossley of the St. John’s Lodge at Newark has given a Microsoft Power Point (Projector & Screen) presentation to 3 Lodges on how Freemasonry arrived in Nottinghamshire. This discovery was made in 2012 whilst researching Knights Templar in the Province and his presentation gives a brief history of the Nottinghamshire Lodges between the formations of

the Premier Grand Lodge and the United Grand Lodge, and then reveals When and How Freemasonry arrived in this Province, and the circumstances which led him to discover it.

The presentation takes roughly 45 minutes and is an ideal opportunity for Lodges to fill an evening in the absence of a ceremony and is a refreshing departure from a lecture.

Should Lodges be interested in receiving this presentation, enquiries can be made via email: jimcrossley500@gmail.com or Tel: 01636 639123

De Vere Lodge No.1794 At a recent De Vere Lodge festive board a number of brethren were discussing the role of Stewards and how we could try to ensure that our festive boards were as well conducted and enjoyable as our ceremonies.

Consequently, we formed a small working group to compose an aide-mĂŠmoire for Stewards. It will not be suitable for every lodge as we all have our own traditions. However, I respectfully submit it for your consideration..... CLICK HERE to view Bro. Bruce Cameron.

BEESTON LODGE Last month at Beeston Lodge No. 6103 the Master WBro Peter Mutch allowed me to conduct a First Degree ceremony so that I could bring my eldest son into the Lodge Paul Dickerson. This was a great honour and is only the second Lewis that I know of ever joining the Lodge.

My brother, on the right in the photo, who is a member of Audley Lodge No 1896 in Shropshire came over to witness the ceremony.

WBro. Lawrence Dickerson

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LO D G E N E W S THE FAMILY OF THE LODGES OF CHARITY The story began in 1982 when W. Bro Will George of Lodge of Charity 1551 in Birmingham visited the Hayward Lodge, West Bridgford, Nottingham, with his Father. There, on a display board, was the name Lodge of Charity No. 8769, founded in 1977. Since Will George was the Lodge Secretary at the time, he wrote to this Lodge, introducing Lodge of Charity Birmingham, and kindly requesting an invitation to visit the Lodge. The response from the secretary of the Lodge of Charity, Nottingham, one W. Bro. Graham Aitken, was swift and enthusiastic. On the first visit, there was an immediate warm bonding between the Lodges to such extent that an annual exchange of visits has taken place ever since.

It was during one of these visits that it was commented as to whether there may be any more Charity Lodges. The Brethren having the conversation could not resist the challenge and upon writing to the United Grand Lodge of England were amazed to discover that there were other Charity Lodges. Pen was immediately put to paper and all were written to, introducing Nottingham and Birmingham and asking if a visit could be arranged. Although not all replied, the response was sufficiently encouraging for some enthusiastic Brethren travel around the country visiting the various Lodges. In 1995 further research discovered Charity Masonic Lodge No. 688, Belfast, Irish Constitution.

The endeavours of all Brethren who have enthusiastically cultivated this unique relationship have resulted in an annual meeting of the Family

of Charity Lodges. Since 1988, these have been hosted in Birmingham, Nottingham, Kidderminster, Plymouth, London, Bradford, Brightlingsea, Farnworth, Warrington, Shrewsbury Rochdale and Belfast. This year, after the appropriate permissions and dispensations had been acquired, the annual meeting was held in the Grand Lodge Room, Dublin hosted by Charity Masonic Lodge No. 688, Belfast.

Rt. W. Bro David H. Selby AsstProvGM (Down), is a member of 688, and was present. W. Bro. S. Stuart Cummins AsstProvGM (West Riding) a member of Lodge of Charity No. 4105, Bradford was also present. The Official guest from the Irish constitution was Rt. W. Bro. John C. Clarke AsstProvGM (Down).

Following the meeting the brethren were given a very interesting and informative tour of Grand Lodge by the Head Tyler W. Bro. Keith Stent.

If you are ever in Dublin I strongly recommend a visit to this unique and historical building. Regular tours for both ladies and gentlemen take place daily led by the resident Tyler team. Every room is magnificent, and different. For example the Chapter Room, complete with a subterranean room, is of Egyptian design complete with a series of veils hanging from the ceiling.

John W. Cooke Secretary Lodge of Charity 8769

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CHARITY NEWS THE FREEMASONS OF BASSETLAW The ‘Freemasons of Bassetlaw’ was formed in 2012 bringing the 12 Masonic Lodges from Worksop and Retford together with the specific purpose of raising funds for local charities, ‘local’ being defined as within and surrounding the Bassetlaw area.

• •

Soon after their forming and the drawing up of their Constitution and Mission Statement it was agreed that their future planned activities would continue on the basis of two main fund raising events each year that would support specific charities as well as keeping a small reserve to be able to provide immediate support for other worthy charitable causes.

•

The first ever fund raising event took place in July 2012 at Worksop College who kindly donated their swimming pool for a sponsored ‘Swimathon’, with the event raising almost £5,000. This with the proceeds from the second event, held in February 2013, ‘A Last Night at the Proms Concert’, once again held at Worksop College brought the total raised in the first year to in excess of £10,000.

• • •

Indeed, these two events were deemed to have been so successful that they were factored in to the 2013/14 fund raising season.

A second ‘Swimathon’ and yet another sparkling evening of entertainment from Thoresby Colliery Brass Band at this years’ ‘Proms’ event has brought the total raised to date to a very impressive £15,600 from just four fund raising efforts.

Local charities supported so far include The League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital, Trust AM Radio (both registered charities within our main hospital), Worksop Child Contact Centre, Bassetlaw Scouts, and Bluebell Wood. Significant donations made so far include: • £2000 to ‘The League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital’ towards the purchase of a Duplex Ultrasound

•

Scanner. £2300 to ‘The League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital’ for the purchase of a special treatment couch for the hospital diabetic unit. £1600 to ‘The League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital’ towards the purchase of a bladder scanner. £2000 to ‘Trust AM’ the local hospital radio for Bassetlaw and Doncaster Hospitals to enable them to improve their facilities and increase their broadcasts to patients. £1400 to ‘Worksop Child Contact Centre’ whose aim is to provide a safe, neutral and comfortable place for children to see their non-resident parents or family. £1000 to Bassetlaw Scouts. £500 to Bluebell Wood Hospice. £200 for a television in the Outpatients Department waiting area at Retford Hospital.

The next significant fund raising event will be the ‘Third Annual Swimathon’ which will take place on Sunday 29th June 2014, once again with Worksop College kindly donating the use of their excellent swimming pool facilities. The proceeds from this event shall be divided between ‘The League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital’ and Bassetlaw Sea Cadets. The event is open to competent swimmers 6 years or older (Non-Masons: family and friends are most welcome, as of course are any offers of sponsorship), for further information contact: Mick Allen: 01623 823052 OR John Waller: 07878433622 OR email: osbordi@aol.com ALSO SEE FLYER ON PAGE 25

MANSFIELD CHARITY STEWARDS The Mansfield Charity Stewards Committee arrange three events annually to raise funds to be used specifically in the Mansfield and Ashfield area.

We have now held all three events, and are looking to use these monies in the area as needs arise.

In February we held a Race Night and pie and pea supper which was in the hands of by W.Bro John Summerfield, Charity Steward of Old Elizabethan Lodge. This was a resounding success, being an absolute sell-out.

The price was deliberately kept as low as possible, resulting in it being a true family event ; so much so, that we were able to hold both a “Childrens Race” and a “Ladies Race”, with even some of the Masonic Hall bar staff participating. This event raised £1214.00.

At the end of April we held the usual “Swimathon” organised by W.Bro Ken Purslow of Byron Lodge. This was specifically for the benefit of the local Macmillan Nurses. It is becoming more difficult for lodges to find swimmers, but even so eleven Lodges participated.

At the moment we have pledged or collected some £1935, and we hope to hold a presentation in the near future.

SNFC

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On May the 9th a Quiz Night with pie and pea supper was held, organised by W.bro Michael Bull of Old Elizabethan Lodge and his wife Anne. Despite clashing with another high profile event and another Lodge quiz a few days earlier, 95 attended and £749.00 was raised.

In the meantime we have made two emergency distributions.

The first being £400.00 to the Kingsway Hall Comunity Hall at Forest town for electrical kitchen equipment, without which the hall would have had to close.

Amongst other events, the hall opens in the evening for young people to attend a “club”, wich was felt deserved support.

The second was £150 to Ravenshead 1st Callers voluntary paramedic team to purchase necessary equipment, which is immediately being put to good use.

We will be looking at other requests for help at our next meeting, and hopefully our funds will be put to good use.

Michael Bull Chairman Mansfield and Ashfield Charity Stewards Committee

South Notts Freemasons for Charity

The South Notts Freemasons for Charity completed their first full year in existence with their AGM in May having raised almost £6000 for local charities.

They are a joint charity committee of Lodges meeting at West Bridgford Masonic Hall. Formed to promote fellowship between Lodges, pool resources, jointly organise events, involve friends and family, raise money for charitable donations and promote Freemasonry in the local area - and that is just what they have done.

The committee has supported not only Charities such as TLC and the Doppler Appeal but also two local Scout Troops - one needed £200 to complete an appeal for a new tent and the other received a £100 contribution towards four Scouts attending the international Jamboree in Japan next year. They have also supplied marshals for a Fair for Children with Disabilities.

The most visible success was the organisation of a sponsored swim on behalf of the DOPPLER appeal, at Nottingham High School Swimming Pool. In addition there is great camaraderie between the members and many reciprocal visits planned between the West

Bridgford Lodges for next season and no doubt more suggestions for future events at the Festive Boards!

The future looks bright for SNFC with the next event a Lunchtime River Cruise coming very soon – watch this space…or better still - if you are a member of a Lodge meeting at West Bridgford - JOIN US !

- email our Secretary to be added to our mail-outs.

SNFC Committee details: Secretary: Paul Vale pkvale@hotmail.co.uk Chairman: Kevin Rolling kevin.rolling@4316.co.uk Treasurer: Kevin Hyland kevin.hyland@sjpp.co.uk Ass’ Treasurer: Ron Nutall r.nuttall1@ntlworld.com WB Lodges Charity Stewards

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NEWS

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WHILE THE HUSBAND’S AT PLAY......

Jill Biddulph, wife of Radcliffe lodge member Bill Biddulph, keeps busy while he is at lodge. During her year as the President of Keyworth and Ruddington Inner Wheel she with the aid of the members raised £1000 for Teddies for Loving Care.

Jill selected TLC as her special charity for the year and through raffles and bring and buy sales she achieved the magnificent sum above.

Chairman of TLC, Graham Riche received the cheque from Jill and her Vice President June Turney and also on hand was the District Chairman, Carol O’Conner who made time in her busy schedule to congratulate everyone on their efforts and to wish TLC well.

By Graham Riche Picture caption: Let to right: June Turney, Jill Bidulph, Graham Riche, Carol O’Conner

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SOCIAL EVENTS JUNE 29 th Sunday

PROVINCIAL CHEESE & WINE CLICK HERE

JULY 12 th Sunday

RED CROSS BUFFET SUPPER CLICK HERE

JULY 20 th Sunday

MARK MASONS T20 CRICKET CLICK HERE

JULY 20 th Sunday

JULY 6 th Sunday

ST. GILES & EDWALTON LOI BBQ + FALCONRY DISPLAY

JULY 13 th Sunday

NEWSTEAD ABBEY CHAPEL & LUNCH

BRAMCOTE LODGE SUMMER LUNCH CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

JULY 27 th Sunday

TOWPATH WALK CELEBRATION LUNCH CLICK HERE

JULY 20 th Sunday

JULY 6 th Sunday

TEMPLE LODGE SKITTLES & BUFFETT CLICK HERE

BEESTON LODGE SUMMER CRUISE CLICK HERE AUGUST 3 rd Sunday

PROVINCIAL FISHING COMPETITION CLICK HERE

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SOCIAL EVENTS AUGUST 1st - 10 th

HOLIDAY AUSTRIA 10 DAYS CLICK HERE

SEPTEMBER 26 th - 28th

NOTTS. MARK MASONS SOCIAL WEEKEND - HARROGATE CLICK HERE

SEPTEMBER 10th - 11 th

ROSSLYN CHAPEL + SCOTTISH 3RD DEGREE CLICK HERE

SEPTEMBER 28th Sunday

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE CLICK HERE

SEPTEMBER 13 th Saturday

WOODTHORPE LODGE PUB OLYMPICS CLICK HERE

OCTOBER 4 th Saturday

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE MASONIC MUSIC ASS. CLICK HERE

SEPTEMBER 20 th Saturday

MURDER MYSTRY DINNER CLICK HERE

NOVEMBER 8th Saturday

NOTTS. MARK MASONS THE OPERA DUDES CLICK HERE

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SOCIAL EVENTS

LE TOUR DE HALLS On Sunday 20th July a sponsored Cycle ride will take place in Nottinghamshire. It is the aim of our Brother Eric Lovatt to complete a route starting at Goldsmith Street and visiting Lodge premises in West Bridgford, Chilwell, Mansfield, and Newark before returning to Goldsmith Street all on the same day.

Brethren are invited to sponsor this endeavour by guessing the total mileage that will be recorded on a cycle computer affixed to Eric’s Bike at £1 an entry. The main stop off points are indicated above but not the exact route. Entries should be to 2

CLAY PIGION SHOOTING

decimal places (e.g. 65.34 miles) and there will be a prize of a Colour TV or similar electrical item up to a value of £150.00 for the closest entry. Please CLICK HERE for a sponsorship / entry form, please do your best to raise as much as possible for this endeavour.

In the event of more than one correct entry the winners will be placed into a hat and a winner drawn, with the Judge’s decision being final. Brethren can donate more than £1 if they wish and have several guesses.

Monies collected should be forwarded to either myself or Eric by 1st September 2014 Mike Sycamore Clifton Lodge 2018 festival Steward

peter.huse@ntlworld.com as soon as possible as numbers will be strictly limited.

Clifton Lodge are Organising a Clay Pigeon Shooting event on Saturday Aug 2nd [10:30am start].

The range we will be using is at Langar Airfield in the vale of Belvoir, cost per head being £25 which includes 30 rounds of ammunition per head and a sporting layout suitable for novice shooters.

If you or any of your members are interested in taking part or would like further information then please contact our Peter Huse by email :

NORTH WALES AND SNOWDONIA Robert Warburton Lodge 9464 invite you to join them to tour North Wales and Snowdonia, staying at the splendid Merrion Hotel in Llandudno. There are lifts to all floors.

CLICK HERE to view Merrion Hotel website Departing 3rd October 2014 to enjoy: 3 nights’ bed, breakfast and evening meal, with superb food, service, and entertainment each evening. There

Mike Sycamore Clifton Lodge 2018 festival Steward

will be a Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. Travel is by Executive coach , with pickups in and around Nottingham. Also included will be visits to Snowdonia and other attractive areas along the coast. Total cost for the tour is £240 per person. Friends and family will be most welcome.

If you are interested please contact W Bro Gerald Severn on 0115 9373376 or drop him a line at Flinders Barn Cottage, Main Street, Keyworth, NG12 5AA and he will be delighted to send you a booking form and itinerary. Early booking is recommended.

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NEWS

RIDE TO THE WALL On Saturday, 4th October 2014, with dispensations kindly granted by the Provincial Grand Masters of Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, Le Willows Lodge No. 3852 will be holding an Emergency Meeting at the Masonic Lodge Rooms in Tamworth.

The purpose of the meeting, held in conjunction with the Widow’s Sons Masonic Bikers Association, is to raise money for the Masonic Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.

For the last seven years, on the first Saturday in October, motorcyclists from across the UK have gathered at the event know as the Ride To The Wall (RTTW). Thousands of pounds are raised each year

to help support the National Memorial Arboretum, some ÂŁ218,000 having been raised to date by such bikers. This year the presentation of the cheque for monies raised during 2013 -2014 will be made in June, on National Armed Forces Day. Last year, from amongst the more than 40,000 motorcyclists attending the RTTW, a small but dedicated group of members of the WSMBA gathered in the Masonic Memorial Garden and there an idea was born: to raise money for our own Memorial Garden.

For more information or to register your interest, email: RTTW2014@gmail.com

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CLIMBING BEN NEVIS

I climbed Ben Nevis earlier this month to raise money for ....wait for it.…Girl Guiding…. in my home village of Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. .

40+ colleagues’ set off at 9.30am on Saturday morning on D-day, the first of whom were back in the pub at the bottom at 3.00pm.

My three girls, Amelia, Isobel & Harriet, have all been members of the Girl Guiding movement from the earliest opportunity, each progressing through Rainbows to Brownies and currently on to Guides.

A certain WBro JC Featherstone of Musters Lodge 7095 was just leaving the summit at 2.45pm!! and back down at 6.50pm.

For each of them, it has been a celebration of life.

For the last two years, 3rd Radcliffe Guides have attended international jamboree’s in Birmingham (Brumjam), Lincoln (Lincolnshire Poacher) and this year, with a theme of ‘Back in Time’, 5000 scouts and girl guides will be heading for Norfolk for the Norjam International Scouting and Girlguiding Jamboree this August. www.norjam2014.org.uk Thirty five 35 Radcliffe and Aslockton & Whatton girlguides and helpers are planning to travel by coach to the Norfolk Showground and it is for this aspect of the trip that I am looking to raise money. The coach hire will cost in the region of £1,000.

More details are on my Just Giving page - CLICK HERE I first climbed Ben Nevis 20 odd years ago. For those who know me well I am not built for speed or agility, so to climb the 4,409 ft. to the summit was a great challenge for me!!

The story of my journey to the top is one of triumph over adversity….this wasn’t the original plan……….just the ‘escape route’.

However, the good news, amount raised so far : • Just Giving - £605 + gift aid.

• Cash donations banked - £120 • Cash donations to be banked - £119 • Pledges on pledge form - £75 • Total - £919 My wonderful employer Bibby Financial Services will match the first £250 raised so if you can, please give generously I would be most grateful. Every £1 will help.

Kind regards and thank you for your wonderful support.

Wbro Julian Featherstone Musters Lodge no.7095

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5 0 & 6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E S Ken Pooley Born in Blackfriars London. Moved to Brentwood in Essex where as a hobby he enjoyed carpentry, so in a shady part of his large garden he built his own wine cellar to complement his hobby of making his own wine.

His favourite homemade was Logan Berry but he has successfully made many varieties including elderflower and even strawberry wine.

Such was the success of his hobby that when he came to move to Kent the removal involved 40 cases of 12 bottles of his own produce.

The cases were not a problem as his job was involved in the production of heavy duty corrugated packaging which was used In the wine industry.

His employer, Reed Paper Group was so successful at this that it became necessary to expand the business.

This is why Ken came to Nottingham in the 1970’s. He was sent in as part of an advance party to set up a factory in the Midlands and begin production of the wine cases from a more central location.

The base was at Langar, Nottinghamshire and utilised land at the old airfield. At this time Ken moved to Bingham. He resided there until his retirement after working

for the company for nearly 40 years.

On his retirement in 1980, to have access to transportation and local amenities he moved, with his wife Sylvia, to his current residence in West Bridgford.

In Masonry he joined his first Lodge, the New Bromfield Lodge in London in 1954. He became the W.M. of that Lodge.

He then joined Chapter in the Duke of Connaught Lodge where he also took the chair. Then Mark (chair again) and Ark Mariners where again he became the W.M. Ken was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine Lodge, where again he became the Master of the Lodge.

He was proposed by two Liverymen of London and appeared before the Sherriff of London at the London Guildhall where he was awarded the honour of Freeman of the City of London. He then joined and became o member of The Guild of Freemen Chapter and again became the W.M. and also the Duke Freemen Mark Lodge and as the patter now dictates became the Master of that Lodge.

He achieved London Grand Rank whilst still in residence in the South of England.

In the 1970’s on his move to Nottingham area he met Fred Ott who was in the process of forming Excalibur Lodge 8903 and was invited to become a founder member. Ken took the chair of this lodge when his leadership was needed because of circumstances in the Lodge and he was pleased to help out.

Fred Ott was also in Mark and was trying to found Arc Mariners and so Ken was asked to be involved because he had already been a W.M. of this in London and so became a founder member of this in Nottingham.

Ken became Assistant Scribe Ezra in Mark and then became the Provincial Treasurer of Chapter.

He was asked to work in P.G.L. in Nottingham when the computer system was being introduced when Ken helped with the data input needed to set up the system.

At that time he was Assistant Grand Scribe Ezra for Provincial Grand Chapter.

He joined Excelsior Lodge the mother Lodge of Excalibur and went into the chair of Excelsior as well. He was the W.M. in Chapter and of Knight Templar, along with being W.M. in Rose Croix and maybe something else, that at the moment he forgets what (but I can’t say I blame him !).

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Brian Perkins A native of Nottingham but a Sheffield resident since 1969, has spent a large part of his life involved in the community both in his employment and in his membership of other organisations. On Tuesday 4th March 2014 at the age of 84 he was honoured by the presentation of a certificate marking his 50 year membership of the Daybrook Masonic Lodge in Nottingham; the certificate was presented by Andrew Rainbow, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

In his masonic career he was Master of his lodge in 1978 and held office within the lodge for many years, being honoured with appointment to the rank of PPrSGD in 1990.

were numbered among his clients.

In 1982 Brian was seconded by the bank to set up the Sheffield Enterprise Agency which continues to this day as part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and also worked with the Department of Employment and The Princes Trust encouraging people onto the Enterprise scheme. During his secondment Brian worked with ‘The Master Cutler’ an influential person in Sheffield without whose approval no product could be described as ‘Sheffield Stainless Steel’.

Together with his wife Pat, Brian worked for local hospital radio for 10 years putting out a 3 hour weekly radio programme which went to all the hospitals in the Sheffield area.

As well as his masonic membership Brian continues to be a member of Vulcan Rotary Club and Hallamshire 41 Club, in both of which he has held office as President or Chairman.

Although travelling has made it difficult for Brian to attend his masonic lodge in Nottingham he has been a regular visitor to local lodges both in Sheffield and Derbyshire and has enjoyed his time as a Freemason immensely particularly welcoming its modern-day openness. We wish him and wife Pat a continued happy retirement enjoying family life with 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.

Jim Seller On behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, W Bro John Starling PAGDC visited W Bro Jim Seller PPrSGW, a

Brian, a former pupil of Nottingham High School, began his working life on 25 August 1947 as a clerk with the Westminster Bank, Carrington Street, Nottingham but on 20 November 1947 his budding career was interrupted when was called up to National Service as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery. That was a significant day as it was the wedding day of the Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh and as such was a public holiday but not for Brian who was en route to Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire! He trained as a Technical Assistant and having qualified received an extra 6d (2½p) in acknowledgement of his trade.

After National Service Brian returned to the bank and was promoted to Suib-Manager of Sheffield University Branch in 1969 which necessitated his removal to live in Sheffield where he has remained. In 1988 Brian retired as Manager of the Hillsborough Branch after 41 years 2 months 6 days with the bank; during his time at Hillsborough several members of the local football club

member of Trent Lodge No. 4933, at his new home just outside Sidmouth in Devon to present him with his 50th year certificate on 16th March 2014. Jim and his wife Margaret have moved from Gotham to live with his son and his family and are very much enjoying their new surroundings.

Continued........

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5 0 & 6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E S WBro John Fletcher John was to be honoured on 4th April 2014 with the presentation of a certificate to mark his 50 year membership of Freemasonry in general and the Clifton Lodge No. 4753 in particular but sadly ill-health precluded his attendance and instead his certificate was accepted on his behalf by his friend, WBro Barry Brough.

WBro John was initiated on 2 January 1964 and became Worshipful Master on 2 November 1973; during his year

in the chair he set a post-war record for the lodge by initiating, passing or raising a total of 10 candidates.

John, one of 5 children, was born on 16 February 1932 and as a young child attended Miss Horner’s Primary School, a private school at 2 Elm Avenue, Beeston,

Nottingham together with Barry Brough who was to become his lifelong friend.

John and Barry then went to The Rossall School, a public school in Fleetwood, Lancashire where John believes that he learned the values that he holds dear to this day and by which he has endeavoured to lead his life.

John was conscripted into the army where he spent most of his National Service in Germany as part of the post-war army of occupation. After being demobbed he joined his father in the family business; Long Eaton Fabric Company which had been founded by his grandfather. He remained for many years with that company and the sister company, Fletcher’s Fabrics of Ilkeston until, subsequent to his father’s death he was able to realise an ambition born of his time at his seaside based public school – a move to be near the sea with the intent of combining business with the pleasure of his pastimes of fishing and golf!

Sadly, for the last year, John has been confined to a wheelchair – particularly frustrating for a sportsman such as he, who in his younger days played rugby for Notts. Casuals and who was to be found on the tennis court in all seasons.

John has also been somewhat of a joker and is remembered for causing a sensation at a Ladies Night when he raised a lady above his head and carried her around the dance floor.

Since moving to the coast John has not been able to attend his lodge regularly but has happy memories of the pleasurable company he found there and he is extremely proud of his membership of Clifton Lodge and the fact that he rose very quickly to take the chair in 1973 after, what was then an unusually short time of 9 years; he was honoured with a promotion to PPrGStdB in 1980.

WHY COOK SUNDAY LUNCH? Why cook Sunday lunch when you can have it all done for you. You can enjoy good food in what is becoming one of the premier Banqueting venues in the city with a huge free car park. Or you could park on the Embankment and stroll over the river via the foot bridge next to the hall. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

The cost is £12 a head for three courses with coffee and a mint. The wine is £8 a litre and other drinks are available at the bar. You will not be disappointed. If you have not been to West Bridgford Masonic Hall for some time you will find it now doubles up as the Registry Office and has been refurbished with new curtains, carpets and decoration.

Please ask to be put on the e-mailing list for future events. All profits go to the Welbeck Hall Building Fund.

Roy Brown email: roybrown1900@yahoo.co.uk

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NEWS

THE TUBECHALLENGE At 03:00 on April 16th my alarm sounded and I left Nottingham with daughter number one for Chesham.

Upon arrival Lucy abandoned me and drove to Upminster to park the car before departing for Reading to resume her beauty sleep.

The Tube Challenge is the accepted name for the Guinness World Record attempt to visit all the stations on the London Underground network in the fastest time possible. Participants do not have to travel along all lines to complete the challenge, merely to pass through all the stations on the system. Participants may connect between stations on foot, or by using other forms of public transport.

The first recorded challenge took place in 1959. Although many people have attempted the challenge and held the record since, they have not always been credited in the record books. In the earlier days of the challenge, participants were permitted to use private forms of transport (such as a car or bike) to move between stations. This led to times of less than 16 hours in some earlier records, and Guinness later changed the rules to ban private transport.

to run to the Overground Station of the same name in order to arrive at Walthamstow Central, a loss of another 25 minutes. Again I was able to maintain the overrun though in order to finish at Upminster at the appointed hour the Piccadilly leg out to Heathrow was cut short giving me a total of 251 Stations out of 270. For those sponsoring me on the basis of completed stations at

the point when the world record time was passed then that was 221 [Perivale on the Central Line].

Lucy re-joined me at Gloucester Road [stop 155] on the District line just before 6 pm and then we completed the route some 6 hours later at which point this obligatory Photo was taken.

Brethren, my feet are killing me from the running between platforms and Stations so I would be absolutely delighted if you could reward this brave mason by digging deep and, if you have not already done so, by using the following link to increase the £300 that has already been promised, which in its self is well above the £200 target originally set.

The current record was set in August 2013 by previous record holder Geoff Marshall who along with Anthony Smith, completed the challenge in 16 hours, 20 minutes and 27 seconds This is me on the platform shortly before departure at 06:30. My dream of a world record crashed and burnt at station number two when the train to Amersham was two minutes late thereby ensuring that I missed the connection back to Moor Park and onward leg to Watford which lost a total of 35 mins.

This overrun was maintained until I reached Station 83, Leytonstone when a bus failed to materialise and I had

www.justgiving.com/cliftonTC Alternatively you can Text RMTG53 ‘amount’ to 70070 Amount can be £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 Please do give generously if you are able.

Mike Sycamore Clifton Lodge

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M A S O N I C A S S O C I AT I O N S

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE MASONIC CARAVANNER’S ASSOCIATION

Tel: (01623) 793146 E-­‐mail: denis.j.baker@sky.com Mobile 07976229079

Secretary: W Bro D J Baker t: 01623 793146 15 Swinton Rise m: 07976229079 Ravenshead e: denis.j.baker@sky.com Nottingham NG15 9FS

CARAVAN RALLIES 2014 6. 4 –7 JULY 2014 – GREETHAM HOUSE FARM , GREETHAM, OAKHAM LE15 8DS Directions A1 South turn off onto B668 sp Oakham. In centre of Greetham – site on right opposite Post Office and adj to Plough Inn Rally fee including electric hook up £20 00 per unit (to be confirmed) Additional Nights available 7. 25 – 27 JULY 2014 – FORWOOD FARM, TRESSWELL, EAST RETFORD DN22 0EE Directions: Leave Retford town centre on road signposted Leverton. In approx 3.5m turn right onto Grove Road (signposted Treswell) at T jctn turn left - site on right in approx 1 mile. Aircraft on site.

Rally fee including electric hook up £25 00 per unit Additional Nights available 8. 5 – 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 SEALWOOD COTTAGE VINEYARD, LINTON, SWADLINGCOTE DE12 6PA (NEW LOCATION) MARSHALS: TREVOR and JULIE PENDLETON Directions: Recommended via A42 At jctn 11 turn onto A444 towards Swadlingcote. At High Cross turn left onto minor road (sp Linton) In middle of village turn left onto minor road (sp Sealwood cottage vineyard) track a bit rough – take care. Site on left at end of track Rally fee including electric hook up £24 00 per unit . Additional Nights available Tour of Vineyard and wine tasting can be arranged. (fee applies) 9. 26 – 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 THE ROYAL OAK, CAR COLSTON, NOTTS MARSHALS: GORDON and CHRIS BEASTALL Directions: 3 miles north of Bingham; turn east off A 46: for 0.75 miles to Car - Colston, entering village green the Royal Oak is opposite (site behind public house.

Rally fee: £22 (To be confirmed) . Skittle Alley on site (A G M. Rally ) NOTES: 1. An early indication of likely attendance would be appreciated – this will be non binding but gives me some idea of likely numbers.

2. Should anyone be aware of other suitable sites, please let me know so that I can visit prior to arranging the rally programme for 2015.

3. If anyone is interested in marshalling any of the above rallies, please contact me.

It may be possible to book extra nights at a number of venues; If you are interested in a longer stay, please contact the Secretary in the first instance.

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M A S O N I C A S S O C I AT I O N S

ASSOCIATION CO N TAC T S

Nottinghamshire Masonic Golfing Association Contact - Match secretary - Richard Marvin - e: rchrdmarvin@yahoo.co.uk - t: 0115 925 9961 Nottingham Masonic Bowls Association Contact- Christopher Bromley - t: 07966 288 980 Nottinghamshire Masonic Caravanner’s Association Contact - Secretary - Dennis Baker - e: denis.j.baker@sky.com The Nottingham Masonic Ladies Luncheon Club Contact - Zean Brenni - e: raymond.brenni@ntlworld.com Mansfield Masonic Ladies Luncheon Club Contact - Trish Cree - t: 01623 794 485 Nottinghamshire Masonic Ladies Association Contact- Penny Sanders - e: m.ks44@hotmail.co.uk North Nottinghamshire Masonic Walking Association Contact - Tony Davenport - t: 01623 656 034 Nottinghamshire Masonic Music Association Contact - Bill Robbins - e: w.a.robbins@ntlworld.com Provincial Fishing Competition Contact - Peter Olko - t: 01623 759 589 - e: peter.olko@btclick.com

Welcome to 'Falcons at Laxton'

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We are a family run falconry business offering the opportunity to experience birds of prey at close quarters.

Our approach is not run of the mill, but an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed time in the company of birds you never thought you would get close to, much less walk with on your arm.

Even those who arrive fearful of the power of the birds are beguiled by them and learn to relax with them and to experience the thrill of feeling at one with a raptor.

• Falconry Displays • Groups, Events, BBQ’s and Fairs etc • Corporate days • Learn about owning your own bird of prey • Walk with an Owl, Kestrel or an Eagle Owl • Excellent photographic opportunities • A display at your own event • Have a speaker for your group who will bring a selection of birds – inside or out !

We are fully insured for all our activities and have no age restrictions. However, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Email: enquiries@falconsatlaxton.co.uk Telephone: 01623 824020 Web: www.falconsatlaxton.co.uk