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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE DIGITAL
EDITION 005 November 2015
The PGM’s Installation PAGE 4
Worksop Remembrance Service PAGE 6
The Holy Royal Arch PAGE 10
2018 Festival News PAGE 28
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CONTENTS ADVERTISMENTS
COVER STORIES
04 06 10 28
The PGM’s Installation Address Worksop Masonic Remembrance Service The Holy Royal Arch 2018 Festival News ARTICLES & EVENT NEWS
14 15 15 16 18 20 20 21 22 24 26 32 36 38 42 44 46 48 48 49 52 56 58 60
Iron Man Challenge Bassetlaw Bathing Belles TLC The Freemasons of Bassetlaw Masfield & Ashfield Charity Stewards Ladies of Forest Lodge
14 17 22 23 27 37 40 41 43 50 55 57
Interested in learning to play music ? GTA Electrics Jim Steel Garage Services Interested in getting fit? Eastgate Care Royal Ark Mariners LifeLites - Ladies That Lunch Corinthian Restaurant Graham Hill Menswear Sunday Lunch at West Bridgford MH
Doric Dining Nottinghamshire Funeral Service
Teddies for Loving Care Football Boots for Ladies
Rushcliffe Lodge Afternoon Tea Spacial Fair 4 Special Children
Community First Responders KT Knowledge Bite
Forest Lodge Summer Why Should I Visit a Research Lodge ? Masonic Samaritan Fund F - Freddy of 619 Squadron Daddy is off Masoning A Masonic Family Affair 50 Year Certificates 60 Year Certificates Obituary Masonic Associations Looking Forward
Cover Photo : Allegory - Victoria Rolling
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the Editor or the Province of Nottinghamshire.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITOR: WBro. Kevin Rolling
EMAIL: editor@nottsmasonmagazine.co.uk
Welcome to edition 5 of the digital Nottinghamshire Mason magazine. Once again we have a bumper crop of thought provoking and stimulating articles, my sincere thanks to all the contributors. My special thanks are due to our PGM for his prompt response when I discovered very early this morning that I had overlooked the important ceremony which took place on 31st of July 2015 !! I’ll take this opportunity of wishing him the very best for the years ahead.
MAGAZINE TEAM Editor - WBro. Kevin Rolling
e: editor@nottsmasonmagazine.co.uk
Articles for the magazine Please send articles as Word docs. or similar to: editor@nottsmasonmagazine.co.uk Please send photos & videos separately and not embedded in an article.
Articles or events for inclusion in the Magazine, Newsletter or the Provincial Website Please send to: publicise@nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk
Magazine Advertisements: Please contact the Editor To subscribe to the magazine email the Editor To unsubscribe - www.bit.ly/StopMag
Kevin Rolling
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PGM’s Address at his Installation 31 July 2015 Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master, distinguished guests, and brethren. The author Paul Arden, who was also creative director for Saatchi and Saatchi, said “too many people spend too much time trying to perfect something before they actually do it. Instead of perfection, run with what you’ve got and fix it along the way” – so brethren, here goes. My first and very pleasant task is to convey my heartfelt appreciation to you, Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master, for the honour you have conferred on me in Installing me as Provincial Grand Master for this Province. Sir, may I thank you not just for the exemplary quality of what you did but for the manner in which it was achieved which in itself reduced my nervousness to a point where only 5/8ths of me was shaking. May I also complement the outstanding work of the Grand Lodge team under the stewardship of W Bro Giles Shilson. It would also be remiss of me not to express my gratitude to R W Bros Sawyer and Ives for acting as Senior and Junior Wardens – it is a comfort to have such distinguished brethren acting in those capacities. I will also be forever grateful to those brethren of this Province who have also contributed much to this Installation ceremony. Brethren, over the past few months you will have heard or read about the commitment of the High Rulers of the Craft to bring about a change in the way our fine organisation goes about its business. Significant amounts of midnight oil have been burned to ensure that the desired strategic direction and its associated objectives address the changes necessary to shape freemasonry in a way
that, in business parlance, makes it “fit for purpose”. It is both interesting and impressive to note from the results of the second survey of members released only some weeks ago that over 90% of the Craft believe that Freemasonry must adapt to survive. Brethren, you need not fear change because the core principles which attracted us to the Craft in the first place, and which we hold so dear, will remain fundamental to our fraternity. It is my wish that the Province of Nottinghamshire plays its full part in what I will describe as the modernising agenda – of course I mean no disrespect to the members of Lodges whose roots are with the Ancients –a little bit of masonic humour there brethren. At the Annual Meeting of this Province on 1 May, R W Bro Robin Wilson gave an inspirational address which set out quite unequivocally the realities facing our organisation if it continued to hark back to the past. Brethren this was not a warning aimed at bringing about change for changes sake, it was a rallying cry asking for support for a realistic vision of the future. We will not lose that spirit of brotherhood created by the very heartbeat of freemasonry. We will, however, embrace that which will create cohesion and stability in a respected fraternal organisation which very much wants to be strong enough to be an influence for good in a modern era. Without question there will be references to the past – I address you this morning wearing, very proudly, the apron of R W Bro Stewart Hill, my mentor and friend. He handed on to R W Bro
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Wilson a Province which, at that time, was strong in its beliefs in masonry and the role it could play in making good men better. I believe I inherit a Province which, under the latter’s guidance, has grasped the key requirements for freemasonry to be active in the wider community whilst not losing sight of our successes as an organisation over a long and proud history. Strength must be built from the inside and the recently agreed strategic aims for the future of freemasonry set out a framework for the development of that internal resilience.
hamshire to participate in this major anniversary. This Province’s significant commitment to charity both locally and on a national scale is a matter of record and the level of support for the 2018 Festival on behalf of the RMTGB underlines that established pattern of generosity. I feel privileged to inherit the first-class team who have managed our approach to the Festival to date.
When I was initiated into Forest Lodge No 1852 in 1984, and looked on in some wonderment at this body of men who were clearly committed freemasons and well-grounded in what they achieved outside the Lodge, I had no concept of one day It is essential that our offer to new members meets being able to support the brethren of Nottinghamtheir expectations and the results of the recent sur- shire through holding the office of Provincial Grand vey show those expectations are not unrealistic but Master. The humbling effect of today is immense are very much what we, as experienced freemaand when I manage to get both feet back on the sons, would support. Much work has been done ground you will not find me resistant to change in this Province to address the loss of members and I will welcome all contributions which will enwho are only in the early stages of their masonic sure the furtherance of freemasonry in general and lives. It is possible that our approach on this may this Province in particular. need to be refined. However, it is not just about newer brethren, we have to ensure that freemason- May the Great Architect of the Universe bless you ry remains valued by all of its members and I will all. be looking to Mentors and Lodge Liaison Officers to take the temperature of a Lodge, as and when necessary, to ensure that it remains healthy and a place that the brethren both enjoy and respect. I also expect the growing contribution of Orations to increase yet further the knowledge and understanding which brethren have for the Craft. In 2017 we celebrate the Tercentenary of the formation of Grand Lodge. This celebration offers a range of opportunities not least that of demonstrating the enjoyment our membership of the Craft brings, the value we place on it and our gratitude to our families for the support they give to this important part of our lives. V W Bro Richard Davis is leading on the development of our celebrations, ably assisted by W Bro Graham Riche. It is a case of watch this space for news of the events being planned to enable the brethren of Notting-
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The Worksop Masonic Remembrance Service
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The Worksop Masonic Remembrance Service and Lunch took place on 1st November, 2015 and was organised by W. Bro. Mick Cox of the Worksop Priory Lodge. This year it commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The PGM R.W. Bro. Philip Marshall and his wife Ann, The Provincial Grand Superintendent Richard Gutteridge and his wife Linda and R. W. Bro. Peter Ball of the Mark Degree and his wife Kate, together, welcomed honoured guests: The Deputy Lieutenant Veronica Pickering and her escort Richard Bond; The High Sheriff of Nottingham Jan Bilkhu and his wife Baldish; The Venerable Robin Turner, Air Vice Marshall and President of the Nottinghamshire British Legion and his wife Elizabeth and the Chairman of Bassetlaw Council Mrs. Gwynneth Jones and her partner. Mr. Alan Richardson.
Continued ......
8 The Service in the Masonic Temple was led by Mr. John Whitehead a Methodist Minister from Sutton in Ashfield. The British Legion Flag Bearer lead banner parties from The Sea, Army and Navy Cadets and the Guides into the temple. During the Lighting of the candles by L/Cpl Hannah Frost , Cdt Alex Reville and Guide Chloe Allinson two poems 'the Battle of Britain' and 'the 'Fighter Pilot' were read by Cdt Pawel Kowalski and Cdt Anna Kuchnia. These two cadets had been picked especially to read the poems. They are both from Polish families and both members of the 303(Worksop) Squadron ATC. The original 303 Squadron was formed in WW2 with Polish and British pilots and was one of 16 Polish Squadrons taking part in the Battle of Britain and 303 was the highest scoring of all the Squadrons. Lessons were read by Patricia Wright Guides District Commissioner for Worksop and Elaine Hopkins the Community Fund Raiser for the Royal British Legion in Nottinghamshire. The Homily and Kohima Epitaph was given by W. Bro. Colin Shields. The Last Post and Revellie by Sarah Vernon and The Pipers Lament by David Abbott. The song 'Bring have Home' was sung by Mrs Tina Cox daughter of W. Bro. Andrew Rossington. Wreaths were laid by: The Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the Queen The PGM on behalf of Provincial Grand Lodge The High Sheriff on behalf Nottinghamshire Robin Turner on behalf of Notts British Legion The Chairman of Bassetlaw Council on behalf of Worksop Borough
After the Service there was a Luncheon attended by 98 guests. In his closing speech the Provincial Grand Master presented a cheque for ÂŁ650 from the Worksop Masonic Club and a Cheque for ÂŁ50 from the Pinner Lodge towards the Poppy Appeal to Mrs. Elaine Hopkins.
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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H Address by the Grand Superintendent to Provincial Grand Chapter 2015 Thank you Most Excellent Second Grand Principal for addressing us today and the pleasure of your company at our annual convocation. At the recent London briefing meeting you informed us that you were to be reappointed at Supreme Grand Chapter on 30th April as Second Grand Principal. As we smiled in pleasure, you immediately went on to say that this would be your tenth reappointment and it would be your last, suddenly our pleasure turned to pain. Your friendly manner and your custom of regularly visiting our provinces has been very much appreciated by the provincial leaders and all the Companions. Thank you sir for all you have done and continue to do for the Royal Arch. The attendance of Most Excellent Second Grand Principal is in no small part to thank for the excellent attendance we have today at Provincial Grand Chapter, Companions thank you for your support 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 visiting your Chapters. For the first time this Convocation is being held without wearing gloves. This follows the practice of Supreme Grand Chapter and many of our neighbouring Provincial Grand Chapters. It does not however imply any desire by me to change the working practices of your own Chapters. I congratulate all those Companions I have appointed and promoted today in Provincial Grand Chapter and I look forward to seeing you with your partners in the more relaxed atmosphere of the Honours Banquet which will be held here in Goldsmith Street in combination with the Craft on Saturday 27th June. I was accompanied to the April meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter by sixteen Nottinghamshire Companions and I thank them very much for their support. Most Excellent the First Grand Principal His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent presided and
he honoured two Companions of this Province. Excellent Companion John Smee was promoted to PAGSoj and Excellent Companion Anthony Hodson was appointed PAGDC. Both these Companions have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the Royal Arch over many years and I congratulate them both. Ranks in Provincial or Supreme Grand Chapter are not however a retirement present. They are an encouragement to do even more to promote the Royal Arch in Nottinghamshire. The main thrust of our recruitment strategy is the 81 Royal Arch Representatives in the 85 working Craft Lodges of this province. We again held a Royal Arch Education evening in Mansfield for both representatives and prospective candidates which proved to be a successful and very enjoyable evening. Exaltees for the year have remained constant at 46 so may I thank all the Royal Arch Representatives for your work. Please continue to be the friendly, encouraging and informative face of the Royal Arch in your Lodges. This year we are introducing as a further boost to recruitment the Nottinghamshire version of the ‘Talking Heads’ presentation which is being made available to Craft Lodges and a number of performances are already in the diary. I highly recommend this presentation as both an entertaining and informative method of bringing the message of the Royal Arch direct to Craft Lodges. The Nottinghamshire Sojourners team have again been in demand this year offering high quality lectures to Chapters without a ceremony. You know my opinion that a high quality lecture is always more rewarding than a demonstration Exaltation. Maintaining high standards in our ceremonies is a major factor in the enjoyment of our Convocations and the continuity of our membership. As always I urge the Companions to learn the ritual if possible and to make the most of the opportunities the Royal Arch ritual gives us to break the work into
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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H smaller sections and involve more Companions. We have made three visits this year as a ceremonial team and were well supported and received. At our ceremonial visit to the Christmas meeting of Welbeck Chapter the Provincial team demonstrated the Veils Ceremony to a capacity convocation. On my visits this year I have been pleased to notice Chapter Almoners having a much higher profile and are starting to report back on their work to help and to recover Companions not currently attending their Chapter. Companion Almoners you are making a real difference so thank you and please continue your work. Resignations have fallen this year from a recent average of around 70 to 41 and at last this number is lower than the number of exaltations. Overall for the year ended 31st December 2014 we have seen a reduction in the number of Nottinghamshire Companions of 7. This is still a loss but represents a significant improvement over the losses we have incurred over recent years and I believe we are making real progress. I have been concerned for some time that we are not been making best use of our Supreme Grand Chapter officers. I believe we have now reached the point where it is feasible and desirable to introduce a liaison scheme utilising these Companions and we are planning to introduce a scheme in the new season. Companions I ask you to support our two Chapters of Installed Principals. Notts First Principals Chapter meets here next Tuesday 19th May and Excellent Companion Richard Cumberland will be installed as Zerubbabel. His inaugural address will be on the subject of the Royal Arch Tracing Board and as many of you were probably not aware there was such a thing, an interesting presentation is guaranteed. At the meeting of the same Chapter on 22nd July we are to receive a talk by the Deputy Grand Scribe Ezra Excellent Companion Graham Redman.
His name will be known to many of you as a fount of knowledge at Greet Queen Street, Companions this is your opportunity to hear and see a legend in the flesh. The next meeting of North Notts Principals Chapter on the 15th June will receive a talk entitled ‘The Breastplate of Aaron’. I remind you that attendance at the meetings of these Chapters is not restricted to Past Principals. We continue to work in our Chapters and the province for the 2018 Festival for The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and again the charity bag today will be for that purpose. While the total for the Royal Arch to date exceeds £25,000 we still have a lot of work to do meet my expectations for the appeal. We look forward to the installation of our new Provincial Grand Master Excellent Companion Philip Marshall on July 31st. Companion Philip is a great supporter of the Royal Arch and he was of course a member of our provincial ceremonial team. I hope I will be joined by many members of the Royal Arch on that day, proudly wearing our Royal Arch jewels in support our new Provincial Grand Master. Companion Philip on behalf of the Royal Arch I pledge you our full support in your new and demanding role. The recent briefing meeting of the Pro First Grand Principal I recently attended in London was dominated by feedback from the Membership Focus Group and I believe there is a real appetite for change to ensure the Craft and the Royal Arch are fit for the future. In his summary Excellent Companion Malcolm Aish, President of the Board of General Purposes told us to ‘celebrate success’. I believe our progress this year is a success so let us now finish our labours and do just that. Companions, thank you for listening to me and may our Chapters and our Companionships continue to flourish. May God bless you all.
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T H E H O LY R O YA L A R C H The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Richard Gutteridge, thanks Excellent Companion Tony Allwood who has retired as the Deputy Grand Superintendent after 6 years in that Office. Exalted into Spalding Chapter in 1977, Excellent Companion Tony served as 1st Principal in 1990, then as ADC and DC. He was first appointed to Provincial Office in 1995, serving as ADC, DDC and 4 years as the Provincial DC, until 2003. He was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal in 2004, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal in 2006, and Deputy Grand Superintendent in 2009 by the then Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion John Howitt. Excellent Companion Tony received Grand Rank in Supreme Chapter in 2002 as Past Grand Standard Bearer and was promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer in 2010. He recently served as the Secretary to the Deputy Grand Superintendents’ Forum. Excellent Companion Tony’s experience and support will not be lost to the Province, as he and the Grand Superintendent continue their regular “contests” around the Rushcliffe Golf Course.
The Nottinghamshire Sojourners No Ceremony? - E.Comp Chris Yates of United Service Chapter, the co-ordinator of the Nottinghamshire Sojourners has a number of knowledgeable and enthusiastic Companions who will be only too pleased to visit and who will guarantee a lively alternative evening chosen from a large library of presentations. To request a visit to your Chapter by the Sojourners all that is needed is a phone call to E.Comp David Scully, Provincial Scribe Ezra, at Goldsmith Street. He will arrange for E.Comp Chris to contact you to coordinate a visit and discuss the topic and nature of the presentation you require.
Provincial Chapter - Information Officer E. Companion Steve Bradford
If anyone has articles of interest or back ground information, I can be contacted at : steve.bradford51@ntlworld.com
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Interested in learning to play music? Interested in a new challenge? Age is no barrier, old or young ~ take up a new challenge in life ! If you, members of your family or friends, would like to learn to play bagpipes & HTS drums (high tension snare) or both, speak to Pipe Major, Robert Orridge (Mansfield Mason) of the Seaforth Highlanders Association, Pipe & drum band (Nottinghamshire Branch). We are always on the lookout for new members; whether you are experienced or a complete novice you will be welcomed into our band. If you have no experience playing pipes or drums, we will commit to teach you, totally free of charge. In return, all we ask of you is your commitment to attend practice, and to practice what you have been taught in your own time. Once committed to the band and able to play tunes, we would ask for a very small fixed weekly
contribution, which pays for hire of the hall, equipment and uniforms. Come along to one of our weekly practice sessions to meet with us, listen to the band practicing, have a chat and cup of tea/ coffee with us to determine whether you would be interested in joining our band. Or, contact Stuart Cullen for more information on 01623 650359 . We meet every Thursday evening, 7:30–9:30 at; The Verney Institute, 13 Newboundmill Lane, Pleasley, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG19 7PL. More information is available on our website: www.seaforthhighlandersnottsbranch.co.uk
Sherwood Lodge 3956 – Past Master Completes Iron Man Challenge On 13th September 2015 Carl Jordan, who is 46 years old, and was Master of Sherwood Lodge for the 2010 season, completed the Tenby Triathlon Iron Man Challenge. This was a 2.4 mile swim in choppy seas, immediately followed by 112 mile bike ride which was followed by a 26.2 mile marathon run. Carl took just 12hours 1min to complete the full Triathlon and came in at 251 out of 2400 competitors who came from all over the world to take part. Carl did this for ‘fun’ – Not bad for a 46 year old!. Alan Walker Secretary of Sherwood Lodge
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Bassetlaw Bathing Belles. This year the Freemasons of Bassetlaw have been assisted in their fund raising by the waitresses who work at the Masonic Hall in Retford. Laura, Jessica and Sally, helped raise in excess of ÂŁ2,000 for local charities by taking part in the annual sponsored swim held at Worksop College. Also taking part in the Swimmathon and providing the lifeguards for the event were members of the Swim Stars & Dolphins Swim School, At the end of the afternoon Fran Lacey accepted a cheque on behalf of The Swimstars for ÂŁ530, donated by the Freemasons of Bassetlaw. The donation will help to purchase essential aids to swimming used by the Swim School in their worthwhile work, of teaching youngsters to swim. Barry Lord Retford Hall information officer
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The Freemasons of Bassetlaw In 2012 a group of Freemasons called 'The Freemasons of Bassetlaw' were formed to make a link between the three Craft Lodges at Retford and the nine Craft Lodges at Worksop Masonic Halls. They have so far held two events annually at Worksop College by kind permission of the headmaster Mr Gavin Horgan, a Swimathon each June and a 'Last Night of the Proms' each February.
This money was used to provide 40 music stands and covers which depict the square and compasses and the words 'Nottinghamshire Masons'. In addition other items of uniform have been ordered but have not yet arrived.
These events have so far raised £20,000 for local charities. The three 'Last Night of the Proms' Concerts were given by the Prizewinning Thoresby Colliery Brass Band. Occasionally such local efforts are supported at Provincial Level and at our last Concert this Claire Taylor the Principal Cornet February the Provincial Grand player with one of the music stands Master of Nottinghamshire purchased. R.W. Bro Robin Keith Wilson accompanied by The Provincial Grand Charity Steward W. Bro Roger Garrett authorised a donation from Nottinghamshire Masons to the Thoresby Colliery Brass Band of £2,500.
The cheque for £2,500 was presented on Saturday evening 13.06.15 at The Crossing in Worksop where the Thoresby Colliery Brass Band performed a fantastic Concert of music from the Movies and Musicals. The cheque was presented at this venue on behalf of the Freemasons of Nottinghamshire by members of The Freemasons of Bassetlaw who had formed the link with the Band through their three concerts held in the Great Hall at Worksop College. Neil Airey Founding Chairman of 'The Freemasons of Bassetlaw'
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From left to right: George Kennedy - Chairman of the Thoresby Colliery Brass Band Mick Allen Joint Chairman of The Freemasons of Bassetlaw Colin Meakin Joint Chairman of The Freemasons of Bassetlaw Neil Airey Founding Chairman of The Freemasons of Bassetlaw
The Thoresby Colliery Brass Band at The Crossing, Worksop with Conductor Simon Willis
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Mansfield and Ashfield Charity Stewards I visited Mr & Mrs Fells this evening to present Tahya, their daughter, with our cheque for £250.00 towards her training and expenses. Tahya has been taking part in Taekwondo for the last five years and although she is still only eleven, she is a black belt second dan and included in the GB (Technical Squad). Tayha can do her 3rd Dan next year (2 year delay from doing her 2nd Dan) - its another 2/3 years after that when she can take her 4th Dan - but then she can’t take her 5th Dan until she’s 18 so will have to wait a couple of years with her only being 11 at the moment. Next week; Tahya fly’s to Germany and then Northern Ireland for competitions there. She practices five nights a week and totally dedicated to her sport. I have put a letter with the cheque explaining the money has been provided by the Ashfield and Mansfield Charity Steward committee. Both her parents express their gratitude and appreciation for the funding we have provided. Ken Purslow Charity Steward of Byron Lodge
Mansfield and Ashfield Charity Stewards Swimathon 2015 £2705 raised for the British Heart Foundation On 14th July W. Bro. Ken Purslow, the Swimathon organiser, presented a cheque for £2500 to Helena Waite, a Fundraising Manager for the British Heart Foundation. Ken also presented her with a further cheque for £205 when she attended our committee meeting in August. Here she gave a short talk and outlined the way the money would be used to train students in three secondary schools in our area to deal with heart attacks. Peter Allan Chairman
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Mansfield and Ashfield Charity Stewards raise £2,500 to fight for every heartbeat Fundraisers Help the British Heart Foundation (BHF) save lives -
Big-hearted Mansfield and Ashfield Charity Steward raised an amazing £2,500 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Nation of Livesavers, Call, Push, Rescue Initiative at their annual sponsored swim. Each year member Ken Purslow along with his colleagues organise a fundraising sponsored swimming event at the local swimming pool in Mansfield. Ken said “Each year we hold a sponsored swimming event to raise money for local charities. We held our event on Sunday 29th March at the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Leisure centre in Mansfield. Over the years we have raised thousands of pounds for local charities and we are delighted to be able to support the BHF Nation of Lifesavers initiative.” Every year, over 30,000 people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital, yet less than one in ten survive. The British Heart Foundations (BHF) Nation of Livesavers aims to change that and save 5,000 more lives every year. Helena Mair Fundraising Manager for the BHF in Mansfield said: “We are delighted that the Mansfield & Ashfield Charity Stewards have chosen to support the BHF in 2015. Our Nation of Livesavers, Call Push, Rescue initiative is a training programme for Schools and community groups to teach the live saving skills needed in an emergency. The training kit covers how and when to perform CPR on an adult or child, put someone in the recovery position and use a public access defibrillator. It's suitable for students 12 years old and over. The kit contains an educational DVD demonstrating how to do CPR while trainees practice along using the inflatable manikins. No instructor is needed
as all of the techniques are taught using the DVD. All you need is a DVD player and a little space to practice in. If you would like to find out more about organising your own fundraising event or getting involved in our Nation of Livesavers initiative please call Helena Mair on 01522 541451. For more information about the BHF’s work, visit bhf.org.uk.
Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single
biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives. For more information on the BHF, visit bhf.org.uk The BHF is dependent upon donation of time, money and goods to continue its vital role. Volunteers are offered a range of interesting roles and opportunities across the region. For further information, please call 01522 541451 or visit www.bhf.org.uk/volunteer
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Ladies of Forest Lodge Not to be out done by events at Goldsmith Street on Friday 31 July the Ladies of Forest Lodge, along with their friends, attended an informal lunch. Kathryn Oddie presented a memento of the occasion to Ann Marshall, the new Provincial Grand Master’s wife. The ladies enjoyed friendly companionship, good food and good wine and toasted Philip’s new position. Thanks go to David at the restaurant for his good humour, patience and especially his photographic skills! Kathryn Oddie
Teddies for loving care Firstly I would like to thank your organisation for choosing us as recipients of the bears. Cantrell is a large 2 form entry urban Primary School now reaching full capacity in most year groups. We currently have 485 pupils including 70 nursery children. The School Deprivation factor (0.3) and free school meals indicator (39.2) is above the national average. The number of learners in receipt of SEN support is 24%. Children arrive at school coming from all different kinds of backgrounds, most have happy settled lives but some require some TLC when they come to us. Your bears will be used to settle those who are reluctant to leave parents, they will support children who are having difficult
meetings at school and those who are unwell and need first aid. They have already been put to good use, each class has agreed to give their class bear 8 hugs a day and for some this is just enough to get them through a day at school. A bear has also gone home with a child preparing for dental surgery and another has just been given to a new child who has joined us late in the year. As a link between home and school and a comfort in both they are invaluable. They have been a tremendous gift to the school, one which we really appreciate. Thank you once again. Deborah Weaver Head Teacher Cantrell Primary School
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Football Boots for Ladies The primary difference between men and women’s football boots is the width of the boot. Compared to the corresponding men’s boot, women’s boots are built wider in the forefoot and toe area and narrower in the heel, reflecting the gender differences in foot shape. Furthermore, men’s boots are generally wider and sized larger than women’s boots. Some boots, despite being branded as the same boot for different genders, have different mid-sole materials or heel support, affecting the fit, comfort and even weight of the boot. During the summer women’s football has come to the fore. The national team came third in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Nearer to home Notts County women’s team reached the FA Cup final, narrowly losing 1-0 to Chelsea Ladies. Did you know that despite the popularity of women’s football in this country no-one sells women’s football boots. The amateurs ‘make do’ with men’s boots whilst the more professional use the internet to buy boots from America, where the cheapest boots still cost hundreds of pounds. The Lodge of Charity No 8769 was consecrated on 29th September 1977. Selwyn Lees became Worshipful Master in 1978. There are now only two founding members left in the Lodge, W. Bro Gra-
ham Aitken and W. Bro Richard Lowe. Graham has remained a life-long friend of the Lees family. Serena Clarke is the 14 year old granddaughter of W. Bro. Selwyn Lees (deceased), Serena is in the top 1% of Ladies Footballers in her age group and is tipped to play for the England Ladies by the age of 18. She travels to Birmingham 3 nights a week for training and plays for a Birmingham team on Saturdays. All her training, equipment and travel costs are currently paid for by her family. Prior to the opening of the Lodge on 14th May 2015 the Worshipful Master, W. Bro Robert Grummitt welcomed the guests, especially Serena and her mother, Mrs Rebecca Clarke. W. Bro. Michael Walker introduced Serena to the Lodge, explaining the history of the Lodge and Serena’s connection to it. On behalf of the members of the Lodge of Charity, the Worshipful Master then presented Serna with a new pair of boots. After appropriate thanks Serena and her mother were escorted from the Lodge by Graham Aitken. John Cooke
Serena with members of the Lodge
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Rushcliffe Lodge No. 3658 Summer Afternoon Tea raises £260 for Guide Dogs for the Blind The Summer Afternoon Tea took place on Sunday 5th July and was attended by 30 people who included members of the Lodge, family and friends. It was held at Carr Farm, Wheatcroft, Matlock, by W. Bro. Peter Freeman and his wife Jean who have hosted this event for the past 12 years. Entertainment was provided by Peter Robertson on the keyboard, and violinist Rachael Whawell. There was a treasure hunt and also a raffle in which nearly everyone won a prize! Unfortunately a heavy
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rain storm occurred half way through the afternoon which sent everyone fleeing indoors, but to enjoy an excellent afternoon tea. The sun soon came out again to end a very pleasant afternoon. The event raised £260 which has been donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Howard F. Parker (Worshipful Master)
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Interested in getting fit ? Are there any masons (or their friends) interested in getting fit, rowing, and competing at Masters Level? A local club has an established squad (generally MasD to MasE - with a couple of outliers at C, F and G) and a few more would be greatly welcomed, even if you've done little rowing in recent years. It's that time when we start Winter training to achieve success next summer at the Regattas (when the Lodges are generally in their closed season). Anyone interested in learning more, contact Andrew Hill 07979141280 Andrew Hill
D Head (Master's ln co in L at ew row. Winning cr from left - back d n co se m I' . VIII's)
The winnin g crew at L eicester Reg Master's D atta IV's - I'm s econd from right
Dead Heat at Stourport Regatta - Master's D VIII's (Master's D is average age 50-55) - that's me at 4 (4th man from the bow in the near boat)
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Special Fair 4 Special Children When the fair comes to town it’s amazing what a magnetic attraction it is for young children. They drag Mum and Dad along and as they all get closer to the fairground the infectious noise and the dancing lights draw them magically towards the rides. Once they are on the roundabout or the dodgems their faces light up and a fun time is had by all. For physically challenged and special needs children the amount of enjoyment they would receive from a day at the fair is just the same but the opportunities to experience that enjoyment are very limited. However it is thanks to the generosity of Freemason in the Nottingham area and Michael McKean owner of McKean’s Fairground that around 200 such children are able to enjoy all the fun of the fair at least for one day. About seven years ago Michael who is also a Freemason and a member of the then recently formed Showman’s Lodge in Loughborough was invited to a meeting in Nottingham by Peter Barratt of Edwalton Lodge to discuss how a Fairground could be made more accessible to physically challenged and special needs children. The plan was hatched that evening and the rest, as they say, is history as annual Fairs of this type have been held in Nottingham ever since, primarily at Bramcote Hills Park in late August each year but due to popular demand a second Fair was held on the 5th of August this year at Manor Farm in Toton. The Showmen very kindly open their Fairground for half a day the day before it is open to the general public. The rides are set up to run at much
slower speeds than normal and they also tone down some of the dancing lights. As well as experiencing the rides the children also get to enjoy the usual hot dogs, beef burgers, candy floss and ice cream, all for free. Mum & Dad, able bodied brothers & sisters and any carers are all able to use the rides for free, they just pay for any food and drink they consume. So the whole family get to enjoy a fun day out together which would not be possible in many other scenarios. Members of the Edwalton and St. Giles Lodges in Nottingham raise funds throughout the year to cover the costs of the free food and then give generously of their time on the day to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable event for all. The Showmen fund the cost of running all the rides and too give generously of their time. Another regular supporter of the fun day is the Masonic Charity ‘Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) Nottinghamshire’ which supports children in distress in Nottinghamshire Hospitals by providing teddies for them to cuddle. TLC also have a stall at the Fair and ensure that every physically challenged and special needs child leaves the fair with their own special teddy to cuddle. This fair and the TLC charity are just two example of the good work which Freemasons are carrying out in communities all over the country. If you wish to know more about what Freemasons in Nottingham are doing then please feel free to visit their website at http://www.nottinghamshiremasons. co.uk/ The TLC website can be found at: http://www.tlcnottinghamshire.co.uk
25 Thank you so much for allowing us to bring JohnLuke to the additional needs Funfair at Toton on Wednesday. It was John-Luke's 20th birthday and it was the first time, ever, that he went on a fairground ride rather than sitting in his wheelchair watching everyone else have a go! I think he was a little bemused to start with as he had never been on a fairground car ride before, but he did have a smile when he started to relax and enjoy the sensory experience of the movement, the music and the noise around him! John-Luke is fed by tube (he had a nasogastric tube when younger, but now has a tube to his tummy called a PEG or gastrostomy) so it's generally no food by mouth, just an occasional sample on the lips. At the funfair he enjoyed some candy floss (another first) tiny samples which he sucked loudly and obviously enjoyed and his other favourite, a few spoons of ice-cream.
is very loving and has an older brother Anthony (26) who was a young carer and when he lived at home helped mum Teresa and dad Martyn to look after John-Luke. It's difficult at times but it has it's rewards, often in the little things that JohnLuke does. (We have great hopes that residential National STAR College in Cheltenham - currently being aired on BBC3 TV on Thursdays at 9pm) - will work with him and help improve his mobility and communication).
From left to right: Graham Riche – Chairman of TLC Nottinghamshire; Martyn Culverwell - Luke’s Dad; Frank Noonan – TLC Committee Member; Graham Wood – Information Officer for Nottinghamshire Freemasons;Teresa Culverwell - Luke’s Mum
John-Luke has cerebral palsy along with various other problems like epilepsy, scoliosis (back problem), visual impairment, and global delay so he is more like a 12 month old in development. He can't walk, or talk, though he loves to make lots of noise, adores music, and he can roll around somehow which keeps him a little more mobile. He
Families like ours often have very little play to access, parks are generally not made wheelchair friendly, play schemes are very short, one or two weeks in the summer if we are lucky, and there are not always staff available trained in manual handling, personal care and PEG feeding especially as children get older and when they become young adults!
So we would like to thank you all for your arranging the funfair for additional needs allowing our family to come along and for the extra special presents including the unexpected beautiful cake and big teddy! Teresa Culverwell, Martyn, and John-Luke
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Community First Responders Do you know anything about Community First Responders? No? Neither did I until I attended a presentation by one of the Nottinghamshire First Response Teams at Worksop Masonic Hall. Community First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers who give up their spare time to train and respond to life threatening emergencies in their local community. They are trained in the use of a defibrillator, basic life support skills, care of someone unconscious for whatever reason and other medical emergencies. They are coordinated and dispatched by the East Midland Ambulance Service Control Room in Nottingham. Being local, they are often first on the scene. First Responders do exactly what their title suggests; they provide initial support for people requiring medical assistance within their community until such time as Paramedics can reach the scene. Their training enables them to provide a wide range of basic life supporting techniques including the ability to assist those suffering from cardiac arrest. An essential part of their equipment is the defibrillator a device which can monitor heart function, to determine if it is in a state known as fibrillation and deliver an electric shock which will help the heart return to its normal rhythm. Speed of response is essential if a patient is to recover, for every minute that passes before de-fibrillation takes place the chance of survival decreases by 10%. This emphasises the need for fully trained and equipped First Responders in a local community. The CFR Scheme was brought to the attention of the Freemasons of Bassetlaw (FoB) by Bro Dan Osborn; the Senior Warden of Vernon Lodge. Dan is a trained CFR serving the rural area around Retford. The emergency care kits which CFRs use cost approximately ÂŁ2,000. Dan made this presentation to the committee of FoB hoping that they would be able to assist with some funds. His presentation was so effective that the committee immediately presented a cheque for ÂŁ2,000. This will provide another emergency care kit for Community First Responders in the Bassetlaw area. Barry Lord HIO Retford
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Incredible Effort for 2018
W.Bro. Mike Sycamore - Clifton Lodge
Support for the Nottinghamshire 2018 Festival in aid of the RMTGB has been much appreciated by the leaders of the province and the Festival Executive. However, few Nottinghamshire Masons have been able to equal the efforts of W Bro Mike Sycamore of Clifton Lodge.
Since the festival launch in April 2012 Mike has arranged and organised 41 fundraising events. Many of these events have included a huge personal commitment from Mike such as the 3 Peaks Challenge where the participant has to climb the 3 highest peaks Great Britain, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Mike tried to beat the world record by travelling to every tube station on the London Underground network in the shortest possible time but was foiled by train delays. Many of our members have participated in these events or have been asked to support them in some way but the actual effort of organising these events has been outstanding.
A list of some of the events that Mike has organised or participated in are listed below:3 Peaks – Ben Nevis [Aug 2015] 3 Peaks - Scafel [Aug 2014] 3 Peaks – Snowdon [Sep 2013] Lodge BBQ [Jul 2015] Choir @ Festive Board [Mar 2015] Clay Pigeon Shooting [Annual event since 2013] Cycling Tour of Notts Temples [Jul 2014] Gurkha Evening [2012] Ladies Nights [Annual] Tube Challenge [Apr 2014] Murder Mystery [Sep 2014] Persian Evening [2013] PGMs Walk [Jul 2014] Quiz & Carvery [Feb 2015] Rifle Shooting [2013 & 2015] Treasure Hunt [Summer 2015] VE Dinner Dance [May 2015] Masonic Pens [On going] Derby County Car Parking In addition to the above a further 12 events are planned for 2016 and work is underway for the following year. Thank you Mike, we salute you! We hope this may inspire you and your Lodge to support the Festival. Please contact us if you feel you need advice on setting up a fund raising idea.
Fund-raiser for 2018 Festival visits St Denys Lodge Following contact through the Provincial website, St. Denys Lodge No.8276 were delighted to welcome 12 visitors from Temple Lodge No.5196 in the Province of Nottinghamshire to their meeting at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on the 23rd April 2015. The visit was arranged as part of an initiative by W.Bro. Adrian Bellamy to undertake a visit to a Lodge in every Province of England and Wales, including visits to the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, to raise much needed funds in support of the Nottinghamshire 2018 Festival for
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the Royal Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls (RMTGB). This presents a challenge of driving some 13,000 miles, taking ferries and flights not to mention the consumption of 47 Festive Board meals. The evening was a great success and it is hoped that a reciprocal visit to the Temple Lodge will be arranged later in the year. Following a raffle at the Festive Board, Master W.Bro. David Cheyette was pleased to present a donation of £200 to W.Bro. Adrian in support of the RMTGB initiative and wished him well and good speed in his endeavour.
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W.Bro. David Binch
Completes his epic IOM challenge for the Nottinghamshire 2018 Festival and Cancer Research UK. David the newly installed Worshipful Master of Elliott Lodge No. 8569 turned into a minor celebrity after travelling to the Isle of Man for a unique challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK and the RMTGB. Firstly, the father-of-two relived his youth in the annual motorbike Classic TT Lap of Honour where he reached speeds of 150mph on the island’s notorious roads. But in a twist, just hours later he ran the entire 37.8mile circuit, which included ascending a 2,034ft mountain in the middle of the night. His efforts have raised over £14,000 for the two charities.
Trent Lodge Ladies Festival Following a very successful Ladies’ Festival held by The Trent Lodge at Welbeck Hall, West Bridgford and by request of the Worshipful Master’s wife, Mrs Zoe Brewster, a cheque for £1,000 was presented to Kate Martin, Centre Head of Maggie’s Cancer Support Centre at the City Hospital. A further £400 was also donated to the 2018 Festival Appeal.
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Edwinstowe Lodge No 3998 Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Andrew Rainbow presents the 2018 Festival Howard Mace Alms Plate and a Festival Grand Patron Certificate to the WM of Edwinstowe Lodge No 3998 Bro. Stephen Clements and their Festival Steward W. Bro. Simon Meadows, in recognition of achieving 110% of their Festival Goal. The late W. Bro. Howard Mace was initiated into Edwinstowe Lodge and so it it was a very poignant moment for the Lodge. Before Howard passed away in 2014 he and his wife Alex committed to
A Grand Coffee Morning Once again Forest Lodge has had a very successful fund raising event at the Oakham Suite, Mansfield in aid of the 2018 Festival. A grand coffee morning was organised selling an enormous range of home-made cakes. There were also additional stalls selling books, bric-a-brac and Christmas goods. There was a tombola which almost wholly consisted of alcohol - not something normally found at a Forest Lodge event! We were well supported by brethren, their ladies and families and a super total of ÂŁ680 was raised. Thanks go to all those who contributed in whatever manner to the event and helped to make it such a success. Kathryn Oddie
video their experience of the support their family received from the RMTGB, you can view this video on the RMTGB website www.rmtgb.org. Regular giving through gift aid, social functions and use of gift aid envelopes all helped to attain this magnificent achievement. Edwinstowe Lodge is one of only two Hall Stone Lodges in the Province and this demonstrates the continued support for Masonic Charities by current Lodge members that their Founding members would be proud of. Peter Gregory
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KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
This meeting marked the 50th Anniversary of the consecration of this Preceptory which took place on the 8th April 1965. The Preceptory was also honoured by the presence of the Provincial Prior Rt Eminent Knight Andrew Christopher Rainbow, The Provincial Sub Prior Eminent Knight Anthony Michael Everington and other Officers of Provincial Priory Bro Brian Dykes was installed as the new Preceptor by the current Preceptor Eminent Knight Alan Vaughan Bro Kt Barry James Brackley was admitted as a joining member from the Province of Lincolnshire Companion John Howard Wood was also installed as a Knight of the Order Over 50 knights were present which was equivalent to the number of Knights who attended the Consecration in 1965 which reflects excellently on the Wynkbourne Preceptory because at that time the Province consisted of several neighbouring Counties. The Provincial Prior provided an informative and entertaining account of the history of the Preceptory and he acknowledged the dedicated work of the Provincial Vice Chancellor Jim Crossley in its preparation The church depicted on the summons of the Wynkbourne Preceptory (image attached) is the Church of St John of Jerusalem at Wynkbourne, Nottinghamshire, where in 1338 there was a “Camera� of Knights Hospitaller, in charge of Prior Philip de Thame. Paul Hancock
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KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
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KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Nottinghamshire Mason looks at KT The United Orders of the Temple, St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta of England, Wales and Provinces Overseas is the governing body of what is more often described as “Knights Templar”popularly,if more briefly, known as“KT”. The Chivalric Order was founded around the year 1119 by two French knights, Hugues de Payens and Godfrey de St. Omer, primarily to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land on their travels to and from the Holy City of Jerusalem. Originally known as the “Poor Fellow Soldiers of Jesus Christ”, the Knights were of aristocratic or ‘gentle’ birth and took monkish vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. They were granted buildings on Temple Mount, or Mount Moriah, within the religious grounds that had once enclosed King Solomon’s Temple. Later, the name changed to the Knights of the Order of the Temple, more commonly known as “The Templars”. The Order grew in wealth and numbers and such was the trust placed in the Templars by Kings and sovereign states that they acted as Treasurers for much of the Christian world. This wealth eventually proved to be their downfall and they were suppressed and their estates confiscated, around the year 1307, by King Phillip Ie Bel of France and Pope Clement V. Around 1740, in response to the Papal Bull of 1738, a number of Masonic degrees with a Christian
background appeared in France and gradually spread throughout Europe. The most important of these were a Masonic Templar Rite and a Rose Croix Degree, neither of which has any historical or ritual connection with the old military orders or with the mediaeval Rosicrucians. The historic Order of the Knights of St John was founded in Jerusalem during the first Crusade, about the year 1099, by the association of many pious Knights with the Brothers of St. John’s Hospital, which had been founded in 1048 for the relief of pilgrims travelling to worship at the Holy Sepulchre. It is not known how or precisely when the Templar-Malta Rite reached the British Isles but traces of it are found in the 1760s. In all cases the degrees appear to have been adopted by Royal Arch Chapters and, at first, worked by them under their existing Charters. The present-day ritual dates from the 1850s when it was felt desirable to introduce a measure of uniformity but is built around the core of one dating from the 18th century. The accolade of Knight of the Temple and Holy Sepulchre and Knight of the Ancient and Masonic Order of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta are conferred at separate meetings. The ceremonies are profound and exciting, and the regalia colourful and evocative of chivalric pageant. The United
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR Orders of the Temple and of Malta reinforce the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and are regarded by many as the pinnacle of Freemasonry. Candidates for the Order must be members of good standing in the Craft and Royal Arch who profess a belief in the Christian Faith. The Brother Knights pride themselves on their happy and friendly meetings, and it is often said amongst members that this is their favourite Order. On becoming a member of Knights Templar, an installed Knight will go through an extremely interesting ceremony, taking him through a pilgrimage and then knighthood as a Templar. Once a Knight has passed through his installation ceremony, he is then eligible to take the Mediterranean Pass and proceed to the degree of a Knight of Malta. The regalia of the order is impressive to behold, especially when many knights are gathered together. It consists of a ceremonial sword, a tunic, a mantle, a cap, a belt, gauntlets and a jewel as shown in the inset photograph of Eminent Knight, Terry Ward, Past Great Herald, in full regalia. The Headquarters of Great Priory are located within, and the Order is administered from, Mark Masons’ Hall in London. The Head of the Order
is Timothy John Lewis, G.C.T., Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master. Within the Provincial Priory of Nottinghamshire, the Head is Rt.E.Kt., Andrew Rainbow, Provincial Prior. The Provincial Priory of Nottinghamshire is home to eight Preceptories, including Abbey Chapter Preceptory ‘A’ Time Immemorial, which is the oldest Preceptory of Knights Templar worldwide. On 29th February 2016, there will be a special meeting of Abbey Chapter Preceptory which will be a meeting not to be missed. Further details will be posted on the Provincial Website closer to the event. The King Edward VII Preceptory meets several times a year at Mark Masons’ Hall and carries out demonstrations of all the ceremonies that are used in the Order. These provide a valuable opportunity to see these beautiful ceremonies carried out to the highest of standards. Brethren wishing to find out more about the Order may refer to the following links: The Nottinghamshire Masons website at as well of course, as the general website for the Order at: http://www.glmmm.com/kt/ . Chris Starnes
Knights Templar Annual Muster Nottinghamshire provincial priory’s annual muster was held at Goldsmith Street on Friday 9 th. October. The Provincial Prior, Right Eminent Knight Andrew Rainbow welcomed 43 Distinguished guests from all parts of the country as well as over 80 members of the eight Nottinghamshire preceptories. Our meeting was a bright spectacle as usual , and was conducted in a harmonious manner. Eminent Knight Keith Jennings,the retiring com-
mander of the Provincial Priors bodyguard , was appointed Acting Chancellor for the year, the highest acting office and equivalent to Acting Senior Warden in the craft. Many congratulations to him. The festive board was a noisy & jovial affair and was completed before 8 p.m. to allow our visitors ample time to return home. Tony Everington Provincial Sub Prior.
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KNOWLEDGE BITE
Peace Love and Harmony Brethren we all join together and sing, on occasion, the refrain, ‘Peace Love and Harmony’, but whilst we generally understand its intent do we ever really stop to think what we are really committing to? Recently I was brought to a stop by my own actions and had cause to reflect on whether I was acting in a masonic way. This brought to my mind these words and it caused me reflect on their meaning – Peace, Love, Harmony. I determined to look up the definitions of these words and that led me down a road and I began to appreciate how and why they hang together so well and how they can act as a guide to all of us in our relationships and our dealings with others. In the thesaurus these words are defined as follows: • • •
PEACE – calm, goodwill, amity, freedom from strife, reconciliation, concord LOVE – like (oneself, family, friends, brothers, mankind), show kindness HARMONY – as one, of the same mind, a common objective, working together, the big picture
As masons we should strive to become a better person. From the day we are initiated we are encouraged and directed to consider who we are by listening to that still small voice inside us. By so doing we should gain greater self-awareness; become more content and at ease with the world and with others. In fact peace with others is very much dependent on being at peace with oneself. So what can we, each of us, do to take on board and to personify this simple message, ‘Peace, Love and Harmony’? Well perhaps we should focus on
saying only good things about our fellow man…. brothers. To lend support, to proffer a gentle word, to act with kindness: also, to be receptive to another point of view, to be a team player and to be open-minded. Maybe we can draw on the examples set by others who have shown great tolerance and understanding even in the most difficult of circumstances, for example, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela both of whom humbled us with the compassion and forgiveness they showed towards their persecutors. Brethren on our path to becoming that perfect ashlar we need to chip away and remove those human characteristics that stand in the way of the inner contentment and tranquillity we seek. As we are reminded every year by the following lines in the ‘Address to the brethren’ at the Installation of our new Worshipful Master: ‘To please each other and to unite in the act of being happy and communicating happiness …….. and may brotherly love and affection ever distinguish us as men and masons’ Three simple words, indivisible, with a single all embracing message and fundamentally encompassing the essence of freemasonry – ‘Peace, Love and Harmony’. The above is part of a package of 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 so desire.
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R O YA L A R K M A R I N E R S
Attention all MARK MASTER MASONS Find out more about the Ancient & Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners at a…
ROYAL ARK MARINER INSIGHT EVENING West Bridgford Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 1307 Tuesday 26th January 2016 at 6pm The Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master & Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master will give a presentation on this most ancient of orders. At
Freemasons Hall, Welbeck Road, West Bridgford, Nottm NG2 7QW Those Mark Masons who are not yet Royal Ark Mariners who wish attend this event will enjoy a complimentary two course supper For any Royal Ark Mariner who wishes to attend, supper will available at only £12.00 To book in for this Insight into the Royal Ark Mariner Degree Contact the Lodge Scribe - W Bro Philip Pollard Tel: 01636 893544
email: masonembf@hotmail.co.uk
Closing Date: 15th January 2016
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FOREST LODGE SUMMER During the summer Forest Lodge endeavor to organise a few social events in order to maintain the spirit and friendship that masonry builds in us during the “season”. This year has been no different in that respect and the Brethren and their ladies and families have been entertained at a Hog Roast, an afternoon Ten Pin Bowling and An Away Weekend in Harrogate.
Hog Roast On the 5th June aprox 45 people attended Launays restaurant in Edwinstowe nr Mansfield for a Hog Roast. The restaurant is renowned for its Hog roasts which are always popular through the summer. A sumptuous roast pork meal was enjoyed which included all the trimmings, followed by Eton Mess” and strawberries. Entertainment was provided in the style of Ed Sheeran by Ben Haynes a local up and coming singer & guitarist.
Ten Pin Bowling In early July, about 12 participants took part in an afternoon shootout at the Mansfield Superbowl. To say it was keenly contested would be an understatement. Accusations of “ball tampering” were rife, and unfair advantage being claimed when the “bumpers” were raised. However it was all done with tongue in cheek and much laughter. Prizes of a bottle of wine each was awarded to the highest score for for a man and a lady, over the two games played. The best score for men was by “Strikemaster” WB Andy Oddie with 204 just holding off “Battling Brother Byron Edwards” in the last Frame.
The best Ladies score was by “Skittling” Kathy Kings with a score of 183. The ladies game being very close with only 2 points separating her from Helen Edwards in second and a further 2 points from Celia Baxter in 3rd. This enjoyable afternoon was followed by an equally enjoyable meal in “The Red” restaurant and bar nearby with fancy burgers, steaks and salmon being the favourites.
Harrogate Away Weekend It has become a tradition in Forest Lodge that during each Masters Year, a weekend trip away is arranged for members of the Lodge. The lodge has visited many varied and interesting places such as London, Stratford, Buxton, York and this years visit on the weekend of 21-23 August was to Harrogate. An advance party of WM Richard Childs and IPM Andrew Oddie and their wives had chosen the Crown Hotel as the preferred accommodation for the weekend from a group of 4 hotels visited. The WM and his wife Elaine and 26 other brethren, wives and guests travelled to Harrogate on the Friday with a further 3 brethren and their wives arriving on the Saturday morning. Arriving at different times on the Friday, it did not take too long for a group of a dozen or so to congregate and start as we meant to go on… in a nearby bar/café. Following this, the group separated and whilst some took a leisurely walk around the streets of Harrogate, others visited the wonderful Valley Gardens close to the hotel to witness the spectacular floral displays. Some visited Knaresborough, one of the many picturesque towns around the area.
39 Friday evening started by the party gathering for pre meal drinks in the hotel bar, following which, 20 or so decamped to the Jinnah Indian restaurant and the remainder to a local Chinese , both groups having a great evening with good food and good company. Saturday arrived with a hearty breakfast in the hotel, and then everyone doing their own thing for most of the day. The preference for most of the ladies was to trawl the many excellent shops that are to be found in Harrogate, with inevitably a good number ending up in the renowned Betty’s Tea Shop. Antique shops abound in Harrogate, and the WM and several of the other brethren were asked to keep moving to prevent any misunderstanding. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Nottinghamshire, Philip Marshall and his wife Ann, who were in the party spent an enjoyable afternoon at the theatre witnessing a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. As feet got weary, by late afternoon several of the brethren were to be found‌‌ in a cocktail bar!!! This time sampling Apple Mojitos, a particularly luminous green colored drink. Such was the appeal of the said cocktail that WB Oddie insisted on stopping everyone who passed by in order that they should taste it. In gratification of this the proprietor supplied him with the recipe. We look forward to his version at our Ladies Night. On Saturday evening a black tie dinner had been arranged in the hotel, and photographs were to be taken outside the hotel. However although the weather had been had been fine and sunny until then, right on cue the heavens opened and the rain fell with such force that drain covers in the street were lifted. An inside location was hastily found and a record of the brethren and their ladies in their finery was made. An excellent meal was enjoyed, and speeches made. The WM thanked Ann Marshall for the hard work she had done in making the arrangements with the hotel, her contribution in making the weekend a success and presented her with some
flowers and a gift. He then thanked all those that had helped to make the weekend a success, and everyone for attending. A draw was made for the Table Flowers which were distributed to the ladies. After breakfast on Sunday, the sunshine returned and brethren made their way home by various routes. Some took in some last minute shopping and others visited the nearby RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, again another garden well worth a visit. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and a tradition that reinforces the friendships that masonry forges. We hope it will continue for many years to come. WB Richard Childs
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LifeLites Christmas Menu Ladies that Lunch for LifeLites Christmas Calling all the lovely ladies in the Province. Hold a festive ‘Ladies that Lunch for LifeLites’ and raise some money at the same time. It’s simple and fun - get your friends together for a spot of Christmas cheer, enjoy a lunch and dig deep to raise funds to give a child who cannot speak the gift of communication and the chance to express their feelings, often for the first time in their lives. Organising a Ladies that Lunch for LifeLites is really straightforward and we have lots of hints and tips to help you on the way. Perhaps you can hold a raffle, play some games or just add a small amount to
the cost of each ticket – all the time enjoying good company. Visit our website for printable materials to help you with your event. www.ladiesthatlunch. org Fancy having a bite of the LifeLites Christmas special? Get in touch today by emailing James Jhunt@ lifelites.org or call 0207 440 4200. www.lifelites.org Follow us on - Twitter: @LifelitesOrg Facebook/Lifelites
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Why should I visit a Research Lodge …
A look at The Robin Wilson Lodge of Research No 9844 For the benefit of those brethren who may not be familiar with the Lodge, it is worth first explaining the difference between a Research Lodge and other Lodges. Most regular Craft Lodges initiate Candidates, take them through the three degrees and onwards to the Chair. The Robin Wilson Lodge of Research neither initiates, passes or raises Candidates. It has one simple focus: it promotes and encourages Masonic discussion and discourse. Good questions are posed and then interesting and varied answers are sought. In the process much interesting and convivial Masonic conversation is had. After the Lodge meeting a rather sumptuous hot and cold buffet is held which promotes the continuance of interesting conversations and allows the brethren to mix and mingle as they wish as opposed to a formal festive board. Many brethren will have attended Working Lodges and Installed Masters Lodges and witnessed some very good lectures and talks. One question that arises is, How does one make the leap from attending a Working Lodge to giving such talks? At the Robin Wilson Lodge of Research the tools and the environment are provided to help a Brother go as far along that road as he wishes. We are taught that we ought “to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge” we are also told that, “ we are not all operative but rather free or speculative”. The Research Lodge is where an enquiring Freemason can both speculate and make a daily advancement. The Lodge has produced a Guide to Research which is based on a course provided by Quatuor Coronati Lodge on how to conduct Masonic research. This covers the
areas of What is Masonic research, How to research effectively, How to write up the research into a paper and How to deliver that paper in front of an audience. The guide is augmented by practical examples such as a section written by W.Bro Tony Harvey on how he went about preparing and delivering his 2012 Prestonian Lecture on The Scouts and Freemasonry. The biggest benefit is being able to do all that within a small, friendly and supportive group. It enables a Brother to practice writing a paper or a lecture and to deliver it in front of fellow researchers who will provide supportive and friendly feedback and assistance to help refine and improve it. In addition, if the thought of doing all this yourself seems to be too much, then it is possible to team up so that one Brother is mostly responsible for researching the topic, another for writing it up and a third will deliver it in front of an audience. As a practical example of some matters relating from earlier in the history of the Province that were discovered through using the research tools available, the following items are offered. The first is that current Forest Lodge No 1852 is the second Forest Lodge in Mansfield. The first was erased on 4 September 1867 ie thirteen years before the current Lodge was consecrated. Interestingly, the first Forest Lodge No 840 was a sister Lodge of Duke of Portland Lodge both having Commercial Lodge No 411 as a Mother Lodge. The current Lodge, No 1852 has Annesley Lodge No 1435 as a Mother Lodge, so therein is an interesting area of research. What happened to the Original Lodge? Why was the second Lodge on a totally different Lodge family tree?
43 The second item, from The Freemason Magazine and Masonic Mirror in 1859, is on the state of Masonry in the Province. At that time the Province had 2 Lodge towns, 4 Lodges and one Royal Arch Chapter and no Masonic Halls. It concluded that their should be 10 Lodge towns, 15 Lodges, 7 Royal Arch Chapters and 10 Masonic Halls. The four Lodges in existence were: • Newstead Lodge No 55 • Royal Sussex Lodge No 576 • Commercial Lodge No 594 • Forest Lodge No 840. Clearly, the Province has come a long way since those times!
The Lodge meets in 2016 on the following dates at 11am at Goldsmith St: • Friday 29th January • Tuesday 29th March • Monday 31st October
Recent talks and mini talks/ discussions in the Lodge have covered: • United Grand Lodge 1717 to 1813 the in between years. • A Japanese PM visits an English Lodge • The tracing board of the other Harris.
Brethren wishing to visit should email the Secretary at lodge9844@gmail.com In addition the Lodge has a Twitter account for up to date info which is @secretary9844
Any UGLE Mason can visit and the Lodge will be pleased to welcome them. Any Master Mason is welcome to join as a Correspondence Circle member, this entitles them to receive the Guide to Research and copies of all papers delivered in the Lodge. The cost of being a correspondence member is just £10 per annum and the cost of the sumptuous hot and cold buffet is £12.50.
W.Bro Chris Starnes Lodge Secretary
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Masonic Samaritan Fund Having now been diagnosed with two different forms of cancer and C O P D I thought I would put pen to paper and perhaps put the record right for those who haven’t got hold of the right end of the stick of medical information, perhaps. Starting at the beginning, one of the widows of Annesley Lodge returned her Christmas cheque to me, as Secretary, and asked that it be sent to the Prostate Cancer Support Group. I did this and received a box of literature on Prostate Cancer from Alan Marklew their then chairman. Being a mainly male dominated organisation I placed the information on the sideboard outside of the members bar at Goldsmith Street, there was plenty of it. On the occasions I spoke to Alan, he always asked if I’d been checked for prostate cancer, but I hadn’t. About February 2011, I became a bit concerned, just a bit, about my bowel function. This had been one of reliable constants in my life and so I made an appointment to see my G P. On attending the appointment I found that the doctor was new to me and appeared to be not long qualified, possibly a locum. He listened to my explanation and immediately proceeded to massage my prostate. From then on my “feet never touched”, with visits to Urology and other off shoots at the City Hospital until the day my consultant told me that the cancer had gone into my bones and that my P S A (Prostate Specific Antigen) was 786 (seven hundred and eighty six) and I would be dead in less than six months; my age then was 78 1/2years. I told him the prognosis was wrong and that many years previously I had been given my age for departure from this life and that I had still plenty of years to go. It has now been four years and nine months since that prognosis. The Urology Department have really looked after me and I get a three monthly implant of hormones; this is good now that the hormones are allowed to do their job and I have got rid of one the side effects, eczema. In early June 2012 I was diagnosed with C O P D, this is a disease which kills more people than women with breast cancer, and more people than men with prostate cancer, of course smoking and secondary smoking are blamed. Two years later I was diagnosed with lung cancer which turned out to be caused by asbestos which I had contacted whilst doing electrical maintenance during my
service in the Royal Navy. My health has prompted many trips to the City hospital for different sorts of scans, chemo therapy and appointments with consultants. The lung cancer has also gone into my bones and this is partly the reason of my being admitted three times in different wards at the City. However, whichever, or wherever you are in the cancer department, the way you are looked after doesn’t change – it is excellent, and I always give my phone No. to the pretty nurses !!! All of this, including water in my legs and feet has affected my mobility for walking resulting in me requiring aids to assist me. When my mobility deteriorated at the start I felt that I should advise the Lodge Almoner, he in turn advised the Provincial Almoner which enabled me to receive a visit from a Grand Charity Advisor, the Masonic Samaritan side of it. As a result I have had a stair lift fitted and a leather Riser / Recliner three motor armchair supplied by the M S F and, I have just heard today, that I will be supplied with a QUINGO ‘FLYTE’ mobility scooter – my preferred choice after very careful consideration of my current and, perhaps, future needs; this includes the capacity for a weekly grocery shop. The ‘FLYTE’ has five wheels fitted so that you can mount 3” kerbs without the fear of tipping over, it also has rails fitted to your car so that the scooter can be loaded on or off in less than one minute by means of a remote control. When expressing my delight regarding the M S F I have received comments that I have paid into it. Whilst this may be true, I also paid into the State Benefits System and a Work’s Pension as well as my State Pension. As a result, because of the State Pension and the Works Pension, I now earn too much as a pensioner to qualify for anything under the County Council or the Borough Council. How do the many people who receive state and a works pension and, who are NOT Freemasons, fair with the Benefits people? There is another voluntary organisation which is The Derbyshire Organisation for Asbestos Support Team who my Specialist Nurse advised of my asbestos condition. They contacted me and advised me not to fill-in any forms that they would do it for me, too late, I had already experienced the
45 frustration of trying to understand and fill-in the forms supplied by the County and Borough Councils plus that of the Industrial Injuries Benevolent Benefit. I got NOWT from those people, however, because of the expertise of the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team, they have managed to get me a ‘war pension’ from the Royal Navy, which, having had my independence taken away from me and supplanted by the frustration of not being able to do the things I love to do, at least I can afford to pay someone to do my garden, painting and cleaning outside of the house. Most importantly I can maintain contact with the many friends I have in Freemasonry. I have not written this narrative to gain some sort of pity from you. Rather it is to tell the members of a mainly male dominated organisation to get your prostate checked when your age reaches the top end of forty years. The ladies’ have got it right they campaign for breast cancer screening. C’mon lads, surely you can remember to get your prostate checked whilst in your forties, can’t you? It will make for a happier, longer and all around better life.
Thanks to the Masonic Samaritan Fund
Having recently been diagnosed as requiring a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and that the waiting time for the NHS procedure would be, at least, 4 to 6 weeks to see a consultant and then some 16 – 18 weeks at least on the waiting list, I wondered if the MSF would be able to assist me in getting the waiting times reduced. As I am my Craft Lodge Almoner, I could not process my own application, so what should I do? I decided to contact the Provincial Grand Almoner who said that he would be pleased to help. He visited me at home, with the necessary MSF application forms, which were completed in total confidence and along with all of the necessary personal supporting paperwork, submitted to the MSF office in London. In a matter of days I was informed that my application was successful and that the MSF could get my waiting time greatly reduced and to my amazement would also fund the medical procedure. I was admitted into hospital just 2 weeks after the MSF had received my application.
OH! There are many similar organisations to the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Group all over the UK, they will have different names possibly because of their geographical locations. Should you happen to be blighted by some medical problem don’t feel isolated. I have already explained the assistance which I have received, don’t struggle, use the organisations there to help you, people like MAGGIES at the City where you can get a cup of tea / coffee and good advice. But do start with your Lodge/Provincial Almoners and you too will receive friendly and masonic assistance. To date I have received financial assistance in payment in full of £6,000-00, this with a letter promising future aid should I need it. When I contributed to the M S F, like many others, thought I would never need it. Life has a way of proving otherwise. I don’t want to hear the blasé comment “you’ve paid into it” again. Believe me, it is a wonderful feeling to be treated as a human being – that’s how the M S F and their staff treat you and that is mainly why I have written this article. Stan Harding, PPr.JGW, Annesley Lodge No. 1435
The actions of the MSF thankfully reduced some the stress to me, my Wife and Family. The success of my application to the MSF meant that my waiting time was reduced to only 6 weeks, (this would have been less had the surgeon not taken his holiday at that time!). In a matter of 6/8 weeks I have had a very successful operation and now I am getting back to normal, walking several miles a day. The surgeon has released me, with a certain regime of recuperation, and I am now driving again..............wonderful! If you find yourself in a similar situation, with a long forecast of waiting times for a cardiac procedure speak with your own Lodge Almoner to enquire if assistance would be available I am so grateful to my Provincial Grand Almoner and to the Masonic Samaritan Fund Personnel in London, who were very understanding, caring and considerate.......,our sincere thanks to all. The Brother concerned wishes to remain anonymous but he is a North Notts Mason
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LM756 F-Freddy of 619 Squadron RAF It was back in March 2013 and I was working on behalf of the Fire Service International Youth Leaders Commission in Adnet, Austria as the official translator for the British delegation. After the three days of meetings, the Commission were invited to visit the local fire station for a buffet and a few local beers. When we arrived on site we were greeted by Austrian Alpine horns playing us a warm Alpine fanfare welcome. During the course of the evening I started chatting to one of the Austrian firefighters and he complimented me on my German language skills, I explained to him that I had served as a soldier in Germany and that I also served in the German fire service for five years before moving back to the UK in 1996 to become a firefighter back home. As the night progressed, I discovered that this firefighter was also the local Mayor in the town and went by the name of Wolfgang Auer. Wolfgang told me about a Lancaster bomber which crashed in their small town at the end of the war after attacking Hitler’s mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden, at the time he believed that this Lancaster was the very last one to crash in WW2 but we have since disproven this. During our conversation, we decided that between us we would organise a memorial on the crash site up on the hills on the outskirts of the town and invite any of the surviving crew members along and all the families of the crew too. I came back home and was really excited about the project and starting investigating the background of the crew. Wolfgang and I liaised all the time about the project and even today I daren’t let my wife see some of our telephone bills but it was totally worth it. Within a few weeks we had established the number of the aircraft, the RAF Squadron it had flown with and I had established contact
with some of the families of the crew members. This number of family members grew until I had located 70 family members scattered around the UK, Canada, Sweden and Antigua. A lot of work was happening in Austria too and Wolfgang informed me that he had a local quarry donate a substantial amount of local stone to create the memorial. In addition to the quarry, we involved the local Austrian Stonemasonry and Sculpture Academy and they were working on designs for a monument to be placed on top of the stonework. At this point we decided to get involvement from the RAF, RCAF and the Austrian Air Force in order for them to support the event. This year in April, 70 years after they crashed on the Spumberg Hill, the crew of LM756 F-Freddy of 619 Squadron RAF were remembered with the unveiling of a very special memorial which was cast from metal salvaged from the very aircraft which crashed there. It was attended by the Canadian Ambassador, the British and Canadian Defence Attachés and many senior officers of the Canadian, British and Austrian Air Forces. The local community came in their thousands to be at the event and the Austrian Air Force provided a fly past with four aircraft in a diamond formation salute to the crew. It was one of those once in a lifetime moments and it was amazing to have so many family members of the crew there for the event. As the event came to a close, Wolfgang and I sat together looking out over the valley and sipped a beer in silent reflection on the work we had done and what we had achieved and almost simultaneously we looked at each other and said “What are we going to do next?”. We laughed a little but
47 after a short while I said “Haven’t you gotten lots of the pieces still around here in Adnet?”, Wolfgang nodded and we both agreed that the next mission was to get the remaining parts back to the UK and distribute them to locations linked with 619 Squadron. In October I set off one more time to drive to Austria, I had the company of Bro Grant Smith of Pelham Lodge No 939 and another former fire service colleague Andrew Mc Farlane. We did the two day drive to Adnet splitting the driving between us and arrived on a glorious autumn afternoon. Without checking into the hotel, I drove the van straight up to the memorial to see how it had settled into the landscape, I wasn’t disappointed. The farmer who owned the land was taking excellent care of the memorial and his family had planted Alpine flowers around the site, whilst a neighbouring farmer had built a bench for people to sit and admire the view whilst visiting the memorial. The following day we made a visit into Germany to go up the Eagles Nest and at the end of the day the van was loaded up with the parts before the long two day journey back home. Once back in the UK, the components were taken to two locations, William Farr School in Lincoln which was the former RAF Dunholme Lodge and Thorpe Camp visitors Centre just outside Woodhall Spa, both these locations were once home of 619 Squadron and both locations have visitor centres where the components can be seen in the future. As I look back at the work done over the past two years, I can honestly say that it has been without a shadow of doubt, one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, the people I have met, the friendships I have made, but most of all, a once forgotten Lancaster bomber crew were now remembered again in a manner befitting the heroes that they were. If anyone would like to know more about the story of the crew, their raid and the memorial project, please feel free to visit my website http://619lancasteradnet.weebly.com here you can see many more photographs from the memorial ceremony. If any lodge is interested, I also do a presentation about the whole story which lasts around an hour, lodge secretaries can contact me on festersfire@ yahoo.com if their lodge wishes to see the presentation. Bro. Kevin Ruane MBE Pelham Lodge 939
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Daddy is off Masoning........ My smallest son, Adam loves it when I turn up at school with my suit on. "Daddy is off Masoning then" he proudly announces to his friends. A couple of weeks ago he asked me what we do when we are "Masoning" so I was lucky enough to be able to take him to the Mansfield Masonic Hall recently, when John Byrne, the Lodge Tyler was there. Together we gave Adam a good insight into what Freemasons do (well enough info for a 6 year old anyway) Adam has already decided that he likes the "Chair" and would like it to be his one day. He also enjoyed a little dressing up !! A Mason in the making I do believe ! Alan Scott Sec Clumber Lodge #8199
A Masonic Family Affair To cap off the family gathering, WBro Malcolm’s The recent Installation meeting of Porchester Lodge 4907 was a real Family Affair. WBro Malcolm daughters Father in Law (yes, it’s complicated) Bro Colin Tigg of Carnarvon 1739 in the Province of Greenberry was installed as Worshipful Master on Derbyshire, was also in attendance. Monday 26th October 2015, some 9 years after WBro Andrew Rainbow he first took that Office was the PGM’s representin the same Lodge. On ative at the Meeting and this occasion there were could hardly believe his 37 Brethren in attendears when being introance, 4 of whom were duced to so many relarelated to him. WBro tives of the Worshipful Clive Greenberry and Master. There are 2 more Bro Danny Greenberry of family members, both Pettitor Lodge 8234 are cousins in Devon who are Malcolm’s sibling brothalso Masons but were uners, one older and one able to make time to atyounger, both of them tend. Everyone had a jolly live in the Province of good Masonic evening Devonshire. Also there and a lot of catching up was their Uncle, WBro Left to right: was done. Keith Simpson, Tormohun WBro KE Simpson, Bro D Greenberry, WBro MR Greenberry, Lodge 6449 also Province WBro CR Greenberry & Bro C Tigg of Devonshire.
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5 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E WBro Ernest John Lester
On Thursday 5th November 2015, whilst there were no fireworks in the Lodge, there was nevertheless a happy celebration in the Galway Lodge No. 5408, when WBro Ernest John Lester was presented with a 50 year certificate by WBro. Andrew Rainbow, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. WBro Ernest was born in Nottingham on the 8th August 1935 to parents Marjorie and Arthur Ernest Lester. He was educated at Seely School, Daybrook, Arno Vale and then Waverley School, Cambridge House. He recalls having been impressed by the prospectus for this school which, at the time, claimed that it was a school “for the sons of gentlemen”; this prompted the young Ernest to inquire of his father how he managed to get him a place….! That was somewhat tongue in cheek as his father was not only a respected local businessman but also an Urban District and County Councillor and also served as Chairman of the County Council. On leaving school Ernest joined the family business, Lesters (Nottingham) Ltd where his grandfather and father traded as leather merchants. At the age of 18 he was called up for National Service and, on being asked what he would like to do in the Army said that he had no idea but modestly explained that he worked in a leather factory. In the eyes of the Army recruiters this, of course, made him eminently qualified to serve in the Medical Corps! He saw active service in Malaya and would like to apologise to all those who were obliged to endure his ‘treatment’ of them. After National Service WBro Ernest returned to the family business which, in the 1950’s, added
shoe wholesaling to the operation. There were then many small independent shoe shops and repairers and Lesters catered for them by supplying both the leather for repairs and the new shoes to sell. But in those days, the small shops would order in small, replacement type quantities. In other words, if they sold one pair of size 8’s, they would order up a replacement single pair of size 8’s and so on. Of course, such a wholesale operation would need a good local carrier and it is no surprise that W A Rainbow & Sons, the Assistant Provoncial Grand Master’s own business, was actually a supplier to Lesters footwear, so WBro Rainbows’s grandfather and WBro Lester’s may well have had business dealings. Times changed and, around 1980, the business saw competition from foreign imports and the demise of the independent shoe shop and cobbler. In order to move forward, the business merged with 3 other suppliers to form a much larger unit. The bigger business model enabled the company to supply bigger shoe shop chains successfully and things such as minimum order quantities of 12 pairs, in other words a whole carton of one size and style became the norm. It was also around this time that the leather side of the business was closed as shoes became more and more disposable rather than being repaired. Moving on, the company then took over a bigger concern, Rosenthall shoes and became “Warners” thus losing the “Lesters” name from the business. The trade name “Mercury” also came in to being with the advent of Mercury trainers, which by then were part of a boom market. But shoes and particularly trainers were being imported from all over the Far East and it is of course no surprise
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5 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E that China now accounts for 90% of the supply. The business is still going but WBro Ernest retired from it some 2 or 3 years ago after a lifetime of service. It was on his return to the family business after National Service that he was fortunate enough to meet his future wife Mavis, who was Secretary to his father. He soon noted that Mavis was very capable of easily managing the heavy workload with which she was entrusted by his father and determined that she was clearly the woman for him. They married in 1957 and have one son and three daughters, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Both his father and grandfather also bore the forename Ernest, so WBro Ernest quite naturally called his own son – Stephen! Apparently Grandfather Ernest was known as ‘Big’ Ernest. Father Ernest was known as ‘Little’ Ernest and our Ernest was, until his 34th year, known as ‘Baby’ Ernest. Clearly there were quite enough Ernest
Lesters by that time. WBro Ernest’s father became a member of Galway Lodge at a very early stage as at the time the family lived on Bedale Road, Nottingham just around the corner from Daybrook House Masonic Hall where Galway Lodge then met. Having been proposed by his father WBro Ernest was initiated into Galway Lodge on the 4th November 1965, passed in December 1966 and raised in 1968. He was Worshipful Master in 1976 and served in many roles, latterly as Almoner. He is also a member of Edwinstowe Lodge and currently holds the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, having received that promotion some 11 years ago. W Bro Ernest has had, thus far, a life well led in the service of family, footwear and Freemasonry . AJ Berrington
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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5 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E W.Bro. David Green received from W.Bro. David Davis, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, a certificate to mark his 50 years service to Freemasonry on 20 November 2015.
WBro David was born on 25 July 1934 at Stapleford and, the family having moved to Chilwell, attended the Meadow Lane Junior School before moving initially to Nottingham Boys High School and then, with another family move, to boarding school at Merchant Taylors School at Crosby, Lancashire. Whilst at school David was unable to participate in sport as he was asthmatic although he later played hockey, badminton and tennis. He did however play the bugle in the school band and joined the Air Training Cadet scheme. Music was to feature prominently throughout his life. In 1950, at the tender age of 16, he began his working life as a Laboratory Technician at Nottingham University and Nottingham General Hospital. David’s asthma was to prevent him doing National Service In 1953 he changed course and moved to Ericsson Telephones (later Plessey) on a student Apprenticeship. He was to spend the rest of his working life with the company holding a number of engineering and management posts and, on the way, acquiring ONC Mechanical Engineering, HNC Production Engineering and British Institute of Management Diploma. His final role before retiring in 1995 was developing & integrating all financial accounting systems into a factory-wide computer system. David and Ruth were married in 1981 and he has two step-sons living locally and a step-daughter living in Oregon. In 2003 David hired an 8-ton “U-Haul” truck and moved his step-daughter, with the contents of her home and garden, some 3,250 miles across the U.S. from Oregon to Boston, com-
plete with trailer and car, two cats and a German Shepherd dog – probably the most rash exploit he has ever done! David has many interests most of which have been lifelong; he has been a chorister with various Church Choirs, with Nottingham Hospitals’ Choir for 20 years, the Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir for 5 years and has been a member of Radcliffe-onTrent Male Voice Choir for the last 9 years. His lifelong interest in walking extends not just to mountains, fells and the countryside but includes many years walking the golf course – he has been a member at Chilwell Manor Golf Club for more than 45 years. His interest in studying languages has gained him A-Level, Institute of Linguists Intermediate Certificate in French, GCSE in German and a working knowledge of Italian . Since retirement David has had a particular interest in family research and has managed to trace some family roots back to the 16th century.
ment Centre.
For over 20 years David has been engaged as a Chaplaincy volunteer at Q.M.C. with 7 years in the Bereave-
Amazingly whilst working, studying languages, singing, playing golf, walking and volunteering, David has given 50 years service to Freemasonry. He joined De Vere Lodge No. 1794 on 19 November 1965 and was Worshipful Master both in 1976 and 1997. He was a Founder member of the Robin Wilson Lodge of Research No 9844 and in 1998 was promoted to the rank of PPrJGW. David was exalted in De Vere Royal Arch Chapter in 1973, was Most Excellent in 1979 and was subsequently promoted to PPrGScN in 2006.
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6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E W.Bro. Kevin Seeger was born in Hack-
ney, London on the 12th June, 1928 although the actual area in which he was born was known as Upper Clapton and was somewhat more genteel. He was initially educated, together with his brother, at Parmiter’s School, an elegant building in Approach Road, Bethnal Green, which is now a boarding school. Kevin’s brother was paralysed and their mother wanted the two boys to be kept together if possible so that Kevin could help his brother. Kevin was not a natural student and, when his brother left Parmiter’s , he seized the opportunity to move to a new school, Dame Alice Owen’s in Islington, that being a grammar school which he had earlier qualified to attend. Interestingly, his contemporaries there would have included actor Joss Ackland CBE and Dame Beryl Grey CBE PrimaBallerina. During the war the school was evacuated to Bedford where it remains to this day. WBro. Kevin felt much more at home here and became something of a sportsman. He joined the rowing club and, on one occasion came 2nd in the half mile river swim from Bedford Town Bridge to the local Boat Club. He obtained his school leaving certificate 2 years later despite the school having advised his mother that his education was akin to his height, i.e. somewhat lacking! His father arranged an interview with the Head of Surveying at Shoreditch Town Hall who advised him to return to college to obtain the qualifications necessary to become a Quantity Surveyor. He studied at Northern Polytechnic in Holloway, North London and it was whilst there that he was
called for National Service. He enjoyed serving with the Royal Artillery particularly in Malaysia but was able to complete his National Service early to allow his return to education and was for a time a student at Welbeck College where he took and passed the first of the three professional examinations towards qualification. WBro. Kevin returned to the Northern Polytechnic to take the second step towards qualification but then returned to Nottinghamshire for his finals at what was then Nottingham Regional College of Technology. WBro Kevin admitted that his arrival in Nottingham had less to do with his education than to his interest in a particularly attractive young lady in Loughborough! He and this young lady subsequently parted company and although his first employment as a qualified Quantity Surveyor was back in London, he soon returned to Nottingham as a Quantity Surveyor with a local company. After some 14 years in private practice and having become a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, WBro. Kevin returned to the Nottingham Regional College of Technology, latterly Nottingham Trent University, as a lecturer and subsequently as a Principal Lecturer; he retired in 1993. He has served on numerous Committees of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors both locally and nationally and was for many years an examiner. WBro Kevin and his wife Pamela were married in September 1955 and they have one daughter, two sons, four grandsons and one granddaughter.
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6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E Their marriage was just six months after he was initiated into Old Owens Lodge No. 1440 (his old school lodge) in March 1955. WBro Kevin became a joining member of Nuthall Temple Lodge No 6011 and served in various offices eventually becoming an Honorary Member. He was a Founder member of the sadly now defunct Wollaton Lodge No 8201 in 1967and it’s Worshipful Master in 1969 and 1991. He received his first Provincial appointment in 1976 and became PPrSGW in 1994 receiving the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Merit in 1999. He is a Past member of both Notts. Installed Masters Lodge and Notts. First Principals Chapter (both No 3595). In the latter he was MEZ in 2005, having also been Scribe Ezra for 5 years. Since moving to North Ferriby in East Yorkshire WBro Kevin has joined a daylight lodge, Myton Lodge No 9808 in Hull. WBro Kevin was exalted into St Mary’s Chapter No2302 in January 1971, became it’s MEZ in 1982, was Treasurer 1989-96; he is now an Honorary Member of the Chapter. He was appointed Prov.G.Steward in 1986, and held a number of Provincial ranks before being appointed PGStB 1997.
A WEEK OF SURPRISES During the final week of his term as Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Robin Wilson was able to maintain the element of surprise that he likes to spring on unsuspecting people! In previous years he had made donations of bursaries to three groups which excel in our own community and on the national and international stage. The Cantamus Choir has won gold medals throughout the world over many years, while the Nottingham Girls Synchronised Skating Team are currently the national champions and have represented this country in international competitions in the more recent past. With the conspiratorial help of a parent or two, R W Bro Robin was able to “gate crash” their rehearsals, and present their 2015 bursaries of £1,000 each – a
WBro Kevin was Perfected in Nottingham No 17 Rose Croix Chapter in 1979, MWS in 1994, and 30º in 1995, before becoming Chapter Recorder for a number of years. Despite being busy with Freemasonry, WBro. Kevin has always been a fresh air enthusiast. He was a member of Ogston Sailing Club, Derbyshire where he participated in dinghy racing for 27 years and became Captain of the GP Class and winner on several occasions of the Ogston plate trophy. His wife was not however a ‘sailing widow’ as she and their children joined Kevin at the club on most weekends. He has always been a keen gardener particularly enjoying growing fruit and vegetables. Sadly, WBro Kevin has not been in the best of health recently and was unable to attend Lodge to receive his award, however, not to be thwarted, and wanting to present the Certificate in person before he retired, the PGM and his wife travelled to North Ferriby - with a week to spare. He found Bro Kevin and his wife Pamela in very good spirits and enjoying life in their delightful bungalow only a short distance from their daughter (who provided delicious coffee and cake!) R. W.Bro. Robin Wilson
little earlier than usual, and even more gratefully received for that! The final surprise had to wait until R W Bro Philip Marshall had been installed as PGM, when, at their concert in St Mary’s Church on 1 August, he was able to surprise the County Youth Orchestra by donating their bursary during the interval. But the greatest surprise of all was sprung on the PGM himself when, on the final Sunday of his tenure, when he and his wife Margaret were hosting the annual reunion of the Towpath Walkers, they were themselves gate-crashed by the members of the 2018 Festival Executive, who arrived to announce that the Appeal has passed to £2 million mark – just in time for the PGM to retire happy! Who said there were no secrets in Masonry?
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6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E W.Bro. Gilbert Miller
It is a great delight to be asked by a Lodge to be involved in marking a major milestone in a member's masonic life and this is the first 60 year certificate I have had the privilege to present. I feel it would be useful to have a bit of scene setting, so . . . In November 1955, Anthony Eden had been Prime Minister for 8 months and the film the Dam Busters had been on the circuit for just 6 months. Towards the end of the month, Lonnie Donegan's Rock Island Line was released. On 24 November 1955, the date of your Initiation into St Giles Lodge No 4316, Ian Botham was born and at that time you were 31 having been born in 1923. On the local sporting front, Nottingham Forest were playing in the 2nd Division, now called the Championship, and they had a reasonable season finishing 7th. Forest were promoted the following season as runners-up to Leicester City. In the world of Nottinghamshire Freemasonry, the Province was led by R W Bro Lieutenant Commander George John Mackness. During your illustrious career in Freemasonry, W.Bro Gilbert, you have seen 6 Provincial Grand Masters, although as the 6th member of that group, I am still very new to the role.
The phrase most commonly used by those who know you, W Bro Gilbert, is “exemplary in all you do�. I am advised that you were exemplary in your business life, a very good if somewhat competitive golfer and an excellent Freemason who is so highly regarded that you are an Honorary Member of 2 Lodges. I am reasonably confident that you displayed the same high level of ability during your war time service in the RAF as a Navigator in Mosquitoes, the best proof of that is you being here today meaning that you got your plane back after each mission. It is, of course, 46 years since you were Installed as WM of St Giles Lodge and 20 years since you were the Master of Edwalton Lodge No 8214, a Lodge of which you were a Founder. Your taking the Chair of Edwalton Lodge coincided with your promotion to P Pr SGW. I have already made a brief reference to your business career and I believe it is through that connection that Edwalton Lodge has the banner it proudly displays. In fact, your connection with the textile trade enabled you to provide a total of 15 banners. All those who know you speak of your ability as a first class ritualist and also your talent as a singer meaning you were in significant demand for Ladies Evenings. Your commitment to Freemasonry was further
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6 0 Y E A R C E R T I F I C AT E evidenced by you acting as the representative on the Provincial General Purposes Committee for both St Giles and Edwalton Lodges for some years. You are also a Past President of the Nottinghamshire Masonic Golfing Association. Your contribution to Nottinghamshire Masonry was recognised by your appointment to the acting position of Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1976 followed by a further acting role as Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 1981. You were subsequently promoted to the rank
of PPrJGW and I have already mentioned that you are presently PPrSGW. During most of this long and illustrious life you have been supported by your wife, Sheila. The strength of a Province is marked by the quality of its members and I have no doubt, W.Bro Gilbert Ernest Miller, Freemasonry in general and the Province of Nottinghamshire in particular are better for your membership of the Craft. R.W.Bro. Philip Marshall
The Doric Dining Club meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (with the exception of August and December) at West Bridgford Freemasons Hall 12.30 for 1.00 pm lunch.
The Club has been meeting for several years and its objects are to enjoy convivial company with very little formal content whilst enjoying a lunch approaching gourmet standards. The Club is open to Masons and non-masons (although all current members are masons) The ladies are invited to join us in February and July and there is no joining fee, you simply have to pay your dining fee. New members are welcomed and if you require further information please contact the Chairman – Bill Biddulph on 01159745769.
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OBITUARY WBro Robert Saunderson Morrow My father died in the Queen’s Medical Centre on the evening of Thursday 22nd October, exactly one week short of what would have been his 98th birthday. He spent the last year of his life being excellently well looked after in the Peacemills Home at 132 Perry Road, Sherwood, Nottingham, and I should like to pay tribute to all those who contributed so much to his welfare. This extends to several branches of the social care organisation of the City of Nottingham, and it is right to record the dedication and professionalism of so many who helped in the latter stage of his long life. He had played a good part in the Masonic life of Nottinghamshire, rising to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, not least in recognition of the several years he spent in editing the Provincial Yearbook, when he was rightly credited with improving its scope and accuracy beyond measure. He was a member of Newstead Mark Lodge, and a Founder of Fidelis Mark Lodge. He was also in Galway Rose Croix Chapter, and Abbey Chapter Letter ‘A’, and several other Craft Lodges, including Welbeck, Notts. Installed Masters, and Apollo University Lodge in Oxford. He joined the
Red Cross of Constantine in 1949 in La Vallette Conclave, when it was still resident in Malta, and subsequently Plantagenet Conclave T. I., of which he was Installed as MPS by me. He may not have been the oldest surviving member of the RCC, but he was undoubtedly the longest serving. He had a similar distinction in the Irish Order of Knight Masons (now established and growing in this country), of which he was a member for more than 65 years. The Most Excellent Great Chief personally honoured him with a Grand Rank in the Order, and I am now proud to have inherited, and to wear, his regalia. Freemasonry was one of his most important interests, but he also loved cars, photography, and English Literature, which he taught in a number of Nottinghamshire schools. His funeral was held on Monday 2nd November at Wilford Hill Crematorium, and it is my intention that his ashes will be buried with his forefathers, as he wished, in the churchyard in Ballyjamesduff in Ireland, the country of his birth. Robert A. H. Morrow Past Grand Secretary
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M A S O N I C A S S O C I AT I O N S Brierley Forest Golf Club in Huthwaite are opening up their Corporate Membership Package to Masons. The Corporate Membership Package is now available for groups of 10 masons or friends of masons at a total cost of £1000. This will run until 31 December 2016 so effectively 13 months+ of golf membership costing only £100 each If any of the brethren are interested if they can get in touch with either me or Andrew Fantom at Brierley Forest Golf Club. Regards Jamie O'Hagan Kirkeby lodge no 5288
Nottinghamshire Provincial Fishing Competition 6th Masonic Fishing Competition held at Portland water – 26th July 2015 The event was low on numbers due to clashes with over fishing competitions and holidays which meant that several of the regular attendee’s were absent. Despite this and the heavy rains in the latter half of the competition the event proved successful and was enjoyed by all who attended. Our furthest competitor was Mr David Banks who had travelled from Bridlington and our youngest was local Mason Andrew Jackson’s son, Sam. From the above results, most people averaged 20lb of fish. The prize fund was augmented by a raffle. Several people who couldn’t make it – John Welch and Dennis Beattie sent in donations as well, with John also
presenting a trophy to the winner. All the proceeds will be donated via Thoresby Lodge No. 3106 to “Blinds Veterans UK”, a charity looking after Service men and women blinded during service to our country. The competition was won by Peter Olko (me) with 84lb 04oz, 2nd was Alan Booth with 65lb 01oz and 3rd was Robert Collier with 55.01.00 – the pools money won by these 3 persons was donated to the charity. In total a grand sum of £205 was gathered on the day to be passed forward. A great day, great company and “Thank you” all. Peter Olko
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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- Gordon Beastall - e: gordon.beastall@ntlworld.com Nottinghamshire Masonic Caravanner’s Association Contact- Gordon Beastall - e: gordon.beastall@ntlworld.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 Widows Sons - Masonic Bikers Association Contact - Kevin Nuttall - t: 01623 641 858 - e: kev_nuttall@yahoo.co.uk
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Looking forward.....
PGM photographed after interviewing next year’s Provincial Wardens ;)