300 Years in the making!

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY THE FREEMASONS OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM

300 Years in the making

‘300 YEARS IN THE MAKING’ LOOKING BACK AT A SPECIAL YEAR COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

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WHY THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF OUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE? It is over 300 years since four London lodges met to establish the world’s first Grand Lodge for Freemasons.

Today there are over 6.5 million Freemasons worldwide. 2017 was a special year for Freemasonry as it traced its roots to this historic meeting.

Celebrations ranged from giving a film crew unique access to the people and traditions behind Freemasonry, to a year-long programme packed with events. Car rallies, church services, fund-raisers and family fun days – there was something for everyone. The high point came in October 2017 with a celebration of Freemasonry at the Royal Albert Hall, followed by a dinner in Battersea Park.

Over 4,000 Freemasons from Provinces, Districts and 136 Grand Lodges around the world were present.

Durham Province started planning for their Tercentenary Year back in Autumn 2013 when the first approaches were made to the Dean of Durham Cathedral with a view to supporting a Special Tercentenary Project within their “Open Treasures Appeal”.

Following these discussions Durham Province launched a two-year Project to raise £100,000 for this appeal in the Spring of 2014.

If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email news@news.pgldurham.org to order a copy for them now!

This issue reminds us of the celebrations, achievements and events that Durham Province arranged for the Tercentenary.

Read On …… @PGLDurham

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SET IN STONE The Provincial Team gathered outside the cathedral

In February 2014 the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, launched our Tercentenary Project: to raise enough money to completely replace the medieval floor of the Great Kitchen and surrounding display area in Durham Cathedral as part of the Open Treasure Appeal. Freemasons were encouraged to sponsor stones for this project. The response was astonishing and in less than 5 months 50% of the 2-year target of £100,000 had been achieved. The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, was presented with a cheque for £50,000 at the Annual Meeting in June by the Provincial Grand Master. Norman Eric Heaviside. This did not slow the response of Durham Freemasons who continued to support the project and eventually raised £112,000 in just 12 months (a full year early). The first stone was laid during a consecration ceremony in the Great Kitchen on the 8th of June of 2015.

pews awash with Masonic blue and gold. The evening was enhanced by music from the Masonic Choir and the exceptional Cathedral Choir.

During the service the Dean handed proceedings to the Provincial Grand Master who then presented a further £100,000 from Durham Benevolence to 10 deserving charities from around the Province.

Cheques varying in value from £4,000 to £25,000 were presented.

Once again, the Province demonstrated its involvement and support for local worthy causes. What a way to end a fantastic Tercentenary Project for the Freemasons of Durham.

The grand total raised was £136,000 when cheques from Durham Benevolence and the Grand Charity (£4,000 and £10,000 respectively) were added to the contributions of the members.

Those members who had contributed were given the opportunity to see at first-hand what their money had paid for when they were given a guided tour of the project on Saturday 9th April 2016 as well as receiving their individual certificates and the location of their sponsored stones.

The finale to the project was during the Tercentenary year when over 1,000 Freemasons and their families enjoyed a special evening of thanks and celebration in the Cathedral itself. The Assistant Grand Master, Sir David Wootton, headed a delegation of local dignitaries who joined the members of Durham Province for this special event hosted by the new Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett.

The team during the stone laying ceremony

This was a very special occasion as all of the Freemasons attended in full regalia. An amazing and impressive sight to see rows and rows of

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RABY GALA

SATURDAY 2ND JULY 2016 One of the first of our Tercentenary events saw an outstanding Gala held in the grounds of Raby Castle. The event was a roaring success despite the typical British weather trying to throw a spanner in the works with shades of all of the four seasons delivered within hours. Despite this, thousands of people still thoroughly enjoyed the day.

With the doors open to the public, the Gala was officially opened in style with the X Company 5 Fusiliers Band marching into the main arena followed by a magnificent horse and carriage transporting the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, the Festival Director, John Paul Thompson and Les Hutchinson, Chief Operating Officer of the newlyformed Masonic Charitable Foundation. The Provincial Grand Master then welcomed everyone to the Gala, saying that he hoped that everyone had a good, enjoyable day.

What followed was fun for the entire family as demonstrations and display teams including army, falconry, martial arts, fly fishing, singing, dancing as well as dozen of stalls and games, entertained the crowds.

One of the Great North Air Ambulances (G-NHAA) used the Gala as its operational base for the day and a real highlight for many was its arrival.

This magnificent helicopter swooped from the sky to land next to one of the main marquees and proved to be a real point of interest for young and old alike. During the course of the day Eric and John Thompson had the privilege of presenting Director of Charity Services for GNAAS, Deborah Lewis-Bynoe and some of G-NAA’s crew with a cheque for £4,000 as part of our annual donation from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

After lunch it was the Provincial Grand Master’s real privilege to present Les Hutchinson with a further cheque for £250,000 towards our 2021 Festival.

After a thoroughly enjoyable day many people stayed and chatted with friends and family, enjoying the food and refreshments available. Some hurried home, not to finish their day but to change into full Hawaiian attire and return to Raby to enjoy the Luau organised by the North East Corner.

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Fusilier Band leading the opening procession

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PROVINCIAL PROMOTIONS MEETING DUNSTON - 18TH NOVEMBER 2016 The Annual Promotions meeting (the Provincial Christmas Party) was held at Rainton Meadows Arena and was, as usual, a great success. Hundreds of brethren from every corner of the Province gathered to congratulate and celebrate members of their lodges as they received a Provincial Promotion.

It also saw Brian Footitt of Durham Benevolence, and a Hartlepool Mason, launch his Organ Donor 300 Campaign in which he wanted to get over 300 brethren signed up with donor cards by raising awareness of the dire need for people to get involved with this service, Brian’s idea was very well received and just after the turn of the year the target of 300 was smashed!

PROVINCIAL CAROL SERVICE 19TH DECEMBER 2016

Monday 19th December was certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas as over 1,100 masons and their families and friends packed into the world heritage site that is Durham Cathedral for a memorable Provincial Carol Service.

With the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Edward Bell, and Councillor Jennifer Bell escorted to their seats by the Vice Dean the congregation stood to receive HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, accompanied by our Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside.

As the evening unfolded it reminded us of the outstanding talent we have within our ranks as the congregation was treated to some accomplished speakers, the brass ensemble, directed by Bill Watson, and the absolutely mind blowing Durham Masonic Male Voice Choir, conducted by Paul Debenham.

Amongst that talent, playing the organ was our Provincial Grand Organist, Dr Richard Scothon whose young son Henry mesmerised the entire congregation as he started the singing for the evening with his solo of the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City before the congregation joined in.

A memorable evening that really did get Christmas off to a fabulous start.

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PROVINCIAL STEWARDS INVITATIONAL BALL - 18TH MARCH 2017 Hardwick Hall again played host to what has become an annual ball as the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge members, present and past, together with their guests enjoyed another fantastic occasion. This event has certainly become one for the diary and this special Tercentenary year proved no different as 300 masons and their partners enjoyed each other’s company complemented by great food and excellent entertainment. Roll on this year!

ORGAN RECITAL

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2017 Organised by Derrick Allison from Rowlands Gill Lodge as part of the 2021 Festival and Tercentenary celebrations, this perfect spring evening brought people from all corners of the Province to listen to the marvellous Paul Bowen, Past Grand Organist for United Grand Lodge, playing this wonderful organ.

Paul delivered a variety of music for all tastes, including Bach, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bowie, to name but a few, the ‘Harrison & Harrison pipes’ magnificently echoed throughout the cathedral for well over the two hours.

After the performance, to rapturous applause, the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, thanked Paul for his excellent recital before presenting him with a framed Festival Jewel. Eric then took the opportunity of thanking the Dean, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, and Chapter of Durham Cathedral for giving their permission for this concert, also to Canon James Lancelot, Organist & Master of Choristers, for his assistance in arranging rehearsals.

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CHAPTER CONVOCATION WEDNESDAY 24TH MAY 2017 The Annual Provincial Chapter Convocation was held at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston and was extremely well attended. As well as having the pleasure of investing the appointments and promotions of the year, the Grand Superintendent, Norman Eric Heaviside, also had the honour of welcoming the Third Grand Principal, Gareth Jones, as his special guest. After the investiture both the Grand Superintendent and the Third Grand Principal delivered inspiring addresses and the companions collected alms. With this event taking place just days after the tragic Manchester bombings it was announced that the collection would be gifted to the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire to assist with their appeal to help the victims of the atrocity. After this had been ‘topped up’ by Durham Benevolence it reached a magnificent sum of £5,000.

Another marvellous occasion that seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended.

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PROVINCIAL AGM LANCASTRIAN SUITE, DUNSTON – SATURDAY 17TH JUNE 2017

Another full house witnessed the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge as friends gathered to congratulate those receiving appointments, and to be part of the matters of business of our Province.

This meeting saw another first in Durham as the Provincial Grand Master launched a Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity which gives enormous joy to children who are physically challenged and unable to enjoy such days without assistance. The new Chairman of the Charity, David Grey, was delighted to receive a grant of £1,000 from Durham Benevolence and a further £900 from a collection taken at the Festive Board to help them on their way!

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COAST TO COAST CYCLE RIDE 2ND TO 4TH JUNE 2017 Friday 2nd June saw 28 riders dipping their back wheels in the Irish Sea at Whitehaven Harbour before setting off on the Durham 2021C2C. The group covered of a wide variety of experience in cycling ranging from borderline professional to brethren who had not ridden a bike since their childhood before training for the event.

What followed was three days of real hard graft as the 28 made the arduous task of climbing across the Pennines back to Roker being met by various members of the Provincial Executive and other brethren to encourage them on their way.

This ride resulted in a fantastic display of camaraderie and friendship forming, as 26 Masons, one Brother of a Mason, one wife of a Mason and four support crew all instantly bonded to form a strong unit that supported each other every step of the way.

The journey really was remarkable and will surely be a treasured memory for everyone who participated in 135 miles of fun, misery, laughter, hardship and inclines...lots of inclines!

Arriving back at Roker on the Sunday afternoon, the group handed over a cheque for ÂŁ25,000 to the Provincial Grand Master who had met them the previous day at one of the highest points. Well done to everyone who got involved, truly memorable!

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BEAMISH EXHIBITION 19TH TO 23RD JUNE 2017 On the week leading up to the Open Halls weekend the Masonic Hall within Beamish Museum played host to an exhibition of 300 Years of Freemasonry, prepared and delivered by the Provincial Archivist, Adam Lamb, and his dedicated team. This proved extremely popular and by the end of the week people were queuing to view the exhibition.

OPEN HALLS WEEKEND PROVINCE WIDE - 23RD TO 24TH JUNE 2017 This weekend, being the actual 300th birthday of Freemasonry as we know it, witnessed an unprecedented level of access of local communities to our Masonic halls the length and breadth of our Province opening up their doors with exhibitions, fun days, beer festivals, TLC Teddy Bears Picnics and a whole host of other activities.

This was an amazing success with members of local communities entering the halls, many for the first time,

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and getting a real sense of one of the major attributes of Freemasonry, enhancing the lives of others and serving our communities for the greater good of everyone.

A great effort from so many members and volunteers to make sure the date was marked in such a fitting manner, breaking down barriers and embracing our towns and villages and the people within them.

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CLASSIC 300 - CAR RALLY TANFIELD RAILWAY – SATURDAY 22ND JULY 2017

Despite the weather once again trying to dampen spirits, the Classic 300 was still enjoyed by many as Mike Arnott’s band of merry men and women descended on Tanfield Railway with their collection of outstanding classic cars. Another great occasion as the visitors not only enjoyed the magnificent collection of cars but also had fun and games on the various stalls set out by lodges and volunteers. This was all topped off with trips on the famous railway line.

PARTY IN THE PARK WYNYARD HALL – SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST 2017 Party in the Park saw more than 400 guests meet in the beautiful walled gardens of Wynyard Park for a drinks reception leading into the Grand Marque. A fabulous meal and a night of dancing and celebration followed into the early hours as the Province showed that when we party, we party in style.

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JURASSIC COAST YOUTH PROJECT 21ST TO 25TH AUGUST 2018 Eight students and two staff from The Oaks School - Spennymoor were sponsored for a very special national adventure holiday event held in Dorset during August where they joined over 200 other sponsored students from all over the UK. “On behalf of the school, we would like to thank everyone for giving our students the opportunity to be a part of this event.

Everyone had fun, laughed and tried all the activities and tasks asked of them, and showed a real competitive spirit during group tasks� said Michelle Wardle and Denise Ashcroft from The Oaks School.

A really worthwhile project supported by the Freemasons of Durham.

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THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2017 DURHAM CATHEDRAL

TERCENTENARY DEDICATION SERVICE This event saw 1,000 Freemasons and their families gather for a special evening of thanks and celebration in the world heritage site that is Durham Cathedral.

As well as brethren and their families from all corners of the Province, the Provincial Grand Master was honoured to have as his special guests HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, His Worship the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Bill Kellett, the Dean of Durham, Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett and none other than The Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Wootton.

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With the cathedral close to capacity, the service was conducted with precision and splendour; attributes associated with any formal Provincial Masonic occasion and Durham Cathedral. Looking out across the cathedral, it was an amazing sight to see the rows of pews awash with gold and Masonic blues. The evening was further enhanced with hymns from both the Cathedral Choir and our very own Masonic Choir, conducted by Paul Debenham.

In the middle of the service the Dean of Durham handed over proceedings to the Provincial Grand Master who conducted a special award presentation from Durham Benevolence, distributing ÂŁ100,000 in Community Support Grants to ten local worthy charities and organisations, who supported children or young adults in need.

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GREAT NORTH RUN SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2017

Sunday 10th September saw the annual pilgrimage of runners and fund-raisers flock to the North East to take part in the largest half-marathon in the world; it was of course time for the annual Great North Run. This fantastic spectacle is watched and participated in by people from all over the world and really captures the human spirit with many dressing up in outrageous fancy dress before pounding 13.1 miles of pavement - all in the name of charity.

This year amongst the 57,000 participants an orange glow was visible amongst the Batmen and Robins, the Dinosaurs, Women in Wedding Dresses, Minions, Cavemen, Munchkins and even a man

carrying a full-size race bike‌ on his back! The orange glow was coming from the Masonic Charitable Foundation running shirts worn by the 28 Durham Freemasons running for that very cause.

Many had just taken up running for this occasion and had worked for months preparing for this big day and it paid off big style as the group raised over ÂŁ39,000 towards the 2021 Festival in support of the MCF.

What an achievement, what an effort and what another fantastic show of spirit towards an extremely worthy cause.

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RAVENSWORTH VISIT TO UNITED GRAND LODGE

GOLF CUP WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2017

WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2017 Wednesday 13th September saw 38 Brethren travel to the home of United Grand Lodge of England in London to witness their Quarterly Communication meeting. Many of the 38 were Master Masons who had never witnessed the pomp and ceremony that accompanies these meetings, and a great day was had by all who attended. The day was rounded off when the 38 brethren enjoyed an impressive Festive Board across the road in the Freemasons Arms who always make Durham Brethren extremely welcome.

Thanks to the planning and hard work of Chester-Le-Street Masons, 103 Brethren took part in a fantastic day of golf, when our would-be Rory Mcilroys pitted their wits against each other in aid of the 2021 Festival. An excellent day was had by all who participated and top prize went to Jason Heels of Marquis of Granby Lodge who had conveniently left his bandit mask at home that day. Well done everyone!

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THE GRAND BALL LONDON – SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017 The glitz and glamour of the Grand Ball took centre stage at Freemasons Hall in London as over 200 Freemasons and their partners (20 from our Province) attended this lavish event to celebrate our Tercentenary. The Grand Temple was converted to the largest raised dance floor in London for one night only as guests enjoyed The Oxford University Big Band Jazz Orchestra as well as other musicians. Canapes, champagne, cigars and cognac were enjoyed in the outdoor Davidoff Cigar Bar together with a whole host of other activities. Despite a few logistical problems, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and was a memorable occasion for those who travelled to be there.

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THE ALBERT HALL AND TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2017 For those lucky enough to receive tickets, the best was most certainly left till last as over 4,000 Freemasons attended the Royal Albert Hall for a special meeting of United Grand Lodge. Those in attendance were treated to a mind-blowing show that surpassed everybody’s expectations by quite a margin. The story of Freemasonry since those very first days at the Goose and Gridiron to the present day was spectacularly told in a theatrical masterclass that will have those who witnessed the occasion, talking about if for many years to come.

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BATTERSEA EVOLUTION After the show more than 2,000 of the Brethren were shipped by a convoy of luxury coaches to nearby Battersea where Battersea Evolution made sure the event finished in a ‘manner similar to the former’ with fantastic food, fine wine and an occasion ‘fit and proper’ to celebrate such an amazing landmark.

This was indeed Freemasonry at its very finest and a huge Thank You goes to all who worked so hard to make this event as memorable as it was!

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VISIT TO SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2017 In a very similar manner to the visit to United Grand Lodge in September, 36 Royal Arch Companions from Durham travelled to London to witness a Quarterly Communication of Supreme Grand Chapter and what a day it was. Many people who had never witnessed the glory of Supreme Grand Chapter were blown away by the sight and, as with the other visit, the Companions enjoyed a fabulous Festive Board over the road at the Freemasons Arms before heading back to Durham.

The meeting also marked the 50th anniversary of HRH The Duke of Kent, First Grand Principal, who as part of the celebrations was pleased to make a number of First Appointments and Promotions in Grand Rank. The highlight of the day for the Durham contingent was seeing two of our Companions invested with their collars of office on this most memorable occasion.

Paul Anthony Lee Hopper - First Appointment – Fawcett Chapter No764– PGStB Simon Nicholas Cowley - Promotion – Lambton Chapter No375– PAGSoj

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ANNUAL PROMOTIONS MEETING

THURSDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2017

The Provincial Christmas Party was the last of our official events of 2017 and saw our Tercentenary Celebrations draw to a close.

This was, as always, a fantastic occasion with brethren being rewarded for their hard work and commitment to their lodges, their Masonic halls and their communities, in a wonderful ceremony conducted by the Provincial Team.

This particular year was made even more special by the presentation of eight grants, totalling an amazing ÂŁ79,000 to local organizations. These awards were the result of a massive public online poll organised by the Masonic Charitable Foundation earlier in the year. The presentations were made by the Provincial Grand Master and David Innes, Chief Executive of the MCF who had travelled North to be in attendance.

Later, at the Festive Board, the TLC Teddies made an appearance and with the amazing generosity of the brethren present more than ÂŁ800 was raised in Teddy sales to help newly appointed Project Manager of the appeal, Duncan Maw in his task.

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This Special Edition marks the end of a truly remarkable period when the Freemasons of the Province of Durham have celebrated 300 years of Freemasonry.

Hopefully all of those involved will have created special memories, enjoyed new experiences and developed new friendships and acquaintances for the future. Our appreciation goes to everyone who has contributed to this celebration in whatever shape or form. We have all been part of something unique and a truly “once in a lifetime� event.

An event that has demonstrated clearly just what Freemasonry is about in our Province and what we are capable of achieving, especially when supporting our communities and the less fortunate.

As we look forward, it is our fervent hope that the experience will encourage us all to continue to do what Freemasons do best: Care for others as well as each other. We are always looking for ways to improve and modernise our organisation, help our members develop, give support to charitable causes, and continue to develop relationships with local communities so that we can continue to increase support for those who need it.

With your support and enthusiasm, we look forward to taking Freemasonry in the Province into the next century and beyond.

John Arthur Deputy Provincial Grand Master Tercentenary Co-ordinator.

Published by the Freemasons of the Province of Durham. 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7BH Email: pgl@pgldurham.org www.durhamfreemasons.org

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