Issue 28 of the Provincial Gazette

ISSUE 28 – WINTER 2017

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

The Royal Albert Hall

300 Years Celebration

What’s inside this issue...

P3

P5

P13

P16

Cathedral Dedications

Party In The Park

Golfers Tee-Off, Fore... Festival

Dynamic Duo

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EDITOR’S NOTES Since our last issue we have enjoyed a plethora of high profile events hosted throughout the Province in celebration of 300 Years of Freemasonry running in parallel with our 2021 Festival in aid of The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

Saturday 12th August saw the much-anticipated Party in the Park take place at the fabulous Grand Marquee of Wynyard Hall. Surpassing expectations, some 400 Freemasons with their friends and family enjoyed a night of fun, fine dining and entertainment.

On Sunday 10th September, following on from the C2C Bike Ride, we were bowled over by the efforts of our Great North Run team, who not only completed the iconic half marathon but managed to raise £40,000 in the process; a tremendous achievement and we congratulate them all.

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Please continue to report matters of interest; events both within your lodges and the local community to the Communications Team who rely heavily upon your editorial contributions.

To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues email: news@news.pgldurham.org

2018 will be another actionpacked year as we continue to work towards achieving our target for the 2021 Festival.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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!

@PGLDurham

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PGLDurham

Margaret and Frank Rankin enjoy the evening.

A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AND SUPPORT Thursday 7th September saw nearly 1000 Freemasons and their families gather for a special evening of thanks and celebration in style in the world heritage site that is Durham Cathedral as the Province of Durham marked 300 years since the formation of United Grand Lodge.

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, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett and non-other than the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Wootton.

With the cathedral near to capacity the service was conducted with precision and splendour; tributes associated with any formal Provincial Masonic occasion and with Durham Cathedral. Looking across the cathedral it was an amazing sight to see the rows of pews awash with gold and masonic blue. The evening was further enhanced with hymns from both the Cathedral Choir

and our very own Masonic Choir, conducted by WBro 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 £100,000 in Community Support Grants to ten local charities and organisations who supported children or young adults in need.

After the presentation, the Dean delivered his sermon, in particular paying tribute to the charitable giving of Durham Freemasons, and went on to commend the very foundations on which Freemasonry is built - a respect for one another, kindness, honesty and trust - traits that are compatible with all faiths.

Once again, the Province of Durham has shown that when we do something, we do it in style. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all who attended, the Tercentenary celebrated in a fitting manner and local worthy causes supported for the future - not many organisations can boast such evenings!

Dignitaries Durham Provincial Choir

Award Recipients: Sunderland Minster - £25,800 Friends of Carlton Camp (Hartlepool) - £10,000 Enter CIC (Ferryhill) - £10,000 Cheesy Waffles (Durham) - £10,000 Home on the Range (Spennymoor) - £10,000 Heel & Toe Childrens Charity (Chester-le-Street) - £10,000 2505 Squadron RAF Air Cadets (Bishop Auckland) - £10,000 Co Durham Young Farmers Clubs (Durham) - £7,000 Kayaks (South Shields) - £5,000 My turn to read Hug In a Bag (Durham and Darlington) - £5,000

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DURHAM COUNTY BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION

(Left toRight) Mavis Lloyd,the Association Secretary, Paul Debenham and Sophie Reed, Soloist receiving the grant from Paul.

Paul Debenham had the great pleasure of presenting the Durham County Brass Band Association with a cheque for £200 on behalf of Durham Benevolence at a recent band practice.

The Durham County Brass Association organises four contests annually.

The £200 will go towards the staging of the final competition of the year, the Soloist Competition, to be held at Blackhall Community Centre, on Sunday 15th October.

Mavis Lloyd, the Association Secretary, and Sophie Reed, one of the Soloists who will be competing, are pictured receiving the cheque from Paul.

The Colts line up alongside George Tilley (left) and team coach Chris Iley.

June saw the official launch of the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity at the Provincial Annual General Meeting in Dunston.

Earlier this year, the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, was approached by the Charity’s head office in London which wanted to encourage him to form a Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity. This charity organises fishing days for handicapped children, and is an excellent scheme which can give enormous enjoyment to children who are both physically challenged and generally are unable to enjoy a day’s fishing.

Eric really showed his enthusiasm, promoting the launch in both his address and at the festive board. It certainly worked; along with the presentation cheque from Durham Benevolence for £1000, a collection of ‘loose change’ was arranged by Brian Hodgson (a committee member) which raised the magnificent, additional, sum of £900, helping to kick-start the charity.

To cap it all, on the day there were at least six new volunteers, some offerings of old fishing gear, numerous expressions of interest from businesses, and a donation from a tackle shop..

SHOTTON COLTS UNDER 9S BOOST

David Grey has been appointed to lead this initiative and has gathered together a committee If any of you are fishermen, and consisting of keen fishermen from would like to become involved around the Province with the in this new activity, please inaugural event planned to take get in touch within Colin Bell at Shotton Colts under 9s football team has only been place on the 23rd September or existence forofthree years, but thatfishingbell@aol.com hasn’t stopped them from at Aldin Grange Fishing Lakesin ina lot ofMaurice Erringtonlives. at making a real difference young footballers’ Durham. mourice@btinternet.com.

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Edwin Jeffrey (left) and Jim Wilson meet the children.

In that short space of time they have won a tournament at Flamingo Land in June and have had two players graduate to Hartlepool Football Clubs Academy.

George Tilley had the very enjoyable task of presenting

the team coach, Chris Iley, with a cheque for £500 from the Durham Benevolence fund at the Russell Foster Football Centre in Newbottle. The money will be used to buy training equipment and kit, as the team is developing and having fun.

The string quartet

PARTY IN THE PARK Saturday 12th August saw the muchanticipated Party in the Park take place in the fabulous Grand Marquee of Wynyard Hall.

Another first for Durham, further demonstrating the versatility and professionalism within the Province in staging major events.

Thank You’ for all the hard work that had been done in making the night the undoubted success it was.

The fabulous Seatones

This event was tagged as The event of the Tercentenary and it did not disappoint as nearly 400 Freemasons with their friends and families celebrated 300 years of Freemasonry in style.

Our famous British weather tried its very best to disappoint but, by the time the heavens opened briefly, most of the guests were safely in the reception area enjoying a summer cocktail.

What followed was a night of fun, fine dining and fabulous entertainment and an extremely memorable occasion that will hopefully live long in the memories of all who attended.

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BROWSING THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL MUSEUM ARCHIVES (1818 – 1917) 1917 LONDON - the Bi-Centenary of Grand Lodge was celebrated on the 23rd June at the Royal Albert Hall, more the 8000 brethren were present.

1919 DURHAM - R W Bro

1927 LONDON - The Foundation Stone of Peace Memorial Building in Great Queen Street London was ceremonially laid by M W the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Connaught, KG, at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of some 8,000 Brethren, the actual stone being simultaneously lowered into position on site.

Capt the Hon Gerald W Liddell (afterwards The 6th Lord Ravensworth) was installed as Provincial Grand Master on his 50th Birthday after the death of the Rt Hon the Lord Barnard CL, DCL, at Raby castle on the 28th December 1918.

1919 CASTLE EDEN - The first lodge to be consecrated by RWBro Capt the Hon Gerald W Liddell as Provincial Grand Master, was the Rowland Burdon Lodge No 3960. Named after the engineer and builder of Wearmouth Bridge.

It is a remarkable coincidence that the foundation of this lodge took place on the anniversary date of the foundation stone laying of the bridge.

1921 HARTLEPOOL - This handsome set of silver Consecration Vessels was presented to the Rt Hon The Lord Ravensworth Provincial Grand Master on the occasion of the consecration of Harte Lodge No 4217 at West Hartlepool. They have been used on numerous consecrations and were last used at Durham Cathedral in the Symbolic Laying Ceremony of the Masonic Floor Foundation Stone Floor in the Great Kitchen.

1928 SUNDERLAND - Memorial Tablet unveiled in the Masonic Hall, Park Terrace, by Bro Rowland Burdon, VD, JP, DL, erected in the memory of Bro W Rowland Burdon, MP, who, in the year 1799, rendered great service to the Craft by having embodied in the Secret and Seditious Meetings Bill, “Freemasons excepted”, 24th September.

1930 SUNDERLAND - The Foundation Stone of the new Masonic Temple at Sunderland, was laid by Lord Ravensworth, Provincial Grand Master.

After the Ceremony, luncheon was provided at the Palatine Hotel (tickets cost 7/6d each)

1932 SUNDERLAND - Palatine Lodge No 97 held its last meeting in the Masonic Hall at Park Terrace, Sunderland, before moving to the new Wearside Masonic Hall in Burdon Road.

1932 HARTLEPOOL - Installation of Brig-Gen Sir Conyers Surtees, CB, CMG, etc, as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent by the M W ProGM, Lord Ampthill, GCSI, GCIE. 1935 DURHAM - Bi-Centenary of the Province Of Durham (1734 - 1934). A Commemoration Service was held in Durham Cathedral. The preacher was the Rt Rev Lord Bishop of Durham, V W Bro Dr H Hensley Henson, a prominent Durham Freemason. 29th September.

1935 GATESHEAD - Lodge of Industry celebrated its 200th anniversary. The Lodge was formally constituted at Swalwell, on 24th June 1735, by Joseph Laycock, Provincial Grand Master, in accordance with the Warrant issued by Grand Lodge.

1921 - The Provincial Grand Master the Rt Hon the Lord Ravensworth presided at the Annual Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys’. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham contributed £35,500.

1935 SUNDERLAND - Installation of RWBro Cuthbert Wilkinson, JP, as Provincial Grand Master, by RWBro the Rt Hon Lord Cornwallis, CBE, TD, Deputy Grand Master, Provincial Grand Master for Kent.

1922 LONDON - Investiture of HRH the Prince of Wales, KG, as Senior

1937 LONDON An Especial Grand Lodge was held in the Royal Albert Hall, London, on Wednesday 30th June, when HM The King was invested as a MW PGM.

Grand Warden, Royal Albert Hall, London on 25th October.

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1937 Sunderland Installation of R W Bro R W Ernest Dixon, as Provincial Grand Master by MW Pro GM the Rt Hon the Earl of Harewood, KG, GCVO, DSO. RW Ernest Dixon, had been Provincial Grand Secretary for sixteen years, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for two years and, as Provincial Grand Master, guided the Province through the difficulties that World War II presented. He was a tremendously active force in the Province until his death in 1959.

1948 Durham Memorial Service held in the Cathedral and unveiling of memorial Window.

Masonic regalia was worn by all 2000 Brethren present including Mark Masons and Knights Templar.

A Masonic procession following the clergy and the choir left the cathedral and proceeded to the Chapter House where the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Dixon, unveiled the memorial window, which was then dedicated by the Very Rev Dean Dr C A Alington.

1967 LONDON - Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England at an Especial Grand Lodge held at the Royal Albert Hall, at which HRH the Duke of Kent, GCMG, GCVO, ADC, was installed as Grand Master by MWBro the Rt Hon the Earl of Scarbrough, KG,ProGM, on 27th June.

The 10th and longest serving Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England 1967 County Durham By this date there had been some 188 lodges consecrated in the Province of Durham and 13 lodges had been erased.

INTEGRATING, CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

The inscription below the window in Latin reads, “After the second victory over the Germans the Freemasons set up this window in gratitude” The window represents Bishop William of Carileph (1081-1096), designer of the Cathedral

1955 SUNDERLAND - Visit by the M W Grand Master the Earl of Scarbrough, KG, to the Bicentenary of Phoenix Lodge No 94 accompanied by the Grand Secretary , Sir Sidney White and W Bro T B Langton, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.

1959 SUNDERLAND - Installation at Sunderland of W Bro Col F Walton as Provincial Grand Master for Durham by the MW Grand Master , the Rt Hon the Earl of Scarbrough, KG, on 22nd October.

1960 DURHAM - Service at Durham Cathedral to mark the Installation of RWBro Col F Walton, MC, TD, DL as Provincial Grand Master for Durham, on 2nd October.

1961 DARLINGTON - The Bicentenary of Restoration Lodge No 111 was celebrated at a special meeting on 19th June in Bondgate Hall, Darlington. The occasion was made more memorable by the presence of the M W the Grand Master, the Earl of Scarbrough, KG, and the VW Bro J W Stubbs, Grand Secretary.

1963 DURHAM - The Marquis of Granby Lodge No 124 celebrated 200 years of continued existence. A special meeting was held in the Chapter House at Durham. The lodge was honoured by the attendance of the Grand Master Lord Scarbrough and the Grand Secretary VW Bro J W Stubbs.

However, the oldest record of the lodge so far discovered is contained in the first Minute Book of the lodge and is dated 24th June, 1738. The extraordinary thing is that the first Minute appears to be a confirmation of a previous meeting and that a Brother Craggs was made a Mason.

On Monday 2nd October, Durham Benevolence presented a grant for £1000 on behalf of the Freemasons of Durham, to Mr Richard Taylor, Chair of Trustees of “Integrating, Children & Young People,” a local charity based in Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.

The charity works with more than 90 disabled children and young people at any one time, aged 6 to 25 years, giving support to develop their social skills and the confidence to be able to take part in leisure and recreational activities within their communities. This enables children and young people to improve and maintain their emotional wellbeing, and assists them in operating effectively and confidently. The charity has been in existence since 2000 and is wholly managed and co-ordinated by volunteers.

The Community Support Grant will be used to help fund groups of 10 disabled children and young people to attend their Bowling Group, which takes place weekly at AMF Bowling Centre Washington Bowl. It runs for 40 weeks a year together with a sponsored bowling event being organised each May to open up the activity to other children and to raise funds.

Mr Taylor was delighted to receive the Community Support Grant of behalf of the charity, and emphasised that members really enjoy themselves bowling, making new friends and beginning to live the sort of lives enjoyed by their non-disabled peers.

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GREAT NORTH MASONS Sunday 10th September saw the annual pilgrimage of runners and fund-raisers flocking 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 encapsulates 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!

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 in preparation for this big day and it paid off big-style as the group raised over £39,000 towards the 2021 Festival in aid of the MCF.

The orange glow was coming from the Masonic Charitable

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Following on from the success of the C2C Bike Ride, the camaraderie and sense of achievement gained by participation in this memorable event has set many of the participants on the road to a regular exercise, which is having a noticeable effect on those previously bulging masonic waistlines.

Congratulations on their achievement to all who took part, and we can now look forward to the events planned for 2018 … including the Coast and Castle Bike Ride, Great North Run, Three Peaks Walking Challenge and Muddy Mayhem and the Golf Day.

Kevin with the Royal Collection

THE WEDDING PLANNER Kevin was raised and educated in Peterlee where he attended Shotton Hall School. After he left school he studied Art and Design at Manchester University, specialising in formal gowns.

Following a recommendation from one of his university tutors, Kevin served his apprenticeship with the renowned fashion designers, the Emanuels, at their Brooke Street Salon in Mayfair, London. It was there that he became involved in making a number of outfits worn by Lady Diana Spencer. He

eventually had the great privilege of being part of the team making the wedding gown worn by Diana when she became Princess of Wales.

Returning to the North East, Kevin opened his own bridal shop at Shotton Colliery in County Durham which he ran as a hobby whilst working as a School Governance Officer for Durham County Council. During this time he designed and made costumes for a number of West End musicals, national touring companies and

Kate Middleton’s dress modelled by Karen Scott

Quest Lodge in Seaham had been looking for ideas on how to raise funds for the 2021 Festival, and they were surprised when one of their members, Kevin Thornhill, suggested the unusual idea of holding a wedding show.

This all became clear after he explained his forte! local operatic societies which included gowns worn by Elaine Paige, Petula Clark and Marti Webb - to name but a few.

Over many years Kevin has put together a collection of wedding gowns covering the past 150 years - ranging from gowns made by his grandmother (between 1907 to 1930) and copies of the most iconic gowns worn by Diana Princess of Wales, Princesses Margaret, Anne and Katherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. To date, this collection has raised more

than £240,000 for a large number of charities. Now with over 100 tickets sold to the general public, Kevin hosted a Wedding Event for Quest at the beginning of November and the proceeds being split between the 2021 Festival and St Benedict’s Hospice.

Though now officially retired, Kevin has once again decided to open a wedding gown and formal hire venture in the near future.

‘Seams’ like a good idea Kevin Good luck.

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CATCHING A SMILE! Thanks to a donation from Durham Benevolence, and the support of brethren from all around the Province, the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity hosted its very first event at the Aldin Grange fishing lakes, near Bearpark, in Durham, on Saturday 23rd September.

On this bright autumnal morning, the Branch Chairman, David Grey, along with Graham Snell, Deputy CEO of the Masonic Fishing Charity, greeted eleven pupils, together with three staff from The Oaks, a large, local authority secondary school, based in Spennymoor, which caters for young people with special educational needs from across South West Durham.

The weather conditions were ideal, apart from a slight breeze; however they all needed some luck to start catching. This came, surprisingly, in the form of the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, who had come along to support the event. Shortly after Eric’s arrival, the students were into their first catch which continued at an erratic rate, depending on where Eric was standing. The enthusiastic shouts of ‘got a fish!’ continued right up until it was time to break for lunch, by which time ten of the students had caught fish.

After the final cast of the day, all the participants retired to a barn to attend an awards ceremony where David Grey and Eric presented special trophies, medals and certificates of achievement to each youngster. In response, Harry Wilkinson, the teacher in charge from The Oaks School, thanked everyone concerned for the time given voluntarily by all those who organised the event to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to all of his students who had attended this very memorable day.

The Durham Branch held another event more recently at Aldin Grange fishing lakes, which was a recruitment and training day for participants identified from within the Province. Once again, the venue was kindly provided by Brian Hodgson from Agricola Lodge.

In short, ‘To catch that smile!’ is the joy experienced by catching a fish; it is almost palpable and really has to be witnessed to be believed.....ask Eric! The Masonic Fishing Charity is a forward-thinking interactive masonic initiative that really does make a difference in the world.

If you want to find out more about the charity or if you want to volunteer to be a helper please get in contact at www.mtsfc.org.uk

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Jean Thompson cuts the cake with Eric

PETER STRACEY HOUSE CELEBRATES JUBILEE On Thursday 12th October 2017 the Chairman of Durham Benevolence, John David Watts, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, in the company of the Provincial Grand Master and members of the General Purposes Committee, was honoured to join residents of Peter Stracey House as they celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its opening in 1992. Mrs Jean Thompson, who is one of the first residents of Peter Stracey House, joined the Provincial Grand Master in cutting the celebratory cake, marking the start of a most memorable occasion.

It was on Valentine’s Day 1992 that the announcement was made that Her Majesty the Queen had agreed to confer city status upon Sunderland as part of celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of her reign. That same year was marked by a number of memorable events, both good and bad – Sunderland AFC came home from the 1992 FA Cup Final against Liverpool having been beaten 2-0.

However, the major event in 1992 for Freemasons in the Province of Durham was being honoured by the visit of a royal personage when the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, formally opened Peter Stracey House. Situated in Fullwell, Sunderland, it was the first Masonic retirement/sheltered accommodation owned

by Durham Benevolence, boasting 48 twobedroomed apartments.

The building was named after the esteemed Durham Freemason, Peter Stracey, who was born in 1918 and died in 2011 aged 93.

Peter was honoured in many ways, holding the rank of Past Grand Sword Bearer in the United Grand Lodge of England having been the Deputy Grand Master for the Province of Durham, also the Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch.

Peter’s greatest achievement was masterminding the project, which resulted in the development of Peter Stracey House which, on completion, cost some 4 million pounds.

Over the last 25 years, the building has been sympathetically updated, a full roof replacement having taken place in 2017 and improvements continuing to be made with the addition of double-glazing throughout and upgrading of the kitchens and bathrooms on vacant possession.

The development has already been enjoyed by hundreds of people - a fitting testament to Benevolence in the Province of Durham.

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BAND AND BUGLES DURHAM ARMY CADET FORCE On Wednesday 18th October, Stewart Bell, representing Durham Benevolence, visited the Band and Bugles Durham Army Cadet Force, at Chester-le-Street. Known to be one of the best cadet bands in the country, they recently played at Wembley Stadium and at Horse Guards Parade alongside the Regular Army.

HELP FOR MAGGIE’S

After being warmly welcomed and invited to listen to the band going through its paces at the weekly practice, their rendition of the “Dam Busters Theme” was outstanding and a testament to the cadets’ dedication from the 50 members present. The instruments played included bugles, bagpipes, drums, and a plethora of brass and woodwind. The cadets are organising a tour to France in July 2018 and are continually fundraising within the community, hence Administration Officer, 2Lt Emma Smith Martin contacted Durham Benevolence for support in the form of a Community Grant.

Back in October, Chris Watson of Saint Edmund’s Lodge in Gateshead visited Maggie’s Centre North East on behalf of Durham Benevolence to present a Community Support Grant. The £500 grant will help Maggie’s to offer free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, and to their families and friends, from their centre based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

During the interval, Stewart was delighted to present the Director of Music, Major Colin Miller, with a cheque for £500 and wished the band continued success for the future and an enjoyable tour of France.

The Centre covers the whole of the North-East and Cumbria, the next nearest being in Edinburgh, and is the first Maggie’s to provide support aimed at men with one of their morning groups.

Stewart hands over Community Grant to Director of Music, Major Colin Miller.

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(Left to Right) Centre Manager Karen Verrill, Chris and Jade Brown with their Support Grant Certificate.

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GOLFERS TEE OFF FORE…FESTIVAL

Jason Collects Ravensworth Cup from Eric

On 15th September 103 golfers met at Ramside Hall Golf Course in Durham to take part in the Provincial Golf Day competing for the Ravensworth Trophy as part of the Province’s 300-year celebrations.

The Ravensworth Trophy was donated by Lord Ravensworth, the Provincial Grand Master in 1921, and is awarded to the Durham mason who performs the best on the Provincial Golf Day. This year it was won by Jason Heels of Marquis of Granby Lodge, but perhaps the happiest mason was Gordon Belshaw of Lodge of Freedom in Stockton who won the “nearest the pin” prize on the 7th hole.

As a result he won a week’s stay in a luxury golf course apartment on the Costa del Sol, generously donated by a Durham Freemason.

But, after the Golf Day and a Presentation Night, also at the Ramside - where prizes were awarded by the PGM - the real winner was the Durham 2021 Festival which was £3,800 better off as a result. A tremendous effort and a great way to raise funds for the Festival.

The organisers said: “We would like to thank all who assisted on the day, including Ramside Hall staff, volunteer masons and those who supported us through sponsorship. We hope we can surpass the money already raised by expanding the event next year to include day-time spa packages and a ladies evening gala dinner”……………. so watch this space.

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(Left to Right) Martin, Liam and Bill Telfer

FOUR GENERATIONS OF FREEMASONRY History and tradition have run through the DNA of the Freemasons Hall in Queen Street East in Sunderland, ever since the Grade 1 listed building was built in 1785.

In that time families and individuals have created a framework that has led to traditions and practices that are as celebrated today as they were back in 1785.

The Telfer family are adding their own little piece of history to Queen Street, with grandfather, William, becoming Master of the Lodge of Concord No. 6859 on 7th October and his grandson, Liam, being installed into the Chair of Nautilus Lodge No. 4259 by his father, Martin, on 21st October.

Events like this were once a not uncommon event, but today these are notably rare.

William’s father, John Telfer, was a mason in Lodge Operative No.140 in Dumfries

and Galloway, joining in 1919. Bill, Martin and Liam visited the lodge and received a tremendous welcome and enjoyed a memorable evening north of the border.

Incidentally, the Telfer surname is principally of Scottish origin, with the name deriving from Taille-fer.

A very proud grandfather and son jointly sang the Master’s song to Liam at the Nautilus Lodge installation, carrying on four generations of Freemasonry in the Telfer family.

MALCOLM’S BIG THANK YOU You may remember that Malcolm Barlow of Cestria Lodge in Chester le Street had set himself a target of raising £2,000 from his epic 24hr motorcycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats for the 2021 Festival back in February. Well, final numbers are now in and Malcolm has surpassed his target and has actually raised the sum of £2,684.61. This figure will be credited to Cestria Lodge.

Malcolm would like to pass his thanks on to everyone who supported his endeavour.

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TERCENTENARY FINALE October 31st 2017 saw brethren from Durham join over 4,000 Freemasons from Provinces and Districts as representatives from 136 Grand Lodges around the world were present at the Royal Albert Hall for the United Grand Lodge of England’s Especial Meeting and action-packed afternoon of entertainment.

Grand Lodge was opened and called off in a convenient room, and the procession of Grand Officers entered the Hall before the Grand Master, MWBro HRH The Duke of Kent, took his place in the Queen’s Box. He was accompanied by the Pro Grand Master MWBro Peter Lowndes, Deputy Grand Master RWBro Jonathan Spence, and Assistant Grand Master RWBro Sir David Wootton.

The Grand Master was also joined by a number of special guests, including RWBro HRH Prince Michael of Kent, VWBro HM King Tutu II of Ashanti, and RWBro HE John Kufuor, Senior Grand Warden.

Those present, after waiting in anticipation for the spectacular to commence, were not disappointed as they were treated to a theatrical performance that would

have graced any theatre in the West End of London, showcasing the history and heritage of freemasonry and featuring a cast of renowned actors including Sir Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond and Sanjeev Bhaskar.

in a convoy of coaches to the impressive Evolution venue within Battersea Park where the banquet far exceeded all expectations.

With the event being streamed live to wider audiences, the performance was a wonderful journey through our history, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra providing the musical accompaniment against the backdrop of a colossal 55ft golden compasses, and dramatic light show incorporating the ‘All Seeing Eye’.

Other highlights included the return of the Soane Ark – the Ark of the Masonic Covenant – as the Deputy Grand Master announced that, following 30 years in the making, a replica had been created to the original design. This was brought onstage where it was dedicated by the Grand Master.

The finale was awe-inspiring, with the sound of some 4000 Freemasons singing Jerusalem followed by the National Anthem, sending reverberations around the Hall which will live long in the memories of all, prior to the procession of Grand Officers retiring from the Hall.

Those who were fortunate enough to have secured a place to dine were then conveyed

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THE DYNAMIC DUO Recently-engaged Jordan Robinson and her partner Mark Hoynes wanted to make 2017 a year to remember. They decided to push each other to their physical limits by setting themselves a series of challenges throughout the year to raise as much money as possible towards the 2021 Festival In May they climbed Ben Nevis - the highest peak in the British Isles. Having never climbed a mountain before, reaching the summit was a huge accomplishment and they were very lucky to experience fabulous weather and stunning views.

Many people leave a token at the top, and thus they felt it fitting to leave some fabric

adorned with the Masonic symbol amidst the array of treasures left by hundreds of people before them. It was a humbling experience for them both.

In June they slipped and slid, jumped, rolled and laughed their way through the Labyrinth Challenge - the world’s largest inflatable obstacle. They chose this event for fun, and it certainly was. This was the only event which family and friends were able to go along to, and join in the laughter.

They were grateful for all their support.

Finally, in September, the ‘dynamic duo’ ran the Great North Run - their first half marathon. Neither being expert

Great North Run

The Labyrinth Challenge

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runners, they decided that no matter what happened they would start and finish together. After completing the 13.1 mile course in under 3 hours. Mark said It was a privilege to run alongside the other brethren, and thousands of others fundraising for so many worthy causes.

Having set a target of £100 per challenge, to celebrate 300 years of freemasonry, the total amount they raised was £600 which will all go towards the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Jordan and Mark at the Summit of Ben Nevis

ASSISTANCE NOT FORGOTTEN At the September meeting for Old Barnardians the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, had been invited along to receive a cheque towards the 2021 Festival. The details had been kept quiet until the second rising when Ian Lithgow stood up in the lodge and presented Eric with a cheque for £6,000, much to the PGM’s delight and surprise!

ROLL OF HONOUR The following brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.

Eric sincerely thanked Ian for his generosity and assured him that it would be credited to the lodge contribution with a badge for the Silver Award on its way.

Ian explained to the brethren that his father had been a Freemason and that, sadly, he passed away in 1978. Ian advised that the Freemasons had stepped in and he was sent to Barnard Castle School and then subsequently also had his

university fees paid, making sure he had a good education. Ian had recently inherited some money from an aunt and, after discussing with his wife and children how it was to be used, they all felt very strongly that Ian wouldn’t be where he is without the support he received from the Freemasons and decided to give something back to support others through a donation.

Ian had a further surprise up his sleeve when he went on to

60 Years Craft: Derek S Mills George W Ellington

Penshaw No3194 Lodge of Fraternity No1418

50 Years Craft: Brian Hunter James B Richardson Alfred Wood

Photo (L to R): Eric Heaviside, Eric Turnbull, Anthony Hobson, Ian Lithgow and Ian Groves.

Hadrian No1970 St Aidan No4080 Hetton Lyon No6533

present a cheque to the lodge for £4,000, which he presented to Anthony Hobson in his capacity as Worshipful Master. The intent for the cheque to be “ear-marked” for use in supporting Barnard Castle School, on behalf of the lodge, with perhaps a bursary or special project to be discussed at future meetings.

William A Charlton David and John Lewis Ian and Kenneth Self Thomas F R Coulson Kenneth Kent Russell Bloxsom

County No6678 Lodge of Philanthropy No940 St George’s No5720 Lambton No375 Lambton No375 St George’s No5720

50 Years Royal Arch: Peter G Dunn

Unity No 661

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PROVINCE EXTENDS TLC SCHEME A significant expansion of the use of TLC Teddies to comfort distressed children during treatment in NHS hospitals in the Province of Durham is currently underway.

Following discussions with the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, arrangements have been made to supply their five Urgent Care Centres with teddies.

Formerly operating as general medical drop-in facilities, they have now become full trauma treatment centres and receive a steady flow of children with physical injuries. These centres are at Peterlee, Shotley Bridge, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Durham.

INDUSTRY REWARDS MERIT When Harry Gordon, son of John Gordon a Past Master of Lodge of Industry, joined Gateshead Under 12s Rugby Football Clu it was clear that the strips worn by the players were in desperate need of replacement. After talking to Head Coach, Paul Fairless, who explained that funding for all equipment relied entirely on donations, John approached his lodge committee who then agreed to help the team with a donation of ÂŁ500.

Mark Coatsworth, who runs the Peterlee centre, told of barely getting the first box of teddies open before a distressed two-year-old was rushed in with a nasty gash above the eye.

Mark said the child’s attention was quickly transferred from the wound to the teddy, enabling them to treat the injury without too much difficulty, and was taken home afterwards clutching it tightly in case anyone tried to take it back.

The club was delighted to receive such a generous donation and, by way of thanks, designed the shirts to proudly display the square and compass and the No.48 belonging to Industry, the oldest lodge in our Province being nearly 300 years old.

Mark and his staff are delighted with TLC Teddies and asked that their thanks be passed on to Durham Freemasons for helping to make their difficult work just that bit easier.

Once again, a lodge showing that it is happy to assist and remind people that Freemasonry is part of our communities and that charity is at the forefront of its activities.

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THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

DATES FOR THE DIARY DEC

7

THURSDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2017 Beacon Lodge No 6891 Full Team Visit

MAY

23

WEDNESDAY 23RD MAY 2018 Annual Convocation Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

Lived Respected and Died Regretted Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England Hicks, John Tristram No2415 Birch, Geoffrey Albion No5530

JAN

25

THURSDAY 25TH JANUARY 2018 Ryton Holy Cross Chapter No 4231 Full Team Visit

MAY

30

WEDNESDAY 30TH MAY 2018 Rowlandson Lodge No 3360 Full Team Visit

Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham

Roe, Thomas Harold Barnard No1230 Hold, Edward Amity No3193

MAR

7

WEDNESDAY 7TH MARCH 2018 Caradoc Lodge No 4749 Full Team Visit

JUN

23

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 2018 Craft AGM Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

Thompson, Joseph Llewellyn Palatine No97 Douglas, Lewis Tristram No2415 Reay, Ronald Ionic No6844 Burton, Alan Stanger St George’s No5720 Watson, Norman City No3568 Walker, Ralph St Andrews No6217 Harrison, Joseph Raine St Bede No1119 Whitaker, James Gateshead Fell No4349 Thompson, John Palatine No97

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER – 2017 2017 has been an incredibly busy year as we have celebrated the Tercentenary of Grand Lodge. There have been so many different activities across the Province, ranging from the Coast to Coast Cycle Ride, the 35 entries in the Great North Run, the Party in The Park at Wynyard and culminating with the wonderful Dedication Service in Durham Cathedral in September.

Grainge, Malcolm Trinity No4751

These events, and so many more that have been organised, never cease to amaze me with the enthusiasm our members have to raise funds for our 2021 Festival.

The 2021 RMTGB Festival continues to be extremely successful and already we have achieved 60% of our target.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to attend the Tercentenary Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall in October must have felt very proud of the organisation to which we belong. It was an outstanding spectacle and probably the best event ever organised by our Grand Lodge.

My wife and I are delighted to extend our sincere good wishes for the festive season, and may all of our readers enjoy a healthy and happy 2018.

Harris, Alfred Hughes St Lawrence No6042 Scott, Charles Vickers Liddell No3616

Brethren Nichols, John Mills Liddell No3616

Fullerton, William Washington No4346 Hutchins, Henry St Bede No1119 McSorley, John Samuel Tyne Dock No4218 Pell, David Anthony Marquis of Granby No124 Richardson, Eric Welford Odyssey No9739

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Dance Group at Butlins

MERITORIOUS CONDUCT MERITORIOUS CONDUCT John Moore is a well-known Teesdale mason and member of Strathmore and Old Barnardian Lodges which meet in Barnard Castle. John is someone who is always willing to get involved in whatever he applies himself to which includes his own hobbies and projects, Freemasonry, the church, the community in general as well as supporting scouting.

Whilst serving in the Army in 1984, John was offered the opportunity of supporting the local scouts and soon became a scout leader. John is a District Commissioner for Teesdale Scouts and, on Saturday 16th of September, John was awarded the Medal for Meritorious Conduct, having been nominated for the award after offering his resignation following a few years suffering from health problems as a result of complications following a brain injury that nearly killed him in 2003. John offered his resignation as he thought he could not safely put his all into the role, although it was pointed out to him that, despite his own ill health, on no occasion

had his support for scouting diminished as a result.

John had taken the scouts swimming at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, when he fell off the top diving board sustaining a serious head injury. He underwent several operations to save his life and suffered more complications in October 2015 when a shunt which had been inserted into his brain after the original accident, became blocked. This has left John deaf in one ear and blind in one eye, but he doesn’t let this get him down, remaining constantly positive and enjoying everything he gets involved with.

John is no stranger to being recognised for his efforts, having received the Scouts’ Silver Acorn award for distinguished service in 2007 and also being awarded the Silver Cross for heroism after saving three siblings from drowning while on a scouting trip in the Lake District in 1995.

Photograph left to right: Dave Stokes (County Commissioner), John Moore (District Commissioner), Alex Peace-Gadsby (National Commissioner), John’s son, Matthew Moore (Beaver Scout).

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS 31ST JANUARY 2018 NEWS@NEWS.PGLDURHAM.ORG

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Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

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www.durhamfreemasons.org