The Gazette Issue 13 - Winter 2013/14

published by the freemasons of the province of durham

ISSUE 13 - February 2014

‘NEW YEAR NEW LOOK’ Welcome to the new look design of the Provincial Gazette

WHAT’S INSIDE We Remembered Page 4 & 5

Apples all Blood Bikes round are in Town Page 8 THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE Page 16- &ISSUE 17 13

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A Christmas Carol 1 Page 19 FEBRUARY 2014

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK!

WHAT’S INSIDE

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When the new Gazette was launched in September 2010, the Provincial Grand Master called it our “new communication vehicle for the Province” and emphasised the importance of communication with all of our members, whether they were regular attenders or not. He emphasised the need for “an eye-catching publication which will be colourful, informative and able to be read, not only by our Brethren, but also by their friends, family members and beyond”.

The editorial team keep these guidelines under constant review, and you may have noticed in the last edition that there has been a shift in style to make our publication more attractive and easier to read by the wider audience we are now serving. Hundreds of copies are now circulated to libraries and other public places across the Province. The NEW LOOK is part of our ongoing review to ensure that we stay modern, relevant and eye-catching to a larger audience, especially a younger generation. As with all change, it promotes a reaction and we are always happy to receive any constructive comments that may help us achieve our aims and promote Freemasonry throughout the Province of Durham and beyond.

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As the Provincial Grand Master stated at the launch: “This is your Gazette”. So if you wish to contribute, then email us your stories, articles and pictures to news@news.pgldurham.org.

Please remember to keep articles to a maximum of 250 words and accompanied by a picture, which must be a minimum of 2.5mb. If you are having trouble sending pictures, use the email address to ask for help, when one of the team will be more than willing to assist.

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Go on, get involved. You never know, you might even have some fun…

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Best wishes The Editor

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

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Follow us on Twitter and keep up to date with news and views from across the Province as and when it happens @PGLDurham

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POTENTIAL REALISED

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM TRUST Ian Logan, a member of Heabrym Lodge No7201 in Hebburn celebrated success recently when his granddaughter, Kane, received an LL.B. with Hons. (Bachelor of Laws) at Durham University.

Ian reflects on what might never have been and when, due to lack of financial support, Kane was close to giving up her dream. One night at a festive board Ian was advised by another Brother to contact the Royal Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls (RMTGB) and an application was made via the Lodge Almoner.

On completion of the Trust’s grant application by Kane’s mother, Susan, her financial status met the criteria and, after a subsequent home visit from a Trust representative, the application was approved.

Kane, having now completed her degree, is overwhelmed with the help she received from Freemasonry, “The application process was surprisingly straightforward; the Trust truly invested in my development and I credit them for their determination in helping me succeed. It is impossible to fully explain my appreciation of the support I received from the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

What I found to be pleasantly surprising was the fact that their support did not cease when I graduated; they offered me a final financial gift to assist me in preparing myself for working life, such as office clothes and supplies.

For anyone struggling with the reality of the economic constraints of university and in financial hardship. I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys to assist them in their further education desires in order to truly make the most of their potential”.

Both Ian and Kane were keen that our readers be made aware of their experience of going through the grant process and of the invaluable assistance provided by this most worthy of charities, funded by Freemasons, which aims to relieve poverty and advance education for children and young people.

Kane at home with her Mother, Grandfather and younger brother Max

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WE REMEMBERED Sunday, 10th November saw the UK fall silent as Remembrance parades the length and breadth of the country paid their respects to servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving with our armed forces.

The Province of Durham was once more extremely well represented, as Brethren from across our Province attended parades and laid wreaths to honour the fallen at this significant annual event.

In a world with unfortunately dwindling traditions and ever changing focuses, it became apparent that Armistice Day is as relevant today as it ever was. The sheer enormity of the packed-out parades backed this up, with people from all walks of life showing their appreciation to those who had given their lives so that we could live ours free.

Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day or Poppy Day, no matter what you prefer to know it as; it is respected by all as a day to give a thought for those who are no longer with us, those who laid down their lives so that we can live as a free nation today, a day when the whirlwind rat race that so often has us ‘chasing our tails’ can wait so that we can spare a moment to remember the fallen.

It is the nation’s toast to absent Brethren!

Our Provincial Grand Master attended the Sunderland parade, laying a wreath on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham at the Cenotaph. The city centre occasion is widely recognised as the biggest parade outside London. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistants Provincial Grand Masters and the Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch attended other parades and ensured that the Province was well represented throughout.

Elsewhere, Phil Carter of St Andrew’s Lodge in Stanley not only attended the Castleside Village act of remembrance but actually officiated over the event at short notice after the minister was taken ill. All in all, a marvellous show of support and remembrance was on display by the Freemasons of Durham.

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Lived respected and died Regretted Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England Henry Walker HOLMES Perseverance Lodge No1643 Robert PAXTON Marquis of Granby Lodge No124

Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham John ANDERSON, BEM Vale of Tees Lodge No5016 Donald BURDON Vulcan Lodge No5757 Henry BURDON Penshaw Lodge No3194 Paul Damien BURNS Ryton St Mary’s Lodge No6550 John Roy COLLINS Avalon Lodge No7647 Thomas Harper DOBSON Constance Lodge No2135 Donald Stewart FAIRWEATHER Palatine Lodge No97 James Stewart HAMILTON Hadrian Lodge No1970 Clive Metcalfe HARRISON St George’s Lodge No5720 Edward HOGG Gateshead Fell Lodge No4349 William Walker HOLMES Marquis of Granby Lodge No124 David Murray LAWS County Lodge No6678 Jeffrey LIDDLE Beacon Lodge No6891 William Henry MASON Longscar Lodge No6203 Norman MATTHEW Corinthian Lodge No5808 Benjamin PATTERSON Hetton Lyon Lodge No6533 William PETERS Pele Tower Lodge No4435 James SHARPE Heworth Lodge No6331 Wilfred SHOWLER Eardulph Lodge No6645 Alan SIMPSON Lodge of Fellowship No9694 Dennis WRIGHT Tees Lodge No509 Brethren

In a world with unfortunately dwindling traditions and ever changing focuses, it became apparent that Armistice Day is as relevant today as it ever was.

Stephen Michael ALDER St George’s Lodge No5720 Walter Frederick BAGLEY Caradoc Lodge No4749 John BLYTHYN-MIDGLEY Willington Lodge No4028 John William BOOTH Stanhope Lodge No3520 George Berham BOSOMWORTH St Mary’s Lodge No 4864 John Robert GARTHWAITE St Hilda Lodge No240 Clifford HUDSPITH Vulcan Lodge No5757 Donald JACKSON Strathmore Lodge No6229 Arthur NEWSTEAD Bernard Gilpin Lodge No3076 Dennis POLL-WRIGHTSON Clarence Lodge No2462 Kelvin George POWELL Tow Law Lodge No3349 William Martin SHELDON Ionic Lodge No6844

George Forster STEEL Derwent Lodge No4250 1st October to 31st December 2013

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50 YEAR CELEBRATION

CONDUCTED IN STYLE Monday 23rd December saw a packed lodge room at Trinity Lodge No 4751 in Darlington, enjoying the Christmas festivities and a celebration of 50 years in the Craft for Clarry Stoddart.

By way of a Festive surprise, the Lodge presented a cheque for £900 for Durham Benevolence to John Webster, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who gratefully received it and thanked the Brethren for their generosity. At the Festive Board, the Brethren were entertained by a large contingent from the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band, who

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performed several Christmas melodies and ensured the audience participated to the full. Pictured are three ‘guest’ conductors namely, Ken Howe (not much encouragement needed there), Ray Bradley the current Worshipful Master and Barry Taylor, Lodge Organist. Each conductor portrayed their own inimitable style and received rapturous applause following their performances! Overall, the Brethren in attendance enjoyed an excellent night of Masonic and seasonal celebrations and superb harmony, topped by the impromptu guest conductors.

Truly a night to remember!

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By way of a Festive surprise, the Lodge presented a cheque for £900 for Durham Benevolence to John Webster, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who gratefully received it and thanked the Brethren for their generosity.

TEES LODGE GETS ALL JAMMY! The members of Tees Lodge No509 in Stockton are always up for fun, as shown recently when turning their thoughts to fundraising ideas for the Durham Cathedral Project by sourcing, branding and selling ‘Jams and Jellies’ each month at the Lodge’s festive board.

The recently installed Master, Jamie Campbell, put his name and face to the brand, which the Lodge hopes will raise upwards of £500 during his year. It is anticipated that the Lodge can match-fund the amount to make a superb donation of £1,000 in total, to be presented to the Provincial Grand Master on some future occasion.

Past events have included the sale of exclusive ‘Pickles and Preserves’, named after Chris Pickles, and Yorkshire and Lancashire Tea, ‘Tom’s Teas’, named after Tom Gittins, both Past Masters of the Lodge, all of which raised £300 for the Tender Loving Care Teddy Bear appeal in their respective years.

The Lodge is looking to its next crop of Masters to see how it can further develop the idea.

Readers - do you have any quirky or unusual ways of raising money for charity? Let us know for inclusion in the next publication!

ROLL OF HONOUR 70-Year Certificate: Joseph Mainwaring Slater

Constance Lodge No2135

60-Year Certificates: Dr Leonard Middleton Barret Derrick Earnshaw Sydney Harrison James Anthony Elliot Edward Kitchener Oliver Harold Rutter

Lambton Lodge No375 Bernard Gilpin Lodge No3076 Heabrym Lodge No7201 Norman Lodge No1334 Eslington Lodge No4623 Derwent Lodge No4250

50-Year Certificates: Presentations of certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry were made to the following Brethren: Keith Roland Cummings Peter Hough Colin Kirk Peter Neath Robert Henry Thompson Henry Rostron Graves Dennis Fitton John Naisbett John George Robson Brian Christopher Galt Peter Frith Albert Harold Sykes Joseph Leslie Laverick Clarence Albert Stoddart

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Benfeldsyde Lodge No7807 Benfeldsyde Lodge No7807 Agricola Lodge No7741 Cestria Lodge No4493 Winlaton Lodge No4546 St Andrew’s Lodge No6217 St Paul Lodge No3242 Nautilus Lodge No4259 Ellison Hall Lodge No7165 North Pennine Lodge No9713 St Oswald Lodge No4260 Flambard Lodge No6874 Derwent Lodge No4250 Trinity Lodge No4751

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AMY’S STORY

Brethren of Harte Lodge in Hartlepool decided to respond to a ‘cry for help’ when they heard the story of Amy Stockill, aged 11. Amy, a keen runner and dancer, had begun to trip up regularly, and started to feel generally unwell. After months of investigation, which had doctors baffled, Amy was diagnosed with a

proud of her Brother, Shane, 16 who has had to grow up almost overnight. The Lodge Charity Steward, Duncan Maw, had learned that an Ipad would really help Amy with her school work as certain apps were there to help with her disability.

Medulloblastoma brain tumour and given only 24 hours to prepare for life-saving brain surgery. Radiotherapy followed and Amy now is undergoing chemotherapy.

Parents Lisa and Frank can see small improvements and are amazed at the strength and determination of their little girl and are extremely

In true ‘Harte’ fashion the

BENJAMIN’S STORY In a similar story in Gateshead, Benjamin Foley, a young boy with autism, had been told that certain specialist apps on an iPad could help him to recognise words and improve his communications skills. His Grandfather, Michael Allen, a Past Master of Gateshead Fell Lodge approached the committee at Gateshead to see if support could be given and before long Jim Whitaker and Bill Hurst, the Treasurer and Almoner of Gateshead Fell were delivering the iPad to a very grateful Benjamin. Early reports indicate that Benjamin is using his resource extensively and his Grandfather is delighted with his progress.

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Brethren of the Lodge decided to purchase the iPad and it was duly delivered before Christmas Day to a delighted Amy and her parents. Being a true believer in Father Christmas though, Amy refused to open it until the day itself. Good luck with your recovery Amy; you truly are a remarkable young lady.

SAINT BENEDICT’S HOSPICE

RECEIVE WELCOME DONATION

After many years being situated within the premises of City Hospitals Sunderland on Newcastle Road, Saint Benedict’s Hospice has moved to new purpose-built premises in Ryhope.

It has long been a tradition for members of the medical profession, including administrators, GPs and consultants to join Vedra Lodge No3137, which meets at Wearside Masonic Temple in Burdon Road, Sunderland.

There has therefore always been a strong affinity between the Lodge and the hospice, and several of their current members have either served or are serving on the management board.

At a recent meeting of the Lodge it was agreed this would be an appropriate time to make a donation to the hospice to provide funds for patients’ amenities. Pictured making a presentation of £1000 to Chairman of the hospice Derek Moss and fund raiser Sylvia Stoneham are Roy Neville,

Treasurer of Vedra Lodge, Dr. Martin Walker, Past Master and currently Vice Chairman of the hospice and Jim Gardner, Past Master and Past Chairman of the hospice.

In his response, the Chairman expressed his great appreciation for this donation but also remarked that the regular annual donations from the Province of Durham Benevolent Fund are a major factor in their fund-raising activities and help to maintain this invaluable facility for the town. The presentation party were then given a tour of the premises and were shown the impressive gardens and greenhouses where residents could either participate in the production of plants or find peace and tranquility in pleasant surroundings.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR TOP CARER On Wednesday 11th December The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute were delighted to announce that Hazel La Camp was the winner of the Ancillary Worker award for the North East, Great British Care Awards. Hazel enjoys a wonderful working relationship with her Domestics and Laundry team and is held in the highest regard with her staff for leading her teams fairly, with support and encouragement.

The RMBI extended congratulations to Hazel and Scarbrough Court for this outstanding result.

David Innes, RMBI Chief Executive, presented Hazel with her award. Residents and staff of Scarbrough Court were delighted to take part in the celebrations.

London on 2 November, attended by RMBI staff representing a cross section of departments. The Great British Care Awards are a celebration of excellence across the care sector and are designed to pay tribute to those who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

The RMBI were also proud to have been named as a London finalist for the Care Employer of the Year award.

Winners were announced at the annual ceremony in

Well done Hazel and the team at Scarbrough court, recognition for outstanding work and credit where credit is certainly due.

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PROVINCIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY ANOTHER SUCCESS Friday, 29th November 2013 saw Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-Spring once again playing host to the Provincial Promotions meeting and, for all who attended, a marvellous afternoon and evening were enjoyed at what is now regarded as the Provincial Christmas Party.

On a blustery winter’s day the warmth inside the arena, as well as the bustle of people preparing for the big occasion, was in abundance as Brethren swarmed about making last minute ‘tweaks’, ready for the start of the meeting.

The Provincial Director of Ceremonies’ team conducted rehearsals, with catchers, collectors and escorts, as they put the selected Provincial Grand Stewards through their paces. The Provincial Secretary conducted a whirlwind of activity from his table in the corner as people lined up for some words of wisdom. The two Provincial Grand Wardens wandered around, mentally repeating their two big lines over and over again, and the seats in the arena slowly filled until everyone was taken.

The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Andrew Foster, brought the excited Brethren to silence as he explained the processions that would soon be entering and pointed out the general health and safety notices prior to the meeting.

Then the stage was set for another big occasion in the timeline of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham.

made the newly-refurbished organ burst into life as the processions began to enter the arena, each one taking its place within Provincial Grand Lodge to generous applause from the Brethren assembled. The last group to parade into the arena was, of course, the Provincial Grand Master, led by his Sword Bearer and flanked by the two Standards.

After the usual items of business, the Provincial Grand Master proceeded to promote sixty-one Brethren in Provincial Grand Lodge, in a polished ceremony that we have now come to expect from the Director of Ceremonies’ team and the Provincial Grand Stewards. He then offered his personal congratulations to those he had promoted, and delivered his address to the assembled Brethren.

The Provincial Organist

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The Provincial Organist made our newly refurbished organ burst into life as the processions started to parade into the arena

A collection was taken, with the proceeds being the start of the Durham Cathedral project, for which the magnificent sum of ÂŁ2,400 was raised.

The Provincial Grand Master then thanked the Brethren for attending and expressed his gratitude to everyone who had worked so hard to make the occasion so special, with particular thanks to the Secretariat, members of the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team.

Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed and the Brethren processed out with the same pomp with which they had entered the arena earlier in the evening.

As the distinguished guests and Brethren retired to chat and mingle with the newly promoted Brethren, the staff of Rainton Meadows, assisted by

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the Provincial Grand Stewards, transformed the arena into the banqueting hall with the professionalism and speed with which regular Promotions meeting frequenters are accustomed. There was even a table in the centre of the hall for some rather unusual, distinguished guests.

After two rather special presentations, the Brethren enjoyed a splendid festive meal in good company and raised spirits and, judging by the tremendous buzz that could be heard throughout the evening; a memorable occasion was enjoyed by all who attended.

A fantastic ceremony, sixtyone Brethren promoted, an inspired address delivered, two memorable presentations, a splendid meal and an outstanding night enjoyed by all in attendance.

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TEDDY BEARS HAVE THEIR PICNIC If you had gone down to Rainton Meadows in November, you really would have had a big surprise because the Teddy Bears literally did have their picnic, as guests of the Provincial Grand Master at the Provincial Christmas Party.

At the Invitation of the Provincial Grand Master, larger than normal Tender Loving Care Teddy Bears had their own table in the middle of the banqueting hall and did an amazing job in raising both funds and awareness of the marvelous cause.

The reason for their invitation was to witness the presentation of the 50,000th TLC Teddy to Angela Grundy and Jayne Gardarsson of Durham University Hospital’s Children’s Accident and Emergency Unit.

After being presented with the ceremonial 50,000th Bear, Jayne thanked the Brethren, and reminded everyone how important these furry little bears

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are and what an amazing job they do in helping to calm distressed children and making them smile, in sometimes the most unpleasant circumstances.

After the banquet the ‘Special guests’ were auctioned off by Andrew Foster, ably assisted by Area Communication Officers, managed to raise an extra £500 to go to a project which will be announced in the near future.

Two lessons to be learned: firstly, you can have fun making money for good causes and secondly, if you ever unexpectedly get invited to one of Norman Eric Heaviside’s events, be extremely cautious; you may get raffled after your dinner.

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GNAAS RECEIVES ANOTHER BOOST After the recent Provincial Promotions meeting had been closed and before the banquet began, Mandy Drake, Deputy Director of Public Liaison for the Great North Air Ambulance, gave a brief presentation on the difference our financial support makes to the organisation, and had brought two short films to be played on the large screens. The first introduced the Brethren to some of the crew who make this vital rapid response medical unit tick, and the second related some survivors’ stories. These really hit home and amply demonstrated that, without GNAAS, the people interviewed in the film, would simply not be alive.

Phil Twizell, the Worshipful Master of Agricola Lodge, explained how the Brethren had yet again ‘come up trumps’ with such a large donation.

They had recognised the fact that the Annual Durham Miners Gala passed the front door of their Lodge Building in Old Elvet and they simply “Sold them Burgers and Beer” as they passed through.

The cheque was then presented, to rapturous applause from the Brethren, and the guests joined the Provincial Grand Master at his table to enjoy the festive fare.

This was another sizable donation to the Great North

The Provincial Grand Master explained to the Brethren that the money being presented consisted of a grant from Grand Charity and the collection from the Annual Meeting at Dunston, with Durham Benevolence making up the total to £10,000. He then went on to say that the Brethren of Agricola Lodge had been up to their old tricks and had raised another amazing £5,000, making the cheque being presented a staggering £15,000.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Mandy thanked the Brethren whole-heartedly for the repeated contributions from the Freemasons of Durham and for inviting her and her husband to the Christmas Party.

Air Ambulance, an extremely worthy, worthwhile and relevant cause, so ‘Well done!’ to everyone who took part, and especial thanks are due to the Members of Agricola Lodge for, as usual, going that extra mile.

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PHOTO COMPETITION

WINNER

After much deliberation, The Provincial Secretary chose this submission sent in from Paul Black. Thanks to everyone who submitted photographs, there were a number of professional looking shots. So Congratulations Paul your bottle of whisky is winging its way to you and your image will be used on the spine of the 2014 edition of the Yearbook, which is due for publication in January.

Same rules apply for this issue so keep up the good work and keep snapping!

CAPTION COMPETITION

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£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner Many thanks to all of the readers who submitted their captions for the picture of Ian Kirkbride from the last issue; you have given the news team a chuckle with your hilarious suggestions.

After consideration we have decided that, out of the printable suggestions the winner should be none other than Paul Paterson our Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch with his “Ian had misunderstood the meaning of Full Dress Regalia!” Well done Paul your prize is on its way!

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TH LAST MON

This months offering features Area Communications Officer for the North, Paul O’Doherty and our Provincial Grand Master. Judging by the body language, your guess is as good as ours!

“Ian had misunderstood the meaning of Full Dress Regalia!”

Winner- Paul Paterson our Deputy Grand Superintendent

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£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner news@news.pgldurham.org

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BOXING DAY DIP The North East has gained a growing reputation over recent years as an area of the country that celebrates Boxing Day by a dip into the cold waters along its shores. Notably, this year thousands took to the coastline, which included Redcar, Seaburn and South Shields. For many of the participants this was an annual outing but for the vast majority it would be their first time.

This strange ritual has many motivational factors; for some, to wash away their Christmas hangovers, while for others it is to prepare their bodies for the Seasonal Sales or a reason to avoid them. Some simply enjoy taking part while others do so in the name of charity. Many that made up the latter were from Freemasons Lodges across the region.

One such group of intrepid adventures came from Surtees and Rowlandson Lodges.

They were being sponsored on behalf of the “Blood Bikes� (see following article) and were accompanied by friends and families. For each one this was

their first time to brave the icy North Sea, at South Shields, in late December when the air temperature was 0c (they may have considered dipping their toes in the same waters in July or August when temperatures were kinder).

As they walked across the sandy beach, they heard the sound of their footsteps crunching through the icecovered sand before making their way into the surf and immersing their bodies into the freezing waves.

With sharp intakes of breath and gasps of shock as the ice nibbled at their most tender

parts, self-preservation quickly took over. Yes, acceptance that the task had been performed.

Now it was time to leave the sea to marine life and return with some haste to the shore and the comfort of dry land and towels. Once they had restored themselves to their normal comforts, they shared their recent experience over a drink of coffee and bacon butties.

When their bodily senses had returned to some normality, they agreed that every penny raised for the benefit of the charity was reward enough and maybe - just maybe - they should do it all again next year.

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BLOOD BIKES As Worshipful Master of Longscar Lodge in Hartlepool, when When Phil Johnson chose Blood Bikes as his charity for the year, being a member of the emergency services himself he knew they were a vital resource.

Blood Bikes provide a free service to transport blood, tissue and other essential items for the hospitals, 24 hours a day, every day.

The service also assists the other emergency services at time of need and has recently been engaged to assist the Great North Air Ambulance Service on the ground and with support to Mountain Rescue Services such as moving equipment to awkward off road locations, and have also helped check empty vehicles during heavy snow fall etc. which saves sending vital resources to carry out such checks.

During Phil’s year as Master, he has raised more than £200 from the sale of Masonic pens. That, added to £150 from the West Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Fund and £250 from raffle proceeds, means that Longscar has really made a difference to this very worthy cause.

Tony Hudspith of Caradoc Lodge is one of the volunteers for Blood Bikes and works tirelessly to raise funds and support for the charity and it was after an inspiring talk by Tony on the subject that Phil decided to get involved.

Tony describes a typical day in the life of a blood biker.

“It’s 1900 hours and the bloodbike has been locked away in

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my garage after the previous rider has handed it to me. We have both gone through the vehicle checks on the bike, as rider safety is paramount. The mandatory white helmet, textile (warm) clothing and boots are all hung up near the door ready for when the call comes in. As normal, as soon as the shift starts the phone rings. It’s dispatch, who tells me they need a sample taken from Hartlepool General Hospital (HGH) to North Tees Hospital (NTH) within a 4-hour period.

I always take the call straight away and get the job done, as I wouldn’t want to wait until three and a half hours and then get a life-dependent call and be stuck with two runs to do. I don my protective biking gear along with the Bloodrun EVS high vis jacket, which I am always proud to wear.

The bike is running and warming up on the driveway while I do the final lights check and all is good, especially the heated grips, which are a godsend at this time of the year. arrive at NTH I take the sample to switchboards who then notify the pathology lab that it has arrived.

Away I go through the town at the correct speed limits, as we are not permitted to exceed the speed limits or run red lights.

We MUST adhere to the Highway Code at all times. I arrive at HGH at 1917hrs, and go straight to the pathology lab at the side of the hospital. The on-call staff member there greets me with the samples; the relevant paperwork is signed off and away I go.

Once all the relevant paperwork is completed I return home and log in with dispatch to let them know I am home safe and well.

It then turns into a waiting game never knowing when the phone will ring again. I have now settled into my bed, for a hopefully, uneventful night. At 0200hrs the phone rings again! It’s an urgent life-dependent call! My fiancé Liza, who is also part of the team, knows the score and is out of bed

I can normally get from HGH to NTH in about 15-20 minutes through normal traffic. Once I

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in a flash helping me with my gear and the bike checks. Blue lights flashing I’m off!

This time it’s HGH to NTH accident and emergency, blood urgently needed! I am met at the parking spot by the team who hand me the blood, which I safely lock away in the panniers of the bike. I am on duty with “Jack” a Kawasaki KLE 500. Away we go up past Hart Village and down the A19 towards NTH keeping to the speed limits but in the back of my mind I am conscious that someone’s life may depend on the service we provide.

I don my protective biking gear along with the Bloodrun EVS high vis jacket, which I am always proud to wear.

I keep my speed down and use the lights to make headway through a surprisingly busy A19 at that time of the morning full of trucks and wagons. It would be pointless for me to go too fast and end up involved in an accident and someone missing out on urgent supplies at the other end.

I’m there, pulling round to the main entrance of NTH with the team ready and waiting for me.

I hand them their vital supplies and another team member stays behind to complete the paperwork while they rush off

with the blood. I then have a gentle ride home to bring my heart rate and adrenalin back to normal. Again, I report back to dispatch to say “job done”.

Back to bed for a sleepless night thinking about the job I’ve just done and that hopefully the charity has made a difference to someone. My alarm clock buzzes at 0700 and I can relax for my shift is done until I clock back on again. We run our service from 7pm-7am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends.

I go to work with a sense of pride knowing that I’m part of something special and helping out those in distress.”

For further information visit www.bloodrun.co.uk

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FEAR OF CHANGE A New Year brings change and, quite often, new challenges. Some of these events are half expected and some take us completely by surprise. Those that are unexpected are much more likely to make us uncomfortable and apprehensive or, at the other end of the scale, delighted and optimistic.

When any change takes place there is a natural tendency to find a reason to resist that change. The bigger the change is perceived to be, the more pronounced the need to question it, oppose it on principle, or even ignore it. One thing is certain, over time most people learn to accept changes even when they may originally have objected to or opposed them.

I am not suggesting in any way that we should accept all changes without question or apprehension. That approach could easily lead to hasty judgments, change for the sake of change and possibly result in decisions that could

be detrimental to individuals, groups or organisations such as Freemasonry.

detriment of others or resulted in unnecessary personal upset?

Have you avoided commenting on something that was going on that made you uncomfortable or that you thought was bad for the groups you are involved in? Have your actions or avoidance of action resulted in a situation deteriorating, even if temporarily?

The art of managing change seems to me to revolve around understanding need for it.

This necessarily means that we should try to communicate that need to those affected and be willing to adjust plans or actions in the light of positive suggestions that may improve the outcome.

We, as Freemasons, are expected to be supportive of each other and tolerant of one another’s weaknesses.

We are instructed to try to be meek, humble and respectful of the efforts of others. With these things in mind, I hope we can all learn to embrace any opportunity or change which

Why am I labouring this issue?

Think about things that may have happened to you or your friends recently. Have you initiated or supported any actions that, unknown to you at the time, could have been to the

DID YOU KNOW?.......

The emblem on the Durham Provincial Craft tie is a representation of the jewel worn by William Henry Lambton, Provincial Grand Master (1787 – 1797), who formed the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham in 1788.

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PUBLISHED BY THE FREEMASONS OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

will benefit our organisation, our families or friends and that if we feel the need to comment we can keep our comments constructive and aligned with our aim of pleasing each other and uniting in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.

Most fear of change can be overcome by careful thought and communication rather than kneejerk reaction. Keeping a smile and a kind word at the top of your reaction list may help.

“We have always done it this way” can be a serious detriment to progress or development if applied without thought.

Straightedge

A CHRISTMAS CAROL On Friday 20th December more than one thousand Brethren of our Province and their families turned out in force to ensure that Christmas got off to an outstanding start. Even the miserable weather conditions did not deter the Brethren from coming together for a wonderful Carol Service in our own World Heritage Site that is Durham Cathedral.

There was hardly an empty seat in the house as friends and families settled down to hear the traditional nine lessons delivered impeccably by the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Pauline Charlton, David Hanson, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Professor Denovan Wilson, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Mrs Dawn Rann, wife of the Provincial Grand Secretary, Lewis Harvey a Master Mason from Lambton Lodge No375, Phillip Johnson, Worshipful Master of Longscar Lodge No6203, Ian Turnbull, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of the United Grand Lodge of England, Michael Shaw, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and the final lesson delivered by the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside. The readers were ably supported by the Durham Masonic Male Voice Choir, conducted by Paul Debenham, The Provincial Grand Organist, Dr Richard Scothon and the Saint Cecilia Brass Ensemble, directed by Bill Watson, and of course all of the people assembled who played their part in making this a quite exceptional event, festive and heart-warming.

After the service the Provincial Grand Master stated “I was delighted that The Dean, Very Rev’d Michael Sadgrove, began the Service with a very warm welcome and was with us throughout the evening.

My sincere thanks to all who attended and more particularly for all those who had worked hard to ensure that every detail had been planned and successfully executed. I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year.”

THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE

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ISSUE 13

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FEBRUARY 2014

19

DURHAM FREEMASON APPOINTED MSF TRUSTEE

Richard Douglass, Chief Executive of the Fund said, “Following an extensive recruitment and selection process the President and Trustees of the Masonic

Samaritan Fund are pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Leggat-Chidgey as a Trustee of the Fund.

Graham has a wealth of experience of the charity sector and the care sector, which he plans to put to use on behalf of those in need of health and care support.

We are looking forward to working with him.”

FEBRUARY

20 FEBRUARY

5 MARCH

10 MARCH

1 20

APRIL

2 APRIL

THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY Rowlandson Chapter No3360 Grand Superintendent Presenting 50yr Certificate

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THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY Washington Chapter No4346 Full Team Visit

7

APRIL

MAY

WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH Hudson Lodge No2791 Full Team Visit

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MONDAY 10TH MARCH Aclet Lodge No5880 Minimum Team Visit

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TUESDAY 1ST APRIL Hadrian Lodge No1970 Full Team Visit

Graham is obviously delighted with the enormous honour to have been appointed after an extremely competitive interview process and stated “To have the opportunity, so soon in my Masonic career, is an incredible privilege and I very much look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the staff at the Fund. As you know, I am Chief Executive of Butterwick Hospice Care – a position I have held since 2000. We freely provide adult Hospice

Although this is a national appointment Graham is very much looking forward to promoting the work that the fund carries out to the Brethren in the Province of Durham and assist local Brethren in accessing grants

DATES FOR THE DIARY 13

which are available to them and their families.

MAY

MAY

29 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY Caradoc Lodge No4749 Minimum Team Visit

MONDAY 12TH MAY Jarrow Grange No8551 40th Anniversary

WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY Chapter Annual Convocation Rainton Meadows

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE Annual Provincial Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

PUBLISHED BY THE FREEMASONS OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM

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Well done to Graham on his appointment and to the Fund for getting their man.

Sneak Peek Inside the next Issue:

WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL Crook Chapter No2019 Full Team Visit

FRIDAY 25TH APRIL Vedra Lodge No3137 Minimum Team Visit

Care in Stockton and across rural County Durham from our Bishop Auckland site and Children’s Hospice care across the whole of the Durham Province and beyond.”

• Paving the Way • Have you any Harmony?

• An Insight into Athelstan • Plus all the latest from around the Province Deadline for the next edition is 30th March

news@news.pgldurham.org

www.durhamfreemasons.org

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

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The Masonic Samaritan Fund yesterday announced that they have appointed Graham Leggatt-Chidgey as a Trustee to the Fund and Trustee for the Royal Masonic Hospital.

This is a huge honour for both Graham on a personal level but also to the Province of Durham where Graham is a member of both Lodge of Philanthropy and Barnard Lodge; Graham is also CEO of Butterwick Hospice.