No 6
The Magazine of the Masonic Province of West Kent
September 2013
Spectacular lives up to its name! The “Fire & Ice” event at Oakley House on Saturday 13th July was billed as a “Provincial Night Out - A Fire and Ice Spectacular” and that’s exactly what it proved to be! The first element meant that there was no pressure to raise funds for anything; the objective was simply to enjoy a top-class night out, and the ’Fire & Ice’ elements were such as to ensure that the objective was achieved.
In this issue: Fire & Ice ............................................ 1 & 2 MSF Eligibility Calculator.............................. 3 2013 Raft Race .................................... 4 & 5 Masonic Miscellany ..................................... 6 Royal Arch News ........................................ 7 Electronic Banking - Rule 153....................... 8 Congratulations & Celebrations .......... 9, 10, 11
The ‘Spectacular’ was organised by WK Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge 8565 and attended by 349 people, including many nonMasonic guests, with everyone “dressed to impress”, as requested on the invitation, making it a glamorous as well as fun night.
Masonic Miscellany ........................ 12, 13, 14 Passed to Higher Service ........................... 15 Freemasonry in the Community ....... 15, 16, 17 Masonic Miscellany ............................ 17 & 18
continued on next page West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
1
Spectacular lives up to its name! continued from previous page
The evening started with a welcome drink on the lawns of Oakley House which was in sunshine and warm, and there were ‘Ice Maidens’ to welcome guests and ‘Fire Eaters’ to warm them up! The evening moved into the Dining Hall, where "Chicks with Tricks" female magicians walked around the tables, showing excellent magic tricks. A three-course meal was served, the sweet was a total surprise and it was well worth the wait for the indoor fireworks! A full laser light show followed with excellent music that kept the dance-floor full all evening; the music was varied and every age group was on the floor at some stage. A casino and card room was in full flow throughout the evening, not for real cash but
great fun, winners and losers but without pain to the pocket! The hard work of all the Stewards certainly paid off, and it was wonderful to see the venue full of friendly faces enjoying themselves. The PGM said of the evening “I thought last night was a brilliant success. Exactly what we do next year needs thought as it will be hard to repeat the achievement of last night.” Speaking of next year, it will be wonderful to see everyone who attended this year’s event there, as well as those who were unable to attend due to too much demand for tickets. Rest assured the Stewards will endeavour to not only repeat but to exceed the success of the Fire & Ice Spectacular! Many thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the night so special. The event finished at 1:00 a.m. and was a not for profit event and there were no speeches or raffles. The event was simply for fun and many guests were not ‘Masonic’ … but might well soon become so! Duncan Annells West Kent News is very grateful to Jill Merrett, who kindly allowed us to use her photographs for this article. More photos of the event can be seen, and prints purchased, via her website: www.jjmerrettphotography.vpweb.co.uk
Article Index:
New Ripon Falls Lodge 8833 ............................. 12
Around the Centres ........................................... 5
Easy Rider - Swanley Lodge 5873 ...................... 14
WK Masonic Bowls Association ............................ 6
Riding High in Dartford ..................................... 15
Great Camel Race ............................................. 6
West Kent Wiggo ............................................. 16
Anderida Dogs .................................................. 6
Great Ormond Street Hospital ........................... 17
Catford Lodge 3649 Centenary ............................ 9
Bulldog Still Barking ........................................ 17
Waterloo - AGAIN! ........................................... 10
Motorcycle Enthusiasts ..................................... 17
Citations ......................................................... 11
Scriveners’ Conference ..................................... 18
PGDoK Study Circle .......................................... 12
Eric’s Bike Ride ............................................... 18
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
2
Masonic Samaritan Fund
DURING the twelve months to June 2013 (the latest available figures) almost £450,000 has been given in grants to Brethren and their dependants in this Province. Of this amount the Masonic Samaritan Fund has provided a total in grants of £137,265 which was for help with medical, surgical, dental, counselling and respite care issues. This is a significant contribution to the members of the Province and is a positive reason why we should all support the 2015 Festival. However, it does pose the question as to whether there are others that could have been helped. There are many reasons why Brethren may not have taken advantage of the help available through the MSF. There are some that may not know that they are eligible. This is a matter of communication and is an area that is being addressed centrally, but Lodge Almoners should be informing Brethren of the services available on a regular basis, particularly to those that have health problems. Other Brethren might assume that as they own their own home and have some savings that they will not be considered “in need”. Unless these Brethren make the enquiry, they will never know whether they might receive assistance and the sure way of not getting help is not to apply for it! Some Brethren may not wish their Lodge Almoner and/or members of their Lodge to know that they are seeking help. In such cases, direct contact with the MSF or the Provincial Grand Almoner could be a way forward. To help Brethren and their dependants find out whether they might be eligible the MSF has produced the Eligibility Calculator. It is intended to help Brethren understand the eligibility criteria and can assess the possibility of a Brother being helped with a grant for private
treatment, care or support. Answering 10 questions could be the first steps to stop the frustration and worry of a long wait, or huge expense, to receive the health and care they need. The Calculator can be accessed on line: Eligibility Calculator It takes the applicant through a set of screens, each containing a set of easy to answer questions. Depending on the response given, he will be directed to the next screen until on the final template, personal contact details are requested. Once these are submitted, a member of the Grants Team will make contact to discuss the next steps. Brethren are reminded that to seek help for surgical assistance, the Brother or his dependant must have seen a consultant and be on the NHS waiting list with a proposed operation date in excess of 12 weeks ahead. Brethren must also note that the MSF is not an alternative to private health insurance. Grants are considered on an individual basis by the Grants Committee and are not guaranteed until the MSF have received a completed application form. Roger Friend Provincial Grand Almoner The MSF newsletter, first published in December 1991, and familiar to us all as “In Need”, has been re-branded as “MSF News”. The latest issue - published in can be seen on-line: MSF News
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
3
August 2013 -
Annual Raft Race 2013 THE ANNUAL PROVINCIAL RAFT RACE was again held on Saturday 7th September 2013 at Greenhithe, hosted by Phil Griggs at the Pier Hotel. The event was organised by the West Kent Lodge of Charity 9610 to raise money towards the 2015 Festival for the MSF, as well as contributing to the Golden Mile. The event was once again overseen for safety in the water by the Cambria Sea Scouts who did a magnificent job. The Sea Scouts also arranged boat trips at £1 a person as the following picture shows.
Team 3 – North Kent Lodge 2499:
Team 4 - St John Lodge of Fidelity 5963:
Eight teams were entered, with various designs of Raft, into what they hoped would be a keen contest. The pictures of the contestant teams in order of finishing follow.
Team 5 – Oakley Lodge 8958 Men:
Winners – The Brick Academy – friends of Dave Tickner of Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge 3578:
Team 6 - Jubilee Jolly Rogers:
Team 2 – Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge 3578:
continued on next page West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
4
Annual Raft Race 2013 ensuring everyone’s safety and to the various members of the West Kent Lodge of Charity 9610 for organising the event and Grand Draw.
continued from previous page
Team 7 - Oakley Lodge 8958 Ladies:
There was one Non-Finishing team due to capsize of an interesting design – Sidcup Lodge 6552. No one was hurt as can be seen. Nice try but back to the drawing board.
Doug is seen above presenting the trophy cup to the winning team – The Brick Academy – a very personable group of young men, who won despite a strong challenge from the Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge team.
W Bro Doug Hughes – APGM for Charity in the Province had started the race. Doug thanked everyone for coming to support and for many donations for yet another successful Raft Race event. He paid particular thanks to the Hotel for hosting the event, the Cambria Sea Scouts for
George Buckberry
Around the Centres YOU might imagine, it being the ‘off season’, that not a lot has been happening at our Centres. If so, you would be wrong, because those wonderful “elves” who give their time to our Centre Committees have been working hard behind the scenes to improve various aspects of our Masonic meeting places:
refurbished. Equally importantly, dining prices have been held for another year. There is an ongoing ‘fairly major’ refurbishment of the exterior and interior at Tunbridge Wells, with new central heating boilers and ovens in the kitchen. A five-year plan is now in place for future improvements. The water damage suffered by the walls at Sevenoaks has now been repaired, although there is still an ongoing issue at the entrance with [someone else’s] drains. The Centre has been repainted throughout and the Lodge Room carpets cleaned. I was dazzled when I saw the black and white carpet for the first time! The Centre also has a new caterer although prices have been maintained at last year’s levels.
Wrotham has a shiny, new car park surface. The muddy puddles are now a thing of the past as it has been tarmacked all over in what is said to be a “splendid job”. Welling has a new Centre Manager - Peter Hucker has recently been appointed. That most important feature - the bars - are being
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
5
Masonic Miscellany WK Masonic Bowls Association
T
HE Association has had mixed fortunes this season. Six games were scheduled, but unfortunately two were cancelled by the opposition. Of the three games played to date, all have been lost. However, the Association hopes to finish on a high note by winning the one remaining game, which is at the Bat & Ball against Gravesend on Thursday 12th September. Despite the results, enthusiasm remains high and we are looking to extend our fixture list for next season. If you are interested in bowling for your Province, please contact me on bwbutler@btinternet.com or ring 01322 227 767.
Are these ladies “Camel Jockeys”, or is there a different word for people who ‘ride’ camels?
“The Great Camel Race” was hosted by Crayford Lodge 6336 in aid of the Lodge and of Hesketh Park Bowls Club. The camels were provided, and the races organised, by members of Lullingstone Lodge 1837. With 70 people attending, the evening went with a real swing and everyone went home happy after helping raise £200 each for Crayford Lodge and Hesketh Park Bowls Club. Members of both organisations are very grateful to the members of Lullingstone Lodge for all their hard work.
Brian Butler Secretary
Great Camel Race A ‘great’ evening was held at Dartford Masonic Centre on Friday 9th August.
Brian Butler Secretary, Crayford Lodge
Anderida Dogs Anderida Lodge 8593 went to the dogs yet again on Saturday 7th September, at Crayford Greyhound Racing Stadium. The event was again organised by W Bro Gerry Annells, in memory of his late daughter-in-law Sarah. Nearly 80 members and friends (including a couple of children) enjoyed a very happy evening, some barely recovered from the Provincial Raft Race earlier in the day. To preclude a flood of begging letters, I won’t reveal his full name, but I’m told that Arthur B again took a few quid from the bookies; where does he get his information? The high spot of the evening was that one of organiser Gerry’s dogs (Lemaneigh Mick) won the top race of the evening, beating an odds-on favourite, so hopefully won a bob or two on that one, and Gerry came home with a trophy. The best result of the evening was undoubtedly the money raised for charities, including “The Childrens’ Trust” and “Friends Together”. This was still being collected and counted at the time of writing, but is expected to reach £1,200. Congratulations to Gerry and Anderida Lodge on yet another successful Charity Greyhound Racing evening (the fourth in two years).
Editor’s Note: As the camels (above) are facing the wall, this was either a very close photo-finish, or the camels race backwards!
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
6
Of course inevitably when changes are made someone has to make way and this year it is Doug Rainbird. I know that the Grand Superintendent will thank Doug in person in October, but I would like to pay tribute to him in this article. Doug has over 50 years’ service in both Craft and Chapter and not many Freemasons achieve that before their 76th birthday. He holds Grand Rank in both; again no mean feat. He has held the office of Master three times and MEZ three times. Doug is an example of all that a Freemason should be and he has helped me enormously since the day I was appointed Deputy and I owe him a great deal. I am delighted that he has agreed to continue as one of the Grand Superintendent’s Representatives. One piece of advice to you all, if you ever get an opportunity to listen to one of Doug’s Lectures, do take it. In my opinion he ranks alongside Gordon Davie and Roland Wade as speakers of the highest quality. On behalf of us all, “Thank you Doug!”
Companions, I hope and trust that you all had a good summer and that, like me you are looking forward to the new Masonic season.
This season will be one of excitement and expectation in the Royal Arch we have the bicentennial church service at Canterbury in September and the 200-year celebrations at Supreme Grand Chapter in October, both before our meeting. What a great start!
I am delighted that the Grand Superintendent has asked me to continue as his Deputy and like many of you I am looking forward to the Provincial Meeting on 25th October. I am hoping to see at least 500 West Kent RA Companions at that meeting. There are several changes to the RA Executive and I would like to congratulate:
Just as I finished writing this, I heard that no less than 38 Chapters have qualified to receive a 2015 Festival Roll of Honour award in October. This is magnificent, especially on top of the £30,000 raised for the Royal College of Surgeons.
Brian Saunders, on his promotion to 2nd Provincial Grand Principal; James Marsh, on his promotion to 3rd Provincial Grand Principal; Alan Cope, on his promotion to Assistant to the Provincial GPs; Mick Stillwell, on his re-appointment as Assistant to the Provincial GPs.
Bob King Deputy Grand Superintendent
Privacy Policy AS you will realise from the various ‘credits’ accompanying the articles in WK News On-Line, the large majority of the content is contributed by individuals. I do not have the resources to check every contribution to ensure that anyone mentioned in an article or featured in a photograph has given their consent to its publication.
It is therefore assumed that the person submitting an article and/or photograph has obtained the necessary agreement from each individual mentioned or featured. Mike Wheal Provincial Information Officer
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
7
UGLE Approves Electronic Banking Treasurer, but on no pretence any other brother, to make payments from the Lodge’s bank account by electronic means. 153(b) All cheques must bear the signature of two members, duly authorised by the Lodge, and unless impracticable one of the signatories shall be the Treasurer. 153(c) The Treasurer shall maintain a complete record of all Lodge monies passing through the bank account and pass this to his successor, together with all Lodge funds and property in his possession. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual statement of accounts, showing the exact financial position of the Lodge, which shall be verified and audited by a Committee of Lodge members. 153(d) Copies of the annual accounts, including the certification signed by the Audit Committee, shall be sent to all members with the summons convening the meeting at which they are to be considered. The accounts shall be considered no later than the third meeting after the Lodge fiscal year end.
At the last Quarterly Communication of UGLE the use of electronic banking was approved and amendments have therefore been made to Rule 153, Book of Constitutions.
153(e) The same procedure of annual accounts, audit and presentation to the Lodge members shall be followed in relation to any other funds maintained by any Lodge member that have not been included in the annual Lodge accounts, such as Charity, Benevolent Fund, Dining Fund, etc.
To clarify “Rule I53” I have summarised the main duties, which all Treasurers must be aware of and clearly follow: 153(a) All monies, unless paid directly to the Lodge bank account, shall be paid to the Treasurer who will deposit them in the Lodge bank account. By resolution, the Lodge may authorise the
Peter Sawyer Provincial Grand Treasurer
Freemasonry in the Community When the ‘Freemasonry in the Community’ initiative was introduced (in 2000, I believe), there was a logo associated with it. In West Kent News On-Line, I have followed the practice of other Provinces in grouping a number of our activities, whether involving the whole Province or individual Lodges or Chapters, under the FITC banner. I have tried every possible source, from UGLE downwards, to get a decent copy of the logo to use herein and elsewhere, all without success.
I therefore turned to our ‘old friend’, Kelvin Gane, who has kindly produced the following logo for me:
If anyone would like a copy of the logo to use for publicising events, please contact me. Mike Wheal
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
8
Celebrations Catford Lodge 3649 Centenary
presence of The Deputy Grand Master of West Kent, VW Bro Chris Roberts, and his escorting Officers and many guests. W Bro Peter Ward, the Master for the Centenary Year, was very ably inducted into the chair of King Solomon by the outgoing Master and present IPM, his Son, W Bro Simon Ward. W Bro Gordon Davie gave a memorable reading of the ‘Centenary Certificate’, enjoyed by all present, following which the certificate was presented to the WM by the DPGM. WM Peter was delighted to present VW Bro Chris Roberts with a cheque for £1,000 for the 2015 Festival on behalf of the Lodge. THE Brethren of Catford Lodge 3649 celebrated their Centenary at their Installation meeting on Saturday 27th April. They were honoured by the
Keith Kemp Secretary
Where is your story? Fortunately, the change from printed to electronic form means that WK News is no longer bound by the need to be a multiple of four pages (this issue has 18 pages for example), which gives greater flexibility. However, I still need ‘copy’ and photographs to fill those pages, otherwise we won’t have a newsletter at all. I would appreciate it if you would do two things:
1.
2.
If you have a special event, please ensure you have a ‘designated photographer’ to take decent photos; I have the software to improve photos, but there is a limit to what I can do. Don’t wait for the next WK News deadline to submit your story; send it to me straight after the event. Provincial Information Officer
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
9
Celebrations! Kent. E Comp Geoff Walker had prepared a very entertaining brief history of the Chapter, but owing to his indisposition on the day, extracts were delivered by the MEZ. The minutes of the Bicentenary Meeting held in 1988 at Oakley House were also read and the icing on the cake was a very entertaining (and at times hilariously witty) oration by E Comp Graham Higgs, Provincial Grand Orator. A packed Festive Board enjoyed a banquet w it h ea ch C ompan ion rec e iv in g a commemorative booklet. The Chapter today is thriving with 50 members, including honorary members, representing 18 Lodges and 6 Chapters with another Exaltee in October. Pictured (below) in the front row are the Principals, E Comp James Ashmore (MEZ), E Comp John Rothery (H), and E Comp Martyn Dawson (J) with E Comps Bob King and Graham Higgs.
Waterloo - AGAIN! WEDNESDAY 5th June 2013 was a red letter day for Union Waterloo Chapter 13, which was consecrated in 1788. The very year that SGC celebrates its bicentenary coincides with Waterloo Chapter’s 225th anniversary. Such an occasion is unique, so even though the year was not an official milestone, the Chapter was delighted to receive many illustrious guests, including the Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp Bob King, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Master E Comp Graham Higgs and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals E Comp James Marsh, the latter on his second visit to Waterloo Chapter. This was a special meeting in other ways too. The Companions were treated to an historical feast, with a number of key documents being read out, including the Chapter’s Charter, the Centenary Charter, and a similar manuscript concerning its removal to the Province of West
Michael Warner
Daily Advancement I am grateful to Cliff Lee, the CIO at Welling, for giving me a daily advancement in non-Masonic knowledge, by passing on the following note issued by the Metropolitan Police, which I thought might be of wider interest:
such missing property on the free database: www.immobilise.com This excellent website contains 27 million accounts and is the best register of lost or stolen personal items in the UK. It is easy to register an account and the guides to registering items such as mobile phones, laptop computers, camera and so on are very clear and easy to follow. The important detail that is required is the
Following an event as large as the Notting Hill Carnival it is highly likely that a number of items of personal property will have been lost or possibly stolen. Due to the sheer numbers of attendees it may not have been possible to report these losses during the event. May I therefore invite you to retrospectively enter any
continued on next page
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
10
Congratulations! McDermid, Keith Locke, Ted Lee Worshipful Master, Dennis Rider.
Bro Henry Cochrane Lodge of St Giles and St Luke 6668
and
the
Ian McDermid
W Bro Shirish Patel New Ripon Falls 8833
W Bro Ian Walker, APGM presented Bro Henry Cochrane with his 60-year citation at his home in Bickley on Saturday 15th June. Bro Ian listened to the many stories that Henry and his wife Joan had to tell, and also presented them with a card and flowers, as they were celebrating 61 years of marriage the following week. Henry was born in Tottenham on 19/09/17 and attended the secondary school followed by Erith Tec college. During World War II Henry joined the war time police, then the army serving in Norway and the Middle East. On returning to England he meet his future wife Joan (her first and only boyfriend) and they were married on 18/06/51. After the war Henry worked for the family plumbing business, mainly in hospitals, before turning to plumbing in new homes and refurbishing old houses. Henry, Joan and their son John laid on an excellent brunch for the party of officers who also attended from The Lodge of St Giles and St Luke 6668. The photo above shows Bro Eric flanked by the ‘presentation party’ (l to r) W Bro Ian Walker, W Bros James Norris, Ian
In addition to receiving a generous cheque for the 2015 Festival (see page 12), presented when he visited New Ripon Falls Lodge 8833 on 18th June, W Bro Keith Fairweather, APGM had the pleasure of presenting a 50-year citation to W Bro Shirish Patel. Shirish was initiated into Harry Boazman Lodge 7671 (since erased), in East Africa, on 21/05/63. He is a Founder Member of New Ripon Falls Lodge 8833, and also of two further Lodges and two Chapters, and a member and officer of several others. He was WM of the New Ripon Falls in 1997-98 and served as Secretary from 2001 to 2010. His hard work in Freemasonry was rewarded with Grand Rank in both Craft and Royal Arch in 2010.
Daily Advancement your property to you! Mobile phones are perhaps the most common items that is lost or stolen. Every phone or any other device which can connect to a network using a Sim card, such as iPads and Tablet computers, contains a 15 digit unique serial number which is referred to as the IMEI number. Careful recording of this number is essential when registering your phone or device. Once you have registered and seen the array of items you can protect, please spread the word among family and friends.
continued from previous page
unique serial number of the item that is lost or stolen. This is because when officers discover property, they will check only the serial number against the National Register and so any other numbers will not accurately identify your property. Even if you have not lost any items it is an opportune moment to create a free account and register your possessions, so that the Police, anywhere in the UK can intercept stolen items, arrest offenders and more importantly, return
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
11
Masonic Miscellany records of the foremost research lodges in the British Isles - from Roy Wells, Freddie Smythe and Bob Gilbert to Clive Moore, Professor Charles Lawrence and Yasha Beresiner. The list of forthcoming talks between now and Christmas certainly bears this out …
Prince George Duke of Kent Study Circle THE Study Circle, or, as it was formerly known, the Masonic Discussion Group, can be traced back as a financial entity to 29th February 1980, according to the oldest National Savings Bank book in the collection of papers which are still in the muniments* of the present organisation. The present incumbent was recruited in 1988 by W Bro J E D Watkins to succeed him as Chairman of the Study Circle and can remember him saying that VW Bro Roland Wade had occupied the position before him for some fifteen years, although that places the start of the Group well before the earliest Bank Book signature we have. There is no bar to membership for anyone who is interested in Masonic matters although it should be stressed that the emphasis is placed more on topics which are suitable for both men and women - more especially given the balance of each in the RMBI establishment which is our home. The titles of talks and papers delivered to the circle are promulgated both by emails to the individual members of the Circle and also through the Provincial Website. The Study Circle meets on the first Monday of every month from September to April (Bank Holidays excepted), and is currently held in the Sun Lounge on the first floor of the building. Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided for all comers where they may enjoy any topic from the supposed origins of Freemasonry to a full audio-visual presentation by a Masonic Author promoting his latest book. Over the last thirty-three years the list of visiting lecturers reads like the membership
W Bro Ray Hudson Mon 7th October 'Emperor Constantine, Ratifier of Christianity' Mon 4th November W Bro Dr David West 'The Goat, The Devil and The Freemason' (AV) Mon 2nd December W Bro Clive Moore 'Origins and History of the Tracing Boards' None of the above talks are Masonically 'sensitive' and are therefore suitable for Masons and non-Masons alike. Dress code is 'smart but casual' and the meetings run from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, unless the audience are reluctant to let the speaker go! If you would like any additional information you may telephone the Chairman on: 01634 722 986 or email him at: phc@sky.com We look forward to welcoming you to our meetings. Peter H Currie Chair, Study Circle The Circle meets at PGDoKC, Shepherds Green, Bromley Lane, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 6PA Editor’s Note: If, like me, you have never come across the word ‘muniment’ before, it is, according to Wikipedia, a legal term for a document. Does that give us a clue to Peter’s profession? generous donation, W Bro Keith’s words about the importance of the Festival obviously impressed the Brethren as they have promised a further £501 for the Festival following their next meeting on 19th September.
2015 Festival FOLLOWING their meeting on 18th June, at Oakley House, members of New Ripon Falls Lodge 8833 were joined by non-Masonic friends and partners for a “Curry Festive Board”. The meeting was very well attended, with over 70 at the meeting and over 130 at the Festive Board. The Lodge was honoured by a visit from W Bro Keith Fairweather, APGM, who had a busy evening (see also page 11). He was delighted to receive from the Lodge a cheque for £5,001 for the 2015 Festival, presented by Charity Steward W Bro Mushtaq Ahmad. Apart from expressing thanks for the very
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
12
Masonic Miscellany The King ordered Adoniram to select a couple of dozen of the 330 and to make them Grand Stewards; at the same time informing him that although the office of Grand Steward would always be the most junior office in Grand Lodge, yet in the days to come it would be such an honourable office that it would be sought after by the highest in the land. Adoniram didn't believe this, but he accepted the task, and enquired how the Grand Stewards were to be distinguished; for, as he pointed out, when one's glass is empty, it is important to be able to identify the man who will fill it. And, of course at this time everyone was wearing white aprons to keep up the pretence of innocence. King Solomon declared the Grand Stewards should be distinguished by a jewel appended to a white collar, and he summoned a skilful artist to design it, a certain Brother Garth (generally known as "Hoe" Garth because he was a bit of a rake). Unfortunately the jewel designed by Brother Garth consisted of a combination of the jewels worn by the Principal Officers and this led to very great difficulties. The Feast had only been going for a few minutes before it became obvious that this system wouldn't work. Indeed, one Past Grand Warden, on his way to the door in order to restore himself to his personal comforts after the fish course, was accosted by a fairly junior brother at one end of the lower tables, who demanded of him a full bottle of wine, asking at the same time what he was expected to do with the empty one. To his credit, be it said, the Past Grand Warden did not ignore the junior brother, but turned and told him exactly what he could do with his empty bottle. Advice which, had it been taken, would have proved extremely uncomfortable, even if physically possible. Certain of the more eminent of the brethren then went to King Solomon to acquaint him with the utter confusion into which they had been thrown. The King therefore stood up and observing Adoniram at a distance (and notice that, even at this early stage, Adoniram had already achieved that quality which has been found in wine-stewards ever since - the ability to be always "at a distance") the King, observing him, beckoned him in the accustomed manner. Adoniram was so flustered that he wondered if he ought to kneel. Then, thinking better of it, he decided that he ought to salute the King with the G or R Sign. Unfortunately, at that particular moment he happened to have a bottle of red wine in each hand. The consequences
The Red Apron Editor’s Note: In Issue 5 of WK News On-Line, I promised a [possible] explanation of the origin of the Red Apron, in response to Perri Ahmet’s article in Issue 4. This explanation was produced and presented by The Rev Canon Richard Tydeman MA, OSM, PSGW, (Past Prestonian Lecturer) on the occasion of the Installation of RW Bro The Hon E L Ballieu, AGM, by the RW Bro G L O ColensoJones, PJGW, in the Grand Stewards Lodge, 18th January 1978 When the Temple at Jerusalem had been completed, King Solomon ordered that a great Feast should be held, so that the brethren in all classes of workmen might have the opportunity to rejoice together at the successful culmination of their labours. Accordingly, a stated day having been fixed for the Feast, preparations began to be made. It soon became obvious that they could not all sit down together, for the only dining-hall available was the House of the Forest of Lebanon which King Solomon had built between the Temple and the Palace, and this would only hold three hundred and thirty-three. As you are aware, a vast number of Masons had been employed in the building, and so the following arrangements were made: The EAs were issued with a double ration of corn, wine and oil, and told to enjoy themselves as best they could. The FCs were summoned to the Middle Chamber and given double wages, and told to buy themselves a good dinner. The Menatschin or prefects were given a stand-up buffet lunch in marquees erected in the Palace garden. This left just three hundred and thirty of the most senior Brethren to sit down in the Hall. They consisted mainly of Grand Officers, together with Provincial Officers representing each Province from Beersheba to Dan, and a number of JGRs (Jerusalem Grand Rank). The question then arose: who was going to serve the wine at this banquet? Normally, some of the junior brethren would have been recruited for this duty, but on this occasion they were all disporting themselves elsewhere and so some of the 330 would have to wait upon the others. King Solomon therefore sent for Adoniram who was, as you are no doubt well aware, the general masonic odd-job-man in Jerusalem.
continued on next page
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
13
Masonic Miscellany The Red Apron
Easy Rider
continued from previous page
were inevitable: the glass shattered in fragments while the wine, like Aaron's precious ointment, ran from his head to his beard, and even to the skirts of his clothing. There was a moment of deathly silence, and then one of the brethren cried: "See, Adoniram has a red apron" while others, more animated, exclaimed: "Lo, how it matcheth his face"! (Certain obstinate historians maintain that the words used here were actually; "Lo, how it matcheth his nose", but it is kinder to think that the authorised version is preferred at this point.) The King, ever mindful of the comforts of all his officers, soon put Adoniram at his ease; he called an immediate muster of all the Grand Stewards who were told to form a column in the North and turn half-left. Each was then handed two bottles of red wine and, taking their time from the GDC, saluted the King with eleven. Thus were the Grand Stewards first equipped with their red aprons. For several years the custom continued, and at the annual meeting of Grand Lodge, after the other officers had been invested, the Grand Stewards were lined up, handed bottles and instructed to salute. And then came the year when inflation pushed up the cost of wine to an unprecedented height. (I think that there had been a bad harvest of apes and peacocks in Ophir, or something.) It was at that opportune moment that there came before the King three zealous and expert brethren by the names of Toye, Kenning and Spencer, who made a full confession that they had in their possession a large quantity of red ribbon which they were anxious to place at the King's disposal. (In actual fact they had been decorating chocolate boxes for an RMBI festival and had over-ordered.) From that time, therefore, red ribbon has been substituted for the genuine and original regalia. Perhaps the time has now come when we should revert to the ancient custom, especially now that the cost of ribbon greatly exceeds the price of the bottles of wine. (Though I am afraid that the tickets for the Grand Investiture would be in even greater demand than they are at present). Long may the Grand Stewards continue to enjoy their traditional privileges and custom, and the proud motto specially composed for them by King Solomon himself: "Aspectu meo quam mappa rubro, quia fortiter labore” which, being interpreted, is: “If my face is as red as my apron, it is because I am working so hard”!
WHEN a member of Swanley Lodge 5873 was in urgent need of a 'Stair Chair Lift' for his mother, he applied to the Lodge Almoner W Bro Clive Firmager for help. Clive discovered that ‘Mum’ was not eligible for help from the Masonic Charities as she is not the dependant of a Freemason. He therefore appealed to Swanley Lodge, whose members, without hesitation, stepped in to fund the purchase and installation of the stair lift. As the picture shows, this led to a very happy and grateful mother, who said a big “thank you” to Swanley Lodge. Michael Gosling THE DEADLINE for copy for the next issue of West Kent News On-Line is: Saturday 30th November 2013 Please send contributions to: Provincial Information Officer
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
14
Passed to Higher Service We regret to publish the names of those senior Brethren and Companions who have departed from this mortal coil during the past few months. Fortunately, the list is somewhat shorter than in past issues of West Kent News, for which we are thankful. However their loss is keenly felt in their Lodges and Chapters and most of all, of course, their families to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences at their sad loss.
Bro Roger Cooper, PPGSuptWks Godyngton Lodge No 7049 Bro Peter Rudd, PPGSuptWks Lodge of St Giles and St Luke No 6668 Bro Kneale Phillips, PPSGD Manor of Bexley Lodge No 5977 Bro George Gay, PPJGD Pickwick Lodge No 5448
Bro Jack White, PPGReg St Barbara Lodge No 5937
Bro Clive Gayler, PPJGD Chislehurst Lodge No 1531
Bro Gordon Reeves, PPGReg Mandalay Lodge No 9383
Editor’s Note: I am very grateful to W Bro Ken Lorberg for carrying out the research and producing the information about our Departed Brethren.
Bro Donald Sly, PPGReg Crayford Lodge No 6336
Freemasonry in the Community - Playing Our Part Riding High in Dartford
One such member group is Arrow Riding Centre in Dartford. Each week the Arrow centre provides riding for 200 children and adults of all abilities from novice to Paralympic standard. Sessions are conducted by expert, qualified coaches. Arrow’s outdoor school was in urgent need of a new protective membrane and resurfacing, the cost of this work amounting to some £44,000. With the help of a generous donation from West Kent Provincial Benevolent Fund and others, the refurbishment has now been completed, to the delight of everyone at the centre including the horses.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) each year offers 30,000 people of all ages, with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties, the opportunity to horse-ride or take part in carriage driving. The RDA has some 500 groups throughout the United Kingdom with approximately 18,000 volunteers giving a total of 3.5 million hours of their time helping to give participants a chance to reach their personal goals, develop skills, overcome social isolation and connect with animals. New volunteers are always welcome. Experience is not essential as training is friendly and expert. For more information please visit:
David Jeffries St Vincent Lodge 6978
www.rda.org.uk
Work in progress
Job done! West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
15
Freemasonry in the Community - Playing Our Part technologies to all 49 baby and children's hospices throughout the whole of the British Isles who offer respite and palliative care to children, including Demelza Kent (formerly known as Demelza House) in Sittingbourne and Demelza South East London in Eltham. To find out more about Lifelites, you can visit their website:
West Kent Wiggo
www.lifelites.org
As was reported in Issue 5 (Breaking News), W Bro Ronald Salter of Three Columns of Shrewsbury Park 6882 has done it again … the Masters Bike Ride 2013. This event is organised every year by Middlesex Freemasons and Ron says that this year was hard! The weather was not good with rain most of the way and the usual head wind. There was also some strong competition who chased him all the way, but he managed to pull clear on the hills and arrived first at Barford Court, along the sea front in Hove. He was presented with his Yellow T-shirt by the Pro Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex, RW Bro Roger Croome, who was accompanied by his wife Pam. The day raised £20,000 for Lifelites whose Chief Executive, Simone Enefer-Day, said ‘All the riders were heroes. It's a tremendous effort to cycle that distance in such difficult conditions. The money raised will go to where it is needed most: providing state of the art technology for young children, in hospices, who have severe disabilities and are not expected to reach adulthood.’ Lifelites should be familiar to WK Masons as they have provided a package of specialist
Ron is either a glutton for punishment or a really enthusiastic cyclist and fund-raiser. As if the Master’s Bike Ride wasn’t enough, the 4th August saw him on his bike again, this time for the first-ever “Ride London 100”. This event started from the Olympic Stadium and followed the closed road race course used in 2012. Ron was riding for Marie Curie Cancer Care and completed the 100-mile course in 4hrs 35min, which is pretty amazing for a 52-yearold. Perhaps not surprisingly, Ron was the first Marie Curie rider ’home’ and has so far raised just over £1,000 for the charity. Ron didn’t tell us who are the two lovely ladies pictured below, but they seem very happy with his achievement. I’m not sure if too many of us could look this good after 4+hrs on a bike, but he seems to thrive on it!
Is your Lodge, Chapter or Centre playing a part in the local community? If so, why not send the details and a photo or two for publication in WK News On-Line? PIO@masons-westkent.org.uk
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
16
Freemasonry in the Community - Playing Our Part RUBY, the granddaughter of a member of Paddlesworth Lodge 6162, has undergone treatment since she was a baby for lymphovenous malformation and a port wine stain birthmark. In her name, the Worshipful Master, Duncan Wainwright, made a collection at the recent Ladies Festival. Ruby is pictured presenting the Birthmark Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital with a cheque for £500, which was one of three donated from all the members of the Lodge, bringing the total so far donated to the Lodge to £1,500. A non-Mason, Martin Johnston, will be swimming in the Millwall Dock in London to raise funds for the same cause and was sponsored by a number of the guests and brethren at the Ladies Festival.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
David Lucas CIO, Wrotham
Masonic Miscellany this year, a cheque for £1,520 was presented to Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro Phil May when he attended a meeting of the Chapter. Since then, a variant on the original bulldog has been produced. This version is still available, and will still generate £10.00 for the Festival for each one sold. At the time of writing, it is understood that around 60 have been sold. For details of the bulldog, and to order one, see:
Bulldog Still Barking!
Bulldog
Motorcycle Enthusiasts JUST in case you missed the original announcement, our Deputy PGM, W Bro Chris Roberts has issued a calling notice for expressions of interest from those who would consider joining a Motorcyclist’s Lodge. If you are one such, please email your name, current Lodge Number and Name, email address and telephone number(s) to:
AT a Provincial Officers’ Mess meeting in 2012, Barry Titterell of William Russell Chapter 1314 introduced a “Bulldog Freemason” in the form of a figurine in Masonic regalia. The figurine was to be available as a ‘Time-Limited’ edition and for every one sold, £10.00 would be donated to the 2015 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund. Sales went well, to the extent that earlier
pagsec@freemasons-westkent.org.uk Motorcyclist’s Lodges have proved very successful in other Provinces, so it is hoped that it will prove equally popular in West Kent and open Masonry to new potential members.
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
17
Masonic Miscellany Greenhithe, the wind was blowing him backwards, the pitted roads and traffic slowed him down. He still made good time but things were going to change thereafter. Eric’s lovely wife had planned to meet him there and, using the SatNav, would drive ahead and he would follow. An incident on the A20 delayed her so he carried on, following signs to Wrotham. As his wife (with his packed lunch!) was still in stationary traffic, they agreed to meet at Tunbridge Wells, so Eric stopped off in Meopham, for a ‘healthy’ lunch and a very welcome cup of tea before heading for Wrotham. W Bro Roger Mallet had agreed to meet at Tunbridge Wells Masonic Centre and present Eric with a very generous cheque from the Brethren of Tunbridge Wells. Apart from this, his wife (who had now caught up) was given a very pleasant tour of the Temple. His wife then led him through the twisting and turning lanes of Kent to Four Elms Village Hall. This was followed by a long drag up Ide Hill and a fast and furious descent through the stunning West Kent countryside … and finally, Sevenoaks! This left 10 miles or so to Bromley and the end of the ride. However, for Eric personally, there was one more thing to do. During his training, he had ridden up and down Polhill. He hated it because of the road surface and crazy drivers! He preferred Star Hill because, it being so steep, the cars go a lot slower, there’s a great view and deer are often seen in the nearby woods or fields … and it's a great challenge. Since a health problem in December, Eric had been told he was not fit enough to ride up Star Hill. However, with the help of re-hab classes and his training, he arrived there feeling good, so headed straight onto Star Hill and ‘went for it’. Whether it was the burger and chips in Meopham or just the ‘want’ to do it, he had the energy to fly up the hill and put a six-month-old demon to bed! Fantastic! Eric returned to Bromley just before 5:30 p.m., having covered over 80 miles with an actual cycling time of 6 hours 15 minutes and raised over £550.00 for the 2015 Festival. All in all, he says “It was a good day out”. Eric sends his thanks to all those Brethren who supported him.
Scriveners’ Conference 2013 FORTY YEARS ago this year, in 1973, the Masonic Provinces of East and West Kent came into being; the former Province of Kent being deemed too large to be managed efficiently. In order to celebrate this auspicious anniversary the Scriveners' Lodges of East and West Kent have reunited to present a joint conference to be held at the Maidstone Masonic Centre, Courtenay Road, Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6QS on Saturday 9th November 2013 at 9:00 a.m. for 9:30 a.m. and all Kent masons are invited. There will be a keynote address from Roger Odd (DPGM East Kent) and contributions from Graham Redman (Deputy Grand Secretary), Gordon Davie (PAPGM West Kent and Prestonian Lecturer), Roger Waltham (APGM East Kent) and Mark Estaugh (APGM West Kent) who in an entertaining and thought-provoking way will collectively consider matters historical as well as some of the major issues that affect East and West Kent today, all of which will then be swept up at the end by Bob King (DGSupt West Kent) who will lead a question and answer session. The conference should be over by 1:00 p.m. with light refreshments, all included at a cost of £5.00 per delegate. To book your place, contact Harry Maton by email to hjmaton@blueyonder.co.uk (including your name and Lodge number in the request) or call him on 020 8406 4623.
Eric’s Bike Ride In WK News Issue 5, a very brief mention was made of a bike ride ‘Around the Centres’, which was undertaken by Bro Eric Enock of Ravensmead Lodge 6404. Here is an account of his journey: Eric arrived at Oakley House shortly before 9 a.m. on a fantastic morning. For months, Eric had been cycling to work (12 miles each way) 2/3 days each week plus a 30/50 mile trip, through rain, wind, sleet and snow. The weather was perfect on the day, even better than the weather forecast. First stop was Prince George Duke of Kent Court, then on to Sidcup and Welling. Although he had planned the route, and driven the first part, he still managed to get a little lost, but arrived at Dartford just after 10 a.m. A quick roll ‘down the hill’ took him to Wilmington, making things seem easier than expected. However on the journey to
With Eric’s exploits and those of ‘West Kent Wiggo’ (aka Ron Salter) - described elsewhere perhaps PoWK should be considering entering a team in the ‘Tour de France’!
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 6 ~ September 2013
18