Surrey Mason Magazine - Spring 2013

Surrey Mason Issue 30 spring 2013

£1.75 where sold

Official Magazine of the Province of Surrey

WEYBOURNE HOUSE, GUILDFORD Report – Page 16

NEW UPDATED PROVINCIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED www.surreymason.org.uk IN THIS ISSUE Two new AProvGMs 2 Surrey Craft Festivals 3 ‘World of Wonders’ – the PGM travels to Turkey 4 Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments 5 Leodride Lodge celebrate 100 years 8 Masonic Quiz 9

SMWA - Guildford 11 Successful Mentoring workshops 13 Provincial Debate 14 A Freemason’s dying wish 15 Weybourne House, Guildford Report 16 Surrey for Surrey Fund presentations 17 Pinewood Lodge and Scouting 18 Masonic antiques and collectables 19

Inter-Provincial Debate 20 DepGM of Hungary visits Carshalton Lodge 22 Provincial Grand Charity Steward 23 Royal Arch Matters 24-25 Provincial Grand Almoner 28 Your Letters 32

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Copy date for next issue: 13 October 2013

If you are not a Freemason but would like to know more about us and where your nearest Masonic centre is located, contact www.surreymason.org.uk Further information about Freemasonry can be found also at www.ugle.org.uk

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Surrey Mason

Two AProvGMs retiring and two new to be appointed in June at the AGM

Surrey Mason Editorial submissions to: Surrey Mason Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey 71 Oakfield Road Croydon CR0 2UX Tel: 020 8686 8388 email: editor@surreymason.org.uk or provincialoffice@surreymason.org.uk Surrey Mason Committee: Chairman: W.Bro James Cook Secretary: W.Bro Steven Savvas Treasurer: W.Bro David Matthews W.Bro David T O’Leary W.Bro Jim Barnes W.Bro Peter Cartwright W.Bro Chris Eley (Royal Arch) Editor: W.Bro Peter Cartwright editor@surreymason.org.uk Advertising W.Bro Jim Barnes Tel: 01306 882412 M: 07967 392532 advertising@surreymason.org.uk The Surrey Mason is published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey. All material used is © copyright of the Provincial Grand Lodge and may not be reproduced, copied or held on any electronic media without the express permission of the Provincial Office.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of editorial and advertising content. No content may be reproduced or stored in any electronic retrieval system in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers.

Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. Contributed material will be returned if possible and if requested (accompanied by a stamped-addressed envelope), but the publishers accept no responsibility for the loss of such material howsoever caused.

TO ADVERTISE in the Surrey Mason Please call 01306 882412 or email: advertising@surreymason.org.uk

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Retiring this year are two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters: W.Bro Colin Palmer and W.Bro Jonathon Knopp both of whom have served a six year term in office.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Derek Barr paid this tribute to the retiring Executive officers. “Colin has played a major role in preparing for the next Masonic Festival and in the Surrey for Surrey Fund being chair of the Provincial Charity Committee. His dedication to this area of the Province’s work has been tireless. He was also the chairman of St Stephen’s Group. Thanks must also go to him for his efforts and good council as a member of the Provincial Executive for all these years.

Jonathon has spent his years by giving his expertise on administration and finance to the Province, previously Provincial Treasurer then going on to chair the Audit committee and the Surrey Masonic Halls Fund along with his chairmanship of the St David’s Group of Lodges.

Colin and Jonathon have served the Province with distinction and we wish them both well.”

The new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters who will be appointed at the AGM in June are W.Bro David Else and W.Bro Jim Hagarty.

DAVID ELSE was born in Godalming and now lives in the nearby village of Elstead with his wife Jenny, a local Borough Councillor. Between them they have four children and eight grandchildren.

David has run his own Architectural Practice since 1986, concentrating on residential work and the design of new houses for individual clients, extensions and refurbishments as well as works to Listed and Historic buildings.

During the late sixties and seventies, he also worked as a disc jockey in clubs and pubs in London, Surrey and Hampshire, indulging his passion for rhythm & blues and soul music.

David was Initiated by his father, Bernard, into Castle Keep Lodge No.6446 in 1975, becoming Master in 1989 and again in 2007 when the Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary, which was also the 50th anniversary of his father being Installed.

Between the two Installations David served as Lodge Secretary for 11 years. He has also served his Lodge of Instruction as either LoI Secretary or Preceptor since 1990.

In 2005, David was the Master of Surrey Secretaries Golden Jubilee Lodge No.9764, having been the founding Junior Warden three years earlier, and is a member of South West Surrey Masters Lodge No.5965 and The Friends’ Lodge No.9789.

In the Surrey Province, David has been Provincial Grand Standard Bearer and Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendant of Works, both of which offices included escorting duties; Past Provincial Grand Registrar during his 5 years as an Official Visitor in the St. Swithun Group and, in 2006, Provincial Grand Junior Warden.

In 2010 he was appointed to the Grand Rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

He was the first Companion to be exalted into the (then) newly consecrated Castle Keep Chapter No.6446 in 1990, becoming MEZ in 1998 and currently holds the Provincial Chapter rank of Past Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar. David is also a member of several Mark Lodges, Royal Ark Mariner Lodges and Royal & Select Councils. Additionally, David has in the past served as a Director of

Guildford Masonic Centre, and is currently Chairman of Godalming Masonic Hall Association and the Chairman of the Friends of Shannon Court. David welcomes the opportunity of joining the Surrey Executive and continuing to serve the Province.

Appropriately, he will be heading up the St. David Group of Lodges and is looking forward to getting to know all the Brethren of these Lodges as well as his team of Official Visitors.

JIM HAGARTY was Initiated into George Price Lodge No.2096 in December 1989. He was Installed as Worshipful Master in October 1998, and has been the Secretary of that Lodge since 2003.

His first Provincial Appointment was as Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 2005, and he was then appointed to Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2007.

Jim is also a Member of East Surrey Masters Lodge No.5888, in which he has served as Secretary since 2008.

He is also a Past Master of Gatwick Lodge No.2502, the City of London Lodge No.901, and is an Honorary Member of Pishon Lodge No.6458 (London).

Jim was honoured with Grand Rank in 2012 when he was appointed as Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer, and served as an Official Visitor in the St. Stephen Group from 2012/2013.

He was Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in the George Price Chapter No.2096 in January 1992 and became MEZ in 2002. He served as Scribe E from 2004–2012. In 2008 he was appointed as Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, and is due to be appointed as Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemia at the Annual Convocation in May this year. Jim is also a Member of East Surrey First Principals Chapter No.5888 and currently serves as Director of Ceremonies. He is also a Past Master of a Mark Master Masons Lodge.

Jim had a varied career in sales and media and, since retiring in 2000, has lived with his wife Rosanna in East Sussex where they both enjoy their involvement with the local community.

Surrey Mason

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Its that time once again for the Surrey Craft Lecture Festivals.

Brethren of the four participating Lodges have been working hard preparing for the Festivals. Show them that you will be in support by attending what promises to be a splendid occasion. For further information contact W.Bro Clive Newman at lecturefestivals@gmail.com

SURREY CRAFT LECTURE FESTIVALS 2013 Founded 1987. President: The Provincial Grand Master

CROYDON – MONDAY 10th JUNE at 5pm W.Bro N. Parsons AProvGM will preside at Croydon Masonic Halls 73 Oakfield Road Croydon CRO 2UX

Sponsored by Old Palace L of I For information please contact W.Bro Andrew Fox 07930 955423 kemafox@yahoo.com

S.W. SURREY – MONDAY 17th JUNE at 5pm W.Bro C. Magee AProvGM will preside at Camberley Masonic Hall Agincourt Hall, London Road Camberley

Sponsored by Camberley L of I For information please contact W.Bro David Matthews 01344 775671 adavidmatthews@btinternet.com

SURBITON – MONDAY 24th JUNE at 5pm W.Bro C. Palmer AProvGM will preside at Glenmore House The Crescent Surbiton KT7 4BN

Sponsored by Kingston Aero L of I For information please contact W.Bro James Annand 07798 634504 jamesannand@virgin.net

NUTFIELD – MONDAY 1st JULY at 5pm W.Bro T. Rains AProvGM will preside at Nutfield Masonic Centre Nutfield Road, Redhill RH1 4ED

Sponsored by Tandridge Hundred L of I For information please contact W.Bro Piers Mason 07799 760967 pierslofi@mac.com

For further information on Surrey Craft Lecture Festivals see www.surreypillars.org.uk or contact: Secretary, W.Bro Clive Newman on 01483 415669 or lecturefestivals@gmail.com

Is this the first Lodge of Instruction in a RMBI Home?

On Saturday 30th March by kind permission of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, a Lodge of Instruction was held in one of the lounges at James Terry Court and for the members to wear full regalia. This was purely for the benefit of the resident Masons and judging from the comments received by the Activities Coordinator, Carol Roberts (who did so much to encourage the men to attend and to get ready on the morning) and the Home Manager Diane Collins it was a success. Seven Residents – Bros R. Wright, T. Ball, C. Knowles, V. Drust, J. Pachter, J. Hindley and D. Gibbs attended the meeting. W.Bro Frank Lee was the Acting Master and W.Bro Charles Dench gave a talk entitled “The Lodge of Instruction is the heart of any Lodge”. W.Bro David Watts, Master of Mid Surrey Lodge No.3109 accompanied by W.Bro Penegar-Mills and W.Bro J. Burger presented to W.Bro Lee a purpose made L.o.I. box of tools etc. to JTC – a magnificent gesture for which we are very grateful.

The Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro John Tomlin was in attendance and said the PGM sent his warmest good wishes for a successful meeting. Other volunteers were W.Bro G.J. Cranefield, acting D.C., W.Bro M. King, W.Bro P. Tree, W.Bro J. Jenkinson, Bro G. Drust and “yours truly”. All the residents either wore their own or donated regalia and the meeting took about an hour.

There then followed refreshments in the dining area and later a Festive Board. The next L.o.I. will be towards the end of June, for which due notice will be given.

John Banks Secretary

Editor’s comments

NEW PROVINCIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED After much work behind the scenes Surrey Freemasonry has a great new public website: www.surreymason.org.uk has been brought right up-to-date with a fresh look, easy to navigate pages and simple information about Freemasonry with details of Lodges and Masonic halls through the county.

Our new site will support recruitment across the Province and in many cases be the first contact with a potential new member – who can then be introduced to a Lodge and form a relationship that could lead to membership.

This is a major new initiative created and run by the Province to support Lodges by attracting, informing and giving a pathway to joining for new members.

HISTORY OF SURREY FREEMASONRY If you’re a history buff like me you’ll be delighted to know that Through the Lodge and Chapter Doors – A History of Freemasonry in Surrey has now been published by the Province.

The 300 page hardback book is available to order from the Provincial Office for delivery in early June. See page 6.

W.Bro Peter Cartwright

The Queen attended by nurses trained at The Royal Masonic Hospital Did anyone spot the article and photographs in the Mail Online on 20th March? The article supported by photographs was of Her Majesty The Queen leaving hospital after her recent bout of gastroenteritis.

As she came to the door of the hospital it was clear to see that she was accompanied by a nurse. Guess what the nurse was wearing? Yes, it was the nurses belt of the Royal Masonic Hospital.

Good that our Queen has recovered and great to know that in the background there’s a Masonic connection.

Sorry we can’t show you the photograph its has a rather an expensive copyright on it! But look up www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2287402/Healthy-happy-Queen-leaves-hospital-smilingtreated-nasty-stomach-bug The Royal Masonic Hospital nurses belt was not easy to obtain. They had to work extremely hard during their training and even when they qualified as a State Registered Nurse, they could only get them for exceptional nursing skills.

The Royal Masonic Hospital was opened in 1933 and was situated at Ravenscourt Park, West London. It was first proposed by members of Malmesbury Lodge No.3156 in 1911 and in 1913 Grand Lodge approved the idea with fundraising beginning in 1916. King George V and Queen Mary opended the new hospital and the King gave permission for it to be named The Royal Masonic Hospital. Funds for the hospital was raised through donations, with donors being awarded a special jewel, known as the Permanent Steward’s Jewel.

The hospital treated over 8,600 servicemen at no cost to the government during World War II. After the war the hospital became a teaching hospital and gained a reputation for producing highly-skilled nurses whose distinctive silver belt buckles became a coveted honour amongst the profession. Ed. 3

Surrey Mason

World of Wonders

Herodot Lodge 205, Bodrum, Turkey, invited The Old England Lodge No.1790 and the Provincial Grand Master of Surrey to a triple first degree ceremony in October 2012, which was performed exquisitely.

Herodot Lodge had also invited the brethren of Bellator 42 of Frosinone, Old England’s twinned sister Lodge of the regular Grand Lodge of Italy and their delegation was headed by their Grand Secretary, our own and very good friend, W.Bro Antonio D’Emilio together with the Master of Bellator, W.Bro Massimo Cerri. The Grand Master of Italy, Dr Fabio Venzi was away in Sardinia at the time.

Our Provincial Grand Master the RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford headed the English contingent and we were fortunate to have the Deputy Grand Master of Turkey present at both the Lodge Meeting and the Festive Board, since the Grand Master of Turkey, Professor Doctor Remzi Sanver was away in Oslo.

The visit was the culmination of hopes and plans made by Bro Aykut Korkmaz, a Turkish member of Old England and his father-inlaw W.Bro Mustafa Bornovali of Herodot Lodge. The very special fraternal links with Herodot Lodge enabled us this year to raise Aykut to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Aykut lives and works in London with his wife Ceylan and beautiful little daughter Alara. As a result of this very successful meeting, Herodot and Old England Lodges have been invited to attend the Installation Meeting of Bellator in Frosinone, Rome in January 2013. W.Bro Tom

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Livingstone, Master of Old England will head the trip to Bellator and we currently have up to 10 brethren attending from Surrey.

The organisation for our trip to Bodrum last month was excellent.

All our transfers and transport arrangements were efficiently met and we were all booked into the all-inclusive resort of the World of Wonders in Gumbet, next to Bodrum, where we had first class food, accommodation, service and facilities. Trips to the amazing Ephesus, accompanied by one of the brethren of Herodot Lodge, a Professor of History and professional tour guide and St Peter’s Castle in Bodrum, where we had the services of another excellent tour guide were totally inspiring and absolutely amazing.

We were treated to a wonderful BBQ at the home of Mustafa and Ferda Bornovali. Their hospitality was truly magnificent and we spent a very happy few hours with them, Aykut, Ceylan and Alara.

On the Thursday evening our first lady, Libby Stuart-Bamford together with a few of our hosts’ beautiful ladies, lead a shopping trip into Bodrum, whilst the brethren were attending the Lodge Meeting and Festive Board.

The Gala Dinner on the Friday evening was superb and held in a roof top restaurant overlooking Bodrum Marina. There was much fraternal love and affection shown by everyone. All of this, plus the weather during our stay turned out to be hot and sunny, making our visit perfect.

Several people have asked me why Old England is such a popular and flourishing Lodge. We consider ourselves a family and our wives and partners, generally and wholeheartedly support us in our endeavours. In my opinion, the floor work in the Lodge is second to none, lead by our Preceptor W.Bro Tim Pretty and our Lodge of Instruction is always well attended. Our Sports and Social Organiser and Charity Steward, W.Bro Damon Caraccio arranges successful and enjoyable events, with healthy amounts raised for our chosen charities.

Another facet to our success is, of course, the international fraternal association we have with several recognised Lodges abroad. This undoubtedly enriches our Masonic lives and those of our families.

I would urge any Brother, who wishes to be inspired and to promote the growth of our fraternity, to contact the Secretary of The Old England Lodge, W.Bro Bill Slater to witness the happiness and fraternal friendship we as a Lodge enjoy.

Alfonso Camisotti

Surrey Mason

Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments The annual Official Visits to all Surrey Lodges have now been completed and it is that time of year when Provincial appointments and promotions are announced.

There are many Brethren who misunderstand the appointments and promotions system and the criterion on which honours are awarded. In general terms a Brother becomes eligible for a first appointment six years after coming out of the Master’s chair. There are, however, some Brethren who may be given a first appointment after only a couple of years after becoming Master.

These Brethren have been selected because of exceptional merit either for their work in the Lodge, on Provincial Committees or for work they may have done in the community.

It is normal for such a Brother to be made an Provincial Grand Steward – the Red Apron.

When it comes to promotions, a Brother becomes eligible for consideration eight years after his first appointment or his last promotion.

The key word here is “eligible”. Just because a Brother has met the time criteria does not mean he will automatically be given honours. All honours are considered on merit and ability.

But what about the process? I am often asked how the system works.

The Province has developed a selection process which we hope is as fair, open and transparent as possible.

The process starts with the Official Visitor and the Lodge Secretary. It is the OV’s job in conjunction with the Secretary to carefully review an eligible Brother’s work, commitment, ability and attendance record before making a recommendation to the Group Assistant Provincial Grand

Master responsible for the Lodge.

(Sometimes the Official Visit is carried out by the AProvGM himself).

Each eligible Brother is listed on a form which is then submitted to the Provincial Office. By the end of the round of Official Visits the office will have processed about 1,000 names – each of which has been carefully checked before being put before the Appointments and Promotions Board.

The job of the Board is to scrutinise every single Brother who has been put forward to ensure that nothing is overlooked when considering a Brother for honours.

Even the unsuccessful recommendations are reviewed for a second time to ensure that a mistake has not been made.

The Board then sits for two days in deliberation.

You can see from the above that each recommendation has now gone through four stages of consideration before the final recommendations are made. But that’s not the end of it.

All candidates for honours are then put before the Executive and Management Committee for final ratification, and before the Provincial Grand Master himself confirms the honours recommended.

There are still many who believe that the honours system is a matter of “if your face fits” or “if you know the right people.”

This is far from true, and I hope that what I have explained above shows just how fair they system is.

John U Tomlin, Provincial Grand Secretary

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Surrey Mason

Bro Taylan Goktopal of Croydon Millenary Lodge took a couple of copies of the Surrey Mason into his salon in the Glades, Bromley and in no time his customers were picking them up. With thousands of gentlemen attending hair salons in Surrey what a great opportunity we have to promote ourselves to the public. Pick up a copy at your centre and give to your local hairdresser.

Albert Edward Lodge impress the DepProvGM The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Derek Barr, visited Albert Edward Lodge No.1714 on Wednesday 1st February at Camberley and was impressed with the quality of the ritual and the growth of the Lodge through new membership.

Nearly 100 Freemasons saw an Initiation Ceremony excellently performed. All the Lodge officers, with the exception of the Past Master roles were filled by Master Masons.

The Year Book reported the Lodge as having 71 subscribing members so it came as no surprise when the Lodge Membership officer reported that seven new application forms had been received to boost membership even further. Said Derek “Quite frankly, success is breeding success. Whilst I have no reason to suggest any specific reason for the growth of the Lodge, it must be worthwhile reporting to this magazine that recruitment can and IS working in the Province.”

At the Festive Board of Cherchefelle Lodge No.6543 It was noted that W.Bro Turner and W.Bro Bleming both had had their moustaches for over thirty years, well trimmed, groomed and underlining their proboscis – but having never been removed. On the contrary, W.Bro Bray had never grown a moustache or a beard. The Brethren agreed to raise money into the charity column for St Catherine’s Hospice and the Amyloidosis Charity if W.Bros Turner and Bleming would shave off their moustaches for the January meeting; and W.Bro Bray arrived with a full set!

A number of the Brethren rose and pledged their support, and immediately over £300 was pledged. It is hoped that £1,000 can be raised.

If anyone would like to support these three Brethren in their quest then all donations would be gratefully received by the Charity Steward, W.Bro Nick Smith at c/o 263 High Street, Dorking, Surrey.

Cherchefelle Lodge are keen on alternative ways of raising money for charity, and finding new members – their somewhat unorthodox approach in the past has resulted in a strong Lodge with many new members recently, and indeed the need for an extra meeting in January where the current Master W.Bro Don Pirt will be performing an Initiation and Raising on the same night!

Michael J Bray 7

Surrey Mason

UPPER THAMES LODGE RECEIVE A WELCOMING HAMPSHIRE HAND Upper Thames Lodge No.6138, held their Installation meeting on 26th November at Surbiton Masonic Centre with W.Bro Jon Whittaker, PSGD, AProvGM (Hampshire & Isle of Wight), a former Secretary, Almoner and now Honorary Member of the Lodge installing his next door neighbour, Bro Chris Clark into the chair of King Solomon, ably assisted by W.Bro Alan Barker. They being the respective incoming Worshipful Master’s Proposer and Seconder.

The afternoon was attended by over fifty Brethren with guests from Hampshire, Kent and Wales. All were treated to the usual Upper Thames’ excellent ceremony interspersed with sweets being handed round by the Lodges well-known Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Mike Ellis.

The Christmas Festive Board ended traditionally with a stirring rendition of “Old Father Thames” in memory to the Founders of the Lodge, formed in 1945, by members of the only water-bourne unit of the Home Guard who guarded the upper reaches of the mighty and majestic Thames from the menaces of the Kings enemies, during the second world war!

A birthday wish to Brother Justin Connolly Composer and Conductor Justin Connolly is a member of South Croydon No.4567 and will be celebrating his 80th year. Justin gained the John Clementi Collard Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Musicians 1983-1986, before his appointment to the staff of the Royal Academy of Music. The organ concerto Diaphony is one of this composer’s most substantial works.

Leodride Lodge No.3585 celebrate their Centenary Meeting On Wednesday 10th October 2012 Leodride Lodge No.3585 celebrated its Centenary meeting at the Sutton Masonic Hall.

The RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford, Provincial Grand Master presented the Centenary Warrant to the Centenary Master W.Bro Kevin Woodward and commented that this was a great achievement within the Province of Surrey.

Amongst the 68 Members and guests were two Past Provincial Grand Masters, RW.Bro Terry Doyle and RW.Bro Denis Phipps and a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro Michael Yalden.

There were also Members of the Present and Past Executive together with members of the Provincial Management Team.

Make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge A Masonic Library is located on the top floor of Surbiton Masonic Centre, and contains some 4,000 books and papers.

Covering every aspect of Freemasonry and Lodge history.

These include details and sources of the various branches of Freemasonry, it’s unification in 1717, famous Freemasons, and even the current Dan Brown novel. Somewhere there will be the answer to every “Why do we do ..?” or “What’s the origin of ...?” or “When did this originate?”, etc.

There is no charge limit on a book’s withdrawal. All that’s asked is that you sign a book out and subsequently sign it back in.

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The Assistant Provincial Grand Master of St Stephen Group, W.Bro Colin Palmer and the Official Visitor, W.Bro Neil Powling were amongst those who attended together with a number of Grand Officers.

The Treasurer presented a cheque for £500 for the Surrey for Surrey Fund to the Provincial Grand Master.

The Festive Board Banquet was also a memorable occasion and the Provincial Grand Master was presented with a Commemorative bound edition of the 100 year history of Leodride Lodge written by the Centenary Master himself.

Surrey Mason

11 Freemason Sir Richard Burton was married to Elizabeth Taylor.

True n False n 12 Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro Mike Yalden’s career was in Engineering.

True n False n

1 The MW Grand Master, The Duke of Kent’s father was killed in a plane crash.

True n False n 2 The second man on the moon was a Freemason.

True n False n

13 Friday the 13th is considered unlucky because of the persecusion and murder of the Knights Templar on that date in October 1307.

True n False n

3 The Shriners are an American baseball team.

True n False n

14 Freemason Thomas Arne wrote Rule Britannia.

True n False n 15 Freemason William IV was the grandfather of Queen Victoria.

True n False n 16 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character Sherlock Holmes was a Freemason.

True n False n

4 A Freemason crowned HM The Queen in 1953.

True n False n 5 “It” is a poem by Freemason Rudyard Kipling.

True n False n 6 The Provincial Grand Master’s favourite sport is fishing.

True n False n 7 During WWII and before it became the Croydon Masonic Hall the building stored jars of Bovril.

True n False n 8 Freemason Dr Edward Jenner discovered Penicillin.

True n False n 9 R F Gould was an author of Masonic history.

True n False n 10 Freemason Len Shackleton played football for Sunderland FC. True n False n

17 Freemason Peter Ebdon won the World Snooker Championship in 2005.

True n False n 18 Freemason Thomas Dunckerley was the Master Gunner on board HMS Vanguard in 1760.

True n False n 19 The Statue of Liberty was a gift from Scottish Freemasons to American Freemasons.

True n False n 20 The Grand Lodge of England’s first meeting was held on John the Baptist Day, 24th June, 1717.

True n False n The answers appear on Page 31 along with your rating.

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Surrey Mason

PRIORY SCHOOL, CROYDON – UPDATE 30th November saw members of Old Palace present a cheque to the Priory School in Croydon as part of the ‘Engaging with the Community’ project. The school looks after special needs children from the age of 9 years up to 16 and will soon be moving to a brand new site in Croydon and become a ‘Woodland School’. This will benefit the children with outdoor activities that will help them.

There is already a teacher who is being put through specialist ‘Forest Ranger’ type training to accommodate this and the cheque of £600 is going towards weather-proof clothing, outdoor sports equipment and some new football goals.

W.Bros Andy Fox and Bryan Taylor were warmly received by the school at their assembly and to help the children understand why we were there. The head teacher, Jill Thomas put together a Power-point presentation showing pictures of what the money will be spent on.

As part of the sponsorship deal the school is getting a plaque with our coat-of-arms made to show the donation from Old Palace Lodge and is appearing in the school’s magazine with our website address and will also be displayed on their their website for the next 3 years.

Andy and Bryan have already spoken to some of the teachers and invited them to the Masonic halls. It is our hope that with this type of project we can form new links to increase our numbers.

Looking to the future, one of our aims is to recruit new members to Freemasonry by showing the local community what we are about and what we do. In fact in June we are holding another community event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

W.Bro Andy Fox, Jill Thomas and W.Bro Bryan Taylor

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Explosive weekend (or nearly) Croydon-based Lodge of Resolve No.7177 had arranged a Ladies’ Festival at the The Hythe Imperial Hotel for 28th–30th September 2012.

As this year’s Master, and now a resident of Surrey, although a Man of Kent by birth, I thought it would be a good idea to go back to my paternal grandfather’s home area for the Festival. As we have over recent years been to Bath, Brighton and Bournemouth, it seemed a good idea to get away from another B town.

So, everything was organised: venue, menu and music for Friday evening, Saturday’s Banquet and disco, flowers, MC, etc. Weekend itineraries including directions were sent to the Brethren, mainly based in Surrey or Sussex.

Friday 28th midday – leave Croydon, a steady drive down the M20 – the A261 to Hythe – turn right by the Bell Inn and onto the sea front. EXCEPT after 100yds there was a police barrier across the road. Further along by the hotel were 4 cars with flashing lights. The police indicated for us to turn round and go back. After enquiring and meeting with no response it was suggested that we enquire again in a couple of hours. We were left with no choice but to head off to the Bell for liquid refreshment at which point a convoy of vehicles – three police cars, a white van and a large black van with the words ‘Bomb Disposal Squad’ in white lettering containing policemen dressed in black uniforms, helmets and visors, and black body armour approached from behind us.

As the afternoon progressed the Bell Inn gradually filled with members and guests of the Lodge. Every hour a trip to the barrier for news with the same response. What is going on and why was the helicopter hovering above our hotel?

At 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, the same response – ‘Come back in 2 hours’. Darkness had now descended at 7pm.

Word had now arrived that the staff had been allowed back in the hotel. By 8pm we were allowed with all the guests to queue at reception accompanied by armed police. What had happened? At about 10.30am a man had arrived at the hotel reception claiming to be a police officer and asked to see the manager as he had to arrest someone in the hotel.

Once in the manager’s office he pulled a gun and claimed to be a member of Al Quaeda and had a bomb in his bag demanding £150,000 from the safe. Where and how he got away remains a mystery, hence the helicopter search. The bomb squad and dogs had spent the rest of the day checking the hotel to make sure it was safe.

All praise to the hotel staff though. By 9.15pm there was a hot and cold dinner buffet served for the guests and they somehow managed to change all the beds so that by dinner time was over the last few could be allocated their rooms.

We never did get our Friday night dancing but somehow after an afternoons drinking and jollity in the pub, the thrill of a ‘bomb’ in quiet, peaceful Hythe, it didn’t seem to matter too much.

By Saturday evening the banquet went ahead as though nothing had happened. The food and service were superb. If any one you want a good venue that’s the place to come.

You may miss out on a bomb scare though!

Steven Wren, WM, Lodge of Resolve

Surrey Mason

An ambition fulfilled Last year whilst watching Comic Relief I mentioned to my wife that I wished I could do more than just making a donation.

Jane said that given that as I was part-owner of a Call Centre, that I should make contact with Comic Relief in order to see if there were other ways to help. So I applied to be one of their nominated volunteer call centres, and on 22nd January I received confirmation that our offer of help had been gratefully accepted.

The technical and staffing plans were put into place and we manned at least 50 phones from 6.45 till midnight on the 15th March. Therefore, my wish to put something back has been fulfilled. We now need to wait and see if we have been accepted to carry out a similar service for Sports Relief and Children in Need. Contact: dave.palmer@dvs-ltd.co.uk” David Palmer, James Speller Lodge No.3577

SURREY MASONIC WIDOWS ASSOCIATION GUILDFORD BRANCH The Guildford branch of the Masonic Widows started in October 2000 and I was one of the founder members. Mike Yalden took us under his wing and nurtured us on the path we have reached today.

His guidance and support took us along a road which has grown as the years have passed. Many of the original members are still with us and friendships have been forged as we all have a common legacy left to us by our husbands.

Guildford was the third branch of the Masonic Widows to be formed under the chairmanship of Jane Hall. Her chairmanship was followed by Audrey Tasker and two years ago I took over when Audrey stood down.

Over the years our membership has remained pretty constant with between 40 to 45 members.

We meet every two months commencing in October going through to June. Our meetings are held at the Guildford Masonic Centre commencing with a speaker followed by lunch. A few years ago I thought it would be a good idea for us to meet up on the months in between our meetings and so started what has become known as ‘In Between’ lunches. On these occasions we meet at a public house for lunch, both the locations and days vary each time to give everyone a chance to join us. These have proved a great success and I believe the idea has been taken up by other branches.

Our activities have been varied and hopefully interesting. In September 2010 we celebrated our 10th Anniversary by visiting Highclere Castle. The day was warm and with lunch taken in the restaurant was a great success. Last year we visited Brighton and the Poppy Factory in Richmond where we were taken for a tour seeing how the poppy wreaths are assembled. This was followed by lunch at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. Both again were a success due to the sunny weather – someone is looking after us! We normally have at least two outings during the year which we try to organize for as many widows to attend as possible. The National Provincial Office has always been very generous to us both financially and with their support. We receive invitations to events organized through out the year such as Carol Services, The Shannon Court Garden Party and the Annual Masonic Service at Guildford Cathedral. We always appreciate the invitations and are made to feel most welcome.

We are a friendly group sharing common needs and interests and always welcome new members. The Almoners of our husband’s Lodges can be contacted for our details or we can be contacted directly.

I hope this year continues to be enjoyable and that our meetings are well attended to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities and friendship left to us by our husbands.

Anne Stanford, Chairman of the Guildford Branch

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Surrey Mason

Camberley Lodge No.5591 visit to Scotland During February of 2013 eight members of Camberley Lodge paid a repeat visit to Scotland, where they visited four Lodges and presented a demonstration of an English Third Degree to Lodge Caledonian Royal Arch Campsie No.195. The visit returned a visit by officers of Lodge Caledonian to Camberley in 2011 when they demonstrated a Scottish Third Degree and led a magnificent Burns’ Night celebration in honour of Camberley Lodge 75th Anniversary. Among the past officers of Lodge Caledonian No.195 is a certain (now Sir) Alex Ferguson, who left the Lodge when he became Manager of Aberdeen Football Club.

Three other Lodges were visited over the course of a week: Lodge Bonhill Alexandria No.321; Bridge of Allan Lodge No.531; Lodge St Andrew Cumbernauld No.199.

The visit culminated in excellent Brother Alex Ferguson as demonstration of an English Constitution Third Aberdeen’s manager Degree ceremony by Camberley Lodge and a demonstration of a Grand Lodge Certificate presentation.

At the end of the week-long visit the English delegation returned home after being treated to wonderful Scottish hospitality and post meeting “harmony.”

Astolat Lodge No.5848 raises £3,000 for local charity It was with great pleasure that W.Bro Nigel Graham on behalf of Astolat Lodge No.5848, accompanied by his wife Paula, recently presented a cheque for £3,000 to Stepping Stones DS. The charity is run by parents of 90 families with Downs Syndrome children.

This fantastic sum was raised by Astolat Lodge, that meet at South West Surrey Masonic Centre, and at a successful Ladies’ Festival, attended by almost a hundred guests.

The donation will be of major benefit to Stepping Stones DS and enable them to continue to provide mutual support and life enhancing activities for the wellbeing of the children. Emma Hall, the Charity Organiser, whose daughter Isla benefits from Stepping Stones DS said, “This money will help to provide essential activities for months to come. Everyone involved does so voluntarily to ensure donations like this have a maximum impact”.

Freemasonry Still At Sea Issue 28 (Summer 2012) of Surrey Mason reported a Ladies’ Night held on P&O’s cruise ship Oriana, where £520 was raised for the Captain’s charity, Cancer Relief. On a subsequent cruise on P&O’s Aurora, a similar function was held where £504 was raised despite a much lower attendance (49 instead of 63), with £250 going to the RNLI, the Captain’s charity, and £254 for the RMBI. The initial ‘any interest’ meeting resulted in 28 masons and one lady mason debating the usual ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘how much’.

I was asked to be President (the grand officer had refused); the lady volunteered for Secretary and a fellow mason volunteered for

Morden Park Lodge hand out the cheques A charity donation from Morden Park Lodge, No.8038 was made to the local boys rugby team at Sutton & Epsom. Brother John Murtagh, a Fellowcraft who made the presentation is also the team manager.

Morden Park’s newly-Initiated Brother, Martin King who was Initiated in October 2012 presented a cheque from the Lodge of £405 to the CO of the Royal Marines at the Royal Marines Union Jack Club following their annual Christmas church service. Bro Martin was a Royal Marine and his brother is still actively serving.

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Treasurer. We all quickly agreed on a drinks and nibbles Ladies’ Night, and at £10 per head. However, the ‘when’ was far from straightforward as one of the second sitting people wanted an 11 a.m. event as he didn’t want to dress up (DJs/posh frocks) for a 5.45 p.m. Ladies’ Night when his dinner wouldn’t be until 8.30.

When we re-convened a few days later, the Secretary announced that 5.45 p.m. was the only option at which point all bar one voted for the 5.45 slot and one stood and voted with his feet! Once the dust settled we agreed to include a raffle with prizes donated by passengers or the ship’s facilities and shopping outlets.

Subsequent ‘committee meetings’ ensured that the meeting took place without any hiccups and on the day, 41 masons and partners, 8 guests and 2 masonic widows met and were honoured with the presence of the Staff Captain and various of the ship’s personnel. The money raised by the raffle covered the cost of the drinks and nibbles and helped us pass the £500 level. All present received a souvenir brochure complete with the usual printing errors with the ship’s printers, yet again, promoting me to grand office by omitting the “rov”!

W.Bro Alan Corb

Surrey Mason

Successful Mentoring evenings at Croydon, Surbiton and Guildford Messages of congratulations were received by the Membership Development Committee under the Chairmanship of W.Bro Nick Burger for the Mentoring ‘Workshops’ at Croydon, Surbiton and Guildford.

The MDC set out to explain and offer solutions to the problems encountered by some Lodges in retaining members.

The team produced four miniplays each with a different mentoring problem for the audience to ponder and discuss.

The questions asked by the Chairman after each play raised some many interesting and thought-provoking answers which showed how responsive the audience was to the problems typified by the plays.

“. . . the way the team presented the points made very clear the problems in all Lodges.”

“Congratulations, I thought the whole evening was inspiring.

I’m going back to my Lodge and implement some of the suggestions.”

The team were made up of highly-skilled actors and scriptwriters. The actors were John ‘Taff’ Edwards, Rod Culbertson, Nigel Worsfold and Bev Porter.

Written by John ‘Taff’ Edwards, Stephen Davids, Des O’Hara and John Woodville with production arranged by Paul Palombo, Nick Burger, Miguel Godfrey, Rod Culbertson and John Woodville.

Committee in support were Neil Powling, Charles Hoseason and Gerald Phillips.

Encounters: Artists and Freemasonry Artists have been associated with Freemasonry since the 18th century. For some artists Freemasons and their Lodges were a useful source of patronage. Other artists responded to the values of Freemasonry and its legendary history incorporating its symbolism and stories in the art they produced. Drawing on the collections of the Library and Museum and with examples from across Europe, this exhibition will explore those individual artistic responses.

William Hogarth or Alvin Langdon Coburn looked at Freemasonry within their established fields of, respectively, satirical prints and photography. Other artists produced Masonic designs in media for which they are less well known in art history. Many artistic styles across three centuries are represented including examples of contemporary artists.

Library & Museum of Freemasonry Exhibition runs 25 Feb. – 20 Sept.

Great Queen Street, London WC2.

Admission Free

Two of the actors in a play

Purley Lodge No.3136 oldest member at 97 honoured ‘locally’ It was an unusual setting for the presentation of a 50th Certificate when W.Bro Graham Potter requested it to be in a local coffee house in Dorking. At 97 years of age, and Purley Lodge’s oldest member, Graham gas been unable to attend meetings because of immobility. With the help of his son he was able to meet with Purley’s Grand Officer, W.Bro Jim Jones and Provincial Senior Grand Warden Jim Barnes who is also a Purley member.

Graham was initiated into Euphrates Lodge No.212 in which he became an Honorary Member in 2007. He joined Purley in 1991. Graham’s forte in the Lodge was proposing the Toast to the Initiate – a task he undertook for many years.

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Surrey Mason

Elmbridge Lodge host Provincial Debating Team The Debate: This House believes that Freemasonry should advertise on TV to correct misconceptions and get its message across Chairman W.Bro Nick Parsons, APGM, brought the Provincial Debating team to Surbiton where Elmbridge Lodge hosted another lively debate.

For the Motion were W.Bros Steve Jones and Steven Draper, and against the motion were W.Bros Klick Rahman and Sylvester Osei.

Researchers were W.Bros Don Craig, Alan Dibble, David Williamson and Robbie Dobbie.

Secretary was W.Bro Jeff Penfold.

Chairman’s Opening Statement: W.Bro Parsons opened the debate by introducing the Surrey Provincial Debating Team. The debate was ‘Oxford Union style’ with 1 minute opening statements for and against the motion, followed by 4 minutes from the opposing sides, questions and comments from the floor and a short summary from both sides before the vote.

THE MOTION FOR: W.Bro Jones opened the debate by re-stating the motion and went on to say that television is the most powerful form of communication on the planet; it can record the greatest moments of human triumph and our abject failures, it can help influence the formulation of an opinion which can destroy a Government or sweep a politician and his party to power and television touches literally billion of souls every day. There is no more powerful weapon that man possesses in his battle to

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alter the way we think and how we view the world than television.

W.Bro. Jones went on to say that Television informs the masses & educates the ignorant and it makes us laugh and cry, be happy or sad, inspires us or makes us despair with our inhumanity to each other.

AGAINST THE MOTION: W.Bro Rahman opened his counter-argument with apologies to Shakespeare by saying “TV OR NOT TV That is the Question?” He proposed to show you that this whole idea of TV advertising was a nonstarter. Whilst he was in favour of greater openness and would encourage all Freemasons to be proud to declare their membership to the world with clarity and confidence, he believed that advertising “on the box” was, literally, “A Bridge too far”… There then followed the case For and Against the Motion with elegant and thoughtful arguments given on both sides. The Chairman then asked for comments from the floor before asking both sides to make their closing statements.

After the Chairman’s closing remarks, the teams withdrew for the vote to be taken.

The Worshipful Master rose to declare that there were 6 votes For the Motion, and 26 votes Against the Motion. W.Bros Rahman and

Osei were declared the winners.

The Worshipful Master congratulated and thanked the Team for presenting an entertaining and lively debate.

If you wish to view the whole debate in a ‘Word’ document, please email the Editor.

Good Fire(man)!

A young Master Mason in Elmbridge Lodge, Surbiton has been awarded a WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Hidden Heroes national award for his environmental work at Surbiton Fire Station and on his allotments and other projects he undertakes.

This firefighter has made a big difference to his workplace with his passion for the environment. Through his efforts, from making the station more energy efficient to creating a roof garden with reclaimed planters to provide seasonal fruit and veg for crews, he has succeeded in making Surbiton Fire Station London’s greenest fire station as well as raising awareness locally.

Bro Simon Jakeman

Surrey Mason

A Freemason’s dying wish Brother Luigi Angeloni was born on 9th November, 1758 in Frosinone in the Province of Lazio. He was well educated and well versed in the liberal arts and sciences. He was a philosopher, linguist, scientist, author and mathematician and as an adult he was vehemently opposed to the Napoleonic occupation of that part of Italy and wrote and distributed pamphlets opposing the occupation. This antiNapoleonic stance, as you can imagine, resulted in him being detained, beaten and imprisoned. However, he managed to escape with the help of members of the Grand Orient, but was recaptured and sent to Paris, where once again he escaped aided by local Masonic brethren. He travelled to London from where he continued to bombard the Napoleonic Regime with anti-French literature. Whilst living in the Parish of Covent Garden, Luigi Angeloni sadly made some bad investments and a debtor placed him in The Covent Garden Union Workhouse in Cleveland Street, where he subsequently died aged 84 years just six months later on 5th February, 1842.

Being an Italian and a Catholic, Luigi Angeloni was not permitted to be buried within the city walls, but was placed into a grave in what was then the Old St Pancras Church Yard in the County of Middlesex, close to St Pancras Station. St Pancras Old Church is a delightful small Chapel and in the Church Yard grounds there is a spectacular Obelisk, a large ossuary containing the remains of countless notable people.

The Railway Company wanted to extend into the graveyard, but before any of the graves were desecrated, the local Baroness employed the then unknown poet and author, Thomas Hardy, a surveyor, to undertake the removal and cataloguing of the headstones and the placing of many of them round a tree, now known famously as the The Hardy Tree.

In October 2012 a small quantity of soil from the area around the tree was removed and given to members of Lodge Bellator 42 to take back to Italy. Bro Giacinto Mariotti, a member of Bellator 42 and an author in his own right, who has just completed a mammoth ten year task writing the History of Freemasonry over the last two hundred years in the Province of Lazio, entitled Massoneria in Ciociaria, received the casket of soil and gave a talk at the Lodge meeting of Bellator 42 in December 2012.

Bro Giacinto Mariotti invited me to a Ceremony of Repatriation for Luigi Angeloni, 18

a Freemason and an Italian Patriot. The local Grand Orient Lodge, who are in harmony with the United Grand Lodge of England, but not recognised, paid for the refurbishment of the monument to the fallen patriots of Frosinone and the Repatriation Ceremony took place on 21st December, 2012. An orchestra played the Italian National Anthem in the Piazza della Liberta and the dignitaries included the Minister of Culture, the Prefect for the area, the Mayor of Frosinone, the local Bishop and the four police services were represented. The Bishop conducted prayers over Luigi Angeloni’s casket, which was then ceremoniously and with great dignity placed and buried at the right hand corner of the impressive monument.

Following the ceremony we were all escorted into the municipal building for a Reception, when we once again stood for the Italian National Anthem and were then duly seated in the main reception chamber, where an Italian/Brazilian composer conducted the orchestra and delighted us with a special piece he had written for the occasion. It was excellent and in the style of the great Italian composers. All the dignitaries gave a speech and then I was invited to the podium and from the lectern I

addressed the august company and thanked them for their invitation and their most generous hospitality and that I was most most honoured to be present. The Mayor presented Bro Giacinto Mariotti and myself with a commemorative medallion in recognition of our involvement in the research and repatriation of Luigi Angeloni.

The Masonic connection has been really quite extraordinary. At around the time that Luigi Angeloni was in London, fighting his cause, the famous and subsequent Grand Master of Italy, General Giuseppe Garibaldi, with substantial British help, was striving to liberate and unify Italy. He was in sympathy with Luigi Angeloni and we were honoured at the Repatriation Ceremony, by the presence of a direct female descendant of the late Giuseppe Garibaldi, his great niece Signora G. Garibaldi.

Bro Giacinto Mariotti has commissioned a beautiful bronze plaque to be placed on Luigi Angeloni’s last resting place and hopefully when Old England Lodge, led by the Provincial Grand Secretary, John U. Tomlin, visit Frosinone on 16th January 2013, we will have the opportunity during our busy schedule to visit the monument and see the bronze plaque in place. Old England No.1790 twinned with Bellator 42 in October 2009 and on the bronze plaque is the Old England insignia. Also during this visit, as well as attending the Bellator Installation Meeting, we have been invited to the Municipal Building for the special Presentation of Bro Giacinto Mariotti’s book and to a Provincial Gala Dinner in Rome to be attended by both the Provincial and the Grand Master of Italy.

Without the fervent and passionate determination of Bro Giacinto Mariotti little would have been known about Luigi Angeloni, so it is he whom we must sincerely thank for fullfilling a Freemason’s dying wish.

Alfonso Camisotti

Gravestones around the famous ‘Hardy Tree’ in the Old St Pancras Church Yard, which we believe to be the last resting place of Brother Luigi Angeloni

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Weybourne House Surrey Mason

Guildford Masonic Centre

Weybourne House also known as Guildford Masonic Centre is situated in a leafy corner of Guildford town.

The original Weybourne House, a detached Victorian stone-clad building, built in 1897 as a Catholic Girls school, is situated at the top of Hitherbury Close, close to the Portsmouth Road. Circa 1937 it became Weybourne School and Children’s Guest House. We, as Freemasons, purchased the property in 1948 and this remained the centre of Freemasonry in Guildford until the new Guildford Masonic Centre was constructed in 2004/05. The original Weybourne House has since been converted into high quality residential apartments and has been re-named Willow Reach.

These pages were kindly sponsored by

communicate to potential members who may not have even considered joining Freemasonry up to that point and thereby help reverse the national membership decline.

In the past year we have hosted a number of private, non-masonic, functions which have includes weddings, funerals, birthday parties, retirement parties, to name a few. A highlight of the year was celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with a Beacon Lighting party to which we invited all of the local community. This was an important occasion on many levels by not only to showing our support for HRH Queen Elizabeth II but also to engage with our neighbours and encourage better community relationships. We also took an active part in Guildford’s Heritage week-end when the centre was open to all who wished to visit.

Weybourne House boasts a spacious bar area of 1,200 sq ft with walk on access to a large decked area overlooking the river. Our dining area of 2,000 sq ft. will comfortably accommodate 120 seated guests and has a small adjoining dance floor area. There is underground parking and also new riverside access so guests and particularly wedding couples can arrive by riverboat. All usual facilities are provided with a lift for wheelchair access to all floors of the premises.

In recent months we have started a ‘bit of a makeover’ at the centre, with some new furniture in our bar area. The landscaping of the garden and the riverside access is virtually complete and some areas have been repainted to enhance the overall look of the interior.

Visit us at Weybourne House, Hitherbury Close, Guildford, Surrey.

GU2 4DR. Tel: 01483 568768 or contact us via our website: www.weybournehouse.co.uk to see full details.

Copy by Don Craig and Melvin Cowie, with grateful thanks to other contributions.

As was often the case elsewhere, Lodge Meetings prior to 1948 were held in local hotels, etc. Records for some of the older Lodges based at Guildford show that regular use was made of places such as the Lion Hotel, Angel Hotel, Castle Inn, Borough Hall, Holy Trinity Hall, Ward Street Hall, Bretts and Abbot’s Kitchen Restaurants.

Most of these no longer exist but were central meeting places for the town in general and not just for Masonic use.

The public face of Freemasonry has evolved and changed since we moved in to the original Weybourne House all those years ago. We have gradually started to share our Centres with the rest of the community. Where previously the Lodges, who had met in public places then subsequently met in a very private Weybourne House.

Now we have opened our doors and welcome the wider community to hold their events with us. Naturally with the “new” Weybourne House being of recent build, these are modern facilities and include undercroft car parking, lifts to the bar and meeting rooms, access to the property from the river for those newly married couples arriving by narrow boat, toilets for the disabled, etc. We also offer the services of a Wedding Planner and Events Organiser.

It seems in these modern times that, with a large Masonic Centre, such as there is in Guildford, there is a real need to integrate ourselves into the community in which we live. This has a two-fold purpose. Firstly and although we have been fortunate in Guildford in having a healthy numbers of active members this alone does not cover the overhead and operating costs as the Centre can be left unused during the day. Secondly, the Centre with its excellent views over the River Wey and towards the Chantries lends itself to commercial opportunities. The more we involve ourselves within our community, by hosting events, parties and celebrations that are not exclusively Masonic we demonstrate to the wider world what being a Freemason is truly about. By demonstrating those private qualities we uphold and champion in the public light we are able to 16

DAVIDOFF

Surrey Mason

Photos: Colin Antill

Surrey for Surrey Fund Cheque Presentations Over £60,000 was donated by Surrey Masons to 17 Surrey Charities in December 2012 at the Surrey for Surrey Fund Presentation evening at Surbiton. The Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford was busy for a great part of the evening presenting cheques and shaking hands with the representatives of the various charities. In the past 3 years more than £450,000 has been given to worthwhile charities. Included in this presentation is £19,000 received from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity in support of Surrey charities. The Grand Charity has since 1984 donated £9.9 million to hospices across England and Wales – all this money has been raised by Freemasons and their families.

HOW IT WORKS 1. Individual Lodges and Chapters decide on the charity they want to support and send their cheques to the “Provincial Charity Committee” for whatever amount they wish to donate.

2. The Provincial Chariity Committee then pools the cheques from numerous Lodges and Chapters for a nominated charity making one sizeable donation, which can be used for a specific project. If appropriate, a further contribution may be made from the Central Fund. Several times a year, we add up all the monies intended for each charity and a cheque for the total amount is either sent or, better still, presented by our Provincial Grand Master, in person, to a Representative of the chosen charity.

We encourage all Lodges/Chapters to send representatives to each Presentation Event so they can meet with their chosen Charity Representatives and witness their money being handed over. These events also give each Charity an opportunity to publicise their individual causes by coming along and telling the representatives of these Lodges a little more about the work they do.

Those receiving cheques were: Royal Marsden Cancer Charity; Lifelites; Macmillan Cancer Support & Macmillan Nurses; DEBRA; Parkinsons UK; Horsley & Bookham Riding for the Disabled; Hounds for Heroes; NASS (National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society); St Peters Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Surrey Air Ambulances; The Prince’s Trust; Christopher’s Childrens’ Hospice (Shooting Star Chase); Princess Alice Hospice; Phyllis Tuckwell Memorial Hospice; St Raphael’s Hospice; The Woking and Sam Beare Hospice.

If you have any queries or suggestions, please contact Klick Rahman on 020-8560 4963 or e-mail him at: klickrahman@btinternet.com

Over £60,000 donated by Surrey Masons in December 2012 £450,000 given by Surrey Masons to charities in 3 years Well done you!

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Surrey Mason

Pinewood Lodge and Scouting . . . kindred spirits Pinewood Lodge No.8426 which meets in Surbiton was primarily formed for enhancing the ties between those now or formerly associated with the work for the well-being of young people has been a member of the Kindred Lodges’ Association for 40 years, and has supported Bentley Copse Camp Site – being a member of the 1,000 Club – and in addition other Scout Groups in Surrey, the Little Acres Camp Site Lodge Fund of Epsom District Girlguiding and through individual members Walton Firs Camp Site.

In addition to supporting charities locally, Pinewood Lodge supports Scouting in South Africa. Scouting for boys and girls in all sections is thriving plus Beaver Scout Colonies, recently new to South Africa are being formed but training books are expensive and difficult to obtain.

Thanks to the generosity of Banstead District, it was possible in 2011 to purchase £250 worth of new books which, with a large collection of second-hand books, magazines and training manuals with training material from Gilwell all of which was transported free of charge by Virgin Airways. Subsequent to this, in response to a request for any surplus camping and other equipment, British Airways flew free of charge a container to Cape Town. In January 2012 and thanks to the South African Inland Revenue Service being supportive of Scouting, no import tax was charged.

In addition to Banstead District’s generous donation of £413 plus £35 from Banstead Scouters and a further £250 donated by a Masonic benefactor, much needed camping equipment for a Scout Group located in a very deprived area.

At a recent Kindred Lodges’ Meeting hosted by Pinewood Lodge £500 was raised to support Scouts living in townships with their Scout training following which, because of the high regard Scouting is held by the community, assists them getting employment when they leave school and transforms their lives.

A further shipment of books, equipment and uniforms is being organised for this year and should you have any contributions of training materials, Scouting books or camping equipment which you no longer require, please contact John Freeman, Group Chairman of the 1st Tattenhams (St Mark’s) Scout Group. His email address is freeman865@btinternet.com If you wish to find out more about becoming a member of Pinewood Lodge or the Kindred Lodges’ Association initiatives please contact: Ken Bush, East Surrrey District Chairman, e-mail: kendi.bush@btinternet.com

Carry on Camping The Lodge of Grand Design that meet at The Old Barn Hall, Great Bookham, Surrey, founded by members of the local Home Guard in 1945 presented cheques of £650 each to the Group Leaders of the 1st and 3rd Bookham Scouts and the 1st Leatherhead Guides.

Although the recipients, in thanking the Brethren did not specify where the money would be spent, equipment for their Summer Camp would be high on their lists. So happy Scouting and Guiding.

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A Special 50 Year Certificate At the December Convocation of the North Surrey First Principals’ Chapter the ME Grand Superintendent, E.Comp Eric Stuart-Bamford presented E.Comp H A (Bert) Davis, PAGSoj, PProvGSN, with a Certificate commemorating 50 years of service to Royal Arch Masonry in Surrey.

Bert was initiated in Mitcham Lodge on 3rd September 1960 became a Founder of Watermeads Lodge in 1966.

He joined 8 other Lodges from 1970 until 2003 and is still a member of the Royal Colonial Institute, North Surrey Masters and Castlemartyr Lodges.

He was exalted into Mitcham Chapter in 1962. He joined 6 other Chapters and is still a member of North Surrey First Principals, London First Principals and United Chapter of Prudence being MEZ in five different Chapters including Mitcham, Esher and North Surrey First Principals.

Bert was an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft from 1996 to 2000 and last year was promoted to Past Deputy Grand Sword Bearer in United Grand Lodge.

His Royal Arch career in Surrey was recognised by his promotion to Provincial Grand Scribe N in 1982 and in Supreme Grand Chapter when he was promoted to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner in 2000.

In presenting the Certificate, the ME Grand Superintendent said that Bert’s dedication to his Masonic duty, his attention to detail and his ability to spot practical solutions to awkward problems and situations have proved to have been of immense value and he hoped that Bert will have good health and continue to enjoy his Masonry.

Surrey Mason One of my pleasures is researching through historical records to find out a bit more about an artefact. When my friend first let me look at this hall-marked silver-cased watch I was intrigued by the picture of the locomotive in enamel on the face. What could have it signified?

Researching William Betts (1790-1867), I found that he was a railway contractor and engineer of some repute. He was contracted to build the Royal Pier at Southampton, parts of the Southern Railway and later commissioned the Newtown Wesleyan Chapel in Southampton. It is known that his son – Edward Betts (1815-1872) was also a railway engineer who built vast stretches of railways across Canada as well as the Crimea.

Could our Bro William Betts ever have known the greatest engineer of the day – Isambard Kingdom Brunel? Records show that William Betts certainly knew or had business dealings with George Stephenson who built the first railway line between Stockton and Darlington in 1825.

Unfortunately, there is no record of Betts Masonic career at the Library & Museum at Great Queen Street. The watch is worth around £600.

This wonderful Masonic door knocker, purchased from an auction house is made of bronze. It has been well used suggesting it is probably Victorian in date. 6 ins. in depth.

Worth in excess of £100.

Printer’s Block (left).

Used in the Letterpress process of printing. This one is wood-carved but can be copper or zinc alloy.

These blocks were used for printing summonses and menu cards. There are many designs available from a few £s upwards.

These Masonic stamps are often known as the ‘Peace Stamps’ because of the dove carrying the sprig of arcasia.

They were issued in 1946 and show HM King George VI who sanctioned them for distribution being a Past Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.

You can still buy these at auction or through eBay at around £10£15 for a set of 6.

These candle holders are a bit of a mystery. The size of the aperture seems rather large for a normal size candle. They could be match holders. It was not uncommon to have these on a table for the use of the guests when dining. They are made by Tunnicliffe of Hanley, Staffordshire (mark on bottom). c.1875. £60-£80.

Recommended reading If you seriously want to start a hobby or even a business collecting and selling Masonic antiques and collectables, I would recommend you purchase a copy of Masonic Memorabilia for Collectors by Bill Jackson.

The A5-sized book of 120 pages on quality art paper contains a wealth of illustrations accompanied by some well written text on nearly every subject in Masonic collecting.

Bill Jackson who became a Freemason in 1992 specialises in china and glass but the vast array of items illustrated in the book belonging in his own collection and cover Masonic jewels, regalia, pottery and porcelain, glass, watches, books, prints and paintings, barometers, grandfather clocks, and many other various Masonic artefacts. He also gives a brief history of the fraternity; the differences of the antients and moderns; and a useful guide to buying at auction. I found this book to be of immense value when starting my own collection. Published by Gemini Publications (ISBN 0-9530637-2-0). Also available at Masonic retailers.

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Surrey Mason

Surrey Masonic Bowls Association Our Indoor season is reaching its inevitable conclusion, notwithstanding having experienced a few heavy defeats we prepare for our Outdoor programme of 15 matches including 3 internal competitions throughout 2013 with great enthusiasm.

Our bowling programme includes visiting 12 Clubs in the Croydon/Sutton/Chessington area, also Worthing, Guildford and Thatcham.

To meet other bowlers is always a joy but possibly our most enthusiastic and sought after fixtures are played against Brethren of Sussex MBA: Bucks MBA, North Hampshire MBA and Berkshire MBA where the true tenents of the Craft hold sway.

We are very fortunate that Sutton BC affords us access to their excellent facilities to play our internal competitions. Dates of our fixtures are on the Surrey Pillars website in the homepage/calendar section and within there is SMSA in the drop down menu. We would be delighted to see any Brother who cares to make contact with a view, hopefully, to join us. If you wish for further information please contact initially sports.communications@surreymason.org.uk with your details.

Inter-Provincial Debate East Kent v Surrey The Debate: This House believes that the Masonic Dress Code should be relaxed Debate Chairman: VW.Bro Roger Odd, DepProvGM East Kent and Worshipful Master of East Kent Masters’ Lodge No.3931.

For the Motion: East Kent – W.Bro Geoff Harris; W.Bro Steve Bispham and W.Bro David Kershaw.

Against The Motion: Surrey – W.Bro Adrian Bean, W.Bro Miguel Godfrey and W.Bro Stephen Davids.

Chairman’s Opening Statement: VW.Bro Odd opened the debate by welcoming the two Debating Teams and expressed his delight at the full house attendance and in particular the large contingent from Surrey. He went on to introduce the East Kent Team and Nick Parsons AProvGM introduced the Surrey Debating Team and its supporters.

The Chairman explained that the debate was ‘Oxford Union style with elements of University College of London debating rules for good measure.

Chairman’s Closing Remarks: The Chairman restated that the motion that had been debated was “This House believes that the Masonic Dress Code should be relaxed” and that the floor had heard arguments For and Against, and many of those were elegant points, given in a heartfelt way.

The post debate votes were as follows: For the Motion 4; Against the Motion 60; Abstentions 6.

The Chairman therefore announced that the Surrey Provincial Debating Team was the winner by a considerable margin.

W.Bro Jeff Penfold (Surrey) Debate Secretary A Word Document of the full debate can be obtained by email to the Editor.

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In addition to enjoying the sporting and social pastime of bowls, the SMBA also raises funds for charitable causes. The goodwill of players is appealed to by levying ‘fines’ at games for misdermeanours such as Laura Smyth receives a £2,000 cheque bowling a ‘wrong bias’ or being from Peter Davison (President) left, and ‘lowest losing rink’. We also have a Brian Robotham, Past President (right) standing open invitation to contribute to the President’s charity for the year. Opposing players are not fined and not expected to contribute, but they are often keen to support fund raising efforts.

Such is the friendship and camaraderie of the bowling fraternity.

The organisation chosen to benefit from funds in 2011/2012 by Brian Robotham (SMSA President) was YORDA. This is a Tolworthbased group providing care and support for children from 5 –19 with severe learning difficulties. Stimulating play projects and independence training are key activities with respite support given to parents. Information from laura@yordaadventures.co.uk or 07939 844978.

Picture shows Laura Smyth, General Manager of YORDA at a bowls match at King George Field, Tolworth on 14 November. Peter Davison the current President, has pledged to continue support for YORDA. SURREY MASONIC SPORTS ASSOCIATION – ANNUAL DRAW W.Bro David Eager, Deputy Chairman of the Surrey Masonic Sports Association presented W.Bro Steve Webber, Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Quality with a cheque for £500, following the annual draw for participating Lodges who support the Association’s activities during the year’.

Surrey Mason

Surrey Masons produce an Oratorio fit for a Queen At the age of 71, Sovereign Lord was the first piece of music I ever wrote. Two years later it is soon to be performed and it is wonderful to have this opportunity to speak about my music and myself in our magazine.

Having joined South Croydon Lodge No.4567 some 37 years ago, I need not tell you how much I have enjoyed Masonry and all that it means to all of us; it helps others; and it provides a worthwhile brotherhood of inestimable value.

I am PPGJW in Craft and am really enjoying my current role as Chaplain. I have also been in Royal Arch for over a quarter of a century and am currently 2nd General in Rose Croix. I think you will recognise elements of the essential brotherhood and our ethos embodied in my Oratorio, Sovereign Lord which I commenced writing in the early hours of Sunday 22nd August 2010. I owe tremendous thanks to Bro Fred Scott for his help with the computer programme ‘Sibelius’ and facilitating the music, and for his tremendous support and encouragement at all times.

Sovereign Lord is based on my experience of life and commences with the memory of suffering a near fatal pulmonary embolism in 1991. Combining my subsequent thoughts of life at Church, in Masonry and at work, I have never failed to be impressed at just how much can be achieved by people of all ages when intent on dealing with every kind of circumstance and when working for the common good and engaging in the basic but wonderful tenets to which we subscribe. Therefore, Sovereign Lord ends in music of great faith, joy and peace.

Sovereign Lord will be performed at St Mildred’s C.E. Church,

Bingham Road (corner of Sefton Road) Addiscombe, Croydon on Sunday 12th May at 6.30pm. The tram stop and bus routes from East Croydon railway station are nearby and parking is in side roads or outside the church. No tickets – retiring collection for charities.

Please advise if you are attending to cater for seating and complimentary refreshments at ‘half-time’. You will be very welcome. Please e-mail us on info@soundpractice.com accordingly John Collins

Fred Scott (left) and John Collins

Astede Lodge’s Spanish Inquisition

From Australia to Guildford Frank’s 50 years in Freemasonry On the 23rd November 2012, W.Bro John Franks achieved 50 years in Freemasonry and this magnificent achievement was celebrated by the members of Weybridge Lodge No.6787 at their recent meeting on the 20th February, by presenting him with an engraved pen set.

His 50 years in Freemasonry Certificate was presented on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master by W.Bro Trevor Rains AProvGM who gave an interesting and entertaining speech outlining John’s employment history mostly in engineering and his Masonic career.

John was Initiated into Footscray Ex-Servicemen’s Lodge No.640 (Melbourne) in 1962 and remained a member of the Lodge until 1980. He then joined Panmure Lodge No.723 (Hampshire) in 1976 and then joined Weybridge Lodge No.6787 (Surrey) in April 2000. John became Master in 2007.

He has always been active in the Lodge and he is currently Almoner which he has held for several years. John was thanked for his contribution and wishes of more years of active service with Weybridge Lodge were made.

From left to right they are: W.Bro J. D. Winteridge, Bro S Morales, RW.Bro J. Escalada, W.Bro S. Grundy (Master), RW.Bro J. Gutierrez, Bro B. Chicavez and W.Bro S. Perada.

On Saturday 2nd March 2013 Bro Scott Grundy was Installed in the Chair of King Solomon at the Installation meeting of Astede Lodge No.4693. Also in attendance was the Lodge’s long-standing Spanish member W.Bro Sabeno Perada, who had been through the chair in 1995-96.

This in its self was not unusual, as Bro Sabeno often attends our meetings. What was unusual this time was that Bro Sabeno brought with him four Spanish Masons, including two Grand Officers, namely RW.Bro J. Escalada, RW.Bro B. J. Gutierrez, Bro S. Gonzalez and Bro B. Chicavez. All of whom can be seen in the attached photograph, along with Astede own Grand Officer W.Bro J. D. Winteridge.

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Surrey Mason

Deputy Grand Master of Hungary visits Carshalton Lodge The Deputy Grand Master of Hungary RW.Bro Sandor Szatmári, accompanied by his Grand Orator VW.Bro Dezso Meksz and ten other brethren, all members of SAS (Eagle) Lodge in Budapest paid a visit to Carshalton Lodge at the Sutton Masonic Halls in December. They were greeted by Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Trevor Rains who was making an official visit and Jim Cook who is a Lodge member.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro Major Mike Charlesworth BEM received the visitors in fluent Magyar before discovering that most of them speak excellent English!

An English Mason proving himself in the USA We all know that when we hear a presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate, to a newly made Master Mason, mention will be made of the fact that it does not entitle you to entry into another Lodge and you may be asked to prove yourself. For the last 6 years that I have been visiting my son’s town near Seattle and looked at Ashler Lodge in the high street but only recently has my travel plan fitted with their meeting. The Lodge is 110 years old and the annual membership fee is $35! We had an exchange of emails with the IPM, whom I knew, who asked me to bring my “Paid up Account Card”. I told him we use the Grand Lodge Certificate as proof of being a Mason and those that don’t pay up get Excluded!

So off I went to the meeting with my wife and son – they have dinner before the meeting at 6.30 and the busy ‘city boys’ turn up just for the meeting only at 7.30pm. I was taken to a convenient room adjoining the Lodge and met a Past Master and two Master Masons. The PM looked up Purley Lodge No.3136 in the ‘yellow book’ to see if we existed, I then proceeded to explain the Grand Lodge Certificate. As the Lodge was opening straight into the 3rd Degree I was asked for the password, then asked to show the signs

Fairfield Halls is a Registered Charity No.277818

22

in the 3rd Degree. Knowing they were different I said “I don’t know what you do but here’s what we do” – yes some surprised faces!

Finally, I was asked to read a piece of paper saying “I do declare that I have never been Excluded or Suspended from a Lodge so help me God” I asked if they wanted me to read it in the Lodge? One said “Nope Yer Done!”

What followed was fascinating. Opening straight into the 3rd Degree every Mason in the room was asked to whisper to the Deacons the password. There was no Inner Guard and the Junior Deacon calls to the Tyler that they are close tyled. The Master resumed in the 1st Degree and 6 Entered Apprentices marched in.

The DC is called “the Marshal” – well this was the Wild West – and I was escorted to the Master who warmly welcomed me. The business of the day was not a ceremony but during the meeting an Entered Apprentice had to prove he had made progress in the 1st Degree by a retrospect of the degree. Stating (in a ritual learnt) what was said at each Wardens pedestal and reciting his Obligation.

Although there was the Deputy Grand Master of Washington, a VW Brother, in the Lodge there were no Salutations. Finally, the Master called upon the Secretary for the Minutes – not the last meeting but this one! The Secretary had been tapping the keyboard of his laptop during the meeting and read the Minutes of the business just done.

After a vote of approval he pressed the Save Icon!

What I do remember was the great hospitality and friendship they offered me – even the Master asking me if I wanted to come to his house on Christmas Day. What a great organisation we are if a little Jim Barnes different.

Surrey Mason

News from the Provincial Grand Charity Steward It would, I think, be fair to say that during times of austerity, the likes of which we are seeing at the moment, there is a greater demand on charities to help those in need.

This of course means that, in turn, the charities themselves need more support.

However, this does not always mean support in the form of financial donations. In my letter that I sent to Charity Stewards before Christmas, I spoke about the work of Food Banks. There are now many Food Banks running across the Province and they operate all year round, not just at Christmas.

If you read reports in the local and national

press, you will find that they are being used more and more, and if they are to meet the demands being placed upon them then they require continual donations of food items. If your Lodge is in a position to support a local Food Bank then please consider doing so.

Details of local food banks are available on the internet.

Charity Stewards will be pleased to learn that I will be holding a short series of Charity Steward Surgeries at various centres across the Province in April and then in May there will be two Charity Steward Workshops at which we will be talking about the role of the

Charity Liaison Officers. Details of all of these events will be sent to Charity Stewards directly.

In the meantime I wish you all well and would remind you all that should you have any questions or enquiries about Masonic Charity, then please feel free to contact me. My details are available on surreypillars.org.uk or in the Provincial Year Book. W.Bro Paul Crockett

Regis Aurigae celebrate 25 years On February 11th, Regis Aurigae Lodge No.9264 met to celebrate its 25th anniversary. On this occasion eight of the original Founder members attended, including W.Bro D.M. Richardson, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

It was a joyful, if emotional evening, as W.Bro Stratton (himself a Founder member) installed W.Bro Tony Attfield, the prime mover in Founding the Lodge and its first W.M., back into the Master’s Chair again.

Innumerable Grand Officers graced us with their presence to offer him their support and their congratulations to the Lodge including: W.Bro Trevor Raines AProvGM, W.Bro Nicholas Parsons AProvGM and VW.Bro John Edgecumbe.

The Festive Board offered the Lodge and others the opportunity to pay tribute to Tony and to express appreciation for his steadfastness and the vision he has shown throughout his distinguished Masonic Career.

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Surrey Mason

Freemasonry Cares Presentation In January, the Companions of Stoneleigh Coronation Chapter received a most interesting and enjoyable talk and DVD presentation on the Freemasonry Cares project from E.Comp. David Gould, PProvGSwdB. David was the Craft Provincial Grand Almoner for many years and is still very involved with the Freemasonry Cares project.

Following a series of presentations at Masonic Centres around the Province the team are now visiting Lodges and Chapters to ensure that as many Brethren and Companions are aware of the Freemasonry Cares project and that they pass on the information to their relatives and dependents.

Also present at the Convocation was the Chapter’s Official Visitor, E.Comp. Chris Eley, PAGDC, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who came along this time not in an official capacity but to give an Oration entitled ‘An Explanation of the Final Steps in Pure Ancient Freemasonry’.

This was well received and generated a good discussion afterwards from both the senior members present, as well as the newer Companions.

As the Chapter MEZ was unfortunately unable to be present E.Comp. Chris was also asked to stand in as MEZ for the Convocation.

If any Chapter wishes to show the Freemasonry Cares DVD, or let any of its Companions take one home to show their family, please contact the Provincial Office.

A Lovely Masonic Story This was a very pleasant moment which sums up Freemasonry.

At the Frederick of Unity convocation in January they had a guest, E.Comp. Eddie Zissler. Also present was E.Comp. Harry Winter, the Janitor of Frederick Chapter of Unity.

They were introduced to each other as they had both been prisoners of war in the Second World War, II but in very different circumstances. Harry was shot down whilst in a RAF Wellington bomber over Hameln in 1943 (70 years ago!) He parachuted out and Eddie (left) and Harry was captured.

Eddie is originally from Nuremburg and moved to England in 1955.

He was serving with the German Army and was made a POW by the American army.

Both men were doing their duty for their country at that time.

Harry says that he received excellent medical care in the Hermann Goring Hospital, where they put a metal pin in his leg.

We only hope he declared this when he became a Mason many years ago as he was not supposed to have metal substances about him.

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS Provincial Family Carol Service The Provincial Family Carol Service this year was held on Sunday 9th December at St. Mary’s Church, Beddington.

Fortunately the weather was better than two years ago when due to the heavy snowfall the service had to be postponed for two weeks.

It was good to see the church so full this year. Additional extra chairs had to be brought out for people to sit on, and some were even standing at the back of the church.

Everyone had a most enjoyable time singing many traditional carols and listening to the Provincial Choir under the direction of Glyn Harvey, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Organist, Bob Soper.

The congregation received a hearty welcome from the Rector of St. Mary’s, Revd.

Justine Middlemiss.

The readings were delivered by Jessica Best; Eric Stuart-Bamford, Grand Superintendent; Eleanor Sutherland; Alan Bayliss, Deputy Grand Superintendent; Richard Wileman, Second Provincial Grand Principal; Rod Culbertson, Provincial Grand Chaplain; Betty Hewitt, Croydon Widows Association; Glyn Harvey and the Rector, Revd. Justine Middlemiss.

The eighth lesson was due to be read by Andy Birchall who sadly passed away a few weeks earlier. Glyn Harvey read the eighth lesson in memory of Andy in a very moving way.

After a rather non-traditional rendition of ‘While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night’ by the choir, assisted by the congregation, the concluding voluntary was ‘Choral Song’ by S. S. Wesley.

Afterwards the Companions and their families enjoyed mince pies, cake, tea and coffee in the church hall with the Rector and her team.

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Surrey Mason

Official Visit to Chipstead Chapter

Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary Appeal

In January, the Companions of Chipstead Chapter were honoured by a visit from the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp.

Richard Wileman, PAGSoj. On this occasion his Escorting Officer was E.Comp. Chris Eley, PAGDC, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who is the Chapter’s Official Visitor. Also present were E.Comps. Stephen Dingvean, Provincial Grand Scribe E, Bruce Perry, PGStB, Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe E, Pat Drummy, ProvDepGSwdB, and Kevin Todd, MBE, ProvGStwd.

After the Chapter was opened the Escorting Officer entered and advised the MEZ, E.Comp. Tim Ford, that the Second Provincial Grand Principal was in the ante-room and demanded admission to the Chapter. The Second Provincial Grand Principal entered to spontaneous applause, was greeted by the MEZ, accepted the Sceptre and took his seat in the First Principal’s Chair.

E.Comp. Richard Wileman said how much he was looking forward to the Convocation and festive board after which he introduced the Acting Provincial Officers present. After taking and signing the minutes he invited the MEZ to resume the First Principal’s Chair.

Then followed the installation of the Principals and the appointment and Investiture of the officers present. E.Comp. Tim Ford was proclaimed as First Principal and E.Comp. George Hanson-Graville, PPGSN, as Second Principal of the Chapter for a second year.

Comp. Wally Maynard was then Presented, Obligated and Installed as Third Principal of the Chapter by E.Comp. Tim Ford.

The Chapter was then called off and E.Comp. Mike Neville gave a most interesting and enjoyable talk entitled Sacred Secrets – Royal Arch Masonry, the Bible and Christian Faith.

The Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary Appeal has been established to help fund the The Royal College of Surgeons of England’s successful surgical research fellowship scheme, which enables the brightest and best surgeons of each generation to explore treatments for conditions and injuries that affect millions of people worldwide.

Future innovations in surgery will be driven by research.

However, nationally less than 2% of funding for medical research is given to surgical projects. Further funding is urgently needed and donations to The Royal Arch Masons 2013 Bicentenary Appeal will help to support advancements in surgical care for current and future generations.

E.Comp. Mike has published a book entitled Sacred Secrets which offers a guide to the stories used in Masonic ritual and their links to the Bible and Christianity. He says that new Masons are directed to a “serious contemplation of the Volume of the Sacred Law,” and his book will enable initiates to understand the Biblical text.

Furthermore, it is a guide to the historical and geographical setting of the Bible for all Freemasons and will allow them to make “a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.”

Much of the ritual is based on the Bible, but many younger Masons may not have attended Sunday school, so many of the Biblical characters and stories will be unknown to them. Without this knowledge, much of the ritual is very difficult to understand, and his book bridges that gap.

His book will also aid the clergy, theologians, and anyone else interested in Freemasonry to see the clear links between ritual and scripture. It names the chapters of the Bible which have the most influence on the ceremonies.

After the Chapter was closed the Companions of Chipstead Chapter and their guests sat down to a splendid festive board at the Croydon Masonic Hall.

At the December Convocation of the North Surrey First Principal’s Chapter a team from the Royal College of Surgeons were invited to give a presentation on some of the research work they are undertaking.

Freemasonry has had a long and close association with the College through the 250th Anniversary Fund established in 1967, and is delighted to have supported so many important research projects.

This campaign gives us an excellent opportunity to contribute further towards something that is helping to save lives and improve the quality of life for us, our children and grandchildren.

A BIG WELCOME TO NEW ENTRANTS AND JOINING MEMBERS TO THE SURREY ROYAL ARCH The Executive and all the members of the Royal Arch Province of Surrey congratulate all these new entrants whose names are listed below: F L Austin, C Azar, G N Billington, A R Billington, R B Boileau, D J Bowers, W E Brodie, D K Brunt, L G Burton, M R Carpenter, A H G Cox, A P Davison, S Defraine Ford, G A Dougherty, S P Edwards, M M Fahmy, A J Ford, R W Garrood, P Giovannetti, P A D Hayes, L T Hopkins, C B Hunt, R M Jenkinson, J R F Kelly, M Khan, A McG Lees, P S Macklin, N R Marchant, A W L McDonald, S E Mewse, J A Newland, M T O’Donoghue, S J Pieterse, S B Potts, P Ramachandran, A D Redhead, C J Reville, B A Roane, C A Roslyn, M H Smith, D J Staerck, M Stanic, R J Stevenson, N W Tamila, A P Tull, N J Vadgama, H West, J D White, M R Wilson, Send items for future publications, together with an original digital copy of the event to: C W Eley, ‘Thornbury’, 3 Heath Drive, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5RP. Email: cw.eley@tiscali.co.uk 25

Surrey Mason

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125th Anniversary for Onslow Lodge and 60th for Bro Roy Shipway

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The 125th Anniversary Meeting of Onslow Lodge was held in January at Guildford and attracted a large turnout of members and guests led by the Provincial Grand Master, who was welcomed to the Lodge by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro AVM Andrew Vallance.

W.Bro Chris Rashbrook gave an amusing and interesting oration entitled ‘The Origin and History of Freemasonry’ after which the Provincial Grand Master presented a certificate to Lodge member Bro Roy Shipway marking his remarkable 60 years in Freemasonry.

Among the other distinguished guests was the President of the RMBI, VW.Bro Brig. Willie Shackell who was presented with a cheque for the RMBI and who later spoke at the festive board to thank the members for their generous donation and to congratulate Onslow Lodge on its anniversary and the great success of the meeting.

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Surrey Mason

NEWS FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND ALMONER W.BRO BOB JENKINSON, MBE Provincial Petitions Committee Although the four central Masonic Charities can generally provide all the assistance a Mason or his immediate family may require there will always be cases which may not qualify for their support due to a variety of reasons. There may also be a delay in obtaining that support whilst an applicant is waiting for a visit from his Almoner or supporting paperwork is being obtained. This is where the Provincial Petitions Committee steps in.

The PPC meets on a quarterly basis at the Surbiton Masonic Centre and considers applications for support, usually financial assistance, submitted by Lodge Almoners. The PPC consists of a small ‘standing committee’ consisting of the Chairman, who is currently W.Bro Trevor Rains (APGM), the Provincial Grand Treasurer Mike Harding, the Assistant Secretary Rob Peak and the Provincial Grand Almoner, together with the Lodge Almoners in attendance.

This group hear applications for support, make a decision as to whether assistance is required there and then and, if the Almoner making the case is in attendance, a cheque is provided for him to take away on the day. If you are aware of anyone in the Lodge who may need support from the PPC speak to your Lodge Almoner who will be able to apply to the PPC via his Group Almoner.

Freemasonry Cares We have almost reached a full year since the launch of the Freemasonry Cares initiative within the Province and I pleased to say almost every Lodge has been represented at one of the Freemasonry Cares presentations held at the various Masonic Centres. If you have been unable to attend any of the presentations it is not too late. You can arrange a presentation to your own Lodge by contacting the Secretary to the Freemasonry Cares Team Rob Peak by email: ra.peak@googlemail.com.

The initiative is proving to be very effective the Freemasonry Cares Team at Grand Charity receiving more than 300 enquiries each month, three quarters of which end with the provision of support from one of the Masonic Charities. During the past year 151 enquiries were directly attributed to this Province.

At the suggestion of the Surrey Freemasonry Cares Team, one of the new initiatives introduced last year was the provision of free Christmas Cards to Lodge and Chapter Almoners to send to their widows and ‘country’ members. The idea was so successful that almost 5,000 Christmas cards were distributed via the Masonic Centres and the Freemason’s Grand Charity is going to repeat the exercise this year. Similar cards are also to be produced to mark special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries as well as condolence cards. All these cards will carry the Freemasonry Cares message and remind the recipient of the helpline telephone number 0800 035 60 90.

Debt Counselling Service Grand Charity has been providing a free debt counselling service since October 2012. Any applicant who applies to Grand Charity for financial support who has been identified as having debt problems will be offered the facility to contact ‘Stepchange’, a consumer credit counselling service, for specialist debt advice. The service can also be accessed by contacting Grand Charity direct on 020 7395 9261 28

or via your Lodge Almoner.

Any contact with the counselling service or any advice given will be treated with strict confidence no feedback being given to your Almoner or anyone else in the Province.

New Masonic Samaritan Fund Counselling Careline Most people will manage their physical health far better than their emotional well-being which can result in unresolved and on-going psychological issues and problems that may cause long-term harm.

It can help to talk to family and friends but often they do not have the expertise or knowledge to provide any substantial support.

Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress are very common and can arise from difficulties such as bereavement, redundancy, family breakdown, debt or illness.

A brand new service now available from the Masonic Samaritan Fund is the Counselling Careline.

This is a confidential, 24 hour, freephone helpline operated by trained counsellors who will listen and offer professional guidance.

This service does not require the completion of an application form or a financial assessment but can be accessed by contacting the Masonic Samaritan Fund during office hours on 020 7404 1550.

The MSF team will confirm eligibility to access the service and pass on the helpline number to call.

The MSF Counselling Careline is a confidential and free helpline operated by trained counsellors who will listen and offer professional guidance. Up to six additional telephone or face-to-face sessions with a trained counsellor can also be arranged within 15 miles of a person’s home or work.

Surrey Masonic Widows Association The six branches of the SMWA are going from strength-to-strength with their membership gradually increasing over the years. Each Branch meets regularly at their local Masonic Centre to enjoy lunch and listen to an entertaining speaker. Outings are also regularly organised. Please bear the SMWA in mind when communication with your Lodge widows and try to encourage them to consider joining.

The SMWA contacts are currently as follows: Camberley – Angela Hudson 01252 513639; Guildford – Anne Stanford 01483 415601; Surbiton – Margarette Donaldson 01932 560161; Sutton – Jennifer Allen 020 8395 2146; Croydon – Patricia Stone (Sec) 020 660 1466; Nutfield – Diana Garland 01737 768847.

Bob Jenkinson, Provincial Grand Almoner

Province of Surrey A letter from Eric Stuart-Bamford Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Superintendent of the Province of Surrey

3rd March 2013 Dear Brethren and Companions,

During 2008, our four charities became aware that, whereas the majority of masons were enthusiastic supporters of our charities, most did not fully appreciate the help that could be given in time of need. Unfortunately this meant that their wives, widows and families, (who may well have been eligible for help) were invariably totally unaware of the assistance that was available.

On Wednesday the 15th February 2012, the first of six “Freemasonry Cares” launches took place at Surbiton. Unfortunately, at the time, I was at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey undergoing surgery on my knee, so was unable to introduce the evening. Thankfully, VW Bro Michael Yalden, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who is Chairman of the Freemasonry Cares Committee for Surrey, stood in for me. I was very pleased to hear that a capacity audience of more than 200 masons and their wives and partners attended this launch, where Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of the Freemason’s Charity introduced the excellent and now quite famous DVD. (Go to www.surreypillars.org.uk – “Freemasonry Cares”-“click here”-“Resources”-“Watch Film”) Since then the Freemasonry Cares Team have been hard at work to ensure that: • All masons and their dependants in Surrey are aware of the help available.

• The additional route for individuals to contact the charities, via the free phone number • 0800 035 60 90, is well publicised.

You will be delighted to hear that to-date, representatives from 258 out of 299 lodges (86%) and 106 out of 137 chapters (77%) have received the Freemasonry Cares presentation. My thanks go to all those that have been involved in this tremendous project.

This is a UGLE initiative and, as a result, I can also report that from 1 January to 31 December 2012 3,037 enquiries were received at the above free phone number, of which 151 were directly attributable to Surrey.

You will find a copy of the “Freemasonry Cares” booklet enclosed. Please give a copy and explain it to your wife, or partner and family, if you have not already done so.

I hope that you will never need the services of our four charities, but these days, none of us can ever be sure.

Yours sincerely and fraternally, Eric Stuart-Bamford

Provincial Office: 71 Oakfield Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2UX. Tel: 020 8686 8388. Email: provincialoffice@surreymason.org.uk Administration and Provincial website for Surrey Masons: www.surreypillars.org.uk Public website: www.surreymason.org.uk

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Surrey Mason

Windlesham Dawn Lodge No.9686 in conjuction with Windlesham Club & Theatre

Squaring the Circle

CRAFT & SMALL BUSINESS FAIR for the benfit of local charities

It is not unusual to hear Freemasons talk of ‘Squaring the Circle’ and this was certainly the case on Saturday 13 October at Porchway Lodge when W.Bro Derek Barr, Deputy Provincial Grand Master was able to make a flying visit to the Lodge to congratulate W.Bro Bill Hubbard on being Installed as Master.

The significance of the visit was that W.Bro Barr had himself Initiated Bro Bill into the Lodge on 12 April 2003.

W.Bro Barr is not a member of Porchway Lodge but back in 2003, as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master as head of the St Thomas Group, the idea was born of holding a Charity Evening, when Bro Derek himself and the Official Visitors in his group would perform the Ceremony of Initiation, with some extras in terms of the Mode of Preparation and the Presentation of Gloves. Bro Derek himself took the Chair and the evening raised the magnificent sum of £5,300 towards the Province’s Festival for the RMTGB. W.Bro Chris Rashbrook was the only member of the original team who was able to be present for the whole of the recent Installation Meeting and

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SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 2013 Windlesham Club & Theatre, Kennel Lane, Windlesham GU20 6AA

Festive Board, but how appropriate it was that Bro Derek should have thoughtfully made the time to look in to congratulate Bro Bill. The look of the new Master’s face was a picture and everybody present so very much appreciated this gesture by the new Deputy.

However, that meeting in 2003 was only the start as far as Charity Evenings are concerned as it is a format that has now been copied by several Provinces and Metropolitan Grand Lodge both in the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch.

Ceremonies have been carried out by the Provincial Grand Master and the ME Grand Superintendants and it may well be that further variations are possible in the future. Such evenings combine all the essential ingredients of our Masonic life, good ritual, raising charitable funds and great fun, with Rulers and their teams setting a wonderful example by leading from the front. 13th October 2012 is an evening that Bro Bill Hubbard and the members of Porchway Lodge will never forget, made perfect by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master squaring the circle.

12 noon – 4pm Craft stalls for jewellery, cakes, books, sculptured clays, textiles, wood-turning, plus other crafts • Refreshments available • Raffle Stalls for the period of the Fair will be £15 An A3 Business advert for the period will be £10

For further information contact: jre@emmer.karoo.co.uk

ATTENTION! ALL LODGE SECRETARIES & LODGE MEMBERSHIP OFFICERS The SURREY MASON is offering a NEW advertisement service ONLY FOR LODGES or non-commercial individuals who wish to advertise their social or Lodge events, etc. at only £10 pre-paid

Caxton Lodge are hosting a

PLE SAM

WHITE TABLE EVENT at the Godalming Centre on Sat 20 Jan 2012.

Entertainment provided 3-course meal Tour of the temple and history

£28pp Open to Masons and non-Masons Wives, Partners, Friends and Family Proceeds to Charity

t: 02734 841230 Contact: advertising@surreymason.org.uk or editor@surreymason.org.uk

Surrey Mason

AN APPEAL Calling all extreme fundraisers; registration to skydive with The Soldiers’ Charity in 2013 is now open!

Register for Team Soldiers’ Charity today http://tinyurl.com/ABFskydive A tandem skydive is the ultimate adrenaline challenge and without doubt, the extreme way to raise much needed funds for soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

When? Friday 17th May: Netheravon Airfield, Wiltshire; Wednesday 26th June: Netheravon Airfield, Wiltshire; Friday 6th September: Sibson Airfield, Cambridgeshire.

Soldiers’ Charity Ambassador Major Kate Philip, who was the first female soldier to lose a limb in Afghanistan, undertook a tandem skydive for the Charity in May of last year – you can watch her training, jump, and the enormous smile appear across her face when she lands here: http://tinyurl.com/ABFkate On behalf of the soldiers and their families we thank you for your continued support. Bob Thomas, Cherchefelle Lodge No.6543 Answers to Masonic Quiz on page 9 1. True. Sadly on 25 August 1942, Prince Edward’s father, the Duke of Kent, was killed when his plane crashed in bad weather in Caithness.

2. True, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was a Freemason.

3. False. The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonly known as Shriners were established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry.

4. True. Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, was Initiated into Old Reptonian Lodge No.3725 at Freemasons Hall, London on 11th January 1916.

5. False. Rudyard Kipling’s poem was called “If”.

6. False. The Provincial Grand Master is a crackshot in shooting winning many titles and has represented his country in competitions.

7. False. During World War II, and before it was a Masonic Hall, the old church stored Oxo cubes.

8. False. Edward Jenner, Freemason, was a pioneer of smallpox vaccination, but it was Freemason Alexander Fleming who discovered Penicillin.

9. True. Robert Freke Gould was an author of Masonic history.

10. True. Len played most of his football for Sunderland but did appear for Bradford City, Arsenal and Newcastle United. After retirement in 1957 he became a journalist.

11. False. Sir Richard Burton was an explorer. Plain Richard Burton who married Elizabeth Taylor (twice) was not a Freemason.

HIDDEN TALENT?

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED!

Surrey Masonic Widows Association Seek new “Speakers” to entertain them at their lunchtime meetings.

Do you have an interesting Job, Hobby, Experience, you would like to share?

Please contact: Rob Peak Secretary to SMWA Email ra.peak@googlemail.com With a brief resume of your topic

Whiteley Village is to host a charity “ALMS RACE” on the 1st June 2013 and Bro Ian Lansley of Woodstock Lodge No.7948 is appealing for volunteers to act as stewards.

Details of the Alms Race, including entry details and costs, can be found at www.whiteleyvillage.org.uk or www.TheAlmsRace.org.uk or by emailing Ian Lansley at ilansley@yahoo.co.uk

12. True. Mike became a very successful engineer as well as a great Freemason.

13. True. Arguably, they say Friday 13th is unlucky because of the action by Philip IV of France who was behind the ruthless move to destroy the Knights Templar.

14. True. Thomas Arne did indeed write Rule Britannia.

15. False. William IV was Queen Victoria’s uncle.

16. False. There is no mention in any of Conan Doyle’s stories that Holmes was a mason. However, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was.

17. False. Peter Ebdon won the title in 2002.

18. True. Read Thomas Dunckerley – A Remarkable Freemason by Ron Chudley 19. False. It was a gift from the Grand Orient of France, mainly subscribed by French Freemasons to the US Congress in 1884.

20. True. At the Goose and Gridiron alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard, where they elected a gentleman, Anthony Sayer, to the chair as Grand Master, and called themselves a Grand Lodge.

HOW DID YOU FARE? 1–5 Correct. Get over to Surbiton and start researching in their library. 6–10 Correct.

Attend Lodge of Instruction regularly and read the Surrey Mason from cover to cover.

11–15 Correct. Good – you’re destined for high office. 16–20 Correct. Their waiting for you at the Lodge Quatuor Coronati.

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Surrey Mason

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor At out festive boards, we often hear that visiting is the lifeblood of Freemasonry, and a recent experience has reinforced this. Myself and three other brethren from Crescamus Lodge have recently returned from a visit to Israel. On our trip we had the pleasure of visiting Lodge Ra’anana, and we were also given a tour of the Grand Lodge in Tel Aviv where we were treated to a hospitality supreme, demonstrating Masonry universal and creating a lasting bond between Crescamus and our Israeli brethren.

On our return home it brought me to thinking about my own experiences of visiting other Lodges in England. I am fortunate to have made many connections during my six short years in Masonry and I could no doubt visit a Lodge on several, if not every night of the week, if I so desired. This however has not always been the case, for it wasn’t until two and half years of membership that I had my first opportunity to visit another Lodge, and meet Freemasons from outside of my own Lodge. Unfortunately I know of other brethren in the same situation, many of the newer members of my Lodge have yet to experience visiting other Lodges.

Having spoken to other Masons in Surrey, this has led me to believe that as a Province, we could only benefit from a scheme, which could provide events and other occasions, of either a social or (Masonically) educational nature for new Freemasons to meet each other and encourage their involvement within the fraternity.

Similar initiatives in neighbouring provinces have not only demonstrated the need for such an initiative, but also proved very successful.

I would be very keen to hear from any Brethren (through Surrey Mason) who would like to explore this idea and even arrange an

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informal meeting with a view to enable Freemasons across Surrey to meet and socialise with like-minded people who would otherwise be dispersed across the Province.

Bro. Sam Norman, Crescamus Lodge No. 7776 samcnorman@gmail.com Editor’s Note: I think Brother Norman’s proposal has some sound reasoning to it. Not only would it be good to have new experiences but some of the Lodges with smaller attendances might benefit too! Anything to help retain new Masons must be a winner. I would suggest Sam that you put your idea, through the appropriate channel, to your Visiting Officer who may wish to solicit the views of your group’s Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Very often schemes of this nature come from the Provincial Executive but it is only by bringing your ideas to the fore that the Province can discuss the merits. Good luck!

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