Surrey Mason Summer-Autumn 2013

Surrey Mason Issue 31 Summer 2013

£1.95 where sold

Official Magazine of the Province of Surrey

Photo

Photo: P.Cartwright

IN THIS ISSUE 50+ years in Freemasonry 15 Wives, Partners and Children wanted 2 Nutfield Lodge, Redhill Masonic Centre 16-17 New Provincial stand 2 Young Epilepsy recipients of £50,000 Grant from Report of the 185th Provincial Meeting 3-4 the Freemasons' Grand Charity! 17 Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments 5 SMSA 20 Light Blue, Dark Blue – the Masonic apron 6 Masonic antiques and collectables 21 ‘Without doubt the Provincial Meeting is a huge Royal Arch Matters 23-25 undertaking’ 7 Book Review 26 Cyril Saunders Spackman 8 Provincial Grand Charity Steward 28 Surrey Masonic Halls Funds helps Sit Perpetuum 9 Provincial Grand Almoner 28 Key Steps to Online Success or How to go about Obituaries 31 having a Lodge Website 11-12 Letters to the Editor 32

Order your copy now of the lastest book on the History of Surrey Freemasonry (see page 30)

PROVINCIAL WEBSITE www.surreymason.org.uk

Surrey Mason

Editor’s comments

W.Bro Peter Cartwright

Attending Lodge of Instruction regularly makes you live longer – its a fact!

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.

The next issue of the Surrey Mason will appear in November 2013.

Please submit copy before October 14th. editor@surreymason.org.uk

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Frequently scientific organisations, medical bodies or Universities make claims that their research has highlighted something we should take note of concerning our health.

Drinking 5 cups of tea a day will help stop the development of advanced Prostate cancer according to the latest research by Maastricht University. Not so long ago, Minisota University concluded in their research that if the over 50s were to keep their minds exercised by playing chess, attend an evening class (Lodge of Instruction included), read books or anything that makes you think hard, increases your chances of living to an old age. Apparently by so doing, a chemical is released into the brain which stimulates the grey matter. Let’s face it, we exercise our bodies – why not our minds.

That blue ritual book could be doing more for you than you first thought!

Other researches how shown that walking a dog, jogging or regular exercise can keep your body in trim. Three other surveys suggest drinking a moderate amount of red wine, eating blueberrys or blackberries, eating plenty of oily fish like Sardines or Salmon have a very postive effect on your general well-being and even taking one aspirin a day helps keep your heart healthy.

The Japanese who generally live to a ripe old age eat plenty of oily fish and drink moderate amounts of Saki are perhaps the role models for longetivity. So if you are a Japanese Freemason who attends his Lodge of Instruction regularly, eats oily fish and drinks Saki, and takes an aspirin a day – you’ve got it made!

Wives, partners and children of Freemasons – I need you!

Can you write a short story about what you think of your husband, partner or dad’s involvement in Freemasonry?

Tell me what you like or dislike about it all. We’d be pleased to hear your frank views.

Send your story, and if possible a photo of yourself to: editor@surreymason.org.uk or if you prefer to write – Editor, Surrey Mason, 71 Oakfield Road, Croydon CRO 2UX

NEW PROVINCIAL STAND The Information and Communications Committee (ICC) has invested in a new and very professional stand designed by UGLE for Provinces and Lodges. Such has been the demand for the stand and promotional material by Lodges that demands have exceeded equipment this year.

Perhaps not surprising is that events tend to focus on the same bank holidays and summer weekends. The ICC has been at the Royal Marsden Fun Run, Blindley Heath and Guildford shows whilst Lodges have been to Oxshott, Ashtead, Warlingham and Old Coulsdon village shows. Some shows have been more successful than others with Surrey County Show achieving a remarkable 23 people who said they were interested in being contacted after the show.

To date some 64 people have expressed an interest in Freemasonry and these potential Masons are being followed up via the Provincial Office or the Lodges who booked the event. Not all will convert to Candidates and indeed not all will be found to be suitable by Lodges. Our biggest event is yet to take place – Wings and Wheels at Dunsfold on 24th–25th August. The show attracts 20,000 people each day and the ICC will be fielding two teams. We have a range of equipment, leaflets and the What’s it all About brochure. So, if your Lodge wants to take the initiative and attend an event, contact the Provincial Office and book your stand for next year.

Surrey Mason

Over thirteen hundred brethren assembled at Freemasons’ Hall on Wednesday 26th June to attend the 2013 Annual Meeting.

For any who might not yet have attended an annual meeting this is a splendid spectacle, the Grand Temple filled with Surrey Masons and invited guests from other provinces all in full regalia.

This year the newly published book Through the Lodge and Chapter Doors - A History of Surrey Freemasonry was on sale; many brethren took advantage and were able to obtain a much prized signed copy. (If you missed out see page 30 for details of how you can get hold of your copy of the book – Ed.) The Annual Meeting has an atmosphere similar to that of a large Lodge's installation meeting – part 'ordinary business' but just as much a celebration and a coming together of brethren and friends from Lodges across the county. The Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford opened the meeting and welcomed all the brethren and guests. After some agenda items and reports that would be familiar part of any Lodge meeting the ProvGM re-appointed VW.Bro Derek Barr MBE as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and re-appointed W.Bros Jim Cook, Trevor Rains, Chris Magee, Nick Parsons and David Lester as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. W.Bros Colin Palmer and Jonathan Knopp were each presented with a jewel on their retirement after six years of distinguished service to Surrey Freemasonry as AProvGMs. The ProvGM then appointed W. Bros David Else and Jim Hagarty to be Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

Of course the greatest pleasure of each annual meeting is to join in the applause when the Provincial Grand Master personally appoints or promotes Surrey Provincial Grand Officers. These 'honours' are well named, a

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real recognition of the quality, contribution and commitment of Masons from all around the Province. The 'light blues' were far from forgotten too; a welcome sight attending Provincial Grand Lodge in ever increasing numbers, merit awards were presented to Andy Rook of Elmbridge Lodge, Roy Chivers of Cheyham Lodge and Andrew Locke of Thurlow Park Lodge. Congratulations to them.

Giving his annual address in the meeting the Provincial Grand Master congratulated all his Provincial Grand Officers on the contributions they had made and were going to make in the future, especially thanking those who had organised the meeting. These are not easy times for any voluntary organisation and Freemasonry is no exception as it rises to the challenge of attracting good new members to our Lodges.

The 2019 Festival is to launch next spring in aid of the RMBI – an opportunity for us all to get together raising money in support of this great cause while continuing that most important thing of all – enjoying our Freemasonry!

After the meeting and a suitable break for refreshment, dinner was held next door at the Connaught Rooms. This was as usual a real gala occasion. As well as their music before and during our meal, over the last few years we have come to look forward to the famous 'Post Horn Gallop' performed by musicians from the London Banqueting Ensemble to great enjoyment and applause among the dining tables.

In his speech at dinner the Provincial Grand Master congratulated those receiving first appointments and promotions and went on to draw attention to the many events and activities that would be taking place in the new Masonic year, particularly as part of the 2019 Festival. He gave special thanks to the Provincial (continued over)

Photos: Chris Eley

The 185th Annual Meeting of the Province of Surrey

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Surrey Mason

Grand Secretary, W.Bro John Tomlin and Director of Ceremonies, Chris Wheeler and their teams for their work in putting on a really happy and successful annual meeting [see article p.7 – Ed] and to the many official visitors, helpers acting officers and Lodge members who together make up the life of the Province.

If you have not yet made it to the Provincial Annual Meeting make a note in your diary for Wednesday 25th June 2014. It's a very special and enjoyable occasion.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro Derek Barr MBE rose to propose a toast to the Provincial Grand Master but before so doing he said that the Provincial Grand Master continues to lead and inspire us all in difficult times. His support of the Freemasonry Cares initiative, the Mentoring Seminars, the History book, and several other initiatives emphasized the commitment he gives while also representing us in both Grand Lodge and in other Provinces.

“Whatever is asked of him he gives most willingly and in particular the charity objectives we as Freemasons endeavour to achieve through the Surrey for Surrey scheme,” he said. “His lovely wife, Libby, accompanies him, both travelling far afield on occasions ensuring that the distribution of charitable funds is made quickly and easily,” he added. The DepProvGM also said that Bro Eric hosted three of the four charitable presentations in Surrey centres throughout the year where the fundraising achieved by many Lodges is donated to various charities.

“We eagerly await your target for the 2019 Festival for the RMBI and are ready and willing to undertake the challenge,” said Derek.

Derek continued, “Brethren I have already mentioned that the Provincial Grand Master does little of his ‘public’ work on his own – he not only has company but confides with Libby before the actual presentations he makes. So it is a great pleasure for me to invite you RW. Provincial Grand Master to take back to Libby tonight our sincere thanks and indeed a small gift as a token of our appreciation and the high esteem in which we hold her.”

“On behalf of all the brethren in the Province we thank you for your wisdom, courage and leadership,” and Derek finished by saying “It was a pleasure and a joy for him and the whole management team to work under his direction – and long may it continue.” The DepProvGM then asked the brethren assembled to rise and toast the Provincial Grand Master.

Reminder!

The Annual Surrey Provincial Cathedral Service will take place at Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 13th October at 3pm

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Surrey Mason

Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments In every walk of life – however well regulated – there will always be someone who fails to meet the standards and expectations of the group to which they belong. One would hope that Freemasonry would be an exception, after all we try very hard to not only attract but also select the types of men we believe would become good Masons and live by the principles of Brotherly love, relief and truth.

Sadly this is not the case and our barrel also has its bad apples.

One of the least pleasant aspects of my role as Provincial Grand Secretary is having to deal with Masonic discipline and this covers a huge range… from minor infringements of the Book of Constitutions right through to criminal charges resulting in custodial sentences.

Rule 179 (BoC) states: “As a citizen every Freemason has a duty not to engage in conduct which is contrary to the law of the land. As a Freemason he also has a duty not to engage in activity which may bring Freemasonry into disrepute.”

Rule 179A(a) makes it plain that any Brother convicted of a criminal offence must report the fact to the Master of his Lodge. Sadly this does not always happen and we find out only when we see a report in a local newspaper.

Once we have such information I am obliged to convene a Committee of Enquiry comprising three Brethren, normally of senior rank, and chaired by an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The Brother concerned is invited to attend and also be represented by another Brother.

The Committee of enquiry has no power to enforce

punishment or sanctions which can result in anything from an admonishment to suspension and even expulsion from the Craft.

It does, however, make a recommendation to the Provincial Grand Master. The ProvGM will then decide what action should be taken. Only the MW the Grand Master has the power to expel a Brother from the Craft – normally from the recommendation of the ProvGM. There is obviously an appeals process for it would not be just if there were not.

My purpose in writing about this in my column this issue is to stress how seriously we take the policing of our own members. Freemasonry demands the highest standards from its members, and those that fail to meet those standards should expect to be taken to task for their transgressions and, if serious enough, expelled from the Craft.

John Tomlin

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Surrey Mason

LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE . . . THE MASONIC APRON In older times the apron was much larger than that today, and may be considered to have been derived from the custom of the Operative Mason wearing the skin of an animal as a protection for the body and the clothing. There are many illustrations showing that in the early days of the Craft aprons reached from above the waist down to the ankles.

Aprons gradually became shorter and after the Union between the Antients and the Moderns occurred, the measurements of the approved regalia were specified. In William Hogarth’s picture “Night” (see illustration, next column) issued in 1737, the two Masons depicted there have aprons reaching to their ankles. Most of the aprons of that period are illustrated having holes in the flaps, so that the flap could be buttoned to the waistcoat. This to a degree gives some justification for having the flap of an EA apron turned up, but there is also a symbolical point in this. An apron has been used in conjunction with religious ceremonial from the earliest times. It is made of lambskin, a symbol of sacrifice, an emblem of purity, and a badge of dedication. The flap is triangular, the equilateral triangle being a significant symbol. It is opinioned that we must look for the origin in mythology, and certainly in Masonry to the three positions and functions of the sun. The rising sun or creator of life, the meridian sun or its preserver, and the setting sun or its destroyer.

The triad permeates many religions, and it also permeates our ritual. We have, for example, three steps, three degrees, three principal officers, three greater and three lesser lights, and three knocks.

When the apron is worn with the flap turned up we have the figure of a triangle upon a square. In ancient symbolism this indicated that the material or earthly subject had not yet been influenced by the spiritual, so indicating that the Initiate had not yet progressed sufficiently in his spiritual education to have much knowledge beyong material things, but when at a later stage the flap is turned down it signifies the descent of spiritual influence into the material subject, signifying the progress the candidate is making in the science. Interestingly, some aprons from other countries do not show the triangular flap (see illustrations).

The Master Mason apron with flap pointing down – i.e. a triangle pointing down, and another triangle formed by the three rosettes which marks another triangle pointed upward, produces a symbol of perfection.

The “levels” or “taus” which decorate the apron of a Master or P.M. of a Lodge may be considered to be the equivalent of the old phallic cross, an ancient symbol of the ruling nature in man.

The phrase “Wisdom, Strength and Beauty” may be considered to be represented on the apron. “Wisdom” by the serpent which forms the fastening for the belt; “Strength” by the triangle formed by the flap (the Greece - 1870 strongest structure 6 4

known to science); and “Beauty” by the pure whiteness of the lambskin.

It is stated that the apron is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, mentioning also the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Star. The Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted in 1429 by Philip, Duke of Burgundy, and it was based on the chivalry contained in the Grecian story of the Golden Fleece which Phryxus Detail from William Hogarth’s “Night” presented to Aetes after he had sacrificed the golden ram to Zeus, and for the recovery of which the Argonauts pursued their quest. The Roman Eagle dates back to 105 BC and was borne on their banners as a symbol of “magnaminity, fortitude, swiftness and courage.” King Edward III, established the Order of the Garter in 1344, and the Order of the Star originated in France in 1350 both being orders of chivalry and honour.

It is possible that the colour of the Grand Lodge officers’ apron was adopted from the ribbon of the Order of the Garter, while the choice of red for the Grand Stewards was possibly influenced by the colour of the ribbon on the Order of the Bath.

When the Craft apron came to be decorated with coloured ribbon, it is also possible and natural that light blue, the opposite of the Garter colour, should be chosen without any other reason.

At one period the plain white apron was universal for all ranks, and in 1731 the Master, Wardens and members of private Lodges were authorised to have white leather aprons lined with red silk, and Grand Officers aprons lined with blue silk.

How much of the decoration of the apron came about by chance, and how much by design, will ever be a matter for fruitful discussion. In olden times aprons were decorated by engraving and painting with many symbols, and aprons are to be seen in the Hungary – late 19thC Library and Museum of Freemasonry elaborated with symbols referring to degrees not now worked in ordinary private Lodges, but in olden times many Lodges conferred seven or more degrees.

The act of clothing oneself with a Masonic apron is a symbolic art intended to have a direct and impressive bearing, the realisation of which serves as a useful, and to most people, necessary reminder of the duties owned to one’s Creator, to one’s neighbour, and one’s self.

Adapted from Five Minute Talks on Freemasonry by W.Bro S M Hills.

Published 1933.

Apron illustrations from History of Freemasonry by R F Gould, 1902.

Surrey Mason

“Without doubt, the Annual Meeting is a huge undertaking” The Provincial Grand Master kindly mentioned in his address to the Brethren at the Provincial Annual Meeting this year the amount of work that goes into planning and staging the Province’s biggest annual event.

It is, without doubt, a huge undertaking and involves dozens of volunteer Brethren in the planning and many, many more in the execution.

The initial planning meeting takes place in November the year before and at this stage we have to make sure that bookings for the Grand Temple and the Grand Connaught Rooms are confirmed and that the Dispensation to hold the meeting in London is applied for.

As the year ends we start planning in more detail. Letters are sent out to the many guests of the Province, and in March the letters of appointments and promotions go out and we start to get responses from those Brethren who will be attending their investiture and afterwards dining in the Grand Connaught Rooms. This is not as simple as it sounds for, believe it or not, we find ourselves still chasing responses right up until the end of May. Meanwhile we are trying to assign seating in the temple so the carousel flows smoothly, plan the seating for dining around 700 people, and organising the processions giving every Brother his correct precedence according to his rank.

Jewels of acting officers need to be returned for reissue to the new intake, registration desks planned so that Brethren can be checked in for their investiture and assigning Brethren to man them, lists made of what has to be transported to the Grand Temple – all the Provincial regalia, wands, banner and such.

One very big task is the compilation and printing of the business paper – 1,200 copies – ready to circulate on the day and special packs produced for the VIP guests. The business paper not only contains the agenda for the day, but a full list of all those receiving honours whether they are attending or not, as well as the minutes of the previous annual meeting.

Last minute adjustments are made

Each year we produce a reading list of names of the Brethren being appointed or promoted, and this list changes on almost a daily basis as Brethren inform that they cannot now attend – or that their plans have changed and they can attend.

The music, trumpeters, organist, volunteers to police the Grand Temple and direct people to their seats – nothing is left to chance.

Alongside this the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies will have been planning his work which includes a timetable of the rehearsals through the day. The processions are rehearsed – both in and out – along with the carousel, the Alms collection and all the floor work which might include – as it did this year – the investiture of Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

Another major task is producing the briefing sheet which lays out the order of events in greater details than the agenda. So the big day arrives and the DC and his team will start their rehearsals at about 8.30 in the morning. A coach is loaded at the Provincial Office and the band of Volunteers and Provincial Officers arrive at Great Queen Street at about 10.00 am.

When I walk through the doors of Freemasons’ Hall on the day of the meeting I know it’s going to be a long and tiring day. I know that messages will come through from the Provincial Office with last minute changes such as a VIP not able to come or an honours recipient now unable to attend. Every such message results in a change to one of our many lists and, sometimes, a complete revision of the VIP procession and seating arrangements . . . but we take it all in our stride and, hopefully, put on a good show.

What I’ve outlined here is just a part of what goes on “behind the scenes” but I hope it gives you a flavour of the enormity of the task.

I must pay tribute to the team that help put this all together – without a doubt it would be impossible to stage without their unstinting help and support. They all give up hours of their time throughout the year in the planning and execution of the day, and I thank them for it.

I must also mention the Provincial Grand Stewards who are out in force for the annual meeting and on whom a large burden of duty falls.

I am always impressed by the Brethren wearing the Red Apron of a Steward. They undertake so much work – even cleaning up and moving boxes after the event – and I thank them sincerely. Surrey is proud of them.

The day is over, and the following morning another team of helpers come into the office to count the Alms collection ready for banking.

The Provincial Grand Tyler comes in and puts back into storage the Mace, the Sword, the Banners and all the other equipment… finally it’s all over and we can relax?

NO! That event is over, but now we start planning the next one – the Briefing and Dinner for Official Visitors and then the annual Thanksgiving Service at Guildford Cathedral… and guess what? Then we start planning the next Provincial Annual Meeting!

John Tomlin, Provincial Grand Secretary

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Surrey Mason

Cyril Saunders Spackman A man of many talents – architect, painter, sculptor, teacher, writer, and a Freemason.

CYRIL SPACKMAN was born in Cleveland, Ohio on 15 August 1887, the only son of a Welsh Methodist minister the Rev. John and Adele Saunders Spackman.

At a special meeting of Grand Lodge in June 1919, the Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught, expressed a wish that a memorial be established to commemorate those brethren who had made the supreme sacrifice in the 1914-1918 war.

It was agreed that this memorial should be a building of a central home for Freemasonry on a site to be selected in London.

The Masonic Million Memorial Fund was then launched in September that year and brethren both at home and overseas were invited to contribute to raise the £1m needed to finance the work.

The contributions from individuals and Lodges were to be recognised by the award of a commemorative jewel.

This is a copy of the original artwork which is currently on loan to the Museum at Great Queen Street

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For the jewel design it was decided to hold an open competition with a £75 prize for the winner, and at the Grand Lodge meeting in June 1921 it was announced that the design selected was that submitted

by Cyril Saunders Spackman.

He was initiated into Panmure Lodge No.720 on 21 January 1918 when 30 years old. The Lodge was to become a Hall Stone Jewel Lodge, although Cyril resigned in February 1923.

But in 1937 he thought there was a need for a new Surrey Lodge to be formed to cater for professions such as engineers, architects, surveyors etc. This led to the founding of Beaux Arts Lodge No.5707, consecrated at Sutton Masonic Hall on 28 January 1938. Cyril Spackman and Richard Sadler, his father-in-law, were both founder members, Cyril Spackman being the first secretary, and Richard Sadler the first Master.

At their home in East Croydon, Cyril Spackman had a splendid studio built to his own design in which he could exhibit his own works and hold meetings.

In 1930 he was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Although he trained as an architect he had always wanted to be a painter, and in 1913 he exhibited for the first time at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition at the age of 26.

For Freemasons, his most important commission was the design in 1921 of the Hall Stone Jewel for the United Grand Lodge of England, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1922.

He was very proud that the jewel is a main feature in the central panel of the stained glass window behind the shrine on the first floor vestibule at Freemasons’ Hall.

However, there is one interesting change in the jewel in the panel. When he designed it in 1921 this was prior to the architectural competition for the new building.

When the window was designed several years later, the façade was now known, so the winged figure of Peace, instead of holding a model of a classic temple – as in the jewel itself – is actually holding a model of the Tower façade for the building.

The Duke of Devonshire was Grand Master 1947–1950, and in 1950 Cyril exhibited at a Winter Exhibition of the RSBA a bust of the Duke, and in December that year he presented it to Grand Lodge.

Above: The Hall Stone Jewel Below: The stained glass window at Freemasons’ Hall

In 1944 he was admitted into the Worshipful Company of Masons, which had its origins in the operative guild formed to control the stone trade in London.

Cyril was generous with his time and talents and was a well-known and active figure in the local community. He was chairman of the Croydon University Extension Committee, the Committee of the Croydon Writers Circle, an Honorary VicePresident of the Croydon Symphony Orchestra and a Vice-President of the Croydon Camera Club.

Not only were Lodge meetings held at his home, but he let it out to local cultural groups, and in the studio he took private lessons and held classes in architecture, painting, sculpture and drawing.

Cyril Spackman died of a heart attack on 16 May 1963 at the age of 76.

With thanks to MQ magazine – Issue 9, April 2004.

Cyril Spackman was a founding member and the first Almoner of Old Palace Lodge No.7173. W.Bro Peter Ashton – Old Palace Lodge No.7173

Surrey Mason

Surrey Masonic Halls Fund helps the Sit Perpetuum Masonic Centre, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Surrey Latin scholars will I am sure know that these words mean let it be forever. Alas, when considering a wooden frame building erected in 1912, this can only be a wish without a lot of regular maintenance.

Bisley Camp has been a meeting place for Masonic Lodges since 1938 when the newly consecrated Sit Perpetuum Lodge No.5725 started to meet there.

The building was originally built as the first church in West Byfleet.

In its history on Bisley Camp it has been a shooting club house, dormitory, air gun range and storage for Lodge furniture. The early picture shows the building to be pretty basic.

Throughout this time the Lodge met in various buildings on the Camp and had to set up the temple furniture for each meeting and return it to storage afterwards. In 1997 a generous benefactor made it possible to take over the building on a long lease and dedicate it to Freemasonry. By then two other Surrey Lodges also held their meetings at Bisley, Look Forward Lodge No.9305 and Oaktree Lodge No.9408. A management committee was formed and after some successful fund raising from within the three Lodges, extensive work was undertaken to refurbish the foundations, floors, electricity and plumbing. The management committee knowing that there was only limited rental income from the Lodges using the Temple, plus LOI’s and other orders, made a solid plan of further improvements internally whilst staying with budgetary constraints The work done was mostly at cost due to the generosity and hard work of the Brethren whose Lodges met in the Temple, time and labour were donated which in today’s terms meant substantial works were achieved without incurring debt. In reality, whilst the Temple etc. were not pristine they were ‘fit for purpose’ and to be honest much loved by the Brethren who were used to the 19th Century ‘feel’ of the listed buildings of Bisley Camp, many being built in or after the Boer War. The imperative of conservation, safety and reparation meant that whilst the committee were comfortable in the way the management and occupation had gone from day one, they had to remain fully alert. Lease conditions meant regular external maintenance, an external staircase was replaced, a new vestibule and changing area was built and commissioned.

The inevitable ‘crunch’ came when the roof sheeting was in urgent need of replacement and, to increase efficiency of winter heating and summer cooling, decisions were made to take this opportunity to properly insulate the roof. The building, as said earlier, is 1912, timber frame with Plastisol-coated corrugated steel cladding. The management committee, like many Masonic premises was able to call upon professional expertise from within its ranks, an Architect proposed new roof insulation be put in place with the new corrugated steel roof. However knowing that this was an increased load on an old structure, he took the cautionary measure of recommending to the committee that a structural engineer did ‘some sums’. This showed that the roof structure had always been undersized by modern standards. This had resulted in a ‘bowed’ roof truss and a sagging roof on one side. Consequently the structure had to be reinforced. A building solution was agreed to give more support whilst maintaining the ‘look’ of the structure. The result however was this imperative additional work took away the planned reserve cash.

The wisdom of the Province of Surrey in having and maintaining the ‘Surrey Masonic Halls Fund’ cannot be over emphasised. Our

The ‘Hut’ in the 1970’s.

Today

new roof plans were drawn up, and competitive tenders obtained.

The total cost of strengthening the structure and replacing the roof covering, including adding insulation was £23,000. We could cover about half of the cost from within our own finances but we needed £10,000 to complete the works. We approached the Surrey Provincial Halls Fund for a loan of that amount. An inspection followed, after which an offer of a much needed loan was received.

It must be remembered that, especially under today’s financial constraints there are no ‘free lunches’, money must be repaid and interest is calculated to be added to the repayment.

Whilst the trading position of the ‘Sit Pet Temple’ is sound, wasting money on interest payments should be avoided in any business if possible. The committee then ran a simple private ‘100 Club’ amongst all of the Brethren and Companions meeting at the Temple.

100 x £40 shares raised £4,000, £1,000 is guaranteed prize money and £3,000 was immediately available to reduce the debt and interest. Wonderfully to get this initiative underway the RW Provincial Grand Master bought share No.1, for which all involved in the project are most grateful.

Thus today we have a new roof and a structure that will support it hopefully for another 100 years, our finances are manageable and allow, even after repayments, to continue our improvement plans.

For this we wish to thank the contractor Brian Butcher and his site manager Kevin Trinder of B&H Developments (e-mail bhdevelop@yahoo.com) Our most hearty thanks however must go to the Surrey Provincial Halls Fund and its managers; without which this very successfully completed project would be still in planning.

The Sit Perpetuum Temple does have space for at least two further units to meet (currently, seven meet there). All enquires and details are available from the committee Chairman Peter Smith, who can be reached at smith.pr.46@btinternet.com Jon Leech, Sit Perpetuum Masonic Centre, Bisley Camp.

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Surrey Mason

SMSA Charity Bike Ride W.Bro Jim Dyett raised £1,200 after completing a sponsored ride organised by the SMSA. Sponsorship monies were largely donated by members of Athelstan and Blenheim Park Lodges as well as the Lodge of Integrity and a number of non-masons. W.Bro Jim is seen here presenting the cheque along with his guest W.Bro Jim Cook AProvGM to Steve Lines the Head of Lindon Bennett school where Jim Cook’s wife had worked.

SMSA Small Bore event goes off with a Bang!

All the hard work of Ash Ashroff of Sit Perpetuum Lodge No.5725 finally paid off. The inaugural meeting of the small bore rifle section was held at the ranges of the Twickenham Rifle and Pistol club.

There were 14 shooters present consisting of Masons, friends and ladies. Frederick of Unity Lodge was well represented thanks to the hard work of Steve Cooke.

The first shot was at 11am and the former GB Champion (2003) and Club Chairman & President Dr. Tim P. Elson was the head coach for the event assisted by his very capable team of senior coaches.

The coaching staff are to be congratulated for their skill and patience.

After the small bore rifle section finished, most participants were given a complimentary taster in 10 metre Air Pistol. A charity raffle raised £50, the proceeds being donated to the Young Shooters Fund which is governed by the National Rifle Association.

SMSA Annual Charity Golf Day The Annual Charity Golf Day arranged by the Deputy Chairman David Eager was held at Farleigh GC on 12th July and was very well attended with over 80 players and supporters. The weather was perfect for once and the course was in very good condition.

My thanks to W.Bro Kevin Field and his wife Beverley, also to W.Bro Neil Macdonald and his wife Carly and W.Bro Jack Bramwell for their assistance in the reception of the players and for providing welcome nourishment at the hospitality tent on the course.

There were other prizes for Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin and the winner of the Golf Simulator Challenge.

The presentation to the various winners was made by W.Bro Mike Kindler present Captain of the SMSA Golf Section.

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THE ‘CAN’T KEEP STILL’ LODGE On the 16th of April 2013, ten brethren from the Royal Albert Edward Lodge No.1362 together with one brother from Ebbisham Lodge No.2422 and one brother from Lancing Lodge No.6352 (Province of Sussex), flew to the Island of Jersey to attend the 150th anniversary of St Aubins Lodge No.958.

They had been invited by DepProvGM (designate), Graham Spence PProvGSec (Jersey) PPAGStdB (Surrey) who was a Past Master of the Royal Albert Edward Lodge in 1992.

The meeting was also attended by the RW.Bro Kenneth Michael Rondel ProvGM, and VW.Bro Anthony Vincent Hefford DepProvGM of Jersey.

W.Bro Graham Spence gave a very fine lecture on the History of St Aubins Lodge, and the festive board was a great success, W.Bro Roger Tickner from the Royal Albert Edward lodge received a rapturous applause from the brethren for his reply to the visitor’s speech.

This is the second visit that the Royal Albert Edward Lodge have made overseas. In April 2011 they attended a meeting at Lezayre Lodge No.6890 on the Isle of Man. W.Bro Shaun Boon who helped to organise both trips said that we are hoping to attend a meeting in Guernsey, there is also a possibility of attending a meeting in Ireland, and are hoping to get an invite to a Scottish Lodge!

The Brethren who attended the meeting would like to thank St Aubins Lodge for a very warm and welcome meeting and a wonderful festive board.

Surrey Mason

If Freemasonry is to thrive in the future, it must look forward and embrace new technologies. The first step on this journey is for Lodges to develop their own websites. The Editor asked Jane DouglasJones, a website designer and developer to explain how a Lodge can develop a successful and effective online presence.

KEY STEPS TO ONLINE SUCCESS OR HOW TO GO ABOUT HAVING A LODGE WEBSITE

“Steeped in a rich history, Masonic Lodges cherish their traditions. However, many Lodges are now also looking forward and embracing new technologies.

An effective Lodge website has two main benefits. Firstly, your website will inform and attract potential new members. Secondly, your website will become an effective way to communicate and keep existing Lodge members up-to-date on news and forthcoming events.

However, if website design is not your area of expertise, the task of developing a successful online presence for your Lodge may feel quite daunting. The good news is that website development need not be an overwhelming task. Even better, it need not be fiendishly expensive!

When you first decide to build an online presence for your Lodge you need to consider the following five key factors: 1 Domain and Hosting 2 Design 3 Content 4 UGLE Guidelines (see box) 5 Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

process and will let you know immediately if you can go ahead with your domain name or if it is back to the drawing board!

Sadly, domains are not free. You have to buy them and then renew them on a regular basis. Costs can range widely depending on the popularity of the name itself. However, you should not look to pay more than £20£30 per year.

It can make more financial sense to combine your domain purchase with your hosting. Hosting is where your website will live in the virtual world. A company that provides hosting services will give you the space where you can develop your website and will ensure the security, reliability, and accessibility of your site. It is, therefore, crucial that you choose a reputable company.

Many hosting providers will offer you the opportunity of purchasing your domain name and hosting for a regular, usually monthly, fee. Costs vary depending on the hosting provider, but you should expect to pay between £5-£10 per month. Some hosting companies will offer free hosting. However, the drawback is that they will place advertising on your site. This is not permitted under the UGLE Guidelines (see box).

Domain and Hosting Quite simply, your domain is your website address. For example, I recently created a website for Elmbridge Lodge in Surbiton. The domain name for this site is www.elmbridgelodge.com. Thus, your domain should be your Lodge’s name with, for example, a .com, .org.uk or .co.uk after it.

The simpler your domain name, the easier your visitors will be able to find your website.

Therefore, you should avoid hyphens and any long string of numbers. People are more likely to remember a .com address and, consequently, these domains are the most popular.

Once you have decided on your domain name your next step is to check if it is available.You can do a quick check by visiting the domain itself or you can check availability via a domain provider. This is a very simple

Content Now that you have a domain name and a space to develop your website, you should start to consider your content. What do you want to put on your website?

When thinking about content, it can be helpful to break your website down into the pages that you will require. Typically, a Lodge website will have the following pages: Home • About • News and Events • Contact The Home page is the page that your visitors will first see when they type in your domain name. It should, therefore, give them all of the essential information about your Lodge that they need in a clear and concise manner. You can go into more detail on the other pages of your site.

Your About page is where you can expand upon the details of your Lodge. For example, you can write about the history of your Lodge

and emphasise the events that you organise and the charity work that you are involved in.

The News and Events page will provide details of all your Lodge’s latest developments and announcements. In addition, you can make Lodge members aware of forthcoming events and meetings on this page.

Your Contact page is vitally important. You want your website to be a place for new and potential members to get in touch with your Lodge. Include an email address or a contact form. In addition, include the other methods that people can make contact (for example, your address and telephone number).

Another effective addition to a Contact page is a map showing the precise location of your Lodge.

Your website could also include additional pages. For example, a page devoted to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help and inform potential new Lodge members. It could also have a page dedicated to educating visitors about the charity work undertaken by the Masonic community.

Design Once you have your content, you need to move on to design. If you have expertise in website development, you can build your site yourself. If you do not have experience in this area you can look to outsource.

There are two options available. You can enlist the help of a professional website developer or you can adapt an existing template that has already been designed by a website design company.

There are advantages to both methods.

A template can be a quick and easy option avoiding the need for coding expertise. However, the onus is very much on you to make sure that your website is both professional and functional. In addition, it is vital that you ensure that the template is hosted with a reputable provider and is secure and reliable.

Meanwhile, a professional website developer can design a site to suit your Lodge’s specific requirements. The right developer will have the experience to ensure continued over 11

Surrey Mason

that your Lodge ends up with a professional, accessible website that will be up and running quickly. In addition, many developers offer an after care service to support you after your website has been completed.

You may be concerned about costs. Won’t a website developer be prohibitively expensive? Well, in the early days you would be right. You could expect to pay thousands for a website. However, today, you can hire the services of a website designer for much less and is extremely cost effective.

Whichever road you choose, the key to good website design is simplicity. Keep your website pages clear and uncluttered and try to maintain one colour scheme throughout.

If you need inspiration for your website design, take a look at other websites and make a note of what you like or dislike about them.

You should aim to make your website as easy to navigate as possible. Place a navigation bar at the top or down the side of your website so that your visitors can move from page to page with ease.

SEO Search engine optimisation, or SEO, has fast

UGLE GUIDELINES As Lodges increasingly look into developing websites, so the need for clear online guidelines has become apparent. As a result, The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has created a Code of Practice for websites.

Lodges/Chapters that wish to develop Masonic websites should submit their proposed content to the Provincial Grand Secretary for approval before taking their site live. The site will be reviewed by the Province and any alterations/ amendments will be brought to the attention of the Lodge/Chapter for remedy before the ProvGM’s certificate to publish is issued. Once approval has been given, the site can go live.

The Lodge/Chapter must then send a copy of the certificate to UGLE, along with the URL of the approved site, and in due course, Grand Lodge will issue a Charter Mark.

UGLE emphasise that, as the websites are available to all members of the public, care should be taken that the views put forward reflect United Grand Lodge policy.

For example, the Guidelines stipulate that Masonic websites should not contain any overt advertising for any commercial enterprise or any covert advertising via links or hyper-links (where a part of the text is clickable and takes you to another webpage). However, the online sale of Masonic items such as Year Books or ties is permitted.

Advertising of extra-curricular activities such as dining clubs or wine clubs, is not allowed but links to sites detailing such clubs is permitted. In addition, links to other Masonic websites are allowed after approval by the UGLE Webmaster.

Meanwhile, personal details and photographs of Lodge members should not be published on the website without their prior written permission.

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become an industry in its own right. SEO is the process by which you can ensure that search engines find your website.

If you implement effective SEO on your website, visitors that type in a relevant key word or phrase into a search engine will find your website easily. Many companies spend thousands on SEO as they strive to land on the first page of a search engine’s results.

It is big business.

However, thankfully, your Lodge will not need to make anywhere near that high a financial commitment. You just want to ensure that if a member or potential new member tries to find you via an online search engine, your website pops up.

Details of Candidates must never be published.

While, Lodge or Chapter Minutes are not allowed to be posted online, the UGLE Guidelines do allow the inclusion of a News page to publish, in general, what is happening at the next meeting. For example, details of forthcoming elections, a talk, or which ceremony is to be worked.

The Guidelines encourage Lodges to keep their websites up to date, accurate and grammatically correct. In addition, if a website contains a visitor’s book, forum or comments page all content should be carefully and regularly monitored. To ensure that you avoid any inappropriate comment, you can install a forum that requires your approval before comments are published online.

Meanwhile, most websites contain a login option so that you can go behind the scenes to update your site. However, the UGLE Guidelines warn that a visible password protected area may give the perception that the Lodge has something to hide and is, therefore, not 100% open to the public. Also, password protected areas may encourage hackers and could comprise your site’s security.

Most websites will allow you to hide a login link and give you a separate website address by which to access your site for administrative purposes. In addition, if you require an area of your website for Lodge members only, the Guidelines stipulate that rather than having a link stating ‘members only’, you display a button that says ‘Administration’.

The UGLE Guidelines ensure that the quality and standard of all Lodge websites is maintained at a high and consistent level. They make essential reading before you begin your website development process.

The first step towards effective SEO is to make sure that you have chosen a reputable hosting provider. Search engines also like it if you have purchased your domain for a number of years.

Next, ensure that you have good quality content on your website and try to provide new content on a regular basis. Your content will inevitably contain some key words. Make a note of those key words and phrases and use them in your website development. If you are using a template there will likely be a section where you can place those key words for SEO purposes.

If you have hired a website developer, he or she will take your key word list and optimise your website so that you will be found if someone types in a relevant term into a search engine.

Once you have created your website and are happy with its content and design, you should forward your site to the Provincial Grand Secretary for approval. On approval, your site will be awarded the right to carry a Charter Mark on its Home page. You can then launch your site and start to enjoy the benefits of an effective online presence.

Online success Freemasons need to embrace online technology in order to ensure future growth and success. Thankfully, the process of developing a website for your Lodge need not be dauntingly complex nor does it have to be prohibitively expensive.

A website will bring you many advantages and once you have created a website you will wonder how you managed without one!”

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Surrey Mason

£130,000 donated by Springfield Lodge in 4 years

David Carroll, Master of Springfied Lodge No.6052 presented a cheque for £3,160 to Jess Sumner, Chief Executive of Croydon’s Citizens Advice Bureau to help towards the furnishings at the new CAB offices in South Norwood, opened at the end of April.

Springfield Lodge meet at The Croydon Masonic Centre and over the past 4 years has donated over £130,000 to local Croydon Charities and other charities within Surrey.

Jess Sumner joined Croydon CAB in May 2007 and became Chief Executive in October 2009. She first got involved with the CAB service when she volunteered as an adviser at Stoke-on-Trent CAB during her final year of a law degree. When she started she wanted to increase the profile of the bureau and felt it needed to work in partnership more to make the most of the vibrant voluntary sector in Croydon. They are the lead organisation behind the Croydon Advice

Providers Together forum which gives advice organisations a forum to discuss latest issues in advice (such as the welfare reforms).

Croydon Citizens Advice Bureau Service is a local charity serving the needs of those who live and work within Croydon by providing information and advice, and by influencing policy makers.

Despite problems due to the loss of their largest office (based in Strand House in Thornton Heath) and delays in opening a new bureau in the north of the borough, the service still managed to see 13% more clients this year than last year (4,851 clients seen in the year 2012/13). Pressures on volunteers and staff delivering the service continued to increase and they managed to deal with over 14,500 issues including debt problems, welfare benefits issues, employment and housing.

People needing information about their problems may access information themselves via the Citizens Advice online resource, Adviceguide – www.adviceguide.org.uk Address for South Norwood CAB is 48-50 Portland Road, South Norwood, SE25 4PQ.

Regis Aurigae Lodge celebrate 25 years On Monday, February 11th, 2013, Regis Aurigae Lodge No.9264 met to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

On this joyful occasion eight of the original founder members attended, including W.Bro D.M Richardson PAPGM. 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 again into the Master’s Chair.

Innumerable Grand Officers graced us with their presence to offer him their support and their congratulations to the Lodge.

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

Cranleigh Lodge visit Bath Masonic Hall The best kept secret in Freemasonry? The answer must surely be the Bath Masonic Hall and Museum. Having seen an episode of Flog It on TV which featured this fascinating building and its contents Bill Clayton made contact with The Royal Cumberland Lodge Secretary, Alan Morsley, to arrange a visit. Alan could not have been more helpful and welcoming. A date was chosen when the Lodge were to be visited by the ProvGM of Somerset, RW.Bro Stuart Hadler. The ceremony was to be a Second Degree which was ideal since this is performed with all the lights on making viewing easier, particularly for visitors, in such a large and interesting Temple.

After an uneventful journey by minibus, our party were welcomed with refreshments and introduced to W.Bro Trevor Quartermaine, who has a vast knowledge of the building, its fascinating history and the Masonic Museum. We spent an hour being conducted on a tour of what had once been Bath’s original Theatre Royal, then a Catholic Chapel where Bishops were ordained, before becoming home to one of England’s oldest Provincial Masonic Lodges, the Royal Cumberland No.41, the only English Lodge with complete records since 1732!

LODGE’S CHEQUE TO THE RUTHERFORD SCHOOL

As expected, the ritual and perambulations during the ceremony were quite different to what we are used to, but nevertheless, perfectly recognisable and excellently performed by all concerned.

The Tracing Boards in Bath are HUGE and require three or four brethren to lift and change them, although they are not the 200 year old originals but faithful copies. The explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board, which is considerably longer, was worth the visit on its own!

Following the ceremony we adjourned to the splendid dining room for the Festive Board. Cranleigh members were made to feel very welcome by our hosts. There was considerable banter amongst those proposing and replying to toasts, particularly from the ProvGM of Somerset who spoke in a relaxed manner and with great humour, he obviously feels very at home in Bath.

To arrange a visit to Royal Cumberland Lodge No.41 contact Alan Morsley at: alanmorsley@btinternet.com W.Bro Bill Clayton, Cranleigh Lodge No.3445

On the 21st of November 2012 Royal Albert Edward Lodge’s W.Bro Shaun Boon accompanied by W.Bro Peter & Gillian Tree (Charity Steward) visited the Rutherford School in Croydon and were given a guided tour.

A cheque for £3,600, money raised during his year as Master will be used to support the summer club. W.Bro Shaun explained that this was a charity close to his heart as his close friend’s daughter Abigail (pictured in the photo) gets much pleasure and support from attending this school.

Priory Lodge Ladies’ Festival raises £1,900 W.Bro Nick Tyrrell became Worshipful Master of the Priory Gate Lodge No.8202 in May 2012 and with his wife Connie held their Ladies’ Festival in March 2013 at the Runnymede Hotel, Egham.

Their choice of charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research was prompted by W.Bro Brian Penfold, a friend of over 25 years and Nick’s Proposer, having been recently diagnosed with a rare blood cancer.

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the brethren and their guests, the evening raised £1,900 for the charity.

W.Bro Nick Tyrrell (right) and W.Bro Brian Penfold (centre) present the cheque to charity Regional Manager, Ben Sykes.

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Surrey Mason

Congratulations and thank you to those brethren who have served Freemasonry for 50 years or more!

W.Bro Robert B asil Greenland Lavender Lodg e No.6429

il W.Bro John Siv

e No.5443 Guildford Lodg e timing, W.Bro With immaculat rovGM, was on James Cook, AP the reigning hand to present ford Lodge, Master of Guild with his 50th W.Bro John Sivill, ificate – anniversar y cert from his exactly 50 years March 1963. th Initiation on 13 presenting W.Bro Cook, in behalf of the the certificate on Master, Provincial Grand ’s many highlighted John Freemasonry. achievements in r of Guildford ai Lodge in almost He is in the Ch has served the d an e ds tim ird th uding long perio Lodge for the onic career, incl as M s e hi g th rin of r du to ever y of fice er and Precep remonies, Almon as Director of Ce ion. tend to being Lodge of Instruct y credentials ex rre Su ’s hn Jo t, a Founder of Beyond the Craf Edward Chapter, l ya Ro of l pa ci incipals. You will a past First Prin of SW Surrey Pr r be em m a d an tive in Mark and Azor Chapter that he is also ac ow kn to ed ris not be surp onry in ent to Freemas Rose Croix. out his commitm d de yllis un Ph ro e s th ha at John e to time al help from tim Cour t. tic n ac no pr an ith Sh w y Surre a volunteer at as d an op sh Tuckwell charity

20th October 20 12 saw W.Bro Bo b Greenland achi years in the Craf eve his 50 t and was presen ted with his 50th Januar y 2013 by certificate in W.Bro Jim Cook AProvGM. At the meeting attended by 55 brethren, at whi Degree was wor ch a Third ked, the Master W.Bro Keith Woo Bob (a fantastic ds requested th ritualist) assist at in the ceremony Degree and deliv by completing th ering the Traditi e on al exemplar y fashio Histor y (which he n). did in an W.Bro Jim Cook congratulated Bo b and gave an el resumé of Bob’ s life. This not on oquent ly included his in Freemasonry bu volvement with t his varied care er which initially Apprentice to M took him from aster Mariner. He has worked in th industry nearly e marine all his life travelli ng the world an visiting Lodges d where possible in far flung plac es. In 2004 Bob Chapter 1414 (W joined Knole est Kent) and w ill be First Princi Bob retired from pal in May 2013 active work only . a couple of year happily married s ago, is very to Judy and they have three lovely He has been a Ro grandchildren. tarian, a membe r of the Honourab Master Mariner le Company of s, is a member of Probus (past when spare tim president) and e permits, plays golf.

Congratulations also go to W.Bro Jack Bleach on his 66th year in Freemasonry (see page 21) and W.Bro Roy Furguson on his 50th year in Freemasonry (see page 29)

W.Bro Sidney Mitchell Addiscombe Lodge No.1556 At the Lodge’s regular meeting on Saturday 13th April one of the main items of business was to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry by W. Bro. Sidney James Mitchell. W.Bro Sidney was presented with his 50 Year Certificate by W.Bro David Lester, AProvGM; he also received an engraved Masonic tankard from the Lodge members.

W.Bro Sidney’s extensive Masonic career began on 19th April 1963 when he was Initiated into the Addiscombe Lodge No.1556, becoming Master of the Lodge in 1978. He was also Preceptor and Director of Ceremonies of the Lodge for 6 years – and is well remembered by the more senior members in the Lodge as a highly knowledgeable and patient expert on ritual and procedure.

Not one to limit himself to the Craft, Sidney was a Founder Member of other Masonic Orders at Addiscombe – namely Mark and RAM. He also founded or joined a number of other Lodges and held the posts of Master, Secretary and Charity Steward in them. He was a Founder Member and first Senior Warden of the Michelham Lodge No.8502 and Master of that Lodge in 1975. He also carried out the role of Secretary of that Lodge for 8 years. And he was a Member of Richard, Earl of Shannon Lodge (Surrey Prov. Grand Stewards) where he was Charity Steward for 6 years, becoming Master of the Lodge in 1991.

Sidney was a Founder Member of Surrey Prov. Grand Stewards Chapter No.9297 and served as First Principal in 1997. He is also known for his caring nature and in January 1992 he was a Founder Member of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund.

Editor’s Note: We are happy to receive reports of 50 year + certificates but please do keep these as brief as possible.

On occasions we are not always able to publish photographs due to poor image quality.

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Nutfield Lodge Surrey Mason

Nutfield Lodge, Redhill, a large white building situated on a busy road leading out to Nutfield. To passers-by, it probably is just ‘a large white building’, but there is more to it than that.

Acquired by the Masonic community in 1970, Nutfield Lodge has become a popular meeting place for Masons; over thirty Lodges/Chapters per year make use of the meeting rooms and two temples. After their ceremonies they dine in the main function room, which leads out to a large York-stoned patio area, with fantastic views across the South Downs. The building itself sits in five acres of ground and has ample parking.

Like many other Masonic Centres, Nutfield Lodge visitors are not always Masons. Our main function room is regularly used for weddings, parties, christenings and other social functions. Clients who hire Nutfield Lodge for their functions are always delighted when we tell them they will get exclusive use of the main function room and our fully-stocked, reasonably priced bar, which was refurbished in 2011.

Popular Conference venue Nutfield Lodge is also a popular conference venue, offering competitive room hire rates and flexible refreshment packages.

Surrey County Council and various departments of the NHS use the centre on a regular basis. Balfour Beatty recently used the centre for a public consultation forum on the updating of motorway signage on the local stretch of the M25. From fashion shows and craft fayres to charity lunches and YMCA discos, Nutfield Lodge is a venue that offers flexibility and great customer service in a perfect setting.

Main function room set for a wedding

Main meeting room set for a conference

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These pages were kindly sponsored by

Bar area, refurbished in 2011, fully stocked and reasonably priced

Nutfield Lodge recognises the importance of reaching out to the community. In June 2012 we hosted a very successful Queen’s Jubilee Beacon event, where people living locally were invited to join in the celebrations and take a tour of our temples. The mystery of Masonry was dispelled for many.

In the last year, Nutfield Lodge has hosted two important events: Meet the Brewer, sponsored by Greene King. In September 2012 we changed our beverage supplier to Greene King. Masonic units who meet at Nutfield Lodge were invited to meet the Head Brewer of Greene King, to find out how they brew their beer and the history of the company, but most importantly taste their variety of beers. A good time was had by all.

Our other important event was held in May this year: Meet the Caterer, sponsored by Glorious Food Ltd. In March 2013 we procured a new caterer. Masonic Lodges who meet at Nutfield Lodge were invited once again to meet Gill Potterton and her team.

Tasty canapés were served and glasses of wine poured, whilst Gill and her team introduced themselves to Masons, capturing any specific requirements they may have, when dining at Nutfield Lodge. In addition to Masonic guests, Gill invited her client base, all of which were impressed with our wonderful centre. Another way of opening up Nutfield Lodge to the community.

Glorious Food Ltd have introduced an all new approach to Masonic dining; the Lodges/Chapters that meet at Nutfield Lodge can ‘design their own menu’. Gill and her skilled team work with each Lodge/Chapter to create flexibility and a balanced menu choice. They have also introduced a new bar menu and are offering 10% off catering to any Masons who book Nutfield Lodge for their private/family functions.

In June this year Glorious Food Ltd hosted a very successful quiz night at Nutfield Lodge, under the banner of Glorious Events at the Lodge. Here are a few more forthcoming events that they will be hosting in conjunction with Nutfield Lodge: 23 August Quiz Night; 21 September Cocktail and canapé evening; 28 September Macmillan coffee morning; 2 November Craft Fayre; 16 November Festive quiz; 29 November Christmas party; 13 December James Bond themed Christmas party; 20 December Sipsmith event.

Like other Masonic centres, Nutfield Lodge continues to develop.

Plans are underway for a new and improved web-site, a wedding licence and development of the building. All of which will make it even more appealing to Masons and the community.

Tasty canapés being served at our Meet the Caterer event

DAVIDOFF The magnificent view looking over the South Downs from the terrace at the Nutfield Masonic Centre, Redhill

Young Epilepsy recipients of £50,000 Grant from the Freemasons' Grand Charity!

The Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford was delighted to present on behalf of the Freemason's Grand Charity, the first tranche of £25,000 to a Lingfield based charity, Young Epilepsy, at Nutfield Masonic Centre on Friday 9th August. W.Bro Nick Parsons, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Chairman of the Provincial Charity Committee, hosted the event and gave an overview of the Charity's work.

The cheque was received by Charity Trustee, Michael Kilrilloff, who was joined by his colleagues Julia Phillips and Stacey Daniells. Miss Phillips briefed the attendees with what the grant would be used for. The team in Surrey had successfully piloted a scheme to educate and inform the schools in Surrey on the disability which affects 112,000 children nationwide. The funding would be used to employ a colleague based in Merseyside who would roll out the Surrey pilot. The aim is to provide early support and education to the youngsters themselves, their families and friends. This would improve their life chances in years to come enabling them to realise their full potential which epilepsy has a history of limiting.

The Provincial Grand Master was joined by VW.Bro Derek Barr, MBE, Deputy Provincial Grand Master; W.Bro John Tomlin, Provincial Grand Secretary and the Craft Provincial Charity Steward, W.Bro Paul Crockett.

A warm invitation was extended by the Charity to all the Freemasons of Surrey to visit Young Epilepsy in Lingfield and in particular on an Open Day on the afternoon of Thursday 26th September when they will be opening St Piers Farm on their campus.

Anyone wishing to obtain more details should contact the PCC Secretary W.Bro Steve Jones via email at stephenrichardjo@btinternet.com

SURREY FOR SURREY CHEQUE PRESENTATION EVENT Freemasons of Surrey gathered at the Guildford Masonic Centre, on 4th April, to donate over £20,000 in donations to various Surrey Charities. In the last four years the Freemasons of Surrey have given over half a million Pounds to charities in and around Surrey.

Spokesman for the Surrey Provincial Charity Committee, W.Bro Colin Palmer, said: “Many people are unaware that Freemasons are amongst the largest donors to charity in the UK. This is the eighth such Cheque Presentation Event organised by the Surrey for Surrey Scheme, which pools together donations from members of different Lodges and Chapters across Surrey, in an effort to make a significant impact for each charity. All this money has been raised by Freemasons and their families”.

The presentation was attended by Masons, their wives and partners, as well as representatives of the following charities: • The Woking Hospice • Diamond Riding for the Disabled • St. Raphael’s Hospice • Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support • The Trinity Hospice • The British Lung Foundation • Barnardo’s • Lifelites • South West Thames Kidney Fund • Mencap • The Amyloidosis Research Fund 17

Surrey Mason

Surrey Masonic Bowling Association reaches a 75 year milestone Founded in 1937, the Surrey Masonic Bowling Association reached the age of 75 years in 2012. A commemorative engraved tumbler was presented to each member to mark this achievement.

Starting from modest beginnings just two years before the Second World War, the Association now plays a programme of 31 matches a year, 15 outdoor and 16 indoor fixtures. The present membership of 49 bowlers, drawn from 30 Lodges, enthusiastically supports these fixtures.

Inter-provincial games are key fixtures. The SMBA currently bowls annually against four South of England Provinces. Surrey has a strong record in the Hollins Cup, an interprovincial trophy inaugurated in 1976 to commemorate the RMBI. The SMBA has won the competition seven times including three consecutive wins in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The cup has not been competed for since.

The SMBA is a sporting organisation dedicated to playing bowls and building Masonic friendships. It is not primarily a charitable body, but it has a fund raising record of which it is proud. Over the past 10 years the total of £10,700 has been

collected and distributed between: Trinity Hospice; Queen Elizabeth Foundation for Disabled; Stroke Association; Macmillan Nurses; Diabetes UK; Prostate Cancer; Alzheimer’s Society; Neo Natal Unit – St Georges; SANDS [still birth and neonatal deaths]; Combat Stress; YORDA [help for disabled children].

The Association holds two social events each year for wives and partners. An evening dinner is held each April, and a lunch in September, after the final game of the year, when competition prizes are presented. The guest of honour for some years has been the Past Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, Terry Doyle, with whom the SMBA greatly values its long and warm links.

The SMBA is open to all Surrey Masonic bowlers. High skill levels are not essential. Talent is spread evenly to ensure an enjoyable game for everyone. Any bowler interested in joining is invited to get in touch with John Ross [Hon. Sec.] on 01737 36275.

At 75 years of age the SMBA is in good health and looks forward to a bright future. W.Bro Paul Cook

The SMBA is a sporting organisation dedicated to playing bowls and building Masonic friendships

The Masonic Fishing Charity – Surrey Branch Fifteen children from the Wishmore Cross Academy in Woking, a residential special school for boys aged 11 to 16 years who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, were invited to join us for an interactive fishing and countryside experience day out at the Vale End Trout Fishery, Albury, on the 13th June. The Provincial Grand Master, a keen fly fisherman and a life member of the MTSFC turned out as one of the volunteer casters who coach the children on a one to one basis.

The boys arrived at about 10 am and were paired up with our fishermen who have the responsibility of looking after them for the day. The boys all quickly got involved in the fishing experience and by lunchtime had caught a mixture of fifteen rainbow and brown trout. Two boys excitedly netting their first ever rainbow trout.

A hearty lunch was provided by our caterer which was soon demolished by the hungry lads. During lunch it was evident the boys were becoming very competitive in respect of who had caught the most fish etc. and it was not long before they were all back on the banks of the lakes with the aim of beating their friends for the top medal (‘Most Fish’).

As the day came to a close the draw for the raffle was held and surprise, surprise, all of the children managed to win something.

By the end of the day thirty-one fish were caught and certificates of achievement and medals were presented to the children by the Provincial Grand Master.

Earlier in the year the branch hosted sixteen children and young people from the Children’s Trust, Tolworth at the Coltsford Mill Trout Fishery.

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The Masonic Fishing Charity’s aim is to bring an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with Special Needs. It achieves this by running fishing events, both coarse and fly and inviting participants with special needs to come and join in. This includes anyone over 11 with mental or physical disabilities, the disadvantaged or those who have suffered trauma.

We work in the community and all our events are organised by volunteers and financially sponsored by the charitable donations received from individuals, Lodges and Chapters.

Members from those organisations donating to our work are invited to come along for the day to assist and see how their money is being used.

If your Lodge or Chapter wish to help or receive more information about our work, please visit our website at www.mtsfc.co.uk or email the Surrey Branch Secretary, frank.carlin@tiscali.co.uk

Surrey Mason

IT'S NOT JUST A MAN THING !!

W.Bro Tony Neville W.M. of West Croydon Lodge No.5688 and his Wife, Allanna, presenting a cheque for £3,200 to Chris Carter of Prostate Cancer UK at their headquarters in Cambridge House, Hammersmith. The donation was the proceeds of their Ladies’ Festival weekend held at the Langham Hotel, Eastbourne. Allanna said that although only men contract the condition, she has seen the devastating affect it has on the whole family.

W.Bro Mike Lane, Festival secretary, was delighted with this record contribution, saying the perfect venue and the recent publicity for Prostate Cancer UK touched everybody who attended and along with the W.M. thanked them all for their overwhelming generousity.

Lodge of Quality’s successful Ladies’ Festival raises £1,000 The Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Quality No.9356, Neil Macdonald and his wife Carly, presenting a cheque for £1,000 to Amy Hooper, the Charity Co-ordinator of St. Christopher’s Hospice. The money was raised from their very successful Ladies’ Festival.

Onslow Lodge No.2234 University Scheme Initiations

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These are just some of the things we do.

For more information, please contact: Derek Williamson 020 8941 2187 www.goddardsaccountants.biz Spirit House, 8 High Street, West Molesey, KT8 2NA

Onslow Lodge was elected to be the Surrey Province’s lead Lodge in the UGLE University Scheme in 2008. The scheme, pioneered by AGM RW.Bro David Williamson, started in 2005 and now has 55 Lodges across the UK. The University Scheme was a bit of a struggle in the early days to say the least and in the words of the AGM at one of our first meetings, “It will take you five years to make real headway” and it has!

We arranged meetings and Sunday lunches with the Student Union, attended the Freshers Fayres when there was a table free. Last year’s Freshers Fayre was a major success and we were able to attract some twenty good potential candidates, from which we interviewed four who were of a very high standard. There are another four good candidates waiting in the wings.

In the spirit of Apollo University Lodge (Oxford) and Isaac Newton University Lodge (Cambridge) we decided to Initiate multiple candidates in one ceremony. Dispensations were obtained from Province to hold an Emergency Meeting and to Initiate four candidates in one ceremony. Armed with the guide for multiple ceremonies, our early LoI’s were a cross between The Conga and The Okey Cokey but with practice we mastered the floor work and on 10th June the Worshipful Master Paul Rowe Initiated the four Candidates in the presence of AProvGM Jim Cook and AProvGM David Lester. It was a memorable ceremony as was the Festive Board afterwards.

Below is a picture taken after the ceremony with the Initiates, Bro. Do-Richa Lutula, Bro. Thomas Evers, Bro. Ahmet Altuner and Bro. Maksym Harloff-Bernyk with the Worshipful Master, his Wardens. AProvGM Jim Cook, Grand Officer Gerry Yockney, and Lodge Secretary Nigel Godden.

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Surrey Mason

Supporting good causes – it’s a Masonic family thing!

AProvGM Jim Cook’s daughters Geraldine and Elisabeth Cook with Beverley Field – wife of W.Bro Kevin Field completed the 2013 Race for Life together in July in support of Cancer Research UK. On Sunday 21st July, along with 3,500 other women, Geraldine, Elisabeth and Bev had great fun taking part in the annual Race for Life. They completed the 5km course around Lloyd Park in Croydon in 48 minutes. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of their friends, colleagues and family they have raised the magnificent sum of £1,223 (inclusive of Gift Aid) for Cancer Research UK, a cause close to their hearts. They would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of various Lodges for their support and pre-warn you that they will be taking part again next year!

Castle Lodge £2,000 cheque helps the Hannah Holiday Home Hannah’s Holiday Home has been set up in memory of Hannah Westbrook a very well loved and brave girl. At the Age of 8 Hannah was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and was treated at Southampton General Hospital.

Throughout her illness she underwent very intense chemotherapy, a stem cell treatment and radiotherapy. During her illness she never complained and remained a very happy, caring and loving daughter, sister and friend and was well loved by all who knew her. Despite all of this, she continued with family and friends to fund-raise for the Piam Brown Ward, which is the children’s cancer ward based at Southampton General Hospital, raising over £10,000 in just 3 years.

Sadly, at the age of 10 on 19th September 2004, Hannah passed away peacefully at her family home in Waterlooville. It is because Hannah was such a caring and loving child that her family and friends have set up this Worshipful Master Tim James presents a cheque of £2,000 from his Ladies’ Night appeal plus a £200 appeal. donation from the Castle Keep Lodge of Instruction to Hannah loved family life and Hannah’s Holiday Homes. spending time with family and loved ones was very important to her. We thought there wasn't a better way to remember her by offering just that.

Through overwhelming generosity we have been able to purchase the holiday home allowing us to offer as many families as possible a well earned break. It is also to be offered to families who have lost someone very special to them so they can have some valuable family time together away from it all.

The park itself is wonderful. It offers an indoor and outdoor pool, outdoor play area, shop, club house, arcade and games area with fantastic family entertainment and a cafe catering for all your needs. The staff are all very friendly and helpful too. All of this is set in picturesque woodlands on the outskirts of the New Forest. Plus with thanks to everyone who has helped and donated, in 2012 we were able to open another holiday home on Hayling Island.

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Surrey Mason

Masonic Antiques & Collectables

A little gem of an ivory gavel, tactile and with a superb aged patina. Measuring 165mm long x 65mm (across the head) and a decent weight. Presented by T. Butt, P.M. to Nelson Lodge No.700. The Lodge was consecrated in 1857 and in 1863 allocated the number 700. It has had various meeting places since 1857 mainly centralised around Woolwich: The Gun Tavern, The Red Lion, The Masonic Hall, finally meeting at the Masonic Hall, Plumstead in 1889.

Worth around £200-£300.

Take care when purchasing ivory. You must try to make sure that it is pre-1947 as there is a ban on the sale of ivory after that date. Identifying ivory can be difficult as there are many fake objects made of resin.

One way of testing an article for positive identification is the ‘needle test’. If the tip of a red hot needle pierces the article, it is not ivory or bone. Ed.

West Croydon Lodge 75th Anniversary Meeting holds a double celebration!

West Croydon Lodge No.5688 held their 75th Anniversary meeting at Croydon and District Masonic Hall on 19th November 2012 with W.Bro Paul Cope, representing the Provincial Grand Master in attendance.

A celebration cannot be complete without a cake and the Master’s wife, Mrs Allanna Neville baked a special edition that was enjoyed by all!

The cutting of the cake was a special occasion and we see two of the oldest members of the Lodge, W.Bro Stanley Hawkins and W.Bro Rodney Crook with the Master, W.Bro Tony Neville (centre) undertaking this pleasant task.

The Meeting was a double celebration as W.Bro Rodney Crook celebrated 40 years in Masonry having been Initiated into West Croydon Lodge in the November meeting of 1972 and having missed only two meetings of the Lodge in that time.

W.Bro Rodney was congratulated by his son, W.Bro Matthew Crook who presented his father with an engraved tankard and badge on behalf of the Lodge.

Hearty congratulations were given by W.Bro Paul Cope on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master to the Lodge and to W.Bro Rodney Crook, not forgetting Bro. Paul Deacon who was Initiated into West Croydon Lodge on that day.

Jack Bleach 66 years in Freemasonry

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At the Installation Meeting of the South West Surrey Masters Lodge No.5965 held on 2nd July 2013 at the Guildford Masonic Centre, the newly-installed Master, W.Bro Chris Magee AProvGM presented a celebratory card to W.Bro Jack Bleach PAGDC to mark his 50 years membership of the Lodge. W.Bro Chris also gave him a copy of the Summons from his first meeting on 2nd July 1963, exactly 50 years to the day, date and time. The card was signed at the Festive Board by all the members and guests present, numbering 70.

W.Bro Jack, who is in his 92nd year, was Master of the Lodge in 1991 and recently celebrated 66 years service to Freemasonry at his Mother Lodge, Godalming No.3811 having been Initiated in 1947. Next October, the ME Grand Superintendent will present him with a Certificate to mark 50 years in the Royal Arch.

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Surrey Mason

The Surrey Masons have helped us to change lives in communities the rest of the world has forgotten Kids for Kids was founded because of one small 9 year old’s 7 hour struggle across the deserts of Darfur, Sudan, to reach a handpump. There is water under Darfur but no one was doing anything to help. There are now 62 Kids for Kids’ villages where, with your support, we have transformed the life of children whose lives were beyond poverty. We train people to help themselves, to run the projects and to be answerable to their own communities. The Freemasons have helped us dig and repair handpumps, train midwives, first aid workers and paravets, and provide blankets, mosquito nets, solar lanterns, donkey ambulances, donkey carts and water carts and much more. We plant trees to transform the desert, and our first Kindergarten is almost finished in the small village of Abu Nahla in North Darfur.

Key to the health of children is our Goat Loan Project – called “the best microfinance project ever” We lend six goats to a family for two years so the children have milk. Yoghurt, extra milk and male kids provide an income for mothers, giving them the chance to make decisions for their families, often for the first time ever. Children go to school, mothers can pay for medical treatment, and whole communities are lifted out of abject poverty.

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But we need your help urgently. 3.5 million people are at risk of starvation over the next few months. Violence has increased, and inflation is soaring. Mothers cannot afford to feed their children – many have not had protein for months. Their hair is bleached of all colour. Bones, teeth and even brain cells are compromised. Children are already in hospital suffering from severe malnutrition.

Those who don't reach hospital will die. 15% of families are already without seed to plant for next year. Yet in our villages there is no malnutrition. Our sustainable projects transform the lives of children long term. The world has forgotten Darfur. Please can you help us show them we have not?

Together we can change children’s lives forever Thank you for your support! www.kidsforkids.org.uk Kids for Kids, PO Box 456, Dorking, RH4 2WS contact@kidsforkids.org.uk +44(0)7957206440 KIDS FOR KIDS Registered Charity No. 1100045, a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No.4607292

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Surrey Mason

The 2013 Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Surrey

The Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter took place on 22nd May 2013 in the Grand Temple of Freemasons’ Hall in London.

Once again a team of willing volunteers gathered at Oakfield Road early that morning to load all the regalia and documentation onto the coach to take them to Great Queen Street. After unloading the coach, everyone set about preparing the changing rooms and the Temple for the arrival of the Companions.

Companions of the Province and their guests started gathering in the Grand Temple.

The Convocation was called to order by E.Comp Richard Knox, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the Provincial Officers of the year accompanying the ME Grand Superintendent, the Deputy Grand Superintendent and the Provincial Grand Principals, led by the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and followed by the Provincial Grand Standard Bearers.

Following a rousing opening hymn, Provincial Grand Chapter was opened in due form by the Provincial Grand Principals who ascended the dais and took their seats, followed by the acting Officers of the year.

Provincial Grand Chapter having opened, a report was received from E.Comp Michael Scotchmer, Grand Standard Bearer, who sought admission. Upon admission he reported that The Most Excellent Second Grand Principal, George Pipon Francis, was in attendance and demanded admission to Provincial Grand Chapter. The ME Second Grand Principal was then escorted into the temple by a number of visiting ME Grand Superintendents, officers from Supreme Grand Chapter, and Deputy Grand Superintendents of neighbouring Provinces as Distinguished Guests of the Royal Arch Province of Surrey.

The business of Provincial Grand Chapter commenced with the ME Grand Superintendent individually welcoming the many representatives of other Provinces and Masonic Orders.

During the Convocation the ME Grand Superintendent was pleased to re-appoint E.Comp Alan Bayliss as the Deputy Grand Superintendent and E.Comp Richard J Wileman as Second Provincial Grand Principal.

The ME Grand Superintendent was then pleased to appoint E.Comp Colin G Jones as Third Provincial Grand Principal.

The ME Grand Superintendent then re-appointed E.Comps Mark Winchester, Chris Eley and Pierre Caeiro as Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals, following which he appointed E.Comp Eugene Regan as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.

A total of 184 appointments and promotions in Provincial Grand Rank were announced, the recipients mounting the dais to be congratulated by the ME Grand Superintendent, including 55 Companions receiving first appointments in Provincial Grand Rank.

The ME Grand Superintendent addressed Provincial Grand Chapter.

The Convocation was then called to order and closed in due form with a closing hymn. The ME Grand Superintendent accompanied by the Second Grand Principal, Grand Superintendents of other Provinces, and Provincial Officers then left the Temple in procession to the echoing strains of a recessional fanfare by the Provincial Grand Organist, E.Comp Bob Soper.

Following the Convocation, some 300 Companions dined in peace and harmony in the Grand Connaught Rooms where the customary Loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured.

Photos of the day and the ME Grand Superintendent’s address to Provincial Grand Chapter can be seen in the News Section of the Provincial website: www.royalarchsurrey.org.uk/news 23

Surrey Mason

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

A Special Convocation of Riddlesdown Chapter The March Convocation of Riddlesdown Chapter No.6107 was going to be a very special occasion. Not only did they have their Official Visitor, E.Comp Roger Willingale, PPGSN, visiting them for the first time but their longest serving member of the Chapter, E.Comp Graham Ramsden was going to receive a Certificate for 50 years service in the Royal Arch.

The afternoon started with a Demonstration of the Exaltation Ceremony. E.Comp Chris Eley, PAGDC, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who was there to present the 50 Year Certificate, offered to act as Candidate.

The demonstration was carried out in an excellent manner by the MEZ, E.Comp Colin Jones, PGStB, PAProvGP and his officers. All three Lectures were given in a very sincere way.

Following the demonstration the MEZ invited E.Comp Chris to present the 50 Year Certificate to E.Comp Graham Ramsden.

Graham was born in Ilford, Essex in November 1930 and lived with his parents until he was 16. He always wanted to go to sea and got a job with Shell in 1946 as a Junior Clerk. After a number of promotions he attained the rank of Captain in 1970 and joined his first command in Japan.

Graham retired in 1983 at the age of 52 and some of the stories he tells about his time at sea are brilliant.

Graham was exalted into Riddlesdown Chapter on the 17th January 1963. He always attended meetings when possible but his visits were few and so he had less chance to get to know the other members, particularly as most of them lived in or near Croydon and he now lived in Ilford, Essex.

After the Chapter was closed the Companions of Riddlesdown Chapter and their guests sat down to a splendid festive board at the Croydon Masonic Hall where they were treated to more stories from Graham about his time at sea.

Passing of the Veils Demonstration Following the successful demonstration of the Ceremony of Passing the Veils at North Surrey First Principals Chapter in June 2012, the team will once again be giving a demonstration at East Surrey First Principals Chapter at Croydon on Tuesday 22nd October 2013.

The basis of the current Royal Arch ceremonies worked in England was established and agreed by Supreme Grand Chapter in 1834. There is some evidence that before the 1834 changes the ceremony of Passing the Veils was practised as a preliminary to the Exaltation ceremony.

Today in England the ceremony is solely authorised for use in Chapters in Bristol but it is still very much part of the Royal Arch system in Ireland, the United States of America and in Scotland – where it is known as the Excellent Master Degree. Those wishing to see the demonstration should contact the Scribe E, E.Comp Peter McCarthy, Tel: 020 8668 4936 or Email: pjmccarthy1@virginmedia.com 24

The Final Convocation of Royal Kingston Chapter The final Convocation of Royal Kingston Chapter No.5377 took place at the Surbiton Masonic Centre, Glenmore House, on Tuesday 14th May 2013. After the Chapter was opened the MEZ welcomed all visitors, especially the Second Provincial Grand Principal and the Deputy Grand Provincial Scribe E. The MEZ invited the Second Provincial Grand Principal to present a Supreme Grand Chapter certificate to his son Comp. Alexander McGawn Lees, which was done in an interesting manner.

The Scribe E, E.Comp John Fleetwood, then read the Minutes of the Consecration Meeting on 29th September 1933, including the Consecrating Officers and the Founders of the Chapter.

The Second Provincial Grand Principal briefly addressed the Chapter on the state of the nation at the time of the Chapter’s Consecration. The Chapter had been consecrated as the Doric Chapter No.5019 but, on the closure of the Doric Lodge No.5019 – its parent Lodge, it became known as the Royal Kingston Chapter No.5377 in 1996, by virtue of a number of Companions being members of the Royal Kingston Lodge No.5377. During almost 80 years of its existence the Chapter had Exalted 112 brethren and received 17 joining members.

It is perhaps a sad reflection upon employment and economic times that the Chapter has found it difficult to recruit and retain members during the past decade, which has brought them to this day of surrendering the Charter. It was hoped that with the closure, Companions will not cease their membership of the Royal Arch and the Province is most anxious to assist in ensuring this is prevented.

The Chapter was closed in Peace, Love and Harmony; after which 11 Companions dined together for the last time as the Royal Kingston Chapter No.5377.

Malden Chapter supports their local Scouts Group In May the Principals and members of Malden Chapter No.2875 along with family members and the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Alan Bayliss, joined leaders of the 1st Surbiton (Sea Lions) Scouts Group at The Surbiton Club to hand over a cheque for £500.

The First Principal of Malden Chapter, E.Comp Colin Phipp, thanked the Scout leaders for their work with citizens of the future.

The Group President, Roger Jones, offered his thanks and appreciation from his 200+ members for the support of local Freemasons and said that the donation would be used to assist in providing a projector and visual teaching aids at their headquarter building.”

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Surrey Mason E.Comp Colin Jones – A Brief History

50th Anniversary of Croydon Millenary Chapter On the 22nd April 2013, Croydon Millenary Chapter No.7745 celebrated their 50th Anniversary Convocation. To celebrate this event the Chapter was honoured by the presence of 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.

After the Chapter was opened the Escorting Officer entered and advised the MEZ that the Second Provincial Grand Principal was in the anti-room and demanded admission to the Chapter. The Second Provincial Grand Principal entered to spontaneous applause, was greeted by the MEZ, E.Comp Peter Ashton, 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 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 Peter Cartwright was installed as First Principal, E.Comp Patrick Darby, PAGDC, as Second Principal and Comp. Bryan Taylor as Third Principal.

E.Comp Peter Cartwright is the Editor of the Surrey Mason.

E.Comp Derek Barr MBE, PAGDC, proposed that a cheque for £1,000 be presented to the Second Provincial Grand Principal for the Royal College of Surgeons Bicentennial Appeal. This was carried by the Companions present. On accepting the cheque from the MEZ the Second Provincial Grand Principal thanked the Companions for their generous donation to the appeal.

The Second Provincial Grand Principal then spoke about what was happening in 1963 when the Chapter was consecrated. He said that during the past 50 years, the Chapter had both booming and leaner periods but it has always demonstrated a determination to carry on and enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry.

On behalf of the ME Grand Superintendent and the Provincial Executive the Second Provincial Grand Principal offered his congratulations and wished all the members of Croydon Millenary Chapter a Happy Birthday and many more years to enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry.

After the Chapter was closed 25 Companions of Croydon Millenary Chapter and their guests sat down to a splendid festive board at the Croydon Masonic Hall. After the Festive Board the MEZ and the Companions of Croydon Millenary Chapter enjoyed themselves at the ceremonial ‘cutting of the cake.’

At the Annual Convocation in May, E.Comp Colin Glyn Jones was appointed Third Provincial Grand Principal in and over the Royal Arch Province of Surrey.

Colin was born in August 1940 during an Air Raid and he says his life started under the bed sheltering with the midwife, which is probably why he always has a soft spot for nurses. He was the youngest of five and went to the local Caterham School and then on to Redhill Technical College. His first job was with a printing firm in Caterham until he was 19 when he decided to follow his two brothers into the Royal Air Force for five years as a M.T. driver. After his demob Colin joined the local coach firm of Oliver Taylors as a driver and spent the next eight years driving in England and on the Continent.

Colin married Janet 44 years ago in 1969 and they had their first daughter, Leigh-Ann, in 1971. Their second daughter, Kelly-Ann, was born in 1973.

He now enjoys the company of his four grand-children. He says he does try to keep up with their speed with all of the new technology, but fails most of the time, and they are nice enough to pretend he is not too bad.

It is obvious to all who know Colin that he enjoys his Masonry.

He says that he feels very lucky to have been offered the positions to which he has been appointed.

Colin was Initiated into Cradiden Lodge No.6571 in December 1976 and became its Worshipful Master in 1987; then again in 2000 and 2010. He was the Lodge Director of Ceremonies for at least 15 years and has been its Preceptor for over 20 years.

In Craft, Colin was appointed ProvAGDC, followed by ProvSGD and ProvGSwdB all of which he considered to be a great honour. He became a member of East Surrey Masters No.5888 in 2001.

Colin was Exalted into Riddlesdown Chapter No.6107 in 1982 and was its MEZ in 1990 and again in 2012. He also was the Chapter Director of Ceremonies for 18 years.

In the Royal Arch Province of Surrey Colin was appointed ProvAGDC followed by ProvDepGDC and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. He received the Supreme Grand Chapter Rank of PGStB in 2004 and PAGSoj in 2013.

Colin said “All of my Provincial appointments have been very special to me, but I was completely gob-smacked when I was invited to become the Third Provincial Grand Principal – and that is the understatement of the century”.

A BIG WELCOME TO NEW ENTRANTS TO THE SURREY ROYAL ARCH The Executive and all the members of the Royal Arch Province of Surrey congratulate all these new entrants listed below: Adby AG, Arnold AJ, Ashroff AM, Atie OO, Banks GR, Beazley RA, Brooker JM, Caird OJ, Cotton JH, Crow PS, Danbury IG, Devlin SG, Flashman IR, Goud BP, Grant MC, Haywood JP, Hoare B, Holden JC, Ibrahim DJ, Kudhail AS, Lansley IR, Manning PP, McDill PJ, Mealin AG, Modhwadia NH, Packer AA, Palombo PHF, Patey CFW, Reynolds H, Roldan JM, Rutter GE, Saevitz RM, Stanton P, Swift AW, Waterman BT, Wells EJ, Yates ME. 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

BOOK REVIEW

Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century by Paul Calderwood.

378 pp; Hardback; ISBN: 978-1-40945433-5 Published by Ashgate Publshing. www.ashgate.com

VW.Bro Dr. Paul Richard Calderwood PGSwdB graduated in History from the University of Leicester in 1969 and then pursued a career in Journalism and Public Relations. After a career of 40 years, he retired from business and returned to university where he was eventually awarded the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Goldsmiths, University of London, for his thesis on the history of Freemasonry and the Press.

In 2010, Dr Calderwood was awarded the Norman B. Spencer Prize by Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076, the premier Lodge of Masonic research, for his essay on Freemasonry and Architecture in twentieth-century Britain.

In 2013, the academic publishers Ashgate Publishing have published a substantial book based upon this doctoral thesis.

Paul is a Past Master of Tenacity Lodge No.4597 and a former member of South Surrey Installed Masters Lodge No.8321 and was an Official Visitor from 1998-2003 in Surrey. His current rank is PGSwdB in both Craft and Royal Arch. In Royal Arch he is a PZ of Ewell Chapter No.1851 and was a member of Badge of Innocence Chapter No.8975.

Dr Calderwood is this year’s Prestonian Lecturer and the lecture is based upon this book.

The Lecture sets out to examine the way in which Freemasonry was portrayed in the national press in England and Wales during the twentieth-century. It considers how and why the public image (as distinct from the internal image) of Freemasonry changed from that of a highlyrespected ĂŠlite organisation, at the centre of public life in 1900, to a position on the fringes in the 1990s, regarded by many people with suspicion and disapproval.

The lecture describes how the press conveyed positive news about the organisation during the first 40 years of the twentieth-century, and concludes that the change in public regard for Freemasonry which occurred during the twentieth-century was due, mainly – but not solely – to Masonic withdrawal from the public sphere. In England and Wales, Freemasonry’s reluctance to engage with the media after 1936 powerfully assisted its critics, who grew in strength significantly as a result of developments within the media and the churches. It is also important to note that throughout this period, “Conspiracy culture� remained strong, rendering the privacy/secrecy of Freemasonry a major handicap to public understanding.

The Prestonian 2013 Lecture supports The National Autistic Society, The Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI).

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Frank Lee honoured Frank Lee received the Order of Mercy from Lord Lingfield at the Mansion House on Monday 8th of July.

The League of Mercy was founded in March 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria. It was instigated by the Prince of Wales, who became its first Grand President. Subsequently two further Princes of Wales (George V and Edward VIII) succeeded with HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester taking over.

The object of the League was to establish a large body of voluntary workers who would assist with maintenance and otherwise relieve sickness and suffering.

The League was quietly wound up after the National Health Act in 1948, but was reformed in 1999.

The League today has its central aims in encouragement and recognition of distinguished voluntary work within areas of care which include: the sick, injured or disabled, young people at risk, the homeless, the elderly, the dying and those who are impaired in mind.

Each year some 25 volunteers are invited to receive the Badge of the Order of Mercy, and Frank was honoured for his work mainly at James Terry Court for the last 17 years and the last 5 years as Chairman. There were 21 people who received the honour this year, and Frank said “I feel very humble to have been chosen”.

Frank was nominated by the RMBI.

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Surrey Mason

News from the Provincial Grand Charity Steward W.Bro Paul Crockett CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME When they say that Charity begins at home it has, for me, been the case. My first foray into Masonic Charity work was in 1998 when I became a member of the committee of the Friends of James Terry Court. I was therefore delighted to return to James Terry Court for the official opening of the new building by the MW.Bro The Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Kent. It was a wonderful occasion and I was very pleased to be there along with other Provincial Officers, RMBI Trustees, Residents, Staff and members of the Friends.

Photograph by courtesy of the Croydon Guardian

The Friends Associations of both James Terry Court and Shannon Court do a fantastic job of raising money so that they can provide the residents of each Home with those little extras that mean so much and make a real difference. I was pleased to attend the Garden Party at Shannon Court, (the ‘Human Fruit Machine’ was an absolute hoot!), as well as the Summer Fayre and the Hog Roast at James Terry Court. These events are extremely important to the Friends as they form a major part of their fund raising efforts and I would urge all of you to support them. Look out for details of their Christmas activities.

We are very lucky in Surrey to have two RMBI homes providing wonderful care to those who need it. The RMBI spend vast amounts of money supporting many, many Surrey Masons. They are considered as leaders in the UK for providing dementia care and offer a safe, friendly and secure environment for their residents and we are extremely lucky to have our two homes,

including the newly-built James Terry Court.

It would therefore, be fair to say that Surrey is in safe hands with the support that we receive from the RMBI. And as we in Surrey look to the future and our next Festival which is for the RMBI, it will be nice to know that we will, in turn, show our support of them.

Finally, to all the Charity Stewards in the Province, I will be commencing a new series of Charity Steward Surgeries with my colleague, E.Comp Rob Shephard ProvGChStwd (Royal Arch), in September at the Masonic Centres around the Province.

Details will be sent out via email. I hope that you will be able to come along to one of them for a chat.

News from the Provincial Grand Almoner W.Bro Bob Jenkinson, MBE Provincial Welfare Team The Provincial Welfare Team continues to be very busy in providing a high level of welfare support to our Masonic community. Last year the Provincial Petitions Committee reviewed 250 cases during their quarterly meetings and financial support was provided to over 60 applicants totalling almost £15,000.

Applications to the four central Masonic Charities still come thick and fast and as a result during the past year the Province obtained support for over 200 petitioners amounting to £956,000 – a colossal amount in anyone’s estimation. Advice and support was also given by the Team to somewhere in the region of 300 other potential applicants.

Freemasonry Cares The Freemasonry Cares initiative continues to be an extremely effective method of spreading the word about the support available from the Masonic Charities with the Freemasonry Cares Team at Grand Charity still receiving an average of 250 28

enquiries every month. Surrey receives around 20 referrals from Grand Charity each month together with a similar number of enquiries received direct from the individuals themselves. We did anticipate around a 20% increase in our workload as a result of the initiative but this has proved to be a conservative estimate with enquiries having increased by around 30% overall.

The Christmas card distribution was such a success last year that I have now ordered 3,500 cards for the forthcoming festive season. Once received, I will contact all Lodge and Chapter Almoners for their orders and have them distributed via the Masonic Centres as before. Brochures, key rings and CDs continue to be available to those that want them as well as new bookmarks. All can be obtained via your Group Almoner.

Please remember that the Freemasonry Cares helpline line – 0800 035 60 90 – is always available to anyone who wants to find out whether they, another member of their Lodge or a relative is eligible for support.

Masonic Samaritan Fund – Small Grants Fund The MSF have recently overhauled their Small Grants Fund and extended their range of support available to all eligible beneficiaries. Those who are facing a long wait to see a consultant on the NHS can now apply to the MSF for funding toward a private consultation. Previously this was only on offer to those in receipt of means-tested benefits but now anyone who has been told they will have to wait more than 8 weeks to be seen by an NHS Consultant can apply to the MSF for a grant under the new Small Grants Fund.

The grant will cover the cost of an initial consultation and associated tests if required, up to a total of £500. There are no forms to complete or financial assessment required. An applicant just has to call the MSF on 020 7404 1550 to confirm their Masonic connection and the MSF will support them to book a private consultation or assessment as quickly as possible.

Surrey Mason

CROYDON’S OLDEST LODGE CELEBRATES 175 YEARS On Saturday 11th May, the Frederick Lodge of Unity No.452, the oldest Lodge in Croydon, celebrated its 175th anniversary, as it was consecrated (originally as Frederick of Unity No.661) in 1838. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro Derek Barr MBE and the Group APGM, W.Bro Trevor Rains, were present, together with over one hundred other Masons to celebrate this milestone.

The meeting had much work – a double initiation AND a joining member. The ceremony was performed in an excellent manner by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro Gary Fish. The Secretary, W.Bro Mike Neville, gave an illustrated presentation on the history of the Lodge and its notable members – these include Robert Burnaby – a member of the Lodge in the 1850s who went onto being one of the founding fathers of Canadian Masonry; Montague Holbein – a flamboyant Edwardian sportsman (who swam the Channel whilst his wife played a gramophone in a rowing boat); Lt. Norman Webb MC – the highest decorated Freemason at Croydon and Bernard Bentley, who developed the first two screen cinema in England.

The meeting was followed by an excellent Festive Board and a 175th birthday cake. The Deputy PGM thanked the brethren for a “superb evening” and congratulated all involved in organising the meeting.

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Provincial 500 Club draw which took place at the Annual Convocation on 22nd May, the winners are: 1st Prize £1,000 Ticket No 454 J.H. Delahunt, New Era Chapter C4057 2nd Prize £500 Ticket No 489 Martin S Parrock 3rd Prize £200 Ticket No 231 Rutlish Chapter C4416 4th Prize £125 Ticket No 160 Alan Edwards 5th Prize £50 Ticket No 436 Keith Rashleigh, Esher Chapter C5491

Presentation of 50 year Certificate and history as well On 4th June 2013, W.Bro Nick Parsons, AProvGM, attended John, Lord Lumley Lodge No.5885 and presented the Lodge’s long- serving secretary W.Bro Roy Ferguson with a certificate to acknowledge 50 years in Freemasonry. Roy was Initiated into the Lodge on 10th May 1963 and was WM in 1976 and in 1993, the 50th year of the Lodge. Apart from a couple of short breaks he has been the secretary of the Lodge since 1980, Preceptor since 1995 and Almoner since 2005. Roy also received the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Appreciation in 2007.

The AProvGM paid tribute to Roy’s enthusiasm and dedication to Freemasonry over the past 50 years and then engaged us all with some background information about Roy and a light-hearted reminder of events that took place in 1963.

Roy thanked the AProvGM and gave us all a history lesson about the Lodge and his own Grand Lodge Certificate. At the time of the Consecration of John, Lord Lumley Lodge, the head of the Lumley family was the Earl of Scarborough who at that time, was the Deputy Grand Master. Permission was obtained from him for the Lodge to use his ancestor’s name and also the Lumley arms. The Earl of Scarborough became Grand Master in 1951 and continued in that high office until succeeded by the Duke of Kent in 1967. Roy’s Grand Lodge certificate, issued in 1963, therefore bears the arms of John, Lord Lumley Lodge and is rather unique among the subscribing members of the Lodge.

The Perfect Ashlar Lodge No.6951 had a Ladies’ Night in the Spring of this year and managed to raise £700 for St Raphael's Hospice. Pictured are W.Bro Scott Devlin and his fiancee Tracy Stewart presenting the cheque to Keith Witham at St Raphael's.

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THROUGH THE LODGE AND CHAPTER DOORS A History of Freemasonry in Surrey “This book is to be enjoyed by both the researcher as well as the dedicated Freemason and I thoroughly recommend it to all Freemasons in Surrey and to those Brethren who price knowledge and history as an important aspect of being a member of this fine Fraternity.”

RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford Provincial Grand Master

Every Lodge in the Province, past and present, is mentioned in this thoroughly well-written and well-researched book informing you on just how your Lodge came to be. There is much more in this book than histories of individual Lodges or Chapters. A wealth of information exists about the Province’s foundation, early structure and the many talented people who strove to establish it.

A book on history should not only inform us about when, why and how but should also enable us to determine what lessons we learn and how we may use the knowledge gained to plan our future – this book does just that. Editor

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THROUGH THE LODGE AND CHAPTER DOORS A History of Freemasonry in Surrey by Michael Giddy and Geoffrey Brook Hardback with colour jacket, 328pp text and colour illustrations.

ISBN: 978 0 85318 4577 £20.00 (£24.50 inc. p&p) Please send cheque payable to PGLOS (Enterprises) Ltd to PGLOS, 71 Oakfield Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2UX. Please include your name, address, tel. number and email.

OR by electronic bank transfer to: A/c Name: PGLOS (Enterprises) Ltd A/c No: 03780786 Sort Code: 30-92-45 Please include the reference “History” along with your surname.

Surrey Mason OBITUARIE S

RW.Bro The Rt. Hon. Richard Bentinck Boyle (1924–2013) 9th Earl of Shannon, Provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Province of Surrey 1967–1999 The RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford, Provincial Grand Master of Surrey gave an eulogy at Croydon Ministry, Wednesday 7th May 2013 to the late RW.Bro The Earl of Shannon. Here follows an extract: “RW.Bro The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Shannon was installed as Provincial Grand Master for Surrey on 29th February 1968.

He was born in Southern India in 1924 and Educated at Eton College and served as a regular Officer in the Irish Guards and in the Royal West African Frontier Force from 1942 to 1953.

He was Initiated into the Household Brigade Lodge No.2614 in November 1952 and became a joining member of St Georges Lodge No.370 in the Province of Surrey in 1956.

His membership to other orders included, Exaltation into Castle Chapter of Harmony No.26 in 1954. Advanced in Eton & Harrow Mark Lodge in 1959. He was first Master of the Comites Sigillorum Mark Lodge which was consecrated in 1969. He was also a member of Rose Croix, Knights Templars and other degrees.

In the United Grand Lodge of England he held the Offices of Grand Steward, Junior Grand Warden in 1966 which was the year HRH Duke of Kent held the Office of Senior Grand Warden. He was the

representative at the UGLE of the Grand Lodge of Chile and the Grand Lodge of Michigan.

In 1968 the Province of Surrey had 290 Lodges. The number increased during Richard’s tenure to 350. By coincidence the current number of Lodges in 2013 stands at 290. He was very proud of the number of Lodges he consecrated, some 60 during his tenure. Unfortunately the majority proved to be unsustainable in the long term and have found it necessary to hand in their warrants. In 1972 Richard had much pleasure in consecrating Castlemartyr Lodge and Chapter No.8420 which is the Executive Lodge and Chapter and will remain a living legacy to the name Baron Castle-Martyr.

It is with a great deal of sadness I was not able to get to know Richard as well as I would have liked. Our meetings were very brief and latterly only at the RMBI Home, Shannon Court, Hindhead. The annual Garden Party he thoroughly enjoyed. However, I am confident he is held in high esteem by all those that knew him – I certainly hold him in high respect for the manner in which he ran this Province for the 32 years that he was Provincial Grand Master. He will be missed by us all but not forgotten. May he rest in peace.”

Bro The Reverend Neville Barker Cryer (1924 – 2013) Brother Neville was born in Accrington in 1924 and educated at Manchester Grammar School and Oxford, where his studies were interrupted between 1942 and 1946 by military service. In 1948/9, after completing his first degree in history, he studied Theology at Cambridge, being ordained in 1950.

His first curacy was in Derby, followed by Ilkeston. He was Initiated into the Mother Lodge of Derbyshire, Tyrian Lodge No.253 and he retained his membership for the rest of his life. He later joined Wolseley Lodge No.1993 and was exalted in 1956 in Affability Chapter No.317, both at Bridge Street, Manchester.

In 1960 he became vicar of a parish in East Croydon and was soon to become one of the founder members, and Junior warden, of Comet Lodge No.7710.

Neville has held many positions of note within Freemasonry.

These include, in 1974, being the Prestonian Lecturer and, in 19689, the Batham Lecturer. It was with justifiable pride that he became the first English Freemason to have held both official lecturer appointments. He was also the WM, Secretary and Editor of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076 and the WM of the Manchester Lodge of Masonic Research No.5502.

Outside of Freemasonry Neville became Home Secretary of the Conference of British Missionary Societies in 1967. In 1970 he became the General Secretary – later General Director of the British & Foreign Bible Society. He was twice married and lived in York in his later years. As both a local resident and member of the York Lodge No.236 Neville had a great affinity for that part of the world.

Many of you will have attended one of Neville’s talks or read one of his many books and developed your Masonic knowledge through his endeavours.

The world of Freemasonry will be a little less complete without him.

Bro Walter Evans (1913–2013) Walter Lewis Evans PPSGW. Born 28 September 1913 in Sutton passed to the Grand Lodge above 24 March 2013, 6 months from his 100th Birthday and 18 months before the 80th Anniversary of his Initiation into Freemasonry.

Returning from a family holiday in Wales his father’s motorcycle and side-car combination broke down, leaving 11-year old Walter, his twinbrother Joe and their parents stranded with insufficient funds for the necessary repairs and the petrol to get home. The local garage owner asked where they lived, Sutton was the reply. “Do you know Jack Jones?” “As it happens, I do. He’s a customer of mine.” The garage owner pondered for a while and then said, “Jack and I are Freemasons and know each other well. I'm prepared to repair the motorbike, just send me the money when you can.” This episode impressed young Walter and he vowed to join this Fraternity of such generous and trusting people just as soon as he was old enough.

In February 1935 Walter and Joe were Initiated into Copthorne Lodge, both 21 years old. Walter was later Exhalted into Banstead Chapter in 1966 where he was honoured with the rank of PPGSN in 1996. Walter remained committed to Freemasonry for all his adult life.

He Initiated his son, John, into Freemasonry and some years later, at the age of 96, Installed him in the Chair. Later that year he received a special award from the ProvGM of Surrey to commemorate 75 years in Freemasonry. At 98 he was Installed Master of Copthorne Lodge for the 3rd time a truly remarkable achievement.

Independent to the end, Walter continued to live in the family home in Cheam enjoying his DIY and his garden. When his wife passed away in 2005 his involvement with Freemasonry increased.

18 months ago he was still driving. In 2009 he bought a new car.

The salesman said, “Would you like a 5-year Warranty?” Walter said, “Is that for me or the car?” Nothing much seemed to slow him down.

His brother Joe passed away in 2007.

Walter was one of the longest serving brethren in the history of English Freemasonry. He will be greatly missed.

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Surrey Mason

Letters to the Editor

Sir, Have you ever looked at the chart on the wall to the left of the bar at Croydon Masonic Centre? If you had, you would have seen a family tree descending from Lodge No.69. This chart indicates that there are some 125 Lodges originating from the Lodge of Unity which was consecrated in 1742.

This chart was produced as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Croydon Lodge of Unity No.5164 in 2005. It is an interesting document in its own right showing all of the Lodge crests for our family. If your Lodge does not appear on this particular chart you can look up the relevant details for your own Lodge at www.freemasonry.london.museum/tree/index.html – enter your Lodge number and the site does the rest!

A recent letter in Surrey Mason raised the issue of Masonic visiting as a way of extending the enjoyment brethren derive from their membership of the craft. The production of the chart inspired me to see if it might be possible to visit all 125 Lodges in the course of my Masonic career. Over the years since 2005 I have been able to visit 62 of these Lodges and had many wonderful experiences in doing so.

At the start of each Masonic season I will check the chart to see which Lodges may be having significant celebrations. If any look promising I will contact the Lodge Secretary and find out what they have planned and book myself in for the event. I usually take a peek at the signing in book to see if there are any Brethren visiting from other ‘Kindred’ Lodges that I have not been to yet and ask if they have anything in the pipeline that might make a visit even more interesting.

I visited Grand Design Lodge which meets in the Village hall in Great Bookham one Saturday and the following Tuesday a Lodge meeting in the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square to see a candidate who lived in Great Bookham initiated into London Lodge, oblivious to the fact that there was a Lodge that met in his local village hall.

One leg of our tree consists of Livery Lodges, meeting in various venues in the City of London where the hospitality is legendary.

I have turned up at a Lodge expecting to see a demonstration of an Initiation only to find they were so short of numbers that I had to act as candidate! (Good job I remembered to wear clean socks!)

In the course of my travels I have presented various tracing boards and other bits of ritual and occupied many chairs, confusing most of my hosts as my mother working is Logic and its very easy to slip into what you know if you are not really concentrating. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been asked to respond for the visitors as well.

Of course, I pick up a copy of the summons, and any other “bits” from every meeting I attend and this archive now extends to two lever arch files full of Lodge histories, menus, summonses, etc. I even remember to make notes sometimes, if anything really out of the ordinary has taken place.

I can state without fear of contradiction that Masonic hospitality and fraternal warmth is alive and well among the Lodges of Unity and I’m sure, if you take up the challenge of visiting your own “Family”, you will have a similar experience. [Edited] W.Bro Mike Kindler.

Sir, It was lovely to see the report on Weybourne House, Guildford in the Surrey Mason magazine this Spring.

My husband (Bro. James Hill, Woodstock Lodge No.7948) and I had our wedding reception at Weybourne House on 2nd July 2011 and can highly recommend Vinny and his team who ensured we had a perfect day. Luckily, the sun shone so all guests made full use of the decking area and admired the narrow boat event below. The food, service and atmosphere was amazing and we couldn't have wished for a better venue.

We were also lucky enough to have some photos taken in the main temple where Vinny kindly gave a brief tour of the and a talk about Freemasony which many of our guests thoroughly enjoyed.

Kind regards, Claire Goodwin-Hill.

Diamond Riding Centre for the Disabled at Carshalton

Sir, I was honoured and proud to run for The Hospice of The Good Shepherd. A hospice that is situated 250 miles away from the province, near my home town of Liverpool.

Whilst it is far away, Surrey Masons blew me away with their generosity and encouragement of members of Redwood Lodge and indeed Redwood Chapter. I smashed through the £3,000 barrier with online and offline donations, both large and small.

The race itself was a 5 and a half hour grind, but made easier seeing so many Masons on the course cheering me on, plus the worthwile cause I was running for.

We have made a real difference to the lives of so many, just by half a days hard toil. Many thanks!

Bro. Pat McDill, Redwood Lodge No.3411

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The Centre caters for people of all ages and many disabilities.

At the 2012 Paralympics one of their riders won both a silver and bronze medal.

Streatham Vale Lodge No.5623 found that another young lady was desperate to attend the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. During 2012 she was best of her class at national level. Her problem is that, although she can borrow a horse, she has to pay all the expenses involved in getting to, and from, training sessions and tournaments.

The Lodge agreed that they should help her try and fulfil her ambition and as a result the Lodge will sponsor Amy Willmott over the next 4 years. They will donate £250 each year towards her expenses.

Editor’s Note: It would be fantastic if several Lodges could aid Amy. Why not contact Alistair Douglas via the Streatham Vale secretary – R.C. Chapman at chapman@brancasterlane.fsnet.co.uk to see what help your Lodge can give.