Issue 18 Summer 2012
WORCESTERSHIRE The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons
SOURCE
History in the making by Peter Ricketts
An exciting new chapter in the history of Worcestershire Freemasonry has opened up with the creation of the first purpose built meeting place in the Province for more than half a century. For Kidderminster Masons, it is a dream come true. It is also something of a miracle. To build such a sumptuous new headquarters in less than seven months was an amazing achievement. These are the almost unbelievable facts: a bulldozer Page 7 cut the first sod last September 23. The first meeting in the new temple was held on Tuesday, April 3 - less than seven months from green grass to completion . And anybody who thought the result must be something of a shack is in a for big surprise. The building oozes quality and fine design, from the pillars at the porchway or entrance to the superbly
fashioned doors, from the magnificent marble and granite flooring to the surrounding finest Kidderminster-made carpet. You might justifiably cry ”Oh wonderful masons!” The honour of holding the first meeting there fell to the Lodge of Hope and Charity, No. 377. And the prospect of witnessing history being made created such a stir that 98 Masons – including 65 visitors packed into the newly-painted hall and they experienced a night to remember. Appropriately, it was an Initiation ceremony, but before that came a stroke of genius. “The Builders” were invited to occupy the principal Chairs to open the lodge and that was a story in itself. The three Masons so named had played vital roles in building the temple. Pride of place in the Master’s chair rightly went to W Bro Mike Langdon of Old
Memorable Dedication Ceremony
Carolian Lodge No 7599. Mike, a builder all his life, came out of retirement to “oversee” the project. In the event, he got his hands much dirtier than he’d envisaged as his enthusiasm overwhelmed him. Senior Warden was W Bro Mike Insull, also an Old Carolian, and Junior Warden Martin Lawrence of Hope and Charity. Both had devoted seven months of their life to the project, joining Mike Langdon pretty well every day to lay bricks, carry hods, lift rafters, and whatever else needed doing. But it is far from being a three-man triumph. Generous gifts came from all quarters. The flooring, the
Ian scales heights to raise funds
Ian Sandall begins his descent
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Bro Ian Sandall, a member of the Lodge of Hope & Charity No. 377, has raised £2,000 towards the Kidderminster building fund with two sponsorship ventures. The first, last autumn, was a 24-hour fast and recently he abseiled down a 100ft lighthouse. In each case, Ian totted up £500, and the HSBC Bank, his employers, generously doubled it. “I like my food, but I found
the fasting pretty easy,” he said. “Abseiling was a different matter because I don’t like heights. But once I was over the edge – that was the worst bit – I quite enjoyed it.” He is now planning another fund-raiser for later in the year, “but I don’t know what yet.” Our picture shows Ian descending the Leasowe Lighthouse – on the Wirral, near Liverpool.
carpets, the electrics, the plumbing, and lots more besides, were all donated by generous Masons. Andrew Skidmore, chairman of the committee set up to mastermind the building of the new centre, said: “It is impossible to name all those who have helped to make such a great success of this project but they know who you are and we are eternally grateful. “But special thanks should go Mike Langdon, Mick Insull, and Martin Lawrence, who daily gave their services, skills and enthusiasm totally free of charge. “Also to Adrian Church for his tireless work in ensuring that our finances were in order to successfully fund the project, and also to Justin Parker for steering a way though the incredibly complex legal minefield we faced.” Kidderminster lodges lost to page 7
APPEAL 2011
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Where ancient skills are preserved
How stonemasons saved the cathedral We “speculative” Freemasons have a natural affinity to the “operative” stonemasons of Worcester Cathedral. So it gave the Provincial Grand Master, the RW Bro Richard Goddard, a special pleasure when he presented the Dean with a cheque for £25,000 – later to be augmented with an additional £25,000 - to finance an apprentice stonemason who will join the Worcester team in August. PETER RICKETTS reports...
One of the major requirements of being a stonemason must be patience. The team have just completed a £10million restoration of Worcester Cathedral – and it has taken them 23 years. Inch by inch this team of only six have examined the structure and stonework of this magnificent building which has stood proudly on the banks of the Severn for over 1,100 years. And wherever they found fault, they have put it right. They started at the tower, which was in danger of collapsing. Then they worked systematically round the whole of the exterior until today the cathedral is in as sound a condition as at any time in its
history. Oh wonderful masons, indeed! Worcester is one of only nine cathedrals in the country to employ its own team of stonemasons. While using some modern aids, especially in lifting stones of up to two tons, these highly-skilled craftsmen, where practical, still use ancient methods and traditional tools like the chisel, Darren tests a block of limestone
the riffler, the file, the mallet,
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and a variety of saws. The team have always included an apprentice, and learning the ancient skills is very much part of their fiveyear training. Master minding the whole operation is Darren Steele. All his working life he has been a stonemason. He joined Worcester as foreman 14 years ago and now heads the team with an infectious enthusiasm. “We are passionate about the work we do and feel very privileged,” he said. “When we select the next apprentice, we will be looking for a person with a similar passion and love for stone. Age is no barrier and there is also no reason why women should not take up the craft.” Nerve centre of the operation is the stonemasons’ yard, nestling in the shadow of one of the historic walls they maintain. Scattered around are massive blocks of stone, much of it limestone that matches the material used 1,100 years ago when the cathedral was started. “Limestone has a peculiarity other stone lacks,” said Darren. “You can test a block for cracks by striking it with a chisel. If it is good, there’s a clear ringing sound. If it has faults, there’s a dull noise.” And he demonstrated the test to perfection.
160 years of giving The Provincial Grand Master states: “Worcestershire Freemasons have contributed to Worcester Cathedral in one form or another – stained glass windows, monuments, lighting, music, as well as the general fabric – for over 160 years. So this donation is the latest in a long line of benefactions. In fact it is the second time in the recent past that we have sponsored an apprentice stonemason and I was delighted this time to present the Dean with a cheque for £25,000 from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity.” The mortar used is faithful to that used by the masons more than 1,000 years ago, a pure mixture of lime and local sand. “Modern cement is too hard,” said Darren. “The structure must have a certain flexibility to cope with vibration. When the bells ring the tower can move up to two inches.” To celebrate the success of the restoration programme, a Thanksgiving Service is planned for Sunday, September 23, at 4pm. Everybody is welcome. And in July the Queen is due to visit the cathedral as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Meanwhile, t he stonemasons carry on with day to day maintenance. Their work never stops and if they ever need inspiration, all they have to do is look up at the glorious edifice that is their workplace. W Bro Peter Ricketts, PPGSuptWks, is a member of the Lodge of Hope and Charity No 377.
The PGM hands over the cheque to the Dean.
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Tommy, 91, still carries the torch In this historic sporting year, Worcestershire Freemasons can claim a most illustrious Olympian as their very own. He is the indomitable Tommy Godwin, for 55 years a member of the Lodge of St Oswald, No. 5094 at Kings Heath. At the 1948 Olympics in London, Tommy won two bronze medals racing against the finest cyclists in the world. Now 91 years old, he has lost none of the zest for life that swept him to fame all those years ago. “I’m having the most tremendous life,” he said. “As Birmingham’s Olympics Ambassador I am being feted every week at all sorts of wonderful events.” One such invitation was to Lausanne, Switzerland, with an early morning flight from Luton. So what did this extraordinary
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nonagenarian Above: Tommy Godwin in do? He got up ay action in his heyday at 4.30am at his ht) Right: When Tommy (right) home at Knowle, ar was awarded his 50th Year he Certificate, he shared the drove with his d honour with his old friend daughter Kay d and fellow St Oswald to the airport, d Lodge member Bernard d Preston. Bernard, a retired and duly arrived w golf professional, is now in Switzerland 96.. where he was told he had been awarded an Honorary Degree by Loughborough College. to a splendid Once back in Luton, he dinner at the Greenwich drove back home and Naval College where the got to bed in the early food was prepared by the morning! celebrity chefs of TV fame. Another outing was to Sailing Gold Medallist Wembley where the Daily Steve Redgrave presided Mail gave a dinner to the and among the guests was eight surviving athletes the chief of the Olympic from the 1948 Games. Committee Lord (Seb) Yet another was to be one Coe. of 100 Olympians invited “I told Seb I had tickets for two of the cycling events and he punched my arm and said ‘You will be there’,” said Tommy. His Freemasonry life began when he was initiated into St Oswald in 1956. Since then he has been one of the most ardent supporters of the lodge and reckons to have missed only six or seven meetings. He has occupied the Chair twice and eventually gained acting Provincial honours, being Deputy Grand Director of
Ceremonies for a year, and later PPSGW. Nowadays he still attends lodge regularly as an honorary member and fills any office when called on. He also joined Royal Arch in 1976, and was for eight years DC of Masefield Chapter No. 2034 , and is now an honorary member. “I love my masonry,” he said. “I’m very proud of my lodge. It’s the only one I’ve ever joined and it’s always been an important part of my life.” He is essentially a most modest man and is astounded by the huge interest in him during this Olympic year and revels in it. “I’m getting all this love and respect and I love every minute of it,” he said.
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Stephen looks to the future The first part of Stephen Wyer’s e-mail address is wyerclan, and it tells you a lot about the new Provincial Assistant Grand Master. Yes, Stephen Wyer is first and foremost a family man. “There are me and my wife Helen, two sons aged 17 and 15, one daughter aged 20, five cats, one tortoise, and lots of fish in tanks,” he said. “So when I talk about a clan I mean it!” Then comes his job as a commercial lawyer, working for a large company in Cradley Heath, but still he manages to find time for a very substantial involvement in Freemasonry. He is taking over the reins from Colin Young as AGM, and at 48 W Bro Stephen could be regarded as one of a new generation guiding the Province through what are not particularly easy times. But he is convinced that there is a bright future for Freemasonry. “There are young men out there who are reaching out for
a new dimension in their lives – and Freemasonry can give it to them,” he said. “Other groups like Rotary offer a social side and charitable work which is all well and good. But Masonry adds up to more than a night out with the boys. It has a spiritual element and that makes all the difference. “Yet Masonry does not impose a doctrine, it doesn’t dictate to you. It’s up to you how you interpret the teachings. But the
net result is that, whatever your religion, it makes you a better human being.” Such beliefs were inculcated into Stephen’s philosophy by his father, Graham, who was a leading Freemason in Kidderminster. He it was who proposed his son into Old Carolian Lodge in 1988 and Stephen’s progress in the Craft was a matter of following in his father’s footsteps. He became WM in 1997 and by 1999 his horizons had broadened and he was made a Provincial Grand Steward and then, in 2002, Provincial Junior Grand Warden. During the next six years he attended 128 Installations as well as visiting countless other lodges. “As an AGM I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of old friends as I travel around,” he said. “I’ll be shadowing Colin Young for a while, then I want to get more involved in Masonic training and education. “At the moment we are
preparing an Initiates’ Guide. It really is a fantastic book and tries to answer the many questions which those who are new to the Craft must have in their minds. It will probably be out later this year and will be given to all Initiates and possibly all Master Masons later on.” While the Craft occupies a great deal of his time, Stephen is also heavily involved in other orders and only last summer was installed as Provincial Prior for Worcestershire in the United Orders (“Knights Templar”). More recently he has ended spells in the Chair of both Royal Arch and Mark, and is a Past Sovereign of Rose Croix. The interview over, Stephen Wyer hurried home for more family duty. He was to take son Alex, a 6ft 2in 17-year-old, to an athletics event where he hoped to enhance his standing as a nationally known long-jump and triple jump champion.
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PETER RICKETTS looks at the varied life of our retiring Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Two bottles of vodka every night! But it was all part of the act for Colin Young
Teacher, writer and poet, radio broadcaster, Scout leader, hotelier, rugby player, soldier, actor, theatre administrator – oh yes, and also prominent Freemason. Colin Young has packed a great deal of variety into his years and there are so many facets to his that it’s difficult to know where to begin. AFTER LEAVING the George Dixon School in Birmingham he was one of the thousands of 18-year-olds called up for compulsory Army service. He must have liked it because he later joined the Territorial Army, leaving only when his family bought a hotel in Bewdley and he found all his time taken up helping to run the place while at the same time working as a teacher and running the local Scouts as District Commissioner. Teaching was his main occupation and always linked to the English language which is a mite ironic as he was born in Birmingham yet is “a Welshman and proud of it.” He was variously Head of English at Kidderminster’s Sladen School, Head of Drama at King Edward’s Five Ways, Head of 6th Form General Studies at Droitwich High and finally acting Head of Wolverley High. And along the way he took an Open University degree in English and Philosophy. So he can look back on a successful career, not that looking back is a major part of Colin’s make-up. Although now retired as a Worcestershire Assistant Grand Master, he is still busy dealing with the
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present-day demands of his many other roles not only in Craft Freemasonry, but also in Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Mark, Rose Croix, Red Cross of Constantine (of which he is West Midlands’ Intendant General) , and Royal Order of Scotland. IT ALL BEGAN when the late Jim Bullivant proposed him into the Lodge of Hope and Charity at Kidderminster in 1966. Colin became WM in 1982 and made steady progress before coming to prominence at Provincial level and eventually APGM in 2004. All his life he has had a passion for the theatre, both as an actor and administrator, and for 40 years has been a leading light in Kidderminster’s renowned Rose Theatre and its Nonentities amateur drama group. With the same rich tones he brings to Masonic ritual, he has tackled such mighty roles as King Lear,
Othello, Henry V, and Prospero. One of his most memorable performances was in the title role of Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, virtually a oneman show based on the real life story of the brilliant journalist and serial drunkard’s erratic and often hilarious life. “On the stage I smoked 20 cigarettes and ‘drank’ two bottles of vodka each night,” said Colin. A more sobering role was as presenter of Spectrum, a weekly programme on West Midlands theatre for BBC Birmingham. Colin brought to all these activities a warm and relaxed charm just as he does today as he copes with the huge demands made on him in his various Masonic offices.
“After more than eight years (as APGM) I think it’s time to leave room for a new generation to take over”
HE HAS STRONG views on the way forward for our Brotherhood. “We have to recognise that times have changed and we must change with them,” he said “ A banquet, for instance,
is a fine thing and great fun, but it could often be sensible to open a Lodge at 7.30, as some Lodges do, and provide just a buffet. “In the same vein we could surely save money (a consideration in the present economic climate) by having just two courses, which would, incidentally, help my waistline. “ Freemasonry is so much more than a banquet or any meal. “THERE HAS BEEN in the past far too much stuffiness in Freemasonry which has often destroyed the enjoyment of brethren, and our Order is something to enjoy. “At the same time we must guard the uniqueness of Freemasonry. We must retain its mysticism and high moral qualities. “It is not Rotary, it is not a dining club. It can guide a man’s life and it really does make good men better. We must not lose that.” Why has he given up his role as one our Assistant Grand Masters? “After more than eight years in the role,” he said, “I think it’s time to leave room for a new generation to take over.”
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Out and a
Top posts for blood brothers Brothers Patrick and Chris Firminger, who were appointed respectively to the acting Provincial Senior and Junior Warden posts at the Annual General Meeting. Both are members of Old Bromsgrovian Lodge No. 5729 where they followed each other into the Chair in 2006 and 2007. Also still active in the lodge is their father Paddy, PPSGW, who was in the Chair in 1972 and has completed 50 years in Freemasonry. Patrick is a chartered quantity
surveyor and a partner in the family business in Worcester. Chris runs a ďŹ rm of ďŹ nancial advisers in Bromsgrove. By a remarkable coincidence, two other blood brothers became Acting Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremony, D.A.K . and W.A.S. Aston, both of the Lodge of the Desired Haven No. 5948. They followed their father, S.K. Aston into the Chair in 2007 and 2008.
W Bro John Ling the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in Full Regalia as an Assitant Grand Director of Ceremonies
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about in the Province A Full Provincial Turnout for the first dedication of a Masonic Hall in many years - Kidderminster 30th May 2012
An unforgettable ceremony As the new temple is dedicated
It was a Masonic event not seen in Worcestershire for at least 50 years and the Dedication of Kidderminster’s new temple attracted a full house of about 100 Masons. Those present were treated to a magnificent and fascinating ceremony performed by the Provincial Grand Master himself - a “first” even for him – and there supporting him were all his senior officers. Prayers throughout were interspersed with the Oration, the Invocation and three anthems sung by the Provincial Choir conducted by W Bro Tim Morris with music composed especially for the occasion by W Bro David Morgan. Early in the ceremony, the PGM received a scroll containing the architect’s plans for the new building. He then presented it to the Provincial Grand Superintendant of Works with instructions that he held it in safe keeping. Centrepiece of the ritual was the Invocation when the PGM scattered “The Elements of Consecration” around the First Tracing Board
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placed in the middle of the room – corn for Plenty and Abundance, wine for Joy and Cheerfulness, and oil for Peace and Unanimity. In formally dedicating the temple, the PGM intoned: “To God and His Service we dedicate this Temple, also to the memory of the Royal Solomon under whose auspices many of our Masonic mysteries had their origin.” At the end of the formal proceedings, the PGM asked W Bro Mike Langdon to come to the Chair and, much to Mike’s surprise and delight, he was told that for his extraordinary achievement in building the temple he was to be immediately promoted to PPGSupt Wks – an award greeted with acclamation by all those present. And afterwards, in proposing a toast to “The Kidderminster Masonic Temple,” the PGM declared “Welcome home – and what a home!” So an historic and moving evening came to a close and left all those present with memories they will never forget.
Making History from page 1
their old meeting place when The Briars Hotel closed in 2008 and they have had to hold their meetings in temporary accommodation at the Ramada Hotel (now owned by Mercure). Meanwhile, a brilliant concept was born when W Bro Colin Young, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, began discussions with the Kidderminster Sports and Social Club. The club welcomed the suggestion that a brand new Masonic Suite should be built attached to their longestablished sports buildings with a sharing of some facilities of advantage to
both sides. “It is a happy and perfect marriage,” said Andrew. “They are at their busiest in the summer and we are busiest in the winter. “ Kidderminster Masonic Centre is the home of three Craft Lodges, one Holy Royal Arch Chapter, one Mark Lodge, and a Knights Templar Preceptory. All would welcome eligible visitors. Details can be accessed on www.kmta.org.uk
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A welcome for Irish visitors
By Ian Thorpe
The Provincial Grand Master, Richard GH Goddard, was present at the Installation meeting of Lodge Glittering Star, at Halesowen. Our PGM is an honorary member of the lodge, and has close ties with the Worcestershire Regiment as his father was at one time its Chief Medical Officer. No doubt it was a strange experience for him to be welcomed by the Most Worshipful Brother George Dunlop, Grand Master of Ireland, as head of a visiting delegation of the Grand Lodge of England, whilst remaining physically within his own Province! Glittering Star (Irish Constitution) holds one of the two remaining Military travelling warrants. It was issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland on May 3rd 1759 to His Majesties 29th Regiment of Foot, when it was encamped at Killarney,
Rt W Bro Richard Goddard greets MWBro George Dunlop
Ireland. It entitles the lodge to hold meetings anywhere in the world on any date, not being Good Friday, Christmas Day or a Sunday. The 29th Foot, together with the 36th Foot, the Herefords, became the Worcestershire Regiment, and this has subsequently merged with the Sherwood Foresters. Thus a lodge which practises Irish Constitution workings
regularly meets in England with the blessing of the United Grand Lodge of England. The Worcestershire Province has always maintained close ties with this historic lodge. The Installation ceremony is completely different to that practised elsewhere and comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors from English Constitution lodges. The whole ceremony is conducted in the first degree and consists of the Installing Master giving instruction to the incoming Master, communicating the secrets as he deals with the different aspects of the Masters role. No board of Installed Masters is opened, and brethren below the Chair are simply asked to retire at the appropriate moment. When they reenter, the ceremonial makes it apparent that it has changed little from the
days when brethren below the chair did not retire but were required simply to congregate in the West facing west, while the past Masters gathered around the installing master and the Master Elect in the East. At the festive board The MWBro Dunlop endorsed the position of the lodge as one of the jewels in the crown of Irish Freemasonry, and RtWBro. Goddard, in responding to the toast to “Sister Constitutions,” spoke of the great affinity that his Province had always expressed to the lodge, and he wished them well for the future. The assembled brethren expressed their gratitude for such sentiments, and look forward to the future with optimism. Ian Thorpe P.M. 8007, 8807, 4021, 3642, 322 (IC) Director of Ceremonies.
SUIT HIRE ‘Not just for weddings but for every Special Occasion’
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KEEP2011 IN TOUCH: visit the website – www.worcestershirepgl.org.uk APPEAL
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New Website is ready to go After many months of meetings to discuss, design and develop it, the new Provincial website is ready to go live and will do so on Saturday, 23rd June - the day of the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge.
The new design is fresher and uses the latest content management systems to allow the team of designers, editors and news gatherers to deliver fresh and relevant content. For the technically minded and social networking among you, it takes advantage of RSS feeds from the United Grand Lodge, all the central Masonic charities, and all Worcestershire Lodge and Chapter websites wishing to use it.
One of the major benefits of the new design is the ability to grow in content and facilities and additional sections are already in the planning stages. The development is entirely the work of Bro Wayne Barker, Junior Warden of The Lodge of Peace and Goodwill No. 6010. He has spent hundreds of hours delivering this major advance and we owe him a huge thank you. Ed Baker, Provincial Information Officer
The new website
Learning ritual If you’ve witnessed Andrew Skidmore performing that rare masterpiece, The Walking Charge, you will know that he has a superb command of Masonic ritual. Now he has put all his knowledge and understanding into a book on how to learn ritual that will be a boon for all those, especially younger brethren, who doubt their own ability. Learning Ritual – An Easy Process, does not offer an alternative to hard work, but it lays down simple methods that, as the book cover claims, points out “a simple, concise, and sensible route to delivering ritual to the best of your ability and better.” Andrew had leading roles in training in the Worcestershire Province, is a PProvGReg and a member of the Lodge of Hope and Charity No. 377. The book is available from www.thefreemason.com price £7.99. PR
Man behind the photos
Last year’s Festival edition of Worcestershire Source inadvertently omitted to publish the Province’s thanks to W Bro Chris Bridgewater and his team for providing, at no charge, the photographic record of the event. We now do so – many thanks, Chris.
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APPEAL 2011
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Unique ‘Veils’ ceremony Since the last edition of Source, Provincial Grand Chapter has been through one of its busiest periods. We enjoyed, under the sponsorship of Semper Fidelis Chapter, No. 529, a superb trip to The Saint Augustine Chapter No. 3108 in the Province of Bristol. This allowed the Companions to witness and indeed partake in the “Ceremony of the Veils”, a piece of unique ritual only practised in the Province. The Companions were impressed with the beautiful Exaltation ceremony that followed and also with the magnificence of the Temple.
Appointments During February many Companions received First Appointment and Promotions letters, such honours being conferred at the Provincial Grand Chapter Convocation on Saturday, 14th April., The meeting was honoured with the presence of the Most
All shipshape and Bristol fashion: the visiting group
Excellent Second Grand Principal, M E Comp. George Pippon Francis expressed his delight at returning to the Province of Worcestershire, especially as he read Law at the university some 40 years previously. During that meeting the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent awarded his Certificate of Merit to E. Comp. Anthony, (Tony), J King, PPrGSN, a member of Abbot Lichfield Chapter No. 3308.
The meeting also saw the long serving Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, E. Comp. John Phenix, PGStB, hand over his wand to E. Comp. Keith Evans, PPrGSN. John has been an exemplary DC and we wish him well as he continues his duties as the Provincial Junior Grand Warden in the Craft. White Ensign Chapter No. 9169 will hold their first meeting in their new home at Redditch on 4th September.
A simple way to succeed Fund raising towards the Provincial Grand Masters Festival Appeal 2015 is gathering pace and with a little under three years remaining, every Mark and Royal Ark Mariners Lodge within the Province is being urged to maximise its fund raising activities. Throughout the year both the PGM and his Deputy have urged brethren to commit to a Gift Aid standing order. It’s no great secret that if every subscribing Mark Mason within our Province pledged a £10 monthly contribution by Gift Aid standing order, that alone would enable us to meet the target. So, to those who have not yet completed a form, please obtain one from W Bro George Simpson, our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, or your lodge charity steward and help us to achieve a wonderful result. George reminds us that in the Mark Degree our festival only comes around only once in every THIRTY years.
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Masonic treat in India
by David Wilson, Senior Deacon of Northfield Lodge, No. 5056 I had the good fortune to travel to India with my wife to visit her father’s side of the family in Nagpur. We were staying at the family home and my father in law asked me if there was anything that I would like to do whilst in town. Having been a Mason for five years, I asked him if he could arrange a visit to a local lodge. This was done in quick time (my father in law can arrange literally anything) and it gave me a fascinating insight into Masonry in India. I was picked up by one of the members and taken to the local lodge building. There I was to learn that Nagpur Lodge is number 6 in all of India and, indeed, is far older than my own lodge in Worcestershire (Northfield, 5056). The turnout was enormous, with over 100 members and visitors in attendance. In fact, because it has over 150 members, the lodge recently created a daughter Lodge. During the meeting, one elderly member was given his 50-year certificate and, as a thank you, he donated more than £30,000 to the lodge. I don’t think we have ever seen that kind of money at Northfield! The ritual, including the opening and closing, were word for word the same as they are in the UK, demonstrating how consistent and universal is Masonry Throughout the evening I was truly greeted as a brother and was the centre of attention It was wonderful to see the craft flourishing in India in such a positive and vibrant way and I strongly urge any brethren travelling there (or anywhere abroad) to take advantage of the opportunities that Masonry provides.
STORIES THAT SPAN THE AGE SPECTRUM
70 years a Freemason! Fifty Year Certificates are hardly two-a-penny, but Dofra Lodge No. 5775, meeting at Northfield, witnessed that most rare of ceremonies – the presentation of a Seventy Year Certificate. W Bro Geoff Davis, now 91, joined Freemasonry in March 1942 when he was initiated into Three Brothers Lodge No. 775 ( Irish Constitution). The war was on and special measures were called for. Geoff was passed and raised all within a month before he was posted to India to fight for King and Country.
Having survived the war as Lieut. Col. Davis, Bro. Geoff joined Dofra Lodge on the 8th February 1947. The brethren were hard working in those days and that evening they presented a Grand Lodge Certificate, raised one member, then passed another – and, not surprisingly, the meeting was four hours long. W.Bro. Geoff became Master of Dofra in 1960 having progressed through all offices except IG. In 1965 he was appointed Provincial Treasurer and in 1968 made PPSGW. For 18 years he
served the lodge as organist and in 2007, 60 years after joining, he was made an Honorary Member. He is seen being presented with his certificate by W Bro Stuart Edwards, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. How rare is a 70-Year Certificate? Grand Lodge say they have fewer than 30 on their records “who have ever achieved it.” “Out of 230,000 current members, you could say only a handful have achieved 70 years’ membership, so it’s a really special,” said a spokesman.
Is Ben the youngest Freemason? We don’t really know, but it is possible that Bro Benjamin Duerden is currently the youngest Freemason in the world. He was 18 on the 8th March this year and was initiated on 24th April. And it was a wonderful family occasion. Ben’s father, Martyn, as WM of Halesowen Lodge No 5635, had the great pleasure of initiating his son. Then the Charge was given by the acting Junior Warden, Mike Dancer, who happens to be Ben’s uncle, and the Working Tools were presented by Stuart Preece, Ben’s cousin! Shortly after his 18th birthday, Ben asked his dad if he could now become a Freemason. Martyn was obviously delighted, but explained that the age limit
was 21 and he would have to wait a W Bro Martyn and his son Ben whio is now his brother... few years. Undeterred, young Ben countered with the magic word “Lewis”. “I’ve been reading up on this Dad and I think a Lewis, the son of a Mason, can join at 18 years old,” he said. Martyn, not wishing to show his ignorance, told him to “Shut up and go away!” (always a good standby for a father put on the spot by his know-it-all son). Martyn then consulted the Book of Constitutions and it turned out that Ben was partly right: a Lewis may be initiated if the Provincial
Grand Master is minded to issue a Dispensation. Face was saved in both camps! The PGM gave his consent, and Ben duly followed the family tradition begun by his great grandfather, William Parkes, who was WM of Halesowen Lodge in 1949. Ben is currently studying Forensic Science at Halesowen College in preparation for a degree course.
Ted is honoured by Andorra Grand Lodge A Worcestershire Freemason has been awarded one of the greatest honours that the Grand Lodge of Andorra can bestow. W Bro Ted Kettleborough, of North Worcestershire Lodge No. 8180, won their annual individual prize for, says the citiation, his “constant desire to promote
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charity and fraternal help at all times. His dedication it is stated, “secured the restoration of two lodges in danger of collapse.” Ted was astonished when he got the news. “I’m amazed,” he said. “I’ve never had any links with Andorra.” But his work for the Craft is undoubted. The lodges he helped to save were North Worcestershire
and Sincerity in Warwickshire. Both were failing but Ted called on friends and Masons to rally round and both survived. At N. Worcs he recruited no fewer than 12 new members for one meeting. Worcestershire has maintained a close association with Andorra ever since the PGM, the RW Bro Richard Goddard, led a team
there to help to consecrate the Masonry Universal Lodge No.5 a few years ago. Several Worcestershire Masons have remained members of the lodge and some visit meetings there regularly. The award, presented this month at the Andorran annual meeting, takes the form of a bronze statuette depicting a stonemason at work.
Published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire, 94 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove B61 ODF. 01562 630794. E-mail – p.ricketts@blueyonder.co.uk. Information Officer and Source Advertising Manager Ed Baker – 87979 757074. E-mail –pio@ed-baker.com To place an advertisement or for information, and to send in reports, contact Ed Baker.
APPEAL 2011Chief writer Peter Ricketts
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