Worcestershire Source 4

ISSUE No:4 February 2005

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Worcestershire Source

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The Newsl.etter of Worcestershire Freemasons

RETIREMENT DINNER FOR EXCELLENT COMPANION T. VICTOR CONDLYFFE

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n Thursday 16 December 2004, a dinner was held at the Stourport Masonic Hall, Stourport-on-Severn, for Excellent Companion T. Victor Condlyffe to mark his retirement after eleven years as the Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Province of Worcestershire.

It was presided over by the Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Richard B W Price, and attended by present and past rulers of Provincial Grand Chapter of Worcestershire, together with present and past Directors of Ceremonies and the Provincial Grand Master Richard G H Goddard and the other rulers in the Craft.

tribute from the companions of Worcestershire, a water feature of a 'Dolphin Fountain' was installed in Victor's garden to remind him and his wife Margaret of the esteem of the companions of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Worcestershire.

As a lasting

HAGLEY LODGE TWINNING WITH ST. MARY.S LODGE, GATESHEAD

In 2003 / 4 a unique occurrence took On the 5'n November last year,

10

place in the history of the two Lodges of members of the Hagley Lodge went up to having the same reigning Worshipful St Mary's where a Demonstration of the Master, Bro Kevin Delaney, in the Chair of 2"0 Degree Ceremony to Emulation

in the

Provinces of Workings, including the Charge and Tracing Board, was carried out to a packed house which included a vlsiting In November 2003, eleven members of team from the Ravensworth Lodge No the St Mary's Lodge plus other Brethren 2674, a Sister Lodge to St Mary's. To from Durham & Northumberland Lodges commemorate the visit W Brother Tony

King Solomon

Worcestershire & Durham.

to Bromsgrove where they carried out a Demonstration 3'o Degree Ceremony using the Durham ritual at a specially convened Lodge of Instruction

travelled

Festival.

The Festival, attended by

Provincial

Grand Officers, went well earning much pralse at the Festive Board and was

Smith presented a Whiskey Decanter to St Mary's Lodge, suitably plated, which will be used on the Worshipful Master's Table at all future meetings.

Seeing so many Brethren from different

Lodges enjoylng themselves only emphasizes what a wonderful

covered in the December issue of the organization the Brethren all belong to just a little effoft can all take part Official Gazette of the Provincial Grand and with in, and enjoy, and at the same time Lodge of Durham, enhance the companionship shared.

It

was agreed that the Brethren of the Hagley Lodge should return the fraternal W Bro

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visit to Gateshead and work their own Lodge

No 7932

ceremony.

K

Owen PPIGD, Secretary Hagley

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*TETE" OR *SCRAMBLED"??

MASONIC OEUF

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Whilst on sick-leave in lanuary 2004, and having nothing better to do than watch daytime TV, I

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discovered a quiz program called "Eggheads".

Having watched it a few times an idea began to form: could I enter a team of Freemasons to challenge these mighty Eggheads who comprised former winners of: Mastermind, 15-to-1; Who

Wants

to be a

Millionaire

etc? I

approached

a number of

quiz-minded Brethren in

Kidderminster, added W.Bro. lohn Hart ( a former Mastermind himself ) to the mix and found myself with the five Brethren required: myself (W.Bro. Paul Milner) and Bro. Tony Moody of St. Johns Lodge No. 6414; W.Bros. Stephen Wyer and Adrian Church of Old Carclian Lodge No, 7599 and WBro. John Hart of Fort Royal Lodge No. 4565; and so the team, "The Brothers" was born.

W Bros Adrian Church, Tony Moody, Stephen Wer, Paul Milner and Peter Dawson

I quickly telephoned the production company and requested an application form. Some three months later I was somewhat taken aback to discover that they required six names; not just the five that I'd already secured. Apparently we had to have a reserve step in Bro. Peter Dawson (also ofSt. Johns Lodge). The form was duly completed and despatched; complete with photographic evidence that we were unlikely to frighten the audience.

Over the next few weeks, each of us was telephoned individually and subjected to ten

(not particularly easy) general

knowledge

questions. (We discovered afterwards that we'd performed significantly better than most teams).

An audition date was agreed and we presented ourselves at the Comfort Inn, Birmingham on May 7th where we took on another team of six challengers. Although each individual contest was closely fought we ended up with lohn taking on five ofthe other team on his own, It went to the wire. with John amazing us with his knowing the name oi Tony Blair's pop group (Ugly Rumours).

Unfortunately he didn't know the answer to, "What was the name of the boy in 'Puff the Magic Dragon'? (Little Jacky Paper)" Would you believe that ifJohn had been successful it would have been a draw they had no more

questions defeated,

left?

Although technically

we felt that we'd acquitted

ourselves well and had given "value for money". Especially lohn with his less than politically correct observations on politicians

I

Shortly afterwards I received a call to say that

So You Think

we had been successful and a recording date of Wednesday 16th iune was agreed with all team members. The five of us from the

Kidderminster Lodges met

at

Birmingham

lnternational and travelled down together by train. When we arrived at Euston, we were

met by a courier and transported

to

BBC

Television Centre where we met up with John

who had travelled down the previous night.

We then had a light lunch with soft drinks only; as the BBC do not admit teams who

Stephen he got a question on Baseball which, as he freely admits, is not his favourite sport

have been drinking.

two down. Adrian then took on

After lunch we were given a briefing whilst the Wardrobe depaftment chose which colour shirts we were to wear (out of the 5/6 we'd each taken down) and took them away for ironing. At this stage the production company confirmed the line-up of the team; Tony drew the short straw and had to sit out and watch as our reserve member. Having

the redoubtable Daphne Fowler (former Brain 0f Britain and 15to1 champion) on "Entertainment". After a mammoth struggle, Daphne proved to be just too knowledgeable, despite trying to give the impression that she knows very little; we weren't fooled three down! By now we had only John and Peter

been reunited with our shirts we each received a light dusting of make-up before

left; Peter was told, "whatever the next subject is it's yours!". Luckily for Peter it

making our way into the recording studio at

turned out to be "Science" and he challenged Cl de Mooi (another former winner of 15to1 and of other quiz shows). Another series of tie-breaks ensued until Cl guessed incorrectly as to what an Anemometer measures (Wind Speed) - at last, success; John wouldn't be alone in the final round.

3.00pm.

After a couple of camera and voice tests, the

"Eggheads" entered and introduced

themselves, shaking hands with each of us in by the host, Dermot Murnaghan; and there we were, read for battle to commence. We had already

turn. They were quickly followed

decided that, unless Politics came up as a subject, we weTe going to keep John for the final round as he had a wider all-round knowledge than the rest of us.

The first subject was "Food and Drink", and yours truly took on Chris Hughes (Reigning International Mastermind). Now what you don't see on the screened version, is the

the Ceremony Looks Impossible to Learn?

preside.

The ceremony will be the First Degree including the explanation of the First Degree

Board.

at

Tracing -

We want interested Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons meeting anywhere in the Province who would like to take part to contact W. Bro. Alan Wyer, PAGDC, as detailed below, as soon as possible.

We would like to share the work out so we need upwards of twenty four keen Masons who are below the Chair and who are prepared to give it a try,

All paperwork and learning material will be supplied where necessary and there will be three Friday evening rehearsals priorto the Festival, (without any obligation) please contact :-

Alan Wyer,23, Staplehurst Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B2B

9AR

Tel : 01217785644

So lohn and Peter took on the combined knowledge of Kevin Ashman (first ever World Quizzing Champion and holder of the highest ever score, of 4t, on Mastermind) and the "Eggheads" who had earlier been successful.

Sadly it was not to be; after about three hours

of, at times, intense competition; we

had

failed to defeat the mighty "Eggheads". They were, however, magnanimous in victory and admitted that we had had them worried from

the moment they first saw us a

nice

compliment.

Moseley General Lodge of Instruction are hosting a Lodge Festiva I on Wed nesday 11 May 2005 the Moseely Masonic Hall. RW Bro R G H Goddard, our PGM, will

To discuss what is involved

complete contest between two players if you get past the first three questions; they only show the tie-break question that decides the result. Suffice it to say that all of us needed a number of tie-break questions before a result was achieved, Sadly, not only did I get the very first question wrong, but I also lost out in the tie-break so we're one down. The next subject was "Sport" and Stephen took on Judith Keppel (first jackpot winner of Who Wants to be a Millionaire). Unfortunately for

We

sa

id

ou r fa

rewells to the prod uction tea m

who had looked after us so well and caught

the train back from Euston to Birmingham International.

Although we were unable to defeat the "Eggheads", thanks to your generosity we have raised a substantial sum in sponsorship.

My personal thanks to all the team members, especially to Tony who, having taken a day off school, had tojustsitand watch. I knowwe'd all like to have another go but, unfortunately, that's unlikely to happen.

W Bro PaulA Milner PPTSGW

Email : AlanWyer@aol.com, 2

ISSl,lE No: 4

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INVESTITUR.E OF NEW DEPUTY GR.AND SUPERXNTENDENT AIUD SECOND PROVXNCIAL GRAND PRIhICIPAL AND OTHER PROMOTIONS Foilowing the reiirement of the Deputy Grand Superintenclent T. Victor Condlyffe, at the meeting of worcestersh!re Firsi Frincipals chapter- No 5889, on saturcay I3 November2004 the Grand superintendent installed E, Companion Charles E 5 Harris as deouly

Grand Superintendent and Exceilent Companion Dr. Richard N, Hoare as Second Provincial Grand Principal.

ile

has also promoted the following Companions of the Province:

EComp,TMWooldridge E Comp" A -l Dale

EComp.OHLowe EComp.VKClarke E Comp. C Thomas

EComp.GLlinks EComp.FDHead EComp.RSFidcock EComp,ElWorthington

Hope & Charily Chapter Royal Standard Chapter Vernon Chapter Chapter of St. lilichael Abbott Lichfield Chapter Woodlands Chapter N4erston Culy Chapter Brandrnrood Chapter Round Table Chapter Victory Chapter Victory Chapter

a

report

of our visit to

Hawkshurst St Laurence Lodge 9690, Province of East Kent.

in

l.Jo 377

No 498

No 560 No 1097 No 3308 No 6115 No 6879 \)o 7679 No 7961 No 8506 lio 8506

Lodge Wellington, Shropshire, earlier in 2004. We were invited by W Bro Don Rogers, who is the Almoner of this lodge, which was set up to both initiate, pass, and raise candidates as well as research and receive papers and lectures.

Gerrard Oldham and I set off at 12:30 on the afternoon of Friday B'n October.

Our destination was Cranbourne

in Kent (south of Sevenoaks on the map), arriving at Dons home for a cup of tea at 3:30pm. We then made our way to

the White Horse Hotel in the town

As Fast Frovinciai Grand Registrar

EComp.MLPreece EComp.FLBullock

This is

This invitation came about from the presentatlon given at Old Wrekinian

As Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah E Comp. B Wood E Comp. S -l Bache

Worcs Prov Grand Stewards' Demonstration in Kent

l-echmere Hughes Volunteer Chapter Avon Chapter

No 280 lilo3569

which is owned by a mason (Phil) who is a member of another Lodge (Crane No 2660) and who put two rooms aside for us at no cost, Phil then drove

us to the Lodge rooms in the next

As Fast Frovimcia! Grand Sword Bearer

village.

E Comp. l'.4 L Preece E Comp. F Murphy E Comp, D Bramham

EConrp.NTlones E Comp" G Winfield E Comp" R \& Teague

EComp.RHBache EComp.TGBrown

I

Comp.

A.

C Hutt

EComp.EKFaget

Lechmere ilughes Volunteer Chapter Page Chapter St. Edburgha Chapter Si. Thomas Chapter' Royal Standai-ci Chapler Vernon Chapter Perseverance Chapter Stechford Cl-rapter Sabrina Chapter Merston Culy Chapter

No 1874

No 3378 No 4621 No 7940 No 49E No 550 No 573 No 3185 Nlo 6595 No 6879

As Fast Provimcial Grand Sojourner E Comp G Winfield

ECompRWTeague ECompRHBache ECompTGBrown

ECompAChlutt ECompEKPaget

Royal Standard Chapter Vernon Chapter Perseverance Chapter Stechford Chapter Sabrina Chapter Merston Culy Chapier

No 498 I'lo 560 No 573 No 3185 No 5595 No 6879

The Brethren were very welcoming, and after only a few minutes of the presentation/ started to chip in with their experience and the customs of their Lodges in Kent. The evening was

a great success/ with two way conversation throughout. This continued at the festive board at the Chequers Public house, in another village not far away. We were very surprised to receive a cheque for f 100 (part of the charity collection) which the Lodge insisted we take back to our Charity Steward for our Lodge to donate as it sees fit.

Bro. Phil acted as our chauffeur all evening, and when we got back to the

hotel, he had us up talking about

Congratulations to Rex Bradley 60 Years a Mason On the 23'd September 2004 at the home of Worshipful Brother Kenneth Rex Bradley, P.P.J.G.W., the Very Worshipful Brother Robert C Vaughan presented a Certificate celebrating 60 years in Freemasonry, Rex, a member of Bordesley Abbey Lodge No.4495 was Initiated into Freemasonry on the 23'o November L944 and became Worshipful Master in 1956, He was Exalted into The Bordesley Abbey Royal Arch Chapter No. 4495 on the 16'n January 1952 becoming First Principal in 1963, later

being promoted to the rank of FEBRUARY 2OO5

P. P.G.

Soj.

,

Masonry until 1am.

At B am the following morning we were

joined for breakfast by our sponsor, Don Rogers, who said that the

he had received was excellent. They are seriously

feedback

considering having us back for Secret

2 about the same time next year.

Meanwhile, as is the usual situation, we were invited to talk to another Lodge in Hastings next summer - we

willsee!

WHAT

IS

GIT. T ATD

?

"Gift Aid is o.. of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity.

Using cift Aid means that for every pound you give, the charity you are supporting will receive 2ap from the Inland Revenue.

This rrleans that a E1O Gift Aid donation, is vrrorth EL2.8O to the charity, imagine what a difference that could make to the charity you support, and it doesn't cost you a thingl"

DO YOU QUA LIFY

TO GTFT AID YOUR DONATION? "Providing you pay as much tax (income and/or capital gains) as the charity will be entitled to reclaim on your donations in year, you are entitled the same financial to use Gift Aid. For example, if you wish to Gift Aid charitable donations that total paid at Ieast E2B to the tax man in respect of that tax ye,ar"

Worcestershire Masonic Charitv Oroanisation PGL Office, 94, Birminqham Road, Bromsorove, Worcs, 861 ODF Lodge

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Chapter:

ts

..No:

Full Name: Address: tr

Post Code:.

DECLARATION Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, we get an extra 28 pence from the Inland Revenue helping your donation go further This means that 810 can be turned into f 12.80 just so long as donations are made through Gift Aid Imagine what a difference that could make, and it doesn't cost you a thing So if you want your donation to go further, Gift Aid it. Just complete this form and send it back to us

I want all donations

to be Gift Aid until I notify you otherwise.

Signature: To qualift for Gift Aid, what you pay in income tax or capital gains tax must at least equal the amount we will claim in the tax year.

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CRAFT AND MARK SUPPORT ALL SATNTS CHURCH COMMUNITY PROJECT/ KINGS HEATH , i

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The proposed multi-million pound community facllity centred on the Parish Church at Kings Heath promises to become a valuable focal point for the people of the area.

Links have already been made with Kings Heath Masons and on December 2lu, the Provincial Grand Master, Richard Goddard, a Patron of the Trust, and red Kettleborough,

charity Steward for the Mark Province, each presented cheques for [1000 to the Vicar, Rev. John Wilkinson. It is anticipated thatfurther donations will be made.

Also in the photograph are Robert Vaughan, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, also a Patron of the Trust, and Stan Hems, a local butcher, Chairman of the Kings Heath Business Associatlon and a member of Moseley Lodge.

LADIES WEEKEND AWAY

OUR GIFT TO THE PAST PGM Dear Brethren

On Saturday 16 October 2004

you will not see as much of me as in previous years I can assure you my

at Worcestershire Installed Master's Lodge I was presented with a very elegant silver

affection for our great Province will never diminish.

loving cup and a substantial cheque to which I understand all the Lodges in the Province subscribed, to mark my 10 years

My thanks to you all for your generosity and the many many memories of the happy hours spent in your company.

as Provincial Grand Master between 1993 and 2003.

Yours sincerely and fraternally

I

Barrie Cooper

was particularly pleased to receive the loving cup which will be a daily reminder of some 23 memorable years wearing a chain in the Province and having the opportunity of visiting you all on many occasions.

I

am enjoying my retirement and whilst

+

Severn Lodge no 5583 had

a most successful

Ladies Weekend with a total of 98 people spending up to 4

days in the Isle of Wight.

We raised a total of f550 for Charity, I50 to the locai RNLI, !250 io Martin Hussingtree Parish Church and [250 to Acorns Trust. The photograph shows the WM Wor Bro Paul Hughes, his Lady Lisa and their young Ben, who reckons that Ladies Weekends are GREAT 'cos

he gets to swim in a

real

swimming pooll! A total of 11 Lodges were

represented. For further details contact

anthonVwatt@hotma il.com W Bro Antony

C

Watt PPGReg

Published by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire.

Provincial Office, 94 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, 861 ODF Afticles may not be reproduced without written authority.

Editor: Keith Bllzzard would be pleased to receive afticles, news and photographs for publication Challinors Blizza.d, Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, Birmingham 83 3EF Tel: 0121 233 8610 Email: kb@challinors.co.uk

gon't forget to log on to our new website.......'Worcestershirepgl.org.uk'

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ISSUE No: 4