WEST WALES MASON
ason M s e l a W t s We Issue XXIX Spring 2010
‘A A Structure, Honourable to the Builder’. Provincial Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Lodge
Booking Forms Page 33
Inside this issue: Prestonian Lecture
4
Medieval Fayre
10
Peterwell Lodge
16
Dyfed Initiative
26
Anchors Aweigh
36
Wales Air Ambulance
46
Early Lodges
52
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WEST WALES MASON
From the Centre By Steve Hookey Provincial Grand Secretary In the last edition of the West Wales Mason I made reference to the fact that certain corresponding offices in the Craft and the Royal Arch were held by the same persons. This move was made to re-affirm the inextricable link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. In recent months the Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent has strengthened that link in this Province by merging the two Executives. The members of the new Provincial Executive are: Provincial Grand Master / Grand Superintendent Deputy Provincial Grand Master Deputy Grand Superintendent Assistant Provincial Grand Master Provincial Grand Secretary / Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra Provincial Grand Treasurer (Craft and Royal Arch) The Executive meets on a fairly ad hoc basis to discuss matters of importance within the Province as they arise. Database matters I am pleased to report that the Province is now fully live on the UGLE database, which is called Adelphi (or to be more exact is named A∆elphi). The Grand Secretary issued a command that all Provinces must go live by a certain date, so I bit the bullet and went ahead. The operation was an eventual success, but did require a certain amount of corrective work in matching records. The bottom line was that it put me behind by two to three weeks, but I am now back on top of all matters of administration. Database management is an important part of administration, and is becoming very time-consuming when considered with all other matters that the Provincial Secretary and Scribe E deals with. I have discussed the matter with the Provincial Grand Master and we have agreed that we need to consider having a Provincial Database Manager. This will be an office without an actual collar, very much in the same context as the Editor of the West Wales Mason, the Webmaster, the Year Book Editor etc.. I am putting together a job description, and will be inviting expressions of interest in the near future. Details will appear on the website and will be circulated to all Secretaries and Scribes. Additional Appointments Having mentioned these brethren (the Editors, Webmaster, Information Officer, Committee Secretaries etc) I feel that I must say two things. Firstly, their untiring work is much valued and appreciated, particularly by those of us who know just how much time and effort they put in. To them all I offer my personal vote of thanks. Secondly, I ask you all to be patient with them. They do have personal lives to lead as well, and sometimes have problems, which might cause them to perhaps not deal with matters as quickly as we might like. So please do not give them a hard time. If you do have a problem which
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cannot be resolved you should let me know and I will endeavour to get things sorted out. The Provincial Meetings As you are undoubtedly aware, the Annual Meetings will take place at Trinity College on 1st July. Details can be found at the centre of this magazine. Please note that we have changed the ticket procedure, and in consequence have also changed the booking procedure. The admission tickets were introduced in response to advice on security given to the Province. The system has not been particularly useful, and we are therefore dropping it. It will now only be necessary to book in if you wish to dine, and a form for that purpose is also to be found at the centre of this magazine. If you are not dining but are attending either meeting (and are duly qualified to do so) all that you need to do is to be there, properly dressed. There are some brethren (Grand Officers etc) who must inform me of their intention to attend, but I shall be writing to them individually. Your Support All of the Provincial Officers, Grand Officers and other brethren who work for the Province put in a lot of time and effort on your behalf. I cannot even think of how to tell you how much time and effort is put in by our Provincial Grand Master, who leads by the fine example that he sets. All of this would be for nothing if we do not have the support of you, the brethren at large. All that we ask is that as many of you as possible attend the Provincial Meetings and the Church Service, and that you support the fund raising events held with the 2015 Festival in mind. W Bro Bob Darkins and his team have worked extremely hard to organise the Medieval Fayre, details of which may be found elsewhere in this magazine. I urge you to attend this event with as many of your family and friends as you can muster. I also look forward to seeing a good number of you at the Provincial meetings on 1st July. And finally....... We are racing toward the end of the current Masonic Year. I have again enjoyed travelling around the circuit and being in the company of many of you. I thank you all for your continuing support and warmth of welcome, coupled with your best endeavours to defeat my diet. My congratulations go to all of those brethren and companions who will be receiving honours at the meetings in July, and I look forward to travelling around with them next year.
Steve Hookey Provincial Grand Secretary & Provincial Grand Scribe E
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The Prestonian Lecture Robert Davies
“As we move further into the 21st century, we surely need to be proactive about our civic identity. For the man in the street we should be demonstrating that we have a civic association with the community and that we are not a secret society or private members’ club.” So concluded W Bro Dr John Wade PPrJGW (Yorkshire West Riding & Derbyshire Provinces) in his 2009 Prestonian Lecture “Go do thou likewise”, English
Masonic processions from the 18th to the 20th centuries, which Aberystwyth Lodge No 1072 was honoured to receive at its March meeting, attended by more than 50 members and visitors, including Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Brian Hilling PAGDC. Preceded by an interesting incite into the origins of the Prestonian Lecture, from special guest Professor Andrew Prescott, former Director of the Centre for Research into Freemasonry at Sheffield University, W Bro John’s paper surveyed public processions of Freemasons over two centuries, examining the association of
civic, ecclesiastical and Masonic bodies in public ceremonies of foundation stone laying, the dedication of completed buildings and other occasions of public thanksgiving. W Bro John observed that such Masonic activity had become rare over the past 75 years. He suggested that Freemasons have become nervous about the public perception of them, or perhaps embarrassed about himself. Our forefathers appreciated the symbolic importance of the presence of masons on such major occasions for the community. Should we not explore the possibility of a return of some of these public activities? Thanked by Worshipful Master, W Bro Dr Graham Housam, and the APGM, W Bro John, currently Worshipful Master of the Quator Coronati Lodge No 2076, the premier Masonic research lodge, saw the funds of his chosen charities, the Trust for Research into Freemasonry, and the Cavendish Cancer Care Centre, Sheffield, boosted by a well patronised sale of copies of his thought provoking lecture.
The photograph shows, left to right, W. Bro. Brian Hilling, Professor Andrew Prescott, W. Bro. Dr Graham Housam, Master, and W. Bro. Dr John Wade
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CONNECT
Almoner Matters
Please do not tell anyone this but the post of Lodge Almoner is the best job in Freemasonry. Freemasonry It is a job that requires a bit of common sense and bit of independence. It is for somebody who has made the grade and would like to get on with what is important in Freemasonry, caring for and helping a less fortunate Brother, his widow or his dependants. Ask any Almoner why he does his job and he will smile and say because it’s worth doing. I doubt he will tell you of the sheer joy, satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment you get when you are instrumental in helping someone in deep distress. Assistant Almoners The four Masonic Charities are working together as never before under the banner ‘Freemasonry Freemasonry Cares.’ Soon a new 0800 help-line will come into operation and I believe the role of the Lodge Almoner will become even more important and demanding! Furthermore, consider what would happen if your current Almoner should fall sick or worse? Who would or could pick up the reins and carry on? The welfare of many people could be affected. This being the case brethren, with the greatest respect, I would urge all Lodges to consider appointing an Assistant Almoner. Obviously, this must be with the full agreement and cooperation of the current Almoner, but there must be many a Past Master or senior Mason who would ideal for the post, so think about it. A Tale to two Centurions Just before Christmas I had a call from an Almoner in Sussex. His local RMBI retirement home had found a place for a brother who wanted to spend his final days near his family. Unfortunately, he was currently in a home in Narberth and as he was 106 his health was not too good. It was deemed that if he were moved, it would have to be by private ambulance at a cost £1,050. Could we do anything? After I consulted with Grand Charity, the local Almoner got the necessary forms filled we e-mailed them to G.C. One week later he was transferred to Sussex in time for his 107th birthday. A couple of weeks ago I had a call from the P.G.A of Staffordshire. A widow aged 102 had ‘disappeared off their radar’. He gave me her last known address in Cardigan and could we make discreet enquiries regarding her situation? I contacted one of the Cardigan Almoners who by 12 pm the following day had not only located the lady concerned but had paid her a visit and was able to give me a report on her condition and general welfare. This I was able to pass on to Staffordshire. I will not embarrass the brethren concerned by naming them but their actions are typical of what your Almoners do on a regular basis. Currently we have responded to 10 calls for help from other Provinces and all have been dealt with in a similar fashion. I thank all the Almoners concerned for a job well done. Almoners Expenses Finally, a plaintive cry echoed at our recent Almoners meeting. When you see ‘Almoners Expenses’ please don’t think Duck houses or Moat cleaning! It is for flowers, whisky, cards and stamps, honest!
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Neyland Lodge continued it's policy of supporting local charities, when on the 7th December 2009 the Lodge Almoner W/Brother John Watson attended a meeting of the Neyland and District Pensioners' Association and presented them with a cheque for £100 towards the cost of the dinner they provide for their members. Also in the picture are Mrs Picton Secretary and Mrs Bowen Treasurer of the Association.
Chinese New Year was celebrated at Aberystwyth Masonic Hall on Saturday 20th February, the nearest free day to the New Year. Elton Roberts of Aberystwyth Lodge organised the event and the proceeds were shared by to two Lodges at Aberystwyth. A donation of £500 [£250 from Aberystwyth and £250 from Saint Padarn] was presented to the Asst. P. G. M. W. Bro. Brian Hilling.
See page 54
R W Bro Dr John Lloyd presents a £1000 cheque to Dana Edwards (Development Officer) and Ingrid Evans (Hospice at Home Nurse) for the Beacon of Hope. The donation is part of Grand Charity’s £500,00 which it distributes annually to the Hospice movement throughout England and Wales.
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Masonic Samaritan Fund John Williams The Masonic Samaritan Fund provides financial help to Freemasons and their dependants in support of: Medical Care and Treatment The MSF will consider applications for a wide variety of medical treatments from hip replacement to cardiac surgery, from digital hearing aids to drug treatment for cancer or degenerative diseases, from stomach banding to macular degeneration. Care Respite and Domiciliary Respite Care: Grants are available to support carers. Funding is available towards the costs of short periods of residential care or to provide regular short breaks at home.
Dental Care and Treatment: Applications are welcome where treatment on the NHS is unavailable or where costs are in excess of NHS charging rates. Funded treatments are those licensed for use by the NHS. Grants are not available where the proposed treatment is purely cosmetic or where an applicant simply prefers to receive private treatment. Vehicle and Home Adaptations:
The Fund also gives grants for specialist equipment or home adaptations in response to a specific medical need. There are no age limits, no qualifying period of membership and no requirement for the Freemason to still be active. Within the last 5 years 16 grants have been made to Freemasons and their dependants from across the Province of West Wales at a total cost of ÂŁ112,115. Whilst this is clearly a tremendous boost to those who have received help surely there should have been more applications on behalf of our members and their families. These figures equate to just one application per year for every 9 Lodges. Two popular misconceptions about the Samaritan Fund need to be out to rest. First you do not need to be poor to apply. Which of our readers could without a financial struggle pay ÂŁ15,000 for a heart operation? Secondly the Fund does not take into account the value of the family home. If you know someone who you think needs our help PLEASE tell them to contact the Fund on 0207 404 1550. Learn more about the Fund, if your Lodge or Chapter would like to receive a presentation on what the Fund does please contact the Development Director John Williams on 07931 533648 or email john@msfund.org.uk. Caring for the health of Freemasons and their dependants Masonic Samaritan Fund, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England. Company number 6876310, Charity Number 1130424 Registered Office: 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ
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C.A.D. Representatives ~ Craft PGM E G S Mock
Prov. CAD Officer M B Davies
Pembs. CAD Co-ordinator P R Scoble
CAD Secretary J Everett
Cards. CAD Co-ordinator D J Elsley
Carms. CAD Co-ordinator C I Nicholas
T G John
St Peters 476
R D Roberts
P of Wales 671
J M Nicholas
St David's 366
N/A
Kensington 3667
L O’Connor
L Welsh 378
P O Davies
St Elli 3942
T S Thomas
Cambrian 464
N R Leah
ST Teilo 4755
C D Hann
Neyland 990
C I Nicholas
Caerfyrddyn 4928
D I Cook
Tenby 1177
L C Hughes
Unity 6709
C F Pitten
Castlemartin 1748
R H Naylor
T Kelway 8466
D Parker
Narberth 2001
V H Williams
Kemes 3152
J O Griffiths
Aberystwyth 1072
J Prior
Old Priory 4331
W Hale
Teifi 4648
T C Griffiths
Strumble 4351
R Mathers
Peterwell 4713
A Waldeis
Cleddau 6952
C J Samuel
St Padarn 5472
D O Evans
P Drewett 9426
E W Davies
Aeron 7208
N/A
R Warburton 9726
D J Elsley
Frenni 8427
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C.A.D. Royal Arch, Mentoring & Librarian Royal Arch Co-ordinator E G Sinnett
Craft Mentoring Co-ordinator N Leah
CAD Reps J Nicholas
Kensington 366
P Walkden
St David's 366
S W Wilson
Old Priory4331
C F Pitten
L Welsh 378
L O’Connor
L Welsh 378
C H Watkin
Strumble 4351
B G Brickle
Hwlffordd 464
P G Brickle
Cambrian 464
J T K Davies
Teifi 4648
C I Nicholas
Merlin 476
J C Lewis
St Peters 476
A J Morgan
Peterwell 4713
S M Hill
St Elliw 671
R Roberts
P of Wales 671
P J Foley
ST Teilo 4755
C J Samuel
Ystwyth 1072
C D Hann
Neyland 990
C I Nicholas
B C Hilling
Dinbych 1177
E R Hughes
D H John
Arberth 2001
Aberystwyth 1072
Caerfyrddyn 4928
S F Clench
St Padarn 5472
G Crane
Abergwaun3152
D Ramsay
Tenby 1177
D Jenkins
Unity 6709
D J Elsley
Teifi 4648
P Waddilove
Castlemartin 1748
J F F James
Cleddau 6952
R H Naylor
Unity 6709
T I B Jenkins
Aeron 7208
D Parker
Narberth 2001
D J Elsley
AeronPwell7208
V H Williams
Kemes 3152
N/A
Kensington3667
L Phillips
St Elli 3942
Mentoring S W Wilson
Kensington 366
B C Hilling
Dinbych 1177
L O’Connor
L Welsh 378
D Parker
Arberth 2001
P G Brickle
Hwlffordd 464
V Williams
Abergwaun3152
C I Nicholas
Merlin 476
S I Page
Teifi 4648
S M Hill
St Elliw 671
R H Naylor
Unity 6709
S F Clench
Ystwyth 1072
D N Adams AeronPwell7208
A Beckingham Frenni 8427 D W Daniels
T Kelway 8466
N/A
P Drewett 9426
N/A
R Warburton 9726
Presentation & Talks Librarian P R Evans
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Mediaeval Fayre
United Cou
On Saturday June 19th 2010 the Province of West Wales will host a Grand Charity Event on the United Counties Showground in Carmarthen. The Event theme is a Mediaeval Fayre. There will be a Mediaeval Tavern called the ‘Crimson Moon’ where you can sample various meads, wines and ales, with mine host W.Bro Iain Sewell. His wife Sue and their staff providing dare I say some mediaeval entertainment.
and see how they lived in olden times and will be invited to try their hand at using a longbow.
In the main arena there is of course a fun filled afternoons programme which feature ‘The Knights of Arkley’ in armour Jousting and demonstrating the ancient art of Noble Combat. Complimented by the ‘Wolfsheadbowmen re-enactment group’ in the guise of Robin Hood & Maid Marion not forgetting the Sheriff of Nottingham who again looses his gold to the bowmen who will demonstrate their skills with the longbow. TheWolfsheadbowmen will also have an encampment where the public can enter
In keeping with the era we have Roger James Falconry showing the versatility of Birds of Prey.
The Medieval Re-enactment Society from Pembrokeshire will be encamped with a living history camp of Knights Templar, showing their skills with the sword and other weapons they will encourage having a go with anyone who enters their camp.
Television Celebrity Cook Anthony Evans will also be in attendance giving a demonstration and showing how to prepare game etc, and I am informed to expect more. To keep us all safe the Knights Templar will be in attendance marshalling the event and woe betide any mischievous
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WEST WALES MASON
United Counties Showground
behaviour, as I understand they are bringing three sets of stocks with them, and intend using them. All this and market stalls, Bouncy Castle for the children and games going on all afternoon. It is an extravagance of family fun. The event is open to everyone with tickets being sold mainly through Lodges, so members are encouraged to sell as many
tickets as they can to friends, neighbours and local people. As the profit from the event will be credited to the Charity Festival in the name of the Lodges prorated according to how many tickets the Lodge sells. However some tickets will be available at the gate on the day.
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WEST WALES MASON
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WEST WALES MASON
Mid Wales Colo Colo-- rectal Cancer Fund
Saint Padarn Master, David Griffiths, presents a cheque for £50 to Mrs Cheryl Jones of the Mid Wales Colo-rectal Cancer Fund at the launch of the charity at the Marine Hotel in Aberystwyth. Saint Padarn have already supported this charity with a donation of £500. Cheryl, who lost her husband to Colorectal cancer has worked tirelessly raising money for this charity, which she started. In the first year see raised nearly £18,000, but like so many of these types of charities, it’s an on going task of finding money. In the photograph with David and Cheryl are two patrons of the Charity. Simon Weston OBE and surgeon David Jackson, lead Colo-rectal surgeon at Bronglais hospital. David Jackson helped save Simon Weston’s life after the RSA Sir Galahad was bombed in Bluff Cove during the Falkland’s conflict.
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WEST WALES MASON
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WEST WALES MASON
The Plaque Unveiling Peterwell Lodge Master W Bro Brian Hilling together with Selwyn Walter the Mayor of Lampeter and Ivor Williams the Chairman of Ceredigion County Council in the brand new Peterwell Lodge Masonic Hall, Bridge Street, Lampeter. This being the first permanent home for the Lodge since it was established by warrant in 1925.
By Robert Mathers Wednesday 16 December 2009 marked yet another milestone in the history of Peterwell Lodge No 4963, when the Brethren of the Lodge were joined by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Eric Mock, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Tom Evans and the Assistant Provincial Grand
After enjoying a splendid buffet lunch provided by the Ladies, Mr Williams unveiled a plaque to commemorate the donation of ÂŁ20,000 made by Ceredigion County Council to the building fund, and then inspected the new Hall and Temple. The Hall contains cooking and toilet facilities, and will be made available to other organisations and individuals in the Town.
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The Consecration Peterwell Lodge
Saturday afternoon on the 20th February 2010 will remain vivid in the minds of the Brethren of Peterwell Lodge No 4713 for many, many years to come. After a long 85 years they now have their own Masonic Hall. They have worked incredibly hard to raise the funds to build this structure. Our hats should be raised to them. The Masonic Hall, Lampeter– has a very pleasant ring to it. It has been a very long time coming, 85 years in all‌
Consecrated in March 1925 with 19 founder members, Peterwell Lodge has had many homes, often referred to by brethren of the Province as the
nomadic lodge. Its first home was in Lampeter College using the West Lecture Room in the Canterbury Building, meeting six times a year coinciding with the college vacations, and holding the Festive Boards at the college dining hall. This arrangement was enjoyed up until 1939, then war broke out and the Canterbury Buildings were taken over by Wycliffe School, which had been evacuated from Gloucester. The Lodge eventually found a suitable room at Bryn Road School holding their first meeting on Friday 15th December 1939. Thursday, the regular day for the Lodge was changed to
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PAGE 17 Friday, as this was the only date available to them by the school. Due to food rationing and difficulties with outside catering during the war years, members had to forgo the Festive Board, yet Lodge meetings were well attended. On 29th September 1945, a dispensation was granted to the Brethren of Peterwell Lodge to hold their meetings at Shiloh Chapel Vestry. The Festive Board was held at the Black Lion and later the Castle Hotel. In 1989, after spending 44 years at Shiloh Vestry, the Lodge was asked to leave the premises due to the anti Masonic felling prevailing within the Methodist Church at that time. As a result Peterwell Lodge moved to Aeron Lodge, Aberaeron in November 1989. However, there was always a yearning amongst most of the Brethren to return to Lampeter, so that when a suitable room became available at the Black Lion Hotel, the move was made back to Lampeter on the 20th February 1997. The move back to Lampeter was short lived and Peterwell was once again thankful for the generosity and hospitality of the Brethren of Aeron Lodge, and on 20th May 1999 a move was made back to Aberaeron until May 2005. Lampeter still pulled on the heartstrings of the members of Peterwell Lodge, and when a room became available at the College, the opportunity to move back to
WEST WALES MASON our original home was too good to miss. On September 15th 2005 the first meeting was held. An occurrence of significant importance happened in 2006 when Peterwell Lodge bought the British Legion Hall in Lampeter. This was demolished and the foundation stone was well and truly laid in August 2008 by our senior Past Master, W. Bro. Vincent Evans. W. Bro. John Evans of Britannia Lodge, Sheffield, became the first Master and he brought with him the Sheffield workings, which Peterwell adopted. Ceredigion County Council gave a substantial grant, which enabled completion of the building project sooner than envisaged. In return for their generosity many local organisations can take advantage of the facilities offered by the new hall, and that will bring together the people of the area and Freemasonry closer together.
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The Clock Peterwell Lodge
By Joey Taylor Boxing Booth had been my family’s business for well over a hundred years. As a boy, I followed the travelling enterprise that was then run by my grandfather, Charlie Taylor, from fairground to fairground throughout Wales and over the border in England. Such wellwell-known boxers as Tommy Farr and Freddie Mills had boxed for my grandfather and the famous Mohammed Ali had made an appearance in an exhibition bout in my Uncle Ronnie’s Excelsior Booth. However, for most of the time I can recall, it was my father Joe and his two brothers who took on all comers in the Fairs. A challenger would be paid £5 if he could last three rounds of three minutes duration and £10 if he could manage to knock out his opponent. I don’t ever recall that happening. The final place we visited before closing down for the winter was always the Aberystwyth November Fair. From there we moved to Lampeter where we stayed for some months, before we started off again in Swansea’s Easter Fair.
I have very happy memories of Lampeter and the friends I made whilst attending Peterwell School. There were two boys in particular whom I remember well, Raymond Band, who has been Master of Peterwell Lodge on two occasions, and Caio Evans, the selfself-styled leader of the Free Wales Army, a great character, whose father W Bro Professor Caio Evans was Secretary of the Lampeter Lodge. They together with their fellow pupils always welcomed me warmly when I turned up for my winter stay. When VW Bro Tom Evans told me some two years ago that Peterwell Lodge was building a new Temple in Lampeter was anxious to mark my earlier, happy connection with the town by making a presentation of some kind. A cousin of mine who lives in Southampton had told me of a clock maker who lives in the New Forest and produces quite unusual timepieces. After seeing some of his handiwork I decided that a Masonic Clock, which would be unique to Peterwell Lodge, would quite suit my purpose. On Saturday the 20th of February, after the Ceremony of Dedication had taken place I was delighted and indeed honoured to present the clock to the Worshipful Master of Peterwell Lodge, W Bro Eifion Evans whilst my old friend the Deputy Provincial Grand Master looked on. The timepiece now hangs proudly above the entrance to the Temple and is there not merely to tell you the time, but is also there to remind everyone who enters that old friendships never die and happy memories remain forever.
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Peterwell Lodge No 47
A superstructure perfect in its parts and hono
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eterwell Lodge No 4713
rfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.
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Aeron Wine Tasting
The Aeron Lodge held a charity Cheese and Wine Tasting evening on Saturday 27th March at the Lodge. Although the turnout was less than expected, the thirty or so members, family and friends who attended had a very enjoyable evening. Iwan Jenkins the Lodge Charity Steward as a fund raising get-together had arranged the evening. The Worshipful Master, Haydn Williams opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone and introducing Mr. Roy Roberts of Celtic Wines Ltd., whose company had provided the selection of wines for tasting. He introduced each wine, giving a brief description and added several anecdotes and stories to keep us amused during the evening. First up were three White wines: 1. A Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: 2. A Chardonnay from Chile:3. A Cuvee Alexandre blended white from France, three quality wines with individual distinctive flavours. Then came the reds, three again: 1. Old Spot Red a blend of Malbec and Shiraz from Argentina: 2. A Cabernet Franc from France: 3. A Crianza Rioja from Spain, Again three quality wines with very individual flavours, from the fruity, peppery Shiraz to the light fruity and slightly oaky Rioja.
Next up came a Californian Rose wine – ‘Wildwood’ full of summer fruits and refreshingly quaffable. Our last wine was a Sparkling Pinot Grigio Rose from Italy, a dry, full-bodied and very well balanced wine. A selection of cheeses and biscuits were served, along with the final tasting of the evening – that of the Windsor Special Reserve Port – which made a very pleasant accompaniment to the cheese, especially the blue! There was an opportunity to place orders for the wines that had been tasted. It would appear that those present had enjoyed the wines if the number of orders was anything to go by. The raffle was also held; this raised the sum of £150 towards the Lodge Charity account. The W. M. then thanked Mr. Roy Roberts and Chris Samuel who had assisted during the evening.
Photo: V. W. Bro. Tom Evans; W. Bro. Iwan Jenkins; Roy Roberts; W. Bro. Haydn Williams.
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The Dyfed Ini It’s been a few years since the late W Bro Aza Pinney launched ‘The Dyfed Initiative’ sponsor a child from developing countries. The District of Dyfed of Rose Croix have sponsored a girl called Kiloknei Halam. Our District Recorder, Lyndon Hughson, has received the first letter from Kiloknei, which is reproduced on these pages. In a world more than 6 billion, 4.4 billion live in developing countries, and 3 billion of them on less than £1 a day. World Vision’s Area Development Programmes are designed to enable communities to break the cycle of poverty and to help overcome the challenges they face along the way. Responding to the most urgent needs, there are several building blocks that shape development efforts to achieve lasting change.
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yfed Initiative
In 2005, Seven Rose Croix Chapters came together, under the ‘Dyfed Initiative’ to undertake a substantial act of charity. As a result of many discussions and contacts it was decided to have a five-year plan to sponsor children through World Vision. World Vision is a Christian organisation that helps poor, oppressed and marginalized people irrespective of their religious beliefs and without discrimination of any kind. The first child was Abdourazakou Seydou who comes from Tera in Niger, Africa. The Tera area is hit by food shortages, malnutrition and
disease and infant mortality is very high. Sponsorship has led to better drinking water, while efforts to improve sanitation are continuing. New classrooms and literacy centres are giving children and adults alike the opportunity to receive an education. In January 2009 we were able to sponsor another child Kilolnei Halam comes from India This initiative has helped, and will continue to help, not only the two children but also their families and their local communities.
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Neyland Presentation to W.Bro Jim Vaughan.
"At the Neyland Lodge Installation in December 2009, W.Bro Jim Vaughan stood down after 32 consecutive years as Chaplin of the Lodge. At their Lodge meeting in February 2010 the Lodge marked the occasion by presenting W.Bro Vaughan with a suitably engraved carriage clock, The presentation was made by W.Bro David Petrie who paid tribute to W.Bro Jim who joined the Lodge in 1966 and having worked his way through the offices of the Lodge was installed as Master in 1973. As well as being Chaplin of the Lodge W.Bro Jim has been preceptor at the Lodge of Instruction and many Masters owe a large debt of gratitude to him for his advice and support in that role."
W. Bro. David Petrie presenting gift to W. Bo. Jim Vaughan
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Provincial Grand Chapter of West Wales and Provincial Grand Lodge of West Wales
Thursday 1st July 2010 Trinity College Carmarthen
Booking Form Page 33
PAGE 32 WEST WALES MASON IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL COMPANIONS & BRETHREN IN THE PROVINCE
PROVINCIAL MEETINGS 2010 The Annual Meetings of Provincial Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at the Halliwell Centre, Trinity College, Carmarthen on Thursday, 1 st July, 2010. Who is allowed to be at these meetings? Provincial Grand Chapter All Companions who are Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter (present or past), Principals of a Chapter in the Province, and Past First Principals, and who are subscribing members of a Chapter in the Province, are entitled to attend. However, all other Companions are invited to attend this Meeting, but they may not vote. Provincial Grand Lodge All Brethren who are Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge (present or past), or Installed Masters or Acting Wardens, and who are subscribing members of a Lodge in the Province, are entitled to attend. However, all other Master Masons are invited to attend this Meeting, but they may not vote. Please make a determined effort to attend the meeting. Actually, why not make up a party of your Chapter or Lodge Members, and come in numbers? In doing so you will be supporting not only your Chapter or Lodge but also those Companions and Brethren who will be invested with their Provincial Appointments and Promotions. It is a special day for those receiving honours, and it is rewarding to have a good number of brethren present to witness their achievement. Between the meetings is a luncheon, the cost of which is £17.00 exclusive of wine. This is a relaxed occasion in the middle of the day’s events. W hy not make the day complete by booking in for an enjoyable meal served in pleasant surroundings?
Do please try to attend and give your support to the Province and the Provincial Grand Officers.
Steve Hookey Provincial Grand Scribe E & Provincial Grand Secretary
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PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER & PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE THURSDAY, 1st July 2010
BOOKING FORM FOR DINING ONLY Please complete and return to: Peter Scoble, “Ashgrove”, 134 Steynton Road, Milford Haven, Pembs, SA73 1AN
Tel : 01646 692120 (Contact hours : evenings 6pm to 9pm only) I shall be attending the Luncheon and enclose a cheque for £17.00 (cheque to be made payable to "Provincial Grand Lodge PoWW")
Please tick this box if you have any special dietary needs
Details of dietary needs……………………………………………………….. FULL NAME .…………………………………………………………………………………. ADDRESS……………………………………………………………………………….… ………………………………………………………………………………….. TELEPHONE NUMBER ……………….................... ……………….................. e-mail address
……………….................... ………………..................
LODGE……………………………………….LODGE NUMBER…………….. C R A F T M A S O N I C R A N K BEFORE THE M E E T I N G :
GRAND OFFICERS …………………………………..……. PROVINCIAL GRAND OFFICERS …………………..…… LODGE RANK (only complete if not Grand or Provincial Grand Rank)
W.Bro.* / Bro.*
( * Delete as appropriate)
IMPORTANT NOTE It is regretted that no reservations for dinner can be made unless the application and remittance are received by 12th June, 2010. Please also note that no dinner refunds will be made for cancellations made after 20th June, 2010.
Third hole at the South Pembrokeshire Golf Club Entry ÂŁ25.00 per player. Includes tea or coffee and a bacon on roll to start and a meal to finish. Trophies for the winners and runnersrunners-up, Prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive.
Teams of three players Stableford scoring system. Best two cards at each hole to count. Maximum allowable handicap 20. To assist the caterers please indicate teams & numbers to Michael M. Cross 7 Park Street
Thursday 20th May GOLF MEETING & COMPETITION The first Dyfed Mark Golf Competition will take place at DERLLYS COURT GOLF CLUB, Bancyfelin, Carmarthen; SA33 5DT The Competition will be Stableford Full Handicaps. 18 Holes of Golf and Evening Meal. There will be bacon rolls and coffee on arrival. The Tee is reserved from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Cost for the Day - Coffee, Golf and Evening Meal is £25.00. (A good day out for £25) Please book early, as numbers are limited. Any Member wishing to play, please contact: W.Bro. Jim Doyle Tel: 01267 232132 0r Email: JWDoyleEsq@aol.com Find out more about D e r l l y s G o l f C l u b o n www.derllyscourtgolfclub.com Saturday 29th May
tions to Past Grand Junior Deacon are W.Bro. Don Mallams, the Provincial Grand Almoner, and W.Bro. Peter Scoble, the past Provincial Grand Charity Steward. A popular, and hard working, brother from Tenby, W. Bro Clive Webb, receives the Grand Rank of Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer. Our hearty congratulations go to them all. ROYAL ARK MARINER GRAND RANK The end of 2009 saw three Dyfed Royal Ark Mariners honoured by receiving Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, for their invaluable services to the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity, they were: V.W.Bro. Ronald Jones JP, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Pr RAMGR (2008), W.Bro. Patrick John Tiddy, PrRAMGR (1998), and W.Bro. William Gwynfor Jones, PrRAMGR (1998).
GRAND
“SPECIAL” HONOURS FOR THE PROVINCIAL GRAND SECRETARY
This year’s Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Masters Masons of Dyfed takes place on Saturday 29th May all brethren to be seated by 10.30 hrs. Agendas will be circulated by 22nd April, If you would like to receive an email copy in advance please contact the Provincial Grand Secretary on: DyfedPGLMark@aol.com - help us save the planet and some postage costs!!
Last year was a memorable one for our Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro. Gary Hicks, in June 2009 he was honoured to receive Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Then in October he received his bus pass! But things then got even better as later in October he was awarded the Dyfed Powys Police Chairman’s Cup for the Special Constable who “has carried out outstanding work
ANNUAL LODGE
MEETING
PROVINCIAL
Tuesday 8th June MARK GRAND LODGE, LONDON This year’s investiture meeting, which tales place on Tuesday 8th June, will see four Dyfed brethren receiving Grand Rank, or promotions to higher Grand Rank. Please come along and support those brethren. The Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. D. Nigel Adams is pleased to announce that this year a total of four Dyfed Mark Masons have been honoured by appointment to, or promotion, in the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Once again this year Dyfed has been honoured to receive another active Grand Collar, this year the honours go to W.Bro. Lyndon Hughson who will be appointed Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies for 2010 – 2011. Receiving very well deserved promo-
and performed exceptionally well operationally”. As well as receiving this award W.Bro. Gary, or perhaps in this case Section Officer 7026 Hicks, then received from the Lord Lieutenant his third long service award marking 29 years service as a volunteer police officer. But beware his devotion to duty will continue for a few more years as recently he was passed fit to continue service, perhaps up to the age of 65.
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Anchors Aweigh! Saint Padarn Lodge sponsored two young Aberystwyth sea cadets, Daniel Duggan and Kirsty Jones, to take part in a once in a life time adventure on the training ship T.S. Royalist. Daniel and Kirsty are from T.S. Cardigan Bay and were the Royalist Berth Winners for 2009. This venture is full of experience and character building for young people, and those who take part become better people. Saint Padarn Lodge was please to be able to support these two young seafaring cadets. The following is Kirsty’s own words: “The T. S. Royalist is a sailing ship that we train on; it is a once in a lifetime experience. If I hadn’t have joined the Sea Cadets then I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go on it. Royalist sets sail every so often and certain weeks in the year they give the Sea Cadets from all different units to have the chance to sail on it. The Royalist can sleep up to 24 cadets in a week and 7 officers such as, the engineer, cook, bosun, coxswain and Petty Officers and then of course the Captain. Once we arrived in Bristol, which is where the Royalist was, we were the first to arrive so we got shown to our berths and unpacked. We were climbing the mast and getting used to setting the sails and all the different stations we had for different times. On the Monday we finally set out of Bristol and headed towards Swansea. “When we arrived in Swansea harbour they gave us some shore leave so we were able to have a walk round. The plan was to stay in Swansea until lunchtime and then head over to Lundy Island and have more shore leave there, but unfortunately the lock gates got stuck and we were stuck in the harbour until the next day. “Then we set off a 6.00a.m. To Lundy Island, we got there around lunch time, so then we had had some more shore leave, we got a chance to jump of into the sea and also look around Lundy Island and see how the people lived there, it looked liked a little version of Emmerdale. We had to anchor because the
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T. S. Royalist water was shallow towards the coast of the island. “After that we anchored there over night. And then that morning we sailed to Cardiff which took us all day then once we got there we had shore leave and stayed in the harbour over night. Although I did have a great time, it was not as easy as it sounds, we had duties we had to do throughout the week. There were four groups of six, there was forward part of starboard, forward part of port, haft part of starboard and also haft part of port. Now that we were put in groups we each had days that we would be helping with breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also help when we had some free time, we could bring out squash and biscuits. The Captain for the week (a relief Captain) was the regular Sailing Master, Lt (SCC) Angela Morris RNR. Angela is an ex Sea Cadet from Fishguard Sea Cadets who had spent some time with the Sea Cadets as Area Staff Officer (Canoeing) before taking part in one of the round the world races, where she gained valuable experience in sailing ship handling. Returning from the southern hemisphere she found herself in command of one of the Sea Cadets “Trade wind Yachts” Sailing out of Gosport with four rookie cadets and one member of staff each week. After some years on the yachts she successfully applied for the job as Sailing Master aboard the TS Royalist. In 2010 Angela became the first female Captain of Royalist, not bad for an ex Sea Cadet from West Wales. Angela lives with her parents in Brixham, her father is a professional fisherman, where she continues to be involved with the RNLI as a crewmember, a love of the sea which was first fostered in Fishguard where she became the youngest and the only female member of the lifeboat crew.
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The Knights of the Scarlet Cord Nigel Jones Once again, Wales is making Masonic History around the World. Wales first made Masonic History in 1727 when the first ever Provincial Grand Lodges were those established in Chester to cover Chester and North Wales (Chester being the garrison town at that time for North Wales), and Carmarthen to cover South Wales. And now, some 283 years on, Wales once again sets the lead in Masonic World History with the Provinces of West Wales and South Wales becoming the first two Provinces of the newly resurrected “Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord” (currently an appendant Order of “The Order of the Secret Monitor”) when a Grand Senatus is formally constituted at Mark Masons’ Hall in London on Wednesday, 21st July 2010. The Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor officially dates from 1875, but it is generally acknowledged that the Order originated in Holland where a Masonic society of that name was in operation prior to 1778. T he c u r r e n t ly a p p e nda n t “Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord” is not a new Order as such but one that had originally been worked since 1887. The Order was, however, more focussed towards the financing of charitable causes – namely the education of orphans, help for Brethren in times of sickness and Scarlet Cord of Llanelli No 547 convalescence as well as help for the aged. In 1929, the Order ceased to function until 2004, when after various searches dormant copies of minutes and rituals workings were discovered which resulted in the Order being resurrected in December 2006 with the consecration of the first “Scarlet Cord Conclave No. 500”. Scarlet Cord of AberystwythNo 548
Space forbids a full explanation of the photographs: each are of the Consecrating Officer, Installing Officer, the Primus Supreme Ruler, Counsellor and Guide. Included are the two Provincial Supreme Rulers of south Wales. R Wy Bros Nigel Adams and Paul
Scarlet Cord of Pembrokes No 551
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There are times throughout our Masonic career that sometimes things do not go as we would prefer. We are often guilty of “this is not the way we do it” syndrome. Freemasonry cannot escape change. It has to happen, although change for change sake rarely achieves what it was set out to do. It is vitally important and, indeed necessary, for the future of Freemasonry to embrace change, albeit slowly. Equally important is far new Masons to be given Office or other work to do to harness their interest and not bar them from decision making. Where there is disagreement, every effort must be made to resolve issues. This will inevitably mean some ‘give and take’ on both sides. The Worshipful Master rules and directs his
WEST WALES MASON
Lodge but, he should ask advice from the more experienced Past Masters. We should all work together for the harmony of the Lodge. In fact, it is imperative that we do.
Freemasons and Freemasonry in general are not spare the wrath of the county’s recession. It is not the intention of this column to apportion blame, most of us have our own views how this situation came about. The fact of the matter is, many of us do not have the disposable income we had a few years ago. Cost of living and taxes have risen and put a strain on income. Nationally wages have been frozen or reduced. Freemasons have not escaped financial pressures and many will
have to review their commitments. As is widely acknowledged, private pension schemes have been reduced, in some cases by a considerable amount. This will cause those in their 50s and early 60s with private pensions will have pressures. Grand Lodges and to some extent Lodges must bare this in mind. Of course they may not have any room to manoeuvre. The first victims of any belt tightening will be the Side Degrees and duel memberships. Members may go to the meetings but, not stay for the Festive Board. Charities are not immune from financial demands of members. It would be a shame if only the wealthy could become Freemasons. The opinions of this column are not necessarily those of the Province.
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Caerfyrddin Lodge No 4928 Photo Gallery Chris Nicholas Chris Nicholas presents a cheque for £200 to Gwyn Evans, secretary of ‘The Friends of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales Court’ in Porthcawl. The money was raised by tickets sold for a tea party. In the photo are; Peter Frost (Chairman of the ‘Friends’) Chris Nicolas (Charity Steward, Caerfyrddin Lodge), Gwyn Evans and Wyn Evans. W.M. of Caerfyrddin, Nigel Hodson, presents a cheque for £400 to the 1st Laugharne Sea Scouts to go towards their new boat house for the area safety boat that supervises the scouts while out on the water. The photo shows, Nigel Hodson (Master) presenting the cheque to Tracy Dewhurst (1st Laugharne Sea Scouts) and Chris Nicholas (Charity Steward) Caerfyrddin Lodge made a donation to the Carmarthenshire Communication Support of the Stroke Association, who with trained volunteers work with people who have had a stroke, and their families on aspects of communication. In the photo are: Nigel Hodson (W.M.) presenting a cheque for £156 to Mrs Chris Wheeler-Jones and Chris Nicholas (Charity Stew-
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Aberystwyth & District Citizens’ Advice Bureau Cllr Paul Hinge Freemasons, Rotary and Round Table have all given generously to us.
Citizens’ Advice Bureau deals with all types of enquiry from debt to relationship breakdowns, employment law issues, substance misuse and mental health issues, to name just a few. In the first six months of last year, 2009/10, saw 1842 people apply for help with an average of 4-6 issues per person. So there is a huge demand for CAB’s help and advice. What is perhaps most interesting is that the vast majority of the
calls for help come from the home-owner category with the next level being the elderly and then the 18-25 year olds. All CAB’s are individually registered charities and therefore exist only by generous donations. We have a grant annually from the County council and apply to each of the Town and Community Councils for financial help. We also call upon other organisations to help;
As demand increases, as it has done year on year there is more call on our very limited resources, so any help is much appreciated. We have also been able to secure a ‘Day’s Fund Raising’ at Morrisons in Aberystwyth on the 23rd December, and last year, between the hours of 8am to 7pm we managed to raise £2100. I would like to thank on behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers, Saint Padarn Lodge for their donation towards the bureau.
The photograph shows Saint Padarn member, W. Bro. John Poley, a founder members of the Aberystwyth CAB, presenting a cheque for £100 to Cllr Paul Hinge, the Bureau’s acting Chairman.
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Rally Programme for 2010 The programme for 2010 has seven rallies and booking forms together with a deposit of £5 (per rally) should be sent to Dilwyn Littlejohns, Rally Co-ordinator. If for any reason you are unable to confirm bookings and you find nearer the time that you are able to attend a particular rally, do not hesitate to contact Dilwyn so that he can include you in the bookings. Providing rallies booked and are cancelled 4 weeks prior to the rally date, your deposit will be refunded. If you are cancelling a rally 7 days prior to the rally taking place, please ensure that you contact the site as well as Dilwyn.
WEST WALES MASON
18th / 20th June - Mediaeval Fayre, United Counties Showground, Carmarthen. The Fayre will be on Saturday, and admission to the Faryer is £10 per Adult, children 10 - 15 yrs £5, children under 10 free. 9th / 11th July - Keith Brasnett River View Touring Park, The Dingle, Llanedi, Pontardulais, SA4 0FH [Tel: 0129 844876] 13th / 16th August - Cardiff Caravan Park, Sophia Gardens, CF1 9JJ [Tel: 02920 398362] 16th / 20th Sept - Lucksall Caravan Camping Park, Mordiford, Herefordshire, HR1 4LP [Tel: 01432 870213] More information in the C.C. Sites Directory. 8th / 10th October - Aeron Coast Caravan Park, Aberaeron. A.G.M. Ralley Meeting and meal at the Masonic Hall, Aberaeron.
Dilwyn Littlejohns 2 Hilltop, Swiss Valley Park, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 8DF Tel: 01554 774808 email: dilwyn_gina@talktalk.net
23rd / 25th April - Brynych Caravan Club site, Brecon LD 3 0LD [Tel: 01874 623325] 14th / 16th May - Aeron Coast Caravan Park, Aberaeron, SA46 0JF [Tel: 01545 570349]
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WEST WALES MASON
For all your Legal Needs Martin Davies, Jonathan Powell operate with an excellent team of staff from offices in Aberystwyth & Machynlleth and offer a wide range of Legal Services. “The sun is always shining when you deal with Powell Davies Solicitors” Market Chambers, 27 Eastgate, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AR.
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WEST WALES MASON
Ceredigion Allied Masonic Degrees David Darby
The Consecration of the Ceredigion Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees took place in Swansea on 16th September 2009. The Council will meet at the Masonic Hall in Aberaeron on the third Fridays in March, June and December. This is only the eighth Council in the District of Severn that covers the area extending from Taunton to Aberaeron. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Michael Edward Herbert, presided over the meeting with his team of Officers who conducted the ceremony with warmth and sincerity, which is the hallmark of this Degree. Also present was the District Grand Prefect, Right Worshipful Brother Paul Raymond Clement, who was supported by his District Officers and many other Grand Council Officers from South and West Wales. R. W. Bro. Paul Clement Installed Worshipful Brother David Nigel Adams as the Primus Master of the Council. Worshipful Brother Nigel is well known as the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, and
Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor in West Wales, he is supported by his Senior Warden, Brother Gordon Davies Evans, the Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor in South Wales and Monmouthshire, and his Junior Warden, Brother Iain Weston Sewell. Four other Grand Council Officers support the Council, and District Officers who will provide expertise and support for the very enthusiastic founding Brethren, who already have four prospective Candidates to join the Order, which is, now firmly established West Wales. The Order comprises five Degrees, which emphasise, by allegory, the principles of dignity, humility, faithfulness, and watchfulness and, in a quite spectacular manner; it reinforces the relationship between a faithful Freemason and his Creator. These informative and interesting ceremonies contain Ritual that is unique, and sheds an illuminating light on our Institution that would otherwise remain obscured. In doing so, it adds another fascinating dimension for those seeking a deeper understanding of the principles of Freemasonry. For further information please feel free to contact the Secretary of the Council, Worshipful Brother David Darby at david.darby@virgin.net, or on 01446
editorialwwm@hotmail.co.uk
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Wales Air Ambulance John Hardwicke It was in the mid 1980’s that Mark James became conscious of the fact that Air Ambulance Services were being launched in England and Scotland, but there were no plans for Wales. He set about changing that, and it was on St David’s Day 2001 that the service was launched. Initially there was one Helicopter sponsored by the AA and based in Swansea. The service was, at that time, restricted due to Funds, but the people of Wales responded to the call for Funds and the service was extended. At the present time there are three Air Ambulance Helicopters in Wales, based at Swansea, Welshpool and Caernarfon operating during daylight hours, seven days a week, with an average time of being on the way to a call within three minutes and an average throughout Wales of seven minutes to be on scene. At the moment, however, the Welshpool Aircraft only operates five days a week The Helicopters are not owned by the Charity, they are on Lease, currently from Bond Air Services of Gloucester, who have replaced two of the original and rather elderly Bolko Helicopters with new EC135’s. These Aircraft are much more “user friendly”, more comfortable for the
patients and casualties, and, even more important, slightly faster. The navigational and autopilot equipment is duplicated and is the latest available, leading to both speedy and safe transit to the casualty and to Hospital. The Helicopter crew consists of two Paramedics, (and a Pilot of course) complete with every conceivable piece of live saving and life support equipment that would be carried in a front line road ambulance. The Contract with Bond Air Services provides the Aircraft and Pilots, plus independent fuelling facilities, and ground support for routine cleaning and maintenance. When the aircraft goes for service a stand by aircraft is supplied from Gloucester. The paramedics are, in fact, from the NHS land Ambulance Service. However, before they can serve on the Aircraft, they have to attend a course of training in basic Helicopter procedures and safety, improved map reading and basic navigational knowledge, plus Civil Aviation Radio Operators Licence. The Charity has to pay for this course, and also has to pay the National Health Service the wages for the Paramedics whilst serving with the Air Ambulance. When on scene, it is the paramedic’s
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decision as to which Hospital is most appropriate for that person’s injury, bearing in mind that saving time saves lives. The aim is to stabilise the casualty on scene and get them into definitive care within the life saving Golden Hour. Travelling at some 140kts (app. 170mph) in a straight line without road works, traffic or narrow country lanes, the Helicopters have a better chance of achieving that all-important Golden Hour. The annual running cost is now approaching £5 million a year. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales and Welsh Industry the Charity is managing to achieve this. Tremendous support is received from Masonic Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge and many individual Lodges, in addition to many individ-
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ual Members who provide financial support and monthly contributions to the Lottery run by the Charity. If any individual member would like to contribute or provide support via the Lottery run by the Charity, or would like to receive a short talk on the service the please contact myself on 07860490957, or Mike Ashbridge on 07817961207. Please remember that the Air Ambulance relies upon charitable support and needs you today but tomorrow you may be very glad to see the red helicopter coming to your assistance, which cannot happen without your support.
The picture shows the Provincial Grand Masters of South and West Wales and Monmouth following the presentation of cheques, and Helimed 47 landing at Withybush Hospital.
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Peter Drewett Daylight Lodge of Progress Dan Owen Evans On Wednesday 10th March the W. M. of Pet er Drewett Daylight Lodge of Progress, W. Bro. Rev. Gwynfryn Rogers, and accompanied by W. Bros. Denys Ravenhill, Robert Harries and Secretary, Dan Owen Evans presented a cheque for ÂŁ500 to W. Bro. John Hardwicke, coco-ordinate of the Wales Air Ambulance.
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W. Bro. David W Parker In Freemasonry There Is A Quality Of Life After A Stroke In 1990 at the peak of my career as a Master of Foxhounds while hunting my hounds in Western Park in Shropshire I suffered a heavy fall and was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford as a precaution. Where, what was later described as a Medical Accident occurred resulting in a massive brain haemorrhage leaving me with a stroke and permanent paralysis on the left side. As soon as I was able to realize how badly things had gone wrong I asked my wife to contact Peter Arrowsmith from St Peter’s Lodge in Bromyard to arrange for me to be taken to the Masonic hospital, Ravens Park, London, which was done immediately. On arrival I felt the warmth of a good training hospital and made immediate improvement with speech therapy, hydro-pool and intensive therapy, and was soon able to speak and walk again. On returning to Hereford, the ‘Brothers’ in the Province refused to see me any differently and encouraged me to play the organ again in the Lodge. Fortunately, as I lived next to the church at Ullingswick, I was able to practice on the single manual pipe organ where I was later to become church organist.. In the Lodge they were so determined to push me as far as possible, that on one occasion, while I was serving as Inner guard, they put the organ inside the door so that I could do both jobs (how ironic that history repeated itself
when after returning to Carmarthen, in Mansel Mark Lodge, I was called upon to do the same again at Installation). My next challenge was to learn to ride my horse again and so with the help of the ‘Riding for the Disabled’ school at Hereford and a horsed sponsored by B.T. I learned to ride again and even managed to lead the Hunter Chasers to start at Hereford Racecourse. Returning to live at Greenacres Manor, Llanboidy, I made a good friend of the late Bill Allen, who encouraged me to join the Narberth Lodge, where I received the same warm welcome I had received at Hereford, enabling me to progress to the Chair in 2005. Stretching myself again with the help of W. Bro. Ivan Caley and W. Bro. Ben Evans, I managed to learn the whole ceremony of each degree and installed four candidates during my year of office. The level of support I am now finding in Royal Arch, progressing to 2nd Principal, I am enjoying the warmth of companionship and support unique to our fraternity. How true that late Peter Arrowsmith’s comments were when being extremely nervous at reciting the Traditional History as the first piece of work in the Lodge after my stroke, he said, “Relax David, in Masonry we work as a team and are all on the same side”. So I am extremely grateful for all the help I have received which has allowed me to have a very full and active life in Freemasonry.
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Huw Edwards
David Griffiths, Master of Saint Padarn Lodge, presents a cheque for £200 towards the fund to help ex-policeman Huw Edwards, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. His mother, Cynthia Edwards takes up to story…
“Huw is a 39-year-old single man, living alone. At the age of 22, when employed as a police officer in West Wales, he was diagnosed with remitting/relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. Huw continued working as an active policeman for 7 years when his health deteriorated suddenly and his employers became concerned that he could be at risk himself if dealing with violent situations. Following his discharge from the police Huw worked with the local council youth service helping to set up youth clubs and visiting schools in the area. As his symptoms became more severe Huw was unable to continue in full-time employment
and worked part-time and as a volunteer in the local college of further education, local schools and youth clubs. Three years ago Huw’s health again deteriorated considerably and his symptoms be ca m e more severe. He was unable to walk at all and relied on others to move him in a manual wheelchair, as he was unable to propel this himself. It was confirmed that the level of his MS had altered and he was now in the secondary progressive stage of the disease. Application was made to the North Wales wheelchair trust for a powered wheelchair but they did not consider his need to be urgent and he was placed on a 3-year waiting list in December 2007. Beacon of Hope, a local Ceredigion charity, set up a fund to provide Huw with a powered wheelchair so that he could regain at least some independence and continue with his voluntary work with young people. The fund has been wonderfully supported by Huw’s colleagues, friends and the local community and he has become the proud and grateful owner of a powered wheelchair due to their amazing generosity, great efforts and unfailing support.”
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The Early Lodges in Carmarthen, Their Founders, and the First Provincial Gran Dr A J Owen Records show that there were Freemasons’ Lodges in Great Britain in the late 17th century. They were separate entities but probably conformed to modes of reception that were similar, and it is probable that in order to meet they had to have a copy of the ‘Old Charges’, of which the Regius Poem of c1390 and the Cooke MS of c1425 are the earliest versions. In 1717, four Lodges met together and formed a Grand Lodge for the Cities of London and Westminster, and elected the oldest Master, Anthony Sayer, as the first Grand Master. It soon became the Grand Lodge of England, the first Grand Lodge in the World. The Grand Lodge of Ireland was created in 1725 and that of Scotland in 1736. In 1721 the first Nobleman, the Duke of Montagu was Installed as Grand Master. In 1723, with the help of Past Grand Masters, George Payne (1718 and 1720) and the Rev’d Dr. J T Desaguliers (1719), the Rev’d Dr. James Anderson complied and published the first Book of Constitutions. That year William Cooper was appointed Secretary, but the Secretary was not
a Grand Lodge Officer until 1737, that title being restricted to the Past and Present Grand Master, his Deputy, and Grand Wardens only. Masters of lodges were made at the Quarterly Communications at which all Masters and Wardens were required to make regular attendance. The number of Lodges in London increased rapidly. News spread, and Lodges at Reading, Bath, Bristol, Norwich, Chichester, Chester, Gosport and Carmarthen were absorbed or founded in 1724, the Masters being deputed by the Grand Master. In the 1725 Grand Lodge List of Lodges, a Lodge meeting at the “Naggshead and Starr in Carmarthen South Wales was first Constituted by those five Gent by Dispensation given by his Grace the Duke of Richmond then Grand Mar to the Sd Mr Emmanuel Bowen”. The Lodge has the number 34 in the 1729 engraved list and is depicted by a Bunch of Grapes. The Lodge left the Bay Nag’s Head and Star Tavern, Dark Street, in 1733, to meet in the Bunch of Grapes Tavern; it remained there until it
was erased in 1754, giving way, in the same Tavern, to the lodge of Perfect Friendship No. 240. The “five Gent” were “Emmanuel Bowen, Mar , Edwd Oakley and Rice Davis, Wardens, Henry Wilson and William Lloyd.” The 1725 List then names 28 other members. Those immediately following the founders are Peter Chettle Esq, (he was Mayor of Carmarthen in 1723), Richard Price, Apothecary, John Lewis, Bookseller, (Mayor 1724), John Tindall, Painter, Sr Edwd Mansell Bart., and John Lloyd Esq.; of the rest, two were Baronets. Within 18 months the Lodge had increased its membership to 33. Other Lodges constituted at that time had a much smaller membership; three in London had between 7 and 12 members and the Lodge at Gosport had 8. Since the Constitutions allow only 5 ‘Initiates’ at a meeting, a membership of 33 suggests to me that there might have been a Lodge in Carmarthen prior to it coming under the wing of Grand Lodge in 1724/5. Unfortunately no firm evidence of this exists. Emmanuel Bowen, the first Master, was
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rs, and the First Provincial Grand Master of South Wales, Sir Edward Mansell Bt Dr A J Owen an engraver, well known in London. In 1723 he attended the Quarterly Communications as Senior Warden of one of the 20 Lodges, which approved and were signatories to Anderson’s Book of Constitutions. He engraved the Grand Lodge list of Lodges in 1723, 1724 and 1744. His main work was engraving maps of many parts of England and Wales, and it was while he was engaged in such work in Carmarthenshire that he became the prime mover for the founding of the ‘Regular’ lodge in Carmarthen. The first Senior Warden, Edward Oakley, a well-known Architect, was also much involved in London Freemasonry. He was Senior Warden of a lodge at the Carpenters’ Arms, Silver Street, in 1725, and when he was its Master in 1728, he delivered a lecture. This lecture gives an insight to what was expected of Freemasons in these early days, and directs our attention to a 1722 publication, ‘Long Livers’ by Eugenius Philalethes Jr. FRS, the pseudonym Frater Robert Samber from which he quotes almost a quarter of his speech. It
was printed in Benjamin Cole’s Constitutions in 1729 where he was referred to as ‘Architect, M.M., late Provincial Senior grand Warden in Carmarthen South Wales.’ His elevation by Cole to Provincial rank was rather fanciful since no Provincial Grand Lodge existed in South Wales (see later). In 1730 he was a member of the same Lodge as Anthony Sayer, the first Grand Master. That same year he published “The Magazine of Architecture, Perspective and Sculpture”. The title page is signed ‘Edward Oakley, Architect. M.M.’ Little of his work remains: he was the architect for some of the greenhouses and hot houses at the Botanic Gardens, Chelsea. Of the first Junior Warden I have found nothing of interest in the Archives in Carmarthen. The next record of the Lodge in Carmarthen appeared in the Weekly Journal or The British Gazetteer, Saturday July 16, 1726. “We hear from Carmarthen, that a lodge of FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS held on St John’s Day, the 24th June last, at the Nag’s Head in that Town, Sir
Edward Mansell, Bart, was unanimously Elected Master, Peter Cheetle and John Lloyd, Esqrs., Wardens for the ensuing half year.” (It was normal practise that Masters were elected for six months on the two St John’s Day, viz 24th June and 27th December). “Upon which occasion a splendid Entertainment was provided”. Sir John Price of Newforest Bt., Rawleigh Mansell Esq. [a wealthy land owner in the parishes of Pembrey, Llanarthney, and Kidwelly], and David Edwards Esq., became members that day. It was in 1726, when Master of the Lodge, that Sir Edward Mansell was appointed by the Grand Master, Lord Paisley, to be the Provincial Grand Master for South Wales. He was the first appointed Provincial Grand Master in the World. A year earlier, the two Lodges in Chester elected Col. Francis Columbine to be the Grand Master Provincial, but Chester and North Wales had to wait until 1727 when Capt. Hugh Warburton was appointed its Provincial Grand Master. The Provincial Grand Master’s duties were intended to
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PAGE 54 be supervisory in his territory. It did not imply, as many of us have assumed, the establishment of a Provincial Grand Lodge; that had to wait several years before Provincial Officers were appointed; hence my comment on Edward Oakley. Sir Edward Mansell, Bart., of Trimsaren was a wealthy land owner. He was much involved with Freemasonry in London in which he took an active part. It is to his credit that on 27th December 1728, when Lord Kingston, chosen to be the Grand Master for the ensuing year, among those receiving special mention were the “Wardens belonging to a Lodge in Car-
WEST WALES MASON marthen” (Whitehall Evening Post, December 31st 1728). When the Rt Hon the Lord Viscount Weymouth was Installed as Grand Master on April 7th 1735, Sir Edward Mansell was a member of the escorting procession which has been likened to a House of Lords since it consisted of two Dukes, one Marquis, five Earls, two Lords and one other Baronet. The event was given great pomp. The procession was accompanied by, “hautboys, trumpets, French horns, and kettle drums playing.” A year before he died, Sir Edward was Master of the Goose and Gridiron Lodge, now Antiquity No. 2, one of the original 4 Lodges that founded the
Premier Grand Lodge. Among his many achievements he constituted a second Lodge in South Wales in 1741 at Haverfordwest No. 189, and was responsible for another Lodge in Carmarthen No. 240. It was a time when Carmarthen was the main seaport of south Wales, having a population five times that of Cardiff. Haverfordwest was also an important seaport. Sir Edward died in 1754, and was succeeded by David Jones Gwynne of Taliaris, as Provincial Grand Master for South Wales. It was later that year that the Corinthian Lodge No. 226, at Swansea, and a Lodge at Cowbridge No. 267 were founded.
Hong Hei Fat Choi Hong Hei Fat Choi (Chinese New Year) was celebrated by Aberystwyth and Saint Padarn Lodges on the 20th February, the first available Saturday after Chinese New Year. It was organised to raise funds for the 2015 Festival and culminated in £500 being donated, shared between the two Lodges. The idea was the brain-child of Elton Roberts of Aberystwyth who has a panache for Oriental cooking. Elton’s confederate at the wok was John Fitzpatrick and helped by several coolies who chopped, diced and sliced. The fifty odd coolies were ready for the meal after a hard day in the paddy-fields. Alun Davies and his little helper, Little Ying, aka Martin Lowe saw that the bar was well serviced.
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Saint Padarn Lodge Supports Local Schools W.M. Dai Griffiths presents cheques for £200 each to, Jamie Evans from Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos towards their wildlife garden on the infants site and including an outdoor classroom area. Eleri Hopkins from Cylch Meithrin Llanilar towards a ‘Ty Bach Twt’ for children from 2½ years old until school age. Rhian Turner from Ysgol Feithrin Penuwch towards outdoor play equipment, craft and art materials, books and games for children between 2 and 4 years. Gwenan Price, Sharon Wilson and Sarah Evans from Cylch Meithrin Trefeurig in Penrhyncoch toward the purchase of a new portable cabin for the 19 children aged between 2½ and 4 years.
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David West or Pamela Jones At 125 Priory Street Carmarthen SA31 1NB Tel: 01267 236226 Fax: 01267 238325 E-mail: oliverevans.carmarthen@letsco-operate.com
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Beckingham Family Bible for Frenni Lodge Tony Beckingham
Photo: David Hosgood February 2010 saw a rather unusual moment, which, with the passage of time, should hopefully feature in the history of the Frenni Lodge – when time with the present members shall be no more. Pictured above, left to right [as seen in the photograph], are W Bro J Keith Lewis, Senior Past Master; W Bro Derek Taylor, Worshipful Master; and W Bro Tony Beckingham at the official handing over of the
Beckingham family Bible to the Frenni Lodge for safe keeping and perpetual use by the Brethren as their Volume of the Sacred Law. This Bible, a Peter Williams version, being heavily brass bound and printed in the language of Heaven, had been in the possession of 5 generations of the Beckinghams. Tracing the full history of the custodianship was not straightfor-
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ions
PAGE 57 ward. The paternal side, being inscribed in non-fading black lead pencil on a loosely inserted flysheet, was the easy part. Discovering the family history on the maternal side proved to be somewhat of a far more difficult task. The Church, graveyard and Parish Records had sustained water damage, thereby making their reading very difficult, during the temporary removal of these documents from the Church to a remote farmhouse for reasons of safe keeping during the First World War. However, research was made considerably easier when local government colleagues [of W Bro Tony from decades ago] facilitated access to the archives storage of the – as then known – Glamorgan County Council. W Bro Tony, only having the so called long distance cousin and not having any immediately close blood relations, had for many a year pondered, indeed worried, over the question of what to do with the Bible. The answer, which allayed W Bro Tony's concern, came from a completely unexpected source during his enforced 11 weeks hospitalisation in 2008. One of the specialist intensive care nurses looking after the writer said one day [to the effect] "You are in deep thought – any thing wrong? – are you feeling all right? Hope-
of
WEST WALES MASON fully, [and with a very mischievous grin on her face] you are counting up how many tins of Cadbury's Roses you are going to have to buy us girls for Christmas to reward us for nursing you and also putting up with your visitors and endless phone calls?" Tony explained what was on his mind and why he was concerned as what to do with the family Bible. She, the nurse, followed up her earlier questions by suggesting [to the effect] – "Why not give your family Bible to the members of your Lodge? All your visitors have been Masons. They are the ones that are your family. My husband is a member – and, don't you have a Bible laid open during your meetings? If so, then – why not give your Bible to your Lodge?” The rest of the story – as some say – and like the Bible, hopefully, in years to come – is, and will be, history. Being in the region of some 200 years old, the Bible was showing, as to be expected, slight distress to the brass-work and spine. W Bro David Hosgood, an avid viewer of antique programmes, volunteered and came to the rescue by lovingly re-building the spine and then refurbishing the brass-work together with the inlaid cloisonné enamelling in readiness for the handover.
the
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Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Mentro Lluest & Integrated Osteoporosis Service Towards the end of last year Saint Padarn Lodge made three donations of varying amounts to the Department of Psychology at Aberystwyth University, Mentro Lluest at Llanbadarn and the Integrated Osteoporosis Service Hywel Dda NHS Trust, at Bronglais Hospital. Dr Kate Bullen of the Department of Psychology at Aberystwyth University requested help towards funding to conduct research into the psychological experiences and implications of penile cancer. This is a very distressing and little understood cancer that predominantly affects older men. They are in the process of building on a small scale pilot study that Dr Bullen conducted in 2008 which identified the very real challenges and distress that patients experience and are now moving into a larger scale study. In the south and west Wales areas a specialist team at Morriston Hospital NHS Trust under the supervision of the consultant urologist Mr Pradeep Bose treats it. The relative rarity of the cancer means that patients are recruited from hospitals in Manchester and Liverpool. The work will be conducted by an experienced psychologist Susan Carnes Chichlowska who is registered at Aberystwyth University for a PhD. Sue will be collecting data with men through south and west Wales from the base at Aberystwyth University. The outcomes will have direct benefit for men and their families as the study will lead to an evidence base for recommendations for improved care and rehabilitation of this deeply upsetting condition.
Mentro Lluest is a Llanbadarn based charity that works with disadvantaged individuals through the medium of horticulture. They currently work with individuals with learning difficulties, mental health problems, those recovering from addiction, the socially isolated and the long-term unemployed, youth offenders and those at risk of educational exclusion. Mentro Lluest builds on their knowledge and skills whilst facilitating personal development; with the aim of reintegrating these beneficiaries with the wider community and helping them progress from their current circumstances, be that helping them enter the job market, move on to further training or provide them with skills and confidence to make the next step in their lives. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects both men and women, causing bones to become thinner and the risk of fracture to be increased. Osteoporosis can lead to painful and debilitating fractures that can adversely impact upon the quality of life. However, osteoporosis is treatable and the Integrated Osteoporosis Service’s clinical work enables them to improve the quality of life. In 2006 they undertook a piece of research that demonstrated the importance of Vitamin D in bone health. The findings changed their practice. However, the equipment for analysing blood samples to determine individual patient’s Vitamin D levels is due for replacement, and unfortunately they cannot get the capital to purchase a replacement and leasing would be uneconomic.
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Maurice Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine No 446 The Maurice Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine made several donation throughout 2009 totalling £450. These were made up of donations to The Beacon of Hope [£100], The Paul Sartori Foundation [£100], The Tymorth Hospice in Carmarthen [£100] and The Province of West Wales Festival Appeal 2015 [£150]. In the photograph, top left, Bob Darkins and Dilwyn Littlejohns presents a cheque to Mrs Joan Smith of the Beacon of Hope with her husband Syd Smith. The photograph, bottom left, show Roy Roberts and Bob Darkins presenting a cheque for £150 to the Provincial Grand Master towards the Festival of 2015 appeal.
Association of Friends of the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court
STRAWBERRY TEA To be held at the Court On Saturday 5th June 2010 Commencing at 2.30 p.m.
Ticket Price: £3.00p per head Contact your Lodge Friends’ Representative or the Secretary to the Friends on 01446 746 279 for tickets.
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Aberystwyth Royal British Legion This November they gave £250.
There has been a tradition for many years within Aberystwyth Lodge that at the Festive Board at their November meeting the collection is given to the Ceredigion Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Saint Padarn Lodge have taken a leaf out of their mother lodge’s British Legion donation and it is hoped they too will donate their November Festive Board collection to this very worth while and honourable charity. They also gave £250. The picture shows the W.Ms of Aberystwyth and Saint Padarn with W Bro Iori Lewis of Aberystwyth Lodge and President of the Ceredigion Branch British Legion.
Contact Edward Morgan
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Over the next five years we shall be raising funds for the FESTIVAL of 2015 Let’s put the FUN in FUNdraising Barbecue or Hog Roast
Afternoon Tea Party
Christmas Music Evening
Caribbean Evening
These are just a few ideas Buffet Lunch
Christmas or New Year Party
Coffee Morning
Let these give you some ideas
Cheese and Wine Party
Champagne Lunch
Utilise Lodge Rooms
Champagne Raffle
Carol Concert
Christmas Hampers
Food Hamper Raffle
Fifties Evening
International themed evenings
Quaff My Bluff
Food and Wine Tasting
‘Fête’ ‘Fish & Chip Evening’ ‘Meat Raffle’
Italian Evening
Murder Mystery Night
Old-Time Music Hall
Jazz Event
Music Quiz
Musical Evening
Mystery Tour
Medieval Evening
‘Burns Night’ ‘Auction’ ‘Game Show’
Strawberries and Cream
Wine Raffle
‘Firework Display’ Curry Supper’
Treasure Hunt
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Garden Party
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Well, Knock Me Down With A Feather A glimpse at the way we were Sign while addressing the Master: It is unnecessary to maintain the sign while addressing the Master at any length. The correct procedure is for a Brother to stand to order and salute on rising to speak, and to salute again before resuming his seat.
Admission without Report: No Brother, however eminent, is entitled to admission to any Lodge until he has been duly reported to the Master by the Inner Guard.
Apologies for Non-Attendance: There is no written law, but ordinary courtesy demands it. It is also in accordance with the demands of Masonic tradition.
Applause in Lodge: Masonic applause it to be deprecated. If indulged in at all it should take the form of a single clap, given in unison at the command of the Director of Ceremonies.
Secrecy of Ballot: It is an offence for a Brother to reveal how he intends to vote, and is as much a violation of secrecy of the ballot as endeavouring to ascertain how others have voted.
Casting Vote: The Master has no casting vote in the case of a motion which, by the regulations, requires a definite majority vote of a stated proportion of the members present. The Constitutions make it clear that whenever it shall happen that the votes equal upon any question to be decided by a majority, either by ballot or otherwise, the Master in the chair shall give a second or casting vote. It is generally understood that the Master should use the casting vote to preserve the status quo ante.
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These extracts are from a 1933 book on Masonic Problems and Queries Advancement by Rotation: The appointment of all Officers, with the exception of the Treasurer and Tyler, is in the sole discretion and power of the Master.
Notice of Motion: The Master should not allow discussion on a Notice of Motion, and it does not need seconding. No “speech” should be made when giving a Notice of Motion as nothing but the bare Notice of Motion is necessary. The Notice will then appear on the summons for the next meeting and, if it finds a Seconder, can then be fully debated.
Motions not on the Summons: It is a frequent custom for the Lodge summons to bear the item: “To transact any other business”. There are, of course, many matters of a nature which demand previous “notice of motion.” The Master is the sole judge of what constitutes,” and has power to decline to accept and proposition of which notice has not been given.
Tyler’s Toast: The toast is not to the dead, but to “our poor and distressed Brethren,” who are surely entitled to the same hearty, joyous fire as those more fortunately placed.
Permanent Officers : Strictly speaking, there are no “permanent” Officers of a Lodge, each Officer being appointed (or elected) annually. It is customary for certain Officers, such as Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Ceremonies, Organist, etc., to hold office for longer periods, and they become in practice, if not in theory, the permanent Officers.
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