WEST WALES MASON
ason M s e l a W t s We Issue XXVII Spring 2009
Chelsea Lodge Performs For Peterwell Lodge Provincial Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter Pages 31 - 34 Booking Form Page 34
Inside this issue: Swansea Gala
16
Musicfest
22
A.F.Y.M.
28
Anita Bolton
40
French Connection
46
Passage to India
52
David Morris MP
59
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WEST WALES MASON
First, foremost and very importantly, before commencing the main thrust of this article, I must quickly grasp this final opportunity of thanking each and every one of you that made contact with me during my 11 weeks enforced stay in hospital last year. During that period of time I spent – almost ill fated – in Intensive Care, Surgical and Recuperative Wards in different hospitals, your personal visits and get well cards together with the messages left with the nurses helped me no end and it is true to say kept me going. God Bless you all. The more astute of you will have focussed and quickly latched on to the word "final" in the opening paragraph. Yes – you have guessed it. This is the last time I shall be penning and "spreading the word" to you via this script. When, some 3 years ago, I started this column it was my intention – together with that and the backing of the Pr G Master – to keep you, the members en-masse, fully informed and up to date with what is happening in our Province. That is why I chose, what I thought was and still believe to be, the rather apt title of Spreading the Word; and spreading the word as far afield and as quickly as possible to you my readers. I hope I have succeeded in my endeavours – only you know if I did. Tempus fugit, or as some say, time [and tide] waits for no man – and it is now the time for me to hand this column on. To whom and in what capacity he will act, I do not know. However, I am not passing it on before I thank, firstly, W Bro Chris Samuel, the Editor, for giving and reserving me these prime pages at the start of the magazine in every edition and, secondly, each and every one of you – yes you, my readers – for your support, comments and feedback. I willingly and publicly acknowledge that sometimes the feedback from a minority of you has been less than complimentary to me personally than I would have wished for in an utopian world but, nevertheless, it has always been welcomed as every time your comments were sincerely meant and well intentioned. Please remember that destructive criticism of anyone working in a voluntary capacity never helps – indeed, it kills their spirit. However, well intentioned, good mannered and constructive criticism is always of benefit to everyone concerned. Why do I say this about constructive criticism? Simply – because it fuels one's enthusiasm for the future. Thank you for your feedback.
Please don't forget it is the wish of our Pr G Master to keep you informed, using this column, of the latest news. Also, he is anxious to have your views and opinions on what is happening in our Province. This is your opportunity to participate in the affairs of our Province. I look forward to receiving your feedback, either by phone, landline 01239 811412 or mobile 07974 634881, or by e-mail using my new provincial address which is tony@westwalesmason.co.uk As in the past, I will respect your confidentiality and protect your identity if so requested. However, as always, I will ignore anything sent anonymously; if thus so sent, I am unable to confirm its authenticity.
gÉÇç Uxv~|Çz{tÅ Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary
ISSUE
XXVII
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The Publications Committee and the West Wales Grand Charity Notwithstanding the end of my penmanship with this column, you have not seen the end of me. I will be continuing with the Publications Committee and with the Pr Gr Charity.
We now have fixed press deadlines of the 1st March and the 1st September for the West Wales Mason with, again fixed, postal dates of the 1st April and the 1st October. 2. We are heads and shoulders over other Provinces and we will continue to post out, direct to every member at his home address, the Year Book and Magazine. 3. The Advertising Agents for the Year Book and Magazine are, firstly, W Bro John G Evans [7208] for Ceredigion, secondly, W Bro Christopher Nicholas [4928] for Carmarthenshire and, thirdly, W Bro Michael Cross [378] for Pembrokeshire. 4. The Deputy Editor of the West Wales Mason magazine is Bro Graham Thomas [5472]. 5. To cut ever rising costs, from now on, the Year Book will be an all white paper affair. 6. The new and vastly improved website, bringing us into the 21st Century, is up and running. Contact the Webmaster or visit www.westwalesmason.co.uk for more details. 7. The new Webmaster is Bro Robbie Done [1748] – webmaster@westwalesmason.co.uk 8. To cut the ever-rising cost of printing the Year Book and West Wales Mason, we have engaged the services of an experienced consultant in the world of printing. 9. From now on, the same printer will be printing both the Year Book and the Magazine. 10. To try to stem the ever-rising tide of higher postal charges, we are progressively moving to a paperless province. More and more regular communications such as notices of and agendas for meetings etc are being sent to the Secretariat and the Charitiat by e-mail. These electronically sent communications carry the same authority and weight as if sent by conventional mail and it is the responsibility of the Secretariat and or the Charitiat to print out hard copies of these e-mails and then action the matter or pass the document on as appropriate, finally retaining copies in the Lodge's files. 11. The David and Elonwy Evans Trust Fund – the biggest news of all, which I am sure you cannot wait to hear. The Secretary to the Fund reported to the last Heads of Departments meeting – "From an administration point of view this has been pretty much wrapped up. As all will know the Province amended the Rules of Administration of the Provincial Grand Charity, which led to approval by the Charity Commission and the release of funds by the solicitor. We are now seeking re-imbursement of the Inheritance Tax paid, but that may take a little time.". 1.
Finally some Quickies
1.
2.
Especially for the Secretariat – please send in your Installation Returns as soon as possible after the meeting. These returns, after processing by the Pr Gr Secretary, will be passed on to the Year Book Editor. Not only does such efficiency on the part of the Secretariat guarantee the smooth running of the Province, but ensures your page entry in the Year Book is up to date and accurate. Finally, these returns are passed to me to update the mailing lists for the West Wales Grand Charity etc. For everyone – when booking Pr G Lodge Luncheon etc, it is vital you give your full name on the booking form. Just imagine how many David Davies we have, even in the same Lodge, on the database! Price £17 per head; however, menu uncertain as yet.
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Provincial Church Service Over 300 attended the anannual Provincial Church SerService at Cardigan in OctoOctober, on what was a beautibeautiful day. After the Service we were treated to a magmagnificent tea at the Masonic Hall.
Text: Romans, Chapter 12, verse 1 “I appeal to you brethren, by the mercies of god, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In other words, “Take your body, take all the tasks you have to do everyday, - take the ordinary work of the shop, the factory, the office, the farm or whatever your place of work may be, and offer all that as an act of worship to God.” Real worship is not the offering to God of a liturgy, however noble, nor a ritual, however magnificent, not the offering of everyday life to God. What we do on Sunday should be in harmony with what we do during the week. St Paul says that there should be a radical change in our lives. We live in a society, which puts pressure on us to conform, to be squeezed into a mould of the world. But we must be prepared to be different and not follow the
fashion and convention of the fickle secular world. In order to worship and serve God we must undergo a change. Therefore we need a set of rules to follow, a book of instructions. We have such a book, the Bible, the Volume of the Sacred Law, which is always open at
every Lodge meeting. There we are taught the basic principles of our Order, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. At the beginning of our Masonic journey we attest to our acceptance of these principles and promise to freely practice them to the best of our ability. Brotherly Love: help and kindness towards others; sympathy towards the unfortunate and the suffering – obeying our Lord’s command “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” Relief: our obligation to continue to charity in order to help, not only our own
members, but also those who are in need; and also to give support to nonMasonic causes and various local charities. Truth: by putting our trust in the God of Truth, by adhering to the faith to be found in the Sacred Writings, which are given as the rule and guide of our faith and which, alone can guide us to all Truth. Freemasonry breaks down the barriers, which keep men apart. It is a system of morality and it is hoped that by helping the individual to become a better person it will inevitably help society as a whole. Let our thanksgiving at this service inspire us to hold on more loyally to our faith, and to defend and practise more earnestly the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, for these are the things that never change and which cannot be altered. They are the things upon which the whole structure of our Brotherhood rests, and the only foundation upon which a secure and peaceful humanity can ever be built.
Photograph: W. Bro. Rev’d Keith Davies; R. W. Bro. Eric Mock and Rev’d J Powell.
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ISSUE
XXVII
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John B Lloyd Bursar y
On Thursday 16th October 2008 the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Secretary, visited the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Science at Aberystwyth UniUniver versity to present the Dr John B. Lloyd Masonic Bursary of ÂŁ1250 to Ms Wendy Gill. Wendy is a mature student and has come from New Zealand. Although she is a British citizen she has lived in New Zealand
for many years and already has a veterinary degree and teacher traintraining qualification. Her aim is to bebecome a lecturer in equine SciScience/Studies in UK. Pictured (left to right) are W Bro Steve Hookey, Prof. Jamie Newbold (Director of Education) W Bro Brian Hilling, Dr Mina Davies Morel (MSc Equine Science Course Coordinator Wendy Gill, and Prof Will Haresign (Director of Education)
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WEST WALES MASON
Set in the perfect location of Aberystwyth Castle, overlooking Cardigan Bay, Castell Rock provides a family-friendly festival, featuring nonstop live music and children's activities. An exciting line emerged with Crimea, The Heights, Genod Droog, The Poppies and Radio Luxembourg playing. Picture shows W.Bro. Duncan Sykes presenting the £100 cheque from Saint Padarn Lodge.
The Penglais School in Aberystwyth has a highly respected Special Support centre with dedicated staff who look after these young people. Saint Padarn Lodge’s Worshipful Master, Duncan Sykes presented a cheque, his second since becoming Master, for £100 to Mrs M Lindsey of the Penglais School Learning Support Centre.
A long time member of Saint Padarn Lodge, Bro Hywel Devonald who has not enjoyed good health for a couple of years and was admitted to the Tregerddan Residential Home. He is now almost back to good health, but will stay a resident. Hywel wrote to the Charity Steward for a donation towards the home’s social fund. The Lodge readily agreed and W Bro George Sykes presented a £100 cheque, which was received by Linda Jones, Care Assistant.
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ISSUE
XXVII
PAGE 7
www.westwalesmason.co.uk The new West Wales Mason w e b s i t e ( w w w . westwalesmason.co.uk) has now been formally launched for all brethren as well as the general public to see what is going on within the Province of West Wales. The new website has many features that will be of interest to the brethren including news articles, events calendars, interactive maps, driving directions, lodge & chapter information, downloads and plentiful information about Craft and Royal Arch Masonry. There will be a lot more developments coming soon to this website that will include a secure area in which the
brethren can access Masonry specific information that will no doubt be an invaluable resource to your Masonic duties. Once we are fully up and running with the Craft and Royal Arch Masonry elements of the website we shall possibly be looking to expand our horizons, but we shall give more news on that nearer the time. If you would like to be kept up to date with developments of the website then please subscribe to the mailing list on the left-hand side of the website or alternatively subscribe to the RSS feed and we will send you regular updates.
In addition to the hard copy of magazine we will now be spreading the word of The West Wales Mason electronically for all to see the wonderful work we do within this Province and hopefully entice reader comments and feedback on the articles that we publicise. Please remember that the success of the website relies on participation of the brethren of the West Wales Province so if you have any news, social events that are connected to the Craft or Royal Arch then please email them
to (webmaster@westwales mason.co.uk) to get them added to the news section of the website.
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C.A.D. Representatives ~ Craft PGM E S G 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 L C Hughes
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
D S Cove
Neyland 990
C I Nicholas
Caerfyrddyn 4928
D I Cook
Tenby 1177
L 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
J T K Davies
Teifi 4648
T C Griffiths
Strumble 4351
M A Pinney
Peterwell 4713
C K Mathias
Cleddau 6952
C J Samuel
St Padarn 5472
A L Davies
P Drewett 9426
J D M Bevan
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
I L Davies
Hwlffordd 464
P G Brickle
Cambrian 464
T Reece
Teifi 4648
N/A
Merlin 476
T G John
St Peters 476
A J Morgan
Peterwell 4713
N R Leah
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
N/A
Dinbych 1177
E Roberts
D H John
Arberth 2001
Aberystwyth 1072
Caerfyrddyn 4928
S F Clench
St Padarn 5472
G Crane
Abergwaun3152
B C Hilling
Tenby 1177
A Bourne
Unity 6709
D J Elsley
Teifi 4648
P Waddilove
Castlemartin 1748
J F F James
Cleddau 6952
R H Naylor Unity 6709
D N Adams
Aeron 7208
D Parker
Narberth 2001
D J Elsley
V H Williams
Kemes 3152
N/A
Kensington3667
N/A
St Elli 3942
AeronPwell7208
Mentoring S W Wilson Kensington 366
N/A
Dinbych 1177
L O’Connor
L Welsh 378
N/A
Arberth 2001
I L Davies
Hwlffordd 464
V Williams
Abergwaun3152
N/A
Merlin 476
S I Page
Teifi 4648
N R Leah
St Elliw 671
N/A
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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ST PETERS LODGE (476) RAISE MONEY FOR BREAST CANCER Over 40 members and friends of BRIGHT SPARKS met recently at the Memorial hall in Pont-ar-gothi and at a tea party raised £400 for BREAST CANCER CARE. They are a group of retired ladies from Marks and Spencer who meet regularly under the chairmanship of Mrs Megan Thomas. At this event a number of raffle prizes were donated including some items from Jan West in Hampshire, M&S in Carmarthen and Mrs Glynis Raymond. Included in the money raised was a donation of £40 from Mr Martin Stephenson. The total raised by BRIGHT SPARKS was combined with a further cheque of £387 for the same charity raised by St. Peter’s Lodge at their recent AT HOME luncheon. The photograph shows Vernon Edwards the Worshipful Master of St. Peter’s Lodge
presenting their cheque of £387 to Mrs Megan Thomas with BREAST CANCER CARE benefiting by £787 from the two events.
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Skanda Vale Hospice
By W. Bro. Tom Evans Deputy Provincial Grand Master Skanda Vale Hospice Day Centre is situated between Carmarthen and Cardigan on the A484, in the village of Saron. The hospice is open five days a week, from 9.30am until 4pm. It offers a full respite care service and can arrange for clinical care to be provided by visiting nurses and doctors. Its service is available to anyone over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Referrals can be made by local health professionals or directly by the patient.
They impose no geographical restrictions on their admissions and everything, from food to therapy, is offered completely free of charge. The senior staff are members of the Skanda Vale monastic community, and as such, have fully committed themselves to the service of humanity. It is a professional organisation run on an entirely voluntary basis made up of fully qualified carers, therapists and chefs, with additional help provided by part time volunteers. When I visited the hospice in January to present a cheque
For £500 on behalf of the Freemasons’ Grand Charity I was most impressed by the homely, tranquil environment I encountered. The facilities are of a very high standard, but what pleased me most of all was the attitude of the staff for those in their care. They were anxious to stress that they welcomed people of all faiths, indeed they welcome believers and nonbelievers alike. They regard life as sacred and treat it as such. Brother Jakob, to whom I presented the cheque, was mast grateful to local societies and churches for their support and I was reminded that Peterwell Lodge had donated the proceeds of a raffle held during a Ladies Night last year. Should any brother, a family member or an acquaintances, wish to learn more concerning the hospice the telephone number is 01559 371 222.
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HOLLY HOUSE by Cindy Johnson
Linda Mc Cann the partner of W Bro Wilmott Brand decided to donate the £ 575 collection made in his name by Old Priory Lodge No 4331 to Holly House in Haverfordwest. Front row on the left Bro Steve Mc Garvie with W Bro Alan England on the left. Middle row on the left Viv Cullen with Cindy Johnson to the right both Holly House staff. Back row centre Linda Mc Cann. Between them all are children and young people staying at the home. Holly House provides a “ Home from Home “ environment for 8 to 18 year olds with moderate to severe disabilities who have a need for respite care and is run by Social Care Services. The home offers a positive experience to young people, providing a relaxed friendly atmosphere where they are encouraged to develop friendships, increase confidence and gain skills. The purpose built building is furnished to a comfortable standard and is fully equipped to support the young people who use it. Each child and young person staying has an individual bedroom with washbasin, television and video DVD facilities. Staff and young people join together to have meals in the Communal Lounge and Dining Room. There is also a Sensory Room for relaxation and for sensory impaired individuals.
The sizable garden houses play equipment for all ages and abilities. There is a herb and flower garden to which has been recently added a vegetable plot which is tended by the young people staying at the home. Activities range from Arts and Crafts, Cooking and Baking, Table Tennis, Local Shopping trips, Swimming and Special Events etc. A specially adapted bus enables them to undertake group outings. Holly House presently has a staff of 14 all of whom have gained or are working towards NVQ in Care, Children and Young People. All staff undergoes continuous professional development and training in skills related to their work.
M. B. Samuel & Co. Accountancy and Tax Services Unit 301 Glan yr Afon Industrial estate Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JQ Telephone: 01970 627 561 Fax: 01970 627 560 Email: maynardsamuel@aol.com Directors M B Samuel - M J Lawton - Mrs K A Jones
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WEST WALES MASON
Pe m b r o ke s h i re C a n c e r S u p p o r t
Pembrokeshire Cancer Support provides, as the name implies, support and information for those who have had cancer, together with their family and friends. Supporting each other and showing that self help can be rewarding and beneficial. Working through the fear and possible stigma that can be associated with cancer. The group also offers complementary therapies such as reflexology and there is a quiet room for those that just need a shoulder to cry on. Loyal Welsh Lodge an-
swered an appeal for help for a chairlift to aid access to the centre’s garden. £500 was donated by the Lodge and with a further £2500 form Provincial Grand Charity. This will not only pay for the stairlift but also help with improvements to the garden, allowing clients to sit outside in the summer. Lyn Neville, the centre’s co-ordinator said of the donation, “this will make a real difference to the centre’s clients”. Gill Beach from the group added, “we can now add all the luxurious touches and the necessity of a stairlift,
which we might not have afforded otherwise. We rely on the shop for most funding so any donation is the icing on the cake.” In the photograph are, form Pembrokeshire Cancer Care, Lyn Neville, Audrie Lewis and Barbara Beare. From the Provincial Grand Charity, W Bro Brian Hilling and from the Loyal Welsh Lodge, Bros Maurice Rees, Geoffrey Hall and Mike cross. For more details about the group call 01646 683078 or v i s i t w w w . pembrokeshirecancersupport. org.uk
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PRESENTATION TO 1284 SQUADRON AIR TRAINING CORPS
Old Priory Lodge Jim Prior
Flt Lt D. W. Griffiths Officer Commanding Tenby Air Training Corps is pictured receiving two substantial cheques from Right Worshipful Bro. Eric Mock, Provincial Grand Master, Province of West Wales. £ 400 from the Milford Haven Old Priory Lodge No 4331, and £ 600 from Provincial Grand Lodge. Pictured from left to right: W Bro. Alan England Worshipful Master Old Priory Lodge
No 4331, Right Worshipful Bro. Eric Mock, Provincial Grand Master, Flt Lt (Bro) D. W. Griffiths, Officer Commanding Tenby Air Training Corps, Bro Don Ramsey and Bro Don Griffiths all of Tenby Lodge No 1177. Flt Lt Griffiths stated that the money would be used to replace much needed climbing equipment necessary for the Cadets to continue safely with their train-
ing activities. These donations represent only a small part of the Masonic support for the youth of Pembrokeshire. Some Masons have taken it upon themselves to become members of staff on Squadrons and are active in the day to day running of the units taking part in all aspects of the squadron curriculum, which in the words of Flt Lt Griffiths “ is an outstanding commitment to local youth”.
Cardigan Bay Trading Company Quality Used Office Furniture Hardware & Tools Warehouse Carmarthen Road, Newcastle Emlyn Carmarthenshire, SA38 9AP Tel: 01239 710 703
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Lampeter Family Centre Lampeter Family Centre began in March 2001 when a group of parents and three agencies got together to try and develop a family centre in Lampeter. Local members of the community were recruited to form a Management Committee. Currently, the Management Committee is made up of beneficiaries of the Family Centre, two County Councillor, Town Councillors, Health Visitors, and a Plant Dewi Project Worker. Initially, it was decided that a facility would be developed focusing on providing a service for pre-school children and with the help and support of the Project Worker, a toy library was opened in January 2002, and the centre finally opened in February 2003. The centre aims to provide a safe and stimulating non judgemental environment for children where their physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional, social and educational development is encouraged; promote positive stable family relationships; encourage positive parenting skills; ensure that every family understands the importance of good parenting and bonding also to place an emphasis that every child is entitled to a good start in life. The Family Centre is currently open for three days a week, for the use of families with children to meet the aims of the ob-
jectives and make use of the facilities. During the opening hours, the Play Worker provides play sessions comprising of music, art, sand and water play along with many other suitable activities, which are regularly attended by the centre’s beneficiaries. To date, there are two paid part time members of staff working at the Family Centre, which are the Coordinator Lynda Mason George and the Play Worker Kelly Palmer. There are also 4 local people who are registered at the centre as volunteers. By offering courses, training and other various opportunities, the Coordinator with the aid of the play worker spend their time with the beneficiaries to help develop their parenting skills, encourage them to lead healthier lifestyles and offer advice and support in order to empower their confidence to make a positive difference to themselves and their families. The Play Worker also plans activities and sessions suitable for the children that attend the Family Centre and encourages the parents to join in with their children. This enables the centre to promote and improve on stable family relationships while encouraging positive child development.
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The Gala Show ~ At The Swans
W Bro Tom Evans
“There’s no business like show business; R W Bro Capt Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards Like no business I know; Everything about it is appealing; Everything the traffic will allow; No where could you have that happy feeling; When you aren’t stealing that extra bow.” This Ethel Merman song sums up the atmosphere for everyone the day that the Chelsea Lodge staged the Gala Show on behalf of the Peterwell Lodge’s fundraising appeal for their new Masonic and Community Hall. Nearly 700 people attended what was a true Variety Show, with a little help from the audience. Freemasonry also had its own ‘leading players’ supporting the show; R W Bro Eric Mock, R W Bro John Lloyd, R W Bro Capt. Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards (PGM South Wales) W Bro Tom Evans, and W Bro Brian Hilling. Peterwell Lodge’s Warrant was granted in 1925, but has never had a permanent
R W Bro Eric Mock Bro Bruce Hargreaves home. The members of the Lodge took the ‘bull by the horns’ and committed themselves to change, and the foundations have been well and truly laid. Their new home will not only be the Lodge room, but also a meeting for other organisations within Lampeter. This Variety Performance at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, is the culminating of nearly two years of fundraising by the ‘Peterwell Fundraising Committee’. The committee has been very effective in raising the funds for the new Masonic and Community Centre in Lampeter. Although many people have helped this dream come true, thanks should be given to Bruce Hargreaves, Adrian Thomas and David Smith who have put in so much
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At The Swansea etc. Paul has effort. This wonderful taught at the show, and it was L o n d o n excellent, was pos- School Of Musible because of sical Theatre, the performers of the Birmingthe Chelsea Lodge ham School of No 3098 and its Speech and producer Paul Drama. Mills, who gave P e r f o r m e r s Paul Mills R W Bro Eric talks to their time and from the ChelWyn Calvin Matt LeeLee-Alliston services to make sea Lodge made Welsh Prince of laughter. the evening a suc- who cess. Members of this a real variPeterwell Lodge have visited Chelsea Lodge ety show were; The Fat Man (Mike Jerome) and are anxious to retain their special and and The Tenor (Paul Kaye-Jones), George Muranyi, David Capri, Adger Brown, Wyn close association. Calvin MBE, Mikki Travis The producer of the and Mick Abrahams. show was Paul Mills These were supported who began his career by the Carmarthen at the Grand Theatre as youth Opera and the an actor in weekly rep. Copthorne Theatre CarHis West End credits diff & The Panto Cominclude Peter Pan with pany. Susannah York and Ron Our compère for the Moody, Marathon, Je- W/B Michael Harradine sus Christ Superstar, show was Matt LeeW/B John Logan W.M. Anything Goes, Café W/B David Neale Alliston, who was also Puccini, The Normal the co-producer. Matt Heart, Run For Your has a varied and diverse Wife, Orphans with Albert Finney, and background in entertainment, having many, many more. He has also got plenty of worked as an actor, writer, director and procredits directing, Buddy – The Buddy Holly ducer. For seven years he was responsible Story, Commitment, The Dumb Waiter etc., for children’s entertainment for a UK leisure
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to perform in this Gala Performance. These guys and girls treated us to some excerpts from “Rock Your Soul To Broadway”, which they performed in the first act and Copthorne’s big new show for December, “Pop Goes The Decades”, which they performed in Act 2. The Carmarthen & District Youth Opera is a local voluntary organisation established in 1979 Carmarthen and District Youth Opera and is dependent on sponsors and donations, company, devising the ultimate fun experi- and was the recipient of a £5,000 donation from the Province of West Wales. ence for 100,000 kids a week. He then worked as Director of Entertain- Their performances were vibrant and ment for Resorts USA crating, among charming, which clearly showed their love other shows, a Legends series that fea- of the theatre. Their performances were in tured Smokey Robinson, Kool & The Gang, Act 1, ‘One Voice’ and ‘Flash Bang Wallop’ and in the second Act ‘Summer Nights’. and Gladys Knight. He returned to the UK and set up “The These young people’s enthusiasm and enPanto Company” with his wife Patricia. ergy is well worthy of the Provinces supFive years on and with a third director, port. Simon Drew, they now operate one of the The photograph of the Carmarthen Youth largest theatre companies in the UK pre- Opera are, L to R, Thomas Young 17, Georsenting 48 production shows a week and gina Tipping 16, Cuan Wyn Rowlands 12, employing 75 professional actors, singers Michael-Rae Formston 21, Elin-Wyn Williams 17 and Benn Williams 18. and dancers. Matt now resides in Northumberland with Patricia and their two children, Rose and Charlie. Matt is proud to be coproducing this show with his “Father” Paul mills, “the man who taught me almost everything!” Cardiff Copthorne Theatre and The Panto Company who cancelled a show in Cardiff Cardiff Copthorne Theatre Company
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The first act from Chelsea Lodge was ‘The Fatman & The Tenor’, Tenor’ namely Mike Jerome and Welsh born Paul KayeKaye-Jones. Jones Both guys have been in the business for over 30 years and it is reflected in their hilarious double act, which has been featured in The Royal Variety Performance. They were great fun and good on the ear! Gags to giggles! Anthems to arias! George Muranyi is at the foremost of new generation of jazz pianists. With one of the most distinctive styles in music, he pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz performers and expands the jazz repertory creating modern jazz standards. David Capri is a former King Rat and has appeared on television many times including Casualty. David has a versatile voice, and has enabled him to work in many areas of the entertainment world. His voice was ecstatic and an absolute pleasure to listen to. Adger Brown is one of the most versatile comedians on the mainstream circuit of cabaret and variety. His performance had the audience in stitches at his humour and the way he delivered it. No doubt some of his humour will rub off and we may hear some at Festive Boards! Wyn Calvin MBE OstJ is well known to all of us and loved in his native Wales. He is known affectionately as the ‘Welsh Prince of Laughter’ He is ‘king’ of the Grand Order of Water Rats – Britain’s premier show-business frater-
nity and charity. He is also President of Cor Meibion de Cymru, the Massed Male Choir of Wales. Mick Abrahams is an unsung hero of the rock guitar. As a founder member of Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig, he performs a captivating collection of progressive blues. There was no doubt that his performance was totally electrifying. Mikki Travis has that special something that makes him stand out from the rest; has an extensive range of jokes, an impressive skill in magic; a popular array of impressions and the knack of giving the audience what they want.
That’s all folks!
Mike Jerome
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WEST WALES MASON
Workaid Tel: 01494 775 220 Some time ago in a previous ‘West Wales Mason’ I talked about some of the charities that I personally support with tools etc. I would like to take this idea a stage further and say that there is very little that the public throw away that cannot be recycled for the good of others less fortunate than ourselves. Tools of all kinds (except gardening tools), which can be easily refurbished, are accepted by Workaid. They are refurbished by an enthusiastic team of over 100 volunteers at their depot in The Old Boot Factory, Chesham, and sent out to Africa and Eastern Europe. The Charity also helps volunteers, who are mainly single retired people, to do a job and enjoy a social life. Tools, not being of use to Workaid are donated to a charity near Llanelli, which operates the same as Workaid. They are looking for electric sewing machines, felling axes, crosscut saws, particularly double handed and other tools. A wonderful, caring nun, Sister Delia McEnroe, who recently visited Workaid, runs Namwala Youth Projects in southern Zambia. She brought with her lots of photographs showing students using Workaid tools and equipment. Workaid has received many letters telling the stories of young people whose lives
website www.workaid.org have been transformed by the training they received. A letter received from Finley Muchindu to Workaid contained:
“I would like to thank you for the job you are doing here in Zambia, especially in Namwala, helping the youth and the poor. I am a former student of Namwala Youth Project. I graduated with good performance so I was chosen to be an assistant teacher and I am earning wages now. Not only that but also the sewing machine I was given after graduation has helped me a lot as I am an orphan”... Computers, which have outgrown their usefulness, or have become obsolete, or have become unserviceable, are accepted by a charity called ‘Recycle IT’ based in Manchester. Bicycles or any spare parts including accessories are acceptable to a charity, which refurbishes them and sends them out to Eastern Europe orphanages. The agent is based in Haverfordwest. Stamps and postcards, new and used, preferably the older the better are donated to other charities. (The postcards make approx. £23,000 per annum).
[Photographs show projects supported by Workaid]
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Paul Homes - Meet me at the Fair Mark Lodge. History has a way My family and of repeating itself. work co mmi tOur children, Chesments slowed my ney, Mason and Masonic career Britney work with down a bit, but I us in our business am gathering pace attending places as 2nd Asst Soj in like, Llangollen International EisteddChapter, and I was fod, the National a Founder MemRoyal Welsh Show ber of the StrongEisteddfod, Royal Welsh Show, Notbow Conclave in tingham Goose Fair, Southend Air show, the Order of the Secret Monitor in PemGlastonbury Festival and the Pembroke- broke Dock. I am also a member of Royal shire County Show. Ark Mariners and Rose Croix. This probably The business has grown, and the places won’t be the end! are perhaps more prestigious, but the recI am at present the treasurer of St David’s ipe remains the same – working as a fam- Lodge and at 44, still have time at my side, ily. within Masonry that is. Oh! And Alex, my In addition to operating the catering wife, willing! I’ve tried to put as much as I units, I have always built my own fleet of can into Masonry, and I have certainly got units, body work on my transport and a lot out of it. I have a lot of genuine carry out the maintenance as and when friend’s in Freemasonry. I’ve met some they break down – and they do! lovely people and got some fantastic Having seen the type of people who came to memories of evenings spent with some visit my dad, W Bro Billy Wood, W Bro David brethren, who sadly are no longer with us, Petrie, W Bro Dawson James to name just a but their memories will be. few. I asked my father if he could get me in, When I am older and wiser and asked, although, I didn’t know what it was I was getting into! I figured, if it was good enough for my ‘do I have any regrets’? I will answer, ‘ I dad and his friends, who I now class as my should have joined earlier!’ Ha! Ha! I would like to friends, it was good enough for me. My fathank all those ther’s concern was, what brethren who had if I didn’t like it. faith and welcomed Well, obviously I do and inspired me. I like it. Being the am a very proud youngest initiate and man and privileged the youngest master to belong to Freemaof the oldest Lodge, St sonry. I do believe it David’s No 366 in the is an honour to beProvince. I followed long something my father into the which keeps its tradiAberystwyth Fair with Alex tions and morals. Chair in the St Bride’s
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WEST WALES MASON
Any visitor to Aberystwyth in late July would be amazed at the amount of musical activity taking place in such a relatively small town. Musicfest Aberystwyth is an annual summer, eight-day festival of music combining a series of professional concerts with a summer school for advanced instrumental and singing students, involving senior school children, college students and enthusiastic adults. ‘Friends of Musicfest’ is a charity created primarily to fund bursaries for the younger students and, thanks to a generous grant from West Wales
Contact Edward Morgan
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PAGE 23 WEST WALES MASON lodges, we were able this year to help fifteen local students to attend by paying a substantial part of their tuition fees. As well as individual lessons they are coached in small groups and larger ensembles and take part in informal concerts and master classes throughout the week. Students from west Wales featured strongly in these events. In the first lunchtime concert of the Festival, which is traditionally devoted to finalists of the Dyfed Young Musician competitions, Sarah Lewis, a Cardiff University student from Aberystwyth had her ‘Ave Maria’ sung by members of the Musicfest course. Sarah herself thoroughly enjoyed attending the festival composition classes taken by the well-known Welsh composer John Metcalf. A Ceredigion schools’ string quartet consisting of Sarah Trotter and Gwenllian Lewis, violins, Nicholas Livermore, viola and Judith Musker – Turner, cello performed music by Schubert in a ‘Showcase’ concert on the final Saturday.
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WEST WALES MASON
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PAGE 25
WEST WALES MASON
Magonsætan’s New Banner
At the Provincial meeting on January 31st at Macclesfield, the M.W. Grand Master, Michael Roalfe dedicated the Province of M a g o n sætan’s new banner. At the same meeting the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro John Lloyd invested his Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Barry Howarth. Magonsætan being the first of the ten Provinces to have its ten Courts consecrated. The Province of Magonsætan within the Masonic Order of Athelstan covers Cheshire, Wirral, Hereford, Monmouthshire, Shropshire, Northern and Southern Wales. The River Severn, famous for its tidal bore, is the longest river in Britain. It flows from its source in the Welsh Cambrian Mountains, through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, finally emptying into the Bristol Channel. The River Severn has always been a significant factor in the life of the people who have lived along its banks. It has assisted and thwarted armies, disrupted life during floods and freezes, as well as being an important trade artery from Saxon times. During the 7th Century the river became a boundary between the lands of two rival tribes. These were the Magonsætan, who lived to the south of the river and the Wroecensætan who lived to the north of the river, who later joined forces by the Earl of Magonsætan Hinari in the 11th Century. The Province of Magonsætan has Courts that encapsulate the history and importance of the River Severn. King Hywel Dda – “The good” brokered a deal with King Athelstan and peace was preserved between England and Wales. Athelstan never conquered
Wales. The Court of Hywel Dda based in Aberystwyth again has predominance on Welsh history just like the Court of Brunanburgh at Chester has on English History based on the famous battle nearby. The Banner carries the Blue Swathe, which represents the River Severn dividing Wales with the Red Dragon on the top corner. It was indeed the Welsh that first used the idea of recognition on the battlefield, when a battalion were camped near a field of leeks and to remember who was who during the fierce heat of battle they decided to pin a leek to their clothing to show who was friend or foe. Napoleon used a banner and the banner bearer would parade up and down several times for the troops to see what banner they would rally around and fight towards - not against. The Red rose of England on the bottom corner, which represents the unification of the House of York and Lancaster, during the War of the Roses when Henry beat Richard and took the crown of England. Since then the Red Rose has signified the English and finally the Tin Saxon crown symbolising the link to Athelstan. Therefore the Banner represents the unification of Wales and England – through the use of the River Severn, The Union of the houses of Lancaster and York, where the Welsh King Henry VII unified England and Wales and of course Athelstan’s crown which unifies the Craft AND Holy Royal Arch being the qualifications of membership of this wonderful degree of freemasonry whilst the Banner is surrounded in Gold Silk, to represent the Golden Opportunity to be amongst brethren who all share one aim - The Daily Advancement of Masonic EducaEducation.
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PAGE 26
W.Bro. Lionel C. Hughes P .P r.G .S up t.Wk s. In the last edition of the West Wales Mason, you were asked to guess who this gun toting hombre is. No one guessed. Born Llanelli 30/07/51 near the Gas Works, hence known as a gas works Kid one of his favourite pass times was to scale the Gas manometers whilst being chased by Gas Works Personnel, they used to chase him but never thought of waiting for him to come down. Lionel was Educated at Coleshill Secondary Modern for School Boys and then at Llanelli Boys Grammar School and played Rugby for both of the school teams also for Llanelli School Boys which comprised of pupil from all schools in the area. He left school and was employed at The Aluminium Wire and Cable Company (AWCO) at Port Tennant, Swansea as Trainee Quality Control Technician I left in October 1972 to join the Then Steel Company of Wales at the Trostre plant Llanelli, you can take boy out of Llanelli but you can’t take Llanelli out of the boy. He continued studies and qualify as a Metallurgist. He later became the mill metallurgist followed technical manager rolling department and then technical manager
finishing department and finally became a Customer Relations /Care Officer known as the Care Bearers where I Finally retired due to ill health at 50 years old. Married Kay on the 14th October 1972 they have two children Tracey and Carl and two grandchildren Kalan Aged 12 and Tia Aged 3 and if you can’t work it out this year he has been married 37 Years not even the Krays had that sentence, says Lionel!
W.Bro. B. V. Rees P. Pr. G.W. Benjamin Victor Rees was born on 30th July in his beloved village of St Dogmaels. He was one of six children. Having a large family, his parent’s smallholding did not provide enough to feed all the children. Therefore from a very early age, Victor became a very proficient hunter – possibly an expert at mole baiting, whose skins he would then send off to Cohen and sons of Birmingham, whose postal order by return would subsidise the farm income. At the age of eleven, due to his excellent
achievements in the classroom, he became one of very few to gain a scholarship to the Grammar School in Cardigan. His time there was blighted by a tyrant of a headmaster, and could not leave school early enough, and at 14 years old, was offered a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at the Bridge End Foundry in Cardigan. He had now found his vocation in life and was soon repairing and maintaining all machinery including, motor cars, agricultural equipment and steam driven road rollers.
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His spare time was taken up by the Territorial Army, which he had joined as soon as his age would permit. As the treat of World War II increased, he was drafted into the Cardigan and Pembrokeshire Yeomanry. War broke out and his travels around the world began. North Africa, where he was part of General Montgomery’s 8th Army, serving in the artillery as one of the renowned
“Desert Rats”. After defeating Rommell, his battalion moved their way up through Italy and later in the D Day landings and on through France and Belgium and on to the Kiel Canal, when they were deployed to scupper the fleeing German Navy. As the end of the war drew closer he was stationed in Germany, where he witnessed the horrendous atrocities of the Concentration Camps. In 1946 the highly decorated Victor returned to Cardigan to resume his life, now much wiser and world wise than the young 17 year old that went off to war. He began working with the two Richard Brothers, who were starting a bus company in Moylegrove. He was their mechanic and driver. In this time he met Ester, a young lady from that village and soon the romance became very serious and in March 1948 they were married in the chapel in Moylegrove. Victor drove all the wedding guests to the reception in a bus borrowed for the day from work! With Esther’s backing, later on that year they were able to secure a loan to purchase a small zinc workshop in St Dogmaels, where he began his business as a mechanic. With both working all the hours possible and saving all the money they could, in 1952 a new purpose built premises was built, indeed, victor and some friends actually laid the foundations on Christmas Day, which epitomises how hard they worked to develop the business. As his reputation as a great mechanic grew, the business was expanding quickly and a car showroom was added in the late 1950s,
where the Triumph and Rootes (Singer, Hillman) franchises were sold. The late 60s saw Victor, becoming disillusioned by the British motor industry because of the limited availability of vehicles caused by the ever-increasing amount of strikes at the production plants. Due to his great energy and desire to succeed, he was forced to look elsewhere for supplies of vehicles. The rest of his business is history and is a success brought by hard work. To this day, in his 89th year, he spends most of his days at the dealership, now fiat that he founded over 60 years ago, and is now a thriving industry. When he is not at the garage, he is a devoted family man, being proud of his daughters, Elfair and Beryl, who are both teachers and his sons Elfyn, who runs his own business and Wyn, who has taken over the mantle at the garage. Victor has twelve grandchildren who flew from all corners of the world for his 60th wedding anniversary.
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Two local music teachers, Penny Davies and Nicky Exell, founded the AFYM in 1993 in Swansea. Both of them held the view that young people should be trained as musicians, able to perform with confidence, play with others and communicate to an audience, and that if music teaching becomes centred on passing grade examinations this is to the detriment of the young musician. It was in order to provide a platform for performance, the opportunity to learn from some of the UK’s leading musicians and a chance to meet with other likeminded young people that the AFYM was established. From its beginnings as a one day event in a single venue in 1993 it has grown to a 6 day event running in up to 4 halls at any one time. The emphasis of the Festival is on encouragement and education, and all levels of ability and attainment are catered for. In 2009 one third of the classes were non competitive, and the Festival organisers see more classes becoming non competitive in the future. Some of the most delightful were the Concert Classes for children aged 9 years
and under, and the morning devoted to Primary School Ensembles – some of whom played pieces they had composed themselves. At the other end of the spectrum the Senior Recital Classes give opportunities for those considering a career in music to perform at the highest level and receive instructive criticism from established artists. The 2009 Festival also included an adjudicators’ recital, a workshop for saxophonists, a master-class, a jazz concert and a session called ‘Meet the Adjudicator’, where practice tips and suggestions on how to deal with performance nerves were discussed. In being fortunate to be able to hold the Festival in the wonderful surroundings of the Guildhall in Swansea, including the Brangwyn Hall – due to the support of the City & County of Swansea the AFYM can offer young musicians the best possible performance opportunity. We believe we are the only Festival in the UK offering the chance to perform twopiano repertoire on two matching concert Steinway pianos – a rare treat even for the professional pianist!
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Performers at the AFYM come from all over South and Mid Wales. Many musical friendships have been forged at the Festival. The AFYM has now been established for 16 years and has a history of musicians who have made their mark on the musical scene. Numbered among AFYM alumni are graduates of all the UK conservatoires and specialist music schools, Dyfed Young Musician, Texaco Young Musician of Wales, Audi Young Musician and BBC Young Musician of
the Year finalists and winners. Several past AFYM performers are now playing professionally, including the Royal Harpist. The AFYM is delighted that some students who take part in the AFYM also attend Musicfest in Aberystwyth as summer school participants. The AFYM is run entirely by volunteers, both as Committee and as part of the large team of stewards required to make the Festival run smoothly. Many of the young people themselves are proud to wear a red stewards badge and help out. Entry fees are kept to a minimum in order to ensure that the opportunities offered are available to all. The festival is largely funded by donations, and relies on the generosity of Sponsors and Patrons to give the security to plan for future events. The Festival Committee wish to thank the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Wales for their support, which has been invaluable.
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Provincial Grand Lodge of West Wales and Provincial Grand Chapter of West Wales
Thursday 2nd July 2009 Trinity College Carmarthen
Booking Form Page 34
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Provincial Grand Lodge of West Wales IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BRETHREN IN THE PROVINCE
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE 2009 The Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at the Halliwell Centre, Trinity College, Carmarthen on Thursday, 2 nd July, 2009. All Brethren who are Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge (present or past), or Installed Masters or Acting W ardens, 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. Please make a determined effort to attend the meeting. Actually, why not make up a party of your Lodge Members, and come in numbers? In doing so you will be supporting not only your Worshipful Master, who will be present to answer when the roll of Lodges is called, but also those Brethren in your Lodge who will be invested with their Provincial Appointments and Promotions. Last year we filled the Theatre to capacity. Let’s see if we can do it again. 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. Before the meeting is a luncheon, the cost of which is £17.00 exclusive of wine. This is a relaxed occasion before the formal meeting. Why 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 Secretary
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Provincial Grand Chapter of West Wales IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL COMPANIONS IN THE PROVINCE
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER 2009 The Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter will be held at the Halliwell Centre, Trinity College, Carmarthen on Thursday, 2 nd July, 2009. 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. Please make a determined effort to attend the meeting. Actually, why not make up a party of your Chapter Members, and come in numbers? In doing so you will be supporting not only your M.E.Z., who will be present to answer when the roll of Chapters is called, but also those Companions in your Chapter who will be invested with their Provincial Appointments and Promotions. Last year we filled the venue to capacity. Let’s see if we can do it again. It is a special day for those receiving honours, and it is rewarding to have a good number of Companions present to witness their achievement. After the meeting is a luncheon, the cost of which is £17.00 exclusive of wine. This is a relaxed occasion after the formal meeting. Why 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.
Norman Leah Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER & PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE THURSDAY, 2 nd July, 2009 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) Please tick only the boxes that apply: I shall be attending the meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter
I shall be attending the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge
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
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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)
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IMPORTANT NOTE It is regretted that no reservations for dinner can be made unless the application and remittance are received by 12th June, 2009. Please also note that no dinner refunds will be made for cancellations made after 21st June, 2009.
application note that no dinner
Never believe the worst of a man, When once you have seen his best, Of any loyalty worth the name, This is the surest test.
Gossip is ready at every turn, Your faith and trust to slay, But the loyal soul is deaf to doubt, Whatever the world may say.
Whatever you hear on others’ lips, Don’t let it spoil your own, Let your faith still stronger be, While the seed of slanderers sown.
Keep the image before your eyes, Of the friend who’s a friend to you, And stand by that friend through thick and thin, Whatever the world may do.
Never believe the worst of a man, When you’re your own soul sees the best, Al that matters is what you know, Not what the others have guessed.
And if all you know is straight and fine, And has brought you friendship’s joys, Be proud to treasure the truth that’s yours, Whatever the world destroys.
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WEST WALES MASON
A Personal Story by W. Bro. Ron Jones D.P.G.M A YEAR IN THE ANCIENT AND HONOURABLE FRATERNITY OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS To those who are not Royal Ark Mariners this Fraternity is Allied to and Governed by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The only qualification for membership is that you need to be a Mark Mason and as the name implies it is based on the story of Noah and the Ark. It is unlike any other degree that I have come across in Freemasonry and is thus very refreshing to see and hear. The Ritual is not over complicated and is quite short by other standards. It still manages to teach excellent lessons on how we should live our lives and is highly recommended to all freemasons. My year started on the 23rd June 2007 with my appointment to the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Master, which was a wonderful experience in itself, but this was shortly followed by my installation as Worshipful Commander of the Ceredigion Royal Ark Mariner Lodge on the 7th September 2007. This ceremony was carried out with great aplomb by W.Bro Harry Davies and was witnessed by our Provincial Grand Master R.W.Brother D.Nigel Adams.
year in office. During the year I had the opportunity to visit each of the other 5 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges mainly on the occasion of their Installation Meetings. These are Coracle Carmarthen De Valance Tenby Dyfed Haverfordwest Lliedi Llanelli De Gorllewin Carmarthen This was an unusual occurrence as I was there in the dual capacity of Deputy P.G.M. and as the reigning W.Commander of Ceredigion Lodge. Needless to say the welcome I was afforded on each and every occasion was excellent and I felt that because of my dual role I was nearer the action. I learned a great deal more about the degree and the brethren involved than I would have expected and did not find my duality of office other than an advantage. My year concluded on the 5th September 2008 when I had the honour of installing Bro.Raymond Jones Hughes as my successor and W.Commander for the ensuing year.
R W Bro Nigel Adams & W Bro Ron Jones W Cdr Ray Hughes
R W Bro Nigel Adams & W Bro Ron Jones Installing W Cdr Harry Davies W.Bro.Harry really did an excellent job and continued to support me throughout my
This was without doubt a year I will remember for a long time not for the office I enjoyed but for the welcome and fraternity shown to me by all the brethren of the Province of Dyfed. Long may the Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners continue and thrive.
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ISSUE
XXVII
PAGE 37
Aberystwyth Mark Master Masons Support Wales Air Ambulance
The Wales Air Ambulance has become a firm favourite with Freemasonry as a charity. Aberystwyth Mark Master Masons are now added to the list of supporters.
It costs £210,000 a month, £2.5 million a year to run. Missions from Swansea and Caernarfon are about 1000 each year. Ever mindful of the ‘Golden Hour’, pilots can have the helicopter airborne within 3 minutes of receiving an emergency call. An aircraft can travel at 140mph and can reach most parts of Wales within 20 minutes. The W.M. of Aberystwyth Mark Master Masons presents a cheque for £350, to Ann Edwards the representative from Wales Air Ambulance.
“Saving time - Saving lives”
Father Installs His Son Mansel Mark Lodge No 116 W. Bro. Alf Spencer Installs his son W. W. Bro. Emyr Davies presents a cheque Bro. Matthew Spencer into the Chair at to W. Bro. David Harries, treasurer of the Teifi Mark Lodge. Carmarthen Hospice ‘Ty Cymorth’. Mansel Mark Lodge has supported this charity over a number of years and have donated a total sum of £2640, and still hold a cheque for £400 to be presented. The Lodge has also made donations to ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ , ‘Cancer Research’ and the ‘Have a Heart Appeal’ for defribulators during the same period.
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WEST WALES MASON
Brian Thomas ~ Inspector General Rose Croix the nine members Ill Bro N G I Bosanquet 33º, of the Supreme Deputy Grand Director of Council officiating Ceremonies, V Ill Bro The in the Installation. Hon A F C Wigram 33º, and The ceremony was, Grand Outer Guard, Ill Bro as expected of the R Helliar 32º. highest standard The 1st and 2nd Generals in and a pleasure to the ceremony were, V Ill Bro Dr J B Lloyd [Past Inwitness, which will remain in the memspector General of Dyfed] and V Ill Bro D Williams ory for many years to come. [Inspector General of South The distinguished Wales & Monmouth]. guests from SuAs a member of the 33º preme Council who Brian’s particular duty enofficiated were, the tails the encouragement of Sovereign Grand charity and fraternal love Commander, Most throughout the Order, and V Ill Bro Brian Thomas 33º Puissant Bro G L the preservation with due V Ill Bro John Lloyd 33º Tedder 33º, Grand reverence of the dogmas, Prior, M Ill Bro Rev’d statutes and doctrines of the Rite. The 21st October 2008 Dr M Morgan 33º, Grand V Ill Bro Brian is well chosen was a very special occa- Captain General, M Ill Bro for the task that lies ahead sion for Rose Croix in The The Hon A W Hanburyand follows distinguished District of Dyfed. After fif- Bateman 33º, Grand Secmembers of Supreme Counteen years as its Inspector retary General HE, M Ill cil and Inspectors General General, V Illustrious Bro R E Furber 33º, Grand of our District. Brother Dr John Lloyd Director of Ceremonies, V took part in the ceremony to Install his successor, V Illustrious Brother Rev’d Brian Thomas at a meeting of Llanelli Chapter No 845. E & P Bro Michael J Bowen 18º being the Most wise Sovereign who handed over to the Sovereign Grand Commander for the Ceremony of Installation. V Ill Bro J B Lloyd V Ill Bro D Williams Many distinguished guests E & P M J Bowen V Ill Bro D B Thomas were present with four of
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WEST WALES MASON
Colin James 50 years byViv Lloyd
On Thursday, 25th September 2008, the Ithon Lodge, No.3320, at Llandrindod Wells, held a special meeting at the Pavilion Conference Centre, Llandrindod, to celebrate 100 years of existence. The meeting was honoured by the presence of the newly appoi nt ed Pr ovi n ci al Grand Master of South Wales, the R.W.Bro. Captain Sir Norman LloydEdwards, KCVO., GCStJ., RD*., RNR. Also present was the Past Provincial Grand Master, West Wales, R.W.Bro. Dr. John B Lloyd. Among the many members of the Ithon was it’s senior Past master, W. Bro Colin James,
P Pr J G W of the Aberystwyth Lodge No 1072. Several well-known brethren accompanied him from the Aberystwyth and St Padarn Lodges. The Ithon Lodge also has close links with the Aberystwyth Lodge No 1072, Consecrated in 1865 and Saint Padarn, 5472 as they are both offshoots of the Brecknock Lodge No. 651, consecrated in 1855 W, Bro Colin M James, Aberystwyth Lodge, No 1072, celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in February 2005. Although born in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, he moved to the Aberystwyth area as a child for health reasons. When he was a schoolmaster in the Llandrindod Wells Grammar School, he was initiated
into the Lodge on the 27th May 1955 and became the Master in November 1970. He is the Senior Past Master of the Ithon Lodge. He was presented with a Claret Jug by Bro Desmond Evans, was initiated in January 1952, and is the ‘Father’ of the Lodge. W Bro Brian Matthews, PAGDC also presented him with Certificate from the South Wales Province to mark that milestone. R. W. Bro Dr John Lloyd congratulated him on his service to Masonry. There were several members of Aberystwyth Lodges present to see his presentation
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WEST WALES MASON Llwynlwyn-yryr-Eos School in Penparcau, Aberystwyth has become a favourite of Saint Padarn Lodge. Recently the Lodge arrange for a special special treat for some of the children with disabilities who attend the school. A local company ‘Pick and Paint’ visit schools with a hands on craft work for the youngsters. The comcompany is owned by Bro Chas Davies MBE who with his wife travel to the school. The children thoroughly enjoyed the time painting. What a way to get dirty!
Anita Bolton Anita Bolton was a student who received a bursary from the Province to study photography. She has been quite successful in her chosen art. Recently she won 3rd prize in West Wales Colleges Enterprise photographic c o m p e t i t i o n “Sustainable business” at the end of 2008. At the moment she is working on images for her final show to be held in West Wales
School of the Arts in June 2009.
This is her story… Photography was something I'd dreamed about doing - but that's what it was - a dream. I came to a crossroads in my life and decided I'd like to extend my skills by enrolling on a photography evening class. When I took my work in, I was advised
that the degree course would be more useful. Before my feet had hit the ground I'd been offered a place. Then reality kicked in - how would I finance it? I gave up the 3bedroom house I rented and when my car failed its MOT I gave that up too. A good friend offered me her box room if I thought I could cope. I moved in. Now I needed a job
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that would fit round my studies. I tried various opportunities and nothing came of them. I was getting desperate; I could see my dream slipping away. Then I was offered a job with suitable hours and doing something I enjoyed, but I had to work every shift I was given because I wasn't entitled to any financial help on the course. (I'd done a teaching degree years ago!) Work really started to eat into time I could have been using for my photography. It was then that I was lucky enough to be awarded your bursary. It was like a lifeline. Instead of constantly worrying about money, I could concentrate on my creative work. I still work but if I need to be
'on location’; I can afford to say no to a shift every now and then. The pressure to earn has been eased and I know I have enough money to complete the course next year. Thank you. Since receiving the bursary I have been cho-
sen as a finalist in the Association of Photographers Student Awards 2008. My work, a series of images entitled 'Sweet Imitations', is a fun look at children’s s w e e t s . It was part of an exhibition at the AoP
WEST WALES MASON Gallery in London and my images were published in a book to accompany this. My success here has encouraged me to think about entering more competitions and start exposing my work to a wider audience. I have also produced a series of images depicting origami birds, which I am hoping will be accepted by a Photo Library and maybe start to earn me some money. Without the bursary I may not have had the time or the mental energy to develop my ideas to a suitable outcome. I really want to say 'thank you' to everyone involved with the bursary. It has made a huge difference to the way my studies progressed. Thank you.
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WEST WALES MASON
Rally Programme 2009 The following is the confirmation of the South Wales Masonic Caravan club’s programme for 2009. You can book through the Rally Co-ordinator, Dilwyn Littlejohns. The deposit is £5 per rally. If for any reason you are unable to confirm bookings and you find nearer the time that you are 78.
24th / 26th April
79.
8th / 10th May
80.
12th / 14th June
81.
3rd / 5th July
82.
17th / 26th July
83.
14th / 16th August
84.
8th / 13th Sept
85.
9th / 11th October
86.
13th / 15th November
able to attend a particular rally do not hesitate to contact Dilwyn to include you in the bookings. Providing rallies booked are cancelled 4 weeks prior to date your deposit will be returned. 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.
Brynych Caravan Club Site, Brecon LD3 0LD Tel No: 01874 623 325 Aeron Coast Caravan Park, Aberaeron SA46 0JF Tel No: 01545 570 349 Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site, Whitesands. St David’s SA62 6PR Tel No: 01437 720 401 Keith Brasnett River View Touring Park, The Dingle, Llanedi, Pontarddulais Tel No: 01269 844876 Patsy Aplin, Briarfields Touring Park, Gloucester Rd Cheltenham GL15OX Tel No: 01242 235 324 Cardiff Caravan Park, Sophia Gardens Cf1 9JJ Tel No: 02920 398 362 Mrs S E Redman, Ebdon Bow, Wick St Lawrence, Western-super-Mare BS22 9NZ Tel No: 01934 515 716 Pembrey Caravan Club Site, Pembrey. SA16 0EJ Tel No: 01554 834 369 A.G.M. Meeting Meeting 6.30pm at Llanelli Masonic Hall, Harries Avenue. SA15 3LE Tredegar House Country Park, Caravan Club Site, Coedkernew, Newport, NP10 8TW Tel No: 01633 815 600
D E Littlejohns 2 Hilltop Swiss Valley Park Llanelli SA14 8DF Tel: 01554 774 808 Email: dilwyn_gina@btinternet.com
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WEST WALES MASON
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WEST WALES MASON
Royal Order of Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord
L to R: Wy Bro Richard Hill; V Wy Bro Derek Cousins; Wy Bro Gordon Evans; Wy Bro David Darby; R Wy Bro Paul Botfield; Wy Bro Brian Thomas; Wy Bro Lyndon Hughson; R Wy Bro John Lloyd and Wy Bro Howard Jones. On December 5th The Royal Order of the Knights of the Scarlet Cord, which is appended to the Order of the Secret Monitor, held its second Consistory in Llanelli. The first being held in Bridgend. This meeting, as with the first meeting was to be conducted by the two Provincial Grand Supreme Rulers, for West Wales and South Wales & Monmouth, R Wy Bro Nigel Adams (West Wales) and R Wy Bro Paul Botfield (South Wales) as Summus and Primus respectively. But, to the distress of the members at the Consistory news was bro-
ken of Nigel’s motor accident the day before. Updates of Nigel’s condition were received that he was as well as could be expected and everyone wished him a speedy recovery. But as they say ‘the show must go on’. Wy Bro David Darby took over as Summus and gave an excellent performance, taking the time to learn his work, which was no mean task. Is hoped that a Conclave will soon be formed to cover the two Provinces and be peripatetic between the two.
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WEST WALES MASON
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WEST WALES MASON
The French Connection “Righty Ho” said the editor of the W.W.M. “Give me an article about your forthcoming trip to Normandy, with an attention grabbing headline and plenty of photographs”. “Okay” I said. “How about “Deauville Temple destroyed by terrorist bomb”? “Definitely not” was the reply, and so… Off to Portsmouth to join up with Derrick and Shirley, also from Swansea, and to pick up Evan and Kate, from Surrey – all to catch the 11pm LD Lines ferry to Le Havre. The boat does not have many cabins, but the newly introduced ‘sleeper seats’ are a huge improvement on ‘recliner seats’ and are reasonably priced. Disembarked, and instead of heading straight for Deauville we headed for Bruneval, the site of a 1942 commando raid, ‘Operating Biting’, on a German radar installation, then on to Etretat subject of paintings galore by the Impressionists. A bracing walk on the cliffs overlooking a challenging golf course, then a leisurely breakfast in the village. Our next stop was in Fecamp where, after a stroll along the promenade and pier and refreshments in the September sun, we headed for the Benedictine H.Q. – home not of the monks but of the justly famous liqueur. This place also has an interesting museum of ivory carvings made by cod fisherman during their voyages to and from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, and also an art gallery that has interesting exhibitions; Picasso, Dali and Miro have been some of the recent displays. Following this ration of culture we made our way to our hotel in Deauville and dinner. Friday saw a brief shopping trip to Trouville – which involved a return river crossing by ‘bac’, a small ferryboat – and a walk along the ‘planches’ on Deauville
beach to take coffee with the film stars. Friends arrived from the Loire and we headed for our favourite restaurant for a superb dinner. Here was time on Saturday morning for a brief visit to Honfleur street market before racing back to the hotel, changing and heading for the Masonic Centre in Deauville for Hand to Hand Lodge and the Installation meeting. The Ladies arranged their own night out on the town. The W.M. –Jean-Louis Lesur of Paris installed his successor –Terry Finnucane of Ealing, London, who in turn appointed officers for the year. The Senior and Junior Wardens are Jacques Puyperoux of Le Havre and Graham Thorn of Bucks, in keeping with the tradition of the Lodge to have a French/English progression. The ceremony was conducted by the D. C. of several years, Mike Pearce of Caen, under the eagle eye of V. W. Bro. Ronnie van Engen of the Loire Valley, P.G.A.D.C. and Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Honour of the Province of Neustrie, who was pleased also to be installed as Inner Guard of the Lodge. Our longstanding secretary, Tim Reynolds, Provincial Grand Inspector, was the mandated officer for the Installation. After the closing there was time for some photography in the Temple before retiring to the dining room (via the bar). An excellent very reasonably priced fourcourse meal was served and there were toasts galore. Keith Lister attempted the Master’s song, and not one cry of ‘encore’ was heard. Time for the photos’ but, unfortunately, the camera had slipped into ‘movie mode’, and most of the shots were of highly polished shoes! Never mind, it will be ’Master Elect’ night in January… So, how’s that Mr Editor?
Dandy, just dandy…Ed
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WEST WALES MASON
editorialwwm@hotmail.co.uk
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WEST WALES MASON
Over the last forty years Freemasonry has grown and grown in our ProvProvince of West Wales. To some it is exciting and adadventurous; to others it is killing the Craft. The fact is that our Province has a lot of ‘Freemasonry’. If we go back sixty years to 1948, there were only 20 Craft Lodges, Unity Lodge being the ‘new boys on the block’, with a total of about 2010 members. There were nine R.A. Chapters with a membership of 422. Mark had five Lodges with 266 members and R.A.M. had two with 60 members. Rose Croix also had two Chapters with 68 members. A new Order started in 1948, the Order of the Temple, Giraldus Cambrensis with 43 members. Forty years ago we had 23 Craft Lodges with 2663 membership (including Kensington). At present there are 1837, a reduction of 826, over 30%. Royal Arch had 791 members with ten Chapters. Abergwaun Chapter was warranted in 1927 and 35 years passed before another Chapter appeared. The average Craft subscription was £3 All the others Orders that appear in the Year Book were not even a glint in
the Founder’s eyes. Since 1970 another eight new Orders have been formed within the West Wales Provincial area, (Red Cross
of Constantine; Order of the Secret Monitor; Royal and Select Masters; Allied Masonic Degrees; Knights Templar Priests; St Thomas of Acon; Masonic Order of Athelstan and Knights of the Scarlet Cord) and this does not include four Orders that meet outside our Province but draws membership from it. Some say the Craft is suffering from this proliferation of Orders. But is this the real reason? Certainly, many join other degrees to further their Masonic knowledge, which never seems to end. There is no doubt that the other degrees extend Masonic friendship. But is this causing the drop in membership of the Craft? ALL Masonic Orders stand on the strength of the pillars of the Craft. If the Craft suffers, eventually, so will the other Orders. (Only Athel-
stan has a condition of membership that a Brother has to be a subscribing member of Craft and Royal Arch). Should all Orders adopt this rule, certainly to subscribe to the Craft? This column believes that
the subject is not easily quantified. There is no single reason for a drop in membership. Other Orders do not harm the Craft. If a Brother prefers to attend side degrees instead of his Craft Lodge, is the reason a problem with the Craft? Are other Orders killing the Craft or is the Craft killing itself? The questions, no matter how painful to ask or answer, must be faced. If a Brother resigns, does his Lodge understand or want to understand why he has left? Are senior Past Masters prepared to hand over the reins to younger members and are younger members prepared to seek advice from the Past Masters? Both need each other. Problems will occur, as day follows night, and deteriorate if a Past Master persists in controlling the Lodge to the exclusion of its newer Brethren. Every decision made can go either way to retaining members. Great thought should be given to our actions. There is very little wrong with the Craft in the Province, but it depends as much on our support as we depend upon it.
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WEST WALES MASON
Carmarthen Masonic Hall receives a New Lease of Life Tony Trumper
Prominently displayed above the door of the Carmarthen Masonic Hall is the date 1911 but unfortunately over the last few years the ravages of time had taken their toll and the façade became quite an eyesore. Now, thanks to the hard work of the Carmarthen Masonic Building Company and, in particular W Bros Edward Morgan and Chris Nicholas of Caerfyrddin Lodge 4928 and W Bro Eddie Roberts of St Peter’s Lodge 476, organising and cocoordinating the refurbishment works, the Masonic Hall has become a shining example of a building restored to its former glory. The works have been completed on time, and although at considerable expense, within budget. Due to careful financial planning and a phased programme of works during the last few years, culminating in this final achievement, no extra funding was required. Apart from the front elevation that is
visible to all, the rear elevation, dining room, lounge bar, committee room, areas within the Temple and elsewhere have all been refurbished. All windows have been repaired, parapet lead work replaced and re-rendered; all masonry and ‘sills repaired. Finally the old “black out” curtains replaced with bright new blinds! Interestingly the painters / decorators are the same team that decorated the Temple under W Bro Edward’s employment about 25 years ago. Indeed the newly decorated Temple was chosen as the front cover to the book ‘Masonic Temples of South Wales’. The public generally has certainly responded very favourably to the remarkable improvement of this fine old building and, hopefully, to the new openness of Masonry in Carmarthen.
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WEST WALES MASON
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WEST WALES MASON
Lodge Thistle ~ John G Evans 3.00am on the 5th of February, 15 Brethren from the Aeron Lodge left Aberaeron on their bi-annual visit to Lodge Thistle in Scotland. Ten went by mini bus, four by plane from Cardiff and one by train from Aberystwyth. Guess who arrived first at the hotel? I shall give you the answer at the end. We wanted to leave before the heavy snow came that had been forecast. We arrived at the hotel in Livingston at 11.30am. We checked into our rooms and then met up in the bar. Some Brethren went for a wonder in the huge shopping centre in Livingston, others decided to acclimatise in the bar whilst a few went to visit the R.W. PGM Bro. Barry Nuttley who was in hospital in Edinburgh due to a recent stroke. That evening we went to meet up with the Scottish Brethren at the Lodge for a social evening. All had a fun and enjoyable night. Friday morning after a full hearty Scottish breakfast seven of us went to visit Roslyn Chapel. Peter, our guide, gave us a most interesting and historical tour and answered any questions that we had. It was all the more special as we were the only ones there. Afterwards we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the Lodge Meeting at 6.30pm. We were introduced to the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. (Rab) C. Smith. Lodge Thistle had laid on a special meeting for our visit by arranging a seconddegree demonstration of a Lodge meeting back in the 17th century. The meeting would have been held above a tavern during those days. Not much different to know as Lodge Thistle meet above the Masons Arms in West Calder. It was very interesting and comical. During the meeting, Thomas Iwan Blackwell Jenkins and
Evan Wynne Davies were both made honorary members of Lodge Thistle No. 270, in the Province of Midlothian. W. Bro. (Rab) C. Smith received from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master the rank of Provincial Grand Junior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Scotland during the meeting. This presentation had been organised for our visit by the RWPGM, but unfortunately he was unable to be present. The Festive Board started at 9.50pm with 125 Brethren dinning. The WM of the Aeron Lodge, Anthony Hartwell-Jones responded to the visitors’ toast, which was done at 12.30am. During the Festive Board Brethren rise to give Harmony to the Lodge, this can be in the form of a song or a poem. The Brethren of the Aeron Lodge sang a song written by Bro. Tomi Jones to the Brethren of Thistle Lodge, which was received with a rapturous applause. For Saturday morning. Anthony HartwellJones had arranged a trip into Edinburgh to visit the Vaults underneath the city. (The city beneath the city). Afterwards, a few of the hardened among us stayed out in Edinburgh to sample the culture of the eve of the match. On Sunday, four of the Brethren flew back home! The rest of us went to watch the game in Murrayfield and watched Wales get their Grand Slam off to a great start. That evening we were taken for a meal by our Scottish Brethren. During the meal it started snowing heavily and was rather worrying as we were leaving in the morning. Would we get home? After breakfast on Monday we left Livingston at 10am. We arrived back in Aberaeron at 6.15pm. P.S. the mini bus was the first to arrive at the hotel!
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By Gordon Evans In October 2007, seventeen Brethren were Inducted as members of the Order of the Secret Monitor in the Civil Lines Conclave No 482 in Delhi, India. The organiser of this visit was Bro. Nigel Jones who is a frequent business visitor to India. Bro Nigel is a member of the Craft Lodge Civil Lines No 310 in Delhi. The history of Freemasonry in India is as rich and colourful as the sights, sounds and fragrances of India itself. Freemasonry was first established there in 1730 with the formation of the first lodge Calcutta No72. This was only thirteen years after the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry was at first quintessentially a British affair due to three factors: the importance of The British East India Trading Company. the influence of the British Empire. the massive presence of military personnel, which had been despatched to the former Colony.
1 The first Indian Freemason was Ombat-ul-Omrah, the Nawab of Arcot in southern India. His Initiation took place in 1775. From this British origin three major Grand Lodges were formed in India. They were the Grand Lodge of England (1730), the Grand Lodge of Ireland (1835) and the Grand Lodge of Scotland (1838). These three Grand Lodges formed the infrastructure of Indian Freemasonry until 1961 when representatives of the three existing Grand Lodges consecrated the Grand Lodge of India. Since 1961 the home of Freemasonry in India has been the Freemasons’ Hall in New Delhi. The British under the United Grand
lodge of England built this. R W Bro His Excellency the Earl of Willingdon, Viceroy and Governor General of India laid the foundation stone. The northern part of the city is the original area of settlement by the Indus and is now termed Old Delhi. The southern and central parts are termed New Delhi and were designed and built under the supervision of the renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1929. Gracious tree-lined avenues shade the Lutyens style bungalows. Here you will find impressive buildings, museums, the diplomatic enclaves and the residences of the crème d’la crème of Indian society.
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WEST WALES MASON each year at the Craft Grand Lodge Festival. The categories included are, Masonic Essay Award, Inter Regional Ritual Working Award (best W.M., S.
W., J.W., S.D., J.D. and Inner Guard), and Best Lodge Website. Here are some extracts from the address given by the M.W. the Grand Master at the Grand Festival.
2 A second Freemasons’ Hall exists in Delhi. It was built, again by the British in Old Delhi in an area that was originally the private gardens of one of the Mogul Emperors. This is the home of the Civil Lines Lodge from which the Civil Lines Conclave was formed. The Civil lines Conclave’s venue was the Freemasons’ Hall, Jenpath, New Delhi. There was a good number in attendance and it was an excellent meeting held in the presence of the District Grand Supreme Ruler R W Bro Nagaragan. The following evening we attended the Craft Lodge Civil Lines No. 310, again at Jenpath, presided over by R W Bro Krishna, the district Grand Master for Northern India and accompanied by his Grand Officers.
The ladies joined us for the after proceedings and at this point the Grand Master of India, the M W Justice Devinder Gupta, joined us. The journal of the Grand Lodge of India is called the Square and Compasses and makes interesting reading. It is obvious that a competitive spirit (not to be confused with rivalry) exists in the Lodges. Prizes are awarded at Chennai
“…The main force in this regard is that we need to come out of our shell. We have been isolated for too long. The misconception that people have that our organisation is a secret society must be dispelled by conscious effort on our part. Our first step in this must be in our family circle, at our work place and amongst our friends so that they may develop a healthy respect for our organisation and what it means…”
3
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WEST WALES MASON
Cont...
“…Members join our organisation freely and voluntarily so if they drop out, it is because their expectations have not been realised. We must analyse the reasons for their loss of interest and try to address the situation…”
4
“…Freemasonry is unlike any other organisation. It demands commitment of a high order and a seriousness of approach. The importance of our ritual must not be minimised. It is the means by which the lessons of freemasonry are learned. If proper attention is not paid to it the Masonic message will not be communicated to the candidate…” “…Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation which enables people who
5
would otherwise not had the opportunity to meet, to come together. A little thought will show how true this is and how fortunate we are to meet as brethren, on the Level, act on the Plumb and part on the Square. As we are gathered here, we come from places geographically apart, we come from a wide field of personal and professional qualifications but we hardly give a minutes thought of such differences because we are united in the bond of the Brotherhood of Freemasonry…”
Photographs: [1] Deputation of R.W. Bro. S. Krishnan, District Grand Master for Northern India at a ceremony in New Delhi, Civil Lines Lodge. [2] R.Wy.Bro. V. Nagaragan District Grand Supreme ruler, Northern India & R.W.Bro. S Krishnan, District Grand Master for Northern India. Conclave meeting in New Delhi Civil Lines Conclave No 428. [3] M.W.Bro. Justice Mahinra Gupta, Grand Master for all India with R.W. Bro. Krishnan & brethren from South Wales & Monmouth Province. [4] L - R, M.W.Bro. Justice Mahindra Gupta; Wy.Bro. Alan Dicks; Wy.Bro. Gordon Evans; Wy.Bro.Colin Best & R.W.Bro. Krishnan. Enjoying a ‘G & T’. [5] Ghandi Memorial, New Delhi.
Exploring the Jewel in the Crown
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WEST WALES MASON
TAKING CARE OF YOUR PROSTRATE I was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer in May 2008 and received radical radiotherapy treatment in Singleton Hospital during October and November 2008. Even before my cancer was confirmed it was patently obvious, having spoken to many of our Brethren, that the majority had not heard of a test that could identify an individual’s likely hood of having Prostrate Cancer. The test in question is called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and requires a blood sample which when analysed indicates the level of a protein produced by the prostrate and released in very small amounts into the bloodstream. When there is a problem with the prostrate, such as when prostrate cancer develops and grows, more and more PSA is released, until it reaches a level where it can be easily detected in the blood. In May 2008 my PSA reading rose from 3 to 17 in one month and following a series of biopsies cancer was confirmed in early July. Men’s Health, in particular
screening for Prostrate Cancer, is not high on the National Health Service agenda and it is a fact that that Prostrate Cancer is not promoted sufficiently in this Country. To ensure “ our health “ it is essential that screening for cancer be undertaken at its earliest stages, before any symptoms have developed. Typically, men whose prostrate cancer is detected through screening are found to have very early-stage disease that can be treated most effectively. You may well ask, “ Should I be screened? “ The answer must be yes if you are to protect yourself. The American Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone over 50 should have the test annually. It is essential to develop a Proactive Prostrate Health Plan that is right for you and considers family history. There are some who regard this test as a waste of time mainly due to it being inaccurate - High levels of PSA do not necessarily mean you have Cancer. All I can state is that on many occasions over an
eight year period my PSA varied enormously however in the end it proved to be correct therefore I must urge all Brethren who are aged 50 and over to ask their doctor for the PSA Test. Having a blood sample taken could save your life and hopefully it will have saved mine. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all those Masons not only from Old Priory Lodge but numerous other Lodges in the Province who so kindly took my wife Margaret and myself to Singleton over the 6 1/2 week period of my radiotherapy treatment. I have been fortunate to receive, first hand, the support mechanism of Masonry and can confirm that it is everything and more than I could ever have imagined. Words therefore cannot fully express how good it was to receive so much help; not only in physical assistance but also in the number of telephone calls from the many true friends I have the privilege to make since becoming a Mason.
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L/Cpl. Jarman By Jim Jaramn “I am writing my experiences of that day while stationed at the Mill House Camp. After completing our training in the Special Operators Battalion in the Isle of man in august 1943, 7 Special Wireless Section, A Type Mobile, Royal Corps of Signals, was formed and took up duties at Hampstead in London. After becoming operationally proficient, the C.O., Major Beale; myself, L/Cpl. Jarman, two signalmen and two drivers; proceeded to a field next to The Mill House at Bishop’s Waltham in February 1944. The Mill house was occupied by an ATS Signals Section who were providing a teleprinter link to Bletchley Park from the civilian wireless intercept station on the hill above Bishop’s Waltham. Having drawn tents and marquees from a Field Stores, we set about establishing the camp, ready for the Section to move down from Hampstead. The three Set wagons were set up in the field by the civilian wireless station. The Section moved in, in April,
and we were soon operational: three watches doing eight hour shifts. Sleeping ten men, feet to the pole, in a bell tent was not very pleasant, and we were glad of the wonderful welcome, and cups of tea, we had in the village hall where we could write our letters home. Our stay in Bishop’s Waltham, if a busy one, was very pleasant. By May, every field was filled with soldiers, tanks, armoured vehicles, etc., and then, like a thief in the night, the 6th June, they were gone. Not so us. Our job was intercepting the German Army radio traffic in the Beach Head area. About this time, the ‘buzz bombs’ (VI missiles) started coming over, and the first one we saw was nearly our last. That lovely summer evening, I had come off watch at 4.00pm, and at 6.00pm started my duties as Orderly Corporal for the next 24 hours. Three operators of my watch were the duty guard on the gate into the field, two hours on, and four off, until 6.00am. As dusk was falling, the lads
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PAGE 57 were coming back to camp from the village, when the ‘buzz bomb’ came above us from the direction of Fareham. An antiaircraft gun crew down the road were taken by surprise, and opened fire after it had passed them. They must have hit it, as it came down: straight towards us, engine at full throttle, landing in the middle of the field and exploding. Fortunately, someone had shouted, “Duck!”, and another sentry and myself threw ourselves on the ground. I remember not being able to take my eyes off it, and being showered by hundreds of red hot sparks (this was shrapnel). What seemed like minutes, but was only seconds, we got to our feet. There was a strong smell of cordite, together with the sweet smell of pine (the explosion had blown all the pine needles off the trees). I then heard men crying for help, and Capt. Spicer asking if I was alright. Tents were up in the trees and bodies all over the place. I was instructed by Capt. Spicer to accompany the wounded to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, and make sure that I had the name and number of all the wounded. In all, there were seventeen of them, some in a very bad way. When I looked at the huge crater next day, and saw that I was only twenty-five yards away from the bomb and that my battledress was burned by the red hot pieces, and my epaulet severed in two, I thought I was very lucky. The next day at about 11.00am a lorry arrived with seventeen replacements, and we went on watch again at midnight. If you watched any of the television pro-
WEST WALES MASON grammes called ‘Station X’, then that was what the civilians up at the top of the hill were part of, and we were the Field Sections. We left Bishop’s Waltham soon afterwards, and went to Rustington and then to Broadstairs, where we then proceeded
to Tilbury and on to Normandy. We were part of the 2nd Army. I was on a D/F detachment seconded to the American 9th Army, after the Ardennes until VE-Day, when I came home to proceed on to the Far East Sector. Thank goodness for the ABomb which was dropped before we were sent.”
Bro. Jim Jarman is a member of St. David’s Lodge, which he joined in 1964 and received Provincial rank in 1998. This story of just a small part of his army life during the last war was published in the Bishop’s Waltham News.
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Bro. W. Maldwyn James The National Eisteddfod of Wales has honoured Bro W Maldwyn James, organist of Saint Padarn Lodge, Aberystwyth, by being initiated into the Ovate Order (Green Robe) of the Gorsedd in Cardiff in August 2008. The Gorsedd of Bards is an association made up of poets, musicians, artistes and other people who have made a distinguished contribution to the Welsh Nation, the language and its culture. Maldwyn has been an organist for over 50 years in Llangorwen Church and is Vice-Chair of the Ceredigion Association for the Blind serves on the Wales Council. This honour was also awarded for service to the National Eisteddfod and to the Community Council of Melindwr.
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David Morris M.P. and Early Freemasonry in Carmarthen Dr Alan Owen After a preliminary meeting in 1716, Freemasonry was “organised” in 1717, when four London Lodges met together and formed themselves into a Grand Lodge, the first Grand Lodge in the world. In 1724 this Premier Grand Lodge had a lodge in Carmarthen which met at the Bay-Nag’s Head and Star; in 1726, as the only lodge in south Wales, it was constituted the Provincial Grand Lodge of south Wales with Sir Edward Mansel, Bart as the Provincial Grand Master. The Lodge gave way to the Lodge of Perfect Friendship No. 132, from 1754 until 1777. A second lodge, the Tyrian Lodge at Haverfordwest existed from 1754 until 1773. From 1777, except for a short lived lodge at Aberystwyth; Freemasonry lay dormant in West Wales until 1810. In the meantime, in 1752, six unattached lodges, consisting mainly of Irish Freemasons, formed another Grand Lodge and called themselves the ‘Antients’. Their lodges were empowered to confer other degrees such as Royal Arch and the Knights Templar, which included a Rose Croix element. The Premier Lodge of ‘Moderns’ rigor-
ously restricted their Freemasonry to the three Craft Degrees. However, some members of the ‘Moderns’ found the Royal Arch acceptable. In 1766 they formed, as a separate Order not under the jurisdiction or administration of the Premier Grand Lodge, the Grand and Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem with
their Grand Master, Lord Blayney at its head. Another ‘Modern’ keen on promoting other degrees was Thomas Dunckerly, a natural son of King George II, Provincial Grand Master of eight Provinces and Grand Superintendent of eighteen. He was installed as the Grand Master of the Grand Conclave of
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the Royal, Exalted, Religious and Military Order H.R.D.M. * Grand Elected Masonic Knights Templar K.D.S.H.* of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes etc. It consisted of seven Encampments. Freemasonry revived in West Wales in 1810 with two lodges in Carmarthen – St David’s Lodge of Perfect Friendship 1810-1823 (Modern No. 623) and Union Lodge 1812-1829
(Antients No. 192) – and one in Haverfordwest, Hwlffordd Lodge 18121828 (Antients No. 59). These three lodges came under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England when the two Grand Lodges amalgamated in 1813. The Duke of Kent, Grand Master of the ‘Antients’ proposed his brother, the Duke of Sus-
sex, Grand Master of the ‘Moderns’ to be the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge. The Masonic activities of David Morris M.P. commenced on 7th October 1811 when, at the age of 21, he was “made a Mason and admitted to the Third Degree” in St David’s Lodge of Perfect Friendship No. 623. The Grand Secretary, William H. White, signed the certificate. On 3rd September 1812 he was registered as a Royal Arch Mason, but this time in an Antients Lodge although not named the Lodge was probably the Union Lodge No. 192. The Grand Secretary, Robert Leslie, and his Deputy, Edward Harper, as Grand Scribes, signed the certificate. Then, on 8th January 1813, he is registered as a Knight in the Grand and Royal Conclave as a member of the Conclave and Chapter of St David’s held in the Field of Encampment, Carmarthen. The certificate is signed by the Grand ViceChancellor, Robert Gill, S∴ ∴P∴ ∴R∴ ∴* and J. C. Burckhardt, Deputy Grand Master, S∴ ∴P∴ ∴R∴* David Morris seems to have had a great interest in Freemasonry, for in fifteen months after being made a Master Mason, he qualified for admission into the Royal Arch, which re-
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-quired the candidate to be Master or Past Master of a Lodge (a short ceremony had been introduced for the purpose) and as a Royal Arch Mason he qualified to be invited and to be Installed as a Knight Templar. At the time David Morris was exalted, it was rare, but not unknown, for a Modern Freemason to be exalted in an Antient Lodge without being ‘remade’ and Antient Freemason. David Morris’ Knights Templar Certificate provides evidence that there was an Encampment in Carmarthen as early as 1813. No record of it exists in the archives of Great Priory; many documents were lost in 1820 when Robert Gill’s house in Soho was burnt down. There must have been other unrecorded Encampments in south Wales, because visiting Knights of Malta attended the consecration of St David’s Lodge of Perfect Friendship. (‘ Cambrian ’ newspaper 27/10/1810) and when Sir Christopher Cole M.P. was Installed in Swansea as the Provincial Grand Master for South Wales, the procession included one Knight Templar carrying the Three Great Lights, and another the Provincial Grand Master’s Banner. (‘Cambrian’ newspaper 23/6/1821)
Freemasonry remained active in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest, but it again became dormant in Carmarthen until the consecration of St Peter’s Lodge No. 476 in 1841. David Morris was a member but he was never Master. David Morris was elected a Member of Parliament on the 11th September 1837 and remained an M.P. until his death in 1864 at the age of 74. He died in his house in King Street and over 700 people attended his funeral. He had a clock placed in St Peter’s Church Tower, and gave a fire engine to the town.
The ‘Moderns’ Craft Certifi-
cate [page 59] is in English; the ‘Antients’ Royal Arch Certificate [page 60] is in English and Latin. After the Union in 1813, the United Grand Lodge adopted the English and Latin form for the certificates, but nowadays they are in English only. The K.T. certificate [page 61] is genuine but ’old stock’ was being used up. The Duke of Kent who had been the Grand Master (1805-1807) was the Grand Patron, but Walter Rodwell Wright had resigned in favour of the Duke of Sussex on 6th August 1812. Both Dukes played important roles in formation of the United Grand Lodge.
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Graham and David Elliott “I have to thank two successive W.Ms of Teifi Lodge No 4648, Cardigan, for allowing me the honour of performing the ceremonies for my son David Graham Elliott. On the 8th November 2007 I initiated David and on 10th April Passed him to the Second Degree, both in the year of W Bro Matthew Spencer. W Bro Paul Hives gave me the honour of Raising David to the Third Degree on 13th September 2008. On each occasion the ceremonies were well supported by brethren from Essex and London as well as many from this Province.” Stanley, Howard & Richard Simms An unusual double event took place during November in Gt Queen St when a Pembrokeshire Mason, W Bro Lt Col Stanley Simms MBE, raised his eldest son Howard in the prestigious Westminster and Keystone Lodge No 10. Among the brethren to witness this very special day were the Grand Secretary, V W Bro Nigel Brown and R W Bro Sir John Welsh, Richard’s seconder. Also present were R W Bro John Lloyd and V W Bro Michael Davies. The photo shows Dr John and Michael, flanked by Richard on the left and Howard on the right and father bringing up the rear.
George and Duncan Sykes Very often fathers are allowed to perform the various ceremonies on their sons, which is always an emotional affair. W Bro George Installed his son Duncan into the chair of Saint Padarn Lodge. The difference being, George was the Master and Duncan the S.W. Duncan followed his father ‘up the ladder’. Deacons and Wardens together.
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Journal for Freemasonry in the Province of West Wales
W.Bro. Stephen D Hookey - Provincial Grand Secretary This time around I am going to keep the sales pitch short and to the point. In the centre of the magazine you will find the booking form for the Provincial meetings on July 2nd. If you are able to attend please make every effort to do so, and book early. Please also note that the completed form (and cheque) should be sent to W Bro Peter Scoble and not to W Bro Tony Beckingham. Tony has made a remarkable recovery from his illness, but I am still being assisted by W Bro Peter who is undertaking some of the tasks hitherto carried out by W Bro Tony. Tony has served over four years as Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary and will relinquish that post on 2nd July. He will however still be involved in some Provincial matters, and will continue to assist me in the Provincial Grand Charity Appeals Committee and will also remain as Secretary to the Publications Committee. Tony has been a great help to me and a good servant of the Province, and I thank him for all of his work in the past and for the work that he will continue to do. If you have not already done so, have a look at the Provincial Website, www.westwalesmason.co.uk . I can assure you that it is well worth a look, and the webmaster, Bro Robbie Done, who has put in an extraordinary amount of work, is to be congratulated. You will note that the site carries the Charter Mark from UGLE. We are proud of the fact that this was given without any request for alteration. We are always looking for news items and articles to be put on the site, but please bear in mind that these must relate to either the Craft or the Royal Arch. For the time being please send any such items to me by e-mail at sec@westwalesmason.co.uk . Any comments on the site, or any report of problems should be sent to the webmaster at webmaster@westwalesmason.co.uk . The site is currently in a near-completed Phase 1 of development. We are also working on Phase 2, which involves a private section where lodges will be able to post items direct, and where more sensitive information can be given. This will only be accessible by a password system, and will depend upon your entry in the Provincial database. More information on this will be given when we are ready to go live. And finally, thank you all for the warmth of your welcome in my travels around the Province. Visiting lodges makes a welcome break from dealing with the administration of the affairs of the Province, and it is rewarding to be appreciated. Please remember that I am here to help in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need advice or information.
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The Province of MagonsĂŚtan
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