Pictures from our Lodges and Chapters

Q: What about your hobbies and interests?

A: I like to eat, have quality time with family and friends and travel with my son, I enjoy the company of others and I love to cook. My favourite sport has always been couch-surfing, although I enjoy cycling, and enjoyed a good game of squash back in the day. Alex and I enjoy riding a tandem bike and get out fairly regularly.

Q: Where do you like to go on holidays?

A: Holidays are a state of mind, rather than a place, but Alex and I have toured Viet Nam, China, Singapore and the Australian outback on both the Indian Pacific and the Ghan. We’ve seen the sun rise over the Oriental Pearl in Shanghai, set behind Uluru (Ayers Rock), and travelled on the world’s fastest train in 2014.

Q: Is there any Masonic history in your family?

A: There is no history in my family that I know of although we may have had a couple over for lunch once and not known about it.

Q: What drew you to the Craft?

A: I was press-ganged to the Craft by one W.Bro Owen Jarrett. From there I was influenced in a positive way by many of our members, W.Bro Kevin Armstrong, W.Bro Elliott, to name but a few. I believe the organisation has a great deal of relevance. It provides a place for community and charity. For me, life is about service, community and charity.

Q: Can you share any wisdom for younger people?

A: There is, of course, a place for younger people and when it’s ‘time’, they should be made to feel welcome and respected. Many young people are time-poor and being a part of the Masonic community is not a priority, even if they know about it. But when the time comes for them to seek out like-minded community and opportunities to belong, we need to be prepared to meet that need. There will always be a place for a “Gang” of good guys with secrets and funny handshakes who don’t do drugs and bark.

Pictures from our Lodges and Chapters

Aorangi Lodge No.2300 Installation of W.Bro Jesse Faraon on 19 November was honoured by many friends of Jesse (centre) and of W.Bro Elliott (at right). There was live music, customary dress standard from Philippines, and a great Festive Board in the Philippine style. Every one of the nearly 100 attending agreed they felt very privileged to partake in the entire day and all had a great time as well with the live music and dancing afterwards.

Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand Page 7