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Left to right: mike read, david Sermon, mayor of winchester richard izard and ray pearce
winchester celebrates its booming ‘economy’
photography: michael dunkason
lodge of economy, no. 76, marked its 250th anniversary with a ceremony at guildhall winchester attended by almost 250 brethren.
rOYAl busT DeclAreD A brOnZe winner
down on the farm
the Grand master, hrh the duke of Kent, viewed a bronze portrait bust of himself for the first time – 10 years after it was cast – during a visit to haseley manor on the isle of wight in may.
three residents of yeovil’s ivelhurst nursing home visited the ferne animal Sanctuary in Chard thanks to Somerset masons. the guests, together with their carers, enjoyed a day with the farm’s animals, despite the bad weather. a renault master 12-seat minibus is funded by the province, and the vehicle is available to charitable organisations for day trips at no charge.
The viewing was arranged by John Martin, a member of Needles Lodge, No. 2838, in Freshwater. The lodge celebrated its centenary back in May 2001 and, to commemorate the occasion, commissioned local artist and sculptor Michael McDonald to sculpt a bronze bust of the Grand Master, and present it to the lodge. The bust is permanently displayed in the Lodge Room at the Freshwater Masonic Hall. Martin said, ‘Freemasons on the island, particularly those who are members of Needles Lodge, are delighted to know that HRH the Duke of Kent has now seen the bronze bust.’
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The ceremony began with the dedication of a new lodge banner, followed by a talk tracing the Economy’s history. Former mayor David Sermon, a Past Master of the lodge, presented a copy of his book about the lodge, Men, Not Walls, Make the City, to the current mayor of Winchester. Peter Small, the only member who also attended the 200th anniversary meeting, was given an engraved firing-glass to mark 50 years in masonry. Also present were Provincial Grand Master Michael Wilks, his Chaplain, the Reverend Bill Whitfield, and Director of Ceremonies Ian Preece.
pGm richard Goddard and the Lord mayor of birmingham, Councillor anita ward, with youngsters at the fair
fair owner honoured as event reaches milestone worcestershire provincial grand Master richard goddard joined the lord Mayor of birmingham and other dignitaries at the 10th fun for kids Day fair in May, presenting robert wilkinson, the fair’s owner, with a certificate of Merit.
Wilkinson offers use of the fair, plus ice creams, candyfloss and other delights, free of charge to some 500 disadvantaged local children, slowing the rides to allow the least able to enjoy an experience not normally available to them. Started by the Kings Heath branch of the Worcestershire Associated Masonic Lodges in 2002, the fair has become highly valued by local special schools. Masons act as stewards, and raise funds for drinks and a St John’s ambulance.
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