gazette-issue-31

ISSUE 31 – AUTUMN 2018

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS

DURHAM SUPPORT FOR LIFELITES

What’s inside this issue...

P4

P7

P10

P15

Be Prepared

Back In The Saddle

12,000 TLC Teddy

One for the Future

GET THE POINT ISSUE 31

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EDITOR’S NOTES

WHAT’S INSIDE

As the Province prepares for change following an announcement in May that the Provincial Grand Master is to retire in October of this year, we celebrate his achievements over his 10 years in post and look forward to the future under the leadership of VWBro John Arthur, who will be installed as Provincial Grand Master on Saturday 6th October 2018.

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18 We continue to witness brethren making Herculean efforts to support the 2021 Festival, epitomised by those who took part in the Coast and Castles bike ride and the 3 Peaks Challenge back in June, together raising £47,500.

September will once again see our Great North Run Team pounding the streets of Tyneside en route to the finishing line in South Shields, whilst others will take part in the Muddy Mayhem Assault Course.

Please continue to report matters of interest – events both within your lodges and the local community - to the Communications Team who rely heavily upon your contributions.

To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues email: news@news.pgldurham.org

Paul O’Doherty Editor

If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email: news@news.pgldurham.org to order a copy for them now!

@PGLDurham

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PGLDurham

WHISTLE STOP TOUR ARRIVES AT ANGEL

Giving kids with limited life unlimited possibilities.

Durham Freemasons recently took part in a unique charity fundraiser to support Lifelites, the charity which donates and maintains assistive technology for children in hospices across the British Isles. The event involves the Lifelites chief executive, Simone Enefer-Doy visiting a famous landmark in nearly every Province in England and Wales in just 14 days in what is probably the wackiest

relay ever. The route covers nearly 2,500 miles and the transport for each leg of the journey was provided by Freemasons from within their Province.

Sunday 3rd June saw Durham’s part in this relay play out as Simone was ‘delivered’ in a 1936 Railton Sports Car fresh from the Millennium Bridge to the Angel of the North by our neighbours in the North, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland. Simone was greeted by our Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, and several representatives of the Province and Durham Benevolence as well as several

Durham Widows Sons complete with motorbikes and leathers.

The Widows Sons first presented Simone with a cheque for £200 before Eric and John Watts, Chairman of Durham Benevolence, presented her with a cheque for £1,500; money gratefully received for such a worthy cause. After taking advantage of a photoshoot with our Iconic Angel in the background, Simone then boarded Mike Arnott’s classic MG and was

chauffeured to Scotch Corner, complete with an escort of Widow’s Sons motorcycles.

Safely at Scotch corner, Simone was met by representatives of Yorkshire North and East Ridings who helped her to continue her epic journey!

To find out more about the work Lifelites does, please visit the website at www.lifelites.org.

Well done to everyone involved!

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SCHOOLS FOOTBALL PARTNERSHIP

HONOURS FREEMASON Bill Baty has had a passion which has lasted almost as long as his Masonic membership.

In 1989 Bill’s son, Daniel, was 10 years old and a budding footballer.

Bill took Daniel along to a training session with Whickham Fellside Youth Football Club, where, two years later, Daniel, together with his brother, Mark, became long-standing members of the club.

Thousands of young people have progressed through the club, which is operated entirely by volunteers, and still retains the feeling of ‘belonging’ to a club.

At the club’s AGM in June, after some 30 years of involvement, Bill retired as Chairman; he was recognised by the club with a presentation of a glassware memento, presented by John Topping, Secretary of the Durham FA, in recognition of his contribution to youth football.

On the 10th July, Bill was recognised again for his contribution to Youth Football and his work within the Community, by the Gateshead Schools Sport Partnership at their Annual Presentation Evening in Gateshead.

Bill pictured with his wife Pauline at the Gateshead School Sports Partnership Awards.

Accompanied by his wife, Pauline, and their son Daniel, he was delighted to receive a Community Work Award for his past 30 years of dedication, by the Gateshead Schools Sport Partnership at their Annual Presentation Evening in Gateshead.

Gary Elgie (Rear Left) with Group Leader, Nigel Shaw and the children of the 9th Hartlepool (St Luke’s) Scout Group

“BE PREPARED” The Scout motto is “Be Prepared” and Group Scout Leader Gary Elgie, a Past Master of Indaba (Scouting) Lodge was indeed well prepared to represent Durham Benevolence when going along to present a Community Support Grant of £250 to the 9th Hartlepool (St Luke’s) Scout Group.

The St Luke’s Group leader, Nigel Shaw, was delighted to receive the grant which is to be put towards the funding of an adventure outdoor challenge experience in Switzerland. The scouts are pictured wearing their new hoodies specially made for the trip to Switzerland. St Luke’s Scout Group meets every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 9.00pm, at St Luke’s Church Hall, Tunstall Avenue, Hartlepool TS26 8NF.

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CONTINUE TO ENJOY YOUR

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY Wednesday 23rdMay 2018 saw the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston, once more awash with crimson, purple and blue and that could mean only one thing, the Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham.

It has been said many times before but to many Companions this is the highlight of the year when Royal Arch Masons from Masonic Halls throughput the Province, as well as further afield, gather en-masse to renew old friendships, meet future friends and of course to support the many Companions being either appointed or Promoted in Provincial Grand Chapter.

It is quite a sight to see Provincial Grand Chapter set up in such a large area and by the time the Companions stood to order to receive the Grand Superintendent and his Co-Principals the room was a stunning mass of colour from the hundreds of Companions decked in their relevant coloured apron, sash and collarette combinations.

After the Roll Call of Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers and Chapters the Grand Superintendent welcomed the Companions, his Distinguished Guests and Heads of other Orders.

With the Companions newly invested, the Grand Superintendent, EComp Norman Eric Heaviside, addressed Provincial Grand Chapter.

In his address he paid tribute to the Companions he had had the privilege of investing as well as the Companions who had received Supreme Grand Rank since the last Convocation.

He also talked about Setting the Scene and the success it has had since its introduction, Talking Heads, the new initiative being rolled out across the Province, Royal Arch Representatives and the important role they will play in the future, Chapter Installations and the importance of performing a ceremony, he also thanked the Companions who had accompanied him on the many successful Deputations throughout the year and finished with his now famous strapline urging the Companions to “Continue to Enjoy Your Royal Arch Masonry”.

In closing, the Grand Superintendent informed the Companions that all good things must come to an end; he talked about how much he had enjoyed being Grand Superintendent and Provincial Grand Master of this wonderful Province.

He then informed all present that he was to retire on 5th October and the

new Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of the Province of Durham would be installed on the 6th October at the Lancastrian Suite and that person would be none other than Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro John Arthur. Eric then thanked everyone again and said that he was sure that John would do an outstanding job of taking the Province forward. This was followed by a standing ovation from the companions present that resounded around the venue for a considerable time.

A collection was then taken in aid of the 2021 Festival raising an extremely generous amount of £1,454,80. A fabulous festive board followed with the usual wine taking with the Grand Superintendent and of course the toasts which were all performed impeccably.

One of note had to be the toast to the Grand Superintendent, proposed by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Paul Philip Paterson. This particular toast brought the house down and will be remembered by all who attended as it had the perfect balance of humour, respect, sentiment and knowledge, and of course was delivered in a manner we are accustomed to from Paul.

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TRIALS RIDER CHRIS RECEIVES KICK START

Chris accepts the grant from Paul

It was with great delight that Benevolent Representative Doug Barkess of Sincerity Lodge was able to give guidance and support for an application to the Durham Benevolence Community Support Youth Fund from John Barnett for his 16-year-old grandson, Chris Barnett.

Chris is a budding professional trials bike rider and, over the last two years, has moved into “Expert Class“ coming Second in the National Championships competing against adults. He has now been selected to compete in the Costa Brava Trails in Barcelona.

ROLL OF HONOUR 60 Years Craft: George R Walker Harry Robson George F Graham

St Helen’s No551 Eslington No4623 Hadrian No1970

50 Years Craft: Kenneth Armstrong Thomas R Richardson Gerald R Ash David C Thompson

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Benfeldsyde No7807 Surtees No4593 Durham Lodge of Installed Masters No4441 Rowlandson No3360

Paul Debenham, representing the Freemasons of Durham, roared along with a grant for £250 to help Chris on his way.

A local Chester-Le-Street lad, Chis is an apprentice mechanical engineer at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

The following brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry.

George Robison Marsden Howitt Malcolm Rowe Robert Ford Ramsey Llewellyn Green Allan Sharpe Wilkinson Ronald Thornhill

Westoe No4750 Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters No9441 St George’s No5720 St George’s No5720 Perseverance No1643 Faithful Lodge of Durham No9079 Bede College No4840

50 Years Royal Arch: Thomas A James William C Stewart Keith Robinson

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Tow Law No3349 John George Gibson No1643 Hudson No2791

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BACK IN THE SADDLE The Durham Masonic Cycling Team have done it again. Building on the success of their C2C cross country adventure in 2017, and adding more riders to their band, from the 1st to the 3rd June 2018 the Team took on the gruelling 177mile ride from Edinburgh to Chester le Street, in aid of the 2021 Festival.

Day 1 saw the Team congregating at Washington Services. The bikes were loaded into vans and the riders were transported to the start line at Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh.

The team were met by Stuart Robertson of Dunbar Castle Lodge who guided them unerringly to their first lunch stop at Dunbar Masonic Hall where they were met by the PGM, RWBro Norman Eric Heaviside. Apart from a broken chain early on, the ride got off to a flying start.

In the afternoon the team tackled their first real challenge, the ride through the ford (or swim for one rider) and the hill out of Pease Bay. From that point on it was a gruelling and hilly ride to the first overnight stop in Berwick. With one or two little detours the team had covered around 65 miles.

Day 2 saw many of the team in a local bike shop for necessary repairs and padded shorts, before they set off to ride to Seahouses. Lunch was very kindly put on by Farne Lodge and the team were delighted to be met by the Deputy PGM, VWBro John Arthur and the Widows Sons. Assisted by a motorcycle escort, the team then set off for the next overnight stop in Alnwick. That day the team covered a relatively easy 45 miles. There was even time for a celebratory drink en route.

The final morning saw the riders back in the saddle early, traversing the hills on the way to Blyth Masonic Hall where once again the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland had arranged lunch. There was then a final 35 mile ride, crossing the Tyne via the Millennium Bridge, and negotiating the final hill up to Lumley Castle in Chester le Street.

Raising money throughout the ride the team were delighted to be met by a huge crowd of friends and family. They capped off another memorable event with the presentation of a cheque for ÂŁ26,000 to the PGM, representing the sponsorship raised.

Will they do it again? Watch this space‌.

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ANOTHER FABULOUS DAY AT DUNSTON

Saturday 23rdJune 2018 saw the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge presided over for the final time by our Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside after the announcement of his retirement in October.

With Provincial Grand Lodge opened in due form it was time to stand to order to remember those Brethren who had passed to the Grand Lodge Above since the last meeting. This being respectfully acknowledged, the PGM proceeded to work through the business of the day from confirming minutes, receiving reports and electing a Treasurer for the ensuing year until it was time for the main event of the day, the Appointing and Investing of the Provincial Officers for the new Masonic year.

After the Principal Officers had been re-appointed and the brand new Provincial Grand Wardens had been individually Appointed,

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Invested and placed in the West and South the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies called upon the Provincial Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies, assisted by the Provincial Stewards to ‘fire up the carrousel’.

Every recipient was expertly escorted to the PGM to be Invested with their collar of office.

It was now time for Eric Heaviside to make his last AGM address after 10 years as our Provincial Grand Master; no doubt an emotional time for a man who has led this Province with honour and distinction but above all pride. In his address he congratulated the Brethren he had Invested, along with those who had received Grand Rank, going on to highlight membership and the creation of a new Light Blues Club, TLC Teddies and the 2021 Festival.

He finished by thanking the many who have assisted him over the last decade and emotionally invited everyone to ‘Continue to Enjoy their Freemasonry’.

The Provincial Gran Master Designate, John Arthur, then proposed a vote of thanks to the host of people who work tirelessly to make the AGM such a resounding success, giving up their time to enable us all to enjoy the day.

Eric still had one surprise up his sleeve as he asked the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Andrew Dixon to bring Darlington stalwart and Acting Organist for the meeting, WBro Alan Eglington of St Oswald’s Lodge, to the dais. Eric thanked Alan for the outstanding service he had given to many lodges and halls across the Province over his years in Freemasonry and then had the pleasure of promoting him to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form followed by a rousing rendition of the first verse of the National Anthem, prior to the processions egressing the room.

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As the room was being reorganised for the banquet, teams of both the Three Peaks and Coast and Castles challenges handed over presentation plaques to the Provincial Grand Master representing the total funds raised with £20,000 and £27,500 presented respectively in aid of the 2021 Festival.

The brethren present were then joined by Caroline from Provincial Office to enjoy a fantastic Festive Board where it was clear to see and hear that everyone present really was enjoying this special day.

With the business of the afternoon now complete and the toast list adhered to, including a marvellous toast to the Provincial Grand Master by Provincial Senior Grand Warden Gavin Rowell on his debut, the Tyler brought proceedings of another memorable day to an end.

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NEW PROVINCIAL STEWARDS

THE NEW PROVINCIAL GRAND WARDENS PROVINCIAL SENIOR GRAND WARDEN, WBRO GR ROWELL Gavin Ronald Rowell was Initiated in St Paul Lodge in Jarrow in 2003, he became their Worshipful Master in 2011, and moved straight to Secretary of the Lodge after his year as Master, a position he continues to hold today. He was appointed Past Provincial Grand Steward in 2012 where he served in the Director of Ceremonies Team and most latterly as Banquet Secretary.

Gavin was Exalted into Cuneceastre Chapter in Chester-le-Street in 2007 before joining St Bede Royal Arch Chapter in Jarrow, where he became their First Principal in 2014.

Gavin, a Loss Adjuster by profession, resides in Chester-le-Street with his wife Tracey and their three children, Daniel, Matthew and Abigail.

Gavin is a sports enthusiast and has qualified as a Level 1 FA Coach. He now assists in a coaching and secretarial role along with Tracey with their daughters under 15s football team.

A keen cyclist, Gavin was part of the 2017 team who organised and completed the Coast to Coast cycle event in aid of the 2021 Festival, followed in June of this year by completing the Coast & Castles cycle event, again in aid of the Festival.

PROVINCIAL JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN, WBRO D DORWARD David Dorward was Initiated in Lodge Benedict Biscop (now erased) in 1992, becoming their Worshipful Master in 1997 and 2004, he became a joining member of Lodge of Concord and was their Master in 2006, and he is now Master of Lodge of Harmony. He currently

serves on the Durham Benevolence General Purposes Committee and is the Liaison Officer for Peter Stracey House, in Sunderland.

David was appointed Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2004, promoted to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 2005 and again to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2013.

David was Exalted in Londonderry Chapter of Amity in Sunderland in 1994 and occupied the First Principal’s chair in 2001, becoming a joining member of Vane Tempest Chapter of Installed First Principals in 2006 where he is currently their Treasurer.

Provincial Grand Chapter recognised David’s achievements appointing him Past Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer in 2006 with a promotion in 2012 to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.

David has been married to Shirley for 28 years and they have a daughter Sarah and two granddaughters, Zoe and Phoebe and a grandson (Ethan) on the way.

A highlight amongst the many appointments made, saw the Provincial Grand Master appoint and invest the latest intake of Past Provincial Grand Stewards.

These 10 highly privileged brethren will now form part of our esteemed Provincial Stewards Lodge, where they will support the Province within the various disciplines they are assigned during their 6-7 years as Stewards.

The Provincial Grand Master in congratulating each on his appointment, would equally be reminding them of the privileged position they have attained and of the responsibility they must each have in maintaining and upholding the high standards of their predecessors.

As a former Northumbria Police Officer, he worked in various departments before serving as a Firearms Specialist from 1985 and in 1989 within the newly formed Armed Response Unit, before completing the last two years of his service training new recruits.

David’s hobby when he finds the time is snoozing on the couch and, when his wife tells him, walking Barney their Flandoodle dog.

Congratulations, we are sure you will have an extremely special year.

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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT RECEIVES

12,000TH TLC TEDDY The Province of Durham TLC Teddy Scheme, which provides teddy bears for children coming into the Emergency Department at Sunderland Royal Hospital, has hit a milestone, with a massive 12,000 teddies now having been delivered to help alleviate distress to young patients.

On Friday 13th July, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Durham, Craig Steele was delighted to deliver ‘Big Ted’ to Sunderland Royal A&E to suitably mark the occasion.

in 2005 and, to date, the Freemasons have provided more than 83,000 bears nationally to hospitals, children’s hospices and respite centres. Fundraising is undertaken by local Masonic lodges and all proceeds are used to buy the TLC teddies for the benefit of sick and injured children across the North East.

City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust was one of the first paediatric Emergency Departments in the region to take the bears. Fundraising for the project has been undertaken by the Freemasons of Durham, who have raised around £25,000 to provide the teddies.

The TLC project was launched in Durham

Ken Bremmer, Chief Executive of City Hospitals Sunderland and South Tyneside Foundation Trusts, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support that we receive from the Durham Freemasons.

The TLC teddies make a huge difference in comforting children when they come into our Emergency Department. Our

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team often need to diagnose and treat a child very quickly and this can be quite distressing, especially in young children.

By having a bear to hug can ease that distress and provides a great prop for us to show children what treatment we need to give them, taking the fear away. We have received great feedback from parents and staff and would like to thank everyone who has fundraised for this fantastic project.”

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3 PEAKS

CHALLENGE In October 2017 a conversation between Andy Jacomb and Ivan Lowther, resulted in a plan to lead a group of fundraising Masons to the top of the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, all within 24 hours. A date was chosen and 27 walkers signed up for the challenge.

Saturday 26th May 2018 saw the group assemble at Durham Services, and begin the journey north to Scotland in two minibuses and a transit van.

The group departed from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre at 5.40pm where, at 1347m (4400ft), the temperature on top of the highest mountain in Britain was chilly, to say the least. After quickly admiring the view, the party headed back down, then drove through the night from Glen Nevis to West Cumbria, reaching Wasdale Head for challenge number two: Scafell Pike.

Scafell Pike’s summit at 977m was enjoyed in glorious weather, with just enough time to quickly enjoy the view again, before descending. By 11am the party were leaving Wasdale en route to Snowdonia.

With clouds obscuring the mountain tops, attaining the Snowdon summit, at 1085m, signified the conquering of the three peaks within 24 hours.

Returning to the car park, one of the minibuses had broken down (Sunday evening, Bank Holiday weekend). A pair of taxis was parked by the vans; some of the walkers had a stark choice to make: either take the taxi to the hotel and find their own way back home, or take the taxi back to Durham Services, right then.

The challenge raised just short of ÂŁ20,000 for the Durham 2021 Festival, a truly amazing feat.

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SIR DAVID HUGH WOOTTON VISITS DURHAM The regular meeting of Lodge of Fraternity at Stockton on 24th May proved to be a very special occasion with the start time being brought forward, by dispensation, to early afternoon in order to allow the Master, Ken Hardy, and his lodge to receive the Assistant Grand Master Sir David Hugh Wootton, the Provincial Grand Master for Durham, two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, two Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies and some 16 Grand Officers, as well as numerous visitors from near and far where they witnessed the Passing of three brethren to the Fellowcraft Degree.

Sir David Wootton, as President of the UGLE Universities Scheme, ventured north, along with his acting AGDC Royston Jones, from the Province of Cheshire, NE Regional Coordinator of the Universities Scheme David Cavave, and Universities Scheme Chairman Mark Greenburgh.

The purpose of the visit was to celebrate the success of the Universities Scheme in the Province and to provide an update on a recent review of the strategies moving forward, part of an ongoing series of events that will see the team return to Durham in September.

The Universities Scheme was set up at the beginning of 2005 with the

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objective: ‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.

There are currently three lodges within the Province of Durham enrolled in the scheme: Lodge of Fraternity (Stockton), Mowbray Lodge (Sunderland) and Universities Lodge (Durham).

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WASHINGTON MASONS HELP LOIS TO REACH HER TARGET When Lois Huntingdon, who has an undiagnosed neuromuscular condition and severe learning disabilities that she has battled since birth, outgrew her wheelchair, a group of friends and relations took part in an epic 160-mile coast-to-coast sponsored walk from Hull to Liverpool, over two days and two nights, on a fundraising adventure.

JOHN BOWES’ GENEROSITY IS REWARDED John Bowes was a keen Freemason, being a member of several different lodges during his lifetime. This interest was another of the many he inherited from the family, his great grandfather having been the Grand Master of Scotland in 1744.

In 1846 John was appointed Provincial Grand Master for Durham.

However, due to several delays in the installation ceremony and after many rearrangements, each of which fell through, in 1847 John tactfully resigned the post he had never formally taken up.

He nevertheless continued as an active Freemason and was listed as one of the founders when the new Barnard Lodge was consecrated in 1869. He made a generous donation of £100 towards their new hall, built in Newgate in 1877

by Joseph Kyle, who also built the Museum and Barnard Castle School.

A target was set at £15,000, with £7,000 going to fund the new wheelchair and the other £8,000 to be donated to the Forget Me Not Hospices. This would allow Lois’s family to thank the Forget Me Not Hospices who have provided them with amazing help and support.

Lois’s grandfather, Washington Mason Ken Huntingdon and his lodge, St. George’s in Birtley raised £500 towards the target, with lodge member Ian Self walking ten miles between Wakefield and Huddersfield representing the lodge.

In total both charities benefitted from £20,000.

Pictured presenting the cheque are Ian Self and his wife Heather with Claire, Nat, John and Lois Huntingdon.

A photographic portrait of John Bowes, which normally hangs in the refectory of the Newgate hall, is currently on loan to the Streatlam exhibition at the Museum.

New lodges tend to spring up when an existing lodge has a surfeit of members.

Strathmore Lodge was formed after the Second World War when many returning soldiers joined the order.

All Strathmore founders came from Barnard Lodge. Recently, Friends’ Chair Sandra Moorhouse, received a donation of £500 on behalf of The Friends of The Bowes Museum from Stuart Dixon, the current Master of Strathmore Lodge, maintaining the Bowes link and sending generosity full circle.

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MUSEUM ARTEFACT MARKS ROYAL AIR FORCE RAID In July of 2018 the Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was founded on 1st April 1918, towards the end of the First World War, by the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Shildon Alive community.

Royal Naval Air- Service.

A St John’s Church project

Within our Provincial Library and Museum there is a small piece of aviation ishistory a community representing anproject event whichrun occurred during WW1. A small framed by the community, for the plaque made from the metal of the first airship shot down over England.

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The Freemasons of Durham paid the team at Shildon Alive a visit recently to present early hours of September 3rd 1916. He them with a much-needed grant for £1000 repeatedly opened fire with his BE2c fighter, using new secret incendiary It to was presented Londonderry support theirtowork in ShildonLodge and ammunition. Finally a concentrated burst bysurrounding Bro. Robert areas.

White, a Moulder by from close range set the airship ablaze. A profession and a member of Londonderry Paula Nelson, Community reddish glow appeared inside the airship, who meet in Sunderland.

ThisProject Lodge coordinator was overwhelmed by the then moments later, it burst into flames. was named after the 5th Marquess generous donation and thanked Lenny Thousands of Londoners looked up and of Londonderry, who was appointed Bainbridge for putting Shildon Alive forward Provincial Grand Master of Durham in to Durham Benevolence for a Community cheered as the airship plunged from the sky and crashed to the ground in the 1880.

Heand consecrated the lodgefor in 1884, Grant, local Freemasons their which was subsequently erased 122 years invaluable support, going on to explain howHertfordshire village of Cuffley. later 2006. thein Community Support Grant would make a huge difference to the project and would After 18 months of living with the threat enable themLeefe to support many families Lieut.

William Robinson was the and of German air attacks, Britain immediately individuals in crisis in the area. acclaimed Robinson as a hero and he was first British pilot to shoot down a German awarded the Victoria Cross, the UK’s airship. Lieut. Robinson pursued this Shildon Alive bring people together, highest award for gallantry, within 48 airship during a night raid over the promote health and wellbeing, offer support hours. northern outskirts of London, in the

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Laura set to compete at Aquathlon 2018

Laura Podiums for Bronze

ONE FOR THE FUTURE Lara Greggs, a 15-year old aspiring triathlete from East Boldon, received a grant from Durham Benevolence in July shortly before travelling to Denmark to represent Great Britain in the U20 age group for the prestigious 2018 Fyn Aquathlon World Championships.

Competing against some of the world’s best athletes of her age group, Lara lined up for the contest in the 16-19 Female race, which consists of a 2.5km run, followed by a 1km swim, then finishing off with another 2.5km run.

The temperatures were well over 31C on the day, so it was a rather tough race! As the race got underway in the gleaming waters of the Baltic Sea outlet, Lara had an encounter with a swarm of jellyfish, one attaching itself to her face mid swim, stinging her several times; bravely she had to pull

it off, continuing to battle on. Great news though, Lara won a bronze medal finishing with a very respectable time of 23minutes 32 seconds.

Every week, Lara dedicates many hours training for the numerous events she competes in, mostly at Suncity Triathlon Club in Sunderland Aquatic Centre, as well as attending Houghton Harriers running club and Hetton Hawks cycling club.

For the future, Lara has also qualified to represent Great Britain in her age group at the 2018 Glasgow ETU sprint distance Triathlon European championships in August, followed by yet another Aquathlon at the European Championships in Ibiza in October and, just recently, she did a qualifying sprint triathlon at Redcar and has qualified for the Sprint triathlon at the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland next year.

Certainly, Lara Greggs is a name to watch out for in the future!

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Chevaliers de Fer enjoy their day in Durham

RIDERS OF THE IRON HORSE The Lodge of the Chevaliers de Fer No 9732 (loosely translated as ‘riders of the iron horse’) is made up of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country and who combine Freemasonry with a love of motorcycling. The lodge was consecrated on 18th November 2000 in Basingstoke in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight and was the first biker lodge consecrated in United Grand Lodge of England.

The connection between Masonry and motorcycling may seem a paradox to some but there are striking similarities in their codes of conduct and moral behaviour.

When a motorcyclist passes another biker on the road, they wave and in so doing acknowledge each other.

The lodge holds a “Travelling Warrant” and in the spirit of the open road, meetings are held around the country with

its Installation held annually in Farnborough.

Paul Paterson, Master of the lodge, had something of a home fixture at the lodge’s July meeting as it was held in the Durham Masonic Hall. Paul had the added pleasure of the lodge carrying out a ThirdDegree ceremony on behalf of his mother lodge, Mowbray Lodge No 5373. Terence South was raised to the Third Degree with the help of some Mowbray brethren in a unique and

enjoyable ceremony.

At the festive board members of the lodge are obliged to wear a distinctive motorcycle tie, or face a fine, with all money raised going to charitable causes. With that in mind Paul had the great pleasure in presenting two cheques (albeit not just from fines!) firstly to John Thompson, the 2021 Festival Director, for £250 then, secondly, to fellow Blood Biker, John Watts for £215 to Northumbria Blood Bikes.

PGM IN PERFECT HARMONY

WITH THE CONSETT

CITIZEN’S CHOIR!

On Friday 6th July, Kathleen Gardener, Chairperson of the Consett Citizen’s Choir, was delighted to receive a Community Support Grant of £250 from Eric Heaviside as a contribution towards their activities in the community, as they prepare to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

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The Consett based choir has a mixed membership of approximately 40 choristers whose aim is to promote the love of music and to share and encourage this appreciation within the local community and region. They offer varied programmes with a unique style of light music and a spot of humour included. Indeed, Eric was a member of the choir for

many years and is fully aware of the benefits that they have brought to the local community over the last 70 years.

The friendly and enthusiastic choristers hold social events throughout the year and are also keen to provide musical entertainment to lodges as well as actively seeking new members. Choir Secretary

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Judith Cook said that the choir has strong links with Durham Freemasons and was very grateful for their ongoing support.

After the presentation Eric settled down to join in the singing once again in a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Well done Consett Citizen’s Choir and here’s to the next 70 years!

www.durhamfreemasons.org

Catch of the day.

NETTED IN THE CAUSE OF CHARITY

The smile says it all.

The Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity have, so far, held two events this year at Aldin Grange Fishing Lakes. The first being for Elemore Hall School, which is a Residential Special School for secondary-aged pupils who have found it difficult to achieve success in mainstream education due to their social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Mr Stephen King, the Senior Residential Child Care Officer for the School, later gave us a statement for the day. ‘’Although the weather wasn’t great this didn’t hinder the enthusiasm of the pupils and they thoroughly enjoyed the day. They will have fond memories, and socially it will do them the world of good meeting new people and learning new skills. I thought they all really connected well with the guys who were casters for

them for the day ... or, as they referred to them ... “the old blokes!”. The whole set up and organisation of the event was excellent’’.

The second day was for Durham Trinity School & Sports College, which is an allage generic special school situated on the outskirts of Durham City.

The school caters for pupils who have a range of special educational needs including those with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, communication disorders (including specialist autistic provision) and complex and multiple learning difficulties.

If you would like to become involved in our charity or you know of any organisation that would benefit from one of our fishing days, please contact the secretary at mourice@btinternet.com.

BEER FESTIVAL PULLS IN THE CROWDS The Second Annual Chester le Street Masonic Hall Cask Ale & Cider Festival, held from Friday 29thJune to Sunday 1st July, has developed into a ‘must go’ event.

There were over 24 different ales and ciders on sale, with a strong bias to local brewers. This reflected the current craft beer “zeitgeist”, that beer is about more than availability and alcohol content, it is about individuality, heritage, tradition, exploration, taste and smell captured in a glass.

Guided tours of the building were available on Saturday, offering invaluable PR for Masonry in the Province of Durham.

The proceeds from the Festival were donated to the Durham 2021 Festival with a truly magnificent sum of £1,500 raised.

Craig Pattison Serves up the Pints.

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AUTUMN 2018

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25TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFITS LOCAL HOSPITAL

Dennis Robinson, Master of Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters which meets in Darlington, went along with Andrew Foster to Darlington Memorial Hospital on Wednesday 1st August to hand over a donation of £1,000 on behalf of the lodge.

The donation was the last in a series that has seen Nevill hand over a total of £3,000 to children’s and young people’s charities within the Darlington conurbation. The money was raised through individual donations from members of the lodge which were match-funded from their charity account to mark the celebration of their 25th anniversary.

Pat Chambers, the Charity Development Manager at the hospital, was delighted to be contacted by the Freemasons of Durham as the donation will allow the Paediatric and the Neonatal Unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital to purchase a Multiparameter Monitor. This vital piece of equipment will assist in providing expert, round-the-clock care for newborn babies who are sick or born prematurely.

Donations to the value of £1,000 were previously presented to:

“Eastern Ravens Trust”

a Stockton on Tees-based young person’s charity.

“Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group”

Line up with the paediatric monitor: Jane Auld, Dennis Robinson, Andrew Foster and Anne Holt.

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CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN WINNERS Every year we like to change the design of our Christmas cards and, this year, we reached out to the children of our Province to help us design our cards.

We had seven cards designed by children of various ages and ability, and it’s amazing to see how children imagine Christmas and the festive period through their eyes by using local landmarks, animals and traditional Christmas imagery and lots of colour. Although this was originally a competition, the organisers decided to reward all the children as winners.

Congratulations to all our winners, who were: Henry Scothon, age 13, Jessica Sweet, age 10, Hope Dobbin, age 8, Edward Constable, age 7, Emily Birchall, age 8, Charlotte Scothon, age 11, and finally Alisha Wellburn from Cotsford Infant School, age 5. The winners were then invited along to the Benevolence meeting in June, each to be presented with a £50 voucher, along with their own certificates and a pack of the printed cards.

(Left to Right) Simon Craig Steele Vice Chairman of Durham Benevolence, John Watts Chairman of Durham Benevolence and John Thompson 2021 Festival Director meet the children and parents.

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

DATES FOR THE DIARY SEPT

9

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Festival Team Great North Run

OCT

6

Lived Respected and Died Regretted SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2018 Grand Superintendent’s Installation Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

Officers of United Grand Lodge of England Croft, James Peter St Lawrence L6042

SEPT

12

SEPT

30

WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2018 The Annual Provincial Day Out Quarterly Communications Meeting UGLE

SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Muddy Mayhem

OCT

25

NOV

15

THURSDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2018 Clarence No 2462 Full Team Visit

Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Todd, George Edward Washington L4346

Jameson, Thomas Forster St Catherine’s L5393

THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 2018 Strict Benevolence No 97 Full Team Visit

Brisbane, Henry Norwood Sancroft L4347 Adams, Francis John Lambton L375

OCT

6

SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2018 Provincial Grand Master’s Installation Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

NOV

30

Thompson, Ivan Eslington L4623

FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2018 Promotions Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

Halliday, Patrick Carr Eslington L4623 Raven, James William Ellison Hall L7165 Crozier, John Corinthian L5808 McLean, John Lodge of Benevolence L6457 Crozier, William Charles Nevill Lodge of Inst Masters L9441 Todd, Charles Brian Clarence Lodge L2462

Brethren Gibson, Guy Paul Darlington L6158 Usher, John Martin Benfeldsyde L7807 Stewart, Alan Alfred Crowley L6901

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Durham Mason

DURHAM MASON

The handover to Alan Johnson, Northumbria Blood Bikes the fleet manager

PRESENTED

Saturday 9th June 2018 saw the Quarterly Meeting of Durham Benevolence held at Castle Eden Masonic Hall start with a real feel-good factor as Chairman, John Watts, was able to combine two of his greatest volunteer passions.

John handed over a brand-new Yamaha FJR1300 motorcycle to Alan Johnson, the fleet manager of Northumbria Blood Bikes (NBB). The new bike was purchased with a £15,000 grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation made as part of the 300th anniversary celebrations of Freemasonry which, coincidently, saw the National Health Service celebrate 70 years since its inception.

The bike, aptly named Durham Mason, proudly displays the MCF and Durham Freemasons logos within its livery and will now join the fleet helping NBB with its life-saving work.

Northumbria Blood Bikes is a charitable organisation established and run by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and other urgent medical supplies out of hours between hospitals and healthcare sites in North East England.

After the handover and before ‘donning his Benevolence cap’ John told us “As an enthusiastic Blood Bike volunteer rider and Freemason it gives me the greatest of pleasure to formally hand over this new bike to Northumbria Blood Bikes on behalf of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. We are delighted NBB have named it Durham Mason and sincerely hope our members, as well as the public,

will enjoy seeing it on duty throughout the region carrying out life-saving and cost-saving work for the NHS.” Also present for the handover was Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, MCF representative, Natasha Ward, MCF Trustee, Brian Footitt and a delegation of members of the Durham Widows Sons Masonic Biking Association.

Another outstanding boost for yet another worthy cause by the MCF, on all our members’ behalf.

Well done to everyone involved.

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Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS

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www.durhamfreemasons.org