Gazette-14

published by the freemasons of the province of durham

ISSUE 14 - SPRING 2014

‘THE NORTH EAST CORNER HAS LANDED’

WHAT’S INSIDE The Prisoner Page 4 & 5

Teddies Galore Page 6

Paving The Way Page 10 THE PROVINCIAL GAZETTE

ISSUE 14

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Farewell Straightedge 1 Page 18 SPRING 2014

EDITOR’S NOTES

WHAT’S INSIDE

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Such a lot has happened since our last issue that, at times, it has felt like our feet have not touched the ground. What with the Official Launch of the ‘Paving the Way’ Cathedral Floor Project; the Introduction of the ‘North East Corner’ Young Masons’ Forum; a change in the Royal Arch Executive and the announcement of a forthcoming change in the Craft Executive; new Grand Lodge and Chapter Officers and Promotions of the same; the Launch of a Provincial Support Group; these are but a few of the events that have happened in recent weeks.

Busy as we have been, it has just reminded us what a great organisation we are all part of and, in particular, how exciting it is to be a member of Durham Province in these busy times.

The news team looks forward to covering all of these events and more over the coming months and asks you all, as readers, to help us in our quest to keep everyone up to date with what is happening when it is happening either in this publication or by way of our website www.durhamfreemasons.org

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We thank Straightedge for this, his final contribution and for his excellent viewpoints and moral teachings he has supplied us with over the last few years. We can reveal that Straightedge actually is……………ah, but that would be telling, now wouldn’t it?

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Best wishes

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The Editor

We are extremely proud to announce that we now have over 1,000 followers on Twitter and in such a short period of time we can now connect with all of our followers keeping them up to date with everything that is happening in our Province. Why not follow us and keep up to date with news and views from across the Province as and when it happens @PGLDurham

If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email news@news.pgldurham to order his or her copy now!

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WHAT A ‘WHEELY’

GREAT IDEA Tees Lodge have been splashing out into uncharted waters by supporting Stockton-based charitable organization, ‘The Tees Wheelyboats’.

The Lodge has so far held two Sunday lunches and a 70s Valentine Disco, with more events planned throughout the rest of the year.

In true Tees Lodge fashion, the Sunday lunches have combined great food with a fun family afternoon out. Raffles, quizzes and even a few games of Bingo all helped to add a fantastic figure to the funds.

The 70s Disco was a little more upbeat. The guest DJ expertly mixed up hit after hit, as the crowd boogied the night away to tracks such as ‘We Are Family’ and ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’.

“The disco was amazing, so much fun,” says Jamie Campbell, Tees Lodge’s Worshipful Master. “Everyone made a great effort with their

fancy dress and the music was just spot on. A great night all round”.

All the Tees Lodge events have been very well supported by Stockton Freemasons and the friends and families of Lodge members. Tees have so far raised over £800.00 for the Wheelyboats, which was presented to Alan Kallagher, the Chairman of the organisation and a Past Master of Vulcan Lodge in the Province of Yorkshire, North and East Ridings.

Boarding and disembarking is made easy by the boat’s design. The bow door lowers, enabling easy wheelchair and pedestrian access, as well as the assistance of trained volunteers, who crew the boat.

Appropriate safety equipment is provided, ensuring a safe and pleasant trip for all.

The Wheelyboats are always looking to offer their services to as many people as possible, so if you know anyone who you think may benefit from a trip on the Tees, get in touch through their website: www.tees-wheelyboats.org.uk or phone: 07748 908 646 or email: info@tees-wheelyboats.org.uk.

Based at Stockton Water Sports Centre, The Tees Wheelyboat offers an opportunity for anyone in the local area to take a trip on the River Tees, and is available to anyone who has mobility impairment, irrespective of age, medical condition or where they reside.

All aboard with the Charity’s Patron, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson

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THE PRISONER It was 6.45pm on Wednesday 5th March 2014, and Ben Tindale brought the gavel down to bring the meeting of Earl of Durham Lodge in Chester-le-Street, to order. The business of the evening was to hear a lecture from a Past Master of the Lodge Louis Barna. The title, cryptically, was “My Life”. An hour later those who were there were picking their jaws off the floor. Good old Louis had had a very eventful life, as they were about to hear.

Louis first detailed his Masonic career and then went on to share an incredible summary of the major events in his life.

Louis was born in eastern Hungary, close to the River Tisza, in 1928 and spent a happy childhood playing around the river. That all changed in 1936 when his mother died and, being the youngest child with six sisters, Louis spent the rest of his childhood moving around with them.

In 1939, the outbreak of the Second World War saw an abrupt end to that childhood.

Russian forces were pushing the enemy back though

Hungary, when they were held up by the River Tisza.

Louis was press-ganged into ferrying the Russian forces across the river, when he came under fire. He was uninjured but his boat was sunk.

At the end of the war, elections were held in Hungary which, in Louis’s opinion, were not very fair and new regime was installed in government. Hungary was now a communist state with each town and village having a Russian advisor, who effectively ran everything and you needed permission to do anything at all.

During the late 1940s, Louis joined the army but, due to his views, was arrested by the Secret Police. He was kept for six months in Budapest’s notorious prison, where he was subjected to the most inhumane torture and sleep deprivation. Kept in a tiny cell with a plank for a bed and only one blanket to keep him warm, he was only allowed to sleep on his back. A guard was sent in to wake him if he turned over on his side. After his spell in Budapest, Louis was transferred to a prison close to the Austrian border. This was an even more brutal prison, with beatings, torture and summary executions. To say that he lived in fear of his life was a massive understatement.

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Louis was there for 2½ years, confined to a small cell, smaller than your toilet at home. In that time, he was not allowed to wash and was only allowed to go to the toilet once a day. His uniform rotted away and he developed skin sores. He was not allowed to speak to anyone, so Louis was silent for 2½ years. He was kept indoors all of the time, so it was a great surprise to see blue sky and swallows on the day he was transferred back to prison in the Pest side of Budapest. This was a military prison, very overcrowded and again, there were beatings and torture.

Eventually, Louis was tried and convicted of crimes against the State and was sentenced to death by hanging. All convicted men were crammed into tiny cells and there they stayed. If your name was called out and you were lucky, it was just to receive a beating; many simply did not return.

After 11 months of this, and with his sanity barely intact, Louis’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment with hard labour.

He was transferred to a prison on the banks of the Danube.

Louis was eventually assigned to the coalmines where working conditions were inhumane and the food was poor. Whilst he was there he was involved in an accident when a roof collapse trapped him under a pit prop.

He suffered a serious hernia to his right side. The doctor treated him, but with no pain relief.

Whilst recovering from this accident, Louis was liberated from prison during the 1956 Uprising and was smuggled from safe house to safe house.

But, due to the political climate, it was not safe for Louis to stay there, so he was smuggled into Austria and from there to England in December 1956. He was resident in camps at first, before being re-located early in 1957, to the small pit village of Plawsworth, Chester-le-Street.

The boy from east Hungary was free, but unable to speak a word of English, in the North east of

England. Safe at last! (Louis has always felt guilty about leaving his fellow prisoners who did not manage to escape).

To become self-sufficient, Louis learned English and eventually passed his driving test, and qualified as an electrician.

He worked in many places, including Fylingdales and Blyth Power Station, before joining Tyne Tees Television and working on many well-known programmes, including “The Tube”. Eventually, Louis set up his own business, which he ran until his retirement.

Louis originally lodged with people in the area and it was through his landlady, Mrs Hunter, that he met his wife, Sheila. They had three children, but tragedy struck again and their eldest boy passed away at just six months old. However, their remaining children prospered and have made Louis and Sheila very proud grandparents.

To say that he lived in fear of his life was a massive understatement.

In 2000, Louis was honoured by the Hungarian government in recognition of the inhumane treatment he and others suffered in the 10 year period between 1946 and 1956, an honour of which Louis is justifiably proud.

Those at the meeting on the 5th of march all knew they were in the presence of a hero. What a Story!!!

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TEDDIES GALORE! King Oswald Lodge who meet in Blackhill met for their regular meeting in February 2014. Members and visitors alike welcomed Harry Norman into the Lodge, who was present to accept a generous donation towards the Teddies for Loving Care Appeal.

That donation was only made possible by the efforts of a few motivated individuals and yet it would affect so many children that they were unlikely to ever know. This was the thinking when Phil Wallace, a selfemployed taxi proprietor and a member of the Lodge for only two years, currently holding the office of Inner Guard, and his wife, Mary, who is employed

by Ernst Young Accountants decided to get involved. The Wallaces have been happily married for more that twentyone years and, although they themselves do not have children, they enjoy being in their company.

When they learned about the Teddies for Loving Care project and how children’s Christmas parties used to be run by the Lodge, they decided to resurrect that function. Together, along with another member of the lodge, the current Junior Deacon Martin Taylor, they organised and ran a very successful Christmas party at Blackhill Masonic Hall. It was well attended by children, parents and grandparents. That event, through donations made for admission, face painting and a raffle raised more than just happy smiles from those who attended, but also a sum of £500. As if that were not enough, Mary’s employer,

Ernst Young Accountants, on learning of this event, matched that figure with a further donation of £500.

Mary said that they really enjoyed everything they did to ensure the children had a good time, while raising funds that would help other children.

At the festive board, Phil, Mary and Martin presented a cheque for £500 to the chief teddy himself, Harry Norman who, in turn, proudly announced that this was one of the largest single donations he had received for the TLC Appeal, now in its 9th year.

Such a sum would ensure a teddy for some four hundred

Phil, Mary and Martin presenting Chief Teddy, Harry Norman with the Cheque

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distressed children who may need to be comforted while receiving medical assistance in local Accident and Emergency Departments. On behalf of those children, he thanked the trio for all their efforts. He also acknowledged the very kind gesture of support from Ernst Young Accountants, whose £500 was directed to the Continuous Giving Relief Chest, towards the forthcoming Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

To the members of Blackhill Masonic Hall, keep a look out for forthcoming events, as Mary, Phil and Martin are not finished yet!

FROM ONE CHAIR

TO ANOTHER The Masons of Hartlepool held a successful exhibition in the Central Library last year and, at the time, they heard about an initiative in which the library was to purchase a Magical Storyteller’s Chair for staff and guests to use when they lead storytelling or musical sessions with the children. This initiative was driven by John Thompson and Bill Horsley, who had organised the exhibition and had forged a relationship with the library. The idea was brought to the Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association, HMBA, and it was agreed that it was a cause worthy of their support. The money was quickly raised by the lodges in Hartlepool, with a top-up from the

HMBA. The highly-decorated wood and fabric chair was ordered and a presentation was made in the Library at the end of March by the HMBA and the Hartlepool Masons.

Heather Bellwood, Hartlepool Libraries’ children and young persons’ manager, said: “Our ever popular storytelling sessions have just become more magical, thanks to the very generous sponsorship from the Freemasons of Hartlepool”. “Research shows that reading aloud to children boosts their reading skills, vocabulary, knowledge and imagination.”

ROLL OF HONOUR Presentations of certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry were made to the following Brethren:

60-Year Certificates: Alan Rounding Frederick Whitwood

Winlaton Lodge No4546 St Catherine’s Lodge No5393

50-Year Certificates: Eric Lowe David William Gibbins Derek Towers Gordon Clowes Bennett William James Berry Brian Ferguson Hardy Richard William Colwell John William Twigger Peter Ronald Shuker Michael John Rowan Geoffrey Hindmarsh Brown Alan Aubrey Moyle

Roger De Fery Lodge No5879 Phoenix Lodge No94 Eardulph Lodge No6645 Lodge of Harmony No4224 Bede College Lodge No4840 Hetton Lyon Lodge No6533 Civic Lodge No5841 Yoden Lodge No5684 Lord Barnard Lodge No2935 Ellison Hall Lodge No7165 St Mary’s Lodge No4864 Achates Lodge No9465

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DURHAM MASONIC RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB In June 2013, Durham Masonic RFC played Northumberland Masonic Rugby Club at Darlington Rugby Club’s Headquarters and comprehensively beat them. Northumberland are out for revenge and will attempt this on 14th June 2014, at Percy Hedley Foundation in Killingworth.

This will be a fun day and, hopefully, we will raise lots of money for charities: The Percy Hedley Foundation

for a training session at The Hermitage School, Chesterle-Street, on the 29th April 2014. The game will include contested scrummages, as you would find in a normal game.

and Bright Red. There will be charity stalls, The Widow’s Sons and a demonstration of wheelchair rugby.

We in the Durham Masonic RFC are intent on seeing that Northumberland leave with nothing but the charity money.

But we need the support of the brethren in the Province.

If you play rugby or have played rugby, then get in touch, as we would love you to play for us. We are meeting

Interested? Get in touch with either the Secretary, Richard Hogg (dmrfc15@gmail. com) or Communications Officer, Peter Taylor (peter. taylor31063@gmail.com or 07530929751). Do not worry

if you feel that you could only manage 10 minutes, as the game will operate rolling substitutions. This means that you can come on, make a tackle and then decide that it is time to let a younger brother take part and leave with your pride intact!

Come along and help make Durham victorious again, or to just enjoy a good day out. It will be fun!

Did you know that most photographs taken at events around the Province are now uploaded to our flickr page for you to browse and collect at your leisure.

Just visit www.flickr.com and in the search bar click ‘flickr members’ and search for PGLDurham and enjoy!

Alternatively you can follow one of the ‘more photos’ links at the bottom of an article on the Provincial Website www.durhamfreemasons.org and add to favourites.

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MASTER OF THE HOUSEHOLD Michael and Zena Houghton are like any normal couple, having been married for over thirty years, living in Sunderland with three grown up sons and now busy with their three delightful grandchildren.

Both are retired, Michael from the Police force and Zena from teaching at a special needs school and, apart from grandparenting, they have a number of interests to fill their time. If they are not at their caravan in the Dales, it’s the gentle pursuit of crosswords and reading at home, particularly one little ‘blue book’ they both hold as a favourite read.

Michael joined Fawcett Lodge in Seaham just before he retired in 2004, after being invited by his close friend, Allan Gurney, to accompany him to a social event being held by the Lodge. Such was the welcome on the night and, being impressed by the conception and values of Freemasonry, he agreed to fill in an application to join.

Once a member, just taking part was good enough for Michael, and he

stayed a Steward until 2010.

Then, the Worshipful Master, Tommy Thompson, asked him to take the office of Tyler and the following year he became Inner Guard.

Meanwhile, Zena had also enjoyed attending the many socials Michael was invited to and, on one occasion, she was asked if she would be interested in joining a Lady Freemasons’ Lodge, this time by Tommy Thompson’s wife. Already aware of the fellowship and charity aspects, she agreed to join Saint Francis Lodge, which meets in Tunstall, Sunderland, in December, 2006.

After being appointed a Steward in 2007, the very year that Michael took the same office, we can only imagine the arguments at teatime about who would serve at the table! Since 2012, our Masonic couple have shadowed their respective offices in their own Lodges, leading up to a momentous year, this year, when Michael was installed as Worshipful Master of Fawcett Lodge on the 12th of March and Zena will become Worshipful Master of St Francis Lodge in October.

movement has resulted in new friendships and, what’s more, a new social life in their retirement. But, getting back to that little ‘blue book’ that they both love to read.

Those of you who are already Freemasons will know what it contains but, for the information of non-Masonic readers, members of the Lodge challenge themselves by learning and reciting ceremonies and stories, with each particular office playing a different role, throughout their Masonic career, and all of which is contained in the little ‘blue book’.

Unfortunately, Zena’s book is Emulation and Michael’s is Old Workings, very different in many ways, so joint bedtime reading is not an option.

When relaxing at home, it is clear how passionate this couple is about their Freemasonry and how being involved with the

We hope both Michael and Zena have a good year in their respective Chairs, but we can only guess who will be the Master of the Household.

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PAVING THE WAY In 2017, we will celebrate 300 years of the forming of the Premier Grand Lodge and Freemasonry as we know it today. To mark this occasion, individual Provinces up and down the country will be contributing to the celebrations with projects, donations and legacies of their own.

With the Province of Durham fortunate to have such a magnificent ‘World Heritage’ Cathedral within its boundaries, and that particular cathedral undergoing its multi-million pound ‘Open Treasures’ restoration project, what could be a better legacy to leave than one involved with Durham Cathedral and this awesome project?

Part of the restoration is the redevelopment of the Great Kitchen, which will be transformed into a special Exhibition of St Cuthbert’s artefacts, vestments and manuscripts, including his coffin.

All of these valuable pieces of history will be exhibited in special display cabinets and the entire

area is to be located in a closely controlled atmospheric and environmental facility.

very worthy project and help us play our part in leaving a lasting tribute to our 300-year celebrations. Let the people who visit Durham Cathedral from all over the world see what a great organisation Freemasonry truly is!

Our legacy to celebrate our Tercentenary will be to finance the permanent stone floor, using the highest quality Dunhouse stone from their quarry at Staindrop, at a cost of £100,000.

This project has already been extremely well received by the Brethren of our Province, with a staggering £31,500 already pledged at the time of print of this issue. This consists of a mixture of Lodge and Chapter donations and individuals personally sponsoring a stone for £100.

Please continue to support this

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For more information about this project, or to sponsor a stone, visit our Provincial website www.durhamfreemasons.org or email Provincial Office on pgl@pgldurham.org

May, 2014 will see a new and exciting project launched within our Province, aimed at younger or younger-minded masons. The ‘North East Corner’ will try to enhance a Brother’s Freemasonry and make sure he gets the most enjoyment possible out of our wonderful organisation.

What is the North East Corner?

How was this Group Formed?

When will all this be happening?

The North East Corner is a new group aimed at the younger members and will be both a social group and a forum for newer Brethren. The aim is to help them find their feet in the Craft and to get more out of Freemasonry, in the company of other younger members of a wide range of experience.

The group has been formed with the assistance of, but independent from, Provincial Grand Lodge and will be run by a committee drawn from its members. They will organize social events and will connect with members, using social media and their own website. Members will drive what they do and how the organisation will develop and grow. They will start with social and charitable activities and where they go from there will be moulded by what members want.

There are huge possibilities for what they can do and this group has great potential to enhance members’ enjoyment of their Freemasonry.

The North East Corner will be launched at an event at Ferryhill on Thursday, 29th May, 2014. It will be an informal social evening, at which the purposes and aspirations will be presented more fully, and can lead to discussion and networking. Details are still being arranged, but it should be a fun night and will be the first opportunity for brethren to join this exciting new group. Those interested in coming along to the launch event can email the group secretary, Paul Quinn. northeastcorner1@ btinternet.com

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SUNDERLAND GRAND RANK ROYAL 2014 HOSPITAL Sunderland Royal Hospital has been helped by the Province, following a decision to expand the Teddies for Loving Care scheme of providing teddies to the Children’s Accident and Emergency Units, to include additional specialist equipment.

Charlotte Atkinson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Sunderland Royal Hospital, having been requested to identify the equipment needed, responded that the donation of £4,000 would be used to replace an ageing phlebotomy trolley, used whilst taking blood and cannulating children, together with projection equipment to project calming scenes onto the walls and ceiling of the unit, for exclusive use within the department where a child is undergoing painful procedures.

These would be of great help in the treatment of children. “ If there was any money left from the generous donation, we would like to put it towards the cost of a new trolley to be used in the resuscitation room, holding much of the equipment needed for managing critically ill and injured children.”

Wednesday 30th April and Thursday 1st May 2014 saw Annual Investiture Meetings of the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter respectively. A large contingent of Durham Brethren gathered at both meetings to support Brethren and Companions from within our Province who were in London to be appointed to Grand Rank by HRH the Duke of Kent as a just reward for outstanding service in both Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry.

At the invitation of the hospital, Harry Norman, Chief Teddy himself, made a visit to view the equipment purchased and hear how it has been used to good effect. In conversation, it was explained that the Department had also sought the opinions of some of their young patients and one had suggested buying a skeleton to help explain the nature of their injuries. It may only be coincidence that the skeleton was nicknamed “Harry” during the visit and we will let the readers decide. Charlotte and all the staff send their thanks for the very kind generosity of the brethren of the Province of Durham, both for this equipment and for the continued supply of TLC Teddies.

Receiving Craft appointments were: Simon Anthony Atkinson, Trinity Lodge No4751 - PAGDC Philip Donald Rann, Lodge of Progress No8259 - PAGDC Gordon Gary Gilbraith, Clarence Lodge No2462 - PGStB John Johnston Stevenson, Gateshead Fell Lodge No4349 - PGStB Promoted to PJGD was Bryan Scott, St Hilda Lodge No240

Receiving Royal Arch appointments were: Thomas Edward Bradley, Penshaw Chapter No3194 - PGStB Andrew Peter Fall Foster, Chapter of Vigilance No111 - PGStB Thomas Edward Henderson, Derwent Chapter No4250 - PGStB Kenneth Charles Kent, Lambton Chapter No375 - PAGDC Ronald Wilson, Bernard Gilpin Chapter No3076 - PAGDC Promoted to PAGSoj was Rev Michael Sydney Snowball, Universities Chapter No2352 “Grand Lodge annual investiture is held on the last Wednesday in April and Grand Chapter the following day. This year was therefore “1 in 7” where the Chapter Investitures take place in May” Nice to see Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John David Watts flying the flag for Durham ‘on duty’ at both. As SGD attending the SGW on the Wednesday and on the carousel presenting recipients to the Presiding Officer on Thursday We wish all of the above Brethren the very best of health to enjoy their new appointments and congratulate them on receiving such high honours.

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APPOINTED, OBLIGATED, INVESTED AND INSTALLED Thursday 13th March saw the regular Convocation of Tees Chapter in Stockton commence as it would on any normal Convocation evening, but this one was to be different from most. Not in the fact that they were to elect the three Principals and Officers for the ensuing year: not in the fact that George William Temperton, a Master Mason from Tees Craft Lodge, was to become the newest member of the Chapter: not even the fact that the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and a full Deputation of his Officers were to visit the meeting. This, although very pleasing to see and an obvious honour for the Chapter, had all been seen by most on occasions before.

The item of business that was so rare was that Grand Superintendent was there to Appoint and Invest Michael Stuart Shaw, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals as the Third Provincial Grand Principal for the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham.

The Ceremony was exceptional with all of the pomp and ceremony you would expect with such a special occasion and resulted in the newly invested Michael Stuart Shaw taking his place with the Provincial Deputation.

A ceremony of Exaltation was then performed, and if the pressure of having to live up to what had gone before them was preying on the minds of the officers then it did not show as they performed an excellent ceremony.

Now with Michael Shaw invested and George Temperton made a new member of the Chapter, all that remained was for the full house of Companions to retire to the festive board where a delicious meal coupled with friendly chatter awaited them.

Special mention was also made of Michael Sydney Snowball, retiring Third Provincial Grand Principal for his sterling work to the Province over the years.

Thanks and best wishes were offered and the Companions showed their appreciation with a hearty round of applause.

Replying to the toast to the Provincial Officers, Michael Shaw thanked everyone who had attended and helped to make the evening such a special occasion not only for him but also for the members of Tees Chapter. He thanked the Grand Superintendant for the trust that had been placed in him and vowed to carry out his new Provincial duties to the best of his ability.

Two magnificent Colourful Ceremonies, a memorable occasion for Tees Chapter and a fantastic evening enjoyed by everyone who attended, if that’s not what Royal Arch Masonry is all about then someone please tell us what is!

Special mention was also made of Michael Sydney Snowball, retiring Third Provincial Grand Principal for his sterling work to the Province over the years. Thanks and best wishes were offered and the Companions showed their appreciation with a hearty round of applause.

The annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter will this year take place at the Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-le-spring on Wednesday 28th May 2014.

Companions are asked to be seated by 3.30pm and applications for Banquet tickets are now available to download on the Provincial website

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PHOTO COMPETITION

WINNER

Not many submissions for our competition from the last issue which is a shame because this months winner would have probably beaten everything hands down. Congratulations to Lee Poppet, Senior Warden of Heabrym Lodge in Hebburn for this truly stunning picture of ‘Marsden Rocks at Dawn’, enjoy your whisky which is on its’ way to you!

Same rules apply for this issue so keep up the good work and keep snapping!

CAPTION COMPETITION

TH THIS MON

£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner Many thanks to all of the readers who submitted their captions for the picture of Paul O’Doherty chatting with the PGM at the Promotions meeting; once again we have been amused by your suggestions.

After consideration we have decided that, the winner should be David Frew, Inner Guard of Lodge of Progress in Chester-le-street with his “I said can I have a Snap Eric, not a slap!”

TH LAST MON

This month’s offering features Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Kenneth Edward Coatsworth Howe when he climbed the new Scouting equipment in Full Dress Regalia...the mind boggles,

Winner- David Frew, Inner Guard of Lodge of Progress in Chester-le-street

Well done David your prize is on its way!

£25 of M&S Vouchers for the winner news@news.pgldurham.org

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THE MASONIC ORDER OF ATHELSTAN IN ENGLAND, WALES AND ITS PROVINCES OVERSEAS The Order of Athelstan is one of the newer Masonic Orders that meets within our Province.

In October 2005, the inaugural Court of the Order was consecrated in Suffolk and, only15 months later, the Order was introduced to Durham, when the Court of Aldred No15 was consecrated in Chester-le-Street on 27th January 2007.

The primus Worshipful Master was Paul Weldon Johnston and the founding Secretary was Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Raymond Norman Dinning.

Both of these Durham Freemasons have subsequently progressed to high positions within Athelstan: Ray Dinning is now the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Lindsey (a geographical area covering the Craft Provinces of Durham, both Yorkshires and Lincolnshire). On 28th May, 2013, Paul Johnston was installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the first Durham Freemason to be head of a Masonic Order since the Earl of Durham was Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in the early 19th century.

Paul, a member of Beamish Temple Lodge (Beamish) and Minerva Chapter (Gateshead), has worked his way to the top in Athelstan, previously performing the duties of Assistant and then Grand Secretary, Provincial Grand Master for Northumbria and, more recently, Assistant Grand Master. In his address following investiture as MWGM, he emphasized the Order will continue to follow its strict

invitational policy, together with the enforced requirement that candidates must be, and remain, members of a Lodge and Chapter recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England.

This tacit support of Craft and Chapter has been the raison d’être of the Order from inception and this is underpinned in the ritual. The Order is a celebration of the influence of King Athelstan in cementing the roots of Freemasonry.

Court. Paul Johnston then travelled to Baltimore, where he was formally accepted by and presented to the largest gathering of Grand Masters in the world at the Conference of the Grand Masters of Masons in North America. These Grand Masters represent some two million Freemasons in North America and other Masonic world jurisdictions.

Further details of the Order can be found at www.athelstan.org.uk

Other Durham Freemasons who hold Grand Rank in Athelstan include David Railson (PGM Northumbria), Canon Ron Black (Grand Prior), John Watts (Deputy Grand Marshal) and Tom Urwin (Deputy Grand Sword Bearer).

What do these already busy and committed Freemasons enjoy about the Order of Athelstan?

“As a member of an organisation that is almost 300 years old, it’s not often you get the opportunity to be a member of something so relatively new, to be able to contribute to its development from the early years and shape the future,” said Paul.

Knowledge of the Masonic Order of Athelstan is spreading throughout the world with Courts of the Order now formed in Australia, India, Spain and the Americas.

The latest overseas trip for the Grand Master was in February, to the Masonic Week in Washington DC, USA, where he consecrated another new

L-R Ray Dinning PGM of Linsey, Paul Johnston Grand Master for Athelstan and David Railson PGM for Northumbria

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SPRING 2014

IF YOU GO DOWN TO HQ TODAY

YOU’RE SURE OF A BIG SURPRISE When Allan Neal, a Founder Member of Indaba Lodge in Darlington, visited the Provincial Museum at the Esplanade, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He explains: “I can remember, as a New Mason, attending my first Provincial Meeting and getting a tingle down the spine as the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Team, wearing full regalia, paraded in to stirring organ music. It was the moment when I began to properly appreciate the scale of Freemasonry and its unique influence outside of my own Lodge. Well, I’ve just had another tingle after a visit to the Provincial Library and Museum.

It began when I was mentoring one of our new members.

He wanted to learn more of our history and his questions were taking me a little out of my depth. I remembered the mentoring advice of asking a person who may know the answers. A rapid exchange of emails with Adam Lamb at the Provincial Library and Museum and a Lodge Visit to the Museum was arranged.

Our party of 14 arrived at Provincial Office and we were directed up to the first floor where there was a variety of Masonic aprons for us to see as well as two friezes on the walls that captured the essence of Durham Freemasonry in a simple, uncomplicated format.

Frieze 1 was a timeline from 1717 showing Provincial Grand Lodge right through to the

present day, including notes depicting special events in Durham Masonic and local history. I recall getting a lump in the throat on seeing the photo of my old rugby coach and choirmaster, Derek Richmond.

collections of many images bequeathed to the Museum

by William Waples (some of which are already published in a Sunderland Book of Then and Now) as well as many volumes of different Masonic books and periodicals. . We also talked about the work the team does in tracing Durham masons for families researching their

Frieze 2 was a simple family tree, showing all of our Durham Lodges and their associations with their Mother Lodges including our own Lodge. Adam, our host, then showed us where the records of every Lodge were kept.

Looking at the Indaba file there was a group photo taken at the Consecration, 22 years ago.

The three founder members who were with us looked with envy at their youthful pictures.

“I can remember, as a New Mason, attending my first Provincial Meeting and getting a tingle down the spine as the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Team, wearing full regalia, paraded in to stirring organ music. It was the moment when I began to properly appreciate the scale of Freemasonry and its unique influence outside of my own Lodge. Well, I’ve just had another tingle after a visit to the Provincial Library and Museum.

When we entered the Museum itself our full history and benevolent influence in the north east became apparent.

The room is overwhelming in the quality and presentation of the exhibits. As we were led around the room, we learned about famous Masons and their good works. We were shown the most uncomfortable chair in the world; royalty visiting Newcastle and many other interesting historical events.

We saw the jewels for each of the 33 degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite; we saw founders’ jewels for many Lodges as well as the history and the Jewel behind the design of the emblem on the Provincial tie.

We also learned about the digitising many historic

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own histories. They have dealt with enquiries from the four quarters of the globe. There were far too many things to describe them all here but I implore you all to visit this hidden Jewel in the Provincial Crown.

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

Lived respected and died Regretted

SHIPCOTE PRECEPTOR On Friday, 28th February, Roy Young, a Past Master of Shipcote Lodge No3626, attended The Emulation Lodge of Improvement at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, where he took the examination and test to become a recognised Preceptor in Emulation Working. He subsequently passed, to become the third member of the Lodge to be a recognised Preceptor, along with WBros Sidney Pattison and Malcolm Ross.

Unfortunately, Sidney Pattison is no longer able to attend Lodge meetings.

Roy was initiated into Gateshead Fell Lodge No4349, which also works Emulation Ritual, in 1987 and, after serving as Worshipful Master for the second time, he became their Director of ceremonies.

An incredibly keen Mason, he joined Shipcote Lodge, the Mother Lodge of Gateshead Fell, in 2010, becoming Worshipful Master in December, 2012.

It was after joining Shipcote Lodge, who have the only recognised Emulation Lodge

of Instruction in Durham, that he decided he would like to become the Lodge Preceptor, regularly travelling to London to attend The Emulation Lodge of Improvement meetings, held every Friday evening at Freemasons’ Hall. Emulation Lodge of Improvement first met on 2nd October, 1823 and is held under the sanction of Lodge of Unions No256 in the English Constitution. The aim of the lodge is to preserve Masonic ritual as closely as possible to that which was formally accepted by the newly-formed United Grand Lodge of England in 1816, and as amended since.

At the regular meeting of Gateshead Fell Lodge on March 18th, Roy took charge of his first ceremony since his accreditation. At the conclusion, he was presented with a boxed pen set by the Worshipful Master, Neil Walker, who offered him warm congratulations on his achievement from all at Gateshead Fell. The very next evening, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John David Watts, made a formal visit to Shipcote Lodge No3626,

Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham George William BARKER Manor Lodge No7908 Ormonde BROWN Pele Tower Lodge No4435 John Thomas CHARLTON St Aidan Lodge Frank CLARK St Catherine’s Lodge No5393 Bernard Halliwell DOBING Winlaton Lodge No4546 John Thomas GLENDINNING Yoden Lodge No5684 Donald HOLMES Crowley Lodge No6901 Robert MacKenzie HUNTER Hugh De Pudsey Lodge No4490 Herbert KIRKUP St Paul Lodge No3242 William Gerald KIRKWOOD Milbanke Lodge No7486 Thomas William LAYFIELD Whitworth Lodge No1932 James Vernon LLOYD St John’s Lodge No80 Albert Edward Galley MCCABE, MBE Lord Barnard Lodge No2935 Paul PERKINS Tyne Dock Lodge No4218 Donald George PRESTON Hugh De Pudsey Lodge No4490 Gordon PRINGLE Tower Lodge No7292 George William ROBSON Willington Lodge No4028 Brian ROBSON Hedworth Lodge No2418 Maurice RUSSELL Ryton St Mary’s Lodge No6550 Hugh SILCOCK Bewick Lodge No5988 Anthony Charles SIMPSON Willington Lodge No4028 John Parker SLEE Ryton St Mary’s Lodge No6550 Harold Buckley STODDART Trinity Lodge No4751 Robinson Taylor WALKER Saint Edmund’s Lodge No7377 Anthony William WALTON Haven of Rest Lodge No4350 Kenneth WATSON Sunderland Lodge No4114 Malcolm Daykin WHITE Wear Valley Lodge No1121

and, on taking the chair, personally congratulated Roy, stating: “His qualification as a Licensed Preceptor will be an asset to Shipcote’s status as a recognised Emulation Lodge of Improvement”.

At the festive board, John thanked Shipcote Lodge for accepting the majority of former Prince Edwin members, after that Lodge closed in December. He said he hoped that this significant influx of members, almost doubling the number, would give the Lodge a new impetus and which should include their mission of delivering excellent quality Emulation ritual. Appropriately, within the Lodge room, both Shipcote and Prince Edwin Lodge banners are now on display during all Shipcote meetings.

The Lodge of instruction held by Shipcote is the forum where the most precise Emulation rubric and ritual is practiced and Malcolm Ross, Preceptor, extends a cordial invitation to any Directors of Ceremonies or Brethren of other Emulation Lodges who would like to attend.

Brethren Derek BENNETT Eardulph Lodge No6645 Robert BURDIS Washington Lodge No 4346 Norman DAVIS Caradoc Lodge No4749 Philip Roland GRAHAM Vale of Tees Lodge No5016 Thomas William GRAHAM Prince Edwin Lodge No4519 Ronald Joseph SHAW City Lodge No3568 John Kenneth WALES Universities Lodge No2352 Leslie WAPPETT Pele Tower Lodge No4435 David Henry WOODHEAD Avalon Lodge No7647

Malcolm Ross (Left) and John David Watts (Right) Congratulate Roy on his achievement

1st January to 31st March

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ISSUE 14

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SPRING 2014

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW! In the first issue of the New Gazette, we were informed that it was ours, as Freemasons, and we should support it with contributions. Subsequently, you have been subjected to my musings since 2011. This will be my last contribution as Straightedge. Apologies to the editor for a longer than normal article but I cannot resist sharing one more story of which I have recently been reminded.

Whilst talking to a group of Samaritan volunteers, I was suitably impressed by their dedication and professionalism. I must admit that their commitment and enthusiasm in a way reminds me of the many Freemasons that I have met who demonstrate similar traits. I have often wondered what it is that makes this sort of person so special and their contributions of such importance to a civilised society. There is no easy answer to this question and, if there was and it could be bottled for sale, I am sure there would be quite a take up.

Anyway, the main point of this

is the story told to me by one of the volunteers.

one final binge and managed to get herself so drunk she could not find her way home. When she finally woke up from her drunken stupor, she looked around and found herself on a public bench at a nearby Marina on a bright sunny morning.

A young woman had been poorly supported by her family and subjected to verbal abuse at her place of employment for a number of years, because she was different. The death of a close friend and the breakup of her on/off relationship with her partner within six months of each other was enough to send her down the track of excessive alcohol use and experimentation with drugs.

Although she was not yet an addict, her parents were not sympathetic and, finally, the relationships at home were too much for her and she left.

As she was still working, she managed to move into a bedsit and for a short while remained independent. However, things continued to spiral downwards, loneliness and depression set in and, finally, her attendance at her place of work was affected. In a matter of months she had lost a friend and a partner, her family did not want to know and the final blow was the loss of her job.

Now, completely desperate and alone, she decided to have

That was the moment she decided to end her life. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing worth living for.

As she couldn’t swim, the easiest way to do this would be to find a spot where the water was deep and jump in. It was early morning and there seemed to be no one around, so this would work. She got up from the bench and started walking towards the water. As she approached the water, a youngster of around 15 years of age appeared in front of her. He had been fishing and had just climbed up the steps from the quayside. He had a big beaming smile on his face and greeted the young lady with, “morning, Missus, lovely day, isn’t it?”. She was somewhat taken aback by his familiarity but, before she could reply, he approached her and said, “look

18 PUBLISHED BY THE FREEMASONS OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM

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www.durhamfreemasons.org

what I have just caught” and pushed his plastic bucket in front her, showing his meagre catch of very small fish. The young lady tried to walk past him but he insisted on telling her where he was from and how long he had been fishing and, when he had finished telling his tale, he departed with,” must go, nice talking to you, don’t get too much sun, easy to burn down here, have a great day”. The last sight she remembered of him was his beaming smile when he looked back at her as he walked away.

A few seconds passed and it was then that the young lady changed her mind and started on a long and difficult path to recovery and, ultimately, a very happy and satisfying life. I was curious as to how the volunteer knew so much about the story.

Her answer was very straight forward. “It is my story, I only wish I could meet that young man again and thank him”. It just goes to show what a smile and few kind words can do. You just never know!

Straightedge.

PROVINCIAL SUPPORT GROUP At the November Provincial Promotions Meeting at Rainton Meadows, the Provincial Grand Master, Eric Heaviside, mentioned some of the priorities which had been identified by his Executive as they look to the future. In particular, he referred to two key areas: the provision of support and advice to Halls and Lodges; and helping to improve the Masonic experience at Lodge evenings. Eric referred to the work currently being led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Hay. David has held exploratory meetings and discussions with selected groups of Masons throughout the Province in order to scope the issues. One of the outcomes is the setting up of a Provincial Support Group. This will involve the recruitment of a small group of individuals who have the specialist skills and experience to enable them to offer practical guidance, advice and support to Hall Management bodies. For example, the group will include people who are experienced in building valuation and surveying, health and safety, articles of association, and all aspects of running a business.

David is in the early stages of establishing the Provincial Support Group but has already arranged some exploratory discussions with one of our Masonic Hall Management Groups, which is seeking advice and guidance.

He says, “We all have to remember that while we may see Freemasonry as a wonderfully rewarding leisure

interest, it is also a business.

In Durham, we operate almost forty Masonic Halls and all of them have to comply with basic rules and regulations of a business nature. This includes making sure there are proper systems of management, control, accountability, income generation and so on. Many of our Masonic centres employ staff, and hire out their buildings for external use.

All of this means that we, as Masons, have a responsibility to ensure that we are running our organisation as efficiently and effectively as we can. This is particularly important in challenging economic times when we are witnessing a reduction in membership, bringing added financial pressures. The Provincial Executive is keen to ensure that we can offer as much practical support as we can reasonably provide.”

“I hope that we will be able to demonstrate that we can offer an independent, common sense approach to addressing many of the problems facing

those who operate our Masonic Halls. It is not our intention to try to tell people what to do.

Halls and Lodges are, quite rightly, largely autonomous bodies. However, a problem shared is often a problem solved. In addition to helping with the running of buildings, we will offer some ideas and options to enhance the Masonic experience on Lodge evenings.”

“The Provincial Support Group will operate in two ways. First, by being pro-active, i.e. by issuing guidance through the Provincial website and Gazette.

This will cover all sorts of areas, including templates for a Management Structure, guidelines on maintenance, examples of good practice, etc.

Second, we will be reactive, i.e. we will respond to direct requests from any Masonic Hall in the Province of Durham. We will listen and work with the relevant people to come up with suitable options. If we can’t sort out a problem, then we’ll try to find someone who can.”

“Any approach to the Provincial Support Group should come, first and foremost, through Provincial Office at Sunderland. They will then get in touch with me to start the process of support.”

It is early days but I’m confident that the Provincial Support Group will make a real difference and I would, at this stage, be interested to hear from anyone who feels he has specific skills and experience which could be useful to us.”

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ISSUE 14

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SPRING 2014

JARROW SCOUT GROUP IS CELEBRATING AFTER DURHAM BENEVOLENCE DONATION The 5th Jarrow Scout Group, based at Monkton Park Methodist Church in Jarrow, has been presented with a £500 donation during a visit by representatives of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham.

The Group is one of hundreds of Scout Groups in the UK. For a number of years, the Group has operated as a Cub Scout Pack, catering for children aged between eight and eleven. In the summer of 2013, an opportunity arose whereby the 5th Jarrow Group could, for the first time, open a Beavers Colony for children aged between six and eight. The slight wrinkle with that was that the Colony would have to be set up from scratch and would need commitment from the parents of the Beavers to make sure it would succeed.

The 5th Jarrow Beavers is open to everyone aged 6-8, regardless of gender, faith or background and exists to provide young people with opportunities they may never experience elsewhere. The opportunities available to them are offered through a wide programme of activities designed to develop their potential; physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. There are presently four Leaders of the Colony and they have two parents currently seeking clearance to also become Leaders. In addition, they are appointing parents as Occasional Helpers.

hoping to increase this to twenty-four in the near future.

The group’s popularity is self-evident and its growth is restricted only by the capacity of the venue. The cheque was handed over to Scout Group Leader, Angela Topping, by John Leadley, on behalf of Durham Benevolence, accompanied

by Danny Martin, the current Worshipful Master of St Paul Lodge in Jarrow. On accepting the donation, Angela informed John that, as a new Colony, they were able to apply for a start-up grant of £100 from the Scouts Association. Having been

The initial intake of Beavers in September 2013 was fifteen, with numbers currently at twenty-one, and they are

DATES FOR THE DIARY MAY

WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY 2014 Caradoc Lodge No4749 ProvGM presenting 50 Year Certificate

JUNE

12

MONDAY 12TH MAY 2014 Jarrow Grange Lodge No8551 (40th Anniversary)

4

7 MAY

MAY

WEDNESDAY 22ND MAY 2014 Industry / Minerva Chapter Amalgamation Masonic Hall, Gateshead

27

TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014 Dunelm Lodge Royal Arch Chapter Road Show

22 MAY

28 MAY

20

WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY 2014 Chapter Annual Convocation Rainton Meadows Arena

3 JUNE

6 JUNE

11 JUNE

28 JUNE

FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2014 Barnard Lodge No1230 Team Visit WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE 2014 Eslington Lodge No 4623 ProvGM presenting 60 Year Certificate SATURDAY 28TH JUNE 2014 Annual Provincial Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston

PUBLISHED BY THE FREEMASONS OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM

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“Thank you for coming along to our session to present your kind donation of £500”, said Angela.

“I am sure you will agree that the Beavers and the Leaders all have good fun and there is a great sense of community spirit here”.

Sneak Peek Inside the next Issue:

TUESDAY 3RD JUNE 2014 Longscar Lodge No6203 Royal Arch Chapter Road Show

WEDNESDAY 4TH JUNE 2014 Stranton Lodge No1862 Dedication of new Lodge Room

successful in that application, the additional generosity of the Freemasons would allow the Leaders to purchase urgently needed new equipment, ensuring that they can provide the best experiences for the Beavers.

• Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge • Provincial Chapter Convocation • What’s in a name?

• Plus all the latest from around the Province Deadline for the next edition is 30th June

news@news.pgldurham.org

www.durhamfreemasons.org

Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org