Leicester Square Issue 40

Leicester square

The Newsletter of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons

Issue 40 Autumn 2018

Supporting integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness in the local community

Magical Mystery Bus Tour

Flying Freemasons Page 27

ÂŁ35,000 grant award Page 9

Light Blues Rugby Club Page 11

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Leicester Square SPRING 2018

Contents

SPRING 2018 Inside this issue…

5

Welcome

Including: Editor’s Welcome, Dates for your Diary

6

Provincial News

Including: New members welcome evening in Leicester, Formation of a new Masonic Lodge in Hinckley, Members’ Pathway Launched in the Province, Classic Car & Bike Outing, Young NEETs in Leicester helped into work

New Members

Welcome to New Members

Sporting Associations

Including: Light Blues Rugby kicking off the new season, Calling all Cricketers, Bowled Over, Light Blues Rugby appoint new Chairman, Masonic golfers in Full Swing.

Breaking News

Breaking news at the time of going to press

Lodge News

Including: St.Wilfrid’s Summer Picnic, Ferrers and Ivanhoe Hog Roast, Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction, Lodge of Friendship travelling Masons, Lodge of Research meetings, A first for the Lodge of Science and Art, W. Bro. Jim Steven 100th birthday, 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Morley Lodge room, Race night in aid of 2022 Festival & ‘Keep The Beat’

10 11 15 16 23 25

Universities Scheme

University Lodges continue to flourish

Light Blues

Magical mystery bus tour, The Light Blues witness unique initiation in London

26

Charities

Including: Donation to the Air Ambulance, Maximise your Charitable Donations, Flying Freemasons take off for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival, Donations from the Provincial Golf Association, 2022 Festival Update,

31

Long Service

Including: Double celebration in the Lodge of Science and Art, W. Bro. Norman Small PPJGW 66 years, 60 and 50 year certificates

Royal Arch Matters

Including: E. Comp. Peter Kinder’s retirement, E. Comp. Michael Robinson celebrates 50 years of service, 50 Years’ Service by E. Comp.

Michael Roalfe, Royal Arch Masons Donate over £6,900, Royal Arch Granite Chapter take over golf club for Sunday lunch, Beacon Chapter cements ties with Beacon Lodge

33 36 38

Mark News Library/ Museum

Leicester square

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND Lodge OF LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND

Editorial

Editor, Richard Barnett 1 Bleakmoor Close, Rearsby, Leicestershire, LE7 4YD Tel: 01664 424081 Mob: 07841560162 Email: barnettrichard1@gmail.com

Advertising

Tony Sibson

Tel: 01572 822358 Mobile : 07747 614049 Email: tony.sibson@hotmail.co.uk

DESIGN/PRINT

AnchorPrint Group Ltd, 11 Victoria Street, Syston Leicester LE7 2LE Simon Bradshaw Tel: 0116 2690800 Email: simon.b@anchorprint.co.uk Visit: www.anchorprint.co.uk

Disclaimer

This publication is copyright AnchorPrint Group Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of AnchorPrint Group Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, AnchorPrint Group Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Whilst the greatest of care has been taken in compiling this newsletter the Provincial Grand Lodge

Including: Blood Bikes donated by the Mark Degree, The Magic of the Mark weekend, Sandbanks 2018, Mark Grand Rank Honours 2018

of Leicestershire and Rutland cannot accept

Our wonderful Library and Museum

Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland.

responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. Editorial opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Provincial Grand Provincial Grand Lodge does not accept any responsibility for the advertising content.

To all readers in the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland

Have you considered the opportunity to advertise your business in the Leicester Square Newsletter!

The twice yearly Newsletter is delivered to all 3,000 members, families and widows in the Province as well as many other Provinces.

Enquiries to Tony Sibson – M: 07747 614049 Email: tony.sibson@hotmail.co.uk

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WELCOME

Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers

Since the beginning of my tenure as Editor for our fine Provincial Magazine, one of the challenges I feared but have never faced, is the lack of content that is relevant to me, you, our Province or community as a whole. Due to the continued support from our Brethren, the challenge has been what to leave out, rather than what to include.

We took the decision a while ago to include more about our sporting heroes, from cyclists to rugby players, from golfing addicts to motorsport, and bowlers to cricketers and fishermen. It is really insightful to read through the stories that come into the editorial office as our Brethren push themselves to be the best at what they do. A most fitting quote I have read recently from Brother Jack Dempsey, a Boxing Champion in the USA

a champion is someone who gets up when he can’t I think that this is a fitting observation not just for our sporting Brethren, but for all of those around the Province who put so much effort into fund raising and making lives better for others.

Fund raising has always been, and will continue to be, one of the key virtues of Freemasonry, and as we enter our third year of the 2022 Festival, the words of our Festival Chairman, W. Bro. Dale Page ring true “With your continued support, I know we can reach our target of £1.8m”.

Over the summer, events organised by members of this Province have pushed us over the half way target, and with occasions to look forward to, such as the Sportsmans’ Dinner in March of next year, the target really is in sight.

Recently I have had the privilege, along with over one hundred and sixty members of the Province to attend the launch of the Members’ Pathway scheme, a guide to help Lodges attract, introduce, and retain members. I am confident that this scheme, as detailed within this magazine, will enable us to build on the excellent foundations we have, and in the words of our Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Hagger, ensure that everyone “enjoys their Freemasonry” And lastly, I would like to put a challenge to you, the readers, if you would like to hear questions, views and opinions from others within the Province, please drop me a line, as I would dearly like to introduce a letters section, which I will put to the appropriate expert to respond.

Dates for your

Diary

2018 NOVEMBER

30th - Provincial Grand Lodge

DECEMBER

9th - Craft Cathedral Carol Service 16th - Mark Christmas Lunch

2019 JANUARY

26th - LRMCA Presentation Morning

MARCH

13th - Grand Lodge

APRIL

6th - LRMCA Cheque Presentation Morning

MAY

20th - Initiates’ Evening

www.pglleics.org .uk @ LeicsFreemasons

Richard Barnett Editor

LeicestershireRutland Freemasons LeicsRut Freemasons

Reminder to all Brethren The Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, on Friday 30th November 2018.

Please ensure that you return your booking form responses as requested.

All Brethren dining this year will be seated in the Oliver Dining Room which has a capacity of 262 places.

Early booking is therefore recommended as demand may exceed places.

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Provincial NEWS

New members welcome evening in Leicester The annual Initiates Evening was held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on the 21st May 2018 giving the opportunity for new members from across the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland to gather at the Headquarters for a welcome reception.

Over 150 new members along with their wives and partners and Lodge Masters and Mentors were warmly welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Hagger, in the decorative Holmes Lodge Room.

He then introduced the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W. Bro. Jim Buckle who spoke about what Freemasonry is and a personal reflection regarding his time as a freemason over the past 42 years.

Provincial Grand Orator, W. Bro. David Hughes was then invited to give a short and interesting summary of the history of Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester and the Holmes Lodge Room which is deemed one of the finest Lodge rooms outside of London.

The Chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association,

W. Bro. Phil Caswell concluded the series of short talks outlining the several charitable aspects of Freemasonry.

The Provincial Grand Master then invited everyone to a join him at a

drinks reception which was followed by a two-course buffet providing the opportunity for Brethren to mingle with their counterparts from other Lodges.

Formation of a new Masonic Lodge in Hinckley For the first time in 42 years, a new Masonic Lodge is to be formed in Hinckley, Leicestershire. It will be the first Lodge for 11 years in the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland to be consecrated, the last being the Showmen’s Lodge No. 9826 in 2007 which meets in Loughborough.

The new Lodge will be an Installed Masters Lodge and it’s being created in addition to existing Installed Masters’ Lodges meeting in both Leicester and Loughborough. Over 40 members have agreed to be Founders, demonstrating the enthusiasm for Freemasonry in the town and the need for a further Lodge to satisfy the demand.

The Hinckley Lodge of Installed Masters is being sponsored by the Knights of Malta Lodge No.50 which is also the Mother Lodge to the other three Lodges which meet in the town.

At their meeting in May, the petition for the formation of the new Lodge was signed and many of the Founders were in attendance to witness this.

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Provincial NEWS

Members’ Pathway

Launched in the Province The Members’ Pathway, a guide to help Lodges within the Province to attract, introduce, and Tercentenary Celebrations retain members has been launched at a presentation morning held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on the 15th September 2018.

In order to secure the future of Freemasonry, one objective of UGLE’s “2015 – 2020 Our Strategy at a Glance” is to improve our structure for the attraction and retention of members. To deliver on that objective, the Members’ Pathway has been developed to provide a structured approach for Lodges to follow in order to attract and encourage new members while at the same time retaining and adding value to the existing membership.

steps within the project to launch the initiative to all.

The Province of Leicestershire & Rutland was greatly appreciative for UGLE’s Director of Communications, W. Bro. Mike Baker to take the time and lead the presentation to over 160 Brethren who attended the launch meeting in Leicester. The morning began with a gathering over a bacon sandwich and coffee as the presentation team applied the finishing touches to what was to be a very informative morning for all.

Specifically, the Members’ Pathway is designed to assist with the journey a man takes from being an interested non-Mason to a committed Freemason, with processes, techniques, and good practice that have been developed in growing Lodges and elsewhere.

The best practices include planning, attracting, approaching, screening, interviewing, and introducing through to retaining new and existing members, the end result – more members become committed Master Masons

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Hagger began the proceedings by introducing the Provincial Care Team, ably led by our Provincial Grand Mentor, W. Bro. Paul Wallace. The scheme was expertly introduced to the Brethren by W. Bro. Mike Baker, who took the time to explain the 11

A study was conducted in 120 Lodges across 10 Provinces from April 2016 to March 2017 with impressive results, showing clear support for the introduction of the Members’ Pathway.

The scheme is designed to complement

existing Offices, such as the Lodge Mentor and Almoner, whilst introducing a new role of Lodge Membership Officer. As each Lodge is different, the Members’ Pathway celebrates these differences, and allows for flexibility to meet the needs of the individual, the Lodge, and of the Province.

So what’s next? Over the coming weeks, those present at the presentation morning will begin to communicate both with the Provincial Care Team, and also back to their respective Lodges, and begin to formulate a plan on how to introduce the initiative to all.

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Provincial NEWS

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Provincial NEWS

Classic Car & Bike Outing

The Leicestershire & Rutland Classic Car & Motorbike Association is for those members who have an enthusiasm for such vehicles, including cars, bikes, scooters and military. It is aimed to include partners & families as a social, relaxed and friendly event, open to all that may be interested.

Meeting several times a year, the enthusiasts gather to show off their pride and joy, whilst engaging with the public to meet and greet fellow enthusiasts. Recently, the meeting began at the Devonshire Court Care Home, which gave the residents a chance to have a good look around the vehicles.

Later in the day the journey took us to Lutterworth Masonic Hall for an excellent lunch before setting off on the next part of the route. The day proved

to be a superb event for all included.

May 2019

The next run is planned for a trip to Guy’s Cliff, just off the A34 near Leamington in late April or early

For further details please contact W. Bro. David Crocker: crocker@tiscali.co.uk

Young NEETs in Leicester helped into work Young people in Leicester not in employment, education or training (NEETs) are to be helped into work thanks to a ÂŁ35,000 grant from the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons.

Mark Vyner, (CEO from TwentyTwenty) said:

Around 250 young NEETs between the ages of 11-24, many of whom are also homeless, involved in substance misuse and crime, will be helped by TwentyTwenty through their Journey to Work programme over three years.

These are young disadvantaged people who have failed at school, through being excluded or not being able to engage with mainstream education. They exist in a demoralised state, feeling neglected and without a meaningful future. Being able to come to TwentyTwenty they will gain not only the maths, English and employability skills they need to find and keep a good job but also the vision and confidence to go out and get one.

Young people who come to TwentyTwenty face a wide range of personal and social needs: poor physical and mental health, learning disabilities (many on the autistic spectrum), caring responsibilities (including teenage motherhood), lack of decent housing, family criminality, gross economic disadvantage, low level drug

www.pglleics.org.uk

addiction and a complete lack of societal or family support.

Through intensive one to one support from a Journey to Work Coach and Tutor, the young people will undergo an eight-month programme of education, life and work skills, work experience and counselling.

These will prepare them for either work or further education, during which they will be supported by volunteer mentors.

The grant from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded

by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

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We’re very grateful for this generous grant from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, which will allow us to help hundreds of young people to turn their lives around and see a real reduction in the numbers of local people without jobs.

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New members

Welcome to new members

We are delighted to welcome the following Brethren as Freemasons and in particular to our Province. We wish them all many happy and enjoyable years as members of our Fraternity David Shuttleworth

Gartree Lodge

No.7778

James Cox

Showmen's Lodge

No.9826

Kevin Albert Rider

Edward Sherrier Lodge

No.6757

Christopher Mark Davies

Framland Hundred Lodge

No.9453

Joseph Matthew Spence

Rutland Lodge

No.1130

Thomas Liam Smith

Knights of Malta

No.50

Stephen Greenwood

St Wilfrid's Lodge

No.8350

Michael Henry Tompkins

Leicestershire and Rutland Rotary Lodge

No.9158

Dean Andrew Slayter

Vale of Catmos Lodge

No.1265

Zahir Fakrudin Kaderbhai

Bradgate Lodge

No.6596

John-Alexander Stephen

Sparkenhoe Lodge

No.8063

David Graham Keatley-Lill

Beacon Lodge

No.5208

Jake Robert Wilkinson

Commercial Lodge

No.1391

Luke Jonathan Wheatley

St Peters Lodge

No.1330

Neil Joseph Richards

Saint James' Lodge

No.8478

Nicholas Rupert Mark Begy

St Mary's Lodge

No.7164

Timothy David Morris

Holmes Lodge

No.4656

John Colin Gregory

Humber Stone Lodge

No.7744

Anthony Frederick Cox

Leicestershire and Rutland Rotary Lodge

No.9158

Colin David Parkinson

Beacon Lodge

No.5208

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Light Blues Rugby Football Club

SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

Kicking Off The New Season This is the most ambitious year yet for the Light Blues Rugby Club. The season kicked off with a match at Spalding RFC on the 8th of September. have kindly funded this trip with Rugby Football Union Grants. In the run up to the Christmas period, this will see both the annual fixture against Aylestone Athletic RFC and also a special fixture against a Lord Mayor’s XV. The New Year brings the annual memorial game at Sheffield Tigers RFC., whilst the rest of the season will consist of the return fixture in Essex and both home and away games with the Old Scouts of Northampton who have strong ties with the William Webb-Ellis Lodge in Rugby. The season ends with the Light Blues supporting a Vipers RFC President’s day on the 5th May, a club that have given unparalleled support to the Light Blues over recent years.

In October, the Light Blues hosted the Essex Masonic Rugby team, who visited Freemasons’ Hall Leicester to attend a meeting of the Rothley Temple Lodge No.7801 prior to the game being played on the Saturday. November sees the Light Blues make their first overseas trip to Jersey, as guests of the Jersey Royals RFC who

W. Bro. Chris Lucas (Rothley Temple Lodge No.7801) Fixtures Secretary added “It’s been great fun talking to other clubs and spreading the word about the Light Blues, we are looking forward to another season of making new friends both county and countrywide, and hopefully roughing them up a bit on the field of play”.

The Light Blues are going from strength to strength and we hope this will be our most successful season so far, we are always looking for new players and love to see Brethren and their families at the games to support.

W. Bro. Paul Toon (Knighton Lodge No.4711) Club President

Calling all Cricketers Would you like to become part of a winning cricket team to represent the Province?

With the success of the other Provincial sporting associations, a group of keen cricketers has decided that it is about time to put cricket on the map in Leicestershire & Rutland. Work has begun to build a foundation for the formation of a team, with a goal of playing competitive matches in the summer of 2019. If you are one of our budding cricketers, and feel up to the challenge of helping to form the team,

www.pglleics.org.uk

then please get in touch with Rob Wood (robwood1966@outlook.com) or Chris Hughes (christopher-hughes@hotmail. co.uk).

They will be holding several indoor nets sessions over the closed season, so please register your interest as soon as possible.

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SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

Bowled Over

The Masonic Annual Charity Event (MACE) came to Melton Mowbray Bowling Club on Friday 10th August 2018, bringing together 14 Provinces from around the country.

Rather frustratingly, the day experienced the first rain after weeks of warm fine weather, but undeterred by showers in the afternoon, a good day of bowling was completed with Gloucestershire emerging as winners after a close-fought final against Sussex, who will be next year’s hosts.

Sadly the two Leicestershire & Rutland rinks suffered memories of their school reports… “Could do better”… but were certainly not disgraced!

I am delighted that Leicestershire & Rutland have produced £4,000 (boosted

by a generous raffle and auction) to add to the £45,000 already raised by MACE since it began eight years ago.

Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Hagger was on hand to present cheques to our two worthy charities, Rainbows and Dove Cottage, who expressed their delight at such meaningful support for the fantastic work they do.

Fund raising continued into the evening at Ristorante Amici in Melton Mowbray, where 34 bowlers and their partners filled the restaurant and enjoyed a lovely Italian meal provided by proprietors W. Bro. Mark Hallam and

his wife Giuliana, to whom we are most grateful for their kind and generous hospitality.

W. Bro. Jim Williamson, L&R Bowls Representative

The photograph shows the winning Gloucestershire rink and skipper W. Bro. John Owen, with the trophy presented by the Provincial Grand Master.

Light Blues Rugby

Club Appoint New Chairman At the recent Light Blues Rugby Club Annual General Meeting, Bro. Paul Wareing of Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063 has been appointed Chairman of the Light Blues succeeding Bro. Samuel Harris of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081, who had been Chairman since the club was formed in 2016.

Bro. Paul speaking to Leicester Square stated “it was an absolute delight to be asked to become Chairman of the Light Blues Rugby Club, I know there is a lot of hard work going in behind the scenes to arrange fixtures, training, and general club administration. I am determined to contribute widely to help the club move forward, with the season already started it will see the Light Blues travel far and wide across the country. I have been assisting the club with the fixture in Jersey, and certainly look forward to meeting members of the Jersey Masonic Community in November.

I would like to express my thanks to my fellow club officials for their dedication in growing this club”:

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SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

Masonic Golfers in Full Swing The Provincial Golf team has had an extremely busy year, with various competitions and matches being played throughout the summer months the Inter Provincial Competition. In the Six Counties Tournament hosted

by Yorkshire Province, the match was tied second with the winners being Derbyshire Province.

In the Provincial matches versus Northamptonshire and Derbyshire our team did not fare so well, losing both matches but with a high hope to regain the trophies next year.

Notable competitions played so far include the Swann Cup, which was played at Glen Gorse Golf Course on the 23rd May which saw first prize go to W. Bro. Paul Bilson and W. Bro. Earl Harrison (St Deny’s Lodge No.8276), second prize was taken by Bro. Ken Abbott (East Goscote No.2865) and W. Bro. Carl Ackers (Guthlaxton Lodge No.7717) with third prize going to Bro. Dave Hall (Lodge Semper Eadem No.3091) and W. Bro. Martin Moore (Lodge Semper Eadem No.3091).

The Invitation Open Tournament, which was due to be held at Beedles Lake Golf Course on the 11th April was postponed, due to bad weather. It was subsequently played on the 23rd July which turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year! Winners were W. Bro. Ashok Patel & W. Bro. Mike Harrison of Albert Edward Lodge No.1560 The Coles Bowl was played at Rothley Park Golf Course on the 13th June, with first prize going to Bro. Ken Abbott (East Goscote No.2865) and W. Bro. Carl Ackers (Guthlaxton Lodge No.7717), second prize going to Bros.

Bryan Freestone & Hugh Devien (Howe & Charnwood Lodge No.1007) and

14

third prize going to W. Bro. Martin Waddington & Bro. David Woodfield (Albert Edward Lodge No.1560) The Parlby & Doleman Goblets were played at Cosby Golf Course on the 13th August, a hard fought tournament which was eventually won by W. Bro. Paul Cave & Bro. Anthony Holmes (Holmes Lodge No.4656), second place went to W. Bros. Steve Legate & Steve Orange (Greyfrairs Lodge No.6803) and nearest to the pin In one : W. Bro. Brian Carruthers (St James’ Lodge No.8478) with Simon Rumming achieving nearest to the pin in two.

Additionally, the Holmes Inter-Lodge Cup played at Leicestershire Golf Course winners were the Lodge of Gratitude No.6514 (Team of W. Bro. Steve Finnigan and Bro. Mark Smith with President’s score added on) Runners Up were the Lodge of Round Table No.7762 (Team of W. Bro. Guy Raynor Edwards and Bro. Keith Helstrip with President’s score added on) and third place was taken by the St Deny’s Lodge No.8276 (Team of W. Bro. Earl Harrison, W. Bro. Paul Bilson and W. Bro. Peter Ince) Our intrepid golfers also took part in

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

In the much coveted Oliver Cup, the Best Individual Net Score went to W. Bro. Paul Cave (Holmes Lodge No.4656) with Bro. Mark Smith (Lodge of Gratitude No.6514) as runner up and third place to W. Bro. Ashok Patel (Albert Edward Lodge No.1560). The Leeson Scratch Cup Best Individual Gross Score went to W. Bro. Earl Harrison (St Deny’s Lodge No.8276) with Bro. Mark Smith (Lodge of Gratitude No.6514) again finishing as runner up. The Peter March Trophy for 2018 was won by W. Bro. Brian Carruthers (St James’s Lodge No.8478) and Bro. Rob Hopewell (Rothley Lodge No.7801). Also, the Kemp Cup Best Score From a Lodge Golf Representative went to our very own W. Bro. Paul Cave - Holmes Lodge Golf Rep And finally, the annual Peter March Knockout Tournament saw a hard fought match pitching W. Bro. Bob Hopewell and W. Bro. Brian Carruthers against W. Bro. Michael Harrison and the Provincial Golf Association President, W. Bro. Ashok Patel, which was won on the 19th hole by W. Bro.s.

Bob and Brian.

One feature of this seasons golfing has been the selection of a different golf course for each of the tournaments.

W. Bro. Ashok Patel and his team have worked very hard to make it an enjoyable and successful year.

BREAKING NEWS

News Just In...

The following stories were breaking at the time of going to press, for more information, please see the website.

Cyclists raise over £6,000 in support for Rainbows and the 2022 Festival with a 150 mile tour of the Province.

Masonic table appears on BBC Antiques Roadshow.

A mysterious marble table adorned with Masonic symbols was featured on the antiques from Abbey Pumping Station on Sunday 30th September 2018.

W. Bro. Rod Harpham of Howe and Charnwood Lodge No.1007 completes an epic 215 mile cycle ride to raise £1,000 in support of the 2022 Festival.

Local Disabled Children helped by Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons. Disabled children across Leicestershire and Rutland will now be able to take part in our amazing gardening facility thanks to a generous grant of £3,500 from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons.

The Memorial Wood at Bradgate Park celebrates its first anniversary.

Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons’ present £60,875 to local Charities and good causes.

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Lodge NEWS

Lodge No. 8350

St.Wilfrid’s Summer Picnic On Saturday 1st July 2018, W. Bro. Paul Simpson, St.Wilfrid’s 2022 Festival Steward, and his fiancée Denise Line hosted a summer picnic in the garden of their home in Market Harborough to raise funds for the 2022 Festival.

The event was well attended by Brethren of St.Wilfrid’s Lodge and their partners, wives and children. In total 49 people were present to make the event a fantastic day. An enjoyable time was had by all in the glorious sunshine with an impressive cold buffet prepared by Paul and Denise.

A raffle was held which was generously supported with a large number of donations from the Brethren. A total of £310 was raised, which was boosted even further by profits from the catering. Due to the success of this event, Paul and Denise have agreed to host this annually during the term of the 2022 Festival.

Lodge No.779

Ferrers and Ivanhoe hold Hog Roast In the afternoon of Sunday the 24th June 2018, exactly 301 years to the day since the formation of the first Grand Lodge, the Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779 meeting in Ashby de la Zouch, held a Hog Roast at Zamani’s Italian restaurant in the town.

Master, Terry Hueck had planned the event as a family social gathering with friends as well as being a fundraising opportunity.

Over 100 members, family and friends including many children gathered for the feast of pulled pork rolls, home-made sausages, roast potatoes and salad, followed by delicious home-made cheesecake. Music and singing were provided by Past Master W. Bro. Phil Vincent.

A very successful auction and raffle took place raising £1,515 for a local Alzheimers charity and the Leicestershire and Rutland 2022 Festival.

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

It was a fabulous afternoon with a fantastic atmosphere and superb food on a hot sunny day.

I would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity, especially Bro. Pejman Zamani, who very generously donated the food and contributed an auction prize.

Lodge NEWS

Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction On the 19th April 2018, The Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction held a successful twenty eighth annual festival at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester.

Union Lodge of Instruction holds an annual festival, demonstrating some of the not often seen lectures within the Craft.

This year, ten of the members presented the lectures under the Presidency of Grand Officer W. Bro. Stephen Davison, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, who took the Master’s Chair for the evening from Acting Master W. Bro. Stuart Lyon of Guthlaxton Lodge No. 7717.

The Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction, established on the 21st July 1848 and then re-established on the 21st February 1991, is one of seven Lodges of Instruction in the Province, with the aim of providing an opportunity for Brethren both old and new to gain a better understanding of the ritual and symbolism of Freemasonry, and to practise the ritual in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The meetings are typically overseen by the Preceptor who is an experienced member of the Lodge for help and guidance.

In addition to practicing the usual ceremonies, once a year the Leicester

The fourth parts of the First Lecture were given by Bro. John Gale (Grey Friars Lodge No.6803), W. Bro. Stephen Topham (Guthlaxton Lodge No.7717), W. Bro. Jason Addison (Gabriel Newton Lodge No.9071) and W. Bro. Darren Bowles (St.John’s Lodge No.279).

The fifth parts of the First Lecture were given by W. Bro. Nicholas Evans (Lodge of Friendship No.7168), W. Bro. Shusheel Kumar (Lodge of Welcome No.5664), W. Bro. Melvyn Franks (St. John’s Lodge No. 279) and Bro. Raju Gorania (St.John’s Lodge No. 279) And finally the sixth part of the First Lecture was given by W. Bro. Simon Sharman (Lodge of Welcome No.5664) and W. Bro. Richard Barnett (Granite Lodge No.2028)

The President then vacated the Chair in favour of the Acting Master W. Bro. Stuart Lyon who promptly thanked the President for his contribution to a wonderful evening.

This 28th Annual Festival illustrated the work of the Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction so well, a truly masonic occasion.

W. Bro. Trevor Grainger (Secretary Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction)

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Lodge NEWS

Lodge of Friendship Travelling Masons Several members of the Lodge of Friendship No.7168 are off on their travels to a gathering of other Lodges with the same name.

Nearly 20 years ago, members of the Lodge of Friendship No.202 in Plymouth began an initiative to take them around the country, meeting up with other Lodges of the same name, forming an annual event that is now known as “the Gathering”.

Since this first meeting, the different Lodge of Friendships have met in the different home towns on an annual basis, passing on a gavel especially

made for the occasion. This time it was the turn of the Lodge of Friendship No.750 who meet in Cleckheaton (in the Province of Yorkshire & West Riding) to host the event. From Leicestershire & Rutland, five members of our Lodge of Friendship No.7168 attended for the weekend with their partners, where a lecture was given with in excess of 100 Freemasons from around ten Lodge of Friendships attending.

Lodge of Research Meetings 2018 & 2019 The Lodge of Research is pleased to announce the programme of lectures and discussions for 2018 & 2019.

The Lodge meets three times a year at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester and warmly welcomes visiting Brethren who are Master Masons and above.

After the Lodge is closed, a buffet is available as part of the Conversazione.

Monday 26th Nov. 2018 at 5.30pm W. Bro. Ian Johnson PAGDC will be Installed as Worshipful Master and will give his inaugural address: ‘Past Provincial Grand Treasurers of Leicestershire and Rutland from

Join the Correspondence Circle Membership of the Correspondence Circle is open to every Master Mason of good standing and members of the Circle have the same privileges as full members except the right to vote or hold office. Subscription is £15 (overseas £23) per year which includes a copy of the printed annual Transactions. An application form can be found on the Lodge website: www. research2429.org.uk

the Late Nineteenth Century to the Present Day’ Monday 28th Jan 2019 at 6.00pm A Symposium on the distinguished Masonic scholar W. Bro. John Thorp will be delivered by members of the Lodge.

Monday 25th March 2019 at 6.00pm Invited external speaker – W. Bro. Dr. David Harrison: ‘The Lost Rites of the Age of Enlightenment’

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Lodge NEWS

A first for the

Lodge of Science and Art No. 8429 The Lodge of Science and Art No. 8429, meeting in Loughborough held a fascinating triple Initiation ceremony in February 2018.

This is not the first time that a Lodge has held a triple Initiation ceremony, however for the Lodge of Science and Art, the fact that the three candidates each professed different faiths made it a first for the Lodge.

All three students Bros. Younas Shaheen, Rahul Mathasing and Matt Fitzgerald were duly Initiated and took their place in the Lodge. Being a Universities Scheme Lodge, it was of interest that Bro.Rahul has been appointed President of the Loughborough University Students’ Union for the coming year.

W. Bro. Jim Steven Celebrates his 100th Birthday with a visit from

Grace Dieu Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master

W. Bro. Jim Steven was initiated into Grace Dieu Lodge No.2428 on Thursday 9th December 1976, Passed on 14th April 1977 and Raised on 10th November 1977. He served the Lodge as Master during 1989-1990. W. Bro. Jim was promoted to the rank of PPAGDC in 1995.

W. Bro. Jim Steven was born on 16th Sept 1918 in Irvine, Ayrshire, moving to Ibstock as a child. After attending Ashby Grammar School, Jim went to work at Ibstock Brick & Tile Co Ltd. Jim was called up in 1939 and served in the Royal Army Service Corps throughout the Second World War, as a driving instructor, a Telecommunications engineer and one of the first engineers working on Radar. After the war he spent 6 months with a Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers workshop in Italy before returning to Leicestershire where he re-joined Ibstock Brick and became Transport Manager, where he remained until retirement.

Jim married Jean in 1951 and they had a daughter, Judith, who still lives with them. As a younger man, Jim was a keen cricketer as a leg break bowler and wrist spinner. He played football as a

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goalkeeper for Ibstock Brick and was a very keen cyclist travelling around England and Europe. Philately was his great hobby along with his garden, and of course Freemasonry.

Jim was meticulous throughout his masonry, a highly accomplished ritualist, his ‘party piece’ being the secrets in each of the degrees. Until Jim’s health deteriorated, he updated the Emulation Ritual book for all new Brethren to the Grace Dieu workings.

favourite goodies and a card signed by all the members of the Lodge. They were accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. David Hagger who presented Jim with a certificate congratulating him on this significant birthday. The Provincial Grand Master was also delighted to promote W. Bro. Jim to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar with immediate effect.

To mark his 100th Birthday the Master of Grace Dieu Lodge, W. Bro. Richard Morris, together with the members of the Lodge Care Team, W. Bro. Rev’d Clive Watts, W. Bro. Paul Dixon, the Lodge Care Team, W. Bros. Rev’d Clive Watts, Paul Dixon, Paul Hart and visited Jim and his family at home, presenting him with a hamper of his

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Lodge NEWS

50th Anniversary

of the Dedication of the Morley Lodge Room On the 6th September 2018, members of the Morley Lodge No.8320 along with the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. David Hagger and his Provincial Officers gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, to celebrate 50 years since the dedication of the Morley Lodge Room.

The Morley Lodge Room was on this evening the focus of attention as it was 50 years since the Lodge room was opened as part of the new extension to Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester by the then Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Brigadier C. Bernard S. Morley.

Before the evening was over, W. Bro. David Hughes, the Provincial Grand Orator delivered in expert fashion a lecture on R.W. Bro. Brigadier Morley to an enthralled audience.

“Bernard Morley served King and Country in both World Wars in an active capacity that gives him a special record of honour in local masonic circles. Born in 1899, he took his first forename from his father who was a hosiery manager, and his third from his mother`s maiden name. In 1901 the Morley family lived on the Evington Road in Leicester. Young Bernard was educated at Mill Hill and Wyggeston Schools. During the First World War he was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the London Scottish Regiment of the Corps of the Gordon Highlanders, while he maintained his military connection by joining the Territorial

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Army in 1926 taking a commission in the 4th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. He was promoted to Captain in 1931, and later transferred to the Royal Artillery, though serving some short time with the Royal Engineers.

With the outbreak of the Second World War he was rapidly promoted from Major, a rank he had achieved in 1937, to Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, in 1941, and temporary Brigadier in 1944. He was temporarily attached to the War Office in 1941 which may well have marked him out for further promotion.

His rise in rank corresponded to the massive expansion of the armed forces during the war time years. Temporary promotions were common at the time.

For a while he was the Commander of the 64th AA Brigade which was part of the 2nd AA Division. He continued after the war as Commander of the local Territorial Brigade, and though substantively a Colonel, he was given the honorary rank of Brigadier in 1945.

The distinction between substantive and honorary rank is basically financial.

The holder of an honorary rank does not receive the same pay and pension benefits as the holder of an equivalent substantive rank. One would guess that Bernard Morley rightly prized the honour more than the mere financial reward. He received the Territorial Distinction in 1942, The CBE in 1944 and was an Aide de Camp to the Monarch between 1947 and 1956.

He was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire from 1950 and finally retired from military Service in 1957.

So far as the local business community is concerned, Bernard Morley was prominent in one of Leicester`s principal industries, textiles and

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

clothing. He set up his own company as a Yarn Agent shortly after the end of the First World War, a considerable achievement for a young man. He continued in this occupation for many years, and was listed in a Trades Directory for the City of Leicester of 1954 as Bernard Morley and Co., having premises at No.97 London Road, which is now largely occupied

by Topkapi Interiors, and which was certainly most conveniently situated for our Hall! He later became in 1956 Chairman of the Derby and Midland Mills. This company, which was primarily, though not exclusively, based in Derby and Ashbourne was brought into being in 1935 to amalgamate a number of smaller undertakings. It produced knitted fabrics, dyed textiles, worsted cloths and ladies` hosiery. The Company was taken over by Courtaulds in 1965 for a sum of £2m.

Bernard Morley was prominent in local charities, particularly the local branch of the British Limbless Ex Service Men`s Association, and also in local politics in the Conservative cause being elected to Leicester City Council in 1945, becoming an Alderman in 1948 and serving until 1955. He was a Freeman of the City of London and was a PM of the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters, as were so many other prominent Leicester industrialists. He was also prominent in the affairs of the Diocese of Leicester, as a member of the Diocesan Board of Finance. He was active in the local Chamber of Commerce and from 1958 he was a member of the Regional Committee for Resettlement of Regular Members of the Armed Forces.

Lodge NEWS However, tonight we pay special attention to Bernard Morley`s masonic career which began in 1926 when he was initiated into Lodge Semper Eadem.

He went on record later stating that his First Degree Ceremony was one for which he was not well prepared outside the door of the Lodge and that less than happy experience determined him to pursue high standards of ritual. He became WM of the Lodge in 1938, and the length of time it took him to reach the chair formed the basis of much of his thinking with regard to progression and the promotion of new Lodges in the Province. He became DC of Lodge Semper Eadem in 1945 and held that office until 1954, while he was also a member of the Lodge of Research serving as WM in 1961. Between 1961 and 1977 he published extensively in the “Transactions” of the Lodge of Research, primarily in the form of addresses given at Lodge Consecrations and Building Dedications. Throughout the late 1940s and into the 1950`s he was very active at the Provincial level, having been made Provincial Grand Registrar in 1946, later serving as Deputy Provincial Grand Treasurer and Provincial Grand Treasurer until 1954.

At this time he was especially active in using his military connections to secure the return of our Hall to Masonic use following its wartime requisition by the army. He was promoted to Grand Rank in 1953 and became Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 1954. He then succeeded Sir John Corah as PGM in 1959.

That appointment began the period of his masonic life for which he is now most remembered. Bernard Morley favoured the growth of small Lodges in which the advance to the Chair was measured in just a few years, as he saw this as the best way to ensure that Brethren retained their enthusiasm for the Craft and also to maintain the vigour of the Province. Indeed in 1959 he expressly declared: “Keep your Lodge small!” During his period of office the number of Lodges in the Province rose from thirty nine to sixty seven, while he was an honorary member of forty

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six! The increased number of Lodges also allowed him under the Rules of the Book of Constitutions to appoint for the first time locally an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He toiled long and hard for the extension to our Hall here on London Road, for which he raised the funds to buy the land on which the Morley Extension now stands, and which we celebrate tonight, some fifty years on from its completion and dedication. Perhaps in this connection he only made one mistake in that he sold off the double fronted house on the corner of Prebend Street, but that may well have been because the money was needed to complete the larger project.

Certainly without Bernard Morley`s efforts we would not have our present car park. He also assisted at the laying of the foundation stone of Devonshire Court in Oadby, another proud achievement for the Province.

As PGM he was assiduous in issuing ceremonial instructions to Lodges, in particular with regard to the suppression of music in some Lodges which had been condemned by UGLE in the 1960s and 1970s on the basis that masonic ceremonies were becoming too close in pattern to Anglican religious services. It should also be noted that he attempted to suppress the singing of carols at Christmas Lodge meetings— but he was less than successful in that respect! I think it can be said that nowadays here at London Road only Prince Rupert Lodge still enjoys its December meeting`s Festive Board

without seasonal music—for which the Lodge Organist is duly thankful!

Bernard Morley was, however, a stickler for protocol, and it is said that when he and his DPGM between 1959 and 1975, WG Fox, met in a morning to discuss Provincial business their conversation began by reflecting their wartime ranks: “Good Morning, Colonel, Good Morning, Brigadier.” You will note that “the Brig” spake first as in those days it was always the case that the most senior mason present always opened the dialogue.

Bernard Morley stepped down as PGM in 1978, and died in 1981. His death was reported as a sad loss to Leicestershire, and was, of course a particularly heavy blow to our Province. Few men in its history have done more to shape freemasonry locally, and the great legacy that Bernard Morley left behind is vigorous today in the Lodges founded in his time of office, all of which survive, and in this building which is truly a jewel in the masonic crown.

It was also a celebration for one family within the Lodge, as Bro. Alexander Mattock, the fourth brother within the Mattock family to join Morley Lodge was passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft.

The meeting was concluded as the Provincial Grand Master stood to deliver “The Oration” given by the Provincial Grand Chaplain at the Dedication Ceremony.

Pictured from left to right: Bro. Alistair Mattock. R.W. Bro. David Hagger, W. Bro. Adrian Mattock, Bro. Alexander Mattock

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Lodge NEWS

Race Night in aid of the

2022 Festival and ‘Keep The Beat’ More than 75 Brethren of Grace Dieu Lodge No.2428 and their guests gathered at Lingdale Golf Course in Woodhouse Eaves on the evening of Saturday 15th September.

The evening was hosted by W. Bro. Richard Morris, Master of the Lodge.

The Brethren together with their families and guests were treated to a series of televised horse races with a Tote betting system, allowing them to pit their wits against the bookies to see if they could correctly select the race winner.

During the course of the evening there was a Hot Roast Buffet, and an excellent raffle with many prizes which helped raise further funds. Everyone agreed that it was a truly excellent evening.

The evening raised over £1,200, which will be divided between the 2022 Festival and ‘Keep The Beat’. This is a small charity dedicated to giving hope and support to those affected by Congenital Heart defects The Charity supports the Children’s Cardiology Ward (Ward 30) and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Glenfield Hospital.

W. Bro. Richard Morris said:

It’s great to see Freemasons coming together to enjoy themselves at an evening like this whilst raising money for two great causes.

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UNIVERSITIES SCHEME

University Lodges continue to flourish The three Universities Scheme Lodges in the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland, Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, Castle of Leicester Lodge No.7767 and Lodge of Science and Art No.8429 continue to flourish and in the last year between them they have initiated 21 Brethren.

On the 4th May 2018, the David Kenneth Williamson Lodge No.9938, which is the Installed Masters’ Lodge for the Universities Scheme, held its very first meeting outside of London at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester to conduct a quintuple Passing ceremony on behalf of the three Lodges.

The meeting was held in the Holmes Lodge Room and was opened in due form at 5.45pm by the Master, R.W. Bro. Oliver Lodge TD, PSGW, Grand Director of Ceremonies with 66 Brethren in attendance including the Immediate Past Master R.W. Bro. David Williamson PAGM, the Assistant Grand Master R.W. Bro. Sir David Wootton, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Hagger, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W. Bro. Peter Kinder, the Past Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Derek Buswell, and the Provincial

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Grand Master of Yorkshire West Riding, R.W. Bro. David Pratt.

The five candidates Bro. David Hames, of Wyggeston Lodge, No.3448; Bros Jonathan Haslam and David Veryan Jones, of Castle of Leicester Lodge, No.7767; Bros Marat Guysin, and Steven Szukielowicz of Lodge of Science and Art, No.8429 were Passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft in a superbly conducted ceremony ably assisted by the acting Junior Deacon, W. Bro. Daniel Hayward, along with three Assistant Deacons including the Vice-Chairman of the Universities Scheme W. Bro. Dr Andrew Green PAGStdB, V.W. Bro. Peter Kinder, W. Bro. Kelvin Johnson, PAGDC, Provincial Grand Secretary and W. Bro. David Milner PAGDC Provincial Grand Tyler, also assisted the Master in the ceremony.

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The Provincial Grand Master said: “The Province of Leicestershire and Rutland has been a huge supporter of the Universities Scheme and it was therefore a great honour for the Lodge to consider Leicester as its first meeting place outside of London. I congratulate each of our new Fellowcrafts and wish them well for the future.”

It seems to me that this Lodge is very much living up to the high expectations of it. Well done to all R.W. Bro. Oliver Lodge Worshipful Master

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LIGHT BLUES

Magical Mystery Bus Tour On a sunny Saturday in August, members of the Light Blue Club, some 48 in total, all arrived at The White Hart in Loughborough, to begin the first Magical Mystery Bus Tour. vintage double decker bus was most enjoyable.

There were even a few non masons on the tour, one is joining Highcross Lodge very soon and another enjoyed it so much, meeting the Brethren plus hearing about all the good deeds undertaken by Freemasons, has just applied to join Beacon Lodge.

Arriving in Hawaiian shirts, which was the dress code for the day, the Brethren were in good spirits and excited about the day ahead.

opportunity for the Brethren to meet up during the summer break, blow off some steam and have a good time together, and that they certainly did!

The day was organised by W. Bros Freddie Harris (Beacon Lodge No.5208) and Andrew York (Highcross Lodge No.4835) and proved to be a great

Visiting picturesque establishments in Walton on the Wolds, Hoby, Sileby, Rearsby, Thrussington, and Quorn to name but a few the journey on the

At the end of the tour all of the Brethren returned to Loughborough, where the venue which was also the starting point had live music and bands playing throughout the rest of the evening, so that those last Brethren standing could carry on enjoying themselves. £100 was raised for the 2022 Festival appeal, so a great day was had by all! brotherly love, charity, and a good old fashioned knees up!

Leicestershire & Rutland to Host New and Young Masons in 2019 Members of our very own Light Blue Club attended this year’s conference in Cardiff on the 27th October to be awarded the honour of hosting the 2019 conference here in Leicester.

Each year, all clubs in the NYMC group are invited to pitch to host the following year’s Conference. Clubs that would like to host are asked to submit a pitch document outlining their plan for the event, capacity of the proposed venue, a brief history of their club, location and other information they think would make them an attractive option.

The conference is always a fantastic opportunity for the committee members from around the country to come

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together and discuss new ideas.

The theme for the Leicestershire & Rutland conference will be “building bonds” which will look to strengthen existing ties with other clubs, as well as the universities scheme. For this Province, not only does it bring the prestige of hosting next year’s event, but it will also enable bigger and better events and visits, as well as inter Provincial sporting events.

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Bro. Bob Reay (chairman of the Light Blue Club) said:

Thank you for all the support we have received, we couldn’t have done this without you.

LIGHT BLUES

The Light Blue Rugby Club

witness unique Initiation in London 15 members of the Light Blues Rugby Club from Leicestershire and Rutland attended the meeting of Queensman Lodge No.2694 at Freemasons’ Hall, London on 18 May 2018 for what possibly is a unique and historic ceremony where two holders of the Victoria Cross were initiated into Freemasonry.

The Victoria Cross is the highest award of the United Kingdom honours system. It is awarded to members of the Britsh armed forces for gallantry.

The historical day was followed by the festive board at the Connaught Rooms where various members were able to greet personally the new Brethren.

The trip was organised by Bro. Paul Wareing of Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063 said:

“The day was a fantastic success for the Light Blues with players and members travelling to London for this unique and historical event. Earlier this year I saw this ceremony advertised on a Facebook page and thought this would make an ideal day out for the club. I was delighted so many Brethren joined us today.”

W. Bro. Daniel Quelch, (Rothley Temple Lodge No.7801), said:

It was a privilege to attend this ceremony, the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall was occupied by almost 1,100 Brethren from around the country, including the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master.

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CHARITY

Donation to the Air Ambulance Latest grant to Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons brings total donation to £2.3 million.

A grant of £4,000 to the local Air Ambulance from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons has brought the total Masonic support given to Air Ambulances across the country to £2.3 million since 2007. The total contribution to Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance since 2010 by Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons is over £30,000. The Air Ambulance operates right across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland and has made more than 400 lifesaving flights so far this year, more than half of which have been for road traffic collisions or medical emergencies.

The grant, which comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, is funded by Freemasons and their families from across England and Wales. During 2018, Freemasons from around the country will be

presenting 20 regional air ambulances with grants totalling £192,000. Philip Bridle, Head of Operations at the Air Ambulance said: “We are very grateful to Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons for their continuing generosity. Without support like this the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance would not be able to carry on flying and our lifesaving work could not continue.”

R.W. Bro. David Hagger said:

We are proud to be able to support the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of their doctors and aircrew, many lives of local people are saved every year.

Maximise your Charitable Donations Is your Lodge looking to donate some money to a local charity? Before you do anything else, contact the Provincial Charity Office and see what assistance the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association can do for you and your chosen Charity.

The Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No.779 did just that, which resulted in a boost to their Festival target, and two local charities have recently received £1,500 each at the October Provincial charity presentation morning.

During the course of the last masonic season, Ferrers and Ivanhoe raised £2,500 which was agreed to be donated to several worthy causes, £1,000 to the 2022 Festival Appeal and £750 to two local charities. W. Bro. Terry Hueck contacted the LRMCA and after discussing the plans, it was agreed that if Ferrers and Ivanhoe were willing to

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give all of the £2,500 to the festival, the LRMCA would give £1,500 each to the two local charities.

W. Bro. Phil Caswell, Chairman of the LRMCA said, “I would urge Lodges to follow the example of Ferrers and Ivanhoe. Come and speak to us at the earliest opportunity and we will do all that we can to help you. The Board of Trustees are keen to support Lodges with not only donations to nonmasonic charities, but also with their efforts towards the 2022 festival.”

If you need any further assistance, please contact the Charity office.

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

W. Bro. Terry Hueck said:

I am delighted with this idea and gives us a great boost for the festival, as well as two local charities receiving much needed funds.

CHARITY

Flying Freemasons take off for the

Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival Freemasons, W. Bros. Simon Oldfield, Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, and Paul Simpson, St Wilfrid’s Lodge No.8350, both bid £1,510 to see the Masonic Halls in the Province like never before.

Bro. Ashleigh Carnell, a qualified pilot in Guthlaxton Lodge No.7717, offered a flight over the Masonic centres of the Province in a light aircraft in return for a donation to the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival. The bids were opened and was initially won by Simon by a £10 margin over Paul. Spotting an opportunity to double up, Paul was invited to match the winning bid which he duly did and the stage was set for the trio to go flying.

Ash prepared a clockwise route to fly from East Midlands Airport, heading out east, over Loughborough, Syston, across to Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Uppingham, landing at Leicester Airport, home of the Leicestershire Aero Club for a spot of lunch. The second leg of the journey was to cover the remaining of the Province; Market Harborough, Lutterworth, Hinckley, Coalville, and Ashby-de-la-Zouch back to East Midlands Airport.

In no time at all they were over Syston before heading towards Melton Mowbray, with the vast expanse of Rutland Water in the distance. They found themselves on the edge of the RAF Wittering Military Air Traffic Zone before landing at a very busy Leicester Airport.

Following lunch at the Flying Club, the Brethren continued on their journey.

A brisk easterly meant that the take off was relatively short and due to air traffic regulations they were unable to fly directly over the centre of Leicester so had to be content with looking at the Provincial Headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall in the distance. Flying directly over Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Hinckley made the other Halls easy to spot. Before long they were back under the control of East Midlands airspace, as they flew over Ashby-dela-Zouch and Coalville before landing back at East Midlands Airport.

The flight was set for Saturday 24th February 2018, subject the weather, as they would be flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

On arrival at the flying club at East Midlands, Ash disappeared to file the flight plans, check weather forecasts, confirm any Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and obtain the barometric pressure for the day to enable the altimeter to be set correctly. This was followed by external pre-flight checks, ensuring all controls had free movement, dip the fuel tanks to check for enough fuel, and take samples to ensure no water mixed in from condensation in the tanks.

The three Brethren then boarded the four seat Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II for some pre-flight checks of the instruments and settings, before the 6 litre opposing 4 cylinder Lycoming engine bellowed into life.

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They were cleared to take off and the Brethren were soon airborne climbing to around 3,000 feet heading east towards Loughborough. Lots of general aviation chatter over the airwaves was had and Ash was giving constant instructions to the others to be on the look out for other aircraft.

W. Bro. Dale Page, 2022 Festival Chairman said: “We have made a positive start to the Festival. However, our target remains a challenging one.

Initiatives such as this not only boost our funds, but just as importantly raises the profile of our Festival both within the Province and further afield.

On behalf of the Festival Committee, I would like to thank Bro. Ashleigh for his original and generous initiative and W. Bros. Paul & Simon for their magnificent donations.”

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W. Bro. Simon Oldfield (Wyggeston Lodge No.3448) said:

It was a very pleasant couple of hours flying around the county and seeing the Masonic Halls from a different perspective.

W. Bro. Paul Simpson (St.Wilfrid’s Lodge No.8350) said:

It was a fantastic morning out, and a fun way to raise a nice contribution towards the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

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CHARITY

Donations from the

Provincial Golf Association Away from the golf course, our golfing Brethren gathered to present charitable donations to worthy causes.

On the evening of Friday 21st September 2018, the Provincial Golf Association President, W. Bro. Ashok Patel was delighted to present £1,500 to various charities at a presentation evening held at the Leicestershire Golf Club. The five charities all receiving donations of £300 each from the Provincial Golfing Association were Bridge House, Air Ambulance, Friends of Devonshire, Prostaid, and also the 2022 Festival, which was gratefully received by W. Bro. Dale Page, the Festival Chairman.

REGALIA REGALIA

Freemasons’ Hall Leicester

Tel 0116 2545325

Email: regalia@pglleics.co.uk

Opening Hours of Shop are Monday & Thursday 8:30am to 12:30pm At all other times please leave a message and your request will be dealt with.

We are able to acquire and supply all items of Regalia

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for all Degrees & Rituals, Cases, Gloves, Ties, Gifts and Books.

All enquires are welcome

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

CHARITY

2022 Festival Update

As we move into the 2018 / 2019 Masonic season, we can reflect with pride on the achievements so far. raising events during 2019. These will include: Light Blues Club cycle ride, Sportsman’s Dinner on 21st March at Leicester Tigers (To date we have sold 540 tickets to this event. If you are yet to reserve your table, I strongly recommend you do so, to avoid disappointment. This event will sell out!), Participation in the Leicester Marathon, Provincial Curry Night.

In addition, we will be looking to run several events during 2020 & 2021.

These will include: A Summer ball in June 2020, Sportsman’s Dinner in March 2021, A sponsored endurance walk in Easter 2021.

Left: W. Bro. Dale Page, Festival Chairman. Right: W. Bro. Freddie Harris, Festival Vice Chairman

At the time of writing our current total stands at £953,366 which is a fantastic achievement, my thanks go to everyone who has contributed to this superb total.

So as you can see, we have made a positive start to the 2022 Festival, however our target remains a challenging one that will take every effort from all of us to achieve, but I know we can do it.

At the time of writing, our total includes £420k of direct debit pledges from 957 Brethren within the Province, and we have an additional 338 Brethren who have achieved Festival Steward status by means of donations of, and in excess of £300. This means we have a total of 1,295 Brethren who have qualified to wear the prestigious Festival Jewel.

The Festival Committee continue to encourage those Brethren who are yet to set up a direct debit or make a qualifying donation to do so. I am confident that this figure will increase

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as the new season gathers momentum.

It is only right to congratulate all Brethren who continue to support the appeal, in whatever form that may take.

I would particularly like to thank the following Lodges who are currently leading the way in respect of donations: Commercial Lodge No.1391, Wyvern Lodge No.6167, Sir John Corah Lodge No.7736, Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081, Enderby Lodge No.5061, Lodge of Gratitude No.6514, Holmes Lodge No.4656, Lodge of the Round Table No.7762, Lodge of Friendship No.7168, Old Oakhamian Lodge No.8033 After our busy Tercentenary Year in 2017 we made a conscious decision not to hold any specific Provincial Festival events during 2018, however many Lodges have and continue to hold functions which have bolstered both their Lodge’s contributions & the fund in general. The committee are most grateful for these initiatives.

Since our previous Festival in 2012 and the culmination of our current Appeal, the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland will have received well over £3.6m of financial support from the MCF. In basic terms for every £1 we donate; the Province receives over £2 back from the MCF. If you are able, please, please contribute to our Festival; complete your Mandate form or make your one-off donation and wear your Jewel with Pride!

With your continued support, I know we can reach our target of £1.8m.

W. Bro. Dale Page – (Festival Chairman)

We have planned Provincial fund-

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29

A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

OVER T HE T HR ES HOLD RECORD INHERITANCE TAX BILLS ARE A REMINDER OF THE NEED FOR GOOD ESTATE PLANNING.

There are few more confusing – or unpopular – taxes than Inheritance Tax (IHT). For older generations, the prospect of paying up to 40% tax on what they leave behind is difficult to contemplate.

For some children and grandchildren, grappling with IHT is something they are ill-equipped to do.

Yet more and more families are having to deal with IHT. The latest figures show that IHT receipts reached £5.2 billion in the 2017/2018 tax year. HMRC’s latest estimates show a year-on-year increase of £400 million.1 The rise reflects the surge in residential property prices, as well as the strong recovery in other asset values, which has dragged more households into the IHT net.

From April 2018 there has been a slight easing – the residence nil-rate band rose to £125,000 and it will increase incrementally each year until it is worth £175,000 in 2020. Coupled with the fact that the first £325,000 of an individual’s estate is exempt from IHT, this will mean that a married couple could have a combined tax-free estate worth £900,000 – a figure that will rise to the million-pound mark by 2020/21.2 Despite this, at the heart of this problem remains the simple fact that IHT is a voluntary tax; the Treasury relies on inertia and people’s reluctance to confront the issue.

The boost to the Treasury’s coffers is a reminder of the damaging effect death duties can have on families’ plans to create and pass on wealth, and also that there are perfectly legitimate ways of mitigating IHT through foresight and careful financial planning. The mitigation of IHT does not require high-powered tax planning; only a willingness to discuss the issue, take action and make use of the many options available, establishing trusts* where appropriate; and making use of annual exemptions such as gifting.

If you are uncertain about where you stand regarding IHT and would like to know more about how to prevent much of your money falling into the hands of HMRC, or your local authority through long-term care fees, you should seek advice.

For further information or to arrange a noobligation meeting, please contact Ivanhoe Financial Planning Ltd. Our team can be contacted by phone on 01332 695065 or by email at ivanhoefp@sjpp.co.uk.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

*

With careful IHT Planning, more wealth could be retained to support future generations.

1 2

Ivanhoe Financial Planning Ltd is based locally at Staunton Harold, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The team is inviting Leicester Square readers to discover the simple yet highly effective steps you can take to protect your wealth and stay in control - helping the right amount of it pass to the right people at the right time.

Wealth Preservation Surgeries are being held, strictly by appointment only, on 6 and 7 November at Lion Court, Staunton Harold Hall , Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1RT from 10.00am to 6.00pm. All surgeries last approximately 45 minutes and are held in the strictest confidence without obligation.

Call 01332 695065 for more information or your complimentary guide to Inheritance Tax. Tel: 01332 695065 ivanhoefp@sjpp.co.uk www.ivanhoefp.co.uk

www.ft.com/content, 24 April 2018 gov.uk/inheritance-tax, April 2018

Ivanhoe Financial Planning Ltd represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

H2SJP29850 08/18

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

LONG SERVICE

Double Celebration in the Lodge of

Science and Art No. 8429 The Lodge of Science and Art No. 8429 celebrated the presentation of certificates to two of its Brethren who have completed 60 years of service to Freemasonry.

At the Lodge’s Installation ceremony in January 2018, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W. Bro. Peter Kinder presented a certificate to W. Bro. Bert Bower, who was initiated in the Globe and Laurel Lodge No. 4657 (Province of East Kent) whilst serving at Deal as a bandsman with the Royal Marines.

He subsequently joined the Lodge of Science and Art in 1975 and became Master in 1988, and is also an Honorary member of the Beacon Lodge No.5208.

Music has been a very important part of his life and as well as being Lodge Organist, he has provided musical support for numerous social events.

Also in the Lodge, Bro. Mike Hallett was presented with his 60 years certificate at the Lodge’s April meeting by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Paul Roberts.

W. Bro. Mike was Initiated into Freemasonry in the Maryland Lodge No.5984 in 1958, and was subsequently promoted to PPJGD in the Province of Essex, and also London Grand Rank.

Whilst working in Kent he joined the Royal Navy Lodge No.429 based in Ramsgate and continued to attend meetings for the next 14 years.

He joined the Goodwill Lodge No.7904 in Chingford where he served as Lodge Secretary for 9 years and then the Southgate Lodge No.1950 in London and was promoted to PPSGD in 2006.

On moving to Loughborough he joined the Lodge of Science and Art No.8429 in February 2010 and was promoted to PPSGD in November 2014. In recognition of his charity work he was granted the Freedom of the City of London in 2006.

W. Bro. Norman Small PPJGW On Saturday 31st March 2018, W. Bro. Steve Davison, at the invitation of the Provincial Grand Master, visited W. Bro. Norman Small to present a certificate to commemorate 66 years of continuous membership as a Craft mason.

W. Bro. Steve was accompanied by W. Bro. Derek Tranter and W. Bro. Peter Foster on the visit to Norman’s home in Ettington, near Stratford Upon Avon where he lives with his daughter and son-in-law.

60 Years Service • Derek A. Buswell

Lodge of the Flaming Torch No.4874

J. Hallett • Michael Maryland No.5984

(Lodge of Science & Art No.8429)

50 Years Service • George W. Robinson Bayons No.1286 (East Goscote Lodge No.2865)

Hurdley • Alan Tudor Rose No.5660

(Lodge of the Argonauts No.8210)

Vellam • Terence Clydesdale S.C. No.551

(Beacon Lodge No.5208)

M. Spokes • Paul Padley No.6379

(Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063)

N. Hancock • John Wyggeston Lodge No.3448

W. Bro. Norman was initiated in the Ravensworth Lodge No. 2674 in the Province of Durham on the 14th December 1951, and upon gaining a position at Morris Cranes in Loughborough as an engineer, moved to the town in the late 1950’s, where he joined the Lodge of the Holy Well No.7827, becoming Master in March 1970.

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Congratulations

(St Deny’s Lodge No.8276)

S. Johnston • Ian St. Peter’s Operative S.C. No.284

(Lodge of Science & Art No.8429)

T. Solly • Graham Newland Lodge No.990

(East Goscote Lodge No.2865)

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31

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16

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2017

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Excellent Companion Peter Kinder’s retirement dinner is a huge success On Monday 30th April 2018, Excellent Companion Peter Kinder held an evening to remember at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester to celebrate a successful ten years as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland Royal Arch Masons

The celebration dinner was held in a packed Oliver dining room, where specially invited friends and guests from the Royal Arch which included the Past Second Grand Principal and several current and past Grand Superintendents from other Provinces paid tribute to a fantastic tenure in charge of the

Excellent Companion Michael Robinson of Wiclif Chapter celebrates 50 years of service to Royal Arch Masonry

On the 25th April 2018, Wiclif Chapter No.3078, meeting in Lutterworth, held a very special evening for E.Comp. Michael Robinson as he was presented with his 50 year certificate of services to Royal Arch Masonry. E.Comp.

Michael was exalted on the 28th February 1968, and achieved the rank in Supreme Grand Chapter of Past Assistant Grand Sojourner.

A truly fitting evening to honour Excellent Companion Peter’s achievements, and wish him every success in his retirement.

Dates for your

Diary

2018 OCTOBER

29th - Royal Arch Master Masons Evening

NOVEMBER

14th - Visit to annual communication of Supreme Grand Chapter

28th - Provincial Team Visit to Wiclif Chapter

JANUARY

15th - Provincial Team Visit to Wayfarer Chapter

26th - Royal Arch Dinner Dance

2019

As seen in the picture, E.Comp. Michael was presented his 50 year certificate by E.Comp.

Jonathan Varley, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in Leicestershire & Rutland.

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Province. A superb meal was had by all, accompanied by the usual jokes and witty conversation as can be expected at a Royal Arch evening.

FEBRUARY

21st - Provincial Team Visit to St Peters

MARCH

28th - Provincial Grand Chapter

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33

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS On Wednesday the 26th September the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Noel Manby made his first Provincial team visit of the season to the Gateway Chapter No.5613 at Syston Masonic Hall.

The purpose of the visit was to present a certificate marking 50 years in the Royal Arch to Excellent Companion Michael Roalfe. The certificate listed the numerous memberships and achievements of E.Comp. Michael over the years in both the Royal Arch and the Craft.

In presenting the certificate, the Grand Superintendent praised E.Comp. Michael on all he had done during the 50 years and said that the

50 Years’ Service to the Royal Arch

by E. Comp. Michael Roalfe

certificate did not of course make mention of all he had done and achieved in the other orders.

In his response E.Comp Michael said he was flattered to receive the certificate and stated the during his

50 years there had been six Grand Superintendents in the Province.

A considerable number of the Provincial active officers and members of the Gateway Chapter were present to honour the occasion.

Leicestershire & Rutland Royal Arch Masons Donate Over £6,900 To Local Charities The charities all gathered at an event at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester to receive their donations from the Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch Masons, Noel Manby.

One example was, the The Cystic Fibrosis Trust who work to improve and transform the lives of people with Cystic Fibrosis by investing in research and supporting with the condition, received a donation of £600 from Holmes Chapter No. 4656.

Other Charities who benefited from the £6,900 donation were:

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Melton Mowbray & District Scouts, Admiral Nurses – Leicestershire, Claire’s Wishes, Menphys, Junior Diabetic Research Fund, Heart Link Children’s Charity, The

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Bridge Homelessness to Hope, East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme, Coping with Cancer in Leicestershire & Rutland, and the Stroke Association.

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Royal Arch

Granite Chapter No.2028 take over the Kirby Muxloe golf club for Sunday lunch On Sunday the 3rd of June 2018 at the Kirby Muxloe Golf Club, Granite Chapter No.2028 held their annual summer get together.

An excellent menu was put on, much to the delight of the Chapter, superbly organised by Excellent Companion Ian Betteridge.

A raffle was held afterwards, which raised a total of ÂŁ280 that will be going towards the local charity of choice from the Most Excellent, which will be announced very soon.

The sun was shining brightly as over fifty members of the Chapter, including family and friends made their way to the Kirby Muxloe Golf Club for Sunday lunch, a very popular choice indeed as the dining hall was taken over completely by the Chapter.

The afternoon ended with thanks to the organisers, and a promise to return next year.

Excellent Companion Don Salt said

What a fantastic turn out in support of our Chapter, and on such a superb day at that!

Beacon Chapter cements ties with Beacon Lodge The Installation meeting of the Beacon Chapter No.5208 in February 2018, was unique in its forty four year history, as it was the first time in the history of the Chapter that the 1st 2nd and 3rd Principals are subscribing members of the Beacon Lodge.

In fact, E.Companion Ray Denovellis is only the third member of the Beacon Lodge who has attained the chair of Zerubbabel, the other two being E.Comp Ken Mason in February 1987 and E.Comp David Highton in February 2013.

Further research of the Beacon Chapter summons and minutes revealed that between the consecration of the Chapter in October 1974, and 1984 only five members of Beacon Lodge joined the Beacon Chapter, and of those

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five only E.Comp Ken Mason went through the three chairs. It was not until October 1999 that another member of Beacon Lodge joined, with a further two Beacon Lodge Brethren joining in October and December 2002 respectively.

The newly installed Zerubbabel, E.Comp. Ray Denovellis became a joining member in October 2010 and since then seven Beacon members have joined of which six are still members, showing that after many years there is now a succession of Beacon Lodge

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members within the Chapter. This has resulted in the unique occasion of the February Installation which saw E.Companions Ray Denovellis, Tony Marson and Freddie Harris being respectively installed in the chairs of Zerubbabel, Haggai and Joshua.

On this special evening, the visiting Provincial officer, the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp.

John Peberdy is also a subscribing member of Beacon Lodge, which further added to the uniqueness of the occasion.

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35

MARK NEWS

Blood Bikes Donated by the Mark Degree On Friday 17th August 2018, representatives from Mark Provinces around the country were invited to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham to receive the handover of 25 Blood Bikes and support vehicles provided through funding raised from the Mark Benevolent Fund (MBF) Charity Walk event held in London in May 2017.

Each Blood Bike group, manned by volunteer riders, assists with the delivery of urgently needed units of blood to hospitals, and also blood samples for analysis and other special medical items needed by hospitals at very short notice. All being provided at no cost to the NHS, Blood Bike groups subsist through voluntary donations.

In recent years, this service having come to the awareness of the Masonic community, many Provinces have since then been only too pleased to support their local Blood Bike group.

On a sunny day in May 2017, teams of Mark Masons from each Province made their way to London to undertake a seven mile walk around four of the Royal Parks, and thanks to the staggering total sum raised of £440,000, which included a generous donation made on behalf of all the Mark Masons in Leicestershire & Rutland; the MBF subsequently decided to use the money to supply motorcycles or support vehicles to every Blood Bike group across the country that applied for assistance.

The ‘walking’ team from Leicestershire and Rutland comprised R.W. Bro. Steve Davison, now the Assistant Grand Master, together with our Deputy Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Don Peacock, Provincial Grand Secretary W. Bro. Peter Gibson-Leitch, Provincial Grand Registrar W. Bro. Terry Weston and W Bros. John Goodacre and Simon Castleman.

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The Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Phillip Mann, with W. Bro. Mike Fahey and Bro. Colin Brink, both Mark Masons, R.W. Bro. Steve Davison and R.W. Bro. Tony Morris.

In August 2018, a national handover event took place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham at which the Provincial Grand Master for Leicestershire & Rutland, R.W. Bro. Phillip Mann, and his Deputy, W. Bro. Don Peacock were present. Amongst a wonderful array of motorcycles and other vehicles, the Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, R.W. Bro. Tony Morris formally handed over the keys of each bike and vehicle to all the recipient groups.

The national Chairman of the Blood Bike Association, Peter Robertson, stated that they were extremely pleased to be getting such a wonderful donation, the single biggest ever made to their organisation. As a Mark Mason, Graham Moor, their Head of Marketing, had been involved from the scheme inception several years ago in Durham and was immensely proud of the support shown by the Mark Benevolent Fund and also the volunteer riders, many of whom are Mark Masons. Indeed some of the riders who had not been Masons before have been so impressed that they have become Masons since.

Leicester Square Autumn 2018

The vehicles were blessed in a short dedication service by the Grand Chaplain, V.W. Bro. Bruce Harry, who led prayers for the good work that the vehicles would be doing and for the safety of their riders and drivers.

The Mark Benevolent Fund supports a wide range of good causes, including a new lifeboat for the R.N.L.I., six mobile chemotherapy units to serve rural communities, and a £3.2m donation to replace the entire fleet of St. John Ambulances. In addition, many more local causes are supported and gratefully appreciated by the recipients. The last three MBF Festivals raised over £3m and the most recent 150th anniversary Festival hosted by the Province of Lincolnshire in July 2018 raised the tremendous sum of £853,000..

MARK NEWS

The Magic of the Mark Weekend, Sandbanks 2018

The 25th anniversary of the Magic of the Mark family weekend took place at the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks in Dorset and our Mark Masons and their families celebrated this milestone in true Mark fashion.

The 25th anniversary weekend was held at the Haven Hotel in Sandbanks, Dorset, set along the beach with a beautiful backdrop to the sea, and overlooking Brownsea Island and Poole harbour.

With the majority of the guests arriving on the Friday in readiness for the evening dinner, the hotel quickly began to fill with familiar faces and friends from all over our Province, as everyone began to relax ready to enjoy a fun weekend.

In the evening, having been welcomed by the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, R.W. Bro. Phillip Mann and his wife Ruth, reception drinks were served followed

by a super meal. Afterwards the diners were treated to an ‘everybody join in’ sing-song by the finalists from Britain’s Got Talent, the D-Day Darlings. These three young ladies proved a great hit performing popular songs from the last war such as We’ll Meet Again, and Bless Em’ All, concluding with a rousing Union Jack waving rendition of There’ll Always be an England, and Land of Hope and Glory.

The Saturday is generally a day of relaxation and sightseeing, as guests sought out the local attractions, peaceful walks or simply enjoyed the calmness of the hotel lounges.

Not to be content with just one superb evening on the Friday, the Saturday was more of the same as guests were treated to fine dining, with entertainment from the king of the swing, Dean Thomas, who had the tables singing along to many of the all-time great popular hits. The organiser of the weekend and Master

Mark Grand Rank Honours 2018

This year has seen a number of Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Brethren honoured with preferments to Mark Grand Rank.

In May of this year, at the Emergency Meeting of the Fowke Lodge of Mark Masters No.19 in Leicester to celebrate the Lodge’s sesquicentenary (150 years of continuous existence), the Pro Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Raymond J. Smith conferred a first appointment to Grand Rank ‘in the field’ on W. Bro. Aubrey N. Newman as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The following month at the annual Investiture Meeting of Grand Lodge in London, The Grand Master M.W. Bro. His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent conferred first appointments to Grand Rank on

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W. Bro. G. Melvyn Cowley (Rutland Lodge of M.M.M. No.1051), W. Bro. Peter Gibson-Leitch (Knight of Malta Lodge of Mark Masters No. 30 T.I.), and W. Bro. Andrew S. Lee (Fidelity Lodge of M.M.M. No.491); all as Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies. The Grand Master also conferred first appointments to Grand Rank on W. Bro. John Goodacre (Stony Gate Lodge of M.M.M. No.751) and W. Bro. Martin S. R. Waddington (East Goscote Lodge of M.M.M. No.970) both as Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearers.

At the same meeting, the Most Worshipful Grand Master reappointed two of our Brethren to high office.

R.W. Bro. Stephen Davison as Assistant Grand Master, and

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of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Rick Morris took the microphone and in his own inimitable style thanked all those who had helped make the weekend such a success. The Provincial Grand Master thanked everyone for supporting another very enjoyable Mark visit to Sandbanks, after which much mirth and merriment ensued, at the expense of Brothers Mann, Peacock, Herbert and Davison!

The guests danced the rest of the night away to popular hits from the 70’s and 80’s performed by the group, Rewind.

Pictured: “The Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Phil Mann and his wife Ruth”.

R.W. Bro. Anthony Morris as Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund.

At the Communication of Grand Lodge in September, the Pro Grand Master conferred promotions to past Grand Rank on our Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Donald A. Peacock (Knight of Malta Lodge of Mark Masters No.30 T. I.) and W. Bro. Albert W. Attfield (Fidelity Lodge of M.M.M. No.491) both to Past Grand Senior Deacons; and on W. Bro. Leslie Woodhouse (St. Peter’s Lodge of M.M.M. No.1078) to Past Grand Junior Deacon.

It has been a memorable year for our Province and we can all be very proud of our Mark Brethren and the very high reputation that Leicestershire & Rutland enjoys in the Order.

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LIBRARY/MUSEUM

Our wonderful

Library and Museum The team in the Library and Museum have been very active this year and a great deal of effort has been put into cataloguing and describing each artefact on display and in storage.

W. Bros. Mike England and Derek Andrews have finished the task of photographing and listing in detail the wealth of masonic jewels, glassware, regalia and certificates, making it possible for visitors to the Museum to search for items using the PC that is made available, ably assisted by the staff in the Museum, will help any researchers in this quest. The cataloguing of books in the shelves is now underway and some books are being transferred to the new bookshelves that can be found in Committee Room 3.

The Library & Museum continues to receive many visitors from London and other Provinces and from various Masonic Orders who have expressed their admiration of our wonderful museum and library. Requests from non-masonic organisations for visits, also from students and members of the public are also being received and staff are very happy to give conducted tours.

As ever it would be great to see more visitors from our own Province and

would ask you to go back to your Lodges to extend a warm invitation.

It is vitally important to emphasise the need to record and preserve all aspects of the history of the Lodges and Chapters within this Province.

They all form part of the overall picture of Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland and all of them in various aspects have something to contribute to the history of the Craft.

The need to track all our archives is emphasised by the story of the chance discovery by W. Bro. David Sharpe in the Loughborough Masonic Hall. Above all, it is important that the team in Leicester know what is available for future research. Studies for the Tercentenary, both nationally and locally, have shown clearly the importance that we should place upon what too many may seem trivial, Declaration Books, Committee Minutes, general correspondence, all are vital in reconstructing the past. For example in a few years’ time we will need these documents to write the anniversary

Farewells We are sad to announce the passing of the following Brethren to the Grand Lodge above and our thoughts go to their families and loved ones. Each one will be missed but not forgotten.

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2018

Samuel Hedley Kendall Alan Jones Donald Frederick Reek Ian Terence Watts Ronald Leslie Newcombe Andrew Philip Goadby Douglas Allen Ball Frank William Achurch Maurice Battye David John Curtis Graham Hardy Stonehouse Thomas Norman Firban John Anthony Holland Brian Ellingworth Graham William Coley Michael David Smith Steven Austin Jarvis Edward Charles Castle Michael Arthur Kellett

histories of the nine Lodges which were founded between the wars. If the Declaration Books and Committee Minute Books are no longer in current use, they can be deposited in the Archives; they will still remain the property of the Lodge but they will be properly preserved.

In this Province, a small number of Lodges have been lost since the middle of the eighteenth century; it would be fantastic if we had their early records.

But we have lost not only them; there are too many Lodges still in existence in the Province where past records have been unnecessarily lost – thrown away when a secretary has died in office or just misplaced by the accidents of time.

The Library & Museum at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester is open daily for viewing and researching by members, all day from 9:30 through to the evening. If you would like a tour, have any questions then you will find a Curator at hand from Monday to Wednesday between 9.30am until 12.00pm.

St Mary's Lodge St Martin's Lodge Rutland Lodge East Goscote Lodge Wiclif Lodge Wiclif Lodge Wyggeston Lodge Wyggeston Lodge Lodge of Welcome Tudor House Lodge Bradgate Lodge Grey Friars Lodge Lodge of the Round Table Knights of Malta Lodge of the Argonauts Lodge of the Argonauts Gateway Lodge Holy Well Lodge of the Flaming Torch

No.7164 No.3431 No.1130 No.2865 No.3078 No.3078 No.3448 No.3448 No.5664 No.8481 No.6596 No.6803 No.7762 No.50 No.8210 No.8210 No.6513 No.7827 No.4874

OTHER ORDERS

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