Leicester Square Issue 42

Leicester square

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

Issue 42 Autumn 2019

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

Freemasons get on their bikes for Charity

New & Young Masons Clubs Page 10

Caring Heart In Action Page 8

In His Own Words Page 6

Page 15

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Leicester Square SPRING 2018 Leicester Square Autumn 2019

Contents 5

AUTUMN 2019 Inside this issue…

Welcome

Introducing you to the team at Leicester Square.

Feature

Including: In His Own Words, The Masonic Caring Heart In Action.

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Provincial News

Including: Looking Back, NYMC Conference Is A Tremendous Success.

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Gunning For Silverware, Garden Party In Sporting Associations The Sun, Freemasons On Their Bikes Raise

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Lodge News

Including: The Lodge of Research Goes Online, Market Harborough Masonic Hall Buffet Supper 2019, New Lodge In The Province, Union Of Rugby Lodge No.9989.

Light Blues

Chinese Dinner Experience.

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Charities

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Including: Summer Garden Party Raises Over £7,000 For The 2022 Festival, 2022 Is Not That Far Away, Take To The Skies For Charity, Glenfield Hospital Receives £42,936 Donation, Pedalling For PROSTaid.

Long Service

Long Service Awards.

Royal Arch Matters

Including: Provincial Grand Officers Buffet, Supreme Grand Chapter 13th November 2019, Address From The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent.

Mark News

Including: Mark Grand Honours 2019, £5,000 Donation To Devonshire Court, Upcoming Events, Garden Party & Presentation.

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Including: Silverware For Our Golfers, Over £7,000.

Devonshire Court

Rutland Water Outing.

Beyond the Craft

Rose Croix Demonstration Festival.

Library & Museum

Have You Visited Our Extended 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 Mob: 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 of Leicestershire and Rutland cannot accept 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 Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland.

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?

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 – Mob: 07747 614049 Email: tony.sibson@hotmail.co.uk

www.pglleics.org.uk

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Leicester Square Autumn 2019

Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers

In this issue, I have forgone my usual opener and opted to introduce you to the team at Leicester Sqaure, whose hard work helps to bring your publication to your door.

Richard Barnett: Editor.

Secretary of Granite Lodge No.2028, and also a member of the Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No.9705, Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction, and an active member of the Royal Arch, the Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Rose Croix, Knights Templar, Knights Templar Priests, Royal and Select Masters, and the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. He is also a UGLE Media Ambassador.

In his work life he leads a team of software specialists across Europe for a multi national tech company. When not enjoying family time, he enjoys cycling as part of the Light Blues Cycling Association and photography.

Jim Williamson: Chairman. Festival Steward of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081. He is also Past Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch Province of Leicestershire and Rutland and Past Principal of the Vale of Catmos Chapter and of the Installed First Principals Chapter. Past Sovereign of Oudh Chapter Rose Croix and a member of Byzantine Conclave Red Cross of Constantine. Life-long member and supporter of Leicester Tigers and a keen bowler, and Secretary of Billesdon Parish Church.

Tony Sibson: Advertising.

Charity Steward of Newarke Lodge No.6794, also a member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896 and the Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No.9705. An active member of the Royal Arch, the Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Red Cross of Constantine and Operatives.

Now retired, hobbies include gardening, reading, watching Leicester Tigers and Liverpool Football Club, and enjoying time with his grandchildren.

Andy Green: Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Member of Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, Lodge of Research No.2429, The Iron Bridge Lodge No.9897 (Shropshire), and David Kenneth Williamson Lodge No.9938 (MetGL).

He is Vice-Chairman of the Universities Scheme, UGLE Media Ambassador, Membership Secretary of the Association of Medical, University and Legal Lodges (AMULL) and Research Panel Member for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. He is also an active member of the Royal Arch, the Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Rose Croix, and Knights Templar.

Outside of Masonry, he is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham and Deputy Director of the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre where he leads research into breast cancer. Any spare time left he enjoys craft ale, travelling and photography.

Ian Nesbitt: Advertisers’ Invoice Payments.

Member of Humber Stone Lodge No.7744, Secretary of Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, Liaison Officer for Roundhill Lodge No.8639. He is the Provincial Grand Charity Steward and an active member of the Royal Arch in this Province as well as in Somerset, the Mark, Royal Ark Mariners and the Masonic Order of Athelstan. He is also the primary interface with The Order of Women Freemasons in Leicester. Now retired, he enjoys his home and family, DIY, his motorbike and relaxing on his boat in Poole.

Phil Caswell: Chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association. Director of Ceremonies of the Lodge of Gratitude No.6514, also a member of the Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No.9705, Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, Tudor Rose Lodge No.5660, and an active member of the Royal Arch, the Mark, Royal Ark Mariners, Red Cross of Constantine, Knights Templar and Allied Masonic Degrees. He works for Leicestershire Police in offender management and enjoys running along with orienteering.

WELCOME

John Peberdy MBE: Royal Arch News Committee Member. Past Master of Guthlaxton Lodge No.7717, Past Master of Lodge of the Leicestershire & Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, and a member of Beacon Lodge No.5208.

Currently Second Provincial Grand Principal in the Royal Arch, Past First Principal of Gateway Chapter and the Chapter of Installed First Principals. An active member of the Mark. Royal Arc Mariners, Red Cross of Constantine, Rose Croix and Knights Templar.

Henry Kukiewicz: Committee Member. Currently Master of the Derbyshire Lodge of Installed Masters and Inspector General of the Ancient & Accepted Rite in Leicestershire & Rutland. Member of Ratae Merdian Lodge No.9673, Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, Royal Arch, Red Cross of Constantine, Knights Templar, Knight Templar Priests, KBHC, and the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon.

Henry is a Past Provincial Communication Officer and Past Editor of Leicester Square.

A retired Project & Implementation Manager in the private and public sectors, now focussing on walking, gardening, table tennis, model railways and stamp collecting.

Steve Skidmore: Committee Member. Member of Holmes Lodge No.4656 and the Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896. He is currently the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. In Royal Arch, he is a member of Holmes Chapter and also Installed First Principals and currently the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is also a member of the 2022 Festival Committee.

Steve is a children’s author with over 250 titles to his name. He travels internationally to talk about his work and has recently been appointed as Leicester’s Patron of Reading.

Richard Barnett Editor

Reminder to all Brethren

The Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, on Friday 29th November 2019.

Please ensure that you return booking form responses as requested.

Early booking is recommended as demand may exceed places.

www.pglleics.org.uk

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Feature With the impending change of Provincial Grand Master within our Province, I sat down with R.W.Bro. David Victor Hagger to get an insight into his views on Freemasonry and the last ten years of his tenure as PGM.

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Leicester Square Autumn 2019 Leicester Square Autumn 2019

Feature

In His Own Words RB: How would you summarise your tenure as Provincial Grand Master?

RB: What will you miss the most?

DVH: I was delighted at being Appointed as Provincial Grand Master in 2010. I received a letter from the Grand Lodge Secretary on behalf of the Grand Master, inviting me to take the Appointment. It was a position I wished to occupy, and it was a golden opportunity for me to give something back to the Craft. I realised from my previous Offices in the Craft, that it would be an arduous task, particularly with the management of our prestigious Headquarters here in Leicester. It also must be said that I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed the support of many capable and committed Brethren and Staff at our Headquarters and other centres throughout the Province.

Without that support, and particularly their friendship, carrying out the Office would have been much more difficult.

As we all know, “there is no I in team.”

RB: If you had to choose just one, what would be the highlight of your time as Provincial Grand Master DVH: I would say the Tercentenary celebrations. In particular, attending and taking part in the Ceremony at the Albert Hall, accompanied by a number of Brethren from our Province, and of course a memorable dinner afterwards at Battersea Evolution. Also, as part of the Tercentenary events, the procession of Brethren through the City of Leicester to the Cathedral, which was the first time this had happened since 1923. Likewise, at the Cathedral service, the presentation to the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend David Monteith, of a Silver Deans Virge suitably inscribed with Masonic emblems.

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DVH: I will miss the great pleasure of visiting Lodges throughout the Province, and being so wonderfully received as their Provincial Grand Master.

RB: What is your view of the state of Freemasonry?

DVH: I believe, that Freemasonry is now in a very favourable state in this Province due to the many initiatives, both from this Province and UGLE for the promotion of our Order, and in particular, the recruitment and retention of members, through our Provincial Care Scheme, and of course, the Pathway Project.

One of my aims has been, firstly, to encourage younger Brethren to become members with a particular emphasis on their membership of the Light Blue Club. Secondly I have always felt that the facilities for Freemasons should be improved, to encourage active participation, not only of our Brethren, but also their wives, partners and families. I have had great pleasure in restoring and refurbishing our Headquarters, and I am proud to have instigated the installation of lifts for our Brethren. It is also pleasing to note that this initiative is being pursued in our other centres.

RB: What’s next for you?

DVH: The obvious question I am being asked is, “What am I going to do in the future, having been in Active Office for over 20 years?” The convention is that I take a “back seat” during the first 12 months of my successor, V.W. Bro. Peter C. Kinder’s tenure of Office, but obviously, I will support him in

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every way knowing what a challenging Office it is. I am a member of several Craft Lodges, and with my Honorary Memberships, I hope to visit them more regularly in the future.

I am privileged to have had two wonderful daughters, Rachael and Sarah and four gorgeous grandchildren; I will most certainly be making more time for them. I also have had an apartment on the Costa Del Sol, in Spain, for many years, which I shall visit more often, and of course, I am a very keen gardener.

RB: Have you any regrets?

DVH: I have enjoyed involvement in Freemasonry over the years and I have been totally committed in whatever Office I have held. The camaraderie and fellowship is unique, it is something which I have enjoyed being part of and sharing with so many friends and Brethren. My one regret is that my late wife, Patricia, was not able to enjoy with me, in particular, my tenure of Office as Provincial Grand Master. She loved our involvement in Highcross Lodge in particular, and the Province in general.

RB: What message would you like to leave for the Brethren of our Province?

DVH: My final message as your Provincial Grand Master, is for all our Brethren to enjoy their Masonry. We are very fortunate to be members of such a wonderful institution. Long may it exist and flourish.

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Feature

The Masonic Caring Heart In Action “Through personal experience or close involvement with relatives or friends, dealing with life changing events including the passing of loved ones, challenges of addictions, life changing illness, or the need to care for a close relative, and many other such situations, often brings the need for support” Scrip, Purse and Caring Heart Dealing with one of these events is difficult enough, but when several happen at the same time it brings significantly more challenges. The Lewin’s are a local Masonic family, who have had to face collective life changing circumstances, and have consented to share their story in an interview conducted by our Provincial Grand Almoner W.Bro. David Highton with W.Bro. Philip Lewin.

Like many before, the family came to know the caring heart of Freemasonry in action.

DH: Philip, please tell me about your brother David’s career in freemasonry?

PL: My brother David was introduced to Freemasonry by a “friend of a friend” at a summer barbecue roughly eighteen years ago. He was instantly intrigued and before long was initiated into the Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081 in December 2002. Two years later our father, David Lewin (Senior) was initiated, quickly followed by myself in December 2005. My brother David progressed through the various offices in the Lodge, becoming Master in 2011. He also became a Royal Arch Companion in Reynard Chapter No.9285 in 2017. That same year in November, he received Provincial honours as Past Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary, but sadly passed away the following month.

DH: Phil, I understand David was a family man with two young children?

PL: That’s right. David was a hardworking and devoted father, with two young children whom he left at home with their mother each day as he went off to work. In fact he worked right up until the day before he passed away,

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despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour and undergoing brain surgery and radiotherapy. Other than when recovering from his surgery he never took a day off sick in his life. Our suspicion is that he knew more about his condition than he was letting-on, or that his time was limited, but he never let his condition stop him doing all that he could to provide for his children.

Unfortunately, his partner, and the children’s mother, suffered from a long-standing alcohol addiction which had steadily grown worse over time. In August 2017 David decided he needed to remove himself and the children from the family home in order to assure their care and safety. David and the children moved in with our parents at their family home.

DH: When you found out about David’s condition, it must have had quite an impact on your parents, your family, yourself and partner Amie?

PL: The first clue David had that he was ill, was when he quite suddenly went instantly and totally blind for a brief moment while at work. It must have been terrifying for him! After undergoing scans at A&E it quickly became clear the he had developed an aggressive brain tumour. Radiotherapy shrunk the tumour to a size where

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2019

surgery could remove it, with most of the tumour being successfully removed a few months later. However, the tumour was too aggressive and soon after it became clear that there was little that could be done other than to manage the symptoms with drugs whilst maintaining a happy and relatively normal life. David was never quite clear about how long he had left, or what the possible outcomes would be. I suppose he did this in an attempt to protect his loved ones from the pain of knowing what would inevitably come, whilst trying to enjoy a normal life for as long as he could with his children. Because of this seemingly “normal” situation we actually all coped very well.

David’s children were only one and three years old at the time, so whilst his three-year-old daughter knew Daddy was “poorly” she had no concept of what that ultimately meant. His son was mercifully far too young to have any idea of what was happening.

DH: So David, whilst keeping things as “normal” as possible realised that he needed to prepare for the future support of his children?

PL: David knew he would succumb to his illness at some point but he had no

Feature idea when, or indeed how. He made all the usual legal preparations, including expressing a desire within his Last Will & Testament for where his children should live and with whom after he was gone; initially this was to be with our parents, but then eventually myself and my partner Amie if our parents were no longer able to cope. The papers were signed just twenty-four hours before he passed away. At that moment nobody knew just how profound that event and its timing would become. Initially the children lived with our parents for a few months, but with them being in their 70’s, and the children being just one and three years old, it was soon clear that a more suitable arrangement would be for Amie and I to bring the children up – as per David’s wishes. Naturally this was a cataclysmic lifestyle change for us, having no children of our own, we quickly had to set about converting our home to accommodate two small children, not to mention radically altering our lives. Still, we made a dying wish promise to David that his two children would have a normal, happy life and upbringing and we were determined (and remain so) to make that happen.

Masonic Charity Foundation (MCF), was able to provide support in the circumstances you and Amie were taking on?

PL: It was my Father who initially spoke of the situation to the Provincial Grand Almoner soon after David’s death. The immediate response was that the MCF would probably be able to assist. Our circumstances were slightly unusual in that normally it is the through the grandfather’s masonic connection that the children in our situation receive support, but in this case, it was David’s sibling who was seeking support for the children. Needless to say, exactly the same supportive response was immediately extended to us when the MCF became aware of our case, through the very helpful encouragement and guidance of the Provincial Grand Almoner’s team.

DH: I understand that the MCF are providing help with the children’s daily living expenses and childcare costs. I hope that this is helping David’s two children have the normal, happy life and upbringing as David wished?

PL: From a practical point of view there was little that the brethren of the Lodge could do anyway, but the offers of emotional support and sympathy were many. If any support was going to be available then it would be primarily financial – after all, Amie and I hadn’t planned or budgeted to suddenly have two small children in our lives! Following David’s death, the support from the Lodge and the wider Masonic community was incredible. The Brethren and Companions in David’s Lodge and Chapter held a very generous collection to buy the children Christmas and birthday presents, for which we were (and remain) very grateful.

PL: The children have adapted very well. David’s daughter, now six is a very intelligent and polite little girl, who is confident and happy. She is doing well at primary school with a varied and healthy number of interests ranging from mathematics and space exploration, through to drama and acting. His son now three is naturally less aware of his circumstances, but again he is developing very well and seems to have inherited his Daddy’s love for rugby. Both of them attend stage school on Saturdays and his daughter also takes swimming lessons after school. The MCF agreed to pay for these extracurricular activities in full, without us even requesting it, which is absolutely fantastic. They are healthy, happy, normal children who are growing up in a loving environment, even though their Daddy is tragically no longer here.

DH: That was wonderful to hear but when did you come to realise that the

DH: What have you found most positive and beneficial from the support

DH: What support was received by David, his children, you or your family from your fellow freemasons or local masonic community?

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provided by the MCF? PL: The MCF are a very friendly and supportive organisation to deal with.

Not only are they sensitive to individual circumstances, they also make the process very personal and sincere.

The fact that they provide assurance that they are there on call if your circumstances change for whatever reason is a great comfort that helps make everything else that little bit easier.

DH: What words of advice would you say to brethren should they or their families find themselves in circumstances where support is needed?

PL: The main piece of advice I would give is “don’t be afraid to ask your Lodge Almoner, the Provincial Grand Almoner, or the MCF directly.” Our case probably is a bit of an extreme one, but these things are all relative. What might seem a trivial issue to some could be potentially catastrophic to others, and the Provincial and MCF teams acted with sensitivity and respect at all times. They are not there to judge; they are there to help you. It’s clear they gain a sense of enormous satisfaction from being able to help Freemasons and their families, so please do approach them if you have a need, no matter how big or small it may seem to you. The following words have been said and heard many times during our experience: “It’s what we’re here for” and it certainly is true!

A Message from our Provincial Grand Almoner W.Bro. David Highton You can speak in confidence to your Lodge Almoner, the Provincial Almoner or contact the MCF Enquiry Team in confidence on freephone: 0800 035 60 90 or Email: help@mcf.org.uk or write to: Masonic Charitable Foundation, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ. The enquiries team can offer confidential guidance on the financial, health, care and family help available and advise you about the process and criteria for making an application.

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Provincial NEWS

Looking Back As we publish our 42nd edition of Leicester Square, it is only right that we look back at the significant influence the Provincial Grand Master has had on the publication we now read today On Wednesday 26th May 2010, R.W.Bro. David V. Hagger was installed as Provincial Grand Master for Leicestershire & Rutland and as I understand it, one of the first things he did was to invite me to take over the running of Leicester Square. This I accepted and have been in the role as Chairman of Leicester Square ever since.

In 2010, a system was in place whereby advertising in the magazine was controlled by the printers, a system which, to say the least, was not in our best interests. In 2011, our present

printers, Anchor Print, took over and from then onwards, we ourselves have controlled the advertising which has enabled the magazine to be selfsupporting and relevant to you, the readers.

With the fine expertise of both our original Editor, W.Bro. Henry Kukiewicz and of our present Editor, W.Bro. Richard Barnett, who took over in 2017, the quality and content of the magazine has risen considerably and for its appearance, design and appeal, has become the envy of surrounding

Provinces.

I am immensely grateful to R.W.Bro. David for giving me this opportunity in the first place and I wish him a long and happy, well-earned retirement. Happily I can say that our new incoming Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder has asked me to continue in my role as Chairman and I am equally pleased to say that W.Bro. Richard will continue as Editor.

W.Bro. Jim Williamson PProvSGW, Chairman Leicester Square

NYMC Conference is a Tremendous Success

In 2018, the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club successfully bid to host the 2019 New & Young Masons Clubs Conference. Beating competition from other clubs throughout the country, the Light Blue Club’s winning theme of “Building Bonds” was the foundation for months of hard work, culminating in the conference that was held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on Saturday 28th Sept. 2019 The New & Young Masons Club, or NYMC for short, was created to bring together all of the Light Blue Clubs from around the country, to share ideas and best practices, to ensure their continued success.

Early on Saturday 28th September, representatives from thirty-one of these clubs descended on Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, to enjoy an action packed and informative day, with friends, acquaintances, new members, and a great line up of speakers.

After welcoming our guests, a tour was conducted by our Light Blue Club members of the magnificent building we have, culminating in a talk on the Holmes Lodge Room by W.Bro. Richard Barnett, and a viewing of our fabulous museum.

By 10am, the one hundred seats in

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the Holmes Lodge Room were filled as our Light Blue Club Chairman, Bro. Bob Reay opened the conference.

Bro. Bob gave a welcoming speech and introduced the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger, who thanked everyone for attending and introduced the day’s guest speakers.

Next to take to the stage was the President of the Light Blue Club, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder, who gave an insight into the origins of the Light Blue Club, along with his thoughts and aims for the day.

Bro. Samuel Harris of the Light Blue Club then took great pleasure in introducing the next two sets of speakers, with whom he had been liaising to secure their time for a ground breaking set of presentations. First to the stage was the Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, M.W.Bro.

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2019

Christine Chapman, to give an insight into the history and background to Women’s Freemasonry in England.

There are two Grand Lodges of Women Freemasons in England, and the second presenter was W.Bro. Elaine Malone, Deputy Grand Secretary, accompanied by W.Bro. Mia Cameron-Dungey, from the Order of Women Freemasons. This presentation was very well received and gave the audience a better understanding of where the Order originated from, as well as an insight into their future plans.

The first “Break out session” with the theme entitled The Foundation Stone, involved a move downstairs to the Oliver Dining Room, which was set up by the superb team at Devonshire Place. The round table discussions proved to be a huge

Provincial NEWS

success, with energy and enthusiasm for understanding what it is our New & Young Masons Clubs need to be successful.

A traditional Leicestershire lunch was served to the visitors to our Province, with a headlining meal of Chicken Tikka Masala, which was very well received. After lunch, the team from Solomon, R.W.Bro. David Pratt, Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire, West Riding, together with W.Bro. Dr. Craig Johnson, and W.Bro. Ken Wootton, gave a valuable insight into our Learning & Development programme.

Breakout sessions 2 and 3, “Raising a Superstructure” and “Building Bonds” were equally a success, with great feedback from all participants as the attendees worked towards sharing ideas and developing a mission statement.

The Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England, V.W.Bro. Dr. David Staples, delivered the

key note speech in the magnificent Holmes Lodge Room. Focusing on the Future of Freemasonry, and how we can all help to achieve this bright future. V.W.Bro. David conducted a captivating presentation, followed by a question and answer session before the day’s proceedings were brought to a close. To round off an exhausting yet captivating day, was W.Bro. Mitch Merrick-Thirlway, the Administrator of the NYMC, as it was down to him to announce the winners who would host the conference to held in 2022. And the winners were, the Fleet House Light Blues Club from the Province of Hertfordhsire.

No.4835 said, “I would like to thank all of the committee for their hard work and efforts in the management of today’s event, and especially the organisers who assisted me in the planning, preparation, and execution: Bro. Samuel Harris of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081, Bro. Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh of the Rothley Temple Lodge No.7081, Bro. Richard Danks of the Burbach Lodge No.8699, and W.Bro. Richard Barnett of the Granite Lodge No.2028. Finally also grateful thanks to the fantastic volunteers on the day who made everything run so smoothly.

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger said, “I would like to thank all of the organisers and members of our Light Blue Club for what has been an excellent day. I would also like to thank all of our guests and speakers for their valuable time, and also to all of the brethren from up and down the country for their energy and enthusiasm. You are the future of Freemasonry, and today has demonstrated what a bright future we have.”

After such a superb day, of learning, listening, education, and sharing of ideas, many of the attendees stayed on to enjoy the hospitality of the Wyggeston Lodge No.3448 to complete the day.

The Chairman of the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club, Bro. Bob Reay of the Highcross Lodge

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SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

Another win for our Provincial Golfers at the Wayne Williams Trophy competition held at Peterborough Milton Golf Club On the 6th August 2019 the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Noel Manby, the Past Grand Superintendent, E. Comp. Peter Kinder, and four other intrepid Royal Arch Masons of the Province ventured into the adjoining Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire to compete in the Wayne Williams Trophy, which was hosted as usual at the Peterborough Milton Golf Club.

The Grand Superintendent’s team comprising himself, E.Comp. John Edmond and Comp. Graham Goode made a promising start and continued to score well on each of the holes with all three team members contributing to a final score 78 points. Having come close to securing the trophy on two

previous occasions, it proved to be third time lucky for the team who were presented with the trophy by E.Comp.

Jim Boughton, Grand Superintendent of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.

The trophy is now proudly on display at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester.

The competition was established in 2013, and the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland have competed for the Trophy for the last four years.

After a coffee and bacon roll the competition started in earnest at 1pm with teams of three teeing off at 10 minute intervals. The competition as always was played in good spirits with a great deal of banter between the teams before, during, and after the competition and culminated in an excellent meal and prize giving ceremony. The weather was dry and sunny with heavy intermittent thundery showers.

Pictured from left to right: E.Comp. Peter Kinder, Comp. Graham Goode, M.E. Grand Superintendent Noel Manby, E.Comp. John Edmond, E.Comp. Garry McVeigh and E.Comp.

Brian Carruthers

Gunning For Silverware The recently formed Leicestershire & Rutland Clay Pigeon Shooting Association came away from a recent shoot with the cup for Best High Gun in the veterans category Since the formation of the team earlier this year by W.Bro. Garry Symonds, the interest from the members of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons has grown rapidly, enabling the team to compete in national shoots.

The Masonic National Championships took place on the 22nd June 2019 at High Lodge Shooting School, Haw Wood, Hinton in Suffolk, with three members of the Provincial team making the journey to take part and show their skills behind a trigger.

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For the first outing of the team, expectations were exceeded as W.Bro. Paul Reeve from the Castle of Leicester Lodge No.7767 won the cup for the Best High Gun in the veterans category.

Pictured are, from left to right, Joshua Symonds, Paul Murgatroyd, Paul Reeve

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14

Leicester Square Autumn 2019

Garden Party In The Sun

SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

On Saturday 21st September 2019, W.Bro. David Hurst and his wife Jackie opened up their home and garden for Enderby Lodge No.5061 and the soon to be consecrated Union of Rugby Lodge to hold a joint Summer Garden Party kindly agreed to sponsor the formation of the new Union of Rugby Lodge, and also for the petitioners of the Lodge to meet and build bonds of friendship.

The sun was shining in what turned out to be a perfect day for over one hundred guests to enjoy the food and entertainment that had been organised.

The event was a celebration for Enderby Lodge who have

The day was a huge success, with a collection of seven artists who performed throughout the day, with the music being arranged

by Sid Burdett, formerly of The Hissing Sid Band, who had put together a seamless selection of tunes for all to enjoy.

The guests were treated to a glass of prosecco on arrival, and a Hog Roast and a Stone

Baked pizza feast which were both readily consumed, followed by salads, desserts and a wonderful cheeseboard created by Jackie, all washed down with whatever drinks the guests had chosen to bring.

A raffle was held which raised £317, this will be split between the two Lodges for their charitable donations.

The day soon turned into night, and the party drew to a close, leaving the Primus Master of the Union of Rugby Lodge, W.Bro. Daniel Quelch, and the Master of Enderby Lodge W.Bro.

Andrew ‘Jock’ Keenan to both agree that the social occasion had been a great success, and they both looked forward to many more events in the future.

W.Bro. Andrew ‘Jock’ Keenan said,

A huge thank you to David and Jackie for being the perfect hosts.

Freemasons On Their Bikes Raise Over £7,000 The sun was out, the sunblock was on, as twenty cyclists from Leicestershire & Rutland, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Freemasons gathered in Leicester on Saturday 29th June 2019 for this year’s 83 mile Charity Cycle Ride, in support of the Rainbows Children’s Hospice and the Masonic Charitable Foundation to Rainbows Children’s Hospice”. Also there to wave them off was the Provincial Grand Master, who said, “We are all extremely proud of the work we do to support Rainbows and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and I thank all of those riders for raising such a fantastic amount today.”

To wish them good luck on their journey, Helen LeeSmith, Head of Individual Giving from Rainbows said, “Thank you so much to all of those taking part today, yet again the support from the Freemasons is essential

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On the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures well in excess of 33 degrees Celsius, twenty cyclists including Freemasons, friends and family set off from Freemasons’ Hall Leicester early in the

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morning before the sun was at its strongest. The route took the four groups out from Leicester and on towards Loughborough before heading through Shepshed and onto Derby in the first leg of the journey of over 33 miles.

The first stop was at the Masonic Hall in Derby, where tea, coffee, bacon sandwiches and much needed water were in abundance. The break was very much appreciated as the day was beginning to warm up, however, time was of the essence and it was not long before the next leg out

through Long Eaton and onto Nottingham.

By now the temperature was soaring, but that did not stop the determined cyclists to battle the searing heat and traffic as they arrived at the Masonic Hall in Nottingham for a rest in the shade and to restock with supplies.

The afternoon sun meant that water stops were frequent, but with determination and hard work, the cyclists made their way from Nottingham back into Leicestershire, finally finishing at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester at around 6pm.

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Lodge NEWS

The Lodge Of Research Goes Online Are you intrigued by Masonic history and education? If so, the Lodge of Research No.2429 is something that you should put serious thought into taking a look at the work which has been undertaken by individuals to study Freemasonry since the formation of the Lodge in 1892 Since 1892 the Lodge of Research No.2429 has published in a continuous sequence an annual volume of “Transactions” containing papers and shorter items on matters of Masonic Research. Some have been historical, others have examined issues concerning ritual and ceremonial, while yet others have considered Masonic artefacts, particularly those in the Museum at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester.

Many papers over the years have been contributed by distinguished Masonic scholars as visitors to the Lodge, including a number of presentations of the Annual Prestonian Lecture, in which context it must be remembered that the Lodge has two “Prestonians” to its credit, W.Bros. Walter Bunney and Aubrey Newman.

Visiting brethren have contributed material on, inter alia, the growth and development of Freemasonry in jurisdictions other than England, including France, Southern Africa, India and the United States, so that

there is a wealth of matter dealing with “Masonry Universal” as well as our own domestic concerns.

Indeed it may justly be claimed that the “Transactions” rank only second to those of Lodge Quatuor Coronati as a source of Masonic scholarship delivered on a yearly basis.

Since the beginning of the series it has always been available to members of the Lodge and to its Correspondence Circle, which has included institutional members, such as overseas Grand Lodges, Provincial and District Grand Lodges, and Masonic research circles, as well as individuals on a local, national and world wide basis.

Now, with the launch of the “Solomon” resource by the United Grand Lodge of England, the time has come to make the invaluable storehouse of the “Transactions” available to all, save with some exceptions relating to whatever in any given year constitutes the last five years of issues, though as the years progress those issues will be made available on a rolling basis.

The Transactions have been painstakingly digitised by Microform Imaging Ltd and uploaded onto our website with a linked index by Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Dr. Andrew Green assisted

by W.Bros. David Sharpe and Derek Andrews. The digitised Transactions can be accessed on the website: www. research2429.org.uk/transactionsindex Here you will find hundreds of articles of interest, such as a paper from 1981 on the Masonic Hall in Ashby, or from 1946 “Kipling and the Craft”, or even further back to 1892 with a paper on “Medieval Masonry”.

It is hoped that all those with any interest in Masonic research, history, ritual and ceremonial, as well as the place of Freemasonry in the wider life of the nation and the world will find this new resource, a timely and welcome addition to the material available to them.

Market Harborough

Masonic Hall Buffet Supper 2019

On Saturday 10th August 2019 over 70 brethren, wives, partners and friends attended the annual Market Harborough Masonic Hall Summer Buffet Supper The evening was attended by both Craft Lodges who meet in Market Harborough, St Peter’s Lodge No.1330 and St Wilfrid’s Lodge No.8350 as well as St Peter’s Chapter and St Peter’s Mark Lodge.

Reception drinks were served before the buffet was opened, which was very well received. Later a raffle was held with prizes generously donated by the brethren, the proceeds of which are to be distributed amongst local charities in Market Harborough.

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2019

Lodge NEWS

New Lodge In The Province After months of hard work by the Founding Brethren of the Hinckley Lodge of Installed Masters No.9972, and also the Provincial Executive, the Lodge consecration was held at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester on Thursday 23rd May 2019

Over 130 Brethren took their seats in the Oliver Lodge Room as the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Dr Andrew Green took the chair and appointed the Consecrating Officers to the various positions around the Lodge. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger then entered the room to preside over the consecration ceremony, ably assisted by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. Geoff Searson, the Provincial Grand Chaplain R.W.Bro. Rev. Canon Michael Wilson, and other members of the Consecrating team.

After the conclusion of the Consecration ceremony, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder assumed the chair to direct the Installation ceremony, as the

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Worshipful Master Designate, W.Bro. David Fell was installed as the first Master of the Lodge.

The Provincial Grand Master was delighted to present Founders Jewels to all of the Founders present, The first duty of the Master was to appoint and invest his officers for the year, starting with his two Wardens, W.Bro. Michael Kennedy and W.Bro. John Reilly.

As a most welcome surprise, the Provincial Grand Master, before the evenings’ proceedings were concluded, presented a promotion with immediate effect to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden to the Master, who was left speechless at such a kind gesture.

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The Consecration was followed by a festive board with a packed dining hall, as Founders, guests, and visitors celebrated this rare but special occasion. The Master concluded the evening by thanking all of those present for their hard work and dedication, and finally presented a cheque for £250 to the Provincial Grand Master for the 2022 Masonic Charitable Foundation Festival.

The Lodge meets on the third Tuesday in November and May at the Masonic Hall in Hinckley, all Masters and Past Masters are most welcome to join.

LeicestershireRutlandFreemasons

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Lodge NEWS

Planning, Preparation And Paperwork Following the huge success of the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blues Rugby Football Club, the Rugby Club’s Committee embarked upon the path to form a new rugby lodge in the Province. There have been other rugby Lodges created across the country, in Durham, Essex and Kent, that are highly successful, and others are on the path to consecration in Buckinghamshire and Cardiff been attracted to the Lodge, all of whom have been associated with the Light Blues Rugby Football Club.

Following many months of planning, preparation and paperwork, in late September 2019, following the Quarterly Communication Meeting, the Grand Master has approved the formation of a new Lodge.

The Founding Committee would like to acknowledge their gratitude to the advice and guidance from the Secretary of the Lodge of XV, W.Bro. Mike Hall, and the Sponsoring Lodge, Enderby Lodge No.5061, who have provided valuable advice and support. This would not have been possible without the unerring support of our Provincial Team, and the advice and guidance provided by the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. David Hagger, who has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.

The Union Of Rugby Lodge No.9989, as it will be known, has attracted fifty two Founding Members and twenty Joining Members from across the Province and further afield, many of whom are associated with local rugby clubs. Additionally, ten potential new candidates to Freemasonry have already

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Following the guidance provided by the Pathway Project, the Lodge has now commenced candidate interviews. Rugby Union has significant parallels with the core values of Freemasonry. Respect, integrity, co-operation, and of course, benevolence and charity are central to both, so it is hardly surprising that many rugby players have found themselves involved with the new Lodge. It has been noted that the popularity of membership will make The Union Of Rugby Lodge one of the largest Lodges in the Province following its consecration.

The new Lodge will meet four times a year at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester (three Friday evenings and one Saturday morning), and will hold social and rugby events throughout the year.

The Primus Master of The Union Of Rugby Lodge will be W.Bro. Daniel Quelch (Rothley Temple Lodge No.7801) who thanked W.Bros Jock Keenan, Paul Toon, Paul Cave, and Richard Ward for their assistance, and also Bro. Bob Reay as Secretary Designate, who has been outstanding in his commitment to the Lodge. Other committee members who have been first class in driving the Lodge forward have been W.Bros Carl Ackers, Greg Viviers, Ray Mills, Robert Hopewell and John Knight.

The Union Of Rugby Lodge will be

consecrated on Saturday 4th April 2020. If you are interested in joining

the new Lodge, applications for Joining Members are still invited, please contact The Union Of Rugby Lodge at secretary@ uorl.org.uk

Leicester Square AUTUMN 2019

W.Bro. Daniel Quelch said,

We are humbled to have been given permission to create a new Lodge, it has also been a privilege to work with such a determined group of committee members, their drive and enthusiasm for this project has been fantastic.

LIGHT BLUE

Chinese Dinner Experience

The Light Blue Club were out in force to enjoy a personal Chinese dinner experience from Bro. Kowklyn Wan at his Eastern Heroes establishment – The Bar, in Leicester

Bro. Bob Reay, Chairman of the Light Blue Club said,

Grateful thanks go to Bro. Kwoklyn for keeping everyone fed, watered and entertained.

A warm evening and a great venue on Saturday 3rd August 2019 was the setting for the Light Blue Club to get together with friends and family, to enjoy a mouth-watering meal and fantastic company.

Bro. Kwoklyn Wan of Grey Friars Lodge No.6803 opened up his establishment to the 25 diners as they enjoyed a menu including Griddled Lamb Skewers, Chicken Yuk Sung, and Satay Chicken all cooked right in front

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A highly recommended experience and a great time was had by all. The evening raised a total of £165 for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival.

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CHARITY

Summer Garden Party Raises

ÂŁ7,263 For The 2022 Festival The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger opened up his garden on the 4th August 2019 as over 270 guests arrived for a fun day to raise money for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Masonic Charitable Foundation Festival appeal to win a host of prizes in a raffle which was drawn later in the day.

The rain clouds kept off for most of the afternoon, as the band enticed people to get up and dance and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

The event raised an incredible ÂŁ7,263 for the 2022 Festival.

With a team of helpers assisting with the setup of the marquees, organising the car parking, serving refreshments, and ensuring that the day ran smoothly, the Provincial Grand Master welcomed all before introducing the music and entertainment to the growing crowds.

An excellent buffet was served, accompanied by a full bar, and a chance

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The Provincial Grand Master said,

My special thanks go to all the Brethren and their ladies who helped in whatever capacity on the day.

Without your attendance and their assistance we could not have achieved this result.

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21

CHARITY

2022 Is Not That Far Away With less than three years to go now, we asked the 2022 Festival Chairman, W.Bro. Dale Page to look forward at the road ahead as we strive towards our target of £1.8m It has been magnificent to see such a positive and enthusiastic approach by so many Brethren and Lodges to reach their targets, and in doing so, have a good time along the journey.

The numerous types of fundraising events organised throughout the Province are testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our members.

These events, along with wonderful individual and collective initiatives, ensure that we enter the second half our Festival in a determined frame of mind. I am aware of several lunches, garden parties, Light Blue Club events such as a Chinese dining experience and an evening of T20 Cricket at Grace Road and not forgetting the PGM’s Garden Party, which was a tremendous success.

I would like to thank each and every one of the 1400 Brethren whose donations have enabled them to proudly wear their Steward’s Jewel to all Craft and Royal Arch meetings.

But is it all worth it? The simple answer is yes. Locally, since the culmination of our appeal in 2012 and the conclusion of our current appeal, Brethren & Charities of this Province will have benefited by well over £3,600,000. In basic terms, for every £1 we donate, the MCF delivers £2 in return to Leicestershire & Rutland.

At the time of writing our Festival total stands at £1,194,411.

Our relief chest has to date transferred £793,843. to the MCF We still have a long way to go. In basic terms we need to average a £20k uplift per month. This equates to approximately £300 per Lodge per Month.

So what’s next? As well as your continued efforts in your Lodges, we will be looking to run several Provincial events during 2020 & 2021. These include a Summer Ball in July 2020, a further Sportsman’s Dinner in March 2021, a sponsored endurance walk during Easter 2021, and to end, our Appeal Banquet is provisionally booked for Saturday 25th June 2022 at the Leicester Tigers stadium.

This year’s Festival and Charity Stewards meeting will be held on Saturday 9th November 2019. It is my aim to have hit the £1.3 m mark by the date of that meeting. With the continued support of the Festival Committee and more importantly, the Brethren, I know this target is achievable.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to thank our PGM and Festival President for his support and commitment to the Festival since he launched it at Provincial Grand Lodge in November 2016. Under his guidance we have laid the foundations of our appeal and must now press on to a successful conclusion in 2022.

“For every £1 you donate, the MCF delivers £2 back to local charities, for example a grant of £58,841 to the Braunstone Foundation, helping local people in need.”

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Leicester Square Autumn 2019 Leicester Square Autumn 2019

CHARITY

Take To The Skies For Charity

Raising money for the 2022 Festival has taken many guises, but one with a difference is that which is being organised by W.Bro. David Lewin of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece No.2081; jumping out of an aeroplane from 15,000 feet!

Back in 2005, W.Bro. David Lewin organised a similar event, whereby three Brethren raised over £6,000 by taking to the skies for a tandem parachute jump. Due to this success, W.Bro. David has decided to arrange a similar event to raise money for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival.

The planned skydive is to take place in 2021, at the Langar Airfield in Nottingham, giving willing volunteers plenty of time to prepare for the jump and gather as much sponsorship as possible.

Have you ever considered sky diving? Is it something you have done before and want to do again? Or is it just something to tick off your bucket list? Either way, we are looking for interested Brethren to make themselves known to W.Bro. David, so that he can gauge the size of the event and begin the arduous task of arranging the jump.

Please contact W.Bro. David at lewind@rocketmail.com to register your interest.

W.Bro. David Lewin said,

When I turned 70 I did my first parachute jump, age really is no barrier, and I urge all Brethren to consider this opportunity of a lifetime.

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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2017

Leicester Leicester Square Square Autumn Autumn 2019 2019

Glenfield Hospital Receives

£42,936 Donation A donation of £42,936 was presented to Glenfield Hospital on the 15th July 2019 for the purchase of a brand-new Portable Echo Machine. The funds to pay for the equipment were generously donated by the Mark Benevolent Fund, the official Charity of Mark Master Masons throughout England and Wales

CHARITY

Long Service

Awards The following Brethren have received continous long service awards W.Bro. Alan Simpson,

Humberstone Lodge No. 7744, Initiated 9th April 1969

W.Bro. Robert Ernest Smith, Designed to perform an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound examination of the heart, the new machine will produce real-time images representing the heart walls and valves. And with the additional probes, a similar examination can be undertaken on other organs, such as lungs and bladders. On receiving the donation, Michael Schupp said, “As we use the only other machine at our disposal 20 to 30 times a day, this new equipment will lead to better patient care and diagnosis” Presenting the cheque was Tony Morris, Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, who said, “When we heard of the appeal for new equipment, the trustees were only too willing to

help out. The Mark Master Masons Benevolent Fund raises money from its 45,000 members around the country, specifically to help those in need, such as providing new Air Ambulances, Blood Bikes, Mobile Treatment Centres, and of course vital equipment to Hospitals and Hospices, such as the one here today.”

The appeal was brought to the attention of the Charity by V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Craft who said, “When I spoke with Debbie Adlerstein of the Leicester Hospitals Charity, I knew that we would be able to help with more than just a donation to the new equipment, but to fund a complete new device”.

Orion Lodge No.4993, Initiated 24th April 1969

W.Bro. Ralph Leek, Saint Crispin Lodge No.7832, Initiated 28th April 1969

W.Bro. Trevor Lloydall, Temperantia Lodge No.4088, Initiated 16th September 1969

W.Bro. Bruce Redfern, Jason Lodge No.7716, Initiated 14th April 1969

Vale of Catmos Terence Thomas Smith Lodge of the Golden Fleece John Burdett Coleman Wiclif Gordon Neal Walker Lodge of the Flaming Torch Peter Michael Millrain Lodge of Welcome Norman Wilfrid Lewin Wyvern Roy Pennington Lodge of Gratitude Neil Morley De Voil Thomas Burton Stanley William Harriman Sir John Corah Alec Bak Lodge of the Round Table Philip Thomas Adams Saint Crispin Brian Taylor Old Oakhamian Bryan Stuart Lambert We are sad to announce the passing of the Lodge of Science and Art Philip Lanch following Brethren to the Grand Lodge above and Roundhill John Roger Wilcox Wayfarer Brian Webster our thoughts go to their families and loved ones.

Uppingham in Rutland Charles MacDonald Menzies Each one will be missed but not forgotten.LeicsFreemasons www.pglleics.org.uk LeicestershireRutlandFreemasons Uppingham in Rutland Roger Noel Tallowin Collins

Farewells

No.1265 No.2081 No.3078 No.4874 No.5664 No.6167 No.6514 No.7007 No.7736 No.7762 No.7832 No.8033 No.8429 No.8639 No.8679 No.9119 25 No.9119

CHARITY

Pedalling For PROSTaid Cycling for charity is now common place within our Province, as shown by a team of intrepid riders from Knighton Lodge No.4711 who donned their lycra in support of PROSTaid A team of six riders had been preparing for some months for the challenge of the Cycling Way of the Roses, taking them from Morecombe to Bridlington covering a total of 170 miles over three days, starting on the 13th September.

The Knighton Lodge members were, W.Bro. Phillip Kent, W.Bro. Mark Tebbatt, Bro. Rajesh Solanki,

and Bro. Mark Nutting, who were joined by Xenia and Ross Kent for the intrepid adventure. Working to ensure their comfort and saftey was the support team, consisting of the Master, W.Bro. Dennis McCauley and his wife Christine, together with Bro. Paul Reynolds and Sarah Nutting.

The weather was kind but the going

was tough, the finishing line was certainly a sight for sore eyes and weary limbs.

The tremendous effort raised a total of ÂŁ4,200 for PROSTaid, a local charity supporting men and their families through diagnosis, treatment and recovery of prostate cancer.

Pictured from Left to Right: Mrs Xenia Kent, W.Bro. Phillip Kent, Mr Ross Kent, W.Bro. Mark Tebbatt, Bro. Raj Solanki, Bro. Mark Nutting 26 26

Leicester Leicester Square Square Autumn Autumn 2019 2019

Provincial Grand Officers’ Buffet

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent E.Comp.

Noel Manby hosted a buffet to thank his team for their hard work in ensuring that the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland Royal Arch Masons continues to thrive.

On Tuesday 25th June 2019 the Grand Superintendent and his wife Jacky, invited the Provincial Grand Officers of the year, and the Grand Officers together with their partners to join them at what has become an annual buffet.

The idea of the evening is to enable the Grand Superintendent and his wife to meet with the Grand Officers, and more especially their partners, for a celebratory dinner.

The whole evening was a very convivial event. A first class sit down buffet was provided by the new catering team at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, and musical entertainment was provided in the form of music from the Jersey Boys, which was

Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Noel Manby, said,

A super evening to celebrate the amazing work this first class team has delivered this year

received with great acclamation.

Supreme Grand Chapter 13th November 2019

Supreme Grand Chapter meets twice a year at Freemasons’ Hall, London. The first meeting in April is the Annual Investiture, which often sees a very full Grand Temple for the proceedings.

However the November convocation which this year is being held on Wednesday 13th, has more spaces available for Companions from the Province to see Supreme Grand Chapter in action.

So this year, an invitation is being extended to every Companion in the Province, giving an opportunity

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to see not only the magnificent Grand Temple, but also how Supreme Grand Chapter is conducted in all its splendour. After the meeting, a lunch is being arranged for those that are able to join the Provincial team.

The Grand Superintendent, E.Comp. Noel Manby hopes that as many Companions as possible will support him, and show a large Leicestershire and Rutland presence. An email with more detail has already been sent to each and every Companion in the Province, to which a speedy reply is essential for dining places to be secured.

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS Companions, I cannot believe it has been a year since I delivered my first address to Provincial Grand Chapter following my Installation as Most Excellent Grand Superintendent - and what a year it has been!

This year has proved to be a steep learning curve for me in many ways but I have been ably supported by my Deputy, Excellent Companion Paul Wallace, the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, Excellent Companions John Peberdy and Chris Packham and the whole Executive Team, but more especially Companions by you. The encouragement and support both I personally, and the Provincial Officers have received when visiting Chapters throughout the Province, has been both enthusiastic and heart warming for which I thank you most sincerely.

It is a great privilege and honour to lead this Royal Arch Province and I am well aware of the duties that devolve on me as its Head.

We held the Royal Arch Dinner Dance in January, followed by the

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Address from the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent

Buffet Supper in June, and the Annual Church Service in October, all of which were well attended by companions, their wives and partners. We have revised the Tri-fold leaflet and Royal Arch explanatory booklet, and my Deputy together with E.Comp. Tony Sibson have undertaken a root and branch review of the Royal Arch Representative Scheme, which will be re-launched in the very near future along with our re-designed Royal Arch Website for which I give my sincere thanks to Companion Richard Barnett.

Last week at the Installation meeting of Granite Chapter, which is part of the Universities Scheme, the Chapter had the honour of hosting a visit from the Past Third Grand Principal M.E.Comp. Sir David Wootton, accompanied by Comp.

Mark Greenburgh, Chairman of the Universities Scheme and E.Comp.

Nicholas Thomas, Regional Coordinator for the East Midlands.

The Provincial team was also in attendance as were many Grand Officers and the evening proved to be a most enjoyable occasion.

I and my Provincial team have been out in force, not only supporting Installations and landmark anniversaries for both individual Chapters and Companions, but also we have attended a number of exaltation ceremonies especially to welcome new Companions into this wonderful Order. I am delighted to tell you that during 2018 we had 38 Exaltations with the majority of Chapters having at least one Candidate, and that the average age of the Exaltees was 48.

In recent years the Royal Arch Executive has introduced a number of initiatives to address concerns regarding the recruitment and

Leicester Square Autumn 2019

retention of companions. In my opinion if a Master Mason has taken that fourth and final step in pure antient Masonry, and we are to significantly reduce the level of resignations, we must make our ceremonies more enjoyable, accessible and inclusive for the less experienced members of our Chapters, but without damaging the core principles and values of the Order. I appreciate this is a balancing act between not alienating the core members of the Chapter who may oppose any change, and at the same time engaging the newer members.

Companions as I stated last year, this is a process of Evolution, not Revolution. In September last year the United Grand Lodge of England launched Pathway, which provides a framework for the recruitment, retention and retrieval of Brethren.

One of the most important aspects of the Pathway project for the Royal Arch, is that when a candidate is interviewed prior to joining a Craft lodge, the interview panel are to inform the candidate that there are “four regular steps in pure Antient Masonry� including the Royal Arch i.e. from Initiation to Exaltation.

I believe the Pathway framework itself can be adapted to achieve exactly the same objectives in the Royal Arch as the Craft. Therefore, I have asked the Royal Arch 3Rs Committee, chaired by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E.Comp.

Paul Wallace to look at how we can adapt the Pathway principles for use in both Provincial Grand Chapter and individual Chapters.

With the launch of Solomon in December, and its numerous articles on the Royal Arch, the United Grand Lodge of England has begun to address the lack of understanding

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS generosity and particularly to our Provincial Grand Charity Steward E.Comp. Peter Williamson for his hard work in co-ordinating our charitable giving and for encouraging Chapters to use gift aid envelopes whenever and wherever possible.

that may put some candidates off joining. It is hoped that Solomon will meet the expectations of both new and experienced companions who wish to learn more about the origins of our ceremonies, and will lead to a better understanding of Freemasonry, and ultimately to a greater retention of our Craft and Royal Arch members.

In addition to local charities the

Chapters have continued to support the Craft 2022 Festival Appeal and at Provincial Grand Lodge last November I was delighted to be able to present a cheque to the Provincial Grand Master for £5,000 towards the Appeal on behalf of the Royal Arch Province of Leicestershire and Rutland.

My sincere thanks go to you Michael Companions for your continued

REGALIA REGALIA

Finally, companions I would like to thank you for the support you have given me, the executive and your individual Chapters over the last 12 months. I am sure that with your enthusiastic support we will achieve our joint goals of increasing the conversion rate of Craft masons taking that 4th step in Pure Antient Masonry and reducing the number of avoidable resignations.

Companions, continue to enjoy your Royal Arch Masonry and may God Bless you All.

John Half Page.pdf

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18/02/2019

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29 29

MARK NEWS

Mark Grand Honours 2019

On Tuesday 11th June 2019, a party of our Mark Brethren travelled to London for the Annual Investiture Meeting of Grand Lodge.

At the meeting, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, conferred first appointments to Grand Rank on three Leicestershire & Rutland Brethren; W.Bro. Geoff

W.Bro. Steve Johnson P.A.G.Swd.B.

Phipps (Knight of Malta Lodge No.30 T.I.) with the active rank of Grand Steward; and W.Bros. David Bull (Wiclif Lodge No.1068) and Steve Johnson (Ashby-de-la-Zouch Lodge No.1783) as Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearers. The Grand Master also re-appointed both R.W.Bro. Stephen Davison as Assistant Grand Master, and R.W.Bro. Anthony Morris

W.Bro. Geoff Phipps G.Stwd.

W.Bro. David Bull P.A.G.Swd.B.

as Deputy President of the Mark Benevolent Fund.

Thanks go to the organiser of the coach and refreshments W.Bro. John Stock and his group of helpers, and the team at Lutterworth Masonic Hall whose sterling efforts were so much a part of a thoroughly enjoyable day.

At the Communication of Grand Lodge on the 10th September, five Grand Officers received promotions to Past Grand Rank; W.Bro. Peter Kinder (St. George’s Lodge No.1078) to Past Grand Junior Overseer, with the appellation of V.W. Bro., W.Bro. Martin Sercombe (Wiclif Lodge No.1068) to Past Grand Senior Deacon, and W.Bro. Barry Sayers (Howe Lodge No.21), W.Bro. Gordon Richardson (East Goscote Lodge No.970) and W.Bro. Richard Dimblebee (Wyggeston Lodge No.1149), all to Past Grand Junior Deacon.

All of these Brethren receive heartiest congratulations on their preferments.

£5,000 Donation to Devonshire Court The Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Degree, R.W.Bro. Phillip Mann attended the “Grand Opening of the Fred Lifford Mall” at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (R.M.B.I.) home at Devonshire Court, Oadby on Friday 13th September 2019, to present a cheque for £5,000 from Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Masons to help towards the next phase of redevelopment.

W.Bro. Fred Lifford passed away in 2014, and generously bequeathed a very sizeable legacy to the R.M.B.I, which helped fund the new works.

W.Bro. David Lathrope (Howe Mark

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Lodge No.21), Chairman of the Friends of Devonshire Court, welcomed the distinguished guests and introduced Sir Paul Williams O.B.E., K.St.J., D.L., Chairman of the R.M.B.I having thanked the home manager Mrs. Juliet O’Connor and her staff for their wonderful efforts, duly opened the new Mall.

At this year’s Sandbanks Magic of the Mark weekend in early September, a sum of £650 was raised in the Grand Raffle, and in recognition of the excellent work by the Devonshire Court staff in the care of our Brethren and their loved ones, it was decided that the proceeds would be donated to the Home to help

Leicester Square Autumn 2019

towards the refurbishment of their dining room. R.W.Bro. Phillip was pleased to authorize a further sizeable contribution from the Mark degree making a total donation of £5,000.

Mrs. O’Connor in accepting the cheque expressed her most grateful thanks to all the Mark Masons who have given so generously, and to round off a wonderful day, our donation was matched with a further £5,000 by the R.M.B.I meaning that the dining room works are now fully funded.

MARK NEWS

Upcoming Events Mark Christmas Lunch The traditional Mark Christmas Lunch will once again be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on Sunday 15th December 2019. This very popular event is for Brethren and their families, and the highlight will, as always, be the visit of Santa and his Elves. Once again the wonderful Wigston Brass Band will entertain us with festive carols. Details and booking arrangements have been circulated to all Mark Master Masons in the province.

cocktail reception will be followed on the Saturday with the Brethren attending the Annual Meeting of the Mark District Grand Lodge of Spain.

Sunday will be a relaxing day, taking in the sights and delights of Benidorm’s beautiful promenade and beach, which are at their best early in the year before the summer season gets going. Details and booking-in arrangements can be obtained from the Mark Provincial Grand Secretary.

at jimpatel2009@hotmail.co.uk Trip to the Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly By popular demand, we will again be running a coach trip to the annual Royal Ark Mariner Grand Assembly at Freemasons’ Hall Great Queen Street, London, on Tuesday 10th December 2019.

This will be accompanied by an ‘all you can eat’ lunch at the Carvery in Magic of the Mark Kenya Safari Trip Mark Masons’ Hall before travelling Magic of the Mark Trip to Benidorm June 2020 - Diary Date across to Freemasons’ Hall at Great Once again we will be organising a trip Following the successful Magic of the Queen Street for the meeting, where for Mark brethren and their partners W.Bros. John Pinnock and Bruce Mark trips to India and Sri Lanka, to spend an enjoyable Magic of the White will be receving appointments the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Mark weekend in Benidorm, Spain, to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.

Master, V.W.Bro. Ghanshyam Patel, from Friday 31st January to Monday Booking details have been circulated is organising a ten night safari tour 3rd February 2020. to all our Royal Ark Mariners, so come to Kenya in June 2020 for Brethren, and have a fun day out in London. All their partners and immediate family.

The Gran Bali Hotel will again be the venue, and the Friday evening’s Contact Ghanshyam for further details Royal Ark Mariners are welcome.

Garden Party & Presentation At a Sunday garden party held on Sunday 21st July 2019 at his beautiful period home in the rustic surroundings of East Haddon in Northamptonshire, W.Bro. Malcolm Longley hosted many Brethren from around the Province.

W.Bro. Malcolm Longley, the Master of the Wiclif Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1068 presented to the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Phillip Mann, a most generous personal donation of £1,000 to

the Mark Benevolent Fund, which now qualifies Malcolm to wear the collarette of a Grand Patron of the Fund.

Also present enjoying themselves were W.Bros. Don Peacock, Peter GibsonLeitch, Terry Weston, Clive Weston and Geoff Phipps, along with many Brethren of the Wiclif Mark Lodge. It was a truly memorable weekend for Malcolm, as the day before he and his wife Val hosted a party in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary.

Sussex M.B.F. Festival Weekend in Brighton

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Phillip Mann, accompanied by his wife Ruth and a delegation of Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Brethren and their partners, attended the banquet at the Brighton Metropole Hotel in

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early July to mark the conclusion of the Province of Sussex’s 2019 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival.

A truly impressive grand total of £1.37m was raised for the Festival.

The banquet and entertainment on the Saturday evening rounded off

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a most enjoyable weekend, during which the Leicestershire & Rutland Brethren enjoyed a tour of the Royal Pavilion, as well as fun and laughter that was had whilst strolling along the promenade and searching out the antique shops in The Lanes.

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Leicester Square Autumn 2019

DEVONSHIRE COURT

A report by W.Bro. Michael Robinson

Rutland Water Outing Devonshire Court, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) care home located in a peaceful area in Oadby, provides residential care and dementia support for up to 69 residents. and tranquility of the surrounding environment.

Everyone on the trip enjoyed the beautiful water with its varied and colourful wildlife, graceful sailing boats, and the great holiday atmosphere which comes when great friends get together.

On the 21st August 2019, the residents of Devonshire Court were treated to a very happy and enjoyable day trip to Rutland Water.

The weather was very kind to them

as the sun broke through the early morning clouds and continued on throughout the day, which meant that all of the residents, staff, and volunteer helpers could relax and enjoy the peace

Rose Croix

Demonstration Festival

After the trip, the bus took everyone back to Scraptoft where a wonderful pub meal and drinks were enjoyed by all.

These happy events can only happen by the charitable giving of members of the Province in support of the Friends of Devonshire Court.

BEYOND THE CRAFT

Over 150 members of the Ancient & Accepted Rite, also known as Rose Croix, joined together to view a demonstration of the Intermediate 13th Degree of the Order, delivered by the King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester, on Saturday 1st June 2019 This is the third time since 2011 that the District has been honoured to host this event which is normally only afforded to a District once in every 15 years.

There was good support from over fifty members of Leicestershire and Rutland, whilst the remainder had travelled from neighbouring Districts and from as far apart as Lancashire, South Wales, Norfolk and Yorkshire.

The ceremony itself is only ever demonstrated in full every 10 years, as during a Chapter regular meeting the Intermediate Degrees between the 4th and 17th Degrees are conferred by name only. Therefore, such events are the only time members are able to

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view these Intermediate Degree ceremonies in full.

tershire & Rutland participants in the regalia of the degree.

The Demonstration Festival Secretary for the event was Illustrious Bro. Ivan Scott, who, with his team organised and managed the whole day to run flawlessly in every respect.

Congratulations go to Ivan and his team for a job well done. In addition, eight Leicestershire and Rutland new members of the Order were selected to actively participate in the demonstration ceremony, which they all delivered their respective roles in an exemplary manner, bringing credit to themselves as well pride from the District.

After the event a Festive Board was enjoyed by over 100 attendees, where new and old friendships were renewed or made, followed by very short addresses and thanks. All departed in good humour and having not only shared an educational experience, but a better understanding of the Order.

The photograph shows the Demonstration Team including the eight Leices-

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33

Library & Museum

Have You Visited The New David Hagger Library?

The prestigious library & museum at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester has recently expanded, with a new section of books relating to Freemasonry now available in the David Victor Hagger Library.

The prestigious library & museum at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester has recently expanded, with a new section of books relating to Freemasonry now available in the former Committee Room 2. In tribute to his long and committed service to the Province, this new library has been named the David Victor Hagger Library. This will be a permanent reminder of our retiring Provincial Grand Master, who has played a key role in the library and museum for many years.

Work has been undertaken throughout the summer in transferring books from the old library and museum as well the storage room, to enable us to display a wonderful selection of books to all our members and visitors. It will now be much easier to browse and select books for study. On Monday to Wednesday morning, one of the library staff will also be available to either present the book for study in the room or to issue the book on loan. The idea of a separate library originally came from W.Bro. Anthony Wood, who is a prolific writer of Lodge histories and has conducted a lot of research using the books from our collection. In recent years we have built on the collection of books and hold copies of many of the latest publications on Masonic research.

W.Bro. Danny McKeown has overseen the transition and move of a large number of books while W.Bros. Mike England and Derek Andrews have addressed the issue of cataloguing and arranging the books in an order which makes accessibility much easier. To that end W.Bro. Mike, who has been assisted

by W.Bro. Bob Crane, has re-filed some interesting unbound papers into plastic covers and this has enabled them to be properly indexed. They have also spent considerable time in stacking and ordering the books on the new glass

34

fronted shelving units that have been specially bought. W.Bro. Derek has also created a new database system which incorporates all of the best features of existing international standard library databases. This new database includes information that dates back to the time of W.Bro. John Thorp to whom we hold an eternal debt for building on a small collection at the original Masonic Hall in Halford Street to create an excellent Library and Museum.

I have been very pleased to receive various items of Masonic interest from generous Brethren of this Province and I thank them most sincerely on behalf of the Library and Museum Committee. I often say that the Museum will only work as a living record on Masonry through the ages if we continue to acquire objects that may seem ordinary today but in one hundred years’ time will be seen as being remarkable.

Moving books has of course given us more space to display many treasures in the Museum. Much work has been done to catalogue and index the W.Bro. Michael Herbert collection of Masonic jewels and mementoes from around the world. W.Bro. Bob Crane has again been most helpful in constructing sloping panels so that the items can be seen much more easily.

I would like to hear from any Brother who has one morning a week to spare, to take on some of the Library or Museum duties. It would be admirable if we could have one knowledgeable Mason in the Museum every morning to show visitors around and to be able to show interested researchers where to look for relevant literature.

Please contact me via the Provincial Secretary’s office or through my contact details in the Yearbook.

More and more Lodges have significant anniversaries coming up and I would urge any Brother tasked with producing a Lodge history or booklet to make early contact with one of the Librarians to arrange for access to Lodge records.

Leicester Square Autumn 2019

W.Bro.Don Peacock, Library and Museum Administrator

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