7 minute read
Provincial News
Bradgate Park Remembrance Service
Sunday 29th August 2021. Nearly 150 Freemasons and their families from across Leicestershire & Rutland descended upon Bradgate Park to gather at the Memorial Wood for a service of remembrance to those lost during the pandemic.
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Pictured Left to Right: Reverend Canon Michael Wilson (Provincial Grand Chaplain), Peter Lowndes (Pro Grand Master, UGLE), Mike Kapur (Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire), Peter Kinder (Provincial Grand Master Leicestershire & Rutland)
The Memorial Wood in Bradgate Park is a special place for many people and is close to the hearts of visitors and their families. The wood was opened in 2017 with the help of the Freemasons and the County Council, making it a fitting location to remember lost loved ones.
The service was opened at 11am by the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder, who introduced the speakers as guests were led through the order of service and chosen hymns. The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur, gave an address and read a touching Sanskrit poem to the visitors and passing members of the public, who paused to give their support to the service.
Also taking part was Peter Lowndes, the Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, who had made a special journey to the county from Hampshire that very morning. The hymns and prayers were led by the Reverend Canon Michael Wilson, who, along with Peter Kinder, read out the names of eighty-two Freemasons from the counties who had sadly passed away in the last 18 months. After the service, the gates of the Memorial Wood, set in a tranquil area overlooking Cropston reservoir, were opened as the guests took a solemn moment to walk around the woodland and pay their respects. The wood is home to distinctive wooden pillars, which display beautiful bronze leaves commemorating passed loved ones and family members. After the service, Peter Kinder said, “I would like to thank all of those who attended this special service, such a fitting tribute to those who are no longer with us and who have given so much to others during their lives.”
We’re Open!
On Saturday 13th November, Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester opened its doors to the public to proudly display who we are, what we do, and the wonderful Grade II listed building and all its contents.
The timing was right to once again demonstrate to the public not only the good we do for the local community, but also the fun we have in doing it. With a degree of apprehension in the country about venturing out postpandemic, we decided to increase our efforts in the advertising campaign to attract visitors to our headquarters in Leicester. With the help of Andrew Gill and Elliot Conway in our marketing team, we engaged in a targeted Facebook advertising campaign, aimed at attracting would-be visitors who had shown in their profile an interest in history, community, charity and the arts and sciences. With local press advertising and exterior signs, we were expecting a good turnout, and we were not disappointed. In a change to previous formats, this year we refrained from organised tours allowing visitors to wander around at their own pace, with knowledgeable members stationed at every corner and in every room. The team of Provincial Grand Stewards, ably led by Ken Evans (pictured), greeted visitors at the door and led them through to the Morley Dining Room and lounge, where displays were set up by Special Interest Groups and also a fantastic turnout from local charities. The special interest room included displays and members of our Rugby Club, Cycling Club, Golf Association, also our Military Lodge, Tudor Rose No.5660. As many of our visitors are usually couples and family groups, we also invited the Order of Women Freemasons, who set up a stand and attracted a great deal of attention from visitors wanting to know more.
The Morley Dining Room was host to many of the charities we have supported over the years. This room was extremely busy throughout the day and proved to be a great advertisement for the close links Freemasons have with the local community. This was managed by our charity office, with particular thanks going to Kate Ralston, David Highton and Ian Nesbitt. Visitors also had the opportunity of seeing more of Devonshire Place and the expert services they offer. The Oliver Dining Room was set up beautifully for a ladies evening being held later in the day, and there was also a stand and banner articulating the different wedding and function services available. Next stop on the route after climbing the elaborate stairwell was our museum. The team were on hand all day to answer questions and guide the visitors around. This proved to be a particularly popular area, which was only made possible by the enthusiasm of our library & museum team. No visit to Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester would be complete without viewing our spectacular lodge rooms. The Oliver and the Holmes lodge rooms were open, with members of the team ready to answer questions and help dispel any misconceptions. A special thank you to Phil Dodd, Mark Taylor, and David Hughes, as well as the Stewards and DCs who lent their knowledge and experience to a waiting audience.
The Leicester Mercury showed interest in the day. One of their reporters arrived at lunchtime and started a Facebook Live event as Richard Barnett took the live audience on a tour of the building, which has so far received over 62,000 views. The day ended at 3pm, as our volunteers closed their stands to make their way home for a well-earned rest.
Richard Barnett,
Provincial Communications Officer
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Marching Masons Raise Over £47,000
Over two weekends in October 2021, a team of Freemasons from around the Province, together with family and friends, set out to walk a distance of up to 113 miles covering the entire Leicestershire Round footpath network.
With over £47,000 raised, the blisters, aches, pains, and torrential rain were certainly well worth the effort. The walk was undertaken over four days spanning two weekends, with the hardiest walkers tackling over 25 miles a day. The mixed weather ranged from torrential rain to blue skies, making the walk even more challenging. The final leg of the walk congregated all of the walkers at the Bradgate Park Memorial Wood, where the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder said, “I would like to thank all of those who put in this tremendous effort to raise such a fantastic amount for local charities and good causes. I would also like to thank the organisers and the support team, without whom this event would not have taken place. And finally, I would like to thank all of those who have donated to this most worthy cause.” The organising committee included; Dennis Crommentuijn (Rothley Temple 7801), Freddie Harris (Beacon 5208), Simon Oldfield (Wyggeston 3448), Chris Panteli (Wyggeston 3448), Samuel Harris (Lodge of the Golden Fleece 2081), Paul Milligan (St Peters 1330). The support team included; Paul Cave (Holmes 4656), Barry Peck (St Peters 1330), Paul Simpson (St Wilfrid’s 8350), Mark Peberdy (St Wilfrid’s 8350), Paul Wightman (Lodge of Friendship 7168), Jim Crawford (Knights of Malta 50), Paul Toon (Knighton 4711)and additionally, many members, friends, and families who helped with the logistics and refreshments. The money raised has already been put to good use, with monies going to the Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People, and also a large donation to LOROS, who provide hospice care and support to terminally ill adult patients, their family, and carers across Leicestershire & Rutland. The remaining amount is being put towards the 2022 Festival.
Dale Page, 2022
Festival Chairman said,
