Leicester Square - Issue 25 (Spring 2011)

ISSUE NO. 25 SPRING 2011

LEICESTER SQUARE

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

Provincial Grand Master Annual Address Turn to page 5

Royal Arch Open Evening Turn to page 14

Devonshire Court Update Turn to page 18

£25,000 Given to Local Charities

Turn to page 20

ALSO INSIDE • A GREAT WRONG… IN PART RIGHTED • 2012 FESTIVAL UPDATE • 2011 YEAR OF THE LIBRARY & MUSEUM • THE UNIVERSITIES SCHEME • AND MUCH MORE…

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

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Deadl ine

Date

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

EDITORIAL Editor, Henry Kukiewicz 50 St Peters Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 7DX Tel: 01298 213353 Mob: 07895 055321 Email: henrykuk@hotmail.co.uk

ADVERTISING Sales Manager, Christina McLean Tel: 01536 526679 Email: christina@lancepublishing.co.uk

DESIGN Designer, Chris Keller Tel: 01536 521126 Email: chris@lancepublishing.co.uk

DISCLAIMER This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing 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.

PUBLISHED Leicester Square is published by;

Editor’s

Welcome Dear Readers, the new format seems to have got the thumbs up from both the Provincial Rulers and the readership and thank you for those positive comments.

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he important thing is that it gives you pleasure and is of interest and information.

The positive feedback from our new readership of Lodge widows & Devonshire Court residents proves that it was a good decision to extend the mailout to them.

Copies are circulated to the neighbouring Provinces, Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge and it is on the Provincial website and in time, will be included on the UGLE website. So we can safely say that our circulation has the potential to reach all those that have an interest in what is going on in our Province?

We now have a number of volunteers who are directly helping with the further development of the Leicester Square to make it even better reading.

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please s for the ubmit all en tir n Leices ext edition es t 1st Au er Square b of y gust, 2011

AS PART OF FURTHER DEVELOPING THE LEICESTER SQUARE: • We are now looking to publish “Readers’open letters” in a new section so that they can be included in all future editions, and will endeavour to secure an authoritative response at the same time. Where multiple letters are received on the same subject, I will select one/ two which will best describe the subject.

So please do let me have those letters!!!

• We do need to have a regular supply of topical stories/photographs that may be of interest to the Brethren and our widows in the Province. Although I can not promise to publish every

single one, due to the constraints of space, I will try and select those that I feel will be of the widest interest!!

• If any individual has a story to tell or event to report on… but does not have the confidence or ability to write up it up for inclusion… please contact me and I will organise support in getting your story reported for inclusion.

• In both cases the cut off dates for receipt of stories/photos and letters are by the: 1st December (Spring issue) and 1st August (Autumn issue).

Please send them to me at any of my contact points on this page (please see top left). by whatever method that is best for you (Email preferred) Your suggestions for other further improvements of the Leicester Square are most welcome and will be given full consideration.

Henry Kukiewicz Leicester Square, Editor

Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland, 80 London Road, Leicester LE2 0RA.

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LEICESTER SQUARE SPRING 2011

Dates for

Your Diary 2011, MARCH 12th, Craft Training Day 24th, RA Provincial Grand Chapter 26th, Charity Presentations MAY 8th, Christian Orders, Church Service 10th, Provincial Grand Mark 12th, Divisional Conclave Red Cross 14th, Rose Croix, Demonstration Ceremony 18th, Initiates Evening

Spring 2011

Contents PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER’S ANNUAL ADDRESS RW Bro David V Hagger with his first address at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge.

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AUGUST 1st, Deadline for article submission for the Autumn issue of Leicester Square 24th, Sydney Cathedral Choir (2012 Event)

DECEMBER 1st, Deadline for article submission for the Spring issue of Leicester Square 11th, Craft Carol Service 2012, MAY 19th, 2012 Festival Banquet

Provincial Website

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Visit the updated Provincial website for even more news at www.pglleics.co.uk. If you are aware of any Brother who can not access the internet, please do print them a copy of the pages for them to enjoy.

2012 FESTIVAL UPDATE We have now entered the last full calendar year of the 2012 Festival.

A GREAT WRONG… IN PART RIGHTED PGM RW Bro David Hagger conferred the rank of PPSGD on W Bro Esmaeil Zand in recognition of a wrong done in the past.

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SEPTEMBER 5th, 2012 Golf Tournament (Melton Mowbray) 10th, Charity Presentations

NOVEMBER 25th, Craft Provincial Grand Lodge 29th, RA Open Evening (MMs & New Exaltees)

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JUNE 18th, Charity Presentations

OCTOBER 9th, RA Church Service

THE UNIVERSITIES SCHEME For very many years undergraduates in Oxford and Cambridge have been initiated into Freemasonry.

RW BRO MICHAEL ROALFE PORTRAIT UNVEILED During November 2010, a large veiled item was brought into the body of the Lodge.

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LODGE NEWS Articles consist of; Old Oakhamians, Morris Minor Journey and Semper Eadem Lodge.

2011, THE YEAR OF THE LIBRARY & MUSEUM At Provincial Headquarters (London Road), we have a very fine Library and Museum. Indeed it is acknowledged to be one of the finest.

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THE LODGE OF RESEARCH Is the second oldest research lodge in England, having been consecrated in 1892. What is the reason for having a Lodge of Research?.

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS A selection of events which have taken place in the last six months.

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FREEMASONRY CARES Freemasonry Cares is a joint initiative of the central Masonic Charities.

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50TH LONG SERVICE AWARDS A list of Brethren for recognition of 50 years service to Freemasonry.

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DEVONSHIRE COURT UPDATE A selection of events which have taken place in the last six months.

FREEMASONRY IN THE COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDS A Cheque Presentation Morning was held on Saturday 8th January at which £25,000 was given to Local Charities within the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland.

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

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PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER’S IN CHARGE

Provincial Grand Master’s Annual Address Brethren, this is my first opportunity to address you at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge. It seems such a short time since I became Deputy Provincial Grand Master In Charge on the 18th January and ultimately my investiture on the 26th May.

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day which I thoroughly enjoyed and of which I have happy memories. A day on which many of you here tonight were present, and from your letters and emails, which many of you also enjoyed. It was a great delight to us all to have the Deputy Grand Master, the RW Bro Jonathon Spence present and I know from his comments how much he enjoyed his visit to Leicestershire and Rutland. Many of our distinguished guests and Heads of Orders were also present and I send my personal thanks to them for their support by their attendance on that day in May and also this evening. Many of our visitors have become good friends since I first began visiting your Provincial Meetings over ten years ago and long may that continue.

Thank you to our Brethren for their support this evening. It is a great encouragement to my Executive Team and Provincial Officers that so many of you attend.

FESTIVAL May I start by first advising you of the progress of the 2012 Festival on behalf of the RMBI. This Festival was launched at the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting in 2006 and it is no secret that the results for the first year were somewhat disappointing. I am pleased to report now on its success, the present position being that we are currently in excess of £1.2 million towards the minimum figure of £1.5 million set in 2006. This is a fantastic turnaround and I wish to thank you all particularly the Festival Officers. This is not an easy time to be raising money and for many Brethren I appreciate that times are

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LEICESTER SQUARE SPRING 2011

hard. It is therefore even more to the credit of our Brethren and their families that they have joined in so many social events organised by the Province and their Lodges. On my visits I have emphasised the fun to be had at these events and again long may that continue. I have now signed the contract with the Walkers Stadium for the Festival Banquet to take place on 19 th May 2012 and the sale of the tickets will commence next month. The cost of the tickets will be £54 each and in order to facilitate payment, if you wish you may pay for your tickets by three instalments payable at the end of January and July 2011 and the final instalment in January 2012.

I look forward to your support and that of your ladies. Rest assured it will be a happy and enjoyable evening, the climax to five years of hard work by many people within their own Lodges and this Province and in particular yourselves. I note on my visits many Brethren are wearing the Festival tie and the Festival jewel. The wearing of both will be mandatory for the Festival Banquet.

Whilst the qualification for the purchase of a jewel is a donation of £100 to the Festival,

so many of you have qualified but have not yet purchased the jewels. I confirm that the profit from the sale of the ties and jewels will be used in underwriting some of the costs of holding the Festival.

CHARITY Obviously although we have been concentrating on the Festival we have not lost sight of the very valuable work that has been undertaken by the Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Charities Association in respect of local non-masonic charities.

To date this year we have had three cheque presentation mornings. At these Meetings cheques have been presented not only by me on behalf of the Association but also at my invitation by the Grand Superintendent on behalf of the Royal Arch and also by Masters

of individual Lodges. These Meetings are so special. Each recipient is asked to say a few words on behalf of their charity and how they will use the money. It is quite heart-rending at times and one member of the Charity Office said “it makes you proud to be a Mason”. Together on our visits, myself, my Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and my Wardens have told the Brethren present about the gifts being made both nationally by the Grand Charity and locally by our Association. You will note from the Provincial Grand Almoner’s report where money has been given. It is important that you and your partner should know your money is being spent wisely.

We are fortunate to have two hospices in our Province namely LOROS and Rainbows Hospice for Children. They provide fantastic care and support to all within our community and many Masons and their families have cause to be grateful to them. It is therefore only right and proper that we give them every support that we can. Brethren, you have given over £20,000 to Rainbows in the last year and included in this amount is last year’s Christmas collection in our Lodges raised over £12,000 to be used for the creation of an outpatients department at Rainbows. I took the Members of the Charity Office and their partners to view the new £4 million extension to Rainbows prior to it being officially opened. If you can visit, please do so. It is a very humbling experience to see both the wonderful facilities and the nature of the care being carried out. Our support must be ongoing as both charities need over £3 million per annum each to keep the hospices open. Likewise at the end of September we held a charity evening for LOROS, the theme being “We’ll Meet Again.

A night in the Blitz”. It was a memorable occasion and the President of LOROS, the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Gretton, received from me a cheque for £7,000. She was very appreciative. My thanks again to all those who participated particularly to Nicola Holyoake and Carly Penney of Devonshire Place who produced a splendid evening.

I have remarked many times how fortunate we are to have our own Masonic Home, Devonshire Court at Oadby. They look after our Brethren and their dependants so well. It is a privilege for us to have this Home and I am most anxious that our Lodges should hold functions, quizzes and events at the Home for the residents. Many of us support the Friends of Devonshire Court by an annual donation of £2. The number of Brethren giving has slipped recently.

Brethren - I ask and encourage that every member of the Province makes this £2 per annum contribution and in doing so, enrich the lives of the residents.

FREEMASONRY CARES Recently I introduced to the Province from our four major Masonic Charities, a new initiative called “Freemasonry Cares”. I think it is absolutely splendid and I am anxious that it should succeed.

To this end I wrote to every Brother in the Province enclosing a booklet explaining the scheme. Please, Brethren, do not keep the information to yourselves, make sure that you pass it to your wife or partner so they know where to obtain help in your or their time of need. It is a simple thing to do but how many of you have done it. I have followed this up with a personal letter to all widows in the Province, we have over 650. I enclosed the booklet “Freemasonry Cares” and also a copy of the latest edition of Leicester Square. Their reaction has been overwhelmingly in favour. Both by letter and telephone they have thanked me for this initiative and to date more than ten people from this Province have contacted the helpline. I intend to send a Christmas card to all our widows and also the residents of Devonshire Court on behalf of all Masons within the Province.

Please therefore support your Lodge Almoner in all their good work. It is much appreciated by our widows, our Brethren and their families.

MEMBERSHIP This year has been a disappointing year for Membership within the Province as you will have heard from our Provincial Grand Registrar. This has been the first time in fifty years that we have fallen below 3,000 members. Perhaps this is to be expected in these difficult economic times but I have decided to charge our Assistant Provincial Grand Master with looking into all aspects of recruitment, retention and retrieval. In other words we have formed a 3 R’s Committee.

The first meeting which I attended was held recently and will in the future be under the Chairmanship of W Bro Peter. This Committee has members ranging from Grand Officers to Fellow Crafts. It will take their views on all matters relating to Lodges inter alia, Lodge times, rehearsal times, sharing of the work, welcome towards new members, the mentoring scheme.

Brethren, we cannot assume, that in these changing times because we enjoy the experience, everyone else does. Fifty years ago most Brethren were self-employed or in a profession. Today most Brethren are employed and find it difficult to take time off from work. In addition most of their wives are working. As one Brother said to me recently his wife remarked “the only time you come home early from work is when you go to Lodge”. Whilst maintaining our

I am pleased to report now on its success, the present position being that we are currently in excess of £1.2 million towards the minimum figure of £1.5 million set in 2006.

standards in the quality of the people who we recruit, in our tenets and traditions, we have to be mindful of the changes in society that we are members of. We the elder Brethren must take the lead in facilitating, helping and encouraging the younger Brethren to attend and enjoy the unique and rewarding experience that is Freemasonry.

If we do not, then I fear that the decline in membership will continue.

I am indeed very grateful to VW Bro Michael Turnbull and his team for arranging the open evenings that are available to all Lodges. Over ten years 223 Brethren have been recruited achieving a 28% success rate from the many hundreds of guests who have attended. Likewise the introduction of the Provincial Grand Mentor and the appointment of Lodge Mentors has been very successful. W Bro Ian Johnson the Provincial Grand Mentor and his team are looking into all aspects of their work and shortly will introduce revised booklets for each Degree. I am therefore not despondent.

As far as I am concerned the cup is always half full as opposed to half empty. However, there is much work to do.

THANKS I wish to conclude by expressing my personal thanks to so many Brethren who give of their valuable time, within this Province at our various centres, including in particular our Headquarters here at London Road, so

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

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PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER’S IN CHARGE & RW BRO MICHAEL ROALFE PORTRAIT UNVEILED

that we may enjoy our Freemasonry. You all know who you are. Thank you. My thanks have already been given to my Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters but thank you again. To my retiring Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro Donald Peacock, for many years we have worked together and you have shown due diligence in all you have done.

It was a disappointment to hear 12 months ago that you wished to retire from this very demanding office. You have carried out sterling work within this Province as perhaps only the Assistant Grand Secretary in Grand Lodge and myself as a former Secretary can appreciate. Fortunately you will not be lost to us completely as is evidenced by the Appointments made this evening. In addition you will take an active part in our Library and Museum of which we are so proud and the creation and preservation of our archives.

To all those members of the Charity Office, the Year Book Office, the Registrars Office, the Custodians and the Library and Museum, thank you for your services most of which are voluntary. To my Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, W Bro Craig Beatson, many thanks for all your assistance you have given me on Health and Safety. Goodness knows what the bill would have been had we been paying for it. To W Bro Brian Carruthers the Hon. Treasurer of Freemasons’ Hall and Finance Director of Devonshire Place, many thanks for all the work you carry out protecting our finances, often burning the midnight oil.

To John Stew the Catering Manager and the Head Chef, John Muir and the catering staff, they have maintained the quality of all our meals which we appreciate. To Nicola and Carly at Devonshire Place in this difficult time for businesses, you have managed to maintain our market share and enabled me to carry out improvements to this wonderful building.

To W Bro Don Peacock, to W Bro Brian Cowley the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary and to my new Secretary, W Bro Anthony Wood and all the members of the Secretariat, including our Secretary Sue David, many thanks for the splendid arrangements for this evening. To the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Noel Manby, the Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies and all those Provincial Grand Stewards my thanks for the smooth running of the Ceremony. A large number of Brethren have given generously of their time. If I have inadvertently missed thanking anyone please accept my humble apologies.

I conclude by urging everyone to enjoy their masonry and finally God bless you all.

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Right Worshipful Brother Michael Roalfe

Portrait Unveiled During Provincial Grand Lodge in November 2010, a large veiled item was brought into the body of the Lodge.

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rovincial Grand Master RW Bro David Hagger gave an oration to his predeccesor RW Bro Michael Roalfe, of his valued service to the Province and in particular of his dedication to the leadership of the refurbishment and renovation of Freemasons Hall Leicester and that his work would stand in testament for many years to come. The item was then unveiled and a portrait of RW Bro Michael was revealed to all in attendance. RW Bro Michael then gave the following short response. “Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Brethren. Thank you very much Provincial Grand Master for the kind presentation of my portrait and especially to you, Brethren, for your generosity in making the commission possible.

I little thought 46 years ago in December 1964 when I was initiated that I would ever aspire to a dark blue apron let alone to having a portrait in oils hanging in the building I love so much.

Even on my first Appointment to Grand Rank in 1988, recommended by Right Worshipful Brother Gayton Taylor, the thought never crossed my mind.

I was happy to have all the gold on the apron and to be in a position to put back into Masonry some of the pleasure it had given me.

When RW Bro Derek Buswell appointed me his Director of Ceremonies and subsequently his Assistant and then Deputy Provincial Grand Master I wonder if he ever thought that he

and I would be hung together on the same piece of wall.

RW Provincial Grand Master you now have three living predecessors keeping an eye on you.

It was fun sitting for the artist, Crispin Robject, and I am delighted with the result. He had me in more positions than shown in a Yoga handbook! I hope you find it an acceptable representation.

Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Brethren I thank you for this presentation. It will be a constant reminder to me each time I see it of the very happy years I spent in charge of this wonderful Province.”

This portrait was funded by subscribing Brethren throughout the Province and follows a tradition of portraits of past PGMs being commissioned by subsciption and then displayed in the Holmes Lodge Room as a lasting reminder of their service to the Province and their place in the history of Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland.

LODGE NEWS

Morris Minor Journey B

ro Frank Berry of Newarke Lodge (6794) recently raised £10,200 for the Meningitis Trust (personally affected 23 years ago) by driving his Morris Minor 500 miles to Le Mans (France) where he ended his journey with a drive round the race circuit. His Lodge presented a cheque of £200 in support of his (and his car’s) efforts and achievement.

Semper Eadem Lodge (3091) Honour Restored!

Old Oakhamians (8033) On Sunday 25th April 2010, the Old Oakhamian Lodge held its Annual Ladies Festival Luncheon at the Greetham Valley Golf Club, Rutland.

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he Lodge was fortunate, on this occasion, to have The Headmaster, Mr. Nigel Lashbrook, pictured above left, with the Worshipful Master, Chris Miller.

Since the Lodge was consecrated in April 1965, there has always been an exceptionally close relationship with the school, as one can imagine, as the membership consists only of Old Boys and members of the staff, with some of the Founder members, and early members still very active.

The school has however always provided wonderful accommodation for the Lodge meetings, and for the storage

of equipment and furniture. The Lodge is also appreciative for the use of the Barrowclough dining facilities, for the Festive Board, after meetings.

The Lodge meets on the second Saturdays in March, May, October & December in, what was the Old Dining Room in School House.

Just recently the Lodge contributed to the refurbishment of one of the studies, which now proudly carries the Lodge plate on the door, this is in addition to other contributions to the school in the past.

The Lodge website: www.oolodge8033.org.uk

The prize for spotting the deliberate mistake in the last issue goes to Semper Eadem Lodge (3091).

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t was reported that St Martin’s Lodge were the first Lodge to meet in the new Holmes Temple Room… however, Semper Eadem Lodge has sent in conclusive proof (in the form of a copy of an extract of their Minute Book dated Wednesday 27th April 1910 – that they were indeed held “the first meeting of any Craft Lodge in the new building!”

Apologies to the Lodge and hope that honour has indeed been restored? A personal donation towards the Lodge’s 2012 account… in recompense… is on it’s way.

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LIBRARY & MUSEUM AND LODGE OF RESEARCH

2011 The Year of the

Library&Museum

At our Provincial Headquarters, at London Road, we have a very fine Library and Museum.

Indeed it is acknowledged to be one of the finest outside Great Queen Street, London.

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he driving force behind the establishment of this wonderful resource was W Bro John Thorpe, a leading Masonic Historian and collector.

Many of the items we can see in the Museum today were collected and donated by him.

The collection includes Masonic artefacts relating to the Craft and Chapter and many other degrees practised in the United Kingdom and overseas. The books cover a variety of subjects and, as new titles are added all the time, it is well worth checking what is in stock.

Over the last few years we have seen a number of non-Masonic groups tour the Museum and the building and I have been impressed with how enthusiastic they all are.

I am also impressed by how many questions the ladies have asked at one of our Open days and at the various Initiates receptions over the years.

We also have within the building a new storage area for Provincial and Lodge archives. The Provincial Grand Master is very keen to establish this on a more solid foundation and together with our new Provincial Grand Secretary, W Bro Anthony Wood, has driven forward the project to

ensure that we have adequate storage for all our records.

As many of you know, the Craft will have some very large events planned to celebrate the tercentenary of the first Grand Lodge in 1717. So we are all working towards compiling a complete inventory of all Provincial and Lodge records to enable an in-depth History of the Craft to be prepared.

Regrettably, the Library and Museum is still very much under-used and the Provincial Grand Master is keen to promote a much greater interest in the facilities. He has declared that 2011 will be the year of the Library and Museum. I jokingly suggested that we should adopt a Chinese custom and name the year after an animal and that we could call it the Year of the Llama (Library and Museum and Archives). Well it does not quite scan but you get my meaning.

In the archives we have a number of photographic portraits of Masonic leaders from earlier years. W Bro David Hughes is making an inventory of these and we hope to see more of these on display when he has made his recommendations. W Bro Aubrey Newman has the intention of putting together a display centred on RW Bro William Kelly,

The Lodge of Research (2429) The Lodge of Research at Leicester is the second oldest research Lodge in England, having been consecrated in 1892. What is the reason for having a Lodge of Research?

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he answer is to be found in the Lodge By-Laws, viz… ‘to exchange opinions with Freemasons throughout the world, and to attract and interest Brethren by means of Papers on the historical and symbolic aspects of Masonry’.

Since 1892 over 500 papers have been delivered to the Lodge on a variety of topics, varying from ‘Gilbert and

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Sullivan, some Masonic echoes’ to ‘Some Observations on the Scriptural References in our ritual’, and ‘Some notes on French Prisoners’ Lodges’ to ‘The Grand Lodge of Philadelphia’. Each year the Lodge publishes its Transactions containing the Papers delivered at meetings and others received by the editor, both on the Craft and other Degrees. Back numbers are available on application from the Lodge Secretary at

who was a formidable figure in the middle to latter half of the 19 th Century. He was active in all of the degrees worked in the Province and a figure of great importance in the Masonic world. In the central display case in the Museum you can now see the Chains worn

by William Kelly as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent for Leicestershire and Rutland.

Our Provincial Grand Master has also secured the loan of a display from the Museum at Great Queen Street. This deals with aspects of prisoner of war Lodges of the Napoleonic era and will be soon seen at London Road.

It is also the Provincial Grand Master’s intention to have regular tours of the Museum and building and these will be advertised on a notice outside the main entrance of London Road. We also envisage the creation of a “Friends of the Library and Museum Group”.

This could meet several times a year and the intention would be to have a talk given by a member who has researched particular items in the Museum and would share his knowledge with the Group. This would not be a group restricted to Masons and we would hope that many wives, partners and friends would come along to learn some more about the exhibits. Perhaps afterwards we could sit down together to enjoy some light refreshments. (Check the Provincial website for more developments).

I know that W Bro Walter Glover, our Librarian, is very gratified with the energy and enthusiasm that our Provincial Grand Master is putting in to this project and I am sure we all should be thoroughly committed to and supportive of this initiative.

Don Peacock

Freemasons Hall, Leicester, as is an index listing all the papers.

As Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, we are extremely fortunate to have an excellent Library and Museum to assist us in our researches. While the Lodge has the power to initiate, pass and raise candidates, it has always believed that it should not trespass on the legitimate areas of other private Lodges. It exists to help brethren to fulfil the charge made to every brother on his initiation to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. There are many things done and said in Lodges which members may wonder why they are done.

For example why square the Lodge when it would be just as easy to cut straight across from the North West corner to

THE UNIVERSITIES SCHEME

An Invitation to Masonic Bikers The Joey Dunlop Lodge of Mark Master Masons

The Universities Scheme

Invite Masonic bikers to a ride out on Sunday 21st August 2011.

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he venue will be the south shore car park at Rutland Water, near the village of Edith Weston. For details contact W Bro Michael Robinson Email: deverdun@aol. com or W Bro Mark Pierpoint Email: mark@trs-uk.co.uk.

For very many years undergraduates in Oxford and Cambridge have been initiated into Freemasonry. The Book of Constitutions states that men under the age of 21 can be initiated by Dispensation and such dispensations have been granted routinely in the case of the Lodges at Oxford and Cambridge.

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the South East? Who were some of the people whose portraits hang in our Halls? Which Kings laid down their sceptre for the trowel?

If Brethren wish to research into Masonic history, ritual or symbolism they are invited to contact members of the Lodge who will point them in the right direction.

All Master Masons in good standing are eligible to join the Lodge’s Correspondence Circle, which has members all over the world. The fee is £10 per annum. Members of the Correspondence Circle can attend meetings and receive a copy of the Transactions. Any Master Mason wishing to take join should contact the Secretary for an application form, either by Email: research2429@yahoo.co.uk or by writing to the address in the Provincial Year Book.

n recent years, Grand Lodge has started an initiative to extend this to other Lodges which would be suitable to receive students at universities in their catchment area. Some Lodges already have a close connection with a university and these can be readily used to implement the scheme.

However, Grand Lodge are very anxious that the implications of becoming a Lodge in the Universities Scheme are well thought through and the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro David Williamson, is responsible for the overall control of the Scheme and takes a very close personal interest.

The stated aim of the scheme is ‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.

Besides undergraduates, the Lodge should also be a happy home for postgraduates and members of staff within the university and Alumni with a continuing affiliation to the university.

Within the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland we have three major and well respected universities in the form of the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and De Montfort University.

Within the Province we now routinely receive enquiries from men wishing to

become Freemasons who contact us through the Internet. Some of those are from students at one or other of the universities mentioned.

The Lodge of Science and Art, No. 8429 in Loughborough have been considering applying to become a member of the Universities Scheme for a little while and on October 22nd 2010 the Assistant Grand Master attended a meeting of the Lodge to have the opportunity of meeting the Lodge Committee and discuss the implications of becoming a member of the Universities Scheme. This meeting went very well and it was decided that the Lodge wished to proceed with a formal application. The Lodge has now received confirmation that they have been accepted They are in process of balloting for and hopefully initiating a Candidate who is an undergraduate and who, as it happens, made his first enquiries through the Internet.

Our Provincial Grand Master is very much behind the scheme and no doubt is looking forward to making further progress in encouraging a Lodge in Leicester to join the scheme and become a Masonic home for undergraduates and other members of the universities in Leicester. STOP PRESS NEWS Wyggeston Lodge has expressed interest in joining the scheme.

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

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B EN

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Festival Update We are now in the last full calendar year of the 2012 Festival, as it finishes with the Banquet in May 2012.

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efore this date we will attribute the interest earned by each Lodge so that we can let the RMBI have individual lodge donations ready to be printed in the Festival Banquet booklet. So can I please urge Lodges who are keeping monies for the Festival in their own bank accounts or Relief Chests, to let us have them as soon as possible so that we are able to give Lodges the full credit for the funding they have raised and given.

By now every Brother should have received an application form to purchase tickets for the Banquet which is being held on Saturday 19 th May 2012 at the Walkers Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club. These tickets cost £54 per person and can either be paid in full or by three instalments of £18 per person on 31st January 2011, 31st July 2011 and 31st January 2012. Can I remind Brethren that in order to attend the Banquet they must have reached the qualifying criteria and purchased a Festival Steward’s Jewel and wear the Provincial Tie. One of our most successful fund raising initiatives has been the Smartie tubes, which has raised £29,000 so far. I believe the reason for this success is that once the Smarties have been eaten, the whole family can participate in popping their spare 20p’s into the tube, which when full holds £12.60.

We are therefore repeating this initiative by placing a full tube of Smarties on every place at the festive board of lodges meeting at London Road over the next couple of months. We are making them available to Lodges meeting outside of London

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2012 FESTIVAL UPDATE

RMBI

Road via their Events Committee liaison representative. Please continue to fill the tubes until the end of the Festival; we will exchange each full tube of 20p’s for a new one full of Smarties.

I am pleased to report that we are continuing to move closer to our Festival target of £1.5million. As I write this update the figure is £1.25million which means we still have £250,000 to go. I am sure with the continued support you have all given so far we will achieve our target. Thank you all once again for your generosity.

John Peberdy Festival Director & Vice Chairman

The Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards Demonstration Team carry out an annual demonstration of the Initiation Ceremony based on 1760 ritual in period costume of the era.

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his year’s ceremony will be held at The Holmes Lodge at Freemasons’ Hall, London Road on Tuesday 5th April 2011. All Masons are welcome to attend to extend their masonic knowledge & historical understanding. There is an option to attend the demonstration only or to dine afterward as well.

Please contact W Bros Barrie Wakefield (0116 2714359) or David Sansam (01509 813539) for further details. The 2012 event is planned to be hosted by Grace Dieu Lodge.

2012 Festival Golf Tournament (Am – Am Format) Monday 5th September 2011, Melton Mowbray Golf Club ENQUIRIES CONTACT: W Bro Terry Watts Tel: 0116-2784001 Mob: 07977-131916 Email: iterrywatts@aol.com ENTRIES CONTACT: W Bro Malcolm Riddle Tel: 0116-2861049 Mob: 07789-742068 Email: malcolmriddle@ btinternet.com

LEICESTER SQUARE NEWS

A Great Wrong…

in Part Righted?

Christmas Carol Service This annual event was held at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 12th December 2010 with nearly 200 Freemasons/ wives/families/friends attending and were personally greeted by the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and Assistant.

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evised free car parking arrangements (100 yards away) were substantially better and with spare capacity for many more cars. The Dean, Vivienne Faul, conducted the service and information was given about the Diocese’s work in acquiring the adjacent old Leicester Grammar School site to extend it’s Community work with the disadvantaged and needy. The Reading of Lessons was carried out by the Provincial Rulers of the Craft.

The singing of Carols was a major feature of the Service, delivered by all those in attendance with the professional support of the Cathedral Choir and Organ.

Most then went onto Freemasons’ Hall for a buffet supper. The Provincial Grand Master gave his sincere thanks to all those that attended this year and hoped that they had enjoyed themselves as much as he had.

He then extended his invitation that as many of the Brethren in the Province and their families and friends to join in and attend next year’s Carol Service on the Sunday 11th December 2011.

At the October 2010 meeting of Leicestershire & Rutland Lodge of Installed of Installed Masters (7896), the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro David Hagger conferred the rank of PPSGD on W Bro Esmaeil Zand in recognition of a wrong done in the past.

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he circumstances leading to this honour are very heart wrenching and were well described by the PGM, which left the whole meeting with nothing but admiration for Bro Zand for all he had endured.

W Bro Esmaeil was born in Iran in 1925, initiated in June 1962 into the Nahid Lodge (11) and in due time to the Master’s Chair (Grand Lodge of Iran Constitution). He worked for the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company from 1943 through to nationalisation (National Iranian Oil Co.) in 1953, up to the Islamic revolution of 1979.

He sent his children to the UK to be educated at which point he was arrested and tried in different revolutionary courts for… being a Freemason… resulting in him being sacked from his job of nearly 40 years, with the total loss of his pension and savings. If that wasn’t enough, he was banned from leaving Iran for ten years, under permanent surveillance and tried a further ten times for baseless allegations.

He and his wife Pari, existed, by him working under a pseudonym translating Persian into English and visa-versa.

You could understand that he felt that this was probably the most dreadful and unhappy period of his life.

W Bro Esmaeil and his wife Pari were eventually granted permission in 2000 to leave Iran and joined his son, daughter and

This is a magnificent symbol of the universality of the Craft that shows how a Brother from a far off country was received and treated fraternally. four grandchildren in the UK. Shortly after settling down he walked into Freemasons’ Hall, London Road, Leicester to see if he could return to membership of Freemasonry.

A number of London Rd based Freemasons then set about trying to support Bro Esmaeil in gaining the evidence he needed to re-establish his proof of membership.

Eventually the Grand Lodge of Persia (in exile) which is based in California USA were able to provide the necessary proof of his previous membership and therefore the evidence he needed to join a Lodge under the UGLE constitution.

This he did in 2005 by joining the Wyvern Lodge (6167) and was followed by his son Joseph joining the same Lodge soon after.

On top of that, he completed an Open University BA degree in History at the age of 86, some 60 years after obtaining his degree in Economics from Tehran University!!!

A truly remarkable man but humbly says of his appointment, “This is a magnificent symbol of the universality of the Craft that shows how a Brother from a far off country was received and treated fraternally”.

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

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Royal Arch

Granite Chapter (2028) Open Evening

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Royal Arch Representatives Annual Meeting On Thursday 30th September 2010, the annual meeting of Royal Arch Representatives (RAR) and Ambassadors (RAA) was held at London Road, Leicester.

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he meeting was addressed by the Grand Superintendent, E Comp Peter Kinder, the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Jim Williamson and the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Jim Buckle.

Various working groups then took place so

Royal Arch Open Evening On Tuesday 30th November 2010, a record 122 individuals attended what has now become an established annual event.

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that the Representatives and Ambassadors could discuss with the RA Rulers on how the Royal Arch message could be better communicated to members of the Craft and in doing so, continue to build a greater affinity and understanding between the Craft and the Royal Arch.

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he Master Masons assembled in the Oliver Lodge room and the New Exaltees in the Morley Lodge room. The Master Masons were given a brief explanation about Royal Arch Masonry and the New Exaltees had their recent ceremony explained to them. The two groups then joined together and were addressed by the Provincial Grand Master and the Grand Superintendent. This was followed by an excellent buffet.

Even though adverse weather conditions prevented over 20 from attending, the numbers were still well up from last year.

The RA Executive worked really hard to make this evening a success and it was rewarding to receive so much interest from all those attending by their enthusiasm for all that took place and questions that followed.

(All Master Masons and new Exaltees have a personal invitation sent to them to attend this annual event – next event is 29th November 2012).

n Monday 15 th November 2010, Granite Chapter became the first Chapter in the Province to host an open evening where Master Masons were invited to participate in finding out more about the Royal Arch. This was initiated and planned by First Principal, E. Comp Paul Wallace and his co-Principals.

A number of Master Masons attended and listened to a ‘question and answer’ forum which was then followed up during a buffet by informal discussions on questions posed by the visitors. A very enthusiastic response was received from all the MM’s who attended.

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Royal Arch Church Service O

n Sunday 10 th October, Choral Evensong was held at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary de Castro. The service was attended by over 130 Royal Arch Masons, wives, partners, family and friends. The bells of the Collegiate Church were rung by members of Craft, Royal Arch Masonry and friends, under the direction of R. Kingsley Mason.

The service was taken by the former Vicar of St. Mary de Castro, Revd. David L Cawley, a member of the Morley Chapter No. 8320. After readings by the Grand Superintendent, E Comp. Peter Kinder and the Third Prov. Grand Principal, E Comp John Booton, E Comp Canon Michael Wilson (also a member of Morley Chapter) delivered the Sermon. After the service the congregation enjoyed a finger buffet and a glass of wine.

Royal Arch Luncheon

The inaugural RA Luncheon was held on Sunday 23rd January 2011 at Freemasons’ Hall, London Road, as a follow up to the highly successful RA Dinner held the previous year, as the RA Executive felt that it would like to try a lunchtime format in order to attract more Companions and their families to attend.

139 Companions, families and friends had a very enjoyable occasion. They were entertained by “Operahouse” who presented a variety of operatic

and songs from West End Shows with a superb luncheon. As a result of the success of these events, the Executive are considering repeating this event during 2012?

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

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FREEMASONRY CARES

Freemasonry Cares is a joint initiative of the central Masonic Charities (The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and Masonic Samaritan Fund).

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he service was launched in September 2009 to make it easier for Freemasons, their families and other dependants to access the range of charitable help, support and services available to them. The central Masonic Charities are mainly funded by donations from Freemasons and their families. Each Charity has an area of expertise and provides support for a specific range of needs. Together they offer cradle to grave support for thousands of people.

THE FREEMASONS’ GRAND CHARITY The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is a grantmaking charity which supports Masonic individuals experiencing financial distress and requiring mobility equipment. It also provides grants to national charities working in the areas of medical research, vulnerable people and youth opportunities. This includes an annual programme of funding for adults and children’s hospice services.

The Charity also supports emergency relief efforts following disasters in the UK and overseas.

MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND The Masonic Samaritan Fund provides financial help in support of: • Medical Care and Treatment • Dental Care and Treatment • Respite Care Support is available to those who have an identified health or respite care need and, faced with a long wait for treatment or care, cannot afford their own private treatment or care without incurring financial hardship.

THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution provides residential, nursing and dementia care for older Freemasons and their dependants, as well as practical support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.

THE ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR GIRLS AND BOYS The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys provides support that relieves poverty and addresses the educational needs of Freemasons’ children and (when funds permit) assisting any children.

If you feel that any of these charities may help you or your family please do contact them direct: Freephone: 0800 035 60 90, Email: help@ freemasonrycares.org, or visit www. freemasonrycares.org or if you need local help - your own Lodge Almoner.

Almoner Gets Help from Across the Water W Bro David Jones (Almoner - Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge 779) and his wife June were on holiday in the Algarve during June 2010, when she had an accident resulting in her hip being broken.

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lthough her medical needs were addressed locally, W Bro David faced a daily 60 mile round trip to visit her at the hospital with local public transport travel somewhat impractical.

A telephone call was made to the L&R Provincial Almoner to see if any local (Portuguese) Masonic support might be

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available to help W Bro David out of his frustrating dilemma to be with his wife.

Contact was made with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Portugal, who took the task in hand and made all arrangements for W Bro David to be transported daily to visit his wife. The Inspector General himself took his turn along with other local Brethren to provide this service.

The Provincial Grand Master has extended his own grateful thanks and that of the Province to the District Inspector General (VW Bro Anthony Jordan) for the support and kindness given by him and his Brethren to their fellow Brother in need, with an open invitation to visit our Province and a Lodge. He has also sent a copy of the History of our Province.

PGM Certificates of Merit

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he Provincial Grand Master was pleased to award and present at Provincial Grand Lodge in November 2010, his Certificates of Merit in recognition for outstanding service to two Brethren.

W Bro AE Jowett, W Bro DHC Moore On presenting the certificates, The Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to the work that each had done and the major impact it had made within the Province

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ertificates in recognition of 50 years service to Freemasonry have been made by the Provincial Grand Master or on his behalf by senior members of the Province to the following Brethren: W Bro GW Staniforth (4711) W Bro SD Tebbatt (523) W Bro MA Robinson (3078) W Bro RJ Rosser (5208) W Bro GF Hipwell (6794)

W Bro CJ Hirst (4656) W Bro RE Young (8063) W Bro GG Wright (6406) W Bro PG Goadby (3078) W Bro PHJ Browett (4656)

Our heartiest congratulations and thanks go to them all for their contribution to Freemasonry in the Province in general and their own Lodges in particular.

W Bro David likewise gave his own personal thanks to his new found Portuguese friends, together with a personal contribution to the District Almoner’s Fund and his own invitation to them to visit his own Lodge.

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atest update is that Mrs June Jones has since fallen at home ending up with fractured wrists, skull and if that wasn’t enough the operation performed whilst in the Algarve will have to be undone and a hip replacement carried out. With all this going on W Bro David is currently not able to attend his Lodge until she starts latest recovery… the good news is that he has had masses of telephone calls of support, should he need it and says “The PGM need have no fear that in Leicestershire & Rutland Province, FREEMASONRY does CARE!”

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

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DEVONSHIRE COURT UPDATE

Highcross Lodge (4835) W

Bro Brian Piggott, his wife, Mrs Pat Piggott ably assisted by volunteers from membership of the Highcross Lodge along with wives and members of their families hosted a strawberry tea at Devonshire Court on Saturday 12th June 2010 followed on Saturday the 4th of

December by a coffee morning with entertainment by The Wigston Enterprise Band who played a selection of seasonal music. Both of these functions were much enjoyed by the residents and visitors to Devonshire Court who said they were looking forward to the Lodge’s next visit.

PICTURED Two of the younger helpers (Tim Piggott-Smith & Jack Bowley) proving their on the job skills

PICTURED Lodege members and families who helped at the 2 events as well as Devonshire Court residents enjoying their tea

Devonshire Court Appeal At the last AGM of Friends of Devonshire Court, an appeal was launched to Lodges to donate to, or sponsor activities and organise events for the residents at Devonshire Court, to help enhance their twilight years.

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list has been produced, and supplied to each Lodge Contact member to see how each Lodge could help, either financially or in kind. The list of events/activities range from Theatre Trip sponsorship (£250), Trip & Lunch to Launde Abbey(£150) to Bird Tables £70,

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Afternoon Tea (£70). Equipment sponsorship range from Therapy Electric Couch (£500) to Aromatherapy & Massage Oils. The list is limitless and any additional suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

Lodges are particularly encouraged to visit Devonshire Court and continue

the activities that Lodges have in the past delivered (Coffee Mornings, Sing songs, quizes etc).

Please do contact Vicki or Jane (0116 2729928) or return the completed form issued to the Lodge Contact member.

To date the response to this appeal, over 30 (out of 76) Leicestershire & Rutland Lodges have pledged support either by donations or sponsoring activities and events. Following the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire PGMs letter encouraging their Lodges’ involvement with Devonshire Court, at present 28 Lodges from that

DEVONSHIRE COURT UPDATE

A Thank You from Devonshire Court Dear Mr. Piggot Re: Highcross Lodge Strawberry Tea at Devonshire Court.

I would like to thank you and your lodge members and their wives for hosting the Strawberry Tea last Saturday.

The residents love to see the members and enjoy engaging with them in conversation.

The residents have asked me to thank you all for the Cava and the lovely scones and strawberries that you provided.

I would like to extend a special thank-you to the children that you brought along, they all worked very hard and the residents love to see them.

Thank you once again for your generosity, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

I have put December the 4th in our activities calendar and we will have some carol sheets ready.

Thank-you again for a lovely afternoon.

Yours Sincerely Jane Dodson, Activities Co-Ordinator

Province have sent donations and / or membership applications.

The Friends of Devonshire Court Newsletter is sent to every member in the Province updating on what’s happening/ being planned, please read it and see what your Lodge can do to help enhance the lives of those residents who are Masons themselves or whose dependants were Freemasons. Your £2 annual subscriptions are well received and applied.

Residents at Devonshire Court come from many different areas of the country including Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Northants/Hunts and not just Leicestershire & Rutland.

The East Midlands Province of the Order of Secret Monitor have presented two cheques each of £500 to Devonshire Court and the Leicester Children’s Holiday Centre (Mablethorpe).

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he presentations were carried out at the Devonshire Court Care Home on the 14 th January 2011, by the Provincial Grand Almoner Wy Bro Barry F. Sayers, supported by, the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler R

Wy Bro Richard S. Moss and the Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler Wy Bro Peter S. Green.

An application for matched funding has been submitted to the OSM Benevolent fund for both parties.

ABOVE Wy Bro Peter Green, Wy Bro Barry Sayers, RWy Richard Moss (Prov G Supreme Ruler), Bev Bethnell (Devonshire Court), Stepanie Brown (Children’s Holiday Centre (Mablethorpe)

Pauper’s Supper The Lodge of Welcome (5664) held a Pauper’s Supper (Soup, Sausage & Mash, Crumble, Champagne, Wines & Sherry!) in September 2010 with residents at Devonshire Court.

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embers of the Lodge with their ladies and residents spent the evening enjoying each other’s company just chatting over the Supper. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs Joy Smith who said “It was wonderful to be able to meet and chat to people who were prepared to devote their time to come and visit us and who gave them so much pleasure in doing so”.

W Bro Simon Sharman (WM) presented a cheque on behalf of the Lodge for £180 to be used for the benefit of Devonshire Court residents.

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

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FREEMASONRY IN THE COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDS

£25,000 Given to Local Charities A Cheque Presentation Morning was held on Saturday 8th January at which £25,000 was given to Local Charities within the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland. This brings the total donated by the Charity Association and Grand Charity to £44,000 in the current Masonic year.

Freemasonry in the Community Grant Awards

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hile those being supported included some of the larger local charities such as LOROS, Rainbows, many other smaller charities received generous support. The charities work with the terminally ill, the sick and the disabled, the homeless and also youth and children’s organisations. Full details with supporting photographs can be found on the Province’s website www.pglleics.co.uk.

The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro David V Hagger welcomed some 30 representatives from 18 charities. He stated that he felt very privileged as the Provincial Grand Master to be the leader

FAREWELLS

of an organisation where the donations were being made from the personal contributions of the Brethren. Each of the recipients gave a short presentation stating how the funds were going to be utilised and those present could not fail to be moved by the dedication of the people in each charity and the needs of those whom they were supporting.

A particular observation made by Simon Proffitt, Chief Executive of LOROS, was that “the Generous Charitable Giving made by Freemasonry was not widely known by the Public at large and he would like to see wider recognition.”

Cheques were presented to the following organisations by the Provincial Grand Master, the Royal Arch, RAM and Gartree, Flaming Torch, Leicester ULI, Lodges: • LOROS (Hospice) £5,650 • Rainbows (Work with children with incurable illnesses) £3,750 • Kidney Research (local mobile screening service) £1,000 • PROSTaid (palliative nursing of prostate cancer) £1,250 • Leicestershire Cares (train support workers to assist with literacy & numeracy, homeless, young people coming out of care) £2,000 • Charnwood Citizen Advice Bureau (to support move to larger premises to meet greater demand of service) £1,000 • Sileby Scout Group (support for premises improvements/ renovations) £1,000 • Leics Visually Impaired Bowling Club (support to defray transport costs) £500 • Wishes 4 Kids (contribute to fulfilling children with e.g.terminal illnesses, to help provide of one their wishes) £1,200 • Action Homeless (help to provide support for the Leicestershire homeless to move towards into accommodation) £1,000

• Girlguiding (Topstones) (support to improve Activity Centre facilities for guides and other groups) £2,000 • Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation (expand free mobility aid scheme, craft club for adults with disabilities) £1,000 • PSP Association (support setting up group of Neurologists/ specialist Nurses for children with limited life expectancies) £1,500 • Toys on the Table (Christmas Gifts for under privileged children at Christmas time) £500 (paid prior to Christmas) • Curve Development (to support services to the community - education/ counselling/crime prevention) £500 • Headway (support equipping high tech media room to help those with head injuries, redevelop hand/ eye co-ordination and memory retraining) £660 • Devonshire Court (to fund days out & lunchtime trips, equipment and services for residents of Devonshire Court) £369 • RNLI (support general fund raising) £50

Farewells

The following Brethren have passed to the Grand Lodge above since the last issue. Our thoughts go to their families and loved ones.

VW Bro Thomas Stops (279), (1560), (3431), (4088), (7168), (9158), (9285) W Bro Henry Parsons-Jones (779) Bro John Birbeck (1330) W Bro Brian Adams (1560) W Bro George Corah (1560) W Bro Henry Plimmer (2028) Bro James Brennan (3078) W Bro Geoffrey Smith (3431) W Bro David Lapworth (6167) W Bro Cyril Read (6513) W Bro Meurig Morgan (6596) W Bro David Hindley (6803) Bro Martin Burton (7164) W Bro Beville Hood (7164) W Bro Leslie Newberry (7716) W Bro Ronald Morris (7736), (7778) W Bro Sidney Starbuck (7778) W Bro Ronald Morris (7778) W Bro Robert Brookhouse (7801), (9285) W Bro Charles Hall (7827) W Bro Henry Peters (8033) (9285) W Bro John Beck (8276) W Bro Douglas Goggins (8276) W Bro Neville Chambers (8312) W Bro Kenneth Clarke (8350) Bro William Wood (9826)

If any Brother knows of a local charity that is in need of support he should direct them to the Provincial Grand Almoner, Frank Nichol, in the Charity Office.

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

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