Leicester Square - Issue 29 (Spring 2013)

Issue 29 • Spring 2013

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

Provincial Grand Lodge Shield

Page No. 20

IN THIS ISSUE

Day Trust Page No. 12

Master Masons Page No. 29

6 12 13 21 25 27 28

PGM Address Did you know?

Charity Open Evening Library Museum Devonshire Court Royal Arch

SPRING 2013 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Spring 2013

Contents 15

Lodge News

John of Gaunt Lodge Family affair, Invitation to students and Gayton Taylor Lodge.

17 Visit to East 18Africa 50 Year 19presentations

Ferrers Lodge refurbish Stone

6

PGM Address 2012

This time last year I said “how time flies”.

10 Restoring Autistic 11 Childrens’ Retreat

Welcome to New Members

A charity in Enderby “A Place to Grow” received both grant and help to rebuild their facilities

12

Charity News Amazing gift to the Day

Trust, including further Cheque presentations.

14

Did you know?

Some local history and an

interesting insight into the wearing of the red apron.

Certificate presentations to W Bros.

Michael J Hallam, Bill York and Peter Allen

20 Shield

Provincial Grand Lodge

Displayed in the front Lounge of 80 London Road.

28

Provincial News

Including; Open Evening, Craft Carol Service, Long service Awards and News from the Library Museum.

Court News 27Devonshire

Xmas Fayre, Panto and Voices from the Past.

Arch Matters 28Royal

Including the RA Dinner, Master Masons and New Exaltees Evening and Church Service.

If you would like to advertise in this publication please contact Tony Sibson on

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

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 Tony Sibson Tel: 01572 822358 Mobile : 07747 614049 email: tony.sibson@hotmail.co.uk DESIGN/PRINT AnchorPrint Group Ltd, 11 Victoria Street, Syston Leicester LE7 2LE Chris Payne Tel: 0116 2690800 Email: chris.p@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.

Provincial Website Visit the updated Provincial website for even more news at www.pglleics.org.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.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 3

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4 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

Visit: www.mdmjaguarservices.com Email: mdmservices@hotmail.co.uk

WELCOME

DEADL IN

Editor’s

DATE E

please su bm for the n it all entries ext Leiceste edition of r Square st by 1 Aug

Welcome

ust 2013

Thank you to all those that have made contact to say that they enjoy receiving and reading the newsletter, including our widows and families of departed Brethren.

Likewise we continue to receive your stories for sharing with all the readership, which helps make the newsletter what it is.

Our newsletter certainly travels far and wide, as I receive calls from other Provinces on how we produce and manage the newsletter and how we get such interesting stories, so thank you to all those that have a part in putting this publication together.

The Leicester Square delivery has now been outsourced locally as it is cheaper for them to wrap and post than it would be for us to do (even with the envelope stuffing volunteers but offset by the ever increasing high cost of normal postal charges) We continue to make cost savings so that this publication is at very little cost to the Province.

Most importantly….. please continue to enjoy your Leicester Square…and do let me know of your suggestions, stories for inclusion, as well as Letters to the Editor?

Dates for your

2013

Saturday 13th April Charity Cheque presentations

Friday 19th April Asst Grand Master visit to Wyggeston Lodge Thursday 2nd May Provincial Open Evening Thursday 9th May Red Cross – Divisional Conclave Sunday 12th May Church Service (Christian Orders) Monday 13th May Initiates’ Evening Tuesday 14th May Provincial Grand Mark Wednesday 22nd May Lift Appeal Soiree Friday 21st June RA Midsummer Grand Dinner (in aid of the Bicentennial Celebration) Sunday 18th August Royal Arch Garden Party

Happy reading

Sunday 13th October Royal Arch Church Service

Henry Kukiewicz

Friday 29th November Craft Provincial Grand Lodge

Leicester Square Editor

Museum & Library are OPEN Both facilities are open for viewing and researching by all Brethren during the following hours when a Curator will be in attendance to assist in answering questions you may have or seeking access to resources held.

Monday to Friday (inclusive) 9.30am until noon Arrangements can also be made to host conducted tours for groups of the Library & Museum and other features within the building within or outside of these regular timings. For further information please contact any of the Museum/Library Team at London Road.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 5

TITLE TITLE TITLE TBC PGM ADDRESS TITLE TITLE TITLE TBC

Provincial Grand Master Address 2012

Brethren

This time last year I said “how time flies” I omitted to say “when you are enjoying yourself”. I have enjoyed the honour and privilege of being the Provincial Grand Master of such a wonderful Province and I believe that you the Brethren are also enjoying your Freemasonry despite the difficult times in which we all live.

May I firstly extend a further welcome to our many distinguished visitors and I thank them most sincerely for their invitations to my Executive Team to visit their Provinces for their annual meetings. We all support each other and I think that this is vitally important in this day and age. We all have an object in pursuing the aims and ideals of Freemasonry and a lot is to be gained by mutual strength and support. May I also thank the Heads of other Orders in this Province and elsewhere for their support to my Executive Team and Provincial Officers.

2012 Festival In May of this year, we celebrated the success and culmination of our 2012 Festival for the RMBI. We were graced by the presence of the Deputy Grand Master RW Bro. Jonathan Spence and his charming wife together with colleagues from other Provinces, Lady Gretton the Lord Lieutenant and other distinguished civic dignitaries. This marvellous event was somewhat marred by inadequacies of catering etc at the venue for which you will have all received a great majority of your money back.

A Brother wrote that I had not lost my powers of negotiation since I retired from the legal profession.

Brethren I had to correct that Brother. It was not a negotiation! Despite this, as I said on the evening, what a splendid achievement to raise £1.7 million

6 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

pounds for our Homes. It made me feel very proud and I am sure all of you and your partners were proud, to be part of such a splendid outcome and to know that Brethren, their wives and dependents, people less fortunate than ourselves, would benefit from our generosity. Not only in financial terms but in devotion to the cause of Charity. I take this opportunity to thank the Festival Chairman W Bro. John Peberdy, and the Festival Committees, the Festival Stewards and Charity Stewards, but above all, you the Brethren of this Province and your ladies for the fantastic support you have given. I have always been proud to lead this wonderful Province, even more so on this occasion. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

PGM ADDRESS

Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association Last year I said that this has been a tremendous year for the Charity Association in its aims of charitable giving and this year has been no exception. I encourage Lodges to attend our Quarterly Cheque Presentation mornings, either to present their own cheques or with the assistance of the Charity Association, to their nominated Charities. These mornings have been and continue to be an unqualified success.

A moving occasion. We heard much talk about volunteers at the Olympic games, almost as if the word “volunteer” was a new word. It is certainly not in this Province or in Freemasonry generally.

As each Charity receives their cheque, a volunteer speaks about their work for the Charity and its role in the community. It is truly a humbling experience to hear of their work as volunteers.

Many Brethren and their partners are volunteers both in Freemasonry and elsewhere. We should all be proud of them.

On our visit to your Lodges, my Executive Team and I tell you about the £97,000 we gave away last year from the Charity Association to non-Masonic charities. This year we paid for the reinstatement of a Garden of Reflection at Rainbows which had won a Silver Gilt Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show and which garden I officially opened on your behalf at the Rainbows Open Day in September. There I spoke about our charitable work both locally and nationally. We do not do it for recognition or reward but I do think occasionally we should “blow our own trumpet”. As I mentioned last year, Brethren and their dependents in this Province received tremendous support from our four Central Masonic Charities, amounting to over £340,000, an increase of 10% from last year. The Freemasonry Cares Initiative continues to expand successfully. As last year, I am grateful to my Provincial Grand Charity Steward W Bro. Anthony Molyneux and my Provisional Grand Almoner W Bro. Frank Nichol, to all our Lodge Charity Stewards and Almoners, but most importantly to you, for your continued support to the Charity Association and to the ideals of Freemasonry in the Community.

Devonshire Court and the Association of Friends This September after many years of dedicated service to the RMBI RW Bro. Derek Buswell Past Provincial Grand Master retired as President of the Association of Friends at Devonshire Court.

During that period Brother Derek and his wife Anne have given dedicated service to the residents of our home. It was Derek who initiated Lodges providing sherry mornings, (although I am told quite a few prefer Gin and Tonic) musical evenings, quiz mornings, strawberry teas. More than 40 Lodges, their Brethren and their ladies are committed to events this year. Likewise I was honoured to succeed Derek as President and my Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters are both on the Committee together with other Brethren and ladies. The work of the Association is vital in supporting the residents providing them with treats and social events.

No doubt because of the Festival, membership of the Association dropped from 83% of Brethren to over 60%. The minimum donation is £2. Not a lot to give for a good cause and not a lot to give in supporting the initiatives of both Derek and W Bro. Barrie Percival who this year retired as Chairman, again after many years of dedicated service. Brethren, please help.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 7

PGM ADDRESS

Membership This year membership of this Province has dropped as is common throughout most Provinces in this country, chiefly due to a decrease in multiple memberships. It is a worrying trend, perhaps the main factor being the severe economic times in which we live. I mentioned last year the work of the 3Rs Committee chaired by W Bro. Peter Kinder, the publication of its report, the suggestion as regards tenure of office, starting times of Lodges, the involvement of Brethren in the working at the Lodge, the requirement to keep Brethren’s interest, particularly those that have been through the Chair. The greater majority of the Lodges and Brethren that are addressing my concerns, are realising that the retention of Brethren is as equally as important as initiating new members. The changes suggested are not changes for changes sake, they are vital to the preservation of our Order and to the financial viability of our masonic centres. I have recently identified those Lodges which require support particularly in Leicester. Under the Chairmanship of W Bro. Rupert Clarke, a Committee has been formed to help assist and advise these Lodges. The main assistance we can give is with candidates. All four Lodges have welcomed our support, not treated it as interfering in the working of a Private Lodge, but a heartfelt recognition of the difficulties they face and our Provincial Support. Many Brethren give long and distinguished service to both their Lodges in particular and Freemasonry in general. Let our service, our dedication, also be to the preservation of Freemasonry not only in the present but to those future generations to come. A legacy to be justly proud of.

8 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

Mentoring In connection with the work of our Lodges, mentoring is a vital part of the chain of promoting interest in our Lodges and in preserving membership. Under the guidance of our Provincial Grand Mentor W Bro. Ken Wylie, booklets for all three degrees have been produced and circulated and I am pleased to announce this evening the publication of a booklet entitled “Guidance for Brethren In Progressive Office” both inside and outside of the Lodge. It explains the duties of each Officer in the Lodge. I am grateful to W Bro. Jim Williamson our new Senior Warden and W Bro. David Turner for their splendid work in producing this Booklet. The 3Rs Committee are also looking to produce a booklet on “Toasting at Festive Boards” which I have noted have been somewhat lacking in content during my official visits. I am also delighted that the majority of Lodges are appointing a Mentoring Co-Ordinator and investing him with the collar and jewel of that Office. A vital office for both the Province and each Lodge.

I emphasised Mentoring Co-Ordinator. An Office to be shared with other Brethren. We are looking at the moment of keeping a more detailed Lodge record of attendance, speaking to those Brethren who do not attend whether due to illness, the demands of business or of family commitments. Let us show that we care that they are not present, not merely accepting the fact.

University Scheme I am delighted to tell you that in addition to the Lodge of Science and Art Lodge (8429) and the Wyggeston Lodge (3448) being members of the University Scheme in respect of Loughborough University and Leicester University respectively, Castle of Leicester Lodge (7767) has joined and become responsible for De Montfort University here again in Leicester. Already we have initiated 9 Brethren and another 6 are in the pipeline. Suffice it to say that the University Scheme Liaison Officer W Bro. Peter Kinder and I are trying to assist in the Scheme’s progress.

As you are also no doubt aware we have had since January 2010 under the Chairmanship of W Bro. David Herbert, a Committee to interview potential candidates from the Grand Lodge and Provincial Web Sites. Up to October this year, we have had 104 enquiries of whom approximately 25 have been initiated or are about to be.

Well Done everyone who is involved.

Liaison Officers I am delighted to say that I have almost completed the restructuring of the role of the Lodge Liaison Officer within the Province, in that a Liaison Officer is now only responsible for one Lodge, a Lodge of which he is not a member. They all tell me how well they are received on their visits and their reports are very valuable in assessing how Lodges are progressing and whether we the Province can help in any way.

PGM ADDRESS

Provincial Web Site Communication via the Internet is becoming increasingly important and I am therefore pleased to announce that as of today, the Provincial website has been re-launched which includes more comprehensive information, aimed at both members and non-members, on the activities of Freemasonry within this Province. I have formed a Provincial Web Team with W Bro. Andy Green as the Team Leader who will be responsible in ensuring its content is frequently updated. Over the coming months the functionality of the website will also be enhanced including a comprehensive online catalogue of the Library and Museum. Furthermore, we are also able to offer hosting of Lodge websites on the Provincial servers, subject to a small charge.

Library and Museum I am delighted that real progress is being made in the Museum and Library. I choose my words carefully. The main change is that all our artefacts, jewels and memorabilia are now on display and that many of the books have been moved into a separate library. The overall effect is much more pleasing to the eye and quite frankly more interesting. I urge you Brethren, to visit and use this wonderful facility.

Most other Provinces would give their eye tooth to have it. We still have the capacity to store Lodge records in our archives. May I again thank W Bro. Don Peacock and the other members in the library who do such sterling work.

Lifts at London Road I have recently written to all Brethren advising them of my plans to install two new lifts in this building, one of which will give direct access from the car park to all floors, including the Morley, Oliver and St John Corah Lodge rooms. The other travelling from the ground floor to the Holmes Ante Room. In addition we will provide new access steps to No. 78 and landscape the area. The plans have been on display and have been well received. Inevitably such wonderful new facilities come at a cost, a cost in the region of ÂŁ160,000. I am looking to every Brother who practices their Freemasonry here in whatever degree, to assist me to raise this money, either by private donation or Lodge events. Many of our Brethren, whether they are wheelchair bound or whether they have difficulties in climbing stairs, would benefit from such a facility. As an organisation we have more members in the 60 to 80 year old group than any other group.

Subject to your financial support in raising the money, I have provisionally set aside five weeks in June and July 2013 to carry out the installation.

Already I have received support from Lodges and Chapters throughout this Province. I leave you with the thought that no one should be excluded from enjoying their Freemasonry because of physical disability. I need your help to do this.

In conclusion my thanks go to all those members of the Charity Office, the Year Book Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Hall Manager and Custodian and to my Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works.

To the members of the IT Committee who are undertaking major work within this building, to the Publicity Committee who have achieved a major miracle in producing Leicester Square at a profit, to W Bro. Brian Carruthers the Finance Director for his sterling work yet again.

My thanks also go to the staff at both Freemasons Hall and Devonshire Place. During the summer we have undertaken a major re organisation of our business operation here at London Road, and our new General Manager, Nicola Holyoake could not have taken over in more difficult circumstances and deserves our sincere thanks.

I mentioned Volunteers earlier, not only those here but those just as important in our other Masonic Centres. We are indeed fortunate to have such facilities, many of which have been improved and refurbished over the last 10 years. To all of you we owe a deep debt of gratitude.

Finally I mention my debt to the Provincial Grand Secretariat, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team and W Bro. David Sansam and the fellow members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge for their organisation. My thanks to you not only for the arrangements today but throughout the year. I mention in particular my Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro. Anthony Wood. This year has been an annus horribilis for you health wise. I am delighted and relieved to have you back in harness.

If I have missed thanking anyone please accept my apologies. Brethren enjoy your Freemasonry.

Thank you all for your kindness and support.

God bless you all.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 9

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to New

Members

We are delighted to welcome the following as Freemasons and wish them many enjoyable years as members of our Fraternity.

Bro. Jonathan Simon Chadburn (50) Bro. Patrick Gerald Woods (279) Bro. Robert Brian Coleman (523) Bro. Paul Whysall (779) Bro. Kelbie Lambert (779) Bro. Michael Ashley Armes (1007) Bro. Henry Michael St.John Mott (1130) Bro. Fuad Talal Hamzeh (1265) Bro. Andrew Gair Ross Stuart (1330) Bro. Scott Simon Price (1391) Bro. Masood Ahmed Khan (1560) Bro. Richard John Roome (2428) Bro. Guy Adkins (2428) Bro. Kameron Hutchinson (2428) Bro. Ian Jempson (2428) Bro. Peter Anthony Leatherland (2865) Bro. Kelvin Roy Tompkins (2865) Bro. David Webb (3078) Bro. Simon Lee Applebee (3431) Bro. Andrew Charles Hin-Loong Slater (3448) Bro. Alec Richard Maxfield (3448) Bro. Andrew Peter Cogar (4088) Bro. Roy Anthony Cooper (4088) Bro. Andrew William Souley (4656) Bro. Andrew Charles Tilbrook (4711) Bro. Philip Harold Hames (4711) Bro. Robert Gary Miller (4835) Bro. Edward Terence Kerr (4835) Bro. Stuart Ian Zarb (5061) Bro. Alan John Farmer (5208) Bro. Richard Ashley Howe (5664) Bro. Adam Iain Elsmore (5664) Bro. Joe Anthony White (6167) Bro. Christopher James Gray (6406) Bro. Keith Lee Butteriss (6513) Bro. Edward Myles Bazeley (6513) Bro. David John Cooper (6513) Bro. David Bark (6514) Bro. Nicholas Jason George Clothier (6514) Bro. Clifford Brett Evan Morgan (6757) Bro. Donald Bredent (6757) Bro. Michael James Boden (6803) Bro. Tony Martin Hoyle (6803) Bro. Christian Charles Pyne (7007) Bro. Paul Noble (7164) Bro. Ian James Kerr (7164) Bro. Peter Roy Adams (7168) Bro. Joseph Haden Harrap (7716) Bro. Colin Everington (7716) Bro. Lee Anthony Wakefield (7717) Bro. Timothy John Sanderson (7717) Bro. Guy Kenneth Burrell (7736) Bro. Graham John Manwaring (7744)

10 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

Bro. David Price (7762) Bro. John Umberto Measures (7767) Bro. Kevin James Williams (7801) Bro. Simon Ian Adrian Wilkinson (7827) Bro. Adrian Peter Ganderton (7841) Bro. Matthew Sebastian Pilling (8033) Bro. Ian Baker (8063) Bro. Kulvinder Sidki (8063) Bro. Carl Douglas Hudson (8210) Bro. Arnold David Clifton (8320) Bro. Mark Peter Lowen (8320) Bro. Russell Laurence Astley (8350) Bro. Gary Brian Hix (8350) Bro. Oliver James Watts (8429) Bro. Aaqib Anwar (8429) Bro. Kieran John Dempsey (8478) Bro. Ashley Tiernan Starbuck (8481) Bro. Simon Thomas McGuinness (8639) Bro. Roger Wright (8679) Bro. Thomas William Pinkard (8679) Bro. Cyril Mons Staley (8699) Bro. Neale Russell Bassford (8729) Bro. Timothy Charles Ashton (8765) Bro. James Ernest Garrard (9071) Bro. Thomas Martin (9119) Bro. Daran Murray (9176) Bro. David John Smithson (9176) Bro. Ian Cox (9285) Bro. Gary Mills (9285) Bro. Fraser Joseph Mann (9453) Bro. Arjun Sudra (9673) Bro. Chetan Ashok Pattni (9673) Bro. Cornelius Gooch (9826)

CHARITY NEWS

Freemasons help restore destroyed Autistic Children’s Retreat On Wednesday 23 January 2013 the television news and the Leicester Mercury described how vandals had burnt down the shed and store of a small charity at Enderby called “A Place to Grow”. This Charity operates as part of Community Action Partnership; a registered Charity.

This demonstrates the ability of LRMCA through the Charity Association’s Emergency Grant Procedure to provide assistance quickly, when needed.

This applies not only to Non Masonic Charities but also to the assistance that can be given to Brethren, Widows and their families in need. These donations can only be achieved through the generous support of LRMCA by the Brethren which have enabled this and many other charitable grants to be made and greatly enhances the Image of Freemasonry in the Community.

The charity provides facilities for autistic and disabled children to carry out simple gardening activities to help them with co-ordination and to give them some pleasure. As a result of the fire they lost everything.

On the Friday morning at around 11.00, W Bro. David Turner contacted the Charity office at London Road and a request was made to the Provincial Grand Charity Steward to provide support to this Charity. After a discussion with the Provincial Grand Master an Emergency Grant of £500 was agreed.

This enabled David Turner within the hour to inform “A Place to Grow” that the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association were making a Grant of £500 towards the cost of replacing the tools destroyed by the fire. The Charity informed the Leicester Mercury and an article welcoming the generosity of the Province’s Masons and that of Caterpillar was placed in that Saturday’s Leicester Mercury.

What the Charity still badly needed was a second hand security store similar to those used on construction sites.

Following David Turner’s plea for help in locating a suitable container, he was overwhelmed by the offers of help.

Caterpillar provided a man and machine to prepare the site. Richard Roulston, son W Bro. Brian Roulston of Leics & Rutland Rotary Lodge offered to arrange for C3 Construction to prepare the foundation and hard Landscaping for the 20 foot Container which Bro. John Chambers of Halford Lodge obtained from John Brindley Ltd. The work was then started on the 11th February and was completed on the 18th February.

The total cash donation from the Province and Caterpillar was £1,500 but with the donation and installation of the new Container and the ground work the value to “A Place to Grow” was over £4,000. They needless to say are truly very grateful for the support which Freemasonry has provided.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 11

CHARITY NEWS

Amazing £11,000 gift to Day Trust The proceeds from a Ball held at Devonshire Place, organised by Freemasons and former police colleagues of Toby Day have been presented to his surviving children.

T

he event was organised by former Chief Inspector – W Bro. Clive Thorpe and two serving officers, Bros. Karl Harris and Phil Hurst, and supported by officers and Freemasons from far and wide.

All three Freemasons were present at Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association’s recent presentation morning when a cheque for £11,075.12 was handed over to Kimberley and Adam and their grandparents Heather and Richard Day by the Provincial Grand Master R W Bro. David Hagger. This was the first public event that Kimberley and Adam had attended since they lost their parents, Toby and Samantha, and younger sister Genevieve (6) in tragic circumstances following an incident at their then family home in Melton in December 2011.

The Fund, which ran until the first anniversary of the tragedy, raised nearly £37,000.

The money was collected for the Day Trust Fund, set up by the Melton Times, to support the teenagers in their future education and give them a little financial security as they enter adulthood.

Heather Day said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Clive and

12 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

his colleagues and to all who have contributed in any way to making the Trust so successful.”

Dr Tim Gray MBE of the volunteer emergency doctors’ charity East Midlands Immediate Care, which treated both Kimberley and Adam, was presented with £500 towards the cost of medical equipment.

W Bro. Clive Thorpe said: “This was the first time I have attended the presentation event, I found it a moving and humbling experience and was pleased to have been able to take part and to thank all those Freemasons who gave so freely for this cause”. Both children will also receive ongoing support from the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys for their future educational needs.

CHARITY NEWS

Over £34,000 handed over at

Cheque Presentation morning This was hosted by the Provincial Grand Master at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on Saturday 5th January 2013 where the following presentations totalling over £34,000 were made to the following local groups and organisations by either the Provincial Grand Master, Grand Superintendent, the donating Lodge or Royal Arch Chapter.

This presentation does not fully represent the entire giving

by Brethren as individual Lodges may have already donated directly to the Charities of their choice. Lodges are invited to make future presentations to their chosen Charities/ worthy causes at one of the 3-4 charity cheque presentation mornings held through each year, by contacting the Provincial Grand Charity Steward to make such arrangements.

At these events, each of the recipients gives a brief description of how their award will make a difference to what they will be able to provide. These stories certainly make you aware of how what we do….will make a direct difference to local peoples’ lives!!!

Rainbows – support operational day to day costs (£4,063 Grand Charity + £500 Wiclif Lodge + £250 Castle of Leicester & DMU) LOROS – to be used for 40 home visits by nurses (£5,400 Grand Charity)

Melton Mencap & Gateway – support individuals with learning difficulties (£1,000) 15th Leicester Scouts (Kirby Muxloe) – grant towards heating system (£1,000) Westfield Community Development Assoc – Day Centre costs for disabled or elderly (£1,000) Kibworth Centenary Youth Brass – Instrument purchase for young people £1,000 Leicester Childrens’ Holiday Centre Skegness – provision for 2 children stay at Holiday Home (£1,000 Newarke Lodge + £100 Rothley Temple Lodge) Pancreatic Cancer Research – support research activities (£1,000 + £1,000 Wiclif Lodge) Cancer Self Help (L’boro) – support to locals recovering from cancer (£500 Royal Arch)

Dove Cottage Day Hospice – running costs of day care & respite (£1,000 Grand Charity)

Spark Childrens’ Arts Festival – (£500)

Toys on the Table – to buy toys for underpriviliged children at Xmas (£500 Royal Arch)

St Mary de Castro – support rebuilding of Church Tower (£500 Craft, £500 Royal Arch)

Day Trust – see separate article (£11,000 St James’ Lodge)

Menphys – (£500 Royal Arch)

Epilepsy Action – support specialist nurses and training packs for schools (£1,000)

E Mids Intermediate Care – support volunteer Doctors attending L&R scenes of accident /emergency (£500 Uppingham in Rutland Chapter).

Ashby Combined Christian Orders Ascebi Chapter Rose Croix (1153) and the Sir Richard Hastyngs Preceptory (660) held their annual Christmas Lunch at the Royal Hotel, Ashby de la Zouch, on Sunday 9th December 2012.

The Eminent Preceptor of Sir Richard Hastyngs, E Kt Malcolm Talbot, welcomed twenty two members, wives, partners and friends to a very enjoyable seasonal lunch. The lunch was honoured by the presence of the KT Provincial Prior, Rt E Kt David J Walters. A raffle was held and raised £250.00 to be split between Rainbows Childrens Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 13

DID YOU KNOW?

Did You know??? Provincial Grand Stewards

B

rethren are often intrigued when they occasionally see others wearing a red apron and red regalia. The red denotes the rank of Grand Steward or Provincial or District Grand Steward.

Communication being expected to join 9705. The Lodge has an interesting logo which is a development of the traditional cornucopia and was designed by Bro. David Taylor of Loughborough.

At one time Grand Officers were only appointed from those who had been Grand Stewards and the red apron has always been something of a status symbol in Grand Lodge. The Grand Stewards form the leading element of the procession which escorts the Presiding Officer into and out of Grand Lodge.

The Lodge has a couple of interesting traditions; taking wine with the ‘blue aprons’ and a different visitor’s toast to which there is no response. Although all Provincial Grand Stewards are Past Masters in their own Lodges and have Provincial/ Grand rank, whilst “on duty” they wear their red apron/ regalia in preference to their entitled respective dark blues.

The Grand Stewards are appointed by the MW The Grand Master after being nominated by nineteen London Lodges known colloquially as ‘red apron’ lodges. If one of these Lodges fail to submit a nomination, it loses that privilege for ever.

Following the formation of the United Grand Lodge in 1717 many Lodges had to be re-numbered. It was natural that the Stewards should wish to have their own Lodge and also that they should claim seniority for it. The problem was solved by granting the right to head the list of Lodges, without a number, and it is still listed as such today.

A Grand Steward or Past Grand Steward may wear his red apron on other occasions so Brethren may be called on in Lodge to greet such a Brother with more salutes than his garb would suggest that he is entitled to. The explanation will be that he holds another rank as well as Steward.

Local The idea for a Stewards’ Lodge in Leicestershire and Rutland was first suggested in 1994 by W Bros. Peter M Jackson, Richard Moore and Derek Parnell during the year that they were appointed active Provincial Grand Stewards. Originally it was thought not to be necessary but with the 2001 Festival approaching, attendances at Provincial Grand Lodge increasing and the introduction of other activities such as Initiate Evenings and Open Days, the Provincial Grand Master at the time, RW Bro. Derek Buswell, was quick to realise that a group of experienced and able Brethren would be a great help in organising these.

W Bro. Peter M Jackson was asked whether he would assist in forming a Steward’s Lodge with the Founders to be from those who RW Bro. Buswell had appointed to the rank of Steward.

The response was enthusiastic, so the Lodge was sponsored by the Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No 7896 at an Emergency meeting at 11.30 am on Monday 12th July 1999. The Petition was granted by Grand Lodge in September 1999 with the number 9705 and the Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards was consecrated on 18th January 2000 at London Road, Leicester.

Those original three Stewards W Bro.s Jackson, Moore and Parnell who had mooted the idea were appointed Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden respectively.

Originally there were 23 Founding members but the Lodge has grown significantly since then with the addition of those who are appointed Steward each year at the Annual

14 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

The Lodge was quickly called into action to assist with the Open Day at London Road Leicester in May and the Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge in November 2000, the Community Week in 2002 and the Bicentennial Meeting of the Knights of Malta Lodge in 2003.

Today Twelve years later, the Lodge meets twice a year. The Installation Ceremony is always held at London Road, Leicester, but the February meeting is sometimes held at an outlying centre which does much to increase the intrigue of other Brethren.

Their duties are mostly centred around the Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge. It takes almost thirty Stewards to achieve all of the duties that have to be done and is a logistical achievement. Work commences on the Thursday arranging the lodge rooms, erecting signage and establishing exactly who is to be seated and where. Over the years the ultimate layout of the Oliver temple has been established to accommodate the maximum number and in the correct order for the DC’s for appointments. The Car Park is then staffed as from about 8.00 am on the day of Provincial Grand Lodge, and Stewards are on duty at the entrance to No 78 London Road for the reception and signing in desks, to welcome our distinguished visitors from neighbouring Provinces at No 80, and also tyling the doors of the Oliver and Holmes Lodge rooms. The Stewards’ work finally concludes late Saturday morning after everywhere has been reinstated following the Communication.

The Stewards are also called upon to provide their stewarding services at other major Provincial events which have included 2012 Festival Banquet, Open Day and Provincial visits to Lodges The Lodge has a Demonstration Team which can perform a re-enactment of a 1760 Masonic Ceremony for any Lodge in the Province.

On several occasions the Lodge has undertaken ceremonies of Passing for other Lodges.

There are currently 60 members of the Lodge and it continues to provide a pool of experienced Masons to assist with Consecrations, Centenaries, Installations etc.

So there you are…………now you know!!

LODGE NEWS

John of Gaunt Lodge Family affair The Meeting of 15th November 2012 was a special and moving event for John of Gaunt Lodge as well as a family occasion for the Worshipful Master, W Bro. Brian Lloyd as he initiated his grandson, Robert Brian Coleman.

The Initiate’s father, Bro. Robert Andrew Coleman is the Junior Deacon and he was able to guide his son during the ceremony. To add to the family presence, Bro. David Lloyd, son of the Worshipful Master and uncle of the Initiate had travelled from Essex where he is a Member of the The Lodge of True Friendship (160).

Quadruple Initiation of University Students Leicester University students were part of a very special meeting of The Wyggeston Lodge, (3448) on Friday 15th February 2013. It was the very first time in the history of the Lodge in performing a Quadruple Initiation ceremony.

The Lodge was honoured with the presence of the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. David V. Hagger, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro. Steve Davison, and five Grand Lodge Officers who witnessed this historic meeting. The Master, W Bro. Tom Bodycot, was ably assisted by the Director of Ceremonies, W Bro. Robert Jones, and other Lodge members including Junior Deacon Bro. Yogesh Patel and Bro. Jeff Zhu who performed his first piece of ritual, the Working Tools.

The picture shows, from the left Bro. Robert Andrew Coleman; Bro. Robert Brian Coleman; W Bro. Brian Lloyd; Bro. David Lloyd.

Our new Initiates, Bros. Valentin-George Tartacuta (reading Aerospace Engineering), Yusif Nelson (reading Economics), Peter Clarke (reading History) and Peter Shandley (reading Law), join an ever growing number of 11 Leicester University students the Lodge has initiated since joining the UGLE Universities’ Scheme in 2011.

Gayton Taylor Lodge

(9176)

Gayton Taylor Lodge experienced a unique occasion at their meeting on Thursday 24th January 2013. The Lodge has struggled for several years to attract candidates but on this occasion conducted a double initiation witnessed by numerous visiting Brethren from throughout the Province.

The two initiates Bro. David Smithson and Bro. Daran Murray enjoyed the ceremony and thanked everyone for making them feel so welcome.

The Lodge has a further two candidates in the pipeline and it is anticipated that there will be another double initiation at the meeting on Thursday 14th March 2013.

Left to right: W Bro. Mike Meadows (SW), Bro. Daran Murray (Initiate), W Bro. Richard Smith (WM), Bro. David Smithson (Initiate), V W Bro. Michael Turnbull (JW)

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 15

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LODGE NEWS

Ferrers Lodge refurbish

Ashby masonic history During his year as Master W Bro. Derek Hunt (Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779) proposed that the Foundation Stone at the Cottage Hospital on Leicester Road in Ashby be refurbished to its original splendour. (This stone was featured in issue 26 2011 quiz) The work was recently completed by Bro. Kurt Russell, Senior Warden of Grace Dieu Lodge (2428). Hopefully it will be there for another 115 years?

Before

After

Provincial Publications The following publications are available to purchase from London Road, Lodge Secretaries or Secretaries from any of the other Orders in the Province.

A History of Freemasons’ Hall – Leicester (A5) 23 page booklet which describes the development of Halford St and London Rd Halls and details of the planning, funding, construction, decorative features as well as the figures of the day & their roles in establishing the building Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland – The other Orders (A4) 155 page high quality publication with photographs detailing the historical provincial aspects of each Order, Past Rulers as well as a diagrammatic explanation of the routes to each of the Orders from Craft Masonry….and much more A History of the Masonic Province of Leicestershire & Rutland (A4) 139 page high quality publication with full colour photographs describing the early years of the L&R Craft Province, PGMs, masonic meeting places, Craft Lodge précises, extinct Lodges, Provincial Charities, Library & Museum and much more including a Family Tree showing the relationships of Craft Lodges in the Province

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 17

LODGE NEWS

Visit to

District Grand Lodge of East Africa Bro. Shusheel Kumar attended the 11th Freemasons’ Conference on 20th-23rd September 2012 at Mombasa Kenya.

T

he theme of the Conference “Our Masonic Heritage” was the compelling factor for me to attend this Conference. It clearly reawakened the prominence of being a “Lewis” with family ties both at personal and fraternal level.

East Africa and West Africa have been fertile grounds for Masonic growth from the first Lodge in 1792 in Gambia.

Now Masons of all races meet in perfect harmony, clearly evident throughout the formal programme and colourful theme nights, when families fully participate.

The District Grand Lodge of East Africa under the United Grand Lodge of England has been continuously active since 1926 and has enjoyed popular support from its members in the Territorial jurisdiction. Patently

clear demonstration of the fact that Freemasonry not only flourished but retained remarkable diversity by keeping its doors open worldwide as a fraternity.

On the final day of the conference I had the honour and privilege of presenting a copy of “History of Masonic Province of Leicestershire and Rutland to the RW Bro. Dr Virendra K Talwar, District Grand Master in the presence of our Grand Secretary VW Bro. Nigel Brown being the Chief Guest at the Conference and W Bro. Robert D T Sillett - Prestonian Lecturer 2008, (pictured with Bro. Shusheel) amongst other distinguished guests from Romania, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Seychelles respectively.

RW Bro. Virendra Talwar was pleased to receive the book and he stated that it will be placed in their library at the Masonic Hall in Nairobi for the benefit of the Brethren. It was equally heartening to receive interesting remarks particularly about the historical book and the origin, purpose and function of Ratae Meridian Lodge (9673), the sole day time Lodge in the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland, from many Brethren at the conference and elsewhere.

I came back home to Leicester with a sense of fulfilment, joy and contentment both at the Conference and on visiting my late father’s (Bro. Dr. Anant Ram) Mother Lodge, Lake Lodge (5022) in Kisumu at the shores of Lake Victoria and then to Nandi Border Lodge (4756) in Eldoret, Kenya Highlands.

Brethren at both lodges received me enthusiastically and entertained me in traditional warm Masonic fashion.

18 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

A most rewarding humble and memorable experience to last a life time.

I am proud to belong to such a universal Brotherhood.

Bro. Shusheel Kumar (Ratae Meridian Lodge 9673 - Senior Warden)

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LODGE NEWS

MICHAEL J HALLAM

50 Year presentation

W

Bro. Michael was presented with his 50 year certificate on behalf of the PGM by W Bro. John McLauchlan at his home (as ill health has prevented him from attending Lodge meetings for some years) Warm greetings and congratulations from Rothley Temple Lodge (7801), Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge (779), Old Rosallion Lodge (5042) and the PGM were delivered by W Bro. John McLauchlan and W Bro. Paul Robshaw.

W Bro. Michael was the first Initiate of Rothley Temple on 13th April 1962 and W Bro. Paul Robshaw being the third.

The photograph shows the three members of the Lodge with a combined 145 years membership of Freemasonry between them!!

Bill York

50 years presentation On Friday 7th December 2012 at the Lodge of Welcome the APGM, W Bro. Peter Kinder presented a 50 year certificate and celebration cake to W Bro. Bill York.

The picture shows the APGM, W Bro. Peter Kinder, W Bro. Bill York and the Worshipful Master, W Bro. Nigel Robinson

50 years a Mason W

Bro. Peter Allen

O

n Wednesday 20th February 2013, a “50 years in Masonry Long Service certificate� in recognition of his service to Freemasonry, was presented

by W Bro. Ian Kennedy on behalf of the PGM, to W Bro. Peter Allen at an informal lunch attended by some of long standing members of The Lodge of The Round Table (7762).

Peter was proposed by W Bro. R.J. Betteridge and seconded

by W Bro. G.H. Tarry, and initiated in the Corah Temple into The Lodge of The Round Table on 16th November 1962 by W Bro. C.B. Robinson. He was the 28th member to join the Lodge but only the 4th to be Initiated, the other 24 at the time being joining members. W Bro. Peter was installed as Master of the Lodge on 19th April 1974.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 19

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Provincial Grand Lodge Shield In the front Lounge of 80 London Road is displayed the Letters Patent of the Provincial Shield.

T

he current Coat of Arms was adopted by the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland in 2000, being only the second Provincial Grand Lodge to be granted Arms by the College of Heralds. Letters Patent were dated 1st March 1999 and granted pursuant to Warrant of the Earl Marshal on the 9th September 1997. This wonderful document written on vellum and with the seals of the three Heralds attached is now proudly displayed in the Front Lounge at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester. It was kindly framed and donated by W Bro. Simon Sharman, Past Master of the Lodge of Welcome (5664) and displayed since the summer of 2012.

Each Provincial Shield is identical except for a unique bordure so that we are united with all our Sister Lodges throughout the country. The centre of the shield is the Coat of Arms of the United Grand Lodge of England and is formed from an amalgamation of the former shields of the Premier and Antients Grand Lodge. The three Towers and Compasses on the left denote the Mason’s work, whilst they both represent his labour. The compasses are not only an instrument for assisting in the drawing of plans for the building but also, as we well know in Masonic Symbolism, for reminding us of the Great Architect’s, unerring impartial justice, who having defined for our instruction the limits of good & evil; will reward or punish as we have obeyed or disregarded his divine commands.

The unique bordure is of Heraldic emblems that are associated with two Counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. These emblems are the cinquefoils, horseshoes, acorns and the Lion of DeMontfort. This bordure can be explained further by examining each of the symbols: The ermine cinquefoil charged on a red field was used by the Beaumont Earls of Leicester; the double-tailed (sometimes forked – queue fourchée) silver lion the two Simons de Montfort, father – Earl of Leicester (c. 1208-1265) – and his second son; the white ostrich feather was one of the personal badges of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, KG (1340-1399); and the black maunch or sleeve is taken from the Arms of the Earls of Huntingdon, a branch of the Hastings family, and borne also by William, Lord Hastings, KG, 1462.

New Provincial

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http://pglleics.org.uk was relaunched on the eve of Provincial Grand Lodge in November 2012.

I

n going forward, to keep the website up to date, the Web Team will be more than happy to receive any news items/photos to upload which we would like to receive on a regular basis. Each member of the Web Team has a specific area of responsibility for uploading content which are: Provincial Grand Lodge, Province and Lodge news (Andy Green) Charity (Andy Bloice) Royal Arch and Other Orders (David Yates) Library & Museum (Tom Abbott) Secure Secretaries area (Derek Andrews) We have an email address for the Webteam which is

webteam@pglleics.org.uk so please use this to contact us and send any content for inclusion.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Provincial

OPEN EVENING

As part of the new initiatives proposed by the 3Rs committee to assist all Lodges in the Province to attract new members, there will be a Provincial Open Evening held at Freemasons’ Hall, London Road Leicester on Thursday 2nd May 2013, at which the PGM will be attending.

A

s part of the new initiatives proposed by the 3Rs committee to assist all Lodges in the Province to attract new members, there will be a Provincial Open Evening held at Freemasons’ Hall, London Road Leicester on Thursday 2nd May 2013.

It is hoped that every Lodge in the Province, especially the smaller Lodges or Lodges who could not support on open evening/white table on their own, will encourage members to invite and accompany non-masonic friends whom they feel would being interested in enjoying membership of our organisation.

It is envisaged that interested individuals via the new Provincial web site will also attend.

The evening will start with a presentation in the Holmes Lodge Room by the Provincial team who will occupy the Master’s and the Wardens’ chairs whilst delivering the presentation.

After an introduction:-

• second part will concentrate more on the symbolism of Freemasonry • The including the layout of the Lodge room as well as the governance of the

the first part will be about Freemasonry, some indication of the various number of meetings, the festive board and social events that Lodges hold.

Order and its origins. remarks there will be an indication of the charitable • Atworktheweconcluding do.

After the 45 minute presentation, there will be a finger buffet in the Holmes Dining Room with a cash bar and an informal atmosphere to encourage questions on a one to one basis with the significant number of senior Masons who will be available to provide answers.

After the evening, Lodges will then progress individuals’ interest in applying to join their Lodge, in the normal process that each Lodge conducts Notices will be sent out nearer the time with reply slips but in the meantime, if you intend to invite a prospective member along, please make a note of the date in your diary. Thursday 2nd May 2013

L&R Freemasonry in the News!

During 2012 Leicester Freemasonry has had 17 articles reported in the press on mainly the Charitable work that has either been directly funded or from the Grand Charity.

In order that all such stories are recorded at Province, if you see any story reported in the press or media please report it directly to the Provincial Grand Secretary’s Office and likewise obtain a copy of the story and either email or post it to his office asap after the published story.

The Province is so wide spread and with many different publications available, either county wide or specific to localised locations (Syston, Harborough, Lutterworth etc). If you are local to those publications, your help in collating such a press cutting service would be most helpful in gauging how the work of L&R Freemasonry is perceived by the local public and the press.

What would be even better is that you proactively promote the difference you/your Lodge are making to your local communities by engaging with the local press. I am sure that you may already have those local press/ media contacts, if not please …… contact me and we will see how we can help you establish such useful contacts and support in creating useful press releases.

The aspect of promoting the work we do, is not about how much money we gave but what did our help achieve for the local community?

Henry Kukiewicz The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 21

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Craft

Carol Service 50 Year Membership O C e r t i f ic ate s n Sunday 9th December, many Freemasons together with their wives, partners and families, attended a Carol Service at Leicester Cathedral. The Service was preceded by an excellent lunch at London Road. Transport was provided from Freemasons’ Hall to the Cathedral which resolved car parking issues experienced in previous years.

The Acting Dean of Leicester, Reverend Canon Barry Naylor made everyone most welcome to what was a heart-warming and wonderful service.

The sermon was delivered by The Venerable Tim Stratford, Archdeacon of Leicester and lessons were read by, W Bro. Clive Watts, W Bro. Anthony Wood, W Bro. Reverend Canon Michael Wilson, W Bro. Peter Kinder, V W Bro. James Buckle, R W Bro. David Hagger and Canon Johannes Arens.

The Provincial Grand Master is keen that as many Brethren and their families attend next year’s Carol Service and asks that you pencil in your diary next year’s date - Sunday 8th December 2013.

Should you be unable to attend the lunch, the PGM would be equally pleased to join you and your families at the Carol Service.

The following Brethren have been awarded 50 year Certificates in recognition of their service to Freemasonry.

Our sincere congratulations are extended to each Brother on this wonderful achievement.

W Bro. Gordon K Smith (3091) W Bro. Michael J Hallam (7801) W Bro. Robert A Greenlees (9673) W Bro. Douglas Ball (3448) W Bro. Roger Beeby (5664) W Bro. Esmail Zand (6167) W Bro. John Channing (50) W Bro. Walter A Greenwood (1391) W Bro. Roy C.Tuckley (7007) W Bro. William A York (5664) W Bro. John W Gilbert (50) W Bro. Michael T Bromwich (523) W Bro. Leslie Hamilton (3431) W Bro. Peter D Allen (7762) W Bro. Peter E Portch (3091) W Bro. Alan P Merry (7827)

Leicester Square (28) Quiz Result The Answer to this Quiz was DEVONSHIRE and the winner of the Box of Chocolates was VW Bro. David Sharpe (2429)

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 23

24 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2012

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

News from the

Library and Museum Following initiatives proposed by the Provincial Grand Master, in particular the continuance of the safeguarding and promotion of the Provincial Library and Museum, work has now commenced on many fronts.

•

•

•

•

London Road based Lodge archive materials are being rehoused into appropriate cardboard boxes. This work is now largely complete, and one unusual spin-off has been that numbers of tin boxes previously used to store archives have now been donated to the Great Central Railway where they are now items of period luggage helping to emphasise the heritage character of one of Leicestershire`s most important tourist attractions.

Cataloguing the entire contents of the Museum and to have these valued for insurance purposes. A firm of well known auctioneers who often appear on TV`s “Bargain Hunt” was brought in from Grantham to offer specialist valuation advice. They were quite surprised by the richness and diversity of our collections. The Masonic Marble Table which is now one of the principal attractions of the Museum, and which we acquired a couple of years ago, was valued at £4000, quite a considerable amount more than we paid for it. Sadly they were unable to cast any light on its origins which remain enigmatic. The last comprehensive cataloguing of the Museum collection dated back to the 1960s, and the collection has grown substantially since then.

The collection will be more regularly monitored and publicised via the Provincial Web Site so that Brethren, their families and friends, outside bodies and individuals with a genuine interest in Freemasonry can be informed of collection items, and encouraged to visit and inspect the Library and Museum.

To bring all these initiatives together and to consider future work the PGM and the Library, Museum and Archive team were delighted to welcome Mrs Diane Clements the Director of the Library and Museum at Grand Lodge, on 6th March 2013. Mrs Clements is an eminent authority on Masonic history, archives, artefacts, and their conservation and display. She has been a good friend to the Province in its work to promote the Library and Museum collections, which are considered to be amongst the best in the country and benchmarked as a standard of good practice. Mrs Clements was given a report on the progress we have made on the archives and she was able to further advise on the appropriate levels of insurance cover for our newly catalogued collections, and to enter into discussions about how we might exchange duplicate items in the collections with Great Queen Street and other Provinces as we seek to fill in gaps in our collections of Masonic jewels, etc.

•

Mrs Clements also assisted us with advice on a major exhibition and symposium to be promoted by the Lodge of Research (2429) in January 2014 to mark the coming together of the United Grand Lodge. This will be a most significant national event, marking the momentous union and will be graced by visitors from many other Provinces as well as leading scholars of Freemasonry. The symposium will take the form of an all day event, followed by a suitably Festive meal. The Provincial Grand Master and the Assistant Grand Master RW Bro. David Williamson will be attending the event.

It is most significant that our Province has:-

• • •

Lodges from both the Antient and the Modern Traditions - Knights of Malta Lodge(50), and St John`s Lodge (279) and this gives us a unique opportunity to mount this most important commemorative event The research capabilities of the Lodge of Research (2429) The riches of the Library and Museum Collections.

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

Freemasons-Leicester Square 2012.pdf

26 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

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22/08/2012

09:14

W Bro. Joseph Wilmot (50) W Bro. George Bryant (779) W Bro. Edwin Crane (779, 8695) W Bro. David Hancock (779) W Bro. Keith Halliwell (779) W Bro. Graham Moss (1007) Bro. Colin Davies (1330) W Bro. George Smith (2428) W Bro. Bryan Wills (2429,7778,8729) Bro. Bill Roley (3078) W Bro. John Walford (3078) W Bro. Brian Strudwicke(4711) Bro. Peter Smith(4874) W Bro. Leonard Wright(4874) W Bro. John Brabbs (5061) Bro. Barry Wiggins (6757) W Bro. Geoffrey Manning (6794) W Bro. Gerard Black (7744) W Bro. Norman Longbottom (7801) W Bro. Ben Hall (8033) W Bro. Anthony Payne (8063) W Bro. John MacDonald (8350) W Bro. David Hancock (8639) W Bro. Roy Browning (8765) Bro. Graham Homan (9119) W Bro. Geoffrey Ballard (9158)

TITLE TITLE TITLE TBC DEVONSHIRE COURT TITLE TITLE TITLE TBC

Xmas Fayre The Fayre was not as well attended by Brethren as in previous years but many families of the residents were there to support the event.

Over £2000 was raised for the Amenities Fund at the Home which will help to fund many activities over the coming year. Thanks to all who turned up and took part in the Christmas fun and here’s to the next event. Brethren are asked to help support the event next year if they are able to, either as helpers and more importantly as visitors by taking part in all the sideshows where lots of Xmas produce and products are available to buy or to take a chance of winning.

Panto at Devonshire Court More and more residents of Devonshire Court have mobility problems and have trouble attending outside events.

The Friends of Devonshire Court decided to bring the events to the residents and with the help of the Herrick Theatre Company staged a Pantomime at the Home in January 2013. (Oh no they didn’t - Oh yes they did). The panto was warmly received by the residents and was such a success that other theatrical events are planned for later in the year.

VOICES from the PAST

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hose Brethren who have visited Devonshire Court and invariably engaged with the residents soon discover that they all have stories to tell of their life experiences; some masonic, some war related, some work and some family. Brethren are encouraged to visit Devonshire Court not only to provide entertainment but the residents particularly love to talk about times gone past. Perhaps next time you visit, please take some time out to engage with those residents who are keen to tell you a story. Perhaps the 2 following précised stories might encourage you to visit & chat??

W Bro. Michael Robinson, a regular volunteer, has documented 2 such conversations and which are both war related experiences. Full transcripts are available from Michael Robinson (Deverdun@aol.com)

Jack Sharples A widower for 8 years and worked for a big tyre company. He served in the Royal Navy from the age of 16 and went to sea at the age of 17 years and 3 months, serving on the Cruiser “Jamaica” in 1942 at North Africa and then onto North Atlantic Convoys to Russia. He related stories of battle engagements and resultant viewing of the sinking of a sister ship as well as enagaging the German Battleship Scharnhorst. He then moved onto Minesweeper duties. Jack has a number of war memorabilia which keep his memories of his time in the Senior Service.

Michael left with total admiration of Jack’s sincere humility which he and his shipmates displayed in their role in those war years

Philip Goadby Although having masonically known Philip for over 50 years, Michael was not aware of Philip’s RAF past. During subsequent chats in Devonshire Court, although willing to talk about his bomber pilot experiences, he did not want to recall names as their loss was still painful after 70 years.

He joined at 17 years of age and qualified as a pilot just as war started.

He related that they still used sextants for navigation and keeping a carrier pigeon on board..just in case!

As a bomber pilot, he and his crew experienced many near misses of being attacked by fighters, running out of fuel. Having done 39 operations he then volunteered to fly as a squadron of Lancasters to South Africa (7 week journey) to deal with Japanese submarines rounding the Cape. 12 months later they sailed back to Southampton and resumed many more flying duties in Whitleys and Avro Ansons Philip related that 50% of the 107,000 Bomber crews that went out on missions never came back and that he had so many haunting memories of the devastation of bombing missions but also that their efforts had caused such major disruption to the German military resources.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 27

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Royal Arch

DINNER On Tuesday 29th January 2013 the MEGS, E. Comp Peter Kinder and his wife Sandie hosted the Annual Royal Arch Dinner.

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he event, which is held primarily for new Companions and their partners, has become increasingly popular over the years. Indeed with over 180 in attendance, it proves just how popular the evening has become. A raffle was held and E. Comp Barry Sayers, Prov. Charity Steward, announced that the £1,000 raised would be going towards the 2013 Appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons.

After an excellent meal, entertainment was provided by W Bro. Dale Roberts, P.M. of St John’s Lodge who sang a selection of popular songs to a wide range of musical tastes.

As there is a limit on the number of place available…..early booking for next year is recommended!!

Interested in the Royal Arch?

Within the English Constitution, after one month as a Master Mason, a Freemason is entitled to join the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, more familiarly known as the Holy Royal Arch.(Chapter) The Holy Royal Arch whilst being an integral part of Freemasonry is organised as a separate Order. It is variously described as the “essence

28 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

of Freemasonry”, the “foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure”, and as “the root, heart and marrow of Freemasonry”. Every Master Mason has, and should take, the opportunity of discovering these qualities for himself by joining the Holy Royal Arch.

There is a Holy Royal Arch Representative in each Craft Lodge in

Leicestershire & Rutland, who is there to give guidance and provide members with information on the Holy Royal Arch and support individuals to make an application to join and complete their Masonic knowledge.

So do please contact him at your own Lodge, ask questions and make your decision to join?

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Master Masons and new Exaltees’ Evening

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n Monday 29th October 2012 a record number of Master Masons and Exaltees attended this marvellous annual event which has grown so much in popularity over the last few years. It clearly is an excellent example of the growing affinity between the Craft and Royal Arch Masonry and so well supported by the Provincial Grand Master and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent The Master Masons assembled in the Oliver Lodge Room and the New Exaltees in the Morley Lodge Room.

After the Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter had paraded into the 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 Royal Arch Masons then joined the Master Masons in the Oliver Lodge Room and listened to short addresses from the PGM, the Grand Superintendent and others. This was followed by an excellent buffet in the Oliver Dining room.

As always the Royal Arch Executive worked really hard to make this evening a success and it was rewarding to receive so much enthusiasm from those who had recently joined, and interest from those who have not yet joined this wonderful Order.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 29

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Royal Arch

Church Service On Sunday 14th October 2012, Choral Evensong was held at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary de Castro.

The service was attended by over 170 Royal Arch Masons, wives, partners, family and friends. It was good to see the service proving so popular with attendance up, (+20) yet again, on last year. Please put the date in your diary for 2013.

Before the Service, the bells were rung by members of The Craft, R.A. and friends under the direction of R. Kingsley Mason.

The service was taken by E Comp Canon Michael Wilson PPGSN. The lessons were read by E Comp Tim Jones of De Mowbray Chapter (523), E Comp David Coxon of St Augustine’s Chapter (779), E Comp Roger Peutrill of Morley Chapter (8320) and E Comp Mark Street of Wayfarer Chapter (8679).

After the service the congregation enjoyed a glass of wine or a soft drink served by Paul Wallace, John Townsend and Matt Toplis.

Temperantia celebrate 75th year On Tuesday 13th November the MEGS, E. Comp. Peter Kinder, his co-Principals and the acting Provincial Officers of the year, visited Temperantia Chapter (4088), to help celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

Following an outstanding Installation ceremony the Oration, which was presented at the consecration of the Chapter in 1937, was read by E. Comp. Peter Hotchin.

The Companions then enjoyed an excellent Festive Board in true Royal Arch fashion and were also treated to a slice of cake!

30 | Leicester Square | Spring 2013

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The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 31

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