Leicester Square - Issue 32 (Autumn 2014)

Issue 32 • Autumn 2014

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

Page No 16

Pipe Organ Page 9

Sidney Brown Trophy Page 11

IN THIS ISSUE 7

Heritage Trail

8

Light Blues Club

10 3Rs update 16 Masonic War memorials 18 Charity Presentations

Masonic War Memorials

22 RA Matters 28 Devonshire Court

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SPRING 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Autumn 2014

Contents 18

Charity News

Including; Charity Cheque Presentations, Rainbows equipment from 3 Provinces, University of Leicester clinical trial, Highcross supports Headway, Ashby Masonic Lodge supports NO to domestic abuse.

22

Royal Arch Matters

5

Editor’s Welcome

Including; Dates for your Diary.

7

Provincial News

Including; Library/Museum update, Leicester Heritage Trail, Light Blue Club news, Pipe Organ has a new voice, 3R's Recruitment, retention and retrieval and L&R Masonic Bowlers.

12

Lodge News

Including; Wyggeston Lodge historic meeting, C.P.R and Defibrillator training in Hinckley, Animal Welfare, 3 Generations at Holy Well, Classic Car/Bike Run, Motor Neurone, Guthlaxton raises money for Lift appeal and Why I became a Freemason?

16

Did You Know?

Masonic War Memorials.

Royal Arch Buffet, New Provincial Standards, Grand Chapter visit, William Goode Dawson remembered, Philip Goady 50 years a RA Mason, Roland Honoured, Provincial Honours Boards Unveiled, RA ÂŁ4,000 charity presentations, Provincial Chapter, 60 Years in Royal Arch Masonry.

27

Devonshire Court News

Spring Fair, ipad from Edward Sherrier, Car Rally.

28

Provincial Annual Quiz

Winners announced.

30

Other Orders

Gibraltar holiday visit, Operatives' Grand Master Masons visit L&R.

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 | Autumn 2014

WELCOME

DEADL IN

Editor’s

DATE E

Please s ub m for the n it all entries ext Leiceste edition of rS th 5 Jan quare by

Welcome

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15

Dear Readers

Well here we are again… yet another issue of the Leicester Square. As ever, thank you for sharing your stories so that our readership can enjoy hearing about what you think is worth a story to tell?

From the ongoing comments that I receive, we seem to have the mix just about right?...but if you think otherwise…please do let me know!!

Although we as an organisation give money to lots of local charities or groups and we try our best to report this, I would prefer to share the human story behind what the money is being given for, rather than the cheque presentation itself. It is the recipients of the money which has the most interest…we know that we give our money freely but am sure that we are more interested in what difference it makes to people’s lives in our community?

We as a nation are commemorating the start of the First World War, I hope you enjoy the story of the masonic war memorials.

If you know of any others in the Province, please let me know so I can pass it on to our masonic researchers.

If you want a few extra copies of Leicester Square, so that you can share them with friends or families, then please contact the Provincial Grand Secretary’s office. Likewise there is always a copy posted on the Provincial website (as well as past copies) and of course copies are available in the Provincial Library, together with other masonic periodicals.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this publication and look forward to hearing from you.

Henry Kukiewicz

Dates for your

2014-15 2014

19th Oct RA Church Service (St Mary de Castro) 29th Oct Master Masons & New Exaltees Evening 28th Nov Craft Prov Grand Lodge 14th Dec Craft Carol Service (Cathedral)

2015 5th Jan Leicester Square story deadline receipt 17th Jan Red Cross KHS Ceremony 9th Feb KT Prov Priory 7th Mar Craft Training morning 26th Mar RA Prov Grand Chapter 28th Mar Mentoring seminar 7th May RCC Divisional Conclave 10th May Christian Orders Church Service 11th May Initiates’ Evening 12th May Mark Prov Grand Lodge 22nd Sept WMs & Wardens Dinner

Leicester Square Editor

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

NEW MEMBERS

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

Bro. Stephen Manning (50) Bro. Brady Snape (279) Bro. Zen Cassinath (779) Bro. Matthew James Trewartha (779) Bro. Paul Andrew Walkden (1130) Bro. David Edward Griffiths (1265) Bro. Neer Modha (1391) Bro. James Baird Kellock (1391) Bro. Syed Omar Babar (1560) Bro. Neville John Holsey (2081) Bro. Lee Mark Houghton (2081) Bro. Wayne Kenneth Mason (2428) Bro. Kenneth John Darling (2865) Bro. William Arthur Robinson (3078) Bro. David Gillies Hall(3091) Bro. Phillip Turner (3448) Bro. Ali Sohrabi (3448) Bro. Thomas Grant (3448) Bro. Thomas Michael Perrin (3448) Bro. Adzer Bhopa (3448) Bro. Jonathan Kristian Andrew Mills (3919) Bro. Ian Scott Russell (4656) Bro. Samuel James Owen (4711) Bro. Sahal Dudha (4835) Bro. Adrian Kelly (4874) Bro. David Brierley (4874) Bro. Andrew Chawner (4874) Bro. Lea Bernard Roger Moulds (5061) Bro. Matthew James Hackett (5208) Bro. Peter Pucek (6167) Bro. Andrew Phillip Glanville (6167) Bro. Glenn Mitchell (6513) Bro. Hasmukh Jina (6514) Bro. Sanjay Singh (6514) Bro. Aakash Patel (6514) Bro. Dhanish Ghelani (6596) Bro. Neelesh Patel (6596) Bro. Mital Ladwa (6596) Bro. Amit Pattni (6596) Bro. David John Hunter (6596) Bro. Shaun Michael O'Donnell (6757) Bro. Steven Kenneth Lunn (6757) Bro. Paul Alan Brown (6794)

6 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

Bro. Mark Roberto Sala (6803) Bro. Francis Williams (7164) Bro. Wayne Bryan Linnett (7164) Bro. Adrian Lee Taylor (7168) Bro. Christopher John Rollings (7716) Bro. Roy David Frank Rollings (7716) Bro. John Paul Sugden (7736) Bro. Rajesh Goyal (7736) Bro. Matthew Joe Aston (7736) Bro. Daniel James Davis (7767) Bro. John Dennis Norman (7767) Bro. Mohamed Omar Khan (7767) Bro. Warren Marc Hance (7767) Bro. David Anthony Hawkins (7767) Bro. Mukund Patel (7767) Bro. Christopher Robert Ward (7767) Bro. Kevin Brian Elliott (7778) Bro. Steven James Torley (7801) Bro. James Aaron Broad (7832) Bro. Panos Papadimopoulos (7841) Bro. Matthew Robert Perkins (8063) Bro. Arumugam Moorthy (8210) Bro. Daniel Eliot Green (8276) Bro. John William Easom (8320) Bro. Carl Green (8429) Bro. Paul Andrew Cramphorn (8481) Bro. Robert McLeish (8481) Bro. William Arthur Wright (8481) Bro. Paul Derek Wells (8481) Bro. Gerald David Hyde (8679) Bro. Kiran Naresh Parmar (8679) Bro. William McKenzie Baum (8699) Bro. Ralph John Leach (8699) Bro. Jason Bonser (8729) Bro. Paul Andrew Freeman (9071) Bro. Charles MacDonald Menzies (9119) Bro. Amit Janaksingh Chandrasingh (9176) Bro. Nicholas David Simmons (9285) Bro. Richard Thomas Whelband (9285) Bro. Shane Michael Mousley (9453) Bro. Vibhu Solanki (9673) Bro. Spencer Matthew Smart (9826) Bro. John Edward Deeks (9826)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Library/Museum UPDATE It has been a comparatively busy period for the Library and Museum staff at London Road.

More Lodges have brought their archive material for safe keeping and these have been added to the storage shelves in the special archive boxes.

W

e have been very pleased to receive notification of various Masonic items for sale on the Internet and I am grateful to the Brethren who alert us to these opportunities. We are, however, having to be very selective in the items we buy because of lack of space to display them.

Thanks to the technical skill of W Bro. John Reilly, we are now able to display a large photograph covering the full extent of the Holmes Lodge ceiling. This is on the wall in the Front Lounge and should provide a focus of interest for Brethren and visitors alike.

We have acquired a very attractive shaving basin, richly adorned with Masonic symbols. This has been purchased from W Bro. John Hoskins who has very kindly donated the money to the Provincial Grand Master’s lift appeal.

We have also received a donation of a bust of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) as Grand Master and W. Bro. Danny McKeown has created a special display showing items once owned by or associated with Royal Freemasons.

It is our wish to continue to acquire items representing Masonry today in order that the Museum will be able to display a wide variety of objects ranging in date from pre- 1800 right up to the present time. W Bro. Tony Barnard has very kindly presented the Museum with a gavel and two goblets each. Both of these items were worked by W Bro. Tony from various woods and prominently display the Square and Compass. In my opinion they represent the very best of modern craftsmanship.

ving basin or dish.

Picture of the Masonic sha century.

Probably French mid 19th

We have had quite a few visitors to the Museum, many of them from overseas and all have commented in very favourable terms about the quality and range of material available. If a Lodge wants to organise an evening or a daytime visit to our London Road premises including visits to the Holmes Lodge Room and the Library and Museum, this can be arranged. Several non-Masonic groups have already toured the building and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Naturally we can also arrange catering if that is required.

Freemasons’ Hall included in Leicester Heritage Trail

Freemasons' Hall London Road, Leicester has been proudly included in the Story of Leicester project, which marks the important anniversaries and events in the City’s history.

A plaque has been erected outside the Hall which gives further information about the role of Freemasons in the community and also history on the former Georgian house which was purchased by the Freemasons in 1909 as their meeting place.

To learn more about Leicester’s rich 2000 year history and heritage, visit The Story of Leicester website.

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

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Light Blue

Club News The Light Blue Club (LBC) has now been active in the Province for two years, and in this time we have been greatly encouraged by the response of Brethren across Leicestershire and Rutland.

To recap, the LBC was established in 2012 as a club for newer Freemasons in the Province. Membership is automatic and free for all junior Masons, and by junior we simply mean those who haven’t yet been Worshipful Master of their Lodge.

Our events provide a wider opportunity to meet members across the Province, especially those who are also relatively new to the Craft and thus sharing similar experiences to you.

Furthermore, many of our events are aimed at bringing wives and partners into the social side of the Craft, as well as an opportunity to bring friends along who may also be interested in joining.

Each year we run a wide variety of events across the year, including those which aim to be educational and help develop a better understanding of Freemasonry, but also events with a heavier emphasis on the social side.

in Oxford. There were 18 Leicestershire and Rutland Masons in attendance, visiting from 10 different Lodges across the Province.

There were 120 attending in total.

We were lucky to witness two ceremonies of a very high standard of ritual, with Officers dressed in traditional court dress. Both the raising and initiation ceremonies had seven candidates each, and the floor work was conducted with military precision. After the meeting the Light Blue Club enjoyed a champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous festive board at the 5* Randolph Hotel in the centre of Oxford. Bro. Dominic Rapsey of Highcross Lodge (4835) gave a very well received reply to the visitors’ toast. Following this, a number of Brethren desirous of refreshment joined the Lodge at the traditional Apollo ‘after party’ held in the gardens of the world famous Oxford Union Debating Society. This wonderful evening then ended around 2am. The LBC will return next year!

We already have a packed diary of events for next season including our monthly drinks, our Christmas party, more lectures and presentations, curry nights, and of course more Lodge visits (look out for forthcoming details of our special trip abroad!).

Last season was our busiest by far. We visited six different Lodges, supported Provincial events, held monthly drinks, as well as organising our Christmas Party and Side Orders Evening. Many Brethren have attended these events, not only developing their interest and knowledge in Freemasonry but also making new friends along the way.

Information on our events is regularly sent out to Lodge Secretaries, and can also be found on the Provincial website:

To round off a busy season, in June members of the LBC travelled to visit Apollo University Lodge (357)

W Bro. Daniel Hayward — Castle of Leicester Lodge (7767) — daniel@lightblueclub.co.uk

8 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

(www.pglleics.org.uk/site/pgl2011/light-blue-socialclub.html), our Facebook group (www.facebook. com/groups/lightblueclub/), and via our Twitter feed (@LightBlueClub).

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PIPE ORGAN

HAS A NEW VOICE Bro. Carl Heslop who was Initiated into the Highcross Lodge (4835) in 2013, has dedicated his spare time and expertise during the past year to refurbish the pipe organ in the Holmes’ Lodge Room, Freemasons' Hall, Leicester to its former glory.

One of the many gems of the neo-classically designed Holmes’ Lodge Room is the 1903 Stephen Taylor of Leicester Pipe Organ, looking very much at home up on the rear gallery. The organ was originally built in 1903, for the Masonic Hall in Halford Street, Leicester and was a Mechanical Action organ, of modest size comprising 8 stops spread over two manuals.

In the early 2000s, it fell silent to an uncertain future. It wasn’t long after this that the original Taylor patented organ console had to be disposed of as it appeared to have no future and was simply gathering dust. Fewer than 20 of these consoles remain in the Leicester area. However, fortunately there is a very well cared for example in De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. David Hagger, agreed that the rebuilding of this once fine organ was only fitting after all the years of service it had given the Brethren of the Province. The work conducted by Bro. Carl over the last year has involved significantly enlarging and modernising the existing Taylor, whilst retaining everything that was already there and re-using it in the specification. This specification raises the stop count from 11 over two manuals and pedals from the 1949 rebuild, to 34 stops, with the capacity to expand in any direction in the future if required. It also incorporates a cutting edge aspect of organ building in that it is a hybrid organ using pipework and digital sounds. Included in the new specification is the appropriately named stop 'Holmes Trumpet' dedicated to the Past Provincial Grand Master after whom the Lodge Room is named.

The rebuilding of the organ is now near completion and ready to take its rightful place again in the Holmes Lodge Room, and is an instrument befitting of the wonderful Lodge Room that it fills with music.

The PGM on behalf of the Province has thanked Bro. Carl for the tremendous effort he has undertaken in rebuilding the Organ and the giving of his own time to the project.

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

PROVINCIAL NEWS

3Rs:

RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND RETRIEVAL The steady decline in national membership in Freemasonry over the past 50 years continues to be of concern. In our Province, efforts by the Provincial Grand Master and his Executive over the past few years has ensured that membership in Leicestershire and Rutland has remained relatively stable at just under 3,000.

One such initiative implemented within the Province to ensure the decline in membership of the Craft is reversed, is the 3Rs (Recruitment, Retention and Retrieval) Committee which was formed in 2010 at the request of the PGM. The 3Rs Committee, chaired by the APGM VW Bro. Peter Kinder, consists of several subcommittees tasked with a particular focus: •

Lodge meetings (John Peberdy, Steve Davison, Andrew Brook)

•

Mentoring (Ken Wylie, Andy Green, Anthony Wood)

•

Light Blue Club (Freddie Harris, Daniel Hayward, Bob Reay, John Kelly)

•

Recruitment (David Turner, Paul Wallace, Richard Jelly, Henry Kukiewicz, David Clay, Andy Green)

•

Retrieval (Noel Manby, Tony Sibson)

The aim of the 3Rs Committee is to regularly meet to evaluate and suggest mechanisms for recruiting new members, retaining our existing membership and retrieving those members where their interest or membership has lapsed.

10 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

Members of the 3Rs Committee: Left to right, Front (Bro. Freddie Harris, W Bro. Ken Wylie), Middle (Bro. Bob Reay, W Bro. Tony Sibson, Bro. John Kelly, VW Bro. Peter Kinder, W Bro. Noel Manby), Top (W Bro. David Turner, W Bro. Paul Wallace).

Those not in the photograph: W Bro. Andrew Brook, W Bro. David Clay, W Bro. Steve Davison, W Bro. Andy Green, Bro. Daniel Hayward, W Bro. Richard Jelly, W Bro. Henry Kukiewicz, W Bro. John Peberdy, W Bro. Anthony Wood.

Since its formation, a five point plan to assist in the 3Rs was issued in 2011 by the PGM on recommendations from the 3Rs Committee.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Bowls

These consisted of: •

Signage outside 80 London Road saying “FREEMASONS HALL”.

•

Normal Lodge meeting start times should start no earlier than 6.00pm.

•

Lodge minutes must be circulated.

•

Open Day to be held for the general public at London Road.

•

The Lodge must appoint a Mentor.

Another Glorious Summer for L&R Masonic Bowlers The Pairs Competition for the magnificent Samson Smith Trophy took place on 18th July 2014 in warm sunshine at Blaby Bowling Club.

After a very close contest (and recount!) Bro. Brian Knight (Ratae Meridian Lodge) and W Bro. Richard Harvey (Newarke Lodge) were declared the winners- congratulations to them.

Following this, the 3Rs Committee have been working hard towards a second set of recommendations which were released in September. Two such initiatives have already been successfully launched – the holding of Provincial Open Evenings and the formation of a forum for junior Masons (known as the Light Blue Club).

The first Provincial Open Evening was held in May 2013 at London Road where several Lodges from across the Province brought a total of 76 potential candidates to have an introduction to Freemasonry. It is particularly aimed at the smaller Lodges where it would be impractical for them to hold their own White Table event. Of those potential members that attended at the first, a total of 23 have since joined a Lodge. Due to its success another Open Evening was recently held in May 2014.

Following on soon after was the annual competition for the Sidney Brown Trophy, with home and away games against Notts and Northants & Hunts.

Happily all four games were won and Leics & Rutland retained the trophy for the 7th successive year!!!!

These happy occasions also enable us to raise money for charity and again 5 local charities will share £1,000 equally between them.

Masonic Bowls is open to any Brother in the Province and if you are interested, please contact W Bro. Harry Dixon (0116 2706687)

The Light Blue Club was formed in 2012 as a forum for junior Masons, whatever their age, within the Province to meet socially, debate Masonic issues, become better informed and to enjoy one another’s company. The Light Blue Club holds a monthly drinks social, Lodge visits and other events throughout the year. A regular Newsletter with a diary of events is sent to Lodge Secretaries for distribution to all Lodge members.

The 3Rs Committee would be pleased to hear from any Brother who has suggestions or ideas on how we can ensure our membership within the Province remains strong and continues to grow. Please email the 3Rs Secretary, Andy Green, dr_andy_green@me.com, with your suggestions.

(Photo – L&R President W Bo. John Arthur receiving the Sidney Brown Trophy from the PGM).

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

LODGE NEWS

WYGGESTON LODGE HOLDS HISTORIC MEETING WITH 5 NEW INITIATES

Members of the Wyggeston Lodge (3448) and their visitors witnessed a historic meeting at their Regular Meeting on Friday 21st March 2014 where they Initiated 5 new members. This was the first time in the Lodge’s 103 year old history that they have welcomed five new members in one meeting Since joining the United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme in April 2011 as the Lodge for University of Leicester students, staff and alumni, the Wyggeston Lodge (3448) have Initiated 22 members, the majority of these being undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Bros. Sohrabi, Grant, Perrin, Turner and Bhopa were Initiated at our meeting held in the Holmes Lodge Room, Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester in two separate Ceremonies. The first Ceremony was presided over by the Immediate Past Master, WBro. Tom Bodycot, and the Master presided over the second.

The evening was concluded by a wonderful Festive Board where members and visitors enjoyed a 3 course meal.

C.P.R. & Defibrillator training in Hinckley Members from the Masonic Lodges meeting at Hinckley have taken part in training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator. The fully automated machine was purchased by the Masonic Hall with the help of funds raised at a Christmas social evening held at the Green Rooms within the Hinckley Masonic Hall. The defibrillator, although housed in the Masonic area of the building is also accessible for use, in an emergency, by the staff at the function suite located on the ground floor of the building and three members from that company also participated in the training.

The very informative and slightly light-hearted evening session, led by Nigel Matthews, who provided all the necessary equipment, was well attended and all involved went away armed with the basic knowledge that could in the event of a cardiac arrest being suffered on the premises, potentially help them to save a life. It is anticipated that further such sessions will take place in order that as many members as possible may participate and be able to give vital assistance in an emergency situation.

12 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

WW1 Centenary memorial

In a recent article in the Coalville Times (27th June) there was a story about a stone dedication ceremony (22nd June) to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. The 2 dedication stones are situated in Coalville’s Memorial Square and to which 4 NW Leics fallen soldiers names from Korea, Cyprus and Iraq conflicts were added.

A local Freemason, W Bro. Kurt Rusell (IPM – Grace Dieu Lodge 2428) played a significant role in the work, as he carried out the carvings and erections of the stones.

LODGE NEWS

Animal Welfare

Bro. David Barnes (9119) I have been working in animal welfare and the pet industry now for 41 years until major heart surgery in 1998 and 2012/13. Now I just do things voluntarily when I am asked and concentrate on the rescue of exotics from overseas and acting as a consultant in animal welfare centres/ zoos overseas.

In the past 17 years I have moved over 60 monkeys, 7 big cats, coatis, skunks, iguanas and even a crocodile. Apart from the lions in 2000 I have managed to deal with everything without requiring funds.

You did a story several years ago on 2 of the tigers in Trikala (Greece) zoo which I have kept watch on ever since we got them from the circus in 2001. Up until I had my second bypass in 2012 I had gone out 2 – 3 times a year and things were going well, they even built the new enclosure I had designed at a cost of 500k Euros!!

After the bypass in 2012 and the subsequent series of infections and surgeries I was not able to travel for almost 18 months. When I did go out last June I found the female, Athena, had a bad injury to her hind paw, we knocked her out and cleaned it up.

She was put on medication and footbaths for the foreseeable future.

Emails and phone calls told me she was fine and getting better but a close friend in Trikala rang me and said this was not true, she was worse! I flew back out within a week in November and she was much worse. I brought in 3 vet friends from Greece, and they all wrote condemning reports about the zoo and its care of the animals.

It was decided that she needed to be anaesthetised again and bloods and a biopsy done as well as a thorough examination of the wound. Ridiculous red tape meant that the procedure did not take place until 30th March this year and during it she had a cardiac arrest and died! I was devastated and angry.

For several months I had been planning to get them both out of Greece and had finally accepted a place at the Lions, Tigers and Bear Sanctuary in San Diego, recommended by a Vet friend in Los Angeles.

They have agreed to still take Phevos, the male tiger and currently all the paperwork is with the Ministry in Athens awaiting their signatures!!!!!

I have planned the move and he will fly to Frankfurt, a one stop change and then straight to Los Angeles and then a 3 hour road trip to where the sanctuary is.

I will be going with him all the way because he knows me and I am confident I can crate him without the need of any anaesthetic. I can also check on him in Athens, Frankfurt and Los Angeles. The cost is huge almost 20,000 Euros and I am currently trying to raise this money.

I wondered if any of your readers would consider helping towards this with a donation, anything would be a help.

Tel:

01733 555649

Mob:

07968 959367

Email: david.barnes740@ntlworld.com

(summary from report filed by Bro. Patrick)

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

LODGE NEWS

3 GENERATIONS at Holy Well (7827) On 19th March 2014 Bro. David Foster was left: W Bro. And rew Smail & installed into the Chair of the Lodge of The Holy his father W Br (both PMs of the Lodge) Th o. John Smail Bro. David H en al lam (son of W Well (7827) and so became the 3rd successive right: W Br Bro. Robert o. Peter Fost Hallam) er & his son W Bro. David generation of the Foster family to be installed Foster as Master of the Lodge. On that same date 50 years previously (1964) his Grandfather (W Bro. Arnold Foster – Founder JW) and 11 years later, his Father (W Bro. Peter N Foster) was installed in the same Chair!!!

(Editor — Is any Lodge able to match or beat that as a record?)

If that wasn’t a historical enough set of events, the Lodge has 2 other generational memberships where both Father and son are members of the same Lodge:W Bro. Andrew Smail (son) and W Bro. John Smail (father) – both Past Masters of the Lodge Bro. David Hallam (son) and W Bro. Robert Hallam (father) W Bro. David Foster (son) and W Bro, Peter Foster (father)

CLASSIC CAR/Bike RUN Vale of Belvoir - SUNDAY 7th September 2014

The second run of the year started at the RMBI Home - Devonshire Court at Oadby, where a few cars arrived giving the residents a chance to look at the vehicles & a warm welcome was received.

We then travelled to the White Horse, Seagrave, for refreshments.

There was a good turn out of around 20 vehicles of all ages, with some who had not joined in before, including Peter Kinder in his gleaming Lotus. The oldest vehicle was a 1925 Austin 7 which kept up well with the pack.

We then left in a convoy heading for the Martins Arms Inn, Colston Bassett. Unfortunately we set off without Michael Robinson on his “Harley” leaving him to find his own way.

Lunch was provided in very pleasant surroundings & we could not have wished for better weather for the day. A very enjoyable time was had by all.

Our grateful thanks go to David & Angela Sansam for planning the route & making the arrangements.

We plan to have 2 outings next year at end May/June & end August/ September & will issue details of these.

14 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

Motor Neurone W Bros. David Carter and Keith Harkness presented cheques of £2,250 to Donna (Motor Neurone Disease Assoc.) and Stewart Sparling a former member of St. Mary's Lodge (7164)

The cheques were from: Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Benevolent Fund

(£500) Westermans International Ltd.

(£1,000) Roundhill Fishing Day Event

(£750)

LODGE NEWS

Guthlaxton

raises £330 for Lift Appeal

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The evening was arranged to ensure that both the flourishing social side of the Lodge and fund raising was maintained 5 PURPOSE MULTI PURPOSE DINING 5 MULTI 5 MULTI PURPOSE DINING 5DINING MULTI PURPOSE DINING FREE WIFI & FREE ONSITE FREE WIFI FREE& WIFI FREE &ONSITE FREE FREE ONSITE WIFI & FRE ROOMS/LOUNGES ROOMS/LOUNGES ROOMS/LOUNGES CAR PARKINGCAR PARK CAR PARKING CAR PARKING during the close season, both ofROOMS/LOUNGES which were a resounding success. A traditional ‘supper’ of faggots, mushy peas, sausage and chips was also enjoyed by all.

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With the voluntary donations received from Brethren who could not attend amounting to £80, the event raised a total £330 which subsequently was presented to the Provincial Grand Master for the ‘Lift Appeal’ by the Worshipful Master W Bro. David Paxton.

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Did You know?

MASONIC WAR MEMORIALS Grand Lodge The Grand Lodge Building is in Great Queen Street, London.

The current building, the third on this site, was built between 1927 and 1933 in the art deco style to the designs of architects Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman as a memorial to the 3,225 Freemasons who died on active service in World War I. It is an imposing art deco building, covering two and one quarter acres. Initially known as the Masonic Peace Memorial, the name was changed to Freemasons' Hall at the outbreak of the World War II in 1939. The financing for building the Hall was raised by the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. This fund raised over £1 million.

Within the building is the Memorial Shrine which commemorates those 3225 fallen Brethren. The theme of the stained glass memorial window is the attainment of peace through sacrifice, with the Angel of Peace carrying a model of the tower of the building. The bronze memorial casket was designed by Walter Gilbert (1871 – 1946) who also designed the Victoria Memorial facing Buckingham Palace. The casket contains the memorial scroll, viewed through an aperture with gilt figures at the corners representing the Armed Services on which the names and Lodges of those brethren are written.

Provincial Grand Lodge In the Holmes' Lodge Room at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on the north side stands a War memorial tablet which details the names of brethren who served in the Great War (WW1) and the seven Leics & Rutland brethren who gave their lives in that conflict. Often the brethren attending meetings in that fine space give it scarcely a second glance, but how did it come to be there and what can we find out about the seven brethren?

In 1919 an Appeal was launched to the Brethren for subscriptions towards a Freemasons’ War Memorial which “should take the form of a substantial fund for the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) and a memorial of some kind in connection with the Masonic Temple” The appeal raised over £5,500 (equivalent to £750,000 in todays money) of which £5,000 was for the LRI (new Orthopaedic Department) and the remainder for a memorial tablet to record the names of the 7 L&R brethren who fell in the War and those brethren who served in His Majesty’s Regular and Territorial Forces.

A question has been raised whether there are other L&R Masons who died in action or as a result of wounds, who are missing from the Memorial. The problem is that many of the records were bombed in the Second World War – many being totally destroyed and what remains at Kew are referred to as “the burnt records”.

So next time you are in Freemasons’ Hall, please do go into the Holmes Lodge Room and look at the Memorial Tablet and spare a thought for those Brethren in general who served their country 100 years ago and especially those 7 in particular!!

A detailed Paper has been written on the War Memorial Tablet in the Holmes Lodge Room (with detailed notes on the seven brethren) by W Bro. Jonathan Varley and has been published in the 2012-13 Transactions of the Lodge of Research (2429), which are available to view at the Provincial Library. Thanks are given to W Bro. Jonathan for allowing reproduction of extracts of his paper The Lodge of Research seeks 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. It meets on the fourth Monday in November, January and March at London Road. Contact the Secretary for further details of membership or visiting.

16 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

LODGE NEWS

Why I became a

Freemason?

As a student of Archaeology, I am repeatedly asked two things; ‘do you dig up dinosaurs?’ and ‘will I be seeing you on Time Team?’ Almost all social interactions, from family gatherings to meeting people in bars, are plagued by those two simple questions. The stock answers are of course, ‘you’re thinking of palaeontology’ and ‘Time Team got cancelled’, much to the disappointment of the enquirer! Similarly, as a proud member of Freemasonry, I am often asked the question ‘What is Freemasonry?’

Unlike archaeology however, to ask for a definitive answer in Freemasonry would be to miss the point. Yes, it is a club, an organisation - but it is also a way in which to live your life and make a positive impact on the world and people around you.

I grew up with stories of my Grandfather, a Freemason, heading out in a suit on occasional evenings, briefcase in hand, Crombie overcoat keeping out the winter chill.

My mother never knew where he was going but she saw how much he looked forward to it, how happy it made him. My Grandfather was going to his monthly Lodge meeting, a chance to meet hard-working men, share some drinks, enjoy great food and socialise in circles that he may otherwise not have known. That was in the late seventies, and while the traditions and values of Freemasonry have not changed since the 17th Century, the openness and acceptance of this fraternity certainly has in more recent times.

When I confirmed my place at the University of Leicester I glanced over the societies on offer. I’d never planned on joining any groups, so I wasn’t overly let down when nothing took my interest. I did however, stumble across the website for what would later become the home of my Masonic journey; The Wyggeston Lodge. I got in touch and was instantly treated with the utmost respect.

Attending the Freshers Fair in a rather fragile state (why so early during Freshers Week?) it was easy to see the Masonic stall standing out amongst the others; slick colours, professional banners, smartly dressed men talking confidently on the same level as those asking.

A stark contrast to the fast food joints handing out free pizza slices to the hungover masses!

Established in 1910, eleven years before the University was founded, the Wyggeston Lodge is arguably one of the most flourishing and active in the country and

is gaining members and momentum at an enviable rate. This is no doubt in part owed to the launch of the Universities Scheme by the governing body of the Freemasons, the United Grand Lodge of England.

A tradition of Oxford and Cambridge spanning two centuries, the Universities Scheme branched out in 2005 to other University towns and was fittingly taken on board by the Wyggeston Lodge in Leicester in 2011 – making it the home for University of Leicester students.

The scheme aims to bring in students with a sense of morality to add to the future of the fraternity and now consists of 60 similar Lodges across England and Wales. The Wyggeston Lodge have students of history, biochemical science, law, distant-learners, mature students, alumni and staff. The list is vast. While some would expect there to be a clash in generations, I joined at 21 years old and was welcomed with open arms by men covering every decade up to their nineties. No pre-judgement in sight, perfectly matching Leicester University's ‘elite without being elitist’ attitude.

So what is Freemasonry? Again, there is no real definitive answer. Freemasonry is what you want to make of it. Our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. We support a large amount of charities, both masonic and non-masonic. We don’t discuss religion or politics, two of the biggest points of disagreement, in order to create a friendly and equal atmosphere. The three great principles we live by are simple: respecting everyone, looking after others and being honest. Once a month we hold official meetings, alongside other casual ones. Drinks are had, beautiful food is eaten and together we aim for intellectual, social and moral improvement, achieved through participation in dramatic ceremonial plays. It’s all done with a positive attitude and a few laughs.

I went out on student nights as much as (or more than) anyone in first year, but I also excitedly looked forward to one evening a month - like my Grandfather had done 40 years earlier – to putting on a suit and tie, polishing my shoes and heading into an incredible building full of interesting people, away from the intensity of living in Halls. It made for a welcome change and for me personally, allowed me to recharge my batteries.

University is by no means easy and Freemasonry did, and continues to, give me an often needed break from the sleepless nights of student life.

Freemasonry, like so many traditions, is adapting to the present day. In a world in which information is freely available, social media replaces social interaction and chivalry is considered a dying art. Rather than shutting doors, Lodges are kicking them open. A new, young generation of Freemasons is pumping life into the fraternity and securing its exciting future for generations to come.

Bro. John H. Phillips The Wyggeston Lodge (3448)

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

CHARITY NEWS

Charity Cheque presentations £46,000

Cheques totalling over were presented on the 3rd May and the 6th September 2014 by the PGM and representatives of the following Lodges:• Granite Lodge

• Wiclif Lodge

• Lodge of Friendship

• Jason Lodge

• Grey Friars Lodge

• Gartree Lodge

• Argonauts Lodge

• Science & Art Lodge

• St Simon & St Jude Lodge

• Wayfarer Lodge

as part of the LRMCA award scheme to the following charities and community groups:-

Rainbows, Childrens Hospice Donation from Jason Lodge

Lifelites The provision of funds with match funding from the Province of Nottinghamshire for the provision of Computer Equipment to Rainbows

Macmillan Nurses Donation by Argonauts Lodge

Guide Dogs For the Blind Donation by St Simon & St Jude Lodge Air Ambulance Donation by Wiclif Lodge Wishes for Kids Donation by Wiclif Lodge Blaby and Whetstone Boys Club Ltd Sports Club provides wide range training and sporting facilities. Work with 400 young people per week Home Start Blaby, Oadby & Wigston Provides trained volunteers to assist Families with children under 5 Donation by Grey Friars Lodge:

18 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

£6,500 £400

£10,000

STEPS Early Education opportunities for children 0-5yrs with motor difficulties Donation by Science and Arts Lodge

£500

1st Hugglescote Scouts Camping equipment Donation by Science and Arts Lodge

£250

Design For Life Weir Road Development Appeal

£500

£2,000 £525 £525 £2,000 £1,000 £285

Loughborough Sea Scouts Sea scouts offer young people 10-18 the opportunity to Learn off and on shore skills.

Donation by Wayfarer Lodge Handicapped Childrens ‘Action’ Group Provided funds towards cost of specialist Trike for disabled child

£2,000 £1,000 £150 Cost of Trike

£1,441

Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation Surviving Winter Campaign for older and vulnerable families

£2,000

Leicester AIDS Support Services (LASS) Funds to support the delivering of 4 sexual health and HIV/AIDS workshops

£1,000

The Spark Childrens Arts Festival This charity aims to raise levels of attainment in many of the poorest wards in Leicester through arts festival programme to 5000 children

£1,500

CHARITY NEWS

Leicester Royal Infirmary Childrens Hospital School Donation by The Lodge of Friendship

Brainwave Assesses & provides comprehensive therapy programme

£500

£1,000

Strides Leicester Supports people suffering or recovering from Mental Health problems Donation by Gartree Lodge

£1,000

1st Great Glen Scouts Refurbishment of headquarters in Great Glen.

£1,000

Headway Leicester Day Centre for adults with brain injuries and providing outreach services.

The Baldwin Trust Narrow Boat Cruises for community groups with special needs

Nether Hall school School for children with complex learning difficulties.

£1,500

Birstall Methodist Lunch Club Support for Mini Bus to take senior citizens to weekly lunch.

£750

Menphys To modernise and improve nursery.

£1,500

The Royal Blind Society Holiday for a blind 10 year old boy from Shepshed.

£1,575

RNLI Donation from Granite Lodge

£760

£1,000

Loros Donation from Granite Lodge

£400

£1,500

Leukaemia/Lymphoma Society Donation from Granite Lodge

£360

Charity Office The Charity Office will be pleased to hear from brethren of any local community groups or organisations that they wish the LRMCA to consider for the award of grants. A short report detailing what the organisation is looking to achieve and how beneficiaries would benefit, overall cost of the project, contact names and the Brother who is submitting the application.

All applications are solely judged on the merit of the application and the LRMCA monies available. It is expected that such organisations would attend the cheque presentation event and publicise the award.

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

CHARITY NEWS

R AINBOWS EQUIPMENT FROM 3 PROVINCES

The charity Lifelites has installed a range of updated computer equipment at Rainbows Children’s Hospice, Loughborough at a cost of over £40,000 thanks to Brethren from across Leicestershire & Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.

On 30th July 2014, representatives from the three Provinces visited Rainbows to see demonstrations of the newly installed equipment.

The 3 Provincial representatives, RWBro. David Hagger (PGM - Leics & Rutland), RWBro. Robin Wilson (PGM - Notts) and

VW Bro. Dr Vivian Thomas (Deputy PGM – Northants & Hunts), were all impressed by the new Eyegaze computer eye tracking system which is operated solely by movement of the user’s eyes thus enabling a child with limited motor movement of their arms and hands to use a computer for the first time. They also saw a new innovation the Magic Carpet. This projects a scene or picture onto the floor with which even the most handicapped of users can interact.

The Chief Executive of Lifelites, Simone Enefer-Doy, most sincerely thanked all who had contributed and said that, without this wonderful support, these innovations could not have been introduced.

£33,000

to fund clinical trial in Leicester The University of Leicester has received a total of £33,000 from the Grand Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF) and presented on their behalf by the PGM. This will help to fund a clinical trial into the treatment of heart attack patients with the application of remote ischemic conditioning. The DREAM cardiac research project is being conducted at the recently opened Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit at Glenfield Hospital by Professor Nilesh Samani.

20 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

Highcross supports Headway W Bro. Brian Piggott of Highcross Lodge (4835) presented a cheque for £200 to Headway Leicester charity which cares for stroke victims and those with disabling head injuries in recognition of the help and support that they give to his son-in-law who suffered a major stroke.

CHARITY NEWS

Ashby Masonic Lodge supports NO to Domestic Abuse Hastings Lodge (8695) based in Ashby de la Zouch have recently nominated’ Living Without Abuse (LWA) as one of its Charities’.

In the summer W Bro. Mark Stretton (WM) presented LWA with a cheque for £250 at the bandstand of the Carillion in Loughborough. Mark said: “We wanted to choose a local Charity that could really make a positive difference to families living in and around the Ashby area and the members of Hastings Lodge want to help in a small way, to make a stand against Domestic Abuse. Many people don’t know about the amount of Charity work that Masonic Lodges do for their communities” LWA used to be called Loughborough Women’s Aid, and provides valuable confidential support to women and men who are suffering from any kind of domestic abuse in North West Leicestershire.

Michelle from LWA said: “This money will be used to pay the removal costs of local women moving into their new homes. We use a very good man with a van to do this for us, so the money will also help us to keep a self-employed ‘man in business too.

This donation will enable four women to start brand new lives and although LWA receives grant funding for their support services, paying for this kind of practical assistance is not included in their funding so a very big thank you to Hastings Lodge. “

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

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

New Provincial Standards

ROYA L A R C H BUFFET

On Tuesday 17th June 2014, at Freemasons' Hall, Leicester, the MEGS, Comp. Peter Kinder and his wife Sandie, hosted the annual buffet supper for the recently appointed or promoted Provincial Grand Officers and their ladies. This was an excellent opportunity for the new team, appointed in March, to meet in a very relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Peter and Sandie, supported by Noel and Jackie Manby, and Richard and Julia Moore, welcomed over 70 diners, including a number of Grand Officers and Past Provincial Grand Principals and their ladies.

After reception drinks and a delightful sit-down buffet, Philip and Judy Dodd’s Tudor Choir provided the musical entertainment, including music from South Pacific and the Lion King. At one point Philip Dodd ‘stole the show’ with his rendition of the story of ‘How to give a cat a pill’. As a gesture of thanks, the Grand Superintendent presented a cheque for £250 to Philip and Judy for LOROS, their chosen charity, and Judy was presented with a bouquet. .

At the end of the evening, the Grand Superintendent’s lady, Sandie, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Jonathan Varley, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and the MC for the evening. All agreed it was, as usual, a most enjoyable evening.

22 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

At the Annual Provincial Convocation on 27th March 2014, two new Standards were used for the first time. The Province has had a Standard to accompany the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for many years, but now also has two new Standards to accompany the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals.

The new Standards were organised by E Comps. Ken Evans and Richard Moore, the new Third Provincial Grand Principal, and much of the needlework was done by his wife, Julia.

The Grand Superintendent made reference to the excellent work done by Ken and Richard during his address during the Annual Convocation.

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Grand Chapter visit 26 Companions from Leicestershire & Rutland made the journey to London, on the 1st May to attend Supreme Grand Chapter meeting. Such was the demand for seats that the party was split into several groups – some on the ground floor, some in the balcony and some behind the Principals’ chairs and VIPs, near the organ.

During the ceremony, E Comp. Richard Moore received his promotion to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner, and E Comps. John Peberdy and Barry Sayers, their first appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

E Comp. John Manby was also due to receive his appointment as a Past Grand Standard Bearer, but was unable to attend the meeting due to his recent surgical treatment.

The day was not without incident •

there being some trouble with train tickets, inspectors and senior rail card

•

an individual having to wear substitute provincial regalia,

•

an individual having trouble with his credit cards when trying to pay for extra wine at the lunch

•

the Provincial Grand Scribe E getting rather wet when walking from the station to the car on the way home!

However, upon reflection, it was acknowledged by all to have been an excellent day out.

William Goode Dawson Following the sad passing of E Comp. Bill Dawson, (Past Grand Superintendent) on the 14th July, a Family Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of his life was held at The Church of St. James the Greater, Leicester, on Thursday 24th July 2014. In addition to members of his family, there were many representatives from the various social, civic and armed services communities from the City and County, with which he had been associated over many years and also many friends from his long Masonic career.

E Comp Peter Kinder paid the following tribute to E Comp. Bill -

“Whilst on a Mediterranean cruise I heard of the very sad death of our Past Grand Superintendent, E Comp. Bill Dawson, a longtime Friend, Masonic colleague and Mentor.

It was he……. who continued to encourage and promote my great interest and enthusiasm of Royal Arch Masonry.

Bill was a kindly man, who never suffered fools gladly, a gentleman in every sense of the word, straight as a die in all aspects of his life, business and pleasure, who possessed the most engaging smile of anyone I have ever known.

Bill Dawson will be sadly missed by his family, his past business colleagues and his many, many Masonic friends - I cannot pay a high enough tribute to departed merit.”

Philip Goadby 50 years a RA Mason On Saturday 26th April 2014, the MEGS, Peter Kinder and his Provincial co-Principals visited Devonshire Court to present E Comp. Philip Goadby with a certificate to mark his 50 years of service in the Royal Arch.

The ’presentation party’ of 15 included other members of the Royal Arch Executive, members of the Wiclif Chapter, (3078), and Philip’s son Andy Goadby with his partner Kathy.

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

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

ROLAND HONOURED On the afternoon of the 8th February 2014, a good number of Companions from the Knighton Chapter visited Devonshire Court to see Roland Johnson receive his Certificate of Honorary Membership of Knighton Chapter, (4711), from the MEZ, E Comp. Anthony Stockton, accompanied by his co-Principals.

The Companions assembled in full regalia in the Main Lounge at the Home, and Roland was greeted with the Opening Ode as he entered the room – a poignant moment which Roland found quite moving.

MEZ, Anthony Stockton, gave a generous and much deserved oration to Roland that outlined his service to the Chapter over many years – and to the Holy Royal Arch in general A framed Certificate was presented to Roland to have as a keepsake of the occasion, which was also attended by Companions of his other two Chapters – The Gateway Chapter (6513), of which he was a founder and First Principal in 1982, and the Leicestershire and Rutland Chapter of Installed First Principals (7896), of which he was First Principal in 2001. The event was also attended by his wife, Lynn, and a number of other guests and Masons who reside at Devonshire Court.

Tea, coffee and biscuits were served by the home, which gave an opportunity for the Companions to chat with Roland and his friends. Roland, who is now 87, and who celebrated 50 years in the Craft in October 2013, has been a resident at the home for some 3 months.

Provincial Honours Boards Unveiled Companions visiting Freemasons' Hall, London Road, Leicester for the Annual Convocation on the 27th March 2014 were able to see the new Royal Arch Honours Boards now displayed in the Annex to the Morley Lodge Room.

The Boards, made by E Comp. Simon Sharman of the Chapter of Welcome, set out the historical sequence of the Provincial Rulers from 1793. There are separate Boards for the Grand Superintendents, the Deputy Grand Superintendents, and the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals.

The Boards were commissioned to commemorate the bi-centenary of the formation of the Royal Arch in 1813.

RA £4,000 Charity presentations The following presentations totalling £4,000 were made by the MEGS Peter Kinder as part of the LRMCA cheque presentation event on the 3rd May at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester • ABF Soldiers Charity £250

• Combat Stress £250

• Praxis Care £250

• Children’s Air Ambulance £500 • Hope against Cancer £500

• Riding for the Disabled £500

• Claire’s Wishes £500

• Shopmobility (Mkt Harb.) £250

24 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

• Leicester Goalball £500

ROYAL ARCH MATTERS

Provincial Chapter 60 years in Royal The annual convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Leicestershire and Rutland was held at London Road, Leicester, on Thursday 27th March 2014, when the MEGS, Comp. Peter C. Kinder, welcomed many visitors from over 10 surrounding Provinces.

The convocation was very well attended, and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent took great pleasure in re-appointing E Comp. Noel Manby as his Deputy, appointing E Comp. Richard Jelly as Second Provincial Grand Principal and appointing E Comp. Richard Moore as Third Provincial Grand Principal. In doing so he paid tribute to the work done by E Comp. John Townsend while serving two years as Second Provincial Grand Principal, in addition to his previous work as Provincial Scribe E and his recent work on the Royal Arch website.

During the MEGS's address, he paid tribute to the Chapters and their members who had contributed to the Royal College of Surgeons 2013 BiCentenary Appeal - which he announced had achieved the magnificent total of ÂŁ45,329.00.

Before closing the meeting, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent called on the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to present E Comp. Kenneth Beesley to him. In recognition of his work as Provincial Grand Janitor since 2007, he promoted him, with immediate effect to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah..

Arch Masonry

On 3rd April the MEGS Companion Peter Kinder accompanied by E Comp.

Jim Williamson and E Companion Anthony Wood travelled to Norfolk to visit the Past Grand Superintendent Companion Gayton C Taylor at his home.

The visit was prompted by the fact that E Comp. Gayton was not well enough to attend his Chapter (Chapter of Welcome – 5664) on 15th January at which he was due to be ceremonially presented, in the presence of the Provincial Team, members of the Chapter and many other distinguished guests from throughout the Province, with a certificate in recognition of 60 years of dedicated service to Royal Arch masonry in this Province.

As the photograph shows the MEGS presented E Comp. Gayton with the certificate and afterwards E Comp. Anthony Wood presented him with a gift from the Chapter of Welcome in the form of a hand blown and engraved decanter.

Most happily Gayton was in great form and much improved health wise and the presentation was accompanied with a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion, followed by 2 hours of happy reminiscences of all his many achievements and of the many characters he had met during almost 70 years of his involvement in Leics & Rutland masonry.

A truly memorable, and possibly unique, occasion!!

Some 265 Companions (a record number) from the various Chapters in the Province were present and helped to make the annual convocation a great success and subsequently 200 Companions enjoyed the traditional Festive Board.

The official newsletter of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland | 25

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DEVONSHIRE COURT

Spring Fair This year’s Spring Fair event at the Devonshire Court Masonic Care Home, Oadby had the usual enjoyable mix of bargains, entertainment and managed to raise over £1,750. This will go to the Home Amenities Fund to be used for the benefit of the residents.

Many thanks to those that helped or attended on the day.

ipad from Edward Sherrier Members of the Edward Sherrier Lodge visited Devonshire Bev Bethall, Manager, Devonshire Court on Saturday 12th July to hand L-R. W Bro. Jim Taylor, Bro. John Small, WM n, sto We e Cliv .

Court, W Bro W Bro. Martin over an i-pad for use by the residents. The money for Bro. Shaun O'Donnell, Bro. Glen Johnson, Bro. Rob Surman W , goe Stil dy An .

Sercombe, W Bro this item was raised by members of the Lodge. In the picture, Worshipful Master, Bro. John Small is seen presenting the i-pad to Bev Bethell, Manager of the Court. In addition, the residents were entertained by the members of Edward Sherrier Lodge (ably assisted by their wives) to Tea and Cakes. There was also some amusement generated by a quiz that was part of the proceedings. A most enjoyable and rewarding couple of hours - one we will be repeating.

Car Rally Masonic classic car rally to Great Central Railway The Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Classic Car & Motorbike Association held its first 2014 rally on Sunday 18th May from the RMBI Home at Devonshire

All the cars took the 16 mile trip to Quorn station and

Court to the Great Central Railway at Quorn.

joined the 200 tractors, steam engines, vintage cars

It was a well attended rally with some new participants from members across the Province. As it started at Devonshire Court, the residents had a chance to enjoy

and bikes at the Classic & Vintage Vehicle Festival organised by the railway. Fortunately the weather this time was great.

the cars including Peggy and Marjorie, with a combined

If you are interested in attending future rallies please

age of 201 (101 & 100 respectively) who sat at the wheel

contact the Classic Car & Motorbike Association.

of Michael Robinson’s 1948 Roadster (Bergerac).

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

QUIZ

Provincial Annual Quiz

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DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

The Annual Quiz was held on 17th April 2014 where the evening was a great success with 10 teams participating in this eagerly awaited yearly fun Evening. Despite the small number of entries the competition was again highly competitive and suitably “managed”

by Quiz Masters Martin Stevenson and Tony Sibson.

1st place – St Wilfrid's (8350) team named as ‘Wilf’s Wonders’ (80 points) 2nd place – Prince Rupert (7841) team named as ‘Rupert’s Bears’ (78 points) Quiz Masters – Martin Stevenson and Tony Sibson, absent Barrie Bishop – questions again equally interesting and testing all the teams.

The PGM yet again entered a Provincial team called ‘Cat in Hell’s Chance’ which although not improving on last years result….. came joint 9th with the Newarke Lodge team called ‘Country Gentry’ An enjoyable evening’s entertainment with the figure of £300 raised for the PGM’s Lift Appeal.

28 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

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Peter Douglas ALLEN (7762) Rodney Albert ANGELL (5208/8312) Thomas David BLOOR (5061/1330/5042) Eric CHADWICK (1265/9119) Roy Keith CLARKE (4874) William Goode DAWSON (8033/7896/2429/4874) W Bro. Patrick Anthony DURSTON (3448) W Bro. Stuart John ERRINGTON (279) W Bro. Douglas Howard GILL (4656/8350) W Bro. Keith James GUYLER (5208/8171/6557/5369/2712) W Bro. Ian Geoffrey HALDANE (8695/779/7896) W Bro. David Alfred HOLLIS (7168) W Bro. Frederick HONNOR (4874) W Bro. Peter William JACKSON (7896/2429/6514/9119) W Bro. Godfrey Stanley JENNINGS (5664) W Bro. Kenneth Cecil KILBOURNE (8350/9453) W Bro. Reginald Edwin KING (279) W Bro. Frederick George LIFFORD (3232/8350) W Bro. Henry MALLETT (1560) W Bro. Colin Ralph MARKLEY (8063/7896) Bro. Herbert Gwynne Ofield (1560) W Bro. Jayantilal Lavji SHAH (8210/7896/5299) W Bro. Geoffrey George SIMPSON (4874/7896) W Bro. Maurice SIMPSON (4874) W Bro. Albert George SMITH (9158/7896) W Bro. Geoffrey William STANIFORTH (4711/1253/8063) W Bro. John Edward WARD (7841) W Bro. Malcolm WESTERMAN (4874) Bro. John Martin WINTERTON (1391/6757) Bro. Thomas Rodhouse WORLEY (8350) Bro. R Alistair Ingham CLARK (4711)

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

OTHER ORDERS

Gibraltar holiday visit!

W Bro. Peter Dawkins and his wife Pam visited Gibraltar in May, for a short holiday. Whilst there they were invited by two Master Masons from Northern Ireland who were staying in the same hotel, to visit the local Masonic Lodge, which they did.

They were met by the Deputy Grand Master of the Lodge, who gave them all a tour of the Temple and other Lodge rooms in the building followed by an explanation of how Freemasonry is organised in Gibraltar.

Peter is still trying to convince Pam that this was an unplanned visit!!! Although as the photograph shows Peter looked very comfortable in the Master’s Chair!!!

Operatives’ Grand Master Masons visit L&R At the July meeting at Lutterworth of the Breedon & Cloud Hill Quarry Assemblage of the Worshipful Society of Freemasons (also known as the Operatives), the meeting was honoured to receive the 3 Grand Master Masons (equivalent to the Craft Grand Master) and their retinue. This was the first time in 10 years that they had visited Leics & Rutland and indeed is a rare event “in the field” when the 3 Grand Master Masons make such visits together.

At this meeting, RW Bro. MDM Parkes Bowen was conferred with the 7th degree (the highest degree in the Order) to much delight of the attending brethren.

Likewise 2 new candidates (David Hurst and Ian Robertson) were admitted into the Assemblage and Order.

30 | Leicester Square | Autumn 2014

W I NDO W S | DOO R S | CONS E R V AT OR I E S | F A SC IA S

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