LEICESTER SQUARE
The Newsletter of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons
ISSUE 44 Winter 2020
Supporting integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness in the local community
Cycling for Charity
The Marching Masons Page 6
Union of Rugby Lodge Page 11
Message from the PGM Page 7
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Contents 5 7 11
WINTER 2020 Inside this issue…
Feature
Including: A Message from the Chairman, Editor’s Welcome, The Marching Masons.
Provincial News
Including: Message from the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland, Peter C. Kinder, Supporting the Local Community Through Covid19, A Tribute to Gayton Taylor.
Lodge News
Including: A Lodge in Waiting, Morley Lodge Present £2,500 to LOROS, Tablet Computers Donated, Ferrers & Ivanhoe Twinned with an American Lodge, Cycling for Charity.
LEICESTER SQUARE
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND
EDITORIAL
Editor, Richard Barnett 1 Bleakmoor Close, Rearsby, Leicestershire, LE7 4YD Tel: 01664 424081 Mob: 07841560162 E: leicestersquare@pglleics.co.uk
ADVERTISING
Tony Sibson
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Health & Wellbeing
Including: Scrip, Purse and Caring Heart, Who Cares for the Carers?
Tel: 01572 747598 Mob: 07747 614049 E: leicestersquare@pglleics.co.uk
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Including: 2022 Festival, Christmas Collection, Record Times for the 200 Club, Business as Normal in Abnormal Times.
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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
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Long Service
AnchorPrint Group Limited. While every
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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
Royal Arch Matters
Including: Live Virtual Tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, Royal Arch News, The Relationship Between the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch.
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
Mark News
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of the Editor or the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland. Provincial Grand Lodge does not accept any responsibility for the advertising content.
TO ALL READERS IN THE PROVINCE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND
Have you considered the opportunity to advertise your business in the Leicester Square? The twice yearly Newsletter is delivered to all 3,000 members, families and widows in the Province as well as many other Provinces.
Enquiries to Tony Sibson – Mob: 07747 614049 Email: tony.sibson@hotmail.co.uk
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FEATURE
A Message from the Chairman At 9pm on Friday 8th May 2020, Her Majesty The Queen spoke to the nation to mark the 75th anniversary of V.E. Day. This was exactly the same time her father, the late King George VI, had addressed the nation 75 years earlier, to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The main theme of his message was “Never give up, never despair”. These thoughts were echoed in the Queen’s closing words of encouragement to the nation:
“Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish. Instead we remember from our homes and
our doorsteps. But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.” That momentous occasion was six months ago, yet those sentiments still ring true today as we continue the fight against Covid19 which is still depriving us of those normal things we hold so dear. For example, attending a Masonic meeting conducted in the
Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers
The last issue of Leicester Square had a somewhat different tone to usual, with the country entering a national lockdown and Freemasonry seemingly on hold for a few months until the pandemic had blown over. How wrong was I to assume that by the time we came to put this issue together, we would be back in our respective Lodges enjoying each other’s company as is usual for this time of year. Usually by this time we would have collated stories of Lodge visits and charity collections, lists of the new Brethren who have been initiated since the last edition, and of course a report of Provincial Grand Lodge. As you know, none of this has taken place in the form we are all used to, which has made putting this edition together even more of a challenge than usual. Over the summer and autumn, the Provincial Communications Group have been working tirelessly to
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traditional manner and afterwards being able to share our friendship and companionship with each other at a festive board in normal happy surroundings.
where we left off but with renewed energy to ensure that Freemasonry survives and flourishes, just as it did in the years following the war.
That is what I miss the most in these strange times, and I believe most brethren feel the same way, waiting to get back but only as before. Don’t give up and don’t despair. Be assured, normality will return, and we must be ready to resume
With my very best wishes to you and your families for a happy Christmas. Make the best of it that you can and may the New Year bring better fortune for us all.
Jim Williamson,
Chairman Leicester Square
keep everyone informed of the latest news and guidelines, extending our reach by using bulletins, websites and podcasts, to supplement the usual news contained within Leicester Square. I was expecting to be busy but had no idea of the hard work needed to keep on top of all of the changes coming our way. This edition has a different feel to what you will be used to, we do hope you enjoy reading it; as ever your feedback is crucial to helping us deliver a quality publication with relevant and interesting stories. One of the first changes you may notice is the timing of this edition. In the past we have aimed to bring this to you in October; we changed this to December to ensure we could capture Provincial Grand Lodge, and also have a good few months’ worth of news stories from the new season. Stay safe, and have a great Christmas.
Richard Barnett
Editor Leicester Square
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FEATURE
Marching Masons Brethren, friends and family will be tackling the Leicestershire Round over the Easter weekend in 2021 to walk whatever distance they can in support of their Lodge and the 2022 Festival appeal. It was an early start on Saturday 19th September, as the Marching Masons Committee had decided to meet up for a photo shoot to kick off the campaign. Although this now seems a long time ago, it was an important milestone in launching the campaign to get members moving for the sake of charity. Observing the guidance on social distancing at the time, the committee met at the iconic location within Bradgate Park which resonates so much with Freemasons and their families, The Memorial Wood. For those who have never been, I would urge you consider taking your exercise, circumstances permitting, to the Memorial Wood, funded by Freemasons and Leicestershire County Council. For some of the committee who had braved the declining
temperatures and increasing winds, this was not their first outing for personal preparation for the walk next year, but for others a quick photograph and a march around the park was perhaps the spark to ignite their training regime. It certainly felt as though the Marching Masons had truly began. Much of the route planning and preparation had been taken care of by the team, each tackling various stages of the one hundred mile Leicestershire Round, so that a complete picture of the entire route, for those who wish to complete the full circuit, could be mapped out. Over the last few months, committee members Dennis Crommentuijn, Chris Panteli, Samuel Harris, Paul Milligan, Simon Oldfield and Freddie Harris led practice walks of various lengths over the weekends.
The team have made every effort to point out to all our members that the Marching Masons weekend, due to start on Friday 2nd April next year, has something for everyone. This is not a case of one hundred miles or nothing, it is an event designed to meet the skills and abilities of all our members, whether that be just for one mile, for one day, or something over all four days of the bank holiday weekend. The routes have been meticulously planned and marked out, and are available on the provincial website www.pglleics.org. uk where you should look for Marching Masons under the charity section. Walking can be tough, depending on your fitness levels and the number of miles you wish to do, but it can also be fun and a great way to get in shape. If you are unsure of how to start, there are easy start guides
on the website, or a member of the team would be more than delighted to help get you started. The sign up process has begun, already our brethren are starting to put their names forward, it is the desire of the Provincial Grand Master, who incidentally has already signed up, that every Lodge is represented on the walk. In his words, this will be our biggest fundraising event in 2021. This is not just aimed at Freemasons, it is open for everyone and we would urge you to bring your families along for support. The more people taking part, the more we will raise in sponsorship for the 2022 Festival, LOROS and Rainbows. If walking is not for you, please show your support by sponsoring one of the Marching Masons, someone from your Lodge, or even sponsor the Provincial Grand Master. Details of how to support are on the website. Your donation will also contribute towards your Lodge Festival target. As winter is upon us, the nights are long and the days are cold, why not commit to walking a mile or two over the weekends to test your resolve and see what it is you could sign up to do for the Marching Masons.
Richard Barnett
Editor Leicester Square
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Leicester Square WINTER 2020
Message from the Provincial Grand Master
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Peter Kinder, gives his thoughts on the year just gone and looks ahead to 2021 and what it may bring. Much has been said about 2020, and how our lives have been turned upside down as we struggle to retain some form of normality whilst abiding to regulations and keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. By the time you read this article, we would ordinarily have held our annual Provincial Grand Lodge at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, but as you are well aware, this could not take place as planned. I would usually begin my address by saying what a pleasure it is to welcome so many Brethren and Guests to Provincial Grand Lodge, instead there will have been just six of us when we were able to hold the meeting, most of whom will have doubled up on duties that are not usually theirs. This is the plan as we go to press with this article. This plan is to have myself, the DPGM V.W.Bro. Brian Carruthers, our APGM W.Bro. Andy Green also acting as Senior Warden, and our Provincial Grand Treasurer W.Bro. Adrian Pearce also acting as Junior Warden. W.Bro. Paul Wallace our hardworking Provincial Grand Secretary will be doubling up duties as Pursuivant & Tyler, and our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. Geoff Searson focussing on the difficult task of being DC with such a small team. My full address has been recorded, which I hope as many Brethren as possible have been able to listen to. As I have said many times in my messages and our bulletins to all Brethren, we will meet again in the way in which we all want our Freemasonry to resume, that is, with full ceremonies and not watered-down affairs, and fully attended Festive Boards. Again, we all hope that it will not be too long before we can achieve this. We all hope that our new Provincial Officers will be able to take up the mantle of their new offices sooner rather than later, we will see what lies before us. It was good to see most of you on our Provincial Zoom meeting we held on
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Thursday 26th November, and once again congratulations to all the new Officers and a big thank you to those who have completed their active duties. I have written to all those standing down from office, and once again would like to thank them for their dedication to the Province. I would like to especially thank our retiring Wardens, W.Bros. Alan Roberts and Mark Hancock, again they have not had a lot to do since March. However, we will arrange some Installation visits for them when we are up and running once again and some Zoom meetings in the meantime. I would like to give special thanks to W.Bro. Tony Stockton who officially retired on 27th November, as Provincial Membership Officer. Tony has pioneered this role and I thank him most sincerely for his dedication to the Office, not an easy one, especially as there was no pattern for imitation. Our most grateful thanks go to you Tony for all you have done and your 100% commitment to the Province. This applies in equal measure to our retiring Training Officer, W.Bro. Rex Hazledine. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing good luck to W.Bros. Mark Thompson-O’Connor & Richard Barnett, who respectively take over those very important roles. When this dreadful Covid19 Pandemic hit us all in March, we set up what is now very well known as the Provincial Comms Team, which consists of Paul Wallace, David Highton, Dale Page, Phil Caswell, Richard Barnett and myself. The dedication, commitment, and sheer hard work that these Brethren contributed on your behalf has been well above and beyond the normal call of duty. Those who have read our bulletins and the many messages we have sent out over the last eight months or so will be very well aware of what has been achieved by these hard working Brethren; my most grateful thanks go to all of them - they have done an incredible job.
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These thanks also apply to the all the members of the Craft Executive Committee, especially our DPGM & APGM Brian and Andy, who have also worked very hard during these most difficult times. I also sincerely thank Nicola Holyoake & her team for the exceptional work they have done in preparing Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester and getting it Covid19 approved for other than Masonic purposes, and much else besides. My full address will of course mention our charitable activities in respect of the 2022 Festival and the LRMCA. Whilst we have been away from our Lodges, Gift Aid Envelopes have remained unused and few of us have had change in our pockets due to credit card transactions, that is if we have been out to use them! Therefore, Brethren we should have saved quite a lot of money! So why not donate to the 2022 Festival via the QR code on page 25 of this publication, or by BACS or Text, the details of both of these methods have been well communicated in our bulletins and, if we are able, also support the LRMCA. Never have these donations been more important. Finally Brethren, please attend your Lodge Zoom Meetings that are taking place on your Lodge meeting dates and keep in close touch with each other. Please remember those Brethren who cannot, or will not, attend these Zoom meetings, please make sure that they are contacted to keep them interested and in touch with what the Lodge and its members are up to. They are likely to be those you are getting on in years, live alone and are therefore the most vulnerable of our members. And please, remember our Masonic widows, especially at this time of year. Take care, keep safe and may God bless and look after you all.
Peter C Kinder,
Provincial Grand Master
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Supporting the Local Community Through Covid19 Across the nation, Freemasons have provided over 120,000 people with 300,000 meals and 38 tonnes of food, as well as incredible support and assistance with the provision of PPE and financial aid to the many foodbanks around the country. Some of the heroic activities by members of our Province have even made it into the local and national press. The Leicester South Foodbank, which has been under great strain because of the Covid19 crisis, has received a big helping hand thanks to a £1,500 grant from the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charitable Association (LRMCA). Geoff Adams, Trustee of the Leicester South Food Bank, said, “We’re very grateful to Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons for their generous grant, which will help us provide essential food to people who are in real need across Leicester & Leicestershire. The lockdown has caused serious difficulties for many families and this grant will make a real difference.” A £3,000 grant was provided to Freemason Paul Leary and his wife Alison, who run Access Catering based in Leicestershire. Access Catering are the resident caterers at Syston Masonic Hall, and during the lockdown period have been using existing facilities to provide meals for nurses and other NHS frontline workers at the three main Leicestershire hospitals. The skills and resources of some of our brethren have also been put to good use, as PPE started to roll off the 3D printers and other manufacturing facilities in the county during the first lockdown. In Melton Mowbray, Chris Parsons of the Rutland Lodge No.1130, turned his hobby into a lifesaver by manufacturing and supplying face shields and masks to those that needed them. An initial grant from the LRMCA was enough to increase production and really make a difference to those who were struggling to find the equipment they needed.
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Leicester Square WINTER 2020
Similarly, in Leicester, Mark Foxall of Tudor House Lodge No.8481, along with his wife Nicole, received a grant to mass produce face shields and equipment for local hospitals and other front-line workers. Face shields have been donated free of charge to hospitals and care homes by Michael Smart of Newarke Lodge No.6794, who has been putting his machinery to good use, by manufacturing them for front line workers. Also benefiting from Michael’s work were the staff and residents of the Devonshire Court care home. In Syston, the Humber Stone Lodge No.7744 supported the local efforts to manufacture face shields. The help from the Lodge as well as the Chapter of Welcome was coordinated by John Gregory, who supported the production of face shields by Darren and Melissa Botterill, of Smashgard in Loughborough, who specialise in the installation of window tinting film for glass on cars, homes and offices. Darren’s social media posts ‘hand making shields’ inspired crews from the Eastern Fire Station in Leicester to assist with the production line. Fire stations from all over Leicestershire offered their assistance, with other stations helping to carry out deliveries of the visors. Over 6,000 visors were handmade and delivered, all made possible by the financial support organised by John Gregory. Many other acts of kindness by Freemasons throughout the Province have helped our frontline workers, care homes, hospitals, and local communities during the pandemic.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
R. W. Bro. Gayton Cusley Taylor Rt.W.Bro. Gayton Taylor passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 2nd April 2020, aged 97. He was the last Brother to be simultaneously Provincial Grand Master in the Craft and Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of Leicestershire and Rutland. He was born in Leicester on 3rd June, 1922 Rt.W.Bro Gayton under his father’s guidance was Initiated in the Granite Lodge, No. 2028, Leicester. His Father William Taylor was the Senior Warden. (In 1967, in memory of his father, R. W. Bro. Taylor presented to the Province a kneeling stool, which is still used during ceremonies at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester.) Gayton and his wife Beryl, who pre-deceased, him had two children, Paul and Alison. In 1948 Bro. Taylor joined the business of a Leicester Shoe Component Manufacturer, eventually becoming a director and, finally, upon the founder’s retirement, purchasing the business and remaining its principal until his retirement in 1988. For many years, whenever possible, the Taylor family spent their holidays in Norfolk and in 1970 a plot of land was purchased on the North Norfolk coast and a second home was built. After retirement from business, they spent an increasing amount of time there until finally in 1995, the family home at Gaddesby was sold and they moved to Norfolk enabling Bro. Taylor,in particular, to indulge in his favourite pastimes of ‘messing about in boats’, sea fishing, walking the marshes with his black labrador, and fraternising with the local villagers. In 1973 he was a Founder Member of the St. James Lodge, No. 8478, Leicester; in 1977, a Joining Member of The Lodge of Research,
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No. 2429, Leicester, having been a member of the Correspondence Circle, and in 1964, he was elected a Joining Member of The Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters, No. 7896. In the 1979 Year Book there was a photograph of him and the accompanying notes commented: ‘During his 32 years in Masonry all the Brethren who have been fortunate enough to have had close contact with him have found a Brother full of kindness and personal charm and have quickly realised that he is one who firmly believes in the precepts of Freemasonry and this and his other characteristics have earned him the respect of all...’ At the 1975 Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge, R.W. Bro. Brigadier C.B.S. Morley, Provincial Grand Master, appointed, obligated and invested him as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, noting his qualities of modesty and kindliness. Following the resignation in December, 1977, of R.W.Bro. Brig. C.B.S. Morley as Provincial Grand Master, he was appointed to succeed him as P. G. M. He was Installed by the M. W. Deputy Grand Master at an Especial Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland held at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester, on 5th April, 1978. Over 1200 Brethren of the Province were present and prior to the Ceremony 386 Brethren
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lunched together at the Freemasons‘ Hall, Leicester. One of the outstanding highlights of the his tenure of office was the culmination of the 184th Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 1982 Festival Appeal on 2nd June, 1982 when 1090 Brethren and their ladies travelled to London, mainly in seventeen coaches, to attend the traditional Festival Dinner at the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street. Upon arrival they were each received by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master and Mrs. Taylor. The Report of the Committee of General Purposes 1981-82 was to comment, “Your Committee cannot let the occasion pass without saying to R. W. Bro. G.C. Taylor and his wife, how proud all of us who attended were of them.” As Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Taylor consecrated five new Lodges in his Province; one being formed in his honour and entitled the Gayton Taylor Lodge, No. 9176, Leicester. He also attended the Centenary Meeting of his Mother Lodge and also that of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece, No. 2081, Leicester, in both instances presenting to the Master the Warrant permitting the wearing of the Centenary Jewel granted by the United Grand Lodge of England. The Abstract of Returns from each Lodge in the Province for the year ended 31st May 1978 (a month after R.W. Bro. Taylor’s Installation) showed the total of subscribing
Brethren to be 3367. The figure seven months after the Provincial Grand Master’s retirement was 3439, an increase of 72. At the 1989 Annual Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge, R. W. Bro. D.A. Buswell, Provincial Grand Master, presented to R. W .Bro. Taylor a clock saying, “R.W.Bro. Taylor always carried out his duties with distinction and has been totally dedicated to the interests of the Brethren of Leicestershire and Rutland. Freemasonry in this Province has progressed from strength to strength since his Installation in 1978 and five new Lodges have been consecrated. R. W. Bro. G.C. Taylor has by his personal example set the highest standards which we all have a duty to uphold in the future.” On 28th June 2017, he was presented with a 70 year certificate of service in Freemasonry, when it was noted that apart from those lodges of which he was a subscribing member, there were 43 of which he was an Honorary Member. R. W. Bro. Gayton Cusley Taylor truly laid up a Crown of Joy and Rejoicing which continues when time with him is no more, he truly lived respected and died regretted, we have acknowledged true departed merit.
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LODGE NEWS
A Lodge in Waiting
The Union of Rugby Lodge No.9989 had been waiting patiently for its consecration for some time. With the uncertainties in the world today, Daniel Quelch gave his thoughts on the current situation and the plans to bring the Lodge to life. It would be difficult to find anyone in the Province who has not heard of the plans to consecrate a new speciality Lodge for Rugby enthusiasts, the Union of Rugby Lodge. The new lodge was due to be consecrated in April 2020, however, due to Covid19, this has been delayed until Saturday 11th September 2021. The sheer numbers of Brethren due to attend the consecration from all over the country has prompted the committee to agree to this delay in the hope things will have returned to some form of normality by the autumn of 2021.
collected prizes from across the Province and hosted the raffle draw on Zoom. The raffle was held in August and raised £1000.
Undaunted by the necessity of a delay, the committee have held regular Zoom calls with the Petitioners to keep them informed of all developments. These calls have also included potential new candidates who take great pleasure from being associated with the Lodge, even though they are yet to join. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Peter Kinder, has taken a great interest in the Lodge, and together with members of his Provincial team have been regular attendees on our calls.
Although we are yet to be consecrated, the members continue to show their commitment and desire to see this project through. With continued hard work and a dose of patience the Union of Rugby Lodge will be kicking off very soon.
Andrew ‘Jock’ Keenan, the Senior Warden designate said, “They have become a major asset to the new lodge, we have been stunned by the sheer determination and drive shown by them, their desire to be involved is an inspiration to us all, they will all make excellent Freemasons and indeed continue to represent the Light Blues”.
In conjunction with John Knight, the Charity Steward designate, those who will be joining the Lodge offered to organise a very generous raffle with all proceeds going to the 2022 Festival. Special thanks must go to Robert Key, who along with the other candidates,
W.Bro. Daniel Quelch
The first five candidates to join the Lodge will all come from various professional backgrounds, but as you would expect they all have one thing in common; they have all proudly put on a Light Blues RFC shirt over the last few years and become valued members of the team.
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LODGE NEWS
Morley Lodge Present £2,500 to LOROS
Members of the Morley Lodge No.8320 were on hand to present a fantastic £2,500 to the Leicestershire & Rutland care home LOROS.
Emma Jones from LOROS said,
On behalf of everyone at LOROS I would like to thank David and John and all the members of Morley Lodge for this fantastic donation.
LOROS, who provide free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill adult patients, their family and carers throughout Leicestershire & Rutland, received a most welcome donation from members of the Morley
Lodge of Freemasons in Leicester. The donation from the Lodge totalled £2,500 and was presented by David Ayres and John Norton to Emma Jones, Supporter Engagement Co-ordinator at LOROS.
Morley Lodge held raffles and collections with generous donations from its members and decided to provide the support to LOROS as one of the county’s key hospices and support organisations.
David Ayres of the Morley Lodge said, “We are delighted to be able to help such a wonderful local charity, whose support is felt by many across the county.”
Tablet Computers Donated The Rearsby Residential Care Home received a generous donation of tablet computers from the Lodge of the Argonauts No.8210 in Leicester to help residents keep in touch with loved ones during lockdown. The Lodge joined a nationwide effort of Freemasons to help the local communities stay safe and connected during the current health crisis. Freemasons have been creating PPE equipment, delivering food parcels, and offering other essential services around the county. The Lodge of the Argonauts decided to help those in the care home stay in contact with their families and loved ones by providing tablet computers. This initiative was started by Dr. Durairaj Jawahar, a member of the Lodge and partner in the care
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home, who was assisted by fellow Freemasons Dr. Thankasamy Sankur and Kalpesh Chauhan to secure the donation from the Lodge charity funds. Dr. Thankasamy and Kalpesh visited the care home to hand over the devices, observing health guidelines and social distancing in doing so. The Master of the Lodge of the Argonauts Dr. Thankasamy said, “We witnessed the isolation and struggle of some of the residents to stay in contact with loved ones, and
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decided that this is something the Lodge could and should do something about.”
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Leicester Square WINTER 2020
LODGE NEWS
Ferrers & Ivanhoe Twinned with an American Lodge
Sir Walter’s Scott’s 1819 novel, “Ivanhoe”, a tale of one of the last Anglo-Saxon noble families, has particular significance to one Lodge in our Province. Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No.779, based in Ashby de la Zouch is not the only Lodge to share a name with the famous novel. On October 17th, 1901, in Kansas City, Missouri, the Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge No.446 was founded, yet another Lodge to bear the name “Ivanhoe”. It was through the true spirit of Freemasonry, which spread across the vast Atlantic Ocean, our American Brethren have agreed to a unique ‘twinning’ of Lodges with the Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge. Contact was made earlier this year between the Master of Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge at the time, Adam James and the current Master, Matt Dowd, and the Grand Lodge of Missouri, who were instrumental in arranging this unique pairing.
In the face of social restrictions, quarantines and travel issues, the Brethren of the two Lodges have proven that brotherly love, relief, and truth can endure, and that
Freemasonry really is global. Both Lodges are now looking forward to visiting each other in the coming years and extending the hand of friendship over some 4,249 miles.
Cycling for Charity The sun was shining brightly as three intrepid members of the East Goscote Lodge No.2865 took to the saddle to raise monies for the 2022 Festival. For Nathan Paddison, Shael Marshall, and Vijay Chouhan, months of training had finally come to this moment, when they set off on a journey from Syston, Leicestershire, to Skegness. The support team of Pete Leatherland and Pete Leatherland Senior were on hand to ensure that the cyclists had everything they needed for the journey. They were given a rapturous send-off by the watching crowd, including the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder, and the Chairman of the 2022 Festival, Dale Page.
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The route took the cyclists eastwards, through to Grantham for a well-earned rest before pushing on towards Skegness before the day was out. They were supported on the journey by local Freemasons of both the Provinces of Leicestershire & Rutland and Lincolnshire. They have raised over £2,000 for the Leicestershire
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& Rutland 2022 Festival, giving a well-earned boost to the Lodges target. On seeing the cyclists depart into the glorious sunshine, the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder said, “What a tremendous effort by East Goscote Lodge and these lads in particular. I am very proud of everything they are doing to support this fantastic charity.”
The Chairman of the 2022 Festival Dale Page said,
The effort they have put into this is superb, this is exactly what Freemasonry is all about.
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Heard the one property buyer you in the UK paying The Hidden Taxabout thatevery could be costing serious money
7 the 7rrect a7mount of S7DLT on77 their 7urchases? Justexactly7 3 months ago,co7 the Chancellor announced a ‘holiday’ onpStamp Duty Land Tax for all purchases up to £500,000, running until March 2021, merely the latest in a laundry list of No, neither have we. adjustments made since the tax was introduced in 2003.
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Leicester Square AUTUMN 2017
LeicesterSquare Square SPRING WINTER2020 2020 Leicester Leicester Square SPRING 2020
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Scrip, Purse and Caring Heart
The effects of Covid19 on one of our members and how his family, the NHS and Masonic Community helped to relieve his distress. Kulvinder Sidki of the Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063, together with a consortium of partners, acquired Leicester Sports Centre CIC in Freemans Common in 2014 with the aim of promoting grassroots indoor sports and working with local communities to tackle social and health issues. The venue is a regular location for Leicester City football and Leicester Tigers fans before and after home games. Many supporters have been drinking there for nearly 30 years and regularly come to enjoy their favorite tipple served by Kulvinder on match days. The venue has an excellent atmosphere and Kulvinder always welcomes his fellow Freemasons who come there to enjoy the games at the Tigers and King Power stadiums. Kulvinder is a keen academic with interest in corporate social responsibility in developing countries, which he studied for during his degree at the University of Leicester. One day he hopes to pursue this area of work professionally as part of his future career. Kulvinder is a family man, married with two children, Aryan 16 and Yuvraj 13. In March of this year, Kulvinder contracted Covid19 which immediately impacted him and his family. He will never forget the day when upon returning home from work on the last day before the nationwide lockdown, he collapsed at home and the paramedics were called. Since Kulvinder works for himself he was accustomed to working through any minor illnesses that he incurred. So he recalls when the paramedic checked him over and told him that he needed hospital treatment, his response was “let me have another week and if I collapse again I will walk into the hospital myself.” However he was persuaded to go to hospital as this appeared serious. Kulvinder bid
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goodbye to his wife and sons, and told them he would be back in the morning. Little did he know he was going to be gone for eight weeks. Forty eight hours later he was confirmed to have contracted Covid19 and was suffering with advanced stages of pneumonia. The x-rays showed extensive areas of the lungs covered with white shadowing which indicated the presence of fluid within the organs. This was very shocking as at the time the virus only appeared to be affecting those of an older age group, which Kulvinder certainly did not fall into and neither did he have the typical symptoms of the disease. Due to rapid deterioration in health, Kulvinder was placed into an induced coma in intensive care and transferred from Leicester Royal Infirmary to Glenfield Hospital which was specialising in ventilation at the time. Kulwinder’s’ wife Uma turned to help and advice from family members and Brethren in the healthcare profession to try and understand what was happening and how he could be helped. At the time, Covid19 was such a new condition there was limited information about the disease. Phil Russel, a member of Kulwinder’s Lodge and his wife Lucy, who are both medical doctors, gave immense
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support to Uma and Kulvinder’s sons during these dark and difficult days. Alan Frost, who introduced Kulvinder into Freemasonry, was also a pillar of support and kept in touch with the family throughout the ordeal. The family suffered another blow, when Uma was cooking at home and the oil being used caught fire as she stood in the kitchen. Uma described the fire as ‘exploding’ and the pan seemed to be feeding the fire. Uma was badly burnt in the incident as she threw the pan out of the window and then battled to put out the flames around her as the kitchen units and other items stored above them caught fire. When asked why did she not leave the house, she said that she had to save the family dog, Cobra, who was trapped in the back of the house. Uma was then taken to hospital for twelve days at the Nottingham City Hospital Burns Unit. Whilst there Uma could not have visitors due to Covid19, so the children could not see her during her hospital stay. The situation was awful for them all, especially Uma, who had never been apart from her children. The children were now for the first time in their lives without both mother and father being at home. Both of
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HEALTH & WELLBEING Kulvinder’s sons went away to live with relatives as, due to smoke damage, the house had become uninhabitable. All the kitchen units were burnt, and the heat was so intense that it melted the seals of the refrigerator. Martin Gain from the Lodge and Norrie Rae, Lodge Almoner were alerted to the situation and made contact with the family and became aware of the damage done by the fire. Enquires revealed the whole house has been affected by smoke damage and significant fire damage to the kitchen. After Uma left hospital, she gathered her children and brought them home. She was extremely grateful to the family who had made emergency repairs to the kitchen and cleaned the house of the smoke damage so they could return to a home in a better condition. As Kulvinder’s health continued to deteriorate the hospital began to prepare Uma and the children for the worse. Kulvinder said, “There was an intense forty eight hours of not knowing what the outcome of my condition was going to be. Despite being sedated I remember hitting rock bottom and thinking to myself that my father had died when I was young, and now my children are going to suffer the same fate unless I do something now. The good Lord must have been watching over me and heard the prayers of my family, friends and my fellow Brethren.
treatment. Uma, after consulting with Alan Frost, Phil & Lucy Russell, decided to keep this matter hidden from me as I was suffering from delirium and seeing all this could have hindered my recovery. I still cannot believe how much my wife had to endure during this time. I had to learn to walk again as I had lost two and a half stones in weight and muscle mass. I had numbness in my feet and legs which made walking even more difficult. However, the physiotherapy unit at the Coalville Community Hospital did a fantastic job in looking after me and getting me to walk again. Thank you, NHS, for all your support and getting me back onto my feet and able to work again. Sometimes in life, help can come from the most unexpected sources at the most crucial times, Uma never felt alone in her ordeal and the fraternity was an immense source of support during a very traumatic time of our lives. As well as fantastic support from Martin Gain and the Lodge, David Highton, Provincial Grand Almoner also provided assistance with the Provincial and MCF support available.” When Uma arrived home it was evident that the significant damage to the kitchen had ruined the operation of the fridge freezer. Up stepped the Brethren of Sparkenhoe Lodge who rallied round to arrange a replacement fridge to be sourced
Finally, their prayers were answered, and I began to make a gradual recovery. Eventually the doctors were able to wake me up from the induced coma. When I woke I was pleased and relieved to hear that I was in Glenfield Hospital receiving treatment, as I was somehow under the impression that I was getting treatment abroad, which I would have never consented to but could not believe how long I was in an induced coma for. After coming out of the induced coma, I spoke to my wife and children over FaceTime for the first time in weeks and I was so relieved to see them! Uma, however, hid her burns from the view of the camera and did not tell me about what had happened for another two weeks until I was in Coalville Hospital receiving rehabilitation
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Leicester Square WINTER 2020
and delivered. Kulvinder said he is very grateful for this touching gesture which helped to overcome a significant obstacle whilst he was still largely immobile. However, the support from the fraternity does not end there. Kulvinder spoke to Andrea from the MCF about his families personal situation, in particular his sports business, which was not able to operate because of Covid19, resulting in an appropriate support package being provided to the family whilst they are all recovering from this traumatic experience. Today, in November 2020, Kulvinder is continuing his slow and steady recovery and has been able to return to his business at Leicester Sports Centre, albeit in very strict lockdown conditions. Uma is continuing her recovery and the boys are slowly now getting over the trauma. The family would like to thank Andrea for her support and the MCF for providing financial support at a time when it was needed the most. Kulvinder also said, “I will never forget the support of the Masonic community during these difficult times. The help from my fellow Brethren and our Fraternity provided great support and encouragement and enabled me to get back onto my feet and be with my family again. I thank the Masonic Fraternity for being there for me and my family and to the NHS I thank them for saving my life.”
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Who Cares for the Carers?
I am sure all brethren recognise the importance of the Lodge Almoner in providing their pastoral roles and arrangement of welfare support for brethren, their families, dependents and widows. Equally important is the support provided to Lodge Almoners, which is why we have set up an Almoner’s communication and support network. Being an Almoner is more than keeping in contact with widows, important as that is. In these uncertain times it is more than ever about the ‘pastoral’ duties such as maintaining support and contact with brethren and their immediate family. The role has always been important but never more than during these times when people are living alone and when brethren who are living in family units may need to access Masonic Charitable Foundation grants and support services for financial, health, family and carerelated needs.
need to share welfare information with Lodge members, are just some of the activities of the role of Almoner. It is a rewarding office but can also be lonely in the sense of who cares for and supports the Almoner? This is a question which has often been asked of myself and others. This is why we have set up the support network of centre focused Almoners to provide the communication and support link to the Provincial Centre to assist Lodge Almoners.
As is often said, we are all in our own ways “assistant Almoners” but the Lodge Almoner often holds the key role in the support infrastructure of our Lodges.
Ten Lodge Almoners have taken on the role of Centre Almoners, four looking after the Lodges meeting in Freemasons Hall Leicester and six others looking after the Almoners associated with Lodges meeting in the other Provincial Centres.
Knowing where to signpost brethren in need of support, addressing confidentiality whilst balancing the
This is a developing initiative which is still in its infancy and is presently supported by regular Zoom Almoners’
Surgeries, which provide a forum for updates, sharing knowledge and offering mutual assistance and support. It also provides the opportunity to recognise through our network of Lodge Almoners that the Province has, over the seven months to the end of October, seen enquires to the MCF concerning Leicestershire and Rutland brethren and dependents increase by over 50% from the same period last year and the support grants double to just short of £150,000. With the pandemic continuing, our Lodge Almoners are there to help you including contact with the MCF be it for assistance with Daily Living Costs, Health Care and Wellbeing, Support for Children, Young People and Education or Mental Health or Care Counselling.
David Highton
Provincial Grand Almoner
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LIGHT BLUE CLUB
World Premiere of the 2020 Prestonian Lecture The Prestonian Lecture is the only lecture given under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. William Preston (1742-1818), regarded as the foremost Masonic educator of his time, left a legacy to provide for an Annual Lectureship. On 19th May 2020 the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club we were honoured to host the very first presentation of this year’s Prestonian Lecture, given by George Boys-Stones. This was delivered live over video conference from Canada, where George is a Professor of Classics and Philosophy at the University of Toronto.
The title of the lecture “A System of Morality: Aristotle and English Masonic Ritual”, describes how Freemasonry defines itself as a ‘system of morality’, tracing it back in time to the works of William Preston and then demonstrating how the rituals lead the candidate through the ethical thought of Aristotle.
The lecture was very well received with almost 90 members in attendance. The premiere performance was recorded and can now be found on the Solomon education website, along with other Prestonian Lectures from previous years. The book that accompanies this lecture is also available
to purchase from Amazon online and can be found by searching for the title, “A System of Morality: Aristotle and English Masonic Ritual.” Proceeds from the sale of the book also benefit the Building Self-Belief charity, whose core aim is to build stronger communities by building self-belief in vulnerable young people.
Social with the Pro Grand Master
The Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club were delighted to join with other New & Young Masons Clubs from around the country on 11th October 2020 for a Zoom video conference with the Pro Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes. The evening was very well attended, as the audience listened carefully to the Pro Grand Master telling stories of his Masonic journey, and candidly discussing Freemasonry during the Covid19 pandemic. As well as being very engaging and open about his own experiences, the question of change within Freemasonry came up. The Pro Grand Master emphasised the importance of “keeping traditions and ethical standards, but that does not stop us changing with the times.” The evening was full of his stories and experiences, and for anyone wishing to see the full extent of the Pro Grand Master’s talk, it can be seen on YouTube by searching for “New & Young Masons Socials”. If you are yet to join the Light Blue Club on one of the inter-club online socials, or any of the other virtual events which have been enjoyed, be sure to keep an eye on the Facebook Group or Teams App for upcoming events. If you do not currently have access to either of these email contactus@ lightblueclub.co.uk and help will be provided.
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Raffle Raises £600 for the 2022 Festival Earlier this year, the Light Blue Club played their part in keeping Freemasonry moving during the lockdown by organising an online raffle to raise money for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival. As people were unable to leave their homes, the process of selling tickets and gathering prizes needed to be innovative, it was therefore agreed to acquire the prizes online, meaning they could be delivered the next day directly to the winner’s address. The draw took place over Zoom video conference, held during one of the weekly #TimetoToast events using an online spinning wheel with all the entrant’s names. With all the pomp and ceremony of a TV gameshow, the winners were drawn, and the money raised was totalled, resulting in a fantastic £600 to the 2022 Festival.
Dale Page, 2022 Festival Chairman said,
This was such a fantastic initiative by the Light Blue Club, to continue raising much needed funds for our appeal.
LIGHT BLUE CLUB
Limited Edition Polo Shirts Raise £200
Over the summer of 2020, the Light Blue Club expanded their range of merchandise to include polo shirts embroidered with the club logo. These proved to be very popular with the first batch being sold out very quickly, as the design and quality clearly impressed the members.
The feedback has been fantastic, and with demand far above expectations, further orders with the suppliers have been placed, bringing in a wider range of colours and sizes. Not missing an opportunity to support the 2022 Festival, a
portion of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go towards the Light Blue Club’s continuing fundraising efforts in support of the appeal. News of the next batch of shirts will be announced on social media and through the Light Blue Club reps.
Bob Reay, Chairman of the Light Blue Club said,
The quality of the shirts is excellent, offering real value for money and a great advert for the Light Blue Club and Freemasonry.
The Light Blues Poker Club At the beginning of the national lockdown in March, the Light Blues Poker Club was formed with Brethren gathering to play cards online. The idea of a Masonic poker tournament had been talked about for some time, and with regular social meetings not being possible, it was the perfect time to make use of the available technology and host the games online.
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Initially, games took place twice a week, and now continue every Friday evening at 8:30pm. The virtual games have proved another great opportunity to check in with each other and
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stay connected with Brethren. The initiative has certainly proved to be very popular, with great feedback from all who have taken part. When social distancing is relaxed, whenever that
maybe, the online games are planned to take a more traditional approach to poker for an in-person evening, so the players can really see the whites of each other’s eyes!
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CHARITY
2022 Festival
As I have said on many occasions, in the history of Masonic Festivals there has surely never been a Provincial Festival appeal so relevant to the needs of our members. The fact that the Covid19 pandemic continues to challenge us all in our everyday lives and the impact on Freemasonry in general and our Festival in particular, cannot be denied. The past nine months of our Festival has been impacted by the unprecedented, but essential, suspension of all Masonic activities, followed by the additional lock down of our Freemasons’ Hall, Leicerster premises and the implementation of social gathering restrictions. Inspired by the knowledge that the MCF has the resources and processes necessary to maintain their support for those who desperately need help as a result of the pandemic, whilst ensuring grants to individuals and charities continue to be paid as normal, we are determined to remain positive. Your Festival Committee continues to work on your behalf to ensure we achieve our goal and meet our target of £1.8 million by June 2022. I can confirm we have already transferred £1.3 million into the MCF’s relief chest with a substantial amount of direct debit pledges still to mature. We do however, now more than ever, require your support. Every abandoned Lodge meeting is a lost fund-raising opportunity. The absence of gift aid envelopes, not to mention raffle receipts and Smartie tube collections, cannot be underestimated. It is critical to the success of our appeal that we compensate for these lost opportunities. Please, if you are able, consider donating by any of the following means:
• Complete a monthly Direct Debit Form & proudly wear your festival jewel to all Craft & Royal Arch meetings.
virtual gatherings in place of our regular Lodge meetings.
Provincial website and complete the registration form.
In addition, I suspect many Lodges have accrued donations they were, or are planning, to present at installation meetings or Provincial visits in the future. I would like to make a personal plea to all Lodges. Please forward any funds you may have kindly allocated without delay. We have Brethren who need our support now! Your invaluable donations will of course be formally acknowledged once we are able to meet in the usual manner.
How do I support the Marching Masons? If you are unable to join us on the walk, you can still support the walkers, the 2022 Festival, and your Lodge, by sponsoring someone from your Lodge or maybe the PGM? Please visit the website.
I mentioned remaining positive. The Festival Committee are busy organising several major fundraising events as we look to return to some sort of normality in 2021. Those who attended our Sportsman’s Dinner in 2019 will not be surprised to hear tickets for next year’s event have been selling fast! We genuinely only have a handful of tables still available. In sporting parlance our capacity attendance is 800. If you are yet to book your table, I would respectfully request you do so without delay to avoid missing out. Clearly in these uncertain times we cannot guarantee the Dinner will take place on the 18th March as planned. However, we have spoken to both Kevin & Roger who have both committed to the event. should we be unable to gather in March, the Dinner will be rescheduled with table reservations automatically transferred. For further information email dale@clementsretail.com or barnettrichard1@gmail.com
• TEXT donation: Text LR2022 to 70500 to donate £5, Text LR2022 to 70300 to donate £10
Our major fundraising event of 2021 is a sponsored walk with a difference, catering for all abilities, and open to Freemasons, friends, and families. The Marching Masons will walk various distances over the Easter Bank Holiday, covering all parts of the Leicestershire Round footpaths and walkways. This is an excellent opportunity for Lodges to reach their Festival Appeal targets, as all funds raised will be registered to your Lodge. The monies raised through sponsorship will be split between our 2022 Festival Appeal, Rainbows and LOROS.
May I ask all Worshipful Masters and Festival Stewards to encourage all Brethren to donate by any of the methods listed as we take part in
How do I register? To register a walk for 1, 5, 10 or 25 miles over any or all of the four days, please visit the Marching Masons page on our
• To make a one-off donation please visit our Just Giving page https://fundraising.mcf.org. uk/Festival-E0154MCF or use the QR code on page 25 • Send a cheque payable to “Freemasons’ Grand Charity” E0154 to The Charity Office, Freemasons’ Hall, 80 London Road, Leicester LE2 0RA
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The Provincial Grand Master hopes to see every Lodge in the Province represented at what will be another fantastic event to raise monies for charities and good causes. For further information please visit the website https://www. pglleics.org.uk/marching-masons At the time of writing we intend to hold our Golf Day at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club on 21st May 2021, before rounding off the summer with our Ball at Winstanley House on Saturday 18th September 2021. The finale of our appeal will be a Gala Banquet on Sat 25th June 2022 at Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Club. Please mark the date in your diary. As we enter the final phase of our appeal, a little footnote to those Brethren currently occupying the chair of Senior Warden who, if we assume no installations this year, will with all probability be the Master of your Lodge at the culmination of the appeal. Please think how you will celebrate your time as Master and what you would like your legacy to be? May I suggest ensuring your Lodge reaches Patron Status and meets its Festival target would be a suitable and fitting achievement for you to be rightly proud of. Finally, as always, I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you who have and continue to support our Festival in such a magnificent manner. To those yet to contribute, may I respectfully ask you to consider doing so? The rules have changed. It is clear as the World continues to battle this dreadful disease there is going to be a greater call on our charitable nature than any of us have ever witnessed. Covid19 remains a relevant danger to us all. It is however some comfort to remember Masonic Charity is available to those in need throughout and beyond this time of crisis.
Dale Page
2022 Festival Chairman
CHARITY
Christmas Collection Each year we call upon Lodges to hold a collection at their Christmas meeting on behalf of two local charities. Last year we raised over £15,000 which was split between Rainbows and Prostaid.
This year’s nominated charities are LOROS and Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes. There will not be few brethren whose lives have not been touched in some way by LOROS and the fantastic work they do. Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes operate during the night and at weekends, transporting blood and medical samples, not only throughout counties but also across the country. They have also been providing first class support to the NHS in the face of the Covid19 pandemic. We are sure you will agree both charities are worthy of our support. As it is unlikely that Lodges will be
able to have significant meetings in December and hold the usual gift aid envelope collections, we have been forced to change how we conduct the Christmas collection.
completing the form overleaf and sending it along with your cheque to the listed address.
We are therefore asking that you donate directly using this link: www. justgiving.com/campaign/Relief-ChestScheme-E2047 It only takes a few minutes to complete and will ensure both you and your Lodge will be credited with the donation. If your circumstances allow, please tick the gift aid box, it allows us to increase your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate. If you would prefer to make a donation by cheque, you can do so by
The Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association will match your donation in the same way as we did last year and will make an equivalent donation to the 2022 Festival on behalf of you and your Lodge. For every £1 you donate, 25p will go to each charity and 50p to the Festival. If you need any further information or advice, do not hesitate to contact me, Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Ian Nesbitt
Provincial Grand Charity Steward
LONG SERVICE
Long Service Awards
The following Brethren have received continuous long service awards since our last edition.
W.Bro. Brian Stringer W.Bro. Roderick Jeffery W.Bro. John Wright W.Bro. Anthony Shore W.Bro. Chris Hirst W.Bro. Ian Burton W.Bro. Donald Mowbray Bro. David Facer W.Bro. Michael Langley W.Bro. Graham Wright
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St John’s Lodge No.270 St Denys Lodge No.8276 Beacon Lodge No.5208 Lodge of the Holy Well No.7827 The Holmes Lodge No.4656 The Holmes Lodge No.4656 East Goscote Lodge No.2865 Wyvern Lodge No.6167 Humber Stone Lodge No.7744 Granstone Lodge No.6406
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6th May 1970 24th September 1970 13th October 1970 25th October 1960 1st November 1960 3rd November 1970 5th November 1970 7th December 1970 8th December 1970 15th December 1970
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Single Donation Form
Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Fund 2020 Christmas Collection This form is for personal donations only
Personal Details First name Last name Address
Postcode
Donation Details I enclose:
a cheque
Donation amount
£
a charity voucher (e.g. CAF/KKL) .
Please ensure the cheque is made payable to the Relief Chest Scheme.
Lodge/Chapter name Lodge/Chapter no.
Relief Chest No.
E2047
Gift Aid Declaration
Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate If you are a UK tax payer, under the Governments Gift Aid Scheme, the Relief Chest Scheme (The Grand Charity Registered Charity Number 281942) can reclaim the tax you have already paid on your donation and add it to the value of your gift. Gift Aid is reclaim ed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Y o u r a d d r e s s is n e e d e d t o id e n t i f y y o u a s a c u r r e n t U K t a x p a y e r . Please read the declaration below before you tick the relevant box(es) and date the form.
I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please treat as Gift Aid donations, all qualifying gifts of money made:
On this donation only
in the future
in the past 4 years
If you do not wish for tax to be reclaimed, please tick here: D D
-
M M
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Y Y Y Y
Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. Send this completed form to: Relief Chest Scheme, Masonic Charitable Foundation, 60 Great Queen Street,
London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 3146 3352 Email: reliefchest@mcf.org.uk
Data Protection Act 2018 - Privacy Notice The Relief Chest Scheme is committed to protecting your personal information. Our legal basis for collecting, processing and sharing personal information as set out in our Privacy Policy is based on the legitimate interest of the Relief Chest Scheme. To more about how we handle, share and store your personal information and how to amend or request a copy of any 24find outLeicester Square WINTER 2020 personal information we hold about you, please visit www.mcf/reliefchest/privacypolicy
june19
Date
1 17 77 47 64 76 07 03 23 62 96 39 53 5
Signature
CHARITY
Record Times for the 200 Club
The Freemasons’ Hall 200 club was launched some time ago in support of our operations at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester. Many will have heard the results being read out in Lodge meetings and wondering when they will be one of the lucky winners. As the saying goes, ‘You have got to be in it to win it.’
With what would have been the new Masonic season approaching, we recognised that a new process was needed if we were to make the 200 club a success. Applications for tickets were made online or via a printed form and payment made by BACS or cheque. We are delighted to report that we have sold a record 237 tickets as compared to just 153 tickets last year. This has delivered a profit of over £5,000 to support the Province
and enabled us to increase the number of prizes on offer for the regular monthly draws from three to five. 1st Prize - £250 2nd and 3rd Prize - £150 4th and 5th Prize - £100 For the December draw there were eight prizes. 1st Prize - £750 2nd Prize - £450 3rd Prize - £300 4th Prize - £200 5th - 8th Prizes - £100 On Thursday 22nd October
we held the first draw live on zoom, to which all ticket holders were invited. Tony Sibson from Newarke Lodge No.6794 acted as scrutineer. The lucky winners were: 1st prize - £250 Rupert Clarke, Gartree Lodge No.7778 2nd prize - £150 Adrian de Pearse, Holmes Lodge No.4656 3rd prize - £150 John Pinkstone, Burbach Lodge No.8699
4th prize - £100 David ParkesBowen, Albert Edward Lodge No.1560 5th prize - £100 Russell ScottWorthington, Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No.779 Congratulations to all the lucky winners! If it was not you in October, perhaps it will be your turn in the coming months. We would like to thank all brethren who purchased tickets and the Provincial Grand Master for his continued support.
Business as Normal in Abnormal Times The last eight months have proved to be a challenging time for the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association.
As many of you may be aware our long-standing Financial Officer, Maureen Walsh left at the end of 2019. This was to take up a full-time job closer to her home in Market Harborough. Suffice to say Maureen was an undoubted asset to both the LRMCA and the Province and made my work as Chair of the LRMCA so much easier. She left with our best wishes and heartfelt thanks for many years of service as the face of the LRMCA. We were lucky enough to find a replacement in Kate Ralston, who started with us in February having previously worked with Leicester Riders. Unfortunately, not long after Kate arrived, so did lockdown and due to her joint employee status with Devonshire Place, Kate had to be furloughed. That of course did not mean the work of the LRMCA stopped, far from it. We continue to receive requests from local charities which are processed and supported where we can. Additional support for our local charities has come from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), who made available additional funds to for Covid19 and non Covid19 related work. We are part of Regional Group 6, along with Northants & Hunts, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Bedfordshire. Through this group the MCF made available £16,000 to the Province, which has been used to support foodbanks, PPE production, and the local community. From June through to October, the trustees of the LRMCA approved grants to 15 charities totalling £15,000. Five of these grants have been supplemented by a further £3,500 in matched grants from the MCF. The MCF has made available to each Province £10,000; to date, charities and projects in Leicester and Leicestershire and Rutland have received £9,500 of that money to support PPE production, provision of food parcels to NHS and key workers, and community projects to help relieve the impact of Covid19. The LRMCA has set aside funding to support brethren and their families and streamlined the mechanism to access it. We have seen an exponential growth in applications for support from the MCF, with nearly £140,000
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coming to brethren and their families in this Province since April 2020. If you know of a brother in need of assistance contact your Lodge Almoner. In an earlier Leicester Square issue, I referenced personally having symptoms of Covid19 in March. I am pleased to report that both my wife and I have made a full recovery, although for myself that is tempered by a continued loss of taste and smell. This morning as I was eating yet another tasteless breakfast, I reflected on how Covid19 has affected us all to varying degrees. From a financial perspective this means that those of us who can continue to give, should do so. I do not apologise for asking. For those who find their circumstances somewhat different, do not hesitate to seek support. We will do all we can for you. The LRMCA is your charity, with your help we can make a difference in Leicestershire and Rutland. We will come through this, and I look forward to when we can meet in person, greet each other with a hearty handshake, and raise a glass to the future.
Phil Caswell
LRMCA Chairman
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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS
Live Virtual Tour of the Western Wall Tunnels
On Wednesday 10th June, Leicestershire and Rutland Royal Arch Masons hosted a live virtual tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. The Western Wall will be familiar to Royal Arch Masons as it was originally erected as part of the expansion of the Second Temple on Temple Mount. The Western Wall Tunnels have been filmed using state-of-the-art technology that gave a fully immersive tour of these famous tunnels. During the virtual tour, those who participated were in awe at the hidden underground spaces, and the opportunity to stand opposite the Holy of Holies and walk through a Hasmonean water aqueduct. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation provided an expert guide who took the virtual group on the magical tour of the tunnels and more.
The evening was well attended, by the Grand Superintendent Noel Manby, and many of his officers and Companions from Leicestershire & Rutland. Although the evening was free of charge, a donation to the Craft 2022 Festival was encouraged, which totalled an amazing ÂŁ1,046. The Grand Superintendent said,
This was such a fascinating evening, I would like to say a special thank you to E.Comps Andy Green and John Peberdy for organising the event.
Royal Arch News This article is entitled Royal Arch News, perhaps it should read The Lack of Royal Arch News, as we usually have enough information, articles, and photographs to fill three to four pages of Leicester Square. However, as we all know, our Freemasonry has been severely affected by the Covid19 to such an extent that our Chapters have not been able to meet in their usual way, and therefore have limited news to report.
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Our summer activities have also been put on hold, with any gettogethers, BBQ’s or fund-raising events which usually take place having also been cancelled. Provincial Grand Chapter was not able to go ahead in March, which also means we do not have an address from the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Noel Manby, or photographs of the convocation. Although the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was unable to appoint or promote in person those Companions in March 2020, they have been written to informing them they now hold
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their new office or rank. Similarly to the Craft, Supreme Grand Chapter have ruled that Provincial Grand Chapter 2020 must take place as soon as possible within whatever limits and guidelines set out by the government. We have already had to alter three different dates and three different venues to try to make provision for six Companions to meet. At the time of writing this article, it is hoped we will meet at Market Harborough on 10th December, numbers depending on the guidance at the time. This will enable the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent to reappoint Paul
Wallace as his Deputy, Promote Chris Packham to Second Principal, appoint Jonathan Varley to Third Principal, and Mark Street to Director of Ceremonies and formally make the 2020 appointments and promotions and conduct the usual business of Provincial Grand Chapter. The suspension of Freemasonry has seen the use of digital platforms such as Zoom, and
Teams being used by our Chapters. This has enabled us to stay in touch with each other. It cannot be over stressed how important these “meetings” are and the Grand Superintendent hopes all Chapters will at least hold a virtual meeting on their usual Chapter convocation night. It would be a good idea to invite those brethren who are waiting to be exalted to these informal
ROYAL ARCH MATTERS meetings, so they do not think they are forgotten. For those Brethren who are not in the Royal Arch we are reproducing on the next page a very interesting paper on the relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch.
The Relationship Between the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch Being Raised to that admirable rank of a Master Mason brings many benefits. The first could well be a surprising rise in your popularity with senior Masons jostling to offer you a drink, coupled with a quiet invitation, ‘because you were such a good candidate’. Asking you to join their very special ‘higher’ degree – romantic phrases such as ‘The Mark, Secret Monitor’, ‘Ancient and Accepted’, ‘Royal Order of Scotland’, ‘Rosicrucian’, etc, etc. You feel both honoured as well as spoilt for choice. Good friends however may merely enquire if in fact you should choose any at such a time, quietly adding might it not be preferable to try to understand and enjoy Craft Freemasonry for a few more years more before purchasing that extra regalia? United Grand Lodge cannot be accused of being evasive about the next step. The Book of Constitutions states simply and unambiguously that ‘pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more... including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch’. Simply put, for a Freemason to seek a fully harmonious moral life there are no other degrees within Speculative Freemasonry that are either necessary or available. These three Degrees, together with the ‘Holy Royal Arch’, provide all the guidance which is required. So then, what is the purpose of the Holy Royal Arch? In explanation
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we must first turn to our history. Within Ancient Grand Lodge the Third Degree was divided into two parts. The first reminded us of our spiritual nature and the Divine justice which guided our earthly actions. The second, The Order of the Holy Royal Arch, disclosed the source and authority of those laws by which we shall be judged. (It was described as an ‘Order’ as it already formed part of the original three Degrees). In the 18th century Freemasonry was largely confined to a Western Europe, containing Jew, Christian and Moslem (the Abrahamic religions). They all recognised the first five books of the Old Testament as Holy Script and so the ritual for this second part of the Third Degree could continue using the underlying theme of King Solomon’s Temple. Modern Grand Lodge however was concerned about both remaining true to the old operative Masonic traditions as well as the problems which might arise when spreading Speculative Freemasonry to nations where the Abrahamic religions were not recognised. During the reconciliation of the Ancient and Modern rituals in 1813, therefore, for Craft Freemasonry to become universal the second part of the Third Degree had to be made optional. Does this make the Royal Arch a ‘religious’ Degree? Certainly not. As the Pro Grand Master has reminded
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us, Freemasonry is not a religion, but it does respect many religious values. It recognises a Supreme Being and ‘the Grand Lodge Above’, i.e. that each Mason has an afterlife. However, it adopts no religious custom traditions, or rituals such as absolution. It might well be said that the beautiful and action-filled ritual of the Royal Arch has far fewer religious overtones than, say, the First Degree in which all Candidates are asked ‘to pray to God to keep them steadfast’ in an Obligation made on their Volume of Sacred Law. May we summarise? Does one have to join the Royal Arch? Well, yes... and well… no. For an enthusiastic Freemason who wishes to develop his knowledge of our Craft then, as the Pro Grand Master recommends, membership of the Royal Arch is a natural and logical complement to the Third Degree, supplying its moral authority. Membership also helps a Mason understand more fully the moral principles that inspired our Founders to devise the three Degrees of Speculative Freemasonry. For those Masons recognising a Great Architect outside the Abrahamic religions then United Grand Lodge leaves them quite free to choose an alternative source of personal spiritual guidance. The choice however will always be yours.
Solomon website, authored by Michael Lee
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COVID-19 and your finances The current pandemic has certainly caused a number of people to think about their current and future personal financial position. Whether from a retirement or investment management perspective, or consideration on how you will pass on a legacy to your children, there are many issues to consider. I’d like to share my experience of these issues from my work with clients at Mattioli Woods plc.
RETIREMENT
INVESTMENT
Has the pandemic prompted you to consider retiring earlier or later? Research suggests that a significant number of people in the UK are considering pushing back their retirement plans for a few years due to concerns over the economic impact of coronavirus1. In the 60-65 age bracket over 1 in 5 have said they will need to delay retirement. Have you fully considered your ‘number’ – the pot of money you need to make the decision on when to retire?
We have seen stock markets fall and rise during the pandemic. The UK stock market has lagged behind the US during the pandemic and we still have Brexit to consider. Indicative figures based on today’s prices show a fall of circa 20% in the FTSE 100 index whilst the S&P 500 has risen by circa 9% over the last year3. From my own experience, many UK-based investors will tend to have the majority of their investments in UK funds, rather than taking a more diversified global approach. They ignore certain trends that are happening around the world that could provide long-term returns. A risk review of the investments you hold, whether they are part of your retirement pot or outside, could be very enlightening given the current climate.
A recent survey suggested a single person wanting a luxurious retirement would need £33,000 per annum, or £47,000 per annum for a couple2. A luxurious retirement might be classed as taking longhaul holidays and having a new car every five years. Luxurious may mean something else to you. You may or may not agree with these figures, but we can certainly help you plan around your own objectives. While some of you may be content with exhausting your funds, others may want to draw on just the investment growth from their Defined Contribution and Drawdown arrangements. Then there’s those who may want to purchase an annuity or who may also have further benefits in a Defined Benefit Scheme.
PASSING ON A LEGACY
tax efficient to leave unused pension funds to your beneficiaries on death – so planning in this area is essential. Should you gift monies now or place monies in a trust and how do you pass on a legacy to your children at different stages of life?
HOW CAN I HELP? In the first instance I can offer a consultation at our cost over video conferencing, given the current restrictions. This will uncover your aims and objectives for now and the future, and we can see if there is any advice you need in these areas. Please contact me on 07715 079 885 or email me at john.kelly@mattioliwoods.com so we can organise an initial chat.
MATTIOLI WOODS
Once you have decided how much you need for your retirement thoughts then may turn to passing on a legacy to your children. You may be concerned about inheritance tax and the effect it has on your estate or you may just want to find the best ways of passing on that legacy now or in the future.
Our best-selling product is peace of mind. We want to help you enjoy a standard of living of your choosing. We understand the weight of our responsibilities, so our abiding passion is to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people who entrust us with their wealth. Our business is built on the integrity and expertise of people like John.
The pension freedoms changes in April 2015 made it easier and more
Find out more by visiting www.mattioliwoods.com
1. Interactive Investor (October 2020) ‘’The Great British Retirement Survey 2020’’ 2. Paul Davies (20 July 2019) “The cost of a ‘luxurious’ retirement? £42,000 a year, Which? reveals”. Which? 3. Based on data as at 28 October 2020 from www.markets.ft.com This document has been produced for information purposes only. It is not intended to be an invitation to buy or act upon the comments made. All investment decisions should be taken with advice, given appropriate knowledge of the investor’s circumstances and one must satisfy certain investor criteria before being considered eligible to invest. Any forward-looking statements and forecasted returns represent the current views of Mattioli Woods plc and may be subject to change. Your capital may be at risk and past performance is not a guide to future returns. Mattioli Woods plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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MARK NEWS
Virtual Annual Business Meeting The Virtual Annual Business Meeting of the Mark Provincial Grand Lodge took place on the evening of Wednesday 28th October, during which as Presiding Officer, I was pleased to address over one hundred of our Mark Masons. The meeting was honoured by the presence of the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Steve Davison, the Grand Secretary R.W.Bro. Ryan Williams, and several Heads of other Orders meeting in this Province.
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HAIR & BEAUTY
During my Address I talked about the significant events, a very few of which I can but summarise here, that have featured in the life of our Province since the advent of the General Suspension in March. In stressing the most important priority of all that of the health and well-being of our members, loved ones, and our widows - we are reminded of the great success of the Keystone Boxes that did so much to lift the spirits of our most vulnerable back in the spring. I yet again express my heartfelt gratitude to our Mark Masons for their wonderful and unstinting generosity in the cause of charity, and many disbursements have been made from our charitable funds with the most generous being to Devonshire Court (£5,000), The East Lancashire M.B.F. Festival 2021 (£3,000), the M.B.F. through the sales of T@3 mugs (£462), a further £2,000 towards the Craft’s 2022 Festival and £2,000 support for the Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester Appeal. Whilst two Mark and one Royal Ark Mariner meetings have taken place since the lifting of the suspension in July, the alternative of holding Virtual Business Meetings is proving very popular
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MARK NEWS with Lodges in formally dealing with their essential administrative Lodge business, as are the informal and more frequent virtual social get-togethers on Zoom. Sadly, with the holding of face-to-face Lodge meetings now suspended for the time being, I have been encouraging all Lodges to use the virtual medium to regularly meet together and maintain contact - and why not invite Advancees and Elevatees in waiting to join in? I do
ask that you make a special effort that those unable or unwilling to use this technology be kept included please by whatever means you can, particularly for our more elderly and most vulnerable. The meeting concluded with a very informative Address from the Grand Secretary, in which he reinforced the pro-active nature of the measures that Grand Lodge has employed to the adverse impacts on Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Masonry caused by the
pandemic and is very encouraged by the positive response from the membership. Brethren, Andy Lee and I thank you for your support and your wonderful commitment to our two Orders. Keep smiling if you can and may the Great Overseer and Supreme Commander of the Universe bless and keep you all safe from harm.
R.W.Bro. Phillip J. Mann, Mark Provincial Grand Master for Leicestershire & Rutland
Farewells
We are sad to announce the passing of the following Brethren to the Grand Lodge above and our thoughts go to their families and loved ones. Each one will be missed but not forgotten. Alan Davis George Webster Brian Mee Kevin Williams Peter Hamblin Peter Newill Norman Small Ian MacDonald John Knew
Harry Bartholomew Mark Smith Albert Sanders Leonard Allen Paul Dutton Donald Williams John Stark Paul Henry Eric Sylt Reginald Morgan John Cull Paul Gladdle John Warner Charles Glover James Weir James McCracken Peter Towsey Raymond Mason Maurice Roberts William James Derek Powell Christopher Mansell Alan Hurdley John Gilbert John Soars
Edward Kerr Neville Harris Albert Attfield Roger Braithwaite
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Newarke Lodge Lodge of the Flaming Torch Howe and Charnwood Rothley Temple Lodge Guthlaxton Lodge Lodge of the Chevaliers de Fer Lodge of the Holy Well Prince Rupert Lodge Lodge Semper Eadem Uppingham in Rutland Lodge St John’s Lodge Vale of Catmos Lodge Grey Friars Lodge Lodge of Gratitude Highcross Lodge John of Gaunt Wiclif Lodge St Peter’s Lodge Thomas Burton Lodge Knighton Lodge Rutland Lodge St Wilfrid’s Lodge Wayfarer Lodge Jason Lodge Grace Dieu Lodge Guthlaxton Lodge Vale of Catmos Lodge Edward Sherrier Lodge St Mary’s Lodge Lodge of Welcome Roundhill Lodge Reynard Lodge Reynard Lodge Ratae Meridian Lodge Lodge of the Argonauts Knights of Malta Guthlaxton Lodge Old Oakhamian Lodge Edward Sherrier Lodge Highcross Lodge Lodge of the Argonauts Wayfarer Lodge Lodge of the Argonauts
No.6794 No.4874 No.1007 No.7801 No.7717 No.9732 No.7827 No.7841 No.3091 No.9119 No.279 No.1265 No.6803 No.6514 No.4835 No.523 No.3078 No.1330 No.7007 No.4711 No.1130 No.8350 No.8679 No.7716 No.2428 No.7717 No.1265 No.6757 No.7164 No.5664 No.L8639 No.9285 No.9285 No.9673 No.8210 No.50 No.7717 No.8033 No.6757 No.4835 No.8210 No.8679 No.8210
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