6 minute read
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.
Advertisement
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:
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 traditional manner and afterwards being able to share our friendship and companionship with each other at a festive board in normal happy surroundings.
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 normality will return, and we must be ready to resume 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.
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
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 don’t despair. Be assured, 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
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.
