Feature

Editor’s Welcome

I often wonder how many people read editorials in magazines; perhaps most reading Leicester Square skip to the articles and pictures of brethren they may know. I always attempt to write something short and meaningful, then it occurred to me, rather than trying to second guess what it is you wish to read, why not ask you to write comments yourselves?

It was back in 2004 that Marks & Spencer started to use the new brand “Your M&S”; perhaps this is fitting for our magazine, as it really is “Your Leicester Square”. Believe it or not, I have been editing Leicester Square since 2016, and in that time, we have always looked to bring a wide variety of articles, stories, pictures, and information. So, in this edition, I thought it might be time to ask again what it is you want out of the magazine and call for you to write in and give feedback we can publish in the next edition. Ask a question of the team, or the Provincial Executive, where we can respond to the entire readership. Letters, feedback, views and thoughts are always welcome, alongside the usual article suggestions we receive. Just one point, if you wish to take any photographs there are a few golden rules, they must be of a reasonably high quality; most mobile phones these days are totally adequate. If you have an event and cannot get a photographer, please contact me and if free, I will be more than delighted to come along. I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Richard Barnett,

Editor Leicester Square

A Message from the Chairman

I am sure that I speak for all our readers when I wish Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the heartiest of congratulations on the seventieth anniversary of her accession to the throne on

6th February 1952.

Over that long period of time, she has shown unwavering qualities in her service to country and Commonwealth; loyal to the nation, steadfast in her faith, dedicated to her duties and supportive of traditions. All performed without complaint despite many personal setbacks along the way. Her example very much reminds me how similar her qualities are to those which should be the focus of our masonic lives despite the difficulties of the last two years, being loyal to the Craft, steadfast in our efforts to improve the lives of others in our communities. As well as being dedicated to the duties we are taught in our lodges, and a supporter of fine traditions whilst recognising the need to meet new challenges, which seem to confront us more and more. I remain confident that as we rebuild, we shall continue to enjoy our freemasonry and unite in that grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.

With my very best wishes to all our readers. Enjoy the celebrations ahead and may the summer months bring peace in troubled times.

Jim Williamson,

Chairman Leicester Square

Aubrey Newman, the Man, the Mason

Don Peacock interviews Aubrey Newman, one of the leading Masonic historians of our time and, of course, a prominent member of this Province, to understand the man and the Mason.

Formative years and influences

Aubrey Newman’s parents wanted him to study medicine, but a dislike for blood put a stop to that, and the world of academic history received a new devotee. On graduating, Aubrey had the option of Oxford University or National Service; he chose to complete his National Service, and then go on to Oxford to read history. In 1959, before completing his viva examinations, he sat the Civil Service entrance assessments; a 1000-mark written exam and a 300-mark interview. Although achieving 70% for his written assessment, 23% in the interview put a stop to the Civil Service. Their loss was Leicester University’s gain.

Emeritus Professor at the Holocaust Centre, University of Leicester

Aubrey is primarily a specialist in 18th century political history but, whilst at Leicester, was prepared to teach anything from 1500 to the present. During a visit from the Chief Rabbi, Immanuel Jakobovits, he invited Aubrey to London to teach modern Jewish history once a week, due to the training college losing their resident historian. With typical honesty, Aubrey mentioned he had no knowledge of this area, the reply was just as frank ‘read it up in advance!’ Once established, Leicester University requested that Aubrey help write and update their syllabus on modern Jewish history. During the 1980’s, he was invited to lecture for a semester on the Holocaust in an American university. On his return to Leicester, he was requested to create a course specialising on the Holocaust. He has never claimed to be an expert on the subject, but enjoyed teaching the course, which proved to be popular. He has stated that his father came to the UK as a child and if any family members were lost in the Holocaust, he has no knowledge of it.

Freemasonry

Freemasonry runs in the Newman family. Aubrey’s father was a member of Montefiore Lodge No.753 in Glasgow and was a prominent member. He was part of a delegation that travelled to Israel to witness the founding of the Grand Lodge of Israel, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1953, and presenting them with its Volume of the Sacred Law.

During this period, Aubrey lived away from Glasgow and had no interest in Freemasonry, but whilst teaching parttime at the University on Nottingham, he learnt about their problems of starting a University Lodge. It was only after meeting members of the Craft, who led by example of the tenets of Freemasonry that led Aubrey to consider becoming a Freemason. It was not until he felt comfortable in his career and had more than a one-year contract with the University, that he started the process of becoming a member. Due to a waiting list for John of Gaunt Lodge No.523, it was not until he was 40, in 1967, that Aubrey was initiated. It was at this moment his specialist subject of 18th century political history met Freemasonry. The spark was lit. An interest in the John of Gaunt Lodge’s founder, William Kelly, and an invitation to deliver a lecture on ‘Fit and Proper Persons’ to the Loughborough Lodge of Installed Masters No.8312, married Aubrey’s academic life of eighteenth-century political history with his newfound life as a Freemason. This lecture resulted in invitations to the Lodge of Research No.2429 and Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076, to deliver versions of this lecture.

Aubrey is interested in why people become Freemasons, and the link between the perceived social status. He notes the differences between the Moderns and Antients during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and how the socioeconomic status drove the leaders of the craft to appoint from a minority of brethren to become leaders in their provinces. Aubrey points out that William Kelly stood out from this

trend, inspiring great affection in our Province. William Kelly was appointed Provincial Grand Master, one would argue reluctantly, by the Grand Master, 2nd Earl of Zetland. William Kelly ensured the arrival of various masonic degrees in Leicestershire and Rutland and was a contrast to those who typically were Grand Officers of the period.

Awards and recognition

On 13th September 2017, Professor Aubrey Newman was recognised by the Grand Master with the award of the Order of Service to Masonry for services to Masonic history. He received the award with typical humility, acknowledging that the award is tailored to each recipient, and his particular jewel was previously worn by F. Smyth a “very noted masonic historian.” Aubrey is very proud of the contribution he has made to Freemasonry with the framework of English society. His papers have recently been published by Lewis Masonic and he feels great pleasure in being able to spread more widely an understanding of masonic history. He feels that it is a great honour to wear the jewel and to be part of a very select group. Aubrey has successfully combined his love of history and Freemasonry and sees this as a fitting tribute to his father, who warned him to be wary of balancing his masonic and academic life. Further, in a mirroring of his father’s trip to Israel, Aubrey was invited to deliver his Prestonian Lecture at a special meeting of the Israeli Lodge Montefiore. Visiting Grand Masters were invited by the Grand Lodge of Israel to attend, and as Aubrey puts it, he “…had the opportunity of sending more Grand Masters to sleep … than anyone else had ever done!” At a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Israel, a ceremony to present special jewels to those present at the foundation ceremonies by the Grand Master took place and he was surprised, not to mention honoured, to be presented with a medal. This now hangs with his father’s that he inherited, and gives him great pleasure to wear when he visits Lodge Montefiore, as a tribute to his father as well as his own career.

Stamping his Mark as Prestonian Lecturer

Aubrey’s love of history served him well when he was asked by John Hamill, a masonic historian, to present a Prestonian Lecture (so named after William Preston 1742-1818, regarded as the foremost Masonic educator of his time). His lecture on “The Contribution of the Provinces to the Development of English Freemasonry” was successfully delivered in 2003. A further development enabled him to deliver a lecture centred on the role that William Kelly played in the development and “invention” of a Mark Province. During a second lecture to Mark Grand Stewards, Aubrey was given the distinction of being awarded Mark Grand Rank “in the field” at his Mark lodge’s Sesquicentennial meeting. It has always been Aubrey’s intention to educate, whether it was in a lecture hall or in a masonic hall. He has always said that if he was able to introduce a Freemason to a deeper understanding of his, and our, beloved institution then he would have felt he would have earned the honours awarded to him. His legacy is that Freemasons of Leicestershire and Rutland will have a deeper understanding of the craft within our Province and of the Masonic Headquarters we call home.

Explorer Scouts and Freemasonry

On the evening of 4th April 2022, a group of Explorer Scouts visited Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester for a look around the building, and to discover some of the similarities between Freemasonry and Scouting.

Pictured: Spencer Freeman accompanied by the Explorer Scouts, and Derek Andrews, David Hughes, and Bob Crane leading the tour.

Explorer Scouts are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18. Together, they make up the fourth section of what is commonly referred to as “The Scouts”. Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Units to try new things, make new friends and conquer the small task of changing the world! The Explorer Scout organisation provides a comprehensive programme that is fun and enjoyable, including support for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and exciting opportunities for adventure abroad. It is not just about the outdoors and adventure, the organisation also assists in setting young people up for future life events, such as going to university or money management in today’s society. As many of you will be aware, there are similarities between Freemasonry and the Scouting movement. One of the leaders of the Explorer Scouts is also a member of Humber Stone Lodge No.7744 in Syston. Spencer Freeman joined the lodge in December 2017. At just 19 years old when joining the lodge, he had a longer standing connection with the Scouts, first joining the Cubs at the age of eight, right up to today where he is a Unit Leader for the Pandamonium Explorer Scout Unit. Over the years, Spencer has achieved many awards and recognitions, including completing his Duke of Edinburgh Award and also the Queen Scout Award, which is the highest award within the UK Scouting movement.

The reason for the visit to Freemasons’ Hall, was as part of their programme to introduce the Explorer Scouts to Freemasonry and in particular, to demonstrate the similarities between the two organisations. During the evening, the Scouts were shown around the Hall, including the impressive museum and the magnificent Holmes Lodge Room.