Leicester square
The Newsletter of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons
Issue 43 Spring 2020
Supporting integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness in the local community
Message from the PGM
Mentor’s Perspective Page 7
Fighting Prostate Cancer Page 8
A Tribute to Gayton Taylor Page 6
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Contents
SPRING 2020 Inside this issue…
Leicester square
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Message
Message from the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire, Peter C. Kinder.
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Feature
Including: A Message from the Chairman, Editor’s Welcome, The Provincial Grand Mentor’s Perspective, 2022 Festival.
Provincial News
Including: A tribute to Gayton Taylor, Freemasons support for Prostate Screening, The Marching Masons.
Editor, Richard Barnett 1 Bleakmoor Close, Rearsby, Leicestershire, LE7 4YD
Comms
Social Media.
Lodge News
Including: #TimetoToast, Lodge of the Flaming Torch host the Provincial Team, Looking to the Future, Doubling up in Ashby.
Tel: 01664 424081 Mob: 07841560162 E: leicestersquare@pglleics.co.uk
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Health & Wellbeing
Including: Trinity Hospital Almshouse Volunteers, The Fraternity & The Community Need You!
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Light Blues
Trip to Geneva.
Charities
Your Generosity.
Long Service
Maurice Roberts Celebrates his 100th Birthday.
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND
Editorial
Advertising
Tony Sibson
Tel: 01572 747598 Mob: 07747 614049 E: leicestersquare@pglleics.co.uk
DESIGN/PRINT
AnchorPrint Group Ltd, 11 Victoria Street, Syston Leicester LE7 2LE Simon Bradshaw Tel: 0116 2690800 E: simon.b@anchorprint.co.uk Visit: www.anchorprint.co.uk
Disclaimer
This publication is copyright AnchorPrint Group Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in
Royal Arch Matters
Including: A Message from the Grand Superintendent, Royal Arch Annual Dinner Dance 2020, Provincial Team visit to The Holmes Chapter No.4656, Beacon Chapter No.5208 hosts the Provincial Team.
accuracy of the information herein or for
Mark News
Including: Message from the Provincial Grand Master, Magic of the Mark Weekend in Spain 2020, Two New Appointments to Royal Ark Mariner, 50 Years of Service to Mark Masonry, Rearranged Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting 2020, Provincial Team Visit to Ashby R.A.M.
Beyond the Craft
part without prior written permission of AnchorPrint Group Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, AnchorPrint Group Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequence arising from it. Whilst the greatest of care has been taken in compiling this newsletter the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. Editorial opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Side Orders’ Breakfast held in Leicester.
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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Message from the Provincial Grand Master, Peter C. Kinder. Dear Brethren
our families, friends and Brother Freemasons alike during these difficult times. Please keep in touch with each other by telephone and help where you can. Consider formal arrangements within your Lodges and Chapters to share the work of Almoners and Care Team members to support Brethren and Lodge widows, particularly those who live alone or are in any way vulnerable.
As you are all aware, the situation regarding Covid-19 Coronavirus has been changing on a daily basis, and as the Government has been responding and issuing guidance to the country, we have constantly been in communication with our Brethren. We now find ourselves in almost total Lockdown, and as you are all aware all Masonic meetings and activities, now and for the foreseeable future, are postponed or cancelled. Our very first thoughts are those of the health & welfare of all our Brethren and we have already seen amazing acts of caring and kindness by many of our Brethren, for which I, on behalf of the Province, offer our most grateful thanks. Brethren, we MUST heed the World Health Organisation and Prime Ministers advice to the letter, it will save lives. And at this time, our thoughts and best wishes go to the Prime Minister for a speedy and full recovery. The country and indeed the world, are facing an international emergency, the like of which we have never seen before. It requires every person and organisation to pull together to ensure that this period of uncertainty is managed as effectively and efficiently as possible.
At this point, we are not certain how or when we will come out of this Pandemic, however, I totally agree with the Prime Minister that we WILL come out of it!
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Remember Brethren, we want everyone to Self-Isolate when necessary, NOT be in Self-Isolation! I am sure that you will all join with me in thanking all of our staff at Devonshire Court, our Masonic Home in Oadby, together with all NHS staff who are all working so hard on our behalf.
Freemasonry, whilst being extremely important to us all, is a sociable and fraternal pastime that, in itself, is not essential. We all have to appreciate the work behind the scenes that is being done on our behalf, and this I have no doubt whatsoever will continue.
What is essential in the meantime, is that we continue to look after
Brethren, our Almoners cannot effectively look after ALL of our members, it is our duty to help out, when and wherever we can. We all know who the most vulnerable members in our Lodges are, please make sure we regularly contact them, make sure your Almoner knows that you have made contact and share the responsibility. Any feedback that you have in this time of assisting your Lodge Almoner, please channel through to your Almoner, who I would encourage to issue a monthly report to all members of the Lodge, keeping everyone informed and up to date.
You will, I have no doubt, have many questions about the impact of this cessation of our activities; how to manage, for example, missed Installation ceremonies, and what to record in your minute books. Please understand that at the moment we don’t have all the answers to give you, but these will be forthcoming in due course from UGLE. Brethren it goes without saying that we are all in unchartered waters! There will be busy times ahead when we resume ‘business as usual’, whenever this may be. As always, rest assured
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Feature
that I and the team in the Provincial office will share further updates as soon as information is available. Please keep returning to our Provincial website for updates as they happen, and also emails from the Provincial Grand Secretary. I am in constant touch with the Craft Executive team and Nicola Holyoake to keep abreast of the changing situation and in turn we will communicate any news to you all. I am greatly touched and humbled with the response we have received to our appeal. As I informed you, we have unfortunately had to lay off 84 of our staff at our Headquarters, we have not had any income since early March. Our staff will receive a percentage of pay from the HMRC however, we still need to bridge a gap and I am indebted to you all who have contributed. We have also been asked what charitable action the MCF will be taking during this period of lockdown, Phil Caswell refers to this in his article in this magazine. I can assure you all that the MCF are considering a detailed plan of action. In a recent video call I had with the Group 6 PGM’s (Northants & Hunts, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Bedfordshire), we discussed this matter, and our report has gone to the Pro and Deputy Grand Masters. Thank you for your continued support, we all look forward to the time when this dreadful virus is stamped out, I am 100% sure that if we all follow the advice we are given it will be, we can then all return to our Lodges and Masonic business, stronger than we were before. Stay safe and well, look after your family and your fellow Freemasons, and I look forward to seeing you all once again very soon. Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Peter C. Kinder Provincial Grand Master, Leicestershire and Rutland
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Feature
A Message from the Chairman In the ten years which have passed since I took over as Chairman of the Leicester Square Committee, I can safely say that I have never before experienced the extreme conditions that are testing us now, especially with the current suspension of all Masonic activities.
The most important thing is to remain positive. Even though we are in isolation, keeping in touch with each other by a few telephone calls here and there can work wonders, as I have discovered recently when ringing round a large circle of friends in order to cancel an event which I usually arrange each year. As former members of my rugby club, they came up with ingenious ways of overcoming some of the
shortages we are suffering now. It certainly lightened the mood! On a more serious note, apart from positive acts to support each other, our families, friends and neighbours, we can surely think of ways of making a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. If you are an officer of the Lodge, why not brush up on your present and future parts of the ceremony, and maybe for us all, it is now time to stop
putting off learning those pieces of ritual which you have not performed before. I often hear Masters and DCs stating that they are low on Brethren who can perform certain parts, so now is the time to remedy that, and ensure that when we do resume, our ceremonies are the best ever with some new faces to the fore. I also take the opportunity to thank our advertisers for their generous support over many years. Without that, we
could not have maintained the quality of Leicester Square and especially now in these difficult times, as we send out this Issue to all our readers currently in isolation. Meanwhile, stay safe, look after yourselves and make sure you are ready as soon as we get the green light. With my very best wishes to all our readers.
Jim Williamson,
Chairman Leicester Square
Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers
As I began to plan this edition just over a month ago, I had no idea that the state of the world we find ourselves in today would be so dramatic and have such an effect on every aspect of daily life. My list of articles included a feature on the consecration of the Union of Rugby Lodge, which was due to take place on the 4th April, as well as a whole host of fund-raising articles and advertisements for our 2022 Festival. So today, we are issuing our forty third edition with a different theme. With the Covid-19 coronavirus having such an effect on our meetings and activities, it is only right that we reflect this within the magazine. I hope that for the winter edition, we will have many stories to tell as Lodges play catchup with ceremonies and social events and, of course, the Union of Rugby Lodge consecration. My expectation is that we will have a very busy period running up to the next edition. With this in mind, I would like to ask anyone with an interest in editing if you would like to join the team by volunteering to be an assistant editor of Leicester Square. Duties would include: helping to gather
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articles from around the Province, collating and signing off with our team of reviewers, and liaising with our publishing partners to produce the magazine. If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact me at leicestersquare@pglleics.co.uk
As Provincial Communications Officer, I can tell you that in this closed period, the whole team is working very hard to ensure that you all have the support that you need in these testing times. The executive team is making good use of video conferencing technologies, with almost daily calls and meetings to check the welfare of our members, initiatives, and buildings.
Richard Barnett
Editor Leicester Square
Feature
The Provincial Grand Mentor’s Perspective
It is clear with the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus being felt across the world, we face challenging and unprecedented times. Little did we know at Provincial Grand Lodge back in November what tragedies lay in store and that the Grand Master would have no alternative but to suspend all Masonic activities for at least four months. Never have our Senior Officers had such a responsibility to serve their Lodges. Grand Officers, Masters, Past Masters, Wardens and indeed, all officers. Seniority brings responsibility Brethren. The offices of Mentor and Almoner have never been so important. We are all in this together and share a collective responsibility. For some of us Freemasonry is our most important, non-important interest. Four months is a very long time without a formal Masonic ceremony. I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say that I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed our meetings and festive boards until they were gone.
newly made Brethren. Please encourage members to undertake and advance their own Masonic learning. Be sure to pass on details of our TeamApp where a wealth of Provincial literature can be found. Direct Brethren to “Solomon”, the UGLE online learning resource, which supports individual members of the Craft and Royal Arch. Solomon is an easily accessible tool available across a wide range of platforms including PCs, tablets and smartphones.
However, we must work together to support the Province through these exceptional circumstances. Our aim now must be to maintain contact and to support our Brethren through these testing times. Remain positive, meet the challenge head on and be ready to renew our acquaintances when appropriate. Whilst our regalia cases remain unopened and our suits hang in the wardrobe, we all know there is more to Masonry than aprons and bow ties. We should keep in contact with all members, many of whom are elderly as well as at risk. Lend a hand where needed and ensure they have the necessary essential provisions to be able to remain isolated. We were taught to be cautious and at present, caution is very wise in relation to direct physical contact. With regard to our newer members, we need to ensure we retain their interest. May I request all personal and Lodge Mentors to maintain contact and embrace the enthusiasm of our
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opportunity to consider what you can do for your Lodge? Maybe create a Lodge profile? Compile a recruitment plan which identifies prospective candidates through a defined policy? Consider whether you may be able to “tweak” your ceremonies? Do your Officers need to process into the Lodge room? Does your Secretary need to read out correspondence previously forwarded by email? Does your Master need to personally greet all distinguished guests? Does every visiting Brother need to give individual greetings? All these elements and more can be reviewed by Lodges in an effort to “streamline” our ceremonies, thus enabling later start times which research tells us appeals to the younger working Brethren. Whilst we are confined to barracks why not commit to learning that piece of ritual that we never get around to?
We face a long time without a meeting, and it is vital we continue to communicate. Maybe set up a “Lodge Buddy” telephone scheme or a WhatsApp group. Why not try a group video conference link? Look to maintain regular contact, stimulate interest and we will ultimately retain the membership of our junior Brethren. We should also consider those who are at present awaiting their initiation ceremony. Please ensure they receive all appropriate literature, made aware of our Provincial Website and have access to Light Blue Club newsletters. As we continue our critical social distancing, why not take this
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Finally, why not review your Lodge’s Festival efforts? When we return to normal - and we will, it is crucial that we demonstrate our collective Masonic characteristics by doubling our efforts as we enter the final phase of our Festival. Brethren, whilst at the time of writing it is unclear when we will be able to resume the ceremonial aspect of Freemasonry, I am certain if we pull together and remain focussed upon our core principles we will emerge from this pandemic with renewed vigour and in a positive, constructive frame of mind to ensure a bright future for Masonry within the Province. Stay safe and look after each other.
Dale J. Page,
Provincial Grand Mentor
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Feature
2022 Festival In the short time of this lock-down, the principles and tenets of Freemasonry have been borne out time and again by the actions of you and your Lodges. On a personal level this affected me directly when my wife and I came down with symptoms of Covid-19 and had to self-isolate. The only thing we were short of was paracetamol and within a couple of hours sufficient supplies arrived on our doorstep. It was most welcome and indeed reassuring that such support was there for us when we needed it. As Chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association I see first-hand the charitable endeavours undertaken by many of our Brethren across Leicestershire and Rutland. In the weeks and months ahead, I and the Trustees will do all we can to ensure that the LRMCA is best placed to support you and your families in whatever way possible as we emerge from this national crisis. Sadly, our April presentation morning is cancelled, however we will still be awarding those grants we had previously agreed to a number of local charities over the course of the next few weeks. We have put on hold our matched funding initiative as we need to understand the effect this emergency has had on our finances and to ensure that we can provide support at the right time and in the right place to those who need it most. Inevitably this leads us to think about our 2022 Festival and the work of the
Masonic Charitable Foundation. Whilst our Festival culminates in 2022, every penny we raise now supports the day to day work of the MCF. You will no doubt have seen the joint statement issued by United Grand Lodge of England and the MCF as they look to provide additional financial assistance above and beyond regular charitable funding. Whilst we can only speculate on the detail, I am sure this will mean that Brethren and their families will receive support whether that be medical, financial or with mental health as we start to understand the effect of the pandemic on not only the masonic community but society as a whole. I have been heartened by the conversations I am witnessing locally across social media and other formats where Brethren are still keen to do their bit, and through our Festival support the MCF. In the first instance, please continue with your regular monthly pledges and use this time to think about what we can do to pick up the momentum when we start to meet again. I have been asked about making donations in the absence of gift aid envelope collections at regular meetings. As an alternative you can make donations via
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text; Text LR2022 to 70300 to donate ÂŁ10 or Text LR2022 to 70500 to donate ÂŁ5. The MCF will receive 100% of your donation and it will be credited to you individually and your Lodge. This donation can also be gift aided. If you want to make a larger donation or have monies waiting to be paid into the Festival please contact the Charity Office by email LRMCA@pglleics.co.uk and we will be able to provide you with further information. When I give talks about Charity to Lodges, I often finish my presentation with a line about us being united by an enduring concept that supersedes geographical, religious or wealth boundaries. The principle of relief. When we look back on these testing times, I am sure we will do so with pride that the principle of relief palpably demonstrated that Freemasonry and everything that our fraternity represents is a powerful force for good. Brethren, stay safe and stay healthy. I look forward to the time when a virtual glass is replaced with a real one and to raise a toast to you, your families and your Lodges.
Phil Caswell,
LRMCA Chairman
A Tribute to Gayton Taylor
Provincial NEWS
The recent passing of our Past Provincial Grand Master, Gayton C. Taylor, to the Grand Lodge above is sad news for everyone connected with Freemasonry. A recent photograph taken at the Devonshire Court Masonic Care Home in Oadby of our Five Provincial Grand Masters, shows a fitting tribute to such a dedicated Freemason. A few days before Christmas 2019, one Devonshire Court’s most popular residents, Gayton C. Taylor was the centre of attention as he received a visit by four of the Provinces’ past and present Provincial Grand Masters. Joining our present Provincial Grand Master Peter Kinder, were David V. Hagger (PGM 2010 - 2019), Michael H. Roalfe (PGM 2002 - 2010), and Derek A. Buswell (PGM 1989 - 2002). With Gayton being the Provinces’ Provincial Grand Master between 1978 and 1989, the photograph which is now on display at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester depicts
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the last five Freemasons who have led the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland. This was the last time that such an occasion was to occur, as sadly Gayton passed away at the age of 97 on the 2nd April 2020. Having organised the visit, Peter Kinder said,
“What a sad moment for everyone connected with Freemasonry. The last gathering, just prior to Christmas, celebrated the last forty-two years of the Province
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of Leicestershire & Rutland. Gayton’s passing to the Grand Lodge above will forever be remembered by the last occasion we were all together.”
Pictured from left to right: Michael H. Roalfe (PGM 2002 - 2010), Peter C Kinder (Provincial Grand Master), Gayton C. Taylor (PGM 1978 - 1989), David V. Hagger (PGM 2010 - 2019), Derek A. Buswell (PGM 1989 - 2002)
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Provincial NEWS
Freemason’s Support for Prostate Screening Over one hundred and twenty Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons have recently benefited from the Inspire Health – Fighting Prostate Cancer screening sessions voluntarily delivered by Burton Hospitals NHS Trust Consultant Macmillan Urologist, Miss Jyoti Shah, and Macmillan Urology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Sister Sarah Minns. Miss Shah, supported by Sarah, established the Fighting Prostate Cancer campaign in March 2016, when they started voluntarily screening men at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. This has been followed by visiting a diverse range of venues within local communities in which men feel comfortable and can easily access. All the screening sessions are funded by charitable donations, and the team has seen almost 2,700 men to date with over 80 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. These screening sessions are further assisted by the volunteer motorcyclists of the Derbyshire Blood Bikes who take the blood samples back to Burton Hospital for analysis. Jyoti said, “We are working with our supporters and
partners nationally to increase awareness and understanding of prostate cancer, empowering men and their families to make informed decisions about effective testing and treatment.” When discussing the session held in Ashby, Miss Shah said that she was keen to offer a screening session in her home town, and so the Masonic Hall in Ashby was used as the venue for the screening of over sixty men, a number of whom are now undergoing further investigation as a result of the physical examinations and blood tests carried out at the sessions. The sessions also benefited from information provided by Prostate UK and the presence of representatives
of local prostate cancer support charity ProstAid, who provided reassuring words of explanation about cancer and support available through them if diagnosed with it. The sessions were also made more comfortable for those attending by the refreshments provided by Ashby Freemason Stuart Cooper and his wife Rachael. Local Freemason David Wykes, who underwent the examination said, “I want to express my appreciation for this initiative by the Freemasons. As my father died of prostate cancer my risk is increased threefold and doubled again as my mother died of bowel cancer.” The number of UK men diagnosed with prostate cancer has reached over 48,000, and it is now the
most common form of cancer amongst men, exceeding both breast cancer and cervical cancer figures for women. As a result, voluntary prostate cancer screening campaigns are an important contribution to the health of men over 50, as there is no national screening programme. As well as raising awareness of prostate cancer, the Masonic Charitable Foundation provides financial grants to fund prostate cancer research. Its support began in 2004 when they awarded a £1m grant to fund a research project led by Professor Colin Cooper, Chairman of Cancer Genetics at the University of East Anglia, which has continued to work at developing test methods to support the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Peter Kinder, the Provincial Grand Master said,
Our grateful thanks go to Jyoti Shah and Sarah Minns and their team for giving up their own time to bring the screening sessions into our Province and to local charity ProstAid for the support and guidance provided at the sessions. 10
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The Marching Masons
Provincial NEWS
In support of the 2022 Festival, a band of intrepid Marching Masons will be walking the Leicestershire Round, a 100 mile trek spread over 4 days around the county, starting on Friday 28th May 2021. The route starts at Bradgate Park, and will be completed on Bank Holiday Monday back at the starting point. The planned walk will involve a daily route of around 25 miles, with the total course starting and finishing at the Memorial Wood in Bradgate Park. Along the way, some of the county’s most beautiful open spaces will be visited, including Beacon Hill, Swithland Reservoir, Burrough Hill, Foxton Locks, The National Forest and many more.
sponsorships, business sponsors, and other initiatives.
This is not just for experienced walkers! All Freemasons across the Province, including family and friends, are encouraged to take part, with various distances available up to the full one hundred miles, or something in-between. If you are not able to join the Marching Masons on the walk but would like to lend your support, then you may wish to help out with sponsorship or by volunteering to help out.
Freddie Harris: freddieharris651@gmail.com
This fabulous event is in support of the 2022 Festival and will include as much fundraising as possible through individual
A training programme is currently being devised to help anyone who is wishing to take part. If you would like to participate in this walk partly or fully, or help out with sponsorship or by volunteering your services, please contact either: Richard Barnett: barnettrichard1@gmail.com Dennis Crommentjuin: dennis@lightblueclub.co.uk Chris Panteli: chrispanteli@hotmail.co.uk Paul Milligan: paul@helloprosecco.co.uk Come and join the Marching Masons on an epic adventure for an epic cause.
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COMMUNICATIONS
Social Media
Social media is, at a time of social distancing, what at first might appear a paradox, proves to be a useful tool in bringing people together.
Whether you are an avid user of Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or perhaps you have every intention of avoiding social media and leaving it to the younger generation, you cannot deny that it has a powerful impact on society and the way in which we see the world. By communicating on social media, it gives an individual the power to tell their message to let’s say one hundred people, who each tell one hundred others, who each tell another hundred, the message soon gets out. With this comes great responsibility, delivering a message that is factually correct, holds no bias, and is inclusive and inoffensive to all. This is a challenge we all face, and in the world of Freemasonry, this falls to the Provincial Communications Team.
Conway, Wyggeston Lodge No.3448, who focusses on Facebook and Instagram, Richard Barnett, Granite Lodge No.2028, who is overall responsible for all communications, and Merrick Platts, Lodge of Friendship No.7168, who focusses on Twitter. It is the job of this team to ensure that all interesting and relevant information is distributed by the right social media channel, taking care to deliver quality and not quantity. With the current state of affairs in the world, it is even more crucial that we deliver the right message, and to take care that we portray Freemasonry as a whole, and
our Province in particular in a good light. We are always looking for good snippets to put on our social media channel, and this is where you could help. One great tactic is to push on the Provincial channels something that you as a Lodge have done, for example we have at the moment 4,144 followers on Twitter, we can help you reach a larger audience. It is true that we have attracted new Initiates through social media, the power of this is immense, and something that we are endeavouring to harness and use to our advantage.
The team is set up to cover the areas of digital, print, and physical, in this article, we are focussing on the Digital Team, and their role in spreading the word by social media. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland operates four social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Pictured from left to right are Elliot
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Lodge NEWS
#TimetoToast At 9pm on Saturday 28th March, Freemasons from around the Province gathered online in a video conference to toast Brethren from around Leicestershire and Rutland who were in their thoughts at this special time of day. Thanks to WhatsApp, the Brethren were able to hold a virtual toast at 9pm in solidarity with one another, as well as to all of those who were unable to attend the online gathering. Accompanied by many “selfies” of the brethren and their beverage of choice, this small act proved that “where’er dispersed around the world”, Freemasons will always support one another. Many Lodges throughout the Province were represented at 9pm to raise a glass to absent Brethren. Michelle Worvell, Communications Director of the United Grand Lodge of England, has started a hashtag trending at 9pm on Twitter saying #TimeToToast as a means of bringing Freemasons together. The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder led the toast by
reciting an age-old poem in honour of all Freemasons around the world at 9pm, which was well received and recorded for prosperity.
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Lodge of the Flaming Torch Host the Provincial Team
Lodge NEWS
Freemasons’ Hall Leicester is often host to special meetings and the night of the 12th March 2020 certainly fitted into this category for the Lodge of the Flaming Torch No.4874. The Lodge is one of the smaller Lodges who meet in Leicester, with a dedicated team who perform the roles within the Lodge with precision and expertise.
The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder decided to pay a visit to the Lodge, as he did 44 years ago when he himself had only been a member of his own Lodge for just two days. This visit was somewhat different. Instead of turning up on his own, he brought his entire team of Provincial Officers with him, filling up many of the seats in the wonderfully ornate Holmes Lodge Room in Leicester.
Pictured left to right, Peter Backus, the newest member of the Lodge who joined in April 2019, together with the Head of Freemasons in Leicestershire & Rutland, Peter Kinder, the Master of the Lodge of the Flaming Torch Richard Evans, and Dale Page, whose role as Provincial Grand Mentor is to ensure that Freemasons enjoy their time in the Lodge, and help guide them through the experiences they will have.
After the Master of the Lodge, Richard Evans, had confirmed his team for the coming year, a fantastic meal was provided for everyone to enjoy.
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Peter Kinder said,
What an absolutely superb evening we have all had, compliments to you and your team here at the Lodge of the Flaming Torch, the dedication shown by each and everyone of you is a credit to you and your Lodge.
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Leicester LeicesterSquare Square SPRING SPRING2020 2020
Lodge NEWS
Looking to the Future
It is said that Freemasonry is a progressive science; the progression in this case is a father welcoming his son into Freemasonry, and into the Tudor House Lodge No.8481, in particular. The 14th February is often a special date in the calendar for many people, however in the Stafford household this date holds an even greater meaning, as it was the day that 19 year old Henry Stafford was initiated into Freemasonry by his father, Ivan Stafford.
Knowing of this willingness to join Freemasonry, the Lodge sought special dispensation from the Provincial Grand Master to allow Henry to join at just 19 years of age, which was duly granted.
Ivan was initiated into the Tudor House Lodge on the 20th January 1998, and today holds the offices of Director of Ceremonies and Lodge Mentor.
The Master of the Lodge, Mark Ford, was only too willing to allow Ivan to sit in the chair of King Solomon, so that he could perform the ceremony to initiate Henry into Freemasonry. The evening was a splendid success, with the Stafford family showing that Freemasonry indeed has a bright future. Although Henry is going to have to wait a while for the next Lodge meeting due to the nationwide suspension of meetings, his time will be well spent, as he has just started his training to become a paramedic, a much needed profession in these uncertain times, and one which we will all be proud of him for doing.
Ivan’s son, Henry, has always had a keen interest in his father’s role within the Lodge, and showed a desire to become a member of Tudor House Lodge, which typically would have waited until after his 21st birthday.
Ivan Stafford said,
I am so proud to have Henry join the Lodge as a Lewis Freemason, and look forward helping him learn more in the future.
Doubling up in Ashby The Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge No.779 met at the Masonic Hall in Ashby De La Zouch on the 10th March 2020 to welcome two new members to Freemasonry. One of the oldest Lodges in Leicestershire that is still in existence, the Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge, held its first meeting on the 6th of October 1859. Now 161 years later, the Lodge is still going strong with a healthy membership and a passion for doing good in the local community. The two new members, to the right, were treated to an excellent performance of the story of how Masons at the time of the building of King Solomon’s Temple were
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instructed in their work, with a delightful presentation being made to Calum McKenzie by his father Jamie, a member of the Hastings Lodge No.8695 which also meets in Ashby.
of local good causes and the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival.
Pictured are the new members of the Lodge Calum McKenzie (left) and Cameron Hume (right) As members of the Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge, Calum & Cameron are keen to assist the Lodge in their fundraising activities in support
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Health & Wellbeing
Trinity Hospital Almshouse Volunteers In 1331 the Trinity Hospital Almshouse was set up for the poor and infirm by the then Earl of Lancaster and Leicester. It was set up in the Newarkes in Leicester, but has since moved into a new purpose built, modern unit located on Western Boulevard. The Deputy Governor of Trinity Hospital Leicester is Ian Betteridge, the Secretary of Commercial Lodge No.1391. This is a voluntary position, but like all volunteers, Ian devotes a much of his free time in the overall running and management of the Almshouse. This is an example of Freemasons in action and honouring the obligations to be charitable that they made when they first joined Freemasonry. Ian is not alone in representing Freemasonry at the Almshouse, as James Andrew Norris of Halford Lodge
No.3919 is one of the trustees of Trinity Hospital, assisting Ian with financial, practical, and administrative duties. Today, Trinity Hospital provides twenty-three modern, comfortable self-contained flats for persons who are capable of independent living but are on limited financial means. Whilst most of the flats are for single persons, there are two flats that are suitable for married couples. The flats are for the over 60’s and provide a safe, secure environment in the heart of the city, next to Castle Park and only a short walk from the
city-centre shops and amenities. As we live in an ageing society, if any Brother is aware of either widows or Freemasons who are still able to look after themselves, but their circumstances are such that the accommodation provided by Trinity Hospital may be more suitable to their financial circumstances, then please contact the secretary Daphne Killingley or Ian Bettridge on 0116 2554829 or by email to trinityhospital@btconnect.com.
The Fraternity & The Community Need You! Every single one of us will be experiencing these extraordinary and unprecedented times, living through the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Being positive, we will see the virus brought under control and sure enough I expect that there will be lasting positive effects as we hope that every cloud has a silver lining. I shall long remember Tuesday 17th March at 12.25pm, being in the Charity Office at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, when we received the communication from the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Kent announcing that all Lodge and Chapter meetings within England and Wales would be suspended for a period of four months. I like many others felt a strange numbness. But that numbness was soon overtaken by the Almoner’s call to duty, as the stay at home and selfdistancing measures we are being asked to take, gave recognition to the fact that there would be significantly reduced social contact between our Brethren, families and dependents and widows. Many would be spending significant time alone, or in the constant company of partners and close family, not being able to meet with friends.
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The pastoral activities of the Lodge Almoner have always played a crucial role in supporting the Brethren and our widows. Their role is significant in ensuring that the welfare of the Brethren and widows is not neglected in this unprecedented time. This does not only apply to appointed Almoners, but also every member of our fraternity has a role in assisting the Lodge Almoner, particularly those in the Lodge Care Teams. At the time of writing we are just seven days into the four-month suspension and three days into the three weeks stay at home instruction from the Government. Whilst in communication with Lodge Almoners, I listed some of the issues that needed responding to in the coming months, particularly, regular communication
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with all members of the Lodge and their widows. An appreciation that the Masonic Charitable Foundation have changed their service delivery to staff working remotely. A recognition that during the coming months, we expect to see more and most likely different requests to provide pastoral and welfare care. Within the short time since being called to respond to the situation, the Province’s Almoners and Brethren have leapt into action as the following examples of the “caring hearts in fraternity and community action” demonstrate. The younger members of St Mary’s Lodge No.7164 in Melton Mowbray have organised themselves into a contact team, making weekly calls to
Health & Wellbeing the elder members of the Lodge to check on their wellbeing. The Almoner of Knighton Lodge No.4711 wrote to all of the Lodge widows to reiterate their contact details, and for those that can’t collect shopping or prescriptions, help would be at hand from the Lodge where they can. To support this the Lodge set up a team of Brethren for this purpose. The Almoner of Uppingham in Rutland Lodge No.9119 circulated an email to all members of the Lodge, with particular reference to the role of the Almoner, and indeed the role of all members of the Lodge in supporting their fellow Brethren and Lodge widows over the next few difficult months.
have taken it upon themselves to visit and shop for those in need, and they are reporting to me regularly.” One of these brothers rapidly responded to a request I had as Provincial Grand Almoner from the Provincial Grand Almoner in Wiltshire to support a Wiltshire Freemasons’ son who lived in our Province.
alter and evolve, I ask that all Brethren remember and act as Assistant Almoners, seek out those that need support and are often too reticent to come forward. Also remember, support for any reader of this article is only a phone call away, be it to another Brother, the Lodge Almoner, or myself, the Provincial Grand Almoner.
Whilst Brethren of the Province are exercising “brotherly love and relief”, in practice so have our Province’s MCF Visiting Volunteers. Unable to visit face to face, Skype has become the communication tool to ensure a Brother in need’s MCF review was completed.
As we emerge from social isolation and lockdown, the following story is of particular importance, and one to remember in support of the Lodge Almoner.
In another departure from our usual requests for support, when asked for assistance with home schooling it didn’t take long to be pointed to twinkl.co.uk which provides online resources for parents to continue their children’s education at home.
One of the responses from that circulation was, “I have now heard back from the “UppWatch” team regarding any offers of help that we as Freemasons can offer to the community of Uppingham where we are based.”
These few paragraphs can only just touch on and showcase the pastoral care and support the Brethren of our Province are carrying out to provide that “caring heart” which is one of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. As the weeks and months roll forward and the challenges of the situation
The Howe and Charnwood Lodge No.1007 Almoner reported that, “Whilst I am in the category of the older fraternity, and am aware that I should not mix unnecessarily, we have two remarkable young members, who
Recently an Almoner and several Brethren had a three-week anxious search for a Brother who was not at his normal residence, for whom we had no idea where he was (although it transpired was quite reasonably supporting a family member). Do remember that Almoners and other Brethren who are great at keeping in touch do get anxious, if you go away and they, or other Brethren in the Lodge or even neighbours, do not know about it. It doesn’t take long for missing persons thoughts to enter our heads!
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LIGHT BLUE
Trip to Geneva On Friday 24th January, Brethren and their partners travelled to Geneva, Switzerland for our annual Light Blue Club overseas trip. We had been invited to join the St George’s Lodge No.85 for their annual Burns Night meeting and celebrations, having met Brethren from the Lodge during last year’s LBC visit to a meeting at Apollo University Lodge in Oxford.
We stayed in a hotel in central Geneva on the Friday and met up with other visiting Brethren at the very popular Hotel de Ville in the old town for traditional Swiss fondue. This was very much enjoyed by all and was accompanied by equally enjoyable local wines. Early on the Saturday morning Brethren met up in the city centre and were taken on a walking tour of Geneva hosted by Brother Sébastien Loïc Roger, a former member of the Lodge of Science and Art No.8429 and who now lives in Geneva. Sébastien had meticulously planned our tour which took in all the sights and sounds, including a visit to Geneva’s Masonic Hall. After walking many thousands of steps, the group went on to the Bains de Paquis on the edge of Lake Geneva, with many choosing the ‘Plat du Jour’ to enjoy for lunch. We then made use of the excellent railway service to leave Geneva for a short train ride to Morges and to the Hotel La Longeraie, where the Lodge meeting and evening celebrations were to be held. The Brethren headed to the Lodge meeting whilst our partners relaxed and met up for drink in the hotel bar whilst waiting
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for the Brethren to return. Once the Lodge meeting was over, everyone socialised together, and the start of the White Table Burns Festival was signalled by the entrance of a traditional piper. All headed to the dining room where a very entertaining evening took place with all enjoying traditional haggis, neeps and tatties accompanied the less traditional roast beef! The official address to the haggis was performed by the Senior Warden from St George’s Lodge and several entertaining toasts and speeches followed throughout the evening with a wellsupported raffle in support of a local charity. Following a continental breakfast on the Sunday morning it was time for goodbyes as some of the group headed home whilst others planned their activities for the afternoon. This included exploring the town of Morges with some time spent in the local hostelries. Everyone agreed that they had very much enjoyed their time in Switzerland and the question “where are we going next year?!” has already been posed several times.
CHARITY
Your Generosity
For the past three years, with the support of Grand Lodge, the MCF has collected information about Metropolitan and Provincial charitable giving across England and Wales. This year, they continued to do the same, and once again sought the assistance of the Provincial and Lodge Charity Stewards. Along with Integrity, Friendship and Respect, Charity is one of Freemasonry’s guiding principles. Freemasons are well known for their generous charitable giving to both Masonic (Freemasons, their widows, their families and dependants) and non-Masonic charities (local, national and international). For 2018 the estimated figure given was almost £45 million.
The Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Charity Association (LRMCA) hosted three Cheque Presentation events in 2019, distributing a total of £114,607 to local non-Masonic charities, including many donations from Craft Lodges which the LRMCA match-funded. There were further donations to various local non-Masonic charities made directly by Lodges, totalling £21,074.
Our thanks go to the Lodge Charity Stewards, who have worked very hard to collate the figures for each Lodge, which, when totalled, show a very impressive amount that we have given to such worthy causes.
Donations from the Royal Arch to local non-Masonic charities was £7,317. Lodge donations to our 2022 Festival were £283,541.
Listed below is the charitable giving for the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland between 1st Jan 2019 and 31st December 2019. The donations listed are from the majority of Craft Lodges and also the Royal Arch.
The grand total from Leicestershire & Rutland for 2019 was £430,439
LONG SERVICE
Long Service Awards
The following Brethren have received continuous long service awards since our last edition. W.Bro. Michael Muncaster Edward Sherrier Lodge No.6757
5th December 1969
50 Years
W.Bro. Alan Berry Howe & Charnwood No.1007
14th December 1959
60 Years
W.Bro. Derek Tranter Highcross Lodge No.4835
1st January 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. Roy G. Hand Wyvern Lodge No.6167
2nd February 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. W.Bro. Cyril G. Smith Knights of Malta Lodge No.50
12th February 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. Rex Perkins Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063
19th February 1970
60 Years
W.Bro. Gordon Richardson Lodge of Friendship No.7168
9th February 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. Grahame D. Mason Lodge of the Argonauts No.8210
3rd March 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. Kenneth N. Ball Gartree Lodge No.7778
11th March 1970
50 Years
W.Bro. John D. Nixon Albert Edward Lodge No.1560
14th April 1970
50 Years
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LONG SERVICE
Maurice Roberts Celebrates his 100th Birthday Leicester Freemason Maurice Roberts celebrated his 100th birthday on the 13th February 2020, an event marked by his fellow Freemasons with a presentation that took place at Roundhill Lodge No.8639 in Syston. Maurice was born in Manchester in 1920, going on to serve in the Royal Air Force from the age of 19, and gained his wings in 1944, flying a Halifax bomber in support of the Allied troops after they had landed on D-Day. Now living in Kirby Muxloe with his wife Sylvia, Maurice has a son, Peter, and a granddaughter and great granddaughter who now live in South Africa. Maurice joined the Halford Lodge No.3919 in Leicester, in December 1954, serving as Master of the Lodge in 1968, where he remained as a member for over 37 years. In 1975 he became a founding member of a new Lodge, the Roundhill Lodge No.8639 meeting
in Syston, where he was made an Honorary member in 2013. As an avid enthusiast of Freemasonry, Maurice also became a founding member of the Lodge of St. Simon & St. Jude No.8729 in Hinckley, where he again became Master of his Lodge in 1981, and made an Honorary member in 2008. In honour of his service to Freemasonry, Maurice was appointed as Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1980 by the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland, and then several years later in 1982 he was honoured with an appointment to Grand Rank in the Royal Arch as Past Grand Standard Bearer at a ceremony carried out at Freemasons’ Hall in London.
Maurice’s achievements in his life have not gone unnoticed, a very recent article in the Leicester Mercury entitled “Bomber Pilot Maurice Celebrates Milestone” showed how our local hero played such an important role in World War Two. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brian Carruthers attended the meeting at Roundhill Lodge on Thursday 20th February to pay tribute to such a dedicated Freemason and well-respected member of the community. Brian presented Maurice with a certificate to celebrate his 100th birthday and his sixty plus years as a member of Freemasonry.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brian Carruthers said,
It is a great privilege for me to be here with you this evening, to present to you this certificate, and help celebrate your 100th birthday.
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A Message from the Grand Superintendent I, like all the country, have never experienced anything like the current Corvid-19 pandemic and the resulting impact it has had on our daily lives. Needless to say, I urge all Companions to heed the advice of our Prime Minister, to stay at home except in those exceptional circumstances which we now know only too well. This is the only way we will get through the current crisis.
In the Royal Arch, as in all Freemasonry, we are in unchartered waters and no doubt you all have questions about what will happen in your Chapters now and in the future. We do not yet have all of the answers to these questions, but rest assured as soon as we do, they will be communicated to you. The best advice at the moment, is that we all become Almoners and try to help those Companions and widows who may need help. A telephone call to offer assistance, or to simply make contact for a chat, can make all the difference. We all know the Companions in our Chapters who this might apply to. I suggest that for some, there cannot be too many contacts in a single day. Regarding Chapter functions and Ritual, perhaps we should use any self-isolation spare time to make
ROYAL ARCH MATTERS
our daily advancement in Royal Arch knowledge by visiting the Solomon website at www.solomon.ugle. org.uk. Also, those in office can learn their ritual and perhaps other Companions can learn a part, or parts, of the Lectures, so that you can volunteer your services to your current or future MEZ. With the Hermes programme being developed by UGLE and trialled in a number of Provinces, perhaps Scribes could use this period of suspension to review their Chapter records. For example, Companions’ contact details and significant dates could be updated, ready for when Hermes comes to our Province to aid our communications with all Royal Arch Companions. Finally, if you have anything of interest concerned with the Royal Arch that could be shared on the Provincial website, please do get in touch with John Peberdy at jpeberdy@aol.com. Companions, whatever you do please stay safe, keep well and stay in touch, and hopefully it will not be too long before our Royal Arch activities return. My best wishes to you all. Sincerely and Fraternally Noel Manby Grand Superintendent.
Royal Arch Annual Dinner Dance 2020 On Friday 31st January 2020, the Annual Dinner Dance was held at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester.
Over 140 members, friends, and their partners enjoyed an evening which was themed as “Springtime in Paris”. The dining tables were decorated in typical bistro style and the meal had a Gallic flavour. Those present were entertained by Chanson Française during the meal and afterwards were able to dance the night away to French songs, by an excellent duo. Some members took the theme of the evening to heart and dressed accordingly! This has become an established event in the Royal Arch calendar and is always very popular. So look out for the event next January.
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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS
Provincial Team visit to The Holmes Chapter No.4656 The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Noel Manby, accompanied by most of his Provincial Officers and several Grand Officers made a visit to The Holmes Chapter at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester on the 21st January 2020.
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As the Chapter did not have a candidate for the evening, members of the Provincial team gave a demonstration of the new suggested way of dividing the Symbolical, Historical and Mystical Lectures. This subdivides the lectures so that several Companions can be involved.
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The Grand Superintendent said,
We have all had such an enjoyable evening, and we look forward to your next meeting when I believe you will be bringing a new member into Royal Arch Freemasonry.
ROYAL ARCH MATTERS
Beacon Chapter No.5208 hosts the Provincial Team The Beacon Chapter No5208, meeting at the Masonic Hall in Loughborough, hosted the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Noel C. Manby and his team for a most enjoyable evening. The 21st January 2020 was the date for Beacon Chapter to open their doors to the Provincial Grand Chapter team and guests to pay a visit and partake in a most enjoyable evening. Joining the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Noel C. Manby was the Past Grand Superintendent Peter Kinder, and other members of the Executive team.
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Commenting on the evening afterwards Noel said,
It is always a pleasure to visit Loughborough, and in particular this thriving Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and long may the enjoyment continue.
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MARK NEWS
Message from the Provincial Grand Master
We are now a few weeks into our “general suspension of all Masonic activity” and I suspect many weeks to go. The suspension of our meetings and social activities for this period is without precedent and has not been taken lightly, but with a view to safeguarding our members and our wider masonic family. I will be discussing with the members of the Provincial Executive in the coming days and weeks, arrangements for a re-scheduled Provincial meeting later in the year, albeit on a smaller scale. This will give us the opportunity to meet again and resume our enjoyment of The Mark Degree. These discussions will also include the arrangements necessary to carry out the Installation and celebration meetings that have been affected by the suspension. Although it will be some months before we meet again, please use the time wisely. After having tidied your offices, perhaps make use of the break to learn a new piece of ritual, or to refresh a previous piece.
I hope that during this time, we will all keep in regular contact, especially with our members who due to age or health problems, are self-isolating (as I am). Please remember, we are all Almoners! A well-timed phone call or an email can make all the difference. To those of you who are able, I ask you to please consider
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where you can offer support to those in need of shopping, the collection of medication, or other support. If you feel that there is a member with a particular problem, please contact the Provincial Almoner or any member of the Executive and we will do our best to offer support. I wish you and your families every good health in the coming weeks and look forward to the pleasure of your company when our meetings and social events resume. I look forward to your support in the times ahead to ensure that the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees in our Province remain strong, and our Mark Family is kept together. I will, through the Provincial Secretary, be forwarding regular updates to keep you informed of the “behind the scenes” work that will be going on. Never forget, that “among Mark Master Masons you will ever find friends, who will administer relief to your distress and comfort in your affliction”. Let’s make sure that this becomes our mantra in this most difficult of times. Please stay safe and especially, look after yourself, families and friends. Oh, and of course, keep smiling, if you can. It will lift the spirits of everyone.
Phillip J. Mann,
Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland Mark Master Masons.
MARK NEWS
Magic of the Mark Weekend in Spain 2020 In what is fast becoming a regular fixture in our Province’s annual calendar, seventeen of our Mark Brethren attended the Annual Meeting of the Mark District Grand Lodge of Spain, on the 1st February at the Gran Bali Hotel in Benidorm.
truly sumptuous festive board on the Saturday. The ladies
Our Brethren, accompanied by wives and partners, quickly
Sunday was spent relaxing in beautiful sunshine taking
meanwhile enjoyed the delights of Spanish hospitality with a special excursion arranged by our hosts. Representing Grand Lodge, the Assistant Grand Master, Stephen Davison honoured the meeting with his presence.
entered into the spirit of things at the Friday evening’s
in the sights and delights of Benidorm’s restaurants and
cocktail reception, followed by the District meeting and a
promenade before returning to the UK on the Monday.
Two New Appointments to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in December 2019 A coach trip on Tuesday 10th December to the Royal Ark Mariner Annual Assembly at Great Queen Street, London, ensured that thirty-six of our Royal Ark Mariners came together to be part of a most enjoyable day in the capital. After a superb ‘all you can eat’ lunch at The Carvery in Mark Masons’ Hall,
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later in the afternoon in the ceremony in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, two of our Brethren, John Pinnock and Bruce White received preferments to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. John was conducted to the dais by our very own Grand Steward Geoff Phipps, a member of the Grand Lodge D.C. team for the day, where John was invested with his collar by the Most Worshipful Pro
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Grand Master, Raymond J. Smith. Regrettably, Bruce was at that time in Australia on a pre-arranged trip; however, in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master he was subsequently invested with his collar by the Assistant Grand Master, Stephen Davison, at the January meeting of the Rutland Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.1051.
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MARK NEWS
50 Years of Service to Mark Masonry
Two of our most distinguished Brethren have received the Most Worshipful Grand Master’s Certificates marking their 50 years of service to Mark Masonry.
presented Martin Gain, Past Grand Junior Deacon, with his certificate. Three weeks later in Market Harborough, he presented Reginald Dickinson, Past Grand Junior Overseer with his certificate at the regular meeting of the St. Peter’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1078.
The Provincial Grand Master Phillip J. Mann (left) presenting a 50 Year Certificate to Martin Gain (right)
Certificates of long service are very rare in the progressive orders such as the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner degrees. The certificates were presented to two of our Brethren, the first in Hinckley and the second in Market Harborough, both were memorable occasions, not just for the two recipients but for the many who were privileged to be present. At the January Installation meeting of the Knight of Malta Lodge of Mark Masters No.30 Time Immemorial in Hinckley, the Provincial Grand Master Phillip Mann
The Provincial Grand Master Phillip J. Mann (left) presenting a 50 Year Certificate to Reginald Dickinson (right)
Both recipients regaled those present with anecdotes from their earlier years as Mark Masons, with a healthy repast at the festive boards afterwards; especially so at Market Harborough as it was their famous ‘fish and chip’ night!
Re-arranged Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting 2020 The Annual Provincial Grand Lodge meeting scheduled for 12th May, having been postponed due to the suspension caused by the Covid-19 emergency, is planned to be rearranged for later this year. Grand Lodge has decreed that all Brethren due to receive an appointment to, or promotion in, Provincial Grand Lodge for 2020/21 will assume their ranks on the date that the Provincial meeting would have taken place, and will from that date enjoy the title and privileges of that rank. It will be necessary to hold a truncated Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge later in the year in order to address various administrative matters, including the election of the Provincial Grand Treasurer and auditors.
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The Provincial Grand Master wishes if at all possible, to conduct the appointment and promotion investitures at that meeting. Deputy Provincial Grand Master designate, Andy Lee, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, was to be appointed and installed at the May meeting, he too will assume his new office by virtue of the Provincial Grand Master’s Patent of Appointment, effective from 12th May. Further details will be advised in due course about invitations to the re-arranged meeting, and also the investiture arrangements for those concerned. The Provincial Grand Master is keen that those who are receiving preferments get a fitting opportunity at an appropriate time to enjoy some form of ceremonial ‘big moment’, and we will be working towards planning for that in the months ahead. All this is dependent on the Covid-19 situation as we move through the summer.
MARK NEWS
Provincial Team Visit to Ashby R.A.M.
On 2nd March, the Provincial Grand Master Phillip J. Mann, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Officers of the year and numerous Grand Officers, made an official visit to the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.1783. As is customary at an annual visit to one of our R.A.M. Lodges, the Provincial Officers assumed all of the key offices in conducting the ceremony of elevation on the Lodge’s newest member, Ian Hammond. The busiest man on the night was surely the Lodge’s Worshipful Commander, John Reynolds, who is also the Provincial Grand Senior Warden. Having taken the Chair, assisting the Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Senior Warden were Ken Hitchen as Junior Warden, Tony Avery as Chaplain, Peter Faulkner as Senior Deacon, John Bevington as Junior Deacon, Earl Harrison as Guardian and Steve Finnigan as Warder. To complete the ceremony of Elevation, Don Peacock delivered the Signs, Peter Gibson-Leitch the Working Tools, and Bob Kinghorn the Concluding Address. A memorable evening concluded with a rousing festive board, with not a spare seat to be had.
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. Roy N. F. Marshall Brian C. Lee Roger W. A. Tracey Christopher H. Yeomans David M. Carter Neville F. Tunnicliff Ronald Eadon Henry Cooklin David R. Short Stewart M. Bates John B. Haines Ian S. Mackay William Hately Emil Butrym Leslie R. Hamilton Gayton C. Taylor Ian Oliver Alan Marshall
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Tudor Rose Lodge Lodge of the Flaming Torch Sparkenhoe Lodge Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge Albert Edward Lodge Sparkenhoe Lodge No.8063 & Knights of Malta Lodge St Wilfrid’s Lodge Gayton Taylor Lodge Halford Lodge Temperantia Lodge Wiclif Lodge Lodge of the Flaming Torch Gateway Lodge Newarke Lodge Leicestershire & Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters Past Provincial Grand Master & Granite Lodge The Holmes Lodge Framland Hundred Lodge
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No.5660 No.4874 No.8063 No.779 No.1560 No.50 No.8350 No.9176 No.3919 No.4088 No.3078 No.4874 No.6513 No.6794 No.7896 No.2028 No.4656 No.9453
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BEYOND THE CRAFT
Side Orders’ Breakfast held in Leicester The White Ribbon Club, Leicestershire & Rutland’s club for newer Royal Arch Masons, teamed up with the Light Blue Club to invite interested members to a presentation of the Royal Arch, Rose Croix and Red Cross of Constantine Orders. The breakfast meeting, held on Saturday 14th March was well attended, with over twenty-five interested Brethren taking their seats for an interesting and informal presentation of the Orders. First at the podium was Richard Barnett to welcome everyone to Freemasons’ Hall Leicester, and to introduce the main speakers to the audience. The Head of the Ancient & Accepted Rite Rose Croix, Inspector General Henry Kukiewicz, then took the stage to give an excellent account of the Rose Croix degree, from where the Order originated to how to apply to join. Henry then finished by inviting his volunteers into the room to display the different types of regalia, past and present that are worn in the Order, and the significance of each symbol and piece.
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Next to the podium was the Head of the Red Cross of Constantine, Intendent General John Manby, who gave a detailed description of the founding of the Order, its structure and place within Freemasonry. In a similar way, John was helped by members of the audience to demonstrate the regalia of the Order, and how it is worn by the different officers. Questions from the audience were then taken, which showed a keen interest from everyone present for more information on both the Rose Croix and Red Cross of Constantine. Also taking questions, as well as asking a few, were the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, Peter Kinder, and the Deputy Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masons, Paul Wallace.
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Afterwards, everyone adjourned to the dining room to enjoy a full English breakfast, where the conversations continued until lunchtime.
Chairman of the White Ribbon Club Samuel Harris said,
Thank you to all of the speakers for giving up their time, as well as everyone in the audience for their time and attention.
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