ISSUE 30 – SUMMER 2018
THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
AN INVITATION TO TALK TLC
What’s inside this issue...
P4
P6
P10
P15
In Proud and Loving Memory
Selva’s Masonic Journey
The Peace Memorial Building
473 Hartlepool Squadron ATC
GET THE POINT ISSUE 30
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EDITOR’S NOTES
WHAT’S INSIDE
As we approach our summer recess we look forward to the many events scheduled to take place throughout the Province and beyond. Our Festival Team are working incredibly hard on your behalf to ensure that no stone is left unturned in their efforts to find new and exciting ways to reach our Festival Target by 2021.
We have recently celebrated several of our brethren receiving Grand Rank both in the Craft and Royal Arch and, over the coming months will witness others being honoured Provincially at the forthcoming Annual General Meetings to be held at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunstan. It is also a time for reflection as we remember the fallen who were lost in the Great War. A number of articles in this issue including an enlightening from the Museum Team on the ‘Peace memorial Building’ better known as Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, built as a memorial to those who fell during the War.
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Please continue to report matters of interest – events both within your lodges and the local community - to the Communications Team who rely heavily upon your editorial contributions. To ensure your area of the Province is covered in future issues email: news@news.pgldurham.org
Paul O’Doherty Editor
If you know of anyone who might prefer or benefit from an audio version of this Gazette then email: news@news.pgldurham.org to order a copy for them now!
@PGLDurham
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PGLDurham
A “MORE THAN PERFECT” CENTURY CELEBRATION
Margaret Dickson (4th from (From left) Kevin Williams, Mrs McGee, d Almoner) far right. Gran incial (Prov left) and Paul Debenham
Margaret Dickson
A very special celebration was planned by the brethren of Restoration Lodge, who meet in Darlington, for their March meeting. Mrs Margaret Dickson, a widow of former lodge member Andrew Dickson, had been invited along with the other widows of the lodge.
Margaret had recently turned 100 years old, having been born on 4th of March 1918. Margaret had celebrated her birthday with family and friends on 3rd of March at Walworth Castle. Such a milestone achievement was not going to be missed by the lodge members and they were extremely happy that Margaret and the other ladies had accepted their invitation for a meal and drinks to continue the celebration of what is such a remarkable achievement. Margaret is also a lady Freemason and is a Past Master
of the Lodge of Patience and Industry No71 within the Province of Durham. Kevin Williams, the Worshipful Master of Restoration Lodge, on behalf of the lodge members, presented Margaret with a huge bouquet of flowers for her to take home and enjoy. The Provincial Grand Almoner, Paul Debenham, in raising a glass to Margaret, said that he was informed that “as you get older that you get more perfect” and then reflected on Margaret’s age and stated, “In that case, she is more than perfect!”
Paul continued to reflect on Margaret’s life and pointed out that she has lived through the two world wars and grew up when TV as we know it didn’t exist, and when films were silent. In addition to this she has seen Great Britain join the single European market and will now see it leave. Paul conveyed the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master, and wished Margaret continued good health referring to the impressive work undertaken by Kevin McGee, the lodge Almoner.
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BIG HITTERS AT BOUNDARY COURT
Overseeing the erection of the new poles, Jack Richardson (Provincial Liaison Officer for Boundary Court), Kevin Williams and two members of the installation crew.
As the name suggests Boundary Court is on the boundary line of Bishop Auckland Cricket Club. In past years a batsman on form could easily send a ball over the fence and into the car park. Durham Benevolence responded by erecting 3 metre fibre glass flagpoles on which nets could be suspended thus preventing stray cricket balls. Those flagpoles turned out to have a weakness which in a high wind could cause them to collapse. The poles were then removed and replacements sought. After a lengthy and extensive search by Kevin Williams, a member of the General Purposes Committee, suitable tubular steel replacements were found. These were erected on 14th February in good time before the start of the 2018 season.
IN PROUD AND LOVING MEMORY Paul Debenham was delighted to present a Community Support Grant of £500 to the Chester-Le-Street Learning Alliance from the Freemasons of County Durham. At a cost of £250 each, 96 children are raising funds for a three-day trip to Belgium to visit war graves. Of particular interest is that of Soldier Benjamin Chipchase Clayton who went to Park View Grammar School Chester-Le-Street. He served in the Durham Light Infantry and won the Military Cross, eventually being killed at the Battle of Passchendaele in August 1917.
(L to R) Mr Philip Adamson, Chair of the Group, students Finnley Gamble and Maddie Finley, Paul Debenham and Mrs Jodie Graham, the Business Development Manager at Park View School who applied for the Grant.
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The School’s Honours Board
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INSPECTOR HONOURED BY PRINCE Master Mason Bro. Bill Scott, of the Lodge of Philanthropy, was recently honoured for his work in transforming how North Yorkshire police respond to mental health problems. He is the police force’s lead for mental health and suicide prevention and has established health-based places of safety and placing mental health workers at the heart of policing - both on the streets and in the control room. Having been presented with the Queen`s Police Medal by Prince William, Bill said afterwards, “Receiving the Queen’s Police Medal
Bill at the Palace after presentation
was the proudest moment of my life, yet also the most humbling” as his father had once served at the Palace when he was in the Grenadier Guards, prior to becoming a policeman. He successfully bid for £1m funding from the Police Knowledge Fund to carry out an academic research programme which has led to the rollout of bespoke mental health training for all front-line staff. He is also currently developing a project to address mental health problems among prisoners to prevent re-offending. In 2015, the then Minister of State for Care and Support, Norman Lamb, thanked him for his personal contribution to the health crisis care agenda and for his work in relation to the opening of places of safety across North Yorkshire. Congratulations Bill.
This event is set to be even bigger and better than ever, the 5K course features over 40 obstacles ranging from cargo nets, climbing walls, tunnels, open water and lots of other muddy surprises along the way! The event is perfect for anyone willing to test their stamina, agility and strength - but also good fun! Contact Paul Quinn paul.quinn@durham2021.org
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(L to R) Selvakumar Ramachandran, Worshipful Master and AsstPGM
SELVA’S MASONIC JOURNEY Many people come to Freemasonry from a mixture of backgrounds and personal journeys; indeed this is one of the many strengths of the organisation. Arguably the newest member of Penshaw Lodge No. 3194, Selvakumar Ramachandran, better known as Selva, has had a rather more interesting journey than many. Selva was born in the Tamil-speaking state of Tamil Nadu, an area of India which is in the South East of the country. At a very young age, unfortunately, at a very young age, he
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A Toast to the Initiate
contracted Polio which left him unable to walk. His father encouraged him to work hard at school as he foresaw that being educated to a high standard was the only way to overcome his disability and do well in life. Selva certainly achieved that goal; he earned his Bachelor of Engineering Degree in India and then worked as a COBOL developer (Common Business Oriented Language), one of the oldest computer programming languages, for seven years in Madras. He then decided to further his Computer Software
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studies in Sweden where he gained his Master’s Degree. Not content with his MSc, Selva moved to Italy to pursue research studies where he gained his PhD in Rome. Selva currently works at the University of Sunderland, and lives in the City with his wife Viji, who is also Tamil, and their son James.
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TRAINING INITIATIVE SUCCESS After the re-launch of the Training and Education Programme in January, Ferryhill was the venue for the recent Director of Ceremonies and Mentoring Conferences on Saturday 17th March and the Lodge Royal Arch Representative and Preparing for the Chair Conferences on Saturday 21st April. Both days were co-ordinated by members of the Training and Education Group of The Durham Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge. The turn out on both days was certainly testament to the new Provincial “Mail Chimp� email system, with a full car park and impressive turn out, and brethren travelling from the four corners of the Province for all of the training sessions. The Director of Ceremonies Conference and was led by Andrew Dixon, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He was assisted by Nigel Fallow and Bill Crutchley from the Craft and Royal Arch DC teams respectfully. The busy session covered The Role of the DC, Protocol and Etiquette, Salutations, Ceremony and Ritual. The format allowed questions to be raised and it offered a new insight for old hands and for those who are new to the role. The Mentoring Conference was chaired by the Provincial Grand Mentor, Norman Alderson, who was assisted by members of the Mentoring Scheme. The topics covered during the session applied
Andrew Dixon, imparts his knowledge during the Director of Ceremonies Conference.
both to the Craft and the Royal Arch. The session covered: Why are we Mentoring? What is mentoring? The qualities required of a Mentor, best practices and personal experiences of mentoring. The Lodge Royal Arch Representative Conference was presented by the Third Grand Principal, Michael Stuart Shaw, along with Rakesh Bhalla, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. It covered three main areas: the Role of the Lodge Royal Arch Representative, How to Raise Awareness of the Royal Arch to Master Masons and, finally, to encourage brethren to join the Royal Arch. In line with the above there is a new initiative, the Talking Heads Presentation, which is an adaptation of a play developed by the Metropolitan Grand Chapter. The play has been adapted by Michael Shaw and is intended to introduce the Royal Arch to a Master Mason. Its next outing will take place at Whitworth Lodge No 1932 in Spennymoor on Wednesday 11th July. The Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, accompanied on the day by members of the Provincial Executive, closed the sessions and he thanked, in particular, Richard Howard and his team along with Michael and Rak for all of their hard work. He also thanked the brethren present, who made the events a great success.
of Mentoring. Norman Alderson points out the future
Education and Training Team set up and ready to go for another Conference.
A delighted Rak Bhalla and Michael Shaw Arch Chapter Conference.
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(Left to Right) Sylvia Smith, Betty Loscombe, Margaret Richards and Winnie Tilley
LADIES CELEBRATE FOR THE LAST TIME Formed in the 1950s, the Bernard Gilpin Ladies Committee has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity since that time. Sadly, because of falling numbers, the Committee decided reluctantly to ‘call it a day’. The final of many social evenings they have staged over the years took place at Hetton Masonic Hall on Saturday 17th March.
To celebrate the ending of an era, Committee members Mrs Sylvia Smith, Mrs Betty Loscombe, Mrs Margaret Richards and Mrs Winnie Tilley organised one last fundraising celebration. Laurie Bennett entertained everyone with a range of
ROLL OF HONOUR 60 Years Craft: George F Graham James Severs Charles B Vaughan Cyril Kell
Hadrian No1970 Vulcan No5757 Bede College No4840 Surtees No4593
50 Years Craft: James B G Arthur Thomas W Urwin Roger C Ford Raymond Harrison John Coates Ronald Pounder James Swinburne
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Minerva No3385 Hammurabi No9606 Sancroft No4347 Heabrym No7201 Lodge of Industry No48 Corinthian No5808 St Paul No3242
Alan Walker John M Cooper John G T Lightley Edward Green John M Ross Alan Simpson John H Fiksen John George Knowles Oswald Bowman David Thompson Kenneth Armstrong Norman Stephenson G H Riddle Edward Leighton Rodwell J S Harrison David C Thompson
modern ballads and Country and Western classics, with laughs and comedy thrown in for good measure. One thing these evenings are famous for is the raffle, with most people present winning something on the night.
As a show of thanks, the ladies were welcomed to the front of the hall to receive a rousing round of applause, to show the respect and admiration for this tireless group, who have helped Bernard Gilpin Lodge over many years, and who are held in high esteem by everyone at Hetton.
The following brethren qualified to receive certificates to mark long service to Freemasonry. Harbour of Refuge No764 Saint Edmund’s No7377 Universities No2352 Penshaw No3194 Surtees No4593 Washington No4346 Hedworth No2418 Kepier No8308 Mowbray No5373 St Mary’s No4864 Benfeldsyde No7807 City No3568 Gyrwy No6462 Yoden No5684 Old Dunelmian No8100 Rowlandson No3360
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60 Years Royal Arch: Sydney Harrison
Hebburn No1643
50 Years Royal Arch: Malcolm J McKinlay James L Nicol Ernest Dockwray Peter Dunn William G Dunn
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Moseley No3105 Hebburn No1643 Mariner No3217 Unity No661 Elevation No4185
GRAND RANK CONFERRED 2018 Wednesday 25th April saw people from all over the world descend, once again, on the home of Freemasonry as Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden, London, hosted the Annual Investiture Meeting of United Grand Lodge of England.
After a fantastic meeting on the Wednesday it was the Royal Arch’s turn the following day to put their spin on the meeting with the spectacular colour, pomp and ceremonial that makes the Royal Arch such a special degree and this meeting such a memorable one.
This special meeting sees brethren from all corners of the world receiving well-deserved Grand Lodge appointments and promotions, conferred on them by the Most Worshipful Grand Master himself.
The many companions still in London from the previous day’s exploits were met by even more visitors from the four quarters of the globe with a healthy contingent winging its way from the Province of Durham to witness the Most Worshipful Pro First Grand Principal invest the worthy companions with the fruits of their efforts.
The Province of Durham was, as usual, extremely well represented as brethren from every part of our Province congregated to support those receiving honours. Receiving First Appointments were: Martin Rankin Eslington Lodge No4623 – AGStB Nigel Ian Fall Foster St Cuthbert No3417 – PAGDC William Elliot Hobson Stanhope No3520 – PAGDC Stephen Anderson Willis Eardulph No6645 – PAGDC Clinton Eliot Leeks, OBE Universities Lodge No2352 – PAGStB Promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon Andrew Bunting Jurists No8956 Promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon John Paul Thompson Harte No4217
The Durham companions honoured on this occasion were: George Frederick Bird Tees Chapter No509 – PGStB George Field Chapter of Strict Benevolence No97 – PGStB Andrew Charles Moule Chapter of Freedom No4027 – PGStB William Sinclair Malcolm Caer Urfa No4345 - PAGDC A Durham companion who received recognition through his London membership: Brian David Everett MBE Dunelm No4079 PAGDC Promoted to Past Grand Sojourner George Clark Ryton Holy Cross No4231 We congratulate them all on honours very well deserved and wish them the best of health and happiness to enjoy their new preferments.
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THE PEACE MEMORIAL BUILDING
WE ALL KNOW THIS BUILDING TODAY AS FREEMASONS HALL IN GREAT QUEEN STREET LONDON
The Museum and Library at The Esplanade, Sunderland, contains one of the finest and most impressive exhibitions of Masonic artefacts and books in the country. Amongst the exhibits, is a rare small replica of the Masonic Peace Memorial building, given to visiting overseas dignitaries at its opening the Masonic Peace Memorial building. At the end of the 1914 - 18 war a Meeting of Grand Lodge was held in the Royal Albert Hall, on June 27th, 1919. The chief purpose of the meeting was “thanksgiving for the return of peace to the world.” Sadly, ill health prevented the Grand Master, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, from attending, so the Presiding Officer was MWBro the Rt Hon Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE, Pro Grand Master. Among those in attendance was our Provincial Grand Master, RWBro the Hon Gerald W Liddell. The Pro Grand Master made this announcement on Behalf of the Grand Master: ‘Brethren, it is my earnest hope that the Craft, as a fitting sequel to the proceedings of today, will determine to create a perpetual memorial of its gratitude to Almighty God for the special blessings he has been pleased to confer upon us, both as Englishmen and as Masons, whereby we can render fitting honour to the many Brethren who fell during the war.
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The great and continued growth of Freemasonry amongst us, demands a central home and I wish it to be considered whether the question of erecting that home in this Metropolis of the Empire, dedicated to the Most High, and worthy of the great traditions of the United Grand Lodge of England, would not be the most fitting memorial.’ After work commenced on the Masonic Peace Memorial the Foundation Stone was laid on Thursday 14th July 1927 by HRH The Duke of Connaught & Strathearn, KG, the Grand Master. In 1920 details of the campaign to raise funds for the new building were distributed to lodges and individual members. The target was £1 million, giving the campaign its name the
Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Members who contributed at least 10 guineas (£10.50) were to receive a silver jewel and those who gave 100 guineas (£105) or more, a gold jewel. Lodges which contributed an average of 10 guineas per member were to be recorded in the new building as Hall Stone Lodges and the Master of each lodge became entitled to wear a special jewel as a collarette. The fund closed in 1938, having raised £1,382,045, by which time 53,224 individual jewels had been issued and 1321 lodges had qualified as Hall Stone Lodges. It is unlikely that there are any active masons still entitled to wear them, but these jewels survive as a testament to the efforts made in raising that money.
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The Hall Stone Lodges in The Province of Durham are:
HRH The Prince of Wales KG ProvGM for Surrey, HRH The Duke of York KGProv GM for Middlesex, HRH Price Arthur of Connaught KG ProvGM for Berkshire.
Lodge of Freedom 4027, Harte Lodge 4217, Gateshead Fell Lodge 4349, Haven of Rest Lodge 4350 and Eslington Lodge 4623.
Representatives from Durham included:-
The Masonic Peace Memorial Building (Freemasons Hall, as we know it today,) was formally opened in July 1933 by the 84 yearold Duke of Connaught, the Grand Master, supported by: -
WBro Cuthbert Wilkinson, Deputy Prov G Master-in-Charge, Lt-Col J Woodbury Thompson VD, AsstProvGM ,R W Ernest Dixon , ProvGSec & John G Finlayson, Prov Grand Director of Ceremonies. By 1935 all Lodge rooms of the new building were made available for the use of lodges and the extensions to the Connaught Rooms were completed.
Paul Paterson (left) hands over the grant to retiring Chairman, Ken Rowe
A PARTING GIFT After 22 years as Chairman of Hawthorn Community Centre, Ken Rowe retired from that office, and recalled many of the changes he has overseen during those years.
Under his leadership, the building has become a community asset, has been fully refurbished, and is in regular use by members of the community and visiting organisations alike. One of the latest ventures is the creation of a Community Garden to the rear of the building and, with the addition of raised beds for the growing of vegetables, a
new greenhouse and restored potting sheds, all that was needed were some garden tools. One of Ken’s last acts during his chairmanship was to apply to Durham Benevolence for a grant towards the purchase cost of this equipment. On the occasion of Ken’s retirement as Chairman, the members of the Community Centre presented him
with a garden bench in recognition and gratitude for his many years of service to the community. After that presentation, Paul Paterson – on behalf of Durham Benevolence – was pleased to present Ken with a cheque for £250 and a certificate showing the support given to the Hawthorn Community Centre by Durham Benevolence.
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‘IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE HUB TODAY’
Joanna Bellerby leads the reading
Hartlepool Freemasons, in conjunction with Hartlepool Community Hub, again held their successful Teddy Bears Picnic. The event was fully subscribed and was considered a resounding success. Over forty children, their teddies and accompanying adults attended the event on the morning of Saturday 21st April. Billy Horsley of Haven of Rest Lodge 4253 organised the event in conjunction with the Community Hub and both were keen to stress their gratitude for the generosity of the various Hartlepool Lodges who provided full funding. The Community Hub Team quickly pressed into action the Readers Chair that Hartlepool Masons donated to the children’s library. Joanna Bellerby
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(Children’s Library Assistant) led the Reading of Stories, which was followed by participation in singing to the children’s own music-making and, finally, a small session of Arts and Crafts which was led by Hub team member, Pam Readman (Children’s Library Assistant).
really grateful for the generous and ongoing support for the Community Hub, attracting young children and their families into the library at as earlier an age as possible is the best way to encourage them into the lifetime pleasure that is reading and
Everyone then sat down and enjoyed a picnic before being presented with a TLC Bear as they left. Billy Horsley and Duncan Maw, Chief Teddy, manned a display stand which covered the charitable undertakings of local Freemasons and this attracted much interest and many questions.
Mothers and Toddlers enjoy the day
Joanna Bellerby said “We are
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John cuts cake assisted by Scoutmaster, Mark Anderson
Bon Appetit Headquarters Gleaming New Plaque
SYNTHONIA SCOUT GROUP CELEBRATES 90 YEARS On Saturday 14th April 2018, the Synthonia Scout Group, Billingham celebrated its 90th Birthday. The group has a proud history of providing the scouting experience, to the youth of Billingham and surrounding areas. The Synthonia Scout Troop first met on 12th April 1928. Until the late 1980s the ICI Agricultural Division, originally called Synthetic Ammonia and Nitrates Ltd,
sponsored the group. It was from this name that the word Synthonia was formed. As well as celebrating the group’s 90th birthday, the occasion was also used to rename the scout hall – The McLean Scout Hall - after one of the group’s previous Scout leaders – 96 year-old John McLean, a member of Eanred Lodge, who has given more than 85 years of service to Synthonia Scout Group. The scout group has named the headquarters after him in recognition of his unstinting support for the group over all that time. This was done by unveiling a specially engraved plaque, and the cutting of a large scoutingthemed cake.
and included Cake and Tombola stalls, a Jamboree presentation, photos on boards of Billingham scouts, DVDs showing the group’s previous gang shows, an inflatable Archery shooting gallery, Tomahawk throwing, Soakthe-Scout and, of course, the cooking of the 90-foot sausage. That’s just one scout group – Every mason in Indaba has an association with scouting and members are working, at every level in scouting, in scout groups across Cleveland, Darlington and extending to groups as far away as Leeds, Morecambe and Wellingborough. This event was well attended, and a great time was had by all.
As part of its celebrations, members cooked a 90-foot long sausage; the event began at 11am and continued well into the afternoon,
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RAVENSWORTH GOLF TROPHY RAMSIDE GOLF COURSE FRIDAY 17TH AUGUST 2018 Invitations are invited from Masons throughout the Province of Durham, their wives/partners and friends, once again to compete for the Ravensworth Golf Trophy and help raise funds for the Durham 2021 RMTGB Festival. A5 GOLF EVENT_Layout 1 19/04/2018 10:24 Page 2 For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Ravensworth Trophy, this is a magnificent trophy presented to the Province in 1921 by our then Provincial Grand Master, Lord Ravensworth. The trophy will be presented to a mason, within the province of Durham, who scores the highest individual points. Other prizes are open to non-masons - and all profits from the day go to the Durham 2021 Festival. The round will be subject to a Shotgun Start commencing at 10am. Scoring will be by Stableford and prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. In addition to the golf day a presentation BBQ will be held at the clubhouse after score cards are checked.
Shildon Non-golfingAlive friends,-wives and are alsoChurch invited to attend the Apartners St John’s project BBQ. Four-balls are invited to enter isata£200 community project per team including the BBQrun meal. Individuals or parties offor less the by the community, than four are also invited to attend at community. the same cost of £50 each. The cost also includes refreshments before The Freemasons of Durham paid the team your round commences. Tickets for at Shildon Alive a visit recently to present the BBQ available to your guests them withare a much-needed grant for £1000 at £10. to support their work in Shildon and surrounding areas. If you would like to take part, Paula Nelson, Community sponsor a hole or provide Project a table coordinator wascontact overwhelmed by theon prize please Alan Jenkins generous donation and thanked Lenny 07780 304 364 or David Atkinson Bainbridge for putting Shildon Alive forward on 07772 071 709 or to Durham Benevolence for a Community email golf@2021festival.com Grant, and local Freemasons for their invaluable support, going on to explain how
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The Masonic Golf Day Ravensworth Cup 2018 Friday 17th August
the Community Support Grant would make a huge difference to the project and would enable them to support many families and individuals in crisis in the area.
Shildon Alive bring people together, 8.30am promote health and wellbeing, offer supportRegistration to people to grow and reach their full Tea/coffee, bacon sarni shotgun start from 10am potential as part of the community. They will golf followed by a BBQ offer help and advice18 inholes a crisis,championship rewarding volunteer opportunities, support people Entry Fee: £200 per team - £50 individuals in that role as they gain in confidence and Team & Individual prizes for: develop new skills. They offer a friendly Winning Individual ear and advocacy service as people shapeMason – Ravensworth Cup Team & Individual prizes for First, Second and Third their own lives, the lives of others around Nearest the Pin them and the wider community. The teamprizes on all four par 3's supports individuals with new universal more please contact credit claims, appealsFor for PIP, foodinformation support, Alan Jenkins debt and addiction, directing individuals to 07780 304 364 the relevant agencies when necessary. golf@durham2021.org
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Flt Lieut Nigel Foster accepts Grant from George Tilley
A SHORT SORTIE TO AWARD (ATC) Hetton Mason, George Tilley, didn’t have far to travel for his recent cheque presentation on behalf of Durham Benevolence. It was literally just over the road from Hetton-le-Hole Masonic Hall to 36 (Hetton-le-Hole) Squadron, Air Training Corps. The Air Training Corps provides young people from within the Hetton, Houghton and Durham area with the opportunity to make lasting friendships, gain life skills and experience new opportunities.
After probably one of the shortest sorties possible, George had the great pleasure of presenting Flight Lieutenant, Nigel Foster, the CO of the Squadron, with a cheque for £500 on behalf of Durham Benevolence. The aims of the Squadron are to: •
Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people.
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Provide training which will be useful in the Services and in civilian life.
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Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
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To also have a lot of FUN!
473 HARTLEPOOL SQUADRON AFC (AIR TRAINING CORPS)
Representing Durham Benevolence, Duncan Maw attended a meeting of the 473 Hartlepool Squadron Air Training Corps following an application for a Community Support Grant. The group promotes and encourages a practical interest in aviation and the RAF amongst young people, helping to encourage a spirit of adventure leading to developing qualities of leadership and good citizenship in the community. Duncan presented a cheque for £500, the money to be used for general funding including new uniforms at a total cost of £2,155.86.
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INGLEBY BARWICK CUBS On Monday 16th April 2018, Duncan Maw was invited to attend 1st Ingleby Barwick Cub pack to give a talk on the TLC Teddies and to receive a cheque from the cubs. This invitation came from one of the leaders whose father, Mike Neal, is a member of Indaba Lodge, a Scouting lodge; she was able to talk from personal experience of when her son had to visit hospital after cutting his head – a very distressing time for all. It was the teddy that gave him reassurance and allowed the nurse to build a relationship with him so that his cut could be treated quickly and with minimal upset. The cub pack thought about ways of working towards their “Our World Challenge” badge. (This badge requires the cub pack to work in organisations within the community.) The cubs took on different jobs to gain the badge, raising money as they went along.
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Jobs included picking up litter in the local area, washing cars and even staying over with relatives. The cubs worked hard, and the Cub pack leaders were pleased to say that they have raised a total of £60. The cub pack even arranged a Movie Night event held at the St Francis of Asissi Church Hall, Barwick way, Ingleby Barwick. The event ran during one of their usual meetings. Each child who attended was provided with pizza, crisps and a drink and they watched Star Wars! However, each child who attended also had to find a way to pay for their own ticket. Duncan’s talk informed the 28 cubs present, along with leaders of the Province’s TLC scheme, of its tremendous success at having distributed 82,420 teddies to children in Durham alone – and more than 2,000,000 distributed nationally. In Duncan’s Q&A session at the end he asked if any of them had previously received a teddy;
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four cubs replied that they had received teddies when visiting hospital. Finally, Duncan asked if any of them had any questions about the teddies. Questions included “How were the teddies made? Why are there different kinds of teddies? and Who can get a teddie?” On receiving a donation of £60.00 from the group, a delighted Duncan told them that their kind gift would give 35 new Teddies to help other children who must visit hospital. The Pack Leaders said that they hoped to be able to support this initiative in the future and would like to reiterate that they were grateful for the hard work that everyone puts in to make the often-daunting experience of attending hospital feel as safe and reassuring as possible.
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SHADOWS IN
ANOTHER LIGHT Kevin Carter, accompanied by David Walton of Thornhill Lodge, presented a Community Support Grant of £200 from Durham Benevolence to Councillor Barry Curran and Mrs Dorothy Stewart, Treasurer, to benefit St. Peter Sculpture Trail in Sunderland. The grant is to be used to print leaflets promoting the trail along the River Wear.
BAND LOOKS TO HIT THE BIG STAGE Stewart Bell had the great pleasure of presenting a Community Support Grant of £250 from the Freemasons of County Durham to Hugh Stephenson, Chairman of the North of England Brass Band Championships, which attracts 44 bands from County Durham, Cleveland, Tyne & Wear, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. The contest is across five sections, where two bands in each section will go on to the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain to be held in London’s prestigious Albert Hall in October. Funds are being raised to hire the Gala Theatre, Durham City over two full days at a cost of £3500. The organisation encourages young people and adults to play a brass instrument and continue the wonderful brass band heritage throughout the UK.
(Left to Right) David Walton. Mrs Dorothy Stewart, Kevin Carter and Councilor Barry Curran.
The Sculpture Trail was created in the decade from 1991 to 2001 where the sculptors worked with residents to bring together Sunderland’s past and present. Around the plinth of ‘Shadows in Another Light’ are plaques showing the history of Sunderland, including the Lambton Worm, which were created in workshops by blind and partially sighted people. The trail includes a ‘shadow’ of a hammerhead crane common in Sunderland shipyards, and ‘Taking Flight’ which shows a cormorant taking flight in five stages. A collection of huge stone books outside the University Library refer to Bede and the Great Library of St Peter’s and is named ‘Pathways to Knowledge’ and a series of three doors called ‘Passing Through’ represents past, present and future: only the present door may you pass through.
Stewart Bell (right) presents the grant to Hugh Stephenson, Chairman of the North of England Brass Band Championships.
ISSUE 30
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SUMMER 2018
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“ISABEL” (MISS ISABELLA ORRICK)
It is with great sadness that the death of Isabel occurred on 6th March 2018 at the age of 88 years after a short illness. Older brethren, longserving and long-retired lodge secretaries will remember Isabel for the diligent manner and the expert service she provided from Provincial Office. In March 1945 a young lady of 15 years of age was attending Morrison’s Commercial School and was given an opportunity of going to the Provincial Grand Lodge for an interview for employment. The interview was held on a Monday and, as it was successful she commenced her employment the next day. This was to be the start of a working life for Isabella Orrick which was to last 45 years until her retirement on Thursday 25th January 1990. When she commenced her employment, Provincial Grand Lodge had not long moved from its previous office in Norfolk Street, Sunderland to the Esplanade and so her entire working life was spent at the premises. When Miss Orrick began work at the office RWBro R W Ernest Dixon was Provincial Grand Master and was succeeded by RWBros Col. F. Walton and the Lord Barnard. She went on to work under five Deputy Provincial Grand Masters, 19 Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and six Provincial Grand Secretaries with the last being Alan Hall. The brethren of the Province and her colleagues marked her retirement from Provincial Office with a luncheon party,
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hosted by the Lord Barnard when gifts of her choosing were presented. These included a portable television, gold bracelet, handbag, flowers and a cheque.
office practices. She was a servant of whom the Province has been justly proud and whose sad passing many of those who knew her personally will greatly regret.
Miss Orrick’s many years of loyal service were marked by her devotion to detail, helpful and pleasant manner and strict
Isabella holds the distinction of having her Photo in the February 1990 edition of the Gazette, which was the first image ever published in the old Gazette.
THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
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www.durhamfreemasons.org
DATES FOR THE DIARY JUNE
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JUNE
23
AUG
17
SEPT
9
MONDAY 18TH JUNE 2018 Indaba Chapter No 9454 Full Team Visit
SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 2018 Craft AGM Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston
FRIDAY 17TH AUGUST 2018 Festival Golf Day Ravensworth
SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Festival Team Great North Run
SEPT
12
SEPT
30
OCT
25
NOV
30
WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2018 The Annual ‘Provincial Day Out’ Quarterly Communications Meeting UGLE
FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Muddy Mayhem
THURSDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2018 Clarence No 2135 Full Team Visit
FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2018 Promotions Meeting Lancastrian Suite, Dunston
Lived Respected and Died Regretted Officers of United Grand Lodge of England
Armstrong, Kenneth Benfeldsyde L7807
Jolly, Matthew Lynn St Johns L80
Abbott, Thomas Henry Jones Roger de Fery L5879
Nicol, James Leslie Perseverance L1643
Scott, Thomas Robson Palatine L97
Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham
Slater, George Cruickshank Ryton St Mary’s L6550
King, Raymond Thornton Mariner C3217
Wild, Lawrence Tees L509
Lea, Arthur Trinity L4751
Elstrop, John Beacon L6891
Carr, Michael John Russell Tyne Dock L4218
Moralee, John Young Old Dunelmian L8100
Beck, Joseph Caer Urfa L4345
Bradburn, Peter Whitwell (2104
Walker, Alan Harbour of Refuge L764
Todd, George Edward Washington L4346
Tate, Gordon William Sportsman’s L9940
Jameson, Thomas Forster St Catherine’s 5393
Dixon, Alan Tow Law L3349 Brethren Ditchburn, Bruce Mowbray L5373
Wren, Stanley Roger de Fery L5879
Thompson, Arthur William Ellison Hall L7165
Peacock, William Edwin Hadrian L1970
Ruecroft, Stanley Bede College L4840
Quigley, Peter James Laurence Albion L5530
Tallentire, John Young Vale of Tees L5016
Mudd, Derek Caradoc L4749
Chambers, Albert William Faithful Lodge of Durham L9079
Lund, Robin Indaba L9454
Peel, Godfrey John Commercial Travellers L5089
Trotter, Ronald Darlington C1379 Jackson, Norman Henderson Universities L2352
Harper, John Young Old Dunelmian L8100 Scott, William St Mary’s L4864
Dalton, Walter Elliott Stanhope L3520
Maddison, Gordon Mcpherson St Aidan L4080
Grey, John Stuart Eanred L7478
Robinson, Colin Liberty L9614
ISSUE 30
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SUMMER 2018
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This is how it’s done, Kevin
EXCEL YOUTH BOWLING CLUB SUNDERLAND Excel Youth Bowling Club Sunderland applied for a Community Support Grant to assist with staff training costs. Representing the Freemasons of Co. Durham, Kevin Carter was honoured to present a cheque for £500. The club was formed in 1965 and has members ranging in age from 4 years to 19 years and possessing levels of bowling skill from beginner up to Team England members.
The club is affiliated with the British Ten Pin Bowling Association (BTBA), which requires mandatory coaching staff to achieve qualifications at a certain level and then continue their development by actively coaching, attending enhancement seminars and paying annual licence fees. Four members of the club are actively working to achieve coach level and the gratefully-received grant will go towards some of the much-needed funding.
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE IS 31ST JULY 2018 NEWS@NEWS.PGLDURHAM.ORG
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Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham • 8 The Esplanade • Sunderland • SR2 7BH • T: (0191) 5675365 • www.durhamfreemasons.org THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM FREEMASONS
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www.durhamfreemasons.org