Masonic Miscellany The closing dates for submissions are the end of the month preceding publication, i.e. February, May, August and November. Whilst there will continue to be contributions from the various Provincial “sections”, there is always room for information about individual Lodge and Chapter activities. However, as I do not have a static, never mind roving, reporter, I am dependent on you to provide input for this. Whether it is a project your Lodge/Chapter has undertaken in the community, a special event in your Lodge or Chapter history, or a successful social event, I am interested in hearing about it and seeing photographs of the event. Please note however, that WKNO-L is not intended for advertising coming events; there are other communication channels available for those. Whilst any form of text is acceptable, there are occasionally problems with the quality of some of photographs sent to me. Whilst I can manipulate image files to a degree, the end result is always dependent on the quality of the original. Without producing a multi-page guide on the topic, it is difficult to offer much guidance on what is the best way to ensure a good quality image. For example, despite their high megapixel ratings, it is still quite easy to produce poor quality images with smartphones! As a simple rule of thumb, the bigger the file, the better the quality of the picture, BUT the key factor is the resolution. Anything less than 180 pixels/inch (a lot of images sent to me are just 72 pixels/inch) will be unlikely to result in a good quality final image. I would advise always taking at least a couple of shots for each image to try to ensure you get a decent one; consider how many shots professional photographers take. Unless it is a general shot, e.g. of all Lodge or Chapter members, please include a list of who is in the photo; I know a lot of people, but not everyone! Cheque presentation photographs are common-place and can therefore be boring for the reader. Try to find something more interesting, e.g. when one Lodge sponsored a horse, they sent a photo of the horse. However, if a cheque presentation is the only possible photo, it can be made more interesting by including in the text something about what the money will be used for, or a quote from the recipient organisation about the significance of the money, or even what they think about Freemasons!
Brother Brother at Vale of Beck Lodge 6283 The Vale of Beck Lodge 6283 celebrated a first for the Lodge with a ‘double’ first degree ceremony for two brothers. Douglas and Edward Thwaites were initiated in a joint ceremony at Oakley House in March. Both in their twenties, Douglas is a Fire Fighter and Edward is a Dental Technician. Their father Paul Thwaites is also a member of the Vale of Beck and was their proposer, and presented the Entered Apprentices with their white gloves. The ceremony was shared between two Past Masters, W Bro Jack Fletcher and W Bro John Callagan. Acting WM W Bro Malcolm Taylor presented the Working Tools to both brothers. The Vale of Beck is fortunate to have four Entered Apprentices currently and is anticipating a busy year as they progress through the degrees.
Proud father Bro Paul Thwaites (standing) with the four EAs (l to r) Bro Jason Morris, Bro Edward Thwaites, Bro Douglas Thwaites and Bro Martin Maguire.
At the same meeting, Charity Steward W Bro Colin Smith presented a Lodge cheque for £2,015 to Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro Ted Smith (no relation!) for the 2015 Festival. W Bro Ted was present as the Representative of the Provincial Grand Master and thanked the Brethren on his behalf. Malcolm Taylor LOI Secretary, Vale of Beck 6283
West Kent News On-Line It was, and still is, the intention to publish WKNO-L at the end of every quarter, i.e. March, June, September and December.
Mike Wheal Provincial Information Officer
West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 3 ~ December 2012
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