Surrey Mason Spring 2014

Surrey Mason Issue 33 SRING 2014

£1.95 where sold

Official Magazine of the Province of Surrey

“The Surrey 2019 Festival is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to give something back to this deserving cause and to show just how big a heart we really have by committing to helping the RMBI for the next five years.”

RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford Festival President See Page 16–17

PROVINCIAL WEBSITE: www.surreymason.org.uk

Surrey Mason

AN APPRECIATION OF THE LIFE OF DAVID GOULD

Surrey Mason Editorial submissions to: Surrey Mason Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey 71 Oakfield Road Croydon CR0 2UX Tel: 020 8686 8388 email: editor@surreymason.org.uk or provincialoffice@surreymason.org.uk Surrey Mason Committee: Chairman: W.Bro James Cook Secretary: W.Bro Steven Savvas Treasurer: W.Bro David Matthews W.Bro David T O’Leary W.Bro Jim Barnes W.Bro Peter Cartwright W.Bro Chris Eley (Royal Arch) Editor: W.Bro Peter Cartwright editor@surreymason.org.uk Advertising W.Bro Jim Barnes Tel: 01306 882412 M: 07967 392532 advertising@surreymason.org.uk The Surrey Mason is published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey. All material used is © copyright of the Provincial Grand Lodge and may not be reproduced, copied or held on any electronic media without the express permission of the Provincial Office.

W.Bro David Gould PAGDC, PProvGAlmoner, who gave so much to the Province in his role of Provincial Grand Almoner from 2007 until 2012, died aged 65 on Thursday 28 November 2013 in the presence of his wife, Hilary and their three children. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer just 8 weeks prior to his death.

David was born in Tavistock, Devon in February 1948. Following school he commenced his career as an engineering apprentice for 27 Command workshop REME at Warminster. He then became a student engineer and took a five year degree course at the City University, London. It was at this time, in 1970, he first met his wife to be Hilary at a dance being held at the university.

They married at Farnham Parish Church in August 1974; their first daughter Clare was born in 1979 and twins, Hannah and Michael, in 1982.

David’s engineering career in the MoD took him and his family round the country, eventually to Whitchurch near his last place of work the Aldermaston Weapons Establishment where he became an Assistant Director.

David served in the TA for 20 years and in 1985 was awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD) and also achieved his ambition of commanding 29 Engineer Brigade Workshop REME (V).

His involvement with Freemasonry began in 1986 when he was Initiated into Old Farnhamians’ Lodge No.7282. He was Master of the Lodge in 1994 and again in 2003 when the Lodge celebrated its 50th Anniversary. David went on to become a member of Chapters, Installed Masters Lodges and other orders in Surrey. Two acting appointments in Provincial Grand Lodge were followed by appointment as ProvGAlmoner in 2007, a role he undertook with dedication, organisational skill and real compassion. He was made a Grand Officer in 2011.

Prior to his death David arranged his funeral service and this was held just before Christmas at All Hallows Church, Whitchurch when about 260 people who knew him, from school days to the present, attended the service.

The family wish to take this opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone for all their help and kindness over the time of David’s illness and subsequent death.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER INVESTED AS TYLER !

The Provincial Grand Master, Eric Stuart-Bamford, an Honorary Member of Ebbisham (The Tyler’s) Lodge No.2422 was present at their annual Installation meeting at Croydon. He graciously accepted the office of Tyler and was invested for the year 2014/5. The meeting was attended by 16 Members and 24 Guests.

As it would be unreasonable of the Lodge to expect this task to be undertaken for nothing, a fee of 50p per meeting was agreed and the Provincial Grand Secretary, John Tomlin, was instructed to ensure this finds its way into the 2019 RMBI Festival.

The Festive Board which followed the hugely enjoyable meeting was topped off by the Provincial Grand Master delivering the Tyler’s Toast in a very able manner and to great applause.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of editorial and advertising content. No content may be reproduced or stored in any electronic retrieval system in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. Contributed material will be returned if possible and if requested (accompanied by a stamped-addressed envelope), but the publishers accept no responsibility for the loss of such material howsoever caused.

The next issue of the Surrey Mason will appear in July 2014.

Please submit copy before June 14th. editor@surreymason.org.uk

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Back row: Chris Garrett, Chris Da-Silva-Skinner, Ted Thorne, Roger Alderton, Shane Hatch, Brian Wells, Colin ForsythGray, Arthur Lewer. Centre row: Neil Bonter, Steve Harvey, Tony Laird, Omar Ismail, Derek Lawrence, Jason Hatch, Stuart Derrington, Ross Blake, Chris Wheeler. Front row: John Tomlin, Eric Stuart-Bamford (Provincial Grand Master), Alastair Richardson, (Worshipful Master), Jim Cook, Paul Weighill. Photo by Chris Casselden.

Surrey Mason

Editor’s comments

W.Bro Peter Cartwright

BACK TO OUR ROOTS? What did your Lodge do during WWI?

An eighteenth-century print depicting a coffee-house

It is thought that speculative Freemasonry started in England between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The first recorded history of speculative Masonry appearing in 1646, the year Elias Ashmole was made a Mason in a Lodge at Warrington.

At the time Ashmole became a Freemason, great historical events were still fresh in the minds of people. Queen Elizabeth I had died 43 years earlier and some people still remembered God’s deliverance from the Spanish Armada.

19 years later the country would be scourged with the plague and the great fire in the centre of London would follow a year later. London would be re-born from the ashes, and Charles II would charge Bro Christopher Wren to build a great cathedral.

As London’s maritime commerce increased a new kind of social order began to emerge due to the vast amounts of money generated by trade. Merchants started to conduct business in the coffeehouses and chocolate-houses which were springing up in the city, and with them came the first clubs. Places where they not only could conduct business but where they could eat, drink, socialise, discuss and form opinions on the topics of the day.

Forward to 1717 when the premier Grand Lodge was formed and club life was very popular. It is easy therefore to understand that those early Lodges were a kind of club.

Fast-forward to 2014, and I sometimes wonder whether we have drifted too far off

the original club-like atmosphere of those early Lodges.

Do we put too much emphasis on learning ritual and practicing degree ceremonies during the Lodge of Instruction whilst neglecting other important aspects of Freemasonry? Perhaps we should reflect that there are some members in Lodges who are not always keen to continually recite and act out the ceremonies which may tend for them not to attend regularly, especially those who have witnessed them many, many times over. Preceptors why not think about doing something different once in a while? Your members might find it refreshing.

I was so glad to hear that a great step forward has been made by the Provincial Executive who have acted swiftly to establish an outlet for those new and less experienced Masons who have not yet received Provincial honours. The FOUNDATION CLUB is primarily aimed at enjoying the conviviality of fellow Masons through social gatherings. Contact: membership@foundationclub.org.uk www.foundationclub.org.uk See page 12 for more details.

DARTS TOURNAMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE RMBI FESTIVAL The SMSA is interested to hear from Lodges/Chapters who would like to participate in a DARTS TOURNAMENT. The response so far has been encouraging to the knock-out tournament which is to be held at the Croydon Masonic Halls on Friday evenings throughout 2014/15. The monies raised from this tournament will be donated to the 2019 Festival by the winning and runner-up Lodge/Chapter. The winner receiving a trophy. Before we can arrange the tournament, we need to know the number of participants. If you want to take part – then its up to you to let us know.

Contact smsa.commsofficer@gmail.com or Peter at editor@surreymason.org.uk

Do you have any Lodge records appertaining to activities of the Lodge or its members during the First World War? We would love to hear your Lodge’s story.

Please email the editor at editor@surreymason.org.uk

Error In Issue 32, page 21 under the title of Woolsack Lodge produce 3-of-a-kind, we incorrectly stated that VW.Bro Michael Yalden PPDGM had been presented with his 50th certificate from PPGM Denis Phipps. We have been advised that in fact Michael was presented with his certificate from PPGM Terry Doyle. We apologise for any misunderstanding caused.

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Surrey Mason

Ray Hussey retires as ProvGM of Surrey Mark Masonry

After ten fruitful years spent at the helm of the Surrey Mark Masons, the Provincial Grand Master, Ray Hussey is handing over the gavel to Ian Clark who is currently the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Ray joined Craft Masonry in 1977 in Guildford where he was then a police sergeant. After a hard day’s work he often went to the Ship Public House in Artington where he lived at the time and made friends with the pub’s manager who introduced him to Masonry. He went ‘through the chair’ in 1984 and was appointed to the Grand Rank of PAGSwdB in 1998.

In a 30 year career in the police Ray went from Police Cadet in 1964 to the rank of Detective Superintendent, retiring in 1995. During those years he received the Duke of Edinburgh’s silver and gold awards; was commended on numerous occasions for bravery and devotion to duty.

Ray is also an avid golf player and sea fisher. In fact his love of golf led him to organise Masonic events which raised thousands of pounds for charities; golf days alone raised £14,000 for the Friends of Shannon Court where he was a Trustee and the member of the Committee of Friends responsible for fundraising. In retirement he has given more and more of his time to Masonry, and is currently a member of 83

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Lodges, 49 of which are honorary memberships.

In his role as PGM of Surrey Mark Master Masons Ray has helped raise over £200,000 through social events, golf days and garden parties. He will donate the money to two charities close to his heart – the Surrey Air Ambulance and the Chase Shooting Star Childrens’ Hospice on the 17 May at a Gala Garden Party in Painshill Park at Cobham where he will also officially hand over his PGM responsibilities. Ray hopes that this event will be supported by brethren, family and friends from all the different Orders who have supported this particular fund raising. “The support from the other Orders in Freemasonry, including the Craft and Royal Arch, has been terrific and I would love everyone to join us on the day.”

Ray is only 66 years young and is very active, so rest assured he will be with us for a very long time, perhaps taking on other Masonic roles and also spending some time with his son and daughter and three grandchildren. We wish him every success and happiness in the coming years. Janos Gal reports

GALA GARDEN PARTY Painshill Park, Cobham Saturday 17th May 4 – 9pm Lots of musical entertainment sideshows and displays £10 (adults) £5 (under 14s) Contact: Ray Seeley t: 01483 421529 e: rayseeley@talktalk.net

IT’S A FAMILY OCCASION In November, a number of Mark Master Masons from Noel Mark Lodge, Richmond Mark Lodge and other Mark Lodges went along to the Upper Thames Craft Lodge No.6138 to witness a very special Installation.

Over the years many Companions of Redwood Chapter and Brethren of Upper Thames Lodge have been advanced into Noel Mark Lodge No.505 helping to make it a very successful Lodge with a membership of 26, a proportion of which are ‘the Ellis family’.

It was going to be a very special afternoon for the Ellis family when the Master, the SW, the JW and many other offices were going to be filled by this family.

Tyling at 4pm, there were 109 Masons in the George Cowen Temple at Surbiton Masonic Hall.

There were present two AProvGMs, one from Surrey and the other from Hampshire & IOW, both Honorary Members of the Lodge. There were also 9 members of the Ellis family present. Lee Ellis was Obligated and Invested in a splendid manner by W.Bro Chris Clark who invited Lee’s father Mike Ellis to Install his son into the Chair of Upper Thames Lodge – 20 years to the day that he was installed himself into the Chair.

Among those invested were Darren Ellis (Cousin) as SW; Graham Ellis (Uncle and Darren’s Father) as JW; Mike Ellis (Father) as DoC; Peter Ellis (Uncle) as Lodge Mentor; Clive Fennel (Uncle-in-law) as JD, Paul Ellis and Andrew Ellis (Cousins) as Stewards, and W.Bro Alan Ellis (Uncle) gave the address to the Worshipful Master.

With so many family friends added to our Masonic friends it was truly a family meeting and confirmed that Freemasonry is all about family.

Chris Eley

Surrey Mason

Provincial Grand Secretary’s comments This is my last column as Secretary of this wonderful Province of Surrey and, as such, I would like to express my thanks to all those who have supported me in this role over the last five years – five years which have simply flown by and which is a mark of the enjoyment I have experienced whilst in the post. It has been an honour and a privilege to hold this post.

My first thank you must be to all those hard-working and dedicated Lodge Secretaries with whom I have come in contact.

It never ceases to amaze me how many Brethren there are prepared to give up so much time to take on the tough and demanding job of Lodge Secretary.

I have made many friends and I know I will continue to enjoy their friendship for many years ahead.

The job of Provincial Grand Secretary would be impossible without the backing of the Executive of the Province – the Deputy Provincial Grand Masters and Assistants alongside whom I have had the privilege to serve, and not least of all our Provincial Grand Master who has been unstinting in his support.

I must also mention Theresa Lochinger and Cathy Start – our two hard-working staff.

Their commitment to the Province is enormous and I thank them for their loyalty and hard work. It has been a pleasure working with them.

I have, over the course of the last five years, made many visits to dozens of Lodges throughout the Province and have met many Brethren in the course of those visits. The generosity

of their hospitality and the warmth of their welcome has typified the pure essence of Masonry, and I thank them for that.

It is time for the Province to move on with a new pair of hands at the administrative tiller and, to continue the metaphor, I hope my successor will be able to set a course to take the Province into the uncharted waters of the future with new ideas and a fresh approach.

I wish my successor – W.Bro Mark Winchester – every success and happiness and I am confident you will all give him the same support you have given me.

I look forward to seeing many of you around the Province as I continue my Masonic activity on a more personal footing.

We often sign our emails and letters with the words “Yours sincerely and fraternally.” Those words resonate particularly at this time – I am sincerely grateful for all the support given me, and the fraternal warmth shown by the Brethren of Surrey.

John U Tomlin I am sure the Brethren of Surrey would echo my words when I say – Thank you John, on a job well done! Ed.

A Master’s Wish Fulfilled W.Bro Roger Bennett was one of the prime moving founders of the Lodge of Construction No.9455 in 1992. He held back from being Master until 2012 and then performed that duty with honour and his own Mrs. Ann Bennett presenting the cheque in Roger's name irascible humour. Sadly, Roger passed to the Grand Lodge above in October 2013.

Roger had made it clear that his charitable focus for his year as Master would be ‘The RAINBOW TRUST’, a children’s charity based in Leatherhead, whose sole purpose is to support families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. The Lodge had accrued £3,500 in its Relief Chest for this worthy and special charity, and on the 23rd January 2014, I accompanied Roger’s widow Ann to make a formal presentation to the Trust.

We received a warm welcome from the senior staff, and two ‘Family Support Workers’ who had taken time out to explain to us in profound detail the stressful work required to support each family going through such an extremely distressing situation. Each Support Worker has up to 25 family cases, each involving all manner of different demands, both practical and emotional. They quietly carry out amazing, supportive, lifechanging duties and always need continuous financial help to maintain, extend and improve their services.

The Rainbow Trust is a SURREY based charity. W.Bro Roger showed us the way to this incredible charity and any Lodge looking for a worthy cause to support should definitely give serious consideration to The Rainbow Trust – but be prepared to be profoundly moved!

W.Bro Mike Bonsier

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Surrey Mason

St. Andrew’s Lodge No.1046, Farnham continues to invest in its future members

in need of much work and improvements. Here the WM, W.Bro Edward Stokes, donates the cheque to Zoe and Calvin two of the children being educated at St. Andrew’s School. (Picture 3).

In 2010 St. Andrew’s Lodge No.1046 at Farnham donated £1,000 to St. Andrew’s Primary School in the centre of Farnham. This donation was used to construct a rest room and lesson planning facilities for the school’s teachers.

Just before Xmas 2013 St. Andrew’s Lodge decided to donate another £1,000 to its name-sake school.

The Lodge WM, W.Bro Edward Stokes and the Lodge Grand Officer W.Bro Geoffrey Swann were tasked to visit the school and make the cheque donation. When they arrived, the Headmistress Mrs Jayne Venables asked if they would like to tour the school.

During the tour they were shown the results of their 2010 donation.

(Please see the facility in Picture 1). They were very surprised to be told that the Most Worshipful Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent had visited the school to open the new facility. (Picture 2).

The latest donation would be used to improve the school hall which is the main focus of the school. The hall is very dated and is

Light in Arabia continue their support for JTC At the December 2013 meeting of Lodge Light in Arabia No.3870 two special presentations were made. W.Bro Frank Lee, Chairman of the Friends of James Terry Court gave a presentation on the history and workings of James Terry Court and the RMBI in general.

W.Bro Lee was presented with two cheques by W.Bro Adrian French, Lodge and Chapter Charity Steward, on behalf of the Brethren and Companions of Light in Arabia. W.Bro Lee thanked the Brethren and Companions for their kind donations and continued support for the home and said that the monies would be put to very good use.

During 2013 a formal Lodge of Instruction was established and to make sure that the Brethren had the correct tools, W.Bro Joseph Waters presented the Lodge with a refurbished box of Working Tools to be used at the Lodge of Instruction.

W.Bro Joseph Waters with the new Working Tools

W.Bro Andreas Christoforou, Master of Royal Kingston Lodge and W.Bro David Eager, Treasurer presenting a cheque for £2,000 to Mrs. Carol FranklinAdams, one of the ‘Champions’ of the Alzheimer's Society.

The money was raised as a result of donations by the members of the Lodge and a successful Ladies’ Night.

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Surrey Mason

Lodge Costs in the Eighteenth Century Our sixpences are, many of them, worn on Groats, and fome Shillings are not much better in Ptoportion. The HalfCrown are not fo bad, but they are not fo common, the latter ones, fince Prince William, being moft of them melted or tranforted. Steven Leake1, 1745.

John Tomlin’s article [Issue 32 p5] was a very interesting and informative insight into the costs of Freemasonry in the nineteenth century. Before considering other costs associated with Freemasonry perhaps a short discussion on the monies of the eighteenth century will be in order. A stroll down memory lane for the older brethren but a journey into the unknown for all the young brethren.

In the eighteenth century there were coins and notes as there are today. The currency of England was then based on the penny. The penny could be divided into half pennies and quarter pennies – the farthing. Three pennies made a threepenny bit, which was called a “joey” and six pennies made a sixpence which was called a “tanner”.

Twelve pennies made a shilling called a “bob” and there were twenty shillings to the pound called a sovereign. Half crowns equated to two shillings and sixpence thus a crown was five A Georgian ‘Spade’ Gold guinea shillings. A guinea coin had the value of one pound one shilling and the following notes were introduced, £1 and £2 on the 2nd March 1797.

A £5 note was introduced in 1793 and became known as the “White Fiver” or “Folding Money”. A £10 note was introduced in 1759. The currency was written as pounds, shillings and pence thus one pound ten shillings and nine pence would be written as £1/10/9. So the addition of £1/16/8 and £3/4/6 would be £5/1/2.

Let us now travel back in time to the eighteenth century where the extant minutes2 of Holmesdale Lodge3 1784 1786 give a concise and illuminating perspective of the costs associated with Freemasonry, in Surrey, during that period. The Lodge met at the Bell Inn, Reigate and was erased on the 4th April 1798 after having considerable difficulty with membership. In 1784 the fee for initiation was two guineas , half a guinea for the “making” fee A Georgian farthing and three shillings and sixpence for the first quarter subs. This sum of £2/16/0 was to be paid on the evening of initiation and today represents a sum of £281.07. Unfortunately the costs for the initiate did not finish there, he had his supper to pay for at nine shillings and one shilling and sixpence was levied on all members to defray Lodge costs. Thus another 10/6 was payable which meant on that one evening alone he had to pay a staggering £333.77. A joining member had to pay half a guinea and 3/6 for first quarter subs, 9/0 for dinner and the 1/6 levy which equates to £140.40. It is particularly interesting to see that all visitors were charged a Lodge fee of 1/6 ((£7.53), raised to 2/6 (£12.99) in 1786, to assist with

A Georgian £5 banknote

Lodge costs. During this year the annual subscription was increased to £1/11/6 (£163.70). Forfeits for non attendance were introduced in January 1786 and by 4th November 1786 it is recorded that Bro Rowley owed 9/-, Bros Browne and Bryant 7/6, Bro Fino 3/- and Bro Butler and Prince 1/6 each. The total of these fines today equates to £156.60 and it would appear that the fine for missing a meeting was 1/6 although this figure is not recorded in the minutes. As John Tomlin clearly stated in his article regarding payment of fees, “Provincial Grand Lodge gave lithe quarter in those times” and the same could be said of Lodges. No excuse was acceptable for absence, only sickness and this was only accepted with a doctor’s note and corroboration from two other brothers. The lodge met twelve times a year so a member attending all the meetings in 1786 would incur the following costs: subs at £1/11/6, dinner £5/8/0, Lodge levy £1/10/0 giving a total of £8/9/6 which today equates to £899.70. Cost are always an emotive subject but perhaps we are better off than we think.

Mike Giddy 1 Steven Leake, 1702 - 1773. He published his essay Nummi Britannici Historia in 1726 covering the history of English coinage. He was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms in 1754.

2 Transcript archived at the Library, Great Queen Street.

3 Various spelling of the name, Recorded as Holmesdale Lodge of Freedom and Friendship in Lane’s, Holm-Dale by Rev Cryer in The History of Freemasonry in the Province of Surrey. The Lodge was numbered 456 in 1781 and renumbered 368 in 1792.

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Surrey Mason

Gary Russell of Compass Rose Lodge plans more biking for charity I said at my Masonic interview that one of the principle and guiding reasons for joining the Lodge was to give something back to the community through charity work. Although I haven’t attended for some time I have continued to raise various funds albeit for non-Masonic charities. This year I took a step change in approach and organised a London to Paris Cycle Ride for 25 riders over 4 days. Organising support vehicle, support drivers, hotels, ferry, bike spares, medical capability and route directions was a tremendous and rewarding challenge. The training rides beforehand were great fun and built a strong sense of bond between riders even before our start date.

Therefore we set off under glorious hot and sunny conditions on the 17th July covering 320 miles over 4 days without incident, injury or accident. All riders arriving in Paris after some great teamwork, long re-hydration nights at the bar, wonderful sunny weather and comradeship to ride the Tour de France circuit and finish at the Eiffel Tower. All followed up with watching a British winner of the Tour de France the following day. Not sure the whole trip gets any better than that.

Total sum raised for charity currently stands at over ÂŁ9,000.

Therefore I've decided to organise another challenge next year and to raise even more much needed funds. 30 riders have already signed up for cycling from London to Paris within 24hrs! Yes, you read it right first time around, 24 hours.

185 miles starting from Trafalgar Square finishing at the Eiffel Tower the following day. Seems this is a rich teamwork experience and charity formula that even more people want to be part of in 2014. Planning is already underway! Contact Gary at russgzz@aol.com

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Surrey Mason

FREEMASONS DONATE £50,000 TO SURREY CHILDRENS’ CHARITY The Freemasons Grand Charity has helped Young Epilepsy by donating £50,000 towards its Epilepsy Education for Schools programme.

Most epilepsy drugs have side effects which can affect mood, concentration, learning, memory, can cause fatigue and mean children often miss out on classes.

Understandably, this can make educational attainment challenging without the right support, which is why Young Epilepsy launched a national programme to help schools.

Epilepsy Education for Schools delivers training to staff and students to improve the lives of young people living with epilepsy. The programme seeks to bring epilepsy into the open and pave the way for teachers to start a dialogue with pupils, reducing bullying and stigma. Staff training enables teachers and support staff to understand epilepsy from a child’s point of view, including side effects of medication, and enables them to address the needs of the individual.

The Freemasons generous donation will be used to target schools in Merseyside later this year.

From the YOUNG EPILEPSY newsletter

MDC 2014 Seminars Following the very successful series of mentoring workshops delivered in spring this year, we are planning another series in 2014. The format will be similar with a series of playlets to illustrate various aspects – we think those who attended will confirm this style was both entertaining and informative. The theme this year will be the “Ambassadors of Freemasonry” scheme – that is to encourage every Brother to be an Ambassador for Freemasonry, to have the confidence to talk about it, and the knowledge of what he might say.

Previous workshops have been restricted to those with a particular responsibility for membership, but these are open to all, as we are all Ambassadors. Please feel free to encourage anybody in your Lodge who you think would benefit to come along to one of the workshops scheduled below.

The following dates have been arranged for these workshops:Friday 28th March at Nutfield (Main dining room) Tuesday 1st April at Surbiton (Elizabethan) Thursday 10th April at Guildford (Main dining room) Thursday 24th April at Croydon. (Main dining room) There is no charge, but we do need to know numbers in advance.

Will you please let your Lodge Secretary or Lodge Membership Officer know which of these venues, and how many Brethren from your Lodge you expect to be attending. Please communicate directly with him: Neil Powling… neil.powling@btconnect.com Membership Secretary, Membership Development Committee

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Surrey Mason

GEOFFREY KEMP

50 Congratulations and thank you to these brethren who have served Freemasonry for 50 years or more!

At the Shirley Hills Lodge No.7369 meeting on 13th June, W.Bro Nick Parsons AProvGM presented a 50 year certificate to W.Bro Geoffrey Kemp PGStB. Geoffrey was born in south-east London in 1930 and at the age of 15 told his parents that his future lay in Fleet Street where he worked from the early 1950s to the late 80s. The newspaper industry at that time was a maelstrom of industrial disputes and Geoffrey would usually be found in a Fleet Street boardroom either solving the problems or even creating them!

In 1963 he was Initiated into Pandora Lodge No.4966 at Freemasons’ Hall and in 1970 became a joining member of Shirley Hills Lodge becoming a London and a Surrey mason. In Pandora he was WM in 1977 and 1983; Secretary for 14 years and 9 years as Almoner. In Shirley Hills Lodge he served as WM in 1978 and 2005; Almoner for 22 years (concurrently) and 17 years their Charity Steward. He was honoured with Grand Rank in 1993. He joined Manor of Estham Chapter in 1970; went through the Principals’ chairs 3 times; Scribe N for 10 years; DoC and Treasurer. Attained PPGScN in 1998. Living in Kent he joined West Kent Chapter of Rose Croix; MWS in 1992; DoC for 13 years. Also a member of Kent Chapter 1071 (Past MWS). He has been honoured with the rank of 31º.

COLIN STONE

PETER LANGLEY

W.Bro Colin Stone PPJGW was Initiated into Waverley Lodge No.4723 on 11th November 1963, Passed 9th March 1964 and Raised 9th November 1964. The presentation was given by W.Bro Jim Cook AProvGM on the 11th November 2013, exactly 50 years to the day since Colin’s Initiation. Colin was the Assistant Secretary in 1966/7, Worshipful Master twice in 1972 and 2003, Treasurer in 1978 for 9 years, ADC in 1985 for 5 years, DC in 1991 for 4 and 5 years respectfully (now retired), Secretary for 2 years from 2005 and is at present the Asst. Secretary.

Colin was born in February 1935 in Saugall, Cheshire and moved to Farnham, Surrey attending Farnham Grammar School.

He met his wife Heather at a cycling club dinner and visited her home to ask her out and as Heather says “That was that”. They married in March 1969. They have 3 daughters and 4 Grandchildren. Colin and his wife are members of the National Trust and are frequent visitors both here and abroad in Malta. Colin was and electrical engineer starting as an Electrician. He did National Service in the RAF and formed part of the Colour Troop on the occasion of a visit by HM the Queen.

As well as the presentation of the certificate, Colin was presented with 6 Wine Goblets engraved with the Lodge logo and an inscription.

W.Bro Peter Langley of Elmbridge Lodge celebrated 50 years in Masonry on 2nd February 2013. The anniversary was marked at our meeting on 28th September 2013 when W.Bro Chris Rashbrook and W.Bro Colin Palmer made the presentation.

W.Bro Rashbrook gave an entertaining and informative overview of life in 1963, the year of W.Bro Peter’s Initiation, and of his Masonic career. He was Installed as our Worshipful Master in 1974 achieving the rank of PPGSwdB in the Craft and was Exalted into the Royal Arch in 1965 achieving the rank of PPGSN. In 1938 aged just 1 year he, together with his elder brother, accompanied his father and mother to Singapore where his father served with the RAF. Sadly in 1941 his father lost his life in action and the remaining family which now included his younger sister were aboard the last but one ship to leave Singapore prior to the Japanese occupation.

The trip home to England took 6 months and was a testing time for his now widowed mother with 3 young children. Peter now lives in Kent with his wife Jean to whom he has been married for 55 years and they have 2 sons and 3 grandsons. He has a brother Roger, a Middlesex mason and a sister Gillian. Peter’s interests include painting, fine art, gardening and all sports in general. In his working life he was in pharmaceutical advertising and in sport was a goalkeeper in senior amateur football.

GRAHAM J KETCHER Graham J Ketcher PPAGDC, SLGR was born on 11th March 1938 in Mitcham. Completed his National Service in the Royal Army Pay Corps from October 1956 to 1958. Graham played football for Devises Town 1957-58; Epsom Town 1958-59 and Crystal Palace London Midweek League in 1958. 1972-73 saw him as manager of Josephians Old Boys football team. Secretary of Carshalton High School for Boys Parents Association in 1980 for 2 years followed by Chairman for 3 years.

In August 1960 he received a Honorary Testimonal from the Royal Humane Society for saving a man from drowning in the river Thames at Hammersmith Bridge on the 5th May 1960.

Graham married Freda in April 1966 and has 2 sons, 3 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. He is often seen on Saturday mornings watching his 2 young grandsons playing football for Carshalton Athletic Juniors.

His printing career started in 1960 working for Fleetway Printers and in 1963 he formed a printing consultancy with his eldest son in Raynes Park retiring in 2004.

Initiated in Dalhousie Lodge No.860 at Great Queen Street in

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December 1963 along with his brother in a double ceremony in all 3 degrees. He became W.M. in 1975 and 1995. Served as Treasurer in 1976 and 2007; Almoner 1981 and 1989; DC and Preceptor in 1986-88. He was awarded LGR in 1985 and SLGR in 1997. Was Exalted in Dalhousie Chapter in 1985. Joined Streatham Vale Lodge on 26th January 2010. ADC in October 2010; LMO in March 2012; Mentor in October 2012 and W.M. in October 2013. He received the rank of PPAGDC last year.

Graham has now completed 50 years in Freemasonry with distinction.

He was honoured with 6 of the 7 APGM’s in attendance at his Certificate presentation plus the Provincial debating team.

Surrey Mason

A LOOK BACK THROUGH HISTORY . . . MY MOST ADMIRED FREEMASONS

“The Father of Australia” No.2

Sir Joseph Banks AN EXTRACT FROM THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS (1743-1820).

Although at the age of 21, Joseph Banks inherited money and vast estates from his father and could easily have had a life of a gentleman of leisure, he instead devoted his time to the study of botany and science.

As a child he would often venture into the gardens and lands surrounding the family home at Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire where his interest in wild flowers and plant life aroused a life-long interest. Educated at home before going to Harrow in 1752 and then to Eton in 1756 he became ill caused by an inoculation against smallpox, and did not return to Eton but entered Christ Church College, Oxford in 1760.

He had an unsatiable appetite for learning more about plant life and read John Gerard’s The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes (London 1597). Oxford did not teach botany so he applied for an introduction to a Cambridge professor, John Martyn and returned with Israel Lyons, a botanist and astronomer to Oxford.

When his father died and he was blessed with considerable means, Banks left Oxford and moved to Chelsea where he met John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich. Montagu often held important offices in parliament and Banks was introduced to many of the elite.

As was the custom for gentlemen to make the ‘grand tour’ of Europe, Banks instead joined HMS Niger and between May and October 1766 studied and collected rocks, plants and animals in Newfoundland and Labrador. He returned in early 1767 with a mass of material, destined to become part of one of the most remarkable collections in Europe. In 1766 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society, and attended his first meeting on 15 February 1767. Soon afterwards he began a series of extensive tours to study plants, animals, rock formations, archaeological sites and historic ruins. When the Royal Society asked Captain James Cook to command an expedition to observe the transit of Venus, Cook asked if Banks could accompany him. It was a very hazardous voyage and only four of the scientists in the expedition survived.

However, he managed to accumulate many specimens and devised scientific ways of peering at underwater sea life by devising a glass telescope.

When the scientific expedition commanded by Cook in the Endeavour sailed from Plymouth with Banks in August 1768 the naturalists studied their books and collected specimens of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, etc., which were examined, described and sketched before being preserved. On calm days

Banks and his assistants worked from a small boat, returning to the Endeavour with marine specimens. They made collections and observations at Rio de Janeiro, Tierra del Fuego, Tahiti, and during the survey of New Zealand. They took full advantage of landings on the eastern coast of Australia, especially at Botany Bay (hence Banks became the first Freemason to set foot in Australia) and at Endeavour River, Banks recorded his general impressions of the Australian east coast, noting plants, insects, molluscs, reptiles, birds, fish, quadrupeds, etc. as well as Aboriginal customs.

Further observations were made on the New Guinea coast and the island of Savu on the way to Batavia, where many members of the expedition, including Banks fell victims to fever. Yet studies in natural history and ethnology were continued, vocabularies were compiled, and the journal was kept up to date. Further collections were made at the Cape and St Helena.

When Banks landed at Deal, Kent in July 1771, Banks found himself the centre of scientific inquiry. With another botanist, Solander he was presented to George III in August, and in November Oxford honoured both naturalists with the degree of Doctor of Civil Law. Around 1773 George III requested Banks to advise him on the development of Kew Gardens. Thus Banks began, under royal patronage, the establishment of a great collection of exotic plants and specimens from all over the world.

He was created a baronet in 1781, appointed K.C.B. in 1795, and a member of the Privy Council in 1797. He ultimately belonged to a host of clubs and societies: the Royal Society and the Royal Society Club, the Society of Arts, the Dilettante Society, the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Institution, the Engineers' Society, the Literary Club, the Horticultural Society, the Institut de France, the Linnean Society and various dining clubs. He became a trustee of the British Museum, and an influential member of the Board of Longitude, the Coin Committee and Committee of Trade of the Privy Council.

He became the acknowledged authority on New South Wales, and on an amazing range of other subjects: colonization, exploration, currency, botanic gardens, merino sheep, earthquakes, plant diseases and leather tanning.

In his last years Banks was crippled by gout, yet he remained, even in his wheel chair, a venerable and formidable figure, especially when presiding at the Royal Society in full court dress and wearing the Order of the Bath.

He died on 19 June 1820 in Spring Grove House, Isleworth, and was buried at St Leonard's Church, Heston. Ed. The Endeavour, at harbour

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Surrey Mason

The Foundation Club – Sutton Launch “Building The Foundation of the Future” On Friday 7th February, Sutton Masonic Hall played host to the first ever meeting of The Foundation Club, a new Surrey Provincial initiative designed to bring together new, young and Freemasons yet to receive Provincial honours, and to provide a platform for them to learn and enjoy all that Masonry has to offer.

Being the first event expectations were low and the projected number of attendees was 10-15, but the organisers were blown away with a fantastic turnout of over 30 guests! All of whom signed up to be members and received their Foundation Club pins to wear with pride to their next Masonic event.

“All of us on the committee have been working really hard over the past few months to get the club up and running and it was really good to see such an amazing turn out tonight” – Bro. Sam Norman, Foundation Club Committee Member.

Due to the large geographical size of Surrey, The Foundation Club are holding various launch events all across the Province in the main 8 Masonic centres. This is designed to establish a base in all corners of the Province where Masons can come www.rivierabournemouth.co.uk

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together to meet with other Brothers at a similar stage in their Masonic careers.

The Foundation Club aims to bring together new and young Masons from all over Surrey to share in their enjoyment of the Craft and expand on what we already do in our Lodges. The Foundation Club will be organising talks and seminars on various Masonic subjects as well as planning trips and holding social events for all the family. These will be taking place throughout the year and are designed to increase and expand on members’ experience and enjoyment of Freemasonry.

The Club also aims to hold regular monthly drinks so new members have an opportunity to meet up and socialise as well as being able to bring along prospective candidates and friends to see on a relaxed and informal level what Freemasonry is all about.

For more details about the Club and their upcoming Launch Events as well as how to join you can find out more information from www.foundationclub.org.uk or visit their Facebook page and Twitter account for regular news and updates about our upcoming events.

Surrey Mason

ON 22ND JANUARY 1964 the first public screening at the Plaza in London W1 of ZULU the film that depicts the heroic struggle by 140 British soldiers in deflecting the attack on the Rorke’s Drift outpost on 11th January 1879 by approximately 4,000 Zulu Impi warriors.

The film has become a firm favourite with the TV companies showing re-runs. Why? Because it was a masterpiece of British filmmaking. A no-nonsense, straight-forward portrayal of the events that actually happened although not entirely accurate. However, it somehow fills the viewer with some kind of pride at the grit and bravery of the soldiers and the courage of the Impi warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to those galliant men in the defence of the outpost, the most ever awarded for a single engagement by the British army. The part that always brings a lump to my throat is when faced with overwhelming odds the soldiers of the 24th Regiment of Foot (who were actually the 2nd Warwickshire Regiment, later to become the South Wales Borderers) sing Men of Harlech voiced by some lovely Welsh tenors and baritones in response to a Zulu war chant. This never happened although there were 32 Welshmen amongst the 140.

The citation for the award was published in the London Gazette: The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Soldiers of Her Majesty’s Army, whose claims have been submitted for Her Majesty’s approval, for their gallant conduct in the defence of Rorke’s Drift, on the occasion of the attack by the Zulus, as recorded against their names, viz:— For their gallant conduct at the defence of Rorke’s Drift, on the occasion of the attack by the Zulus on the 22nd and 23rd January, 1879. Royal Engineers Lieutenant (now Captain and Brevet Major) J.R.M. Chard, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment and Lieutenant (now Captain and Brevet Major) G. Bromhead. The Lieutenant-General commanding the troops reports that, had it not been for the fine example and excellent behaviour of these two Officers under the most trying circumstances, the defence of Rorke’s Drift post would not have been conducted with that intelligence and tenacity which so essentially characterised it. The Lieutenant-General adds, that its success must, in a great degree, be attributable to the two young officers who exercised the Chief Command on the occasion in question.

The two officers, Lieutenant John R.M. Chard (Royal Engineer, Officer Commanding) played by Stanley Baker and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead played by Michael Caine were both Freemasons and both were actively involved in the Craft achieving high rank.

In the History of St. George’s Lodge No.112, Exeter the following is extracted: Lt. Chard VC (1847-1897):

Lt. John Chard, VC

Lt. Gonville Bromhead, VC

“A National Hero. When, on 3rd May 1877, a 30-year-old army officer was initiated into the Lodge, no-one dreamed that two years later he would be acclaimed a national hero and be awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery in battle. The young Mason was John Rouse Marriott Chard who, from the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, was commissioned in the Royal Engineers in 1868. He served in the Zulu War and distinguished himself when, on 22-23 January 1879, he defended Rorke's Drift with a force of 120 men against some 3,000 Zulus. When the news reached England, the Lodge prepared an illuminated address of congratulations signed by all the members.” This was presented to him at a Lodge of Emergency on 14 November 1879.

Lt. Gonville Bromhead (1845-1891) later Sir Gonville Bromhead, Bart.

Master of the Zetland Lodge, No.515 was a Knight Templar, Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn, Ordo Templis Orientis. Ed.

W.Bro Derrick Edwards – 60th Certificate Born 27th March 1920 near Tenby, Derrick left school aged 16 and joined a local firm of solicitors. He was called up on 12th September 1940 and posted to the Welsh Guards Armoured (Tank) Division and was posted to France a few days after D-Day, going on to serve in Palestine for 12 months, finally ‘demobbed’ in August 1946.

Derrick married his wife Peggie on 19th June 1943 – they celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. The connection with Surrey began with a firm of solicitors in Worcester Park and he later moved to Reigate Council where he qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, retiring in 1965. Derrick and Peggie have a son who is a City of London solicitor and a daughter working in Vancouver as a nurse (who trained – appropriately – at the Royal Masonic Hospital). They have three grandsons and a granddaughter.

W.Bro Edwards was initiated in Malden Lodge No.2875 on 18th February 1954 and became its master in 1965, later serving as almoner and assistant secretary. Now an Derrick receiving his certificate from AProvGM Jim Cook honorary member of his lodge, was appointed PPAGDC in 1975, PPJGD in 1986, PPGReg in 1996 and finally promoted to PPJGW in 2005.

At 93 years of age Derrick still takes a very keen interest in his family, his Freemasonry and – being Welsh – his rugby! He was unable to travel to the Lodge so before the regular meeting on 20th February ten members, with AProvGM Jim Cook travelled to his house in New Malden where he was presented with his 60th certificate in the company of Lodge members and family after which all were treated to a super champagne lunch.

Derrick gave a delightful speech in which he thanked all the Malden Lodge members for making his 60th anniversary so special and wished them and all in the Province of Surrey well for the next 60 years!

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Surrey Mason

THE GREEN FIRE FIGHTER Bro Simon Jakeman of Elmbridge Lodge and Surbiton Fire Station is seen here, in November 2013, receiving a People & Environment Achievement (PEA) national award from Oliver Heath and Phaldut Sharma (aka A.J. on Eastenders) – for his work and enthusiasm in encouraging sustainability and greening the work place through creating a roof garden, recycling, energy saving and community engagement.

Simon also received a World Wide Fund for Nature “Hidden Hero” national award, as part of 2013 Earth Hour celebrations.

He was delighted when he was recently honoured with an Assistant Commissioner's Commendation for his Environmental work within the London Fire Brigade.

Simon is the founder of a community Grow your Own project – ‘The Great BiG Earth DiG’ – which will feature in March’s edition of Home Farmer magazine and he hopes that from a small seed the Green message has grown far and wide and that an environmental passion has been lit in others n

SMILING FACES AT DOWNSVIEW SCHOOL THANKS TO SUTTON CHAPTER On 16th December, Sutton Chapter No.3909 presented cheques for £500 each to Friends of Downsview School and Extratime, two charities that are making excellent contributions to caring for severely disabled children.’ The sums were raised by E.Comp Ian Cairns during his year as First Principal as part of his nominated charities. Unfortunately E.Comp Ian was unable to make the presentation due to work commitments so the Treasurer, E.Comp Dave Edser stepped-in to make the presentations on the Chapter’s behalf.

The cheques were gratefully received by the Friends of Downsview School’s chief fundraiser, Lisa Burgess and Extratime’s play supervisor, Kate Ogden.

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Surrey Mason

MEDIA WATCH

FREEMASONS GIVE GENEROUSLY TO ST GEORGE’S APPEAL

St George’s Hospital charity, Giving to Georges, has received a donation of £2,830 from the Provincial Charity committee of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey.

The donation will be broken down into £2,230 for the Neurology Unit, £250 for the Renal Unit and £350 for the Neo Natal Unit.

The donation is part of the Masonic Province of Surrey’s “Surrey for Surrey Scheme” and will be presented at an official event on Monday December 16 by the Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, Eric Stuart-Bamford.

The chief executive of Giving to Georges, Martyn Willis, will be representing the charity at the presentation where he will collect the donation.

The presentation will take place at the Nutfield Masonic Centre, Nutfield Road, Redhill, at 7.30pm.

Surrey Freemasons donate £90,000 to charities

By Chris Madden Posted: December 30, 2013 Freemasons have handed over more than £90,000 to 18 Surrey charities.

The money, which has been collected from around the country, was presented by Provincial Grand Master Eric Stuart-Bamford at Nutfield Masonic Centre on December 16.

The Surrey Air Ambulance and Young Epilepsy UK were among the charities which benefited from the ninth such ceremony.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS AND REMEMBER TO TELL THEM THAT YOU SAW THEIR ADVERT IN THE SURREY MASON

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These pages were kindly sponsored by

A Message from the President

SURREY All about the RMBI

It has been no secret for some time now that we were going to enter into a Festival in 2014 in support of the RMBI. This is an opportunity and a special moment in our history. When I make my visits around the Province I can feel an air of anticipation and readiness emanating from Lodges and Chapters. Many from both orders have already made generous donations.

This is not going to be a walkover; it is going to take a lot of hard work by the Festival Committee and above all by all Freemasons in Surrey.

You have heard me say it before but I feel that I consider this Province to be a family-orientated Province and one that works together for the greater good of the overall objective, whatever it might be. To this end I am confident the Surrey Craft and Royal Arch will respond and achieve the final objective for 2019.

The funds raised will enable the RMBI to continue their vital work in delivering the highest standards of care to over 1,000 residents in its masonic homes.

We are lucky that in Surrey we already have two homes right here on our doorstep, James Terry Court in Croydon and Shannon Court in Hindhead, each doing marvellous work to provide a happy and safe environment for residents and offering peace of mind by ensuring a home for life.

The Surrey 2019 Festival is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to give something back to this deserving cause and to show just how big a heart we really have by committing to helping the RMBI for the next five years.

I would encourage you to sign up to become a Festival Steward qualifying you to buy a jewel. It would please me greatly to see every member of the Province wearing the Festival Jewel.

In launching the Festival I would like to set the objective or the challenge of the Festival. With your generosity and hard work, both individually and as a team, we can make a significant contribution to the RMBI in helping those who need our support. I’m therefore setting us the challenge of raising £3.25 million over the next 5 years. I know I can count on your support.

Good luck and enjoy our Festival.

RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford Festival President

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The RMBI has been caring for older Freemasons and their dependents for over 160 years operating 17 care homes across England and Wales, each offering high quality care.

Many of them are registered for both residential and nursing care with a number offer specialist dementia facilities. All of our homes can offer places to people suffering for dementia, following an assessment of their needs.

Limited sheltered accommodation can also be offered for those people who prefer to live more independently, but might need the support nearby in an emergency.

They have a team of Care Advice Visitors, who know a great deal about health and welfare rights and benefits and can give advice on all aspects of the services offered by the RMBI, other Masonic charities and by statutory and voluntary agencies.

They can also offer short-stay breaks, including respite care, which are helpful for both those living alone, and for families who need a little respite from the demands of caring for an older relative.

Unlike many other organisations, they really believe in treating people as an individual with each potential resident being assessed to find out what type of care package would best suit and meet their needs, creating tailor-made care plans that they are comfortable with and can be reviewed on a regular basis.

Residents, who choose an RMBI home, have the added security of knowing that they will have a home for life regardless of any change in their financial circumstances, as long as it can cater for their particular care needs.

RMBI Homes Recently rebuilt, under a ÂŁ10 million redevelopment scheme, James Terry Court is a state-of-the-art home providing care for up to 76 residents.

It exceeds the latest government guidelines on size, accessibility and facilities and benefits from an attractive and fullyaccessible roof top garden and landscaped grounds for residents and their visitors to enjoy.

DAVIDOFF

Surrey Mason

FESTIVAL LAUNCH

Getting involved The easiest way to show your support is to become a Festival Steward by making a donation to the Festival. Enclosed in this edition, are forms to donate, order a jewel together with instructions.

Alternatively you can visit the Festival website which can be accessed via www.surreypillars.org.uk where you can make a single donation or regular promise to pay on line.

Your Charity Steward will have details of upcoming events. You will find details of two of them in the Provincial Grand Charity Stewards column in this issue.

Any questions?

Q: What does the RMBI do?

A: The RMBI operate and manage care homes for older Freemasons and their dependents who are in need of residential, nursing or dementia care.

Q: How do I apply for an RMBI care home?

A: The RMBI services are available to people with either private or public funding.

Residents who have the means will have to pay for their accommodation and care.

Places are granted on the basis of need following an assessment, not on masonic rank, time spent on an application list or ability to pay.

Q: What makes the RMBI different from other care providers in the public and private sector?

A: The RMBI pride themselves on the highest standards of accommodation and care are closely monitored.

Residents also benefit from enjoying an affinity with each other from their masonic association.

Residents who choose an RMBI home have the security of knowing that they have a home for life regardless of any change in their financial circumstances, as long as the RMBI can cater for their particular care needs.

As a Lodge or Chapter why not organise an event of your own? There is plenty of support, advice and guidance on hand through your Charity Liaison Officer and the Provincial Grand Charity Stewards, whose contact details are on the Festival Website. If you do have an event please let us know and we will publish the details for you on the website.

Look out for details of workshops, surgeries and presentations, which will continue across the Province.

As with all Festivals, it will involve a lot of hard work, but it’s hoped that along the way we will also have a great deal of fun, enjoyment and, above all, see lots of money being raised for this most worthwhile cause.

Q: Why it’s important to support the Surrey 2019 Festival?

A: Unlike the majority of non-masonic charities that receive donations from the wider public, the RMBI is solely dependent upon donations from Freemasons, particularly through Festival appeals. The money raised enables the RMBI to provide residents with a home for life.

in Surrey A tastefully renovated Edwardian country home, Shannon Court stands in nine acres of peaceful woodland and can accommodate 53 residents. It is close to the South Downs with and has breath-taking areas of natural beauty.

The grounds are laid out for the enjoyment of residents, with a woodland walk, ornamental fishpond, summer house and sensory garden.

For more information or to donate visit the Surrey 2019 Festival website at www.surreypillars.org.uk To contact the Festival Committee email Festival2019@surreymason.org.uk

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Surrey Mason

THE REAL SECRETS OF FREEMASONRY: THE RMBI HOMES One does not have to go very far to find the real secrets and treasures of Freemasonry, a short walk along a busy road in Croydon or a wander around a park in the Surrey countryside will give them all away: they are the RMBI care homes, little known to even Freemasons.

One of them, James Terry Court in Croydon, a few minutes from the town centre, is like a five star hotel equipped with a beauty parlour, hairdressers, a library, a roof top garden and a specialised dementia care unit.

“Here we fulfil a very important promise we make to all brethren: that we will look after them, their wives and relatives in a time of need, when they are frail and need help,” Frank Lee, Chairman of the Association of Friends of James Terry Court, said. Frank recently received a special honour for his voluntary work at James Terry Court: the Badge of the Order of Mercy from Lord Lingfield at Mansion House in London.

“We are especially proud of our dementia unit, where we have period furnishings, old photos and memorabilia which makes it easier for people with dementia to cope,” Frank said.

In the Province of Surrey there are two Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) homes, one of them is James Terry Court and the other is Shannon Court, part of a UK-wide network of care homes. RMBI has been providing exclusive care for elderly Freemasons and their dependants since 1842. They also provide advice for those who wish to remain in their own homes.

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Shannon Court, home to 53 residents, is close to the South Downs with its breathtaking areas of outstanding natural beauty.

James Terry Court has 76 rooms, all topnotch quality, equipped with en-suite walk-in showers, a television set, a comfortable special bed that helps residents get up or lie down and all the little luxuries one can wish for in old age. There are also 13 unfurnished flats for relatives of Freemasons. And, thanks to RMBI, James Terry Court recently received a £10 million face-lift making it probably the most modern care home in the country.

“When the home first opened it felt a bit clinical, so we decided to buy pictures and plants to add a bit of colour,” John Banks, Deputy Chairman of the Friends of James Terry Court (FJTC), who is responsible for internal entertainment, said.

The FTJC collects donations from Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike and spend it all on things necessary to make the lives of residents more comfortable. Annual membership of the Friends of James Terry Court is a mere £10 with Patron status costing £100 and Lodge patronage costing £250 which can be stated on the front of the summons as “Patron of James Terry Court”. Donors can also support the Summer Fete, Hog Roast and Christmas Fayre, which are held at the Home.

“We spend every penny on the residents,

nothing is spent on unnecessary badges for donors here,” John said. “We have bought minibuses to take people to the theatre, bought TVs and dozens of beds which cost nearly £1,000 each,” he added.

All this, of course, does not come cheap for the RMBI to operate. In December alone, staff costs were £10 short of £100,000. And, even though the building is state-of-the art and has good insulation and the most modern technology to save energy, the electricity bill was about £4,000 and gas a similar amount.

“We rely on the generosity of Freemasons and their relatives. For example, if residents can no longer afford to pay their fees to stay here, RMBI chips in – nobody gets kicked out as long as we can continue to meet their care needs,” Diane Collins, Manager of James Terry Court said.

For people requiring residential care one week’s stay at James Terry Court costs between £650-850, and if specialist nursing care is included it goes up to about £1,000.

The cost of staying in the specialized dementia unit is £1,042 per week. “At the moment we just about break even,” Diane said.

If residents cannot afford to pay the full amount, the local authority steps in and the difference is made up by the RMBI. The RMBI looks after just over 1,000 beneficiaries, over two-thirds of whom are women. It employs over 1,400 staff, mainly in the homes, many of whom are part-timers.

“We know Freemasons expect a high level of service and we try to provide all the luxuries we can while they, or their relatives stay with us,” Diane said.

Indeed, the place is spotlessly clean and has all the amenities elderly people, most of who are in their eighties or nineties can wish for. There are regular daily activities, such as visits to the theatre, musicals, or bingo nights and quizzes and special events on St George’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and so on. Every so often they also have a cinema night and if the residents so wish the carers can take them for short walks in town or around the home.

“I could not wish for anything better, I love it here – the staff are friendly and I have g

Surrey Mason

The Real Secrets of Freemasonry: The RMBI Homes – continued

everything I need – there is nothing I would change here,” Molly, 87, said.

“Before I came here we looked at a number of other homes and this was by far the best, fewer residents, lots of activities and friendly staff, I think this is the very best you can get, definitely recommend it,” Molly added.

Hearing Molly has been very reassuring after all the scandals on television about the bad treatment residents receive at other care homes, yet here everyone can be sure that their loved ones will be in safe hands. As Molly pointed out, many of the staff are helpful and go the extra mile to make everyone feel at home and they never let anyone feel bored or alone.

“I have worked here full or part-time ever since graduating from college at 18, more than 20 years ago.

I love working here as most staff are permanent and have been here for years like myself and we know each other, and the residents appreciate this. They recognise our faces and feel more comfortable that they are not surrounded by strangers,” Emma, a nurse said.

The average age of residents in all RMBI homes is 90 years and they spend about 18 months in the homes.

Sadly about one-third passes on within a year – hence it is most important to provide them with top-quality care during their last days in this life.

“I came here after I fainted at home and ended up in hospital. My daughter and I had looked at three different homes but did not like any of them. When we saw James Terry Court, we could not believe how nice it was – it’s like a hotel. It is very spacious, the staff are wonderful – especially Matthew!” said Harriett, 97 as Matthew walked in wearing a red T-shirt to look around if anything needed to be done. “Everyone loves Matthew, he is so helpful,” Diane and Harriett said.

“I am always fully occupied, we can go to the hairdressers, there are all sorts of entertainment and the food is good too, I have put on two pounds since I moved in three months ago,” Harriett added.

What surprises most people that work or volunteer for James Terry Court is that hardly any Freemasons know about the homes or what they do. This is why Festivals are crucial in raising much needed funds and awareness for the RMBI. Each year a different Province celebrates the culmination of their festival with an event attended

by Brethren from the Province and guests.

“I find it amazing that there are so many masons in Sutton and Croydon that don’t even know we exist, yet we are just round the corner so there is definitely a need to raise awareness,” Diane concluded.

Janos Gal (Mount Ararat Lodge No.9239)

WET BUT HAPPY MASONS! I managed to photograph two Surrey Masons, W.Bro Steven Savvas (Secretary of the Surrey Mason committee) and Bro Janos Gal (Surrey Mason roving reporter) braving the rain in early November to parade at the Lord Mayor’s Show. Steven can be seen on the right in the foreground. Janos is lost somewhere in the middle.

Despite the heavy rain the three of us thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Ed.

East Surrey Masters Lodge No.5888 make a fine start to the 2019 Festival in support of the RMBI The Brethren of East Surrey Masters Lodge No.5888 and their guests were delighted to learn that their fund raising activities at the Regular Meeting of the Lodge, held on 31st January 2014, and at the Festive Board that followed, produced the magnificent sum of £3,683, which will be donated to the 2019 Festival.

Over 160 Brethren, including RW.Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford, The Provincial Grand Master, were present to witness a unique event within the main Temple at Croydon Masonic Halls; a demonstration of the First Degree Ceremony, undertaken by Past members of the Provincial Executive. Collectively referred to as ‘The Legends Team’, all had enthusiastically answered the call made to them by W.Bro Chris Rashbrook; himself a member of the Team. Few Members of the Lodge were aware of who were to be within the Team, with the identity of the Candidate known only to W.Bro Chris Rashbrook and the candidate himself. An air of suspense was maintained throughout the meeting as the Team swapped places with the ESM officers. Last to take office was W.Bro David Ebdon, occupying the Worshipful Masters Chair for the ceremony.

The admission of the Candidate took all by surprise as a suitably attired W.Bro John Tomlin, The Provincial Grand Secretary, was admitted.

Explanations of The Mode of Preparation, The Gloves, The Apron and The First Degree Tracing Board made the ceremony a memorable occasion.

During the Meeting W.Bro David Eager presented the ProvGM with a cheque for £10,000 on behalf of the SMSA and intended for the 2019 Festival.

ESM Charity Steward, W.Bro Klick Rahman, saw his hard work come to fruition at the Festive Board as a bumper Raffle and an Auction proved to be a well-deserved success.

LAMBORN LODGE LADIES’ FESTIVAL RAISES £3,000 Lamborn Lodge, raised £3,000 at their Ladies’ Night Festival and the Master’s chosen Charity was the “Rays of Sunshine” for children. His wife Wendy handed over the cheque to Ms. Frankie Holaa, seen together with Bert Pullin (Almoner) and wife Sally, Mike Finch (W.M.) and Alan Gillian (Charity Steward) with wife Jenny.

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Surrey Mason

FROM THE DESK OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND TYLER In the last copy of Surrey Mason I made an offer to help any Lodge that was seeking a Tyler. This was taken up by a surprising number of Lodges! I'm pleased to say that we were able to place a Tyler with all but one of them. However, it hasn’t been easy and we could use a few more Tylers to take the pressure off. So, if any brother has aspirations to become a Tyler could they please get in touch with me. We will arrange a period of training and assist in finding Lodges for you.

In this issue I would invite you to think about those few moments annually when the Tyler takes part in the work of the Lodge – the Installation. There are several different ‘workings’ employed across the Province and whilst the variations in these workings are perfectly natural and normal to the members of the Lodge they may not necessarily be to the Tyler. It will always be for individual Lodges to determine the ‘right’ thing to do, but it will certainly be helpful to let the Tyler know how you intend to play it. So the message is to Directors of Ceremonies to discuss the procedures the Lodge intends to follow with your Tyler; this will help him understand better the needs and wishes of the Lodge as well give you the opportunity to draw on his specialist knowledge and experience.

Many of you will have heard about Ebbisham (The Tyler’s) Lodge No.2422 which celebrated its transformation to ‘The Tyler’s Lodge’ at Croydon last month in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master who was invested as Tyler (see report page 2). The objectives of the Lodge are, like any other, to provide brethren with a common interest a focus and a meeting point. In our case it allows many of the Tylers of Surrey to get together to discuss

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problems unique to ourselves that we encounter from time to time and work collectively to find solutions.

To exchange thoughts and agree on ceremonial and, probably most importantly, to compare diaries and arrange for cover for holidays and the like. Holidays? Yes, Tylers have holidays too! I take this opportunity to reassure you that fees are not part of these discussions; Tylers are independent agents and rarely discuss such matters among themselves. Arrangements are a matter solely between the Tyler and his employing Lodge and while it is true to say that there is a more-or-less ‘average fee’ this is not fixed and invariably a Tyler will look at the strength of a Lodge and make adjustments accordingly. In fact many of us do ‘Charity’ work for small Lodges where payment of the average fee would place an unrealistic burden upon the Lodge members. We are very aware that there are alternatives to the employment of a ‘Professional’ Tyler!

In a nutshell the prime aim of the Tyler’s Lodge is to improve the services we offer to you, the Freemasons of Surrey. We look forward to working with you and enjoying our Freemasonry together.

Chris Casselden

Surrey Mason

News from the Provincial Grand Charity Steward W.Bro Paul Crockett

‘ON YER BIKE’ I would hazard a guess that there are many that would like to have said this to me in the past, but now you can say it and I won’t mind, but more of that later.

The Surrey 2019 Festival Appeal in aid of the RMBI is now under way and it is time for us all to think about how we focus our charitable giving. We are truly blessed in Surrey to have two fantastic RMBI Homes. The care and facilities that these Homes provide is second to none. Their class leading dementia care is the envy of other care providers. The RMBI is there for us when we need them, when we are at our most vulnerable. They don’t let us down and so we should make sure that we do not let them down.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master is calling on all of us to support this appeal by whatever means we can. To do our best and go that extra mile. So this is where the ‘on yer bike’ comes about. In a moment of madness I have pledged myself to undertake a sponsored cycle. I will cycle from James Terry Court in South Croydon to Shannon Court in Hindhead, a distance of around 40 miles. I will undertake this on Sunday 29th June 2014 which is the day of the Summer Garden Party at Shannon Court. I plan to arrive during the garden party (hopefully St Johns Ambulance will still be there!!).

The reason for doing this is of course to raise money for the Festival Appeal, but also to raise awareness and to give you an example of what you can do to support the Festival. I do hope that you will support me in this endeavour, details can be found on the Festival Website (www.surreypillars.org.uk) Later in the year I will be holding our first Charity Stewards Ball.

This, black tie event will take place on Saturday 29th November 2014 at The Brooklands Museum, Weybridge. It will be an opportunity to relax and enjoy a wonderful evening out. It will be promoted through Lodge Charity Stewards but will be open to anyone who wishes to attend. I am still finalising the last details but would expect tickets to be in the region of £50 per person. Full details will be sent directly to all Charity Stewards but I trust that you will want to join our honoured guest, The Festival President, The Right Worshipful Provincial Master at this first Charity Stewards Ball.

Let’s hope it is the first of many.

News from the Provincial Grand Almoner W.Bro Bob Jenkinson, MBE Masonic Samaritan Fund During the past year we have seen a considerable increase in the number of applications for support made to the Masonic Samaritan Fund by Surrey Masons and their dependants. So far a total of £131,000 in grants have been awarded to 44 applicants, a significant increase on the previous year when just over £62,000 was paid out to just 28 applicants. As an example of the support given: £10,500 was paid toward a gastric by-pass for a Lodge member: £11,000 for a knee replacement, also for a Lodge member: £12,000 for a hip replacement: £20,000 for home adaptations for a severely disabled colleague as well as a total of £12,500 for stair lifts, £7,000 for riser chairs, £11,000 for electric buggies, £11,000 for dental care and over £15,000 for respite care as well as another £21,000 to help toward a variety of other medical problems. Please remember that you also may well be entitled to support toward your medical needs. Either talk to your Lodge Almoner or contact the MSF direct to obtain advice on telephone number 020 7404 1550.

Provincial Petitions Committee The members of the Provincial Petitions Committee have also been very busy on your behalf and have distributed almost £15,500 in grants to 40 petitioners, both Lodge members and widows. This help ranged from: the removal of a tree which was threatening a widow’s home; the repair of a corroded water tank in the attic of a Lodge member, which was causing damage to the property; a replacement washing machine for an elderly widow; assistance toward funeral costs, also for a Lodge widow; settling outstanding utility bills for an elderly couple; help toward an air fare to Australia to enable a Brother to visit his dying mother, as well as providing help toward overdue rent to prevent another Brother being evicted from his flat.

Almost every Lodge appoints a Provincial Petitions Committee Representative but I would guarantee that few actually know what their duties involve or even attend one of the meetings. Please make

the effort somewhen to go along to a PPC meeting. They are held four times a year at the Surbiton Masonic Centre commencing at 3pm on Wednesday 19th March, 18th June, 17th September and 3rd December 2014.

Freemasonry Cares The Freemasonry Cares initiative is still very much alive and kicking the proof being the significant increase in the number of enquiries and applications for assistance the Welfare Team have received during the past year, the increase in the applications to the Masonic Samaritan Fund mentioned earlier being a case in point. We are now in the process of providing stock of Freemasonry Cares material at all of the Masonic centres which you can pick up and use for your members or widows when you attend Lodge meetings. However, if you need a substantial amount of booklets, key rings, bookmarks or any other of the hand-outs you will need to contact your Group Almoner instead of depleting the centre stocks. Remember, the Freemasonry Cares Helpline can be accessed by telephoning: 0800 035 60 90.

Surrey Masonic Widows Association The various branches of the Surrey Masonic Widows Association have been holding their Annual General Meetings during the past few months and their reports show that they are managing to maintain their existing membership levels. However they are always happy to sign up new members so please ensure you continue to spread the word about the Association to your Lodge Widows. The membership fee is minimal, most branches charging just £10 a year, and those who do attend the meetings find them an excellent source of companionship as well as providing the opportunity for them to get out of their home on a regular basis and enjoy the company of ladies in similar circumstances. Details of the branch contacts can be obtained from the Provincial SMWA Secretary Rob Peak on email: ra.peak@gogglemail.com.

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS A Special Convocation of Dorking Chapter In November, Dorking Chapter No.1149 celebrated their 130th Anniversary Convocation in style. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, the Provincial Executive and a number of Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter attended this very special Convocation to dedicate the Dorking Chapter Banner.

After the Companions of Dorking Chapter had set up the Temple in the Dorking Halls, the Chapter was opened by the MEZ, E.Comp Kenneth Chandler.

After the Chapter was opened the ME Grand Superintendent, Eric Stuart-Bamford, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E.Comp Alan Bayliss, the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp Richard Wileman, the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp Colin Jones and a number of Provincial Officers of the Year entered the Chapter. The ME Grand Superintendent took the Sceptre and said how much he was looking forward to Dedicating the Chapter Banner.

The ME Grand Superintendent asked the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals to occupy the other Principals’ Chairs.

He then gave a short address on the object and purpose of the Dedication Ceremony and called upon the Third Provincial Grand Principal for the opening prayer after which the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies formed a procession to escort the Banner into the Temple.

The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies unveiled the banner and the Third Provincial Grand Principal gave an oration.

The ME Grand Superintendent then Dedicated the Banner, following which the Third Provincial Grand Principal gave the Dedication Prayer.

The MEZ was then asked to accept the Banner on behalf of the Companions of the Chapter and the Banner was positioned in the South-East of the Chapter.

In the centre of the Chapter Banner there is the town emblem the ‘Dorking Cock’ which has five toes. The Dorking Cockerel was brought over by the Romans and became famous in Dorking in the 19th Century as Queen Victoria would only eat the Dorking fowl and also only their white eggs for breakfast.

There were many acres of land given to rearing the Dorking Cockerel and Dorking was said to be the ‘Greatest market for poultry in England’. The town adopted the emblem in 2007 and the town council placed a large silver cockerel on the intersection of the A24 and A25 as a symbol of Dorking’s heritage.

After the Chapter was closed and photographs taken the Companions of Dorking Chapter and their guests dined in perfect harmony at the Dorking Halls honouring Loyal and Masonic Toasts.

Demonstration of the Ceremony of the Passing of the Veils In October the East Surrey First Principals Chapter, which meets at Croydon, hosted what was only the second demonstration of the Ceremony of the Passing of the Veils to be performed in the Province of Surrey. This unusual ceremony is not performed regularly in Chapters but only on specially approved occasions and a large number of companions attended as visitors and members.

The demonstration script is one authorised by the Committee of General Purposes of the Supreme Grand Chapter solely for demonstrations at a Provincial or District level so this was indeed a rare opportunity for members of the Royal Arch in Surrey so be present at such an interesting and unusual meeting (for the information of those few who might have seen it elsewhere it is not the ceremony as practised in Bristol, Ireland, The Demonstration Team from left to right: E.Comps Tim Ford, Steve Guzy, Derek Harrington, Stephen Dingvean, Chris Eley, Dan Turner, Graham Brooker, Steve Scotland or the USA but includes material which appears in the Draper and Steve Wigmore. ceremonies worked in those countries).

Although slightly different, the companions would immediately recognise that the Chapter would have been set up in largely the same way as for a ‘regular’ Chapter meeting today.

At 3pm the demonstration team arrived to set up the room and prepare for the demonstration. The loan of the equipment was once again arranged through the kind offices of the Provincial GSE of the Province of West Kent E.Comp Ted Smith.

The demonstration was very well received by all present. It had obviously provoked a lot of thought as afterwards there were many questions from those present about the ceremony and about the Royal Arch in general.”

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ROYAL ARCH MATTERS Provincial Family Carol Service The Annual Provincial Carol Service was held at All Saints Church, Woodham, Woking. The service was led by the Vicar, Reverend Ian Forbes. Over 200 Companions, their families and friends had a most enjoyable time singing many traditional carols and listening to the Provincial Choir under the direction of Glyn Harvey with Robert Soper, the Provincial Organist.

The readings were delivered by Miss Sammi Best; Eric Stuart-Bamford, Grand Superintendent; Miss Treenie Best; Alan Bayliss, Deputy Grand Superintendent; Diana Garland, Masonic Widows Association; Colin Jones, Third Provincial Grand Principal; Rod Culbertson, Provincial Grand Chaplain; Margaret Hicks, Choir; and the Reverend Iain Forbes.

After a unique rendition of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by the choir, assisted by the congregation, the concluding voluntary was Alla Marcia by Gordon Jacob.

Afterwards the Companions and their families enjoyed mince pies, cake, tea and coffee in the church hall with the Rector and his team. Article and photos by Chris Eley

50 years of service to the Royal Arch E.Comp Robert (Bob) Avery received his 50th Certificate from the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp Colin Jones, at a convocation of Table Fellowship Chapter No.8989 on 18th September 2013 at Surbiton Masonic Hall. E.Comp Colin was accompanied by a number of Provincial Officers of the year, and it was the first time Table Fellowship has hosted such an occasion for one of its members.

In making the presentation E.Comp Colin said that Bob had a distinguished ser vice during the Second World War, having fought and been captured in Egypt, and served three years as a prisoner of war, initially in Tuscany, and latterly in Germany, where he was put to work in the salt mines.

Happily, he survived the experience, and after the war he forged a career in Foreign Exchange banking. Over the years he had been approached on a number of occasions to join the Craft, and eventually was initiated into Hundred of Axtane Lodge No.7722 (Kent) in September 1960. He enjoyed his Masonry, and was exalted into Rose Chapter No.1622 (London) on 15th May 1963. The Royal Arch really appealed to Bob, and over the years he served in the Principals’ chairs on two occasions.

He was a Founder Member of two Chapters – Pro Juventute No.6999, Middlesex (erased), and Five Points Chapter No.8197 (Bucks), of which he is still a member. Through this Chapter he has received Grand Rank, and a Grand Superintendent’s Certificate for Meritorious Service.

Married for 47 years, Bob lives in Claygate with his wife Ellen. Bob is also a member of Buckinghamshire and North Surrey First Principals, and joined Table Fellowship Chapter in 2004, proposed by his good friend, E.Comp Jack Woodhead. His one regret is that he has not been able to participate actively in the work of Table Fellowship, and feels at the age of 92, he is not likely to start!

A BIG WELCOME TO NEW ENTRANTS TO THE SURREY ROYAL ARCH The Executive and all the members of the Royal Arch Province of Surrey congratulate all these new entrants whose names are listed below: Clarke, S.J; Crudgington, N.J; Dipper, N; Hall, S.X; Jordine, P.V; Mizzi, P.M; Morgan, J.T; Pickavance, K; Singleton, M.C; White, G.A; Wood, S.M. Send items for future publications, together with an original digital copy of the event to: C.W. Eley, ‘Thornbury’, 3 Heath Drive, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5RP. Email: cw.eley@tiscali.co.uk 23

Surrey Mason

James Terry Court Christmas Fayre The Friends of James Terry Court held their annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday the 16th November. It was another very successful fayre, and we would like to thank everyone who supported the event.

The Fayre was opened by W.Bro Trevor Rains AProvGM and the Mayor of Croydon Council, Councillor Yvette Hopley.

From the very first stall, which was at the entrance selling David Stanley’s famous Beef Burgers, and Mulled Wine with Roasted Chestnuts; to all the 23 stalls in the home, selling a variety of goods. There was also Father Christmas there for the children (or the Adults) to visit.

We raised about £2,700, and obviously that will go a long way to entertain the residents.

Our thanks also go to Di Collins the home manager and her staff for all the help that they gave to the Friends; and to everyone who worked so hard to make the day a great success.

Frank Lee Photo by Chris Eley

David’s efforts for St. Christopher’s Hospice W.Bro David Bleming is seen handing a cheque for £617.50 to Matthew Cornish, Fundraising manager at St. Catherine’s Hospice.

The money was raised in memory of David’s wife who was cared for in her last days in the hospice. Donations were received by David from his lectures and addresses in various provinces.

This began in March 2013 when David was a guest at Cherchefelle Lodge No.6543 when W.Bro Michael Bray, David and W.Bro Pat Turner suggested they remove their moustaches for charity. David received approximately £400 (half the money raised) and through presenting his lectures and addresses raised the total sum of £617.50. However, his efforts haven’t finished yet, and St. Christopher’s Hospice are delighted that David and Surrey Freemasons are giving generously.

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Chipstead Lodge chip into the spirit of Christmas Starting at 1pm our new Initiate Bro Rachid El Hajoui mixed amongst the guests performing his magic tricks.

The kids and adults then got stuck in to the excellent buffet. Various side events were also taking place before Santas arrival, face painting, picture colouring and homemade Christmas decorations.

Then we had the grand entrance of Father Christmas it was another reason for feeling good about the day to see so much joy and happiness as the children received there gifts and had a few words with Santa.

I am sure we all felt the presentation of the Nebuliser by Santa was a very poignant moment, certainly bought tears to my eyes, I am a bit of a softy with this sort of thing.

In particular to be able to shorten from approximately 30 minutes to 2 minutes the future application of the nebuliser in helping Harry who is six years old and has had six years of suffering.

We then had our raffle draw and cake auction.

With the kids chomping at the bit, Amazing Amy took over with the entertaining and party games which ultimately ended up with the adults showing that we are all kids at heart joining in with the Hokey cokey, Oops outside your head and Limbo dancing.

An absolutely Blinding day! Well done to all, especially W.Master, WBro Andrew Redhead, Danielle Bunn for catering, for presents and others who helped make the day a success including Santa.

Oh! And by the way we managed to raise on the day £1,605.

W.Bro Bryn Marsh (Charity Steward)

Surrey Mason

Ron Harris collects ÂŁ2,500 in his year as Master During his year as Master of Ballards Lodge No.5091 the princely sum of ÂŁ2,500 was collected. His wife Patricia, being a regular supporter of “Crisisâ€? decided that this would be a worthwhile charity to which the Lodge’s donation should go. Arrangements were made for them to visit Crisis at their Commercial St, Whitechapel premises on 24th January, where they were met by a charming young lady, Cloe Cundey who proceeded to give them a conducted tour of the premises. “It would take a whole book to describe the wonderful work carried out by this organisation plus the fantastic premises that they occupy, a converted Warehouse. The staff we met were dedicated to a purpose – to re-habilitate by educating and improving their social skills, to those less fortunate. They even have a restaurant, open to the public and staffed by people they are training for cateringâ€? said Ron. After an hour’s instructive and enlightening company, Pat presented the cheque to Cloe, in the presence of Debbie Hilton, a Director of SkyLondon, Crisis.

BOOK REVIEW Yasha Beresiner 200 Years of Royal Arch Freemasonry in England 1813–2013 Lewis Masonic, Surrey, 2013. Hardback 192 pages, 16 colour plate illustrations. £19.99 from the publishers or from InterCol, 43 Templars Crescent, London N3 3QR UK. E-mail: sales@intercol.co.uk (copies signed by the author available on request).

Review by Dr John Wade, Past Master Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Prestonian Lecturer, 2009.

The year 2013 has seen the publication of a number of new books both about the 1813 union of the two English Grand Lodges then in existence as well as a similar anniversary of the last two hundred years of the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.

Yasha Beresiner’s book is a little different from the purely historical or ritual-based examination of this Masonic order. On the one hand it draws in a critical way on primary sources, including some newly recovered documents. This is as it should be, coming from the research of a Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge. On the other hand, it incorporates a more populist section, in devoting the central twenty-two pages of the book to a ‘novella’, which, although based on primary sources, has naturally resulted to a large extent from its author’s imagination.

Bro. Beresiner has successfully combined historical research with historical fiction within a single volume. One appealing aspect of the third section of the book, which looks at the history of the Royal Arch chronologically almost in diary form, is the incorporation of an introductory sentence or two to each year from 1814–2013 summarizing the main social, political and economic events of that year, thus setting the Masonic history within its proper general historical context.

Yasha Beresiner has produced a very readable book which should appeal to a wide range of both Masonic and non-Masonic scholars.

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Surrey Mason

CAMBERLEY LODGE AND S.W. SURREY CRAFT LECTURE FESTIVAL HELP DISABILITY INITIATIVE The Lodge of Instruction of Camberley Lodge No. 5591 sponsored the South West Surrey Craft Lecture Festival in June 2013 and decided to donate the proceeds of the raffle at the Festival to Camberley Charity â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disability Initiative.â&#x20AC;? The photograph shows the Worshipful Master of Camberley Lodge W.Bro Keith Buist, presenting a cheque for ÂŁ385 to Lucy Brown, Chief Executive of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disability Initiativeâ&#x20AC;? on the occasion of a special event attended by HRH The Countess of Wessex to celebrate her 10 years as Patron of the Charity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disability Initiative,â&#x20AC;? specialises in the provision of services to adults with complex physical disabilities and acquired brain injury, operating from a purpose-built centre that offers a fully accessible environment with easy access to Camberley town centre. A high standard of care and social rehabilitation is provided recognising personal choices, dignity and freedom of the individual whilst the resource centre provides a vibrant, progressive and dynamic setting where everyone is able to thrive.

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Surrey Mason

SURREY MASONIC SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Archery Coarse fishing Small bore The SMSA has had another successful year in 2013. 12 reports have been issued throughout this year and we hope you have found them informative. These are distributed to you through the Lodge secretaries and/or sports representatives. If you do not get a copy please speak to them. If they are not on our database and receiving the bulletins please ask them to contact David Eager dje@davideager.com As well as our established activities viz bowls, clays, cycling, gokarting, sea angling, and sportsman’s dinner with celebrity speakers, we have recently introduced archery, coarse fishing, and small bore shooting. These activities are always on the lookout for new participants so if you want to receive details straight to your inbox please contact David Eager dje@davideager.com indicating your sport(s).

Go-Karting has fallen off our calendar as we are unable to find someone to organise the activity. This was a very popular event so if you feel able to do this let us know at the above e-mail address.

A big thank you to all those who support us. Young people, ladies and non-masons are always welcome. At one event this year the age range was 7–75. If you have any ideas for future activities please contact David Eager dje@davideager.com ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY The Annual Charity Golf Day will he held at Farleigh Golf Club, Warlingham, on 18th July 2014. Any interested members should contact David Eager on dje@davideager.com for further information.

Proceeds will be donated to the 2014-19 Festival.

Sea Angling Section For 2014 the SMSA Sea Angling Section has organised trips on the Charter boat Valkyrie 7 (pictured). There is room for 10 anglers on each of the trips booked on the dates shown below. Novices and seasoned anglers are welcome to join us on these trips. Help is always on hand for those just getting into this sport. The cost of each trip is approximately £45 plus the cost of bait, when required, which is normally £5.

The trips are organised out of Langstone Harbour on Hayling Island, and the start time is usually 8am. The trips last approximately 8 hours, of which you will be fishing for at least 6 hours per trip.

Tackle can be provided if necessary.

The days and dates of the trips are: Wed 30th April; Wed 21st May; Thurs 19th June; Wed 30th July; Mon 18th August; Wed 17th September.

If you are interested in joining us on any of these trips or would like further information contact: Steve Guzy on 020 8642 3869 (h) 07710 105406 (m) email: steve.guzy@btinternet.com Spaces are limited to 10, so please call as soon as possible to book your place.

SURREY MASONIC WIDOWS ASSOCIATION October 2003 – can you remember where you were and what you were doing?

I can, I was at Masonic Hall in Sutton, attending the inaugural meeting of the Sutton Branch of the SMWA, organised and set up by Mike Yalden and Bryan Craddock. I only went out of curiosity but at the end of the meeting my mouth opened of its own volition and my voice said I would volunteer to be Secretary, a decision I have not regretted for one minute.

Betty Hewitt was Chairman for the first year to get us off the ground and give us information and advice which was essential and without which we would have been floundering.

Numbers built up to 55 and have fluctuated but remaining at circa 45 for the last few years with an average attendance at meetings of 35. Sadly, some of our ladies have passed away and some have had to leave the Branch through ill health or change of address during the 10 years since we have been established – we miss them all. We have enjoyed listening to many interesting speakers on a wide variety of subjects, outings and mini holidays.

We enjoy the fellowship and a special affinity with each other – this was summed up by our former Welfare Officer, Josie Marshall

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(who sadly passed away) when she said being a member of SMWA has made me so happy even though I do miss my husband.

Last October we had a celebratory luncheon to mark our 10 year anniversary and were joined by guests from Provincial Office. The Committee started the planning over a year ago, balloons, birthday cake and red silk roses as mementoes were all sourced from local traders and background music was provided by a local musician who played the keyboard. Nic the chef provided an excellent meal and we were well looked after by Masonic Hall staff. This is an unforgettable milestone in the history of the Sutton Branch and was a memorable occasion.

In December we held our annual Christmas lunch which was attended by the majority of our members and guests from the Provincial Office. Nic provided his tasty traditional Christmas turkey meal and the occasion was enjoyed by everyone. continued over

Surrey Mason

Continued from previous page.

One of the highlights a few years ago was when we were invited by Mount Ararat Lodge to spend time with them which was a very interesting and enjoyable occasion and made us feel special as they looked after us so well.

We meet bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the month and the Branch AGM has been changed to February; the previous AGMs were held in December but this coincided with Christmas festivities and our own Christmas lunch so by changing the date the workload has been spread over a longer period.

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Suttonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Committee members, past and present, for their hard work and unfailing commitment over the last 10 years, which ensures everything runs smoothly. Many thanks also to the staff at Masonic Hall for all their help and to Nic for providing us with delicious lunches, whatever the occasion.

Last, but by no means least, wholehearted thanks to Provincial Office for their support and generosity and it is really heartening that so many Provincial Masons support our special functions. The Almoners' Workshops were an excellent idea and enabled all Branches to meet and exchange thoughts and ideas on the way forward. We feel extremely well supported and it is truly helpful to have a Group Almoner.

Let us hope that the ensuing years are as successful as the last 10 years.

Another JTC Lodge of Instruction in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master On Saturday 9th November 2013 James Terry Court held their third Lodge of Instruction (LOI), and as you can see the Provincial Grand Master, Eric Stewart-Bamford attended. There were 9 residents, plus 16 visitors.

We rehearsed the ceremony of Raising, and everyone enjoyed themselves, and the ProvGM thanked everyone for attending, and also thanked all the residents for all their help at the meeting, and all those who took an office.

The Friends of James Terry Court hope to carry out four LOIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a year keeping the residents in touch with Freemasonry knowing that some still go to Lodges, but there are also those who are unable to leave the home.

After the meal there was a lunch for 24 people, and a glass of wine, and what is most important, the residents had different company.

We will keep you in touch with our next LOI, and hope that someone from the Province will grace us with their company.

Article submitted by Mrs Jennifer Allen of the Sutton Branch of the SMWA. For more information about membership please contact: Mrs Jennifer Allen (Branch Chairman) on 020 8395 2146

29

Surrey Mason

I Met a Brother

Harry Winter is a Tyler to several Lodges at Croydon and I was lucky enough to be sitting next to him at a Festive Board. Harry is hard of hearing, which isn’t surprising as he is 93, has been a mason for over 50 years and it is rather easier to listen to him than to talk. “It was Merlin engines that caused it” he confided. I am old enough to associate Merlin engines with aircraft and I was curious to learn more – “Merlin engines?”

The Rolls-Royce Merlin: The first operational aircraft to enter service using the Merlin were the Fairey Battle, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. More Merlins were made for the four-engined Avro Lancaster heavy bomber than for any other aircraft, however, the engine is most closely associated with the Spitfire, starting with the Spitfire’s maiden flight in 1936.

In the R.A.F. during WWII, I believe Harry to have been a flight engineer on R.A.F. Lancaster Bombers, who would act as a relief pilot when flying over friendly territory, there being only 1 pilot in a British crew.

Shot down over Hamelin in October 1943, (German: Hamein) a town on the river Weser in Lower Saxony, Germany, 27 miles (36 minutes but 41 in current traffic conditions!) from MInden where I was stationed during my National Service in 1957 some 14 years later – which seems a short space of time but the duties are really ‘light years apart’ in terms of ‘change’.

His pilot went down with the plane and two other crew members were

30

killed by enemy fire but Harry only (only!) sustained a flesh wound and parachuted from the plane only to alight in a tree causing him to break a femur. Both gunners were killed, one taking a shot to the head that was indelibly engraved in Harry’s memory! The three other members of the crew not mentioned.

Harry’s ‘luck’ continued when he was picked up by a German medical orderly who in turn saved him from a bullet from the rifle of a German private soldier who called a feldwebel (sergeant) to intervene. Harry gave the German his address and was contacted by him after the war and was able to assist that medical orderly to become a dentist. Harry still has some contacts in Germany from that period.

The broken femur was repaired by the insertion of a plate which was removed when the bone had mended. Harry couldn’t speak too highly of the care he received in hospital – he had the services of an excellent surgeon who spoke fluent English. Harry told me the name of the hospital but I have forgotten it but I think the name Joseph Goebbels appeared somewhere in the title.

On his recovery he was moved to a PoW camp in Poland – this proved to be far less comfortable – there was a shortage of rations and he remembers being served boiled grass. The Russian advance across Poland, led to a forced march to the perimeter of Berlin where in April 1945, they were overtaken and liberated by the Russians but not immediately repatriated. Apparently, the Russians used the Allied PoW’s as hostages against the repatriation of their own troops held in other allied sectors (to take them back and shoot them according to Harry).

Consequently, he took himself off and walked, crossed the Elbe and into the custody of the American forces.

How little we know of our fellow brothers and what interesting stories they have to tell.

Derek Richardson

Your Letters

Surrey Mason

Sir, I today received the Surrey Mason and perused it from cover to cover.

I read an article on page 13 which was submitted by Wendy Kennard, where the good lady encourages Masons to involve Ladies on a more regular basis within their Masonic year.

As the current Master of East Surrey Lodge No.2769, the brethren acknowledge the great contribution our Ladies make towards Freemasonry; they support our endeavours and indeed we take great steps to provide opportunities where our Ladies and partners can come together throughout the year.

At the beginning of our Masonic year some of our Ladies met and had a

meal together on the evening of the Installation. We have held games nights and quiz nights, which all aid the promotion and indeed the extension of fellowship to our loved ones. The highlight of recognising the important role our Ladies play is our Ladies’ Festival weekend. This is being held in Oxford in spring 2014.

East Surrey Lodge has held a successful Ladies Festival for many years, and if any Lodge or brother are seeking help or advice on how to organise such an event, then please contact me directly, I would be happy to discuss and assist where possible.

Andy Green, WM, East Surrey Lodge No.2769

Sir, I would like to say thank you to all those who supported me, Jim and our girls during my treatment for breast cancer and continue to do so. It is so much appreciated.

Many of you were kind enough to sponsor Beverley Field and my daughters Geraldine and Elisabeth in ‘Race for Life’ last year in aid of cancer research and I know that many more members of Surrey masons’ families will be taking part again this coming year.

As well as the friendship and enjoyment for all the family that comes from being involved in the lodge, Freemasons, their families and friends fund raise for many different charities, both local and national. Personally I’ve found it very interesting to read about the work of the charities and how funds are raised by the Masonic family, not just through lodge meetings, but social activities and sponsored events.

Thank you all very much and keep up the good work! Georgina Cook

Sir, Croydon Lodge of Freedom 5878: How we Saved our Lodge Realising we had no succession plan and Past Masters were taking office for the second and third time we knew the Lodge was in serious trouble. We also had several Master Masons who we never saw, and senior Brethren who were holding the Lodge together. Potential Initiates had dried up and unless we did something quickly, we faced closure.

We sat down and talked about the problem, listening to many suggestions and researching what other Lodges were doing to attract new members. It became clear we had to embark on a full-scale recruitment campaign.

Practical activities included the formation of a small team to devise and run the campaign, the creation of a lodge website with online enquiry form, an approach to the local press to feature an article on our lodge and centre and an open day supported by a display and plenty of members present to talk with interested visitors attracted by our publicity.

Following on from our initial event we involved potential members in a full range of social activities such as lodge barbecues, a curry night and the like in order that we could get to know them and their partners and could make sure that membership was right for us and right for them.

From all this we received sixteen enquiries of whom we eventually interviewed eight – throughout the campaign it was of paramount importance to us that we attracted the ‘right’ candidates’ with just the same amount of care taken as though they had emerged from the more

traditional methods of recruiting. It might interest you to know that in the year since we conceived our campaign four candidates joined the lodge and another three are due to come in at future meetings. Our new members remain very enthusiastic and are supported by an active and structured programme of mentoring There are of course some lessons we learned along the way; in all this it is important to work closely with your masonic centre to make sure they are able to support and accommodate your plans, and if you’re going to go to your local press it is essential to discuss your approach with the Provincial Communications team (headed up by AProvGM Jim Cook) Of course we are not complacent and are continuing our recruitment. This all needs commitment and a willingness to overcome obstacles; there is no room for negativity and the brethren have to be positive and work together as a team. But …

A year ago our lodge was like so many, with falling numbers, an ageing membership and the prospect of closure on the horizon. Probably our most important decision was the first one, when we decided to do something about it! Those that helped found it rewarding and can justly feel proud they have contributed to saving our lodge. We have a long way to go but the results prove we are on the right track. I hope our story shows just how in a practical way what can be possible if you are in a similar situation.

W.Bro N. R. Gras, Secretary

STOP PRESS

Surrey Mason Discount Code: SUR14

W.Bro E. Edwards, (“Taffy”) a volunteer helper at the Provincial Office and Provincial Office manager, Cathy Start were the unlikely heroes after leaving the office in Taff’s car. Whilst driving along they noticed a foray on the road ahead involving two people. Cathy remarked with shock that one of them was a Police officer. The car was stopped and without hesitation Taffy undid his seat belt and sprang out to assist.

The officer and assailant were now wrestling and were on the floor rolling about under a parked van. Taff joined in by helping the officer get the man to his feet and restrain him.

Cathy immediately dialled 999 for assistance and watched in fear as Taffy joined in the grappling keeping the assailant restrained whilst the officer sat on a nearby wall to regain his energy after being totally winded in the assault.

Thankfully, the ‘blue lights’ arrived and order was resumed. “Just another day at the office.” remarked Cathy.

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Surrey Mason

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