White Rose Masonic News | 53rd Edition

White Rose FIFTY THIRD EDITION - SPRING 2016

MASONIC NEWS

Disaster Relief - Home and Away

Deputy PGM launches new initiative - page 5

Full Story - pages & 96 Perimeter Pedal Result 8 - page Community First Responders - page 37

Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

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Yorkshire, W R Masonic Activities Ltd

The White Rose team President David S Pratt Provincial Grand Master

Vice presidents John K Clayton Colin Dent Stewart G Carley Brian Holmes

Chairman John B Gledhill, Assistant PGM

Editor Peter L Doherty 5 Warren Park, Hove Edge, Brighouse HD6 2RR Tel: 01484 712912 (h) 07906 895058 (m) For all editorial correspondence Email: peter.doherty@wrprovince.co.uk

Assistant Editor David Archer

Editorial Assistant T Malcolm Cruise

Editorial Consultant John B Gledhill

Marketing and Advertising chairman David W Howe Tel: 01777 838037 (h) 07971 076598 (m) Email: d.w.howe@btinternet.com

Produced, printed and distributed by Stuart Cummins, Ernest Cummins Ltd 385 Canal Road, Bradford BD2 1AW Tel: 01274 582555 www.wrprovince.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE WHITE ROSE

By Peter L Doherty, Editor Since the last edition of the magazine, the Province has suffered badly from the terrible floods and, in some areas, has not yet recovered. Our Masonic Charities reacted quickly to the needs, not only of our own Brethren but of the wider community and you can read about this and other charitable giving, on the following pages.

Three years ago, in the Spring 2013 edition of this magazine, then editor, Richard Uttley, invited Brethren to write to the editorial team about any subject they would like to be considered for publication, with a view to having a ‘Letters to the Editor’ section with lively and interesting topics.

Regrettably the invitation has not been taken up in any great numbers, so I was pleased to receive the letter, on page 27, from Stephen Lodge.

“There is much more to Masonry than charity.” says Stephen. I will not disagree with that, but I do agree with the Provincial Grand Master when he says, “The generosity of our members in making either monthly or annual contributions to West Riding Masonic Charities never ceases to amaze.”

I am therefore proud to include within the magazine, the many reports of charitable giving by the Brethren of this magnificent Province and long may it continue.

Reg No 4634747

Copy deadline for Autumn issue 3 October 2016

There is, of course, much more to the magazine than reports on your generosity and I hope you find much to interest you. If not, you can always write and let me know!

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RMBI FESTIVAL 2017 UPDATE We are now in our final year of the Festival with over £2m raised to date – the actual amount is included in the Provincial Grand Master’s Address to the Provincial Meeting (see centre pages); a magnificent effort, but we now have just one year to do the best we can to help those in need of support through the RMBI. The Las Vegas Dinner Dance held at Wakefield was a great success; a fantastic night was had by all who attended and a magnificent £2,811.50 was raised for the Festival.

Other fundraising events planned for the year ahead include, ‘Walk the Province’. You may like to start thinking about how your Lodge is going to support this event. The hope is that Lodges will organise local walks to take place over the summer and invite participating Brethren to seek sponsorship from family and friends. The walks should be such as

to allow anyone to participate.

Following the success of last year’s walk, which raised over £2,000 split between the YAA and the Festival, another sponsored walk will be held on Sunday, 31 July; starting from the Masonic Hall, Slaithwaite and walking the canal towpath to Marsden, a distance of about 2 ½ miles, participants may walk back, or transport can be arranged for those unable to do so. As well as supporting the Festival, monies will also benefit the Yorkshire Haven, Leeds. Further details may be obtained from Raymond T Lodge on raymond@r-jlodge.co.uk or 07889317531.

Those a little more adventurous, and necessarily fitter, will be taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 21 May and they will be grateful for your sponsorship.

I am pleased that many Brethren have qualified as a Festival Steward, however many of you have yet to acquire a jewel to demonstrate your magnificent support.

Application forms are available online at: http://wrprovince.net/wp-content/ uploads/2013/09/Jewel-ApplicationForm.doc or speak with your Lodge Charity Steward who will be happy to arrange the purchase.

Finally, a reminder about the magnificent banquet to be held on 10 June 2017 at the Royal Armouries. This will be an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and Festival Stewards and their partners are invited to submit a booking form as soon as possible. A deposit of only £10 per person is required at the time of booking with the balance not due until late autumn this year. See back page for details or contact your Lodge Charity Steward.

Remember, you can text RMB2017 to 70500 to donate £5 to the Festival.

By Festival Chairman, John Boyington

Festival Jewellery Merchandise for the 2017 RMBI Festival EVERYONE can support the 2017 RMBI Festival by purchasing any of the following shown here: The tie pin costs £5.00 plus £1.75 postage and packing

Cuff links are priced at £10.00 per pair, with the lapel badge at £5.00, both with £1.75 p and p.

All three items can be purchased for £15.00 plus p and p and are available to order through the Provincial website at: wwwwrprovince.co.uk

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SPREADING MASONIC LIGHT An update from Peter J Smith The pilot scheme for the MASONIC LIGHT project has now completed its first stage in Area 5 and has been extremely useful in helping to determine guidelines for the wider implementation of the initiative across the Province.

This first stage has included • Receiving feedback from groups of newer Masons to help identify what would help them enjoy their Freemasonry more • Lodge Mentors briefing newer Masons on the objectives of the initiative • Entered Apprentice ceremony lectures started.

• Development of a programme for the improvement of knowledge and involvement levels.

• Planning for a library of around 100 ‘Light Nuggets’, being short (5 minute) pieces to be used in a variety of different ways • The introduction of an Areabased Provincial team structure, to implement and maintain the MASONIC LIGHT programme – and supported by a new Provincial Education and Development Committee.

The Area 5 trial is continuing, with further meetings to present full explanations of the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Ceremonies. These full lectures are based on those developed originally by Bro Dr Robert Lomas and are being delivered by Robert himself in the first instance, to allow for ‘fine tuning’ to support a more widespread utilisation.

They will then be available for a number of volunteer Brethren across the Province to deliver in their local Areas.

The progress so far has encouraged the Rulers of the Province to ask for a

full ‘roll-out’ in all Areas to be started as soon as possible, commencing in Area 1. To that end, Area teams comprising an Area Mentor and Education and Communications Reps. are now being formed. Their initial role will be to arrange for the delivery of the MASONIC LIGHT programme in their Area and to ensure that all of those newer Brethren who wish to develop their Masonic Knowledge have the opportunity to do so.

Perhaps the single, most important, aspect of the MASONIC LIGHT programme will be the role of Lodge Mentors in stimulating the interests of the newer Brethren and encouraging them to a full participation in the programme.

To help ensure they have the support they need to achieve this, the Mentoring structure will be enhanced to provide a stronger focus at Masonic Hall level.

MACS (Mentor Area Coordinators) will be nominated for their own Masonic Hall and will be asked to coordinate the MASONIC LIGHT programme with the other Mentors at that Hall. (Obviously particularly small and particularly large Masonic Halls will need flexibility in this arrangement).

Hence, we hope to see a greater degree of Lodges working together to support each other and for their newer Masons to have more opportunities to meet with and to learn with other local Brethren.

A good understanding of the real meanings of the three degree Ceremonies creates a sure foundation on which to build further, so that other areas of interest can be explored according to individual preferences.

Many of these subjects are already included in the Provincial Lecture List, which now also includes a sub-division by subject categories, so that particular interest areas can be identified. However,

Dr Robert Lomas

the list will be extended over time to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated coverage.

The Area 5 trial has used groupings of nearby Masonic Halls to bring together audiences of both newer Masons and Mentors for these lectures, which seems to be a practical approach.

We should not forget that feedback from the newer Masons told us that they want to be more involved, so how is that supported by MASONIC LIGHT? Firstly, the explanations of the Ceremonies, as referred to above, are being prepared with ‘stage instructions’, so that the presentation workload can be shared.

Secondly, the idea of ‘Light Nuggets’ arose as a suggestion for Lodge Mentors to deliver in Lodge meetings, but it has become clear that these will be equally useful for all members to have the opportunity of delivering or in fact just reading for information purposes.

And finally, the Provincial Lecture List includes a series of DIY lectures, which are also ideal for our newer Masons to work with either in their Lodges or in groups at a Masonic Hall level.

We are going to need somewhere to keep all of the ‘stuff’ – and not as a pile of paper in the corner of an office! It will need to be held securely, yet easily accessible, regularly updated and on-line. Fortunately, such a facility has already been set-up to manage the Provincial Lecture lists, which is accessible via the Provincial web-site (see article on page 8). This is now being enhanced to create a ‘repository’ for all MASONIC LIGHT information and will be ‘populated’ progressively as it becomes available.

Overall, the MASONIC LIGHT team has been very encouraged by the support and enthusiasm of all of the Brethren who have been involved so far and are confident that the lack of Balance which the Deputy PGM identified in late 2014 can be recovered and then maintained.

Spreading MASONIC LIGHT is an attitude of mind!

THE SAVILE LODGE No. 1231 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 1st Thursday of each month at Willow Royd Masonic Hall, West Vale, Greetland, Halifax. HX4 8AH 5

‘EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY - SUITABLE FOR A NUMBER OF USES’ David Lee, Company Secretary Bradford Masonic Hall Ltd Such was the Estate Agent’s description, heralding the end of more than ninety years of Freemasonry at Spring Bank Place, Bradford; in its time one of the foremost Masonic Halls in the West Riding.

In the early 1920s Freemasonry was flourishing in the City of Bradford and although there were several different sets of rooms operating at that time, accommodation was at a premium, resulting in the notion of a purpose-built Masonic centre - the Connaught Rooms, the foundation stone for which was laid in 1924.

However, not all Lodges were attracted by that idea, and on 4 July 1923 the three Lodges resident at the North Parade Masonic Hall (the Lodge of Hope 302; Pentalpha Lodge 974 and the Lodge of Charity 4105) opted for the alternative scheme of ‘purchasing and converting into Lodge Rooms the house at Spring Bank, Manningham belonging to the Executors of the late Bro Dr Killick’.

The project was to be funded by the issue of shares in a company to be set up to acquire and convert the building and subsequently to manage it ‘for the purposes of Freemasonry or otherwise’.

Dr Killick’s house was No 13 Spring Bank Place, the right hand one of a pair of semi-detached villa type houses, with its own grounds and gardens, a

tennis court, stables and all the other amenities one would associate with an Edwardian gentleman’s house, located in a fashionable part of one of the most prosperous cities in the North. The price agreed was £2,411.19s.6d. (£128,500 today), not forgetting £54.19s.9d for fixtures and fittings!

Things moved on; the Company was incorporated on 10 September 1923 under the grand title of ‘Masonic Hall Co. (Spring Bank) Bradford Limited’; shares were issued and taken up and completion of the purchase of No 13 was reported on 3 January 1924. The first Company Secretary, who held the post right up to his death in 1956, was Ernest Cummins, the grandfather of D Stuart Cummins, until recently an Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Work on the conversion was put in hand, there was no skimping on cost or quality.

The Temple and dining room extension was erected and kitchens, toilets, robing and bar facilities created and at £8,681 the cost was more than three times that of the acquisition of the building.

Improvement work finished, ‘curators’ were engaged (stewards - Mr and Mrs Harper, sacked in 1927, but apparently reinstated at an increased salary!) and although the Temple was not dedicated until 24 March 1925 by the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Sir William P Rayner, the Lodge of Charity tested the facilities by holding the first Masonic meeting at the rooms on the 12th ‘to try the cooking’.

Later in 1925, other Orders were offered tenancies and the popularity of the establishment grew. In 1926, a Miss Ingham held her wedding reception at Spring Bank causing consternation in some quarters, leading to a resolution

(perhaps later regretted?) that the rooms should be available for such purposes only with a strong Masonic connection.

Applications for tenancies arrived and up to and including the war years the rooms flourished, to the extent that space again became an issue. The newly founded Lodge of Equity was admitted in 1946 and the opportunity was taken, in that year, to buy the adjoining property, No 14 Spring Bank Place – ‘Dr Lodge’s house’.

The two were knocked into one, enormously enhancing the capacity of the rooms and the two or three decades following the end of the war were golden years for Spring Bank, boosted it is said, by men returning home after serving their country.

Lodge membership was booming, the place was full and applications for accommodation were being turned away. Attendance at Installations and social events routinely exceeded 100; there were Christmas parties for children and good times were had by all.

In the early 1960s further substantial and expensive improvements were made, resulting in a new practice room, a larger bar area, new toilets and stewards’ accommodation and, importantly, a selfcontained office unit suitable for letting.

Tenants have included the Local Education Authority and the Community Relations Council and more recently it has, as we know, been Provincial Grand Lodge’s administrative centre.

As the years went by opportunities arose for other Lodges and other Orders to come to the rooms. In 1981 Prince of Wales and Ionic Lodges took up residence, in 1986 King Edward VII Lodge, followed later that year by Shakespeare Lodge (eventually to amalgamate with

HARROGATE AND CLARO LODGE No. 1001 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month except August at Station Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 5NE 6

The Temple at Spring Bank Place (photo courtesy of Dietmar Kaczikowski)

Equity). It was decided that Spring Bank could not comfortably accommodate more than eight Craft Lodges and other applications were declined.

But times were changing and so were the fortunes of Spring Bank. From around the mid 80’s, possibly imperceptibly at first but with gathering momentum, circumstances combined which eventually sounded the death knell. The character of the locality had become less attractive than in the past; operating expenses, especially utility costs, escalated enormously over time as did the burden of repairs and maintenance.

For reasons well-rehearsed, the popularity of Freemasonry generally declined so far as Spring Bank was concerned, the result being that despite the Lodge of Felicity taking up residence

in 2003 (the last Craft Lodge to do so) and others such as Ladies’ Lodges; other orders and degrees and Rotary making it their homes, the significant drop in the number of permanent members reached the level at which the rooms, having admirably served their purpose for many years, were no longer economically viable. Tough decisions had to be made.

The thought of moving away was not one palatable to many members, some of whom had spent the whole of their Masonic lives at Spring Bank and were greatly attached to the place. A variety of ideas and proposals were examined, but none was felt likely to cure the underlying issues. Realism coming to the fore, 2015 saw the decision that the property would have to go and in January last year it went on the market. A buyer, a development

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company, was eventually found and the last Masonic meeting, Ionic’s Christmas celebration, was on 15 December 2015.

The remainder of the year saw an exodus of carpets; furniture and furnishings, regalia, equipment and all the other paraphernalia which had accumulated over the best part of a century (well not quite all - the piano, which had seen better days, was left behind). On 14 January 2016, Spring Bank had a new owner.

A sale at that point would not have been possible without the kind co-operation and understanding of the Provincial Grand Master, his officers and staff; nor without the offers of accommodation from other local rooms. Of the eight Lodges in residence when the decision on closure was taken, Hope, Charity and Felicity have each made the Midland Hotel their homes; Pentalpha, Shakespeare and Equity, Ionic and King Edward VII have gone to Hoyle Court and Prince of Wales to the Masonic Hall at Pudsey. The other Orders also dispersed to these or to other local rooms.

All this is now in the past and in the words of a certain piece of ritual, ‘Good times follow the bad, just as the brightness of the morning follows the darkest night’.

Notwithstanding problems in recent years, Spring Bank Place will live long in the memories of those who have been associated with it, but their Lodges have now had time to settle in their new homes.

They are looking forward to the future and particularly those who may recently have been facing difficulties, hope that a change in scenery, together with their own efforts and new friendships and associations, will bring more fortunate times.

UNIVERSITY LODGE SHEFFIELD No3911 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month except Jul, Aug and Sept at Tapton Hall, Shore Lane, Sheffield S10 3BU 7

FREEMASONS WADE IN TO HELP FLOOD VICTIMS The severe flooding across the north of England in December caused untold misery and serious problems for many individuals and families within the communities of this Province.

Brethren were not to slow to react in providing support to those affected, both financially and practically.

The Calder Valley, in Area 2, was one of the worst affected areas and the Masonic Hall at Blackwall, Halifax was one of many Masonic Halls opened to provide shelter and food to those in need. Hot meals were prepared for flood victims from Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Copley whilst the Brethren from De Warren Lodge No 1302 were in Hebden Bridge helping out at premises severely damaged by the flood water.

The Masonic Hall at the Assembly Rooms, Brighouse was itself flooded and the resident caretaker had to be relocated.

A team of volunteers from Clifton Lodge No 7112 cleared a mountain of debris from the cellars, revealing the extent of the damage to historic furniture as well as the structure of the building. A grant of £500 was made by West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd (WRMCL) to help with the repairs.

WRMCL gave an immediate donation of £5,000 to the Community Foundation for Calderdale which orchestrated emergency relief throughout the towns and villages most seriously affected, meeting financial burdens associated with moving out of homes, pumping out of water, drying and emergency repairs.

This was enhanced by a similar donation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark

Master Masons, who received £25,000 from the Mark Benevolent Fund to assist in the flood relief.

Further grants were made later and Steve Duncan, chief executive of the Foundation, on receiving the cheque from John B Gledhill APGM said, “We have been able to distribute around £400,000 already and expect to give out a further £600,000.” Additional aid was provided for the area, with a £2,000 grant to Elland Community Hub for the rental of a vehicle to distribute donated white goods.

Tadcaster, in Area 3, was also a victim of the flooding and cheques, from both WRMCL and the Mark Benevolent Fund, totalling £9,000 were presented by Paul Clarke APGM to Tadcaster Emergency Action Group and Tadcaster Albion Football Club. Matthew Gore the CEO of Inspire 2 Independence Ltd administering the funds said, “It will make a massive difference to the community of Tadcaster and to the football club. We can’t thank the Freemasons enough. It’s very gracious and kind of them, especially when we have been told that these donations have come from members and not from fundraising.” A further grant of £2,500 was made by the Mark Province of North & East Yorkshire.

The Bradford area did not escape the flooding and Roger D Newhouse APGM, together with James Steggles, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, made a presentation to the Bradford District Community Fund. David Forrest, on behalf of the Fund, said, “These donations will make a tremendous difference to our flood relief efforts. We have been overwhelmed by the amazing generosity.”

Roger D Newhouse said, “I am extremely proud of the way in which we have been able to help and so quickly. Freemasons do care for each other but we also care for those that are suffering and in need and it’s not always with money.”

Other grants were made to various community based groups, with £8,000 going to the Leeds Community Fund; £3,000 to Yorkshire Voluntary Flood Support; £2,000 to Kirklees Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Trust; £2,000 to Calder Valley Mountain Rescue; £1,000 to Woodhead Mountain Rescue; £2,000 to Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue; £2,000 to the Cave Rescue Organisation in Grassington; £1,000 to Wakefield Sea Scouts and £1,000 to Sustrans Ltd for cycle and walking path repairs. Within a

Pictured (l to r): Jim Steggles; David Forrest; Roger D Newhouse and Jill Brook from the Fund.

Representatives of Tadcaster Albion FC are pictured with Nicola Eades of the Emergency Action Group and Matthew Gore, receiving cheques from Paul Clarke, Douglas Mills and Peter Jesty.

Rosslyn Colderley, Director of Sustrans England North is pictured receiving the cheque from Geoff Pearce of Brighouse Lodge No 1301.

five-week period, Freemasons within this Province gave a total of £55,000 and this has since risen to £61,500; a response of which we may be justly proud.

“WOW” was the response from Vicki on behalf of Yorkshire Voluntary Flood Support, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and can’t thank you enough.”

HORSFORD LODGE No.5339 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS meeting on the 1st Tuesday of each month except July, Aug and Sept at Westbourne House, Westbourne Close, Otley, LS21 3LG 8

A MOVING EXPERIENCE The area of the earthquake

Mera Peak is in the centre of the picture

Steve Ellingham of White Rose of York Lodge No 2491, Sheffield was in Nepal last year when over 8,000 people were killed and more than 21,000 injured in the Gorkha earthquake. He had flown to Kathmandu, Nepal to attempt to climb Mera Peak.

Steve has been a member of the British section of the Austrian Alpine Club for 25 years and from 2003 onwards, started to visit the Himalayas for trekking holidays, visiting India, Bhutan and Nepal. In 2008, he went to Nepal with his wife and they managed to get to the south Everest Base Camp, at 5,700 metres and in 2010, he went with two friends to Tibet, where they managed to walk to the north Everest Advanced Base Camp at 6,386 metres.

Advanced Base Camp however is in a valley, and they decided that it would be a good idea to stand on a summit with a 360-degree panorama. Mera Peak at 6,476 metres became the target. From the top of Mera, five of the six highest mountains in the world can be seen; Everest, Kanchenchunga, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. (K2, the second highest, is in Pakistan and is too far away).

Just before they were due to leave the UK, the wife of Steve’s friend was taken ill and so he decided to go on his own, despite his family’s misgivings. He met his guide, Karma in Kathmandu and after a day checking their kit, they flew to Lukla, which is the gateway to the Everest region and where they met their two porters.

The four of them then set off from Lukla.

In order to achieve a gradual ascent, important for good acclimatisation, their

Karma is pictured loading aid onto a truck

path initially led away from Mera Peak, but then swung round to start the approach.

As most trekkers go towards Everest, which is the other direction, in the first five days Steve only spoke to six Westerners.

On reaching 4,000 metres, snow began to fall through the night. The following day, they set off as usual around 7.00 am and paused just before mid-day for a snack; Karma had found a disused shed in which to shelter from the snow. Suddenly, Steve’s vision went blurred and he started to stagger around. His first thought was that he was having a stroke; not uncommon amongst climbers at higher altitudes, due to thickening of the blood. However, on seeing the looks on his companions faces, he realised they were experiencing something unusual too. Karma said that they had felt an earthquake. However, he said that they get two or three a year around there and as they couldn’t see any damage, they may as well carry on. They did feel one or two aftershocks, but again saw no damage.

The next day, on arrival at the first village they had seen for three days, Steve thought he had better let his wife know he was OK, just in case she had heard about the earthquake; little did he know that it was wall to wall news around the world. He managed to borrow a satellite phone and got through to his wife, who immediately asked if he was coming home. His reply was that as there was little damage where he was, he may as well carry on, and by the time he got back to Kathmandu, it would all be sorted. His wife replied “I don’t think so......”, and the phone went dead.

That night, he met a young man from Ireland, who looked shell shocked. He told Steve that earlier in the day, he had been in the village up the valley, where they were intending to go to next. There had been an aftershock that morning, and he had seen the village fall down around him. He also said the village above that was also destroyed. Having thought about this overnight, the next morning they decided to turn back, as it seemed unfair to continue when all houses would be needed for the local population to live in and also, there was a risk of more damage through aftershocks.

They set off back to Lukla, which took two more days; the return was quicker, as they were able to cross over a high ridge, being now acclimatised to higher altitudes.

On arriving back at Lukla it took two days to get a flight out, as the town was extremely busy with trekkers returning early. There were many helicopter flights from Everest base camp, carrying walking wounded and some of the 21 killed on Everest that day.

After two days, Steve got a flight back to Kathmandu and reported to the British Embassy, as his name had been on the ‘missing’ list. Ethihad Airways, in view of the circumstances, brought his flight home forward by a week at no extra charge.

Whilst on the trek, Karma spoke to him about a charity he had helped set up; Sherpa Health Care. The charity raised funds to build health clinics in outlying areas, so that local people don’t have to walk for three or four days to get basic health care, such as vaccinations and treatment for minor injuries. Karma devotes his time to this charity during the monsoon season, when he is unable to work as a guide. Since the earthquake, the charity has changed direction towards providing earthquake relief.

Steve gave a talk on his experience at Tapton Hall, Sheffield, raising just under £800 and, adding this to other donations he has received or knows about, approximately £5,300 has gone to Nepal.

A year on and Steve believes the future is bleak for Nepal over the next two to three year as a huge proportion of their national product comes from tourism and trekking.

Because of the earthquake, this income has all but disappeared and much of their tourist infrastructure has been destroyed.

Sherpa Health Care primarily use volunteers, so that their overheads are minimal and a much higher proportion of donations are used for aid. They have a website www.sherpahealthcare.org where donations can be made.

Karma is pictured with the porters

9

CANCER RESEARCH BOOSTED BY MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND

A Yorkshire charity’s drive to develop a new drug to treat lung cancer has been boosted by a grant of £73,000 from the Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF) Silver Jubilee Research Fund.

Zulfi Hussain, Trustee at Yorkshire Cancer Research, was welcomed to the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on the occasion of the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter by Stewart Carley, Grand Superintendent, who presented the donation.

The grant will help to fund Dr Helen Bryant’s project at the University of Sheffield investigating the use of an experimental drug called Aurka, which is known to induce tumour cells to become more sensitive to radiotherapy.

The MSF awarded the grant to Yorkshire Cancer Research following a poll of Freemasons, who nominated the Charity to receive a share of the MSF Silver Jubilee Research Fund. Yorkshire Cancer Research’s project is one of thirteen medical research studies the MSF has supported recently, with grants totalling £1.125million.

Aurka is already showing promise in the treatment of other cancers, resulting in lower doses of radiotherapy being delivered to patients, but this project will be the first to test its use against lung cancers.

Mr Hussain said, “We would like thank all those who voted to fund this very important project. Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Yorkshire, with more than 4,000 people diagnosed with the disease every year. It is vital that we improve the treatments we have and ensure they are working in the best way possible so that more people survive.”

Grand Superintendent Stewart Carley said: “We were delighted to be able to demonstrate our support for Yorkshire Cancer Research by nominating the charity to receive a grant. Over 1,000 Freemasons around the Yorkshire area nominated a research project and the success of Yorkshire Cancer Research shows what a fantastic impact they have in our county.”

Eric Heaviside, Trustee of The Masonic Samaritan Fund said: “In celebration of receiving 25 years of generous donations from the Masonic community, the Samaritan Fund allocated £1.125million to support the fantastic research that charities in England and Wales successfully deliver.

Our rigorous judging process ensures that the medical research projects Freemasons are most passionate to support are provided with funding. We wish Yorkshire Cancer Research the very best of luck and success during their research study”.

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10

Having previously presented a cheque for £250 from the Lodge charity account, Brethren of the Vale of Nidd Lodge No 4984, Pateley Bridge presented a further cheque to the PPR Foundation, this time for £1,250, being a grant from the PGM’s Fund to purchase much-needed research equipment.

As reported in the previous edition of White Rose, the charity raises money towards brain tumour research, funding staff and equipment at the NeuroOncology Laboratory in the University of Leeds.

The cheque was presented to Pam Roberts, founder of the PPR Foundation

by Jerry Anderson, charity steward, who is pictured with Lodge members, Alistair Booth and Graham Spooner.

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THE CAGUYUMAN BOOK SCHEME – INCREDIBLE JOURNEY’S END

STROKE CLUB GETS A LIFT FROM PGM’S FUND Providing a fantastic opportunity for people with disabilities to get out and socialise, the Heath Stroke Club, Halifax offers a varied activity programme, promoting independence and rehabilitation.

Michael J Ross of Friendly Lodge No 1513 reports on aid in the Philippines.

Travelling back to the Philippines earlier this year, to join my friend, Stuart McTomney of Holgate Lodge No 4792, I got to meet the Headmaster of the School whose need for a refurbished and restocked library had been recognised by Stuart and his wife Neema, back in 2013.

When emigrating to the village of Dingle, Iloilo, Stuart & Neema came up with the idea of using spare space in the sea freight containers, into which their possessions would be packed, to transport books for donation to a local school.

The library of the Caguyuman Elementary School consisted of only a few ragged old books, left by the Americans after WW2.

Following an appeal to the Brethren of the Barnsley & Penistone Lodges, unwanted children’s’ books or books of an educational nature, were picked up by volunteers or deposited in collecting points set up in two of the local Masonic Halls.

After a long sea journey the books were sorted by Neema and a bookplate added, noting that the books were donated

by The Freemasons of Barnsley. So successful was the appeal and so wide were the variety of books supplied that, in addition to the original target, several other schools and the Town Library were able to benefit from the scheme.

Distribution was delayed due to Typhoon Haiyan, which laid waste to parts of the region and held back the school library project as funds were diverted to repair damage to other parts of the school. Even at this trying time, the Brethren of Barnsley were stimulated to greater endeavours and generous donations of funds were made by the Lodges and the local 41 Club, to provide direct relief to the local community in which Stuart & Neema reside.

Although the book scheme donations took place during the latter part of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, it is only recently that I have been able to visit the school with Stuart to meet with Mr Ruperto Palomaria Jr, the Headmaster, to receive his thanks on behalf of the staff and pupils.

Mr Palomaria is pictured, in the Library Resource Centre, presenting a framed Certificate of Appreciation to Stuart.

This also records the generous provision by Stuart, Neema and family, of the hardwood book shelving with which the Library Resource Centre has been equipped.

Such was the gratitude felt by so many in the local community of Dingle that the Town Council passed a resolution of thanks to the Freemasons of Barnsley and on the table in front of us sits one of the various other certificates and letters of thanks which we received from the schools and town library.

Now, thanks to a grant of £1,600 from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund, they have been able to install a new, battery operated, personal lift for the benefit of clients and staff.

Stuart Burgess, Master of Beacon Lodge No 4066, Halifax and Michael Hartley, IPM presented the cheque to Mrs. Pat Akerman who said that the lift will make a huge difference to the way they can help people within the club who have suffered a stroke and other disabilities.

• Pictured at the presentation are Stuart and Michael with staff, helpers and clients.

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11

CELEBRATIONS FOR FORMER PRESTONIAN LECTURER

FIFTY YEAR RECOGNITION FOR OCTAGENARIAN David Owen Kendall, an honorary member of St. Michael’s Lodge No 4353, Leeds was presented with a jubilee certificate at a meeting held at Castle Grove earlier this year.

David was Initiated in Walpole Lodge No 1500, Norwich on 2 February 1956 by his father who was Master at the time.

His employment with Norwich Union Assurance caused him to move around the country, but he maintained his membership before finally settling in Leeds as Branch Manager and joining St. Michael’s Lodge in 1975. He was Master of St. Michael’s Lodge in 1987 and six members of his Masters’ Circle were present to witness the presentation made by Anthony W Llewellyn APGM. Appointed PPDepGSwdB in 1994 he was promoted to PPGSwdB five years later. David, now aged 86, rarely misses a Lodge meeting or a practice and, as a valued member, was elected to honorary membership of the Lodge in 2012.

A Mark Mason and a past member of Round Table, David still plays the odd game of golf at Headingley Golf Club; his wife, Cath is a past Yorkshire Ladies Amateur Golf Champion. They have a daughter and a son, who is serving in the New Zealand army.

• Photograph shows (l to r) – Graham Harland; Anthony W. Llewellyn; David O Kendall; Bernard Browes.

12

Fifty years after the Lodge celebrated its Bi-Centenary, the Brethren of the Lodge of Unanimity No 154, Wakefield witnessed another celebration as Anthony W Llewellyn APGM presented a jubilee certificate to John Fletcher Goodchild to mark his fifty years as a Freemason.

John was Initiated in January 1966 and Installed as Master in December 1971. Having joined the Leeds Installed Masters Lodge No 7918 the following year, he served as Master of that Lodge in May 1991. He is a Founder member of Caldaire Lodge No 9625. He served the Province as Senior Grand Warden in 1994 and having been appointed Prestonian Lecturer in 1996, he was appointed PAGDC the same year. He is a member of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No 2076.

John has published some 200 articles/ books on social and local history and still spends a lot of his spare time at the Wakefield Archive Office probably researching a new lecture. He has given many lectures, all over the county and not only in Masonic Halls.

John left Wakefield Grammar School and looked after the County Archives for ten years. He then became the Curator of a museum on the outskirts of Doncaster.

He joined Masonry as payment for a job he carried out for Stephen Beaumont, a World War 2 Squadron Leader and Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding, who asked John to write the history of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce. Stephen offered, as payment, to propose John for membership of the Lodge of Unanimity.

John has for many years shown an interest in the history of Freemasonry and

the effect of Freemasonry on people and the community. It was after corollating “Freemasonry Ritual & Friendly Societies and Pseudo Masonic Orders” that he was invited to become the 1996 Prestonian Lecturer. During his year he delivered his lecture on 15 occasions.

He has visited over 100 Lodges, all over the country, giving Masonic and nonMasonic lectures.

His advice to new Masters Masons is to ‘stick at it; you may wonder what it is all about even after fifty years! And remember to bite your lip as there is a certain amount of boredom in Freemasonry but it is all worthwhile’. And yes he would do it all again.

The Assistant PGM presented a 50-year jubilee certificate to John, upon which the assembled Brethren gave a standing ovation. His response at the festive board to his toast, “Say little, say thank you and sit down” brought the house down.

REMINISCENCES FOR BRIAN Brian Smith of Armitage Lodge No 2261, Milnsbridge, enjoyed reminiscing about his experiences in Freemasonry when he was joined by family and friends at an emergency meeting of the Lodge earlier this year.

The occasion was to celebrate fifty years as a member of the Lodge and to receive a jubilee certificate from John B Gledhill APGM. Brian was Initiated on 2 December 1965 and because of the strength of the Lodge at that time, it was twelve months before he was Raised. Having served a number of years as steward, he progressed through the offices of the Lodge before becoming Master in 1978.

Appointment to Past Provincial rank

followed and he was later promoted to PPJGW. An architect before retirement, he is married to Hilary and has three daughters.

•Picture shows Brian receiving his certificate from John B Gledhill with David Woodhead, Master.

SPECIAL JUBILEE BRIAN CELEBRATES IN FRONT OF A CERTIFICATE FOR PACKED HOUSE AT BRIGHOUSE FORMER BANKER

Robert (Bob) Cowen was, late last year, presented with a 50-year jubilee certificate

by Maurice Bendig PAPGM at a meeting of Studley Lodge No 6364, Todmorden.

Bob was born in 1931 in Ashton Under Lyne. His father, a Quantity Surveyor, was called up by the Ministry of Works during the war to build airfields; meaning the family moved around the country and Bob went to 13 schools finishing up at Kingston Grammar School in Twickenham.

After the war the family returned to live in Ashton. On attaining his School Certificate, Bob started work in The District Bank in Droylsden, until called up for National Service in 1949. He was commissioned in the Manchester Regiment and posted to Egypt where he trained Mauritian soldiers; unusual for a National Serviceman.

Having been demobbed he returned to live with his parents and his brother Edward in Bradford. In 1953 he married Margaret and they have two sons and a daughter.

Bob was Initiated into Studley Lodge on 13 November 1965 and attained the Chair ten years later.

He worked for various branches of Lloyds Bank and in December 1974, following promotion to Manager of the Abbeydale Road branch, moved to live in Sheffield.

Bob is a member of St. Philip’s Lodge No 7116, Sheffield, having joined in 1991 and served as Master in 2004 and he was joined in his celebrations by a contingent from the Lodge.

He served Studley Lodge as treasurer for five years from 1982; he was appointed Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1985 and promoted to PPJGW in 1994. He is a Past First Principal of Affability Chapter No 308 and a member of St Philip’s Chapter No 7116.

Photo (l to r) Maurice Bendig, John Butler, Master and Bob Cowen.

The Lodge room in Brighouse was packed, to help Brian Morris Batty celebrate fifty years in Masonry. Many Brethren from the Mark Degree were present to witness the former Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, West Yorkshire receive a jubilee certificate from John B Gledhill APGM, marking his half century in the Craft.

Brian was Initiated in Brighouse Lodge No 1301 on 16 March 1966 by his father, Leonard. He was Installed as Master of the Lodge on his daughter’s 10th birthday in January 1980.

An excellent ritualist, Brian has rarely missed a Lodge meeting in his fifty years of membership and was appointed Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies by the Province in 1989. Having been promoted to PPJGW he received further promotion to PPSGW in 1997.

Grand Lodge recognised his contribution to the Craft and appointed him to PAGDC two years later; the following day he was appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer by Supreme Grand Chapter.

Brian joined the Lodge of Harmony No 275, Huddersfield shortly before it was re-dedicated as a ‘Daylight Lodge’.

In recognition of his service as Liaison Officer, he has received honorary membership of both the Lodge of Probity No 61 and Beacon Lodge No 4066, Halifax. He is a founder member of

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A Chartered Accountant, Brian has been a director of Brighouse Assembly Rooms Ltd for 25 years.

Married to Paula, he is a Past President of Brighouse Light Opera Society and Halifax Motor Club.

Presenting the certificate, John B Gledhill said, “You are a man of many parts and one who has made an enormous overall contribution to Freemasonry”.

Sentiments supported by all that know the man and the Mason.

• Photo: Brian being congratulated by John B Gledhill APGM.

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PILGRIM LODGE No 7728 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS meeting on the 4th Monday of each month except Jun, Jul, Aug and Dec at The Allerton, Nursery Lane, Leeds. LS17 7HW 13

A PROMISE KEPT

CELEBRATIONS FOR MUCH TRAVELLED MASON Roy Moreton of Harrogate and District Lodge of Installed Masters No 8087 has been presented with a jubilee certificate in recognition of fifty years’ membership of the Craft.

Roy completed his education, studying electrical engineering, at Sheffield Polytechnic where he was sponsored by United Steels. The steel industry at that time being in chaos he took up a position as a Student Engineer with Pye Telecommunications in 1952 and this led to a move to Ireland in 1960.

He was Initiated into Flavelle Lodge No 502, Dublin (Grand Lodge of Ireland) on 11 December 1965. Upon returning to the UK in 1966 he remained a member for twenty years, until the Lodge handed in its Warrant. He then joined The Military Lodge of Ireland No 728 but after 43 years’ membership of the Irish Constitution, travelling between Yorkshire and Dublin became a problem and he resigned in 2008.

Roy had joined Knaresborough Priory Lodge No 4171 in February 1969 and was Installed as Master in 1982. He then joined Harrogate and District Lodge of Installed Masters No 8087 and, following many years as a visitor, he joined Doric Lodge No 2695, Harrogate in 1998.

He was Master of Harrogate and District Lodge of Installed Masters in 1995.

In 2003 and living in Easingwold, Roy took the journey into the Province of North and East Ridings, joining Forest of Galtres Lodge No 9438, Easingwold, a year later joining Elmslac Lodge No 9630, Helmsley and a year later was the Founding IPM of White Horse Lodge of Installed Masters No 9807, Northallerton.

He was promoted to PPJGW in this Province in 1997; a former member of Spa Chapter No 7609, Harrogate he was promoted to PPGSwdB in 2001; he holds Provincial Rank in both the Mark and Ark Mariner Degrees and Grand Rank in the Order of the Secret Monitor.

Having retired from his job with Pye, his one and only employer, Roy was Clerk to Nun Monkton Parish Council for ten years. He now fills his time helping out the Imperial War Museum, Cambridge, Duxford Radio Society and the University of Cambridge Museum of Science and Technology.

Paul Clarke APGM was delighted to present Roy with a jubilee certificate and is pictured above with Roy and Master of Harrogate and District Lodge of Installed Masters, Michael Wrigglesworth.

Keeping a promise, made ten years ago, James K Batty PAPGM visited Tateshall Lodge No 7645, Pontefract in February to present a second jubilee certificate to F Roland Brearley PPJGW. Jim had presented Roland with his first certificate to mark fifty years in the Craft and on that occasion had said he would be delighted to return and present a 60year certificate.

The close bond established between the two led to an eloquent and fascinating presentation during which Roland regaled the brethren with aspects of his life within and outside Masonry, including his many years spent as Ship’s Doctor on board the Fred Olsen Line.

Born in Wakefield in May 1924, he was educated at Stanley Primary School before moving onto Silcoates School. He attended Leeds University and qualified in Medicine in 1950. Having worked at St. James’s Hospital and Clayton Hospital as a student, he spent time working at a Plymouth Hospital before returning to his roots in Wakefield, where he worked for 40 years as a GP in Horbury.

He has been married for 56 years to Pauline, who has been a great support to Roland in his time in Masonry and is a regular attender at Lodge Socials. They have four children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Roland was Initiated into Kirklees Lodge No 4710, Mirfield in 1956 and was Master there in 1965 before joining Tateshall Lodge in 1968. Celebrating his 92nd birthday this year, Roland remains a regular attender of the Lodge. He is a very good ritualist and mentor to many Tateshall Brethren.

Over fifty Brethren were in attendance to witness the presentation of the certificate and the Brethren of Tateshall Lodge, who presented Roland with an engraved pen to mark the occasion, look forward to celebrating his fifty years as a member of the Lodge in two years’ time.

Pictured (l to r) F Roland Brearley; Craig D L Tubby, Master and James K Batty.

TATESHALL LODGE No. 7645 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month except July and August at Masonic Hall, 1 Ackworth Road, Pontefract. WF8 3PA 14

NOW IT’S 100 NOT OUT, AS LODGE CELEBRATES TWO FANTASTIC JUBILEES Two members of Harlow Lodge No 4404, Harrogate have been presented with their 50-year jubilee certificates in consecutive ceremonies.

Martin Stray PAPGM, an honorary member of Harlow Lodge, conducted a “Parkinson” style interview with both Harold Hambrook PPSGW and Fred Gillibrand PPGStdB, before handing them their framed certificates.

Harold was proposed into Harlow Lodge by Arthur Beaumont (All England Plunging Champion) and seconded by his son John. He was Initiated on 5 March 1965.

He was Master of the Lodge in 1976 and again in 2012. He joined Harrogate & District Lodge of Installed Masters No 8087 in November 1987 and was Master in 1999. He was appointed Past Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar in 1988, promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 1996 and to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2001, before promotion to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2010.

He is also an honorary member of both Forest of Knaresborough Lodge No 7452 and Harrogate & Claro Lodge No 1001. He was Exalted into The Spa Royal Arch Chapter No 7609 in November 2000. Installed into St Helena Conclave No 165, he is Past Sovereign of both St Helena Conclave No165 and Wharfedale Conclave No 173. He received Grand Rank as Past Grand Prefect in 2012.

Fred was Initiated into Sunnyhurst Lodge No 4631, Darwen (E. Lancs) on the 16 March 1965. He soon became treasurer of the Lodge and remained in office for 30 years; for this loyal service to the Lodge he was appointed PPGStdB in November 1997.

He joined Harlow Lodge in November 2007 and in 2009 was appointed treasurer of the Lodge, an office he holds to date.

Master of Harlow Lodge, Mark Bexley said, “Harlow Lodge now boasts three members of the prized ‘50 club’ and I was delighted that two certificates were presented during my year in office. Both Harold and Fred are highly regarded members of the Lodge and we look forward to them being with us for many years to come.”

• Pictured (l to r): Fred Gillibrand, Martin Stray, Harold Hambrook and Mark Bexley.

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ANOTHER MILESTONE PASSED

Basil Wilmot Dean celebrated sixty years in Freemasonry at Mexborough Lodge No 6117, West Vale when he was presented with a jubilee certificate in February.

With the RW Provincial Grand Master committed to a similar presentation elsewhere, John B Gledhill APGM said what a pleasure it was to be able to make the presentation, just a few months after celebrating Basil’s 90th birthday.

Basil was Initiated in Mexborough Lodge on 8 February 1956, passed in March and raised in April the same year. He was Master in 1963/64 and again 30 years later, at the time of the Lodge’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Having been appointed to Provincial office in 1973 he was promoted to his present rank of PPSGW in 2006.

A member of the Chapter of Affability No 308, Basil was presented with a jubilee certificate to mark fifty years as a Royal Arch Mason four years ago.

He is a retired road haulier having joined the family business, Joe Dean and Sons (Haulage) Ltd, on leaving Halifax Technical College and becoming a Company Director in 1960. Upon retirement in 1990 he was appointed as an honorary life member of the National Road Haulage Association.

Basil joined the Elland Branch of Rotary Club in 1965, and having served as President, he was made a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ for exceptional service.

Together with his late wife Phyllis, he has enjoyed many happy hours as a devotee of Gilbert and Sullivan and travelled far and wide as a member of the Johann Strauss Society.

When asked by the APGM what words of wisdom he would offer to the younger Brethren, Basil replied, “Practice the ritual, whenever and wherever you happen to be”.

• Basil is pictured, receiving the jubilee certificate from John B Gledhill.

16

SPECIAL OCCASION FOR SHIRLEY STALWART

David John Fryer was Initiated into Shirley Lodge No 4978, Bingley on 16 March 1955 and in the words of John Rushworth DPGM, when presenting him with a jubilee certificate, “Throughout his Masonic life he has upheld the principles and tenets of the Craft, in an exemplary manner. Someone who has served the Lodge in a quiet, unassuming, but effective way during those 60 years.”

At 26 years old he was the youngest Initiate in the history of Shirley Lodge, a title he held for 15 years.

He progressed through the various offices of the Lodge and in January 1971 was Installed as Master. There were 113 present at the meeting, which was not unusual in those days.

From 1983 onwards, he held various

offices in the Lodge – Treasurer for 9 years, Secretary for a year and Assistant Secretary for 2 years.

The Province recognised his conscientious involvement in Freemasonry and he was appointed an Acting Assistant Grand Registrar in 1981, and ultimately was honoured in May 2006 when promoted to PPSGW to mark the Installation of RW Bro John Clayton as PGM. VW Bro Rushworth said that he was honoured to present the jubilee certificate to a man he had known for some forty years.

• Photo: (l to r) Richard J Emmott, John Rushworth DPGM, David Fryer, David J Clarkson and Peter Greenwood.

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60 YEARS’ MEMBERSHIP CELEBRATED BY PAST APGM Royal Brunswick Lodge No 296, Sheffield deferred its regular meeting last November by a week, to ensure that Vernon Outram could celebrate his 60year membership in style, and what an occasion it was.

Over 90 brethren came together in the Lodge room to see the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro David S Pratt present Vernon with a certificate marking this marvellous occasion. The PGM began the presentation with a brief account of Vernon’s achievements in Freemasonry; noting that to detail them all would have taken some considerable time. Starting with his Initiation at the age of 25 in November 1955, Vernon’s first Installation as Master of Royal Brunswick Lodge in 1968 and through his years as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master from 1988 to1996. Special mention was made of Vernon’s contribution to the ‘other Orders’, in particular, his role as Inspector General for the District of Yorkshire West Riding in the Ancient and Accepted Rite from 1990 to 2012.

It was also noted that, just in case anyone thought Vernon would be taking things easy (and who could blame him after 60 years), after joining Escafeld Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1139, Sheffield in 2012 he has recently

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Whilst talking with the PGM prior to the presentation, Vernon recalled his progress through the Lodge offices, the ‘characters’ that had helped his progression and the many fond memories and long-standing friendships he has acquired as a result of his membership of the Craft. Vernon also reflected on how society and Freemasonry has developed in the intervening period; in his opinion, ‘Not always for the better’.

At the presentation of the certificate Vernon received a standing ovation, a tremendous tribute to the influence of and respect for the man. Those in attendance included two Assistant PGM’s, two Past Deputy PGM’s, a Past Assistant PGM and Brethren of all ranks including an Entered Apprentice.

Following the meeting the Brethren enjoyed a full and hearty festive board where the Lodge members presented Vernon with an engraved decanter and a personalised bottle of whisky as a token of their appreciation and esteem.

• Photo: Vernon pictured receiving the certificate from the PGM.

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At the beginning of this year, members of St John’s Lodge No 827, Dewsbury witnessed the presentation to Leslie Ronald Hirst of a jubilee certificate to mark his 50 years as a Freemason.

The presentation, undertaken in a sincere but very friendly manner, was carried out, at Leslie’s request, by Lodge member Keith Shaw. The two have known each other for 50 years and are very good friends, and it was Leslie who proposed Keith into the Lodge.

Leslie was Initiated into the Lodge on 3 January 1966. His three ceremonies were conducted by the current Master, Tom Staynes.

Leslie became Lodge Superintendent of Works in 1975 and after much persuasion, he became Master in 2000.

Having completed 40 years in the role of Superintendent of Works he gave it up last year. When he took over the role the building was in a serous state of disrepair. A painter and decorator by profession, he has given many hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of his own time and expertise to improve, develop and maintain the fabric of the building and thus saved the Lodge many thousands of pounds.

He left the role with the Lodge building in an excellent condition and with many modernisation activities recently completed.

He was appointed PPSGD in 2007 and promoted to PPDGReg in 2012.

He is also a long standing member of St John’s Chapter.

Leslie is very well known as the Lodge practical joker and prankster and there were a number of anecdotal stories about this during the evening.

• Leslie is pictured, left, receiving his certificate from Keith Shaw.

St JOHN’S LODGE No 827 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 1st Monday of each month (2nd Monday if a Bank Holiday) at the Masonic Temple, Halifax Road, Dewsbury WF13 2BS 17

A DOUBLE AT DARTMOUTH

Those present at Dartmouth Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 545, Slaithwaite in February, will most probably never see the like again; 50-year jubilee certificates presented to two Brethren on the same night.

Lawrence Geoffrey (Geoff) Haigh and Alec H Oldham were presented with certificates by Dr Rod Taylor APGM, in the presence of 16 Provincial Officers and a total of 75 Brethren who had gathered to witness this special event.

Geoff Haigh was Initiated in Colne Valley Lodge No 1645 in January1964, before being Advanced into Dartmouth Lodge two years later; he was in the Chair in 1977. Geoff owned a Garage business in Linthwaite from 1957 to 1982, when it was sold and to keep himself busy he became a postman, finally retiring in 1992.

In 2006 he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden on the floor of Dartmouth Mark Lodge. Now aged ninety, Geoff received promotion this year in the Craft, to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. His advice to young Masons, “Persevere and make sure you enjoy your year in the Chair.”

Having been presented with a jubilee certificate from Mark Grand Lodge by the APGM, Geoff was presented with one from Provincial Grand Lodge by Alan Morson.

Alec Oldham then joined Rod on the floor and the Brethren heard of his very interesting early life; starting work from school at the age of 14 at Shaw’s Music shop in Huddersfield. In his youth Alec’s talent had been noticed by Melody Maker Magazine and this drew him to the attention of Charles Shaw, the proprietor and a local Freemason. His first job was sealed. He moved on to work for

Collinson’s in Halifax as a salesman; the proprietor was Edgar Bates, also a local Freemason. Possessing an entrepreneurial instinct, Alec saw a gap in the market and bought a cash and carry business in Bradford which he expanded, ultimately establishing another Branch in Harrogate. He retired in 1987, “with sufficient capital to see me to 100.”

Following the stock market crash in 2008, he revised this to 90!

He was Initiated in Constancy Lodge No 6359 in September 1964 and Advanced into Dartmouth Lodge a year later, taking the Chair in 2004. He received the Provincial Grand Master’s Award in 2012 and was proud to hold the rank of Past Provincial Grand Steward for a number of years. The evening was made even more special when Dr Taylor APGM promoted him to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden, to great acclaim from the Brethren.

Dr Taylor then presented Alec with his Grand Lodge jubilee certificate before a certificate from Provincial Grand Lodge was presented by Jonathan P Fox, the newest member of the Dartmouth Mark Lodge.

• Geoff Haigh is pictured receiving the jubilee certificate from Rod Taylor APGM.

WEST RIDING MASONIC CHARITIES LIMITED Jack Pigott, having been appointed Chairman of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd in December 2015, addressed the members at the Annual General Meeting, in Barnsley, for the first time in that capacity.

For those of you not able to be present on that occasion, below is an extract from his address: ‘I thank my predecessor, Roger Newhouse, for all his hard work as Chairman over the last 3 years. He has put a tremendous amount of effort into refocusing our Charity and making it more relevant to our present membership. Thanks to his drive and enthusiasm, we have a Charity to be proud off.

The CHOICES project is now up and running with its declared aim of providing help and assistance for our Brethren, their families and dependants, when problems are highlighted by Lodge almoners.

Please remember Brethren we are all almoners. May I also ask that you all act as Ambassadors for the project and help ensure that every member of the Province is aware that the project exists. CHOICES Brochures have been distributed to all Lodge almoners.

Through the PGM’s Fund we continue to make substantial grants to good causes outside Freemasonry and the Teddies for Loving Care initiative continues to operate effectively, providing comfort and reassurance to traumatised children in A&E departments across the Province.

To be an effective Charity, we need the support of very dedicated Brethren who spend many hours ensuring that your Charity runs efficiently. I thank all my colleagues who are involved on the Compliance, Treasury, PGM’s Fund and Liaison Committees. Thanks also to the co-opted members who assist in the work of these various committees giving specialist advice and invaluable help.

My thanks also to the Provincial Office team, the Provincial almoner and Assistants, the Provincial Charity Steward and his team for their help and support.

And finally Brethren, may I thank you and your families for your ongoing generosity.

Without your magnificent support we would not be able to continue the work we do on, your behalf, through WRMCL. 2016 started out badly for many areas of our Province, but out of that tragedy has come a renewed enthusiasm and spirit of cooperation across the whole Masonic family.

It has been a delight and a privilege to have been part of it.

The Provincial Facebook Group is a closed group of Yorkshire, West Riding Masons.

If you are a Facebook user, search for Province of Yorkshire, West Riding and select ‘join’ to become a member of the group; once validated you will be added to the group.

Stay in touch whilst on the move; check what is happening in the Province; post your thoughts; share your ideas; seek advice and make comment for the rest of the group to see.

We look forward to a vibrant, growing Facebook Group.

Come and join us.

FACULA LODGE No 4825 Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Southwood Masonic Hall, Birdcage Lane, Halifax. HX3 0JQ IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS 18

NEW PROVINCIAL OFFICE OPENED

The offices are located in two commercial units at the rear of the Masonic Hall and feature accommodation for the office staff with associated storage, a small meeting room and an office for the use of Senior Officers, particularly the Provincial Almoner.

The Chairman of Castle Grove Company, W Bro Richard Bentley, in welcoming the Province, said he hoped that this would mark the start of a long association between the two.

The office staff pictured in their new environment – (l to r) Mick Dyson, Ruth Waythe and Rachel Dolman.

The Provincial office returned to Leeds at the beginning of 2016 after an absence of 26 years, during which time it was situated in Bradford. It is some 113 years since the Provincial office moved into premises at Great George Street, Leeds, prior to that they were located in Park Place, Leeds.

Referring to the long association of the Province with Leeds, the RW Provincial Grand Master said: “I am delighted the Province has returned to Leeds where it has been located for most of its life, and particularly

at such a nice location and with excellent facilities”.

RW Bro Pratt, at the official opening, paid tribute to all those who had worked so hard to ensure the success of the move from Spring Bank Place, in particular the office staff, who had withstood the worst of the upheaval. He also referred to the contribution by the Directors of Castle Grove Masonic Hall Co Ltd, saying that their professional and co-operative approach in securing the tenancy was a significant factor in Province’s decision to move there.

The PGM is pictured, cutting the ribbon to officially open the Provincial office.

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A FURTHER LOOK BACK OVER THE PAGES OF HISTORY . . .

Following on from the Autumn 2015 edition, former White Rose editor John B Gledhill again thumbs through the pages from past issues.

Feedback suggests there is an appetite for nostalgia in various forms, some of it thought-provoking and other items which will evoke memories for our older Brethren and hopefully stimulate interest among our newer members.

So, here goes with the latest totally random selection . . .

The Autumn edition of 1995 referred to “apathy, scepticism and downright hostility” at the suggestion of a sportsman’s dinner to raise funds for the 1996 Grand Charity Festival.

Undeterred, Masters of the five Otley Lodges went ahead and organised the event at the Queens Hall in Ilkley where guest speakers Tommy Docherty, ex-Manchester United manager and impressionist Kevin Connelly, helped confound the critics as a magnificent £6,000 was raised.

There was a unique occasion at Craven Lodge No 810 in Skipton when it was reported that the Master, Roger Newhouse, Initiated his brother, Keith, and that Roger’s father, Peter, who had been in the chair at Craven exactly a decade ago, acted as Senior Warden.

Two years later there was a cautionary tale in the 15th edition when a Chapter’s inability to produce minute books for a timespan between 1823 and 1837

delayed its Bicentenary celebrations.

However, Chapter of Perseverance No 275 at Huddersfield, eventually marked the historic occasion after Supreme Grand Chapter granted the necessary charter and the Third Grand Principal, The Rev Peter Hemingway, was the chief guest, with Grand Superintendent J Trevor Broadley heading the Provincial delegation.

The Autumn publication of 1997 was the first in the present A4 format, succeeding as it did the old “Blue Book” and introducing colour content for the first time.

Reports included the Consecration of the West Riding Acting Officers Lodge No 9645 at the Connaught Rooms in Bradford and at the Installation ceremony which followed, Gerald Wilde was Installed as first Master by Raymond Howarth, Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

Province was honoured and privileged to welcome the MW Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, to Tapton Masonic Hall, Sheffield on 11 April 2002.

Provincial Grand Master Trevor Broadley was pleased to receive him in the company of 170 Brethren from throughout the Province.

The Spring issue of the Newsletter recorded that the Grand Master took great delight in unveiling a plaque in the new £15,000 lecture theatre at Tapton.

He then went on to speak informally to everyone present ‘against the splendid backdrop of Tapton’s magnificent surroundings, with bright morning

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sunshine filtering through to enhance the proceedings.’

Civic dignitaries were among those presented to His Royal Highness who was accompanied by the then Grand Director of Ceremonies Peter Lowndes.

It was also recorded that the Newsletter editor was pleased to present the Grand Master with a copy of the latest edition.

Freemasonry and its Inheritance was the subject of a talk by Professor Andrew Prescott, Head of the Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield, when he addressed members of the Grand Officers’ Mess at Westbourne House, Otley.

Prof. Prescott referred to the “vast amount of information available from the Grand Lodge library and other Masonic sources; the need to present this information in an appropriate manner and to find ways of making the ‘outside world’ aware of its existence.”

Geoffrey Beacham was Installed as president of the Mess for the ensuing year and in proposing a toast, former Yorkshire cricketer Bryan Stott, made special reference to Geoffrey having been the inspiration behind its formation.

The Autumn edition that year recorded a number of special events in our Province to mark the UGLE initiative, “Freemasonry in the Community.”

Highlight was a stunning multi-faith service at Ripon Cathedral, conducted by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John A R Methuen, with the unqualified support of the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, John Packer.

Bishop John said: A Christian Freemason is a Christian first and a Mason second. Christian services have long been held for Masonic groups and I have preached at such services, believing it right to proclaim the good news of God, in Jesus Christ Our Redeemer, to All who will listen.”

The special service followed the first Masonic procession in Ripon since 1892.

It was in the Spring of 2006 that our much loved Newsletter was re-named White Rose Masonic News and Provincial Grand Master John Clayton penned an article in which, among other things, he spoke of facing up to a trend of declining membership and being ‘over premised’.

“Let us give some consideration to reducing the numbers of Masonic Halls in the hope that this may at least stabilise costs.”

He added that we should recognise that lifestyles are very different, compared with, say, 20 years ago.

“Our ladies are rightly much more independent and often do not take kindly to a regular evening commitment by their husband or partners. It is much more difficult in some circles for a young man to absent himself from work on a regular basis.”

PHILANTHROPIC LODGE No 304 Meeting on the last Wednesday of each month at The Allerton, Nursery Lane, Leeds. LS17 7HW IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS 20

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SPECTACULAR SETTING FOR PROVINCIAL MEETING

Pictures by Steve Myers

The Royal Hall, Harrogate was again the venue for the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 3 May this year.

A near capacity audience, including some 100 Master Masons, witnessed another spectacular occasion led by David S Pratt, Provincial Grand Master.

Following the ordinary business and addresses by John Boyington and James H Newman, relating to the 2017 Festival, the Provincial Grand Officers were appointed and invested; Past Provincial Grand Officers were promoted and Past Provincial Grand Rank was conferred upon Brethren.

Provincial Grand Lodge was then called off and the Provincial Grand Master presented the 2016 Major Grants from the PGM’s Fund to representatives of five organisations.

The £40,000 grant to Castle Hill School is the largest single amount since the major grants scheme was inaugurated in 2008, during which time some £750,000 has been handed out to various

organisations. In total the major grants awarded this year amount to £109,000.

“I am so pleased that our grant to Castle Hill will further enhance the work undertaken at the school in support of pupils with severe and multiple learning and physical disabilities.” said the ProvGM. Pictured receiving the cheque are ICT/Network Manager, Greg Firth and Steve Perren, Head of School. £20,000 was granted to the Disabled People’s Electronic Village Hall, Dewsbury; an I.T. training organisation delivering learning to disabled and disadvantaged adults, the money will buy a server, 35 workstations and chairs.

Pictured (l to r) are Dr Michael Plumb, Ed Jackson and the ProvGM. £20,000 went to Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes to buy a new motorcycle; £15,000 to the Isaac Nash Trust to assist in the building of a skatepark in Highburton, in memory of 12-year old Isaac who died whilst on holiday in Anglesey in 2014, and £14,000 to Support Dogs, Sheffield to purchase a new vehicle.

When Provincial Grand Lodge was called back on, the ProvGM, in addressing the Brethren, referred to the strategy document circulated with ‘Freemasonry Today’ and urged everybody to consider and discuss the content carefully in ‘Open Lodge’; focussing on the question, “What action do we need to take, both to survive and to thrive, in the exciting future of Freemasonry?” Then, to plan it, do it, check it and, if necessary, correct it. He

urged Lodges to speak with their Liaison Officer to facilitate any resources and support needed.

He was delighted to report that the total amount raised, to date, for the 2017 RMBI Festival was £2,233,899 and thanked everybody for their continued support.

RW Bro Pratt stressed that we are not an organisation in decline; last year saw 890 men joining us and resignations down by almost 1,800 on previous years.

In conclusion and to rapturous applause he said, “We have a fine and distinguished history with an appeal to men of all ages; we provide a moral compass in a world of chaos; we are a fraternal organisation, concerned about each other and our loved ones; we care for those in need in our communities; we care about standards of integrity, morality and decency. We are privileged to be members of an honourable society of men of which we can all be justifiably proud.”

SCIENTIFIC LODGE No 439 Meeting on the last Wednesday of each month, 3rd Wednesday in December, except Jul and Aug Charles Street, Bingley BD16 4LG IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS 22

ACCLAIM AND APPRECIATION AS STALWART JOHN STEPS DOWN

By John B Gledhill Provincial Grand Master David S Pratt was effusive and generous in praise and admiration for his Deputy, John Rushworth, whose retirement was announced at the annual meeting.

RW Bro Pratt referred to John’s distinguished 20 years’ continuous service to the Province, most particularly his 13 years as Grand Secretary and Scribe E and latterly his position as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, which he undertook in January 2014.

The ProvGM acknowledged his appreciation for the wise counsel provided

by John, who had more than once quietly tempered his own innate enthusiasm with timely interventions.

VW Bro Rushworth continues to serve the Province as a representative on the new Masonic Charitable Foundation and he sits on a Grand Lodge committee seeking to create a vision and strategy for Masonic Halls and Masonic meeting places.

During his term as Provincial Grand Secretary, characterised by diligence and devotion, John was instrumental in helping introduce many new initiatives while serving successive Provincial Grand Masters, J Trevor Broadley and John K Clayton.

Among these was the creation of a more formal structure to deal with disciplinary cases involving Lodges or Brethren; to lead a response to a changing and challenging society; to continue to evaluate the Provincial honours system.

On a ‘lighter’ note he recalls that some of the trials and tribulations he encountered, included a Lodge that had Installed into the Junior Warden’s chair a Brother who was not registered as a member!

By his own admission “forceful on occasion and diplomatic on others”, he is rightly proud to be involved in the work done here in Yorkshire, West Riding and pleased that the Province is held in high regard by UGLE and respected by other Provinces.

John has long been acknowledged as a ‘walking encyclopaedia’, such is his extensive knowledge of the Book of Constitutions and Provincial By-Laws and if, unusually, there were situations without parallel, then he would quickly create an authoritative precedent!

Recently, as Deputy ProvGM he has helped clarify the role of liaison officers and of course, in 2014 he launched a new initiative ‘Maintaining the Balance’ which

highlighted a need to remain conscious of the principles contained in our moral and spiritual values . . . alongside our concern and support and charitable giving for less fortunate Brethren and dependants.

A retired health service manager, John was Initiated into Shirley Lodge No 4978, Bingley in 1976 and became Master in 1989.

In 1996 he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward, promoted to Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1997 and Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1999. He was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2000 and later that year appointed as Provincial Grand Secretary.

He was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in Grand Lodge in 2001 and promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2009.

Exalted in Brunswick Chapter No 408, Haworth in 1978 and MEZ in 1993, John’s first Provincial Royal Arch appointment was in 1997 as Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. He was subsequently promoted to Past Provincial Scribe N in 1999 and served as Provincial Grand Scribe E from 2000 to 2013.

His first Grand Rank was Past Grand Standard Bearer in 2002 and he was promoted to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner in 2010.

He now looks forward to enjoying some of his time in a richly deserved ‘retirement’ with his wife Elaine and to continue to pursue his interests in music, travel and rugby union (as a spectator!).

Stuart Charles Grantham

will be Installed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master in his mother Lodge, Don Valley Lodge No 3890, at the Masonic Hall, Doncaster in September this year.

In making the announcement at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting, ProvGM David Pratt spoke of Stuart’s “outstanding and inspirational efforts as Charity Steward during the 2017 RMBI Festival.”

Stuart’s organisational skills and experience in many Masonic Orders and Associations will stand him in good stead as he embarks on a new journey as a Ruler in the Craft.

He was Initiated into Don Valley Lodge in 1986 and became Master in 1996. Stuart, who is 67, joined Caxton Lodge No 1853, Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London in 2001 and served as Master in 2006; after joining Hall Cross Lodge No 5744, Doncaster in October 2007 he became Master in 2010.

A former Acting Officer in Yorkshire, West Riding and currently PPSGW, he attained Grand Rank in 2012 as PAGDC. He is a former secretary of West Riding Masonic Charities compliance committee and has represented Area four on charity committees and also on the Provincial Communications Committee.

Stuart is an active Royal Arch Mason and was First Principal of Don Valley Chapter No 3890 in 2006 and Acting Standard Bearer in Provincial Grand Chapter in 2011. In addition, he retains an interest and participation in Other Orders.

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HAREWOOD LODGE No.5667 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month except July and August at Westbourne House, Otley, LS21 3LG 23

RARE SESTERCENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS AT THE LODGE OF UNANIMITY A rare significant achievement is how David S Pratt, RW Provincial Grand Master referred to the 250th anniversary celebrated by the Lodge of Unanimity No 154, Wakefield on 4 April this year.

The third oldest Lodge in the Province celebrated its Sestercentennial anniversary, by dispensation, at the Freemasons Hall, Heckmondwike.

The Provincial Grand Master occupied the Chair and conducted the ceremony of Dedication of the new Lodge Banner; this he did in his own inimitable style, full of passion and sincerity.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain delivered a masterful Blessing and Oration, in which he made reference

to the monetary contributions made by the Lodge to Grand Lodge, allowing the Master to wear, as part of his regalia, the Freemasons’ Hall Medal of 1780 and the Hall Stone Jewel of 1925. Only 26 Lodges in the whole country contributed to the Freemasons’ Hall Medal of 1780 and only four Lodges are entitled to display both.

John Fletcher Goodchild gave a brief résumé of the Lodge’s last 50 years and there was no one better placed to do this, being the only surviving member of the Lodge who had attended the BiCentenary Celebrations in 1966.

The Lodge of Unanimity, founded in1766, was given Warrant No 361 by the Moderns Grand Lodge, since when it has

been renumbered, firstly to 296 in 1770; to 237 in 1780; to 238 the following year; to 252 in 1814; to 179 in 1832 and finally to 154 in 1863.

The Lodge was instrumental, along with the Lodges of Probity and Britannia, for setting the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding firmly on its feet in 1817 and for ensuring that it was soundly and properly administered.

Most noted Past Master was probably Richard Linnecar; a founder of the Lodge, he was Master in 1770, had a gap of three years and then served as Master from 1774 until 1799, a total of 27 years.

Unanimity’s daughter Lodge, founded in 1947, is called the Richard Linnecar Lodge.

Focusing on the past 50 years it has to be noted that in 1966 the Lodge had 42 members and now has 36 and that whilst, in the past, those members included earls, a baron, a baronet, as well as a couple of knights and some MPs, today’s members are men working in, or retired from, less ‘professional’ roles It is a fairly unique Lodge in that there is no music in the Lodge and no Tracing Boards.

At the splendid festive board, attended by over 100, Brethren enjoyed a sixcourse meal; not the usual pie and two meats served at regular meetings but enjoyable nevertheless and fitting of such a memorable occasion.

MAGNIFICENT SUPPORT FOR NEW PROVINCIAL RULER

Brethren of Craven Lodge No 810, Skipton were joined by 125 visitors to witness the Installation of Roger David Newhouse as Assistant Provincial Grand Master in January this year.

Such numbers meant that the ceremony was unable to be accommodated at their usual home, but the imposing Masonic Hall at Hoyle Court, Baildon provided the perfect venue for what proved to be a truly memorable occasion for all present.

The RW Provincial Grand Master, David S Pratt, having appointed VW Bro John Rushworth and W Bro J Rodney Tolson as Senior and Junior Warden respectively, addressed the Brethren about the many qualities of W Bro Newhouse, not least the ability to keep news of his appointment to himself!

Details of Roger’s journey from Initiate to APGM were detailed in the autumn 2015 edition of the White Rose and RW Bro Pratt referred to the excellent service Roger had given to the Province.

W Bro Newhouse entered the Lodge with an Escort provided by VW Bro Jack Pigott, W Bros David P Clough, David Harding, David Mills and John Tattersall and with W Bro Edward W Brown as cushion bearer under the direction of the Provincial DC, Robert W Bowhill.

W Bro Keith Tolan, Provincial Grand Secretary, read the Patent of Appointment and Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro Peter Holt, offered a prayer before W Bro

Newhouse recited the obligation of an APGM. At the congenial festive board, the Brethren enjoyed traditional Yorkshire fayre before being entertained by a firstrate toast to Provincial Grand Lodge, proposed by W Bro Edward W Brown and a similarly estimable response by W Bro Newhouse, in which both made mention of the romantic weekends they had spent together! Roger was overjoyed to receive the support of everybody in the room, all of whom were known to him personally.

LODGE of FRIENDSHIP No 750 Meeting on the first Wednesday after the full moon at 51, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton. BD19 3BX IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS 24

THE SAD AFFAIR OF BRO WILLIAM COLBECK PARKER Brian H Viner, Lodge Historian & Almoner, Trafalgar Lodge No 971, Batley.

The following letter, uncovered in the archives of Trafalgar Lodge No 971, is from the Masonic Hall, Weston, Canada, dated April 11, 1887, and is quoted verbatim: –

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT HELPS DEMENTIA SUFFERERS

‘To the Secretary, Trafalgar Lodge No 971, Batley.

Dear Sir and Bro, I am instructed by WM. and Brethren of Humber Lodge No 305, G R C to communicate to you the death of WILLIAM C PARKER said to be a member of your Lodge, with the request that you would bring the matter up at your first Meeting, and send us particulars whether such claim is well-founded, for reasons which will appear further on.

The matter of Bro Parker’s death was as follows. Having been most of the winter unable to get work at his own calling, and having a wife and three children to provide for, his money being all spent, he gladly accepted work as a labourer on a New Bridge building in the neighbourhood and commenced work on the morning of the 5th inst.

Being wholly unused to such work, and only a plank to walk on, 75 feet from the ground, he lost his balance and fell the distance named; death being almost instantaneous. He had only been at work about 15 minutes.

The destitute condition of the family being known to our Lodge through Bro William Ineson, himself a Batley man in whose company deceased visited Humber Lodge once or twice, he was otherwise a total stranger to all the Brethren but notwithstanding, although but a stranger, the circumstances demanded the application of the broad charity characteristic of all true Craftsmen.

Humber Lodge therefore took charge of the funeral and gave the deceased stranger a Mason’s Funeral, probably the most solemn and impressive that ever entered St Phillip’s Cemetery. The Brethren are also individually interesting themselves in relieving the wants of the widow who is terribly prostrated. Her friends are said to be in comfortable circumstances in your town; if so her case is one that calls for particular sympathy. Hoping to hear from you by return mail, I am Respectfully and fraternally yours, Bro JAMES CRUICKSHANK, Secretary Humber Lodge A. F. A. M. Weston, P.O. Ontario, Canada.’

Bro Parker had been a member of Trafalgar Lodge for only five years and when he left, emigrating to Canada aged 36, was two years in arrears.

In response to the letter, the Minutes show that Trafalgar Lodge sent three guineas to his widow – not an inconsiderable sum 129 years ago - but to put it in perspective, on the same night ten guineas were sent to the Widows’ Fund in London, and three guineas to the Imperial Institute (marking the Queens Jubilee).

The Bay Tree Resource Centre have benefited from a grant of £800 from the PGM’s Fund to assist in the purchase of a computer and printer.

The Centre in Moor Allerton, Leeds is used on a daily basis by people from across the Leeds area, aged over 55 and was established to suit the daily lives and challenges faced by adults diagnosed with dementia and give carers and family a welcome break. Dementia can be a stressful and lonely experience for patient and carer, but technology can make life easier and safer for both.

Donald Brill, of Thoresby Lodge No 4920, Pudsey attends the Centre and the Lodge almoner, Terence M Hanby and charity steward, Norman C Lowe, presented the cheque to Centre Manager, Terry Wilford who expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of all those who will benefit from the equipment in the future.

• Photo: Terence M Hanby presenting the cheque to Terry Wilford in the company of Norman C Lowe, Donald Brill (seated) and members of the Centre’s staff.

25

NO REST FOR FORMER RULER

Having retired from the office of Assistant PGM, one might have expected D Stuart Cummins to enjoy a bit of a break from front-line Masonry. Not so, as just a month prior to his retirement Stuart was Installed as First Principal of St. Laurence Chapter No 2330, Pudsey.

The Convocation was very well attended, there being present a total of 56 Companions, and was honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Superintendent, James S Gray.

In addition, Stuart enjoyed the support of colleagues amongst the Rulers of the Craft, in the persons of the RW Provincial Grand Master, David S Pratt; Deputy PGM, John Rushworth and Assistant PGM, Anthony W Llewellyn.

• Pictured (l to r) are: James S Gray, Deputy Grand Superintendent, with the three Principals; J B Howe (H), D. Stuart Cummins (MEZ), R E Peel (J).

SECOND 60-YEAR JUBILEE CERTIFICATE Roy Malcolm Wellock last year celebrated sixty years as a member of Craft Masonry, as reported in the Autumn edition of White Rose Masonic News.

January this year marked sixty years since Roy was Exalted into Connaught Chapter No 1018, Otley and at a meeting of the Chapter in February, Roy was joined by over sixty Companions for an evening of celebration at Westbourne House.

The ME Grand Superintendent Stewart G Carley discussed with Roy his time as a Royal Arch Mason, before presenting him with a 60-year Jubilee Certificate.

Roy’s masonic career has seen many achievements, one of which was serving from 1983 to 1998 as Provincial Grand Secretary / Scribe E and he was promoted to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner in Supreme Grand Chapter in 1999. Roy

26

ROBERT BOWS OUT WITH A BIG SURPRISE

The February meeting of Harrogate and Claro Lodge No 1001 was a special occasion for Robert W Bowhill PJGD, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Robert, who retired as ProvGDC at the Provincial Meeting after six years dedicated service, had been persuaded to take the Chair for a Passing Ceremony and unbeknown to him, the Provincial Rulers; Senior Officers; Deputy DCs and ADCs who had worked with Robert during his years in office, had been invited to acknowledge his impending retirement.

The Provincial Grand Master, David S Pratt having sent his apologies, the gavel was offered by the Master, Ernie Heron-Taylor, to John B Gledhill APGM who declined it graciously.

However, no sooner had Robert taken the Chair to conduct the ceremony, there was a Report and to Robert’s surprise, the PGM was announced and he joined the Brethren to witness Robert conduct an impeccable ceremony in which Ashley George Thompson was Passed in true style.

In the bar and at the festive board which followed, Robert’s colleagues were able to wish him well in his retirement and to thank him for the support he had given them over the last six years.

• Photo (l to r) Gary Clark DepProvGDC, Robert Bowhill ProvGDC, David S Pratt PGM and Mark Croft DepProvGDC.

was First Principal of Connaught Chapter in 1972 and he was very proud when his son, Andrew, was exalted into the Chapter in 1987.

• Roy is pictured with Stewart G Carley.

Copy deadline for autumn issue of

WHITE ROSE 3 October 2016

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir, No wonder we are haemorrhaging members by the week. In responding to the ‘Toast to the Province’, Provincial Reps very rarely, if ever, mention the standard of the Ceremony, preferring to ‘leave that to others’. However, people who respond to the ‘Visitors’ Toast’ are often not very eloquent and often not capable of properly commenting on anything and just want to sit down.

In consequence, no-one mentions the Perambulations, the Ritual, the Set Pieces or the standard of dress.

The Provincial Reps, after passing on the PGM’s congratulations, increasingly just launch into ‘keeping us up to date’ with the Festival total and the other different money-raising schemes with which we have become involved.

SUPERB 60s NIGHT SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES

Masonry is an amazing charitable organisation, but that is not its only reason for being. Young men have Round Table, Rotary, the Lions or the Buffaloes to join if they want to raise money for charity. The Craft however should be offering much more.

As Masons we are trying to improve our minds, our outlook on life and on our fellow human beings; giving us standards by which to live our lives and to improve them.

Self-discipline and improvement is not just taught in the ritual itself, but by the fact that we have to learn it. Having said that, being a good ritualist we are told, does not mean that we are good Masons; but neither does being a good fundraiser.

Being a good ritualist and living by the teaching contained in the ritual (and the whole Masonic structure) is being a good Mason. Charity is, of course, an important part, but only a part. There is much more to Masonry than Charity When a young man joins the Craft he is taught standards of behaviour, smartness of dress and appearance as well as how to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge from the Ceremonies, lectures and the ritual. If all the hard work of learning is casually brushed aside as unrecognised he will soon see that there is little point in attending Practices, never mind the Ceremonies.

Give Masons a sense of pride in their activity in the Temple and push for even higher standards so as to emphasise to all Masons that we are all self-improving individuals who are striving to live better lives and to make the world a better place by the way we live, and please let us stop harping on about money all the time.

G Stephen Lodge, Craven Lodge No 810, Skipton.

CAS JUMP TO IT Rothwell Gymnastics, a voluntary group based at Oulton, were pleased to receive a grant of £500 from the PGM’s Fund and Roy Silkstone, Master of Legiolium Lodge No 1542, Castleford went along to present the cheque.

The group provide training for boys and girls of all ages, from three and a half years, and encourage gymnasts from around 11 years of age to assist with coaching and to provide mentorship to the younger children. Advanced training is also given to coaching qualifications and their teams have been very successful in the area.

At present, they coach 120 children a

week and have almost 300 children on their waiting lists.

The grant is to be used to purchase a ‘Long Bar’; a piece of apparatus to expand their training routines.

Pictured are Roy Silkstone with head coach, Lois and some of the children.

The Frontier Club, Batley was the venue for a 60s Night Charity Concert ‘Oh Boy, it’s the non-stop 60s’, organised by St John’s Lodge No 827, Dewsbury.

The show, played to a capacity audience, featured Mike Pender (The Searchers), Mike D’Abo (Manfred Mann), along with Dave Berry and Vanity Fayre, supported by local band The Ageing Rockers.

The event was organised by John Hudson, Past Master of the Lodge, who plays drums in the Ageing Rockers, and the Lodge charity steward, Keith Shaw.

They were very ably assisted by Mrs. Margaret Watson who undertakes a lot of activity in championing and supporting Dewsbury, including writing articles for the Dewsbury Reporter and is a good friend of the Lodge, with her publicity contributions and ticket sales.

The concert was a fantastic and very successful evening, everyone enjoyed it with lots of people up and dancing. There was a very successful raffle and a truly magnificent total of £5,270 was raised from the event.

The profit was divided between five local Dewsbury Charities; being Dewsbury and District Women’s Health Group - £1,500; The Howland Centre - £1000; Earlsheaton Majorettes - £500; Dewsbury Celtic Juniors - £500; Luke and Marcus Trust £500.

Masonic charity, in the form of the RMBI 2017 Festival, also received £1,000 from the event. This was presented to the Provincial Representative at the St John’s Lodge Installation Meeting, along with an extra £500 from the Brethren of the Lodge.

• The picture shows (l to r): John Hudson, Keith Shaw, Mrs. Margaret Watson, representing Dewsbury and District Women’s Health Group and Matthew Oldroyd, Master of St. John’s Lodge.

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Deputy Provincial Grand Master John Rushworth explains the background and criteria governing our Provincial Honours system It is almost five years since I penned an article in White Rose Masonic News about Provincial Honours.

In essence there have not been many changes since 2011 and the general principles applying then are still pertinent: •

The first appointment to Provincial Grand rank should be accepted as the only one a Brother will receive.

There should be no expectation of an automatic promotion or review.

There is nothing in the Book of Constitutions that says the PGM ‘must’ appoint or promote Brethren to Past Ranks, he ‘may’.

However, there will be potential for worthy Brethren to be considered for promotion to acting or past ranks. In general this will be on a five yearly review basis, on merit against predetermined criteria.

•

The number of ranks used for appointments and promotions to past rank will be limited.

•

There will be the possibility of Master Masons being considered for appointment to Provincial Grand rank. No more than five will be appointed in any one year.

•

Promotion to Past Senior and Junior Grand Warden will be the prerogative of the Provincial Grand Master.

There are, however, three aspects of Provincial Honours on which I would comment.

Firstly, the criteria used to assess a Brother for Honours. These include, but are not exhaustive - attendance; offices held in the Lodge (Rule 104d, BofC); Royal Arch membership; WRMCL patronage; work in the Lodge; contributions outside the Lodge for the benefit of Craft Masonry; work of a social nature in the community; overall performance.

Secondly, the Royal Arch. As far as the Craft is concerned being a Royal Arch Mason is an important and integral aspect of a Brother’s Masonic Career. As the Preliminary Declaration states ‘pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more ... including the Supreme

Order of the Holy Royal Arch’.

It is for this reason that membership of the Royal Arch is taken into consideration when assessing Honours. It is important to emphasise that no one will become an Acting Officer or receive the rank of PPSGW unless they are a Royal Arch Mason, and it is unlikely that they would be considered for the rank of PPDepGDC on first appointment, or the rank of PPJGW. Thirdly, the introduction of a new initiative. The Provincial Grand Master wishes to recognise, and to harness, early potential shown by Installed Masters, and will consider appointing Brethren to Provincial Rank before the usual assessment period of six years for first appointment. Age is considered irrelevant – the ProvGM is interested only in proven ability and the potential for Brethren so appointed ultimately to move to higher ranks if so merited.

There will be no stated minimum length of membership. However, great care will be exercised during the analysis of Brethren who have been members of the Craft for a relatively short period.

Brethren will be identified through the Area Assessment Groups with recommendations made to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and a shortlist then prepared for the Provincial Grand Master who will make a final decision after discussion with the Brethren concerned.

Those selected will have the rank of Provincial Grand Steward and will be

system, developed by the Province, which is transparent; one that covers a wide range of aspects and has a defined audit trail.

A system much admired elsewhere as an objective, impartial and consistent approach, with a benevolent final sense check. Each Province has its own system, but ours is acknowledged as being equitable and has been adopted by a number of other Provinces.

It is accepted, however, that when dealing with some 5,000 Brethren, not everyone is going to be satisfied.

I hope Brethren will find this information useful. It should be remembered that any preferment in Provincial Grand Lodge is within the gift of the Provincial Grand Master for work in the wider sphere of Craft Masonry within this Province.

“The Honours system provides only one method of acknowledging merit, ability and service. As one of my esteemed predecessors was heard to say on many occasions, “You don’t get owt for nowt”. I also subscribe to this view”.

David S Pratt, Provincial Grand Master given specific tasks within the Province to provide them with an opportunity to realise potential and to demonstrate ability.

Appointed Brethren will be allocated a personal Mentor.

There will be no guarantee of future promotion. RW Bro. Pratt made the first of these appointments at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in May, when two Brethren were invested as Provincial Grand Stewards.

The Provincial Rulers remain confident and assured that we have an Honours

THORNHILL LODGE No.1514 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month except June, July and August at 70, New Hey Road, Lindley, Huddersfield. HD3 4AJ 28

CHAPLAIN’S COLUMN STICKS AND STONES “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me,” has been a familiar saying to me from my earliest memories. As a boy and youth, most things seemed simple and straightforward. It seemed that, unless someone physically hit me with something heavy, sharp or hard, nothing else could hurt; certainly not words. But it is not true, words can and do sometimes hurt. Words that are spoken, like those written by the pen, can be mightier than the sword.

Words are important. We use a lot of them in Freemasonry. It is a pleasure to hear a piece of ritual spoken at the right pace with pauses and emphasis in the correct place, not cold but spoken with feeling. No less a joy is to hear a Brother who has overcome nerves or other difficulties and is able to address others in a way he never thought was possible.

It can be enlightening to study the words we use, to find their true meaning as at the time they were written. A quotation that sticks in my mind and is worth holding on to is, “Words are what men live by, words they say and mean.” It sounds like this could have been from the great bard or one of our literary giants; not so, it was said by John Wayne (a Freemason) in the Western ‘Commancheros’. This is a quotation which should be descriptive of the attitude and feeling of every Freemason.

Words can be fascinating. It is so easy to lose ourselves in a good book and imagine ourselves in another world.

A simple statement can reveal to us the profoundest of truths; a well written poem can inspire us or move us to tears. Patrick

Rothfuss was right when he wrote, “Words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. Words can wring tears from the hardest hearts.” Also a word of thanks or appreciation can make hard work and toil worthwhile.

However, the opposite is also true.

Words can easily be used in a way which is hurtful or destructive, or used to cheat and deceive, for derision or abuse. I am sure we can all remember times when we opened our mouths without stopping to think and afterwards regretted our action.

We will all have encountered those who never stop talking, hardly pausing for breath, wearing us out with constant chatter. But most important, what we must all be aware of, is the way words have been and are being used throughout the world to incite hatred, intolerance, violence and terrorism.

Words are a gift from the Great Architect of the Universe, that should be handled with care, for they can so easily run away with us. They have a great capacity for both good and evil. Unless we learn to watch our tongues, words can become our master instead of us theirs.

Good, sound advice on the use of words and their effect on ourselves and others, is readily available in the Volume of the Sacred Law. The book of Psalms and Proverbs alone contain many references.

We should look on words as seeds being sown which will reap a harvest in due time. Let us make sure that the words we speak or write are those which sow seeds of goodness.

Peter Holt. PJGD Provincial Grand Chaplain

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OTLEY MASONS PROVIDE HELP TO CHILDREN ON THE SMILING COAST

Once again we are pleased to report that the generosity of the Brethren in the Province extends further than helping those in ‘God’s Own County’.

Having received a letter from Kathryn, daughter of Lodge chaplain Tony Thompson, the Brethren of Harewood Lodge No 5667, Otley were happy to donate £300 towards the cost of providing schooling for children in The Gambia.

Kathryn, in response, gave a presentation to the Brethren on a ‘practice night’ and introduced them to David and Elizabeth Hutton from Shadwell, who operate a charity named ‘Gambians in Need’. A further £300 was donated from Lodge funds to assist the charity in the sponsorship of the James Ogoo Memorial Nursery School.

The school was rebuilt at a cost of £15,000 and although originally intended to accommodate 100 children, now has 180 attending. The annual cost of running the school, including the wages of the four teachers is £2,000.

Having met the running costs, any surplus monies raised are used to provide food and medical attention where there is a desperate need.

Following the donations from Harewood Lodge, the school children were supplied with mosquito nets and head teacher, Simon Jarju, wrote to say how grateful the parents were for the support of the Brethren in protecting their children from malaria.

• Photo: Parents and children receiving their mosquito nets from Elizabeth Hutton.

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CHURCH SERVICE FOR MASONS

The Rev Canon Simon Moor, a member of Clifton Lodge No 7112, in the presence of the RW Provincial Grand Master and the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, led a church service for Masons and their families before a congregation of over 80 at St Peter’s Parish Church, Huddersfield in November last year.

The first lesson was read by David S Pratt PGM and the second lesson by John B Gledhill APGM. The Intercessions were led by Peter Holt, Provincial Grand Chaplain.

The event followed re-organisation of the Church of England in Yorkshire, when Huddersfield gained its first Bishop,

Dr Jonathan Gibbs and a service of welcome was held at the Parish Church, followed by a Civic Reception at the Town Hall.

David Ridgway, chaplain of Rugby Football Lodge No 9811, Huddersfield and a former Mayor of Kirklees, welcomed the Bishop to Huddersfield on behalf of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding. The Bishop commented that, in his previous posting in Cheshire, he was very much aware of the work of Freemasons in the community.

Later, at the reception, David mentioned that Freemasons in Sheffield hold an annual Service for Masons and asked whether the Bishop would give his blessing for a similar service in Huddersfield. The Bishop confirmed his immediate support.

A small committee of the Huddersfield and District Installed Masters’ Association was formed, under the chairmanship of John B Gledhill APGM. The broad aims were, to devise a format which could be used in subsequent years; that it should not aim to hold such a service annually, but bi-annually and to alternate between Huddersfield and Halifax; that it would be open to the general public as well as Freemasons and their families; that it would take the form of a church Evensong and that invitations would be extended to the Provincial Grand Master, the Bishop and the civic leaders of both Calderdale and Kirklees.

All present on this inaugural occasion enjoyed a joyful gathering and one of England’s richest heritages, in Huddersfield. It is hoped to hold a similar service in Halifax in November 2017.

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2017 IS A TIME FOR CELEBRATION On 24 June 1717 four London Lodges, already in existence, gathered at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Pauls Churchyard, and declared themselves a Grand Lodge and elected Anthony Sayer as their Grand Master; thus forming the first Grand Lodge in the world and the birth of modern Freemasonry as we recognise it today.

Little did those brethren know that 300 years later the organisation that they started would not only still be in existence, but would be such a dynamic and purposeful force for good.

In order to mark this magnificent milestone in the history of our illustrious organisation, the Provincial Grand Master hopes that we will wish to celebrate this once in a lifetime achievement.

The main event will be a multi-faith service at Ripon Cathedral on 24 September 2017; further details will be announced in due course.

However, our Provincial Grand Master is also very keen for individual Lodges to celebrate the tercentenary too.

Accordingly, Paul Clarke, Assistant PGM has brought together a team representing Brethren from all five areas to assist with the planning and co-ordinating of these events.

Please consider how your Lodge or group of Lodges would like to celebrate this fantastic achievement and perhaps take the opportunity to share in our pride for our organisation within your local community. The APGM would like to point out however that any events which are planned should not be seen as an opportunity to raise funds, but purely to celebrate reaching this historic point in our Masonic journey.

Additionally, on 10 June 2017 there is the magnificent ‘End of Festival’ Banquet to celebrate five years of fund raising for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

This superb Dinner and Dance is being held at the Royal Armouries, Leeds in the presence of the RW Provincial Grand Master, together with one of the High Rulers from UGLE and other distinguished guests, ladies and Brethren. This will be the night when our PGM will announce the final amount raised for the Festival. To complete the evening, entertainment is being provided by the world famous Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Booking Forms can be found on the Provincial Website – www.wrprovince.net See the back page, or for further details about either the Banquet or the Tercentenary Celebrations, please contact Stuart Ross (email: stuart.rossy@gmail.com or telephone 07951 023330).

STONEGATE LODGE No. 6118 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month except Feb, Jun, Jul and Aug at Masonic Hall, Stonegate, Thorne Nr Doncaster.

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THE SUN SETS ON SHREWSBURY IN SHEFFIELD After 63 years, the sun finally set on Shrewsbury Lodge No 7211 at Tapton Masonic Hall, Sheffield, with the final Lodge meeting, prior to amalgamating with her mother Lodge, Wentworth Lodge No. 1239.

The affairs of the Lodge were concluded with the presentation of Grand Lodge Certificates to two of the most recent members, Lee Reynolds and Aaron Cawthorn. Immediately after the final meeting, the Brethren and guests were joined by their ladies, to hear a talk from Kerry Garner from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance about the impressive and uplifting work of the Air Ambulance Service across Yorkshire.

Following the talk, Phillip Glover presented a cheque for £450 to Kerry for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

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A cheque for £450 was presented to Isla Denoon of the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

This donation was particularly poignant for the Brethren of Shrewsbury Lodge as it was going specifically to the Leukaemia and Blood Disorders Appeal in the Hallamshire Hospital, in memory of the late John T Mullins, who was sadly called to the Grand Lodge above in 2012.

PGM & Team PGM and Team with the Brethren of the re-dedicated Wentworth Lodge No 1239.

A cheque for £450 was presented to Ray Bradley from Macmillan Cancer Research.

These presentations, together with a cheque for £125 that had been sent to Major Barney Barnbrook in Catterick Garrison, for the Army Benevolent Fund - The Soldiers’ Charity, marked the culmination of four years of charitable collections at Shrewsbury’s events; primarily through raffles. In addition to the above, a further £568 had already been passed to the RMBI. All the Brethren from Shrewsbury Lodge officially joined Wentworth at their Installation meeting, with a number of Brethren, including Bros Reynolds and Cawthorn, immediately taking an office.

The formal Amalgamation Ceremony took place in January this year and was conducted

by RW Bro David S Pratt, Provincial Grand Master and his team of Officers. Whilst such an occasion had the potential to be a sad and solemn event it was not, solely thanks to the many visitors who came to support both Shrewsbury and Wentworth Lodges, and the PGM’s team.

RW Bro David Pratt emphasised early in

the proceedings that this Amalgamation Ceremony had to be seen as celebration of a daughter Lodge returning to within the folds of their mother Lodge and so it was.

Peter Holt, Provincial Grand Chaplain, gave an Oration covering the background to Wentworth and Shrewsbury Lodges, emphasising the celebration of the amalgamation and stressing that the Rededication of the amalgamated Lodge is based, as is every Lodge, on Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. He concluded by encouraging all brethren to re-dedicate themselves to continue in the practise of and build upon these three Grand Principles.

After the conclusion of the Amalgamation Ceremony the PGM promoted Phillip Glover to PPJGW on the floor of the Lodge, in recognition of his support for Shrewsbury Lodge and his work in steering it through the Amalgamation process. This was met with a wonderful silence in the Lodge that slowly developed into an impressive hum of whispered congratulations and comment. A superb ending to a superb ceremony and a crowning upside to Shrewsbury’s sunset.

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CHOICES UPDATE I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the CHOICES Initiative: ‘Community Help Offering Independent Care & Effective Support’.

Following the proposal at last year’s AGM of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd, the launch of CHOICES happened in October 2015.

Much has been done setting up the initiative and I am very pleased to report that things are moving along very nicely indeed.

I certainly hope by now every Lodge and Chapter will have received copies of the CHOICES Brochure, if not I would like to know why.

One thing that I believe is extremely important and I would like to make absolutely clear is that what was available through the old emergency grants scheme is still available; we now believe the additional services CHOICES has to offer just widens the help, support and financial assistance WRMCL now has available.

We are all aware of the three principles of Freemasonry, so I would like to introduce you to the three principles of CHOICES: ‘The 3 C’s’ are Care, Compassion and Confidentiality. We pride ourselves on the straightforward, simple process to access help; once the application form is completed, help, support or financial assistance can be arranged very quickly and in some cases given within 24 hours.

BUT WE NEED YOU! Please remember we are all Almoners, so if you believe that a Brother or Companion you know has not been attending regularly or has been missing for some time, contact him and ask him to speak to your Almoner, as a much wider programme of help and assistance is now available. If he wishes, or prefers to, he can call the confidential helpline 08449 02 02 20; this service is available 24 hours a day.

It can also be arranged for a Care and Support Officer to call and assess what help may be needed and offer effective support and

Peter Worth - Chairman CHOICES professional advice.

We have taken on board an agency, HIA ‘Home Improvement Agency’. HIA can now provide and take care of urgent or minor repairs, small adaptations and general home maintenance, through a network of approved handyman services.

CHOICES can also provide short term help and support with health and social care needs and provide help with various transport costs.

The CHOICES Initiative is specifically looking towards assisting all our Brethren, widows and their dependants, who need help, so they can continue to live fulfilling lives in their own homes for as long as practicably possible.

WRMCL have taken on an extra Care and Support Officer to support Anne Harrison and I am delighted that Sharon Mees has come on board. Sharon has made an impressive start and has quickly settled in, working closely with Anne and is a valuable member of the CHOICES team. I can assure you, both Anne and Sharon are doing a fantastic job on our behalf.

I truly believe that the CHOICES Initiative will provide a lifetime legacy for West Riding Freemasons, their widows and dependents and WRMCL will be striving to help as many as we can.

We hope to spread the word by producing the Quarterly Newsletter, which I hope you find informative.

Again, if you know of any Brother, Companion, widow or dependent that may need our support, direct them to your Almoner or call the helpline and I am sure some kind of help, support or financial assistance will be available.

The CHOICES Fund is your fund and is a fund for you - please use it.

On behalf of myself and all the directors of WRMCL may I thank you all for your generosity and most importantly your continued support of our wonderful Charity.

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BRETHREN OF THE PROVINCE VISIT UNITED GRAND LODGE David S Pratt, Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Anthony W Llewellyn APGM welcomed 44 Brethren of our Province on their visit to the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge in December. Included in the party were 23 Master Masons.

After the meeting the Brethren were given a very interesting and informative conducted tour of the building, followed by dinner at the Imperial Hotel.

Organised by Alan Hurdley, it is hoped to arrange further visits this year, to both Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter.

• Pictured: David S Pratt PGM addressing the Brethren at Great Queen Street.

GRAND APPOINTMENT GRAND APPOINTMENT

Following his appointment at the Annual Investiture of United Grand Lodge in April this year, John Boyington CBE succeeds Peter Holt, Provincial Grand Chaplain, as Junior Grand Deacon.

John, of St Phillip's Lodge No 7116, Sheffield worked in health services, both in the NHS and the Civil Service. Having originally trained as a nurse, he has held chief executive posts and received the CBE in 2007 for leading national prisoner healthcare reforms.

Having been appointed to Provincial office, as Grand Standard Bearer in 2009, he was promoted to Senior Grand Warden in 2014.

The full list of recipients of Grand Rank for 2016 in Craft and Supreme Grand Chapter is given below.

APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCE IN GRAND LODGE ON 27 APRIL 2016 FIRST APPOINTMENTS John BOYINGTON Kenneth WOOTTON Simon Morris FELLERMAN Andrew Leslie WRIGHT David PICKOVER Ian Colin SMITH

St Phillip's No 7116 Armitage No 2261 Dawn No 6511 Chevin No 6848 Rectitude No 4383 Danecastre No 4843

JGD PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PGStB PGStB

PROMOTIONS James Henry NEWMAN Roger David NEWHOUSE David Stuart McDONALD

Hadassah No 4871 Craven No 810 Pathfinder No 8236

DepPresMCF PSGD PAGDC

REAPPOINTMENTS Sir David Hugh WOOTTON Bradfordians No 9886

Assistant Grand Master

APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCE IN SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER ON 28 APRIL 2016 APPOINTMENTS Ian Colin SMITH Peter Brian WARDLE Christopher John WILCOCK

Magdalen Chapter No 242 PGStB Goderich Chapter No 1211 PGStB Chapter of Judea No 265 PGStB

PROMOTIONS Frank Arnold CHAPPELL

St Michael’s Chapter No 4353 PAGSoj

CHEVIN LODGE No. 6848 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS. Meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except August at the Masonic Hall, Westbourne House, Otley. LS21 3LG 33

WHAT DO THE OFFICERS OF THE PROVINCE DO FOR YOU? As Stuart C Grantham handed over the responsibility for charity matters within the Province, we thought it was a good time to ask him what the role entails. This is what he had to say: It all started with a phone call at the office in February 2012. “There’s a Mr Clayton on the phone for you,” said my colleague. Three months later I was invested as Provincial Grand Charity Steward.

So what is involved?

The Provincial Charity Manual gives a succinct description of the role of the Provincial Charity Steward: •

• • •

To Chair the Provincial Charity Committee (PCC). The Committee is responsible for coordinating and promoting charitable giving within the Province.

To ensure that Lodge Charity Stewards are fully informed and adequately trained.

To monitor statistics and patterns of giving throughout the Province.

To report to the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Advisory Committee on the progress of any specific charitable appeals and of the regular giving within the Province.

The role, in short, is to inform and train Lodge Charity Stewards, keeping the Provincial Grand Master up-to-date with what is happening on the Charity front.

The latter, of course, includes the current Festival.

The PCC has for many years organised training through annual briefing sessions

34

across the Province. These, and I aim to attend each, encourage a two-way flow of information to update Charity Stewards and give the PCC feedback on its performance. Recently, though, Area Chairmen have offered training to newly appointed Charity Stewards so that they can get off to the best possible start in their new role.

The PCC maintains the Charity Stewards’ manual which gives comprehensive guidance to the whole of the Charity team. It includes specimen forms and is available on the Provincial website. Presently only seven Lodges in the Province require a hard-copy version of the Manual and so it is easily and inexpensively updated.

I prepare every month or so a Provincial Charity/Festival Newsletter which keeps the Charity Team abreast of recent developments and other items of interest are circulated by email. Some Charity Stewards complain that too much information is distributed, but I prefer this to be the case rather than that they receive too little.

Keeping the PGM advised about the state of giving in the Province is generally a lot simpler. Information regarding the amounts donated to the various Central Masonic Charities (CMC) via West Riding Masonic Charities Limited (WRMCL) is easily available at the Provincial office.

The annual statistical return completed by each Lodge Charity Steward adds to the picture by giving the proportion of subscribing brethren who are contributing regularly and the total grants made by Lodges directly to local good causes.

At the moment, both sets of information are collated by the PCC’s secretary, Colin Symes, who prepares summaries for me to present to the Provincial Advisory Committee.

All this has been possible only through the support of a very able PCC and office team and I thank them wholeheartedly.

The generosity of the Province’s Brethren and the many characters I have met over the last four years will also leave a lasting impression.

All that remains is to wish my successor, Jim Watson, every success.

PROVINCIAL ACTING OFFICERS 2016

PGM’S FUND AIDS IN GARDEN EXTENSION Craven Lodge No 810, Skipton presented £1,000 from the PGM’s Fund to the Friends of Airedale Hospital group, to assist with the extension of their Dementia Garden project.

The group will use the money to plant trees and flowers that patients can touch and feel, and also to create a seating area providing other beneficial sensory features.

Senior Grand Warden James Stuart Cadman Friendship 750 Senior Grand Warden Junior Grand Warden Grand Chaplain Grand Treasurer Grand Registrar Grand Secretary Grand Director of Ceremonies Grand Sword Bearer Grand Superintendent of Works Deputy Grand Chaplain Deputy Grand Registrar Deputy Grand Secretary Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Grand Almoner Grand Charity Steward Grand Orator Grand Mentor Senior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Assistant Grand Sword Bearer Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works Grand Organist Grand Standard Bearer Grand Standard Bearer Grand Pursuivant Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Steward Grand Tyler

James Stuart Cadman Alan Elstone Peter Holt JGD Brian Priestley PAGDC Graeme Alan Webber Keith Tolan PAGDC David Eric Firmin Roy Simpson Raymond Butterfield Brian John Inston James Paul Tottle Malcolm Keith Whiteley PPJGW Andrew Schofield PPDGReg Mark Croft PPDGReg John B Driscoll PPDGReg Ronald Crabtree James Simon Watson Peter Sutherland James Johnson Derek Smart Christaan Rupert Guy Jorissen Alan Vautrey William Mark Gatenby Colin Simmons Stephen William Woods Michael Jessop Alistair John Booth Brian Colwill Neil Roger Ensby Fraser McPherson Steven Michael Sheard Nolan Christopher Talbot Jonathan David Mack Robert Ian Jenkins Eric William Bowring Christopher John Beavan Keith Berry Dr Simon Geoffrey Lindley PGOrg Christopher Alan Binns Stephen Timothy Schofield Ian Parker Brian Butterfield Brian Joseph Anthony Exley Paul Morris Sean Edward McPartland John Simon Williams Christopher Smith Mark Harrison William Howard Wlliams David Ian Webster Edward Mark Morris Anthony Gerald Bagworth Richard Jenkinson

Junior Grand Warden Alan Elstone Peace 149 Friendship Peace Harmony Moorland St Wifred Connaught and Truth Three Grand Principles Concord Lascelles Danecastre Charity Studley Peace Phoenix Leodiensis Moorland Trafalgar Forest of Knaresborough Ryburn Lodge of Unanimity St Johns Constancy Linton Goderich Beacon Kirklees Vale of Nidd Holme Valley Craven Trafalgar Goderich Acacia Victoria Hall Cross Bretton Priory Rockingham West Craven Zetland Lodge of Amity Lodge of Benevolence Harewood St George’s Royal Yorkshire Saint Oswald Harrogate and Claro Defence Chantry Rectitude Wenning Thoresby Loyalty Rockley Abbey Cambodunum

750 149 275 6591 6395 521 208 4126 4796 4843 4105 6364 149 904 4029 6591 974 7452 1283 154 4779 6359 9444 1211 4066 4710 4984 652 810 974 1211 2321 2669 5744 5774 4282 7354 1311 4148 5612 5667 242 265 910 1001 1221 4065 4383 4496 4920 4971 7644 3953

Eileen Proud, president of the Friends of Airedale group said: “This is a great benefit to patients and I would like to thank the Freemasons. Here’s hoping for lots of sunshine and display colours in 2016.”

At the presentation, Roger Newhouse Assistant PGM, said, “Freemasons do look after one another but we also look after those that are in distress and in need, and it’s not always with money.”

Airedale Hospital has benefitted from many donations from Freemasons over the years, and, since 2008 they have provided thousands of teddy bears for distressed children admitted to the Accident and Emergency Dept.

• Photo: David Clough of Craven Lodge, Eileen Proud from the Friends of Airedale President, and Roger Newhouse, APGM at the cheque presentation.

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CHARITY PRESENTATION EVENING Roger NEWHOUSE APGM attended the Area 1 Charity Celebration Dinner at Hoyle Court, Baildon in February, held in recognition of grants from the PGM’s Fund, awarded to local charities from sponsoring Lodges in the area during 2015.

Seven grant recipients, together with their sponsoring Lodges and over 100 guests, enjoyed the evening hosted

by The Lodge of Peace No 3988, and presided over by Philip Woodhead, Master, and his wife Saeko.

The evening began in style with guests receiving an entertaining musical interlude, before dinner, from the ‘Hot Aire Concert Band’ which was later to receive a grant of £1,000 to purchase instruments that they can loan to disabled children & adults, having been sponsored by Airedale Lodge No 387.

‘Baildon Imagination Library’, sponsored by Pentalpha Chapter No 974, received a grant of £1,000 towards the purchase of books for deprived children in Bradford.

‘Home Start Craven’ which supports vulnerable families with young children, sponsored by The Lodge of Peace No 3988 received a grant of £1,000 towards the purchase of much needed office equipment.

‘Reading Matters’ which provides 1:1 tuition to children with reading difficulties, sponsored also by The Lodge of Peace No 3988, received a grant of £1,000 towards the purchase of two resource boxes of books.

‘Wrose Community & Sensory Garden’, sponsored by the Lodge of St. Peter & Harmony No 600 received a grant of £1,000 towards the creation of a Community Sensory Garden.

‘Friends at Beechcliffe’, a school for children with special educational needs, sponsored by Lodge of Acacia No 2321 received a grant of £4,500 towards a

wheelchair adapted mini-bus.

‘Shipley & Bingley Voluntary Services’ which provides community transport for disabled as well as able bodied persons, sponsored by Chapter of Faith No 1034 received a grant of £5,000 towards the purchase of a second hand bus from Connaught Court.

Following the presentation Mr Paul Stephens, Chief Executive of Shipley & Bingley Voluntary Services, said “This is absolutely fantastic. We are extremely grateful as our old mini-bus had been driven into the ground and with some money from ourselves we are now able to get a replacement.”

Alan Griffin of St. Johns Lodge No 4779 said after the event, “The evening was a tremendous success and special thanks should go to John Sharman our Area 1 Secretary who worked tirelessly down to the very last minute, ably assisted by Trevor Pugh. Between them they worked wonders.”

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AIR CADETS TO ACQUIRE RED ARROWS

Brethren of Beacon Lodge No 4066, Halifax attended an Induction night at 250 (Halifax) Squadron, Air Training Corps to present a cheque for £600 from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund.

The grant was for the purchase of archery equipment as an aid to the running of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and was presented by charity steward Martin Longbottom, accompanied by Stuart Burgess to Master to Flight Lieutenant P Cowling, who promised that they would of course be buying some ‘Red Arrows’ with it.

Air Cadets is a voluntary youth organisation supported by the Royal Air Force and is open to anyone aged between 12 and 20. It is considered one of the country’s premier youth organisations and the world’s largest youth air training organisation. It provides a stimulating, exciting and varied programme which ensures that all cadets achieve their full potential in many different ways, including leadership training and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

It is hoped that this donation will allow more youngsters to gain their Duke of Edinburgh awards and help them towards future employment.

• Pictured (l to r): Stuart Burgess; Flt Lt Cowling; Martin Longbottom and Warrant Officer Ashley Horsfall.

THE ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF CONNAUGHT COURT The annual Summer Fair will be held at Connaught Court, Fulford, York from 1.30 pm on Saturday, 18 June 2016 and your support will be greatly appreciated.

If you have not yet got round to applying for Life Membership of the Association, please complete and return the form alongside and return it, with your subscription, to the secretary, Francis A Testo.

THE SAINT OSWALD LODGE No 910 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS. Meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month except Jul and Aug at 1 Carlton Close, Ackworth Road. Pontefract WF8 3PA 37

LECTURES ON THE CLOUD Do you need a lecture for one of your meetings, either Regular or Lodge of Instruction?

Do you want your Brethren to get involved in presenting some interesting information within your Lodge – or your Masonic Hall?

Or do you just want to have a look to see what is available to help you plan your own programme for your members?

Whatever your answer to these questions, help is now at hand on the Provincial Cloud. The old Provincial Lectures list has been validated, updated and extended and is now available for you to explore on our own ‘simple to access’ Cloud – (with very grateful thanks to David Clough for being so supportive in making this happen.)

It really is easy, just go to the Provincial web-site (www.wrprovince.net), look for the INFORMATION button top right on the menu bar, click that and then follow the links to MASONIC LIGHT.

You are now on the cloud and you do not need any special permissions to get there, because you can only see the list of lectures and the name of the Lecturer.

Once on the Cloud, and particularly for your first visit, please first look at the READ-ME file. You will then have the choice of a number of files to explore. The ‘Craft’ and ‘Royal Arch’ files hold lists of lectures, a brief synopsis of each lecture, the lecturers name, duration and target audience.

The lectures are sorted into one of 14 categories, so if you have a particular subject in mind you can quickly find appropriate lectures. The categories are: Artefacts Miscellaneous Ceremonies Music Characters Other Orders History pre 1813 Ritual History post 1813 Royal Arch (for MM’s) International Symbolism Lodges and Chapters Wartime The Craft file currently has 220 lectures and there are 28 on the Royal Arch file.

If you are interested in one or more of the lectures, you will need to go to the ‘private’ part of the web-site by means of the access code that the Provincial Office will be pleased to supply you with. This will allow you to see the contact details for each of the Lecturers.

These are all members of this Province who are enthusiastic about their own Masonic interests and want to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with the rest

of us. Please use them.

There are also two ‘DIY’ files, one for Craft and the other for Royal Arch. The format is the same, except that in this case there is no Lecturer linked to them. These are lectures for which the actual lecture will be provided, once again – and for obvious reasons – you will need to get to the ‘private’ part of the web-site in order to read or download the lecture itself.

Other similar Index files will appear on this Cloud in the future. Two ‘Light Nuggets’ files (Craft and RA) are already available and hold details of the limited number of ‘Light Nuggets’ that are presently available. This will increase over time and again the library holding the text for each of them will be available on the ‘private’ part of the web-site.

Further material developed to support the MASONIC LIGHT initiative will be held on the Cloud; initially one to hold the Mentors brief explanations of the Ceremonies and another to hold the full Ceremonies lectures. Others will follow.

These, together with the range of ‘DIY’ lectures, are providing lots of opportunities for our Master Masons and Companions to become involved in the whole of the learning process.

So, whether by means of ‘DIY’ or presented lectures, we can all help to spread more MASONIC LIGHT. For queries or comments, please contact lectures@wrprovince.co.uk

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www.davidleenotary.co.uk WALTHEOF LODGE No 3499 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS meeting on the 1st Wednesday of each month except January and August at Tapton Hall, Shore Lane, Sheffield S12 3HN 38

CHARITY PRESENTATION EVENING IN SHEFFIELD Brethren of Hallamshire Lodge No 2268, Sheffield played host to guests and friends to celebrate the charities to which the Lodge and Provincial Grand Master’s Fund have given their support.

Ian Wright, administrator of the PGM’s Fund took great delight in presenting the cheques and gave an overview of the work that the PGM’s fund does and how it decides where the money goes. Each of the charity representatives then gave a short presentation on their particular charity operation and how they would spend the money.

ARC Antenatal Results and Choices received £600 and Richard Campos of Welcome Lodge No 3779 spoke on behalf of the charity, which provides advice and support for families who are dealing with unborn babies with diagnosed problems or disabilities. The money will provide literature to support their work with both families and hospital staff.

The Ethel Trust received £2,500. Tim Miskell from the Trust described Ethel, which is a canal narrow boat, on which the charity provides day and weekend residential experiences for young people with disabilities both mental and physical.

The money will enable the Trust to give the boat a complete repaint and make it an even better experience for the participants.

The Purple Butterfly Appeal which was awarded £3,000 provides specialist onward facilities for end of life care. Where previously patients would remain on general wards, with all the movement and lack of privacy that implies, Purple Butterfly have equipped a number of rooms at Rotherham General Hospital as complete, en suite rooms, to provide a familiar setting and comfortable surroundings and provide the facilities that ensure people can remain in the company of their loved ones as long as possible.

Tracey Williams, from the charity, said that the money would be able to provide all the furniture required for the new room being fitted out at Rotherham.

Colin Middleton gave a short explanation of the work of the Masonic Fishing Charity and the sort of day fishing experiences they provide for disabled young people.

• Ian Wright is pictured with Tracey Williams of the Purple Butterfly Appeal.

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In need of sweatshirts to give the band a common identity and sense of community as well as help to purchase worn out hand chimes, Clifton Lodge No 7112, Brighouse secured a grant of £700, on the group’s behalf, from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund.

Lodge charity steward, Peter Whaites is pictured (2nd right) making the presentation to Andy Burton, founder and leader of Xylosound, alongside members with their new equipment and wearing their new sweat shirts.

Concerts have been held locally at Holly Bank School, Meltham Golf Club and a Church Hall in Denby Dale, and further afield at Sheffield Arena, to thousands of people at Mencap’s Gateway Festival.

The grant has helped allow entrylevel musicians into the group and allows inclusion for those members who cannot progress to a more complex level.

Andy Burton said, “The musicians are such a fantastic group and the opportunity has helped them grow in confidence and improve lots of life skills.”

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MARKET PLACE MORE SECURE THANKS TO PGM’S FUND

FAMILY CHURCH SERVICE IS A HUGE SUCCESS FOR THE KTs By kind permission of the Vicar, the Rev Dr Martin Naylor, the church of St Thomas the Martyr, Batley, was again host to the annual Family Church Service for the Knights of the Province of West Yorkshire Knights Templar.

This lovely Church, with its stained glass windows, provides a perfect setting for the pageantry of the processions of knights in full regalia. A lively sermon was preached by the Rev Canon Kenneth Phillips and the Precepts were delivered by the Provincial Almoner, Graham Duffy.

Held on the first Sunday in April, children are made very welcome and the Provincial Prior, Paul C Grafton, led by example by bringing his family along.

The Service was followed by an excellent five course dinner at Thornfield House, rounding off a most enjoyable afternoon.

• Photo: The Provincial Prior, Paul C Grafton with his family.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT HOYLE COURT LADIES’ LUNCHEON CLUB

Chris Madeley Chairman HCLLC March 1996 saw the Ladies of the Hoyle Court Ladies’ Luncheon Club sit down to their very first lunch. The Club was set up by a committee of ladies representing the Lodges and Chapters which meet in the Hoyle Court Masonic Rooms and was designed to encourage friendship and fellowship between the ladies of the different Lodges so that when visiting events at each other’s Lodges, they would at least know some of the ladies.

Another reason for the establishment of the Club was to offer a social environment for ladies who had lost their partners or family connection with Freemasonry and who were used to Lodge events being the central part of their social lives.

Many of our senior ladies prefer not to go out in the evenings so the Luncheon Club provides a safe, familiar environment to meet up with their friends and have a good time.

When the Club started, the bar opened at 11.45am with lunch being served at 12.30; now, because of popular demand, we serve coffee and tea from 11.00am to enable our ladies to spend more time together. The committee often joke that 40

we will soon be serving bacon butties at 9.30 such is the enthusiasm of our ladies to come early!

On 8 March members celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Club. Eighty-six ladies sat down at tables beautifully decorated with shades of pink helium-filled balloons. Jonathan Foss and his team created a spectacular luncheon, thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

We were then royally entertained by The Fairfax Singers with a delightfully varied programme of music.

The committee is still comprised of 90% of the original committee from 1996.

We make a good team and may I take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their hard work over the years, particularly our indispensable and hard-working secretary, Mrs Joan Bolton.

Our Ladies’ Luncheon Club is open to any ladies (not only those with an affiliation to Hoyle Court) who have a Masonic connection and we welcome new members and their guests to join us in friendship and fellowship in the true Masonic tradition. Ladies, please contact Mrs Joan Bolton (01943 874351 or joan. bolton@lineone.net) for a member’s form.

The Market Place project, established in Leeds city centre since 1989, received a grant of £1,000 from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund for support in purchasing some additional computers for the staff team and for installing CCTV to make the premises safer.

The Market Place provides a range of early intervention support services for young people in Leeds, particularly for mental health, sexual health and crisis support needs.

Emma Holmes, Director for The Market Place stated “The grant is greatly appreciated and we thank The Freemason’s for their generosity.

The additional computers will make a significant difference for the staff in their work with young people and the CCTV will ensure that our premises remain a safe and secure space for young people and staff.”

David Johnson of Adel Lodge No 6250, Leeds is pictured presenting the cheque to Anna-Marigold Settle from The Market Place.

FRENCH CONSUL DELIGHTED TO REWARD RAY Members of Zetland Lodge No 1311, Leeds accompanied Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Rushworth to Connaught Court, Fulford, York, where they were delighted to join J R W Worrall, (seated in the centre of the picture), as he was presented with the insignia of Chevalier (Knight) in the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French Honorary Consul, Mr Jeremy Burton.

This highest French order for military and civil merits, established in 1802

by Napoleon Bonaparte, was given in recognition of his acknowledged military engagement and his steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.

WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL!

Ray, a flight engineer on a Lancaster bomber, was shot down over Chartres in occupied France in July 1944 and had to parachute to safety. He spent the next three weeks hiding in the forest of Freteval before, with the help of the French Resistance, he was rescued by troops who had crossed the Channel on D-Day. He wrote about his experiences which, in 2004, were published in a book ‘Escape from France’. He has also told his wartime story to local schools and in the Lodge, and his story can also be seen at the Eden Camp Modern History War Museum in Malton, North Yorkshire Later this year Ray will have completed 50 years in the Craft.

Anniversary Celebrations Congratulations to two members of Constancy Lodge No 6359, Huddersfield.

Ian Baxter and his wife, Lesley, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 29 September 2015.

Barry Gregory and his wife, Susan, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 19 March 2016.

Many of you may recognise the title of a popular song recorded by Johnny Mathis.

When three ladies, born in the same year as Johnny, reached a significant age last year, a Lodge almoner thought it a good idea to treat them to afternoon tea.

Ladies being what they are, one of them insisted that she would prepare the tea and host the event at her home.

Not being one to argue, Haig Parry of Beaumont Lodge No 2035, Kirkburton acted as chauffeur for Mrs Rena Cage, widow of the late Bill Cage and Mrs Nancy Usher, widow of the late Stanley Usher, taking them to the home of Mrs Audrey Gaunt, widow of the late Frank Gaunt, at Lindley, Huddersfield.

The ladies enjoyed a wonderful occasion with sandwiches, cakes and scones and a good natter.

• Photo (l to r): - Nancy Usher, Audrey Gaunt and Rena Cage 41

GRAND CHARITY SUPPORT FOR LOCAL HOSPICES Chairman of Area 1 Charity Committee, Alan Griffin had the pleasurable duty in presenting cheques to two local hospices in the Bradford area. Manorlands at Oxenhope & Marie Curie at Bradford both received £3,343, awarded by the Grand Charity and, needless to say, both were absolutely delighted.

Alan is pictured, presenting a cheque to Manorlands, with John Sharman, Area 1 Secretary.

In Area 2, representatives from the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Bradley; Overgate Hospice at Elland and Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton, met together to receive grants totalling over £7,500. John Gledhill APGM and Alan Elstone, Area 2 Chairman were pleased to hand over cheques on behalf of the national charity. Kirkwood received £3,343, Overgate £2,257 and Forget Me Not £2,014.

Wasim Hussain, trusts and legacies fund-raiser at Kirkwood, said, “On behalf of our three local hospices I would like to thank the Freemasons for their wonderful continuing funding as we strive to provide the kind of facilities and support that we believe our communities deserve.” The representatives are pictured receiving the cheques from John B Gledhill APGM and Alan Elstone.

In Area 3, a number of Brethren from several Lodges in Harrogate & District presented cheques to two local hospices.

They first visited St Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate where they met Felicity Wheeler, Trust Fund Raising Manager, and Steve Lawman, Deputy Head of the In-Patient Unit. Douglas Mills, Charity Assistant, handed over a cheque for £2,464. A short tour of the hospice then took in the specially fitted rooms for patients and the day therapy unit.

Later in the day the Brethren travelled to Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa where a cheque for £3,540 was presented to Alyson Wort, Head of Fundraising, together with her colleagues Sarah Smith and Sarah Tarpey. Jerry Anderson also presented a cheque for £202.00 being monies raised at The Vale of Nidd Lodge No 4984. Pictured (l to r) are Paul Clarke APGM; Sarah Tarpey; Sarah Smith; Alyson Wort; Jerry Anderson and Douglas Mills, Area 3 PCA. In making the presentations, Douglas gave a short insight into the number of grants made in the Province which amounted to fifteen hospices receiving a total of £46,938.

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YORKSHIRE WR MASONIC ACTIVITIES LIMITED The above company was founded in 2003 under the chairmanship of Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Clayton and currently has nine directors, with APGM John Gledhill as chairman.

John is supported by secretary/ treasurer Howard Richardson, White Rose editor Peter Doherty, Advertising and marketing chairman David Howe, merchandise co-ordinator Jim Steele, Stuart Cadman, David Lee, Colin Dent and Philip Drury; all of whom make a significant contribution to the company’s affairs and have designated areas of responsibility.

The production and funding of the White Rose magazine and to undertake trading activities on behalf of the Province in pursuit of charitable

purposes, are its principal aims and objectives.

The magazine’s history since the first issue in 1990 has been well documented and continues to provide a platform for reports, photographs of events, features, discussion and opinion – it should not be regarded as simply a mouthpiece for Province. Everyone is encouraged to submit articles to the editor for consideration.

Successive Provincial Grand Masters have sought to ensure that every Brother receives a personal copy, at no cost to the Province or individual and YWRMAL seeks to achieve this through advertising revenue and over many years has also received substantial donations from benefactors.

Please, wherever possible, can we consider supporting our advertisers’ services or products.

The continuing sales of merchandise is crucial to the directors’ determination to maintain a proud record of support for the Province’s principal charity and since the company’s inception some 13 years ago, a magnificent £63,082 has been donated to West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. Profits from sales of the Provincial tie, gloves, braces, handkerchiefs, cuff links, bespoke Lodge and Chapter

organ music systems and, currently, proceeds from Brethren purchasing a stewards’ jewel in support of the 2017 RMBI Festival, all go to WRMCL. Brethren, your support for both White Rose and Provincial merchandise sales continues to be paramount and, as always, is much appreciated.

The company enjoyed another satisfactory year during 2015.

Advertising in White Rose generated £425 less revenue than required to meet production costs. However, this was more than covered through generous donations.

There is a constant need to maximise advertising revenue in order to maintain both pagination and the colour content of the magazine, and to provide a buffer against any future shortfall.

Separately, sales of RMBI Festival and general merchandise continued to generate profit, albeit at a reduced level.

Despite lower sales the company was able to donate £5,000 to West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd during the year.

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Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

2017 RMBI Festival

Festival Banquet BRINGING OUR WONDERFUL FESTIVAL TO A CLOSE On Saturday 10 June 2017, to mark the end of our five-year Festival, we will hold a magnificent Banquet at the wonderful Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. This event will be a special occasion and one that we can use to thank our Ladies for all their support.

The evening will start with a drinks reception in the prestigious War Tournament Galleries followed by a celebration Banquet with entertainment from the internationally renowned Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

Immediately after the meal the Provincial Grand Master will announce the total raised by our Festival and make a presentation to one of our Grand Rulers

This really is an evening not to be missed

Book your place now!!

Tickets £55 each Contact your Lodge Secretary/Scribe E for a booking form or for further information contact stuart.rossy@gmail.com – telephone: 07951 023330

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