Out and About Archive
Older News from Lodges around
the Province
2009
The main Provincial News is here
A list of events can be seen on the What's On? page.
See here for how to submit items for the Lodge News page
W Bro Ron Brookes of David Garrick Lodge 4243 celebrated his 86th birthday in an unusual way.
He undertook a sponsored walk from his home in Honeyborne to the Masonic Hall in Stratford, a distance of 12 miles; the result was £157 for the 2012 Festival.... and there may be more to come! posted 6 Dec 2009
Royal Air Force Lodge Remembers
On 11th November 2009, Members of the Warwickshire Royal Air Force Lodge 9456 visited the National Memorial Aboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire, to attend the Armistice Day Service, and were joined by a deputation from the Province of Staffordshire.
Whilst the main service was attended by the Duke of Wessex, the Lodge held their own remembrance service in the Masonic Garden, conducted by the Provincial Chaplain of Staffordshire.
Afterwards, W Bro Ken Wilkinson (pictured centre, at the corner of the chequered pavement), who served in the RAF and in particular the Battle of Britain as a Spitfire Pilot, gave an explanation of the white stones resting in the garden. These came from China and originally both were smooth. One has now been 'roughed up' to represent the rough ashlar. A donation was made to the National Memorial Arboretum by the members of the lodge of £200.
Later in the day a meeting was held at the Atherstone Masonic Hall where an initiation ceremony took place. A further £400 was raised for charity. posted 22 Nov 2009
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, presided at St Peter's Lodge 7334 at the Yenton Assembly Rooms when Bro Martin Parrack was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.
The Lodge was also honoured by a visit of Bro James L Jack, Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) who was accompanied by Bro William M Craig, his Provincial Grand Secretary.
Phot, left: James L Jack, Martin Parrack, Michael Price
Also present were visiting brethren from Essex which included the Worshipful Master of their Lodge of St Peter 1024.
W Bro Bob Townsend was the Installing Master and carried out a faultless ceremony. It was also a special evening for the new Master, as 21 years ago his father was installed into the chair of St Peter's.
Photo, above right: The Officers of St Peter's Lodge 7334 posted 22 Nov 2009
Trinity Greek Connection and Visit
4th to 6th November 2009 - the long awaited Greek return visit [See History in the Making article posted 16th July 2009 for the earlier story] took place when six members of the newly founded Periandros Lodge No 153 (Greek Constitution) from Corinth arrived to witness one of their number, Bro Thrassivoulos Papangelis, become a joining member of Trinity Lodge 254. Among the visitors was Thrassy's father, W Bro Dinos Papangelis, the WM of Lodge Periandros, who like his son had originally been a member of Lodge Bellerofontes.
On the evening of their arrival they were all invited to join four Trinity Brethren, W Bro Tim Goddin (the organiser of the visit) W Bro David Handford (Master) W Bro Tony Richards and Bro Stuart Reed, for fellowship, drinks and a reception meal at the ancient Town Wall Tavern in Ryley Street near the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
The following day saw the same Brethren, supplemented by the exuberant W Bro Rex Perkins of Abbey Lodge, conduct their Greek brothers on a tour of Kenilworth and Warwick Castles and a subsequent stroll around the centre of Stratford upon Avon (including a memorable stop-off at a genuine olde worlde timber framed tea and coffee shop where delicious homemade cake and scones were consumed). Later a light lunch was taken at the Saxon Mill Restaurant at Guy's Cliff.
On the same evening, 5th November 2009, all attended the regular Trinity Lodge meeting, which was a Past Masters' night, where there was a warm welcome from the Worshipful Master and where they witnessed an excellent Third Degree ceremony. 64 Brethren were present including 29 visitors, of whom 10 were from Abbey Lodge on their annual visit, as well as another local Greek Brother, W Bro S Kiosses, the Master of Elkington Lodge 1016.
At the festive board, the WM presented each of the Greek Brethren with a Trinity bicentenary firing glass and W Bro Dinos gave a gracious reply to W Bro Goddin's visitors' toast and then donated to the Lodge a beautiful, small boxed metal plaque commemorating their visit.
Early on the following day the guests left by train for London. posted 14 Nov 2009
Stepping off with his left foot ... 43,000 times
Bro Piers Clinton-Tarestad of Silhill Lodge 4786 has decided to follow in the footsteps of other Brethren in his lodge by running the London Marathon. He is doing this to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Trust. At 26 miles / 43 km this is more than the average evenings perambulations but is sure to give him plenty of time to learn ritual! CF is one of the most common life threatening diseases in the UK and having experienced first hand the impact it has on a family he is keen to raise as much money as possible in support of this worthy cause. Should any brethren wish to support him, please visit his page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/piersct [link no longer valid] or contact him through his lodge secretary. posted 14 Nov 2009
Sigh of Relief from Lord Leycester
A round of applause greeted the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of "Breath Easy" when Treasurer Malcolm Twiss announced a donation of £150 from the Lord Leycester Lodge 7889, the result of a raffle held at their summer lunch held at Alderson House in Warwick.
"Breathe Easy" was nominated by the Worshipful Master, W Bro Graham Eden and wife Laura.
The Breathe Easy support group network provides support and information for people living with a lung condition, and for those who look after them. For more information about Breathe Easy, how to find your nearest group and how to start a group, see www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy posted 4 Nov 2009
The 1333 Trust made its first charitable donation to assist a severely disabled young Atherstone boy in the purchase of a new wheelchair. The grant was made through the 'Atherstone Motor Show' committee and will go towards the overall £2,500 cost.
The donation is important because it marks the trust fulfilling its charitable obligations and enabled the show committee to speedily raise the remainder of the funds.
Pictured are (left) the Master of Athelstan Lodge 1333, W Bro Jonathan Bowley, presenting the cheque to Bro Gerard Somers, one of the Motor Show organisers, with other members of Athelstan Lodge and The 1333 Trust and the Motor Show Committee. posted 19 Oct 2009
When W Bro Geoff Timms, one of the Founders of Lord Leycester Lodge 7889, left a sum of money to be used for the benefit of the Lodge, the members decided to use some of his legacy to renew their Officers' Collars, with the original jewels being transferred to them.
The old collars were sent to a group of English Constitution Masons in Bermuda, recently visited by W Bro Frank Corrigan, Master of St Johns Lodge 2811, who had reported the shortage of Masonic Regalia in the Constitution.
Masonic re-cycling and charity in action?
Details of Freemasonry in Bermuda can be found (with musical accompaniment) on their website: www.freemasonryinbermuda.com/ posted 8 Oct 2009
W Bro Ian George, IPM of Tudor Lodge 1792, would welcome all those interested in seeing different variations of our ceremonies to "the country" on Friday 20th October. He will be installing his successor in the Richard Whittington Lodge 7534 in Gloucester, which is a "Services" Lodge, consecrated in 1957.
The Lodge has its OWN ritual, with an extended Inner Workings (which obviously can only be seen by Installed Masters), and will be opened at 6.00pm. Dinner, with wine, is around £18.
Contact Ian for full information: ian.georgeuk@btinternet.com, telephone 07774 120003 posted 8 Oct 2009
Ladies Night helps Cancer Research
The Worshipful Master of the Lodge of St Blaise 6113, W Bro Gerry Perks, made a presentation to Jan West of Cancer Research UK, Coventry. The cheque was for £1,200 and was mainly raised on his Ladies Night held earlier in the year. An addition from the Lodge's Social Fund, as announced that evening by the chairman, W Bro Peter Woodfield, helped to increase the amount for the charity.
Cancer Research UK was chosen by the WM's wife, Mrs Julie Perks, as she suffered from breast cancer in 2004 and has since made a full recovery.
Pictured are Jonathan Amies, Lodge Treasurer, Jan West and Gerry Perks. posted 8 Oct 2009
Severn Street will host the final meeting of Tuscan Lodge on Friday 25th September. WM Roy Piddington will be short of Officers on the night (they now only have six active members) and seeks volunteers to help out. He can be contacted direct at home on 01527 542110. posted 13 Sep 2009
Mike Hailwood Lodge hits the Road
As previously reported, members of Warwickshire's newest Lodge are preparing to hit the road and hold a Masonic meeting on the Isle of Man.
Over 20 brethren of the Lodge, accompanied by visitors, ladies and non masonic guests, will be packing up their panniers and heading for Liverpool on Friday 25th of September to catch a ferry to the fabled home of the TT circuit where the name of Mike Hailwood has become part of the island’s folklore.
If it wasn't remarkable enough for a Warwickshire Motorcycle Lodge to be holding a meeting in the Province of the Isle of Man, the ceremony will include David Hailwood. David is the son of the legendary racer after whom the Lodge was named, and is a firm favourite within the TT racing community in his own right.
Assured of strong local support from their hosts for the weekend, Arthur Stanley Lodge 3732, plus the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Isle of Man, and our own Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Secretary, it promises to be a memorable and well supported event. This is not least because of the strong links that have been formed since the Lodge's consecration in April 2008 with the island and its resident Masonic and motor cycling communities including the TT Riders Association and other similar charities.
A packed weekend is planned combining the stunning Manx scenery, two wheeled heritage and some well deserved relaxation in the form of the odd gin & tonic … or two! All in addition to the focal point of the trip, the Lodge meeting on the evening of Saturday 26th September and subsequent Banquet with Ladies, which non Masons are welcome to attend, at Freemasons' Hall, Douglas (pictured).
If you would like to attend what promises to be a truly unique Masonic event, please contact WBro Glyn Evans on 07966 428 067 or by e-mail at glyn.evans@bberecruitment.co.uk who will be only too pleased to furnish you with cost guidelines, travel & accommodation details, an itinerary for the trip and the necessary booking forms. posted 7 Aug 2009
The best time to write history is whilst it is being made, and Trinity Lodge 254 are very fortunate to have W Bro Anthony Richards recording it as time passes by. Trawling through old minute books is all very well when researching content for a publication to commemorate a milestone anniversary, but the author of Trinity Lodge's next such milestone (300th, 2055?) will be grateful for Tony's contemporary notes.
Recent examples include details from their May meeting at which senior Past Master W Bro Stuart Leist received his 50 year certificate from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Alan Wellan, and the Brethren resolved to donate to Lodge Lord Byron 150 (Greek Constitution) meeting in Corfu the set of three tracing boards originally gifted to the Lodge in 1959 by their eldest daughter Abbey Lodge 432.
The boards and their container were later boxed up and posted to Greece, with an inscribed plaque added; and the Worshipful Master, who was fortuitously in Greece on his holidays in June, was then able to make a formal presentation of them to the Worshipful Master of Lodge Lord Byron.
Also in June, Trinity Lodge combined with its daughter The Lodge of Serenity 9312 in hosting a novel joint Ladies Festival Sunday Luncheon at the Windmill Village Hotel Allesley. Over 100 people attended in support of the respective Worshipful Masters, W Bro Brian Cordery (Serenity) and W Bro David Handford (Trinity) (each of whom was a member of both lodges) and their ladies, and enjoyed an excellent repast accompanied by superb music from the Burbage Silver Band and their two soloists. A raffle raised £370 for Acorns Hospice. posted 16 Jul 2009
Guy's Cliffe Lodge No 8874 celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Consecration
Lodge Secretary W Bro Roger Schofield reports that in glorious sunshine, the members of Guy's Cliffe Lodge and their families marked the 30th anniversary of its consecration by holding a garden party at the home of the Worshipful Master, W Bro Doug Squires. Over 60 people attended the event.
The guests included founders W Bros J Smith PJGD, PProvSGW, DJ Barfield PProvJGW, PProvGSwdB (Worcs), VBJ Barrell PProvGSwdB, together with W Bros P Battisson PProvGSwdB, PP Brayshaw PProvSGW, TR Gurney PProvSGW, CM (who had travelled from Devon for the occasion), KWD Hoddle PProvSGW and BW Ogden-Metherell PProvJGW.
The Worshipful Master welcomed everyone and thanked the founders for the work and energy they put in to creating the Lodge. W Bro Smith outlined the meetings held by the Formation Committee between February 1978 and March 1979 prior to the Consecration ceremony and issue of the warrant.
W Bro Barrell thanked W Bro Smith for having the foresight and being the driving force behind the acquisition of the property which has now resulted in excellent Masonic Rooms at Guy’s Cliffe, Warwick.
Overall, a very happy and memorable occasion.
Many thanks Roger, for letting us in on your anniversary party, and congratulations and all best wishes for the next 30 years and beyond. posted 29 Jun 2009
The June meeting of Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge, at which our Deputy PGM, VW Bro Alan Wellan, was declared Master Elect, saw several joining members, the presentation of a further eleven gavels and a magnificent demonstration of the Building of King Solomon's Temple.
The gavels were presented by the 2012 Festival Director W Bro David Macey to the latest Lodges which have achieved their target, these being Griffin Installed Masters 9737, St Barbara's 4930, Machen 1782, Earl Leofric 6081, Stoneleigh 725, St John's 2811, Loyal Travellers 2733, Happiness 7952, Etone 5981, Loyalty 4340 and Coventry Foundation 4543. David was delighted to present the beautiful gavels and congratulated the Lodges for their enthusiasm and continuing efforts. Pictured are the Masters or representatives of the Lodges which received their award, with David wearing a happy grin in front of the banner.
After the meeting W Bro James Rogers from the Province of West Lancashire quite literally completed building his model of the Temple whilst narrating the origins, history, practicalities and details of its construction. His model was based upon the description and dimensions contained in the Bible, and was built in accordance with his interpretation, not necessarily shared by all.
He explained the various parts which made up the structure, drawing specific attention to the Holy of Holies created as a dwelling place for God's spirit, and eloquently outlined the importance of the building, despite it being relatively small, entrance to which would have been restricted to Kings and High Priests alone. The two great pillars at the entrance, Boaz and Jachin, were a major feature of the Temple and were explained at some length. The ornaments and furniture, and the materials from which they were made, were of the highest quality, with extensive use of gold, silver and cedar. Not brass however, this not having been discovered at that time, biblical references more likely to have referred to bronze or some similar alloy.
In conclusion, prior to the dramatic dimming of lights and switching on of the model's illuminations, James outlined the philosophical relevance of the Temple, "mine house" representing man himself, with our Masonic ritual weaving through the lessons we can learn from the symbolism contained therein. Pictured is W Bro James Rogers next to the part completed structure. posted 19 Jun 2009
The Warwickshire Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies Lodge received a presentation from W Bro Keith Marchington, one of the five Authorised Orators for the Province led by the Provincial Grand Orator W Bro Trevor Sturt.
Keith (pictured) described the background to former Pro Grand Master Lord Northampton's initiative, which was established to perpetuate the near 300 year old symbolism of freemasonry, and which had resulted in the creation, to date, of 37 official papers. Orators were obliged to read their Oration verbatim, without modification or comment, in order to ensure uniformity, and were not allowed to make copies of the papers. Some papers were only suitable for Master Masons.
His first paper was entitled "Building the Temple" and homed in on the relevance of the North East to a newly initiated member. It outlined the 1st degree ceremony, this being the start of a journey eventually leading to the conclusion of Pure and Antient Masonry found in the Royal Arch. The initiate represents the foundation stone upon which the building lies, and teaches him to extend this principle into society through high standards of morality and virtue.
The second paper, "Jacob's Ladder", reflected upon the internationally recognised emblem representing Joseph's vision of the journey from earth to heaven. Appearing on the first degree tracing board, where the three cardinal virtues of freemasonry - Faith, Hope and Charity - are described, the ladder has been depicted in a variety of different ways and was a prominent feature in the eighteenth century, appearing on jewels and drawings.
Further information about the Oration scheme can be seen on the website on the Contacts/Orator page. posted 19 Jun 2009
The Brethren of Charterhouse Lodge No 5690 recently donated £250 to the 5th/80th Coventry Scout Group. This enabled the Group to purchase ten new tents which have already been put to good use at camps for the Scout and Cub sections, both of which gave a resounding "Thumbs Up" to each and every new tent (pictured).
The volunteer run Group, which includes Scouts, Beavers and Cubs, relies on fundraising events and the generosity of organisations such as ourselves. The Group Scout Leader expressed how very grateful they were for the donation and sent a selection of photographs showing the tents in use at the camps. posted 9 June 2009
Stoneleigh Lodge No 725 will be holding their Summer BBQ this coming weekend, Saturday, 6 June.
Spiced up with an Indian flavour, this popoular event will start at 3:00pm and continue until late in the evening at a cost of just £10 for adults and £5 for children under 12 years.
If you are interested in joining Stoneleigh Lodge at Victoria House, Willes Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 4PT on Saturday, please contact Bro Neil Kelley on 01926 313029, The Secretary, Bro David Lloyd, at david@crimsoninvestments.co.uk or Pindi on 07885 218232, email pindichan@hotmail.com as soon as possible. posted 1 June 2009
Hertford Lodge No 3208's £3,600 lift supports appeal for Children's Hospice
Members of Hertford Lodge No 3208 in Sutton Coldfield gave super support to Acorns Children's Hospice Fragile Lives appeal, with a £3,600 donation raised from their social events held last year.
Sarah Rea, wife of last year's Worshipful Master Mark Rea, nominated Acorns Children's hospice to benefit from funds raised from several Lodge events held in 2008, including their Ladies Night held at Drayton Manor which alone raised £1,600.
Mike Lovell, the Lodge's social secretary said "Sarah knew of the care that Acorns gives and we really put our support behind the local charity's work".
Mike Tague, Acorns Children's Hospice Regional Fundraiser said "This donation is simply great: the Lodges play a vital part in supporting care for Acorns children and families, who need all the help available from the community".
Pictured are (left to right): Bro Patrick Wood, Mrs Sarah Rea, W Bro Mark Rea, and Sanjay Jagatia (Acorns' Community Fundraiser for Birmingham and Warwickshire). posted 29 May 2009
Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge No 4538
At the next meeting brethren will have the opportunity to witness a re-enactment of "The Building of King Solomon's Temple" which will include the construction of Solomon's Temple on the floor of the Lodge. This meeting takes place at 5.00pm on Thursday 11th June 2009 at the Warwickshire Masonic Temple, Stirling Road, Birmingham B16 9SB.
With places likely to be taken quickly, any Brother wishing to attend this special occasion should apply to Trevor Siddall, the Lodge Assistant Secretary, by telephone on 01604 830467 or by email at trevor.siddall@talk21.com
Full details are on the poster here. posted 17 May 2009
Warwickshire Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies Lodge No 9620
All Craft Masons are cordially invited to attend and enjoy Orations entitled "Building of the Temple" and "Jacobs Ladder", together with an explanation of the Orations Scheme, at the next Lodge meeting on Friday 12th June. The presentation will be given by W Bro Keith Marchington, PAGDC, PProvSGW, at the Masonic Rooms, Alderson House, Warwick, followed by Dinner.
An application form is attached here, or contact Lodge Secretary Les Long on 01564 794457, e-mail: leslong567@hotmail.com. posted 17 May 2009
At the forthcoming Installation meeting of the Lodge of Goodwill 3899 W Bro Neil Watkin will (subject to successful election, of course) be installing his father, Bro Austin Watkin, into the Chair of King Solomon. Neil initiated and passed his father when he was Master in 2002/2003, and subsequently raised him as well. The current WM of the Lodge has kindly agreed that he can install him too.
Should anyone wish to attend they should contact Neil at neil_watkin@hotmail.com or on 0121 354 7870 (work) as he is also secretary of the Lodge, and as an acting Provincial Grand Lodge officer 2008/2009 will be very careful to avoid making any mistakes in the ceremony! The Installation meeting is at Severn Street in Birmingham on Tuesday 28th April 2009, opening at 5pm. posted 15 Mar 2009
Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge No 4538
The unique Bristol Workings of an Initiation Ceremony will be demonstrated by St Nicholas Lodge 4561 from the Province of Bristol at Stirling Road, on Tuesday 31st March. Attendance at the Installed Masters' Lodge is usually restricted to Master Masons, but on this occasion, for obvious reasons, Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts will be very welcome to attend.
Full details are on the poster attached. posted 15 Mar 2009
Keeping their Eye on the Ball!
Members of the William Webb Ellis Lodge 9754 recently made a trip to Ireland as guests of the Metropolitan Lodge in Dublin.
The trip was arranged by Bro Ciaran McDonnall in Ireland and W Bros Des Swarbrigg and Mick Tarrant of WWE, to coincide with the 6 Nations rugby match between England and Ireland. Members of the Lodge travelled over on Friday for the Lodge meeting and festive board and stayed for the match on Saturday. They then travelled back to England on the Sunday.
Photographs are of the magnificent Dublin Lodge rooms (below) and the English contingent (above, from left to right; W Bro John Partridge, Bro Nigel Mullin, W Bro Roy Pebody, W Bro Nigel Headley, W Bro Des Swarbrigg, PProvAGDC, W Master, W Bro John Swift, W Bro Richard Tarrant and W Bro Mick Tarrant PProvAGDC.)
The Masonic content of the weekend was undoubtedly considerably more satisfying than the rugby result for the members of WWE, but perhaps not in the opinion of the Brethren from Metropolitan Lodge!
posted 15 Mar 2009
Lodge of Warwick Founder Member, and from 2007 Honorary Member, W Bro John Edward 'Jack' Smith celebrated his 100th birthday on February 12th and 15 days later, Friday 27th February, was presented with the Provincial Grand Master's Certificate in recognition of his 50 years service to freemasonry. 
He had been Initiated into Greville Lodge.
The presentation was made by Deputy PGM Alan Wellan, pictured with Jack at his home in Charlecote, in the presence of Lodge of Warwick WM Steven Price, Secretary W Bro John Long and Almoner W Bro Mervyn Kimberley. There was a delightful amount of conversation and reminiscing during the afternoon!
Jack is hail and hearty and keeps a watchful eye on the progress of the lodge, a lodge to which he has given great service and which he still attends from time to time. Much of his working life was as a renowned baker his start being during school holidays and at weekends when a young schoolboy and then full time (and that was for as much as 11 hours a day, 7 days a week ! ) from the age of 14 . He and his late wife Flo were pillars of the community in Barford where they had their bakery business until retirement in 1965 ;
imagine, if you can , the half-cwt pork pie made by Bro Jack for a village War Effort fund raising event in the Winter of 1946.
He was Worshipful Master in 1970 , appointed PProvAGDC in 1976, PProvGReg in 1987 and PProvSGW in 1992.
We wish Bro Jack well and congratulate him on his achievements. posted 15 Mar 2009
Linwood Lodge No 9632 extend a hearty invitation to all Brethren to visit them. Their programme for 2009 can be viewed here. posted 15 Mar 2009
W Bro Mervyn Shenton, Almoner and Communications Officer for Boldmere Lodge 4704 reports that they recently enjoyed a Sunday Luncheon at the Peninsular Restaurant on Chester Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield.
The very hard working Charity Steward W Bro Palmer organised the event, at which a raffle was also held. The grand sum of £970 was raised on the day for the burns unit at the Children's Hospital. The restaurant held a further four raffles on the following four days and raised another £900 for the charity.
Very well done to all of you in the Lodge - a lovely example of how social events can do so much for the community. posted 15 Mar 2009
An Aston Martin for Aston Manor
The brethren of Aston Manor Lodge 6323 are holding a rather special
raffle at the festive board of their meeting on Tuesday 21st April, at Yenton
Assembly rooms. The prize is an invitation for two people to a driving event at
Millbrook Proving Ground. This will include an Aston Martin with a Performance
Driving Instructor around the ground, followed by a complimentary lunch.
Proceeds from the raffle will go to the 2012 Festival.
To take part in the raffle you will have to attend the Lodge so first enjoy their meeting and then chance your arm. Shrewd punters will of course work out the excellent odds - fire regulations mean the maximum number of participants will be just 90! Applications from the Lodge Secretary Bro SN Abel on 02476 676 100. posted 16 Feb 2009
The Provincial Newsletter is available here