Provincial Grand Lodge
News Archive
January ~ March 2010
Main News Page News Archive Menu
Charity Walk reaches Australia
Rather than trying to excuse himself, W Bro Dewi Cooke, Charity Steward of Newdegate Lodge 5102, is determined to take part in the 2012 Festival Charity Walk taking place over the Easter holiday, despite being 10,549 miles away. He is on holiday with Bro Colin Taylor, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, and who is also a subscribing member of the Lodge. They will be arranging sponsors for their own local walk, avoiding en route the crocs and 'roos we don't tend to see much of on our own canals.
Now, just think how much would Dewi raise if he carried on walking until he arrived home . . . . ? Our own Dewi Macey will walk fifteen miles each day. At that rate, it would take around 700 days to get from Oz to Brum, allowing for the odd puddles (aka oceans) en route, arriving back well in time for the Festival Celebration in September 2012, some 900 days away!
If you haven't already pledged your support for the Walk, act now - full details can be seen on the Festival Charity Walk page, or contact Peter Wellings email: infoman@warwickshirepgl.org.uk or tel: 07973 135761 to make sure you don't miss the opportunity. posted 27 Mar 2010
Metropolitan Grand Lodge is considering some events to coincide with the London Olympics in 2012. It is understood that the Library & Museum is to organize an exhibition with a sporting theme at this time.
Ideas being discussed include a fund raising dinner for masons and non-masons, with their partners, from across the globe at the Grand Connaught Rooms; a reception in the Library & Museum; a lodge meeting and other such events.
It will enhance the events if a number of international sports persons, though not necessarily athletes or Olympic sports, with Masonic connections (members; partners; family members) can be present at one or more of the events. In order that MetGL can approach these masons for their support, they are seeking the names and contact details of such masons (or their family members).
If anyone knows of such, or needs further information, please contact:
W Bro Geoff Gillo
Metropolitan Information Officer
metio@metgl.com
posted 27 Mar 2010
Rt Hon Lord Cornwallis, OBE, DL (obit)
The death on 6 March of our Past Pro Grand Master Lord Cornwallis breaks a chain of more than one hundred years of continuous distinguished service to Freemasonry by the Cornwallis family.
Fiennes Neil Wykham, 3rd Baron Cornwallis was born in 1921, educated at Eton and served in the Coldstream Guards during the Second World War. As a Farmer of extensive orchards he served on major committees in the House of Lords and the European Commission protecting the interests of fruit growers and small businesses in general, for which he received his OBE. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent in 1976.
He was initiated in Douglas Lodge 1725, Maidstone in 1954 and was Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Kent in 1962 and Senior Grand Warden in 1963. An interest in charity took him to the former Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, of which he was Chairman 1966 - 1972.
In 1971 he was appointed Assistant Grand Master. Shortly after, the Bagnall Committee was set up to make a fundamental review of Masonic Charity. On its report being accepted he was asked by the Grand Master to chair the Grand Master's Committee to implement the major changes which resulted in the reorganisation of the Charities into their present form, no mean feat.
In 1976 he became Deputy Grand Master and Second Grand Principal and in 1982 succeeded the late Lord Cadogan as Pro Grand Master and Pro First Grand Principal, serving for ten years.
His period as Pro Grand Master was not an easy one. Public perceptions of the Craft, political interference, major enquiries into the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity by the Methodist and Anglican Churches and the problems of the former Royal Masonic Hospital took up a great deal of his time. He gave real support to the then new policy of openness (not popular at that time) and lived to see it begin to bear fruit.
After his retirement in 1992 he continued to serve on the Grand Master's Council and his experience and wise counsel were much appreciated by his successors. posted 27 Mar 2010
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Viewers watching the recent quarter final of BBC's Mastermind will have seen a relaxed and confident W Bro Brian Southgate, Past Master of Knowle Lodge 8001, narrowly beat his opponents following an excellent first round, four point lead, from his specialist subject, Sir Alex Ferguson, who during the introductions Brian had expressed his great admiration for.
The other competitors had varying levels of success with their own subjects, covering 17th Century English History, 
Startrek Voyager and Sir Edward Elgar, but Brian kept his own in the general knowledge round, managing to win by just one point with his very last question, which asked him which metaphor arose from Poet and Author John Milton's 1634 masque "Comus".
Well done, Brian, and all good luck for the next round. posted 27 Mar 2010
Solihull Masonic Temple (at Knowle) are holding a flag waving and singing night on 24th April. Tickets are £19 each and include a four course meal, with entertainment from the multi award winning duo, Street and Lain.
Full details here. Early booking is recommended. posted 27 Mar 2010
Many congratulations go to the following Worshipful Brethren for their preferment in Grand Lodge, their investiture taking place in London on Wednesday 28th April 2010.
First Appointments:
- Philip Laurence Hall, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
- Garry Horace Derek Malpas, Past Grand Standard Bearer
- Anthony Paul Newby, Past Grand Standard Bearer
Promotion:
- Thomas William Seekings, from Past Grand Standard Bearer to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
posted 14 Mar 2010
£20,000 Donated in response to Chile Earthquake
The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has approved an emergency grant of £20,000 to the Red Cross following a large earthquake in Chile. The earthquake struck at 03.35 hours local time on 27 February 2010, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale. It is reported to be the worst earthquake to hit the country in 25 years, and has been followed by aftershocks of up to 6.9 magnitude. It has been confirmed that 802 people have died and over 2 million are believed to have been affected.
The earthquake hit 90 kilometres north-east of the city of Concepción in central Chile, and has reportedly caused considerable damage to infrastructure in the Bíobío and Maule regions. Many roads and buildings have been damaged, particularly in coastal zones, while some areas continue to suffer from power outages, though Santiago remains largely unaffected.
The Freemasons' Grand Charity has awarded the British Red Cross £20,000 to assist with their relief efforts. The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with the country's National Emergency Office (ONEMI), carrying out search and rescue operations, giving medical assistance where necessary as well as providing basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter. posted 14 Mar 2010
The 6th National Masonic Inter-Provincial Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition, hosted by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge Clay Shooting Association, will be held at the EJ Churchill Shooting Ground, Park Lane, Lane End, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3NS on Saturday 26th June 2010.
This will be a challenging 100-Bird Sporting Competition Shoot at one of London's Premier Shooting Grounds, all in aid of the RMBI, at the great value of only £70 per head. This includes a welcome bacon buttie and tea/coffee breakfast, and a full Buffet Lunch (non-shooting guests Breakfast & Buffet Lunch only £15).
All Masonic Shooters and non-Masonic Guests are welcome.
Trophies will include:
- Overall Competition High Gun, Masonic High Gun and Runner Up
- Masonic and Non-Masonic Top Team and Runners Up
- Ladies' High Gun and Juniors'
Registration commences 9:00am. Shoot commences 9:45am.
Full details and an application form are on the What's On page, or download the form from here. posted 14 Mar 2010
Our Provincial Mentor, Stuart Esworthy, was asked by James Bartlett, the National Mentoring Co-ordinator, to give the keynote speech at the second National Mentoring Conference held at our London headquarters in Great Queen Street in February.
The Grand Secretary Nigel Brown opened the day and talked about the need to challenge ourselves, the need to listen to our members and the need to enhance our PR - and he told the assembled mentors that we have just engaged a new PR company to help us with those initiatives.
Stuart was very pleased to hear all those things because it meant his text was complementary and not too radical or controversial!
The title of Stuart's speech was "The Values and Expectations of the 21st Century Mason", and his theme was change. He suggested we look to add to our original 3 values (Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth) with 5 newer aspirational values, his presentation being embraced within a Powerpoint slide show which can be seen here or downloaded as a PDF with accompanying notes here. He also suggested a route to delivery and ended with how we in Warwickshire were progressing.
A comprehensive summary of the Conference can be seen on the website promoted by our immediate past Pro Grand Master, The Marquess of Northampton, for the purpose of encouraging and developing mentoring activity, see www.3rlibrary.org.uk.
Stuart will be happy to answer any questions or expand on his thinking if anything is unclear, or if anyone feels it is worthy of further work.
There will be a Mentoring seminar on Wednesday 31st March, 1:00 to 4:00pm at Stirling Road, immediately before the Warwickshire Installed Masters 4538 meeting (at which John Hamill is the guest speaker, talking about the origins of freemasonry). All Brethren wishing to attend the seminar should contact Stuart, tel: 07881 505558, email: mentor@warwickshirepgl.org.uk. posted 11 Mar 2010
Temple Lodge 4929 invite all masons, their families and friends to join them in a St George's Night celebration at Stirling Road, Edgbaston, on Friday 23rd April. All raffle and other proceeds will be donated to the 2012 Festival.
For full details and booking information see here. posted 11 Mar 2010
Support and Socks for the Wilson Stuart Cub Pack
The Lodge of Faith and Hope 4772 has supported the Wilson Stuart Cub Pack, which is based in Erdington, Birmingham for well over 15 years. The Pack caters exclusively for mentally and physically disabled children and is delighted to have also received supported from the Province during more recent years.
Funds provided last year totalling £700 helped to replace equipment lost in a fire during the previous year.
The picture (left) shows W Bro Roger Chapman, Charity Steward of the Lodge, being presented with an engraved plate by the Cub Pack leaders to acknowledge the support they have received. The ladies are the "Arkela" and her deputy who were very pleased to receive cheques last year - the cubs themselves cannot be photographed without parental permission.
The funds provided were used to cover costs for their annual camp last year, which these days proves to be a very expensive event, particularly insurance costs which are a necessary overhead. The Lodge is intending to make further donations this year to ensure the event can go ahead again.
During the day with the Cubs, Roger had a meal cooked and served by the Cubs, which enabled them to gain their Cookery badges. 
Quite a remarkable achievement when you consider that all twelve of the Cubs present were in wheelchairs.
The picture (right) shows the special camp socks that were provided by the donations as part of the Scout camp trip, which without support they would not have been able to attend. posted 11 Mar 2010
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, will be appointed to Grand Scribe N at the Annual Investiture of Supreme Grand Chapter on Thursday 29th April. It is the third time he has been appointed as an Acting Officer in Supreme Grand Chapter and we offer many congratulations on achieving this very senior rank. posted 9 Mar 2010
The General Lodge of Instruction will be holding its 92nd Festival of Instruction at 6.00pm on Thursday 25th March 2010, at Stirling Rd. This will include a demonstration of the Ceremony of Initiation including the Charge to the Initiate, together with a working of the First Section of the First Degree Lecture.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE has kindly agreed to be the Festival President before his retirement.
All Brethren are very welcome to attend, particularly Entered Apprentices. The cost is only £15, including wine.
To secure a place please contact the Secretary no later than Friday 19th March: W Bro MD Hogarth, tel: 01905 776071 or email: mikehogarth@aol.com posted 1 Mar 2010
W Bro Frank Salt and W Bro Malcolm Owen presented a cheque for £1003 to the WNAA at their base at Coventry Airport. See Lodge News here for full details. posted 28 Feb 2010
Every Warwickshire freemason should by now have received his copy of the Spring Newsletter, posted to him at the address held for him on the Provincial ADeplhi Database (see article on back page). The Newsletter contains several articles not included on the website Provincial News page. posted 28 Feb 2010
An outfit styling itself Masonic Yellow Pages, based in New Zealand, has appeared on the internet suggesting that freemasons should advertise with them for the purpose of self help and gaining financial relief, networking, giving time, investing energy and a whole myriad of derivatives.
This is an entirely commercial operation which anyone appears to be able to subscribe to, freemason or otherwise.
Every freemason has signed a declaration stating that he is uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive, and should recognise this unsolicited approach as being completely contrary to both his declaration, and the principles which freemasons pledge allegiance to. posted 23 Feb 2010
Acorns Children’s Hospice will be the sole beneficiary of money raised by Greville Lodge 4773 for a winter climb of Mount Toubkal, part of the High Atlas Mountains and the highest peak in Northern Africa. See Lodge News for full details. posted 23 Feb 2010
Many junior members may think to themselves that Masonic life after the excitement and honour of being Master of their Lodge must equate to being put out to pasture. But how wrong they are.
Beyond the Craft and Royal Arch there are many other intriguing Orders in freemasonry, which cannot be joined without membership of the Craft, most of them being open to brethren quite soon after their becoming Master Masons. But another avenue is the one provided by our Installed Masters' Lodges.
Newly installed Masters are invariably advised of their qualification to join an Installed Masters' Lodge, where top level activity, whether academic, general interest or social, takes place. The Lodges provide a wonderful platform for many fascinating presentations and demonstrations, which all appropriately qualified Masons are very welcome to attend.
1810 Russian Initiation
Take the Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge 4538, for example, where last November a demonstration team from the Old Wulfrunians Lodge 7411 (Province of Staffordshire) gave a Demonstration in period costume of an 1810 Russian Initiation Ceremony taken from Tolstoy's War and Peace.
Members of the Old Wulfrunian's Lodge Demonstration Team
Team leader W Bro ED Humphries introduced his members, outlining the team's background and origins. They had given their first demonstration in 1986 to the Federation of School Lodges, when 370 onlookers were present. Since then they have given around 120 demonstrations all round the country, raising over £100,000 for a variety of mainly non-masonic charities such as Air Ambulance, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Gait Trainers and suchlike. All sorts of hitches and glitches arise with any touring group, this team being no exception, and the audience was given many amusing anecdotal reports of incidents incurred during their travels, including encountering the local weight watchers group when visiting Alcester Town Hall, and using a coffin to escape from a meeting at Grand Lodge!
The play itself was based upon Tolstoy's account of the Initiation of a Russian Aristocrat seeking a purpose and meaning to his life following the Napoleonic wars, which he hoped freemasonry might provide a gateway to. It was magnificent theatre in its own right, but reflected remarkably close similarities with our own present ceremonies. A running narrative was provided throughout, explaining the symbolism and meaning of the play as it unfolded, all carefully planned to reinforce the principles of discretion, obedience and morality which the candidate had been instructed in.
Following the presentation, the Worshipful Master, VW Bro Alan Wellan, thanked the members of the demonstration team, stating how awe inspiring and thought provoking he had found the presentation to be.
Go and Do Thou Likewise
But it is not just in the Craft that we can enjoy presentations of great interest.
Following the January meeting of the Warwickshire Installed Mark Master Masons' Lodge W Bro Dr John Wade *, the 2009 Prestonian Lecturer, gave a superb delivery of his paper, to which freemasons from all orders had been invited to attend.
John's impressive CV was highlighted during the introduction by the Worshipful Master VW Bro Spencer Fenn, who welcomed him to Warwickshire in general and this Premier Lodge in particular. During his lecture, 'Go and do thou likewise: English Masonic Processions from the 18th to the 20th Centuries', John surveyed public processions of masons over two centuries and examined the association of civic, ecclesiastical and Masonic bodies in public ceremonies. He suggested that as we move into the 21st century we need to be protagonistic about our civility and civil identity, demonstrating that we have a civil association with the community, of which our forefathers among the leaders of both the civic and ecclesiastical authorities appreciated the symbolic importance.
Ingenuity was also needed to encourage interest in our activities; a wonderful example being the participation in the London Lord Mayor's Show, when freemasons rode along the route in an open-topped bus, escorted by Grand Stewards, all dressed in their regalia.
2009 Prestonian Lecturer John Wade (left) with Worshipful Master Spencer Fenn
The Mark PGM, RW Bro David Rawlins thanked John for a particularly enlightening and interesting presentation, and at the festive board W Bro Peter Wellings, who initially invited John Wade to the meeting, proposed his health in a hearty toast, enlightening those present to the demands on a Prestonian Lecturer, involving much travel around the world.
During the preceding meeting it was announced, to great acclamation, that W Bro Brian Price would be the next Master of the Lodge. A collection was made at the meeting towards the 2012 Festival Sponsored Walk.
* John Wade is also Master of the leading Quatuor Coronati research Lodge, and has invited Warwickshire Masons to their meeting on 30th June in Sheffield. If you would like details when they become available, contact infoman@warwickshirepgl.org.uk
Whence Come We? – John Hamill
The next opportunity to enjoy a top flight presentation is when VW Bro John Hamill addresses the Warwickshire Installed Masters Lodge 4538 at Stirling Road on Wednesday 31st March. John spent many years as Librarian and Curator at the UGLE headquarters in Great Queen Street, and is one of the world's leading experts on freemasonry.
In 1998 he was asked to set up a specialised Communications Department for Grand Lodge, becoming Director of Communications. More recently he has become Director of Special Projects, tasked with looking at the broad impact of Freemasonry on society in England and Wales over the last three hundred years, as part of the celebrations marking the tercentenary of Grand Lodge.
The title of his talk on 31st March is 'Whence come we?' and is bound to be stimulating and thought provoking. In the last 20 years, there have been a number of volumes published, mainly by non Masons, claiming that the origins of Freemasonry lie in the medieval Knights Templar, the so called Priory of Sion or the Egyptian Mysteries. Others, including some Masonic writers, claim it goes back over thousands of years and may have evolved out of a schism in the original Christian Church. This talk looks at the various orthodox and unorthodox theories of our origins, discusses the actual evidence we have and questions why any doubts should be thrown on the long established view that Freemasonry in fact descends either directly or indirectly from the organisation of the medieval Operative Masons and the guild system.
All Master Masons may attend, and those wishing to do so who are not members of the Lodge should contact W Bro Trevor Siddall, email: trevor.siddall@btinternet.com, tel. 01604 830467. posted 23 Feb 2010
Stirling Road played host to a group of 40 members from SPICE in January. SPICE is a national organization, established over 28 years ago, with over 10,000 members who describe themselves as a social adventure group for ordinary people who want to do extraordinary things.
This 'extraordinary' evening for them began with talks given by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Alan J Wellan, on Freemasonry in general and Warwickshire freemasonry in particular, and by the Provincial Grand Almoner, W Bro Chris Grove, on the charity activities undertaken nationally and by the Province.
The visitors were then treated to a tour of a Lodge Room with an explanation by W Bro Peter Sorrill of the furniture and ceremonial, a guided tour of the Museum with W Bro Clifford Hadley acting as a most knowledgeable guide and a visit to the Library where W Bro John Emms showed the visitors some of the more historic of our Masonic books and artefacts.
Members of the Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge proved their worth once again by escorting the visitors from place to place and answering their, sometimes, complex questions.
The guests left with a much greater appreciation of what Freemasonry is and what it has to offer and who knows, maybe a new member in the offing! posted 23 Feb 2010
Donation To Cumberland & Westmorland Flood Appeal
The Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, instructed that a donation should be made to the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland Floods Appeal, following the devastation experienced in the area during late 2009.
At the request of the PGM, the cheque was presented personally to the Provincial Grand Master for Cumberland & Westmorland RW Bro Norman J Thompson, by W Bro John B Hayward, as he is a member of both Provinces.
The photograph shows John presenting the cheque to Norman during the recent Installation meeting of Windermere Chapter 2217. Norman is also the Grand Superintendent of the Province, hence the Royal Arch Regalia. John presented the cheque with the best wishes of the brethren and companions of the Province of Warwickshire. posted 23 Feb 2010
W Bro David Macey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented W Bro Des Graham with his 50 years Service to Freemasonry Certificate at Coleshill Lodge 8272.
Des entered freemasonry as a Lewis on 16th January 1960, being initiated into Northfield Lodge 5056, where his father was a Past Master. He then went on, twelve years later, to become Master himself in 1972, receiving Provincial Honours in Worcestershire in 1977.
He joined Coleshill Lodge in December 1996, becoming Master in April 2008, between which times he was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in Concord Chapter 3239 in April 2006. posted 23 Feb 2010
Yenton Support Orthopaedic Research
Last year, Lorna the daughter of Yenton Lodge 3484 Master W Bro Maurice Summers, successfully underwent surgery at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham to correct a condition she has had from birth.
As is the tradition of Yenton Lodge, at W Bro Maurice and his wife Pam's Ladies Evening last October, it was agreed and announced that 50% of the charity collection would go towards the MSF 2012 Festival, and 50% to a non-Masonic charity of Pam's choice - she chose the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (RoH) Orthopaedic Charity, which helps fund specialist research in the field of orthopaedics. At the November Lodge meeting the charity collection was very generously matched by a personal contribution from Maurice & Pam, and this was all added to the sum to be donated to the RoH.
The net result was that Yenton Lodge was able to donate £520 to the RoH Orthopaedic Charity, which together with tax recoverable via gift aid, should amount to in excess of £600, which the Master and Almoner W Bro Stephen Fowler duly went along to present, and which was most gratefully received.
Pictured (l-r) are Mr Matthew Revell, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who performed the surgery on Lorna; W Bro Steve Fowler, Almoner, Yenton Lodge; W Bro Maurice Summers, Master, Yenton Lodge; Prof Paul Pynsent, Director of the Research & Teaching Centre at the RoH, and Chief Executive of the RoH Orthopaedic Charity. posted 23 Feb 2010
Brethren wishing to attend an initiation ceremony, especially those newly initiated themselves, are invited to Charterhouse Lodge 5690 in Coventry on 8th March. See Lodge News for details. posted 23 Feb 2010
Warwickshire Freemasons and their Lodges have the opportunity of donating towards our Province's own appeal to assist with the relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Haiti. Provincial Grand Almoner W Bro Chris Grove was not surprised when the Charity Office started receiving calls enquiring if the Province was planning an appeal. With the Provincial Grand Master's approval the necessary arrangements have been put in place for a coordinated collection.
Reflecting that the Province was able to send a total of £44,500 in 2005 towards the Asian Tsunami appeal Chris said: "Once again Warwickshire Freemasons have expressed their willingness to respond to assist the misfortune of others. Already cheques are arriving and we will send appropriate amounts onto the British Red Cross at regular intervals as donations accumulate."
Cheques from Lodges, or individual Brethren, should be made payable to WMCA (Haiti Appeal) and sent to the Charity Office, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB. posted 2 Feb 2010
Final Call for Newsletter Advertising
The Spring edition of the Provincial Newsletter is being finalised, and there is a small amount of space left for advertisers. Rates are £100 quarter page, £200 half page, £400 full page. If you wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity to advertise your products or services to over 4,700 freemasons in Warwickshire (the newsletter is mailed directly to them all at their homes), please contact W Bro John Davis 0121 241 3403 (b) or 07977 592414 (m), email: johnwdavis@blueyonder.co.uk, as soon as possible.
A copy of the last Newsletter can be seen here. posted 2 Feb 2010
Recent developments in the Mentoring programme include the publication of a number of important documents available to everyone by accessing the Mentoring section (in the Contacts menu) of the Website. One of these is a talk, which can be read in open Lodge or preferably presented to the Lodge by one of the Provincial Mentoring team so questions can be asked and answers given or sought.
There is also a new workshop for all would be Mentors, which will be arranged for groups of Mentors at a convenient locality. They will also be run centrally for all-comers, and interested parties should contact the Provincial office by email to be added to a waiting list of those wishing to attend, who will be contacted direct when the next date and location is finalised.
W Bro Stuart Esworthy, The Provincial Mentor, is seeking to establish a contact in every Lodge to act as the Mentoring Co-ordinator who will co-ordinate the matching of Mentors to Mentees in their own Lodge and receive new information on training dates etc. Please submit names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers to Stuart at the Provincial Office.
Stuart also needs anecdotal evidence of where we are meeting the needs of new members but also where we might be falling short of their aspirations. These can be sent to Stuart anonymously at the Provincial Office, enabling him to tailor the mentoring programme to cover the issues of concern to our newer members. posted 2 Feb 2010
W Bro Professor Ken Durrands CBE, Master of Howe Lodge 587 in 2000, received his 50 years service to freemasonry certificate from Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro John Emms exactly 50 years to the day after his initiation.
W Bro Bill Grigg, who was Master in 2001 and 2005, produced a beautiful commemoration sheet for the Lodge minute book, which may be seen here. posted 2 Feb 2010
Happy New Year, but not just yet. . . . . . please wind forward to Saturday 13th February, when a unique and spectacular occasion will take place, to which all Lodge members, families and friends have been invited via the Masters of their Lodges.
This is the fabulous Chinese Valentines Ball being held at Stirling Road, organised by the Mark Social Committee and fully supported by our PGM Michael Price, who will be joining us for this great event with his wife, Dawn.
The Social Committee has organised the Ball to raise funds for the 2012 Festival. Their enviable reputation for arranging fantastic quality and value for money events goes before them, and this will be no exception!
Guests will enjoy the excellent standards provided at the newly refurbished Clarendon Suites, as well as a first class line-up of entertainment, which includes:
- setting the evening off with a very big Chinese Bang (not for the faint-hearted)
- a unique cabaret from the fabulous Blues Brothers
- dancing until midnight
- the chance to rub shoulders and compete with the "rich and famous" (aka you!) at the Casino Game, but at real-life costs
- and of course a hint of Valentine.
With Ladies' Nights becoming rarer these days, we don't see so many black tie events, unless at horrendous cost. This really will be a splendid opportunity to enjoy the sort of quality event we all look for, at a very reasonable price, and even better value with the discount for booking a whole table - why not make up a party with other members of your Lodges, Mark and Craft alike, and friends, perhaps inviting prospective candidates?
Full details and booking forms can be found in the What's On pages of both the Craft and Mark websites or here. posted 20 Jan 2010
£30,000 in Relief for Haiti Earthquake
Following the devastating earthquake which took place in Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010, it was announced on Thursday 14th January that the President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity has approved two emergency grants totalling £30,000. The funds have been issued to the British Red Cross and Plan.
The 7.3-magnitude quake, Haiti's worst in two centuries, struck at 1653 local time (2153 GMT) on Tuesday. The epicentre was within 10 miles of the centre of the densely-populated capital, where around one million people live, more than 50,000 people are feared dead.
The British Red Cross has been awarded £20,000 to assist with their relief efforts. Red Cross volunteers in Haiti are currently assisting the injured and supporting hospitals who do not have enough capacity to deal with this emergency. The most urgent needs at this time are search and rescue, field hospitals, emergency health, water purification, emergency shelter, logistics and telecommunications.
Plan has also been granted £10,000 in support of their efforts in dealing with the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Plan's priorities are assisting children and their families and getting people into safe accommodation wherever possible, as well as working with survivors to help ease their psychological trauma. posted 20 Jan 2010
When disaster struck Bro Paul Rowlands, who is currently Junior Warden of Charterhouse Lodge 5690, he was overwhelmed by the immediate support which appeared from his fellow Coventry Masons and those further afield.
Paul and his family were in their house when a fault between the mains electricity service in the street and the fuseboard resulted in the house catching fire. It was fortuitous that this happened in the morning when they were up and about, and that no personal injuries were incurred. Although the fire fighters attended promptly and acted swiftly, the house will have to be completely rebuilt.
Paul would like to most gratefully thank all who have come to the rescue, with offers of accommodation, provisions, help with salvaging possessions and any other assistance required following the disaster. posted 20 Jan 2010
Leigh Chapter Reveals the Arch
Brethren who would like to find out more about Royal Arch Masonry are cordially invited to attend Leigh Chapter 887, meeting at Stirling Road on Friday 5th February 2010.
Craft masons who are interested should speak with W Bro John Emms, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Chris Grove, Provincial Grand Almoner, or W Bro John Norman, Scribe Ezra (Secretary) of Leigh Chapter, telephone 01584 856571 or email hywynds@talk21.com
It is anticipated that Brethren will be invited into the Chapter Room at approximately 6.45pm, and those able to stay for dinner are welcome to do so providing they give adequate notice. posted 20 Jan 2010
Vellum Lodge 5845 will be celebrating its 400th Regular Meeting on Friday 5th February at Knowle Masonic rooms, commencing 5.30pm. The celebration will be attended by senior members of the Province, including W Bro Michael Morris, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, along with other distinguished guests.
The ceremony for the evening will be a full Emulation working of initiation, conducted by W Bro Michael Cooney, Master, who will also deliver the Charge to the candidate, a Turkish gentleman of the Muslim faith.
Guests are very welcome to attend, and should contact W Bro John Salisbury, the Assistant Secretary, telephone 01564 772842 or email jrsalisbury10@yahoo.co.uk posted 20 Jan 2010
W Bro Michael Morris, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented W Bro Jim Bullivant, with his 50 years Service to Freemasonry Certificate, together with a lapel badge acknowledging this.
Jim is an Honorary member of Old Dixonians Lodge 6037, his Mother Lodge. The Lodge was founded in 1945 by old boys of the former George Dixon Grammar School in Birmingham which Jim attended. He was initiated on 2nd November 1959, and installed as Master in 1970. He is a Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in both Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and a member of Hope and Charity Lodge 377 (Worcs), and has had membership of other Lodges as well.
The presentation took place at Jim's home. Although he would have liked to, he felt it would have been just too much for him to attend a Lodge meeting for the presentation as, although he looks to be in good shape for his age (88), he has considerable difficulty in standing and walking these days. It was a very pleasant gathering, on a fine afternoon, attended by W Bro Nigel Clemson (Secretary) and W Bro Bill Stonehouse (Almoner) of Old Dixonians Lodge together with three members of Hope and Charity Lodge to witness the presentation, all toasting the occasion with champagne. posted 20 Jan 2010
W Bro Michael Morris also presented a 50 year Certificate and badge to W Bro David Cadman at the Old Veseyan Lodge 7924.
David was a founder of the Lodge, having attended Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, when the Lodge was consecrated in 1963, and is the senior Past Master, having been Master in 1970. He is also a Past Master of the Lodge of Harmony 6888, which sadly no longer exists.
Having moved to Kenilworth some years ago, David is unable to attend as many meetings as he would wish, and the Lodge was very grateful for the assistance of W Bro John Atkinson from Sutton Coldfield Lodge 8960 in helping David attend this special occasion, and in kindly providing the photograph. posted 20 Jan 2010
A Very Special Installation Meeting
The Provincial Grand Master presided at the Installation meeting of St John's Lodge 2811, attended by Masters and representatives from twenty eight other St John's Lodges, and eleven other Coventry Lodges. For a full report and photograph see Lodge News posted 20 Jan 2010
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, has announced that he will be retiring as Provincial Grand Master on 13th June 2010.
He will meanwhile continue to discharge his duties with his fullest energies, and acknowledges the service by many loyal colleagues with whose unstinting assistance and support, since his installation on 5th September 2001, the Province and its Lodges have continued to evolve. New initiatives have been successfully introduced and a Festival launched, all without upsetting the delicate balance of our traditions.
Having experienced an extremely busy life in serving the Province, which without the wonderful support of both his wife Dawn and the Brethren of Warwickshire he could not have done, he admits that the early years were challenging particularly in regard to revitalising Edgbaston Assembly Rooms Ltd. That now behind us, his successor will be able to lead a successful business and a happy Province.
In thanking all the Brethren in the Province for the kindness, generosity and support they have always shown to him, especially when visiting Lodges, he states what a privilege it is to have had the opportunity to serve them as Provincial Grand Master, and how proud he is of the Province of Warwickshire and the Brethren therein.
The choice of successor is entirely a matter for the Grand Master and will be announced at a future Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge once a decision has been made.
The Provincial Grand Master is looking forward in the coming years to being able to devote more time to his family and his interests outside Freemasonry, much of which has been impossible during the past nine years, and wishes all Brethren a very Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. posted 11 Jan 2010
W Bro Steve Cox, Past Master of the Lodge of the Round Table 8424, has for the second time helped provide care to the needy people of the Peruvian Amazon, previously having been assisted by a donation from the Province to The Vine Trust.
The people in this part of the world have little access to medical facilities and all but the basics have to be paid for. There are huge numbers of children, 55% of the population are under 25, 5% of babies die before their 5th birthday and the maternal death rate is the fourth highest in the world.
For full details and photographs, see the Lodge News page. posted 11 Jan 2010
The Warwickshire Installed Mark Masters Lodge 1400 are holding a Ladies Festival Weekend at the Mayfair Hotel, St Helier, Jersey from 26-28 March, to which all Masons and their friends are invited. There are a few places left, full details can be seen on the Mark What's On page. posted 11 Jan 2010
Many congratulations to our past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Victor Keene, appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) 
in the New Year's Honours list, awarded for Services to the Community in Coventry.
This arises mainly from his community work in Coventry as Chairman of Trustees of the Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities and Crossroads Care, Coventry & Warwickshire. posted 6 Jan 2010
The Freemasons' Grand Charity has continued its annual programme of support by donating £500,000 to hospices across England and Wales. The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each and every year to ensure these respected services can continue providing free physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to patients and their families. In total 225 services will receive a grant. In addition to this grant £150,000 was awarded to Lifelites, to provide educational and recreation technology for children in hospices.
Freemasons have been dedicated in their support for hospices across England and Wales for the past 25 years, and this takes the total donations to the sector to more than £8 million, complementing the generosity Provincial and individual Masonic Lodges regularly show for their local services.
A full list of hospice grants can be seen at www.grandcharity.org/hospice_grants.php posted 6 Jan 2010
Lodge of Perseverance 4622 will be celebrating their 600th meeting on Saturday 20th February 2010 at Yenton Assembly Rooms, Erdington, and cordially invite members of all other Lodges to join them on this momentous occasion.
For full details, contact the Lodge Secretary, Graham Lewis, tel: 07952 569060 or email: graham@grahamlewis.co.uk posted 6 Jan 2010
