Provincial Grand Lodge
News Archive
April ~ June 2010
A national charity that supports Armed Forces personnel is seeking to expand its services after being awarded £250,000 by the Freemasons' Grand Charity.
The huge sum of money was awarded to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA), as part of a scheme that targets national charities to distribute funds at regional level.
Claire Hoather, director of fundraising at SSAFA said: "We are over the moon with the funding. The level of support shown by the Grand Charity is so positive and generous.
"Rather than our central operations deciding where the money will be spent, each regional office will be allocated part of the funding, and they will decide how it can be used to serve the local area.
"With our Armed Forces involved in conflict at the moment, it is vital that we can support them and their families as much as possible.
"At the SSAFA, we focus on providing help wherever it is needed. Our regional managers will assess what services should to be provided to Armed Forces personnel, and ex-military servicemen. We will then use the money awarded by the Grand Charity to find a solution."
Ms Hoather added that services could include projects such as providing practical and emotional support, organising and funding home adaptations, or short stay accommodation for families visiting injured relatives.
Laura Chapman, chief executive of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, said: "The immensely valuable work carried out by SSAFA Forces Help is widely supported within the Masonic community, and this latest grant is further evidence of our benevolent commitment in support of the armed services."
The Freemasons' Grand Charity is a grant-making organisation that supports groups in need of help. Since 1981 it has made grants of more than £80 million. For more information visit www.grandcharity.org
SSAFA is a national charity that supports those who serve in the Armed Forces, and those who used to serve. It provides health and social services, a confidential support line, and helps the families of those who serve. For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk posted 27 Jun 2010
The Ministry of Funny Handshakes
This was the headline given by The Times in their recent article following an interview and guided tour of Grand Lodge HQ at Great Queen Street, given by Grand Secretary Nigel Brown. The article can be seen at www.uglepio.co.uk/items_of_interest.php
The Times runs a blog for their articles, to which comments can be added by subscribers at www.timesplus.co.uk/tto/news/?login=false&url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/life/families/article2559157.ece posted 27 Jun 2010
The theme of this year's Annual Church Service was "Leadership and Tradition", in direct tribute to the retiring Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price, CBE, who was escorted from Alderson House to the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick, by his acting Provincial Officers and Grand Officers in full dress regalia. Once in the Church, which was filled with Warwickshire Masons and their wives and partners, the congregation and visiting civic dignitaries were welcomed to the service by the Deputy Church Warden, W Bro Patrick Wilson. Prior to and during the service, the choir under the leadership of W Bro Roy Marshall, sang anthems and impressed all present with their true professionalism.
The PGM, with his Sword and Standard Bearers
After the Opening Ode, Masonic representatives of five World Faiths related their own messages of Leadership and Tradition. The Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro John Cowan, led the congregation in prayers, which was followed by a rousing rendition of the hymn "Jerusalem". Readings by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master and further hymns ensued, followed by prayers led by the Assistant Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro Paul Wheeler, which were concluded by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. The Rector, the Reverend Dr Vaughan Roberts continued the theme of Leadership and Tradition in his sermon, and congratulated the Provincial Grand Master for his achievements, saying how pleased he was that Warwickshire Freemasons were continuing their long association with the Church.
On his retirement day, the Provincial Grand Master addressed the congregation, and thanked everyone for their support. He thanked the civic dignitaries for their presence, and paid tribute to the Vicars who had welcomed the Province to the Church over many years, and gave thanks to the various Provincial Grand Chaplains who had designed the format for the services. He paid tribute to W Bro Roy Marshall and the choir for their wonderful accompaniment, again for many years. RW Bro Price thanked all the ladies for their support of their partners, and particularly to his wife Dawn for her unstinting support during his many demanding Provincial roles. He observed that they would shortly be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, and would now be able to pursue their love of fishing with his forthcoming freedom. On completion of his address, the entire congregation gave him a lengthy standing ovation, with thunderous applause sounding throughout the church.
Finally, the closing ode was sung, blessings and messages were given from the five faiths present, and following the National Anthem, the Provincial Grand Master and Mrs Dawn Price said their goodbyes to all at the church doorway. A truly memorable service and most fitting conclusion to the service given by RW Bro Michael Price, who will be fondly remembered throughout the Province for many years to come. posted 18 Jun 2010
The June meeting of Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge 4538 was a memorable occasion, comprising a short Lodge meeting followed by a relaxed evening dining with our Ladies.
It was also the 75th birthday of our outgoing Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Michael J Price CBE.
The Lodge business included the election of W Bro Roger S Mac as the next Master of the Lodge. In addition, 30 brethren were elected as members, most of whom were present, making an impressive sight as they lined up to receive a hearty welcome from the Master, VW Bro Alan Wellan.
With everything running well to schedule, there was plenty of time for an impromptu rendering of "Happy Birthday To You" to the PGM following congratulations from the WM before the Lodge was closed.
Alan and Joy Wellan
The Ladies' Night commenced with a drinks reception on the Concourse with music being played by W Bro Peter Summers. The 266 diners were then summoned and enjoyed an excellent dinner with the toasts and responses having a wonderful combination of humour and salutation. The Toast to Joy Wellan whose ladies' night it was, and to all of the ladies, was proposed by W Bro Tony Rudell, and Joy of course replied and thanked the WM and brethren for the ladies gift, a silver book mark engraved with the square and compasses, and W Bro Keith Beckett who was the ladies' night Secretary. The WM proposed a toast to the PGM and his wife Dawn paying tribute to him and to Dawn on what was one of his last appearances as PGM.
Both the Master's and Ladies' songs were sung in a truly moving manner by the Brothers (father Chris and son Simon) Grove, to the delight of all present. posted 18 Jun 2010
All Welcome at National Service Day on 27th June
The eighth National Service Day at the National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire DE13 7AR (tel: 01283 792333, www.thenma.org.uk ) on Sunday 27th June concludes a full week of exciting activities to celebrate Armed Forces Week.
W Bro Ron Eamonson OBE (pictured, left, being presented with his OBE) has again accepted an invitation from The National Service Foundation to lay a wreath on behalf of the Province at the commemoration service, which starts at 2.00pm, to honour all Warwickshire Freemasons who served their National Service in the Armed Forces from 1939 to 1965.
The event is organised by the Chairman of the Foundation W Bro Gerald Rose of Sutton Pilgrims Lodge 7780. The Senior Officer on parade will be Major General Everard CBE (GOC 3rd Division) and at the end of the service there will a march past.
In addition to the many individual memorials of all sectors of the armed forces, of which there are over 160, there are also memorials to the Merchant Marine and other civil defence organisations, as well as a wonderful Masonic Memorial sponsored by the Province of Staffordshire. Other monuments include the Chapel, and the breathtaking Memorial which was unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen on 12th October 2007. This is a stone circle costing £6 million which at the unveiling had the names of over sixteen thousand of those who have died in service engraved on it. Sadly, every month more names continue to be added.
Ron is a long serving member of Number 1(f) Squadron Association Royal Air Force, having served with the Squadron in 1954 and 1955, who will be holding their reunion at the Royal Air Force club in London on the 11th September. Members of the Association along with their Wives will be joined by "the Boss" and current Harrier Pilots of the Squadron who returned from Afghanistan last year.
For those who have not yet visited the National Memorial Arboretum, this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy a wonderful tribute to those who served and died in the service of their country. It is a tremendous day and everyone is welcome - there we will be several thousand people in attendance from all over the UK and from many other Countries throughout the World. Although there is a restaurant where hot and cold meals are served (and a gift shop) why not take a picnic and a couple of bottles of wine, looking out for Ron and many other familiar Masonic faces? posted 16 Jun 2010
The Master of Shipston on Stour Lodge 9418, W Bro Geoff Ridgway, will be hosting a Pig Roast on Sunday 4th July, with proceeds helping towards the Lodge's 2012 Festival target.
Full details and contact numbers can be found here. posted 15 Jun 2010
The 'Lodges of Progress', which is a group of those called Progress within UGLE, have arranged a Golf day at Harborne Golf Club on Friday 6th August.
Full details and contact numbers can be found here. posted 15 June 2010
This year's donations to non-masonic charities by the Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association totalled £98,100, shared between 187 recipients in sums between £300 and £4,500.
Pictured are representatives from many of the recipient charities, who received their cheques at a lunch hosted at Stirling Road by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael Price CBE (far left).
The WMCA Trustees evaluate the financial situation on an annual basis and decide an amount which can be afforded to donate and donations are subsequently made to registered charities which operate within the area covered by the Province of Warwickshire.
The process is managed on behalf of the Trustees by Tony Newby, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, together with Chris Grove, the Provincial Grand Almoner, from the Charity Office, Stirling Road.
A full list of this year's recipients is available here. posted 15 June 2010
W Bro Roger Parker, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented W Bro Francis Badman with his 50 years' Service to Freemasonry certificate, following a challenging set of circumstances.
92 year old Francis was initiated into Scinde Lodge 4284 (Pakistan) in 1960, after which he joined Union Lodge 767 (Herts) in 1977, became a Founder of Junior Chamber Lodge 8902 (and Master in 1983) and then joined Holy Well Lodge 9437 in 1992.
After it became apparent that Francis would not be able to attend Lodge for his presentation, arrangements were made for this to take place at a gathering of his wife Gwyneth, two sons Jonathan and David, Worshipful Master Bob Turner and Almoner Reg Hamer (who co-ordinated the event), at the Badman's home.
Jonathan had flown in from Malaya, where he is Senior Warden of his Lodge there, managing to avoid the volcanic ash, with David travelling to the occasion from London. Unfortunately however, W Bro David Macey, the APGM who originally volunteered to make the presentation, did get caught out by the ash and was stranded in the Canary Islands. To make matters worse, Francis' certificate was waiting safely locked up in David's house!
Pictured is Roger handing Francis his certificate, applauded by Jonathan
But all ended happily, with Roger Parker being available and more than happy to stand in at short notice, and a replacement certificate being provided by the Provincial Office. Roger made the presentation in a most delightful manner, to the joy of Francis and everyone else present, and the original certificate and badge were eventually delivered after David's extended holiday. posted 15 June 2010
Listen to the Provincial Grand Master's address
A recording was made of the address of the Provincial Grand Master to Provincial Grand Lodge on 15 May 2010.
To listen to it, click on the play button below or download it to listen to later.
Right-click to download the PGM's address | Duration: 16 mins 28 secs
posted 9 June 2010
VW Bro Victor Keene MBE shares his momentous St George's Day occasion:
"It was a bright sunny day as my wife Judith, daughter Mary and grand daughter Victoria and me made our way by taxi to Buckingham Palace. A very kind friend had recommended me for an award and here we were attending the Investiture. The letter had come in November last year and we were sworn to secrecy until the announcement on New Year's Eve. From then on it was 'what should we wear?' New frocks for the ladies and top hat and tails for me were the order of the day.
Full of anticipation we walked through the inner courtyard, up the red carpet and in to the gilded surroundings of the Palace. What a shame we could not take photographs inside. There were Horse Guards (dismounted) standing motionless and numerous officials ushering awardees and their guests. Guests were shown in to the Ballroom and seated so that they could have a good view of the proceedings. A band from the Guards Division played in the background. Recipients were led to reception areas according to their awards where we were carefully rehearsed. Television sets relayed what was happening and we could see Knights receiving their accolades and Dames their regalia.
We were assembled in a line awaiting our entry to be announced. Through the doorway we could see Prince Charles surrounded by equerries and Yeomen of the Guard. 'When your name is called, step forward give a court bow and address the Prince as His Royal Highness or sir. He will invest you with the insignia, have a few words and shake hands. You step back, another court bow and retire.' It went like clockwork, the Prince was very gracious and spoke very encouragingly.
Back in the inner courtyard were the photographers, we had our cameras back and could also take our own pictures. It was a really splendid and very happy occasion." posted 6 June 2010
Soldier turned Airman turns 50
Members and visitors at Knowle Lodge 8001 recently enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating a 50 year certificate presentation by W Bro Michael Morris, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, to Past Master W Bro John Whiteley DFC, PProvSGW.
John, who will be 92 in June, was born in Nottingham and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross following his service in the Royal Air Force. He afterwards worked for the Norwich Union Insurance Company for over 40 years, during which time he met Mary, who sadly died after 52 years marriage to John in 2003.
During a very varied life John studied Spanish, French and Greek, and achieved an Open University degree in Pure Maths. He has helped teach people to read and write, and with money matters and problems, as well as being a school Governor and active member of the Conservative Party for many years.
But his passion throughout his life has been the RAF, where he was Secretary of the 619 Squadron for many years. In the 1990s he was put in touch with the crew of a U Boat his RAF crew had bombed, thus forming an annual reunion which lasted for 10 years.
John was initiated into Chetwode Crawley Lodge 395, Dublin, in 1960 and became a joining member of Knowle Lodge in 1986, attending 125 of the 136 meetings held since then, and was installed as Master in 1997. He was honoured with Provincial Grand Rank in 2003, and promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden by the Provincial Grand Master on the floor of the Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge in November last year, in recognition of his service as a RAF Lancaster Bomber Pilot during the Second World War.
Last summer John published his memoirs entitled "Soldier turned Airman", and he is pictured (centre) with the Master of Knowle Lodge W Bro Brian Smith (left) and Michael Morris. posted 25 May 2010
Valedictory Address at Annual Meeting
Over 800 Warwickshire freemasons attended the packed Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, presided over for the last time by the outgoing Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, who retires on 13th June 2010 following the Church Service in Warwick.
Prior to the opening, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Philip Hall, briefed all present (warning of the dire consequences of any mobile phones ringing), after which he supervised the incoming processions of Grand Officers, distinguished guests (including 12 visiting Provincial Grand Masters) and our own PGM escorted by his Officers.
Our PGM in procession
After paying due respect to those Brethren who had departed to the Grand Lodge above, the PGM individually welcomed the distinguished guests, and all others present.
Following various reports from Provincial Officers and the expedition of other administrative matters, the PGM confirmed the re-appointment of the Provincial Rulers, after which the Officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested, and Past Ranks conferred or confirmed.
He then announced the award of his Certificate of Merit to W Bro Roy Marshall and W Bro Malcolm Wright, whose backgrounds and long and distinguished services to freemasonry in Warwickshire were detailed by the Provincial Grand Secretary.
The PGM then addressed the meeting (a full transcript is available here) during the course of which he reflected upon his term in office, offering thanks to the many who had served during that period. He concluded by presenting all good wishes for the future, which was followed by a lengthy standing ovation.
After reviewing progress with the 2012 Festival, and thanks for all the fantastic ongoing support, W Bro David Macey, Festival Director, announced that to date over £60,000 had been received as a result of the Sponsored Walk, with many more pledges to be collected when Lodges resume next season.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Alan Wellan, then gave a moving valedictory address to the PGM, (a full transcript can be seen here), in which he outlined in detail the difficulties, achievements and dedication seen during the term. He then presented an inscribed silver salver, and a cheque for the PGM to spend on holidays with his wife Dawn, together with an abundant supply of chocolate and a bottle of vintage champagne. In thanking the brethren for their kindness, the PGM dwelled upon some of the events mentioned, and stated that most of the chocolate would be gone before he arrived home! He would not miss the job, but would miss the brethren.
The PGM announced that the next Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire would be W Bro David Macey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, which news was greeted with hearty acclamation. The Investiture would be by the Pro Grand Master and the Grand Secretary and would take place in the morning on Thursday 8th July, followed by lunch.
At the magnificent banquet following the meeting, attended by 555 brethren, the staff at the Clarendon Suites demonstrated their ability and skill in catering for such events. During the Toasts following the meal, which included the Provincial Senior Grand Warden W Bro Anthony Rudell congratulating the PGM for all his hard work, many delightful anecdotes were enjoyed by the audience.
Anthony Rudell
Provincial Senior Grand Warden
Next year's annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held on Saturday 21st May. posted 25 May 2010
Warwickshire Bodger Hosts Public School Lodges
All members of Warwickshire Lodges, and their Ladies, are invited to attend the Public School Lodges Festival, returning after 20 years to Rugby School on Saturday 3rd July.
The programme includes entertainment and a music recital for the Ladies, whilst a Lodge meeting is held in the morning. A sumptuous lunch follows, after which informal tours of the school will take place, concluding with afternoon tea prior to departure.
Not Invited: Harry Flashman, Alleged Old Rugbeian, war hero, charlatan, lusty bounder and bully.
For full details of the Festival, together with an outline of the various activities and their surroundings, as well as a tour of the School, its history, and details of the Old Rugbeian Lodge 3551 visit www.ormasonicfestival.com. posted 25 May 2010
At the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael Price CBE, announced that the next Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire 
will be W Bro David Macey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, which news was greeted with hearty acclamation.
His Investiture will be by the Pro Grand Master and the Grand Secretary and will take place in the morning on Thursday 8th July, followed by lunch. posted 21 May 2010
All Tylers have been invited to attend workshops to be held on 22nd May (Stirling Road), 3rd June (Warwick) and 17th June (Coventry). Those who would like to consider the role of a Lodge Tyler, and any other interested brethren are also very welcome to attend.
A copy of the invitation to Tylers, which gives full details, can be seen here. Or contact W Bro Ian Hart, Provincial Grand Tyler, email: ianahart@btinternet.com tel: 0121 550 0098 posted 20 May 2010
On very rare occasions we have the opportunity of rejoicing at the Consecration of a new Lodge, and even more rarely to see a top team from Grand Lodge in action. So when both are brought together, led by the Assistant Grand Master, with the additional touch of some exclusive exhibits, it really is an event to be remembered.
Over 140 Brethren attended such a magnificent occasion at the Consecration and Installation Meeting of the Michael Price Lodge 9853 held at Stirling Road, by Right Worshipful Bro David Kenneth Williamson, the Assistant Grand Master. His consecrating team comprised a veritable who's who of very senior masons, including the Provincial Grand Masters of Staffordshire and Worcestershire acting respectively as Senior and Junior Wardens, and the Assistant Grand Secretary as Installing Officer, all immaculately supervised by both the Grand and Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies.
The Consecrating Team lining up under the watchful eyes of the Grand and Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies.
The Assistant Grand Master welcomed everyone present and exhorted them to sing heartily and enjoy, which was not difficult, being led by W Bro Roy Marshall and ten members of the Provincial Choir. During the ceremony an Oration was given by Warwickshire's W Bro John Cowan, who acted as Chaplain, which referred to the qualifications and attributes of the members who had united with the common bond of their interest in Jaguar cars, with the "leaping cat" as their emblem. He paid tribute to our own Provincial Grand Master, after whom the Lodge was named and who was to be the first Master, and presented all best wishes to the members of the Lodge for many years ahead.
After the Lodge had been Consecrated, Dedicated and Constituted, VW Bro Graham Redman, the Assistant Grand Secretary, installed RW Bro Michael J Price CBE (who had been presented by W Bro Harry Owen) as Worshipful Master, following which greetings were given by the Assistant Grand Master on behalf of all of the Installed Masters present.
The Worshipful Master then appointed and invested the Senior Warden W Bro Roger Mac, well known for his motor sport enthusiasm, and the Junior Warden W Bro Michael Adams, who had been the driving force behind establishing the Lodge. In appreciation of this, and in his capacity as PGM, the WM then made the delightful gesture of appointing W Bro Adams to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Warwickshire, which was greeted with acclaim by all present.
The Silver Paper Knife
Following the appointment and investiture of the rest of the officers, and other important matters of procedure, the WM presented the Assistant Grand Master and the Assistant Grand Secretary with a memento by way of thanks for their duties as Consecrating Officer and Installing Officer respectively. These were hallmarked silver paper knives, the handles being replicas of the "leaping cat" mascot, beautifully crafted by W Bro Ken Downes.
A sumptuous Festive Board followed the proceedings, prior to which all present 
marvelled at the presence of two magnificent Classic Jaguar cars on display in the reception area of the dining room. These were the famous Alpine and Tulip rally winning 1938 SS 100 LNW 100, and the 1956 D Type, NKV 617, both kindly loaned for the event by Founder Member W Bro Alan Lloyd.
With the SS100 (l-r) David Williamson, Alan Lloyd, Michael Price
Without doubt, everyone had a splendid day and went away feeling very happy and contented. posted 19 May 2010
Phil Culverwell has kindly agreed to help with the logistics and running of future mentoring workshops.
The next one will be held at Stirling Road on Thursday 10th June 2010, between 2.00 and 5.00pm, immediately preceding the Warwickshire Installed Masters meeting. Bookings through Phil at philc4930@aol.co.uk or on 01926 634732. posted 19 May 2010
Many congratulations to Bros Dave Marlow and Ivan Smart of Greville Lodge 4773 who have returned safely, albeit slightly worse for wear, from the challenge of their winter climb of Mount Toubkal, raising £6,500 for the Acorns Hospice. See the Lodge News page and the Greville Lodge website www.grevillelodge.org.uk/pages/toubkal.htm for further details and photos. posted 19 May 2010
The guest speaker at the last Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge 4538 meeting was VW Bro John Hamill, who spent many years as Librarian and Curator at the UGLE headquarters in Great Queen Street, and who is one of the world's leading experts on freemasonry.
John Hamill (l) and Alan Wellan
Having previously set up a specialised Communications Department for Grand Lodge in 1998, becoming Director of Communications, John has more recently become Director of Special Projects. His remit here takes him back to his roots as an historian, charged with producing a history of Freemasonry in England and Wales over the last three hundred years, as part of the celebrations marking the tercentenary of Grand Lodge. This will highlight the social and cultural interaction of freemasonry with contemporary society throughout those years, in which the recent historical records survey (which is the largest archive research project ever attempted in England) plays an important part.
Whilst the logical place to start such a huge task would be at the beginning - the very origins of freemasonry - it is impossible to determine where these lie, and very difficult to draw links between records of operative masonry and the guild system in the late 1300s, and evidence of speculative masonry developing during the 17th century. Our ritual implies that we go back to the building of King Solomon's Temple, but this has to be recognised as a symbolic representation. Early Masonic authors seem to have applied creative license, combining romance with imagination in their writings, some claiming it goes back thousands of years, and may have evolved out of a schism in the original Christian Church. More recently, a variety of theories have been put forward, mainly by non masons, claiming that the origins lie in the medieval Knights Templar, the so called Priory of Sion or the Egyptian Mysteries.
But upon examining the evidence available, most of these theories have gaping holes in them, often relying upon unrealistic "assumptions" and papering over large timescale differences. They also rely upon the "when, how and where" elements, without exploring the fundamental "why" question.
The late 16th and early 17th centuries were times of political and religious bigotry, from which civil war arose. Zero tolerance to liberal thinking was the order of the day, providing a seedbed - the "why" - for those who believed in the importance of morality and civility. The Bible, universally known by all, provided a variety of storylines symbolising the principles embraced by our forefathers, which also provided the anchors of freemasonry.
New evidence continually presents itself, and as an historian John hopes that one day definitive evidence explaining our origins will satisfy his enquiring mind. But he also rather hopes that perhaps that day may never arise, as it would herald the end of the delightfully stimulating and ongoing discussions taking place everywhere as regards Whence Come We?
Silhill Lodge 4786 members with their gavel (l-r) Colin Coldicott, Jim Pike, Robert Pike, John Hamill, Rob Morgan, Reg Willsher, Brian Gibbs.
In addition to VW Bro Hamill's fascinating talk, W Bro David Macey presented sixteen gavels to Lodges who had already achieved their contribution target for the 2012 Festival, which to date totals the magnificent sum of £1.8 million.
Also, details of thirty two brethren who had applied to join the Lodge were announced, very much reflecting the attraction of the program of events always enjoyed by members and guests.
David Rawlins (l) and David Macey.
A delightful festive board following the meeting, during which the Master, VW Bro Alan Wellan, presented VW Bro John Hamill with a cheque for £600, for the benefit of the Library and Museum at Great Queen Street. The Mark Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro David Rawlins, also presented a cheque for £2,100 to W Bro David Macey, this being the proceeds from the highly successful and enjoyable Chinese Valentines Ball organised by the Mark Social Committee at Stirling Road in February to support the 2012 Festival Appeal. posted 1 May 2010
March 2010 has shown an all time record, with 3,152 unique visitors, who visited 6,409 times, looking at 20,391 pages with 95,092 individual hits; three times the number of visits of 3 years ago.
Reading at the average speed for an adult, and without a break, it would now take a full day to read everything on our web site. And every word is indexed and searchable! posted 29 Apr 2010
The 2012 Festival Charity Walk, trodden from start to finish by Festival Director W Bro David Macey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was an outstanding success. Many retinues supported him over the four day walk, which transversed the Province along the delightful paths of the Warwickshire canals, and will have raised a significant sum towards the Festival target.
The full report here is based upon David's daily blog. posted 26 Apr 2010
In a joint statement, W Bros Peter Sorrill and Philip Barnett have announced with excitement that the Lodge of Hope 4436 and St Alphege Lodge 1431 have successfully balloted to amalgamate, becoming the first Lodges in the Province to do so. The Lodge will now become the Lodge of Hope and St Alphege 4436.
Back in May 2009 the seed of possible amalgamation was sown, and discussions between senior Brethren of both Lodges started to take place. The pleasing number of junior Brethren in the Lodge of Hope, and the strength of Past Masters in St Alphege seemed to be a good basis on which to begin discussions, and it soon became apparent that a successful outcome was possible.
By September a planned timescale had been put in place with the ever present proviso that the issue could, and would, only be decided by a ballot in open Lodge by both parties.
Brethren were encouraged to openly discuss their feelings on the matter. It quickly transpired that the Brethren of both Lodges were of the same mind, and that the joint strength gained by an amalgamation would go a long way in securing the future of both Lodges.
Pictured are Peter (left) and Philip, who headed up the discussions between the two Lodges.
Agreeing the detail of such a marriage would be a daunting prospect, but by being open minded from the outset, and expressing their feelings with honesty and brotherly love, all the Brethren (including the few who felt a little uneasy with the new venture, especially changing the name) feel that the brave step they have taken will prove to be a great success, and will be emulated by many Lodges in the Province over the coming years. posted 21 Apr 2010
Each year in the last week of March a Luncheon is held in remembrance of the birth of Chevalier Bartholomew Ruspini (1728-1813), who was descended from an ancient and noble Italian family, qualified as a surgeon at Bermago and specialised in dentistry.
After a short sojourn in the Court of France he came to England where he developed a tincture for the treatment of toothache which he gave to the poor free of charge. He was initiated into the Mourning Bush Tavern Lodge 116 in 1762 and also took an active part in Royal Arch Freemasonry, but his greatest achievement was the formulation in 1788 of a scheme for establishing a school for daughters of deceased and distressed Freemasons.
Statue of Chevalier Bartholomew Ruspini which stands in the grounds of the Girls School outside their magnificent chapel.
Fifteen girls between the ages of 5 and 10 were admitted to a school in a rented house near Euston Station. The school was called Royal Cumberland Free Mason School for Little Children where daughters were under the protection of HRH The Duchess of Cumberland. It evolved into the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls, which together with the subsequently established (1798) equivalent for boys eventually became separate charities. The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys took over the running of the former charities in 1986. The fascinating history can be seen on the RMTGB website at www.rmtgb.org/about-the-trust/the-history-of-the-trust
Ruspini was accorded the rank of Chevalier in 1789, which was an exceptional honour for one who changed from the Roman to the Anglican Church.
Warwickshire has been represented at the lunch since 1994 by W Bro Ron Eamonson, who was a member of the Council of the Trust serving on finance and the petitions sub committees for over twelve years, and who is now a Patron.
The lunch is attended by Trustees (who are Provincial Grand Masters having held RMTGB Festivals in their provinces), current and past members of the Council, members of the professional bodies who work for the trust, and prominent members of the Craft. The lunch was previously held at different venues, but for the past two years has been at the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth. posted 19 Apr 2010
W Bro Nigel Bister, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented W Bro Charles Anthony (Tony) Kemp with his 50 years Service to Freemasonry Certificate at The Aston Manor Lodge 6323.
Pictured (l-r) are W Bro Tony Greenshields (Master), Tony Kemp and Nigel Bister.
Following his initiation into the Lodge in 1959 at the age of 31, Tony went on to become Master in 1972/73 and again in 1992/93. His excellent ritual was well respected and he was elected as an honorary member in 2003 following his long and loyal service.
Born and bred in Birmingham, living with his grandparents, he enlisted for the war effort at an early age, after which he held a variety of jobs, spending much of his career in the motor trade, before moving into the property market, in which he is still active.
Tony's happiest times have been astride a motor bike, his passion including competition and trials successes at International level in both the UK and abroad during the 1950s, as shown by his many cups and trophies and his garage full of classic bikes. Other sporting activities included Golf, Football and Boxing, more lately Snooker, sporting prowess obviously being a family trait with his sister Ann having represented the County at Badminton and his youngest brother Ray doing the same at Speed Skating.
It was Tony's mother Edith who was the reason behind him joining Aston Manor Lodge - she told him to spend just one night a month with his father Charles Thomas, who is still remembered by a few members of the Lodge with much love and affection. posted 18 Apr 2010
The Installation meeting of Silhill Lodge 4786 marked a very special, emotional and unique event in its history when Bro Robert Pike was installed in the Chair of King Solomon by his father W Bro Jim Pike, ably assisted by his elder brother W Bro Jamie Pike.
Pictured (l-r) David Shakeshaft, Jamie Pike, Robert Pike, Jim Pike, Michael Morris.
W Bro David Shakeshaft, the Provincial Junior Grand Warden, was the Presiding Officer, also present was W Bro Michael Morris, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who is a Past Master of the Lodge. posted 18 Apr 2010
W Bro Eric Rymer has very kindly agreed to be Warwickshire's Ambassador for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The Ambassador Scheme is an initiative to improve the information flow between the Provinces and the Trust, and is aimed at addressing a number of specific areas, the key ones being:
- Increasing awareness of the work undertaken by the Trust
- Identifying potential petitioners through greater understanding of the core aims
- Identifying potential members of Council
- Improving local understanding to achieve national coverage
- Highlighting the success of initiatives such as TalentAid
- Raising the positive profile of the Trust.
Eric will undoubtedly promote the Trust with aplomb and diplomacy, and we wish him well in this mission. posted 1 Apr 2010
