Warwickshire Provincial Grand Lodge News
The latest issue of the Provincial Newsletter is
available online here.
Older Items can be accessed from the News Archive.
Freemasons' window on the world at The Royal Show
Warwickshire Freemasons are exhibitors at The Royal Show for the first time in its history when it opens from 3 to 6 July 2008 at Stoneleigh Park, the erstwhile home of Lord Leigh who was the Provincial Grand Master for the Province for 53 years from 1852 to 1905. We shall be occupying a stand at Block 17 on Avenue E No 7 next to the Sports Industries Federation. The opening times for the Show are: Thursday 3 July - Saturday 5 July: 9.00am - 7.00pm but there is no admission after 5.00pm; and Sunday 6 July: 9.00am - 5.00pm with no admission after 4.00pm. There are five car parks which are all free of charge.
Michael J Price CBE, the Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, says: "Since almost every country in the world is represented at The Royal Show this is a marvellous opportunity for Warwickshire Freemasons to tell the world about Freemasonry and the ideals and principles which we practise as well as dispelling the many myths and fictions that are published about us by the ill-informed from time to time. I am delighted that we have been able to secure a stand this year for the first time and one that is in such a prominent location. Although we will aim our message at members of the public I hope that I might have the privilege of meeting many Freemasons from all quarters of the globe."
Brethren of Warwickshire and their families will be particularly welcome to pay a visit to the Freemasons' Stand but we would hope that they will tell their friends and neighbours to come as well. posted 18/6/2008
Freemasons' Grand Charity reports on its activities
All Master Masons in England and Wales are members of the Freemasons' Grand Charity and through their Lodge annual subscriptions make a contribution of £13 each year to its funds. Brethren who wish to see how their money is spent should visit http://www.grandcharity.org/pages/annual_review.html where they can download copies of various leaflets and the Annual Review for 2007. They are well worth reading. posted 18/6/2008
Pro Grand Master addresses Grand Lodge - 11 June 2008
On the nineteenth of July, this very fine building – created as a Masonic Peace Memorial – will be seventy five years old. At the June Quarterly Communication in 1933, held seventy five years ago last Saturday at the Central Hall Westminster, Lord Ampthill, the then Pro Grand Master, thanking Lodges for their generous response to the appeal for the erection of this building said that, “it would be an outward sign of our pious memory of the Brethren who fell in the Great War and, at the same time, a fulfillment of the duty we owe those who came after us.”
I believe that the building remains today as a fitting memorial for the Brethren who fell in the Great War. And a fitting fulfillment of the duty the planners and builders owed to those of us who came after them. I am confident that that fulfillment will continue for many generations of future Masons.
Referring to the building the then Pro Grand Master continued, “it is a duty we owe to the cause of Masonry, and to Freemasons all over the world, that the headquarters of the English Constitution should be worthy of the honour and reputation that we enjoy, and that the place of assembly of the Grand Lodge of England should be fully significant of our faith and cause, our confidence in the future, and our determination to make Freemasonry more and more a potent influence for the good in national life.”
Shortly afterwards, the Grand Master, His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn held an especial meeting in connection with the dedication of this Masonic Peace Memorial at the Royal Albert Hall, followed the next day – the nineteenth of July 1933 – by the dedication itself, here at Great Queen Street. So, the first Quarterly Communication was held here on the sixth of September 1933. To commemorate that, at our next Quarterly Communication in September, I have asked Brother John Hamill, Director of Communications, to talk about the history of the building.
Towards the end of last year I launched a survey of Lodge and Chapter records. This survey will be an important building block for the book on Masonic history which we are planning to publish in 2017 as part of the Tercentenary celebrations of the formation of the first Grand Lodge. Undertaking this survey within an organisation of this size and age is ambitious. But I am confident that, with your help, it will be successful and that the results will also be important in encouraging further research into our history.
I have been following the results very closely and I am pleased that the project has been enthusiastically supported. All our Provinces have now appointed a volunteer co-ordinator to organise the survey. Most of these co-ordinators have taken the opportunity to attend a briefing meeting here at Freemasons Hall, and have already started the survey in their Provinces. We hope to have completed the survey by the summer of 2009.
At the end of May the Deputy Grand Master opened the Women and Freemasonry Exhibition in the Library and Museum. It covers the development of Freemasonry for Women in the early years of the last century. At the preview guests included lady representatives from the various women’s organisations including the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honorable Fraternity of Antient Freemasons. We maintain our independence from the women’s organisations and they are happy to maintain their independence from us. Apart from the historical interest, the Exhibition has a valuable public relations benefit. It will help to dispel the commonly held myth, among non masons, that there are no women in Freemasonry! I commend the Exhibition to you.
The Hampton Court Flower Show in July will feature a garden with a Masonic theme which I hope will encourage some of you to visit, if you have an interest in gardens. It is sponsored by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge and twelve Provinces in the south east of England. I am looking forward to attending and the dates and details can be found on the UGLE website:(http://www.ugle.org.uk/news/hampton-court.htm)
Brethren, returning to the words of the Pro Grand Master in 1933, and comparing those words with the situation today: this fine building is fully significant of our faith and cause; we have confidence in the future and we remain determined to make Freemasons more and more a potent influence for good in our national life. In fact, I believe that the Craft is in a much stronger position now than it has been for many years.
I end my remarks by wishing you and your families a very happy summer. posted 17/6/2008
The total at 16 June 2008 is £1,046,475.80. posted 17/6/2008
Warwickshire Freemasons aid injured servicemen and women
On Thursday 5 June 2008 RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, Provincial Grand Master, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire, presented a cheque for £2,500 to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Patient Welfare Fund at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. The Provincial Grand Master acknowledged the special reasons for the fund and was pleased to offer the support of the Warwickshire Freemasons to those service personnel at such a crucial time during their recovery from the trauma of hostilities.
Major Ian Cheesman, who is Officer Commanding the Patient Support Services (PSS), said: "This money will be used in a myriad of different ways but you can be absolutely sure that every penny spent will be for the benefit of the servicemen and women that find themselves as battle casualties here at Selly Oak Hospital".
The PSS are a small team whose mission is to manage the initial reception and arrival of the patient group (patient and immediate family) at Selly Oak Hospital and provide practical assistance, relieve them of any administrative burden and provide welfare support thus allowing them to concentrate on the recovery of the patient.
The first photograph shows the Provincial Grand Master presenting the cheque to Major Cheesman. The second shows him and Major Cheesman with Lee Snelling MBE, a Military Liaison Officer, Sergeant Wanda Wilson RAF - Military Nurse, Leading Naval Nurse Sarah Butler and Mrs Sally Wafford, Senior Welfare Officer.
posted 9/6/2008
Order of Women Freemasons Centenary Celebration Donations
In front of a capacity audience at The Royal Albert Hall, MW Bro Brenda Irene Fleming-Taylor surprised everyone at the celebration of the OWF Centenary on Saturday, 7 June. 
There was an audible collective gasp as she presented £250,000 to Mr David Newbigging, OBE, Chairman of Cancer Research UK and £250,000 to Camilla, Countess of Halifax, President of MacMillan Cancer Support.
The donations were more than twice the target amounts expected. posted 9/6/2008
The total in the Fund at the end of May 2008 amounted to £1,026,107.35. posted 9/6/2008
In the February 2008 Newsletter we announced that Earl Leofric Lodge was sponsoring the training of a guide dog, to be called Leofric, for a blind person.
Leo has arrived and here he is. posted 1/6/2008
Learn all about the Freemasons' Grand Charity and its work
The Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge No 4538 will be host to VW Bro Grahame Elliott, President of The Grand Charity, and Laura Chapman, its Chief Executive, at its meeting on 12 June 2008 at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. They will make a presentation on the activities of the Charity after the Lodge is closed. Although of interest to all Freemasons it will be a presentation of particular significance for Lodge Almoners and Charity Stewards who are urged to attend. Dinner after the meeting will cost £21.00.
Those interested in attending and who are not members of the Lodge should get in touch with the Assistant Secretary, Trevor Siddall, on 01604 830467 or at trevor.siddall@talk21.com no later than 4 June. posted 27/5/2008
Two very senior Worcestershire Freemasons are shown in the photograph enjoying (?) themselves at Cannon Hill Park on Friday 23 May 2008.
The event was the annual 'Fun4Kids' day when 600 children from special needs schools in Birmingham were treated to the fun of the fair by many Worcestershire Freemasons. Captions for the photo will be appreciated at infoman@warwickshirepgl.org.uk and they will quickly be passed on to the Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire to point out to him what certain prominent members of his Executive get up to! posted 27/5/2008
Brethren of Warwickshire, their families and friends and members of the public are invited to the Warwickshire Provincial Church Service at The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick on Sunday 8 June 2008 at 3.00pm. This is a major event in the Provincial calendar and the Provincial Grand Master considers that every Master, his Wardens, members of the Lodge and their families should have the pleasure of attending. Representatives of other faiths as well as those of the Christian faith will be taking part in the service in the conviction that Freemasonry has an important role in helping to establish and promote world peace. Freemasons not in the procession will clothe in their Masonic regalia after taking their seats in the church. Doors will be open at 2.00pm and all those who are attending should be seated no later than 2.30pm ready for pre-service music. posted 26/5/2008
The total for the Fund at 22 May 2008 is £1,007,343.99. posted 22/5/2008
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 19 April 2008.
To listen to it, click on the play button below or download it to listen to later. posted 19/5/2008
Right-click to download the PGM's address | Duration: 13mins 50secs
W Bro Bill Roberts of Doric Lodge in Warwickshire has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a disease which affects 1 in 10,000 of the population. The disease can affect the eyes and chewing, swallowing, muscles all over the body and breathing.
Bill wishes to contact any other Brethren who suffer from this illness. His details are 01527 521639 or william.roberts10@btopenworld.com posted 15/5/2008
Aid for Victims of Earthquake in China
The President of the Grand Charity has approved a £20,000 grant to the Red Cross to support relief efforts following an earthquake measuring 7.8 in south-western China. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is the first organisation to support the British Red Cross’ response to the worst earthquake to strike China in more than 30 years.
The Red Cross Society of China’s local branches have been active in the 48 hours following the quake providing emergency relief to the affected areas, including tents and blankets. Although the official death toll stands at 12,000 this is expected to rise sharply as rescuers gain access to previously cut off areas and thousands of people remain trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings.
The grant of £20,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be an important contribution to the continuing rescue and relief efforts and is enough to provide approximately 200 relief tents which will provide shelter for many of those affected and act as a first aid point to treat casualties and also 850 quilts. posted 15/5/2008
Freemasons' aid for cyclone victims goes to Save the Children
Save the Children’s relief work in Burma (Myanmar) is to be supported by the £20,000 emergency grant approved, following Cyclone Nargis, by the President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is also in discussions with District Grand Lodges in the affected region to identify what support it may be able to provide to their own efforts.
More than 32,000 people are now believed to have been killed by the high winds and resulting tidal surge which struck Burma (Myanmar) on 2 May destroying homes, crops and infrastructure. Following the Cyclone, Save the Children quickly redirected the efforts of 500 staff already in the Country from work on longer-term projects to the emergency relief response and essential supplies including food and clean water have already been distributed to over 100,000 people.
The grant of £20,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be an important contribution to this ongoing work and is enough to provide plastic sheeting for temporary accommodation to 1,400 families, including around 33,000 children. posted 15/5/2008
We've reached the magic million - but there's still a long way to go
The total for the 2012 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund has reached the magic milestone of £1,000,000 having been nudged to that figure by a generous donation from the Warwickshire Royal Air Force Lodge. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price is delighted and is grateful to all those Brethren who have so far donated to the Fund. David Macey, the Festival Director, also congratulates Brethren particularly those Festival Stewards and Charity Stewards whose task it is to keep the Fund as a focus for Lodges and their members. David says:" Although this figure of £1 million is gratifying and is ahead of target it is a reminder that we still have a long way to go and 2012 is not that far away. We must not allow ourselves to become complacent but to regard this landmark as an encouragement to greater efforts." posted 15/5/2008
Freemasons' aid for victims of cyclone
The President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has announced that an emergency grant of £20,000 will be made to help victims of the Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone. Relief efforts in the regions devastated by Cyclone Nargis are being examined, in order to identify the best way to ensure the Grand Charity's support reaches the victims. posted 10/5/2008
Members of the Lodge of Rectitude are holding a Pig Roast at 2 Longrood Road, Rugby on Sunday 8 June from 12 noon. Tickets are £10 each and £5 for children under ten. Proceeds will be divided between the 2012 Festival and the Rugby Branch of the MS Society. Further details and tickets are available from Joe Rainbow on 01788 814667. posted 10/5/2008
Eastfields Lodge is sponsoring the Rugby Summer Festival at the Whitehall Recreation Ground, Rugby on Saturday 5 July from 12 noon to 6.00pm. Admission charges are £2 for adults and £1 for children under 12 to enjoy all the fun of the fair. Proceeds will be donated to local charities. posted 10/5/2008
The fund currently stands at £997,000. Watch this space for the first magic figure of £1,000,000 which is rapidly approaching! posted 7/5/2008
Firefighters families benefit from Freemasons' donations
The total amount collected by Freemasons for the Warwickshire Firefighters Families Fund has closed at almost £47,000 of which £37,000 was contributed by Warwickshire Freemasons. The appeal for donations was launched by RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, shortly after the devastating fire in Atherstone-on-Stour in November last year in which four gallant firefighters sadly lost their lives. He is most grateful to all Freemasons who have given so generously. posted 7/5/2008
Grand Master addresses Grand Lodge - 30 April 2008
"Brethren, I start by saying a very warm welcome to everyone attending our Grand Lodge meeting today and I congratulate all those whom I have had the pleasure of investing with Grand Rank or promoting to higher office. As Grand Officers you have an important leadership part to play in the future of Freemasonry. By leadership I mean setting consistently high standards in your own Masonic life as well as demonstrating your understanding of the meaning of the ritual and the principles and tenets of the Craft. This understanding will help you to guide others at all stages of their Masonic journey, remembering to encourage them all to talk openly about their Freemasonry to potential candidates, family and acquaintances.
There is a caveat though, Brethren: although you will naturally feel some personal satisfaction at achieving such offices, I know you will all remember the words we hear each year at our Lodge installations, that humility in each is an essential qualification. And I have no doubt that that injunction should apply at least as much to those who are Grand officers as to more junior Brethren.
Last November I hosted a reception and dinner on the eve of the European Grand Masters’ Meeting. This was the first such gathering and was thus an historic occasion for representatives of forty four European Grand Lodges, which included no less than forty one Grand Masters. It was the most representative gathering of the leaders of regular Freemasonry in Europe that has ever been held. The Pro Grand Master planned it as a one-off meeting so that we, as the mother Grand Lodge, could make clear our views on regularity, recognition and sovereignty.
The Pro Grand Master set out our position on regularity emphasising that it is not Freemasonry, but the individual Mason, instilled with the principles and tenets of the Craft, who has a positive influence on society. My view is that communication between us all is essential to the future well being of regular Freemasonry, and I can see no reason why such gatherings should not occur from time to time in the future.
I spoke last year about the Rulers’ Forum, and said that I would be happy if it achieved a focus for grass roots Masons to debate issues, which concern you all, with the Rulers and other senior members of the Craft, and to act as a conduit for disseminating the results through their groups to Lodges. I was therefore happy to hear that during the year three of the Rulers’ Forum Groups were given the task of identifying and collating best practice from Mentoring Schemes across the country. The project team has seen Masons from eight different Provinces working together, sharing ideas and, importantly, learning from each other. They have now presented their ideas to both the Rulers’ Forum and at the last Quarterly Communication.
Their ideas support the aim of recruiting and then retaining men of quality. The successful retention of these men will involve the careful selection of mentors at Lodge level so that, once initiated, each member is fully supported throughout his Masonic journey. The Brethren selected as Mentors will be those who can provide the time and knowledge required to care for the candidate and then to develop his understanding of our Order and how it translates into his everyday life.
Brethren, there have been a number of advances since this time last year which I believe will bring substantial benefits. For example, the new magazine Freemasonry Today has been successfully launched, and I am confident it will become a major channel for our open communications. In addition, the four Masonic Charities have all now congregated in this building, a move which will result in cost savings as well, I hope, to a better understanding by the Brethren in London and the Provinces of the roles of each of the charities. With so many successful initiatives launched since I last addressed Grand Lodge, I see this coming year as one of consolidation.
Finally, Brethren, I know you would all want me to express our thanks to the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team for the meticulous way in which they have run this meeting, as well as to the Grand Secretary and his staff for their careful and thorough organisation." posted 6/5/2008
Learn more about the work of the Masonic Samaritan Fund
Warwickshire Lodge Almoners and Festival Stewards are reminded of a forthcoming series of seminars in the Province to enable them to appreciate the full range of support that is available from the Masonic Samaritan Fund for which the Province is, of course, in Festival.
The first four seminars will commence at 7.00pm promptly and will finish at approximately 8.30pm. Coffee will be served from 6.30pm. Brethren should be seated by 7.00pm. The seminar on Saturday 28 June will commence at 11.00am promptly and will finish at approximately 12.30pm. Coffee will be served from 10.30am. On this occasion Brethren should be seated by 11.00am
The dates and venues are:
Monday 2 June 2008
Alderson House, 23 High Street, Warwick CV34 4AX
Wednesday 4 June 2008
Yenton Masonic Rooms, 73 Gravelly Hill North, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6BJ
Thursday 5 June 2008
Edgbaston Assembly Rooms, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB
Friday 6 June 2008
Coventry Masonic Hall, 165 Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AU
Saturday 28 June 2008
Edgbaston Assembly Rooms, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB.
All seminars will conclude with a question and answer session.
The Masonic Samaritan Fund continues to increase the support it provides and wishes to keep you informed of the latest developments which include funding the cost of drug treatments for cancer and degenerative diseases. Applications for grants towards the cost of digital hearing aids and the cost of respite care are also now considered.
To fully understand how the Fund provides effective medical care and support the Provincial Grand Master considers it is important that every Lodge in the Province is represented at a seminar of their choice. Masters of Lodges are requested to ensure that this happens. posted 2/5/2008
The Mike Hailwood Lodge No 9839 was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Michael J Price CBE, in a full Main Temple at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday 25 April 2008, assisted by the Provincial Wardens and other acting Provincial Officers. Michael Adams is the first Master and he was installed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Alan J Wellan. There was loud and appreciative applause when the Master announced that the first candidate for Initiation would be David Hailwood, the son of the late Mike Hailwood after whom the Lodge has been named. We wish David and all the Brethren well in this brand new Lodge. posted 1/5/2008
The Warwickshire guidance notes which are recommended for use in presentations to non-Masons are now available in downloadable form. The booklet can be downloaded from here. posted 1/5/2008
The total at 1 May 2008 is £985,000. posted 1/5/2008
New toast list for Warwickshire
Masters, Secretaries and Directors of Ceremonies in particular of Lodges in Warwickshire are reminded that the official Toast List for use at the Festive Board changes with effect from 30 April and must be used on and after that date. A copy will be found at http://www.warwickshirepgl.org.uk/docs/Warks_PGL_Toast_List_A5.pdf and reflects the new Grand Ranks of Alan Wellan, Nigel Bister and David Macey conferred on them that day. posted 30/4/2008
A Royal Arch Provincial collar and jewel were found after Lee Torre Lodge Installation night at Leamington Spa on 17 April. If the owner would like to contact Les Thacker on 01926 420245 or 02476 698043 (daytime) or les.thacker@warks.sja.org.uk he will ensure that it is returned to its rightful owner. posted 30/4/2008
Congratulations on Grand Ranks
Our congratulations go to these Warwickshire Brethren on their amply merited appointments to or promotions in Grand Rank in the Craft: Keith Marchington PAGDC, Anthony V N Richards PAGDC, Richard L Barker PGStB, Trevor L Cavill PGStB, Alan J Wellan PGSwdB, Nigel C Bister PSGD, David F Macey PSGD, John W Nixon PSGD, Raymond Rooke JGD, Dudley Yorke-Summerskill PJGD, Frederick Coldrick PAGDC and Edward Kettleborough PAGDC. We also congratulate these Warwickshire Companions who have been honoured with appointments to or promotions in Grand Rank in the Royal Arch: Michael Harrison GStB, Richard L Barker PGStB, David Macey PGStB and Ronald Eamonson OBE PAGSoj. We hope that they will have a happy and memorable day at the Annual Investitures on 30 April and 1 May respectively. posted 27/4/2008
Those who control Masonic Halls in the Province of Warwickshire and who wish to participate in the Heritage Open Days from 11 to 14 September 2008 are reminded that they must register with the Civic Trust no later than 2 May 2008 for which guidance is given at http://www.heritageopendays.org/org-registration.shtml They should also inform the Provincial Information Officer on infoman@warwickshirepgl.org.uk This is an ideal way to show the public face of Freemasonry and Brethren are encouraged to take part. posted 23/4/2008
Enjoy yourself and contribute to the Masonic Samaritan Fund Festival 2012 at the same time. That is the message of Gordon Scott of St Barbara Lodge who is promoting 'Phantom and the Musicals' at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa on Sunday 28 September 2008 at 7.30pm with performances by Europe's No 1 Showgroup, 'Smackee'. This is the West End brought to a theatre near you and is a night of musical splendour not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now and they are going fast. Book yours immediately on 01926 334418. Prices are £15 and £20. posted 23/4/2008
R Ill. & Em Kt Richard V Wallis, the Deputy Grand Sovereign of the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and St John the Evangelist, is to be installed as the Grand Sovereign of the Order at the Annual Assembly of the Grand Imperial Conclave to be held at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Tuesday 1 July 2008. The present Grand Sovereign, M Ill Kt Cdr Ronald Albert Champion, RN, who has decided to step down from that high office after 12 years as Grand Sovereign, will install his worthy successor.
Richard is well known and much respected in Warwickshire, and indeed beyond, having been Deputy Provincial Grand Master in the Craft from 1992 to 1999, Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Holy Royal Arch from 1991 to 1993, and Grand Superintendent from 1993 to 2006. In whatever Masonic Order Warwickshire Brethren may be they all wish Richard many happy, successful and rewarding years in this high and important office in Freemasonry.
The last time a Warwickshire Freemason was the national head of an Order was in 1856 when Lord Leigh became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. posted 23/4/2008
At the Convocation of the Warwickshire First Principals' Chapter on Monday 12 May 2008 at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, history will be made when a ballot will be held for a record 52 joining members! In addition, the ME Grand Superintendent, John L Saint, assisted by the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals and Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter will dedicate the new Sojourners Banners. If you wish to attend then contact should be made with Peter James at p_h_james@yahoo.co.uk or on 0121 308 2704. posted 23/4/2008
A record attendance and surprises
857 Brethren attended the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire on 19 April 2008, which is a record. There were two significant highlights of the meeting. W Bro Stanley Butterworth, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, received the Provincial Grand Master's personal Certificate of Merit for his contributions to Freemasonry. The Provincial Grand Secretary, W Bro Nigel Burton, responsible for all the arrangements for the meeting, was taken by surprise when summoned to appear before the Provincial Grand Master who, without any previous notice, promoted Nigel to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. It was the best kept Masonic secret in the Province! posted 23/4/2008
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, is grateful to all those Brethren who attended the Annual Meeting on Saturday 19 April 2008 and so generously contributed the sum of £4,600 to the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2012 Festival. posted 21/4/2008
At an impressive Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication on 19 April 2008, W Bro Liam O'Donoghue, Master of the Lodge of Friendship No 5909 in Warwickshire, named a new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at Aberystwyth for the RNLI.
The Master was accompanied by several members of the Lodge and their families amongst the Station Officers and other VIP guests at the Ceremony. The Atlantic 85 is the most advanced inshore lifeboat ever produced by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and its introduction at Aberystwyth is thanks to the legacy of Joan Bate, sister of the late W Bro Arthur Bate, one of the first initiates of the Lodge of Friendship, Master on three separate occasions and a member for 48 years until his death in 1992.
Joan Bate generously bequeathed sufficient monies to purchase three lifeboats for the RNLI, one at Conway to replace the lifeboat "Arthur Bate" already at Conway and named by W Bro Clifford Hadley, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire, one at Salcome on the South Coast and the present "Spirit of Friendship".
Since she arrived in October 2007, The Spirit of Friendship has already launched twelve times and rescued eight people. The Lodge of Friendship is honoured to be associated with this latest lifeboat at Aberystwyth. posted 20/4/2008
Welcome to the new look web site for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire. Pleasing to the eye, easy to navigate and making the best use of modern technology, this revised site was launched by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire on Saturday 19 April 2008. Our thanks go to Phil Benson our webmaster for his skill and assiduity in creating the new look. posted 19/4/2008
Raj Padhiar, of Forest of Arden Lodge No 3826, recently ran the London Marathon in aid of SCOPE, the cerebral palsy charity. Raj ran the 26 mile+ course in a very creditable 4 hours 58 minutes, raising £1500 for the charity. They must be serving something in the wine at the Forest of Arden - Mark Gregory, also a member, ran the Paris Marathon last month in 4 hours 37 minutes! It must be a fit Lodge! posted 17/4/2008
The Grand Lodge of Minnesota, with 17,000 Masons, has bestowed the largest gift ever on the University of Minnesota. It has pledged $65 million dollars over the next 15 years for cancer research, prevention and care. posted 12/4/2008
The total collected for the 2012 Festival as at 10 April 2008 is £948,000. posted 12/4/2008
Warwickshire Firefighters Families Fund
The amount so far raised for this Fund by Warwickshire and other Brethren is £46,500. The Fund was established to assist the families of those four courageous firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the devastating fire that occurred in Atherstone on Stour last November. posted 12/4/2008
A message from the Prestonian Lecturer
W Bro Robert Sillett the Prestonian Lecturer for 2008 has written to W Bro Rodney Pitham as follows:
"I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Installed Masters Lodge, the Brethren of the Lodge and the visitors for the warmth of the welcome extended to me personally at the recent meeting. It was a great pleasure and privilege for me to deliver the Prestonian Lecture to such a receptive audience and I enjoyed the experience enormously. How can I thank you sufficiently for your incredible generosity towards my charity? I am overwhelmed." posted 9/4/2008
The sponsored walk in aid of the Province of Warwickshire 2012 Festival which took place in Kenilworth on Saturday 5 April 2008 has been hailed as an outstanding success. Initial estimates suggest that the total amount raised for the Masonic Samaritan Fund Festival could well be in the region of £14,000 thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and the energy and enthusiasm of the walkers. Our congratulations to all who gave up their time and money for this worthwhile cause. The photo shows two unidentified walkers (although they look more like talkers!) contemplating the event. There are no prizes for guessing who they might be! posted 9/4/2008
Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire
Brethren who are attending this Annual Meeting are reminded that it commences at 10.00am precisely on Saturday 19 April 2008 at the Headquarters of the Province at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Those not in processions must be seated no later than 9.45am. In view of the large numbers wishing to attend lunch a waiting list has had to be established, so it is regretted that any who wish to apply now to dine after the meeting are unlikely to be accommodated. posted 7/4/2008
Freemasons meet across the Provinces
Athol Lodge No 74 is holding a very special meeting at the Masonic Hall, Severn Street, Birmingham on Wednesday 7 May 2008, when, after the Lodge is opened, W Bro Stewart Westwood, Master of Barr Beacon Lodge in Staffordshire, will be invited to act as Senior Warden and W Bro Keith Green, Master of Hospitality Lodge in Worcestershire, will be invited to take the Junior Warden's chair. There will then be a short presentation of each of the Lodges' history with questions and answers at the end. Brethren who wish to attend this unusual but interesting event should get in touch with W Bro Andy Williams on 01922 457539 or andy-williams@blueyonder.co.uk posted 6/4/2008
Euclid and his 47th Proposition
You can find out more about Euclid, his 47th proposition and its connection to the Past Master's Jewel if you visit Linwood Lodge. W Bro Joseph Khalil-Marzouk will present this most informative and interesting lecture to the Lodge at its regular meeting on 15 April at the Solihull Masonic Hall 1621 Warwick Road, Knowle commencing at 6.00pm. Any Brother who wishes to attend should get in touch with the secretary, Andy Bryson, on andy.bryson@btinternet.com. Linwood is a Master Masons Lodge and all work is carried out in the Third Degree. posted 5/4/2008
The Spring 2008 edition of 'Freemasonry Today' is now being delivered to Brethren free of charge. If you have not received one and believe that you should then contact 02392 313890 or fmt@codestorm.co.uk and ask to be placed on the circulation list. In the alternative ask a Brother who has a copy to let you have the Order Form included in the current edition. posted 5/4/2008
The Freemasons' Grand Charity Annual Review for 2007
The Freemasons' Grand Charity Annual Review for 2007 is now being distributed to Freemasons in England and Wales with the Spring edition of 'Freemasonry Today'. If you do not have a copy one can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.grandcharity.org/. The Review makes for very interesting reading and shows each Freemason where and how his contribution to the Grand Charity is spent. posted 5/4/2008
The Warwickshire Installed Masters Lodge No 4538 was well supported by almost 400 Brethren from Warwickshire and many other Provinces when it hosted the first official delivery of the Prestonian Lecture for 2008 on 31 March at the Provincial HQ in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Prestonian Lecturer, W Bro Robert Sillett PJGD, presented his lecture 'The Language of the Ritual' in an entertaining and relaxed but most informative style. 'One of the best I have ever heard' was a comment made by many Brethren as they left or as they dined at the Festive Board. Rodney Pitham, Master of the Lodge, declared that it was one of the finest Masonic nights of his Masonic career of over 35 years and he was delighted with the support of the Brethren.
If you were not able to be present or did not have the opportunity of purchasing a copy of the Lecture please get in touch with Ivan Norris the Lodge Secretary on ivan.norris@sky.com and he will make the necessary arrangements. posted 1/4/2008
