Provincial Grand Lodge
News Archive
October ~ December 2007
Main News Page News Archive Menu
Freemasons' Christmas cheer for hospices
The Freemasons' Grand Charity, to which all Freemasons in England
and Wales contribute, has just released grants of £500,000 to adult
hospices and £100,000 to children's hospices throughout the two
countries. Of this amount some £19,000 has been allocated to local
hospices including Warren Pearl in Solihull who had a grant of almost
£3,700. The photo shows Sally Boreham, fundraiser at Warren Pearl in
Solihull, receiving the cheque from Rodney Pitham, an Assistant Provincial
Grand Master of the Warwickshire Freemasons. Sally welcomed the donation
saying: "The Freemasons have supported this hospice for many years and we are
most grateful to them for their generosity and the support for the work we
do."
Rodney is also Chairman of the Committee of the Freemasons' Grand Charity which considers and recommends the grants to the hospice movement and to a host of other non-Masonic charities out of an annual budget of £2.3 million, all of which is raised from within Freemasonry. Rodney says: "The hospice movement is close to the hearts of Freemasons. Since 1984 the Freemasons' Grand Charity has donated some £7 million to this worthwhile cause and I hope that we will continue with our support for many more years to come."
Other local hospices to receive donations from the Freemasons' Grand Charity are Acorns at Selly Oak, Mary Ann Evans in Nuneaton, Myton Hamlet in Warwick, Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon and St Mary's, Selly Park, Birmingham. posted 22/12/2007
Some of Our Yesterdays
'Some of our Yesterdays' is a fascinating and informative dialogue between VW Bro John Hamill, Director of Communications, and VW Bro Graham Redman, Assistant Grand Secretary, at the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge held on 12 December 2007 and can be read at http://www.ugle.org.uk/news/jh-gfr-121207.htm posted 19/12/2007
Pro Grand Master addresses Grand Lodge - 12 December 2007
Brethren,
You will have seen reference, in the paper of business, to the European Grand Masters’ meeting held here on the 5th and 6th of November. This was an historic occasion, and was planned as a one-off meeting so that we, as the mother Grand Lodge, could make clear our views on regularity, recognition and sovereignty. We had been under pressure, for some time, to give guidance and a clear stance on our position. This we did, and my speech to open the conference is printed in full as an appendix to the paper of business. I draw your attention to the first paragraph where I set out our position on regularity, and later I make the important point that it is not Freemasonry but the individual mason, imbued with the principles and tenets of the Craft, who has a positive influence on society.
The Grand Master hosted an enjoyable reception and dinner on the eve of the formal meeting for representatives of forty four European Grand Lodges, which included no less than forty one Grand Masters.
What was apparent from the meeting is that while we may have a wide diversity of customs and practises in European Freemasonry, we all subscribe to the same basic principles and tenets and are determined to maintain and preserve regularity. From the feedback we have received the meeting was considered a success and there is now a determination to continue the contacts which were made and to strengthen the lines of communications between European Grand Lodges. This can only be good for the future of regular Freemasonry.
It was an historic occasion, and like all major meetings did not just happen. I would like to place on record my thanks to V.W. Bro John Hamill and all the other members of the Grand Secretary’s staff who worked so hard to make it enjoyable and successful.
Brethren, you should know that at the meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter in November I announced that the working group set up last year under the Chairmanship of the Second Grand Principal, had now published its report into the recruitment and retention of Royal Arch Masons. The first conclusion of the report relates to the additional paragraph to the 1813 Declaration in the preamble to the Book of Constitutions, relating to the status of the Royal Arch. This was added to by Grand Lodge, in December 2003. In short, this describes the Royal Arch as ‘an extension to, but neither a superior nor subordinate part of the Degrees which precede it’. There is no doubt that the Royal Arch is NOT the completion of just the third degree. But it is not felt that the 2003 declaration accurately reflects the relationship of the Royal Arch to the three Craft degrees. The result is that it has not been helpful to those joining or seeking to recruit new members. So, I am minded to request Grand Lodge to give careful consideration to replacing the 2003 paragraph with a fresh definition. I feel that, in general terms, we should all seek to describe the Royal Arch as the next step in Freemasonry after the Craft degrees and the final step in pure ancient Masonry. It is, of course, both an integral part of Craft masonry as well as being its completion.
The other important conclusion of the report, in relation to recruitment, is a recommendation to Grand Lodge from Supreme Grand Chapter, that a Royal Arch representative should be appointed in each Craft Lodge. This representative, at least until further research and consideration, would not be a Lodge officer. But he would have responsibility for promoting the Royal Arch within the context of the Lodge. Where his role has already been implemented in some Lodges, it has had a dramatic effect on the levels of recruitment and retention. Representatives need to be carefully chosen and the report gives advice and guidance on this matter.
Since the last Quarterly Communication I have visited our three Districts in India, accompanied by the Grand Secretary. This proved to be a very successful trip visiting the District of Bombay and Northern India in Mumbai; the District of Bengal in Kolkata and the District of Madras in Both Chennai and Bangalore. This was my first visit to India and we were greeted by everyone with great warmth. I held a business meeting in each District and we met as many of the Brethren and their wives, as possible.
At the request of the District Grand Master of Bombay and Northern India we are reforming the District back into two Districts. The District has been a happy one and the split is purely based on the enormous distances between some of the Lodges. The inauguration of the District of Northern India will take place in early January.
At the third Rulers’ Forum meeting yesterday, Brethren from three of the groups gave a presentation on the best points from all the mentoring schemes that exist and more. Retention depends on mentoring and education and the CD-rom which they have produced contains information and guidance for mentors from the interview stage through to third degree and beyond. It was so impressive that I have asked them to repeat the presentation at our next Quarterly Communication in March.
Finally, Brethren, I wish you and your families every joy for the Festive Season and a very happy New Year. posted 18/12/2007
Pro Grand Master addresses meeting of European Grand Masters - November 2007
Regularity is an absolute. It cannot be partial or conditional. A Grand Lodge is either regular or it is not. In England’s terms, to be regular a Grand Lodge must conform to each of our Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition or it cannot be considered as regular.
Those Basic Principles, agreed with the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland, were codified and published in 1929 but were not something new. They had been developed and refined over more than 150 years as Freemasonry spread around the world and Grand Lodges began to emerge outside these islands. We believe them to be fundamental and unchangeable, as they define what is for us the essence of regular Freemasonry. The Principles were further confirmed by the three Home Grand Lodges in 1938 in the statement they each issued entitled “Aims and Relationships of the Craft”. We firmly believe that if any of these Basic Principles were removed or varied, that removal or variation would materially alter the nature of Freemasonry.
There have been suggestions that the Basic Principles should be capable of redefinition from generation to generation, although those making those suggestions seem reluctant to reveal which of the Basic Principles they wish to redefine. I would suspect that one area they would like to redefine is the prohibition of the discussion of religion and politics at Masonic meetings, and the bar on Grand Lodges or individual Freemasons making public comment on matters of religious, political or state policy when acting in their Masonic capacities.
In that context, I was rather surprised that some of you had been discussing the role of Freemasonry in a changing Europe and how Freemasonry can influence, for the common good, the social and moral development of the new Europe. The Home Grand Lodges – England, Ireland and Scotland – would respond that Freemasonry has no role outside Freemasonry and that the only influence it should be seeking is over itself and its members.
We firmly believe that it is not Freemasonry but the individual who can have a positive influence on society. We see Freemasonry as an intensely personal journey of self-discovery, knowledge and personal development. We hope that the individual, during his journey, will absorb the principles and tenets of Freemasonry, so that they become a part of his nature. In that way he will make a contribution for the good of society. If the individual, imbued with the principles of Freemasonry, does not work for the good of society we should then question whether Freemasonry has fulfilled its purpose.
Regular Freemasonry is not, and should never be allowed to develop into being, a lobby group – no matter how universal and noble the cause. One of the great strengths of regular Freemasonry has been that it stands apart from politics and sectarianism, in the memorable words of Dr James Anderson forming “the centre of union between good men and true, and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.” Those who formed and developed Freemasonry knew from first hand experience how divisive politics and religion could be. By banning discussion of those topics at Masonic meetings and not allowing their Grand Masters or others, in their Masonic capacities, to make public pronouncements on those topics they were seeking to unite men of good will to enable them to set aside their differences and work together for the common good. That is surely a landmark of Freemasonry, and if we tamper with it we will materially alter the nature of Freemasonry.
I understand that at the Forum in Prague at the end of April there was a suggestion that there should be an addition to the Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition – that of territorial exclusivity, in other words that there should only be one Grand Lodge per territory or country. That suggestion carried the implication that a Grand Lodge was not sovereign unless it had sole control of the Craft in its territory or country. We do not see sovereignty in terms of territory; to us sovereignty is a Grand Lodge having sole authority over its constituent Lodges and members, wherever they might be situated, and not sharing that authority with any other power such as a Supreme Council.
For historical and practical reasons, the Home Grand Lodges and others could not regard exclusive territorial jurisdiction as a basic principle for recognition. For more than 250 years the Home Grand Lodges have shared territory all round the world and continue to do so today. Indeed, in some areas we share territory with a local Grand Lodge formed since the Home Grand Lodges introduced Freemasonry into their territory. In the United States – where exclusive territorial jurisdiction was a principle for regularity – they have had to vary their views, as in many States the State Grand Lodge now shares its territory with a Prince Hall Grand Lodge, as the Home Grand Lodges do in the Bahamas, Caribbean and West Indies.
The common factor in all these examples of shared territory is that the sharing is by mutual consent, and that is surely the key. If two or more Grand Lodges wish to share territory, why should we impose an arbitrary impediment on them doing so?
A Grand Lodge invading the territory of another Grand Lodge is a completely different matter. Such an action would be intolerable, contrary to all the principles of international Masonic relations, and lay the invading Grand Lodge open to charges of irregularity and the inevitability of having its recognition withdrawn.
Recognition is a bi-lateral act between two sovereign powers. It is not, however, a “right of regularity”, but a privilege. England has been criticised in recent years for not immediately recognising new or re-emerging Grand Lodges, even when they have been regularly formed or revived by Grand Lodges with whom we have long been in amity. The reason for this is a simple one. As the oldest Grand Lodge, without seeking to, we have had thrust upon us the mantle of being the guardians of regularity. That is a heavy responsibility which we take seriously. Additionally, I understand that recognition by the United Grand Lodge of England carries with it a cachet that speeds recognition by other Grand Lodges. Because of these factors, we have to make certain that what we recognise is not only regular but it is firmly rooted within a stable country, free from political interference, will maintain its regularity and has a good prospect of surviving and expanding. In short, we cannot get it wrong!
On at least three occasions we were pressured to recognise Grand Lodges, but we stuck to our usual policy, and were proved right. In two cases within a short time the Grand Lodges were riven with dissension leading to breakaway Grand Lodges being formed, and in the third case even the “mother” rejected its child and withdrew the Charter it had given it.
The last point I wish to make concerns England’s place in world Freemasonry. In his speech to the World Conference in Paris last year, the Grand Master of Austria stated his belief that the United Grand Lodge of England had abdicated its responsibilities in European Freemasonry and that next to nothing was felt of its authority. I would not only disagree but would question what responsibilities we have in Europe, or any other part of the world. We are always available for advice, information and sharing our long experience but we cannot, nor would we seek to, interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign Grand Lodge. We can offer a lead, provide comfort and support in times of trouble, and give practical assistance to new Grand Lodges, but England cannot be a sort of international Masonic policeman arbitrating disagreements within and between sovereign Grand Lodges. We can and will make our position clear on the subjects of regularity and recognition but it is then up to you to decide what your views are. We cannot, and would not seek to, impose our views on others and we do not believe that any other body should do so either. However, we do reserve our right to decide who we regard as being regular and capable of recognition.
Brethren, we have a wonderful diversity of Masonic practice in Europe. We are bound by the same basic principles, tenets and landmarks but have each developed in our own way. We should celebrate that diversity, so long as it remains within the bounds of regularity. posted 18/12/2007
More assistance for firefighters families fund
Donations totalling £5,500 were made on Saturday 8 December to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Warwickshire at Stratford Masonic Hall during an open day organised by the members of the Fire Service Lodge which meets there. Of that total substantial contributions had been made by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire, the directors of the Masonic Hall and the Fire Service Lodge. The Mayor of Stratford Town Council and the Deputy Chief Fire Officer paid tribute to the generosity of all those Freemasons who had given to this worthy cause. posted 8/12/2007
2012 Festival
The total of the donations received up to and including 30 November 2007 is £767,773. posted 5/12/2007
Grand Lodge and other dues
Lodge Treasurers are reminded that the Annual Dues payable to Grand Lodge for 2008 are £21.50 (which includes VAT at a partial zero rating) for each subscribing member and the Freemasons' Grand Charity contribution for each member is £13 on which VAT is not payable. The registration fee for an Initiate received by Grand Lodge on or after 1 January 2008, even though the Initiation took place before this date, is £45 to which VAT of 17.5% must be added. posted 1/12/2007
Installed Masters to host official Prestonian Lecture for 2008
The Board of General Purposes has considered applications for the delivery of the official Prestonian Lectures for 2008 and has decided that one of the four should be given under the auspices of the Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge No 4538 at their meeting on 31 March 2008 at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, the HQ of the Province of Warwickshire. The Lecturer is W Bro R D T Sillett PJGD and the title of the Lecture is 'The Language of the Ritual'.
This is a most prestigious event in the English Constitution and many Brethren will wish to be present. Further details will be published at a later date but if any Brother wishes to make a reservation now he should get in touch with Trevor Siddall on trevor.siddall@talk21.com or 01604 830467. posted 30/11/2007
Firefighters families fund boosted by Freemasons
The
Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, together
with members of the Fire Service Lodge No 8401, handed over almost
£32,000 from the Warwickshire Freemasons and Freemasons from
Nottinghamshire, West Kent and elsewhere to the Chief Fire Officer, William
Brown, at the HQ of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in Leamington Spa
on Wednesday 28 November 2007. The money will go to the Warwickshire
Firefighters Families Fund and will benefit the immediate families of those
courageous firefighters who lost their lives as a result of the devastating
fire at Atherstone on Stour. The photo shows the Provincial Grand Master and
the Chief Fire Officer. posted
29/11/2007
Fire Service Lodge pays tribute to brave firefighters
Members of the Fire Service Lodge No 8401, whose members are drawn from all parts of the country, will be holding a special day to remember their colleagues who died in the fire at Atherstone on Stour. It will take place at the Masonic Hall, Great William Street, Stratford upon Avon, where the Lodge meets, from 12.30pm until 3.00pm on Saturday 8 December. The event is open to the public and a warm welcome will be extended to all. A book of condolence will be available and donations may be made to the fund established to assist the bereaved families.
There will be opportunities as well to learn about Freemasonry. Light refreshments will be served. posted 29/11/2007
Freemasons help hospices
Hospices across England and Wales are set for a funding boost as The Freemasons’ Grand Charity distributes £600,000 towards the operating costs of the widely respected services. Although children’s and adults Hospices have always been supported through the annual grant giving scheme, this year for the very first time a sum was set aside specifically to benefit the growing number of services dedicated to children. The money from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be shared between 220 hospices, with over half of the children’s services receiving more than £3,000 and each adult service receiving an average of over £2,600. The newly announced grants will take The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s support for the sector to over £7 million since 1984.
The hospices to benefit in the Province of Warwickshire are Acorns Children's Hospice in Birmingham, Warren Pearl in Solihull, Mary Ann Evans in Nuneaton, Myton Hamlet in Warwick, Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon and St Mary's in Birmingham.
Rodney Pitham, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire, is Chairman of the relevant committee of the Freemasons' Grand Charity which recommends these grants and many others to a host of non-Masonic charities. posted 28/11/2007
Masonic help strikes a chord with parishioners
Parishioners in Sutton St Nicholas are singing the praises of Herefordshire Freemasons, who have helped them complete the refurbishment of their 12th century church with the addition of a new organ. With funds already stretched to repair and refurbish the tower, roof and bells, updating the old church organ at St Michael's Church, which had reached the end of its musical career, was proving difficult despite a series of fundraising events and donations from local parishioners. So the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association stepped forward to help install a new electronic organ for church organist Roy Gilham and the congregation to enjoy. posted 28/11/2007
Provincial Grand Wardens for Warwickshire
The Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, has been pleased to appoint W Bro Rex Lowin of Mercia Lodge No 6246 as Provincial Senior Grand Warden and W Bro Philip Wills of the Lodge of Freedom No 3914 as Provincial Junior Grand Warden for the year 2008/2009. They will be invested at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on Saturday 19 April 2008. posted 28/11/2007
Freemasons give £20,000 for Bangladesh cyclone victims
Following the devastation of parts of Bangladesh by Tropical Storm Sidr, The Freemasons' Grand Charity is supporting the relief work of the Red Cross with an emergency grant of £20,000. Around 1 million people are believed to have been affected by the storm which hit the Southern Coast of Bangladesh on 15 November, destroying homes, crops and infrastructure and triggering a tidal surge that swamped three coastal villages. The official death toll stands at over 3,100 people, but this is expected to rise as rescuers continue to recover bodies from amongst the debris. Some remote areas are still inaccessible and many survivors are without fresh water and food.
The emergency grant approved by Grahame Elliott, President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, will help to fund the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, providing for the needs of some of the most vulnerable people affected by the storm, including the provision of blankets, food, shelter, medical supplies and basic healthcare. posted 22/11/2007
Freemasons assist fire tragedy families
All Freemasons, along with all members of the public, have been deeply touched by the loss of the lives of the four courageous Warwickshire fire-fighters Ian Reid, Ashley Stephens, Darren Yates-Badley and John Averis, arising from the warehouse fire at Atherstone-on-Stour. The Freemasons in Warwickshire have responded positively and quickly to the appeal for financial help for the families of the deceased fire-fighters.
Michael Price CBE, the Provincial Grand Master of the Warwickshire Freemasons, says:
“We cannot begin to imagine the distress and anguish of the families of these brave men who gave their lives in the service of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them now and in the future as they seek to come to terms with their sad and unexpected loss. It is a fact of life that we take our emergency services for granted but they are brought into sharp focus when a disaster of this magnitude occurs.
In the circumstances I asked all members and Lodges in Warwickshire to contribute to the fund established for the families. They have responded magnificently and I thank them all once again for their overwhelming generosity.”
The Provincial Grand Master will hand over at least £21,000 from the Warwickshire Freemasons and Freemasons from Nottinghamshire and West Kent to the Chief Fire Officer at the HQ of the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in Leamington Spa on Wednesday 28 November 2007 at 2.00pm. Amongst those attending will be members of the Fire Service Lodge whose members are drawn from all over the country and which meets at the Masonic Hall in Stratford upon Avon. Other senior Freemasons will be there together with many civic dignitaries. posted 21/11/2007
Fire tragedy at Atherstone on Stour
The fire tragedy at Atherstone on Stour has touched many people with the loss of four courageous firefighters. A fund has been established by the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to support the families of those brave men. In response to concern expressed by many Brethren the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire will donate £5,000 to the special fund, the Royal Arch Province a further £5,000, and the Mark Province a substantial sum. The Freemasons' Grand Charity has agreed to give £5,000 to the fund as well.
The Provincial Grand Master invites Lodges in the Province to consider making donations to this worthy cause. If Lodges agree to this invitation any cheques should be made payable to WMCA Ltd and sent the Provincial Charity Office at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB. Arrangements for the cheque presentation are being made. posted 12/11/2007 - updated 16/11/2007
New Royal Arch Chapter for Worcestershire
E Comp Richard Price the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Holy Royal Arch Province of Worcestershire consecrated the Old Bromsgrovian Chapter at Bromsgrove School on Saturday 3 November 2007. The Founder First Principal is E Comp Richard V Wallis, the immediate Past Grand Superintendent for Warwickshire, the Second Principal is E Comp Bob Biddle and the Third Principal is E Comp Bill Caswell. The photo shows the Consecrating Officer and the three Principals. posted 12/11/2007
Flying heroes
Ken Wilkinson and Tony Pickering both flew Spitfires during World War II. They were both full of nostalgia when as members of the Warwickshire Royal Air Force Lodge No 9456 they attended a meeting of the Lodge at RAF Cosford. The photo shows, in the centre, Roger Mac, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Master of the Lodge, on the left Ken and on the right Tony. It was a particularly poignant moment for Tony since the Spitfire behind them was one he had flown. posted 12/11/2007
"What are the hidden mysteries of nature and science?"
"What are the hidden mysteries of nature and science?" is the title of a talk to be delivered to the regular meeting of the Warwickshire Installed Masters Lodge on 30 November 2007 by W Bro Raymond Hollins PAGDC. Raymond is well known for his "100 short talks on the Craft" and has been a regular contributor to MQ magazine. Brethren who are not members of the Lodge are welcome and encouraged to attend and should get in touch with Trevor Siddall the Assistant Secretary on 01604 830467 or at trevor.siddall@talk21.com to reserve a place and book in for dinner. posted 11/11/2007
Fancy walking for charity?
A sponsored walk in aid of the 2012 Festival will take place in Kenilworth on Saturday 5 April 2008. The aim of the walk is to make the morning an enjoyable stroll with friends as well as making money. If you wish to take part please get in touch with Jim Dunlop on 01926 779774 or at jim.dunlop@ntlworld.com posted 8/11/2007
150 years of Freemasonry
Stoneleigh Lodge No 725 will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in the presence of RW Michael J Price CBE, the Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, at the Warwickshire Masonic Temple, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Thursday 14 February 2008. If you wish to be a part of this event please make reservations with Sydney Collins on 02476 672133 or at sydcollins@gmail.com. Dinner will cost £30. posted 8/11/2007
2012 Festival
The total for the end of October 2007 is £732,000. posted 6/11/2007
Membership update form
Lodge Secretaries in the Province of Warwickshire should note that the latest Membership Update Form which requires all amendments to Lodge memberships is available to download at http://www.warwickshirepgl.org.uk/mem_update.php It is imperative that the Provincial Grand Secretary, Nigel Burton, is advised of changes in members' status or details as soon after they occur as possible. Of the utmost priority in this respect is notification of the death of any Brother which in the first instance should be communicated by telephone to the Provincial Grand Secretary or Barbara Powell on 0121 454 4422. posted 3/11/2007
Feed the Needy Children
As part of their celebration of their 50 years of existence, members of the Lodge of the Coast No 7518 in the District Grand Lodge of East Africa in Mombassa organised an event recently to "Feed the Needy Children" at Mtwapa where about 1000 children from Mtwapa neighbourhood were fed with a hearty meal. posted 3/11/2007
Brace yourself for support!
Harry Owen now has even more merchandise to sell in support of the 2012 Festival - braces! There are two varieties - black and white squares, and Masonic symbols - and they are reasonably priced at £15. Order yours now by phoning Harry on 0121 454 4422. posted 2/11/2007
Autumn Glory
This concert held in October in aid of the 2012 Festival for the New Masonic Samaritan Fund has now raised the sum of £14,600. posted 31/10/2007
Installation of new Provincial Grand Master
The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master John Hale will be presiding at the Installation of Very Worshipful Brother David John Frederick Rawlins as Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Warwickshire on Tuesday 4 December at 11.00 am at the Warwickshire Masonic Temple, Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Following his Installation, the newly installed Provincial Grand Master will appoint and invest W Bro Christopher Owen Sanders, PGJD, as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and W Bro James Stephen Wright, PGSD, as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
Provincial Grand Lodge will be called off and resume after lunch at 3.00pm, when the Provincial Grand Master will continue to appoint and invest the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge and invest those that have been honoured with appointment and promotion in Past Provincial Grand Rank, as well as investing those who have been appointed to Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.
Brethren in the Mark Province of Warwickshire will receive invitations to attend. Any others wishing to witness the Installation and the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge and stay to lunch should get in touch with the Provincial Grand Secretary Designate, Gareth Hughes, on garethhughes@3castles.nildram.co.uk. posted 31/10/2007
Three generations
Bev Robotham is a
Founder of Compass Rose Lodge (which meets at Yenton Masonic Hall in
Erdington), his son Martyn was the first Initiate and is the current Master,
and Martyn's son Chris has just been initiated into the Lodge. The photograph
shows the happy threesome with, from left to right, Bev, Chris and
Martyn. posted 31/10/2007
Can anyone remember?
The Lodge of Assembly No 5747 will celebrate its 70th Anniversary in October 2008. Brethren of the Lodge wish to get in touch with any Masonic descendants of the Founders of the Lodge who were Alfred Phipps, Joseph Plant, Sydney Booth, Charles Ladds, Albert Dean, Thomas Hogg, John Knight, Charles Thompson, Clifford Moseley and Richard Yates. If you can help, Roy Quinton on 01939 260759 would be delighted to hear from you. posted 28/10/2007
Sixty years and still going
RW Bro Stanley Lates OSM Past Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire celebrates 60 years as a Freemason in Concord Lodge on 15 December 2007 and will be presented with his certificate by the RW Provincial Grand Master Michael Price CBE. If you wish to be part of this wonderful event please get in touch with Joe McCollum on 0121 680 3276 or at joemccollum@blueyonder.co.uk The Lodge meets at the Provincial HQ at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. posted 26/10/2007
Ladies Gift Fund Fayre
The Ladies Gift Fund Christmas Fayre will be held at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday 17 November 2007 commencing at 10.30am. Your support will be most welcome. posted 26/10/2007
We will remember them
A Remembrance Service will be held at the Provincial HQ, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday 10 November 2007 commencing at 10.45am. Brethren, their families and friends are invited to attend the service to remember in particular those Freemasons who made the supreme sacrifice in all theatres of war and conflict. posted 17/10/2007
Toast List
The Warwickshire Toast List for use at the Festive Board is now available online here. posted 14/10/2007
Grand Charity aid
The Freemasons' Grand Charity has recently approved grants totalling £445,200 to fifteen non-Masonic charities. Among the recipients are Leukaemia Research with £56,000 for research into acute myeloid leukaemia, and Listening Books with £30,000 for a project to upgrade to digital books. The Marine Society and Sea Cadets has received £47,000 towards a new training ship and £24,000 has gone to the Happy Days Children's Charity for day trips for disadvantaged children with special needs. Guildford Cathedral and St Woolos Cathedral have each been awarded £5,000 for their building appeals. posted 14/10/2007
Autumn Glory
The audience raised the rafters at the Arts Centre at Warwick University at the conclusion of this concert on 7 October with their singing of 'Land of Hope and Glory' and the waving of their Union Flags. They had been entertained for the evening by the collective brilliance of the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra, the Stratford upon Avon Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Yvonne Howard and Arwel Huw Morgan all ably and wittingly presented by Ed Doolan MBE. The icing on the cake was the handing over of a cheque for £12,000, the proceeds of the concert, to Michael Price, the Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire, and Hugh Stubbs the President of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, for that Fund.
Our thanks go to all those involved in the preparation for this event particularly the chairman of the organising committee, Mervyn Kimberley, whose brainchild it was. Many of the audience wished to know when the next concert would be produced on behalf of Warwickshire Freemasons. Watch this space! posted 9/10/2007
2012 Festival
The total raised to the end of September 2007 for the 2012 Festival is £694,000. posted 5/10/2007
Installation of new Provincial Grand Master
VW Bro David Rawlins is to be installed as the Provincial Grand Master for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Warwickshire on Tuesday 4 December 2007 at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Further details will be published when they are known. posted 2/10/2007
