Provincial Grand Lodge
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January ~ March 2008
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The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price, dedicated the new banner of the William Webb Ellis Lodge in Rugby Masonic Hall on Saturday 29 March 2008 according to ancient custom 
in the presence of some 100 Brethren, all of whom are shown in the photograph. posted 31/3/2008
" I congratulate your Province on your web site" says W Bro Robert Sillett PJGD the Prestonian Lecturer for 2008 about the Warwickshire web site. We thank him for that but we wonder what his and your reaction will be to the new look web site that we are launching on 19 April. Watch this space. posted 29/3/2008
Square Meals: 300 Years of Masonic Dining
There is an organisation that held the largest sit down meal ever seen in this country, where the customs and manners of Georgian England still survive, whose feasts over nearly three centuries have seen a mixing of races, religions and cultures unheard of in the UK until recent times. That organisation is Freemasonry. Square Meals: 300 Years of Masonic Dining at the Library and Museum of Freemasonry in Freemasons' Hall in London will recreate Masonic dining from the early 1700s to the present, following the festive meal through times of prosperity and wartime austerity. One of the largest silver table centrepieces in the country, rare ceramics and glass, even Masonic jellies and still filled bottles of 150 year old drinks will give a unique insight for the first time into the ceremonies, friendship and fun that make up the Masonic feast.
Come to the Goose and Gridiron for an early meeting of the first Grand Lodge, have a meal in Islington with the Country Stewards Lodge, learn why cigars were better than food in Kipling’s mother Lodge in India, or see artifacts from the meal for 7000 at Olympia in the 1930s.
The exhibition is open from Monday 7 July to Friday 26 September 2008 and admission, open to all, is free. posted 29/3/2008
Warwickshire Freemasons give generously
The Province of Warwickshire will be making donations to 165 local charities in April to a total of £100,080. Similar amounts are presented on an annual basis. Among the recipients are local hospices – Acorns Children’s at Selly Oak, St. Mary’s at Selly Park, Mary Ann Evans at Nuneaton, Myton Hamlet at Warwick, Rugby and Coventry, St.Giles’ at Whittington, Shakespeare at Stratford, and Warren Pearl at Solihull, who will receive a total of £14,500. Four Air Ambulances serving the Province of Warwickshire will be given a total of £6,000. Other recipients include the Leonard Cheshire Homes in Sutton Coldfield and Redditch, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the Warwick Hospital Cancer Ward.
Charities supporting health issues in the area including the British Heart Foundation (West Region), Cancer Research at Birmingham, Deafblind UK, and Macmillan Cancer Support are also being assisted. For the first time a donation is to be made to the new Royal Star and Garter Home in Solihull, due to open later this year to provide nursing care for disabled ex-service personnel impaired during conflict. St Basil’s working with young homeless people in Birmingham, and the Norman Laud Centre supporting disadvantaged youngsters in Sutton Coldfield, will also be aided as will the Birmingham Mail Charitable Trust and the Salvation Army for their work. posted 27/3/2008
The Sponsored Walk in aid of the Masonic Samaritan Fund will be held in Kenilworth on Saturday 5 April. If each Warwickshire Lodge has one walker who is sponsored by each member of the Lodge then we will raise a significant sum for the Festival. Roger Mac has volunteered to be a willing walker for any Lodge that has difficulty in choosing a representative. He will be delighted to receive any cheques made out to WMCA 2012 Festival. Sponsorship forms and more details are on the poster in each Masonic Hall or can be obtained from either Roger on roger_s_mac@hotmail.com or Jim Dunlop on jim.dunlop@ntlworld.com 01926 779774. The local church will provide you with refreshments to replace any calories used up on the walk. posted 25/3/2008
There may not have been much good news in the recent Budget but at least the Chancellor is making a positive effort to help our aims for the 2012 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund. He has decided to keep the amount of tax that can be reclaimed under the Gift Aid system at 28.2% until 2011, even though the basic rate of tax will still be reduced as from April 2008. Many thanks Mr Chancellor from the Freemasons of Warwickshire! posted 18/3/2008
The Lodge of Perseverance is holding a Night at the Races at Yenton Assembly Rooms, Erdington, Birmingham on Saturday 10 May 2008 at 7.00pm with the proceeds going to the 2012 Festival. Tickets cost £15 which will include a buffet. Reservations may be made with Ed Loft at edloft@blueyonder.co.uk or on 0121 366 6326 or with Neil Watson on 0121 355 6642. posted 18/3/2008
Local authority backs Freemasons
The City Council of Port Alberni in British Columbia has declared 16 to 23 March 2008 as Freemasons' Week. The two Lodges which meet there under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon are holding a number of open days during that week. Local authorities here might take note! posted 15/3/2008
Freemasons approve £1.5 million for charities
A number of non Masonic charities, across England and Wales, will benefit from generous grants announced by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity on 12 March 2008 and totalling an incredible £1.5 million. The grants have been awarded to worthwhile causes in the areas of medical research, youth opportunities and vulnerable people. The sum includes £600,000 for adult and children’s hospice services and £180,000 for air ambulance charities to be distributed during the current year.
One of the largest individual grants awarded (£250,000) will contribute to a new Breast Cancer Haven centre in Leeds providing support, information and complementary therapies before, during and after medical treatment of breast cancer. SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), who provide support for serving men and women in today’s Armed Forces, will also receive a substantial donation of £100,000 towards the Helping Heroes and their Families emergency appeal. This grant will be used to assist the provision of suitable accommodation for families visiting severely wounded servicemen and women at Headley Court in Surrey and at Selly Oak in Birmingham during long rehabilitation periods.
Other grants included support for research into deafness and help for unemployed young people to learn skills of a trade. Smaller charities are also set to benefit with grants totalling £50,000 and beneficiaries will be announced during the course of the year.
The grants are made on the recommendation of the Appeals and Donations Committee of the Council of the Grand Charity and the Chairman of that Committee is Rodney Pitham, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire.
Further details of the grants can be seen at http://www.grandcharity.org/ posted 15/3/2008
Unique freemasonry centre welcomes new director
The UK's first dedicated centre for research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield will host a public lecture to mark the start of a new directorship by Dr Andreas Önnerfors. The lecture, which is entitled 'Press between the private and the public: Freemasonry as a topic in 18th Century journals', and which will be delivered on 13 March 2008, will explore how various European journals from the 1700s covered the secret and public images of Freemasonry and how they reflected European thoughts of the time.
The Centre for Research into Freemasonry was established in 2000 as the first centre in a British university devoted to scholarly research into the Freemasons. The Centre studies the historical, social and cultural impact of Freemasonry, particularly in Britain.
Dr Önnerfors is a widely-published expert on Freemasonry and joined the Centre as the new Director earlier this year. posted 13/3/2008
The RW Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, will dedicate a Banner for the William Webb Ellis Lodge No 9754 on Saturday 29 March 2008 at 10.30am at the Masonic Hall, Church Walk, Rugby. Brethren who wish to attend this ceremony and lunch afterwards should get in touch with Bro Marcus Dacombe on 01832 280332 or at marcus@drduck.co.uk posted 9/3/2008
Consecration of the Mike Hailwood Lodge No 9839
The RW Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, will consecrate the Mike Hailwood Lodge No 9839 on Friday 25 April 2008 at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham commencing at 4.00pm. Brethren are requested to assemble no later than 3.45pm. Applications to attend and stay to dinner should be made to W Bro Peter Wright at 2 Longrood Road, Rugby CV22 7RG no later than 18 April. The dining fee is £24 inclusive of wines and cheques are payable to 'Mike Hailwood Lodge No 9839'. posted 8/3/2008
New Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire
At the regular meeting of Lechmere Volunteer Lodge on 5 March the R W Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire, Richard Goddard, announced that he had been pleased to appoint W Bro Raymond Rooke as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and that he will invest him at the meeting of Worcestershire Installed Masters Lodge on 10 May 2008 at Moseley Masonic Hall, Kings Heath.
W Bro Peter Band, who has held this high office with great distinction for the past five years, will stand down on that day. The Brethren of Warwickshire send their congratulations and good wishes to W Bro Raymond Rooke for a successful and happy time in his new appointment. posted 7/3/2008
David Perkins the Master of the Lodge of Unity, is holding a Charity Celebrity Auction at Alderson House, Warwick, on the evening of Thursday 22 May 2008. The BBC's Flog It and Bargain Hunt star, Philip Serrill, will be the auctioneer. Among the many lots are a week's family holiday in a self catering cottage in Cumbria, four hospitality tickets for a weekend at the British Grand Prix in July, four tickets and parking for the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, and David will come to your home and cook a sumptuous meal for 4 people. Doors open at 5.00pm for viewing and registration with the auction starting at about 7.00pm. The charities that will benefit are The Helen Ley Care Centre for the care of multiple sclerosis sufferers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. posted 7/3/2008
W Bro Robert Sillett PJGD will be attending the next Regular Meeting of the Warwickshire Installed Masters Lodge No 4538 on 31 March 2008 to present an Official Delivery of the Prestonian Lecture for 2008 entitled 'The Language of the Ritual'. This is a most prestigious event in the life of the Province and of the Lodge and it is an opportunity that cannot be missed. The Lodge meets at Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham and the Lecture begins promptly at 6.00pm in the Main Temple. Regalia will not be worn. There are only four official deliveries of the Prestonian Lecture each year throughout the whole of the English Constitution. In light of the importance of the occasion each Lodge in the Province should ensure that it is represented at least by its Master.
Dinner is available after the lecture at an inclusive cost of £22. Reservations for the Lecture only or the Lecture and dinner can be made with Trevor Siddall on trevor.siddall@talk21.com or at 01604 830467.
The RW Provincial Grand Master looks to all his Lodges for support for the Lecture. posted 7/3/2008
The fund total at the end of February 2008 is £893,000. posted 7/3/2008
The March 2008 edition of The Warwickshire Rose for members of the Ancient and Accepted Rite is now available and can be read here. posted 5/3/2008
Some 87 years after the consecration of the Yenton Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 719, the Brethren of that Lodge decided it was time they should have a Lodge Banner. RW Bro David J F Rawlins, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree in Warwickshire, was pleased to dedicate the Banner on 3 March. In addition to the delightful ceremony, the Provincial Grand Master promoted W Bro Bill Hepburn to Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden and W Bro Barrie Dolphin to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. posted 4/3/2008
Undergraduates coming in - slowly!
The University of Birmingham Lodge No 5628 in the Province of Warwickshire, has initiated its first undergraduate of the University since 1944 when on 25 February 2008 Fergus Robert Sinclair Smith, aged 19, studying geology, was made a Mason by dispensation. The evening was, of course, very special but was made even more so since the undergraduate initiated in 1944 took part in the ceremony. W Bro Michael Roper-Hall PProvSGW (a Lewis) and a holder of the RW Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Merit has been a keen and active member of the Lodge since that time and has been the Master on six occasions, including the 50th Anniversary of the Lodge. The Lodge, at one time meeting at the University but now firmly established in the Warwickshire Provincial HQ in Birmingham, has had difficult times but is now enjoying a resurgence of interest by many of the academic staff and post-graduate students.
The Lodge is a member of the University Lodges Scheme promoted by RW Bro David Williamson, the Assistant Grand Master. Oxford and Cambridge have proved how popular Freemasonry can be at universities. With the admission of Bro Smith, who benefits of course from a reduction of fees for those who are under 25, the Lodge hopes that he can help to make the wonderful experiences enjoyed by Freemasons available to more prospective Masons, especially undergraduates of his university.
The Lodge was delighted that W Bro Sebastian Madden, Grand Steward, the Coordinator of the University Lodges Scheme, was present on this historic occasion and thank him for his support.
The photo shows Bro Fergus Smith, W Bro Robert Ashford, the Master, W Bro Michael Roper-Hall and W Bro Sebastian Madden. posted 28/2/2008
Spencer Fenn will be making one of his famous presentations under this title in Leamington Spa and will explain the inter-relationship of the various Masonic Orders, their themes, without giving too much away, and their origins. There will be a display of all the different regalia.
The date is Friday 28 March , under the auspices of Royal Leamington Spa Lodge No 9663, at the Masonic Hall, Willes Road, Leamington, at 6.30pm for 7.00 pm, with bar provided, and a buffet afterwards. The buffet will cost £7.50. The bar will be open from 6.15pm.
Booking Forms can be provided by the Secretary W Bro L Thacker, 29 Whitnash Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 2HW. Tel. 01926 420245 posted 22/2/2008
The Library and Museum at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, are among the best Masonic libraries and museums in the country with many unique books and artifacts. The Provincial Grand Master has charged W Bro Alan J Wellan to review the collections and their exhibition and he would welcome assistance from any Brother who has experience of such work in a library or museum. Those who may be qualified and able to help should get in touch with the Provincial Grand Secretary on 0121 454 4422 or at nrburton@warwickshirepgl.org posted 16/2/2008
Temple Councillors and Liaison Officers
Meetings of the Temple Councillors and Liaison Officers will take place at the Warwickshire Provincial HQ in Edgbaston, Birmingham on 23 April, 17 July and 20 October 2008 commencing at 7.00pm. These meetings are not exclusive to the representatives of Lodges that meet in Edgbaston; it is imperative that all Lodges in the Province should ensure that they are represented either by their official nominee or a substitute. Those Lodges who have a Temple Councillor but have not notified the Province should do so as soon as possible to David Bateman on davidbateman@aol.com posted 16/2/2008
Do you want to know a secret - on another occasion?
Brethren unable to attend the event at the Lodge of Faith and Hope in February may wish to know that there will be another presentation of 'Do you want to know a secret?' at the meeting of the Lodge of Integrity on Saturday 5 April 2008. The Lodge meets at the Yenton Assembly Rooms in Erdington, Birmingham and those who would like to attend should get in touch with Stephen Tranter on stephentranter@wilkestranter.co.uk or on 07976 328078. posted 15/2/2008
Another wonderful celebration and another surprise
Stoneleigh Lodge No 725 celebrated its 150th Anniversary at the Warwickshire Provincial HQ in Edgbaston Birmingham in the presence of the RW Provincial Grand Master, Michael John Price CBE, on 14 February 2008. Brethren were entertained to a reading of the minutes of the Consecration in 1858 and of a short history of the Lodge which was later supplemented by the gift to all those attending of a book with the full history. A delightful commemorative plate was also presented to every Brother who attended. With magnificent donations in the Lodge and the collection at the Festive Board the 2012 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund will benefit by almost £1,900.
A highlight of the evening was when the Provincial Grand Master summoned W Bro Len Rose to him and, without prior notice, promoted him with immediate effect to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden, an act which was greeted with loud applause. posted 15/2/2008
A Masonic marriage?Love-struck Cyril Sergeant and Madge Robbins became Britain's oldest newlyweds on 14 February 2008 with a combined age of 178. Cyril, aged 89, is a Past Master of Hertford Lodge No 3208 in Warwickshire. We wish them every happiness and many years together. posted 15/2/2008
Assistant Provincial Grand Master to step down
W Bro Roger S Mac PSGD has indicated to the RW Provincial Grand Master, Michael J Price CBE, his wish to retire as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 19 April 2008. Roger has been a loyal and dedicated Freemason and has proved to be a very popular member of the Warwickshire Provincial Executive. The Brethren of the Province wish him well for the future. posted 14/2/2008
Heritage Open Days - 11 to 14 September 2008
Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture. Free of charge and literally on people's doorstep, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability. Co-ordinated nationally by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage the event thrives on the enthusiasm and expertise of local people. Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life share their knowledge and memories with some 850,000 visitors every year, making Heritage Open Days England's largest voluntary cultural event.
Many Masonic Halls in the Province of Warwickshire took part in 2007 with great success. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, wishes to encourage all those who own or control Masonic Halls in the Province to participate again in Heritage Open Days in September since it is a sure way of demonstrating the public face of Freemasonry. The Provincial Grand Secretary will be responsible for the arrangements at the Provincial HQ in Edgbaston but would welcome support from Brethren who meet there.
Organisers of Heritage Open Days must register with the Civic Trust, for which guidance is given at http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/organisers/, no later than 2 May 2008. The Information Officer for the Province is available to supply other details and support and may be contacted at infoman@warwickshirepgl.org.uk or on 0121 744 1328. He would appreciate being told which Masonic Halls will be open as soon as possible. posted 10/2/2008
Woman is Freemasons' Citizen of the Year
Everest conqueror Carrie Gibson has been named Inverclyde’s Citizen of the Year by Freemasons — the first woman to receive the honour. Scout leader Carrie became only the fifth Scottish woman and the 14th British woman to conquer the world’s highest mountain when she reached the summit on 16 May 2007. Carrie, 35, was part of the Scottish Scouts Seven Summits Expedition that tackled the 29,028ft peak. Now her efforts in reaching the summit and her contribution to the Scouting movement in Inverclyde have been recognised with the Citizen of the Year award from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West. Carrie said: “I am very humbled to receive this award. The last year has been an incredible experience.”
The award was presented to Carrie at the annual dinner of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West by Alex Galbraith, Provincial Grand Master, who said: “Carrie is a great role model and an inspiration for the people of Inverclyde. Her magnificent achievement, together with her selfless contribution to youth work, should be recognised and we were delighted to honour her in this way. She is the first woman to win our Citizenship Award — another achievement for her.” posted 10/2/2008
Presidential candidate is a Mason - and proud of it!
Andrei Bogdanov is a Russian presidential candidate with long, curly hair who heads up the country's largest Masonic lodge as well as the Democratic Party of Russia. At 38, Bogdanov is Russia's youngest-ever presidential candidate. He says he is truly optimistic that he can eventually draw widespread support among young voters -- despite his Masonic background and cascading locks. "We are working for the future," Bogdanov said in an interview this week at his party's headquarters in central Moscow. "A new generation of voters will emerge soon with a better knowledge of Freemasonry and with fewer prejudices about it -- and about the long hair." posted 8/2/2008
In former timesRay Sanders-Crook, the current Master of the David Garrick Lodge No 4243 in the Province of Warwickshire, served as a regular soldier for many years. On his retirement he became a member of The Queen's Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard and was stationed at HM Tower of London. The photograph shows Ray proudly wearing his uniform as a Yeoman Warder. Although now retired from that historical office he still sports those wonderful whiskers! posted 7/2/2008
The Festival Fund now stands at £851,324.15. posted 6/2/2008
Following civil unrest in parts of Kenya, The President of the Freemasons’ Grand Charity, to which all Freemasons in England and Wales contribute, has approved a grant of £10,000 to the District Grand Lodge of East Africa’s Grand Charity, complementing local relief efforts.
Violent clashes and rioting following the results of the Kenyan Presidential election have left hundreds dead and tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Many families are now living in makeshift camps and are desperately in need of essential supplies like food, clean water and basic household items.
The District Grand Charity has already made 1 million Kenyan Shillings (approximately £8,500) available through its own Fund for internally displaced people, supporting the immediate relief efforts of the Kenya Red Cross Society and Lodges in some of the areas most affected by the events. As part of this assistance, the Chairman of the District Grand Charity recently visited Jamhuri Camp in Nairobi to donate milk, bread, rice, beans and drinking water to 3,000 displaced people including children. The grant from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be used to increase the current support for needy individuals in the wider community. posted 4/2/2008
A special celebration - with surprises
Some two hundred Brethren attended the 275th Anniversary Meeting of St Paul's Lodge No 43 on Saturday 2 February 2008 and witnessed the RW Provincial Grand Master, Michael J Price CBE, installed into the Chair (delightfully by David Richards) in the presence of RW Bro George P Francis, the Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England. Many Brethren had travelled considerable distances to enjoy this special celebration including those from the French and German Lodges with which St Paul's Lodge is twinned. The surprises came when the Provincial Grand Master summoned three Past Masters of the Lodge to him and, without any prior notice, promoted Peter Cook, David Houston and Peter Taylor to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden with immediate effect. posted 3/2/2008
Urgent help required for medical mission
In February Steve Cox, one of the Provincial ADCs in Warwickshire, will be leaving his dental practice for two weeks and joining a medical mission in Peru, organized by The Vine Trust. Along with medical and surgical colleagues who will undertake necessary medical and minor surgical care he will be working on Amazon Hope 2, carrying out dental care for those in regions which can only be reached on the river.
All the clinicians who volunteer for the medical mission pay their own expenses of around £2000 to reduce the financial burden on the charity. Brethren who wish to consider helping Steve by making a donation towards his expenses for this trip should get in touch with him urgently at steviec52@hotmail.com posted 1/2/2008
Changes at the top in the Province
The RW Provincial Grand Master, Michael J Price CBE, has been pleased to appoint W Bro Alan J Wellan as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and W Bro David F Macey as Assistant Provincial Grand Master and will invest them at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 19 April 2008. VW Bro David J F Rawlins, the present Deputy Provincial Grand Master, will step down from that high office on that day. posted 31/1/2008
Still time to book for a celebration
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. There is still plenty of time to book in so if you wish to be a part of this event please make reservations with Sydney Collins on 02476 672133 or at sydcollins@gmail.com. posted 31/1/2008
Motorists have been warned to expect delays as a £1.4m scheme gets under way on a busy road into Birmingham. Severn Trent Water said the scheme to replace ageing water pipes will close one lane of the inbound carriageway of Hagley Road, Edgbaston. The first phase will affect the road between Sandon and Monument Roads in a project set to last up to eight months. Brethren attending the Provincial HQ of Warwickshire Freemasonry at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston should take this into account when undertaking their journey. posted 27/1/2008
A major refurbishment of the catering kitchen at the Masonic Hall in Severn Street in Birmingham has recently been completed. The kitchen now has a more ergonomically efficient layout with all new replacement stainless steel tabling, new gas cooking ranges and replacement fridges and freezers. It is a kitchen fit for purpose for the 21St century. posted 25/1/2008
To assist less agile Brethren two 'S' framed chairs are available in each dining room at the Warwickshire Provincial HQ at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Lodges are asked to ensure that these chairs are used for the purpose for which they have been acquired and that their availability is drawn to the attention of those who may benefit.
A 'lift car' is also available; it actually climbs stairs and makes movement between floors very much easier. The Duty Manager will, on early application, make the equipment available and operate it. posted 20/1/2008
At quite significant expense Lodge Room No 1 at the Warwickshire Provincial HQ in Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been renovated to put right the damage caused last year by water ingress, redecorated in a style that will be the norm for the building and the lighting dramatically changed.
The new lights not only give a good visual appearance to the room, and a good level of light but, as a result of the design conceived by Nigel Bister, will enable the heating and air conditioning systems to work effectively again. The final piece of work to be done is the design and fitting of covers to the remaining circular openings visible in the ceiling, covers that will further enhance the air circulation. posted 17/1/2008
A sponsored walk in aid of the 2012 Festival will take place in Kenilworth on Saturday 5 April 2008. Lodge Secretaries have the details, including maps and sponsorship forms, and are requested by the Provincial Grand Master to bring them to the attention of their members prior to the end of March. Alternatively, get in touch with Jim Dunlop on jim.dunlop@ntlworld.com If you are unable to find a willing walker then please sponsor Roger Mac, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and let him know on roger_s_mac@hotmail.com posted 17/1/2008
St Paul's Lodge No 43, Warwickshire's oldest Lodge, will celebrate its 275th Anniversary on Saturday 2 February 2008 at the home of Warwickshire Freemasonry 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham commencing at 4.00pm. The RW Provincial Grand Master, Michael J Price CBE, is to be installed as Master in the presence of RW Bro George Pipon Francis, the Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England. It goes without saying that this is a unique and historic occasion in the life of the Province and therefore one not to be missed.
There is still time to apply to attend the meeting and the Festive Board by emailing Peter Taylor on pltaylor@blueyonder.co.uk or on 0121 455 8300. The Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master would welcome support from the Brethren of Warwickshire in particular at this very special and significant meeting. posted 17/1/2008
Do You Want to Know a Secret ?
The Lodge of Faith and Hope has invited the Worcestershire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge Demonstration Team to perform their amusing and light hearted look behind the ritual in their presentation of "Do You Want to Know a Secret" at their meeting on Tuesday 26 February 2008. This is a popular presentation and Brethren are invited to attend by contacting John Hayward on 01905 798462 or john.hayward@yahoo.co.uk The Lodge meets at 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. posted 17/1/2008
Charity comes of age
As the New Masonic Samaritan Fund enters its 18th year the decision has been taken to remove 'New' and revert to the legal title of Masonic Samaritan Fund with this redesigned logo. posted 16/1/2008
The staff of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Masonic Samaritan Fund will move into the lower ground floor of Freemasons' Hall in Great Queen Street, London by the end of January. The space has been converted into modern office accommodation and brings the staff of the four charities together for the first time. The move will bring substantial benefits to the charities and their administration and also to all members of the Craft. posted 12/1/2008
Grand Charity donations
The Freemasons' Grand Charity's donations to adult and children's hospices throughout Warwickshire amounted to some £19,000. The photo shows Nigel Bister, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presenting a cheque for £4,728 to Tina Fisher, Chief Executive of St Mary's Hospice, Selly Park, Birmingham, and John Wheeler Chief Fund Raiser, who were most grateful for the donation.
Since 1984 the Freemasons' Grand Charity has donated some £7 million to the hospice movement in England and Wales.
Other local hospices to receive donations from the Freemasons' Grand Charity are Acorns at Selly Oak, Birmingham, Mary Ann Evans in Nuneaton, Myton Hamlet in Warwick, Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon and Warren Pearl, Solihull. posted 11/1/2008
The total raised at the end of December 2007 was £808,514. posted 7/1/2008
Above: This little boy's face says it all |
Shrieks of laughter, shouts of ‘He’s behind you’ and lots of singing and applause were the wonderful responses of some
200 children with severe learning and physical disabilities and their 50 adult carers when they were entertained to a magical performance of Jack and the
Beanstalk at Stirling Road, the home of Warwickshire Freemasonry, in December.
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Below: The Lord Mayor of Birmingham with the Lady Mayoress and the cast  |
Above: The Provincial Grand Master welcomes the Lord Mayor to the pantomime Thanks are due to many but in particular to Roger Parker and his organising Committee, Chaplins and their professional actors who transformed the main dining room into a theatre, to Peter Astfalck for his magic, to Mike Shingler and his fellow taxi drivers, and to Diane Hepworth and her staff. Each child on leaving received a present, which had been provided by the taxi drivers, from Father Christmas. The Provincial Grand Master was so delighted with the success of the pantomime that he has agreed that the event should be repeated this year. posted 3/1/2008 |
The
imaginative initiative of the Provincial Grand Master, the pantomime was a jointly funded operation between the Province of Warwickshire and the
Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Drivers Association. This delightful event was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham who
joined in all the fun. The Lord Mayor was delighted to receive a donation from the Provincial Grand Master on behalf of the Province for his own chosen
charities.
New Grand Master for Massachusetts
Roger W. Pageau was installed as the 86th Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts on 27 December 2007 and will preside over 235 lodges and 40,000 Freemasons throughout the state for the next three years. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts celebrates its 275th Anniversary in May 2008. posted 1/1/2008
New Year Honours
Our congratulations go to Bro Alex Bulloch of the Lodge of St Andrew No 4056 who has spent more than 35 years taking relatives to war graves across northern Europe on his being honoured with the award of an MBE for his services to the Birmingham War Research Society. Alex has been a Freemason for 49 years and is a life member of Dunbar Castle Lodge No 75 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Also honoured is RW Bro Norman Lloyd-Edwards the current Junior Grand Warden in Grand Lodge and the immediate past President of the Masonic Samaritan Fund who becomes a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. posted 1/1/2008
