www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

#ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Provincial Lecture Competition…Review and results by Kerry Parkes, Provincial Grand Orator

The standard of entry to this year’s competition was high, and it was very difficult to see clear light between many of them. Three entries,

however, came to the fore, and of those the leading lecture was "Further Evidence that the Roslyn Chapel is linked to Freemasonry and

the Knights Templar" by Bro David Wilson of Northfield Lodge 5056. A very close runner up was "Running Wilde" by Bro John Harmshaw,

Page Lodge 3378. And a special commendation is given to "The Forgotten Second Degree" that delightful poem by Bro Damon Lord,

Malvern Hills Lodge 6896.

The Trophy for the winning entry was presented at the meeting of

Installed Masters Lodge on Wednesday 9th May, Kings Heath.

Again, our congratulations on your excellent entries this year. Don't

forget there is always next year’s competition on which to sharpen

your skills even further!

172nd Annual Meeting

of

Provincial Grand Lodge

9th June, 10.00am entry (Columns formed at 10.30am)

University of Birmingham B15 2TT

The Provincial Grand Master works tirelessly for our Province and attendance at the meeting and the festive

board is our chance to show our appreciation for the enthusiasm, diligence and hard work that he puts into

ensuring the Province thrives.

In this newsletter…..A TRIPLE CENTURY review special and a look back at over 180

beneficiaries during 2017. What a year of Charitable celebration we had - truly a cornerstone of what

Freemasonry is all about!

NEWS from around and about the Province; DATES for your diary of future events; GRAND LODGE

promotions, and an update on all things FESTIVAL 2022 wise…Read and enjoy :) As usual, any interesting

articles please send on.

Ed

The winner,

WBro David Wilson being

presented with the Trophy

accompanied by the PGM

and Prov Grand Orator

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www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Ladies Gift Fund Annual Lunch…. The Ladies Gift Fund attracted 150

supporters to their Annual Lunch

at Kings Heath Masonic Hall on

Sunday 8 April raising a fantastic

sum of almost £3000. The event

was saddened by the recent death

of Secretary Celia Renaudon, and

Chairman Sandra Rouse expressed

appreciation for her work.

Warwickshire PGM RWBro David Macey,

checking if he can afford another raffle

ticket, whilst our PGM says “no chance,

I’ve got the wining one!”

Check out the current PODCASTS on the PGL

You Tube Channel, or click on each to listen...

Cubit Club update

Old Halesonian Lodge Open day

Festival 2022 – Chairman’s update

Kerry Parkes - Provincial Orator

Lecture Competition - Provincial Orator

2017 Review - PGM

Ted Mason latest adventures

New Mason - Mark Babington

Worcestershire Library & Museum

On 12th April, Worcestershire Library and Museum was

delighted to receive an official visit from Vicky Carroll,

the Curator of the London Museum of Freemasonry.

After a conducted tour escorted by the PGM RWBro

Robert Vaughan, the Curator WBro Bob James with the

Chairman WBro Colin Young and Secretary WBro Alan

Dally, a sandwich lunch fostered “ideas a plenty” for

mutual exchanges and continued development.

A reminder to

all L&M Reps –

date of the

AGM is 18th

June at 7.30,

Rainbow Hill.

[Two curators are better than one !]

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www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Stories and events from around the Province….

Centuries Old…… Several Centenary meetings are occurring later this year;

The Lodge of Mystic Quest No 3873 are holding a Centenary

meeting and celebration on 30th

October

And to add to your diary another two are also celebrating

Centenaries;

Kings Heath Lodge No 3863 on 8th December, and

St Mary's Lodge No 3879 on 9th November 2018

Caption Competition…..

Submit to the Ed who

will select a few captions

for printing next time!

Ed: ajp@philpott-online.co.uk

[For more details and booking form, contact the secretary]

Last edition

Dave Brown - “One glass how much? He’s paying!”

Fancy a night of Jazz and Entertainment?

Join Sabrina lodge at Worcester Masonic Hall on

FRIDAY 31st August for an evening of

music, mirth and merriment with the world renowned

“Bev Pegg & His Good Time 7 piece Jazz Gang”

For a booking form and more details contact the

secretary

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www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Walls start to come down….

In celebration of their own 300th

anniversary, Richard Conlon, Master of the

Lodge of Fellowship no. 6707 presented a

cheque to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

Trustee, Pauline Allen, in support of the

walled Gardens.

Worcestershire Masonic Motoring Club going up….. Once again, the WMMC tackled the “Drovers Way” on an outing from

Leominster to Tregaron. In glorious sunshine, a range of automobiles

tackled the infamous 18 mile stretch of single-track road which is a

historic cattle route and a stage in the RAC rally. Spectacular scenery

and exceptional and challenging driving made this once again a date

not to be missed!

If you have an interest in motoring, 2, 3 or 4 wheels then check us

out on the web here for more information and future events.

Remembrance Lodge 8323 Brews up Charity funds !!

Brethren of Remembrance Lodge

held a charity fund raising visit in

support of the Festival 2022 to

Church End Brewery. The trip was

made all the more memorable

and enjoyable when local bus

enthusiast, Andrew May, very

kindly offered to drive the party all

the way from Moseley Masonic

Hall to the brewery in Nuneaton. The intrepid bus driver took the party

through lanes and villages that had not seen a bus in many years! The

Lodge was welcomed by owners Stewart and Rosemary Elliot and treated

to a hearty ploughman’s supper and a most entertaining guide around the

Brewery. After which brethren and friends left in very high spirits with

supplies of Church End’s finest. Worshipful Master Terry Bird commented,

‘It just goes to prove Freemasons can organise a p*** up in a brewery!’

Sponsorship Opportunity?

We would love to send the source out in hard copy occasionally to all

2700+ Brethren. But in order to do so we need to raise funds through

advertising revenue. If you are interest in having a slot, please email the

Provincial Communications Officer Jonathan Swift for details at

jonathanswift@btinternet.com

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GDPR – Don’t worry – not another email!

However, all secretaries have received

communication from the Provincial Grand

Secretary, and if they have any questions

they should direct them to him in the first

place…

www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

April brought us the sad news of the death of

WBRo Barrie “Baz” Simpson PAGDC.

In the words of another mason…”Today we get to say

farewell to a lovely bloke, great copper, mason and

friend. Baz Simpson. Brings true meaning to the phrase,

lived respected, died regretted.”

In a moving ceremony, a packed

All Saints church in Kings Heath

was standing room only as we

heard the many wonderful

stories about Barrie. He was

then escorted with a police

escort on Blues to several of his

favourite local places, escorted

by motorbikes

from members of the Lodge of Progress no 9893

(Brothers on Bike) for whom Barry was a founding

member, and from the Widows Sons where Barry was a

member of the WM WS Masonic Bikers Association.

Our New Provincial

Grand Wardens To be invested at PGL

WBro Chris Vendy WBro Mark Lodge

(PSGW) (PJGW)

SAVE THE DATE

News from

Province 4

9

th June PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE

9

th June to 9

th

July Festival Fundraising Month

16

th June Provincial Sponsored Walk

15th

-17th

June Cubit Club Family Weekend

18th

June L&M AGM, Rainbow Hill

9th

September PROVINCIAL CATHEDRAL SERVICE

16th

December PROVINCIAL CAROL SERVICE

With the expansion of the Provincial website, an exciting opportunity

has arisen for an individual to input articles with the possibility to

become a website moderator.

For more information and to apply, please

contact W.Bro. Jonathan Swift, the Provincial

Communications Officer, by email:

jonathanswift10@btinternet.com

Annual Provincial

Cathedral Service

9th September

2pm

Worcester Cathedral

Come and support our RW

Provincial Grand Master - who

hopes we can return to the

point where the Masters and Wardens of ALL his

Lodges can parade in the Cathedral on this auspicious

occasion with their wives, partners, family and friends.

There are also several events being held afterwards

around the area (including at the Worcester Masonic

Hall) for light refreshments. More details to follow.

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Annual Investiture of Grand Lodge Several Worcestershire Brethren who received their preferments recently in Grand Lodge at the

Annual Investiture. “A very impressive ceremony made even better as the Grand Master presided!”

“Be sure that we do not hide that light as we look forward to our next 300 years”

The Grand Master’s address is now available HERE

Pictured L-R are

WBro Stephen Wyer promoted to PGSwdB

WBro Michael Cox promoted to PSGD

WBro Patrick Firminger appointed as PJGD

WBro Pete Broughton appointed as PAGDC

Our congratulations to all!

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www.worcspgl.org.uk

Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Triple Century review

2017 was a very special and important year for Freemasonry in general and for the Province of Worcestershire in particular.

One of the pillars of what we do is Charity and it was always the hope of our Provincial Grand Master that we should do

something very special to celebrate this during the year. Looking back, what a year of Charitable celebration we had!

When the Triple Century idea was first proposed, no one would have imagined that by the end of 2017 celebrations, the

Province of Worcestershire would have raised £100,000 and made donations to over 180 charities and organisations. All the

beneficiaries were put forward by our Lodges and in nearly every case, it was local people that benefitted.

Every Masonic Centre in the Province took part and held a presentation event and at these events, the recipients were able to

let us know what they do. To have been a part of this and to have seen and heard of the good that these organisations do was

quite a humbling experience.

Christopher V Firminger PPrJGW

Provincial Grand Charity Steward

The following pages lists all the beneficiaries by Masonic Centre over the 2017 period, along with a selection of Photos from

various events.

Evesham

Evesham & District Mental Health Support Services

The Acquired Aphasia Trust

Vale of Evesham School £100

Working World - Evesham

Age Concern

Pershore Hospital

Pershore Relief in Sickness Charity

The Vale Wildlife Hospital

Campden Home Nursing

Friends of Evesham Community Hospital

Dudley

1st Netherton Guides

Zig Zag Theatre Company

Quarry Bank No. 1 Scout Group

Beacon Centre for the Blind

Orion Care

TRIPLE CENTURY SPECIAL

Malvern

Malvern Community Hospital

Malvern Sea Cadets

SARA Severn Area Rescue Association

St Richards Hospice

Redditch

Elmbridge PCC

The Astwood Bank Welfare Assocations

Alexander Goodwin

The Where Next Association

Home Start

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Northfield

Bromsgrove & District Stoke Club

The ReActive Foundation

The Mentor Link

The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Fund

RCDM Charitable Fund

Kings Heath Warriors Football Club

Alexandra Hospital League of Friends

Daisychain Benevolent Fund

Mentor Link

CASBA

Home from Hospital Care

312 Bells Lane Scout Group

Birmingham Rathbone

The Stonehouse Gang Youth Group

Phab

The Lounge (run by Alvechurch Communities)

St Lawrence Stained Glass

Victoria School/College Northfield

Alistair Wainwright memorial fund

29th Selly Park Scouts

Handsworth Gang Show

Woodgate Valley Urban Farm Limited

Kidderminster

St Marys Church Roof Appeal

Wyre Forest Dial a Ride

Junior Cricket Section at Kidderminster & Victoria Cricket Club

Alderman Tye Scout and Guide District HQ

Swanswell Kidderminster

The Masonic Trout & Salmon Fishing Charity (Worcs Branch)

Hokey Cokey Playgroup & Railway Children Kids Club

The 11th Kidderminster Harkaway Scout Group

Tenbury Transport Trust

Worcester Blind School & College

TRIPLE CENTURY SPECIAL

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Kingsheath

Back 2 Basics Youth Club

Boomerang

Green Lane Playgroup

Leisure Forum

Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre

1st West Heath Scouts Group

Newlife Charity

Breast Friends Sutton Coldfield

Baby Basics

Shirley Horse and Pony Rescue Centre

PROUD (Parents, Relatives and Others Understanding Downs)

Rocklands School

FastAid

Mad Hatters Tea Party

All Saints Youth Project

Shirley House

SOLO Life Opportunities

St Godwalds Church Bromsgrove

The 6th Boys Brigade

The Severn Area Rescue Association

Friends of Victoria

Young at Heart

Sutton Coldfield Stroke Club

Birmingham Childrens Hospital

Cerebral Palsy Midlands

Dream Makers

Guillain Barre and Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies

Rainbows Hospice

Sandwell Young Carers

Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust

FIRCONE

Jaffray Care Society

Friends of Fox Hollies School

Immanuel Church

SMCA Supplementary School

NICE Centre for Movement Disorders

Primrose Hospice

Headway

Molly Olly's wishes

TRIPLE CENTURY SPECIAL

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Tenbury

Burford Pre School

Café 27 Tenbury Wells

Dementia Café (Alzheimers)

First Responders Tenbury Group

NILS

Tenbury Chamber of Trade for Christmas lights

Tenbury Wells Scouts

Stourbridge

Dudley Metroborough Special Olympics

The White House Cancer Support

"No Limits" help and support Autistic children

Side by Side Theatre, Stourbridge

Woodcraft Folk

Sunfield Childrens Hospice

1st Stourbridge St Thomas Scout Group

Wings

The Chris Westwood Charity for Children with Physical Disabilities

Mary Stevens Hospice

TRIPLE CENTURY SPECIAL

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

Halesowen

The Phoenix Centre

Friends of Young Achievers

Howley Grange School (OCD Group)

Howley Grange Scout Group

Odell Trust

West Midlands OCD Support Group

Halesowen Womens Refuge CHADD

Loaves and Fishes

Leukaemia Appeal Fund (Dudley)

Jude Marrey

The Phase Trust, Owen House

Dodford Childrens Holiday Farm

Little Hearts Matter

The Basement Project

Medical Detection Dogs

Worcestershire Association of Carers

Halas Homes

Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikes

Stourport

Emily Jordan Foundation

Fred Holland Centre for Diabetes

Severn and Area Rescue Association

Wyre Forest CAB (emergency cash grants)

The Three Roses

Ewe and You

Kidderminster and District Youth Trust

Riding for the Disabled Association

Worcester

Acorns Childrens Hospital

Maggs Day Centre

New Hope Worcester Childrens Charity

St Pauls Hostel

Taktofootsteps.co.uk

WARS.org.uk

Droitwich Scouts

West Worcester Live At Home Scheme

Worcester University Snozelan Centre

Worcestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

ABF The Soliders' Charity in Worcestershire

Army Cadet Force Charitable Trust for Worcestershire

WPCC

New College Worcester

ASPIE

The Myriad Centre

Mock Trials 2017

Sight Concern

The Worcester Volunteer Centre

Rory the Robot / Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity

Childrens Chronic Arthritis Association

Onside-Advocacy.org.uk

Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign

TRIPLE CENTURY SPECIAL

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Issue No. 33 May 2018

The Newsletter of Worcestershire Freemasons

All Brethren will by now have received by email a brochure outlining the "Festival Fundraising Month" - a period which has been adopted to encourage each lodge to arrange an EXTRA activity, that would normally be in the summer recess to enable as

many members, their families and friends as possible to take part. The idea, as well as to raise funds, is of course to make it fun, raise awareness and be family friendly!

Several province wide events have already been scheduled – take a look!

No Brochure? Email info@festival2022.org.uk to receive a copy

Provincial Sponsored Walk

The Provincial Grand Master, his

Deputy and Assistants will be

undertaking a ten-mile

sponsored walk on Saturday

16th June, starting and finishing

at the Cubit Club Festival. To

sponsor them, click https://e2022.everydayhero.com/uk/th

e-himbleton-ring-sponsored-walk

CUBIT CLUB FESTIVAL

WEEKEND

15th and 17th June in Himbleton,

Worcestershire

Weekend family pitch (2 adults and 2 children under 16), which includes electric hook up, showers and toilets - £30

Day Trippers, £10 per day

Kids under 16 FREE More Info -> www.cubitclub.org.uk

Regular giving is by far the most effective way to have a chance of reaching the target fund in 2022. It’s simple to do, and at just £5 or £10 a month spreads the costs to less than a cup of coffee or pint of beer a week!

It’s easy to sign up, by phone, mail or online – See your Charity Steward, or all of the details are on the website at

www.festival2022.org.uk Do it now! And you get the free lapel badge

Saturday June 9th

To

Sunday July 8th,

2018

Current number of honorific levels

Steward (£400)

Vice Patron (£750)

Patron (£1,000)

Grand Patron (£1,250)

324 122 47 111

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