HISTORY OF HOMELEA LODGE No. 8151

SILVER JUBILEE 1967–2017

The Founding of the Lodge

A few brethren working for Hawker Siddeley

Aviation at Hamble conceived the idea of forming a new

lodge at Woolston. Foremost amongst these were W. Bros

John Jarrett, Tom Williams, and John Lintott. These three

brethren attended a meeting in Portsmouth with the

Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. John Freeston, on 29

November 1965 to discuss the subject.

By the time the first founders meeting convened on 27 April 1966, twenty-two brethren had

expressed a wish to become Founders, twelve of whom were Past Masters with great

Masonic experience. The meeting agreed on a founder’s fee of 10 guineas and the lodge to be

known as “Earl of Hardwick Lodge” – Hawker Siddeley Aviation Hamble was within the

grounds of the former Hardwicke Family Estate. Sydney Lodge, the head office was the

birthplace of the 4th and 5th Earl, as Viscount Royston, became Provincial Grand Master of

Cambridgeshire.

The Clausentum Lodge No. 1461, mother lodge to three of our founders, agreed to sponsor

the new lodge and on the 5 October 1966 the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Stanley

Hollingsworth, Senior Warden, Bro. F. Harbach and Junior Warden, W. Bro. F. G. S. White

signed the petition in open lodge.

In December of that year, Grand Lodge approved the warrant, but not the name. As the first

recorded name for the Village of Hamble was “Homelea” (c. AD. 730) this name was

submitted to and accepted by Grand Lodge, and so Homelea Lodge 8151 was well on the

way to becoming a reality. Grand Lodge also approved the use of the Hardwicke Coat of

Arms, including the motto, NEC CUPIAS NEC METUAS – Neither Covet Nor Fear, for the

lodge crest. The Earl had already permitted its use, and a painting of the arms commissioned

from John Marsden, an illustrator for ‘Flight Magazine’ and a friend of the Earl’s secretary.

This painting now hangs in the dining room of Woolston Masonic Hall.

The Consecration Ceremony

The consecration of the lodge took place on Thursday 23 February 1967, at the Masonic Hall,

Manor Road South, Woolston, by W. Bro. P. H. R. Evans, PGD. Deputy Provincial Grand

Master of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, aided by W. Bro. A. L. E. Ormond,

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, PGD., who installed W. Bro. John Jarrett as Worshipful

Master of Homelea Lodge. The address to the Worshipful Master, was given by W. Bro. A.

L. E. Ormond, PGD. The Address to the Wardens by W. Bro. J. F. Freeston, PAGDC.,

Provincial Grand Secretary and the address to the brethren by W. Bro. C. E. Kendall, PD,

Assistant Provincial Grand Master – Altogether 105 brethren attended the ceremony and

joined the Worshipful Master at the Consecration Dinner.

In the fullness of time, nine of the 22 founders and four original members would become

Worshipful Master of Homelea Lodge.

The Years after Consecration

The three Principal Officers appointed at the consecration were all Past Masters and

experienced Masons, but the Senior and Junior Deacons realised some form of lodge

rehearsal would be needed if they were to maintain the standards set by these brethren.

Therefore, Bro. Bill Moore and Bro. Jack Green organised the brethren to meet at the

Drummond Hotel, Woolston to practice the ritual.

A collection taken at each meeting was used to defray the cost of renting the hall. There was

an excellent response from the brethren, and thus our lodge rehearsal system was born.

During 1967, the records show that six brethren were initiated. The first being Ronald Alec

Buckett, who progressed to become Worshipful Master of the lodge on the 25 September

1978 and honoured by Province in 1987 with the rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard

Bearer.

On the 26 May 1970, the lodge received its first official Provincial visit, appropriately enough

from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. P. H. R. Evans, PGD, who had been the

consecrating officer in 1967. He expressed himself “well pleased with the progress made by

the lodge in such a short time …”, and praised the obvious wise counsel of the founders.

On the 26 October that year the petition form for the sponsorship of Crofton Lodge was

signed by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Jack Green; Senior Warden, Bro. Ted Chapman

and Junior Warden, Bro. Eric Daspher.

Sadly, in November 1970 saw the resignation of one of our founders – W. Bro. A. F. Trodd,

who was moving to Wales.

March 24, 1971, saw the consecration of our daughter lodge – Crofton No. 8365.

During 1973 and 1974, W. Bro. Jack Green was busy organising the ‘Lodge Banner Fund’.

W. Bro. O’Dell was commissioned to design and make the banner. The lodge committee

agreed his sketch proposals and at the regular lodge meeting on Monday 22 April 1974; W.

Bro. Revd E. S. C. Lowman PAGCHAP dedicated the banner. W. Bro. E. K. Chapman,

PPJGD made its wooden carrying case including the honours board and warrant frame.

On Monday 22 September 1975, the lodge received an official visit from the Assistant

Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. F. J. Bryan, Long PSGD along with W. Bro. Earle,

PAGDC, W. Bro. Diaper PJD, and W. Bro. A. C. Smith, PAGStdB, who accompanied him.

For many years, W. Bro. Bill Moore had been our charity representative, and with the change

to Rule 104 of the Book of Constitutions, he became the lodge’s first Charity Steward on

March 22, 1976. His considerable efforts laid the foundation for our worthy contribution of

£9,348 to the 1984 Festival.

In 1979, the lodge received its first active Provincial Officer with the appointment of W. Bro.

Bill Moore to the office of Provincial Grand Pursuivant.

The visit of the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. T. B. Langton MC, on Monday 24 March

1980 was a very special day in the history of the lodge. Accompanying the Provincial Grand

Master was W. Bro. Dr J. S. Happel PSGW, W. Bro. J. R. Gray, PJGW, W. Bro. B. S.

Gibson, PGSwd.B, W. Bro. Lansdown Toole, PG.Std.B, PDGD., W. Bro. Michael Morgan.

PAGChap, W. Bro. L. H. Crocker, MC, PG.Std.B, W. Bro. C. A. F. Ross, PG.Std.B, Our

Visiting Grand Officer, and W. Bro. Alan D. Chun, PPJGW.

It is interesting to note that the official party that evening, W. Bro. H. L. Toole had been our

Visiting Grand Officer (VGO) in 1976 and W. Bro. J. R. Gray became our VGO in 1986.

The initiation of Bro. Walter Geoffrey Mitchell took place that evening, and the Provincial

Grand Master presented Bro. Fred Hartwell and Bro. Frank Watts with their Grand Lodge

Certificates, 93 brethren attended the meeting.

Although the lodge had most items of lodge furniture, it lacked its own columns for the

Senior and Junior Wardens pedestals. This discrepancy was remedied at the installation

meeting on the 28 September 1981, thanks to the generosity, skill and artistry of Bro. Terry

Smith and Bro. Roger Legg.

On becoming Worshipful Master of the lodge in September 1981, W. Bro. Trevor Gulliver

reminded the brethren that according to the ritual part of his responsibility was “to employ

and instruct brethren in Freemasonry.” To this end, he had written a series of short talks, one

for a brother to deliver at each meeting during the year.

In October, W. Bro. Ted Chapman spoke about “The History of Freemasonry.” In November,

W. Bro. Eric Daspher spoke on “The Cowan”, and in January, W. Bro. Malcolm Slater spoke

on “The Volume of the Sacred Law” and the “Obligation.” W. Bro. Harry Strobel gave the

February talk entitled “The First Degree Symbols.” In March W. Bro. Len Henderson spoke

on “The Floor Drawings”, and in May the Worshipful Master gave the talk entitled “The

Literature of Freemasonry.” At the April meeting, brethren heard the ‘First Degree Lecture’

for the first time in Homelea Lodge. Twenty-six brethren took part, ranging from the most

senior Past Master, W. Bro. John Lintott to the newest Master Mason, Bro. Leslie Davis who

was raised the previous month. Ninety-one brethren attended that evening.

On Monday 24 October 1983, the lodge received an official visit from the Assistant

Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. A. S. Watson PSGD. Accompanying him were W. Bro. S.

Green, PGReg. W. Bro. S. Stevenson. PDGReg and W. Bro. R. Nethercut PAGDC.

The first member of Homelea Lodge honoured with Grand Rank was W. Bro. Malcolm

Slater, who was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1987. He was

appointed Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1982, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of

Ceremonies in October 1983 and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in

November 1986. The lodge is very proud of this dedicated and well-respected brother, who,

despite all his other commitments continues to support the everyday life of the lodge.

On Monday 23 February 1987, the lodge was celebrating the 20th Anniversary of its

consecration. In support of this auspicious occasion the Assistant Provincial Grand Master,

W. Bro. A. C. L. Calloway. OBE, PSGD accompanied by W. Bro. A. C.Topley, PAGDC, W.

Bro. W. J. Wilson, PAGChap, and W. Bro. Hazelwood, PGStB., graced the lodge with an

official visit.

Following the success of the ‘First Degree Lecture’ in 1982, a repeat took place in April 1988

with a different cast and in the presence of the then Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W.

Bro. Revd Dr Michael Morgan, PGChap. At the end of the evening, he congratulated all the

brethren who had taken part saying: “how well they had risen to the challenge of this

demanding work.”

On Monday 23 October 1989, the lodge received an official visit from the Assistant

Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. T. E. Hales, PDGReg, along with W. Bro. N. V. Hendy

PAGDC, W. Bro. P. W. T. King, PGStdB and W. Bro. R. C. Bricknell PAGPurs.

The ‘Second Degree Lecture’ was delivered for the first time in Homelea Lodge on Monday

23 April 1990, and twenty-two brethren took part.

Naturally, over three years there have been humorous incidents both in and outside the lodge.

One evening during a quiet part of a ceremony the wooden lid of the working tools case

slammed shut with a resounding “whack” prompting knocks from the Senior and Junior

Wardens, and all the brethren stood to order. On another occasion at the festive board, the

Tyler, in delivering his toast, when he wished them “a speedy return to all their sufferings.”

Why is it we always remember the things that go wrong more than those that go right?

Over the past 25 years, the lodge has been served exceptionally well by many brethren whose

names for whatever reason do not appear in this narrative. These include W. Bro. Gerry

Brady our Director of Ceremonies, a member of the social committee who worked so hard to

bring pleasure to the brethren both in and outside of the lodge.

W. Bro. Tom Williams, our first Director of Ceremonies, had the unenviable task of

harmonising the founder’s ideas on how we should conduct our ceremonies.

W. Bro. John Lintott, for so long now the Senior Past Master and Founder whose wise

counsel is still available to us. W. Bro. Eric Daspher, who has, both in and out of office given

unstinting support to the lodge; particularly his encouragement to the younger brethren with

his attendance at the lodge rehearsals. W. Bro. Jim Culliford, who for 14 years was lodge

Almoner despite his failing health, carried out his duties with great dedication.

We also recognised the services of W. Bro. Harry Rice, our first Secretary and later Director

of Ceremonies, and W. Bro. Ron Liney our first Assistant Secretary. Also, brethren such as

Bro. Sid Golby, our organist since 1977, Bro. Gordon Jackson, who for so many years

supplied our printing needs at no cost to the lodge and W. Bro. Mike Kelly who has

continued this most generous gesture. As long as we have brethren such as these, the future

prosperity of Homelea Lodge can surely be in no doubt.

As our Silver Jubilee approaches, we look back on a happy 25 years and thank all who have

made it so. Based on those Masonic tenets so dear to the hearts of its founders, Homelea

Lodge has blossomed. May it continue to show its gratitude to them by passing those beliefs

on to its successors – pure and unsullied – as it received them.

Written by W. Bro. T. C. Gulliver, PPGSuptWks and Secretary for the Silver Jubilee.

Cont>>>>>>>>>>>

HOMELEA CONTINUED HISTORY FOR GOLDEN JUBILEE 2017.

After the first 25 years of Homelea Lodge, we continue to develop the character of the lodge.

Our Silver Jubilee meeting took place on the 24 February 1992 where the Worshipful Master

W. Bro. M. J. Kelly, the Senior Warden Bro. G. G. Smith and the Acting Junior Warden Bro.

G. A. Miller presided. Those present comprised 17 Officers, 9 Past Masters, 17 Brethren and

61 Visitors.

There was an official visit from the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W. Bro. J. A.

Boutland, PGStdB, accompanied by Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge. Before the main

event, a Grand Lodge Certificate was presented to Bro. Clive Mottram.

A ‘Rededication and Thanksgiving Service’ presided over by V.W. Bro. Dr Michael Morgan,

Provincial Grand. Chaplain and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master followed the

presentation.

18 May 1993 was a special occasion, as there was a visitor from France, a first for Homelea

Lodge. Our visitor was W. Bro. Begin the Worshipful Master of the Rose des Lunes Lodge

No. 154 of the Grand Lodge National Francaise. This worthy brother presented the lodge

with a special plate in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his lodge in Rouen, the

capital of Normandy.

25 September 1993 saw the cancellation of the installation of the next Master Elect Bro. Bill

Baily due to his hospitalisation that day. The following month in October, and due to medical

advice, Bro. Bill Baily could not continue as Master Elect. Therefore W. Bro. Graham G.

Smith continued as Worshipful Master. It is interesting to note the attendance of our new

Visiting Grand Officer W. Bro. Michael J. Wilks, PAGReg when Bro. David Briggs became

Senior Warden and Bro. Keith Mallett our Junior Warden.

The following year 1994, we were delighted that our first Provincial (Ranked) Officer W.

Bro. Malcolm Slater had received a further promotion to Assistant Provincial Grand Master,

praise indeed for all his hard work in Freemasonry.

In March 1995, the lodge listened to a lecture on ‘2000 Years of History (in respect of the

origins of Masonry)’ presented by W. Bro. J. Guilmont, PPDG.Reg. (Southampton Old

Edwardian Lodge) The brethren received the lecture with acclaim.

For our 230th Meeting 23 October 1995, we welcomed a new initiate Mr Karl Kurn a

Builder/Carpenter. W. Bro. Keith Mallett duly initiated him into Freemasonry.

For our 235th Meeting on 22 April 1996, the brethren listened to a fascinating lecture by

Provincial Lecturer (1993-1994) W. Bro. Derek M. Hall PPGSuptWks entitled, “From

Powder Monkey to Provincial Grand Master”, which was based on the story of Thomas

Dunckerley.

On the 24 March 1997, we had another lecture delivered by W. Bro. R. L. Norster, who

presented his talk entitled “Masonic Odds and Ends”, which the brethren received with great

acclaim.

The brethren were informed that three lodge members were to receive honours, and the

Provincial Grand Master would invest them at the Guildhall in July 1997. They were W. Bro.

G. Miller PPJGD, W. Bro. A. Stickler PPAGDC, and promotion to PPJGW for W. Bro. Bill

Moore.

On our 250th Meeting on the 23 March 1998, we had an official visit from V.W. Bro. Ernest

Moss Provincial Deputy Grand Master, PGSwd.B, and Provincial Grand Master Designate,

together with Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge. They witnessed the initiation of Mr

Michael C. Woodcock.

At the meeting on 27 April 1998, there was a lecture/demonstration of the ‘First Degree

Tracing Board’, incorporating parts of the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th of the First Emulation

Lecture. The Provincial Stewards Lodge No. 9262, headed by a name with which we are all

familiar at Homelea, one W. Bro. Michael J. Wilks, PAGReg, gave this lecture. It was of

course, informative and completed with style.

Into the New Millennium 24 January 2000, and a new initiate Mr Barry Jerrim, W. Bro.

Trevor Offord, PAGSuptWks, presented ‘The Booklet to the Initiate’. A superb “BURNS

NIGHT” followed the meeting when addressing the “haggis” was presented in true Scottish

style.

On the 13 April 2000, the lodge received a dispensation to hold the meeting on the Thursday

as our usual meeting the 4 April was Easter Monday. We had another lecture called the

“Psychology in Masonry” by W. Bro. Derek Sivier of Vespasian Lodge 4222, which the

brethren received with great interest and acclaim.

A year later on 22 January 2001 saw the lodge subscription rise to £58.

On the 23 October 2000, a ‘closed’ meeting for members only convened for a general

discussion about the future of Homelea and Freemasonry in General. Much discussion took

place regarding Freemasonry, but when it came to Homelea, in general, other matters came to

the fore. Geoff Mitchell raised the issue as to whether the lodge should consider moving from

Woolston to another centre.

The Secretary was asked to explore with the Woolston Hall management committee, the

upgrading of the premises – as brought up by various members – and to find out if there were

vacancies for Homelea Lodge at another centre, in particular, the Botley Masonic Centre. A

proposal followed for a vote to take place at our March meeting dependant on information

received (in writing) from the hall management and vacancies being available elsewhere.

At our 25 March 2002 meeting, all the relevant paperwork regarding the proposed move

received from all parties and discussed by the members only, (another closed session). There

was a vote, and the result was for Homelea, as a Lodge to take up the offer of a vacancy at

Botley Masonic Centre, with a reduction from 8 to 6 meetings. The season started with the

installation of the new Worshipful Master, Bro. A. E. Keefe on the First Monday in October

2002.

NEW ERA FOR HOMELEA LODGE No. 8151

Monday 7 October 2002 saw our 284th Meeting and the first meeting at the Botley Masonic

Centre when the installation of Bro. Albert E. Keefe by Worshipful Master W. Bro. Norman

Bartlett took place. In attendance on this occasion was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master,

W. Bro. R. C. Boutland PGSwd.B and 59 other brethren. At this meeting, the lodge was

presented with a ‘Gold Certificate’ in respect of the 2005 Festival.

At our following meeting on the 4 November 2002, we had our first initiation at Botley

Masonic Centre, Mr Paul Sidney Stratton witnessed by 59 brethren.

On the 9 January 2003, another of our founders, W. Bro. Jack Green passed to the Grand

Lodge above — another stalwart of the lodge gone, but not forgotten.

At our 3 March 2003 meeting, there was a ceremony to rededicate the lodge banner. W. Bro.

Trevor Offord, Assistant Provincial Grand Master PSGD along with many Officers of

Provincial Grand Lodge attended this ceremony. The Revd Dr M. Morgan, Provincial Grand

Chaplain, carried out the Service with the banner carried by W. Bro. George Miller, whose

wife Maisie together with other ladies had re-embroidered the silks.

Later that year Provincial Grand Lodge informed us of more promotions for three of our

members, W. Bro. Terry Smith promoted to PPGSuptWks, and W. Bro. Keith Mallet with his

first promotion to PPAG.Reg. Also, a first for Homelea Lodge, Bro. James Troke promoted

to PPAGStB for his excellent and long service as the Assistant Secretary.

On 10 May 2004, another special evening for Homelea at its 296th Meeting was the raising

of Bro. Mike Kneller. We were joined by a late arrival our Visiting Grand Officer. Michael J.

Wilks, who had at a recent ceremony at Grand Lodge been promoted to Deputy Provincial

Grand Master of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. His lateness was due to even more Masonic

work elsewhere — The V.W. Bro. Michael J. Wilkes gave “The Walking Charge” and

presented the “Peterborough Booklet”.

Monday 7 March 2005 was the lodge’s 300th meeting, where the Minutes of the first regular

meeting were read. The meeting concluded soon after when members, guests, wives, and

partners joined us for the first “Official” time at the Festive Board (Now known as a white

table night). All attendees deemed the event a great success.

3 October 2005. The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Karl Kurn announced the passing to the

Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Eric. E. Daspher PPJGW. W. Bro. Jack Barr OBE. PPDG.Reg

gave the salutations as the brethren stood in silence for departed merit.

This evening saw the installation of Bro. Walter (Geoff) Mitchell by W. Bro. Karl Kurn the

Acting Worshipful Master on behalf of W. Bro. C. A. Mottram, who was absent through

work business.

Following a recent fun day held in his garden, W. Bro. Tony Stickler was presented with a

cheque for £3,250 for the 2005 Festival. He thanked everyone for their support and help on

the stalls.

At the 7 November 2005 meeting, it was announced that Bro. Peter. D. Brown had passed to

the Grand Lodge above. W. Bro. Colin. D. Oliphant gave the eulogy, and the brethren stood

to order in silence for departed merit.

W. Bro. Clive. Mottram was invested as Immediate Past Master of the Lodge. He thanked W.

Bro. Karl Kurn for standing in for him during the past year and the investiture of W. Bro.

Steve. Crabbe as Lodge Almoner followed.

6 March 2006. The lodge had an official visit. The lodge was called to order by Provincial

Assistant Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. M. Death followed by the announcement that the

Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W. Bro. R. A. Proles PSGD along with his Provincial

team sought admittance.

W. Bro. Walter (Geoff) Mitchell initiated his son-in-law Mr Andrew William Donald Ross

Osborne. W. Bro. Jack Barr OBE, PPDG.Reg presented the ‘Working Tools of an Entered

Apprentice Freemason.’

2 October 2006 saw the installation of W. Bro. Tony Stickler by the Installing Master W. Bro.

Walter (Geoff) Mitchell. The Visiting Grand W. Bro. A. D. M. Nally gave the

congratulations on reaching the chair on behalf of Provincial and Grand Lodge.

Bro. Anthony Bostock was passed to the rank of a Fellow Craft, and the Worshipful Master

W. Bro. Tony Stickler PPAGDC presented the Peterborough Booklet.

Bro. Richard Whiting proposed a joining member, seconded by W. Bro. Graham Smith.

5 March 2007 the Worshipful Master announced the Passing to the Grand Lodge above of W.

Bro. Trevor. J. Offord, PAPGM. The brethren all stood to order in silence for departed merit.

A ballot took place for joining members for W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPAGDC, who was absent

due to illness, and for W. Bro. John Hopkins, both ballots proved favourable. The Secretary

read out the declaration on ‘Form P’ for Mr Steven Paul Jenkins, again the ballot proved

favourable.

An initiation ceremony of Mr Steven Paul Jenkins by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Tony

Stickler took place assisted by W. Bro. Bert Keefe. Bro. Peter Burke presented the ‘Working

Tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.’

1 October 2007 was the installation of Bro. Michael. W. A. Watson the Master Elect. The

lodge was honoured to have as a guest W. Bro. J. M. Codd Assistant Provincial Grand

Master. The installing Master was W. Bro. Walter (Geoff) Mitchell, who installed Bro.

Michael Watson into the Chair of King Solomon.

W. Bro. Colin. Oliphant, PPSGD presented the working tools for the third degree with Bro.

Ian. A. Oliver presenting the second degree tools and Bro. Paul. S. Stratton the first degree

tools.

W. Bro. Karl. A. Kurn delivered the Address to the Worshipful Master. W. Bro. Norman

Bartlett PPGReg gave the Address to the Wardens and W. Bro. David. B. Briggs PAGSwd.B,

the Address to the Brethren.

6 October 2008.Two of our official guests were present this evening in the persons of W. Bro.

J. M. Codd Assistant Provincial Grand Master and W. Bro. Colin Upton Assistant Past Grand

Secretary.

The installation of Master Elect Bro. Ian A. Oliver took place at this meeting. The Worshipful

Master W. Bro. Michael W. A. Watson informed the lodge that the Installing Master for this

evening was W. Bro. Karl, who requested W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPAGDC to occupy the

Senior Warden’s chair, W. Bro. Walter (Geoff) Mitchell to occupy the position of Junior

Warden and W. Bro. Steven R. Crabbe to act as Inner Guard.

W. Bro. Karl. Kurn installed Bro. Ian Oliver into the Chair of King Solomon. W. Bro. J. M.

Codd Assistant Provincial Grand Master congratulated W. Bro. Ian Oliver on behalf of

Provincial and Grand Lodge.

2 March 2009. The Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. E. Tooley

called the brethren to order to welcome the Provincial Senior Grand Warden W. Bro. D. G.

Foot. The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Ian A. Oliver welcomed the Provincial Senior Grand

Warden to the lodge to witness the initiation of Mr Raymond Barlow and requested W. Bro.

Bert Keefe to occupy the Chair of King Solomon.

The initiation of Mr Raymond Barlow took place and Bro. Joe. Fagan presented the first

degree working tools. W. Bro. David Foot PSGW presented the booklet ‘Welcome to the

Initiate’ along with the ‘Peterborough Booklet’, and congratulated him on taking his first step

in Freemasonry.

6 April 2009. We had official guests from Crofton Lodge 8265, Lee Britten Lodge 5782, and

a private guest of the lodge W. Bro. David Flemming Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The

ceremony for the evening was the raising of Bro. Steven. P. Jenkins.

W. Bro. John Cooper delivered The Exhortation and W. Bro. Graham G. Smith PPGSwd.B

the ‘Charge’. W. Bro. Norman Bartlett. PPGReg presented the ‘Working Tools of a Fellow

Craft’, and W. Bro. David Flemming Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented the

booklet ‘Master Mason’s Guide’ and the ‘Peterborough Booklet’.

5 October 2009 saw the installation of Master Elect Bro. Paul S. Stratton. Earlier, the lodge

was called to order to stand in silence for departed merit for both Bro. Frank Watts and W.

Bro. John Hopkins, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above, earlier this year.

W. Bro. Ian. A. Oliver rose and proposed that W. Bro. Peter Daly PPSGD be made an

honorary member of the lodge for his service as guest organist over the past years. A ballot

followed, which proved favourable.

On 1 March 2010, the lodge had a private visit from W. Bro. J. M. Codd Assistant Provincial

Grand Master. A ballot took place for a candidate Mr Lee A. Dell, and a joining member W.

Bro. Kevin A. Mclean, a Past Master of Chilworth Lodge No. 7810, which has now

disbanded. The ballot proved favourable.

Worshipful Master assisted by W. Bro. Colin Oliphant PPSGD initiated Mr Lee A. Dell into

Freemasonry. The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Paul. S. Stratton presented The Working

Tools. W. Bro. Bert. Keefe gave ‘The Charge after Initiation’. W. Bro. J. M. Codd Assistant

Provincial Grand Master presented the booklet ‘Welcome To The Initiate’, and the

‘Peterborough Booklet’, and then stood to congratulate W. Bro. Jack. Barr OBE., PPDGReg

on his promotion to PPGReg. He also congratulated W. Bro. Karl Kurn on his promotion to

Provincial Junior Grand Deacon.

12 April 2010. The Worshipful Master notified the lodge of the passing to the Grand Lodge

above of the M.W. Bro. The Right Honourable Lord Cornwallis, OBE, DL, Past Provincial

Grand Master, and R.W. Bro. James Edward Bullen Past Provincial Grand Master. The

brethren stood to order in silence for departed merit. W. Bro. Norman Bartlett gave a short

prayer.

The Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPAGDC called the brethren to order to

welcome W. Bro. David Flemming Assistant Provincial Grand Master PSGD to which W.

Bro. David Flemming replied.

4 October 2010. We had a private guest W. Bro. Colin Upton, Provincial Grand Secretary,

PAGSuptWks, as well as Masters from, Crofton, Hasler, Powney, Albert Edward and

Hampton Lodges.

W. Bro. Derek Sivier. PPAGDC called the brethren to order to salute the Grand Officer in the

person of W. Bro. A. D. M. Nally, who suitably responded.

The Worshipful Master requested W. Bro. A. D. M. Nally PG.Std.B to present a Grand

Lodge Certificate to Bro. Guy Weatherall. The Worshipful Master thanked W. Bro. A. D. M.

Nally for his presentation of the Certificate. W. Bro. Paul S. Stratton presented the Festival

Trowel to W. Bro. Joe Fagan and went on to read the ‘Declaration’ contained within the

accompanying scroll.

7 March 2011. Our invited guest W. Bro. E. H. J. Moody PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand

Master and Masters from Priory and Solent Engineers Lodges were seated within the lodge.

W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPAGDC called the brethren to order to salute the office of Assistant

Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. E. H. J. Moody PSGD, who suitably replied.

After giving proof of proficiency in the first degree, Bro. Glyn Oliver was entrusted and

retired from the lodge. Bro. B. Wrankmore also retired from the lodge to take the position of

Tyler.

W. Bro. Ian Oliver, the Tyler, entered the lodge. On his readmission, Worshipful Master W.

Bro. Joe Fagan passed Bro. Glyn Oliver to the degree of a Fellow Craft. W. Bro. Ian A.

Oliver (Dad) presented the extended version of the ‘Second Degree Working Tools’.

W. Bro. Graham. G. Smith. PPGSuptWks delivered the extended version of the ‘Second

Degree Tracing Board’ to Bro. Glyn Oliver and Bro. Lee Dell.

W. Bro. E. H. J. Moody Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented Bro. Glyn Oliver with

the ‘Second Peterborough Booklet’.

9 May 2011. The Worshipful Master announced the promotion of W. Bro. Colin. Oliphant

PSGD to Grand Lodge as Past Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works. He was welcomed

into the lodge, congratulated by the Worshipful Master, and received applause from the

assembled brethren. W. Bro. Colin Oliphant thanked the Worshipful Master and the

assembled brethren for their very kind welcome and congratulations and promised to carry

out his new role with commitment and enthusiasm and never lose sight of this remarkable

lodge that had enabled him to receive this exalted rank. W. Bro. Oliphant resumed his place

as the Lodge Secretary.

The Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPAGDC called the brethren to order and

saluted the officers of Grand Lodge in the person of W. Bro. A. D. M. Nally PJGD, who

requested W. Bro. Colin. D. Oliphant G. Supt.Wks to reply on behalf of Grand Lodge.

On 3 October 2011, W. Bro. Norman Bartlett PPGR rose and informed the brethren of the

passing to the Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Tony Boutland PSGD, PAPGM, who was an

honorary member of this lodge. W. Bro. Norman Bartlett explained to the brethren about W.

Bro. Tony Boutland’s Masonic history and about when he received his honorary membership

of the lodge.

Seated within the lodge were our official guests: The Masters of Solent Engineers 8338,

Bishops Waltham Lodge 8190, Deanery 9191, Royal Gloucester 130, Friendship and Justice

8074, Priory 5204, along with W. Bro. Colin Upton PAGSuptWks and Provincial Grand

Secretary.

The installation for the second time of W. Bro. Karl Kurn PPJGD, Master Elect took place by

W. Bro. Joe Fagan. W. Bro. David Briggs PAGSwd.B congratulated W. Bro. Karl Kurn on

behalf of both Grand and Provincial Grand Master and all current Masters and Past Masters

present.

At the Provincial AGM on the 6 July this year, W. Bro. Clive Mottram received his first

appointment as PPAGStB and W. Bro. Kevin McLean received his first appointment of

PPAGDC. W. Bro. Keith Mallet received a promotion to PPDG.SwdB.

During the AGM of the Province of Hertfordshire, W. Bro. Robert Young received his

promotion to PPDG.Reg. The assembled brethren greeted this accolade with applause.

5 March 2012. The lodge received an official visit. On entry to the lodge, Provincial Assistant

Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. David Ryan called the brethren to order, announced

that W. Bro. Geoff Tuck Assistant Provincial Grand Master, PSGD accompanied by his

Provincial Grand Officers was without and sought entry. The Worshipful Master W. Bro.

Karl Kurn PPJGD offered W. Bro. Geoff Tuck the Chair of King Solomon, which he

accepted. While he was in the Chair of King Solomon W. Bro. Geoff Tuck gave apologies

from W. Bro. Graham Williams Deputy Provincial Grand Master for not attending, as this

was his Official Visit.

He also congratulated W. Bros Geoff Mitchell, Joe Fagan, Ivan Mandeville-Mottram, and

Steve Crabbe on their forthcoming appointments with Provincial Grand Lodge.

He also presented the lodge with a certificate for achieving the ‘Bronze Level’ for the

RMTGB 2016 Festival.

W. Bro. Karl A. Kurn PPJGD requested W. Bro. Joe Fagan to occupy the Master’s Chair and

to continue with the investiture of Bro. Derek Macadie into the Chair of King Solomon

according to Ancient Custom. W. Bro. Mike Kelly PGStB congratulated W. Bro. Derek

Macadie on behalf of both Grand Lodges and the Provincial Grand Master and all current

Masters and Past Masters present.

W. Bro. Alexander Macadie of Oatlands Lodge 1005 Scottish Constitution and the father of

our new Worshipful Master gave collective greetings on behalf of the visitors.

5 November 2012 saw the initiation of Mr Maurice Hickman by W. Bro. Derek Macadie,

Worshipful Master. W. Bro. Karl Kurn PPJGD, his seconder, delivered the Charge after

Initiation.

W. Bro. Geoff Mitchell gave congratulations to everyone on achieving the ‘Silver Certificate’

for the RMTGB Festival 2016.

A donation towards the purchase of a Canadian Canoe for the Netley Sea Scouts was agreed.

At the meeting on 7 October 2013, W. Bro. Norman Bartlett PPGReg rose and informed the

brethren of the passing to the Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Graham. G. Smith. A eulogy

was read, and the brethren stood to order in silence for departed merit.

At the meeting on 3 February 2014, W. Bro. Joe Fagan rose and announced the passing to the

Grand Lodge above of W. Bro. Jack Barr OBE., PPGReg and the first Mentor of the lodge.

On the 22 December 2013, W. Bro. Joe Fagan explained his Masonic career. W. Bro. Terry

Smith PPGSuptWks delivered his personal history, the Chaplain of the Lodge W. Bro.

Norman Bartlett PPGReg said a solemn prayer. The brethren stood to order in silence for

departed merit. W. Bro. Peter Daly PPSGD played suitable music.

W. Bro. Ron Griffiths PPDep.G.Reg presented a jewel for the RMTGB 2016 Festival to W.

Bro. Karl Kurn PJGD and W. Bro. Paul Hopkins. He also gave an up-to-date report on the

Festival Account. He congratulated the lodge on achieving the ‘Gold Certificate’, which he

presented to the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Robert Young.

W. Bro. Douglas Easson Worshipful Master of London Haven Lodge 7300, in the Province

of Dorset, gave collective greetings on behalf of the visitors.

At the meeting on 12 May 2014, the Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. Derek Sivier

PPGSuptWks called the brethren to order and salute the office of Grand Lodge in the person

of W. Bro. Colin. D. Oliphant PAGSuptWks, who suitably replied.

W. Bro. Ian. A. Oliver called the brethren to order to salute the office of Provincial Grand

Lodge in the person of W. Bro. James Sampson. PSGD, who suitably responded.

The Worshipful Master opened the lodge in the first degree. All Entered Apprentices were

requested to retire from the lodge for a short while. The Junior Deacon then escorted Bro.

Colin Greenhowe to the door for his preparation.

The Tyler, W. Bro. Karl Kurn welcomed two newly arrived guests and knocked to inform the

lodge that two visitors were requesting entry. With permission granted, the visitors were

admitted. The Worshipful Master greeted the guests in the persons of R.W. Bro. Michael

Wilks, Provincial Grand Master, and W. Bro. David Foot PADC.

R.W. Bro. Michael Wilks, Provincial Grand Master (on a “Ninja” visit) was to present a

certificate in recognition of 50 years membership to W. Bro. Bill Moore, PPJGW.

Unfortunately, due to physical inability, W. Bro. Bill was unable to be present. The certificate

was given over to the custody of W. Bro. Colin. D. Oliphant for him to organise a

presentation to W. Bro. Bill at his home in the near future.

The lodge was closed with full closing in the second degree and then to the first degree. The

members outside the lodge were re- admitted and returned to their seats at appropriate times.

6 October 2014 saw W. Bro. Robert Young installed into the Chair of King Solomon for the

second consecutive year by W. Bro. Derek Macadie IPM. W. Bro. David. B. Briggs

PAGSwd.B, PPDG.Reg (Herts) congratulated W. Bro. Robert Young on behalf of both,

Grand Lodge, and the Provincial Grand Master.

3 November 2014. The lodge had an official visit by the Provincial Assistant Grand Master

W. Bro. Jonathan Whitaker PSGD and his Provincial Team. The Worshipful Master invited

W. Bro. Jonathan Whitaker to occupy the Chair of King Solomon, which he accepted. The

Minutes were approved and signed by W. Bro. Robert Young and countersigned by W. Bro.

Jonathan Whitaker APGM., PSGD.

The ceremony of passing Bro. Colin Greenhowe to the degree of a Fellow Craft took place.

W. Bro. Jonathan Whitaker Assistant Provincial Grand Master, PSGD presented him with the

second of the Peterborough booklets. He congratulated Bro. Colin Greenhowe on the way he

answered the questions and conducted himself through the ceremony.

The Secretary W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPDGSuptWks reported that W. Bro. Terry Smith had

been awarded the rank of PPGReg, which will be presented to him in February 2015 by the

Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Michael Wilks.

At the meeting on 5 October 2015, W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPDGSupt.Wks rose and informed

the brethren of the passing to the Grand Lodge above on 30th June 2015, of R.W. Bro. Ian

Ross Bryce TD., BL aged 79, Past Deputy Grand Master and Past Second Grand Principal.

The brethren stood to order in silence for departed merit.

Being ‘Installation Night’ of Bro. Steven Paul Jenkins, the Worshipful Master, requested W.

Bro. James Watson PPAG.Reg., to occupy the position of Senior Warden. The Installing

Master, W. Bro. Robert Young PPDG.Reg. (Herts) installed Bro. Steven Paul Jenkins Master

Elect into the Chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom.

W. Bro. Geoff Mitchell, Lodge Charity Steward, gave a verbal report to the lodge that he

received information on Sunday that the lodge had reached the ‘Platinum Award’ for the

RMTGB 2016 Festival.

W. Bro. David Briggs PJGD presented two ‘Charity Jewels’ to W. Bro. Robert Young

PPDG.Reg (Herts), and Bro. Gerald Bolt, for their commitment to charity on behalf of the

RMTGB committee.

The Secretary gave a short explanation of the new position of Membership Officer for the

lodge. Nomination for the post has attracted response from Bro. Colin Greenhowe, who is

retired, computer literate and wishes for more involvement within the lodge.

On 2 November 2015, the lodge had an official visit from W. Bro. David Perkis PSGD.,

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who attended the lodge on behalf of Assistant Provincial

Grand Master, W. Bro. Jonathan Whitaker PSGD, who was absent, due to other Masonic

duties.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. David Perkis PSGD presented a Grand Lodge

Certificate to Bro. Colin Greenhowe.

The Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Joe Fagan PPGStwd called the brethren to order to

salute Grand Lodge in the person of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. David Perkis

PSGD with five and W. Bro. Perkis suitably replied.

On 5 October 2015, W. Bro. Colin D. Oliphant proposed a Mr Stephen George Candy as a

candidate for initiation. W. Bro. Derek Sivier seconded the proposal, and the ensuing ballot

proved favourable.

Following the passing of Bro. Martin John Gale to the degree of a Fellow Craft, W. Bro.

Norman Bartlett gave a first-rate extended oration of the ‘Second Degree Tracing Board’ and

a long explanation of the ‘Second Degree Working Tools’.

W. Bro. Geoff Mitchell, the Lodge Charity Steward, requested the Assistant Provincial Grand

Master, W. Bro. David Perkis PSGD to present a ‘Platinum Certificate’ to W. Bro. Steven

Jenkins, the Master of the Lodge on behalf of the RMTGB 2016 Festival. The presentation

was delivered with sincerity.

There were a couple of “incidents” during the 25-year period since our ‘Silver Anniversary’.

One in particular occurred during a ceremony when the suit did not fit and the candidate’s

trousers fell to his ankles while saluting the Senior Warden. (No names, but it was Bro. Guy

Weatherall.) Moreover, I remember on another occasion on a Burns Nights – gestures were

made to suggest certain kilt wearers should readjust their sporrans, especially those sitting in

the East!

Burns Night has always been a delightful and successful gathering because we are fortunate

to have members of a Pipe Band and Scottish brethren who know how to address the haggis

correctly — Namely, W. Bro. Jack Barr and now W. Bro. Joe Fagan.

We should also note that Bro. James Troke (Jim) has been promoted again by Province, and

thus far, the only “Dark Blue” Rosette Holder to be recognised again for all his services to

Homelea Lodge and Freemasonry in general. His first promotion was in 2003 to PPAGStB.

His second promotion was in 2015 to PPAGSupt.Wks.

Homelea Lodge and its members have been well blessed with honours throughout its fifty-

year history. We have had W. Bro. Malcolm Slater promoted to PSGD, and Assistant

Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Michael Kelly (Mike) promoted to PSGD in 1999, and in

2006 he was promoted to PGStB. W. Bro. David Briggs was promoted in 1996 to PGStd, in

2006 promoted to PJGW and in 2008 promoted to PAGSwd.B. Furthermore, he received

another promotion in 2015 to PJGD.

W. Bro. Colin Oliphant received a promotion to PG.Stwd in 2002. In 2005, he was promoted

to PGSD and promoted again in 2011 to PAG.Supt.Wks.

During this past 25 years, the lodge has been proud to include honorary membership to W.

Bro. Mike Kelly PGStd.Br, W. Bro. Bill More PPJGW one of the lodge founders and W. Bro.

Norman Bartlett PPGReg at the age of 92 for all his fantastic service to Homelea Lodge. Ever

since he joined, Norman said at his 40th-year celebration in Masonry he was initially

reluctant to join. His ability to carry out any office or workings – like the Craft degree tracing

boards at a couple of days’ notice – which we find remarkable.

Norman also transcribed the founder's wishes on “Homelea Workings” into writing. As a

matter of interest, Geoff Mitchell transposed them from Foolscap to A4 format so they can be

printed from a CD by anyone progressing.

Despite a small decrease in the membership numbers, the lodge remains robust and resolute.

We look forward to the future with confidence.

Researched by

W. Bro. Geoff Mitchell PPSGD

W. Bro. Derek Sivier PPDGSupt.Wks Lodge Secretary for the Golden Anniversary.

Edited by W. Bro. Brian Crane, PPAGDC to Oxford and Ars Quatuor Coronatorum Style Guides – September

2017.