The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire · from this initiative in 2011....
Transcript of The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire · from this initiative in 2011....
squaretalkThe Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire
Spring 2012
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Editor’s Page
Contacts
Square Talk Editor: WBroDick Smith [email protected] 07966388993Square Talk Advertising:Manager South: WBro Simon Waring [email protected] 07850865996Manger Central: WBro Bob Osborne 07831344108Manger North: WBro Mark Cameron 07774742480Provincial Website: WBroPhil Clements [email protected] 01453732035
This issue . . . Ihopeyouenjoythisedition.Wehavesomefascinatingarticles,manywithoverseasthemes,includingRussia,Africa,Spain,FranceandJersey.TherearesomeinterestingmilitaryconnectionsandBrethrenwithapenchantforhistorywillnotbedisappointed.Masonicwidowsalsofeature,witharticlesabouttheassociationsatCirencesterandDownend.
Cover . . .ThefrontcovershowsWBroDavidLangleyabseilingfromthefamousTransporterBridgeatNewport.Thearticle(oppositepage)demonstratesjusthowquicklyMasonswillrespondtoacalltohelpaworthycause.
Charity . . . LocalgrantshavebeenmadetothirteencharitiesfromtheProvincialGrandMaster’sEndowmentFundinconjunctionwithGloucestershireCommunityFoundation.Youcanreadabouttwoexamplesonpage18.
Advertising . . . ThanksgotoWBroSimonWaringandhisteamforgatheringintheadvertising,whichmakesthepublicationofthismagazinepossible.
Contributions . . . Mostthanks,however,aredirectedtowardsyou,Brethren.ThisisyourmagazineandIcontinuetobeoverwhelmedbythequalityandvariationofthearticlessubmitted.Pleasekeepthemcoming!
Dick Smith
Tenerifepage12
Jerseypage24
Francepage22
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Contacts
Square Talk Editor: WBroDick Smith [email protected] 07966388993Square Talk Advertising:Manager South: WBro Simon Waring [email protected] 07850865996Manger Central: WBro Bob Osborne 07831344108Manger North: WBro Mark Cameron 07774742480Provincial Website: WBroPhil Clements [email protected] 01453732035
“If it’s there . . . do it!”
fundraisingteamwasmorethanhappytosignupanothervictim,(sorry,volunteer). “Aquick‘lasttext’tomywifereceivedtheimmediateresponse,‘Iknewit!’WhilstIwaswaiting,Imadefurtherfrantictextstofriends,bothinlodgeandoutside,andreceivedfantasticallygenerousrepliesofpromisedsponsorship.InnotimeIraised£400. “I’dneverdoneanythinglikethisbefore,”continuedDavid,“butthetrainingwasbrief,reassuringandeffective.Thenthelongclimbupthestairs,hookupandhangon!” That£400isenoughtoprovideaccommodationataCLICSargentHome-from-Homeforthreeweeks.SophiePorfirio,theFundraisingManagerforCLICSouthWestsaid,“Congratulationsandahugethankyou.Weraisedmorethan£12,000fromtheabseil.” Photoscourtesyof www.purelightphotography.co.uk
“AndthereIwas;asunnySundayandsuddenlysuspendedfromaropeaboveNewport,”saidWBroDavid LangleyofRoyal Edward Lodge.“Itwasactuallytotallyexhilaratingandsurprisinglynotscary!Ifoundmyselfnolongergazingupwardsatthismagnificentandveryrare100yearoldGradeIlistedstructure,nordownattheground180feetbelow,butratheroverNewportandacrosstheChannelintoGloucestershire.Moral support
“Mysister-in-law,Judy,wasontheropealongside.Ionlycamealongtoofferhermoralsupport.She’dsignedupfortheCLIC Sargent abseilandonlythenfoundouthowbigthebridgereallywas!” WBroDavidwasdrawntothisamazingandhistoricTransporterBridgeassoonashesawit,andthought,“I’mitchingtohaveago!”Thefriendly
The Big Give ChallengeinDecembertomakethisdonation,makingitworth£6000fortheCathedral.GloucesterCathedralwastheonlycathedralinthecountrytobenefitfromthisinitiativein2011.
100,000 . . . . ....isthenumberofpeopleintheUKwhoarecurrentlyaffectedbymultiplesclerosis.ItisalsothenumberofpoundsdonatedbytheFreemasons’GrandCharitytotheUniversityofCambridgetowardsresearchintothedisease!InNovember,itwasannouncedthattrialsintoanewdrug,alemtuzumab,hadbeensuccessful,markingasignificantdevelopmentforsufferers.ItishopedthedrugwillbeapprovedbytheUKandUSregulatorybodiesinthenexttwoyears,tobecomeaculminationof36yearsofresearch.FulldetailsmaybeviewedontheProvincialwebsite.
361 . . . . ....isthenumberoftheRoyalMarineCadetCorpsTrooptowhich11-yearoldOliverSuttonbelongs.YoungOliverreceivedthediamondawardasoneofthemostoutstandingcadets.HeispicturedhereatapassingoutceremonyinPortsmouthwithhisfather,WO2NeilSuttonRN,sonofWBroPaul SuttonofHambrook Lodge.Neil,whowasrecentlypromotedtoWO2,hasservedinconflictsinIraq,Bosnia,CroatiaandAfghanistan.
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89 . . . . . .
....isthenumberofbirthdaysbeingcelebratedherebyWBroPhil Braund.Hechosetheoccasiontotakethechairat
Lodge of FidelityandperformtheinitiationceremonyforBro Ian Duke.AlsopicturedistheWM,WBroRoger Duddridge.WBroPhilisalsothePreceptoratStapleton Lodge of Instruction.
3,000 . . . .
....isthenumberofpoundsdonatedtowardsthefinalphaseoftheSouthAisle
restorationatGloucesterCathedral.GMCATrusteestookadvantageofmatchingby
Significant numbers!
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PC12 Gloucestershire ConstabularyParkend Carnival
TogetherwithhiswifeCherryl,WBroAndy Barrow,Ex-PC12,wasinvitedtobeguestofhonourattheopeningoftheParkendCarnivalintheForestofDeanlatelastsummer.TheyarephotographedherewithParkendCarnivalCommitteeChairman,MrRoyTurley.
Prestigious event
WBroAndyacceptedthehonourwhichwasaffordedinrecognitionofthededicationtoservicetothiseventovera20yearperiod.Hetoldsquaretalk,“SinceretiringfromthePolice,Iamplayingmoregolf.IhavebeenCaptainofTheForestofDeanGolfClubinColeford,whichwas
onceownedbythelateWBroHenryLudlam.Intournaments,IhavealsorepresentedTheForestofDeanCouncil,whereInowworkasafraudinvestigator". AndyistheSecretaryofThe Vale of Castiard LodgeandSeniorWardenofBlueLampLodge(Monmouthshire).
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Stewards host the Scouting LodgeDispensation
Outoftheordinary,andbyspecialdispensation,theGloucestershire Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodgecarriedoutaceremonyatitsrecentregularmeeting.Impeesa Lodge hadnecessarilyearmarkedoneofitsmeetings,foraspecialoccasion,toreceiveapresentationfromscoutswhomtheysponsoredtoattendtheWorldJamboreeinSweden.So,insteadofpostposingtheraisingofBroRob Morris,arrangementsweremadefortheStewardstoconducttheceremony. Impeesabrethren,manyinscoutuniform,attendedinforceatWotton,ledbytheirWM,WBroJim Arthur,andsomeassistedintheceremonycarriedoutbytheStewards’WM,WBroRichard Chatham. TheproceedingswerewitnessedbyvisitorsfromStewards’LodgesinHantsandIsleofWight,SurreyandSomerset.
Unique tankard
Atthefestiveboard,therewasaraffleforastrikingredtankard,inscribedwiththelodgelogoandcommissionedbylodgememberWBroTony Putterill.ItwaswonbyBroKeith Morris,thenewMasterMason’sfather. Photographedabove(LtoR)areWBrosChatham,Paul Hill,BroKeith Morris,WBroFred WebbandBroRob Morris.
Caring waitresses
Asusualonthenight,the“WottonWaitresses”,weretheretoensurethemealwentsmoothly.Inpersonallyaddressingandthankingthewaitressteam,(whichischairedbyMarilyn Mapstone),WBroChathamremindedeveryonethattheladiesgivetheirtimefreely,proceedsfromtheirlabourgoingto
Cotswold Care Hospice.Inthe19yearstheyhavebeencarryingoutthisservice,nolessthan£321,000hasbeendonated.Lesley Hollandresponded,“WecannotsayenoughhowweappreciatethegenerosityofalltheWottonbrethrenandtheirvisitors.”
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So, what happened next? Impeesa’s meeting
TwoofthefourscoutssponsoredbyImpeesa LodgetoattendtheWorldScoutJamboreeinSwedencametoanImpeesameetingtotellmembers,partners,familiesandfriendsabouttheirexperiences. Asyouwillhavereadonthepageopposite,thehelpinghandfromProvincial Grand Stewards' Lodgehadmadethisallpossible. Accordingly,ExplorerScouts,SamPotter(AvonContingentBristol)andHelenTatlow(GloucesterContingent),andsupportersvisitedtheDownendMasonicHallandgaveanilluminatingandenthusiastictalktoagatheringofover60,manyofwhomwerewearingscoutuniform,evidencingtheirowncommitmentstotheScoutMovement.
Swapping souvenirs
BothSamandHelenhadcommentedaboutthevalueofthenewrelationshipstheyhadformedwithotherscoutsfromallovertheworldand,inadditiontothephotographstheybroughtalong,theyalsosetupastaticdisplayofmementosandsouvenirsfromtheSwedenJamboree.Manyofthesehadcomeaboutthroughthescoutingcustomof'swapping'.Thisprovedaverypopularattractionandencouraged
manyquestionstotheyoungspeakers.aswellasanecdotesfromtheoldergeneration. Toroundofftheoccasion,adinnerwasheldandlivelyconversationcontinued.Araffleraisedthesumof£200inaidofImpeesa'sfundforfutureWorldScoutJamboreesponsorshipopportunities.ThenextWSJisinJapanin2015. Summingup,theWM,WBroJim Arthur,observed,“Alovelyevening!Wewerepleasedtohavehelpedlocalscoutsnotonlytoparticipateinthisuniqueexperience,butalsotobeabletoshareinitviaSamandHelen.WearealsogratefulforProvincialGrandStewards'Lodge’sgesturewhichenabledustodothis.” BrotherJimalsoremarkedonthesimilarityoftheaimsofbothourorganisationsandmentionedthatthisyear'sPrestonianLecturewouldbedeliveredbyDerbyshire’sWBroTony Harvey,afrequentvisitortoImpeesaLodge,underthetitle‘ScoutingandFreemasonry:twoparallelorganisations.’
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TLC updateTeddies for Loving Care
YouwillhavereadinthepreviouseditionofsquaretalkthatTeddies for Loving CarewasacharitysetupbyFreemasonsforthepurposeofsupplyingteddy-bearstoMinorInjuryUnitsandEmergencyDepartmentsthroughouttheProvince.Theteddiesaregiventoyoungpatientswhoattendthehospitalssufferingfromdistressortraumatohelptocomfortthemwhentheyaremostfrightened. Theinitiativeisprovingagreatsuccess.
Try this for size!
DuringavisittoStroudMIU,NurseJanHaughtoninsistedontryingontheProvincialGrandMaster’schainofoffice.RWBroAdrian Davies wasaccompaniedonthevisitbytheProvincialGrandAlmoner,WBroMark Smith.
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Seven Springs ACF on parade!
Attention!
Itwasamemorableoccasionnotonlyfortheinitiate,BrotherMajorPaul Saunders,butalsoforSevens Springs Lodge,asitwelcomedthefourthmemberofGloucestershire Army Cadet Force(ACF)intoitsmidst. BroMajSaunders,whobydayistheAcademyManagerforRenishaw,spendsthemajorityofhisweekendsandeveningsfulfillingtheroleofOfficerCommandingBCompanyGloucestershireACF.PaulhasservedintheACFinvariouspartsofthecountryforover25yearsandnowhasresponsibilityforsevenplatoonsinthesouthofthecounty.Theseplatoonsarerunbyateamofabout30otheradultvolunteersandprovideworthwhileactivitytoover150youngpeopleperweek. PaulwasinitiatedbytheWorshipfulMaster,WBroMajMatthew Fellows,whobydayworksforRemploy,butbynightistheCountyStaffOfficerforGloucestershireACFandPaul’spredecessorinBCompany.Thelodge’sTyler,WBroCraig Fellows,whoisalsotheWMof Cherleton Lodge,isanotheradultvolunteerandisaStaffSgtInstructorinGloucestershireACFandthePlatoonCommanderofStonehousePlatooninPaul’scompany.
Thelodge’spreviousinitiate,BroMajAlec Masson,witnessedhisfirstceremonysincehisowninitiation.BroAlec’sfulltimeroleisthatofCadetExecutiveOfficerforGloucestershireACF,havingservedintheRoyalArtilleryforover30years.Alsopresentwas
anotherofPaul’sadultvolunteers,BroRussMyers,aStaffSergeantInstructorinDursleyPlatoonandamemberofCherleton Lodge.
Distinguished military Mason
AlthoughthelodgehasnorealhistoricortraditionallinkswiththemilitaryortheCountyACF,manyofitsbrethrenhaveservedQueenandCountryovertheyears,intheArmy,RAFandNavy,andthelodge’sfirstWM,WBroCaptHayman,wasadistinguishedmasonandwell-knowninthecounty.Hewasseriouslyinjuredin1918duringWW1. In2012,SevenSpringsLodgewillbecelebratingtwomilestones.TheSeptembermeetingwillbethe500thregularmeeting,andinNovember,thelodgewillcelebrateits60thanniversary.AnyotherservingorretiredmembersoftheCounty’suniformedyouthorganisationswishingtocomeandvisitthelodgewouldbemademostwelcome.JustcontacttheWMon07810544918.
At ease!Photographedaboveare(LtoR):BroMajAlecMasson;BroMajPaulSaunders;WBroMajMatthewFellows,WM;BroRussMyers;WBroCraigFellows,WMCherleton.
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A Glos Mason to look up in TenerifeIfyoufindyourselfinTenerifeandyouwanttogotoameeting,lookupWBroJim Selbie!
Many orders
Priorto2000,WBroJimwasveryactiveinGloucestershiremasonry,passingthroughthechairsinCraftandChapter.HehadhighofficeinmanymasonicordersandusedtohelpoutthreemorningsaweekintheProvincialoffice.YetdespitehavingmovedtoTenerifewithhiswifeRita,heremainsamemberofHambrook Lodge. ArrivinginTheCanariesin2000,however,hasnotdulledhisenthusiasm.Notonlyhashejoinedexistinglodges,hehasbecomeinstrumentalinsettingupotherordersontheisland.“TenerifelieswithintheSpanishConstitution,”Jimtoldsquaretalk.“AswellasmyCraftlodge,IamaDCintheRoyalArch.I’vejoinedMarkandRAM,OSMandAllied,inallofwhichIholdoffice.WemeetinLanzarote,GranCanariaandTenerife.WesucceededinformingaKTPreceptorylastApril,takingthenumber(12)ofaBrazilianPreceptorythatwasdefunct.TheEPlivesintheUKandoftencannotattend.I’llgiveyouthreeguesseswhohadtojumpin!Si,me!WearenowattemptingtocircumnavigateSpanishredtapeandformtheKMpartoftheKTOrder.
Rush of blood!
“IhadasuddenrushofbloodanddecidedtoseeifwecouldintroduceHRAKTPtotheCanaries.Success!WearetobeconsecratedinGatesheadshortly.It’sworthmentioningafewofthefounderswehavemanagedtofind;theGrandMasterofTheGreatPrioryofSpain,theGrandPriorofMalta,theGrandChancellorandtheViceChancellorofKT/KM,thePastProvincialGMoftheBalearesIslands.IamgoingtointroducethemtoalittleRNdiscipline...beingaretiredandveryretiringChiefPettyOfficerwhospenthislast3yearsintheServiceasoneofonly8instructingatThePettyOfficerDisciplineandLeadershipSchool.IfearImaynotachievetoomuch!”musedJim. “Itdoesn’tfinishthere!InApril,wearetointroduceaCourtofAthelstan.IbelievethereareafewcourtsinIndia,AustraliaandUSA,butthiswillbethefirstinEuropeoutsidetheUK.Ihavemanagedtonametheselastthreeall‘StAndrew’.AllmyfamilyareScots.MymotherPreceptoryisStAndrewandthePatronSaintofTenerifeisSantaAndreus.Soitfits.7 candidates in one night!
“AstheDCofHRA,Ihadtoworkoutawayofexalting7SpanishcandidatesintoHRAonthesamenight.WehadtwoRepsfromSpanishHQtowitnesstheeventandgivetheirblessing. “LastSeptember,wetook5Spanishand5EnglishcandidatesintoKTwiththeassistanceoftheGrandMasterandapartyfromTheGrandPrioryofSpain.Itwasquitealongevening;everythinghadtoberepeatedinEnglishandSpanish,mostly‘Spanglish’!” WBroDavid DurnfordofDownendandHambrook Lodges,washolidayinginTenerifeinJanuary.WBroJimwastheretomeethimattheairport,ofcourse,andnaturallytoinvitehimtoameeting
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atTeideLodgeNo34inPuertodelaCruz.“ButIhavenotbroughtregalia,”declaredDavid.”“Notaproblem,”saidJim,kittinghim
outwithaMMapronandaGloucestershiretie.Inspectingtheapron,Davidproclaimedhefelt50yearsyounger! WBroJiminformsusthattheTenerifetemplewasquiteasplendidplaceuntilFrancoconfiscateditatthestartofhiscampaigninthe1930s;doingmuchthesameasHitlerinpersecutingmasons.ThearmyusedthebuildingformanyyearsandthenthePolicetookitfortheirHQ.Theinteriorwasguttedandlefttorot,butSpanishmasonsarefightingthegovernmenttoclaimitback.Ithasbeenofferedforsaletothem....attoday’sprices! Thereappearstobearecentchangeofheart;theCityCouncilisengaginganarchitecttorestoreit,usingoldphotographs.LodgemembershavebeentolditistobeaMasonicmuseum.Ofcoursetheyarehopingthatitisaployanditwilleventuallybereturnedtothem.
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Square Talk scoop . . . . .
Seven in the bed!
Oneassumesthatit’snottoooftenthattheProvincialGrandMasteriscaughtinaCoventryhotelbedwithsevenladies.....atthesametime,thatis!OursnoopingphotographercreptintoChristineHowes’bedroomfollowingatip-offwhenRWBroAdrianandhisveryunderstandingwifehadbeeninvitedfor“pre-dinnerdrinks”. Whenconfrontedwiththeevidencebysquaretalk,thePGMmadeanastonishingconfessionandadmitted“ThisissomethingAngelaandIhavebeendoingsince1996whenIwasProvincialAlmoner.Theyinvitemetojointhemeveryyearasapayingguestand,asyounowknow,wehavegreatfun!”
Downend Widows
Theyareajollylot,theDownendWidows!OtherMasonicwidowsarewelcometojointhem,so,ifyouthinkyoucanlastthepace,justcontacttheChairlady,MaryGulley,on01179560469. Below,AngelaandRWBroAdrianarepicturedlessprovocativelywithKayBlackmore,theoldestwidowontour,beingover90yearsofage.
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Masonic flats ~ Open DaysCastlemeads Court, Gloucester
YouwillknowthatGloucestershireMasonicHousingProjectownsanumberofapartmentsatthisarchitect-designedretirementcomplexnearthecitycentreandthehistoricdockarea.Thesefully-servicedqualitypropertiesareavailableatverycompetitivemonthlyrents,whichincludetheservicecharge.
Benefits
Well-appointedaccommodationincludeslivingroom,fittedkitchen,bathroomandbedroom.Aresidentmanagementteamand24-hourcarelineareprovidedandextensivecommunalareasincludingaspaciousresidents’lounge,laundryroomandguestaccommodation.Accesstothegardensandparkingiseasy.Thereareregularsocialactivitiessuchasmusicaleveningsandguestspeakers.Citycentrefacilitiesarenearby,includingdentists,doctors,postofficeandbanks.Useofelectricshoppingbuggiesisprovided,ifrequired.Inshort,youhavesecurity,peaceofmind,nomaintenancechargesandnooverheads!
Open days:
Wed 28-Mar between2pmand5pmSat 31-Mar between10amand1pm Brethren,relativesandLodgeAlmonerswillhaveanopportunitytolookattheapartmentscurrentlyavailabletogetherwiththeexcellentcommunalfacilities. Furtherinformationfrom:WBroMichael Bennetton01453890651or:WBroMark Smithon01453753779.
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Cathedral TourUnity Lodge, Derby
BrethrenofUnityLodgehavemadeseveraltripstoGloucesterinrecentyearsinordertovisitMay Hill Lodge.ThecatalystfortheexcursionswastheinitiationintoMayHillofBroMatt Baines.Hisfather,Unity’sWBroAllan Baines,wasnaturallyinattendanceandhassincebroughtacar-loadwithhimonavisitatleastonceayear. UnityLodgewasconsecratedinOctober1926,formedasa“RailwayLodge”soonaftertheheadquartersoftheLMSwasrelocatedtoDerbyfromEuston,withmembershiporiginallyrestrictedtocompanyemployees.“OurDerbyvisitorstellusthattheyenjoycomingbecauseofthewarmwelcometheyreceiveinMayHill”,saidWBroPeter Williams.“TheylovethecharacteroftheMasonicHallinCrossKeyslane.Theyhadpreviouslysaidthattheysometimestooktheopportunitytovisitthecathedralbeforeourmeetingstarted.
Masonic Guide
“Thissetusthinkingandso,asatokenofouraffectionforourDerbybrethren,andingratitudefortheirsupport,itwasarrangedforthemtohaveaspecialMasonictour.WewereveryfortunatetobeabletosecuretheservicesofWBroRichard CannofVia Lucis Lodgewho
haswrittenabookletabouttheMasonicconnectionswiththecathedralandisalsoveryknowledgeableonitsstainedglasswindows.Togetherwithhisexperienceasaregularguideatthecathedral,itensuredthatourvisitorshadaveryenjoyableandinformativetour.” WithMayHillLodgeorganistBroDavid Reeves-Jamesonthefarleft,thephotocapturesUnityLodgebrethren,(LtoR),BroGary Morgan,WBroEric GreyWM,WBroAllan BainesandBroPaul Warrington.
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Charity for Children of Chernobyl Weallenjoyagoodbarbequeandnevermoresowhenourenjoymentraisesmuchneededfundsforaverygoodcause!
Blink
WBroTerry Hill ofthe Lodge of the Perfect Ashlar threwopenhishomeinthesummertohostaBBQ.Itproducedagoodattendanceof90+andwasenjoyedbythebrethrenandfamiliesofthelodge.Aswellasbeinganexcellentsocialgathering,thisevent,togetherwiththeproceedsfromaraffle,raisedinexcessof£1100for‘Blink’,theChernobylChildren’sLifelinecharity. TheChernobylnucleardisasterinApril1986seemssuchalongtimeagotous,buttheeffectoftheradiationfalloutontheBelarusianpeopleisstillhappeningtothisday.ChildrenareparticularlysusceptibletotherelentlessbombardmentofradiationandthecharityraisesfundstobringchildrentotheUKforamuch-neededbreak.However,thisexcursionisnotjustaholiday.ItisestimatedthatstayingintheUKforamonth,breathingcleanairandeatingnourishingfood,canaddupto2yearstotheirlifeexpectancy.
One carrier-bag!
Aswellasorganisingthefund-raisingbarbeque,TerryandhiswifeRuth,alsoactedas‘hostfamily’fortwoChernobylchildren.Theyweremetattheairportwithonecarrierbagcontainingalltheclothestheypossessed.Thesechildrenwenthomefourweekslater,well-nourishedandcarryingluggagethatweighedmorethantheydid!What’smore,ithadallbeendonated.
BroKevin NorthoftheLodgeofthePerfectAshlartoldsquaretalk,“WearesureyourreaderswilljointheLodgeofthePerfectAshlarinapplaudingTerryandRuth’shardworkforsuchaworthwhileandhearteningcause!”.
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GCF Freemasons Fund GrantsThefirstgrantsweremadeinNovemberfromtheinterestonthePGM’sEndowmentFundsetupinpartnershipwiththeGloucestershireCommunityFoundation.ThirteenGloucestershireCharitiesarethefirsttoshareatotalsumof£23,000.00.ThesecharitiesworkwithcommunitiesanddisadvantagedgroupsintheForestofDean(4),Thornbury(2)andGloucester(7).Examplesofsomeoftheworkbycharitiesthathavereceivedgrantsinclude:
Thornbury & District Stroke Support Club
Thisprovidessupport,advice,recreationandleisureactivitiesforstrokesurvivors,theircarersandfamilies.Theclubhelpssurvivorstore-establishtheirlives,copingwiththephysical,psychologicalandmentalimpairmentsthatresultfromstrokes.Supportisalsoprovidedathomeforthoseunabletoattendtheclub.Itsactivitiesincludeswimming,art,indoorbowls,lunches,talks,speechandcommunicationgroup,summeroutings,shortholidaybreakandtransport.Eachmemberhasacontactvolunteertoassistthem,enablingcarerstohavesomepersonaltimeduringclubmeetingsandactivities.The£1700grantwillsustaintheclub’splannedactivitiesforthenextyearandenablemorethanthecurrent46strokesurvivorstobehelped.
Forest Pulse, Coleford
Thissupports212familieswithchildrenwithdisabilities(atotalof244)livingorattendingschoolintheForestofDean.Twostaffand30volunteersprovideparentsandcarerswithadviceandassistancewithbenefits,educationandhealthmatters,aidsandequipment,funding,communitysupportservices,
mutualsupportgroups,outofschoolactivities,holidayclubs,recreational,sportingandsocialactivities.Wherepossible,childrenwithdisabilitiesareencouragedandassistedtoparticipateinmainstreamactivitieswiththeirnon-disabledpeers.Theaimisalsotoenableparents,carersandfamiliestobenefitfromtherespiteprovidedbysharingcareduringthegroupactivities.Thegrantof£2,000istowardsprovidingBoccacia(bowlsplayedfromasittingposition)andmusicsessionsforchildrenwithprofounddisabilities,usingSoundbeam;(musiccreatedbymovementacrossalaserbeam).
Grant applications
Grantapplicationsareconsideredtwiceayear.Thedeadlineforreceiptofthenextroundofapplicationsis16March2012forconsiderationinMay2012.SeetheGloucestershireCommunityFoundationwebsite:www.gloucestershirecommunityfoundation.co.uk,orcontactGailMattocks,GrantsDevelopmentManager,on01452656386fordetailsofthegrantcriteria.
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Watch out, Jack!
Gloucestershire Masonic Bowling Association
WBroIan Tuckerwrites,“TheMasonicbowlsseasonfor2012promisestobeevenbusierthanthatoflastyearwithtwentyfixturesplanned! “OurmaincompetitorswillbeotherProvinces,butasinrecentyears,wehaveincludedlocalbowlingclubsintoourprogramme.Theadvantageofthislocaloutreachinitiativehasprovedmostbeneficialandwehavebeenreceivedwithgreatwarmthwhereverwegoensuringreturnfixturesforthefollowingyear. “OurcalendarstartswithourAnnualDinnerheldatStroudon28-Mar-12.Theseasonopenswithagameon18-ApragainstTewkesburyBowlingClub,followedbyawholerangeofmatches.
Three Shire Robocap
“Probablythehighlightofouryearwillbeon10-Aug,whenwehostTheMACETrophycompetitionattheCotswoldBowlingClub.ThiseventisaMasonicCharitybowlscompetitionwhenweanticipateentertainingeightyplusMasonicBowlersfromProvincesacrossthesouthofEngland.TheMACE(Masonic
AnnualCharityEvent)objectiveistofosterbowlsinacompetitiveenvironmentandraisemuchneededfundsforournominatedcharityRobocap.TheThreeShiresRobocapCharityhelpsprovideroboticsurgicalmachinery,particularlyfortreatmentofprostateproceduresandwillbelocatedinCheltenhamGeneralHospital. “WeholdourPairsandTriplescompetitionsinAugust.Theseasonendsinmid-September.
“OurphotoshowstheAssociationPatronbeingpresentedwithachequefortheProvincialGrandMaster’sDiscretionaryFund,byapensivePresident,WBroGeorge Lee,whoisclearlythinking,‘IreallymustjointheNightAtHomeLodge’!” Asalways,theAssociationneedsnewmembers.ContactWBroIan [email protected].
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Stroke victims say “Thank-you”
W Bro John Donaldson . . .
....ofRoyal Edward LodgehasbeeninvolvedwithThornbury&DistrictStrokeSupportGroupforsomeyears.YoumayhavereadoftheGCF Freemasons’ Fund Grant of£1700.Hewritestosay“thank-you”ontheirbehalf. “BeingalodgeCharityStewardgivesmeextrainsightandthisgiftprovestomethatthePGM’sfestivalisreallyworking! “OurStrokeGroupisoneofseveralinthecounty.Sinceitsfoundationin1981,wehavehelpedmanystrokesurvivorstoimprovetheir“LifeAfterStroke”.Ourcostsareintheregionof£11kperyear,mainlyprovidingtransport,hireoffacilitiesandequipment,andweeklyswimmingfor20+members.Someofourmembersarehouseorwheelchairboundandlivealone.Theyallhavealinkvolunteer.Twomemberscannowswimontheirbacksusingonlyonearmandleg.Sixarenowwritingorpaintingwiththeirlefthand.
56 survivors
“Wenowhave56registeredstrokesurvivors,anincreasefrom38inthelast18months.ThisisdueinnosmallwaytotheimprovementinNHStreatmentandsuccessofthe“FASTCampaign”,(FACE,
ARMS,SPEECH,TELEPHONE),runbytheStrokeAssociationtofast-trackvictimstoA&E. “ThefactsarethatintheUK,somebodyhasastrokeevery5minutes,resultinginbraindamageandcausingmajororminordisability.Onein4menand1in5womenwillhaveastrokeiftheyliveto85.Also,strokesareNOTanoldperson’sproblem.Highbloodpressureisamajorcause,regardlessofage! “Pleasecontactmeifyouwouldliketovolunteer,especiallyasacardriver.Itisveryrewardingtoseepeoplelearntousetheirlefthandandimprovetheirspeech.” Johncanbecontactedon01454416072ordetailsobtainedfromthewebsite:www.thornburystroke.co.uk. PhotobelowshowsWBroRoger Bennett,PastMasterofSodbury Vale Lodge,receivingone-to-onetuitionfromKateHickman.
22 squaretalk
Third son becomes brother!Special night
Proudfather,WBroJoe Ogden,herecongratulateshisthirdson,BroPhilip,onbecomingaMasterMasonatChosen Hill Lodge. Itwasaveryspecialnightindeed,asthiswasthethirdofWBroJoe’ssonstostepontothesquare,joiningbrothersWBroRobinandBroSteve.
So many invitations!
BroPhil,whonowrunshisowndecoratingbusiness,toldsquaretalk,“IwasactuallyfirstaskedaboutcomingintomasonrybyBrosHenry FordandBill BromleywhenIworkedforthem.Ithoughtaboutitforquiteawhile.
ThenmyfatherandbrotherstoldmehowmuchIwouldenjoyit.Mywife'suncle,whoisamasonwiththeLadywellLodgeinLondon,encouragedmeaswell.AtthatpointIthought‘Yesit'stimeIcameinfromthecold!’AsHenryusedtosay,‘Therestishistory!’”
Chez KeithLanguedoc-Roussillon
SouthofPerpignanandonly15kmfromtheSpanishborderiswhereBroKeith WhittakerofManor of Ashley Lodgehasahome.Forsomeyears,thedesignonhisneighbour’s“Julietbalcony”hasobviouslyinterestedhim. Theoriginalownersofthehouse,anelderlycouple,havebothpassedawayanditisnowunoccupied.ThefamilyliveinParisandvisitforholidays.“IamwaitingforanopportunitytoquizthemaboutanycurrentMasonicconnections,”saidBroKeith.“Indeed,myresearchintoMasonryinthelocalareahassofarfallenonstonyground. “IamawareoftheUGLErulingregardingFrenchvisitsbutwouldstillbeinterestedifanybrotherhasknowledgeofFrench
Masonryintheregion(PyreneesOriental),whereIshallbespendingfarmoretimeinthefuture.TheProvincialGrandRegistrar,WBroDavid Mason,isaregularvisitortouswhenheisinThePyrenees.” [email protected].
23squaretalk
If you are contemplating placing a relative or friend in a care home (or organising their care in their own home), you are probably feeling emotionally drained right now. The process of finding a suitable care provider and sorting through the legislation, not to mention helping them to fundamentally change and come to terms with the major changes to their lifestyle, can be extremely difficult.
Add to this confusion, stress and guilt and it is not surprising that many people feel somewhat overwhelmed and worried at a time like this. There are many financial advisers in the country but only a handful in any one region with the specialist skills and knowledge to be able to guide you through the care fees planning maze
SYMPONIA [Greek. adjective: compassion]
Symponia has the answer — our adviser members are all suitably experienced and appropriately qualified. We are therefore able to provide a unique concept within the field of care fees planning which, in turn, gives you and your family truly independent financial advice at a time when you most need it .
Symponia are also approved suppliers of care fees planning services to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
Care Fees Planning advice; when and where you need it from your local
specialist Neil Gayler
Neil Gayler is your local Symponia member for Gloucestershire. For a confidential initial consultation (without any cost or obligation to you), call him on 01242 538 383
24 squaretalk
Jersey’s Historic MasonryW Bro John Slade . . .
....ofDownend LodgewasonholidayonJerseyandtooktheopportunitytorevisitDeCarteretLodgeNo3459.HewasmetbyWBroGeoffreyMorris,whoisalsotheMuseumLibrarianandCurator. Ithasbuiltforitselfanenviablereputationandnowgreetsvisitorsfromaroundtheworldwhowishtoseetheimpressivecollectionofbooksandotheritems,manyofwhichrelatetotheGermanOccupationandtheFreemasonswhoweresenttoconcentrationcamps. Jersey’sMasonicLibraryandMuseumwasfoundedsomesixyearsbeforetheoneinLondon,theearliestevidencegoingbackto1859.TheProvincialGrandMastercongratulatedthefoundinglodgeonitsforesightandpresentedabookentitled"TheHistoryofFreemasonry",byBroOlliver.Thelibrarysoonhadasizablecollection,althoughmanybookswerenotofaMasonicnature.
Gambling prohibited!
AreadingroomwasopenedtheobjectbeingtocultivateandpromoteatasteforMasonicliterature,toassociateandmeetforrecreation,conversationandreading,forwhichpurposesnewspapers,periodicalsetcweretobesupplied.Therulesalsostatedthattheamusementswouldconsistofcards,dominoes,chessandbackgammon,andthatgamblingandbettingwouldbestrictlyprohibited. Theprecursorofthepresentlibraryandmuseumwasin1916.ThefirstappointmentofnotewasWBroGeorgeStodartKnockerMBE,whotookuphisdutiesin1927andremainedinchargeuntilhisdeathin1952attheageof86.Hehadbeenamarineengineer,spendingtimeinHongKongandBangkokandservinginthesignalsbranchoftheRoyalEngineersduringTheGreatWar.
Underhisleadership,anumberofimportantcollectionsofMasonicitemswereobtained,includingtheVatcherandVonbergcollectionsofjewels.
Berlin find
ThedamagedonetotheTemple,libraryandmuseumduringtheOccupationiswellknown.Fortunately,WBroKnockerhaddecidednottorelyontheassurancesthathadbeengivenbytheGermanauthoritiesandhehidanumberofbooksanddocumentsawayfromtheTemple.ThesewerenevertracedbytheGermansandwererestoredtothelibraryafterthewar.Amongstthesewasascrapbookthathehadcompiled,whichhasrecentlybeenphotographedtoprovideamostinterestingillustratedlecture.WBroKnockerwasresponsibleformakingknowntheplightoftheProvinceandcontributionsofbooksandotheritemsflowedinfromallovertheworldafterWWII.In1946,asubstantialnumberofoldrecords,minutebooks,andbooksfromthelibrary,werefoundintheOffenbachArchiveDepotintheAmericanZoneinBerlin. WBroGeoffrey,(photographedabovewithWBroJohn)isalwaysdelightedtoconductanyoneinterestedarounditsmanyexhibits.
25squaretalk
Wine Winners!2011 Provincial Wine Draw
HeldinsupportoftheProvincial Grand Master’s Charities Appeal,the2011drawtookplaceattheinstallationofBroIain SimasmasterofRoyal Edward Lodge.AllfourProvincialrulerswerepresentatthefestival,aswereanumberofotheractiveProvincialofficersandvisitorsfromoutsidetheLodge. Aspartofthecelebrations,theProvincialGrandMasterconductedthedraw,firstlyannouncingthat£3,500hadbeenraised.Hethankedallthosebrethren
whohadcontributed,withparticulargratitudetoLodgeCharityStewardswithintheProvincewhohadpromotedthesaleoftickets. Healsopaidtributetothedrawcoordinator,WBroSteve Farrandalsotothe50/100 Club,themembersofwhichhadcollectivelydonatedthewine,somaximisingfundsraised. InrecognitionofthehighestnumberofticketssoldbyaCharitySteward,WBroLouis RobbinsofZetland Lodge,wouldlaterbepresentedwithabottleof“Champers”byamemberoftherulingexecutiveandhislodgewillreceiveaplaquetocommemoratethisachievement.
Winners
1stPrize(100bottles):BroRoger Mead(Harmony & Concord Lodge)
2ndPrize:(50bottles):BroTom Carr(Cherleton Lodge)
3rdPrize:(25bottles):BroPeter Harris(St Bernard Lodge,Somerset).
26 squaretalk
This beautiful Bristol Blue firing glass, with fluted top and collared firing base, has been produced to raise funds for the Provincial Grand
Master’s Gloucestershire Charities Festival.
The term “Bristol Blue” means literally what it says, namely, not a type of glass or the origin of it , but simply a colour. Bristol Blue was what
everyone wanted to achieve in the period 1760 and 1770 and they had to go to Bristol to buy the colouring matter.
Like all Bristol Blue glass, it is entirely free-blown and hand-made, using the same methods as in Roman times.
Each glass is individually shaped, using hand tools instead of moulds, giving each firing glass its own unique character.
Numbered and engraved with Bristol on the base, each glass comes with its own presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.
It has been approved by the Provincial Grand Master
R.W Bro ADRIAN FREDERICK RAYMOND DAVIES JP
Cost £32.00 P/p £ 3.00
All profits to the PGM’s Discretionary Fund. To place an order, contact:
W Bro T F Putterill, Sodbury House, 51 Bowling Road,
Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6EP
01454 324841 [email protected]
27squaretalk
A “Grand” day out!
Experiment
SometwelveMasterMasonsfromtheProvince,togetherwithWardens,Masters,PastMastersandGrandOfficers,attendedtheDecemberQuarterlyCommunicationofGrandLodgeinLondon.TheinvitationforMasterMasonstoattendwaspartofanexperimentbeingtrialledbyGrandLodge.TheProvincialGrandMaster,wholedtheparty,wasdelightedthatsuchagoodnumberwasabletoattend. Thebrethrentravelledbycoachandafterthemeeting,nolessthan40from
GloucestershiredinedattheGrandOfficers’MessLuncheonintheConnaughtRooms.
Grand processions
AllwhoattendedexpressedtheirappreciationinseeingGrandLodgeinceremonialsession,includingtheGrandMastersortheirrepresentativesfromsome15OverseasGrandLodges. Ifthepracticeisrepeated,thenitishopedthatotherbrethrenwilltakeuptheexcitingandrewardingopportunity.
28 squaretalk
Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens
W Bro Roger Cullimore
ST: So, are you sat with your feet up now?RC:Hardly!JulieandIenjoyedvisitingfamilyandfriendsinNewZealandandAustraliafor10weeksin2010.Socially,IaminvolvedlocallywiththeStroudAnnualCountryShowasPresident,butalsohelpoutwithothercharities.Ialsohavealoveofcricket,lookingforpromisingyoungstersforGloucestershireCountyCricketClub...andrugby,mainlywithmysonMoretonandotherfriendsatKingsholm,Gloucester.ST: I understand other pastimes include music? RC:Yes,thereareevensomedancingmedalsinthedrawer!Iplaythetrumpettoo.Ialsolovewaterskiingandhorseriding.IparticularlyenjoytracingBritishhistoryandourrelationshipswithAustralia,theCaribbean,theFarEastandUnitedStates. ST: How have you been spending your year as Senior Grand Warden?
RC:IhavereceivedthewarmestofwelcomesonmyvisitstotheForestofDeanandLydneyrepresentingtheProvincialGrandMaster,aswellasvisitstoBristolandtheStroudarea.MysoncomingintotheOldWycliffianLodgeinAprilandinitiatinghimmyselfinmy50thyearinFreemasonrywiththeProvincialGrandMasterpresenttogetherwithmanymasonicfriendswasawonderfuloccasion. ST: Any other outstanding moments?RC:ThevisittoWestWaleswiththeProvincialGrandMasterwasagreatexperienceforme.Iamreallylookingforwardtotherestofmyyear,visitingotherlodgesintheprovinceandseeingmasonryelsewhere.
ST: Are you a local man, Roger? RC:Ohyes.IwasborninGloucestershireandhavealwayslivedinthecounty. ST: And family life . . . . . . .?RC:MywifeJuliehassupportedmeforthe40+yearsthatwehavebeentogether,whichIgreatlyappreciate.Iamstillbusylookingafter“LandandWater”andcreatingnationalhabitatsthroughourfamilybusinesses,buttwoyearsagohandedtheMDroletomyson.Ourtwodogsloveaccompanyingmewheneverpossible,butespeciallywhenIgototheWaterPark.
29squaretalk
Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens
W Bro Mike Bennett
ST: How are you finding your year “representing the Provincial Grand Master by command?” MB:ThereceptionIhavereceivedfromtheLodgeshasbeentrulyoverwhelming.ThewarmthandkindnessIhavebeenshownhasmademeextremelyproudtobeafreemason. ST: Tell us about you and your family.MB:MywifeRosandImovedtoGloucestershire36yearsagoandwehavelivedinourhouseinSlimbridgeformostofthattime.Iamthesenior
partnerofafirmofcharteredsurveyorsandestateagentsandbasedinourDursleyoffice.Ourtwosonslivenearbyandwehavetwobeautifulgranddaughters,whoareourprideandjoy. ST: How do you spend your time?MB:Apartfromfamily,workandmasonry,Ialsoenjoyanumberofhobbiesandpastimes,includingbeingakeenrugbysupporter.Ihavebeenaseason-ticketholderatGloucesterRFCformanyyearsandrarelymissahomegame.Ialsomakeittoahandfulofawaygameseachseason.Mybiggestrugbythrillwasfollowingthe2005BritishLionsTourinNewZealand,despitethepoortestmatchresults. ST: We’ve also heard about your love of motor-racing. MB:Yes,it’salsobeenagreatinterestofminesinceIwasayoungboy.ApartfromlocalracingvenuessuchasCastleCoombeandPrescott,Ihavebeenluckyenough
toseeanumberofF1races,includingtheMonacoGrandPrixlastyear.ItrytogetThe24HourLeMansasregularlyasIcan.AttendingwithfriendsledtofourofusbuyingahouseinFrance,ascampingisalittlelessenjoyablewiththepassingofyears!Thehouseisusedbyallourfamiliesandnowhasafewmore“basicamenities”thanwhenwefirstacquiredit! ST: What now?MB:IamlookingforwardtotheremainderofmyyearasProvincialJuniorGrandWarden.IthasalreadyintroducedmetomanynewMasonicfriendsinthiswonderfulProvinceofGloucestershire!
30 squaretalk
Ladies’ song . . . breaks with tradition! Weekend Away
“ThetraditionalLadies’FestivalwastransformedbyGloucestershire Round Table Lodgewhenmembers,guestsandtheirpartnersvisitedaBournemouthhotel,”writes,BroDavid Townend.“ItkickedoffwithaninformaldinnerfollowedbyaquizorganisedbyWBroMartyn SlaterofSt John’s Lodge.TheSaturdaynightsawamoreformalbutrelaxedeveningoffunandentertainment.”TheWM,WBroIan Davies,said“Itwasatremendoussuccess;ateameventwitheverybodymixingintogether.”
Handcrafted chocolates
IanparticularlywantedtothankJudithandBroMike Burfield,whoputahugeamountofeffortintotheplanning.MikeistheCharityStewardandFestivalSecretaryandenjoysmakingthemostoffundraisingattheseevents.Withsome60peopleattending,anamazing£500wasraisedbytheraffle.Oneofthespecialtouchestotheeveningwasthegifttotheladies;aboxofchocolates,handcraftedbytheWMhimself;provinghewasnotjustaWorshipfulMaster,butaMasterChocolatier! WBroDavid CarterentertainedhisaudiencewiththeToasttotheLadies,
deliveredwithhisinimitable“piquant”wit.Afterdinner,thetraditionalLadies’SongwasreplacedbyanewrenditionperformedbyaMasonicEnsemble(seephoto),accompaniedbyBroGordon Moir onguitar.Theperformancewassaidtobesoentertainingthatarequestwasmadeforthewordstobesharedwithotherlodges.Thelodgehasenjoyedaparticularlyhealthyintakeofnewmembersoverthelasttwoorthreeyears.Indeed,Octobersawa‘DoubleSecond’,whichwasalittletesting,butsuperblyexecuted;notleastduetotheexhaustiveplanningandscriptingbyWBroMalcolm SergeantandDC,WBroMike Gander.Photo(LtoR):BrosGordonMoir,BroDavidTownendWBroIanDaviesandwifeSue,BroGaryShellard(VigilanteLodge),BroAlanJohnson,WBroJohnLane(VigilanteLodge).Front:BroNigelClarkeandWBroScottWilson.
31squaretalk
(To the tune of Jingle Bells)Dashingroundthehouse,Don’tgetinherway,Ladiesgettingready,‘Costhey’regoingouttoplay.Twohoursinthebath,ThenwhatshallIwear.Thisiswhenthetroublestarts,Andwepulloutourhair.Oh...That’stoobig,Thisistight,Thatwillmakemecold.Putthisinthejumble,Asit’snearlytwomonthsold.Oh...That’stooposh,Thosetwoclash,Can’tyouseethetear?Wardrobefullofclothing,Yetthere’snothingshecanwear.
Timeisgoingfast,Thingsaregettingtight,Doesn’tmatterwhatyousay,Youknowitwon’tberight.Noyoudon’tlookfat!I’mnotjustbeingnice.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,Thenwhydidyouaskadvice?Oh...That’stoolong,Thisisshort,WhatshoesshouldIwear.SawyouwatchingTV,SeeIknewyoudidn’tcare.Oh...Ringsherfriend,RingsherMum.Doesn’thelpabit.TellthemI’mnotcoming,‘Costhere’snothingthatwillfit.
S-D TREE CARE
Tree ReductionsThinnings and Take DownsHedge MaintenanceStump GrindingChipping
All aspects of tree and hedge maintenance undertaken
with prompt and efficient service
For a free quote contactCharlie Sanger-Davies
01452 713707 / 07774 [email protected]
Ensemble Song
32 squaretalk
St John’s Lodge teddiesWBroTrevor ColesofSt John's Lodgehassentinthisterrificphoto.Thislittleladisoneofover350childrenwhohavesofarenjoyedreceivingateddybearduringtheirstayintheChildren'sDepartmentsofGloucesterandCheltenhamHospitals. TheideawassuggestedtothelodgemembersbytheCharitySteward,WBro.Robin Tudor,whowantedtocelebratethe150thanniversaryofthelodgein2009.
Generosity
WBroTrevortoldsquaretalk,“ThegenerosityofthemembersmadethisallpossibleandtheschemeprovedsuchasuccessthatthelodgehascontinuedsupplyingboththeseChildren'sDepartmentseversince. “Werecentlyreceivedawonderfulhandmadecardand‘thankyou’letterproducedbythechildren.”
33squaretalk
Valentine’s Ball swings . . . . . TheThistleHotelinCheltenhamwasanidealvenuefor140Brethrenandpartnerstoenjoyandhelpraiseinexcessof£2000fortheProvincialGrandMaster’sCharitiesAppeal.
34 squaretalk
Apprenticeships PGM’s support sought . . . .
YoumayhaverecentlyseenthepublicitywhichNational Apprenticeship Weekattracted. WBro John KeighleyofRoyal Union LodgehassoughtthesupportoftheProvincialGrandMasterinaddingtheweightofmasonrybehindaninitiativeinspiringtheprovisionoftrainingplacementsinthecommunity.WBroJohncommented,“Weallappreciatethecharitablefund-raisingachievedthroughtheorder.However,thereareotherwayswe,asmasons,canservethecommunity. “Weallrememberthetransitioninouryouthwhenwelefteducationandmovedintoourfirstjob.Wealsoknowthatthingsaremoredifficultforyoungpeopletoday,notleastbecauseofthecostofhighereducation,thedownturnintheeconomyandtheincreaseinunemployment. “Asmasons,wecanplayourpartinassistingtheyoungbyencouragingbrethrentousetheirinfluencetoincrease
opportunities.Alargenumberofourmembersareemployersordirectlyinvolvedinemployment.TheexcellentsystemofProvincialcommunicationthroughLodgeSecretariescouldmotivatebrethrentohelpyoungpeoplewithcareers.”
. . . and received!
InaresponsetoWBroJohn,RWBroAdrian Daviestoldsquaretalk,“Iamfullysupportingthisinitiativeandwillensurethatthemessageisbeingcirculatedtoindividuallodges.”
AUTUMNEDITION
July 7thFor contacts for articles and adverts please see
inside cover
35squaretalk
Double 50 at Tyndall
Thereweretwobrethrencelebratingtheir50yearsinmasonryatTyndall Lodgeveryrecently.TheProvincialGrandMaster,RWBro
Adrian Davies,inpresentingthemwithacertificateandlapelbadge,spokeglowinglyoftheirdevotiontotheCraftdespitelivingbusylives.Healsopickeduponsomeantecedentcoincidences.
W Bro Dickie Rossiter
FormerlyacommissionedofficerintheRoyalNavy,WBroRichardstartedanaccountancybusinesswithhisbrother,whowasalsoaTyndallmember.HewasthemasteratTyndallin1977.Heisthefatherofthreedaughtersandhaseightgrandchildren.Alsoverymuchinvolvedinsport,WBroRichardwaschairmanofCliftonRFCandChairmanofGloucestershireCricketClub.
Bro John Ivory
AlsoaformerRoyalNavyman,BroJohnwasamemberoftheCharteredInstituteofSecretariesandworkedwiththeoutdoorclothingcompany,Milletts.Havingbeen
maderedundant,healsowentintoaccounting.Again,hehaseightgrandchildrenfromhisfourchildren.RWBroAdriancommendedhimonservingthelodgeastreasurerforamere34years!
LtoR,WBroPhilTrotmanWM,RWBroAdrianDavies,WBroDickieRossiter,BroJohnIvory
36 squaretalk
“We even had a Trogg there!”Earl Bathurst widows remembered
DuringhistenureasLodgeAlmoneratEarl Bathurst Lodge,WBroRoger Dakin openeduphisgardenforaBathurstWidows’summertea-party.Itbecameanannualeventandgrew“likeTopsy”,evenstrayingintoWiltshire,toWBroBernard Norton‘shome.Seekingvariationonatheme,forthelastcoupleofyearsthelodgehasheldanextremelysuccessfulBBQatDaglingworthVillageHall.IthasbeenopentoCirencesterbrethren,familiesandfriends.TheEarlBathurstLodgewidowshavebeeninvitedatnocosttothemselves,aswellastheCirencester Widows Association.
PGM’s Discretionary Fund
“Wewereluckytocatchsomegoodweatherforthe2011BBQevent,”saidcurrentAlmoner,WBroFrank Crossland,“andover100attendedfromtheCirencesterlodges.WealsohadrepresentationfromSherborne LodgeandHicks Beach Lodge.TheProvincialGrandMaster,Adrian DaviesandwifeAngela
joinedus,togetherwiththenewProvincialAlmoner,WBroMark Smithandhisfamily. “Eachyear,wetendtospiceitupalittle.Thisyear,wehadourcustomarylambroast,sausagesandpuddings,allprovidedatminimalcostbyourwives.However,wealsointroduceda“Bring-and-BuySale”,abookstallandcakestallinordertoraisefurtherfundsforthe PGM’s Discretionary Fund.
Wild Thing!
“AllourthanksgotoBroMick McCormick,ourSW,whoonceagainsupervisedthelambroast,toWBroAlan Dolmanwhowasinchargeofsettingup,andallourotherhelperswhodidsuchagreatjob,”continuedWBroFrank.“WewereentertainedinstylebyWBroDavid Wells (CotteswoldLodge)onguitar;alsobyChrisWatson,aguitaristfromTheTroggs...‘WildThing’.Rememberthat?)Hisdaughter-in-lawjoinedonvocals.“Shemadehisheartsing!” “WBroBrian Newell,theWM,presentedtwochequestotheRWBroAdrian;onefromEarlBathurstLodgemembersandasecondof£500fromtheprofitoftheBBQ. “Themainthingisthateveryonethoroughlyenjoyedthemselves,includingourwidows,whoonthisoccasionnumberedfifteen!”
37squaretalk
38 squaretalk
Spotlight on . . . . squaretalkshinesthespotlightonabrotheralongsidewhomthereadersmayhavethegoodfortunetositatameetingoneevening.Inthiscase,itcouldbeinoneofanumberoforders.BepreparedtolistentosomestoriesofhislifeinAfrica!
W Bro George Morris
ST: We met at Downend Lodge a few months ago, George, and I took this photo. Remind me, what was the occasion?GM:ThiswaswithmyCandidate,BroPaul Spark.ImethimwhenIreturnedtoEnglandinin2008.HeexpressedanamazinginterestinMasonry.Igottoknowhimwellandthenproposedhim.PaulwillmakeafineMason.WBroTerry Wilmshurstontheleftwashisseconder.ST: So when did you join Masonry, George?GM:In1975,inRhodesia,asitwascalledthen.IwasfirstlyintheIrishConstitution.ST: What were you doing out there?GM:IwasworkingasSeniorAccountantforBulawayoMunicipality.
ST: But you were born in England?GM:Yes,inLondon,comingupto89yearsago!ST: So how did you find your way to Africa?GM:IwasanRAFFlightSergeantduringthewar,butin1944,IwastransferredintotheArmyandsenttoserveinIndia,endingupWO1.Iwasdemobbedin1946andreturnedhome,buttherewaslittlechanceofemploymentandalotofcrimewhereIwasinLondon.MymotherwasborninSouthAfrica,soIwentoutthereforguaranteedworkonaschemerunbyGeneralSmutsandItrainedinaccountancyandadministration.
Bechuanaland
ST: You moved further north, though?GM:Yes,in1961,toBechuanaland(Botswana),inthePublicWorksDepartment.TheCountrywasgrantedindependencein1966andAfricanswere
39squaretalk
trainedtotakeover.Afteranothersixyears,ImovedontoGweruinRhodesia.ST: Was that not at the time of the Bush Wars?GM:Yes.ThatwasgoingonwhilstIwassecondedtoBulawayoMunicipality;atthattimeitwasdifficulttogetcivilservantstogooutintotheDistricts.Wehadsomeinterestingtimes!Iusedtoleadteamsoutintothebushtotakethecensusandrecordbirthsanddeaths.IalwaystreatedmyAfricanworkerswithrespectandfoundthattheyreturnedthecompliment.ST: When did you retire?GM:1982,afterZim’sindependence.IswannedaroundforsixyearsandthenmovedtoSouthAfricaandjoinedtheMasonicDistrictofTransvaal,(nowSouthAfricaNorth).ST: And what about your family, George?GM:I’msadtosaymywifepassedawayinRhodesia.ShehadbeenMatroninthehospitalthere.Wehadtwosonsandadaughter.TheboysarestillinSouthAfrica;onelivingnorthofPretoriaandinvolvedinhorsedressagetraining.TheotherisaseniorPolicemaninCapeTown.MydaughterlivesinPucklecurch.Shemovedherein2008too.
Freemasonry’s appeal
ST: You found Masonry appealed to you in Africa?GM:Ohyes!Icouldnotgetenoughofit!ButtheIrishConstitutionhadadistinctlackofotherorders,soIwentintotheEnglishConstitution,andjoinedthelot;HRA,Mark,RAM,KT,KTP,Rose,RedCross,RSM,Allied;younameit!Imaintainmembershipinmuchofit.IamPastDistrictJWinCraft,andholdGrandRankinseveralorders.
ST: And you clearly still embrace Masonry?GM:Certainly.I’minDownendLodge,TyndallChapter,RichardIKT,StMathiasRCC,NBristolRoyal&SelectMastersandFrederickLaceAlliedinBath.ST: I hear you still perform a great deal of ritual.GM:IndeedIdo.Youhavetokeepmindandbodyactive!ST: So, you are obviously enjoying a full life here in Gloucestershire.GM:Iam,butImustsayIhadawonderfultimeinAfricatoo.I’lltellyouasecret;Ilovedthesun,butifIburnedmykneesthey’dswellup.Soinallthoseyearsoutthere,Ineverworeshorts!ST: Good luck, George. We’re sure to see you on the circuit!
Oxford University Artists in Residence
Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,
houses, invitations)
• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,
Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.
No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:
www.flagstonepress.co.uk
Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and
Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
Email: [email protected]
Oxford University Artists in Residence
Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,
houses, invitations)
• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,
Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.
No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:
www.flagstonepress.co.uk
Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and
Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
Email: [email protected]
Oxford University Artists in Residence
Robin Wilson and Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
• Art Commissions (cards, portraits, animals,
houses, invitations)
• Weekend Art Courses in Printmaking,
Bookbinding and Drawing at their Strawbale Studio in the Cotswolds.
No experience necessary for our courses. For further information please phone Robin or Rosie on 07946 597316 or visit our website:
www.flagstonepress.co.uk
Oxford University Artists in Residence Robin Wilson and
Rosie Fairfax-Cholmeley
Email: [email protected]
40 squaretalk
COMPUTERISED DESIGN FACILITY
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
“A First Class Job with a Personal Service”
To find out more, call Chris Pointing now on:
Chrysanth Champ!Record Visitor
HavingvisitedVassar Smith Lodge,fiveorsixtimesayearfor43years,WBroBruce ReedbelieveshemaywellholdsomekindofvisitingrecordinGloucestershire.Hehasputhisreigninjeopardy,however,sincehehasnowbecomeajoiningmember! DespitealwayshavinglivedintheForestofDean,WBroBruce’smotherlodgeistheValeofBrislingtonLodgeintheProvinceofSomerset,whichmeetsatKeynsham,performingthe“BristolWorking”.Hewentthroughthechairtherein1980.National Champion
AnotherofWBroBruce’sclaimstofameisthatinNovemberhebecametheNationalChampionofAnemoneChrysanthemums.TheNationalShowisheldeachyearatStafford,andattractsexhibitorsfromalloverthecountry.“Myexhibitconsistedoffivevasesoffiveblooms,andIdisplacedthepreviouschampionoffiveyears,”hesaid.“Iwasalsoluckyenoughtowintheawardfor‘thebestvaseofanemonechrysanthemumsinshow’.” WBroBruceisaNationalChrysanthemumSocietyJudgeandalsotheChairmanoftheForestofDeanChrysanthemumSociety.
41squaretalk
Vassar-Smith vetW Bro Cecil Hugh Baber Watts recognitionofthelongtradingconnections
betweentheirrespectivefathers.
PPrSGW
AttheendoftheeveningthePGM,withoutnotice,investedCecilasaPastProvincialSeniorGrandWardeninrecognitionoftheservicehehadgiventohislodges,presentingtheapronwhichhadpreviouslybeenusedbyhisuncle,JohnWatts,andhisnephew,PastAssistantProvincialGrandMaster,WBroJohn Thurston. CecilwenttoWycliffeCollege,theschoolbeingevacuatedtoLampeterduringwartime.ForaperiodduringthewarheservedasaconductoronhisUncleJohn'sRed&Whitebuses,travellingtothemunitionsfactoriesinSWales.HethensignedupfortheRAFandwasanavigator.Thisgavehimaloveofflyingandlaterheobtainedapilot'slicenceandevenhadhisownaeroplane...G-TYRE. ImmediatelyafterthewarhereturnedtotheRed&White,workingfortheinternalauditdepartment,wherehemethisbridetobe. InJuly1950,hemarriedJoan,whosefatherwasafreemason,andtheyhadthreechildren,Lawrence,HelenandChristine.Tyring business!
Inthe1950sCeciljoinedthefamilycompanylookingaftertheladiesintheWattsAccountsDepartment!Heledtheintroductionofcomputingtechnologybyhavingapunchedtapesalesledger.Intheearly70s,heestablishedasmallsuccessfulaviationtyresalesanddistributionbusiness,whichstillsurvivestoday.HewasaWattsGroupdirectorfor53years,arecordonlysurpassedbyhisfather.
Novembermarkedthe60thanniversaryofWBroCecil’smasoniccareer.TheRWProvincialGrandMasterdulypresentedhimwithhiscertificateandpin,
notingthat,beingaLewis,CecilandhisbrothershadbeenbornintoafamilywithaMasonichistory.Theirgrandfather,Josiah,wasthetreasureratVassar-Smith LodgeandeventhedeliveringdoctorathisbirthwastheDC! Cecil,histwinbrother,Melvilleandbrother,Geoffrey,werealllodgemastersandalsofoundermembersofOld Wycliffian Lodge.AgoodlynumberofOWsattendedthecelebratoryeveningatLydney,includingtheProvincialSeniorGrandWarden,WBroRoger Cullimore,whopresentedCecilwithamodeltruckin
42 squaretalk
Busy social calendar nets its rewards!Downend Lodge . . . .
....WM,WBroJim MacLeodhasbenefittedfromwifeBarbara’sorganisationalskills,tomakehisterminofficea“socialandfunyear”.
Varied events
“Withjustalittlehelpfromthelodgesocialteam,”withtonguefirmlyincheek,AlmonerWBroTerry Wilmshurst,toldsquaretalk,“wemanagedaStGeorge'sNight,anafternooncream-tea,asalmonluncheonatHambrookHolidayInn,aLadies’NightattheAztecHotel,aChristmasCaroleveningforallmembers,wivesandlodgewidows,andfinallyaBurnsNight;allwithsomeformofcabaret,bothpreparedandimpromptu! “Overall,theyearhasresultedinafantasticachievement;inexcessof£3,500donatedtothechosencharity,TheJessieMayTrust,whichprovidedthemwithsupportandkindnesswhenBarbaralostapreciousGod-daughter.”
Lord Lieutenant
TheTrustpatronandHMLordLieutenantofBristol,MaryPriorMBE,enjoyedtheLadies’Nightcelebrations,gracefullyreceivingacheque.FurtherchequeswerepresentedtoTrustrepresentative,EmmaKenton,(below)whoattendedtheBurnsNight. JimandBarbarawereover-whelmedwithallthesupporttheyreceivedinhisyear,enablingthelodgetoaccrueafurther£1000topassontothePGM’sAppealwhichsupportsallcharitiesthroughoutGloucestershire.
43squaretalk
Masons and Gloucester Shrievalty WBroJeffswasaprominentFreemason.HewasinitiatedintoRoyal Lebanon Lodgein1863,Masterin1866/7andagain1875andofZetland Lodge1880and1882/3.ThechainwaspresentedtohiminrecognitionofhisservicestotheCraft.ItwaslaterwornwithdistinctionbytheDeputyProvincialGrandMasterWBroColJHCollett. Attheconclusionofhisyearinoffice,WBroJeffshandedthechaintotheCorporationforthefutureuseofSheriffs,alargenumberofwhomhavebeenMasons.From1483until1972,anyoneintheCitycouldbeelectedtoholdtheofficeofMayororSheriff,anhonournowonlyaffordedtoelectedmembersofthecitycouncilfollowingreorganisationoflocalgovernment.
Headstone restoration
WBroJeffsdiedin1898inhisseventiethyearandwasburiedinHempstedChurchyard.WBroGordonlocatedthegraveandraisedfundstocleanuptheheadstone;(photosbelow,beforeandaftertherestoration).Youmaycontacthimforfurtherdetailedinformationandphotos.
W Bro Henry Jeffs
Inthepreviousissueofsquaretalk,thespecialhistoricallinkbetweenGloucesterlodgesandtheSheriffofGloucester’sChainofOfficewasreported.ItwasdonatedbybrotherFreemasonsin1883tothethenSheriff,WBroHenryJeffs.WearegratefultoWBroGordon WilliamsofRoyal Lebanon Lodgeforhisresearch.
The chain and badge . . . .
...are,aswewouldexpect,verysymbolic.Thechainismadeupofalternatelinksofgarterandshield,withmuralcrownsatthetopandblockscontainingemblemsoftheSherriff’soffice,comprisingswordandfasces,withaxeandmace.Thebadgeconsistsofthecityarmsandmotto.Everythingis18-caretgoldapartfromtheswordandaxes,whichareplatinum.
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Swan Song?W Bro Bernard Norton writes:
“WBroHarold FlookisaMasonwellknownintheProvince,particularlyatAvonmouth.Bornin1915,heisproudtocallhimselfaBristolian;itwasinthatcityhemadehimselfasuccessfulbusinessman.Heenteredthefamilybusinessasatraineeaccountantandeventuallytookover;expandingittosuchanextenthewasabletoretireat61. “InitiatedinMarch1954intotheSt Andrews Lodge,BroHaroldhaswrittenahistoryofMasonryatAvonmouthinwhichheindicatesthatthelodgemembersbuilttheMasonicHallthemselves,completingtheworkin1904,indicatedbyaplaqueatthetopofthebuilding.
WM at 80
“HebecameWMin1968andagainin1995,aged80.HewasalsothetreasurerandinvolvedintheHallCommittee.Notonetostandaround,BroHaroldbecameamemberoftheGloucestershire Installed Masters LodgeandwastheWMin1988.HewashonouredwiththerankofProvincialSeniorGrandWardenin1990.In2001,attheageof86,hebecameafounderoftheLodge of Light & Reflection,wherehewastheChaplainfor8years,retiringin2011. “InSeptember,alongwithothersrepresentingthelodgestowhichhebelonged,IwasinvitedtoafamilypartytocelebrateHarold’s96thyear.Itwasinterestingtomeetthefamilythatspansfourgenerations;Harold,hisdaughters,grandchildrenandthelatestgreat-grandson,onlythreeweeksold.
“BroHaroldisoneoflife’sgentlemenanditwasatthepartyheaskedifIwouldmindifhecametothenextmeetingoftheLodgeofLight&Reflection;astrangerequest,onemightthink!Hewas,afterall,stillinoffice.However,becauseofillness,hehadbeenunabletoattendmeetingsforoverayearandIhadhadtocover.Hedulyarrivedatthemeeting,againstdoctor’sorders,andperformedhisduties,word-perfectasusual,includingtheinnerworkingoftheInstallation. “HewasthankedbyVWBroColin Bendon,theDeputyProvincialGrandMaster,(picturedbelow),fortheworkhehaddoneforFreemasonryingeneralandAvonmouthinparticular.NotsurprisinglyBroHaroldleftearlyandwhisperedtome,‘Ithinkthisismyswansong.Idon’texpecttomakeanymoremeetings.’”
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Full Team at 75th Anniversary
Royal Arch celebration
ThefullProvincialExecutiveteamwasmusteredtocommemoratetheseventy-fifthanniversarymeetingoftheCotteswold Royal Arch ChapteratCirencester.TheywerenaturallyledbytheMostExcellentGrandSuperintendentofGloucestershireandHerefordshire,Graham King;photographedabovewiththeMEZ,ExCompDouglas Collett andSecondPrincipal,ExCompNigel Bridges.
Engraved gavel
OversixtymembersandguestswerepresenttoseetheMEZexalthisson,BroAndrew Collett,intoRoyalArchMasonry.Notcontenttojustsitandwatch,theProvincialGrandScribeE,ExCompRay Bennett,wasquicktoofferhissupporttofillthethirdchairwhentheChapterThirdPrincipalbecameilljustbeforethestartofthemeeting.Allthecompanionsthatattendedreceivedacopyoftheoriginalorderofservicefortheconsecrationmeetingheldonthe2ndOctober1936.ExCompPaul Turner,
theChapterScribeE,readoutasummaryoftheoriginalminutesandtheorationthatwasdeliveredattheconsecrationmeeting.TheMEGScongratulatedthechapteronits75thanniversaryandpresentedanengravedgaveltomarktheoccasion.ECompPaultoldsquaretalk,“Tocompletetheevening,theProvincialExecutive,visitorsandmembersweretreatedtoaspecialbanquetmealbasedontheconsecrationmenu;
theonlydifferencebeingthatthediningfeewasslightlymorethanthesevenshillingsandsixpencechargedin1936."
46 squaretalk
W J Moss Ltd Stonehouse
Tel : 01453 821185 Mobile : 07887 660712
or 07748 937351 http://www.wjmoss.co.uk
Teak is a very oily hard wood, which does not require any treatment to
extend the life of the product.
A beautiful silver grey, when left to weather or good as new with regular oiling.
Only sustainable Teak from government controlled, well managed
forests is used in our furniture and is kiln dried before construction so doesn’t warp.
BLESMA
Asanex-serviceman, Zetland LodgeWM,WBroGeorge Walker,(photoleft),chosetheBritishLimblessEx-ServiceMen’sAssociationasoneofhistwocharitiesforhisyear.Afterdisplayingmaterialatalodgefunction,CharitySteward,WBroLew Robins,(photoright),alsodecidedhewouldsimilarlyadoptBLESMAasoneofhistwocharitiesinhisroleasPresidentofhisBowlingAssociation.
“Stumped” for words!
Toawakeninterest,Chris Jones,theGloucestershireBLESMAWelfareRep,whohadlostalegattheageof18whilstservingwiththeRoyalSignals,wasinvitedtoZetland’sStGeorge’sDaylunch,togiveatalkonthehistoryandworkofBLESMA.SuchisthenatureofcheerfulChris,whosmilesthroughadversity,thathecreatedhise-mail
address“[email protected]”.Atthechequepresentation,heshowedhowhecouldturnhisartificiallegfromthekneedownaround180degrees,sothathisfootwaspointingbackwards!WBroLewnearlyfelloverwithshock...thiswasthefirsttimehe’dbeen“stumped”forwords!Atotalof£1300waspresentedtoBLESMAforwelfareandotherwork
withintheoldboundariesofGloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust
InadditiontoadonationtothePGM’s Discretionary Fund,anotherchequefor£500waspresentedtoWendyDavies(photobelow)oftheGloucestershireArthritisTrust,forextraequipmentandpooltimeatGloucesterRoyalHospital’sHydrotherapyPool.AlsopicturedwithWBroGeorgeisPhysiotherapyAssistant,JudiStrickland.
Half-legless visitor to Zetland!
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48 squaretalk
Sports Master!
London Marathon
2011wasaheavyyearforWBroDavid Michael,evenbyhisstandards.NotonlywasheinthechairofRichard Whittington Lodgeandconductinganinitiation,twopassingsandaraisinginaveryactiveseason,butinthespringhefulfilledanambitioninrunningtheLondonMarathon,(refreshingphotoabove).Hisfirsttargetwasofcoursetofinish,whichhedidintheentirelyrespectabletimeof6hrs11minsand42secs.Indoingso,heraisedwellover£3000forMasoniccharities.
Charity ride
WBroDavidwasnotlazyoverthesummerrecess,energeticallyraisingfundsforhisfavouritecharitybycyclingfromLondontoBrightonintheannualMasonicCharityRide.“IamdelightedtoannouncetomymanysupportersthroughouttheProvincethatthisyearIhaveincreaseddonationstotheWheelchair Support Charityto£4694.25;evenmorethanlastyear!”hetoldsquaretalk.“Thereisstillmoretocomefromafewlate-payers,sodopleasegetintouchwithmeandhonouryourpledge!”
Paralympics
“ThisisthefourthyearthatDavidhastakenpartinthisevent,”saidLodgeSecretary,WBroDick Blakemore.“Davidsaysthatitdoesn’tgetanyeasier.Thecharitythathesupportsprovidestheveryspecialwheelchairsthatchair-boundathletesneedtoparticipateintheirevents,leadingtotheParalympicGamestakingplaceinthesummer.“Justtofinishoffhishecticyearinoffice,”Dick
continued,“Davidhasannouncedhisengagementtobemarried!ThelodgeandallhisfriendsinFreemasonrycongratulatehimandJulieandwishthemwell.”
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49squaretalk
Do you have a spare room?
Letter from the Provincial Ambassador for the RMTGB
“ThiswastheposterthatcaughtmyeyeasIenteredtheChapterHouseatGloucesterCathedralrecently.TheProvincialGrandAlmoner,WBroMark Smith,andIhadbeenaskedtorepresenttheProvincialGrandMasterandtheProvinceatapresentationofNightstop,alocalcharityhelpingyoung,homelesspeople.TheCathedraleventwasfundedbytheGloucestershireMasonicCharityAssociationandwaslively,wellplannedandveryinformative. “NotonlywerethePatron,ChairmanandTrusteestheretogreetus,whichtheydidsowarmly,butalsosomeofthemanyyoungsters(referredtoasNightstoppers)whothecharityhashelpedsofar.WealsometthefamilieswhosonoblyhosttheseNightstoppersforone,twoormorenightsuntiltheygetbackontheirfeet.
Astonished!
“EachNightstopperhadadifferentstorytotell,butwewereastonishedbythenumberofyoungpeoplewhoarepropelledfromtheirfamilyhomeswhentheyreach16,withnomoneyandnomeansofsupportingthemselves.Familyargumentsoftenprecipitatetheirleavingandallitneedsisa
stablefamilyenvironmentwhereahotmeal,bathandacomfortablebedforthenightcandomuchtoalleviatetheproblemandgetthemtheadviceanddirectiontheyneedtopreventthemfromendinguponthestreets. “Therearetwofulltimemembersofstaffandoneparttime,withtherestoftheworkbeingcarriedoutbyvolunteers.ItistheirjobtoreceiveyoungsterswhoarereferredbySocialServices,thePoliceoreventheChurches.Theywillthenidentifyasuitable“host”familyandintroducethemtoeachotherafterobtainingtworeferencesfortheNightstopper.Thehostthendoestherestintheknowledgethatintheunlikelyeventofanyconcerns,theCharityTeamisonhand24/7toofferhelporplacethemelsewhere.TheNightstoppersareoftenmorenervousaboutenteringafamilyhomethanthehostsareatopeningtheirdoorstostrangers!AllthehostsreceivetrainingfromtheCharityinhowtodealwithyoungpeopleinsuchsituationsandoutofpocketexpensesforfood,hotwaterandaccommodation.WhattheyreallygainisagreatsenseoffulfilmentwhenaNightstopperissetontherighttrackagain. “Thischarityisoneoperating‘undertheradar’ofmostofusandIcertainlyhadnoideaofitsexistenceuntilthatevening.ItiscertainlyworthyofourcontinuedsupportandhelpingyoungvulnerablepeopleinGloucestershireisafoundingprincipleoftheGloucestershireMasonicCharityAssociation.FurtherinformationaboutthegreatworkbeingcarriedoutbyNightstopcanbefoundatwww.gloucestershirenightstop.org.uk.”
W Bro Chris Ames
50 squaretalk
Gloucestershire Masonic Golf Society
GMGSCaptainforaverysuccessful2011wasBroMike JacquesofPrince of Wales Lodge,whichmeetsatStow-on-the-Wold.Hewasquicktoacknowledgethatsuccesshadbeenachievedbycamaraderieandteam-playfromacommittedmembership.Inencouragingnewmembership,BroMikeisinvitingallthoseGloucestershiregolfingmasonstoseriouslyconsiderjoiningthesocietyinordertoenjoyrewardingdaysout. “Handicapsarevaried,tosaytheleast.Sodonotbeputoffifyouthinkyouarenotgoodenough”,saidBroMike.“Wealsohavelowhandicapplayers,soIalsoencouragethebetterplayerstoconsiderjoining.Thecostsforadayoutareveryreasonableindeedasnegotiationswithexcellentgolfcourseshavegoneverywell.Youwillenjoyverygooddinnersafterplay;butalsothefriendliestofatmospheresamongusall.Theannualfeeforthisisjust£12.Forthisweadministerandarrangetendifferentvenues,sixofwhichareplayedagainstotherprovinces. “Thisyearstartedwiththein-houseNorth/SouthShield,playedatBurford.WethenplayedBristolProvinceatBristolandClifton,ouronlylossoftheyear!
WeplayedSomersetatCotswoldEdgeandatlasttooktheirtrophyhome.Theircaptaindidmentionthathewouldnowbeabletogethiscarinhisgarage.(Itisaverylargetriple-handledcider!) “WehadasocialdayatMinchinhamptoninvitingguestsandladiestojoinus.TheKeene&StonesalverwaswonbyBrosMikeParkin,MartinHexter,GeorgeParsonsandRoyMarklove.TheladywinnerswereOliveWyatt,PatSpencerandPatCrawford.ThereafterweplayedandbeatMonmouthshireatStPierre;aspectacularresultforus!NextwasHerefordshireatCotswoldHills.
Winning year for Golf Society
51squaretalk
Theymusthavethoughttheywouldretainthetrophyasthey'forgot'tobringitwiththem.A5-1win!
Miguel Jiminez shirt
“ThreecupswerefoughtoveronCaptain'sandPresident'sDay.WeraisedmoneywhichhasbeendividedequallybetweenthePGM'sDiscretionaryFundandDreamflight,acharitywhichwasessentiallysetuptochartera747fromBAtotakechildren,whohavenorealprospectofqualityoflife,offtoDisneyworldforonememorableholidaywiththeirvolunteercarersandnursesetc.ThemainraffleprizewasaRyderCupshirtdonatedandsignedbyMiguelJiminez. “NextwasawaytoWiltsand,withthesunonourbacks,webroughthomethesilver.Aswellassharingtheraffleproceedsforprovincialcharities,theircaptainalsopresentedagavelasakeepsake. “ThenwecometoourAGM,followinganopportunitytoplaytheexcellentchampionshipcourseatChippingSodbury.TheProvincialGrandMasterpresidedovertheevening.(Hehadmanagedtoplaywiththesameballthisyear!)Fivetrophieswereawarded;tonametwo,theListerSalverwaswonbyWBrosRoger DakinandBroPhil Prescott.TheYeoCupwaswonbyWBroBrian Gargett,whowillbethenextViceCaptain.Wewereabletodonate£220tothePGMforhisfund.
54 on the course
“ThefinalmatchoftheyearwasatCirencester,againstWorcestershire.Nolessthan54playersonthecoursesawthematchhalved.“2012promisestobeeasilyasenjoyable.TheCaptainwillbeBroDavidLomax.(He’sonmyleftinthephotoontheoppositepage.)Weare
continuingtoensurethateveryonewhowishestogoonaparticulardaymaydosoandtheywillgetagame.Wefeelthatthisassurancewaswhywehadsuchgoodattendancesin2011. “Iwouldliketothankallourmembershipfortheirteamworkinmaking2011suchamemorablysuccessfulyear.” Thosereadersandgolferswhowishtojointhisillustrioussocietywillfindawelcome.YouwillneedtobeisasubscribingmemberofaGloucestershirelodge.Afewclubsandatleastoneballmayalsobeuseful!Youmaycontacttheadministrator,WBroMichael Stevens,'Bramley',LawrencesMeadow,Gotherington,Cheltenham,GL529UH,[email protected].
The Masons ArmsA Free House
Paul, Kay & Staff welcome all customers
A Traditional English PubOpen all day . . . . every day!
Mon – Sat from 11 am Sun from 12 noon
6 Real Ales always availableTraditional Pub Food served Tue to Sat
Hot and Cold Bar Meals available from midday
124 Park Road, Stapleton, BristolTel: 0117 939 3919
52 squaretalk
Gloucester
WBroJohn HopkinsoftheOperative Masons Lodge,
placesonrecordmore of the story ofthetempleinGloucester.“Thebuildingisaformerhotelandisnotthatancient;althoughagreatmanyofthetimbersare.ThehotelproprietorwantedalargersuiteoffunctionroomsandtookthetimbersfromarowofcottagesatQuedgeley,re-erectingthemintheirpresentsituation.Indeed,closeinspectionrevealsthattheydonotbelonginthepositionswheretheystand.WhenthehotelwasintheownershipofBroCyrilRich,hegavethewholebuildingtoMasonryforapeppercornfee.Thisstorywaspassedontomeaslongagoas1953byacraftsmanwhoworkedontheproject.”
H4H
AttheTraditionalChristmasDinnerofOld Patesians Lodge,TheWM,WBroRobert Ward,presentedachequefor£600toSergeantFisheronbehalfofHelpforHeroes.Theeveningwasattendedbylodgemembers,
theirladiesandguests,whowerewelcomed
intothehistoriclodgeroomatPortlandStreet,tobegivenashorthistoryofthebuildingbyWBroNigel Greenwood,followedbyexcellentfareandcarols,ledasalwaysfromthefrontbyWBroGeorge Lee.
Skittles
Over40brethrenwithwives,partnersandfriendsenjoyedasplendidevening,brilliantlyorganisedbyBroRichard Bryant andstaffattheUnitedServicesClubinCheltenham,ontheoccasionoftheannualskittlesmatchbetweenManor of Ashley Lodge andSudeley Castle Lodge. ThephotoshowstheMOAWM,WBroAlan Woodman,receivingthewinners’tankardfromhisoppositenumber,WBroJames Stubbs.ThematchproperwasoverseenbyWBroMaitland Cook who,despiteseveralmathematicalmiscalculations,couldnotcontriveawinforhisownlodge! Variousfundraisingactivitiesrealised£320,which,splitbetweenthelodges,gotocharitiesoftheWMs’choices.
Lodge of Rugby
DiscussionsareunderwaytoformanewGloucestershirelodgeaimedatrugbyenthusiasts. Ifitappealstoyou,pleaseregisterthatinterestwiththeProvincialOffice.
Shorts!
53squaretalk
Advertisement
54 squaretalk
“Fellowship Meeting” at H&C
bytheProvincialGrandMasterandabouttwentyofhisactiveofficersforthecurrentseason;andthirdly,thededicationofnewprincipallodgeofficers’aprons. The“fellowshipmeeting”normallyprovidestheProvincialGrandMasterandhisactiveofficersanopportunityforR&R(asocialnightout)intheirhecticcalendar.Onthisoccasion,however,withadutyinthe
formofthepresentationanddedicationofthenewlodgeaprons,itmeantthatRWBroAdrian Davies,togetherwiththeProvincialDirectorofCeremonies,SwordBearerandStandardBearers,hadlittlerespite.Thiswasrectifiedatthefestiveboardlater! Thespin-offforthelodgeinhostingsuchameetingensuresaverybusyeveningandithelpssupportthoselodges
Unique!
AfulltempleatStapletonwasthesettingforthisuniqueNovembermeetingfortheLodge of Harmony & Concord.Itwasimportanttothelodgeforthreeespecialreasons;firstly,therewastheinitiationofBroDes Holl;secondly,theywerehostingavisitfromthe“ProvincialFellowship”,led
55squaretalk
whichmaybefindingdevelopmentdifficultinpresenttimes.ForHarmony&Concord,thePGMwasclearlyimpressedwhenheinformedtheWorshipfulMaster,WBroLes Bendall,howhappyhewastoseethetempleandfestiveboardsowellattended.
New finery
Thededicationandpresentationofthenewprincipalofficers’apronstotheLodgewasasaresultofdonationsfromthecurrentWM,theSeniorWarden,BroPeter ColesandtheJuniorWarden,BroReynold Badger.
Theprincipalofficers’apronswillbepassedontotheincomingofficersforthefollowingyearateachInstallationmeeting.Eachapronhasamedallioninthecentrewiththelodgenameandnumberandintheverycentretheemblemsofthesquare,thelevelandtheplumbruleasappropriate. Theaprons,(suppliedbyWBroChesney PriceatMasonicRegaliaSales),markanotherstepintherefreshingofthelodgeregalia,sincemanyoftheitemsdatedbacktotheinaugurationofthelodgein1966.
Provincial WebsiteFor submitting articles to
www.glosmasons.org.ukplease contact:
W Bro Phil Clements
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01453 732035
15
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ORDER FORM Your Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Your Tel: ……………………………………. No. of SINGLE tickets @ £10.00 each …… No. of FAMILY tickets @ £25.00 each (2 adults + Children under 14 years) ...…. Cheque enclosed for: ………………………(the usual garden admission fee has been waived)
Please enclose a stamped S.A.E. for the return of your tickets Please make cheque payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”. Send to : Philip Waring, 18 Deverose Court, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3SW. Tel: 0117 9605413.
Come and enjoy a
Family Day at Highnam SATURDAY 16th JUNE 2012 – 2.30pm to 8.00pm
In support of the PGM’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal Highnam Court, Highnam, Gloucester GL2 8DP - www.highnamcourt.co.uk
Join the Provincial Executive and the Festival Team for arelaxing afternoon in the stunning gardens of Highnam Court. Enjoy strawberries and cream with a glass of bubbly between strolling through the gardens, enjoying a family picnic in sumptuous surroundings with fine musical entertainment by the renowned tenor Tim Pitman and of course visiting the bar.
Highnam Court (just 2 miles west of Gloucester) is a Grade I listed mansion built in 1658 and surrounded by fine landscaped gardens, including four lakes, rockeries, a fernery, knot garden, a one acre rose garden and fine lawns. It was once the home of Sir Hubert Parry, the composer of “Jerusalem” and the present owner has restored the Victorian gardens and increased their size to 40 acres. Tim Pitman