The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire · PDF fileThe Magazine for...
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squaretalk The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire Autumn 2012
Transcript of The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire · PDF fileThe Magazine for...
squaretalkThe Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire
Autumn 2012
squaretalk2
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
Controversy . . . squaretalkneverintendstobecontroversial,butatinyarticleinthespringissueaboutthehistoryofthehallinGloucestercertainlyprovokedsomevigorousdebatebehindthescenes.Mythanksgotoanumberofbrethrenwhosentmassesofinformationonthesubject.Thematterissetstraightonpagep24,whereyoucanalsoreadabouttheresidentghost!
Cover . . .ThefrontcovershowsBroColinJohnsonhelpingchildreninMalawi.Thefullstoryisontheoppositepage.
This issue . . . Talkingaboutwhatgoesonbehindthescenes,dotakealookatp52andthebrethrenwhoturnyouritemsintofinishedarticles.Again,wehavesomefascinatingfeaturesinthisissueonsuchdiversethingsasfishingatthesouthern-mosttipofSouthAmerica,aLadies’NightatLeMoulinRougeandlodgevisitstoCardiff,NorfolkandRome. Wereport(p46)onthecathedralservice,whichoncemoreattractedover800brethren.SimilarlypopularwasPGL,withover500brethrenattending.Theywererewardedwithamuch-relaxedday.Seep42,wheretherulersshowthattheycanalsomakefreemasonryfun! WemeetthenewProvincialWardensonp48and49,whodiscovertheyhavesharedinterestsinrugbyandfinewine.
LooktothecentrepagesforinformationaboutFestivalFocus;thenturntothebackpageforthebookingform.YouwillneedtobequicktoensureyourplaceatthebanquetinFebruary.
Charity . . . GCFLocalgrantshavebeenmadetothirteencharitiesfromtheProvincialGrandMaster’sEndowmentFundinconjunctionwithGloucestershireCommunityFoundation.Youcanreadaboutninesuchgrantsonp7.
Advertising . . . ThanksgotoWBroSimon Waringandhisteamforgatheringintheadvertising,whichmakesthepublicationofthismagazinepossible.
Contributions . . . Ifyouhaveapotentialarticle,whichiseitherverylengthyorneedsimmediatepublicity,consideradditionallycontactingWBroPhilClementsforuploadingtotheProvincialwebsite. WehaveanewProvincialInformationOfficer,WBroDerekGunningham,(seep10),whomayalsobeabletohelpyouinpublicisingyourevent. Asalways,mythanksaredirectedtowardsyou,Brethren.ThisisyourmagazineandIcontinuetobeoverawedbythequalityofthearticlessubmitted.Pleasekeepthemcoming!
Dick Smith
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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
Butterfly Space ~ Malawi
Overseas work
Afterretiringfromtheelectronicsindustry,BroColin JohnsonofOrpheus Lodgedecidedhewantedtodosomeoverseasaidwork.“IgotinvolvedwiththeThornbury-basedcharity,ButterflySpace,”saidBroColin.“IaskediftherewasanythingIcoulddoandtheytoldmeaboutaperformingstagetheywantedtobuildforthechildreninMalawi.” Butterfly-Spaceisacommunityvolunteerprojectwithadualpurpose.Itprovidesabaseforcommunityoutreachforyouthandeducationprojectsandisalsoabackpackers'lodge. “IheldaracenightinOldburytoraisethe£500neededforthestageproject.However,itprovedsosuccessfulthatmorethan£1,000wascollectedandIwasabletogotoMalawisixmonthsearlierthanoriginallyplanned.IspentamonthinNkhataBayinthenorthdoingbuildingwork. “IwassomovedbytheexperiencethatIreturnedtohelpwithanotherbuildingproject;akitchenforalocalchildren’snursery.
Phenomenon!
“Thepovertywasoverwhelming.Itwasarealeye-opener,saidColin.“PeoplearelivingwithHIV;thelifeexpectancyforanadultmaleisonly42,sotheydon’tplanforthefuture.Iwasconsideredabitofaphenomenonbeingover60andstillfitandactive!IamalwayslookingforwaystofocusothersontheplightofthepeopleinAfrica.”
Porridge
Thispicture(below)showsfiftychildreneatingvitaminenhancedporridgebeingservedfromthenewkitchenBroColinbuilt.
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The Outreach Team
Evenwiththeraindrip-dripping,theOutreachmarqueeisdoingwhatissaysonthetin;“IncreasingtheAwarenessofFreemasonryintheCommunity”. TheteamwasfacedwithveryheavyrainandhighwindsatthefirstshowoftheyearatHighnamCourtSpringFair.Theweatherwassobadthattheseconddayoftheeventwascancelledbytheorganisers.Itwas,however,stillconsideredasuccessasmanycameinoutoftheraintoaskaboutFreemasonry. ThenextshowwastheWinterbourneDownStreetFairwherethetable-topPosterDisplayneededtobecoveredinplasticsheetingtokeepofftherain.Theteamandvolunteerswereundaunted;thequestionswerevariedandinteresting.Despitetheveryheavyrainalltheprecedingweek,whenthemarqueewasdeployedatthe“PrestburyJubileeCelebrations”,theweatherwasperfect;norain,warmandgoodcrowdscelebratingtheQueen’sJubilee.Itwasagreatsuccess;manypeople,maleandfemale,showingaverykeeninterestinFreemasonry. Althoughouraimisnottorecruit,wehadanumberofvisitorsveryinterestedinjoining.DetailsweretakenandhavebeenpassedontotheAreaMembershipStewardandProvincialGrandMentorforfollowup.
Flying the flag ~ rain or shine
Shouldanybrotherwishtovolunteertohelpatoneofourfutureevents,orwouldlikeustoattendalocalvillagefêtenearyou,pleasecontactWBrosClive [email protected] West [email protected]
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Royal Gloucestershire Lodge
ThisancientlodgechosetheatmosphericsettingofGloucesterCathedral’sChapterHouselastyeartocelebratethe150thanniversaryofitsdedication. Butitlookstowardsthemodernneedsofsocietyinitscharitableworks.WBroJim Proctor,theWMinthatsignificantyear,raised£2000forGEAR,acharitywhichsupportshomelesspeopleinGloucestershire. Thisyear’smaster,WBroAndy Fautley,isfollowingthetrend,supportingthePiedPiperAppeal,whichhelpssickchildrenintheprovince. Photosshowingsomeofthepreparationsforlastyear’seventhavejustsurfaced.Underspecialdispensation,thelodgereceivedtheProvincialRulers,along
Modern day challenges for ancient lodge
Gloucestershire Masonic Society
withnumerousdistinguishedguests,forwhatwasamemorableoccasion. Inrecognitionofthemilestone,brethrenheardareadingoftheConsecrationMinutesof12thApril1861.Itwashearteningtonotethatthelodgefurnitureandjewelsinusetodaywerepresentedonthatnight.Significantattentionwaspaidbytheirforebearstothecorrectanddetailedmanagementofsubsequentdiningarrangements!
Tyler’s sword
ThelodgewasalsoverypleasedtodedicateanewTyler’ssword,procuredbyBroRobin Hale.Thissplendidandimpressiveweaponisastraight-bladed,three-quarterbaskethiltswordthathasbeentheregulationarmforofficersofthelineinfantryoftheBritishArmysince1897.MadebyWilkinsonofLondon,itwasacceptedbytheCrownAgentsincoronationyear,1953.ItwasheldbytheLightDivisionuntilamalgamationwiththeGloucestershireRegimenttoform‘theRifles’andatthatstagewasreleasedbytheCrown. “Perhapsmoreimportantly,”saidBroJames Walker,“italsobringstousalinkwiththecountywhichis,naturally,soimportanttotheRoyalGloucestershireLodge.
Rejuvenation!TheGMSisenjoyinganewleaseoflife,havingrelocatedthebooksandrecordsatWottonMasonicHall. ThereisaninterestingprograminstoreincludingaMasonicGuidedTourofBathCityonSaturday29-Sep;a“Development
ofFreemasonry”talkon17-Jan;andan“awarenesswalk”inMay2013,whenwehopetoinvolveover100participants. Brethrenwishingtojoinintheactivitiesarewelcome.Membershipismerely£5perannum.ContactviathePresident,WBroGeorge Jacko,tel:01242245695.
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Ladies’ Night in Paris
TheWMofStaple Hill Lodge,WBroTrevor Merrett,(picturedright)wantedsomethingdifferentforhiswifePaulina’sLadiesFestivalWeekend.SowhatbetterthanatriptogayParis...atourof
thecity,aSeinedinner-cruiseandtablesatLeMoulinRouge? TheweekendstartedearlyFridaymorningwithachampagnebreakfast.
Le Moulin Rouge pour les femmes!
NodelaysandthepartyarrivedsafelyattheirParishotel.Theaccommodationandfoodprovedtobeexcellent,andsome
wererelievedthatthebardidoccasionallyclose!VIPtablesatthefamousRedWindmillweretheorderoftheeveningandmorechampagne.....whatafantasticshow!Saturdaywasspenttakinginthesights.ItwasallroundedoffwithasuperbdinnerontheSeineaboardoneoftheBateauxParisiens.Aswellashavingasplendidyear,thelodgeraised£3,500forTheRainbowCentreinBristol.
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More GCF Freemasons Fund GrantsWBroGordon Cole,GCFTrustee,reportsafurther£14,819hasbeendistributed.FulldetailsareontheProvincialwebsite.
Manor Day Centre,Winterbourne: £710 Anentirelyvoluntary-rungroupforthebenefitofelderlyanddisabledpeople,thishelpedtowardsasummerouting.
The Door Youth Project, Stroud: £2000 Thegrantprovidedhardwearingfloorcoveringandsoundproofingmusicstudiowallsatthedrop-incentreforlocalyoungpeople.
Age Concern, Forest of Dean: £1250 Thisfundedtheservicesofvolunteerswhoareexpandingthebefriendingserviceforisolatedelderlypeopleinthisruralarea.
Tongues of Fire Youth Theatre, Mitcheldean: £2000 Supportingtwoperformances,thusgivingconfidencetodisadvantagedyoungpeopleandthosewithspecialneeds.
Gloucester Blazers Wheelchair Basketball: £2000 Onaverage,25disabledmembersmeetweeklytobecoachedbyGloucesterCollegestaff.Thisgrantwillhelpstagematches.
Gloucester City Swimming Club: £1956 Thiswillassistinmeetingvolunteers’expensesforcompetitionsandtrainingsessionsforthisclubwhichcatersfor8to18year-olddisabledswimmers.
Cirencester Opportunity Group: £2000 Agranttosustainspecialistserviceforthispre-schoolgroupforchildrenwithspecialneeds.
Cinderford Artspace: £1990 10weeksofartactivityforolderpeoplewithagerelatedillnessand/ordisability.
Family Space, Hesters Way, Cheltenham: £913 ThegrantwillsupportthedevelopmentoftheBefriendersSchemeforfamiliesexperiencingmanyformsofdeprivation.
Grant applications Grantapplicationsareconsideredtwiceayear.Thedeadlineforreceiptofthenextroundofapplicationsis19-Sep-12forconsiderationinNovember. SeetheGloucestershireCommunityFoundationwebsitewww.gloucestershirecommunityfoundation.co.uk,orcontactGailMattocks,GrantsDevelopmentManager,on01452656386fordetailsofthegrantcriteria.
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Scouting over the Cotswolds Flying high
ThenexttimeyouareintheCotswoldsandgazeskywardatthosegracefulgliderssoaringat1600feet,considerthattheremaybesomeyoungsteruptheregettinghisorherfirsttasteofflight,allbecauseoneofyourbrethrenhelpedmakeithappen. AsGroupChairmanofthe11thBristolAirScouts,theonlyAirScoutunitintheoldCountyofAvonregion,BroIan Whittern(photobelow)ofHambrook Lodge,makesithisobjectivetogetairborneasmanyaspossiblescoutsof11yearsandolderandwishingtofly. AllthisisnotcheapandBroIanconstantlyneedstofindwaysofraisingthenecessaryfunding. “Wehaveourowngroupof60Beavers,Cubs,ScoutsandExplorerScouts/youngleaders,”saidBroIan.“Whenfundsallow,wetrytosubsidiseflights,particularlyforthosefromfamilieswhofacefinancialchallenges.Weneedaminibustogettheyoungsterstotheairfieldandhavingbeenforcedtoretire‘TrustyRusty’,whofailedherMOT,wewereforcedtotakeouta£1000loantobuyherreplacement. “WeflywiththeCotswoldGlidingClubandhavesofarthisyearsecuredover300flyingplacesforthoseeligibletofly;manyflightsbeingtakenupbyscoutingunitsintheSouthGloucestershireRegion. “Recently,1stLittleStokeScoutsjoinedthe11thatAstonDown.Thebeamingsmilesofjoywereafittingrewardforallof
thoseworkingbehindthescenesorganisingthisactivity.Thepilotslettheyoungstersflythemselveswithminimalhelp.Thatcanbearealconfidence-boosting,life-changingexperience.”
300 kphTonyParkerandclubchairmanDarellTuckertooktherecentgroupflyingin16metrewingspandualtrainers.“Theyusethepowerfulsky-launchwinchtogetairborne;thecablerunsthelengthofthemile-longrunway,”saidBroIan.“Thesegliderslaunchatupto50knotsandreachspeedsof300kph.” TheairfieldnearStroudwasfirstdevelopedforusebytheAustralianFlyingCorpinWWIandwasthenknownasMinchinhampton.
Mikecomingintoland
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New Provincial Information Officer says . .
W Bro Derek Gunningham
“Brethren,IwelcomethisopportunitytointroducemyselftoyouasthenewlyappointedPIOfortheProvinceofGloucestershire. “IassumemanyofyouwillremembermefromthedaysthatIwaspleasedtoservetheprovinceasJuniorWarden,DeputyDirectorofCeremoniesandmyfirstappointmentasProvincialGrandSwordBearer.Thosedaysnowseemlonggone,buttheyweredaysthatIwillpersonallyrecallwithgreatpride.NowIhaveanewresponsibility!
What does it entail?
“ItwasaquestionIaskedmyselfwhenIacceptedthistask,admittedlywithslightapprehension;butIdorelishachallenge.Thereisnodoubtthatwehaveanestablishedchainofcommunicationwithintheprovincewhichalreadyprovidesinformation,butbrethren,thereisalwaysroomforimprovement.OneofthefirstenquiresImadewastoourwebsiteandIwassurprisedtoseethatthereareanumberoflodgeswhodonotmakefulluse.Theinformationthatisplacedonyourlodgewebsiteisnotdisseminatedtothegeneralpublic,butistheretoinformlodges/brethrenthroughouttheprovince
ofevents,achievementsandgeneralinformation.Iwouldurgealllodgestoupdatetheirsitesandtomaximisethespaceavailable.Rememberbrethren,wecannotreceiveinformationifwedonothavecommunication.Thatsaid,IamawarethatallcommunicationshavetoaccordwiththepracticesgenerallyacceptedbyUGLEandtheguidancenotesissuedbyourProvincialGrandMaster.Ifthereareanyconcernsonthispoint,Iamheretobehelp. “Thereare,ofcourse,manyotherPIOduties.IamchargedbythePGM,viaourAPGM,todeliverhigh-qualityinternalandexternalcommunicationswithinthepolicieslaiddown.Further,ImustliaisewithUGLEPRandUGLECharitiesDepartmentstocommunicateaccomplishmentsand,inturn,communicatetheirinformationtorelevantaudiences.
Assistance necessary
“IhavetorespondtonegativeoradversestatementsonFreemasonryinconsultationwiththePGMandtheProvincialGrandRegistrarandtoencouragemediaandothercoverageofMasonicandnon-Masonicevents,sothatthereisaregularflowofnewsandinformationtotheprovincialwebsiteandsquaretalkeditor.Thiscanbeimmenselyenhancedwithassistancefromyou,thebrethrenofourwonderfulprovince. “Inending,brethren,weallhaveadutytopromotethegoodofFreemasonry.Afterall,whyelsewouldwehavejoinedthisfraternity?I’msuremostofuswillbefamiliarwiththewords,‘toprovetotheworldthehappyandbeneficialeffectsofourAncientInstitution.’ “Brethren,Ithankyouforthetimeinreadingthisintroduction.” WBroDerekcanbecontactedviatheProvincialOffice,[email protected],orphone01934852811.
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New Provincial Information Officer says . .
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Making hospital treatment more “bearable!”
Cirencester
TheverysuccessfulTeddies for Loving CareinitiativecontinuesonwithmoreMinorInjuryUnitsvisitedanddulystocked.AtCirencester(top),10-montholdZaraDaniellaDadanPolefindsherselfsurroundednotonlybyteddies,butalsotheRWProvincialGrandMaster Adrian DaviesandtheProvincialGrandAlmonerMark Smith;allsupervisedbyDebbieSimmonds,theMIUTeamLeader.Press coverage
Inastatementtothelocalpress,RWBroAdriansaid,“ThepurposeistorelievedistressinyoungchildrenadmittedtotheMIUsandtoactasacomfortertoassiststaffintreatingyoungpatients.Insomecases,veryyoungchildrenhavebeenknowntopointtothepartofthebearwhichhurtsonthemselves.WehavebeenrunningapilotschemeinTetburysinceMaylastyear.ItisourintentiontoprovidebearstoallMIUsinthecountyformanyyearstocome.”
Yate
“WearemostgratefultothelocalFreemasonsforthisgenerousdonation.Itwillbeareallybighelpincomfortingyoungchildrenwhocomeineithersickorinjuredandmaybeupsetorcrying.Iamsuretheywillprovideagreatdistraction.”SosaidPeterJames,MatronatYateMIU,whenreceivingtheTLCteddies;picturedbelowwithnursingstaff.
Tewkesbury
Earlier,thedonatingduovisited10-yearoldBenThomasatTewkesburyMIU.Hehadjusthadhisanklex-rayedfollowingafootballinjuryatschool.NursePractitioner,TracyCritchley,picturedbelowleft.
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Dilke
TheRWProvincialGrandMasterwasnextatDilkeHospital(above)inCinderford,picturedherewithMandyHamptonofMatronForestHospitals,RobertYoung(ChairmanofLeagueofFriends)andWendyLiddington(EmergencyNursePractitioner).
Lydney
Finally,MaryHamptonjoinedtheRWBroAdrianandnursingstaffatLydney(below). “TheenterprisehascapturedtheimaginationnotonlyofthevariousMIUs,butalsolocalcouncillorsandthepress,”WBroMarktoldsquaretalk.
103 mile trek for ‘Children with Cancer’ Bro Andy Large . . .
....ofHambrook LodgehaswalkedShropshire’s103-mile‘JackMyttonWay’infivedays,collectingaround£1500for‘ChildrenwithCancer’. “Igotjustoneblister,onday-one.Itwasquitetoughattimes,butthemessagesfrombrethrenandfriendskeptmegoingatlowpoints,”saidBroAndyafterwards.“Thanksagaintothosethathavesponsoredme.Togetherwewillhavemadeadifferencetosomepoorchild'smisfortune.”
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H&C “End of Term” Charity Distribution
Second term
WBroLes Bendall,(below),admittedhewasprivilegedtobeservingHarmony & ConcordLodgeasWorshipfulMasterforasecondyear,andsotooktheopportunityathisreinstallationmeetingtopresenttheProvincialGrandMaster,RWBro Adrian Davies,withfurtherchequestotalling£3,000forhisGloucestershireCharitiesAppeal. Sincethen,afurther£500hasbeendonatedtoStPeter’sHospiceand£500totheFrenchayAfterBurnsChildren’sClub.Plannedforthenext“gentlemen’sevening”,willbe£1,000tobedonatedtoBLESMA,in
memoryofWBroNoel O’DriscollofTyndall Lodge,whowasagoodfriendoftheWM.
Stewards on parade
InadditiontothelargeProvincialturnoutforthisinstallationmeetingitalsoattractedanumberofgroups;notleastthose“senior”brethrenfromtheProvincialGrandStewards’Lodge;guestsofBroJoe Kendall(aboveright).Brethrenofthe2011Masters’Circlewereverymuchinevidenceshowingofftheirnewcufflinks,tieclipsandlapelbadges,producedbyW
BroIan DavisofGloucestershire Round Table Lodge. The“poorfarmers”oftheGloucestershire Lodge of Agriculture(ooh-aaar!)wereoverheardlamentingtheirmisfortunesinlife,whilstsimultaneouslyextollingthevirtuesoffinewinesandextravagantfood. NodoubtasheandthePGMaremembers,WBroLessaid,“Oh,andiftheRoyal Lodge of Faith and Friendshipdon’tgetamention,thenthe‘hornandpoker’mightgetwarmedup!”
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Annual function
HeldattheBerkeleySocialClub,inattendanceweretheProvincialGrandMaster,Adrian Davies,andwifeAngela,AssistantProvincialGrandMaster,Gordon Cole andwifeBeryl,andtheorganiser,theProvincialGrandAlmoner,Mark Smith,togetherwithhiswifeLisa. Over100ladieswereinattendance;treatedtoasplendidlunchandroyallyentertainedbyWBroDave Wells onguitar,amemberofCotteswoldLodge.
WBrosJim Battersby(Royal Agricultural College Lodge)and Ray Nicholas(Cotteswold Lodge).
Provincial Widows’ Summer Luncheon
Duringthisthoroughlyenjoyableafternoon,WBroJohnWilliams,DevelopmentDirectorfortheMasonicSamaritanFund,gaveastimulatingtalkon“FreemasonryCares”.
Wotton Friends
Thewaitresses,asalways,werethe“WottonFriends”who,givingtheirtimefreeofcharge,receivedadonationfromboththewidowsandtheProvincefortheCotswoldCareHospice. Thestewards,WBrosFrank Crossland,Alan Dolman,John CantyandPeter Rowe wereprovidedbyEarl Bathurst Lodge,withassistancefrom
RWBroAdrianaddressedthewidows,towhichDaphneHattersley(above),ChairladyoftheCheltenhamWidowsBranch,responded.
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90th birthday ~ week-long celebrations!
W Bro Dennis Gould . . . .
......ofDownend Lodge,isthemostseniorSeniorWardenintheProvince.OnStDavid’sDaythisyear,hecelebratedhis90thbirthdayasaguestatTyndall Lodge,(right,withWM,WBroPhil Trotman).Nolessthan23ofhisclosefriendssatwithhimatthefestiveboard.
ButthatwasjustoneofseveraleveningsduringtheweekthatWBroDenniswasoutonthecircuit,enjoyingthecompanyofbrethrenwhowerehonouringnotonlytheman,butthemanyyearsofservicehehasdevotedtoFreemasonry.
Hewasalsoseenonthetoptable(withWBrosDavid SullivanandDavid Durnford),atHambrook Lodge,ofwhichheisafounder,wherehisninetyyearswereregallyfeted.
Fifty years in Chapter
Alsoduringthesameweek,atKingswood Chase Chapter,theMostExcellentGrandSuperintendent,Graham King,presentedExCompDenniswithacertificatetomarkthecompletionof50yearsinthechapterintowhichhewasexaltedinMay1960. Atrulyunforgettableweek!
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MS help from OrpheusChildrenLadies’ Night draw
TheraffleatahugelysuccessfulOrpheus LodgeLadies’NightraisedfundsfortheGloucesterMultipleSclerosisTherapyCentre.ThecharityislocatedatGoodridgeAvenueinthecity.WMatthetimewasWBroPhil Jenkinson,andhiswifeLiz,(picturedbelowwithtwohappypatients),choseacauseclosetoherheart;hermotherinNorthernIrelandsuffersfromMS. WBroPhilandLiz,accompaniedbyWBroJohn Thurston,PastAsstPGM,attendedattheCentretopresentachequefor£1750. Thelocalpressalsocamealongtocoverthepresentationontheday.Thecentrehasbeeninexistencesince1985andiswhollyfundedbyprivatedonations.Thoseattendingreceivecounselling,massages,physioandoxygentherapy,amongstothertreatments. ThedonationwasreceivedbyMarionHirlehey,theCentreManager,whoisphotographedaboveattheoxygentherapymachine.“It’sveryhi-tech,butexpensivetorun,shesaid.“Wereceiveno
fundingfromeitherGovernmentortheNHS,sowerelyondonationsfromthepublictomaintaintheseservicestothelocalcommunitywhosufferfromMS.”
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Kipling delight for Stroud MasonsStroud excursion
TherewasatreatinstorewhenErgonLodge,whichmeetsatGreatQueenStreet,threwopenitsdoorstoMasonsfromStroud(andafewbeyond),plusladiesandnon-Masons. WBroChris AmesistheStroudAreaCoordinatorforMembershipandRetention.HismotherlodgeisErgon.Whobetterthentoorganisethetrip?44clamberedaboardthecoachtoLondon,wheretheywerejoinedby56moreguestsfromotherpartsofthecountry! Anas-alwaysfascinatingtourofFreemasons’Hallwastimedtocoincidewiththeendoflodgebusinessandthenon-MasonswerethenwelcomedintothelodgeroombytheWM,WBroPeterAshdown. Theoccasionwaspurelyaregularmeeting,butastherewasnocandidate,thelodgehademployedtheservicesofaprofessionalactor,whoentertainedwiththelifeofRudyardKipling.
WBroChrisfirstlygavetheassembledcompanyashortexplanationofthelodgeroomandthesignificantfurniture,theofficersandtheirregalia. Suchwastheskillandoratoryoftheactor,GeoffHutchinson,“Youcouldhaveheardapindrop”,saidChrisafterwards.Hewasdramaticinhispresentation,mixinghisownwordswiththepoetryofthatmasterofverse.
Grand Connaught Rooms
Thetalkover,alladjournedtotheGrandConnaughtRooms,whereareceptionwas
followedbyawell-receivedfestiveboard.Toastswerelimited,butinresponsetothattothevisitors,MrsEveClementsgaveashortaccountofherexperiencesasapupilattheMasonicSchoolforGirls.HerspeechcleverlyputintocontextmuchofwhathadbeenheardbythegroupduringtheafternoonrelatingtotheprinciplesofMasonry...brotherlylove,reliefandtruth!
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Paying tribute to an innovatorW Bro Colin Bryant
Earlierthisyear,theProvincewassaddenedbythesuddendeathofabrotherwhowasbothinnovativeandpopular.WBroColinBryanthadbeenAssistantProvincialGrandMasterfrom1994to1997andwaspersonallyknowntomanythroughoutthisProvinceandnationally.AlthoughColinandhiswifePatmovedtoDevonsomeyearsago,hekeptintouchwithandretainedacloseinterestinhisGloucestershirefreemasonry.Hisfriend,WBroRichard GillettofImpeesaLodge,ofwhichColinwasaFoundermember,gavetheeulogy‘Colin as a freemason’toapackedcongregationatWhimpleCrematorium.
Introduction of Square Talk
WBroRichardrecountedmanyaspectsofColin'sdistinguishedmasoniccareer,inparticularhisroleinEducationandTrainingwhilstaProvincialRuler.OfparticularmentionwasColin’schairmanshipofasmallE&TCommittee,whichhenamed‘Genesis’,formedtointroducemanyinitiatives,notleasttheintroductionofthethen-quarterlynewsletter,‘SquareTalk’,undertheveryableeditorshipofWBroAdrian MooreofDownend Lodge.
Editor’s Note:
As a new freemason in the mid-90s, I fondly recall reading those early editions and being inspired by the activity going on beyond my own lodge. Since those early days, SquareTalk has developed and changed its style, but as the current editor, I share W Bro Richard’s salute with gratitude. The vision of W Bro Colin and his small team, who amongst their many accomplishments included the launching
of this publication, ensured that it has become very much part of the fabric of our Province.
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New Third Principal
Provincial Grand Chapter
RoyalArchMasonsofGloucestershireandHerefordshirewitnessedtheinvestitureofECompIan MoseleyasThirdProvincialGrandPrincipalattheannualceremonyheldinCheltenham(photographedaboveright)with,(LtoR)DeputyGrandSuperintendent,Tony Stock,MEGrandSuperintendentGraham King,andSecondProvincialGrandPrincipalJim Wiltshire.Over300companionsattendedontheday. Duringtheceremony,MECompGrahampaidtributetothesterlingworkcarriedoutbytheoutgoingThirdProvincialGrandPrincipal,ECompJon Wilsonduringhistermofoffice.
Air Ambulance
MECompGrahamsurprisedtheparticipants,(notleasttheTreasurer),whenhesuddenlyproducedandpresentedachequetoVWBroDavid Bowen,(belowleft),DeputyProvincialGrandMasterofHerefordshire,tobedonatedtothatProvince’spreferredcharity,theAirAmbulance. PicturedbelowrightisECompKeith Handley,ProvincialGrandStandardBearer,ondutyontheday.
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Ultimate Acclaim . . . . . at last! The Forester Today
HaditnotbeenreportedinlocalnewspaperThe Forester Today,theeffortsofthePastAssistantProvincialGrandMasteringainingevenfurtherfameandrecognitionintheForestmightneverhavecometothenoticeofhisbrethreninVassar-Smith Lodge! Themysterious“lurchingforward”ofaPorscheCayman,onemighthaveconsidered,tobewellwithinthehandlingcapabilitiesofaformerrally-driversuchasWBroJohn Thurston.squaretalkhasheardrumoursthattherearethosewhoconsideredthis,perhapsunkindly,tohave
beenapublicitystunt!Luckily,WBroJohnandhiswifeMarywereunhurtintheSundaylunchtimeaccident,butthefateofthepublicconvenienceinLydneywaslesssecureandtheroadclosedforashortwhile.
Much Secrecy
Nevertheless,WBroJohn’sbrethrenralliedtothecauseand,amidstmuchadvancesecrecy,hewaspresentedwiththeultimateacclaim;ablueplaquewithinone’sownlifetime! Aftersomemonthsofdeliberation,ProvincialGrandSecretary,WBro John Gillo,sprangthesurpriseatanappositeceremony.Itwasalsoappropriatelyinthecompanyof
BroDavid Cooksley,whoisamemberoftheForestofDeanDistrictCouncil,
ownersofthetoilets.Inresponding,WBroJohn,stillshockedatthesuddenhonour,said,“AlthoughPeterAmoshadretiredasleaderofthecouncil,IknowthatheandDavidCooksleyweregratefulforthecontributionthatmyinsurersaremakingtotheiralreadyplannedworks!”Theplaquereads,“Rocklands,thehomeofJohnThurston,whodestroyedthepublicconvenienceatLydney.”WBroGillopresentedBro
Cooksley(below)withafurtherplaquetobeconsideredfordisplayattherebuiltconstruction;advisingthatthecertaineminent“localbusinessmanstoppedsuddenlytospendapennyonthissite”!
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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
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Gloucester Ghost? Steeped in history
TheMasonicHallinCrossKeysLanewasacquiredbyGloucesterFreemasonsinthe1950s.Thatitisold,thereisnodoubt;butitcanevenclaimtohaveitsownghost. Theeditorisindebtedtoanumberofbrethrenwhohaveresearchedthecomplexhistoryofthisstructure,notleastWBroGareth JonesofChosen Hill Lodge.AfullversionofhisresearchisnowpublishedontheProvincialwebsite. Referenceismadetothehallin“HistoricGloucester”,bylocalauthor,PhilipMoss,andprintedbyTheHistoryPressinassociationwiththeGloucesterHeritageURCandGloucesterCityCouncil~CopyrightPhilipMoss2009,(ISBN978-1-84588-077-4). PhilipMossstates:“TheMercers’Hallappearstohavebeenbuiltinthesecondhalfofthe18thcenturyasawarehouseandstore.By1810,thelowerfloorwasoccupiedbyalocalcidermerchantandbrewerwhousedtheupperfloor(nowthetemple)asagranary.In1898thewarehousewaspurchasedbythewell-knownlocalfirmWashbournBros,whouseditasabondedstoreforwinesandspirits.In1926CharlesUrchconvertedthestoreintoafunctionroomanddancehall.HealsobuiltagalleryoverMercers’EntrytolinkwiththecateringfacilitiesinhisrestaurantthatfrontedontoSouthgateStreet.
“Althoughthisbuildingdoesnotappearonmapsuntilthelater1700s,thefirstfloorandroofstructurehasbeendatedbydendrochronologytotheyears1495-1500.Localtraditionassertsthattheupperpartofthebuildingonceformedpartofamarkethouseerectedelsewhereinthecity,ThemostlikelycandidateisabuildingconstructedbytheAbbotofStPeter’sin1497thatstoodinthemiddleofWestgateStreetimmediatelywestoftheHighCross.”
“It went very cold . . . . .”
Manyyearsago,Judy,whodoesthecleaningatthehall,wasdustingatthefrontofthetemplewhentheatmosphere
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suddenlywentverycold.Sheturnedaroundintimetoseeawhitemist-likeapparitioncrossthebackofthetempleandthendisappear.Thissamecoldness,followedbytheghostatthebackofthetemple,repeateditselfonanotheroccasion,butonlyupstairs.Nowadays,ifshegoesintothetempleonherown,Judygivestheghostagentlereminder,“It’sonlymecometoclean.”Itworks!Shehasseennothingformanyyears. Anotherresearchedtalesurroundedawell-knownandexperiencedFreemasonandex-soldier,(sincepassedon),whotoldWBroGareththathewasdownstairswhenhesaw“glassesmovingonthebar”andotherthingshecouldnotexplain.
“Hedidn’twanttotalkanymoreaboutit,”saidGareth,“butunlikeinJudy’scase,hehadbeenratherscared.”
Things to spot
Thehalliswellworthavisit.Youcanseehowthebuildingwasre-erectedoff-centre;WilliamAbell’s1837stoneundertheeaves(puttherewhenCharlesUrchdemolishedtheoldcottagesbuiltonthesiteoftheold‘utinghouse’).Trytospotthecoopers’testmarkscutinthesupportbeams,plusmanymorepointerstothehistoryofthebuildingbeforeitwaspurchasedfor£9,000bythefiveoriginalGloucesterLodgesin1955.
Fifty years at Lodge No 246W Bro Keith Lafford
Cheltenham-basedRoyal Union LodgeplayedhosttotheProvincial
GrandMasterinorderhecouldpresentWBroKeith Laffordwithhis50-yearcertificate.RWBroAdrian DaviesgavearésuméoftheprofessionalandMasoniccareerofWBroKeith,whowashimselfa‘Lewis’. WBroKeithexpressedhisthankstothePGMandtotheBrethrenfortheirsupportovertheyears,duringwhichheheldmanyoffices,includingWM,TreasurerandChaplain. TheCeremonythateveningwastheInitiationintoFreemasonryofBroPeter HalewhoenjoyedtherarehonourofbeingwelcomedintotheProvincebytheProvincialGrandMaster.
Onthesameevening,adonationof£5,000tothePGM’sGloucestershireCharitiesAppealwassanctionedandapromissorynoteforthatamounthandedoverbytheWM,WBroCharlie Sanger-Davies.
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A Freemason’s Charity . . . . DIY Style!The gift of “time”
Weareallfamiliarwithgivingtocharityinvariousforms,butitshouldberememberedthatitissometimeseasier,andcertainlymoresatisfying,togivethatmostpreciousofallourgifts.....time! WhenWBroWilf HuntofVigilantia Lodge losthismobilityduetohealthproblems,hefoundthathisworldhadbecomemuchsmaller.Gettinginandoutofhisbungalowrequiredassistance.Hefoundthathispoweredmobilityscooterjustcouldnotcopewiththesteepdoorstep,sotripstotheshops(andhislocalforaquietpint)weredifficult.
Forget the hassle!
WBroChris Hill,however,whohasbeenactingasWilf’s“CaseAlmoner”formanyyears,madethedecisionthatitwouldbemuchquickerandeasiertorolluphissleevesandsolvetheproblemhimself,ratherthangothroughallthehassleofgettingestimatesandarrangingfortheworktobecarriedoutbyacontractor.Sowithinaveryshortspaceoftimeheconstructedarampandpatiotoenablethesteptobenegotiatedsafely. ThephotoshowsWilfandhiswifeZoeshowingappreciationtoChris,whowasveryreluctanttohaveanypublicity.Hemodestlysaid,“WhenIwasayoungmanandnewtoMasonry,Wilftookmeunderhiswingandactedasmymentor.Iowehimagreatdeal.Eventhoughheisnolongerabletoattendourlodge,hestilltakesagreatdealofinterestintheBrethrenofVigilantia.”
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Being cautious . . . . for 58 years!A Norfolk tale
NevRobinson(left)retiredasMDofacompanyinNorfolkwhichhehadjoinedasa23-yearoldin1954.Inthoseearlydays,hewastalkingwithhisboss,WBroMartinDupont,whomentionedthathewasaFreemasonandgavehimsomereadingmaterial.Beingnaturallycautious,Nevthoughtaboutit,butalthoughtheyremainedgoodfriends,WBroMartinneversawNevinitiated. Meantime,Nev’ssonNick,(right),wasinducedtoleavetheeastandheadtothewestinsearchofeducationandemployment. ThoseearlythoughtsaboutFreemasonryhadremainedwithNevallovertheyearsandwhenhereached80,heconceivedafavourableopinionoftheinstitution.HewasinitiatedthisyearintoCeresLodgeinSwaffham,havingbeenhelpedtobringhisthoughtprocesstoaproperconclusionbylodge-member,WBroIanDupont,togetherwithnoneotherthanhisownson,WBroNickRobinsonofStLawrenceLodgeatStroud.What’smore,WBroNickwasinvitedbythecurrentWMofCeresLodge,WBroAlexPreston,toperformtheceremonyhimself.
Special privilege
“Returningtotheeastforsuchadutywasagreathonour,”saidNick.“Tobeableto
initiatemyfathermademeveryhappy.TobetrustedtodosoinalodgethatIhadnotpreviouslyvisited,demonstratesthetruefraternalnatureofourinstitution.BeingpermittedtobringStLawrenceLodgeworkingstoanotherprovinceisaprivilegeofwhichIwillbeevermindful.” Onhisjourneytotheeast,WBroNickwasaccompaniedbyaformidablegroupofGloucestershirebrethren,notleastourownProvincialGrandMaster,RWBroAdrianDavies.“TheBrethrenofCeresLodgemadeusfeelextremelywelcomeandweallhopetovisitagainforDad’sraising,”saidNick. Below:GloucestershirevisitorswithBroNevandtheWMofCeresLodge(centre).
Festival FocusOn23rdFebruary2013,our5-yearFestivalAppealwillconclude.Theprimary objectiveofthisFestivalAppealistoestablisha£1millionEndowmentFundthatwillassistdisadvantagedandvulnerablepeopleinneedthroughouttheMasonicProvinceofGloucestershireinperpetuity. Wenowhaveless than FIVEmonthsremainingandIaskalllodgestofocustheirfundraisingfromnowonwardsinsupportofthePGM’sGloucestershireCharitiesAppealsothatweachieveourobjective.GrassrootsFundingwillbeaddedtolodgetotalsattheendoftheFestivalAppeal.Excludingthat,atthetimeofwriting,thelodgesthathavecurrentlymadethebiggestcontributiontotheestablishmentofourEndowmentFund,withover 80%oftheirLodgeObjectivefigure,are(innumericalorder):
• RoyalLodgeofFaith&FriendshipNo.270• CotteswoldLodgeNo.592• SherborneLodgeNo.702• RoyalGloucestershireLodgeNo.839• StGeorge’sLodgeNo.900• PrinceofWalesLodgeNo.951• TyndallLodgeNo.1363• HicksBeachLodgeNo.2407• RoyalYorkLodgeNo.2709• KingswoodChaseLodgeNo.4666• StLawrenceLodgeNo.5928• MercuriusLodgeNo.7507• OrpheusLodgeNo.7697• SafeguardLodgeNo.9566• LyddaLodgeNo.9682
IcongratulatethebrethrenoftheseLodgesandthankthemfortheirmostgeneroussupport. IalsotaketheopportunitytothankallbrethrenandLodgesfortheircontributions.Iammostgratefulforyoursupport.
Final date for donations
AswithallFestivals,abookletwillbeprinteddetailingtheamountscontributedbyeachlodgeetc.Inordertoallowtimeforprinting,canyoupleaseensurethatyourlodgetransfersalldonationstothePGM’sAppealbyFriday 1st February 2013 AT THE LATEST.Donationsreceivedafterthisdatewillbeverygratefullyreceived,butmaynotbeprintedintheresultsbooklet.
Festival Celebration Banquet
AformalbanquettocelebratetheculminationoftheFestivalwillbeheldatTortworthCourt,agradeII*listedVictorianmansion(seewww.tortworth-court-hotel.four-pillars.co.uk).
Aswellasasplendidfivecoursemeal,wewillbeentertainedbyPeterBaffles,acomedymagician-illusionist,andalightheartedoperacabaretbytherenownedHatstandOperaCompany.Itwillbeanighttoremember.
Booking is on a first-come-first-served basis, so to avoid disappointment you will need to book early. Please see back page of this magazine for your booking form.
VW Bro Colin V R Bendon PGSwdB DPGMFestivalCommitteeChairman
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SPRINGEDITION 2013
7th Jan 2013
For contacts for articles and adverts please see
inside cover
Two comments are regularly made by Active ProvincialGrand Officers at the end of their year; the first beinghow much they enjoyed the experience, the second thatthere was no visible recognition of their Active appointment afterwards. After dueconsideration, the Provincial Grand Master has approved the wearing of a distinctive setof Provincial Cufflinks & Tie Bar. To be eligible to wear this set, you must either be orhave previously been, an Active Provincial Grand Officer of the Province ofGloucestershire. The design is enamelled on gilt and consists of the Provincial Crest andthe letter “G” (same as our Provincial tie) denoting Gloucestershire.
The three-piece set costs £36.00 and is supplied boxed with “Province ofGloucestershire” gold blocked on the lid. Proceeds will go toward the PGM’sGloucestershire Charities Appeal. The cufflinks and tie bar sets have been made by Toye,Kenning & Spencer and are available through Bro Peter Coles (Asst Festival Coordinator)on 0117 9492093 or [email protected], or by post using the order form below.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Your Name ………………………………....………........… Prov Rank ……….......….……...
Year appointed to Active Provincial Grand Rank ……...........…………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………..……………
…………………………..….…… Tel No. ………………………..…………………………….
Please enclose your cheque for £36.00 made payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”Send it to: Peter Coles, 48 Horsecroft Gardens, Barrs Court, Bristol, BS30 8HU.
New for Active Officers
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spring issue
articles & ads – see inside cover
cut-off date 07-jan-12
Two comments are regularly made by Active ProvincialGrand Officers at the end of their year; the first beinghow much they enjoyed the experience, the second thatthere was no visible recognition of their Active appointment afterwards. After dueconsideration, the Provincial Grand Master has approved the wearing of a distinctive setof Provincial Cufflinks & Tie Bar. To be eligible to wear this set, you must either be orhave previously been, an Active Provincial Grand Officer of the Province ofGloucestershire. The design is enamelled on gilt and consists of the Provincial Crest andthe letter “G” (same as our Provincial tie) denoting Gloucestershire.
The three-piece set costs £36.00 and is supplied boxed with “Province ofGloucestershire” gold blocked on the lid. Proceeds will go toward the PGM’sGloucestershire Charities Appeal. The cufflinks and tie bar sets have been made by Toye,Kenning & Spencer and are available through Bro Peter Coles (Asst Festival Coordinator)on 0117 9492093 or [email protected], or by post using the order form below.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Your Name ………………………………....………........… Prov Rank ……….......….……...
Year appointed to Active Provincial Grand Rank ……...........…………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………..……………
…………………………..….…… Tel No. ………………………..…………………………….
Please enclose your cheque for £36.00 made payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”Send it to: Peter Coles, 48 Horsecroft Gardens, Barrs Court, Bristol, BS30 8HU.
New for Active Officers
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spring issue
articles & ads – see inside cover
cut-off date 07-jan-12
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Hot-rod!WBroMike WoolfofRoyal Edward Lodge
hasbeenpresentedwithhis
newmobilityscooterbytheMasonicSamaritanFund.
Shorts!
Inner Workings
squaretalkcanrevealpubliclysomethingoftheinnerworkings!BelowisaphototakenwhentheDownend Lodgeinstallationmeetingwentahead...duringapowercut!Aheavilyaccentedstage-whisperwaslaterattributedtoWBroDes McGuinness:“It’sthatDave Durnfordusingtheelectricstair-liftagain!“
Squash champ?
WBroDave Ford’s16-yearoldson,Tom,hasbeenrepresentingEnglandintheWorldJuniorSquashChampionshipsinQatar.
Tom’scurrentlyseekingsponsorship,soifyouknowsomeonewantingtobepartofthispotentialchamp’sbackroomteam....
Lest we forget!
EdenCampinNorthYorkshireisafascinatingmuseumwhichconcentratesonBritishmilitaryandsocialhistoryfrom1914onwards. Whilststudyingthemanyplaquesondisplayinthechapelcommemoratingorganisationswhichlostmembersinconflict,WBroRay PearsonofFoundation Lodge,notedthatFreemasonrywasnotrepresented.Adiscussionwiththecuratorandtheomissionwasquicklyputright.......
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Cardiff stopover
Foreign student candidates
OnaFridaynightduringtheRugbySixNations,fourteenbrethren,fromlodgesinDownendandStapleton,paidavisittoUniversitiesLodgeinCardifftowitnessadouble-second;thetwocandidatesbeingfromCameroonsandGreece.Thelodgeiswell-established,butremainssmallinnumbersasmanyofitscandidatesarerecruitedthroughtheuniversityscheme.Hence,oncetheycompletetheirstudiestheymovebackhomeinordertocontinuetheirmasonicaswellastheirworkingcareers.
Big screen
ThelodgemadetheGloucestershirebrethrenverywelcome.ThelargehallatCardiffisalsoutilisedtothefullforsocialoccasionsand
wasopenontheSaturdayafternoonforlunchfollowedbybig-screenrugby;ourbrethrenbravingveryvocalWelsh-supportingfans.Anotherlodgewascarryingouttwodouble-firsts,butcalledoffsufficientlylongenoughfortheofficersandbrethrentoretiretothebartoviewthelastfewminutesofthematch! Above(left)weseeWBrosGeoff PoveyandBrian Herbertexploringthebalconyinthemagnificentmaintemple.Remindyouofanyone?
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New Chapter banners at 250th meeting
Kingswood Chase Chapter
Tocelebratethechapter’s250thmerryconvocation,theMostExcellentGrandSuperintendentofGloucestershireandHerefordshire,Graham King,(centresecondrow),ledastrongProvincialteam,including2ndand3rdProvincialGrandPrincipals,James WiltshireandJonathon Wilson,accompaniedbytheMostExcellentGrandSuperintendentinandovertheProvinceofWiltshire,David Blanchard. TheyjoinedincelebrationsledbythethreePrincipals,(LtoRfront)ExCompsMike Stone,KenWilliesandJimmy Szerencses. Atthemeeting,theScribeEzra,ExCompBob Stacey,gaveabriefhistoryoftheformationofthechapterin1949bymembersofTyndall Chapter,notingthatforthetimebeing,
memberswouldcontinuetousethe“existingfurniture”,whichincludedthebanners.Thosebannershavingexistedforafurther63years,itwasconsideredtimelyforreplacement,soaformaldedicationofanewsettookplace,precededbypresentationbybannerpartyandensignescort.
Royal College of Surgeons
Attheconclusionofproceedings,achequefor£500waspresentedtotheprovinceandacceptedbytheMEGrandSuperintendent,tobedonatedtothe2013SupremeGrandChapterAppealfortheRoyalCollegeofSurgeons. Thefestiveboardwasnaturallyfulltocapacityandarareopportunitywastakentocaptureaphoto(below)ofthechaptercompanionstogether.
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In 1962, W Bro John Cane . . .
...wasinitiatedintohisoldschoollodge,TheSimonLangtonLodgeinEastKent.Hecelebratedhishalf-centuryinFreemasonry
atMercuriusLodge,whereheisthecurrentSecretary. HewaspresentedwithhiscommemorativecertificatebytheProvincialGrandMaster,RWBroAdrian Davies,whodemonstratednotonlyanimpressivefeatofmemory,butalsothathewasinpossessionofsomehighlyreliableandaccuratesourcesofinformation!ThePGMgavearesumeofBroJohn’sMasonicandnon-Masoniclife,includinghismarriagetohiswifeRosemary,twenty-sixyears’serviceintheIntelligenceCorps,followedbycivilianemploymentintheGulf,joiningTheMercuriusLodgein1980andappointmentasPastProvincialSeniorGrandDeaconin2007.TheCanes’belovedKingCharlesSpanielsalsoreceivedamention. RWBroAdrianalsorevealedthatin2000,BroJohnhadwrittenhimaletterofappreciationandsupportfollowingapresentationhegaveontheGMCAwhenhewasProvincialGrandAlmoner.TheletterhadgivenhimencouragementtocarryontheworkofpromotingtheGMCA. Responding,BroJohnsaidthattheschoolsongwhichissungateveryfestiveboardinhismotherlodgeis“FortyYearsOn”.FortyyearsonfromthedateofhisinitiationhehadbeenelectedMasterofTheMercuriusLodge.HerecalledthatwhereashehadbeenWardenanumberoftimeswhilsttravellingtheworldasasoldierand“expat”,hehadalwayshadtomoveonbeforeattainingtheMaster’schair.
Citizen Cane’s 50
BroCane’sguestsincludedrepresentativesoftheMasonicbodiestowhichhebelongsincludinghisChapter,TheGloucestershireMasonicSociety,formerIntCorpscolleaguesandaPastChairmanofhisProbusClub.
Surprise gift
AsurprisewasinstorewhenWBroTony Putterill(picturedleft)presentedhimwithacommemorativeBristolBluefiringglassbearingtheMercuriuslogo.
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New Zealand boundAfterservingover30yearswiththeLodge of Fidelity,latterlyasDirectorofCeremonies,WBroBob JenkinshasmovedtoNewZealand.
Three generations
WBroBobwasinitiatedintothelodgein1981andbecameMasterin1997.Hisfather,thelegendaryJimmy Jenkins,wasMasterin1988,andBob’ssonCraigoccupiedthechairin2003.Atonepoint,threegenerationsofthefamilysimultaneouslyheldofficeinthelodge. TomarkhislastvisittoFidelity,WBroBobwasinvitedtooccupythechairandperformthescheduledinitiationceremony.Asexpected,hecarrieditoutwithgreatskill. For22years,WBroBobwasthelicenseeoftheKellawayArms,whichhadthedistinctionofbeingthehighestpubabovesea-levelinBristol.HeispicturedherereceivingapartinggiftfromthebrethrenoftheLodge,presentedbyWBroKeith Hearn;appropriatelyso,astheywerecloselyassociatedwhilstworkingunderCourageBrewery’sbanner.Beforehisrecentretirement,asanex-serviceman,WBroBobwaswiththeCorpsofCommissionaires. “ThereisnodoubtthatBobwillcontinuehisMasonicservicedownunder,”saidPastMaster,WBroLewis Webber.“Wewishhimwell!”
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“To help a friend or brother in time of need”Provincial Grand Almoner
Inthefirstofthreeinterviews,WBroMark Smithexplainsthedutiesofalodgealmoner. ST: What sort of person do you see as the ideal lodge almoner, Mark?MS:Hemustbeapersonwithapleasantandcaringnature,interestedinthewelfareofothers,hasthetimetodevotetoasome-times-demandingoffice,andwillingandabletolistenandactincasesofdistress.Heshould,withtheaidofthealmoner’shandbook,beabletodiscussMasonicandnon-Masoniccharitiesandavailablestatebenefits.Mostofall,hemustbeconfidential.NolongeristheofficeacaseofjustcardsforthewidowsatChristmasor“medicine”forthesick. ST: Not everyone’s cup of tea, then?MS:Notatall.Thejobhaschangedconsiderablyoverthelastfewyearsduetothefinancialandhealthsituationofourmembership.Itcanbetimeconsuming,butisalsoveryrewarding.Thelodgeshouldexercisethesamegreatcareinselectingtherightmanforthejobaswiththesecretary,treasurerorDirectorofCeremonies. ST: What are the major needs of brethren that an almoner will address? MS:Financial,healthandfamily.So,hewillattendtomoney-worriesoverhouseholdexpenses,educationanddebt;healthcareproblems,bothphysicalandmental;andfamilyissues,includingdealingwithbereavement. ST: Where does the almoner fit into the lodge?MS:Heisoneofthemostimportantpeopleinandoutofthelodge.Heneedstobeproactive,notreactiveandbeabletoassess“Need,notWant”.Heshouldworkinconjunctionwiththesecretary,treasurerandthediningsecretary,infactallofthemembership(asweareallalmoners).Heistheeyesandearstolookoutfordistressorjustsomeonewhowishestotalkconfidentially.
Heshouldobservenon-attendees,non-diners;liaisewiththetreasureronoverduesubscriptions,sincesometimesthiswillidentifyafinancialormedicalproblem.Continualcontactisessential. ST: Contact is key then?MS:Absolutely.Heshouldkeepincontactwithwidows,brethrenandsometimesdependantswhohavelosttouchwiththelodgebyresignationoreveninsomecasesexclusion,astheyarestillthelodge’sresponsibility.Heshouldendeavourtomakehomevisitstothosepeopleinthiscategorythatdonotattendlodgeorsocialfunctions.Aphonecalltosomeonewhoishouseboundorseesnobodyisagodsend. ST: And charity?MS:Thealmonershouldbeawareofourcharitiesandwhateachdoes;toknowtheproceduresandrequirementsforform-fillingandmakingapplications,usuallyviatheProvincialGrandAlmoner,whoisalwaysavailableforassistanceandguidance. WBroMarkcanbecontactedon01453-753779ormark@clifflands.co.uk.Inthenextissue,hewilltellusmoreaboutkeepingintouchandprovidingsupport.
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Thoughts of a fishermanW Bro David McPherson writes . . .
Iwasoncetoldthatthecharmoffishingwasthatitisthepursuitofthatwhichiselusivebutattainable;aperpetualseriesofoccasionsforhope.Itisthatthoughtwhichhaskeptmeonthebanksoflakesandreservoirs,riversandstreams;fromthebanksoftheoncemightyRiverTayasayouthtothesmallestofstreamsintheCalifornianSierras. LikeallanglersIhaveafavouredfishorratherspecies.Thatformeisthesalmonid.Ihavebeentryingtocatchthemforsome60yearsorso.IalsohavealistofthevenuesIwouldliketovisitandamongstthetop-tensitstheRioGrandeinTierradelFuegowhichhasthereputationofholdingtheworld’sbestsea-trout. InlateMarch,Ihadtheverygoodfortunetobeabletomakethattripofalifetime.17½hoursflyingtimetookmetotheVillaMaria,whichsitsonthelowerreachesoftheriverwithintheEstanciaoftheMenendezfamily.Thelodgecatersforsixanglersandthequalityofserviceis
absolutelybeyondreproach.Undernormalcircumstances,eachpairofanglershasoneguidebutIwasintheunbelievablyfortunatepositionofbeinginthevillawhentherewereonlythree‘payingguests’andsubsequentlyhadapersonalghillie.
Broken records
Whilstunaccustomedtofishingin60mphwindsandhorizontalrain,mysecondcastputmeintoafishthatsimplysmashedwhathadbeenmyrecordcatchuntilthatmoment.Ratherthanbeaccusedof‘doingtheanglersthing’,Ishallsimplysaythatbytheendoftheweekthatrecordhadbeenbrokenalmostonadailybasis...andIhavethepicturestoproveit!Icannotfindwordstoexplainthethrillofthecatch,particularlyinthepitchblackofthenight,buteachandeveryhitwasanexperienceIshalllongremember. ShouldanybrotherwishtolearnmoreofthevenuesandfacilitiesontheRioGrandethenIwouldstronglyrecommendalookathttp://www.nervouswaters.com. Inconclusion,IwouldliketoallayanyfeelingsofdiscomfortinmyfriendsofthatotherpersuasioninCirencesterbyassuringthemthatIamnotagainstgolf,sinceIcannotbutsuspectthatitkeepsarmiesoftheunworthyfromdiscoveringtroutandsalmon.
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Fifty years for Filton . . . . at Stapleton!
Nelson Legal LLPWe are a Criminal Defence Solicitors practice covering
the South West of England
Areas of law covered:
Criminal Defence(including Crown Court Advocates)
Road Traffic(including drink driving offences)
To speak with one of our teamon any Legal matter please call our 24/7 Contact number:
0845 5194919
Initial fixed priced consultations available (can be done in person orover the phone). We will arrange Legal Aid if appropriate.
e-mail : [email protected]
a5 flyer new_Layout 1 02/08/2010 22:53 Page 1
ofhonour,thelodgewidows.EveryonewasheartilyentertainedbytheGilbert&SullivanSingers,whoperformedaselectionofsongsfromthemaestros’catalogue.
Anomaly
Forthosewhomaywonderwhythe“Filton” Lodge of Fortitude issocalled,thereasonliesinthefactthatthelodge,formedin1947,wasoriginallylocatedinabuildinglongreplacedbyFiltonCollege. Soitwasthatthiswasthefirstlodgetomeetatthenewlyconverted“FiltonMasonicHall”on18-Apr-62.....inStapleton.
Guests of honour
Tocelebratetheanniversary,fiftyyearson,Fortitudemembersheldacelebratoryluncheon,withspecialinvitationtotheguests
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COMPUTERISED DESIGN FACILITY
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
“A First Class Job with a Personal Service”
To find out more, call Chris Pointing now on:
A FAB effort, guys!
Frenchay After Burns Children’s Club . . . . .
......isanindependentcharitywithasimpleaim;toprovideon-goingsupporttoburninjuredchildrenandtheirfamiliesfrominjurythroughtoadulthood. TheFABclubsupportsyoungburnssurvivorsandtheirfamiliesbybuildingconfidenceandhavingfunthroughactivitiessuchascamps,fundaysandparties.Anychildoryoungpersonundertheageof18thathasaburninjuryiswelcometojointheFABclub. Itisallmadepossiblebymoneyraisedthroughfundraisingevents,donations,sponsorshipsandthegenerousworkofcommittedvolunteers.
Joint effort
TwolodgeswhichrateFABhighontheirlistofprioritieschosetouseasingleoccasionanddoubleimpacttomaketheirdonations.WBroPaul Wilmot,(left),PastMasterofTyndall LodgeandWBroLes Bendall,
MasterofHarmony & Concord Lodge,presentedsubstantialchequesrespectivelytovolunteerLizDando,andCarolineJames,thechairofFAB. “Thedonationswillgoalongwaytowardshelpingfundsomeoftheexcitingactivitieslinedupforthekids,”saidCaroline.
W Bro Leslie Kershaw
TheeveningatTewkesburywasalsomarkedbythepresentationofa60-yearcertificatetoalodgememberbyanotherlodgemember,theRWProvincialGrandMaster. Insummarisingsuchaninterestinglife,RWBroAdrian DaviesinformedthebrethrenthatWBroLesliehadbeenbroughtupon
Tyneside.AsanarmyFlightSergeant,hehadpilotedgliders,flyingintotheRhineregion,beforebecomingateacherandlaterworkinginindustryincivilianlife. WBroLesliehas3daughters,6grandchildrenand4greatgrandchildren,anditwastohiswifeandfamilythatRWBroAdrianpaidtributeinsupportinghiminhisMasoniccareer.HewasinitiatedintoCorinthianLodgeinNewcastleinApril1952andhadbeenamemberofmanyorders,goingthroughthechairsofmost.
41squaretalk
What’s a verger’s “verge”?
Weapon of war!
We’vepossiblyneverevenconsideredwhyavergerissocalled.MrNickHilyer(right),explainedalltotheassembledbrethrenatGloucestershire Installed Masters’ LodgeinafascinatingexposéofhisdutiesasHeadVergeratGloucesterCathedral. Nick,whoweallseeleadingtheprocessionatourcathedralservice,broughtalongtwoexamplesofa“verge”hemightcarry;onedatingbacktoCharlesII.Itishisemblemofoffice,somewhatsimilartoBlackRod’srodandoriginatingfromaweaponofwar. Hesurprisedhisaudiencebyinformingthemthatthecathedralrequiresanincomeof£2mayeartoremainopen.Thereareupto350,000visitors,necessitatingavolunteercorpsofover400. Attheconclusion,theWM,WBroJohn Mayo,presentedNickwithasizablechequefortheCathedralfund,whichheindicatedwouldbedirectedtotheyouthchoir. Inthephotoabove,MrHilyardshowsWBroJohnandthePGMaheavyandornate17thcenturyverge,whichhethankfullydoesnothavetocarrytoooften.
42 squaretalk
How to get a donkey-ride at PGL
Friendly rivalry
ThemessagecomingoutofGrandLodgeinrecenttimesisthatMasonryshouldalsobefun!So,funitshallbe! TherehasalwaysandinevitablybeenagreeablecompetitionbetweenGloucestershiremasonsandneighbouringprovinces,probablynonegreaterthanwithBristol,wheresomanyoftheirmembersresidewithinourboundaries.
A stroll on the pier!
ThisfriendlyandhealthybanterbetweentheprovincialrulerscouldnothavebeenbetterdemonstratedthanwhenRWBrosAdrianDaviesandRodneySmallwood,theProvincialGrandMastersofGloucestershireandHerefordshire,wereattendingtheSomersetprovincialmeetinginWeston-super-Mare.Overlunch,theirSomersetcounterpart,RWBroStuartHadler,casuallyinformedthemthatthemeetingcommencedat3.30pm,sotheyembarkedonastrollalongthepierwheretheyenjoyedanice-cream,returningtotheWinterGardensat2.45pm,onlytodiscoverthattilingwasat2.30pm!Theywereadmittedwithmuchjocularityandfromthatmomentforward,foundthemselvespresentedwithsticksofrockand“Kiss-me-Quick”hatsatsubsequentprovincialmeetings.
“Pay-back time!”
So,GloucestershireProvincialGrandLodgemeetingatWycliffeCollegewas,asRWBroAdrianstated,“Pay-backtime!”
43squaretalk
Onarrival,RWBroStuartgraciouslyacceptedthesurpriserideon“Clarence”asanalternative,yetappositeformoftransporttogethimfromhiscartothebuilding! Attheconclusionofthemeeting,heandhisco-conspirators,theProvincialGrandMastersof(LtoR)Bristol,Cornwall,Warwickshire,DevonshireandSomerset,werepresentedtoRWBroAdriananddulyreceivedtheirvellum“CertificatesofGoodHumour”. Inaddition,RWBroAlanVaughan,thePGMofBristol,wasfurtherpresentedwithablueplaqueforhisBristolheadquarters,reading“31ParkStreet,Bristol.HomeofFreemasonryintheSouthofGloucestershire.”RWBroAlanresponded,“Iknowjusttheplacewherethiswillbedisplayed!”
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44 squaretalk
When in Rome . . . . . . .
BroJonathan Bright ofLodge of Seafarers,awareofaforthcomingbusinesstriptoItaly,madedueenquiryofhissecretaryandproceededtocontactFreemasonsthereintheeventhemightattendalodge.Hewasnottobedisappointed!
Roman hospitality
NolessthantheAssistantGrandMasteroftheRegularGrandLodgeofItaly,RWBroP Nicholas Emerton-Court,invitedhimtovisittwolodges,QuatuorCoronatiLodgeandSantaCecilia,meetingonthelastSaturdayofBroJon’sworkingtripandtreatedhimtotypicalRomanMasonichospitality.“Coincidently,fivebrethrenfromEngland,togetherwiththeirwives,werealsovisiting,”saidBroJon.“Meetinginformallythenightbefore,weallhadagreattimeandthatconcludedwithmeandRWBroNickdiscussingMasonryuntil01:30inthemorning.....withsomerefreshmentadded!
Grand Master
“Thenextday,Iattendedbothlodges.Therewasapaperdeliveredineach.IevengottomeettheGrandMaster,MWBroFabio Venzi,andalsomadesomenewfriends,withwhomIhopetocontinuecorrespondence.ItwasinterestingtoseehowtheyworkinItaly;itisfarmorerelaxed. “ThedayendedwithawhitetableeventheldneartotheColiseumanditwasclearthateveryonewashavingaverygoodtime.Icertainlydid! “Masonryissuchawonderfulorganisation.Beingabletovisitanothercountryandbewelcomedasabrotherisfantastic.Ihopetovisitthesenewfriendsagaininthefuture. “RWBroNickwasextremelyhelpful.Unintentionally,wewereevenonthesameflightbacktotheUK.HeisalsotheMasterofalodgeinWolverhamptonandhehadvisitstomake.” ThefullarticlecanbereadontheProvincialwebsite.
BroJonBright(L)withlocalbrethrenandothervisitors
45squaretalk
“Lord Laurence” and Links to LINC course,itwasestablishedthatFoundation, Sudeley Castle, Royal GloucestershireandManor Abbey Lodge(Worcs),togetherwithRoyalUnionhadcontributedatotalof£5,700towardstheEdwardJennerappeal.TheProvinceofGloucestershireadded£1,000tothisfigure.TheGloucesterunitwasdulyopenedbyLaurenceandJackieLlewelyn-Bowen,atwhichceremonyWBroGeoffwasaninvitedguest.
“Lord Laurence”
WBroGeoffisphotographedherewith“LordLaurence”,asheisjokinglynamedonTV’s“ChangingRooms”. YoucanreadmoreoftheworkofLINContheProvincialwebsite.
Leukaemia and Intensive Chemotherapy Fund . . . . . .
.....wasfoundedin1998tohelpimprovecareforpatients(andtheirfamilies)fromGloucestershire,Herefordshire,SouthWorcestershireandEastPowyswhoarereceivingintensivechemotherapywithintheGloucestershireHospitalsNHSFoundationTrust.Manyofthesepatientshaveleukaemia,lymphomaandotherbloodcancers. Sincethen,LINChasgivenfinancialhelptothosewhofindthemselvesindifficultyasaresultoftheirillness.Thismaytaketheformofsuchimportantissuesastravelexpenses,childcareandmortgagepayments.
Challenge to the Master
DuringhisyearasWMofRoyal Union Lodge,WBroGeoff DavischosetosupportLINCashisnominatedcharity.Whenachequewasdulypresented,achanceremarkfromWBroJohn ThurstonsuggestedthatProvincemightalsomakeadonationifWBroGeoffcouldfindoutwhichotherlodgeshadsupportedthisworthycause.Indue
46 squaretalk
2012 Cathedral Service
Forthesecondyearrunning,morethan800attendedtheannualserviceatGloucesterCathedral,includingtheLordLieutenant,DameJanetTrotterDBE,theCountyHighSheriff,MrMBHeywood,togetherwiththebrethrenoftheProvince,theirladies,familiesandfriends.TheProvincialGrandMastersandExecutivesofthisandadjacentProvincesandtheHeadsofOrdersmeetingwithintheProvinceofGloucestershirewereallwelcomedbytheDeanCanon,VeryRevdStephenLake,whoexpressedhisappreciationofthesupportofFreemasonsfortheCathedralandstressedthatwewerealwayswelcomeatthis,our“spiritualhomeintheProvince”.HymnswereledbytheCathedralYouthChoir.WBroRevdStephen Hawkinsgavetheaddress.
“Our spiritual home!”
New piano
Almstotalled£2,251(includingGiftAid)andtheseweredonatedtotheGMCAwhichhasfundedtheacquisitionofagrandpianoforKingsSchool,fortheuseoftheyoungchoristersandthosechildrenbeingsupportedbytheRMTGB.TheservicewasfollowedbyteaandbiscuitsintheChapterHouse.
Thedateforthe2013serviceisSunday3rdMarch. PhotoscourtesyWBroGeorge Skuse.
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48 squaretalk
Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens
W Bro Roger Dakin
ST: You are sport-mad, I hear?RD:Yes.Istillwatchrugbyandtrytoplaygolf.....andIlistentoTestMatchcricketontheradio!Infactradioismypassion;especiallyold-timecomedyclassicsfromthe50sand60s. ST: Can you tell us about your business? RD:I’vehadawonderfulcareerinthecorporatesideofagriculture.Forthepast19years,though,Ihaverunmyownbusinessasabrokeroffinechemicalstotheanimalfeedindustry.Irecentlysoldapatentforachemicalproductionprocess,whichalwaysamusesmeasIfailedchemistryatschool.ST: When did you join Masonry, Roger?RD:Itwas1990.WBroDavid IliffewastheInitiatingWMatEarl Bathurst Lodge.Atthatmomentwhenmywishforlightwasfulfilled,hebeameddownatmewithabroadsmile.IrecognisedhimastheTrafficOfficerintheGloucestershireConstabularywhohadbookedmeforspeeding.Davidhasbeenagreatexampletomeofhowtoperformritualandhowtobeagoodmason.IwasverypleasedhewasthelodgeDCwhenIbecameWMin2001.EverymemberofmyLodgehasbeen,andcontinuestobe,myMasonicmentor.ItistheirpreceptandexamplethathashelpedmetoachievefarmoreinMasonrythanIeverthoughtpossible. ST: You are no stranger to Provincial office.RD:Youareright.IwasProvincialGrandSwordBeareratthetimeofthe2006festivaland,ofcourse,theProvincialGrandAlmonerupuntillastyear.Itwastremendouslyrewardingbutthescaleofthetaskandamountofadministrationwasimmense. ST We take it you are looking forward to your new role?RD:Ohyes.Itwasacomplete,butwhollypleasantsurprise.ItisagreathonourtoservethisfineProvinceinstilladifferentmanner.
ST: Can you tell us a little about yourself, Roger? RD:Well,I’m63.Ilovelife,IamveryhappytobeBritishandveryproudtobeaMason. ST: And family life . . . . . . .?RD:IammarriedtoMadeleine,andwehavebeentogetherfor38years.Sheismyrockandconfidante.SheisthereasonwhyIamahappyman.Shelovestravelling,gardening,beingcharitabletoothersandeverythingFrench!WehaveahouseinProvencewherewespendsummers. ST: We hear you have a love of cooking. RD:Yes,butIrarelyfollowarecipe.Iopenabottleofwineandthendecidewhattocook.ThemoreIdrinkthemorecreativeIbecome! ST: Where did you study?RD:IwasbornandbredinDerbyshire,butwenttoagriculturalcollegeatWaggaWaggainNewSouthWales.Irepresentedthecollegeatswimmingandrugby.
49squaretalk
Interviews with the Provincial Grand Wardens
W Bro John Mayo
ST: Which is your mother lodge, John? JM:Vassar-Smith.Iwasinitiatedin1979bymyfather. ST: I understand there is something of a father-and-son tradition in Vassar-Smith Lodge?JM:Absolutely.TwoyearsagoIwasprivilegedtoinstalloneofmysons,David,whoisnowoneofseveralfourthgenerationmembers. ST: Are you a local man, John?JM:AlthoughIlivejustinsideGloucestershire,I’mwithinwalkingdistanceoftheChepstowMasonicHall.IjoinedVassar-SmithinLydney,followingmyfather,grandfatherandseveralotherrelations.IoftenvisitChepstowlodges,however,andusuallygetdroppedoffinthehopeofaliftback.Ithreatentowalkhome,butin30plusyearsofvisiting,I’veyettodoit! ST: As far as family life is concerned?JM:IhavebeenmarriedtoHelenfornearlythirtyyears.ImetheraftershehadmovedfromBedfordshiretobecometheCountyOrganiser
fortheGwentYoungFarmersclubs.Wehavefourchildren,threeboysandagirl,andtwolovelygrand-children.HelenhasalwayshadagreatinterestinhorsesandhasbeeninvolvedinPonyClub,RidingfortheDisabled,andenduranceriding,soIamoccasionallytobeseenatvarioushorseevents. ST:Arugbymanwehear?JM:Well,yes.Iplayedatschoolandforacoupleofyearsafterwards,andthensquashforovertwentyyears,givingitupforanumberofreasons,includingconcernformyknee-jointsandmyimminentinstallationatVassar-Smith!ThenearestIgettophysicalexertionthesedaysisgardening.WerarelyhavetobuyvegandIhaveexhibitedatoneoftheNationalSweetPeaSocietyshows.Iamnowsavingthatformyretirementfromthebuildingindustry.I’verecentlytakenupplayingbridgeafteragapofoverfortyyearsandbelongtotwoclubs.Anotherofmyotherinterestsiscorkscrews...IhaveacollectionofseveralhundredandhaveoccasionallygiventalkstoWIandRotary. ST: Back to Masonry, John. We know you are a stalwart at the Gloucestershire Installed Masters’ Lodge.JM:Yes,IwasdelightedtobeinstalledasMasterin2011.ItgavemetheopportunitytovisitInstalledMasters’Lodgesinmanydifferentprovinces. ST: We’ve seen you in Provincial office before.JM:Yes,in1995IwastheactiveProvincialGrandStandardBearerandfrom2008spentthreeyearswiththeDCteam;animmenselyenjoyableperiodofmymasoniccareer,affordingtheopportunitytomeetbrethrenfromfarandwide.Itwasaverysatisfyingjobwhenthingswentwell....but,ofcourse,IalsorememberwithembarrassmenttheoddclangerthatIdropped! ST: So, what do you think of your new job?JM:IwasdelightedwhentheProvincialGrandMasteraskedmetobehisJuniorWardenandIamgreatlylookingforwardtomyyear.
50 squaretalk
Family Day at HighnamWhat could go wrong?
“Astunninglocation,strawberriesandcream,glassofbubbly,classiccars,top-drawermusicalentertainment,zealousbrethrenofferingfoodanddrink,side-showsandagrandraffle,”saidFestivalSecretary,BroPete Coles.“Thebackdropforaperfectsummer’safternoon.......andthenrain,windandmorerainandmorewind,threateningtoscupperourFamilyDayatHighnamCourt!ButGloucestershireMasonsaremadeofsternerstuffandthisdidnotdampenthespiritsoftheFestivalTeamfollowingmonthsofplanningandpreparation.” Themanybrethren,familyandfriendswhobravedtheelementsenjoyedagreatdayout.
Musical entertainment
GloucestershireSymphonicWindOrchestraplayedthroughouttheafternoon,enjoyedfromtherefugeofumbrellasandthetented
village.SpecialthanksmustgotoWBroPeter Summerill,anenthusiasticmemberoftheorchestra,forcoordinatingtheirappearance.
BroTim Pitman,arenownedtenor,performedoutstandingrenditionsofclassicaloperaticandpopmusictothedelightoftheassembledgathering.BroTimalsoprovidednumerouscoveredtentsforthemainstage,side-showsandspectatorviewing;anabsolutegodsendgiventheconditions.
51squaretalk
Pied Piper Appeal
Thehighlightofthedaywasapresentationofachequefor£2,000byRWBroAdrian DaviestoRogerHead,DL,ChairmanofthePiedPiperAppeal,acharityformedin1992toimprovethelivesofsickchildreninGloucestershire.HealsohappenstobetheresidentofHighnamCourt.ThePGMthankedRogerfortheuseofhisfamilyhomeandgardens.Rogersuitablyshowedhisgratitudeforthegenerousdonation. BroPeterelayedspecialthankstotheFestivalTeam,ledbyWBroDaveSullivan,andtoWBrosJohnSladeandJeffWilliamsforcoordinatingtheclassicvehicles;alsoandtothegenerousdonationsoftimeandservicesbybrethrenandtheirfamiliesontheday.
£4500 raised
Thesundidshine(metaphorically)attheedoftheday,withtheeventraisinganincredible£4,500towardsthePGM’sGloucestershireCharitiesAppeal.
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
Behind the scenes!
Squaretalk team
“Thismagazinejustwouldnotfunctionwithoutteam-work,”saidVWBroColin Bendon(aboveright)addressingtheadvertisingteam,(LtoR)WBrosMark Cameron,Ian Davies,Bob OsborneandSimon Waring.Thiswasjustoneoftheregularmeetingsheldtodiscussprogressonthisveryissue.“Withoutadvertising,muchofwhichissuppliedbythebrethrenoftheprovince,wewouldnotbeabletomaintainthequalityandcontentofthemagazine,”saidAdManager,Simon. “OnceIreceiveyourcontributions,brethren,it’smyjobtochopandchangeasnecessarytofitintotheformatwhichhasbeendevelopedovertheyears,”explainededitor,WBroDick Smith.“I’malwaysamazedatthequalityandvariationofthearticlesIreceive.IthenworkcloselywithWBroLaurence Keen,whoproofreadsandoverseesthelegalramificationsofthecontent.Finally,theresultsofalloureffortsgotothetypesetter,BroAdrian Bury,whojugglesthewholekabooshintotheslickproductionwehopewe’veallprovidedforyouthistime.Enjoy!”
53squaretalk
54 squaretalk
Significant numbers!3,000 . . . .
....isthenumberofpoundsrecentlydonatedbyMercurius LodgetolocalCheltenhamcauses.BeneficiariesweretheButterflyGarden,ameetingplaceforyoungsterswithdisabilitiesandlearningdifficultiesrunbyChrisEvans;also,CheltenhamOpenDoor,whichprovidesmealsandotherservicestothehomelessanddispossessed;CheltenhamAnimalShelter,whichprovidesavaluablecounty-wideservicetakinginandrehominglost,strayedandabandonedanimals;andfinally,alocalvolunteergroupsupportingayoungmotherseriouslyinjuredinaroadaccident.CharityStewardWBroGareth Gregorytoldsquaretalk,“TheLodgewillbeconsideringotherdonationstolocalcauseslaterthisyear.It’sawayofillustratinghowcharitabledonationsfromMasonicLodgesextendtocausesandindividualsthathavenoconnectionwiththeCraft.”
partBLESMAplays.Let’shopethishelpsjustalittleforthattocontinueinthefuture.” WBroDavidusedtheopportunitytostopoffatFromebridgeMillonhiswaybackfromtheProvincialGrandLodgemeetingtopresentthechequetoBLESMArep,Chris“Half-Legless”Jones.Chris,whohasbecomeaveryfamiliarcontactofGloucestershireFreemasonsinthepastthreeyearssaid,“YouwillhaveseenourcanoeistsattheRoyalPageant;justoneofthemanyactivitiesweorganiseforourmembers.Yourcontinuedsupportisinvaluable."
1338 . . . .
.....isthenumberofPurdown Mark Lodge.ThecurrentWM,WBroDavidBurrows(picturedbelow),toldsquaretalk,
203. . . .
.....isthenumberofthewardatFrenchayHospitalwhereWBro Jim Mail
of Vigilantia Lodgewastreatedrecently.Hisalmoner,WBroFred Price,whowithWBroJohn CharleswasvisitingBroJim,wassoimpressedbythistreatmentthatheproposedadonationatthenextlodgemeeting.Thewarddulyreceivedacheque. Jimtoldsquaretalk,“Thededicationandworkcontinuallycarriedoutbythenursingstaffinthecareofallthepatientswasexceptionalundersuchdifficultcircumstances.”JimalsothankedallthemembersofVigilantiaLodgeandotherbrethrenwhogavehimsuchaboostduringaverydifficulttime.“ItrustIwillbebackto‘square’mealsinOctober!”hesaid.
“It’ssopleasingtohandoverachequefor£250inaidofBritishLimblessEx-Servicemen.Ourlodgeisquitesmall,just29members,whomeetatStapleton.Weareallwhollybehindthisdonation,recognisingtheimportant
55squaretalk
ELEPHANT CREATIVE...
E [email protected] 01451 861804
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Strategic solutions that lead to more business, yes... but is it so wrong to want a bit of common
sense too?
A collection of very useful marketing and PR people
New banner at Staple Hill Lodge
£4,000 donations
TheProvincialteamwasoutinforceatStaple Hill Lodgetodedicateanewbanner.
Duringthecourseoftheevening,theWM,WBroTrevor Merrittpresentedchequesexceeding£4,000totheProvincialGrandMasterinaidofhisGloucestershireCharitiesAppeal.
15
PGM’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal Festival Celebration Banquet
Saturday 23 February 2013 6.00pm for 7.00pm
A formal banquet to celebrate the culmination of the Festival. The evening will include a splendid five course meal together with lighthearted opera cabaret by the renowned Hatstand Opera Company and Peter Baffles, comedy magician and illusionist.
Five course meal inc. table wineTicket Price: £50.00 – Dinner Jacket Group Bookings Available (Table of 10)
Special accommodation rates have been arranged which should be booked directly with the Hotel (01454) 263000 quoting
“Ref No. 54858”. A standard double room will cost £78 (based on 2 sharing - B&B).
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY BOOKING FORMYour Name: __________________________________________ Your Tel: ____________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Special Dietary Requirements: ________________________________________________________ Lodge Name: _________________________________________________ No. ________________ Guest’s Name/s: ___________________________________________________________________ No. tickets @ £50 each _______________ Cheque enclosed for: ____________________________
Please enclose a S.A.E. for the return of your ticketsBooking commences immediately on a first come first served basis. We regret that once accepted we are unable to offer a refund should you wish to cancel your booking. All unsuccessful applicants will have their cheques refunded. Please make cheque payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”and send your application to: Philip Waring, 18 Deverose Court, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3SW . Telephone: 0117 9605413
Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Tortworth Glos GL12 8HH (Just off junction 14, M5)
