squaretalkThe Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire

Spring 2011

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Editor’s Page50-100 Club FundraiserThe latest charity dinner of the Club was aBurns Night at Stapleton and theProvincial Rulers, all patrons of the club,gave their support. Bro Dave Stokes notonly piped but also provided an engagingrendition of the address to the haggis, inwhich he produced a knife worthy of“Crocodile Dundee” to slay “the beastie”.In excess of £1500 was raised on thenight towards the PGM’s GloucestershireCharities Appeal, helped along its waywith £500+ raised by your squaretalkeditor who lost his flowing locks for thecause! (Photos before, during and after!)

This issueThe front cover shows the Pro GrandMaster being presented with a lodge tieduring a visit to his Cirencester lodge. (Fullstory opposite.) I hope you like thecontent in this issue; a variety of articles;my sincere thanks to all who havecontributed. Please keep the storiescoming . . . . . with high resolution photoswhere possible please. I know W BroSimon wants to thank all those whoplaced ads, without which this publicationwould not be possible. Contact details forus all are below. Dick Smith

Contacts

Provincial Website: W Bro Mike Emery pio@glosmasons.org.uk 01285 657576Square Talk Editor: W Bro Dick Smith editorst@glosmasons.org.ik 07966 388993Square Talk Advertising:Manger South: W Bro Simon Waring adverts@glosmasons.org.uk 07850 865996Manger Central: W Bro Bob Osborne 07831 344108Manger North: W Bro Mark Cameron 07774 742480

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Pro Grand Master at Cirencester

Royal Agricultural College LodgeWe all hear his name every time weattend a Festive Board, but members andguests of lodge number 7694 had theopportunity to actually meet The MostWorshipful Pro Grand Master, PeterGeoffrey Lowndes, at the Januaryregular meeting. As a former student atthe Royal Agricultural College, and tomark the lodge’s 50th anniversary in April2010, the Pro Grand Master was made anHonorary Member. The lodge’s tworemaining founders, W Bros Arthur Pullinand Don Say, were also afforded thatprivilege. Unfortunately, MW Bro Peterwas unable to be at the anniversarymeeting, so attended on this occasion toreceive his membership.

Lodge HistoryThe presentation of a certificate to mark theoccasion, together with an anniversary-edition History of the Lodge and a briefdescription of the lodge’s banner and VSL,were presented to the Pro Grand Master byW Bro Paul Thomson, the IPM, andincorporated into a ceremony of raising forBro Peter McCune.

Naturally, the lodge was also pleased toreceive the RW Provincial Grand Master,Adrian Davies, together with his Deputy,VW Bro Colin Bendon, and both Assistants,

W Bros Gordon Cole and John Thurston.Some 80 members and guests joined in

a very memorable evening, which wasfollowed by an excellent Festive Board atwhich the Pro Grand Master spoke fondlyof his College days. He was also presentedwith a lodge tie by the Worshipful Master,W Bro Bruce Maguire, (see front page),especially commissioned for the anniversary.

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Gloucester Cathedral 27-Mar-11

Annual serviceWe should all by now have this date firmlyrecorded in our diaries, when GloucestershireFreemasons can invite family and friends to theannual cathedral service.

Here are photos from the 2010 event, courtesyW Bro George Skuse.

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Help Toby Walk . . . . we did!

£36,000 target reached

Brethren will recall the heart-rending story oflittle Toby Cox from Bradley Stoke who wasborn with cerebral palsy. Toby was offeredthe chance of an operation in America toremove the spasticity in his legs, allowinghim to walk unaided and, for the first time,to feel comfort at a level that we all take forgranted. The cost of the op was £36,000.

Generous donations from the ProvincialGrand Master’s Discretionary Fund,individual lodges and the public helpedmeet that target and the op took place.As a consequence, Toby is now makingexcellent progress, borne out in this letterreceived from his parents:

Dear Freemasons,I am writing to you to say a huge thank youfor the amazing and truly wonderfulcontribution that you made tohelptobywalk.com fund. The amount thatyour organisation was able to donate wasamazingly generous and something that wewill never forget.

I hope that you will accept my thanksand that of my whole family, and mostimportantly that of Toby, and I also hopethat I have not acted inappropriately incontacting you direct.

Toby is doing remarkably well; he isgaining strength with every day andalthough we still have a long way to go, theoperation was a complete success, and weare now embarking on the marathon taskof physiotherapy, which will stretch outover the next 18 months.

We have purchased so much equipmentfor Toby to enable his recovery and helphim reach his maximum potential and wewill be with him every step of the waysupporting him as best we can.

The Freemasons have done a wonderfulthing for a gorgeous little boy; you havehelped free him from a life of pain andstiffness. He is no longer in his wheelchair;he is now learning to jump, riding a bike,and doing all the big things that any otherlittle 6 year old wants to do – thank you somuch for your amazing help!!!Forever in your gratitude,Donna, Ian, Louis and Toby Cox

COMPUTERISEDDESIGN FACILITY

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To find out more, call Chris Pointing now on:

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Display Team ~ ready to roll. . . . “Well almost,”writes W Bro CliveGoode, the CommunityOutreach Coordinator.“We have a new 6m x 3mmarquee and another at3m x 3m; ‘GloucestershireFreemasons’ boldly printedon the roofs. We alsohave display boards andtables with coverings.Delivery of the custom-built trailer is imminent.”

CommunityOutreach Team

“The team will then beready to visit local villagefetes and carnivals around the Province.To ensure the programme is a success, wewill need help from Brethren insuggesting suitable venues. We will alsobe calling for volunteers to man themarquees at each venue. The plan is tohave Masons from the nearest lodges toattend and help to answer questions.Volunteer notes will be handed out beforethe day to assist with answers and there willalways be a team member close at hand forthose tricky questions.

“Members of the team may be contactedwith details of fêtes or carnivals, or to makesuggestions regarding the information youwould like to see on display.”

Team contact details:W Bro Clive Goode - 01452 422895 -07831 330810 - clivebgoode@talktalk.netW Bro Mark Cameron - 07774 742480 -majcam@blueyonder.co.uk W Bro Chris West - 01242 237290W Bro Brian Ashworth - 01242 241702

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ADVERTS

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W Bro Gordon Cole . . . . . . Assistant Provincial Grand Master ofGloucestershire has been highlycommended by the prestigious BeaconFellowship as Philanthropy Advocatefor his outstanding contribution tocharitable and social causes.

The Gloucestershire CommunityFoundation nominated him following hisefforts to develop partnerships betweenProvincial charitable fund-raising andCommunity Foundations. He was unawareof this until being highly commended by thejudges; examples of his work were used in avideo presentation at the national awardsceremony in Goldsmith’s Hall in London inNovember. He and Beryl were delighted tobe invited to attend. Fellow Assistant PGM,W Bro John Thurston, together with theChief Executive and a trustee of the GCF,went along to support.

In an interview with squaretalk, W BroGordon said, “The Provincial Grand Masteris keen to secure the future success ofFreemasonry in Gloucestershire throughstrategic measures to maintain membershipand to maintain our support for localGloucestershire charities working in ourcommunities to improve the quality of lifeand care for those who are less fortunatethan many of us. His five year mini festivalhas the aim of raising £1m to be invested asan endowment fund. The interest frominvestments will be distributed each year tolocal charities that we choose to assist. Bylinking with the GCF, we were able to accessa three year Government funded scheme toencourage the setting up of endowmentfunds for this purpose. This has meant thatthe GMCA has received £315,000 matchedfunding to enhance the endowment fund.

“With an ageing membership, over 50%of our members being retired and on fixedincomes, the provision of an endowmentfund will enable our support forGloucestershire charities to be maintained,

even if members’ charitable donationsfluctuate over the years.

Public Recognition. . . . “Lodges may be unaware that thedonations they make to local charities areduplicated several times over by otherLodges. One of the frequent criticismsdirected to the GMCA is that Freemasonrydoes not get sufficient public recognitionfor its charitable work. The answer lies inbeing smarter; being more efficient inwhere and how we make donations. Wehave the technology available to enableimproved sharing of information to enablecooperation that will benefit all thecharities we support. However, it willwork only if we use the members’ charity,the GMCA, as the main vehicle forMasonic grant making. All GloucestershireMasons are members of the GMCA andany of them can make a recommendationto the Executive Committee (via theGMCA Secretary, Nigel Bridges) for agrant to a Gloucestershire charity.”

For further information go to:www.gloucestershirecommuintyfoundation.co.ukwww.beaconfellowship.org.uk

A transcript of the full interview can beviewed on the Gloucestershire website:http://www.glosmasons.org.uk/

Philanthropy Advocate

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SSAFA donation

As part of a national gift by theFreemasons’ Grand Charity of £250,000to help former service personnel and theirfamilies, Gloucestershire Freemasons havedonated £5,000 to help members of thecounty’s branch of the Soldiers, Sailors,Airmen and Families Association.

Gathering at Stroud Masonic Hall, twoVice-Presidents of SSAFA, Lady AgnesHumphrey OBE and Air Vice-Marshal JohnLawrence CB CBE AFC, were amongst alarge contingent of officials received bythe Provincial Grand Master, RW BroAdrian Davies.

Professional footballerWhat was particularly poignant, however,was that amongst the guests wererecipients of assistance given by SSAFA.Pictured above (second from right) is 90-year old David Bewley from Cirencester,whose wife is in care. SSAFA has helpedhim by supplying a disability scooter to gotowards giving him some independence.David, an ex-Royal Artillery soldier whofought in N Africa, was also a professionalfootballer with Fulham and Watford. Heonce played against Real Madrid and wasFulham’s captain when a certain youngJohnny Haynes arrived on the scene.

Rescued twice30-year old Kelly Lenderyou, (picturedbelow with the RW Provincial GrandMaster), comes from a military family.Nevertheless, she is not too proud to admitthat on leaving the Royal Logistic Corps, shedeveloped an alcohol problem. In 2004,SSAFA got her into a hostel. In 2008, sheagain had health problems. SSAFA rescuedher once more and helped with supportedhousing. “I didn’t think I could go back tothem,” she told squaretalk, “but a case-worker came to see me. I was put on abeauty therapy course at GloucesterCollege. They have supported me bothfinancially and practically and are helpingme turn my life around!”

A full report can be seen on theProvincial website.

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Glos Masonic BowlingFounded 1954

The Association continued to go fromstrength to strength; membershipincreasing during the 2010 season.

The 2011 fixture list presents newchallenges; the Association intending toreach out to local bowling clubs, therebyreducing the carbon footprint on traveland meeting new friends.

New members are made most welcomeand contact may be made with the Secretary,W Bro Ian Tucker Tel: 01242-238288.

In February, the first ever Bowls Dinnerwas held at the Masonic Hall in Stroud,supported by forty three-members andtheir wives. The Association was honouredwith the presence of our Provincial GrandMaster and Mrs Davies.

Fixtures with the adjoining Provinceshave continued to be very popular and newvenues such as our visits toLeicestershire and to Devonshirehave been greeted with greatenthusiasm.

There are two home venues;The Cotswold Bowling Club inStroud and the Frampton uponSevern Bowling Club. Pairs andTriples competitions continue tobe well supported. The BathurstCup and the George Lee Trophyare competed for on triples dayand the Tony Allcock and GMBATrophy at the pairs event.

The President vCaptain’s Matchheld in Septemberwas followed bythe AGM

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Major refurbishment at AvonmouthOn a Saturday in August, about 80members of the various orders meeting atAvonmouth met to celebrate thecompletion of the major refurbishment onthe lovely old building and to unveil aplaque dedicated to the memory of thelate Bro Dennis Partridge.

£120,000 in 12 yearsThe Chairman of the ManagementCommittee, W Bro Geoff Hayes, gave arésumé of the works carried out over thepast 12 years and reported that £120,000had been raised and spent by a membershipof some 250 during that period.

He gave thanks to those Brethren for theirloyal and generous support, and in particularto the two previous Chairmen, VW Bro ColinBendon and W Bro John Patching. Healso thanked the Hall Manager, W BroPeter Osborne for his tireless and

dedicated hard work behind the scenes andnot least to the excellent builder, RobinHillier, who had completed every projecton time and, importantly, within budget.

Following on, VW Bro Colin paidtribute to the late Bro Dennis, supportedby his widow Mrs Cis Partridge and tenmembers of the family. She then unveiledthe plaque and gave a short but veryemotional speech, thanking all present.

W Bro Don Parker

Sadly, W Bro Don, the Almoner ofCotteswold Lodge in Cirencester, passedaway in January.

Last autumn, however, whilst he wasundergoing treatment for his illness, hehappened to mention to W Bro TonyBowman that he still had his potatoes inthe ground at his allotment. Bro Tonyreported this at the next Lodge meeting

and in true Masonic spirit, five membersturned up the next Sunday morning to putmatters right. Not only did they dig up andstore Bro Don’s crop of potatoes, but alsodug and rotavated the whole patch,leaving it in a pristine condition.

Willing helpersThe members of the team were W BroNigel Bridges (Royal Agricultural CollegeLodge), W Bros Tony Hewitt, TonyBowman, Maurice Hampton and BroTony Clack (of Cotteswold Lodge). Thework was supervised by Bro Don, whoprovided coffee and biscuits for hishelpers. “Don was an immense man anda wonderful Almoner. He will be sadlymissed by so very many,” said lodgesecretary, W Bro David Warden.

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Kings Weston Chapter’s New Banner

Banner Dedication Companions attending the regular meetingof Kings Weston Chapter in October weretreated to a very special ceremony; thededication of only the second bannerknown to exist in the Province. It was alsothe first time that anyone can actuallyremember such a ceremony taking place ina Royal Arch Chapter.

The Most Excellent GrandSuperintendent, Graham King, and theSecond and Third ProvincialGrand Principals entered theChapter, accompanied by theDeputy Grand Superintendent,Tony Stock, and a largegathering of Provincial Officers.The banner was received into theChapter and the Rulers proceededto carry out the ceremony ofdedication in a most dignifiedand impressive manner.

SymbolismThe banner, which is based onthe symbolism of the Royal Arch,

was then paradedaround the Chapter andE Comp Les Hollandread an oration whichhe had prepared andwhich was received withacclamation by theCompanions.

The Three Principalsof the Chapter resumedtheir respective chairsand the First Principal E.Comp Peter Vanderwertexpressed his thanks tothe Grand Superintendentand his team for theirsupport andencouragement and for

the way the ceremony was conducted. He also paid grateful thanks to E Comp

Les for all his work in designing the bannerand taking it through the various stages ofproduction, as well as for his excellentoration. Tribute was also paid to E CompTrevor Parsons who sponsored the bannerand who presented it to the Chapter.

All the Companions naturally thenenjoyed a fine Festive Board.

Provincial Team

Past Principals

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“Driving Experience”To celebrate his birthday, W BroDick Rawlings’ wife Kaypresented him with a novelpresent; a “Driving Experience”with a difference!

It called for a weekend awayat Swanage, the highlight beingto live his boyhood dream ofdriving a steam railway engine.

Taking time out from responsibil-ities as the Master at LyegroveLodge, W Bro Dick presentedhimself for duty, overalls andshovel at the ready, at theSwanage Steam Railway forhis special day. He says he wasworried that his charge mightturn out to be “Thomas the Tank Engine”,so it was with relief as well as excitementthat he saw it was a fully-blown, larger-than-life 2-6-4 Standard Class 4 engineNo 80104. Originally built in 1955, butspending some years at the Barrylocomotive graveyard, it was then lovinglyrestored. Many of us would have seen thisengine working on the Avon ValleyRailway at Bitton before it took up itspresent location at Swanage in 1997.

Hot work!Warmly welcomed by the staff atSwanage Station, Dick was ushered to aneven warmer location on the footplate. Hewas able to fire the loco up the line toCorfe Castle before turning it around todrive it back on the return journey toSwanage. Needless to say he was underthe watchful eyes of the professionals alsoon the footplate.

On his return he was presented with alovely certificate to commemorate what was an absolutely wonderful day.

The Master’s gone loco!

“Oh well, now it’s back to the ritualbook!!” said Dick.

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Night of celebrationsThe installation of W Bro Phil Jenkinsonas Master of Orpheus Lodge saw acapacity crowd at Downend.

The silver jubilee having been fetedwith the dedication of a new banner inJune, (see Provincial website for a brieflodge history and account of proceedings),the lodge’s first Candidate, W Bro JohnTalbot Robson was on hand and in goodform to be presented with his 50-yearcertificate and pin.

John has always been a keen cricketerand is pictured above as part of the 1952QEH Junior XI team. So it was apt that themain gift from the lodge was an especiallydedicated limited edition cricketing printand a book, both signed by Jack Russell;(pictured below presented by the new WM).

There was also the presentation of a“baby-grow”, of which perhaps only theRW Provincial Grand Master and JTR knewthe significance!

Half-century not out for JTR

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French Connection!W Bro Keith Lafford writes . . .

“A photograph in the autumn edition ofsquaretalk took me back to last year’s Fetedes Fleurs in the attractive French spatown of Bagneres de Luchon in thePyrenees. (Cycling enthusiasts willrecognise the name from the Tour deFrance.) The annual festival is a splendidevent, featuring a grand parade along themain street of many beautifully decoratedfloral floats and an international medley ofdancers, vintage cars, horse riders, bandsetc. Amongst the visiting bands was theCity of Bristol Pipe Band, impressively ledby none other than W Bro VernonPhillips, a PM of Seven Springs LodgeNo 7223 in Cheltenham. I hadn’t seenVernon since he had movedfrom Cheltenham and wassurprised and pleased to see himagain so unexpectedly. He waspictured leading the band in the“Masonry on Parade!” article onpage 29 but strangely notmentioned in the text.”

The editor replies . . . . “I am grateful to W Bro Keith ofRoyal Union Lodge No 246 forhis contribution. A small worldindeed! Attending as one of themany volunteers who manned

the stall at the Winterbourne Carnival lastMay, I just happened to take the photo asthe Pipe Band marched past, blissfullyunaware that it was led by a brother!”

This correspondence led to W Bro Keithsupplying thephotographicevidence, plus arange of othercolourful photosfrom the Pyreneanfete.

Don’t forget,Brethren. The newProvincial displayequipment is nowavailable. Pleasecontact W BroClive Goode on01452 422895 withinformation aboutevents in yourcommunity. Clivewill do the rest.

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Robert’s RideLand’s End to John O’GroatsIn June, W Bro Gareth Gregory ofMercurius and Old Patesian Lodges andhis friend Ian Kennedy will be taking onthis cycling marathon. squaretalk askedhim why!

GG: It’s a fundraiser, on behalf ofMacMillan Cancer Support.ST: How has it come about, Gareth?GG: It’s very sad. Nearly two years ago,my friend Ian’s son, Robert Kennedy,died of a brain tumour. He was only 25.Ian has found it hard coming to termswith his death. So have his mother, Bina,Neil his younger brother and his youngwidow, Leila, who had been his childhoodsweetheart. ST: How did Macmillan Nurses help?GG: Towards the end, they looked afterRobert. The care and kindness that theyshowed was outstanding, both to Robertand the rest of the family. ST: Why choose to cycle?

GG: Bina hasespecially beenlooking at ways toraise money for theMacmillan charity toshow herappreciation. As wellas being a brilliantpainter, and musician,Robert was also a very enthusiastic cyclist.So, as keen cyclists ourselves, Ian and Icame up with theidea of doingsomething special.

Challenge of a lifetime!ST: Have you other reasons for supportingthis worthy charity?GG: I certainly have. My mother died inJanuary whilst being treated for bowelcancer and my family received tremendouspractical support from Macmillan nurses.So, as well as raising money for anoutstanding cause, the ride offers theopportunity to perform a “challenge of alifetime”. All participants in the ride areself-funding and any donations will beapplied in full to Macmillan Cancer Support.ST: How can Brethren support you?GG: Visit my website athttp:/www.justgiving/Gareth-Gregory1.

Gareth (left) and Ian

Robert & Leila

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Active Provincial Officers’ Garden Party

Chez W Bro Max Hart

all current members, all Masonic widows and to members that have resigned inrecent years. The purpose is to raise thelevel of information and understandingabout the help available to qualifyingMasonic beneficiaries. It will provide a freehelpline telephone number as well as on-lineaccess to information about Masoniccharities and how to apply for assistance.

Lodge Secretaries have been asked toprovide up to date information aboutMasonic widows to the ProvincialSecretary for this initiative.

Contact Freemasonry Cares on 0800035 60 90 for a confidential discussionabout your situation, including guidanceon applying for support.http://www.freemasonrycares.org/:

New service for all Freemasonsand dependants

Freemasonry Cares is a joint initiative ofthe central Masonic Charities (TheFreemasons’ Grand Charity, Royal MasonicTrust for Girls and Boys, The Royal MasonicBenevolent Institution and MasonicSamaritan Fund). The service was launchedin September 2009 to make it easier forFreemasons, their families and otherdependants to access the range of charitablehelp, support and services available to them.It will supplement the help provided byLodge Almoners and Provincial Almoners.

The initiative is being implemented in 2011in Gloucestershire (as well as other Provinces). Two copies of a new leaflet will be posted to

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Freemasonry Cares

A true gentleman!The Brethren of The RoyalGloucestershire Lodgecongratulate W Bro RobertWatkin on the anniversaryof his 60 years in Freemasonry.W Bro Watkin is recognised as a truegentleman of character, immense personalintegrity and an inspirational presencewithin the Lodge.

W Bro Robert was initiated into the Crafton Friday 28th April 1950 in the Lodge ofFriendship in West Lancashire Province. Theceremony was carried out by Robert’s fatheron his first night as WM of the Lodge.

Moving south to follow his career, hejoined Swan of Avon Lodge in Warwickshire,and was installed as Master in 1980. Thesame year, he joined Caius Lodge No 3355 inLondon, being installed as Master in 1983.

Robert gained London Grand Rank in1983 and the years 1984 to 1993 sawhim in office as Secretary of Caius Lodge.1992 was also the year that The RoyalGloucestershire Lodge welcomed him as aJoining Member. In what seems to havebeen a busy year, a further and significantcontribution to the Craft was made in1992; Robert serving as a foundingmember of the Oxford & CambridgeLodges Council, holding the Chair for 10years until 2002.

In recognition of his Masonicachievements, W Bro Watkin was awardedGrand Rank in 1996 (PAGDC). The depthof his on-going contribution to the Craftwas further demonstrated when in 2000he served as a founding member of theLondon Grand Rank Mercia Group,holding the Chair until 2005. The honourof acting when required as dulydesignated representative of the PGM atInstallation Meetings was also a feature ofthe years 1996 to 2009.

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Presently, W Bro Watkin is enjoying hisretirement and, we can all agree it isthoroughly well-deserved. Regular doses ofsea air, taken in various exotic destinations,ensure that the Brethren of The RoyalGloucestershire Lodge will enjoy thecompany, guidance and inspirational exampleof W Bro Robert for many years to come.

60 years service to Masonry

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Winston’s Wish delight at Grantprofessional team, bereaved childrenwould not have the support they need tobe able to make sense of death andrebuild their lives”.

As an example, he said that Georgie wasthree when her father died and she and hermother Nicki were finding it difficult to copewith her feelings. Winston’s Wish provided aSenior Practitioner who built up arelationship and Georgie’s confidence grew.“As a result, we both feel so muchstronger”, said Nicki.

After the National Lottery, Freemasonsare the second biggest givers to charitablecauses in this country. In Gloucestershirealone, the Lodges now have anendowment fund of more than £650,000for local charities.

£25,000 from Grand CharityWinston’s Wish, is the leading childhoodbereavement charity, and was delighted tobe awarded a generous grant from TheFreemasons’ Grand Charity totalling£25,000. The donation will providefunding towards a Senior Practitionerwithin the Family Services Team.

Karen Robinson, Head of FamilyServices at Winston’s Wish said, “Thisgenerous donation will provide fundingtowards a professional Senior Practitionerwithin the Family Services Team to supportchildren and their families before, duringand after bereavement”. Speaking aboutthe donation, the Provincial Grand Master,RW Bro Adrian Davies said, “TheFreemasons have a long history ofsupporting worthy causes and we aredelighted that this grant will allow Winston’sWish to continue with their wonderful work.Without such a dedicated and

Bristol visitOutgoing PGM

In November, a large contingentof Gloucestershire masons paida visit to Canynges Lodge tomark the retirement of theProvincial Grand Master ofBristol, RW Bro Mike Flynn.Whilst emphasising thecontinuing strong ties betweenour Provinces, our own ProvincialGrand Master, RW Bro AdrianDavies presented RW Bro Mikewith a rose bowl and flowers forhis wife Ann.

Both PGMs are pictured herewith W Bro David Stokes, the WM,together with their deputies,

VW Bros Colin Bendon and Alan Vaughan(PGM designate of Bristol) and Past DeputyPGM of Bristol, Roy Howse.

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Kilimanjaro ChallengeBro Brian Marshall (now aged 78)of Glevum Lodge and his sonSimon (45) have just returnedhome after another majorchallenge. This latest one was in aidof Macmillan Cancer Relief.

They travelled via Ethiopia toTanzania on 21st October (TrafalgarDay!). It was to be the ultimatechallenge in their fund-raisingepics throughout Brian’s retirement.

A series of challenges!

The first challenge had been Brian’ssolo cycle ride from John O’Groats toLand’s End soon after his first hip replacement,(at the age of 60), which had been broughtabout by running too many marathons!

A good walking companion to Brianwas his lifelong Police colleague andfriend, Joe Taylor. Together they trekkedin Hannibal’s footsteps across France andover the Alps to the Italian border as wellas, on another occasion, making thepilgrimage across southern France andover the Pyrenees into Spain to Santiagode Compostella. They each raised fundsfor their chosen charities.

This was followed by a number of treksand cycle challenges by Brian and Simon.They have cycled coast-to-coast; over theSierra Madre Mountains across Mexico;across the Indian state of Rajasthan andacross Brazil from the Iguacu Falls on theArgentinian border to Rio de Janeiro onthe east coast. The treks included one inPeru, when they tackled the Inca trail toMachu Picchu in the Andes.

The recent climb was of MountKilimanjaro; the highest free-standingmountain in the whole of the Africancontinent at 5,895 metres. “The terrain wasextremely rough and the air became rarefied

as we climbed towards the summit,” saidBrian. “Approaching the 19,000 feet level,the temperature was minus 10c!” Theyhad to camp out in the roughestconditions they had ever experiencedthroughout the 6-day (and night) climb.However, the reward for such an effortwas the magnificent scenery and theadded spectacle, during the final night-time ascent, of seeing the mountain withits spectacular glaciers, bathed in moonlight.

Brian told squaretalk “The expedition wasa complete success, due mainly to Simonwho always acted as his Dad’s ‘Man Friday’!”

A lifetime of sport!

Incidentally, Brian had his other hipreplaced at the age of 70 but, rather thancausing him to put his feet up, it gavehim the determination to overcome whatwere major setbacks after a lifetime ofsport and physical challenges.

MacMillan Cancer Relief

Brian and Simon have so far raised justover £8,000 for having conqueredKilimanjaro. Any further donations wouldbe gratefully received.

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Edinburgh excursion

Whirlwind scheduleLeaving Bristol Airport very early on anOctober morning, 26 Masons, mostly fromGloucestershire, embarked on a hectic tripto Scotland. Organised by Bro Jon Ward ofTyndall Lodge, the first stop was in centralEdinburgh to pick up a small party ofAmerican Masons from Mystic Circle LodgeNo 685 in Lawrence, Indiana and then on tothe now-famous Rosslyn Chapel.

Canongate KilwinningBack into Edinburgh for lunch and then atour of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning,

founded in 1677. It is perhaps most famousfor being the location of the painting of BroRobert Burns, who affiliated to the lodge in1787, a copy of which hangs in many lodgerooms around the Province.

Winding staircase ~ Grand Lodge

Rosslyn Chapel

Cannongate Kilwinning

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Changing into best bib and tucker toattend an initiation at The Lodge ofEdinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No 1, Brethrensampled the finest true Scottish hospitalityand exchanges of masonic mementosbetween the Americans, English and ourScottish hosts. “An absolutely brillianttrip”, said VW Bro Colin Bendon, theDeputy Provincial Grand Master, “full offun and Masonic interest. I’m sure thatthis special Masonic experience will belong remembered by both our newermembers and those of us with more thana few years under our belts”.

Grand LodgeThe following morning, Brethrenassembled, a few with sore heads, for aguided tour of the Grand Lodge of

Scotland. Burns’ apron, also somewhatworse for wear, was on display in themuseum, plus the original of that famouspainting. Lunch in a country pub preceded

the essential distillery tour at Glenkinchiebefore boarding the plane to arrive backin Bristol. All that in just 38 hours!

Masonic debate with US brother

Burns Painting

No 1 Lodge

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Painting CommissionInnsworth Lodge No8751 . . . ... has commissioned a paintingof Gloucester Masonic Hall toraise funds for Provincial GrandMaster’s GloucestershireCharities Appeal.

“Pretty as a picture!”Although it is a venerable andhistoric building, the exterior ofthe Hall may not be consideredas “pretty as a picture” by someof those Brethren who regularly attendlodge meetings there. So, W Bro TomRobson, the Charity Steward ofInnsworth Lodge, hopes to change thisview and has commissioned a local artistto produce an original water-colourpainting of the building on Cross KeysLane. A copy of the water-colour isreproduced above. W Bro Tom toldsquaretalk “We hope to sell professionallyproduced, limited edition “giclee” printsof the painting to raise funds for thePGM’s Appeal. On this occasion, theartist, Hilary Robson, has given herservices free for the Appeal.”

Limited EditionThe limited edition prints on water colourpaper, numbered and signed by the artist,are mounted and backed ready forframing. They will make ideal mementosfor serving or retiring Masters, and PastMasters, who have ruled their Lodges inGloucester. Other Brethren may feel theyhave wall-space in their studies that reallyneeds a limited edition print.

“I must sell at least 10 prints to makethe plan viable,” said Tom. “This is becausethere is an unavoidable one-off charge for“setting up” the painting for the high-

quality giclee prints to be produced and,of course, all the prints and mounts haveto be paid for. The more orders the betterthe return, and all profits will becontributed to the PGM’s Appeal.”

The mounted prints measure approx30cms X 26cms (12” X 10”) and are forsale at £17.50 each (£20 to include postage). Contact Tom at 01452-371467 or email:hilzntom@btinternet.com.

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Mark TokenBristol BlueOver recent years, W Bro Tony Putterillhas raised a great deal of money forGloucestershire Provincial charities byproducing the beautiful Bristol Blue, andoccasionally Ruby, firing glasses.

In a departure from the norm and as amember of Davy Mark Lodge, he hasnow commissioned this stunning token,engraved with the Concorde on one sideand the keystone and triangle on thereverse. Holding it to the light, both sidescan be viewed together.

Tony told squaretalk, “Many freemasonsworked on this magnificent plane, includingBrethren in Davy Mark Lodge, who are nowin retirement, just like Concorde! Thedistinctive blue glass has been synonymouswith Bristol since glass blowing wasintroduced into the area around 1647.Blue is associated with prosperity and

The Bristol MerchantVenturers adoptedthe glass toadvertise theiropulence to therest of theworld.”

A rare item!Tony has been told by theMark Token Collectors Club that to theirknowledge, this is the first ever glasstoken. It has been an instant hit withcollectors. Anyone interested inpurchasing one of these rare items cancontact Tony at t.putterill@talktalk.netor 01454-324841. The price is £17, plus£1.50 p&p.

All profits are being donated toColorectal Cancer Research.

“Little Hearts Matter”is a charity which

supports those affectedwhen a child has only half a heart.

A little girl called Amelia Hinelives in the same village as BroEric Hartley, of Lydda Lodgeand his wife Kerry, daughter ofW Bro Des McGuinness. Ameliahas only half a heart and Bro Ericand Kerry wanted to help withfund-raising for the charity.

Lydda Lodge Race NightW Bro Richard Birkwood, WM of LyddaLodge, rose to the occasion, organising aRace Night which raised an astonishing£663.85. W Bro Richard said afterwards,“The WM can only suggest, encourage,and act as a catalyst. It is the Brethren,

their wives, partners and families whoparticipate in the organising and runningof such events. In effect, they make ithappen! Sally and I are so grateful for thesupport in making this such a success.”

Pictured at the cheque presentation areVW Bro Colin Bendon, Deputy ProvincialGrand Master, together with WM and WBro Des.

Little Hearts Matter!

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Letter from South AfricaW Bro John Hopkins writes . . . . . . from Lord Roberts Lodge No 2827(UGLE), 28-Sep-10.Dear Brother,I have over the last week been reading thesquaretalk magazine. I find it of greatinterest as it keeps me, here in SouthAfrica, in touch with GloucestershireMasons.

It was very good to see that HighnamCourt was used for some functions. As anOperative Mason, I carried out a lot ofrestoration there for a previous owner.The Masonic stall is a great success and Iintend to pass the idea on to our DistrictGrand Master. I used to sing with theStuart Singers. I was pleased to learnthat Gerry Palmer was still going strongwith his music; a great conductor!

Noted also was the photo of the groupoutside Grand Lodge. Did you knowthat the bronze doors were made by

“Martins ofCheltenham”?I worked fortheir associateR L Boultons ofBath Roadwho probablydid the

mosaics around the top of the walls atGrand Lodge.My wife and I will be inGloucestershire from the 4th to 18th Junenext year. If there is a Ladies’ night, wewould love to come to it.14 Knightsbridge Gardens, Ottto duPlessis Road, Somerset West 7130,Cape Province, South Africa.

Editor’s note:Good to hear that squaretalk is beingread so far afield. Such an interestingresponse too! If a brother can answer WBro John’s question, please write to him.

PROVINCE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE MASONIC BIKERS(BORN AGAIN OR THINKING ABOUT IT, NOVICES OR LEARNERS)

RIDE THE PROVINCE SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 2011

MEETING AT DOWNEND AND ENDING AT THE PROVINCIAL MID-SUMMER FAYRE (see back cover)FOR INFORMATION CONTACT W BRO DEREK GUNNINGHAM:01934-852811 dgunningham@hotmail.co.uk

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Family Affair at Seven Springs

Justice be the guide . . . There was an exchange of the magisterialchair for that of King Solomon, at theNovember installation at Lodge No 7223 andit turned out to be very much a family affair.

After a year of hard work in the chair,the outgoing Master, W Bro Paul FulhamJP, handed over the reins to W Bro AshleyFellows JP, to enable him to install hisbrother, Bro Matthew James DavidFellows. The ceremony was undertakenwith a genuine sense of brotherly lovethat was almost tangible.

The formalities were witnessed by closefamily members including, W Bro Bob Hilland Bros Craig and David Fellows. On thesame evening brother Craig and father Davidbecame joining members of the lodge.

Ubiquitous visitors Amongst lodge guests were a numberfrom Ubique Lodge, Matthew’s motherlodge in London, who had come to Seven

Springs to join the brethren incongratulating him in taking the chair.The Provincial Senior Grand Warden, WBro Max Hart, represented the RWProvincial Grand Master. In January,Seven Springs Lodge celebrated their 14thannual ladies’ meeting at CheltenhamMasonic Hall on the theme of the life ofBro Robbie Burns (1759-1796). The WMinvited guests into the temple and gave ashort informative talk on freemasonry.

The dining room was filled to capacitywith 60 dinersenjoying traditionalhaggis with“neaps andtatties”, followedby Scotch roastbeef. The haggiswas piped in andaddressed by BroAlan McClymont.

The event raised£350 for charity.

Photo above L to R: Bro Craig Fellows, W Bro Paul J D Fulham JP (IPM), W Bro MatthewFellows WM, W Bro Ashley Fellows JP (Installing Master), Bro D Fellows.

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www.glosmasons.org.uk

With well over 700 alreadyhaving registered for access,the Provincial website is nowwell and truly up and running!Over 30 lodges have started to put informationon their individual page or are regularlyupdating with content such as summonses,minutes of meetings, publicity of social events,calendar entries and so on. It’s a good start, butwe’d like every member to make the most ofthis valuable resource and join the growingband of online Masons.

Your Lodge Editor can upload virtually anykind of information to your lodge page and tomake it as useful to you as possible, best to lethim know what you’d like to see; both on yourown lodge page and the site generally. If yourlodge hasn’t yet appointed a Lodge Editor,encourage them to do so. The Province hasalready provided free training sessions for nearly30 editors and any wishing to register for thisshould contact the web team (details below);we’d like to train at least one editor for everylodge in the Province.

No doubt the website will continue to developwith more content being added all the time, butthere’s already a wealth of information available,which you may find useful, including:• Up-to-date Provincial contacts; • Addresses of all the Masonic centres in the

Province;• A Provincial appointments calendar and

details of every installation visit for thecurrent season;

• The Provincial year book;• Electronic copies of recent editions of

squaretalk, and;• Guidance notes for secretaries, charity

stewards and a range of other documents.

If your lodge doesn’t yet use its page or ifyou haven’t yet registered for access to thesite, please do join us and make the most ofthis fantastic resource.

Not online?Not everyone is comfortable with using acomputer and if you’d like to understand more,you can call 08000 150950 (free from landlines)and find out about beginners courses.

If you already have access to the internet,but aren’t sure about what it can do for you,try visiting the BBC First Click website(www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick) for lots ofuseful information and advice.

Not registered?If you haven’t yet registered for the website,just follow the simple steps below. If you arehaving any difficulties gaining access, pleaseget in touch with the web team who shouldbe able to resolve any issues.

Step by step registration• Go to www.glosmasons.org.uk• Click on ‘Click here to Login / Register’ in

the top right corner• Click ‘Register’ in the window that opens• Complete the registration form (your

Grand Lodge Reference Number maybedifferent to your Certificate number butyour lodge secretary will be able to let youknow what it is by referring to his copy ofthe AR1 form if you aren’t sure)

• After completing the form, click ‘Register’If you have any queries or issues with the

website, please get in touch:phil@marinex.co.uk (01453 732035)kevincouling@hotmail.comadam@aemd.demon.co.uk

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Shorts!

Haiti donationIn November, the Freemasons’ GrandCharity donated £25,000 to the BritishRed Cross, funding supplies to combat thecholera epidemic taking hold in Haiti.Following the devastating earthquake,over a million people in Haiti were living inmake-shift camps. These difficult livingconditions resulted in the first choleraoutbreak in Haiti in over a hundred years,due to a lack of decent sanitation facilitiesand access to clean drinking water.

The UN announced that over 28,000people in Haiti were being treated for cholerasymptoms and close to 2,000 people died.The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s donationhas provided hygiene and sanitation packs,which the Red Cross have distributed to helpstop the spread of the disease.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated£30,000 for immediate assistance followingthe earthquake, in which an estimated230,000 people were killed and over 300,000injured. A Relief Chest was also opened bythe Council of the Freemasons’Grand Charity,which raised £93,000. The Chest, which hasnow closed, is helping to fund the re-buildingof a school in Leogane, Haiti. (Full story:www.grandcharity.org)

Light & ReflectionWhen Bro Fred Beacham announced thathe was going into the chair at the Lodgeof Light and Refection, the RW ProvincialGrand Master made a promise to be there.Problem: When it came to installation onSep-10, RW Bro Adrian Davies wascommitted at Grand Lodge in London. Resolution: Move the lodge date!Hence, on the rearranged date, the lodge

was honoured with the presence not onlyof the Provincial Grand Master (address toBrethren), but also his Deputy, VW BroColin Bendon (address to Master) and hisAssistant, W Bro Gordon Cole (address toWardens). Question: What could go wrong? Answer: Presentation of IPM’s jewel toW Bro Frank Crossland ~ it broke!Resolution: Soon mended.

Wine winnersW Bro Keith Turner (pictured below), ofManor of Ashley Lodge in Cheltenham,picked up the first prize of 100 bottles ofwine in the latest Christmas draw. “It’sproving a great success,” said organiser,W Bro Steve Farr. “This year it raised noless than £4,500 and I’d like to thankeveryone who supported it.”

Second prize winner was Bro Peter Smith,Junior Deacon at Sudeley Castle Lodge.

Third prize winner was Bro RossBareham, a Fellow Craft in GlevumLodge. Steve added a bottle of champagneto the prize of 25 bottles of wine onlearning that Ross’ wife was expecting animminent addition to the family!

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Golf Society’s RubyFounded 1970In celebrating its first 40 years, theGloucestershire Masonic Golf Society isgrateful to the 2010 captain, W Bro MikeStone (Kendleshire), for recovering oldrecords and writing a full account of theyear’s activities; (now available on theProvincial website and well-worth a read).With the Provincial Grand Master as itsPresident, the GMGS is clearly once morein “full swing”; neither turning to theright nor the left from the paths of virtue,nor hopefully, the fairway!

Golf has been played in this Province sincebefore 1933. The variety of trophies donatedby past players bears witness to this; they aredisplayed in the Gloucester Masonic Hall.

Ruby mementosPreparing the 2010 calendar of events,the Ruby Anniversary was marked withgifts of ruby-coloured golf tees, ball-markers and special prizes to be won fromamong the ten events, some played atnew courses and others as a return tosome of the past Golf Courses played bythe Society since its inception.

The Annual “Opening” event was theInter-Lodge Match, called the “North VersusSouth”, played at Dewstow. 32 players tookpart in matchplay format and it was won bythe Brethren of the North, captained by BroMichael Jacques (Prince of Wales), whotook the Shield and a bottle of “Jacques”Cider. The winner of the longest drive at the9th, “by an enormous distance”, was noneother than our Provincial Grand Almoner, WBro Roger Dakin (Earl Bathurst), off a 28handicap. “Nearest to the Pin” was by apast-captain, W Bro Neil Gayler (Regency).

The first Provincial Match was a 14-a-sideagainst the Brethren of Bristol and tookplace at Woodlands, where the GMGShosted our visitors with a three-course

supper. The result was an honourable draw,3 and ? matches each, at which 28 playerstook part in pairs. “Nearest the Pin” waswon by Hambrook’s Bro Chris Northcott.

A full calendar!There followed a match against SomersetProvince, a Social Day at Minchinhampton, awin against Monmouthshire Masons, and aclosely fought encounter with Herefordshire.

The Captain and President’s Golf Daywas held at Cotswold Edge and the“Glorious 12th August” was celebratedby a return to Cirencester, home of manypast GMGS events.

A match with Wiltshire Masons followed.They were the first Province to have playedGMGS, dating back to around 1975.

The final match of the year was againstthe Worcestershire Brethren at Kings Nortonand later, the annual dinner, organised by oneof the Provinces, saw Somerset as the hosts.

Books presented to GMGS by RW BroPeter Marsh, and W Bros Peter Gillmanand Desmond Jones are on display in thecabinet at the Gloucester Masonic Hall. Thephoto below shows the presentation of thenew “Keene & Stone Social Salver”.

Anyone interested in joining the Societyshould contact W Bro Michael Stevenson 01242-674607 or atstevens39@btinternet.com.

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Freemasonry under fire again!KandaharHow many GloucestershireBrethren picked this story up offthe web? Photos werecirculating of Canada Lodge,holding their first ceremonies ofinitiation in October at KandaharAir Field. Initiated were a Majorand a Corporal.

The lodge is now beautifullyfurnished thanks to the generosityof the brethren from back home.W Bro Gordon Hendrie explainedthat due to operationalrequirements, they were unable toperform a full rehearsal prior to the bignight. Nevertheless, he was proud of theway that the parts came seamlesslytogether and all of the Brethren had puttheir heart and soul into the perfection oftheir work.

Rocket attack!The evening ended, however, in trulyAfghan flavour. As the Brethren wereposing for photographs, they came underrocket attack and had to hit the floor!

Masters in WaitingW Bro Fred Beacham, WM at theLodge of Light & Reflection, hasorganised two lunches for Wardensand their wives or partners. The firstof these, at Stapleton in October,saw fifty-seven dining, largely fromlodges from south of the Province.The Provincial Grand Master, hisDeputy and other ProvincialOfficers, with their respectivepartners, were all welcome. A SomersetWarden joined the guests, with his wife.

An opportunity to prepareRemarking on the lunch, VW Bro ColinBendon, Deputy Provincial Grand Master,said, “We’ve enjoyed an opportunity tomake new friends, renew old and sharethoughts on preparing for the Chair. Most

importantly, we’ve been able to say a verypublic ‘thank-you’ to wives and partnersfor their support and provide real evidence ofthe enjoyment to be had in the years ahead.”

The Province’s Membership DevelopmentArea Coordinators plan to build on W BroFred’s success, with lunches for Wardensand their partners in the centre and northof the Province in the coming months.

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Anno Lucis

“Have you everwondered why4000 years areadded to the dateon yourcertificate?” WBro Ron Phillipsof Lodge ofSympathy posesthis question andgoes some way tooffering an answer!

Ashmole

By the 17th century, Masonry had becomespeculative and the ritual and practices thatwe employ today would have started inthose times. We know that Elias Ashmolewas initiated in Warrington in 1646. He wasa solicitor, and an astrologer, and in 1660,became a founder member of the RoyalSociety, the premier scientific body of the era.

There was great interest in the world about usof everyday phenomena and scientific research.

In 1650, Irish Bishop James Usher,(pictured), decided to calculate the age ofthe earth. Using the Bible’s “begat list”,he worked backwards . . . “Serug lived 30years and begat Nahar . . . and Naharlived 9 and 20 years and begat Tera . . .”etc. Usher calculated that God had createdthe earth on 23rd October 4004 BC. WhyOctober 23rd? Within a decade or two,Usher was proved to be miles out . . . orshould we say millennia?

Hidden mystery

Masonry is claimed to have existed sincetime immemorial, so maybe our Masonicforefathers decided that as a result ofUsher’s calculations that the Craft wasfounded in 4000 BC. So is this the reasonwe add 4000 to our procedures? Answersplease, Brethren, on parchment to:Bro.Elias@AshmoleanMuseum.org

Why 4000?

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Master of the skies!

Tandem jumpArriving on a surprisingly warm Novembermorning at South Cerney airfield, W BroTrevor Hartley, WM of Mythe Lodge,looked aloft.

“What am I doing here?” he said tohimself. “Is this any way to spend yourbirthday?”

The sky was overcast but there was thepromise of brighter weather and a breakin the cloud. Was it with optimism orcaution that he stepped into the briefingroom for his training?

Once kitted out, he headed out ontothe runway. Take-off! At 10,000 feet, theplane throttled back and the door wasopened. Sitting on the edge, he thought,“Perhaps this is not such a good idea.” Too late! The moment of no return! Aftera couple of somersaults he and hisinstructor were free-falling at 130 mph.

After dropping through the clouds, at5,000 feet the parachute opened. Withthe controlled descent, the spectacularviews could be fully appreciated. Withinfive minutes, a safe landing; anunforgettable and exhilarating experience.

“Would I do it again?”Trevor told squaretalk, “My sincere thanksto all who have sponsored me. With theirgenerous donations, I have raised over £600in support of The Stroke Association.Would I do it again? Most definitely, yes!!”

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A most memerable occasionLodge of the Perfect AshlarFriday 1st October 2010 markeda significant milestone in theMasonic career of W Bro FredProsser. The occasion wasmarked with the presence of RWBro Adrian Davies, Provincial GrandMaster, and his assistant, W Bro GordonCole, and a number of active Provincialofficers, who were there to see Bro Fredpresented with a certificate tocommemorate 60 years in Freemasonry.

Bro Fred’s connection with Freemasonryhas extended over a considerable period oftime. His father had been a Mason and Fredhad been educated with his sister at theRoyal Masonic School. Fred joined the EssexUnited Services Lodge in 1950, havingserved in the Royal Navy during the war.

Claims to fame!Fred’s claims to fame include playing cricketon Table Mountain with General Smutsduring his active service in South Africa andon his return to the UK, working with anadministrator in a laboratory by the name ofMargaret Roberts, later to become famousof course as Margaret Thatcher.

Here in Gloucestershire, where Fredhad moved to pursue his teaching career,his Masonic involvement blossomed. Hewas a founder member of the Lodge ofthe Perfect Ashlar, which was consecratedin 1970 and he was installed in the chairof that lodge in 1976. Fred has also beenheavily involved in other orders, havingtaken the chairs in the Holy Royal Arch,Rose Croix, Knights Templar and KnightsTemplar Priests. Fred was elected anhonorary member of his lodge in 2001, inrecognition of his services.

RW Bro Adrian stated, “Thepresentation of the Sixty Year Certificate

to W Bro Prosser was one of those veryspecial moments in Freemasonry. Howdelightful it was to witness the pride onBro Fred’s face!” A sentiment shared by allwho were in attendance.

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Uganda Mission!Fifth visitIt has been more than four years sincesquaretalk has reported on thecontinued efforts of Julia Lettey, thewife of W Bro Mike Lettey of FiltonLodge of Fortitude, so we took theopportunity to interview her. ST: They must be getting used to you outthere?JL: Well, in July, it was my fifth visit. Thistime, it was as a representative of theBristol Diocese at the Enthronement andConsecration of the new Bishop of AnkoleDiocese, Church of Uganda. ST: Was it a busy schedule?JL: I certainly took the opportunity to visittwo schools near Bushenyi Town, in SouthWest Uganda. First was NyakitokoSecondary, which has a new headmasterwhom I met together with the staff andalso the pupils that we have helped. Of theoriginal ten pupils I and others have beenhelping by supplementing school fees, sixremain. They will continue to get assistanceuntil year five, which is our GCSE year.ST: I understand there is a “Julia LetteyHostel”.JL: Yes, girls sleeping there told me that theywalk half a mile down the hill to get waterfor washing. All current water collected onsite is padlocked and to be used only by thecooks! So my challenge to encourage the

girls is to help raise £800; to go towards thecost of guttering on the Hostel building anda water tank, which will provide the urgentlyneeded water on site.ST: Have things improved over the years?JL: Oh yes, overall I have noticed a vastimprovement in the buildings and facilitiesat the school since I was first there in2003. It seems our involvement soencouraged the pupils’ parents that theyhave become much more committed.Mbatamo Primary School now looks asthough it has had “some tender lovingcare” with a new roof, doors, windowsand rendering of the walls inside and out.Also the building of a staff room and astudy for the Head Teacher is in progress.The local villagers have always appearedto be very supportive of the school andthe men were busy digging thefoundations for staff accommodation,which will lift the status of the school andencourage better teachers.ST: What else is needed?JL: The main lack at Mbatamo PrimarySchool is concrete classroom floors. Thepresent dirt floors get very dusty in the

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about what we are doing. It gives me achance to once again emphasise theappreciation of those in Uganda who havebenefitted from financial help given byFreemasons and Lodges in theGloucestershire Province and also to sayhow that help greatly encourages me.

hot, dry season, which it was whilst I wasvisiting. Every Monday morning, all thepupils have to bring “a cow pat wrappedin banana leaves”. The cow pats mixedwith water and soil are smeared on theclassroom floors by the pupils to reducethe dust and insects. Children will then siton mats woven from papyrus stalks ifthere are not enough desks or benches.So my challenge here is to raise £500 togo towards concreting the classroom floors.

The future?ST: What do you see for the future?JL: The current sponsorship of variouspupils will continue until they havecompleted their time in Mbatamo PrimarySchool. So a big ‘thank you’ sponsors.ST: Any special messages for the readers?JL: I do appreciate the opportunity to talk

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Ten Master Masons

Indian visit W Bro John Gillo, the ProvincialGrand Secretary, has just returnedfrom India, where he used theopportunity to again visitPenchvale Lodge.

The lodge was consecrated in 1959at Parasia in Madhya Pradeshin, acoalmining area. Its founderscomprised English and Indian mineemployees. They chose the name fromthe Pench River, which flows throughthe nearby forest, the area describedby Bro Rudyard Kipling in his famousJungle Book.

Move to NagpurIt operated successfully for 38 years,but in 1999, having failed to submitannual returns, and with only fourmembers remaining, it was on theverge of being struck off. Brethren

from Nagpur responded to a request fromthe District Grand Master of Bombay tomove the Lodge to Nagpur and revive it.It now flourishes with 58 members!

It is one of three lodges (two EnglishConstitution and one Scottish), whichmeet there. In February 2009, it hostedthe meeting of the District Grand Lodgeand celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Thispoem was among items published in acommemorative booklet which waspresented to W Bro John on his visit.

Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;One listened to a rumour, then there were nine.Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;One didn’t like the Master, then there were eight.Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.Seven Master Masons, life dealt them some hard licks,One grew discouraged, then there were six.Six Master Masons, all very much alive;One lost his interest, then there were five.Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;Got into a great dispute, then there were four.Four Master Masons, busy as can be; One didn’t like the programmes, then there were three.Three Master Masons, was one of them you?One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.Two Master Masons with so much to be done;One said, “What’s the use?” then there was one.One Master Mason, found a brother – true!Brought him to the lodge, then there were two.Two Master Masons, didn’t find work a bore;Each brought another, then there were four.Four Master Masons saved their lodge’s fate;By showing others kindness, then there were eight.Eight Master Masons, loving their lodge’s bright sheen;Talked so much about it, they soon became sixteen.Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.So we can’t put all our troubles at the lodge’s door;It’s our fault for harming the lodge we adore.Don’t fuss about the programmes or the Master in the East;Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.

W Bro Sarosh F Dordi

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Family Affair!Two Lewises

In a matter of two months,W Bro Michael Shere-Massey,WM of Vigilantia Lodge,had the most unusual, not tomention pleasant, experienceof initiating two “Lewises”at Stroud.

Bro Iain Stansfield (sonof W Bro Bill Stansfield) andBro John Bolton (son of BroPeter Bolton) provided thisopportunity; proud occasionsfor both fathers and sons.

W Bro Bill delivered theCharge after Initiation to BroIain and Bro Peter theNortheast Address to Bro John.

For the “uninitiated”, a Lewis can befound in every lodge on the SeniorWarden’s pedestal, attached to a PerfectAshlar ~ a finished stone ~ which in turnis suspended from a tripod or derrick. InFreemasonry, a Lewis represents strength.The term “Lewis” has also become usedto describe the son of a Freemason; itbeing the son’s duty to support his parentsin the same way a Lewis supports and liftsa heavy stone.

Vigilantia Lodge . . . .

. . . was originally formed for thoseserving or retired members of the legalprofessions such as the Police, PrisonOfficers and the Judiciary, who havealways prided themselves in being “afamily” and, if the installations of thetwo Lewises was not enough to showthat Vigilantia truly is a “family” Lodge,the Master in 2008 was W Bro RolyShere-Massey, the brother of thecurrent Master.

By Royal Appointment!HM The Queen . . .

. . . has appointed UpertAntony Woodburn tobe a District Judge onthe advice of the LordChancellor, the Rt HonKenneth Clarke QC MP.The Rt Hon The LordJudge, Lord Chief Justiceof England and Wales,has assigned him to theNorthern Circuit, basedat Liverpool Civil andFamily Court andSouthport County Courtwith effect fromJanuary 2011.

Better known to usas W Bro Tony, of course, he wasadmitted as a Solicitor in 1981 andformerly Managing Partner ofHenriques Griffiths in Bristol. In 1992,he was appointed both Deputy DistrictJudge and Assistant Deputy Coroner for Avon.

Past Master

W Bro Tony was initiated in Staple HillLodge (6043) in May 1994 and reachedthe chair in April 2006. He is also aFounder Member, Past Master, andDirector of Ceremonies of Lydda Lodge(9682), where he was installed as Masterin 2002. He is a member ofGloucestershire Installed Masters (7900)and is currently in the chair of J inKingswood Chase Chapter (4666). He wasProvincial Grand Sword Bearer ofGloucestershire in 2007.

Congratulations to District JudgeWoodburn, as he is now titled!

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46 squaretalk

A Membership Steward writes

Engaging members“One of the concerns of being aMembership Steward of a Lodge is toengage both the senior brethren and thejunior members, who very often areyounger and have different socialagendas.” So writes W Bro Julian Harber.“In Royal Union Lodge, I have beenfortunate to have the support of thebrethren for different functions bringingall ages together including wives,partners, family and friends. One of thepopular social events that now seems tobe part of any new WM’s calendar is thespring and autumn walks, started when,W Bro Geoff Davis embarked on Sundaymorning rambles in the area surrounding

his home village of Birdlip, followed bylunch at the Royal George.

“On the most recent walk, Geoff’s son,who is a fitness instructor and hadpreviously trained W Bro Peter Danielsfor his record breaking marathon row,joined the group; each walker sponsoringhim for carrying a 30 kilo backpack toraise money for Huntingdon’s Disease.

Clay shoot“I feel it can be enlightening for anyMembership Steward to have the mostjunior member sitting next to him at thefestive board. On such an occasion, theconversation moved to what could I dothat would appeal to the younger MasterMasons. Bro David Hillier replied “Whatabout a clay shoot?” Within two days, hehad organised the venue and the date.“Exclusively for MMs, places were quicklyfilled. The MMs allowed the DC, W BroDave Hargreaves, who they thoughtcould demonstrate he was human outsidethe lodge, and myself to be present . . .by invitation only!

“Joined by MMs from Cheltenham andGloucester lodges, we hope this willdevelop and widen the fraternal circle.

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Champion of the Day“Our wives, Nicki (Hillier) and Tricia(Harber), prepared the catering and I wasthe onsite chef. It was quite a family affairwith Chris Hillier, who is not a Mason(yet), providing safety training andcoaching on each of the traps with Dave’stwo sons helping, the youngest showingus all up with his sharp-shooting skillsafterwards. Everyone had a great day

together and £450 was raised; thehighlight being the two top guns BrosJulian Capewell and Dave Hargreaves,having the final shoot-out for Championof the Day. It was felt they had to behandicapped, thus one had to wear ahard hat and the other some furry dice. Itwas, however, the MMs who won the dayas Julian took the title in style!”

“We’re getting there ....”“ . . . . but still a way to go!”So says W Bro Phil Waring, the FestivalCoordinator for the Provincial GrandMaster’s Charities Appeal.Interviewed by squaretalk , W Bro Philcontinued, “At the time of writing, theAppeal total stands at £831,000 (including£315,000 Grassroots Matched Funding)towards the Appeal objective of £1m. Withjust about two years to go, we still have alot to do and must continue to focus onachieving our individual lodge objectives.

Generate for the future “I say that the cause is right and thecause is just”. The thought of being ableto be part of founding something that willcontinue to generate funds to do goodnow, and well into the future, shouldinspire Brethren to give whatever they canafford. No matter how small, it will makea difference to someone in need now andin the years to come. The Brethren ofGloucestershire have always risen to thechallenge in the past and I have no reasonto think that they will not do so now.”

W Bro Phil also pointed out thatindividuals as well as lodges have beenfinding novel ways to raise money for theAppeal. He drew attention to W Bro BobOsborne who, for the past two winters,has collected timber from woods andfarms, sawn it up and auctioned it at

GloucestershireLodge ofAgriculture atWotton and RoyalAgricultural Lodgeat Cirencester. Athumping £1200 hasbeen raised so far!

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ORDER FORMYour Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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No. of SINGLE tickets @ £10.00 each …… No. of FAMILY tickets @ £25.00 each (2 adults + Children under 14 years…….

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Please enclose a stamped S.A.E. for the return of your ticketsPlease make cheque payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”.Send to: Philip Waring, 18 Deverose Court, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3SW. Tel: 0117 9605413.

Join the Provincial Executive andthe Festival Team for a relaxingafternoon of friendship and fun inthe beautiful Cotswold countryside.Savour strawberries and creamwith a glass of bubbly betweenenjoying fine musicalentertainment, sideshows and ofcourse visiting the bar. WalnutTree House (2.5 miles south westof Stroud) is a fine Georgian house

built around 1830, surrounded byeight acres of grassland andformer orchards, adjacent to theCotswold Way.• Plenty of parking• Musical entertainment• Sideshows• Displays• Food available or bring your own• Pay bar• Special family admission ticket

Mid-Summer Fayreat MiddleyardWalnut Tree House, Middleyard, King’s Stanley

Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3PW

SATURDAY 18th JUNE 2011 - 2.00pm to 7.00pmIn support of the PGM’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal