- PIO Group Home Page
- Role of the Information / Communications Officer
- PIO RESOURCES
- Contact List
- News
- News Archives
- Items of Interest
- Items of Interest Archives 2010
- Items of Interest Archives 2009
- Events at FM Hall London
- Charity News
- Archived Charity News
- Tips from One
- Useful Links
- Provincial Web Sites
- STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Introduction
- Audiences
- Channels & Vehicles
- Strategy
- Plan
Current News - Dec 2010 - July 2011
From the Province of Herefordshire 05/07/11
"My Hero"
A tandem parachute jump from 13,000 feet with the Red Devils Parachute Team, has been made by Teresa Bridgland-Taylor in memory of the late Bob McDuff of Hereford, and also to raise money in aid of the charity Help for Heroes.
Teresa refers to Bob McDuff as “my hero”, who on his 20th birthday with heavy radio kit strapped to his back, took part in the Normandy Landings D-Day 6th June 1944, and so it is appropriate that the sponsor money from the parachute jump was to be donated for today’s Help for Heroes.
Meeting with Andy Trickett, County Volunteer Coordinator, at her home in Hereford, Teresa presented a cheque for £1,167 for this charity in `Support For Our Wounded’.
Teresa made public her intension to make this parachute jump at her Ladies Festival associated with Dean Waterfield Masonic Lodge, where her husband Tim was Worshipful Master. It has been a tradition within the Lodge that on these occasions the Worshipful Master’s wife receives a monetary gift in appreciation of her support. In this instance Teresa used this gift towards the cost of the parachute jump.
Husband Tim emphasised that this “should not be a precedent for future Worshipful Masters' wives”!
Teresa completed her parachute jump on 6th June at Langer Aerodrome Nottingham. Bob McDuff was a Past Master of Dean Waterfield Lodge.
Photographs: left to right Tim Bridgland-Taylor, Teresa Bridgland-Taylor, Andy Trickett
From the Province of Herefordshire, 29.6.11
Mounted Support
Over the past decade Herefordshire Freemasons have sponsored a named horse at Holme Lacy Riding for the Disabled Centre. One such horse was aptly called Mason.
Gypsy is today’s current horse, which will soon be travelling with Instructor Helen Powell, to compete in the National Dressage Competition at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.
Janet Alderton, Centre Manager at Holme Lacy, is particularly enthusiastic about the suitability of this year’s entry at Hartpury which will be entered under the official title of Hereford Masons Gypsy.
A trial canter on Gypsy under the instruction of Helen Powell was undertaken by Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, who promised his members’ continued support of Riding for the Disabled in Herefordshire.
Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire seated
on Gypsy attended by Instructor Helen Powell at Holme Lacy RDA Centre
From the Province of Herefordshire, 29.6.11
Support in Safe Hands
Rodney Smallwood, Annie Newell, Richard Goddard PGM for Worcestershire, Adrian Davies PGM for Gloucestershire
Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire is piloting the county’s Masons in a sustained and dedicated programme of support for Midlands Air Ambulance.
At a recent meeting with Annie Newell Community Liaison Officer at Midlands Air Ambulance base at Strencham, Rodney Smallwood presented a donation of £25,000. An annual national grant, this year totalling £192,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity which is distributed countrywide, formed part of this local donation, with the remaining £21,000 being the amount raised for the Air Ambulance within Herefordshire’s Masonic Lodges.
Rodney Smallwood Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire
Such continued support over the years, both nationally and locally, has been acknowledged by Midlands Air Ambulance with the display of the Masonic Square & Compass logo on the tail fin of their three distinctly coloured helicopters.
Richard Goddard, Adrian Davies, Rodney Smallwood, Annie Newell
Rodney Smallwood praised Midlands Air Ambulance staff for their dedication and expertise, and these sentiments were echoed by the Provincial Grand Masters of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, both present on this occasion, who also presented donations to the Air Ambulance.
Richard Goddard, Annie Newell, Adrian Davies, Rodney Smallwood
From the Province of Monmouthshire 25.5.11
Masonic Province of Monmouthshire Provincial ‘Party in the Park’
at the Travellers Rest Manmoel, Blackwood
Saturday 21st May 2011
The event was a great success with well over 500 people attending. The entertainment was enjoyed by all.
The evening proceeded with the Oakdale Silver Band playing in the background, and very harmonious they were too.
Whilst the sumptuous Barbeque was being served by the Huntsman Hotel, Shirenewton, several very talented artists sang a wide variety of songs. It was nice to see so many people give their time for others enjoyment. The headline artists were ‘The Fab Beatles’ who not only looked like the originals but were note perfect in their delivery of many of the Beatles hits they performed.
Much enjoyment was had by all during a very successful raffle and auction, with all prizes having being donated by Masonic Lodges throughout Monmouthshire, local businesses and individuals, all too numerous to mention. Also, sponsorship was given by several local businesses, including substantial assistance from Stratstone Motors Cardiff who put on a fine display of Aston Martins.
The weather played a part as well with temperatures dropping to what felt like winter levels. Luckily, we enjoyed the shelter of a large complex of Marquees which without a doubt saved the evening. Although primarily it was an occasion for all to enjoy themselves, the Charity we are currently supporting is the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. A very worthwhile Charity who support and prepare for life Children who through no fault of their own find themselves without the support that a settled family life can bring. To this end and with them in mind the evening was a ‘Fab’ulous success with over £11,000 being raised for the Charity.
From the Province of Herefordshire 31.3.11
Breast Cancer Haven welcomes visitors
Anne and John Davis of Eardisley were pleased to experience during their recent visit, the welcoming and tranquil environment of Hereford’s Breast Cancer Haven. While at the Haven, Anne and John presented money raised during a Masonic Ladies Festival held in Kington at a time when John was Worshipful Master of the Arrow Lodge. They had decided to make a donation to the Breast Cancer Haven in place of presenting gifts to the ladies attending the Festival. However, each lady did receive on that evening, the distinctive `pink ribbon’ lapel broach so readily and so powerfully associated with Breast Cancer Care.
During the visit to 37 St Owen Street, Hereford, the manager Frankie Devereux explained the in-depth programme of support, counselling, complementary therapies, nutritional advice, and guidance on relaxation and stress management, provided free of charge to cancer patients visiting the Haven. Anne and John considered it a “privilege” to be welcomed at Hereford’s Breast Cancer Haven. Both are ardent supporters of the Breast Cancer Haven and the Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester.
Photograph left to right:
Frankie Devereux Haven Manager, Anne and John Davis at their visit to 37 St Owen Street, Hereford
British Heart Foundation’s 50th Anniversary
celebrated at Hereford
Claire Cassidy, the British Heart Foundation fundraising manager for Hereford and Worcester, proudly displayed the state of the art £98,000 ultra sound 4D echo cardiograph machine at Hereford Hospital following a three year local appeal supported among others by Herefordshire Freemasons. Claire stated that this machine “places Hereford in the forefront of cardiac screening, and provides a direct link with QE Birmingham.”
Herefordshire has a higher than national average incidence of heart disease with a need for 4000 cardiac screenings per year, a demand which is increasing annually by 10%: Gill James, Senior Technician in the hospital’s Heart and Lung Department, said that this machine “will make a fantastic difference.” At the presentation, Very Worshipful Brother, The Reverend David Bowen, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, expressed his pleasure on behalf of Herefordshire Freemasons in being part of the successful Herefordshire Heartbeat Appeal.
The recent launch of a national ten year appeal by the British Heart Foundation to raise £50m for research into making the first repairable heart tissue thus giving hope to millions, was publicised at the presentation – an appeal aiming to “turn science fiction into scientific fact".
Photograph taken during the presentation of the 4D echo cardiograph machine at Hereford Hospital: left to right
Gail Robinson Hereford Hospital Senior Technician, Gail Cassidy local BHF Fundraising Manager,
VWBro The Reverend David Bowen, Gill James Senior Technician at Hereford Hospital.
An Inspiration
The Martha Trust at Hampton Green, Old Eign Hill, Hereford, established as a registered charity in 1996, provides no age limit lifelong and respite care on a one-to-one basis, for young people with profound intellectual and physical disabilities.Together with her husband Richard, founder member and trustee Sarah Smith, mother of Sophie, one of the lifelong residents and “inspiration of the home”, stated that the residence had always been full ever since its foundation, accommodating 12 lifelong residents and some 14 respite care individuals.
At a presentation of financial support donated by Herefordshire Masons, the Provincial Grand Master Rodney Smallwood was particularly impressed with “the emphasis on individual care of each resident, and the successful creation of a truly family environment with a loving home atmosphere". Zana May Lowe, Fundraising Manager of the Martha Trust, proudly showed Rodney Smallwood the approved plans of the pending £3.5m project to double the capacity of Martha House with a second home in nearby Holywell Gutter Lane. Sarah Smith mentioned that the Martha Trust was now “an integral part of Community Care in the county”, and thanked Herefordshire Freemasons for their much appreciated support.
Against the background of Martha House established 15 years ago, Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire,
is shown the plans of the projected £3.5m new complex by Zana May Lowe. Seated is founder member Sarah Smith.
From the Province of Cheshire 29 Mar 2011
reproduced with kind permission of the Crewe Chronicle ( a Trinity Mirror Newspaper )
From the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland 15 Mar 2011
Months of planning and preparation went into the first organised charity event in support the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland 2016 Festival to aid the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. Custodies Copiae Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards 9430 in conjunction with Kendal Amateur Boxing Club and hard working volunteers from the Province led by Festival Chairman, V. Worshipful Brother Peter Lightburn organised the event which was held in The Shepherds Inn, Carlisle on the 18th February 2011.
PARTICIPANTS - ALL AGES
Over 200 sponsors, guests of the Province and masons enjoyed the comfortable surroundings of the Shepherds Inn which had been transformed to accommodate a central boxing ring with ringside tables. The evening began with a fabulous Cumberland roast beef dinner followed by 14 exiting bouts of amateur boxing providing a marvellous spectacle and entertainment. The Provincial stewards ran a tote, an auction and a very successful raffle, to which all of the fantastic prizes had been donated to help with the fund raising.
Principle sponsors, Edinburgh Woollen Mill M.D. Mr. Philip Day and W.Bro.Mike Clementson and their guests enjoy the boxing
The event was the first to be run in the north of the Province, a similar event held in the South of the County by our close neighbours in Province of West Lancashire has been a hit for several years. The experience gained from those successful events resulted in a thoroughly well organised evening which kicked off the Province’s Festival fund raising in fine style.
The setting was spectacular with the young boxers being escorted into the ring by a piper in full highland dress whilst the audience supported them with enthusiastic applause. Each bout consisted of 3 explosive rounds, controlled by a team of professionally trained referees and officials.
Fourteen bouts of boxing took place during the evening, all at differing weights and age ranges, every competitor was awarded a trophy, presented by a representative of the sponsors, who were unanimous in their praise for the events competitors and organisers, the principal sponsors, Edinburgh Woollen Mill couldn't hide their delight as Mr. Philip Day, MD of the company presented the boxer of the night award and thanked the organisers for a wonderful evening.
VW Bro. Peter J Lightburn, the 2016 Festival Chairman was extremely grateful for the generosity of all who had attended he thanked the competitors and all those who had helped with the organisation including the 12 young ladies who had helped sell raffle tickets and assisted with ring boards, “he hoped everyone had experienced a thoroughly enjoyable night”. Following the final bout of the evening, V.Wor.Bro. Lightburn announced “This first Cumberland and Westmorland Provincial Boxing event has been a great success raising well over £8000 for the Festival”, “it has indeed been a knockout”.
RWBro. Norman James Thompson, PGM, and VWBro. Peter John Lightburn, DPGM, making the final presentation of the evening
From the Masonic Province of East Kent 09 Feb 2011
Tony Elliott, Provincial Information Officer, had a call from the Kentish Gazette who are running a series of articles about ‘Hidden Canterbury’. The reporter had driven past our site and noticed the A-board advertising the facility. He wanted to know whether he could bring a photographer along, to which Tony readily agreed. He was rather surprised when he found out that the museum was open weekdays and some Saturdays. Not only that, but also that he would be welcome to come that day and an appointment was made. Speedy work with an excellent result for the museum and all involved you must agree.
Thanks to the Kentish Gazette for giving permission to display the attached article HERE
From the Province of Durham 30 Nov 2010
Great North Air Ambulance Service
This series of pages appeared in the Journal North East and was produced to highlight the work of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and includes lots of Masonic involvement:
From the Province of Lincolnshire 30 Nov 2010
Thanks to everyone who took part in firewalk
I WOULD like to say a massive thank you to all those who took part in the firewalk on Sunday, November 7, at Grimsby Masonic Hall, especially the Sentiments team, who raised over £1,000 towards our chosen charity, When You Wish Upon A Star - from the Grimsby Telegraph, Humberside.
From the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire 29 November 2010
Hospital gets new furniture
From the Province of Lincolnshire 29 November 2010
Horncastle Freemasons donate to Butterfly Hospice Trust
- from the Horncastle News, Lincolnshire.
From the Province of Hartfordshire 29 November 2010
Phoebe's plight touches hearts
A severely disabled girl has received more than £300 worth of specially-adapted toys, courtesy of fundraising efforts by a local Masonic lodge. From the Somerset County Gazette South West.
From the Province of Cambridgeshire 29 November 2010
MP gives his support to cathedral carol service
From the Province of East Lancashire 29 November 2010
Bolton Lads and Girls Club
Bolton Masons are continuing with great community success with their mentoring Programme at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, as show here on the Bolton News Website:
From the Province of Somerset 29 November 2010
New history of Freemasonry in Somerset
With Freemasonry increasingly emerging from under its cloak of secrecy, there has never been a better time to learn about the craft in this area and the newly published Freemasonry in the Province of Somerset is a good starting point. from the The Bath Chronicle Avon:
From the Province of Worcestershire 29 Nov 2010
Friends of the Elderly's Peace Of Mind appeal delighted to receive Freemasons' Donation
Recent News in Friends of the Elderly’s Peace of Mind Appeal has received a major boost with a grant from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity totalling £80,000. From the website UK Fundraising.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
From the Province of Cheshire 29 Nov 2010
Giving Event in Lymm Life
Lymm Life Magazine is delivered to every house in Lymm and every business. In excess of 8,000 copies have been distributed. Cheshire's latest inclusion relates to the Giving Evening where Lymm Freemasons gave over £3000 to local charities and good causes.