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News Archive June 2009
From the Province of Yorkshire, North and East Ridings - 18 June 2009
Volunteer in the Community
At one of the meetings at Ayton Lodge, Jeff Hillyer, a trustee for Cleveland Clevearc Alzheimer’s asked for volunteer relief drivers for the Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre at Guisborough.
"I volunteered and after a few test-drives this became a permanent one-day a week job. starting at 8 am by go along with a carer called Ang, and picking up the day patients (up to 13 of them) and taking them to the care centre. At 3 pm I go back and take them home.
They reside in East Cleveland from Normanby, Eston, Redcar, Marske, New Marske, Saltburn, Skelton and Guisborough. The mileage for the two journeys is just over sixty miles. But it takes more than 2 hours morning and 2 hours afternoon. The patients have various degrees of the illness and the care centres encourages them into activities and also give them a good lunch. This also gives their loved ones a little respite.from a very demanding role as carers.
During the drive and when Ang is escorting them to and from the bus I try to engage them in conversation.
They respond particularly well to this and show me the greatest appreciation.
I do enjoy it and look forward to Tuesdays (my driving day !!!!!) .
David Burke
Ayton Lodge No 9595
Life Membership for Life Saver
Bill Burnett, Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies of Humber Lodge, No.57, attended at the Guildhall, City of London, on Saturday the 4th of October, 2008 to receive Honorary Life Membership of the Royal Life Saving Society for 35yrs of continuous service to the Community.
This Award was for delivering Life Saving skills such as Infant life Support and Water safety courses to Schools and organisations in our Community.
Bill`s Colleague, Bob Clarkson, who is a Past Master of Humber Lodge and current Z of Humber Chapter was presented with a Medal to recognise 50 yrs of unbroken service delivering Life Saving Skills to the Community.
The Awards were presented by the Lord Norrie, who stepped in at short notice and deputised for HRH, The Duke of Kent, who was called away to represent Her Majesty the Queen.
Lord Norrie, Bob Clarkson and Bill Burnett
MIDDLESBROUGH FREEMASONS ON SHOW
On a very hot and humid day members of the Freemasonry in the Community Committee for the Middlesbrough Lodges spent Saturday 22nd July 2006 at the Cleveland Show, Stewart Park, Middlesbrough promoting Freemasonry. The heat of the day meant that the ‘normally expected’ dress code was relaxed. Some Brethren did, however, ensure Masonic tradition was followed by rolling up their trousers (wearing shorts really) to reveal their legs!
Members of the public at the Show, of which there were an estimated 8,000 were able to study Photographs, read Display Boards, collect Information Packs and talk to members of the Middlesbrough Lodges as they passed the Stand. Anyone with a greater interest, entered the Marquee to view the Display Boards inside. Interest exceeded the expectation of the organisers and some members of the public requested further information. Committee members will pursue their requests.
In addition to the Display Boards about Freemasonry in Middlesbrough there were Display Boards about Freemasonry on a Provincial, National and International perspective. The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys provided their own display.
Contributions from all bar one of the Middlesbrough Lodges and a cheque from the Provincial Grand Master’s Discretionary Fund financed the cost of the day.
At one point in the day there was concern that the number of people in the Marquee were about to exceed the Marquee’s physical capacity. Initially those Brethren at the back of the Marquee thought this was all due to the presence of the Provincial Grand Master and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master who were in attendance at the time. Comments from those at the front of the Marquee however revealed that the overwhelming sudden interest was as a result of a very heavy thunderstorm not the presence of our rulers. The support of the rulers in attending was however greatly appreciated by the organisers.
In addition to Middlesbrough residents there were visitors from other parts of the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia. Numerous visitors said how impressed they had been with the display and what a great idea it was. The unanimous view of all the Brethren who had worked on the initiative, and been present on the stand, was that it had been a very successful day and one worthy of being repeated, which hopefully it will be.
Special thanks go to Brother Bob Harvey who took the photographs and produced the display boards about Freemasonry in Middlesbrough.
Having been the Chairman of a very progressive F.I.T.C. Committee for Middlesbrough Lodges for over four years W.Brother Barry Hill is now standing down to allow someone else to bring new ideas to the fore.
Another fantastic three days for Yorkshire Freemasons at the Great Yorkshire Show
A combined effort by masons from both the Yorkshire Provinces of N & E and West Ridings made our third appearance at the Show an unqualified success.
Bigger and better than ever, Stand 218 was twice the size of previous ones partially thanks to funding from United Grand Lodge.
An innovation this year was a colourful display of Masonic regalia in a new display cabinet and extra display panels for the non –Masonic Charities present every day on our stand. Each Province made daily cheque presentations to the two charities on duty. The North & East Riding charities benefiting were Zoë’s Place baby’s hospice, the Girl Guides and the RNLI.
The now famous blue promotional plastic bags, complete with emblazoned Square and Compasses, containing information on Freemasonry and local charities supported were handed out in record numbers. There were a good number of enquiries from potential new members and the visitor’s book contained some very positive comments. Another tiring but, once again, an immensely satisfying week as we encouraged the general public to talk to us about Freemasonry.
From the Province of Herefordshire - 18 June 2009
Head of County’s Freemasons announces long term support for Air Ambulance
Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, has identified the next five year period of specific fund raising to supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance formally known as County Air Ambulance. In his address to a packed annual Provincial Grand Lodge, supported by 56 distinguished visitors including 11 Grand Masters from other Provinces, Rodney Smallwood expressed his unreserved endorsement and backing of the local Air Ambulance which provides emergency cover for Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the Welsh Border, and requested the full support of all Herefordshire Freemasons in this undertaking.
He reminded those Brethren present that Herefordshire had raised in excess of £580,000 for charity during the previous five year period. He also emphasised that the Freemasons’ Grand Charity had to date, donated £562,000 nationally to the Air Ambulance – to what is considered the busiest voluntary emergency service in the country.
On hearing about Herefordshire’s commitment, Annie Newell area fund raising manager for the Midlands Air Ambulance, said that it was “fantastic news” and praised local Freemasons for their continued support. The service receives no financial support from government, NHS or the Lottery. The local Air Ambulance has to raise £5.6 million annually to cover the cost of its 3,500 `mercy’ missions made each year with its three helicopters - the maximum flying time to the nearest hospital from anywhere in the region is less than 15 minutes.
“All this is only possible thanks to the generosity of the public whose fund raising ensures the service continues to fly” says Annie Newell. The Provincial Grand Master emphasised the necessity of this service “bearing in mind the rural remoteness of the county and the nature of its country roads”.
The Sunday after Provincial Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by his Deputy the Reverend David Bowen, together with distinguished masonic visitors, Herefordshire Brethren and their families, attended Choral Evensong at Hereford Cathedral.
Freemasons in full regalia, having processed into the Cathedral under the banner of Cantilupe Lodge, were welcomed by the Dean of Hereford, the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor. Herefordshire Freemasons donated £3,000 towards the recent refurbishment of the St Thomas Cantilupe Shrine which is situated in the north transept of the Cathedral.
During the service, Prayers of Intercession, offered by the W Bro Edward Dilley, Provincial Grand Chaplain, included the words `Grant us, Lord, the lamp of charity which never fails, that it may burn in us and shed its light on those around us’.
The support of Herefordshire’s Freemasons for the local Air Ambulance is to be applauded.
Pictured at Strensham emergency helicopter base in Worcestershire:
Annie Newell (fund raising manager for the Midlands Air Ambulance)
and Rodney Smallwood (Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire)
From the Province of Durham - 17 June 2009
*** Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Press release ***
Raby Gala 2009 – “Generations”
A great family occasion to be enjoyed by all has been arranged by The Freemasons of County Durham. To be held on Saturday 4th July in the spectacular surroundings of Raby Castle Estate near Staindrop by permission of the Lord Barnard, the Raby Gala will be a unique event.
The theme for the all day event is “Generations” which has been organised to ensure that everyone can enjoy a fun filled happy social occasion. There is a packed programme of events displays, entertainment and activities to provide fun for all of the family, from the youngest to the oldest. Something to suit everyone!
In the main event arena displays will including a vintage vehicle parade, medieval battles performed by the Sealed Knot Society; martial arts; brass band; fly fishing demonstration; Morris dancers and Sword Dancers.
Under cover of canvas an entertainment and musical programme will include choirs, soloists, musicians and novelty acts to entertain all.
Funfair stalls in the beautiful estate grounds will consist of: children’s rides; face painting; balloon sculptures; bungee jumping; laser pigeon shooting; mini railway; rickshaw rides; bouncy castles; 4x4 activities; an inflatable obstacle course and open sports competitions.
Demonstrations are planned of Fire fighting and Fell Rescue; vintage vehicles and machines, cycle sports, model aeroplanes and steam engines
Charities supported by the Freemasons including the Great North Air Ambulance and the RNLI will be present with their displays.
Many of the 195 Masonic Lodges in County Durham are arranging a wide variety of events to enjoy including a photographic studio; coconut shies, target golf, archery, crockery smashing; climbing walls; bric-a-brac, book stalls, toys and games , plant stalls; commemorative mugs and tee-shirts,10 pin bowling, Wii competitions; hook a duck and many other novelty events.
There will be a large craft fair with local artisans selling unique products. The curious and anyone who wants to find out more about the Freemasons can visit a Masonic Museum and information display.
An area will be dedicated for those who want to set up their own picnic tables either under a Gazebo or in the open air, this will be complimented by many refreshment and food outlets to keep everyone going throughout the event including a licensed bar, hog roasts, all day breakfasts, barbeques, cream teas, do-nuts, candy floss, cakes and sandwiches, soft drinks and sweets.
A detailed map and itinerary of events will be issued on entry to the Gala which opens to visitors at 10.30am and continues into the evening when there will be a concert by barber shop singers.
Admission is only £10 per car (including all passengers) payable on the gate. Coaches can be catered for. Please contact the gala co-ordinator on 01642 713384 for details. Raby Castle is situated on the A688 near Staindrop, Co. Durham , DL23AY
- ENDS -
From the Province of Yorkshire -North and East Ridings - 17th June 2009
Various articles on Commmunity activities
http://www.pgl-york.org/html/community_archive.html
From the Province of Durham - 05 June 2009:
Senior Sunderland Freemason honoured as "Chevalier d’honneur"
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham is pleased to learn that W Bro J Randle Oliver, PJGD has been admitted as a Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honour).
The order was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is the highest decoration in France. The Grand Master of the Order is the President of France, N Sarkosy.
On Friday 5th June 2009 Randle was in France as part of the D-Day 65th anniversary celebrations and after starting his day with an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, live from the Normandy Beaches, travelled to Paris to receive the honour.
Randle was an 18yrs old RAF officer when he landed in Normandy on June 14 1944 and for many years has been an avid supporter of The Normandy Veterans Association and is currently Secretary of the Jarrow & South Shields Branch.
Randle was interviewed on the Today programme when John Humphrys described him as “a Great Man” – a sentiment echoed by his Masonic friends who send him best wishes on receiving this high honour.
From the Province of Durham - 03 June 2009
