squaretalk
The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire
Spring 2016
Editor’s Page
Contacts
Square Talk Editor / Websiite News Editor: W Bro Dick Smith
Square Talk Advertising:
Manager / South:
W Bro Andy Holdsworth
Central:
W Bro Ian Davies
North:
W Bro Andy Fautley
Provincial website:
W Bro Derek Gunningham
Cover . . .
The front cover shows six year old Ismial
Mohamed from South West Scorpions.
Assistant PGM, Derek Gunningham,
presented a GMCA cheque for £1000 to
the organisation which caters for wheelchair-bound young basketball players.
(Article opposite page.)
This issue . . .
Once more we have an eclectic mix of stories
from around the Province. I’ve learned never
to be surprised at what the brethren get up
to, both within and without lodge! On the
sports front, we have bowling, golf and
rugby. Other pastimes include scouting,
flying, driving and mountain-walking. We
have brethren reporting from Cyprus, Kenya,
Mongolia and even the Isle of Wight!
Naturally, there is lots of charity news.
New lodges
Thornbury Lodge is getting involved with the
community and gets a mention or two. As is
Newent’s Daffodil Lodge, whose consecration
is covered (p55). Here, the brethren join the
Remembrance Day parade in Newent.
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07850 865996Manger
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Glosmasons’ website
The easy-to-use Provincial website is getting
many more hits and I am receiving a wealth
of new and interesting material on an
ever-increasing variety of topics. There are
lots of useful sections and links on the site
too. Space is always a concern in
magazines, so the website provides an ideal
opportunity to expand, not least on some
of the stories contained in this issue. We
can even run high quality news videos.
(I trust you saw the ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’
video of the PGM at Cirencester ~ see p34.)
Website news links are also repeated on
Facebook. The BBC visit to Cheltenham
(p63) recorded 1414 hits in a week.
Tercentenary
Ideas for activities around this Province next
year to celebrate 300 years of UGLE are
being coordinated by W Bro Steve Foster.
Two new designs for collectable
tercentenary firing glasses are already
available, (p54).
Advertising
On behalf of W Bro Andy Holdsworth, who
manages the magazine advertising, may I thank
those advertisers, without whom we would be
unable to produce this quality magazine.
Dick Smith, Editor
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South West Scorpions ~ seasoned travellers
South West Scorpions
“Belonging to the only junior wheelchair
basketball club in the southwest, these kids
are quite used to travelling,” said head coach
and club secretary, Kev Ogborne.
“To play competitively, we need to be on the
road covering the length and breadth of the
country; I’m proud to say that the Scorpions
are consistently in the top four in the UK!”
On this occasion, the Scorpions were on
‘home territory’. That’s Gordano School in
Portishead and Kev was being presented
with a £1000 GMCA donation by the
Assistant PGM, Derek Gunningham (below).
It was Downend Lodge which put
forward the initiative and GMCA which
stepped up to the plate.
Jack Long
Jack (right) is eleven and lives in
Avonmouth. “I look forward to both the
competing and training,” he said. His
mum, Gemma, takes an active part in the
club and it was this which inspired Jack’s
uncle, Richard Long, the Worshipful Master
at Downend, to seek financial support.
“So rewarding”
“These sports chairs can cost as much as
£3000,” continued Kev. “The club is very
grateful to the Freemasons for making this
donation and it will be very carefully used.
We cater for kids from 5 to 19 with
physical and learning difficulties. These
athletes have a wide range of abilities and
impairments. It is so rewarding to watch
each newcomer quickly fuse into the team
and gain in confidence.
“One of our lads, a single-amputee has
been with us since the age of 13. He’s now
20 and is in the Under-23 GB Team.”
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3
Below, Derek and Downend Lodge Asst
DC, Richard Gover, put the sports chairs
through their paces.
Read more about the Scorpions at:
http://www.southwestwbc.com/
More pics at: www.glosmasons.org.uk
Trafalgar Night auction
Chocolate Galleon at Seafarers
At the helm of Lodge of Seafarers is W Bro
Steve Case. Made by his wife, Simone, this
chocolate galleon raised £60 for lodge charities
at the annual Trafalgar Night celebration.
The popular event attracted over 80, including
family friends, and as usual, the ‘Order of
Battle’ followed a strong nautical theme.
Also auctioned was a limited edition bottle
of pink champagne, commemorating the 2003
refit of HMS Invincible. It was donated by
W Bro Paul Sutton of Hambrook Lodge, whose
son Neil served on the carrier. It raised £100.
4 squaretalk
Wine Draw result . . . .
Christmas Present:
W Bro Clive Dellow of the Prince of Wales
Lodge drew the ticket for the second prize;
50 bottles of wine. This had been
purchased by Kingswood Chase Lodge,
(Master W Bro Geoff Cave and Charity
Steward W Bro Des McGuinness).
“I imagine there will be plenty of visitors to
KC in January,” said Les.
Christmas Past:
VW Bro Colin Bendon, the Past Deputy
PGM, drew the first prize of 100 bottles of
wine. It was won by Ellie Drinkwater (eh?) now wine! Ellie, who works in Stow, is the
21-year old niece of an Oxfordshire
Worshipful Master. “I guess it will be party
time in Stow for the next few weeks,” said
draw promotor W Bro Les Bendall.
Christmas Future:
Bro Phillip Ralph (a Fellowcraft at POW
Lodge) drew the third prize ticket for 25
bottles. This went to Bro Mark Johnson, a
Fellowcraft at Zetland Lodge in Gloucester.
The draw was held at POW Lodge’s
Christmas meeting. “As usual, the 50/100
Club contributed towards the prizes,” said
Les. “This year’s draw has raised a
magnificent £5415 (gross).”
squaretalk
5
Taking
your worries
away...
Care Fees
Planning advice:
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it, from Neil Gayler, your
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GL50 1QB
Telephone: 01242 538383
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long term care
6 squaretalk
Your Province needs you!
“Come and join the team”
“I am tantalised by how much untapped
talent may be available in this Province.
Frankly, in many cases, we just don’t know
that it’s there!”
RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross was at
Wotton-under-Edge, discussing the work
done by the Provincial Executive and the
fact that there’s possibly a misconception
amongst brethren that the running of the
Province is exclusively in the hands of the
PGM, his deputy and assistants.
“It’s simply not so!” he said. “There are
a number of teams, headed up by the
Executive Officers, which pull together to
ensure the Province runs smoothly . . . and
you certainly don’t need to be a ‘senior
brother’ to be in one of those teams!
“Brethren may operate together in a
region or be engaged in a specific task,
such as organising the Tercentenary or
other ad hoc initiatives that emerge
periodically. Most of the jobs that need to
be done are not onerous and all are
interesting in their way.
“Vacancies regularly occur in these
teams as the personal circumstances of
individuals change. Normally, these
vacancies are filled by recruiting brethren
who have come to the notice of the
Executive for various reasons.
Recruitment pool
“I want to widen the recruitment pool, so I
am appealing to those who may be
attracted to the idea of helping to run the
Province to come forward. There has to be
a genuine desire to assist and for those
volunteers to be in a position to do the
work. I can assure them that offering
themselves up would definitely not be
regarded as arrogant or ‘bad form’.
“Flair and inclination”
“My experience in major companies where
we had elaborate assessment processes
taught me that there was invariably talent
within. All that was needed was to identify
the flair and inclination.”
Turning to address the brethren of
Gloucestershire directly, the PGM said, “If
you wish to be considered, please give your
name to a Ruler or a member of the
Executive, or write to the Provincial Grand
Secretary. It would help greatly if you could
add a sentence or two on where your
particular interests or talents lie.
“Please don’t be shy. Put your name
forward if you wish to help. There may not
be suitable vacancies available immediately,
but it would help me and my fellow Rulers
greatly if we had a list of potential
volunteers. Do it today,” he concluded with
visible enthusiasm.
The Provincial Grand Secretary is at:
[email protected]
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7
The Province of Greater Gloucestershire
Bristol . . . . . absorbed!
The Proclamation, as dutifully read out by
RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross, reverts the
Province of Bristol to its rightful place ~
within the Gloucestershire’s borders!
Regular readers will recall that at the
annual informal dinner attended by the
active Provincial Officers of Gloucestershire
and Bristol, there is a tradition of ‘gentle
leg-pulling’ between the two PGMs.
Last year at Stroud, The Glos PGM was
issued his own Scottish passport . . . in the
event of a ‘Yes’ vote for independence.
This year, at Bristol, revenge was sweet! In
a retaliatory move, RW Bro Alan Vaughan,
his counterpart and host, was presented
with this tongue-in-cheek proclamation
together with an old map of the county . .
. . . Bristol shown firmly confined within
Gloucestershire’s borders.
With a straight face, W Bro Tim added a
welcome from the new Province of Greater
Gloucestershire to RW Bro Alan who, in
accepting the deed in mock conciliation,
tendered the keys to the Park Street building.
8 squaretalk
The Proclamation
In a ‘Patent of Appointment’, resembling as
closely as possible ‘the Real McCoy’, the
spoof included . . . . . . .
“Into every life a little rain must fall and
it is about to dump on you . . . . big time!
It has been brought to our notice by our
very, very trusty and truly well-beloved
Brother, RW Bro D.H.T. Henderson-Ross,
(who we are pleased to note is still a British
citizen despite certain brethren from
around the Avon Gorge suggesting that he
move north), that Bristol is in fact part of
Gloucestershire. Please see the map sent
under separate cover. Clearly we must
correct the oversight of our predecessors in
giving Provincial status to Bristol.”
It continued, “Therefore we announce
with immediate effect the creation of the
new Province of Greater Gloucestershire
which, knowing the predilection of some
of my family who live in that part of the
world for the nags, will appropriately be
known as ‘GG’.
RW Brother Tim will be the PGM of
‘GG’. The old Province of Bristol will of
course be part of ‘GG’.
There will be strong competition to
become officers of ‘GG’ but my old pal
Tim assures me that he can fit you in as
‘Past Provincial Silly Mid-off’,” (a
reference to the Bristol supremo’s love
of cricket).
“Sorry to be the bearer of bad
tidings. Look forward to seeing you in
the Pillars at the next Quarterly
Communications.” Yours aye, etc, etc,
etc, etc.
“The Officers and Brethren of
Gloucestershire would all be well
advised to be on their guard next year
when we host the rematch!” said RW
Bro Tim afterwards.
CAST team at Leckhampton Court
£3343 Grand Charity cheque
The Sue Ryder Foundation provides
outstanding hospice and neurological care
for people facing a frightening,
life-changing diagnosis.
Freemasonry’s
strong links with the
Cheltenham-based
organisation were
strengthened when
W Bro Andy
Mitcham, who is the
coordinator of the
Community Action
Support Team,
presented this Grand
Charity cheque to
hospice director, Elise
Hoadley.
Andy has built up
a rapport with the
Foundation owing to
the various Sue Ryder
events which the
CAST team supports.
This was one of four Grand Charity
cheques presented to hospices in
Gloucestershire.
Also pictured are ward sister, Liz Bell,
head of hospice fundraising, Mike Tague
and Tom Carr, Deputy Coordinator at CAST.
squaretalk
9
Shorts!
Recognise who this is?
Gloucestershire's CAST team was in action
at the Open Fund Raising Day at the Sue
Ryder Hospice in Leckhampton. The PGM,
pictured above, was joined by W Bros Wilf
Jones, Eric Hill, Howard Brown and Tom Carr.
“We took on all sorts of tasks,” said Tom,
“one of which was shifting dozens of
heavy chairs up hill using an enormous
trolley. I must say he worked his socks off
and stayed to the very end.”
5th October
2015 . . . . .
. . . . . was one of the most significant days
in the history of the RMTGB and Masonic
charity in general. Members voted in favour
of proposals to restructure the Trust and
consolidate its activities with the other
central Masonic Charities.
CAST at Five Valleys Walk
Dunckerley revisited
Previous squaretalk editor, W Bro Bernard
Norton, has written a thought-provoking
article about Gloucestershire’s second
PGM, Thomas Dunckerley. See www.
glosmasons.org.uk
10 squaretalk
The Community Action Support Team
members (L to R) W Bros Charlie
Sanger-Davies, Wilf Jones and Andy
Mitchem were out and about again for the
Meningitis Trust Five Valleys Walk at Stroud.
Also attending and manning checkpoints
on the day were Richard Bryant, Andy
Fautley, Brian Richards and Duncan Lord.
Masonic Regalia Sales
- Raising Money for Masonic Charities Distinctive Napkin chains – just perfect for the festive board
We can produce Napkin chains with most degrees you are in. Why not have Craft
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The Craft Napkin design as approved by the PGM for Gloucestershire Masons.
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Spent lots of money on your Regalia why not keep it safe and clean in special bag, easy to
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11
12 squaretalk
April launch for the new charity
“One to do the work of
four!”
The Foundation will take over the
work of the four central Masonic
Charities, providing a wide range of
grants to Freemasons and their
families who have a financial, health and
care or family need.
The MCF will also award grants to other
charities, medical research studies and
disaster relief appeals.
www.mcf.org.uk
“Amongst the largest in the
country”
Exclusive lapel pin for readers
Funded entirely through the generous
donations of the Masonic community, the
Foundation will have an annual charitable
expenditure which places it amongst the
largest charities in
the country.
The Foundation
will be financially
strong,
well-resourced and
able to respond
more effectively to
the changing needs
of Masonic families
and other charitable organisations.
“The consolidation of the charities under
one title reflects the many changes to
Freemasonry and society since the previous
major review in the 1970s,” said W Bro Mark
Smith (above), the Provincial Grand Almoner.
“We are gaining consistent and more readily
accessible functionality which will provide a
responsive grant-making service.
The Grand Charity will become part of
the new Foundation and will continue to
exist in the background, so our energies
towards the 2018 Festival will in no way
diminish,” Mark concluded.
Full details of the support which the
Foundation will provide, the rationale behind
the move and all the latest news is well
worth a read on the website.
• Log onto www.mcf.org.uk
• Bottom of page . . . . .
• Sign up for regular email updates
• Provide name and address
• You will be sent this exclusive lapel pin . . .
squaretalk
13
More Shorts!
Daffodil Lodge ~”We’re here!”
The new lodge is announcing its presence
to the Newent community; W Bro Howard
Brown here presents a £150 cheque to
the local branch of the Royal British
Legion. The money was raised at the first
meeting of the lodge, held at Sheppard
House. “We aim to support organisations
in Newent as well as national, masonic
and non-masonic charities,” said Howard,
who was representing the lodge. “We
want to propagate the enjoyment of the
principles of Freemasonry with a level of
financial and time commitment.”
Surprise!
There was an extra item under AOMB at the
Lodge of Light & Reflection installation,
which took W Bro John Donaldson totally by
surprise. VW Bro Colin Bendon presented
the retiring lodge secretary with an inscribed
Bristol Blue firing glass to mark the many
years of ‘behind the scenes’ work carried
out by him at the Avonmouth Masonic Hall.
Royal command
Tyndall team effort
Past Master of Tyndall Lodge, W Bro Richard
Parfitt (centre), hands over proceeds of
raffles and other events, totalling almost
£3000. . . . “This will be converted to
immediate use,” said the Provincial Grand
Charity Steward, Phil Waring (right). Also
pictured W Bros Tony Thomas, Phil Trotman
and Malcolm England.
14 squaretalk
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has
donated £75,000 to Riding for the
Disabled. The Association held its National
Championships at Hartpury College and,
as the representative of a major
benefactor, the PGM was presented to the
Princess Royal, who is their Patron. “We
spent the day viewing the remarkable
work of the Association. The mobility
given to disabled people by either being
on a horse or being pulled behind one
was impressive. The movement and
dynamism of everyone involved was truly
inspirational,” said RW Bro Tim.
Larry ‘Survives the Yomp!’
Bro Larry Cauchi of Royal
Edward Lodge is an
ex-Royal Engineer. However,
it was a 30-mile ‘yomp’
around Scotland’s Spean
Bridge with the Royal
Marines that provided his
recent challenge. He joined
over 100 civilians in raising
almost £1m for the RM
Charitable Trust Fund,
completing this ‘training
exercise’ in 10 hours. Full
story at glosmasons.org.uk.
Sir Richard’s regalia
W Bro Philip Spencer, WM of Black Horse of
Lombard Street Lodge, loans this 100 year old
regalia to the PGM. “It will indeed be an
honour,” said RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross, “to
wear this remarkable regalia. My predecessor
would certainly have been constantly aware he
was adorned with these treasured symbols of
office. There is so much gold embroidered into
the apron that it alone weighs four pounds!”
RW Bro Sir Richard Vassar-Smith was first
master of the banking lodge, consecrated in
London in 1920. He was the seventh Glos
PGM. RW Bro Tim is the eighteenth. The lodge
transferred to Downend in 1993 when Lloyds
Bank HQ moved to Bristol.
‘Oh Danny Boy!’
present and previous Provincial Grand Charity
Stewards and it was in recognition of this
that RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross called for
him to be presented for a ‘promotion in the
field’ to Past Provincial Grand Standard
Bearer. Danny is also very active in the Adrian
Davies Lodge of Rugby Union.
LGR Association in the West
The Mercia Group of the London Grand
Rank Association embraces the provinces
of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and
Herefordshire,” says W Bro Ken Young.
Most usually meeting at Cheltenham; the
majority of our members happen to be
from Glos.” Above, he presents a cheque
for £250 to Dr Gillian Rouse of Leukaemia
and Intensive Chemotherapy Fund, which
provides items to improve patient care at
Cheltenham and Glos hospitals and is
funding a research post-graduate student.
Innsworth Lodge on tour
Ice-creams all round on Blackpool seafront!
It was not the pipes that were calling for
Bro Danny Wingrove at Hicks Beach Lodge but the PGM! Danny has been working
very quietly in the background for both the
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15
Star guests!
Mini-Rugby
Celebs at ADLORU
It’s not at all unusual for there to be sports
celebrities present as guests at meetings of
the Adrian Davies Lodge of Rugby Union.
A packed dining room for the
‘gentlemen’s evening’ at Downend
enjoyed an inspirational talk from
Jerusalem Lodge (Bristol) mason, Bro
Glenn Catley (left), the former World
Middleweight Boxing Champion.
“The number of visitors and gentlemen
present was a joy to witness,” said RW
Bro Adrian Davies (above right). “The
spirit of freemasonry flavoured with a
generous portion of rugby was certainly in
evidence . . . enjoyable banter and gentle
rivalry between various supporters.”
One of Bro Danny Wingrove's guests was
Laurie Fisher, the Head Coach for
Gloucester RFC, (pictured above wearing
Glenn’s WBC belt). He proved excellent
company at dinner. “You should be very
proud of the way your lodge is
developing,” Adrian told the WM, W Bro
Richard Williams-Jones (second-left).
16 squaretalk
At this meeting, £650 was raised in
support of Gloucestershire Mini/
Youth Rugby Festival. The lodge
is sponsoring this initiative over
three seasons.
Treasurer, Bro John Hughes, said.
“The festival dates, culminating in
Under 8s to Under 12s Finals Day at
Longlevens RFC, are detailed in this
useful and informative link: http://gloucestershirerfu.co.uk/County_Festivals”
“Following on from what has been a
hugely successful World Cup tournament
organised by the English RFU, (with a
minor contribution from across the
border),” quipped Bro Danny Wingrove,
who is also involved in the organisation of
the tournament, “the talk turns to ‘The
Legacy’ and what rugby union can deliver
in the years ahead. This lodge will provide
a significant contribution to that legacy.
“It is from festivals such as these that
the stars of tomorrow develop. Ben
Morgan, Shaun Knight and Marcel Garvey
are all well-known, but the next
generation is now coming through.”
Gloucestershire RFU Youth and Mini
Chairman, Shane Aldridge, said, “We
sincerely thank the lodge for their
generous support. We all look forward to
working with the members to enhance
and develop youth rugby in the county.”
£37,250 shopping list!
Sirish and Tron say
‘Thanks’
RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross
was at Ullenworth Manor near
Cheltenham and had the
delightful duty of handing
over a cheque to National Star
Foundation on behalf of the
Freemasons' Grand Charity.
Initially known as ‘The
Pittville Project’, the renamed
‘Bradbury Gardens’ is up and running.
The odd sum of £37,250 was arrived at to
fulfil a specific list of kitchen equipment
and utensils required to assist the
residents in living an independent life. The
cheque was
gratefully
received by the
Head of
Fundraising, Gill
Henry (left),
“We have 180
students, 120 of
them residential,”
said Gill. “That
requires staff numbering around 780,
many of them with specific care-skills. We
cater for complex disabilities. We provide
the best there is! Our students gain
experience in the outside world.
“All of our learners are aged between
16 and 25. Some arrive with us directly
from hospital having suffered severe brain
injury. Our multi-disciplinary team works
with them to help them
regain the ability to walk
and talk. Other learners
may have developmental
delay, meaning we have
young people with the
body of a teenager but
the cognitive development
of a 2 or 3 year old.
18 squaretalk
Bradbury Gardens
Earlier, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester
had opened the £6m accommodation and
was introduced to the PGM.
Built in five clusters, it meets the
complex needs of 25 National Star
learners by providing them with the
specialist facilities they need as part of
their daily lives. This includes single en
suite bedrooms with overhead tracking
hoists, assistive technology, and height
adjustable kitchen units – as well as
enough space for electric wheelchairs and
other essential equipment.
The site sits near the centre of
Cheltenham and is adjacent to the lovely
Pittville Park. The location ensures that all
residents have the opportunity to develop
the life skills and confidence they need to
live as independently as possible by the
time they leave National Star.
Full story and more photos on the
glosmasons website.
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19
Positive Publicity in the Forest
W Bro Steve Foster
(right), the Almoner of
Vale of Castiard
Lodge, presented a
cheque to Crossroads
Care in Cinderford. In
making the
presentation, Steve
said, “Our members
are impressed with
the work of the
Crossroads team, particularly for the
support and respite they provide to carers.”
Lydney and Cinderford
In the week before Christmas, the ‘Forest
Review’ picked up on two £1000 Grand
Charity cheque presentations to Great
Oaks Hospice in Lydney and Crossroads
Care in Cinderford.
Receiving one of the cheques from
VW Bro John Thurston was 9-year old Jake
Norris, who is a regular volunteer at the
hospice’s charity shop in Lydney. He works
every Saturday and in school holidays.
The occasion was a Christmas lunch
held for the volunteers at Watney Hall. In
thanking these charity workers for their
vital efforts, the Deputy
PGM said, “The work of
the hospice is greatly
valued. The Forest of
Dean is one of the best
places for volunteers.
The volunteering spirit is
absolutely huge and we
have wonderful
community groups. Each
year masons give a
cheque to every hospice
in the country, as well as
every air ambulance.”
20 squaretalk
Marianne Julebin said,
“Thanks to the
generous donation of
£1000 from the
Freemasons’ Grand
Charity, the Crossroads
Care palliative team
can bring cheer at
Christmas to more
than 100 Forest families.”
Below, Len Warner of Cinderford with
Amanda Parker and Natasha Marfell of
Crossroads Care Palliative Team . . . . on
hearing the news of the donation!
Full story at www.glosmasons.org.uk
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21
Bear hug for ‘Noah Bear’
Teddy for Loving Care
Young Noah Smith was given
his TLC bear more than two
years ago, when he was three.
However, this story only came
to light when the 5000th bear
was recently delivered to
Cirencester’s Minor Injuries
Unit where his mum, Gillian,
works in the MIU as a Health
Care Assistant.
“I had just came off a
night shift at the hospital,”
said Gillian. “I got home and
Noah ran out of his room,
tripping over the stair gate
and bashing his head directly on the stair
banister. It was quite a nasty wound and I
brought him into MIU. Noah’s speech is
slow for a child of his age and instead of
screaming he was very quiet and didn’t
say anything. A nurse gave him one of the
Freemasons’ bears and he clung onto it.
“I had to take him on to Great Western
Hospital in Swindon as he needed to
undergo general surgery. Noah was
petrified; he didn’t really understand what
was going on. He hugged the bear
throughout the whole ordeal and used it
to communicate to the nursing staff.
“Bear poorly!”
“Noah is now five. He still has the bear and
sleeps with it every night. Because his
speech is slow, he would get frustrated if he
could not say what he wanted. For the last
two years, however, he has used the bear as
a communication tool. If he was unwell, he
would say, ‘Bear poorly’ and would show
me on the bear where he hurt. He’d also tell
me if ‘Bear’ was happy or sad.
“Using the bear helped him through a very
traumatic experience,” concluded Mum.
22 squaretalk
“He is not scared of hospitals and it has
helped him no end with being able to
communicate. His speech is not as good as
other children his age, but he will get there.”
Francesca thanks GWAA
Tyndall / Fortidude fund-raiser
When Francesca Seaman fell from her
horse in 2014, her injuries were such that
the Great Western Air Ambulance was
needed to race her to Frenchay Hospital.
Later in the year, her father, W Bro Brad
Seaman, went into the chair of Filton
Lodge of Fortitude and joined forces with
W Bro Tony Thomas of Tyndall Lodge to
hold a spectacular Ladies’ Night for their
wives, Sarah and Sue. From the proceeds
of that event, the two masters raised
£1621. which was presented to the Air
Ambulance Charity, based at Filton.
On hand to receive the cheques was
flight crew member, Bro Mike Page
(Beaufort Lodge, Bristol).
Petrol-budgie
Mike explained, “Including the expensive
‘petrol-budgie’, the whole project costs
£2.5m a year to run. We cover
Gloucestershire, Bristol, and some of
Wiltshire and Somerset. We are housed in
the oldest hangar at Filton, built in 1903,
which actually has a preservation order on
it. We hope to be moving soon to a new
base on the Almondsbury interchange.
“We don’t always launch the helicopter
when we get a shout,” he said. “We have
two road ambulances. For incidents close
to the base, it is sometimes more
convenient to drive to the scene.” their
way to a cardiac arrest at Berkeley.
Dr Scott Grier and pilot, Jim Green,
were explaining
how the charity
operated, existing
solely on donations,
when an
emergency call
came in and within
minutes they were
in the air. Together
with paramedic
James Yates, they
were on their way
to a cardiac arrest
at Berkeley.
Left, Brad,
Francesca and
Sarah Seaman,
Mike Page, Sue and
Tony Thomas.
More pics on the
glosmasons website.
squaretalk
23
£16,215 for local causes ~ Nov 2015
VW Bro Gordon Cole
announces the latest round of
grants from Gloucestershire
Community Foundation.
Crossroads Care, Forest of Dean
£1926 will fund a Skills Club for young people
with autism, designed to teach coping
strategies for a future work environment.
Age Concern, Forest of Dean
£1464 is the cost of replacing 25 insulated
boxes for hot meal deliveries to disadvantaged
older people living alone will be met.
opportunities for young local crafts people and
artists to exhibit and get established in
self-supporting business ventures.
Stroud Citizens’ Advice Bureau
£2000 will meet training costs for local
volunteers at Moreton-in-the-Marsh to continue
the weekly CAB Outreach service now
established at the Area Centre on Thursdays.
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
£1700 will finance the project cost for an
artist and assistant, working with children
at Prior’s Park Chapel Youth Club and from
the area in preparation for a festival parade
in July 2016.
The Venture White City
£2000 will provide four group holidays for
disadvantaged children from this Gloucester
inner-city area of multiple deprivation.
St Michael’s Cornerstone Trust
£2526 will support the volunteer-run activity in
Cheltenham, providing a simple meal, fruit and
hot drinks for adults with learning difficulties
and socially isolated elderly members.
Top of Town Community Centre
The Masons Arms
A Free House
Paul, Kay & Staff welcome all customers
£850 will go towards providing a Christmas
meal for 60 Stroud elderly and disabled people.
Wednesday Ashwell Group
£350 will go towards outings for isolated
elderly members of this Painswick group as
part of a larger programme of activities.
Building Circles in Glos
£1399 will go towards the costs of social
events and a special Christmas event for
over 120 beneficiaries.
New Brewery Arts Project £2000
A consortium approach with other funders,
including £2000 from GCF, which will provide
24 squaretalk
A Traditional English Pub
Open all day . . . . every day!
Mon – Sat from 11 am Sun from 12 noon
6 Real Ales always available
Traditional Pub Food served Tue to Sat
Hot and Cold Bar Meals available from midday
124 Park Road, Stapleton, Bristol
Tel: 0117 939 3919
3 brethren ~ the ultimate sacrifice
WWI Plaque at
Cirencester
A plaque has been unveiled at
Cirencester Masonic Hall to
commemorate three
Cotteswold Lodge members
who gave their lives in the
Great War.
Malcolm Patterson Pearson
was killed on the 8th January
1916 at Bethune in France and
is buried in the Commonwealth
Graves there.
Viscount Michael Hicks Beach was MP for
Tewkesbury and was master of the lodge in
1913. He was wounded on the 23rd April
1916 and died the same day. He is buried in
the Cairo British Cemetery. His wife,
Marjorie, a Red Cross Nurse, died of typhoid
also in 1916 and is buried with him.
Robert Graham Anderson was killed on
active service 12th November 1917 fighting
a Turkish counter-attack at Balin, Palestine
and is buried in the Gaza War Cemetery.
Gallipoli
Bros Pearson and Hicks Beach were both
present at the Battle of Gallipoli. Much has
been written about this terrible battle, which
cost the British, Australian and New Zealand
armies 250,000 casualties; 65,000 killed.
Acknowledging the centenary of the
outbreak of the war, W Bro John Gillo
has asked older lodges to search records
and commemorate brethren who had
been killed in the conflict. So a committee
comprising Bros Mike Woolmer, David
Wells, Tony Clack, Alan Dolman and Jim
Wiltshire carried out the research and
planned the memorial, which was skilfully
fashioned by W Bro Tony Bowman.
The service of dedication was led by
W Bro Revd Curwen Rawlinson, (left).
Brethren and guests stood for the Kohima
Epitaph followed by two minutes silence.
Tony Clack provided the reading from St
John’s Gospel.
Photographed above L to R: W Bros
Tony Clack, Tony Dix, Tony Bowman and
Curwen Rawlinson; thanks to W Bro
George Skuse for the photographs.
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25
Helping Freemasons and their families
“To ask can be harder!”
“To give help comes
easily,” writes
Natasha Ward. “To
ask for it, however,
can be harder!”
Natasha is Head of
Support and
Volunteering at
‘Freemasonry Cares’,
which is a joint initiative of the central
Masonic Charities in London.
“Whilst Freemasons and their families
give generously they are often unaware of
the help available to them in their own
times of need. Freemasonry Cares offers
free and confidential advice on the range
of financial, healthcare, and family support
available from Masonic Charities.
A message for Glos Masons
“Every year,” she continued,
“Gloucestershire Brethren support the
work of charities, immeasurably enriching
the lives of hundreds of people. However,
relief is not a one-way street and no
Freemason needs to face hardship alone.
You may be eligible for assistance for a
range of needs. In the last twelve months,
the central Masonic Charities have given
grants totalling over £270,000 to help
Gloucestershire Freemasons and their
families, making life easier for people from
across the Province.
“The range of assistance available is
wide; spanning grants for everyday living
expenses, dental treatment, school
uniform, and counselling to name just a
few. ‘Freemasonry Cares’ is able to answer
questions regarding the full range of
financial, healthcare and family help
available, guide on eligibility criteria and
offer advice on how to apply.
26 squaretalk
“Since the service launched, over twelve
thousand enquiries have been received.
Importantly, hundreds of Masons and their
dependents have gone on to receive much
needed assistance and advice. The friendly,
knowledgeable team offers confidential
and sympathetic assistance; no question is
too small.”
‘Freemasonry Cares’ in action:
Natasha has provided an example . . . . .
“When William was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease, it came as a huge
blow to him and his wife May. As the
illness progressed, William found himself
becoming increasingly reliant on May to
take care of him and their home. May
began to cut down her work hours in
order to spend more time at home with
William and eventually she was forced to
give up altogether.
“With the sudden reduction in their
income, May began to find it very difficult to
cover their expenses. Although the couple
received a Carer’s Allowance and Disability
Living Allowance, it wasn’t quite enough
to keep up with the mounting bills.
“May contacted Freemasonry Cares who
explained that the Grand Charity might be
of assistance. The couple completed an
application and much to their relief a grant
was quickly approved. The extra income
has really eased the burden on May,
allowing her to put all her energy into
caring for William.”
Could ‘Freemasonry Cares’
help you?
To find out more about Freemasonry Cares:
• call 0800 035 60 90,
• email [email protected],
• visit www.freemasonrycares.org, or
• speak to your Lodge Almoner.
46 Cherington Road
Calvin Parsons is head of the team which
answers enquiries.
Westbury on Trym
Bristol
BS10 5BJ
William Durman RIBA has an extensive and
diverse range of project experience working
within urban and rural locations including
residential – extensions, new build &
refurbishment; school and nursery design;
offices and health care including hospitals,
GP surgeries & care homes.
Experience also covers listed building and
conservation area projects.
Projects are delivered on time, within budget
& to specification whilst embracing
sustainable design.
To arrange a consultation call
07979 867911 or email
[email protected]
www.wdcaltd.co.uk
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27
“Save the chandelier!” said Negus
GMS visit to Cheltenham
The famous antiques dealer and
Cheltenham resident, Arthur Negus, once
warned local masons that if the building
ever caught fire, the one thing to be
rescued above all would be the magnificent
chandelier. He explained that the rare
example had been produced using a highly
toxic mercury-plated process.
Gloucestershire Masonic Society President,
W Bro Brian Ashworth, welcomed a
goodly number of guests to the
spectacular Masonic Hall to listen to the
history of this very special building.
With W Bros Alec Barker and Nigel
Greenwood completing the team, they
provided an insight into how the idea for
the building came
about and the brethren
who were the
motivators behind it,
following the arrival of
Foundation Lodge to
the town in 1817.
“It certainly helped that
the candidate for 1818
was the accomplished
architect, George
Underwood,” said Alec.
“Built in a combined
Roman Mausoleum and
Egyptian style,” he said,
28 squaretalk
“it is the
third-oldest
purpose-built
hall in England
and Wales. The
total cost of
construction
was probably
around £4,000.
The first lodge
meeting was on
Bonfire Night in
1823; it attracted just thirteen members
and two guests.”
Alec presented an account of the
unique refectory which was decorated to
represent a ‘Camp of Baldwyn’ tent; the
walls painted to denote the canopied
stalls of the knights and the shields
representing the distinguished brethren of
almost two hundred years ago.
Hundreds of exhibits
Nigel Greenwood (below) led the visitors
around the museum, explaining the
significance of some of the hundreds of
exhibits on display.
More photos: www.glosmasons.org.uk
Riddle for Cheltenham resident solved
”What goes on in there?”
“Back in the seventies,” said Yvette
Malt, “I used to manage the Prince
of Wales pub in Portland Street and
always wondered what went on in
the grim-looking mausoleum
opposite. I’ve always had a
fascination for history, so to be given
a tour of the building today has
been a delight!”
Yvette’s visit followed her
discovery of a small suit-case full of
masonic treasures; certificates and
letters dating back to the 1920s. She was a
guest of the Gloucestershire Masonic
Society during a tour of the ancient
building. She chose this opportunity to hand
over to Freemasonry in general the
spectacular haul. “I don’t care what the value
of these documents is,” said Yvette. “It is
only right and proper that they should be
back in the possession of the Freemasons.”
“My sister runs a house-clearing
business,” continued Yvette over lunch.
“More than a year ago, she was asked to
dispose of the contents of a Leckhampton
house. It had belonged to a very elderly
gent who had died. She started to find lots
of old banknotes tucked into his books, so
she called the deceased’s granddaughter
back from London and handed over the
money. The daughter was impressed with
her honesty and said she could keep
anything of value she found in a couple of
rooms and a garage.
“She took the case home and it stayed
under her stairs for a year or so until,
knowing my interest in history, she gave it
to me. There were a dozen or more postal
tubes with 1920s postmarks and inside
were these beautiful certificates sent to
Brother Harold Waters, the father of the
man who had died.
Above, Yvette examines a ‘Royal Masonic
Institute for Girls’ certificate with Cheltenham
historian, W Bro Nigel Greenwood (left) and
GMS Secretary, Bro Simon Clark.
“Not knowing anything really about
Freemasonry other than the charitable
work it does, I found the Glos Masons
website and saw there was this tour of the
Portland Street hall coming up. So I
contacted Roger Little and Simon Clark at
the GMS and here we are today. I’m so
pleased that the certificates will be kept for
ever. They could so easily have been
thrown out!”
Great Queen Street
“I’ve sent copies of the documents to
Great Queen Street,” said W Bro Nigel
Greenwood. “They are very excited about
them, so we shall be forwarding them up
to London so they may be studied and
added to the archives.“
Examination of letters in the case
revealed Bro Harold was a Steward for His
Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon,
the PGM of Sussex, at a Royal Masonic
Institute for Girls festival held in 1923.
More photos at www.glosmasons.org.uk
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29
Unavoidable Calamity and Misfortune
Lyegrove Lodge learns about
coping with a stroke
Lodge Secretary, W Bro Peter Hunt, was
walking to the bus stop when he had a
stroke and ended up in hospital. His
troubles did not stop there. Back home in
Yate, he went to the leisure centre where
he suffered a heart attack! Only by the
prompt action of the staff and the use of a
defibrillator was his life saved.
His calamity and misfortune was recognised
by the lodge and as a direct consequence, a
defibrillator has been purchased for use in the
Chipping Sodbury Masonic Centre.
Peter was the first to admit that his
overall recovery was due in no small
measure to the talent of some very
dedicated people, including The Bristol
Area Stroke Foundation.
W Bro Roger Dando, the lodge DC,
arranged for Rebecca Sheehy from BASF to
give a talk about their after-care to stroke
victims, such as learning how to cope with
the resultant disabilities. “The presentation
was outstanding,” said Treasurer, W Bro
Tony Putterill, “and a sizeable collection for
BASF was made at the festive board.
Variety show
“It did not stop there,” continued Tony.
“Each year we hold an annual fund-raising
evening to support local non-Masonic
charities. Roger organised a variety evening
at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall to include
magic, comedy and musical impersonations
by professional performers.
“The majority of the money raised
came from an auction with lots ranging
from the use of a holiday home on a
Greek island, to golfing lessons and a day
out on a speed boat.
“Added to the earlier collection, this
amounted to more than £1800. We’ll be
holding our next fund-raising extravaganza
on 1st October, concluded Tony.”
Above, Roger hands a cheque to Rebecca
Sheehy of Bristol Area Stroke Foundation
at their Hartcliffe headquarters.
AUTUMN
EDITION 2016
7th July 2016
Contacts for articles and
adverts please see inside cover
30 squaretalk
‘Friendship’ is the watchword!
”It’s in the title”
“There is one essential
word that needs to be in
your lodge name to
belong to this select
group,” said W Bro
Martin Fowler (right), as
he handed the travelling
gavel to W Bro Martin
Kadir of Worcestershire’s
Lodge of Friendship.
In 1999, as part of the
upcoming millennium
celebrations, Lodge of
Friendship No 202 in
Devon organised a
gathering of lodges with
the word "Friendship" in
their names.
It was intended as a one-off special
event, but such was the enthusiasm it
became an annual event. Having gone
from strength to strength over the years,
it is now a national affair, drawing visitors
from across the country.
Hands of Friendship Lodge No 9758,
which meets at Tewkesbury, joined this
annual gathering through the enthusiasm
of W Bro Ray Pearson and this year hosted
the event.
From Plymouth to Cumbria and across
to East Anglia, sixty brethren, which
included two Assistant PGMs, converged
on Tewkesbury to receive a presentation
by W Bro James Bartlett on the
importance and development of Masonic
mentoring over the last few years.
James is in a unique position to give an
overview of this vital topic through his
involvement as Grand Lodge’s Mentoring
Co-ordinator and his insights were well
received by all those present.
At the festive board, old friendships
were reinforced and new ones fostered.
VW Bro John Thurston, the Deputy PGM,
said, “On behalf of the Province, I
welcome you visitors. I acknowledge what
a pleasure it must be for you to come to
Gloucestershire and see how ritual is
supposed to be worked!” This received
the predictable response VW Bro John no
doubt anticipated.
From Martin to Martin
Having organised the Tewkesbury event, it
was suitable that the Friendship Lodges’
‘Travelling Gavel’ was ceremonially
presented by W Bro Martin Fowler to the
WM of the next lodge to host the
gathering. W Bro Martin Kadir’s lodge
meets at Kings Heath in Birmingham. This
gavel is traditionally used by the host
Lodge at its festive boards in the year
leading to the ‘Gathering’ and has
become a symbol of the network.
“The brethren of Hands of Friendship
Lodge feel privileged to have been given
the opportunity to host this year’s event,”
said Martin Fowler, “and are now
enthusiastic members of ‘the Gathering’.”
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31
Recognition of 60 and 50 years’ service
Bro Desmond Taylor
His keen interest in sailing started as a boy;
eventually qualifying as Ocean Yacht
Master. Des was a Commodore of the AERE
Harwell Sailing Club. He is a lifelong
member of the RNLI and was presented
with the Gold Badge of the Institution by
no less than the Grand Master, HRH The
Duke of Kent, who is also RNLI President. In
his retirement, Des has sailed in the Med
and the Greek Islands.
For the past six years, he has had the honour
of laying the Home Guard Wreath at the
Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Day.
VW Bro Mike Davies
As well as his 60th certificate,
the PGM also presented an
inscribed firing glass on behalf of
Foundation Lodge to mark Des’
90th birthday. Des was initiated into
Whittington Lodge in October 1955, served
as Master and was awarded London Grand
Rank. His attendance at an Installation at
the newly consecrated Richard Whittington
Lodge at Newent, (which now meets in
Gloucester), led to an invitation to join
Foundation Lodge, where he served as
Master in 1993.
Born in Plymouth, he enrolled as a
Student Electrical Engineer in the Royal
Naval Dockyard at Devonport at the age of
17, later serving in the Dockyard Home
Guard during the Luftwaffe bombing.
After the War, Des qualified as a Chartered
Engineer and transferred to the Ministry of
Works in London, where his main project was
the installation of a new electricity supply to
Windsor Castle. He transferred to the Atomic
Energy Research Establishment at Harwell
and still lives near Oxford.
Des was married to Margaret for 57 years
until her death 6 years ago; he has three married
children who live respectively in England,
Sweden and America, and five grandchildren.
32 squaretalk
“For just once,” said VW Bro John Thurston
afterwards, “I wish someone could have
taken an ‘illegal’ photo in lodge, simply to
record the astonishment on Michael’s face
when we entered!”
Accompanied by W Bro Brian James, a
Past Master of Gloucestershire Installed
Masters’ Lodge, John, who is the present
Deputy PGM, was paying a surprise visit to
Loyal Welsh Lodge in Pembroke Dock.
VW Bro Michael Burchell Davies was the
Deputy PGM of Gloucestershire 1998-2002 and
is the senior Past Master of Gloucestershire
Installed Masters’ Lodge. These days, he lives in
Pembroke and sadly, like some fine old wines,
he does not travel well. “Hence the mountain
came to Mohamed!” said John, as he
presented the 60th certificate. John and Brian
did pose for a ‘legal’ photo with Michael
and his certificate.
The lodge building in Pembroke is unique
in Great Britain . . . . . the only similar
buildings being in Hong Kong and Singapore.
(More photos on the glosmasons website.)
W Bro Robin Harrison
Cheltenham-born, he has always
been known as ‘Robin’, despite being
baptised ‘Robert’. He was a cadet
pilot during his national service.
With a career in surveying, he worked with
several well-known masons at ‘The Hill’
where, at Sherborne Lodge, he received his
50th certificate from Asst PGM, W Bro
Nigel Bridges. Robin was governor of
Minchinhampton Primary School and in charge
of the new building project there. Married to
Jane in 1962, they have two children and five
grandchildren. He loves his golf and was a
founder of Thames Head Singers.
W Bro Laurie Keen
W Bro Laurie is known for his goodhumoured sound judgement and practical
advice. There was more than a degree of
friendly repartee between him and the Deputy
PGM at his 50th certificate presentation.
Several references were made to the late
VW Bro Russell Jessop who was Laurie’s
proposer into masonry, the JD at his
initiation and his business partner in their
law-firm. Laurie rose to Assistant PGM and,
in his legal career, to a Deputy District
Judge. He married Janice, his wife of 50
years, on her birthday. “That gave me just
one anniversary to remember,” he said. “In
those days, the Royal Gloucestershire Lodge
was known as ‘Pills & Quills’, such was the
dominance of doctors and lawyers.”
W Bro Bill Meredith
It was VW Bro John Thurston again who
was at Vale of Castiard Lodge in Lydney to
present Bill with his certificate. “18,265
days ago,” he said, “you were blindfolded
by Bro John Martin and, together with Bros
Alan Sterrey and Henry Ludlam, you began
your masonic journey.” Bill was the lodge’s
first-ever active Provincial officer and
became involved in several other orders.
In his working life, he was a mines surveyor
and then ran a company building houses in
the Forest area. He was also a solo
trombone player with the renowned
Lydbrook Silver Band. A further certificate
squaretalk
33
was produced for Mrs Hilary Meredith . . . .
to commemorate her preparing more than
5000 white shirts over the fifty years!
W Bro Peter London
The Asst PGM, W Bro Nigel Bridges,
discovered the remote Herefordshire village
of Kington in his caravanning days. In
presenting this certificate, Nigel informed
the brethren at Lodge of Fidelity that this
was where Peter was born on St David’s
Day 1934.
Peter became an electrician’s apprentice
and it was that trade that stood him in
good stead throughout his life, firstly in
the RAF and then with South West
Electricity Board. He has been married to
Rose for 56 years and they have two
daughters and four grandchildren. In his
retirement, Peter has taken up painting,
woodturning and has even taught himself
to play the melodeon.
5000 teddies later . . . . .
“Teddies for
Loving Care a
huge success!”
The ‘Teddies for Loving
Care’ scheme has been
running since 2011.
“These bears have
been supplied to all the
Minor Injury Units
throughout
Gloucestershire,” said
Provincial Grand Almoner,
W Bro Mark Smith. “They
have proved very popular
with the young patients
and greatly encouraged
by nursing staff. The PGM’s Gloucestershire
Charities Appeal has resulted in members’
donations enabling the GMCA to fund the
TLC scheme in perpetuity.”
Mark accompanied the Provincial Grand
Master, RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross, to
Cirencester Hospital, where they delivered
the 5000th teddy to Deborah Simmonds,
34 squaretalk
the MIU Manager. View the ‘Teddy-bears
Picnic’ video at: http://www.glosmasons.
org.uk/news/watch-video-bear-number5000-delivered
“The bears are a real success and help
with the anxious children we have in the
department,” said Amanda Prosser at
Tewkesbury MIU. “More please!”
“We only got there first!”
The Adventurists
Mongol Rally success
“London to Ulan Ude in our old Subaru
Justy and we arrived five days before the
next team!” said Foundation lodge
member, Bro Tariq Williams (30).
The finish point this year was the capital
of the Republic of Buryatia, actually in a
part of Russia, just across the river from
Mongolia. Negotiating mountain ranges,
deserts and barren land, Tariq and his
friend from Australia, Shaun Rose, were
allowed to choose their own route and
managed the feat in an incredible 13 days.
They shaved well over a week off their
anticipated schedule.
“The London to Mongolia Rally attracts
all sorts of people,” said Tariq, who is a
business development manager with a
newly formed property investment
company in Pontypridd. He is one of a
number of younger brethren who have
recently joined Foundation Lodge.
“The rules of the
competition
meant that our
vehicle had to be
small and rubbish.
The organisers,
known as ‘The
Adventurists’,
suggested it could
be something you
might have
‘swapped for a
packet of crisps!’ We actually paid £150
for our 4-wheel drive . . . an MOT failure,
of course.
“I was best man at Shaun’s wedding in
Wollongong three years ago,” continued
Tariq. It was then that we had agreed
we would definitely do the rally,
something we had talked about since we
first met in Dubai.”
Still time to donate . . . .
“Foundation Lodge has donated £300
towards our £3,000 target. Though the
rally is over, the cure for Leukaemia is not
and we would love to try and raise more.”
You can log your donations here:
https://www.justgiving.com/horseandradish
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35
“Drop In” at 15 May Lane, Dursley
Centre re-named
VW Bro Gordon Cole, Past Deputy PGM,
(below left) is pictured at the Dursley’s Old
People Welfare Committee’s Drop-In Centre
at the renaming ceremony attended by
those directly involved in the project.
The Freemasons' Fund (GCF) gave
donations for the replacement bay window
and some of the kitchen equipment.
Neil Carmichael, the local MP, carried out the
official re-naming of the Drop-In Centre and
opened the completely refurbished kitchen.
Pictured with Gordon (left) are Alistair
Cormie, (GCF Development Director); the
Dursley Rotary Club representative, Neil
Carmichael MP, the Chairman of
Gloucestershire Rural Community Council,
the Dursley Old People's Welfare Chairman;
and Dursley OPW Secretary Gill Davis, who
organised the fund raising for refurbishments
and the renaming / opening event.
36 squaretalk
Run entirely by volunteers, the centre
opens 6 days a week, providing light
refreshments daily and lunches one day a
week for isolated older people. The ground
floor, with toilet and kitchen, has been
completely refurbished to a high standard.
The trustees and management
committee members raised funds locally
and several organisations gave grants for
particular items.
Freemasons’ grants
Two Freemasons’ Fund grants met the costs
of replacing glazed units in the front bay
window and for kitchen equipment.
Together with the local Lions and Rotary
Clubs and the Rural Community Council,
the Gloucestershire Freemasons were
thanked very sincerely by the Chairman and
the Secretary, Gill Davis, for the valuable
assistance provided for the refurbishments.
squaretalk
37
Mark Masons launch the lifeboat
The project was
spearheaded by RW Bro
John Gillo, the PGM for
Mark Master Masons
Province of
Gloucestershire &
Herefordshire. He
accompanied the
newly-enthroned Bishop
of Gloucester, Rt Revd
Rachel Treweek, and
Lord Lieutenant Dame
Janet Trotter DBE at
Sharpness Docks for the
naming ceremony.
The ‘Norman & Amy Watkins’
This inshore boat, purpose-built for Severn
Area Rescue Association at a cost of
£25,000, was purchased from a legacy from
Amy Watkins, widow of the late Norman
Watkins (below), PGM of Gloucestershire
1986-1995.
The new rib will cater for rescue needs along
the muddy and stony banks of the Severn,
operating out of the new Sharpness Lifeboat
Station, which was built thanks to a
donation of £83,000 from the Mark
Benevolent Fund in 2008. Full feature article
at www.glosmasons.org.uk
38 squaretalk
Meet the Provincial Tyler
“El Presidente”
W Bro Mike Shere-Massey of Vigilantia
Lodge is the Provincial Grand Tyler. He is
also a very busy bee and amongst the
many hats he wears is that of the
President of Caldicot Male Voice Choir.
Originally from Devon, Michael joined
the Royal Air Force at 16 and spent 28
years specialising in Air Radar and telecommunications, rising to the rank of
Senior Engineering Officer. Now a
qualified commercial pilot, his RAF career
included several postings including
Northern Ireland and many years in Africa
and elsewhere on humanitarian and
military missions.
On his retirement from the RAF in
1986, he moved, with his wife, Sue and
two daughters to Monmouthshire to work
as a technical lecturer for an international
communications company, before being
appointed head of Account Management.
He has also worked for other major
commercial concerns and now runs his
own technical consultancy with clients
across Europe and the Middle East.
As a former RAF reservist, he served as
Adjutant in the ATC based in Caldicot.
Mike joined Freemasonry twenty years ago.
Being partially retired now allows him the
time to be secretary of two lodges; the
other being Sylvanus, (the hunting,
shooting and fishing lodge). Apart from
flying, his other interests include classic
car renovation, clay pigeon shooting and
computing. Michael also has an Open
University degree in Psychology.
“Much like the post of Provincial Tyler,
being invited to take over the presidency
of the choir was likewise a great honour,”
he said. “The choir performs at weddings
in small or large groups of choristers, or
indeed any formal occasion. We will sing
for charity and only charge for our
transport. If any brother considers that
would fit in with any masonic functions
they were organising, then do contact me
at [email protected].”
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squaretalk
39
Impeesa celebrates ‘silver’ with KLA meeting
Full house at Downend
There were no spare seats when Impeesa
Lodge celebrated 25 years since consecration.
Greetings from almost every county in the
country were given and from as far afield as
South Africa and Hong Kong.
“This was the perfect opportunity to
host the Kindred Lodges Association,”
said WM, W Bro Peter Wills.
Peter welcomed the acknowledged
Scout historian, Colin Walker (right). He
provided a fascinating insight into the
work of the Scout Movement during The
Great War.
Contrary to the aspersions cast by some,
Colin explained that Lord Baden-Powell did
not produce an army of ‘junior
cannon-fodder in anticipation of war.’
Quite the contrary, his wish was the
formation of the world’s largest ‘peace
movement’ and references to ‘peace’ litter
his 1907 first edition of ‘Scouting For Boys’.
“Nevertheless, being prepared was
naturally on the agenda,” continued
Colin, “and 24 hours after war was
declared in August 1914, the ‘East Coast
Watching Scouts’ were mobilised to
observe for shipping, air-ships, bodies
washed up on beaches and spies. This had
the advantage of effectively relieving the
Coast Guards and allowing them to return
to naval duties. Scouts also guarded
bridges and telegraph poles, not least the
telephone lines all the way from London
to Brighton, thereby preventing
interception of communication which
extended under the English Channel to
troops on the Continent.”
“Over a hundred were seated at the
festive board. “I’ve never heard such a
din!” said the DC, W Bro Phil Nicholls.
“It was so good to hear everyone in such
great spirits.”
Appropriately enough, the next KLA
meeting is due to be hosted by Brownsea
Island Lodge, Dorset this spring.
(Full story and many more pics at www.
glosmasons.org.uk
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40 squaretalk
bridgewayv2a7.indd 1
06/02/2015 14:45
Staple Hill Lodge name ‘Buddy’
Hill Lodge donation
Guide dog Dale (10) and trainee Gilda (6
months) were on hand when a cheque for
£2,500 was presented to the ‘Guide Dogs’
charity by Staple Hill Lodge.
The lodge WM, W Bro John Williams,
said, “We are delighted to support Guide
Dogs in their mission to help more blind
and partially-sighted people achieve
greater mobility and independence. We
had great fun raising the money, much of
which came from the annual Ladies’
Festival held in Bournemouth.”
John and his wife Marie met the Guide
Dogs team at Chipping Sodbury together
with Martin Sullivan, who recently retired
as an economics lecturer at UWE.
“Dale is my third dog,” said Martin. “I
have an identical twin brother, Paul. We
have both been blind from birth. I am told
that the only way to tell us apart is by the
colour of our dogs!”
As a result of this donation, Staple Hill
Lodge can name a puppy in training and
hope to call him “Buddy”.
Help to 4,700 people
The guide dog service transforms the lives
of around 4,700 blind and partially-sighted people every year. The lifetime cost of
a guide dog is nearly £50,000, but to
those less-fortunate people they assist,
worth every penny!
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41
Sun shines on Forest Golfers
Harvey bags the booty
It was the best weather for
this annual event since its
inception. A small but select
band of competitors turned
out at Bells Hotel & Forest of
Dean Golf Club, trying
desperately to wrest the
trophy from the vice-like grip
of the Barrow family; (W Bros
Dave and Andy (Pops) having
thrice previously carried off the
coveted prize). With Dave
missing from the field this year, the rest
breathed a sigh of relief, not least when
W Bro Ron Brown became a late injury
withdrawal and waved the contenders
away from the first tee.
The favourable weather clearly
encouraged better overall scoring than in
recent years. Economical tallies were
returned over the front nine, Vassar
Smith’s W Bro Richard Thomas recording
20 and enjoying a 2-point lead over W
Bro Mike Shuttleworth. (Vale of Castiard).
with Edenwall’s W Bro Harvey Wheeler a
further point adrift.
As the tournament reached deep into
the back nine, however, it gradually
became clear that there would only be
one winner. Whilst
Richard and Mike
continued to score
steadily, two early birdies
on the 10th and 12th
catapulted Harvey into a
lead that he was never
going to relinquish;
especially with a further
six consecutive pars
contributing to a back
nine total of 24 points,
(one under par gross).
42 squaretalk
“I’ve no idea what happened,” said Harvey.
“A lot of good shots, long and short, just
came straight out of the memory banks
and the years felt like they were being
rolled back. It’s a long, long time since I
shot a 74 anywhere!”
Second place eventually went to Richard
(37 points) with Mike finishing third with a
creditable 36 points.
Courtesy of a raffle organised by Ron,
the event raised £100 to be donated to the
Friends of Lydney Hospital.
Ron (above left) presented the trophy.
“No doubt the Barrow Gang will turn out
in force to try to reclaim it next year!”
quipped Harvey.
“When conjoined ~ provide support!”
Twin Pillars in every lodge
“The parts played by Lodge, Group and
Provincial Almoner are key in providing
assistance to every brother in need,” said
VW Bro John Thurston, Deputy PGM.
“Additionally, there is a correlation
between the ‘Twin Pillar’ roles of the
Almoner and Charity Steward, which when
conjoined, provides support for others.”
W Bro Tony Pursey, Charity Steward at
Royal Edward Lodge, Avonmouth, reports
candidly of his first-hand experience,
describing how that help can materialise.
“A few years ago,” writes Tony, “in the
midst of the recession, I found myself in
financial difficulty and unable to meet my
commitments. With no fuss and in
complete confidence, help arrived from
the Lodge Almoner and the Provincial
Almoner. I received a donation from
Gloucestershire Province which was of
enormous help.
“Further Grand Charity help”
“The Provincial Almoner then made a
request to the Grand Charity on my behalf
and within a few weeks a further donation
was received.
“I can only imagine how much more
difficult life would have been without that
assistance.
“As Masons, we are always being asked
for donations to charity. Having been on
the receiving end, I now understand just
how much difference a few pounds can
make and I now try my hardest to pay back
so that others can be helped in the same
way I was.”
Tony (above) works as an ‘On
Construction Energy Assessor’, helping
architects and builders achieve the
required CO2 building regulation
standards for new houses.
squaretalk
43
50 year stretch!
Vigilantia’s W Bro Jim Mail
Jim was a Prison Warder serving at HMP
Gloucester when he became the first
joining member at Vigilantia Lodge in
October 1965. He has scarcely missed a
meeting since.
Twice he has occupied the WM’s chair
and, in 2008, the lodge made him an
honorary member. “That appealed to my Jock
instincts,” the ardent Scotsman confessed.
Past Master, W Bro Dave Reid,
presented Jim with three bottles of malt
whisky and a huge bouquet of flowers for
his wife Jill, to mark his 50 years of
membership of the lodge.
The PGM, RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross
(another proud Scotsman), was in
attendance, absorbing the special occasion.
(Full story at www.glosmasons.org.uk.)
“The recycling of a teenager!”
90th birthday party
In his very full life so far,
W Bro Lewis Webber has
been no stranger to
worldwide travel; serving his
country in the military and the
oil industry in work. A Past
Master of Fidelity Lodge,
Lewis surrounded himself with
his family, together with
friends both from masonry
and amateur dramatics, at his
birthday bash at Stapleton
Masonic Hall.
Not surprisingly, he
demonstrated his thespian
talents in a hilarious birthday speech in
which he gave all sorts of reasons for his
recaptured youth. “I fully intend to be
here for my hundredth!” he said.
44 squaretalk
Lewis is pictured here with his grandson,
Bro Dan Webber as they survey a full
room; about to commence the festivities
with his wife Joan.
“Because it’s there!”
214th Wainwright
mountain
Ask any mountaineer
why they do it, and they
all give the same answer!
When W Bro Bill
Lloyd noticed ten years
ago that Wainwright’s
‘Pictorial Guide to the
Lakeland Fells’ listed
214 mountains, he
promised himself he’d
climb the lot!
High Crag Buttermere
provided the final
challenge which,
together with his
daughter, Tanya, he achieved and, in doing
so, they have raised more than £2400 for
the Great Western Air Ambulance.
“Ticking off the final one, we returned
via Wainwright’s
favourite fell, Hay
Stacks, and stopped
to pay respects at
Innominate Tarn,
where his ashes are
scattered.”
Bill, who lives in
Portishead, is the
Treasurer of Black
Horse of Lombard
Street Lodge. which
meets at Downend.
Author too
Bill has written two books covering his
walking experiences, which have included the
19,340ft Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Inca
Trail in Peru and all 193 Welsh Mountains.
Bill’s companion on the Wainwright and
Welsh walks has been his friend, Peter
Jameson. If you would like to make a
donation towards their charity, you can
log on to: www.JustGiving.com/Bill-Lloydand-Peter-Jameson
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squaretalk
45
GMBA seeks bowlers
Contact Bob or Bill
The season is about to start and the
Gloucestershire Masonic Bowling
Association is looking for new blood.
“There’s a busy programme ahead,“
said Secretary, W Bro Bill Beedie. Those
interested should contact me or our
Captain, W Bro Bob Artus.
Last season, the GMBA Triples
Competition was held at Frampton-onSevern Bowls Club, at the conclusion of
which, our president, Max Hart, was able
to present the PGM with a cheque for
£300 towards the 2018 Festival.”
Above, W Bro Brian Stonley of Old
Marlington Lodge in action on the
Frampton green.
INTERESTED IN PLAYING
OUTDOOR BOWLS?
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE MASONIC
BOWLING ASSOCIATION NEEDS...
YOU!
For more information, whatever your
standard of play, contact:
W Bro Bob Artus (Captain)
T: 01452 619700
E: [email protected]
46 squaretalk
W Bro Bill Beedie (Secretary)
T: 01452 617466
E: [email protected]
Provincial Grand Orator interview
W Bro Peter Watkins
ST: So, Peter, you’re the new Provincial
Orator.
PW: What a privilege! I was really pleased
when I was approached. Researching talks
will be a challenge. I hope to motivate and
stimulate discussion with a wide range of
related masonic subjects.
ST: What’s your background, Peter?
PW: I’m a Forester; born in Whitecroft in
1955. I was educated at the local primary
school, then Lydney Grammar. From there,
I went straight into local industry at the
famous Whitecroft Pin Factory.
ST: From paperclips to precious metals?
PW: Yes, I joined Engelhard Corporation in
Cinderford which took me from a plant
operator to European Refining Sales Manager.
ST: Now you run your own company?
PW: Yes, it’s PSW Metals, which I founded
in 1988. We specialise in the trading and
processing of industrial scraps and residues.
ST: And you’re married?
PW: Yes, I am married to Julia, a local solicitor.
I have two children and four grandchildren.
ST: So what with family and work, I think
we’ve heard you also have time for rugby.
PW: It’s a great passion with me. I played
for Bream in the Forest and later in the
Belgium Premier League. I am best known
as a ‘fat fullback’ whose major defence
was to tire opposing wingers who had to
run around me!
ST: And other interests?
PW: I love walking in the Forest, listening
to classical music, enjoying European art
and visiting the opera. I am also in the
Hereford-shire Masonic Choir; a reformed
pub singer!
ST: Very active in Masonry as well?
PW: Yes, in Glos and Herefordshire. I am
currently the Senior Warden in Vassar
Smith Lodge and have held active offices
in both Provinces.
ST: Your thoughts on Freemasonry?
PW: I was drawn to the Craft over twenty
years ago with a curiosity fuelled by an
interest in the history and traditions of
Freemasonry, from the people who I knew
to be masons. I hope that my enjoyment
and enthusiasm for Freemasonry will
encourage brethren to participate and
provide opportunities to raise masonic
questions in an open environment which is
engaging, informative and entertaining.
Every brother will and should have
something to contribute to their lodge,
irrespective of rank or longevity in the
Craft. If, in some small way, orations can
engage this spirit of diversity and
encourage discussion and debate,
particularly amongst the junior brethren,
then it will be worthwhile.
ST: Thank-you Peter. Good luck.
The full interview is available at:
www.glosmasons.org.uk.
Brethren wishing to call on the services of
the Orator or to address them at a meeting
may contact Peter at [email protected].
squaretalk
47
Foundation Help for Fly2Help
Nominated by lodge members
James Hopkins Trust - £800
Sea Cadets Sailing Centre - £800
Scoo B Doo (in support of the Neonatal
Unit at Gloucester Royal) - £800
Fly 2 Help - £800
These are the charities which have been
aided by Foundation Lodge in the past year.
Air Smiles Days
Phil Mathews (Secretary) and Simon John
(Charity Steward) flew in Phil’s Piper Arrow
from Gloucestershire Airport to Kemble to
present a cheque to Fly2Help. This is an
aviation charity that inspires positive
change through the wonder of
flight. The charity provides ‘Air
Smiles Days’ to people living in
difficult situations, including illness,
disability, bereavement and isolation.
These are exciting experience days,
centred around a short flight in a light
48 squaretalk
aircraft, aiming to bring joy and laughter,
create and capture magical memories,
boost confidence and self-esteem and
offer respite to individuals, families and
groups. An educational programme
encouraging young people to consider a
future career within the aviation industry
is also offered.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of
Fly2Help, Helen said. “We are delighted to
be nominated by Foundation Lodge to
receive this donation. We are planning our
flying days for 2016 and this amount will
give us an opportunity reach out to more
who need a life changing experience.
Thank you very much.”
Pictured below from the left are Helen
Tempest (Air Smiles manager), Phil, Simon
and Alison Pavier (Fly2Help CEO).
Double the preparation for unique occasion
Father initates twin sons
“There are two things in life for which we
are never truly prepared,” once wrote the
American humourist Josh Billings. “Twins!”
The master of Manor of Ashley Lodge,
however, did his best to prepare for an
initiation which tested the best
throughout the planning stage, with extra
rehearsals and the assistance of the
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies
for this truly unique occasion.
W Bro Adrian Shipley’s sons, Daniel and
Martin, were born on 11th April 1990;
Daniel being the first to arrive. The
ceremony was planned so that Daniel
spoke first where necessary, but the
majority of the ceremony saw the pair
acting in unison.
Afghanistan tours
Daniel, who had completed two tours of
Afghanistan, addressed the brethren at the
festive board. “Even this had not equipped
me for what I experienced this evening,”
he said. Martin countered with, “My
mother never thought she would see the
day when my father became my brother!”
Obviously, Adrian was very proud to be
initiating his sons. “We put so much effort
into preparing for the ceremony,” he said,
“and I’d like to thank the whole team.”
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squaretalk
49
More Shorts!
Thornbury’s first MM
Thornbury Lodge was consecrated in
February and Joe Boyd was its first initiate.
He has now been passed and raised.
W Bro Richard Birkwood, the WM said,
“The lodge is getting involved in the local
community. Financial support is going to
youngsters in Thornbury’s rugby club to
help with their travel costs.”
the Festival Treasurer. Ian
thanked the brethren,
particularly the Charity Steward, W Bro
Peter Daniels, for their efforts.
“If every lodge achieved their Gold level,
then the Province would raise £2 million
towards the Festival,” he said.
Ship-shape & Sincerity Fashion
Cardboard jewel
Having happened on a
box of old masonic
regalia, Innsworth
Lodge Charity
Steward, W Bro Tom
Robson, decided to
raise money for the
2018 Festival by selling
some pieces on eBay.
“Dating from 1943,”
he said, “this one
demonstrated the wartime shortage of
materials. This temporary RMIB token was
replaced by the real thing as soon as was
practicable after the war. We raised £200
for the jewels and paperwork.”
Gold for OWL
W Bro John Osborn, the WM of Old Wycliffian
Lodge, has been presented with the Gold
award certificate by W Bro Ian Davies,
50 squaretalk
Lodge of Sincerity celebrated its 500th
meeting with a unique event. A first degree
ceremony was performed in Bristol fashion!
W Bro Kevin Thomas, the WM of Powell
Lodge, brought a large contingent of his
brethren to perform a demonstration initiation
ceremony ~ even to the point of bringing their
own furniture and armoury! He was presented
with Sincerity cufflinks by the WM of the
home team, W Bro Mike Baker.
Downend Widows Association
Flavia Summers
and Carolyn
Olds enjoying
a trip to the
New Forest. They are also members of the
New Harmony Ladies Choir.
50-100 Club Halloween Night
The ‘50-100 Club’ was
founded to raise funds to
cover expenses occurring
during the Charity
Festivals. The money
generated at random
events, including this
annual Halloween Night,
means that all the capital
raised for the Festival
goes untapped to the
intended source.
See photos at: www.
glosmasons.org.uk.
‘Rum Bosun’
Lodge of Seafarers made the annual
pilgrimage to the ancient Albany Lodge on the
Isle of Wight; see www.glosmasons.or.uk.
Nissen hut lodge!
Family gathering
There are now three members of the Green
family at this 155 year-old lodge which
meets in Gloucester’s Cross Keys Lane.
Kevin Green (centre), was initiated into
Royal Gloucestershire Lodge, being escorted
by his brother Martin (Senior Deacon) and
Martin’s son, Lee (Junior Deacon).
“But so beautifully appointed!” said the trio of
Hicks Beach brethren, who enjoyed a winter
break and met up with a Gloucestershire
brother who has made Cyprus his home.
More info at www.glosmasons.or.uk.
£55,000 for Diabetes UK
Grand Charity News
Since 1984, nearly £12 million has been
donated to hospice services nationwide by
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity.
The PGM visited King’s College in London to
present the Masonic Samaritan’s Fund
cheque to Dr Alasdair Rankin, the Director
of Research for Diabetes UK. To his left is
sugar-protein expert, Professor Annalisa
Pastore. The MSF made the donation after a
vote among hundreds of Freemasons, who
nominated Diabetes UK for the award.
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51
Significant numbers!
30 . . . . . .
500 . . . . .
. . . . the number of meetings of
Cotteswold Lodge of Instruction. To mark
the occasion, the Senior Preceptor, W Bro
Alan Stone, handed a cheque, suitably for
£500, to the PGM, RW Bro Tim
Henderson-Ross. At this meeting, Bro
Richard O’Donnell from Earl Bathurst Lodge
occupied the chair of King Solomon.
. . the number of years that The
Freemasons’ Grand Charity has been in
partnership with British Red Cross. We
support their work in the UK and abroad.
In 2014, following a
grant for an
emergency vehicle in
Sussex, The Grand
Charity surpassed the
£2m mark in donations.
2.....
. . . the number of
wheels on the Deputy
PGM’s latest form of
transport. VW Bro
John Thurston was
spotted on this electricpowered bicycle!
1643 . . . .
. . . . the year that the Siege of Gloucester
was lifted. Each September the event is
celebrated and Glos Masons were again at
the head of the parade through the city.
Here they pass he Outreach stand. More
pics on the website.
52 squaretalk
97 . . . .
. . . the number of current
Gloucestershire beneficiaries
supported to the tune of
£271,000. “We would not be
able to sustain this level of
support without your
continued commitment,” the
Provincial Grand Almoner, W Bro Mark Smith
tells brethren. “I am ever grateful to you all.”
50 . . . . .
. . . the number of years the Lodge of Harmony
& Concord will be celebrating this year. A
Sunday lunch to commemorate the occasion
will be held at Eastwood Park on 8th May.
More info at: www.glosmasons.org.uk/news.
‘Talking Heads’ invite Master Masons
”What’s it all about?”
The Metropolitan Grand Chapter ‘Talking
Heads’ team was at Royal Lebanon
Chapter in Gloucester to perform a playlet
to Craft lodge members explaining the
Royal Arch.
Ian Currans is the Assistant Metropolitan
Grand Superintendent and he introduced
the team of Donald McGarr (narrator),
with Mike Baker and Robert Anderson
playing the parts of Past Master and new
Master Mason.
In the audience were the heads of four
orders in the Province: Craft, Royal Arch,
Rose Croix and Royal Order of Scotland.
The Province of Gloucestershire and
Herefordshire was presented with a copy
of the script and are performing the play
on demand.
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squaretalk
53
Fire, Brethren . . . . .
. . . taking your
time from me!
Hosted by W Bro
Tony Putterill, WM of
Provincial Grand
Stewards Lodge, W
Bro Ron Baker from
Buckinghamshire
presented his
entertaining and
noisy lecture, ‘History
of Masonic Fire’.
Tony used the
opportunity to
announce the launch of new Bristol Blue
firing glasses; celebrating the tercentenary
of the United Grand Lodge of England
next year. These glasses are sure to
become highly collectable. You may
contact him at: [email protected].
54 squaretalk
More information about the meeting and
pictures of the glasses, visit: www.
glosmasons.org.uk.
Above (L to R): W Bros Terry Hill, Tony
Putterill, Ron Baker and Keith Checkley
Newent is Newest!
Newent Daffodil Lodge
consecrated
This is the satisfied smile of a new master,
who is recognising that two years of hard
work has just come to fruition. W Bro
Malcolm Hart (right) remains seated whilst
the brethren toast the brand-new master
of the brand-new lodge.
In addressing the brethren, the PGM,
RW Bro Tim Henderson-Ross said, “I
encourage you to put down your roots in
Newent to help the local people,
particularly youth organisations such as
the scouts. Become well-respected in your
area and you will thrive. Look towards the
GMCA for help and guidance regarding
your charity initiatives.
Two year gestation!
W Bro Dennis
Harvey (right) is the
lodge secretary. At
the festive board,
he spoke of the
work which had
been undertaken
over the previous
two years to get the lodge off the ground.
“Today we have given birth to our baby,” he
said. “However, Malcolm had all the fun bits
and I did the rest, so I guess that makes him
the father of the lodge and me the mother!” Indeed, RW Bro Adrian Davies, the Past
PGM, praised Dennis and all of the steering
committee for picking up and running with
his idea of forming a lodge in Newent. He
was also full of praise for W Bro John Gillo
who had provided much of the support and
essential advice needed. He spoke about the
need for expansion within the Province. “I
am so pleased that the projects which were
created during my tenure are being fashioned
by my successor, RW Bro Tim,” he said.
Sheppard House
The lodge meets at Sheppard House,
Onslow Road, Newent, on the first
Thursday of each March, April, September,
October and November. Many more
photos at www.glosmasons,org.uk.
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55
Advertising Feature
Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists
Free Taster Drives!
“The Gloucestershire Group of Advanced
Motorists is a registered charity,” writes
W Bro Rod Harrison. “It is affiliated to the
Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The objective of the Group is to promote
safer driving in the county of Gloucestershire.
“The Group offers ‘Free Taster’ drives
with a qualified IAM Observer. This
1-hour drive will result in friendly advice
on how you could improve your driving.
Introduction
“Additionally, a Free ‘Introduction to
Advanced Driving’ Seminar is held quarterly.
This 1-day course, held on a Saturday, is
of value to all motorists and covers the
essential skills of advanced driving.
Skill For Life
“The IAM Skill For Life course is the full
advanced driving course costing £149.00
and on a successful pass, results in the
IAM certificate as an Advanced Driver.
Mature Driver Assessment
“Finally, if you are concerned about
someone’s fitness to drive, or even your
own driving, the IAM offers a ‘Mature
Driver Assessment’. This costs £49.00 but
is the ideal way to gain a trusted second
opinion on your driving ability. A
60-minute session in your own car with
an IAM-approved assessor, at an agreed
time and on routes you're already familiar
with. The confidential feedback will help
you decide if you can continue to drive
safely - and with confidence,” adds Rod.
56 squaretalk
Find out more on this website:
www.glosiam.org
or telephone Rod on 01451 821605.
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squaretalk
57
More Shorts!
“A cunning plan, Mr B”
Chapter Convocation in London.
Acknowledging his Stroud roots, he chose
Graham King, who governs the Royal
Arch Province of Gloucestershire &
Herefordshire, to be on his escort party.
Reunited after 90 years
Actor and historian, Sir Tony Robinson,
explores some of Freemasonry’s supposed
secrets, dispelling myths or, indeed,
‘cunning plans’. In a 3-minute video, he
takes a tour of Freemasons’ Hall, meeting
Prestonian Lecturer, W Bro Dr James
Campbell. https://db.tt/B3arGFG8
Christmas Carols at Soundwell
The Revd Sandy Cooper jokes with two St
Christopher brethren prior to the service
at St Stephen’s Church. Lessons were read
by members of nine lodges from the
south of the Province. £220 was raised for
St Peter’s Hospice,
Bro Chris Hill, the Treasurer at Richard
Whittington Lodge, bought a gold watch
with a masonic inscription at an auction.
Having got the watch restored, he contacted
Stanley Lodge in Liverpool, where it had been
presented to the WM in 1925. He was
invited to a meeting where he returned it to
the current WM, W Bro William Brewer.
£40,000 cheque for WellChild
Russell’s Gloucestershire roots
VW Bro John Thurston was at the Cheltenham
HQ to present this bumper cheque. It will help
fund a Long Term Ventilation Nurse Specialist.
Manor of Ashley help for scout
Russell Race was installed as the new 2nd
Grand Principal at the Supreme Grand
58 squaretalk
Rachel Jackson (18) gave an account of
her experiences at the World Scout
Jamboree in Japan. Her visit was partially
funded by the lodge. WM, Adrian Shipley
Toys were again collected under the Christmas
tree. They were handed over by hall manager,
W Bro Malcolm England, to Major Colin
Hylton-Jones from the Salvation Army Citadel
in Staple Hill for needy children in the area.
Ante Meridiem Lodge
presented a cheque for £200 to go to the
Richard Angove Fund that supports
Explorer Scouting.
In just a week at Downend . . .
Bristol Military Wives Choir entertain at
Downend Lodge Christmas meeting. There
are now 80 of these choirs worldwide,
raising funds for military charities.
“The family Christmas lunch at Tewkesbury was
hosted by WM, Stuart Allan, accompanied by
his wife Joy,” writes lodge almoner, Ivor
Southcombe. “A Christmas quiz was won by
the table at which there were most children;
saying something about the questions that I
had set! Excellent renditions of carols, (in our
opinion), was followed by a raffle raising money
for The James Hopkins Trust. We are very much
a friendly ‘family lodge’ and we offer an
invitation to you to join in our activities.”
Widows’ hampers
“We wouldn’t be able to carry out all our
charitable work if we didn’t look after the
places we meet,” said W Bro Geoff Cave
(right), “so it’s vital we maintain the fabric.”
He was handing over a Kingswood Chase
Lodge cheque for £500 to help with upkeep
to W Bro Dave Bowden, the Chairman of
the Board at Downend Masonic Hall.
W Bro Tony Putterill and his wife Lynne
enjoy the challenge of choosing the right
elements for those Christmas hampers
destined for lodge widows. David Jones,
the WM at Frome Valley Lodge, is pictured
collecting them from Tony’s kitchen. This is
the annual opportunity for the master to
get out and meet the widows and show
they are not forgotten.
squaretalk
59
In the chair: ”For the very fourth time!”
VW Bro Colin Bendon
Royal Edward Lodge’s Christmas meeting
is also installation night and is always an
especially joyous occasion.
Spirits were high as VW Bro Colin, the
former Deputy PGM for Gloucestershire,
slid comfortably into the master’s chair;
for the second time at his mother lodge.
Unsurprisingly, the top table at the festive
board was star-filled, not least with
Bristol’s PGM, RW Bro Alan Vaughan who,
in responding to the visitors’ toast,
teasingly said that he looked forward to
his “missionary work” in Avonmouth.
During the meeting, much reference was
made to “masonic journeys”. In Colin’s
35-year journey, he has also been the
founding master of Lodge of Light and
Reflection and master of the Glos
Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge.
The Lodge Chaplain, 50-year vet W Bro
George Brittan, was celebrating his 90th
birthday. Colin presented him with a
suitably decorated cake.
Masonic journey
During another form of masonic journey,
(a summer lodge excursion to the Severn
Valley Railway), W Bro John Higgs was
sorely impressed with W Bro David
Langley’s preparation for the train trip.
60 squaretalk
Dave was seen sprinting to be first into
the carriage so he could occupy the prime
window position. The action needed
recognition, so at the festive board, John
presented Dave with a ‘Training Window’
so that he could “practise his viewing
techniques at home, demonstrating his
skills with all the correct hand signals!”
1st Degree Tracing Board
Coordinated by W Bro Allan Sinclair, Royal
Edward Lodge brethren have learned the
Presentation of the First Degree Tracing Board’.
This piece of ritual is seldom delivered; in fact
several brethren had never heard or seen it
until signing up for the project.
The Tracing Boards at Avonmouth are very
unusual and Bro Paul Taylerson produced a
large ‘pop-up’ version which created quite
an impression and made it easier for the
brethren to follow what was delivered.
The team comprised (L to R) Paul
Watkins, David Langley, George Eland,
John Higgs, Tony Pursey, Jim Philip, Steve
Rundle, Peter Ebioke, Adrian Bury, Tony
Lyndon and Allan Sinclair
“The combined effort created a great
sense of teamwork which is following
through into the Lodge of Instruction.
Hopefully, it will encourage others to learn
some more of the ritual,” said W Bro Dave
Langley from his carriage window;
demonstrating an approving gesture.
Fellowship fulfilling Commitment
“Turned the corner!”
“The presentation of these cheques is an
achievement which makes everyone in the
lodge feel very proud,” said W Bro Sean
Mockett, the Secretary of Fellowship
Lodge, which meets at Downend. “The
contrast to where the lodge was heading
merely six years ago is staggering!
“Under the leadership of our WM, W Bro
Richard Snelgrove, we were able to award
£650 to Great Western Air Ambulance. A
further £500 was donated to the 2018
Festival. These donations are a reflection of
the change in fortune, made possible by the
huge amount of work undertaken by the
lodge to ensure survival.”
“Set up as a lodge for Rotarians in 1995, it
enjoyed a huge initial success, but went
through a bad spell and almost failed.
Through the dogged determination of a few,
however, and support from the Province, it is
now in a strong position,” he added,
(Full story at www.glosmasons.org.uk.)
Above, Sean (left) presents a cheque to
David Bowling from Great Western Air
Ambulance. Richard (right) completes the
duty with W Bro Phil Waring, the
Provincial Grand Charity Steward.
squaretalk
61
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62 squaretalk
Even more shorts!
£700 in one sitting!
What’s ailing?
Sally Birkwood’s husband,
Richard, suggests, “Too
much Stroud wassailing
or too much Stroud ale,”
as he is captured in his
alternative regalia.
PGM on TV
80-plus people at the Hambrook Lodge
Christmas Party listened to two youngsters
describe how they were fighting serious
illness. Jon Hale told how he was
diagnosed with a form of leukaemia some
18 months ago. He is pictured with WM,
Mike Blackmore and his wife Rosemary.
£700 was raised at the event to be
donated to the research charity,
Bloodwise. Also at lunch, Dr Rhiannon
McAleer told of her battle with ME. Her
dad, Past Master Mike Conner, handed a
cheque for £2000 to go to ME Research
UK; money the lodge raised during his
year in the chair.
Kanamai Trust
In the current BBC series of Great British
Train Journeys, Michael Portillo succeeds in
having some of the masonic mysteries
explained, but is “still no wiser about the
secret hand-shake,” following his visit to the
purpose-built Masonic Hall in Cheltenham.
“Some traditions, such as Freemasonry, have
medieval origins,” he concludes, “but were
boosted by the new mobility supplied to men
intent on self-improvement by the railways.”
Second-hand apron
The Kanamai Trust helps this coastal area
of Kenya, by providing free education,
sanitation, clean drinking water, basic
healthcare and employment. Thornbury
Lodge handed over £200 to Dr Paul
Walker and his wife Pearl, courtesy of the
Christmas raffle. Above, Sally Birkwood,
wife of the master, is accompanied by
secretary, Mike Stone.
W Bro Graham Hopkins initiated his son
into Sherborne Lodge using the apron
with which he had been invested in the
USA in 1970. (Full story at www.
glosmasons.org.uk.)
squaretalk
63
Come and enjoy a
Come and enjoy a
Family
at Highnam
Highnam
Family Day
Day at
in support of the Gloucestershire 2018 Grand Charity Festival
in support of the th
Gloucestershire 2018 Grand Charity Festival
SATURDAY 13 th AUGUST 2016 – 2.00pm to 7.00pm
SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2016 – 2.00pm to 7.00pm
Highnam Court, Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DP - www.highnamcourt.co.uk
Highnam Court, Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DP - www.highnamcourt.co.uk
Join the Provincial Executive and the
Join theTeam
Provincial
and the in
Festival
for a Executive
relaxing afternoon
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Team
for
a
relaxing
afternoon
the stunning gardens of Highnam Court.in
the stunning gardens of Highnam Court.
Enjoy strawberries and cream with a glass
Enjoy strawberries and cream with a glass
of bubbly between strolling through the
of bubbly between strolling through the
gardens, enjoying a family picnic in
gardens, enjoying a family picnic in
sumptuous
sumptuoussurroundings
surroundings with
with fine
fine musical
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andof
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owner has restored the Victorian gardens
and increased their size to 40 acres.
and increased their size to 40 acres.
ORDER FORM
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for the
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payable to:
to: “Provincial
“Provincial Grand
Please
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Send
to:
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Waring,
33
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Send to: Philip Waring, 33 The Meadows, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3PA. Tel:
Tel:0117
01179605413.
9605413.