W. Bro Stan Townson marks 50 years in Freemasonry

W. Bro Malcolm Dabbs, whose appointment to Assistant Provincial Grand Master in May was recently announced, visited Ferrum Lodge, who meet in Middlesbrough, for their Christmas meting to present a 50th. Anniversary certificate to W. Bro Stan Townson.

Malcolm and Stan entertained the lodge with a discussion about Stan's history both within and  outside of Freemasonry. The formal meeting was then followed by a dinner where each member presented a limerick to amuse and further entertain.

Brian Wall PPJGW Celebration of 50 Years Service

Thursday 15th of December 2011 was a special night for Saltscar lodge No 5173. The Lodge met to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initiation of Brian Malcolm Wall, PPJGW.

The celebration began with the RWPGM, Richard John Anderson, reminiscing with Brian about their progress in masonry.

The RWPGM then led Brian through his early life, via a question and answer session, and described to those present their escapades in the Saltburn Round Table.

The evening concluded with entertaining speeches at a full Festive Banquet.

The picture shows the RWPGM Richard John Anderson, Brian Wall and W. Bro Allan Cameron Scott, WM of Saltscar Lodge

Provincial Grand Lodge Appointments - 2012

The R W Provincial Grand Master will be pleased to make the following appointments at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on Saturday 12th May 2012:

Provincial Senior Grand Warden 
Bro Denis Raymond Stubley, PPJGW         Ferrum Lodge No 1848

Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Bro Philip Harry Daniels, PPGStwd               Technical Lodge No 5666

Provincial Grand Registrar
Bro James Skelton                                North York Lodge No 602

Provincial Grand Secretary
Bro James E T Massey, ProvAGSec         Kirkleatham Lodge No 6363

Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
Bro Peter Michael Mawer, PPSGW          Burlington Lodge No 3975

Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary
Bro David Chambers, PPAGReg (Surrey)    Portus Felix Lodge No 6712

A Daggards Presentation & Organ Recital
With Guest Organist Paul Derrett

Wednesday 30 November 2011

The main lodge room organ at Dagger Lane was refurbished over the summer recess this year by Paul Derrett, a renowned organist who has performed recitals in great cathedrals and concert halls throughout the UK and internationally.

Following an interesting and amusing presentation by Eddie Wildman and Terry Lynn, the refurbished instrument was put through its paces by Paul, who demonstrated its range of timbres in a recital of famous organ music old and new. The audience was in great voice accompanying the excellent playing of such favourites as Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March (Land of Hope & Glory) and Parry’s well known hymn Jerusalem.
The Daggards had organised the evening to enable the Brethren and assembled guests fully to appreciate the nature of the work done and the musical benefit now afforded to all lodges meeting at this historical site.

After  the joyous musical presentation in the lodge room all retired to a much appreciated festive board, after which toasts were given, and Paul was presented with a framed (original Eddie Wildman) caricature of himself and a copy of a Forster & Andrews advertisement  (the original organ builders) which had been signed by all present.
A most enjoyable evening was had by all.

Picture shows Paul next to the refurbished organ.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David John Marsh, PSGD will be retiring from that Office at the next meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in May 2012.

Brethren will be well aware of the extensive and valuable contributions the above Brother has made to the life of the Province and the RW Provincial Grand Master will take the opportunity to recognise that contribution at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge.

The RW Provincial Grand Master is therefore pleased to announce his intention to make the following appointment at Provincial Grand Lodge on Saturday 12th May 2012.

       W Bro Malcolm John Dabbs, PAGDC will be appointed
Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Dr. Clifford Leslie Jones  60 years in Freemasonry

On 19th November 2011 the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother Jeffery Gillyon was joined by brethren and their ladies of the Humber Lodge No57 at Connaught Court in York. This special occasion was to mark the presentation of a 60 year certificate and Jewel to W Bro. Cliff Jones, PAGDC.

Cliff was born in London 18th August 1926. He was educated at Quintinians School followed by Degrees in Chemistry and Physics from London and Reading Universities.  A PhD from an American University acknowledged him as one of the world’s foremost authorities on his specialised subjects of waxes and resins. His real expertise it would seem was in soft soap, a point not lost on those who know him well.  

An active member of the church with a strong faith, he has been Secretary of the Lay Readers Association and chairman of a special committee appointed by the Archbishop of the time to deal with matters of finance within the diocese.
As a young man he was not only a boy scout but County Commissioner for Middlesex, in charge of Scoutmaster Training.

Dr. Clifford Leslie Jones PAGDC & VW Bro Jeffrey Gillyon, DPGM

Cliff was very happily married for many years to his Wife Peggy who sadly died several years ago and he felt her loss terribly. Always an active and caring member of the community after Peggy died Cliff used to Mentor recovering alcoholics & drug addicts.

Cliff was initiated into the Old Quintinians Lodge on 1951 and the accompanying Chapter in 1963. He was Master of his lodge in 1967. He joined the Humber Chapter in this Province and was MEZ in 1979 he was WM of the Humber Lodge in 2005. Cliff was the Third Provincial Grand Principal in this Province in 1991 and holds Grand Rank in both Craft and Chapter. He is also a member of other masonic degrees.  
           
The worshipful Master of Humber Lodge, David Terry, introduced the DPGM Jeffrey Gillyon and Cliff to the assembled residents and visitors in the main lounge of Connaught Court, the York RMBI residential home, VW Bro Jeffrey Gillyon then sat with W Bro Cilff and after a brief and often amusing recollection of his life, career and long association with Freemasonry Cliff was presented with a 60 year Jewel and a certificate from the Provincial Grand Master to mark this rare occasion.  Cliff was accompanied by his daughter and her husband for this very special occasion, a buffet lunch was enjoyed by all on what was agreed to a very enjoyable and memorable day.

Almoners' Panel for the Province

The role of the Almoner is increasing in importance for a number of reasons including hard economic times through the current recession and early redundancies, but also due to better health provision leading to longevity of life.

It is always the Almoner’s remit to be ever mindful of the needs of others, administering welfare and providing assistance and support wherever possible to those who are in need. In our Province it is known that our Masonic family comprises some 26,000 people, these being brethren, their wives and widows and their children and dependants, all with the opportunity to require and receive Almoner support.

As a result, and since the January 2011 launch, of the ‘Freemasonry Cares’ initiative, the workload of the Provincial Grand Almoner and Provincial Grand Chapter Almoner has seen an increase of 58% in the number of cases actioned. Those figures could be viewed with apprehension when assessing the logistical enormity of personal contact and paperwork processing throughout the Province.

Happily, this situation has not been allowed to blight any help on offer as a new ‘Almoner’s panel’ has been formulated under the aegis of Derek Gaunt, working under the continuing remit of the Provincial Grand Master, to look after the welfare of his Brethren, their dependants and widows. It consists of experienced and approachable Freemasons and Almoners from all areas who have come together to provide and direct their knowledge and assistance to all Almoners and also those who may be needy in future times.

The inaugural meeting, chaired by Derek Gaunt, took place on 9 August at Connaught Court, York, where all those present were treated to an update on the four central Masonic charities by specially invited speakers. Also present were Grahame Gibbon, Provincial Grand Almoner, Durham, and John Hemy, Chairman of Provincial Grand Charity, Yorkshire, North & East Ridings. David Marsh, Assistant Provincial Grand Master also attended, giving his support.

Subjects also discussed included inserting on all Lodge and Chapter summons the details relating to “Freemasonry Cares” and the contact telephone number 0800 0356090, Almoner awareness, problem-solving and charity talks, completion of the new ‘Application for Assistance’ forms, keeping in touch and an Almoner’s page on the Provincial website (watch this space). The meeting was deemed a pleasant and great success with all those present discussing at length their respective roles, bringing many valid points to the fore and it is envisaged that the panel will meet annually.

We are there to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us via Derek Gaunt on 01287 653803 or myself, Martin Eggermont, on 07811463442.

Front row, L-R, Corrina Fawls, “Freemasonry Cares” Officer, Freemasons’ Grand Charity, Derek Gaunt (Provincial Grand Almoner), Elaine Hansen, Care Advice Visitor, RMBI (Liverpool) and John Williams, Development Director, Masonic Samaritan Fund.Middle – Colin Bell (Almoner), Howard Newton (Almoner), Denis Kelly (Almoner), Chris Cooper (Almoner).Back – John Bridges (Almoner), Tony Longstaff (Almoner), Pat Cambage (Almoner), Martin Eggermont (Almoner) and John Hemy (PGC Chairman). Not pictured – Gerald Gelder

Buildings Get-Together

The Province held its first ‘Masonic Buildings Meeting’ on 29th September, with the aim of sharing good practice and innovation amongst those delegated the responsibility for running our many Masonic Buildings.

The meeting, which was chaired by W Bro. Bill Fisher, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and attended by 13 brethren representing 11 buildings within the Province, was characterised by a very lively exchange of views and ideas, concerning the structure of buildings committees, catering, the joint purchase of goods, utilities and services, the funding of major projects, the generation of income and the sharing of expertise amongst Masonic Buildings.

The group decided to set up a user database and meet regularly but infrequently, with the next meeting being scheduled for Spring 2012; again meeting in Malton. They expressed the hope that colleagues from other buildings will join them so that all can benefit from sharing experience and expertise as widely as possible, and asked anyone involved in running a Masonic Building to contact Paul Harper, Provincial Lodge/Chapter Education Officer, by telephone or email, to be included in their shared mailing list and have notification of their next meeting.

Paul can be contacted on Paul@harperskidby.karoo.co.uk, or 01482 847901

John Raylor, Past Provincial Grand Master, celebrates 50yrs of service to Masonry

Wednesday 21st of September was a memorable night for the Old Peterite Lodge No 6412, for the lodge met in the ancient Undercroft of the 14th Century Merchant Adventurers Hall in York to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initiation of John Malcolm Raylor, Past Provincial Grand Master.

The celebration began with Past Deputy Grand Master, Iain Ross Bryce, reminiscing with John about their progress together through masonry. Provincial Grand Master, Richard John Anderson, then lead John through his early life including various motoring escapades.

The Provincial Grand Master stated that John had a lasting legacy in the theme he gave us at the time of his installation as PGM in 1991, that of Family, Fellowship, and Fun.

The evening concluded with an excellent banquet in the impressive setting of the Great Hall.

Photograph shows from left to right. Past Deputy Grand Master, Iain Ross Bryce, Past Provincial Grand Master, John Malcolm Raylor, and Richard John Anderson, Provincial Grand Master.

 Provincial Grand Master’s Thanks

The Provincial Grand Master would like to thank all brethren who contributed to the collection taken at the Annual Investiture of Provincial Grand Lodge for their generosity.

The outstanding contribution to the funds of Provincial Grand Charity exceeded expectations and amounted to £4370 (including gift aid)

Provincial Grand Charity continues to support petitions from lodges whenever possible. Full details on submitting a petition can be found at:

www.pgl-york.org/Archives/Charity/Non Masonic Grants Guidance 

Summary of the Provincial Grand Master’s Address to Provincial Grand Lodge 2011

Let me as always welcome all of you to this our Annual Meeting. I am aware that many of you are regular attenders and I welcome you back once again. Many of you will be here perhaps for the first time as newly appointed Provincial Officers who have come with friends also for the first time and you are all most welcome.

We place much emphasis that Provincial Grand Lodge is open to Master Masons and is not a private event for masters and past masters.  So my special welcome goes to the Master Masons who are with us. So special is that welcome that I would invite all Master Masons to stand up and be recognised.

There are no special events on today’s Agenda and no rabbits for me to pull out of hats but this does not detract in any way from the importance of our annual gathering to conduct our routine but important business to hear about the work of our own Provincial Grand Charity to invest newly appointed and promoted Provincial Officers to say farewell to a number of hard working office holders and to welcome the new team. Some years these important tasks have been conducted in some haste with time pressures and I have enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with everyone in a more leisurely fashion today.

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What does the Province do? Among other things we offer Lodges many different Workshops and other presentations which provide training opportunities for Lodge Officers, information for new members and general information for all members on subjects as diverse as Masonic Charity, Prostate Awareness, the Provincial Lecturer and Orations.  We are about to hold, for the first time, a workshop on the running of Masonic buildings.

These are opportunities only and attendance is certainly not compulsory but they are, nevertheless, well attended and well received.  They form an integral part of my belief that Province is there to help.This can also be seen in other ways; for example those brethren who visit Lodges as my Representatives are available to help and offer guidance to those Lodges throughout the year.  In the same way, the Provincial Secretariat is always available to do likewise, so please do look upon Province as being at hand for you in cases of difficulty and as a resource.

Providing help to others is of course not something that is exclusive to Province - it should be second nature to us all as Freemasons.  You display this characteristic in abundance in your Lodges with the work that the Almoner carries out to relieve the hardship and suffering of members and their families, but I believe we should perhaps go further.

It is natural for us to feel sympathy for a brother suffering from ill health or, as the Address in the North East Corner says, circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune.  But what about our brethren who, for whatever reason, do not live up to the high standards we demand.  Do we sometimes forget those words in the Address to the Brethren which say that we learn, among other things, to drop a tear of sympathy over the failings of a Brother? That is Freemasonry caring.

Hard work is not just done at Provincial level, with so many workers in every Lodge unsung and unrecognised - go back and think about who in your Lodge is always helping - find a way to thank them-  send flowers to their wives or partners - do something to show why Freemasonry cares.

Today is really for those who have just been invested or promoted along with their friends who are here to support them. To the new appointees I congratulate you but you each have two jobs to do. One is to conscientiously carry out the duties of your office whether active or past rank. People will look to you for precept and example. The other is to show that Freemasonry cares - Diplomacy - a tear of sympathy – guidance is more likely to succeed than instruction. All of us will be judged by your attitude your tolerance and your understanding in your respective Lodges. Provincial rank is not an entitlement it is a privilege treat it as such.

As we move towards 2017 and the celebration of 300 years of the Craft an event that will be the biggest gathering ever of Freemasons from all over the world as they come to celebrate with us the Mother Grand Lodge we need to be able to talk to the world’s press about what we are, what we do and why we do it.

Brethren Freemasonry is not a charity: Some years ago we never told the world about the money that we gave to our Masonic Charities even though they gave significant amounts to non-Masonic causes. I did not join because I saw it is an opportunity to give money to charity – there are plenty of organisations - splendid organisations that enable me to do that.

When Freemasonry was under fire from the press and the media it was a natural and sensible step to open our doors and find a theme “Charitable giving” that would be well received by the public and give us a sense of satisfaction in a hard environment. The world has moved on now and I have a fear that we have and are recruiting new members who are joining us with the thought that we are a charity because of the recent unrelenting emphasis on the charity aspects of our activities.

So I ask, “What is Freemasonry?” – Perhaps a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols - no mention of charity.

You all know the Grand Principles on which it is founded - Brotherly love relief and truth - no mention of charity.  

What the above philosophy suggests is that we care – FREEMASONRY CARES and Charity is a by-product of caring.

What is Freemasonry? The author Julian Rees suggests that although there is a marked social dimension to Freemasonry, the ancient art is more than that. Freemasonry requires a degree of commitment: not so much in time or money, as a commitment to its ideals, ideals of brotherhood, of humility, of unity, of morality, of mutuality, of humanity and of tolerance. Freemasonry is there to promote these ideals and it does so in a way that is free from religious doctrine or political or ideological persuasion.

I am a freemason - I am proud to be a freemason – and I am proud to tell anyone that I am a freemason and that I care - I care about my family - my friends - my fellow freemasons and indeed, all those less fortunate than we are.

Brethren - it is a delight for me to be your Provincial Grand Master.

May the Great Architect of the Universe keep you safe – thank you.

Download the full address here

Banner Dedication at Acklam Lodge

On 14 January 2011, a Banner Dedication Team, led by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Marsh, carried out an excellent ceremony, not often seen, to the assembled brethren of the Acklam Lodge and their many visitors.

The banner was carried by the two newest members of the Lodge, Dean Moore and Allan O’Neill and Geoffrey Heslehurst had the honour of being the official Banner Bearer.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain Michael Mewis delivered a superb address in dedicating the banner before it was transferred safely into the hands of the Worshipful Master Gary Hicks.

The original Banner for Acklam Lodge was produced by Toye Masonic Supplies in the late 1940’s sometime just after the consecration of the Lodge in 1946, and was painted onto a material backing and is based on the Hustler family crest.  Over time the material had degraded and whenever the banner was moved, the paint cracked and introduced weak points into the fabric which in time developed into a series of vertical tears.  The condition of the banner was extremely fragile so a replacement was deemed to be necessary.

After many years of discussion and little progress, in December 2009 Geoff Heslehurst took it upon himself to move the issue forward.
A company was found, through research on the internet that specialised in military and ceremonial flags and banners.    

 The company, Newton Newton, of Burgh le Marsh near Skegness, were contacted and after an initial discussion were visited and found to be a highly skilled and professional company and just what the lodge were looking for.  Following a report back to the Lodge, it was agreed that a replacement should be commissioned and the wheels were put in motion in April 2010. Artwork was approved in June 2010 and the new banner was completed in early September 2010.

After a great deal of effort and having travelled over 1000 miles to ensure that the money was well spent, a great and memorable occasion was enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be there, and the Lodge has once again a banner that it can be proud of.

The brethren on the photo are L to R W Bro. David Marsh Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Bro Dean Moore, Bro. Allan O’Neill, W Bro Geoffrey Heslehurst PPSGW & W Bro Gary Hicks WM of Acklam Lodge.

Christmas  with Albert Victor Lodge at Connaught Court

When Brethren at Albert Victor Lodge, No 2328, in York conferred honorary membership on one of their members, few realised where this would lead.

WBro Lt Col. Peter Calvert PPGJW lives at, Connaught Court, York, one of the RMBI homes and although in full membership of Albert Victor finds in difficult to attend the regular meetings .

A vote in Lodge led to permission being sought to take the Christmas Lodge to Connaught Court.

It was also felt that this would be an ideal opportunity for Masons’ resident at Connaught Court who cannot attend their normal Lodge meetings to attend as Visitors and to enjoy both a regular Lodge ceremony and the pleasure of the Festive Board afterwards.

Dispensation being given by Province, members then set about ensuring that the meeting at Connaught Court, which does not have its own lodge room, had all the accoutrements – automatic candles were acquired, new lightweight columns turned on the lathe and the IPM and DC spending a happy morning carrying all the normal Lodge regalia to the new meeting place.

In addition, the Lodge Organist WBro John Childs offered to provide musicians from within his family to provide entertainment at the Festive Board.

The hope that Brethren residing at Connaught Court would come to the Lodge was well received and a number took the opportunity, led in seniority, if not in years, by WBro Dr Cliff Jones PGDC. These were joined by Brethren from other Lodges within the city who either had connections with Connaught Court or just wished to share the Festive period with them.

A packed library saw WBro Stan Hardy present the Honorary Membership certificate to WBro Calvert on behalf of the Master and reflect how Peter Calvert had set the tone for his own enjoyment in Freemasonry by the welcome he had shown when he had first joined the Lodge as a young Army captain and Peter Calvert was an august Colonel!

(From L-R The Albert Victor Master, Martin Eede, WBro Calvert and WBro Stan Hardy)

The musical entertainment at the Festive Board was an unusually high standard with WBro Childs grandchildren leading the way.

Both members of the York Minster Choir School, Marina and Billy Marshall, led by their mother Joanna Marshall, entertained over 60 members and wives to a selection of music for the Festive season on cello, violin and in leading the carols which ended the afternoon. As WBro Bob Chappell said, in thanking Albert Victor Lodge for organising the event, ‘we won’t hear music of this high standard very often!’

Such was the warm reception for the December Lodge being held at Connaught Court it is hoped that the move will now become an annual event.

As the WM Martin Eede said  ‘it is important that Brethren at Connaught Court know they are very much valued and involved and can enjoy the rituals and fellowship that are such an important part of what Masons stand for.’

I.R.B. Celebrates 50yrs in Masonry

Provincial Grand Master, Right W.Bro Iain Ross Bryce, Pro Grand Master

Burlington Lodge No 3975 hosted a momentous event at Bridlington on Friday 19th November 2010, when Right Worshipful Brother Iain Ross Bryce, Past Deputy Grand Master, celebrated his 50yrs of Craft Masonry.

Joining him for the event were the Pro Grand Master, Most W.Bro. Peter Lowndes, the Deputy Grand Master, Right W.Bro.Jonathan Spence, the Assistant Grand Master Right W.Bro.David Williamson and the Past Pro Grand Master Most W. Bro. Lord Northampton together with other distinguished officers of United Grand Lodge of England.

The Provincial Grand Master spent some time in discussion with I.R.B. about his formative years before presenting him with his Certificate marking 50yrs service to Freemasonry.
The Master of Burlington Lodge, W.Bro.Ian Garbett then closed the lodge to allow good fellowship to be enjoyed over a traditional Yorkshire Fayre Dinner.

Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Iain Ross Bryce, W.M. Burlington Lodge, Pro Grand Master, Past Pro Grand Master, Assistant Grand Master.

YORKSHIRE (North & East Riding) CELEBRATES 100% HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY RETURNS

The Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes joined the representatives of more than 35 provinces to celebrate the success of the first phase of the Historical Records Survey at a reception at Freemasons’ Hall in London in May.

Survey returns were received from 6021 lodges and chapters but only nine provinces made a 100% return and OUR’S was one of them!

The photograph shows the Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes (centre) with Historical Records Survey Coordinator, Les Sinden (left) who was ably assisted David Lawrence (right) under the Shrine and War Memorial Window, located on the Main Ceremonial Floor in Grand Lodge, in which are deposited the Roll of Honour containing the names of the Brethren who lost their lives in the first war.

Annual Pilgrimage 

Brethren from our province ventured to London for the June Quarterly Communications at Grand Lodge

Greeted at the Porch of Grand Lodge by the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy, and Assistants, the brethren then enjoyed the ceremonial of the Grand Lodge meeting

Once the meeting was over, a short amble across the road saw everyone enjoy good food and fellowship at the Freemasons Arms.

Lunch was over all too soon and the Provincial Grand Master, Richard Anderson,addressed the assembled brethren and thanked all those who had attended. He commented how much he enjoyed the day with everyone.

The day ended with brethren dispersing to take their various trains home. There were 55 brethren from 22 Lodges present, a very good turn out.