squaretalk The Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Gloucestershire

Spring 2011

Editor’s Page 50-100 Club Fundraiser The latest charity dinner of the Club was a Burns Night at Stapleton and the Provincial Rulers, all patrons of the club, gave their support. Bro Dave Stokes not only piped but also provided an engaging rendition of the address to the haggis, in which he produced a knife worthy of “Crocodile Dundee” to slay “the beastie”. In excess of £1500 was raised on the night towards the PGM’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal, helped along its way with £500+ raised by your squaretalk editor who lost his flowing locks for the cause! (Photos before, during and after!)

This issue The front cover shows the Pro Grand Master being presented with a lodge tie during a visit to his Cirencester lodge. (Full story opposite.) I hope you like the content in this issue; a variety of articles; my sincere thanks to all who have contributed. Please keep the stories coming . . . . . with high resolution photos where possible please. I know W Bro Simon wants to thank all those who placed ads, without which this publication would not be possible. Contact details for us all are below. Dick Smith

Contacts Provincial Website: Square Talk Editor: Square Talk Advertising: Manger South: Manger Central: Manger North: 2 squaretalk

W Bro Mike Emery W Bro Dick Smith

[email protected] [email protected]

01285 657576 07966 388993

W Bro Simon Waring W Bro Bob Osborne W Bro Mark Cameron

[email protected]

07850 865996 07831 344108 07774 742480

Pro Grand Master at Cirencester

Royal Agricultural College Lodge We all hear his name every time we attend a Festive Board, but members and guests of lodge number 7694 had the opportunity to actually meet The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes, at the January regular meeting. As a former student at the Royal Agricultural College, and to mark the lodge’s 50th anniversary in April 2010, the Pro Grand Master was made an Honorary Member. The lodge’s two remaining founders, W Bros Arthur Pullin and Don Say, were also afforded that privilege. Unfortunately, MW Bro Peter was unable to be at the anniversary meeting, so attended on this occasion to receive his membership.

W Bros Gordon Cole and John Thurston. Some 80 members and guests joined in a very memorable evening, which was followed by an excellent Festive Board at which the Pro Grand Master spoke fondly of his College days. He was also presented with a lodge tie by the Worshipful Master, W Bro Bruce Maguire, (see front page), especially commissioned for the anniversary.

Lodge History The presentation of a certificate to mark the occasion, together with an anniversaryedition History of the Lodge and a brief description of the lodge’s banner and VSL, were presented to the Pro Grand Master by W Bro Paul Thomson, the IPM, and incorporated into a ceremony of raising for Bro Peter McCune. Naturally, the lodge was also pleased to receive the RW Provincial Grand Master, Adrian Davies, together with his Deputy, VW Bro Colin Bendon, and both Assistants, squaretalk

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Gloucester Cathedral 27-Mar -11

Annual service We should all by now have this date firmly recorded in our diaries, when Gloucestershire Freemasons can invite family and friends to the annual cathedral service. Here are photos from the 2010 event, courtesy W Bro George Skuse. 4 squaretalk

Help Toby Walk . . . . we did!

£36,000 target reached Brethren will recall the heart-rending story of little Toby Cox from Bradley Stoke who was born with cerebral palsy. Toby was offered the chance of an operation in America to remove the spasticity in his legs, allowing him to walk unaided and, for the first time, to feel comfort at a level that we all take for granted. The cost of the op was £36,000. Generous donations from the Provincial Grand Master’s Discretionary Fund, individual lodges and the public helped meet that target and the op took place. As a consequence, Toby is now making excellent progress, borne out in this letter received from his parents: Dear Freemasons, I am writing to you to say a huge thank you for the amazing and truly wonderful contribution that you made to helptobywalk.com fund. The amount that your organisation was able to donate was amazingly generous and something that we will never forget. I hope that you will accept my thanks and that of my whole family, and most importantly that of Toby, and I also hope that I have not acted inappropriately in contacting you direct.

Toby is doing remarkably well; he is gaining strength with every day and although we still have a long way to go, the operation was a complete success, and we are now embarking on the marathon task of physiotherapy, which will stretch out over the next 18 months. We have purchased so much equipment for Toby to enable his recovery and help him reach his maximum potential and we will be with him every step of the way supporting him as best we can. The Freemasons have done a wonderful thing for a gorgeous little boy; you have helped free him from a life of pain and stiffness. He is no longer in his wheelchair; he is now learning to jump, riding a bike, and doing all the big things that any other little 6 year old wants to do – thank you so much for your amazing help!!! Forever in your gratitude, Donna, Ian, Louis and Toby Cox

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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Display Team ~ ready to roll . . . . “Well almost,” writes W Bro Clive Goode, the Community Outreach Coordinator. “We have a new 6m x 3m marquee and another at 3m x 3m; ‘Gloucestershire Freemasons’ boldly printed on the roofs. We also have display boards and tables with coverings. Delivery of the custombuilt trailer is imminent.”

Community Outreach Team “The team will then be ready to visit local village fetes and carnivals around the Province. To ensure the programme is a success, we will need help from Brethren in suggesting suitable venues. We will also be calling for volunteers to man the marquees at each venue. The plan is to have Masons from the nearest lodges to attend and help to answer questions. Volunteer notes will be handed out before the day to assist with answers and there will always be a team member close at hand for those tricky questions. “Members of the team may be contacted with details of fêtes or carnivals, or to make suggestions regarding the information you would like to see on display.”

Team contact details: W Bro Clive Goode - 01452 422895 07831 330810 - [email protected] W Bro Mark Cameron - 07774 742480 [email protected] W Bro Chris West - 01242 237290 W Bro Brian Ashworth - 01242 241702 6 squaretalk

ADVERTS

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Philanthropy Advocate W Bro Gordon Cole . . . . . . Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Gloucestershire has been highly commended by the prestigious Beacon Fellowship as Philanthropy Advocate for his outstanding contribution to charitable and social causes. The Gloucestershire Community Foundation nominated him following his efforts to develop partnerships between Provincial charitable fund-raising and Community Foundations. He was unaware of this until being highly commended by the judges; examples of his work were used in a video presentation at the national awards ceremony in Goldsmith’s Hall in London in November. He and Beryl were delighted to be invited to attend. Fellow Assistant PGM, W Bro John Thurston, together with the Chief Executive and a trustee of the GCF, went along to support. In an interview with squaretalk, W Bro Gordon said, “The Provincial Grand Master is keen to secure the future success of Freemasonry in Gloucestershire through strategic measures to maintain membership and to maintain our support for local Gloucestershire charities working in our communities to improve the quality of life and care for those who are less fortunate than many of us. His five year mini festival has the aim of raising £1m to be invested as an endowment fund. The interest from investments will be distributed each year to local charities that we choose to assist. By linking with the GCF, we were able to access a three year Government funded scheme to encourage the setting up of endowment funds for this purpose. This has meant that the GMCA has received £315,000 matched funding to enhance the endowment fund. “With an ageing membership, over 50% of our members being retired and on fixed incomes, the provision of an endowment fund will enable our support for Gloucestershire charities to be maintained, 8 squaretalk

even if members’ charitable donations fluctuate over the years.

Public Recognition. . . . “Lodges may be unaware that the donations they make to local charities are duplicated several times over by other Lodges. One of the frequent criticisms directed to the GMCA is that Freemasonry does not get sufficient public recognition for its charitable work. The answer lies in being smarter; being more efficient in where and how we make donations. We have the technology available to enable improved sharing of information to enable cooperation that will benefit all the charities we support. However, it will work only if we use the members’ charity, the GMCA, as the main vehicle for Masonic grant making. All Gloucestershire Masons are members of the GMCA and any of them can make a recommendation to the Executive Committee (via the GMCA Secretary, Nigel Bridges) for a grant to a Gloucestershire charity.” For further information go to: www.gloucestershirecommuintyfoundation.co.uk www.beaconfellowship.org.uk A transcript of the full interview can be viewed on the Gloucestershire website: http://www.glosmasons.org.uk/

SSAFA donation

As part of a national gift by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity of £250,000 to help former service personnel and their families, Gloucestershire Freemasons have donated £5,000 to help members of the county’s branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. Gathering at Stroud Masonic Hall, two Vice-Presidents of SSAFA, Lady Agnes Humphrey OBE and Air Vice-Marshal John Lawrence CB CBE AFC, were amongst a large contingent of officials received by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Adrian Davies.

Professional footballer What was particularly poignant, however, was that amongst the guests were recipients of assistance given by SSAFA. Pictured above (second from right) is 90year old David Bewley from Cirencester, whose wife is in care. SSAFA has helped him by supplying a disability scooter to go towards giving him some independence. David, an ex-Royal Artillery soldier who fought in N Africa, was also a professional footballer with Fulham and Watford. He once played against Real Madrid and was Fulham’s captain when a certain young Johnny Haynes arrived on the scene.

Rescued twice 30-year old Kelly Lenderyou, (pictured below with the RW Provincial Grand Master), comes from a military family. Nevertheless, she is not too proud to admit that on leaving the Royal Logistic Corps, she developed an alcohol problem. In 2004, SSAFA got her into a hostel. In 2008, she again had health problems. SSAFA rescued her once more and helped with supported housing. “I didn’t think I could go back to them,” she told squaretalk, “but a caseworker came to see me. I was put on a beauty therapy course at Gloucester College. They have supported me both financially and practically and are helping me turn my life around!” A full report can be seen on the Provincial website.

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Glos Masonic Bowling Founded 1954 The Association continued to go from strength to strength; membership increasing during the 2010 season.

In February, the first ever Bowls Dinner was held at the Masonic Hall in Stroud, supported by forty three-members and their wives. The Association was honoured with the presence of our Provincial Grand Master and Mrs Davies. Fixtures with the adjoining Provinces have continued to be very popular and new venues such as our visits to Leicestershire and to Devonshire have been greeted with great enthusiasm. There are two home venues; The Cotswold Bowling Club in Stroud and the Frampton upon Severn Bowling Club. Pairs and Triples competitions continue to be well supported. The Bathurst Cup and the George Lee Trophy are competed for on triples day and the Tony Allcock and GMBA Trophy at the pairs event. 10 squaretalk

The President v Captain’s Match held in September was followed by the AGM

The 2011 fixture list presents new challenges; the Association intending to reach out to local bowling clubs, thereby reducing the carbon footprint on travel and meeting new friends. New members are made most welcome and contact may be made with the Secretary, W Bro Ian Tucker Tel: 01242-238288.

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Major refurbishment at Avonmouth On a Saturday in August, about 80 members of the various orders meeting at Avonmouth met to celebrate the completion of the major refurbishment on the lovely old building and to unveil a plaque dedicated to the memory of the late Bro Dennis Partridge.

£120,000 in 12 years The Chairman of the Management Committee, W Bro Geoff Hayes, gave a résumé of the works carried out over the past 12 years and reported that £120,000 had been raised and spent by a membership of some 250 during that period. He gave thanks to those Brethren for their loyal and generous support, and in particular to the two previous Chairmen, VW Bro Colin Bendon and W Bro John Patching. He also thanked the Hall Manager, W Bro Peter Osborne for his tireless and

dedicated hard work behind the scenes and not least to the excellent builder, Robin Hillier, who had completed every project on time and, importantly, within budget. Following on, VW Bro Colin paid tribute to the late Bro Dennis, supported by his widow Mrs Cis Partridge and ten members of the family. She then unveiled the plaque and gave a short but very emotional speech, thanking all present.

W Bro Don Parker and in true Masonic spirit, five members turned up the next Sunday morning to put matters right. Not only did they dig up and store Bro Don’s crop of potatoes, but also dug and rotavated the whole patch, leaving it in a pristine condition.

Willing helpers Sadly, W Bro Don, the Almoner of Cotteswold Lodge in Cirencester, passed away in January. Last autumn, however, whilst he was undergoing treatment for his illness, he happened to mention to W Bro Tony Bowman that he still had his potatoes in the ground at his allotment. Bro Tony reported this at the next Lodge meeting 12 squaretalk

The members of the team were W Bro Nigel Bridges (Royal Agricultural College Lodge), W Bros Tony Hewitt, Tony Bowman, Maurice Hampton and Bro Tony Clack (of Cotteswold Lodge). The work was supervised by Bro Don, who provided coffee and biscuits for his helpers. “Don was an immense man and a wonderful Almoner. He will be sadly missed by so very many,” said lodge secretary, W Bro David Warden.

Kings Weston Chapter’s New Banner

Provincial Team

Banner Dedication Companions attending the regular meeting of Kings Weston Chapter in October were treated to a very special ceremony; the dedication of only the second banner known to exist in the Province. It was also the first time that anyone can actually remember such a ceremony taking place in a Royal Arch Chapter. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Graham King, and the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals entered the Chapter, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Tony Stock, and a large gathering of Provincial Officers. The banner was received into the Chapter and the Rulers proceeded to carry out the ceremony of dedication in a most dignified and impressive manner.

was then paraded around the Chapter and E Comp Les Holland read an oration which he had prepared and which was received with acclamation by the Companions. The Three Principals of the Chapter resumed their respective chairs and the First Principal E. Comp Peter Vanderwert expressed his thanks to the Grand Superintendent and his team for their support and encouragement and for the way the ceremony was conducted. He also paid grateful thanks to E Comp Les for all his work in designing the banner and taking it through the various stages of production, as well as for his excellent oration. Tribute was also paid to E Comp Trevor Parsons who sponsored the banner and who presented it to the Chapter. All the Companions naturally then enjoyed a fine Festive Board.

Symbolism The banner, which is based on the symbolism of the Royal Arch,

Past Principals

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The Master’s gone loco! “Driving Experience” To celebrate his birthday, W Bro Dick Rawlings’ wife Kay presented him with a novel present; a “Driving Experience” with a difference! It called for a weekend away at Swanage, the highlight being to live his boyhood dream of driving a steam railway engine. Taking time out from responsibilities as the Master at Lyegrove Lodge, W Bro Dick presented himself for duty, overalls and shovel at the ready, at the Swanage Steam Railway for his special day. He says he was worried that his charge might turn out to be “Thomas the Tank Engine”, so it was with relief as well as excitement that he saw it was a fully-blown, largerthan-life 2-6-4 Standard Class 4 engine No 80104. Originally built in 1955, but spending some years at the Barry locomotive graveyard, it was then lovingly restored. Many of us would have seen this engine working on the Avon Valley Railway at Bitton before it took up its present location at Swanage in 1997.

Hot work! Warmly welcomed by the staff at Swanage Station, Dick was ushered to an even warmer location on the footplate. He was able to fire the loco up the line to Corfe Castle before turning it around to drive it back on the return journey to Swanage. Needless to say he was under the watchful eyes of the professionals also on the footplate. On his return he was presented with a lovely certificate to commemorate what was an absolutely wonderful day. 14 squaretalk

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

Half-century not out for JTR Night of celebrations The installation of W Bro Phil Jenkinson as Master of Orpheus Lodge saw a capacity crowd at Downend. The silver jubilee having been feted with the dedication of a new banner in June, (see Provincial website for a brief lodge history and account of proceedings), the lodge’s first Candidate, W Bro John Talbot Robson was on hand and in good form to be presented with his 50-year certificate and pin. John has always been a keen cricketer and is pictured above as part of the 1952 QEH Junior XI team. So it was apt that the main gift from the lodge was an especially dedicated limited edition cricketing print and a book, both signed by Jack Russell; (pictured below presented by the new WM). There was also the presentation of a “baby-grow”, of which perhaps only the RW Provincial Grand Master and JTR knew the significance!

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French Connection! W Bro Keith Lafford writes . . .

“A photograph in the autumn edition of squaretalk took me back to last year’s Fete des Fleurs in the attractive French spa town of Bagneres de Luchon in the Pyrenees. (Cycling enthusiasts will recognise the name from the Tour de France.) The annual festival is a splendid event, featuring a grand parade along the main street of many beautifully decorated floral floats and an international medley of dancers, vintage cars, horse riders, bands etc. Amongst the visiting bands was the City of Bristol Pipe Band, impressively led by none other than W Bro Vernon Phillips, a PM of Seven Springs Lodge No 7223 in Cheltenham. I hadn’t seen Vernon since he had moved from Cheltenham and was surprised and pleased to see him again so unexpectedly. He was pictured leading the band in the “Masonry on Parade!” article on page 29 but strangely not mentioned in the text.”

The editor replies . . . . “I am grateful to W Bro Keith of Royal Union Lodge No 246 for his contribution. A small world indeed! Attending as one of the many volunteers who manned 16 squaretalk

the stall at the Winterbourne Carnival last May, I just happened to take the photo as the Pipe Band marched past, blissfully unaware that it was led by a brother!” This correspondence led to W Bro Keith supplying the photographic evidence, plus a range of other colourful photos from the Pyrenean fete. Don’t forget, Brethren. The new Provincial display equipment is now available. Please contact W Bro Clive Goode on 01452 422895 with information about events in your community. Clive will do the rest.

Robert’s Ride Land’s End to John O’Groats In June, W Bro Gareth Gregory of Mercurius and Old Patesian Lodges and his friend Ian Kennedy will be taking on this cycling marathon. squaretalk asked him why!

GG: Bina has especially been looking at ways to raise money for the Macmillan charity to show her appreciation. As well as being a brilliant painter, and musician, Robert was also a very enthusiastic cyclist. So, as keen cyclists ourselves, Ian and I came up with the idea of doing something special.

Challenge of a lifetime!

Gareth (left) and Ian

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

ST: Have you other reasons for supporting this worthy charity? GG: I certainly have. My mother died in January whilst being treated for bowel cancer and my family received tremendous practical support from Macmillan nurses. So, as well as raising money for an outstanding cause, the ride offers the opportunity to perform a “challenge of a lifetime”. All participants in the ride are self-funding and any donations will be applied in full to Macmillan Cancer Support. ST: How can Brethren support you? GG: Visit my website at http:/www.justgiving/Gareth-Gregory1.

Robert & Leila

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Active Provincial Officers’ Garden Party Chez W Bro Max Hart

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Freemasonry Cares New service for all Freemasons and dependants Freemasonry Cares is a joint initiative of the central Masonic Charities (The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and Masonic Samaritan Fund). The service was launched in September 2009 to make it easier for Freemasons, their families and other dependants to access the range of charitable help, support and services available to them. It will supplement the help provided by Lodge Almoners and Provincial Almoners. The initiative is being implemented in 2011 in Gloucestershire (as well as other Provinces). Two copies of a new leaflet will be posted to

all current members, all Masonic widows and to members that have resigned in recent years. The purpose is to raise the level of information and understanding about the help available to qualifying Masonic beneficiaries. It will provide a free helpline telephone number as well as on-line access to information about Masonic charities and how to apply for assistance. Lodge Secretaries have been asked to provide up to date information about Masonic widows to the Provincial Secretary for this initiative. Contact Freemasonry Cares on 0800 035 60 90 for a confidential discussion about your situation, including guidance on applying for support. http://www.freemasonrycares.org/:

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60 years service to Masonry A true gentleman! The Brethren of The Royal Gloucestershire Lodge congratulate W Bro Robert Watkin on the anniversary of his 60 years in Freemasonry. W Bro Watkin is recognised as a true gentleman of character, immense personal integrity and an inspirational presence within the Lodge. W Bro Robert was initiated into the Craft on Friday 28th April 1950 in the Lodge of Friendship in West Lancashire Province. The ceremony was carried out by Robert’s father on his first night as WM of the Lodge. Moving south to follow his career, he joined Swan of Avon Lodge in Warwickshire, and was installed as Master in 1980. The same year, he joined Caius Lodge No 3355 in London, being installed as Master in 1983. Robert gained London Grand Rank in 1983 and the years 1984 to 1993 saw him in office as Secretary of Caius Lodge. 1992 was also the year that The Royal Gloucestershire Lodge welcomed him as a Joining Member. In what seems to have been a busy year, a further and significant contribution to the Craft was made in 1992; Robert serving as a founding member of the Oxford & Cambridge Lodges Council, holding the Chair for 10 years until 2002. In recognition of his Masonic achievements, W Bro Watkin was awarded Grand Rank in 1996 (PAGDC). The depth of his on-going contribution to the Craft was further demonstrated when in 2000 he served as a founding member of the London Grand Rank Mercia Group, holding the Chair until 2005. The honour of acting when required as duly designated representative of the PGM at Installation Meetings was also a feature of the years 1996 to 2009. 20 squaretalk

Presently, W Bro Watkin is enjoying his retirement and, we can all agree it is thoroughly well-deserved. Regular doses of sea air, taken in various exotic destinations, ensure that the Brethren of The Royal Gloucestershire Lodge will enjoy the company, guidance and inspirational example of W Bro Robert for many years to come.

Bristol visit Outgoing PGM In November, a large contingent of Gloucestershire masons paid a visit to Canynges Lodge to mark the retirement of the Provincial Grand Master of Bristol, RW Bro Mike Flynn. Whilst emphasising the continuing strong ties between our Provinces, our own Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Adrian Davies presented RW Bro Mike with a rose bowl and flowers for his wife Ann. Both PGMs are pictured here with W Bro David Stokes, the WM, together with their deputies,

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

Winston’s Wish delight at Grant £25,000 from Grand Charity Winston’s Wish, is the leading childhood bereavement charity, and was delighted to be awarded a generous grant from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity totalling £25,000. The donation will provide funding towards a Senior Practitioner within the Family Services Team. Karen Robinson, Head of Family Services at Winston’s Wish said, “This generous donation will provide funding towards a professional Senior Practitioner within the Family Services Team to support children and their families before, during and after bereavement”. Speaking about the donation, the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Adrian Davies said, “The Freemasons have a long history of supporting worthy causes and we are delighted that this grant will allow Winston’s Wish to continue with their wonderful work. Without such a dedicated and

professional team, bereaved children would not have the support they need to be able to make sense of death and rebuild their lives”. As an example, he said that Georgie was three when her father died and she and her mother Nicki were finding it difficult to cope with her feelings. Winston’s Wish provided a Senior Practitioner who built up a relationship and Georgie’s confidence grew. “As a result, we both feel so much stronger”, said Nicki. After the National Lottery, Freemasons are the second biggest givers to charitable causes in this country. In Gloucestershire alone, the Lodges now have an endowment fund of more than £650,000 for local charities.

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Kilimanjaro Challenge Bro Brian Marshall (now aged 78) of Glevum Lodge and his son Simon (45) have just returned home after another major challenge. This latest one was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. They travelled via Ethiopia to Tanzania on 21st October (Trafalgar Day!). It was to be the ultimate challenge in their fund-raising epics throughout Brian’s retirement.

A series of challenges! The first challenge had been Brian’s solo cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End soon after his first hip replacement, (at the age of 60), which had been brought about by running too many marathons! A good walking companion to Brian was his lifelong Police colleague and friend, Joe Taylor. Together they trekked in Hannibal’s footsteps across France and over the Alps to the Italian border as well as, on another occasion, making the pilgrimage across southern France and over the Pyrenees into Spain to Santiago de Compostella. They each raised funds for their chosen charities. This was followed by a number of treks and cycle challenges by Brian and Simon. They have cycled coast-to-coast; over the Sierra Madre Mountains across Mexico; across the Indian state of Rajasthan and across Brazil from the Iguacu Falls on the Argentinian border to Rio de Janeiro on the east coast. The treks included one in Peru, when they tackled the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in the Andes. The recent climb was of Mount Kilimanjaro; the highest free-standing mountain in the whole of the African continent at 5,895 metres. “The terrain was extremely rough and the air became rarefied 22 squaretalk

as we climbed towards the summit,” said Brian. “Approaching the 19,000 feet level, the temperature was minus 10c!” They had to camp out in the roughest conditions they had ever experienced throughout the 6-day (and night) climb. However, the reward for such an effort was the magnificent scenery and the added spectacle, during the final nighttime ascent, of seeing the mountain with its spectacular glaciers, bathed in moonlight. Brian told squaretalk “The expedition was a complete success, due mainly to Simon who always acted as his Dad’s ‘Man Friday’!”

A lifetime of sport! Incidentally, Brian had his other hip replaced at the age of 70 but, rather than causing him to put his feet up, it gave him the determination to overcome what were major setbacks after a lifetime of sport and physical challenges.

MacMillan Cancer Relief Brian and Simon have so far raised just over £8,000 for having conquered Kilimanjaro. Any further donations would be gratefully received.

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Edinburgh excursion

Winding staircase ~ Grand Lodge

Whirlwind schedule

Canongate Kilwinning

Leaving Bristol Airport very early on an October morning, 26 Masons, mostly from Gloucestershire, embarked on a hectic trip to Scotland. Organised by Bro Jon Ward of Tyndall Lodge, the first stop was in central Edinburgh to pick up a small party of American Masons from Mystic Circle Lodge No 685 in Lawrence, Indiana and then on to the now-famous Rosslyn Chapel.

Back into Edinburgh for lunch and then a tour of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning,

Cannongate Kilwinning

Rosslyn Chapel

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founded in 1677. It is perhaps most famous for being the location of the painting of Bro Robert Burns, who affiliated to the lodge in 1787, a copy of which hangs in many lodge rooms around the Province.

No 1 Lodge

Changing into best bib and tucker to attend an initiation at The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No 1, Brethren sampled the finest true Scottish hospitality and exchanges of masonic mementos between the Americans, English and our Scottish hosts. “An absolutely brilliant trip”, said VW Bro Colin Bendon, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, “full of fun and Masonic interest. I’m sure that this special Masonic experience will be long remembered by both our newer members and those of us with more than a few years under our belts”.

Scotland. Burns’ apron, also somewhat worse for wear, was on display in the museum, plus the original of that famous painting. Lunch in a country pub preceded Burns Painting

Grand Lodge The following morning, Brethren assembled, a few with sore heads, for a guided tour of the Grand Lodge of

the essential distillery tour at Glenkinchie before boarding the plane to arrive back in Bristol. All that in just 38 hours!

Masonic debate with US brother

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Painting Commission Innsworth Lodge No 8751 . . . ... has commissioned a painting of Gloucester Masonic Hall to raise funds for Provincial Grand Master’s Gloucestershire Charities Appeal.

“Pretty as a picture!” Although it is a venerable and historic building, the exterior of the Hall may not be considered as “pretty as a picture” by some of those Brethren who regularly attend lodge meetings there. So, W Bro Tom Robson, the Charity Steward of Innsworth Lodge, hopes to change this view and has commissioned a local artist to produce an original water-colour painting of the building on Cross Keys Lane. A copy of the water-colour is reproduced above. W Bro Tom told squaretalk “We hope to sell professionally produced, limited edition “giclee” prints of the painting to raise funds for the PGM’s Appeal. On this occasion, the artist, Hilary Robson, has given her services free for the Appeal.”

Limited Edition The limited edition prints on water colour paper, numbered and signed by the artist, are mounted and backed ready for framing. They will make ideal mementos for serving or retiring Masters, and Past Masters, who have ruled their Lodges in Gloucester. Other Brethren may feel they have wall-space in their studies that really needs a limited edition print. “I must sell at least 10 prints to make the plan viable,” said Tom. “This is because there is an unavoidable one-off charge for “setting up” the painting for the high26 squaretalk

quality giclee prints to be produced and, of course, all the prints and mounts have to be paid for. The more orders the better the return, and all profits will be contributed to the PGM’s Appeal.” The mounted prints measure approx 30cms X 26cms (12” X 10”) and are for sale at £17.50 each (£20 to include postage). Contact Tom at 01452-371467 or email: [email protected].

Mark Token Bristol Blue Over recent years, W Bro Tony Putterill has raised a great deal of money for Gloucestershire Provincial charities by producing the beautiful Bristol Blue, and occasionally Ruby, firing glasses. In a departure from the norm and as a member of Davy Mark Lodge, he has now commissioned this stunning token, engraved with the Concorde on one side and the keystone and triangle on the reverse. Holding it to the light, both sides can be viewed together. Tony told squaretalk, “Many freemasons worked on this magnificent plane, including Brethren in Davy Mark Lodge, who are now in retirement, just like Concorde! The distinctive blue glass has been synonymous with Bristol since glass blowing was introduced into the area around 1647. Blue is associated with prosperity and

The Bristol Merchant Venturers adopted the glass to advertise their opulence to the rest of the world.”

A rare item! Tony has been told by the Mark Token Collectors Club that to their knowledge, this is the first ever glass token. It has been an instant hit with collectors. Anyone interested in purchasing one of these rare items can contact Tony at [email protected] or 01454-324841. The price is £17, plus £1.50 p&p. All profits are being donated to Colorectal Cancer Research.

Little Hearts Matter! “Little Hearts Matter” is a charity which supports those affected when a child has only half a heart. A little girl called Amelia Hine lives in the same village as Bro Eric Hartley, of Lydda Lodge and his wife Kerry, daughter of W Bro Des McGuinness. Amelia has only half a heart and Bro Eric and Kerry wanted to help with fund-raising for the charity.

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

their wives, partners and families who participate in the organising and running of such events. In effect, they make it happen! Sally and I are so grateful for the support in making this such a success.” Pictured at the cheque presentation are VW Bro Colin Bendon, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, together with WM and W Bro Des. squaretalk

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Letter from South Africa W Bro John Hopkins writes . . . . . . from Lord Roberts Lodge No 2827 (UGLE), 28-Sep-10. Dear Brother, I have over the last week been reading the squaretalk magazine. I find it of great interest as it keeps me, here in South Africa, in touch with Gloucestershire Masons. It was very good to see that Highnam Court was used for some functions. As an Operative Mason, I carried out a lot of restoration there for a previous owner. The Masonic stall is a great success and I intend to pass the idea on to our District Grand Master. I used to sing with the Stuart Singers. I was pleased to learn that Gerry Palmer was still going strong with his music; a great conductor! Noted also was the photo of the group outside Grand Lodge. Did you know that the bronze doors were made by

“Martins of Cheltenham”? I worked for their associate R L Boultons of Bath Road who probably did the mosaics around the top of the walls at Grand Lodge.My wife and I will be in Gloucestershire from the 4th to 18th June next year. If there is a Ladies’ night, we would love to come to it. 14 Knightsbridge Gardens, Ottto du Plessis Road, Somerset West 7130, Cape Province, South Africa. Editor’s note: Good to hear that squaretalk is being read so far afield. Such an interesting response too! If a brother can answer W Bro John’s question, please write to him.

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

RIDE THE PROVINCE SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 2011

MEETING AT DOWNEND AND ENDING AT THE PROVINCIAL MID-SUMMER FAYRE (see back cover) FOR INFORMATION CONTACT W BRO DEREK GUNNINGHAM: 01934-852811 [email protected]

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Family Affair at Seven Springs

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

Justice be the guide . . . There was an exchange of the magisterial chair for that of King Solomon, at the November installation at Lodge No 7223 and it turned out to be very much a family affair. After a year of hard work in the chair, the outgoing Master, W Bro Paul Fulham JP, handed over the reins to W Bro Ashley Fellows JP, to enable him to install his brother, Bro Matthew James David Fellows. The ceremony was undertaken with a genuine sense of brotherly love that was almost tangible. The formalities were witnessed by close family members including, W Bro Bob Hill and Bros Craig and David Fellows. On the same evening brother Craig and father David became joining members of the lodge.

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

Springs to join the brethren in congratulating him in taking the chair. The Provincial Senior Grand Warden, W Bro Max Hart, represented the RW Provincial Grand Master. In January, Seven Springs Lodge celebrated their 14th annual ladies’ meeting at Cheltenham Masonic Hall on the theme of the life of Bro Robbie Burns (1759-1796). The WM invited guests into the temple and gave a short informative talk on freemasonry. The dining room was filled to capacity with 60 diners enjoying traditional haggis with “neaps and tatties”, followed by Scotch roast beef. The haggis was piped in and addressed by Bro Alan McClymont. The event raised £350 for charity. squaretalk

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www.glosmasons.org.uk

With well over 700 already having registered for access, the Provincial website is now well and truly up and running! Over 30 lodges have started to put information on their individual page or are regularly updating with content such as summonses, minutes of meetings, publicity of social events, calendar entries and so on. It’s a good start, but we’d like every member to make the most of this valuable resource and join the growing band of online Masons. Your Lodge Editor can upload virtually any kind of information to your lodge page and to make it as useful to you as possible, best to let him know what you’d like to see; both on your own lodge page and the site generally. If your lodge hasn’t yet appointed a Lodge Editor, encourage them to do so. The Province has already provided free training sessions for nearly 30 editors and any wishing to register for this should contact the web team (details below); we’d like to train at least one editor for every lodge in the Province. No doubt the website will continue to develop with more content being added all the time, but there’s already a wealth of information available, which you may find useful, including: • Up-to-date Provincial contacts; • Addresses of all the Masonic centres in the Province; • A Provincial appointments calendar and details of every installation visit for the current season; • The Provincial year book; • Electronic copies of recent editions of squaretalk, and; • Guidance notes for secretaries, charity stewards and a range of other documents. 30 squaretalk

If your lodge doesn’t yet use its page or if you haven’t yet registered for access to the site, please do join us and make the most of this fantastic resource.

Not online? Not everyone is comfortable with using a computer and if you’d like to understand more, you can call 08000 150950 (free from landlines) and find out about beginners courses. If you already have access to the internet, but aren’t sure about what it can do for you, try visiting the BBC First Click website (www.bbc.co.uk/firstclick) for lots of useful information and advice.

Not registered? If you haven’t yet registered for the website, just follow the simple steps below. If you are having any difficulties gaining access, please get in touch with the web team who should be able to resolve any issues.

Step by step registration • Go to www.glosmasons.org.uk • Click on ‘Click here to Login / Register’ in the top right corner • Click ‘Register’ in the window that opens • Complete the registration form (your Grand Lodge Reference Number maybe different to your Certificate number but your lodge secretary will be able to let you know what it is by referring to his copy of the AR1 form if you aren’t sure) • After completing the form, click ‘Register’ If you have any queries or issues with the website, please get in touch: [email protected] (01453 732035) [email protected] [email protected]

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Shorts! Haiti donation In November, the Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated £25,000 to the British Red Cross, funding supplies to combat the cholera epidemic taking hold in Haiti. Following the devastating earthquake, over a million people in Haiti were living in make-shift camps. These difficult living conditions resulted in the first cholera outbreak in Haiti in over a hundred years, due to a lack of decent sanitation facilities and access to clean drinking water. The UN announced that over 28,000 people in Haiti were being treated for cholera symptoms and close to 2,000 people died. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s donation has provided hygiene and sanitation packs, which the Red Cross have distributed to help stop the spread of the disease. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity donated £30,000 for immediate assistance following the earthquake, in which an estimated 230,000 people were killed and over 300,000 injured. A Relief Chest was also opened by the Council of the Freemasons’Grand Charity, which raised £93,000. The Chest, which has now closed, is helping to fund the re-building of a school in Leogane, Haiti. (Full story: www.grandcharity.org)

Light & Reflection When Bro Fred Beacham announced that he was going into the chair at the Lodge of Light and Refection, the RW Provincial Grand Master made a promise to be there. Problem: When it came to installation on Sep-10, RW Bro Adrian Davies was committed at Grand Lodge in London. Resolution: Move the lodge date! Hence, on the rearranged date, the lodge 32 squaretalk

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

Wine winners W Bro Keith Turner (pictured below), of Manor of Ashley Lodge in Cheltenham, picked up the first prize of 100 bottles of wine in the latest Christmas draw. “It’s proving a great success,” said organiser, W Bro Steve Farr. “This year it raised no less than £4,500 and I’d like to thank everyone who supported it.” Second prize winner was Bro Peter Smith, Junior Deacon at Sudeley Castle Lodge. Third prize winner was Bro Ross Bareham, a Fellow Craft in Glevum Lodge. Steve added a bottle of champagne to the prize of 25 bottles of wine on learning that Ross’ wife was expecting an imminent addition to the family!

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Golf Society’s Ruby Founded 1970 In celebrating its first 40 years, the Gloucestershire Masonic Golf Society is grateful to the 2010 captain, W Bro Mike Stone (Kendleshire), for recovering old records and writing a full account of the year’s activities; (now available on the Provincial website and well-worth a read). With the Provincial Grand Master as its President, the GMGS is clearly once more in “full swing”; neither turning to the right nor the left from the paths of virtue, nor hopefully, the fairway! Golf has been played in this Province since before 1933. The variety of trophies donated by past players bears witness to this; they are displayed in the Gloucester Masonic Hall.

Ruby mementos Preparing the 2010 calendar of events, the Ruby Anniversary was marked with gifts of ruby-coloured golf tees, ballmarkers and special prizes to be won from among the ten events, some played at new courses and others as a return to some of the past Golf Courses played by the Society since its inception. The Annual “Opening” event was the Inter-Lodge Match, called the “North Versus South”, played at Dewstow. 32 players took part in matchplay format and it was won by the Brethren of the North, captained by Bro Michael Jacques (Prince of Wales), who took the Shield and a bottle of “Jacques” Cider. The winner of the longest drive at the 9th, “by an enormous distance”, was none other than our Provincial Grand Almoner, W Bro Roger Dakin (Earl Bathurst), off a 28 handicap. “Nearest to the Pin” was by a past-captain, W Bro Neil Gayler (Regency). The first Provincial Match was a 14-a-side against the Brethren of Bristol and took place at Woodlands, where the GMGS hosted our visitors with a three-course 34 squaretalk

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

A full calendar! There followed a match against Somerset Province, a Social Day at Minchinhampton, a win against Monmouthshire Masons, and a closely fought encounter with Herefordshire. The Captain and President’s Golf Day was held at Cotswold Edge and the “Glorious 12th August” was celebrated by a return to Cirencester, home of many past GMGS events. A match with Wiltshire Masons followed. They were the first Province to have played GMGS, dating back to around 1975. The final match of the year was against the Worcestershire Brethren at Kings Norton and later, the annual dinner, organised by one of the Provinces, saw Somerset as the hosts. Books presented to GMGS by RW Bro Peter Marsh, and W Bros Peter Gillman and Desmond Jones are on display in the cabinet at the Gloucester Masonic Hall. The photo below shows the presentation of the new “Keene & Stone Social Salver”. Anyone interested in joining the Society should contact W Bro Michael Stevens on 01242-674607 or at [email protected].

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Freemasonry under fire again! Kandahar How many Gloucestershire Brethren picked this story up off the web? Photos were circulating of Canada Lodge, holding their first ceremonies of initiation in October at Kandahar Air Field. Initiated were a Major and a Corporal. The lodge is now beautifully furnished thanks to the generosity of the brethren from back home. W Bro Gordon Hendrie explained that due to operational requirements, they were unable to perform a full rehearsal prior to the big night. Nevertheless, he was proud of the way that the parts came seamlessly together and all of the Brethren had put their heart and soul into the perfection of their work.

Rocket attack! The evening ended, however, in truly Afghan flavour. As the Brethren were posing for photographs, they came under rocket attack and had to hit the floor!

Masters in Waiting W Bro Fred Beacham, WM at the Lodge of Light & Reflection, has organised two lunches for Wardens and their wives or partners. The first of these, at Stapleton in October, saw fifty-seven dining, largely from lodges from south of the Province. The Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and other Provincial Officers, with their respective partners, were all welcome. A Somerset Warden joined the guests, with his wife.

An opportunity to prepare Remarking on the lunch, VW Bro Colin Bendon, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, said, “We’ve enjoyed an opportunity to make new friends, renew old and share thoughts on preparing for the Chair. Most 36 squaretalk

importantly, we’ve been able to say a very public ‘thank-you’ to wives and partners for their support and provide real evidence of the enjoyment to be had in the years ahead.” The Province’s Membership Development Area Coordinators plan to build on W Bro Fred’s success, with lunches for Wardens and their partners in the centre and north of the Province in the coming months.

Why 4000? Anno Lucis “Have you ever wondered why 4000 years are added to the date on your certificate?” W Bro Ron Phillips of Lodge of Sympathy poses this question and goes some way to offering an answer!

There was great interest in the world about us of everyday phenomena and scientific research. In 1650, Irish Bishop James Usher, (pictured), decided to calculate the age of the earth. Using the Bible’s “begat list”, he worked backwards . . . “Serug lived 30 years and begat Nahar . . . and Nahar lived 9 and 20 years and begat Tera . . .” etc. Usher calculated that God had created the earth on 23rd October 4004 BC. Why October 23rd? Within a decade or two, Usher was proved to be miles out . . . or should we say millennia?

Ashmole

Hidden mystery

By the 17th century, Masonry had become speculative and the ritual and practices that we employ today would have started in those times. We know that Elias Ashmole was initiated in Warrington in 1646. He was a solicitor, and an astrologer, and in 1660, became a founder member of the Royal Society, the premier scientific body of the era.

Masonry is claimed to have existed since time immemorial, so maybe our Masonic forefathers decided that as a result of Usher’s calculations that the Craft was founded in 4000 BC. So is this the reason we add 4000 to our procedures? Answers please, Brethren, on parchment to: [email protected]

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Master of the skies!

Tandem jump Arriving on a surprisingly warm November morning at South Cerney airfield, W Bro Trevor Hartley, WM of Mythe Lodge, looked aloft. “What am I doing here?” he said to himself. “Is this any way to spend your birthday?” The sky was overcast but there was the promise of brighter weather and a break in the cloud. Was it with optimism or caution that he stepped into the briefing room for his training? Once kitted out, he headed out onto the runway. Take-off! At 10,000 feet, the plane throttled back and the door was opened. Sitting on the edge, he thought, “Perhaps this is not such a good idea.” Too late! The moment of no return! After a couple of somersaults he and his instructor were free-falling at 130 mph. 38 squaretalk

After dropping through the clouds, at 5,000 feet the parachute opened. With the controlled descent, the spectacular views could be fully appreciated. Within five minutes, a safe landing; an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

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

A most memerable occasion Lodge of the Perfect Ashlar Friday 1st October 2010 marked a significant milestone in the Masonic career of W Bro Fred Prosser. The occasion was marked with the presence of RW Bro Adrian Davies, Provincial Grand Master, and his assistant, W Bro Gordon Cole, and a number of active Provincial officers, who were there to see Bro Fred presented with a certificate to commemorate 60 years in Freemasonry. Bro Fred’s connection with Freemasonry has extended over a considerable period of time. His father had been a Mason and Fred had been educated with his sister at the Royal Masonic School. Fred joined the Essex United Services Lodge in 1950, having served in the Royal Navy during the war.

to W Bro Prosser was one of those very special moments in Freemasonry. How delightful it was to witness the pride on Bro Fred’s face!” A sentiment shared by all who were in attendance.

Claims to fame! Fred’s claims to fame include playing cricket on Table Mountain with General Smuts during his active service in South Africa and on his return to the UK, working with an administrator in a laboratory by the name of Margaret Roberts, later to become famous of course as Margaret Thatcher. Here in Gloucestershire, where Fred had moved to pursue his teaching career, his Masonic involvement blossomed. He was a founder member of the Lodge of the Perfect Ashlar, which was consecrated in 1970 and he was installed in the chair of that lodge in 1976. Fred has also been heavily involved in other orders, having taken the chairs in the Holy Royal Arch, Rose Croix, Knights Templar and Knights Templar Priests. Fred was elected an honorary member of his lodge in 2001, in recognition of his services. RW Bro Adrian stated, “The presentation of the Sixty Year Certificate squaretalk

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Uganda Mission! Fifth visit It has been more than four years since squaretalk has reported on the continued efforts of Julia Lettey, the wife of W Bro Mike Lettey of Filton Lodge of Fortitude, so we took the opportunity to interview her. ST: They must be getting used to you out there? JL: Well, in July, it was my fifth visit. This time, it was as a representative of the Bristol Diocese at the Enthronement and Consecration of the new Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Church of Uganda. ST: Was it a busy schedule? JL: I certainly took the opportunity to visit two schools near Bushenyi Town, in South West Uganda. First was Nyakitoko Secondary, which has a new headmaster whom I met together with the staff and also the pupils that we have helped. Of the original ten pupils I and others have been helping by supplementing school fees, six remain. They will continue to get assistance until year five, which is our GCSE year. ST: I understand there is a “Julia Lettey Hostel”. JL: Yes, girls sleeping there told me that they walk half a mile down the hill to get water for washing. All current water collected on site is padlocked and to be used only by the cooks! So my challenge to encourage the

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girls is to help raise £800; to go towards the cost of guttering on the Hostel building and a water tank, which will provide the urgently needed water on site. ST: Have things improved over the years? JL: Oh yes, overall I have noticed a vast improvement in the buildings and facilities at the school since I was first there in 2003. It seems our involvement so encouraged the pupils’ parents that they have become much more committed. Mbatamo Primary School now looks as though it has had “some tender loving care” with a new roof, doors, windows and rendering of the walls inside and out. Also the building of a staff room and a study for the Head Teacher is in progress. The local villagers have always appeared to be very supportive of the school and the men were busy digging the foundations for staff accommodation, which will lift the status of the school and encourage better teachers. ST: What else is needed? JL: The main lack at Mbatamo Primary School is concrete classroom floors. The present dirt floors get very dusty in the

hot, dry season, which it was whilst I was visiting. Every Monday morning, all the pupils have to bring “a cow pat wrapped in banana leaves”. The cow pats mixed with water and soil are smeared on the classroom floors by the pupils to reduce the dust and insects. Children will then sit on mats woven from papyrus stalks if there are not enough desks or benches. So my challenge here is to raise £500 to go towards concreting the classroom floors.

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

about what we are doing. It gives me a chance to once again emphasise the appreciation of those in Uganda who have benefitted from financial help given by Freemasons and Lodges in the Gloucestershire Province and also to say how that help greatly encourages me.

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Ten Master Masons from Nagpur responded to a request from the District Grand Master of Bombay to move the Lodge to Nagpur and revive it. It now flourishes with 58 members! It is one of three lodges (two English Constitution and one Scottish), which meet there. In February 2009, it hosted the meeting of the District Grand Lodge and celebrated its Golden Jubilee. This poem was among items published in a commemorative booklet which was presented to W Bro John on his visit.

Indian visit W Bro John Gillo, the Provincial Grand Secretary, has just returned from India, where he used the opportunity to again visit Penchvale Lodge. The lodge was consecrated in 1959 at Parasia in Madhya Pradeshin, a coalmining area. Its founders comprised English and Indian mine employees. They chose the name from the Pench River, which flows through the nearby forest, the area described by Bro Rudyard Kipling in his famous Jungle Book.

Move to Nagpur It operated successfully for 38 years, but in 1999, having failed to submit annual returns, and with only four members remaining, it was on the verge of being struck off. Brethren 42 squaretalk

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

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Family Affair! Two Lewises In a matter of two months, W Bro Michael Shere-Massey, WM of Vigilantia Lodge, had the most unusual, not to mention pleasant, experience of initiating two “Lewises” at Stroud. Bro Iain Stansfield (son of W Bro Bill Stansfield) and Bro John Bolton (son of Bro Peter Bolton) provided this opportunity; proud occasions for both fathers and sons. W Bro Bill delivered the Charge after Initiation to Bro Iain and Bro Peter the Northeast Address to Bro John. For the “uninitiated”, a Lewis can be found in every lodge on the Senior Warden’s pedestal, attached to a Perfect Ashlar ~ a finished stone ~ which in turn is suspended from a tripod or derrick. In Freemasonry, a Lewis represents strength. The term “Lewis” has also become used to describe the son of a Freemason; it being the son’s duty to support his parents in the same way a Lewis supports and lifts a heavy stone.

Vigilantia Lodge . . . . . . . was originally formed for those serving or retired members of the legal professions such as the Police, Prison Officers and the Judiciary, who have always prided themselves in being “a family” and, if the installations of the two Lewises was not enough to show that Vigilantia truly is a “family” Lodge, the Master in 2008 was W Bro Roly Shere-Massey, the brother of the current Master. 44 squaretalk

By Royal Appointment! HM The Queen . . . . . . has appointed Upert Antony Woodburn to be a District Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP. The Rt Hon The Lord Judge, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, has assigned him to the Northern Circuit, based at Liverpool Civil and Family Court and Southport County Court with effect from January 2011. Better known to us as W Bro Tony, of course, he was admitted as a Solicitor in 1981 and formerly Managing Partner of Henriques Griffiths in Bristol. In 1992, he was appointed both Deputy District Judge and Assistant Deputy Coroner for Avon.

Past Master W Bro Tony was initiated in Staple Hill Lodge (6043) in May 1994 and reached the chair in April 2006. He is also a Founder Member, Past Master, and Director of Ceremonies of Lydda Lodge (9682), where he was installed as Master in 2002. He is a member of Gloucestershire Installed Masters (7900) and is currently in the chair of J in Kingswood Chase Chapter (4666). He was Provincial Grand Sword Bearer of Gloucestershire in 2007. Congratulations to District Judge Woodburn, as he is now titled!

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A Membership Steward writes

Engaging members “One of the concerns of being a Membership Steward of a Lodge is to engage both the senior brethren and the junior members, who very often are younger and have different social agendas.” So writes W Bro Julian Harber. “In Royal Union Lodge, I have been fortunate to have the support of the brethren for different functions bringing all ages together including wives, partners, family and friends. One of the popular social events that now seems to be part of any new WM’s calendar is the spring and autumn walks, started when, W Bro Geoff Davis embarked on Sunday morning rambles in the area surrounding

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his home village of Birdlip, followed by lunch at the Royal George. “On the most recent walk, Geoff’s son, who is a fitness instructor and had previously trained W Bro Peter Daniels for his record breaking marathon row, joined the group; each walker sponsoring him for carrying a 30 kilo backpack to raise money for Huntingdon’s Disease.

Clay shoot “I feel it can be enlightening for any Membership Steward to have the most junior member sitting next to him at the festive board. On such an occasion, the conversation moved to what could I do that would appeal to the younger Master Masons. Bro David Hillier replied “What about a clay shoot?” Within two days, he had organised the venue and the date. “Exclusively for MMs, places were quickly filled. The MMs allowed the DC, W Bro Dave Hargreaves, who they thought could demonstrate he was human outside the lodge, and myself to be present . . . by invitation only! “Joined by MMs from Cheltenham and Gloucester lodges, we hope this will develop and widen the fraternal circle.

Champion of the Day “Our wives, Nicki (Hillier) and Tricia (Harber), prepared the catering and I was the onsite chef. It was quite a family affair with Chris Hillier, who is not a Mason (yet), providing safety training and coaching on each of the traps with Dave’s two sons helping, the youngest showing us all up with his sharp-shooting skills afterwards. Everyone had a great day

together and £450 was raised; the highlight being the two top guns Bros Julian Capewell and Dave Hargreaves, having the final shoot-out for Champion of the Day. It was felt they had to be handicapped, thus one had to wear a hard hat and the other some furry dice. It was, however, the MMs who won the day as Julian took the title in style!”

“We’re getting there ....” “ . . . . but still a way to go!” So says W Bro Phil Waring, the Festival Coordinator for the Provincial Grand Master’s Charities Appeal. Interviewed by squaretalk , W Bro Phil continued, “At the time of writing, the Appeal total stands at £831,000 (including £315,000 Grassroots Matched Funding) towards the Appeal objective of £1m. With just about two years to go, we still have a lot to do and must continue to focus on achieving our individual lodge objectives.

Gloucestershire Lodge of Agriculture at Wotton and Royal Agricultural Lodge at Cirencester. A thumping £1200 has been raised so far!

Generate for the future “I say that the cause is right and the cause is just”. The thought of being able to be part of founding something that will continue to generate funds to do good now, and well into the future, should inspire Brethren to give whatever they can afford. No matter how small, it will make a difference to someone in need now and in the years to come. The Brethren of Gloucestershire have always risen to the challenge in the past and I have no reason to think that they will not do so now.” W Bro Phil also pointed out that individuals as well as lodges have been finding novel ways to raise money for the Appeal. He drew attention to W Bro Bob Osborne who, for the past two winters, has collected timber from woods and farms, sawn it up and auctioned it at squaretalk

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Mid-Summer Fayre at Middleyard Walnut Tree House, Middleyard, King’s Stanley Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3PW

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

Join the Provincial Executive and the Festival Team for a relaxing afternoon of friendship and fun in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Savour strawberries and cream with a glass of bubbly between enjoying fine musical entertainment, sideshows and of course visiting the bar. Walnut Tree House (2.5 miles south west of Stroud) is a fine Georgian house PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

built around 1830, surrounded by eight acres of grassland and former orchards, adjacent to the Cotswold Way. • • • • • • •

Plenty of parking Musical entertainment Sideshows Displays Food available or bring your own Pay bar Special family admission ticket

ORDER FORM

Your Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Your Tel: ……………………………………. No. of SINGLE tickets @ £10.00 each …… No. of FAMILY tickets @ £25.00 each (2 adults + Children under 14 years……. Cheque enclosed for: ………………………

Please enclose a stamped S.A.E. for the return of your tickets

Please make cheque payable to: “Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s Account”. Send to: Philip Waring, 18 Deverose Court, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3SW. Tel: 0117 9605413.