Craft News
- Written by: Michael Genner
WBro Bruce Burrows from Pomfret Lodge recently visited Western Australia to see the records of John Newman Tooth, a member of his partner’s family. John was a Child Migrant sent to Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School Western Australia at the age of 10 years. He landed at Freemantle on March 20th 1928.
Bruce saw John’s records and discovered that the School had been closed in 1982 and Grand Lodge Western Australia rescued and saved it for future generations in 1984. Grand Lodge WA still manages the facilty today as a School Museum and Holiday Centre for groups of children who now stay in the original buildings, updated to modern standards, and where they do not start their days as John did with a cold shower at 6am.
Bruce visited the Grand Lodge of WA, had a guided tour, and then went on to make a visit to Fremantle Lodge No 2 WAC consecrated in 1865 as No 1033 E.C.
The main business of the lodge held on Tuesday 12th April 2016 was to Pass Bro Nathan Medford; Bruce saw the ceremony conducted in an excellent manner and with the Brethren clearly enjoying themselves under the direction of their Master WBro Glenn Swift.
SW Bro Kabir Ramasary, WM WBro Glenn Swift, WBro Bruce Burrows, JW Bro Chris Nicholls.
The Festive Board was a total delight with Bruce seated on the right of the W.M. The meal was excellent, prepared by the Brethren and one of the wives, and with as much beer and wine as required. Bruce gave the response on behalf of the visitors, and all linked hands for Auld Lang Syne. All too quickly the evening closed with Bruce totally convinced, that Freemasonry is indeed a worldwide brotherhood.
For more information about Kingsly Fairbrige search Wikipedia #Western Australia for specifics.
The Lodge of St George No 5978 has become the first lodge in the Province to receive a charitable enhancement from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. Money raised during WBro Andy Moore's year as Master has been enhanced and Andy was able to make a total donation of £2,500 to local charity The Lowdown.
The Lowdown offers a free and confidential drop in service for youngsters, six days a week, in Northampton. Youths can get the help and support they may need. These funds will provide over 200 one-to-one counselling sessions for local youths in need or distress. One hour can make a massive difference in a child or young adult’s life; in any one hour session, the Lowdown’s counsellors can positively change and sometimes save the life of a young person who is vulnerable or in crisis.
Speaking about the donation, Andy Moore, from The Lodge of St George, 5978, said
“We are delighted to be able to show our support for The Lowdown. Charitable giving is central to Freemasonry, and the Lodge of St George, along with all Northants and Hunts Freemasons, are especially happy to support organisations that give back to our local community. The Freemasons Grand Charity works on behalf of all Freemasons in England and Wales, donating millions of pounds to worthy causes every year; and we are delighted they have joined with us in supporting The Lowdown.”
Every year The Freemasons Grand Charity donates over £7 million to charitable projects across England and Wales.
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Candidate at Danetre Lodge’s meeting on the 4th of April 2016, Mr Adam Reynolds, was born in February 1997, making him only 19 years old.
Because of his age and studies, his Grandfather, WBro Alan Randall, currently Director of Ceremonies of Danetre Lodge, had never broached the subject of becoming a Mason with Adam, no improper solicitations, and so was surprised when Adam made the approach.
The required Dispensation was granted by the PGM who was already scheduled to attend the meeting of the 4th and so was present to see Adam initiated. On the evening Danetre’s WM vacated the chair to allow WBro Randall to obligate his Grandson.
WBro Peter Ayton ProvAGDC, PGM, WM WBro Dick Godwin PAGDC, Bro Adam Reynolds & ‘Grandad’ (WBro Alan Randall)
Adam’s home is in North Perthshire, Scotland, although he studied in Manchester before moving to live in London studying music at University. Do we have a budding Organist looming?
Although Adam’s father never joined Freemasonry, his heritage is extensive, with his grandfather, both great grandfathers and his great great grandfather being members of the Craft along with several great and great great uncles.
The PGM welcomed Bro Adam to Freemasonry in General and the superior Province of Northants and Hunts in particular (he admitted to being somewhat biased on this) and informed Bro Adam that he had joined a popular and thriving Lodge.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Each year at Easter, on Maundy Thursday, Her Majesty the Queen presents special Maundy money to local pensioners in a UK cathedral or abbey in one of the Diocese in England or Scotland.
Exceptionally, for only the second time in her reign, the presentation in 2016 took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Thursday 24 March and was made to 90 men and 90 women throughout the Diocese of both Countries. One of the proud recipients was W Bro Richard Turpin OBE who said
We had a wonderful day and the presentation in the traditional Maundy Service was followed by an excellent reception in the State Apartments. I still don't understand what I have done to deserve such a high honour which is given to 'elderly' men and women for services to the Church and their local community.
Each recipient is given two purses. The red one containing a £5 commemorative coin marking the Queen's 90th Birthday and 50p coin marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. The white one containing the specially minted silver Maundy coins (nine packets of 4,3,2 and 1p face value) totalling 90p to equate to the Queen's age.
Our congratulations go to WBro Richard.