Vivary News. No 4 September 15. VIVARY LODGE No Province of Somerset English Constitution. An Open Day in July

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1 Vivary News No 4 September 15 VIVARY LODGE No Province of Somerset English Constitution An Open Day in July An Open day was arranged at the Masonic Hall in July to raise the profile of Freemasonry and remind any prospective candidates that all interested are always welcome. In addition to the guests brought in by brethren, many members of the public paid a visit and we were honoured with a visit from The Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Marcia Hill and her consort Julian, the recently elected MP Rebecca Pow and the Chairman of Taunton Deane Council, Cllr Bro John Williams. The Mayor said she found the visit "so informative and interesting" and her consort, a history enthusiast, was interested in the activities of our 'ancient brethren'. She also said it "was amazing how much had been raised, by the organisation and distributed to charities over a number of years" and that she was certain "the open day will have raised the awareness of the many guests". The Open Day was arranged by the Taunton Masonic Liaison Group. This group consists of Lodge Information Officers of Taunton Lodges with the objective of cooperating to promote Freemasonry in the area. W Bro Jack Leeming of 261 is the leader. Vivary contributed to the event by providing guides, William Allen printing posters and Aaron Miller loaning his photo as the contributor of an article, published in the County Gazette to promote the day and to show that not all masons are old. Pow MP and John Williams. Photos show, above, The Mayor and her consort in the temple and, right, Jack Leeming with Rebecca Gentlemens' Evening in November You will have been informed that as a follow up to the Open Day our lodge is holding a Gentlemens' Evening as our November meeting. Details have been circulated by our Secretary. Members may also find the note at the end of this Vivary News of use as a handout to pass to those you wish to invite.

Our Master Elect The Vivary installation meeting in October will be the first time that a Worshipful Master of Vivary will be serving a second term in the history of the Lodge.

2 Our Master Elect The Vivary installation meeting in October will be the first time that a Worshipful Master of Vivary will be serving a second term in the history of the Lodge. Worshipful Brother Adrian was initiated into Vivary in 1979, only a few days before his 30 th birthday. He was the WM in 1993 and has served as Treasurer and in other offices since then. Adrian and his wife Anne both hail from Hertfordshire but Adrian moved to Taunton with the Hydrographic Office as a cartographer in They married in 1970 and he has been retired since Anne, who objects to her name being spelt Ann, has been extremely supportive of Adrian in his Masonic career and has also assisted with the charity Teddies for Loving Care Appeal. In addition to running regular quizzes to fund the purchase of teddies they also raise money by selling surplus garden plants from their house and have made over 300 for this so far this year. Halliwell - a name with Masonic significance. They have a daughter and a son and four grandchildren with a fifth on the way. Adrian is also known as the Lodge chorister and something of a poet. I am certain that all Vivary members will support him, and will endeavour to attend the installation meeting and look forward to a very enjoyable year. Our Master Elect, a keen gardener, pictured with the Head Gardener' and his working tools. The British Museum contains a document thought to date from C1390, although some think it dates back to an Assembly of masons held in York in 926, and is generally considered to be the oldest Masonic document in existence. It was published in 1840 by Mr James Orchard Halliwell and is consequently known as the Halliwell manuscript (or The Regius Poem). The Halliwell MS has 794 lines of rhymed verse (approx 19 pages of A4) and it is interesting in that there are numerous instances which resemble the practices in our lodge and words of our ritual. An example which is applicable to our next meeting is that it states: "Furthermore yet that ordained he, Master called so should he be; So that he were most worshipped, Then he should be so called " It contains many references to maintaining the reputation, moral requirements of masons (the tenets of the craft), and also confirms the need for secrecy by stating that: "The privities of the chamber tell he no man". It even reiterates the "sciences seven" which are familiar to most brethren (except EA).

Those who wish to read this ancient manuscript, possibly to confirm that our organisation has ancient roots, can Google "Halliwell MS" or go to:http://www.freemasonsfreemasonry.com/regius.html.

3 Those who wish to read this ancient manuscript, possibly to confirm that our organisation has ancient roots, can Google "Halliwell MS" or go to: Adrian has no knowledge if he is descended from this Mr Halliwell, but his father was James as is his middle name, it a good name for any mason, and certainly the WM of Vivary Lodge to have. WM of his Alma Mater Congratulation to our member, W Bro Simon Cassling who will be installed as the Worshipful Master of Richard Huish Lodge No 8518 in September. Simon attended Richard Huish College as a student after his father was posted to Taunton. He was initiated into Vivary in 2004 and took the chair in We all wish him a very enjoyable year in office and commend R.H. on their selection. Our member on Aphrodite's Isle - Cyprus. It was an invitation to a Ladies evening, from his friend John Howlett, that lead W Bro Ray Clark to subsequently join Vivary as an initiate in He saw that many of those attending were both friends and, like John customers of his computer business. They were pleased to discuss Masonic activities with him - unlike being told 20 years previously that you have to join before being told anything about the organisation. Ray has said on joining he was "transfixed by the example and enthusiasm of the then senior members of Vivary". Unfortunately a move to Cyprus in 2004, with his wife Lee meant he became a Country Member of Vivary but his Masonic career progressed out there. He has been the WM of Lord Kitchener Lodge, No 3402, and is currently chaplain in Lakeside Lodge, No 9869, and DC of Othello, No Masonically Cyprus is a District under UGLE and like our province is actively promoting the craft with white table events and other activities. In addition to managing his large orchard with everything from bananas to guava and pomegranates he is involved with helping at the local church and relaxing in the sun and sea. He also runs the web site for "Help Cyprus Animals Forum" to attempt to improve animal welfare in Cyprus. A fall from a ladder a few years ago resulted in serious back problems with which, fortunately, he is now coping. Although the weather is almost perfect not everything in the garden is lovely. The economics of Cyprus are suffering with reduced tourist due partly to being near to Syria, high unemployment and a rising cost of living. House prices are also stagnant. It is a divided Island and "the troubles of the past haunt its modern day existence". Ray has said that visiting brethren, on holiday in Cyprus will always be welcomed to attend Othello Lodge. He also hopes to visit the UK in the next 18 months and has said that he has "a yearning to walk back into his mother lodge and meet the members" again.

4 He sends greetings to the WM, Officers and members of Vivary and best wishes to all his friends in our lodge. I am certain we all look forward to welcoming him back and wish him and Lee well. It's that time of year! The start of a new Masonic year coincides with a reminder that subscriptions are now due and our Treasurer has found it necessary to make a small increase, now 130 with Country Members 85. We remain very competitive compared with most lodges having a similar number of meetings to ourselves. Perhaps we should remind ourselves of other costs for a day/night out (and we get seven or more in a year). Prices taken from web sites are for tickets only and not including hospitality: Golf Club Membership 1000 approx per annum Vivary Park 15 to 19 per round Rugby world cup England v Fiji 295 to 329 NZ v Argentina 153 to 225 Football Manchester United 41 to 53 (sold out- available + hospitality 149) Bristol City 30 to 38 Theatre Bristol Hippodrome 20 to 130 (The Lion King) Cinema Odeon Taunton 20 (approx on Saturday night) It is difficult to compare catering and there is no doubt that factory food warmed up in a microwave does come cheaper. You would be unlikely though to find a freshly prepared three course meal served by delightful waitresses at less than 20. The wine and other drinks could also cost 50% to 100% more in a restaurant. Your membership subscription also gives you good company (we hope) and the satisfaction of knowing you belong to an organisation which helps the less fortunate. An invitation to our Gentlemen's Evening is attached. If you think this will of be of help in confirming details of your personal invitation then please print off to hand to your possible guest or copy and paste' to a confirmation . See next page.

5 VIVARY LODGE No Province of Somerset English Constitution Vivary Lodge Gentlemen's Evening - 20 th November 15 The Master and Wardens of Vivary Lodge, as part of the policy of openness, are holding a Gentlemen's Evening on the 20 th November, for those who have expressed an interest, or may be interested in the ancient and honourable institution of Freemasonry, Visitors will be able to see the historic meeting hall with antiquities dating back to the 18thC. A talk will be given by a notable speaker on Freemasonry, its history, objectives, expectations and charitable work, etc. After which there will be an opportunity for any questions and we do mean any. At the conclusion of questions members and guests will retire to the dining room for a semi formal supper (or Festive Board in Masonic terms) with members of the lodge. Guests are invited to attend at 6.15 for 6.30pm, to be greeted by their host for the evening. The evening should conclude by 10.00pm at the latest. The meeting is principally aimed at informing friends about masonry. Any who wish to express an interest in joining may later speak to their host. Though there is no obligation on those who attend other than to enjoy the evening.. Please advise the member who is inviting you before the 12 th November, of your acceptance, or otherwise, to enable the catering to be booked and letting him know if you have any food allergies. Trusting that we will have the pleasure of your company on this evening. The Worshipful Master Vivary Lodge No 8654

Guidance for a Prospective Member. Lodge

8.2 Guidance for a Prospective Member to Freemasonry Guidance for a Prospective Member (GPM) of Freemasonry Lodge 17 INTRODUCTION information will assist you to understand more about our organisation.