STAFFORDSHIRE FREEMASONS SUPPORT AIR AMBULANCE APPEAL

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1 Andresey Lodge Researchers Visit A delegation from the Royal College of Surgeons will visit Andresey Lodge, Burton on Trent on Tuesday 13th October and will give a presentation on their research programme. Medical Research projects supervised by the College of Surgeons have benefited from funding by the Freemasons Grand Charity and they want to make sure that the value of their work is known to us all. The presentation is made by the researchers themselves and they have a clear and down to earth approach. They are interesting, entertaining and well worth a visit. Busy Evening at St Peter's Lodge The meeting on 1st October 2009 will celebrate the 175th Aniversary of the Lodge. W Bro John Brooke has worked very hard to bring their history up to date and a booklet will be given to every member. A review of the last 75 years will be presented by W Bro John E Griffiths PDPGM, no doubt in his own inimitable fashion. At the same meeting Bro S.H. Griffiths will be passed to the second degree and a Grand Lodge Certificate will be presented to Bro T.J. Lewis. Their Worshipful Master W Bro L (Nick) Woodhams who was installed in the chair for the first time last year will celebrate his 50 years in Freemasonry in January In This Edition Extract from PGM s Address Result of Skoda Raffle Report from Grand Charity Royal Arch News Sermon by the late Ken Rider Newcastle Hall dedication Golf Results and lots more of your news Within Your Province The Newsletter for Staffordshire Freemasons Freemasons from the Province of Staffordshire have presented 4,000 to the Midlands Air Ambulance. The award was made on behalf of the Freemasons Grand Charity, as part of a 180,000 national donation made to UK Air Ambulance operators this year. The Provincial Grand Master, Thomas D.C. Lloyd, paid a visit to the helicopter base at Tatenhill Airfield near Burton on Trent to meet the air crew and present a cheque to the Charity. Speaking about the award to Midlands Air Ambulance, the Provincial Grand Master said: "Midlands Air Ambulance provides such a vital service to the local community. Freemasons have recognised the life saving work carried out by the Charity and therefore we are pleased to be able to make this special award on behalf of the Grand Charity." ISSUE 23 AUTUMN 2009 STAFFORDSHIRE FREEMASONS SUPPORT AIR AMBULANCE APPEAL Helen Hitchman, area fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance, was delighted to be considered by the Freemasons Grand Charity: "Midlands Air Ambulance is grateful to Staffordshire Provincial Freemasons for this award. Freemasons raise large amounts of money for local, national and international charities and we were delighted to invite local Freemason representatives to visit our base to see for themselves the work of the air service." Midlands Air Ambulance operates across the Midlands and Welsh border region and receives no government or lottery funding. The Charity requires 5.6 million each year to ensure the life saving helicopter service continues to fly across the region. On Saturday 8th August, the East Staffordshire Flying Club held their annual 'Fly-In' air display event at Tatenhill Airfield which included access to the Midlands Air Ambulance. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro Thomas D.C. Lloyd, OBE, TD, DL, along with W.Bro Barrie Rouse, Provincial Grand Secretary are pictured presenting the cheque to members of the Air Ambulance team

2 Within Your Province 2 Passed to the Grand Lodge above It is with regret that we record the following Brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge above since our last publication. RW.Bro.S.A.Lates St.James's Lodge No. 482 W.Bro. R.A.Jones Etruscan Lodge No. 546 W.Bro. F.J.Carr St.Giles Lodge No W.Bro. G.H.Perry St.Augustine's Lodge No Bro. R.Smith Josiah Wedgwood Lodge No W.Bro. G.P.MacIntosh Hatherton Lodge No W.Bro. W.Oyston Hatherton Lodge No W.Bro. G.E.Fisher Lewisham Lodge No Bro. A.Woodcock Ceramic Lodge No W.Bro. G.I.Ansell Hanliensian Lodge No W.Bro. R.G.Sheldon Edwina Lodge No W.Bro. A.A.Darbey Wulfrun Lodge No W.Bro. R.Jones Sandwell Lodge No W.Bro.T.G.Morris St.Modwen s Lodge No W.Bro.D.Nott Tibbington Lodge No W.Bro.G.Martin Eccleshall Lodge No W.Bro.C.McMillan Summit Lodge No W.Bro.J.H.Darby Patshull Lodge No W.Bro.T.G.Barrett Old Wulfrunians Lodge No W.Bro.N.F.Langley Streetly Lodge No W.Bro.P.J.Rothery Ashmole of Lichfield Lodge No UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND NEEDS YOUR HISTORIC RECORDS SURVEY Congratulations to those 48 Craft Lodges and 14 Chapters who have completed their survey of their records and enabled me to send them to UGLE, for which I am most grateful In March 2008 I wrote to all Lodge Secretaries and Chapter Scribe Es, identifying the then Pro Grand Master's and Committee of General Purposes' launch of a survey of Lodges and Chapters to find out what records they hold, their condition and their storage facilities. It is hoped that the completed survey will help towards the production of a tercentenary history in 2017 to mark the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge. This will involve and educate the Brethren and improve the understanding of Freemasonry in the Community. My aim was to have the survey completed by June Unfortunately this has not proved possible. I now request all those who have not done so to complete the task and I hope you can manage this by the end of October I thank you in anticipation. W.Bro.Colin B.Denne, PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Within Your Province The Newsletter for Staffordshire Freemasons Within Your Province is published twice yearly, in March and September and any contributions, ideas or suggestions will be welcomed by the Editor, W Bro Sandy Stewart, by to editor@pglstaffordshire.co.uk or by post to Sandy Stewart, Information Officer, c/o Provincial Grand Lodge Office, 211 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 0DD. Publication is made possible by the support of our advertisers and readers are requested to support them whenever possible. When doing so please mention that you saw the advertisement in Within Your Province. If you are a non-masonic reader who would like to know more about Freemasonry please visit our website or contact the Provincial Office at the address below. Within Your Province is published on the authority of the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Staffordshire, RW Bro Thomas DC Lloyd, OBE, TD, DL, Provincial Grand Lodge Office, 211 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 0DD. Telephone and Fax , secretary@pglstaffordshire.co.uk Printed by David Bowyer Print and Design, Stafford c Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire. EDITORIAL Welcome to the September edition of Within Your Province. This is your magazine and I am very keen to receive anything of interest or importance. I would like to keep your 'voice' in the article so I will edit your work as little as possible. Photos are especially welcome. Just them to editor@pglstaffordshire.co.uk and we can make them fit. It is often difficult to find out what is happening in the Province and easy to miss a memorable evening. We are naturally reticent to ring up a Lodge Secretary and ask if we can come to their next meeting but when we do we find ourselves so kindly welcomed we wonder why we were so cautious. When you are going to have an interesting or unusual meeting and would like a few more visitors, tell me about the event and I can put it in this magazine. I want to concentrate on the enjoyment we get from our masonry and anything we can 'celebrate' will get pride of place. I know how very generous you all are and I intend to show our charitable side. We are often asked about the relationship between religion and Freemasonry and I am so pleased to be able to print this sermon by the late Ken Rider which discusses Christianity and Freemasonry. There are of course parallels with all religions and I would be happy to print other such articles. I am very grateful to all those who have contributed to this edition and especially so to David Bowyer who, by his skill and hard work has made it possible. I look forward to hearing from you for the next edition, which is planned for the New Year, and will contain the information about the Annual Provincial Meeting. Sandy Stewart Peter Atkins After eight years as Provincial Information Officer W Bro Peter Atkins has decided to stand down. In that time he almost single handedly created and built up the magazine 'Within Your Province' to the prestigious publication it has now become which is widely admired both within and outside the Province. He has also acted as advisor on relations with the Press and headed the team which is introducing newer Information Technology to the Province. He will be a hard act to follow. We are all very grateful for the enormous contribution Peter Atkins has made to this Province and we wish him all the best for the future. The New Provincial Information Team The new team met for the first time early in July under the chairmanship of John Renaudon the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Sandy Stewart was nominated as the new Provincial Information Officer and Editor. David Bowyer will assist him in formatting and setting the content, Chris Priestley will continue as webmaster of the PGL website and will be responsible for its content. John Davis is the business manager for 'Within Your Province'. David Leigh will support the Editor on the IT side.

3 3 Within Your Province A TREASURE TRAIL TALE W.Bro. David Hadler, Lodge of Honour No.526 Wolverhampton, has a son who resides in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, his son s occupation being a Gemologist working for a company in Bath which entails buying, selling and providing valuations on precious gem stones. Earlier in the year W.Bro.David s son together with a client visited an Antique Fair in Plymouth which specialized in jewellery and silverware. Having said goodbye to his satisfied client and having pocketed his commission he drove the distance home to Trowbridge, en route, reviewing the events of the day in his mind, then the penny dropped. The following morning he telephoned his dad, with the question, Dad, is your Masonic Lodge called Honour five hundred and something does the word Dela mean anything?, then commenced to tell the tale of what he may have found. The pewter tray restored to its former glory and the now legible inscription Having accomplished his mission on the purchase of jewellery for his client, he amused himself by browsing the silverware items, in particular the junk boxes one of which was classed as House Clearance items. It was from one of those boxes that he pulled out a very heavy Pewter Tray, blackened with age. On it he just about distinguished a word Honour and Dela in Old English text and a few numbers - one being 5 another 2 or 3 and another 6 or 8, on the underside was an undistinguishable Pewter mark. He thought what a load of junk and left it. Having listened to his son s tale W.Bro. David did a little Lodge research into the word Dela and came up with the name of Reginald Delahunt who was Installed as Worshipful Master of Lodge of Honour No.526 on 13th November W.Bro. David being a long gone retired Detective put his old hat back on and commenced enquiries through the promoters of the Plymouth Antique Fair to trace the Dealer in question and to find out if the Pewter Tray was still in his possession. Unfortunately it was not and had been sold on at another Fair a few days later as a job lot to a Dealer who was located in the London area. Through the contacts of W.Bro. David s son the Dealer was traced to premises in the East End of London and as luck would have it still in possession of the job lot. W.Bro. David subsequently arranged to meet his son in London and both went off to find the East End Antique Dealer. There the Treasure was revealed, still looking very black and tatty, and the inscription on the tray was deciphered as Presented to Mrs Reginald Delahunt as a token of esteem from the Members of the Lodge of Honour No.526 at the Ladies Evening Jan 30th W.Bro. David s son examined the Pewter Tray and said offer no more than W.Bro.David had a go and offered only The Dealer seemed amused at the venture and the deal was sealed. The hand crafted Pewter Tray has been restored to its former glory and re-presented in open Lodge to the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. John Walters. It is now on display in the Trophy Cabinet located in the Tyler s Room at Wolverhampton Masonic Hall. Subsequent enquiries have failed to trace any living relatives of W.Bro. Delahunt. W.Bro David Hadler is pictured presenting the restored tray to W.Bro John Walters, Worshipful Master of Lodge of Honour No. 526 W.Bro.David Hadler, Lodge of Honour No.526.

4 Within Your Province 4 Masonic Wormery V Masonic Website The Provincial Grand Master in his address to PGL last year actively urged.as many Lodges as possible to also establish their own websites. If you access any computer search engine with the words Masonic Websites Staffordshire or similar the maximum number that you will find, excluding Provincial Grand Lodge is six! (Or if you prefer 6%!). There are 26,700 entries that remotely resemble this category. Try Camera Clubs Staffordshire 73,700 entries; Cricket Clubs Staffordshire will come up with 182,000 and a whacking (excuse the pun) 633,000 for Golf Clubs Staffordshire I m sure that I m not alone, but if I need anything out of the ordinary these days I switch on my computer. I joined Masonry due to influence from a family member. What would I have done if I had no family ties? Well today I would do as I did when my daughter wanted a wormery! I would go on the web. For a variety of reasons Lodge membership and recruitment are falling but there s a huge marketplace in cyberspace. Etruscan Lodge is waiting to receive the UGLE Charter Mark and we hope to go live with the website very soon. The 21st Century awaits and we hope to cash in on it and show that websites are not just for wormeries. Barry Parish Information Officer 546 (barry.parish@talktalk.net) (The Staffordshire Way Education Programme has produced a booklet giving help and advice to Lodges wishing to set up their web site. They are available from PGL) Update from the SMCA Audited accounts for the year ending 31 December 2008 presented to the AGM on 24 June 2009 show a satisfactory year for the Association for which Lodges and individual contributors are gratefully thanked. Since 1 January 2009, however, income has fallen away markedly as personal finances adjust to the current economic conditions and momentum for the 2013 Grand Charity Festival increases. It is now projected that if income is maintained at the current rate outgoings for the year will barely be covered and if a further reduction in income is experienced, the surplus currently held will be eroded, particularly as the Association is receiving increased requests for support from Brethren, widows and charities within the Province. It is essential that our Provincial Festival for the Freemasons' Grand Charity in 2013 is successful and we should all work to ensure it. We might, however, remember the words of V.W.Bro. Grahame Elliott, President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, when he said at our Provincial meeting in May 2007 "don't forget to continue to support your own Provincial Charity". from Jim Warburton Secretary Caption Competition Go on! Have a go! Send your caption to the Editor at address on page 2. He will judge them and give a prize to the one he considers the best. As usual, Editor s decision is final

5 5 Within Your Province Charity Matters - We have Obligations Since the beginning of Freemasonry, Masons have been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. Today we continue this work and we also raise large sums of money to benefit national and local charities. We are of course led by the three Great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. You will be aware that there are many different levels at which Masonic charity occurs: within local communities individual Lodges give aid, and every Province donates large quantities of money to local causes. Contributions are also made to the main Masonic charities, which operate at a national level and are funded by the activities of Lodges throughout the country. The Grand Charity is the major channel by which we as Freemasons provide assistance to "Masonic" and "non-masonic" causes on a National and International scale. And, apart from the National Lottery, the Grand Charity is the UK's biggest charity donor. This is all the more remarkable when you consider that it is funded solely by donations and contributions from Freemasons. It does not raise money from the general public. Therefore Brethren, the Obligation to do all that we can lies with us all. These times are difficult for us all but there are many less fortunate than ourselves who need assistance. In every eleven year period we give money to one of the four charities associated with the United Grand Lodge of England. These are the Freemasons' Grand Charity, The Masonic Samaritan Fund, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. In the current eleven year period which ends in 2013 (hence the 2013 Festival) we have chosen to support the first of these. Last year the Grand Charity gave 35,255 to 24 annuitants in this Province and the RMBI gave a further 7720 to another nine. It is a difficult time for many people and to those losing their jobs or their livelihoods this has been a lifeline. Each year the Grand Charity gives away about five million pounds and this year two million pounds was directed to non Masonic charities. This is what we have received in our Province: Cheques have been given to all our Hospices 3,850 to Acorns Children's Hospice. 4,196 to Compton Hospice. 5,067 to Douglas Macmillan 2,452 to Katherine House 3,324 to St. Giles Hospice. 3,280 to Donna Louise Trust. This year the Grand Charity gave 550,000 to charities chosen by the Duke of Kent to celebrate his forty years as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. According to Freemasonry Today they were: Save Canterbury Cathedral: 100,000. Combat Stress 50,000 The Colonel's Fund Grenadier Guards: 50,000 King Edward VII's Hospital Sister Agnes: 50,000 Royal Air Force Charitable Trust: 50,000 Restore - Burn and Wound Research: 50,000 Royal Hospital Chelsea Appeal: 50,000 The Colonel's Fund ScotsGuards: 50,000 The Stroke Association: 50,000. The military bias could be expected both from the Duke's associations and because our armed services are involved overseas. Our relatively small individual donations can be accumulated nationally into an enormous sum which can make a real difference to worthwhile and deserving charities. A difference which goes far beyond our individual or even Provincial abilities. If at all possible please contribute by way of 'Gift Aid', which increases your contribution at the expense of the Revenue. The Grand Charity is the major conduit through which charity is directed from the Craft to the needs of the outside world. Besides the very considerable good that it does, the non Masonic giving shows that freemasonry is not an inward looking self-help society but that it is very much concerned with the charitable needs of people and organisations that have no connections with Freemasonry at all. Please think about what you can contribute. Lets make 2013 count Venture Lodge charity success The recession has made no difference to the generosity of members and friends of Lodge of Venture, During his year in the chair W Bro Robert Lansley presented 1,000 to the 2013 Grand Charity Festival appeal and another 1,000 to Hope House Children's Hospice in Shropshire following a garden party hosted by senior deacon Andy Lamsdale last year. At the January meeting of the lodge an additional 1,900 as presented as follows: SMCA B Fund 350, Royal British Legion 100, Wilson Keys Court 350, West Mercia Guides Association 50, Air Ambulance 350, McMillan Cancer Relief 350 and the RNLI 350. Masonic Province of Staffordshire Provincial Ball 2010 Supporting The Staffordshire 2013 Festival in aid of The Freemasons' Grand Charity To be held at the Ingestre Suite, Stafford Showground, Saturday 22 May 2010 Tickets to include Bucks Fizz reception with musical accompaniment from 'Whitchhazel' enjoy an excellent banquet whilst listening to the soft sounds of 'Virtuoso Strings' then dance the night away to the ever popular Chris Gumbley Band. Star Prizes and Tombola Tickets will be made available through Lodge Secretaries or contact W.Bro.David Hadler dhadler@btinternet.com New Lift at Aldridge Masonic Hall Thanks to a generous bequest by the late W Bro George Mackintosh a new lift has been installed in the Aldridge Masonic Hall. This will raise the spirits of those Brethren who are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the symbolically important but rather less practical spiral staircase. The lift was officially opened by the R W Provincial Grand Master on Friday the 14th August. Bro. George was Initiated into Lodge of St. Andrew, Glasgow in 1948 and became a member of Hatherton Lodge in He received a 60 Years in Freemasonry Certificate from the Provincial Grand Master just twelve months ago.

6 Within Your Province 6 Grand Superintendent thanks officers for their support Without the the hard work and support of my principal officers my task would be almost impossible Grand Superintendent E Comp David Hampson said when he addressed the meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter in April. He went on to say: " My Deputy and 2nd Principal have, in the main, shared the workload with me in visiting Chapters on the occasion of Installation Convocations. The 3rd Principal E Comp Terry Close and Scribe N, E Comp Fred Meddes have put in a tremendous amount of work in visiting all the Chapters in the Province at meetings other than Installations - my special thanks you both. I must also extend my thanks to our Provincial Scribe E., E Comp Barrie Rouse for all his efforts together with the staff at the Provincial office. Thanks too to our DC, E Comp Andy Brittle who after serving four years in that office will be retiring following this meeting. He has served the Province in an exemplary manner together with the two deputy DC's, E Comps Eddie Ford and Brian Clarke. Finally to the acting officers of the year who have supported the team on various visits to many of the Chapters - again my sincere thanks to you all. I am sure that visiting, as I have just described, can encourage and inspire Chapters to endeavour to increase membership. I fully realise that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find ways of attracting Master Masons to become members of the RA and whilst it is heartening to know that 37 per cent of Craft Masons in this Province are RA masons, we must bear in mind that 63 per cent are not. "The challenge of recruitment is the responsibility of us all. You are the ambassadors of the Order and I charge you to encourage, stimulate, promote, and arouse sufficient interest for Master Masons to want to join the RA. Please continue to support the RA representatives in your various Lodges since this is a valuable and important link between the Craft and the RA. 500 given to the Alzheimer's Society The Provincial Grand Charity Benevolent Fund is to give 500 to the Alzheimer's Society and the cheque was presented on the 27th July in Lichfield by the Grand Superintendent. We all know the tragic consequences of dementia and are delighted to see such a deserving cause being supported by our Provincial Grand Chapter. E Comp David Hampson "Sadly we had to cancel two planned Forums for Master Masons in March because of the lack of support. I was very disappointed, since I firmly believed we were making good progress in stimulating interest. On a positive note at the meeting of Staffordshire 1st Principals Chapter in March we demonstrated a Presentation of an Introduction to Royal Arch which we hope can be presented in Craft Lodges throughout the Province. The demonstration was well received by those present and I did invite anyone who had comments to make - good or bad - to write to the deputy Grand Superintendent,. Several constructive comments have been received and the contents noted and we will incorporate many of the suggestions in readiness to present at Lodges later this year. This initiative has been fully endorsed by the PGM to whom I am most grateful for his support of the RA Whilst I have spoken about recruitment, we must also address the question of loss through resignations. Please do not accept any resignation as a "fait accompli" - do try to See more Royal Arch activity opposite with our report and photos of the big clean up after the V Festival make a thorough investigation into the reasons for Companions wanting to leave. Whilst we strive very hard for new membership we likewise can ill afford to lose members without finding out why. "As well as congratulating all the newly appointed officers I would like to offer my congratulations to those who are to be appointed and invested at Supreme Grand Chapter next week, namely E Comp Terry Close who will received the rank of P.G.Std.B. and E Comp Andy Brittle who will receive the Acting rank of G.Std.B. "We have also had other celebrations this year when 3 Companions of the Province celebrated the momentous milestone of having completed 50 years in RA masonry - what a notable achievement Companions. The 2013 Festival is uppermost in our minds at the moment and I urge you to support the PGM to achieve the best result possible for the Province. We already have an initiative in place and I would recommend that you all should support your individual Charity Stewards with modest Gift Aided contributions. Your support has been enthusiastic and generous to date and I would ask you to continue as such. Can I also remind you all that the Provincial Grand Chapter Benevolent Fund continues to need support. On this subject can I remind you that under rule No.4 of the Fund, each Chapter is required to donate annually a minimum of 25 and likewise each member of the Province is required to donate a sum of 5 in order to remain a member of the Fund. Finally, Companions, you all must play your part to stimulate interest in the RA - after all it is your Province - not just mine. I will make you a promise Companions that I will do all I can to ensure that those goals are realized. Please continue to be happy and enjoy your RA Masonry to the full and to embrace fully the pleasure and companionship that this lovely Order promotes. Non Masonic Chapter Grants Royal Wolverhampton Schools 500 Compton Hall Hospice 500 St. Giles Hospice Whittington 500 Katherine House Hospice Stafford 500 Douglas Macmillan Hospice Stoke on Trent 500 Donna Louise Trust Stoke on Trent 500 Abbey Hill School Stoke on Trent 500 Green Park Special School Bilston 500 Woodland Camp Aldridge 500 Carers Association Stafford 500 Home - Start East Staffordshire 500 Alzheimers Society Lichfield 500 Acorn Childrens Hospice Walsall 500 Staffordshire Air Ambulance Research into Crohn's And Colitis diseases North Staffs Heart Committee 500

7 7 Within Your Province CLEAN UP AFTER V FESTIVAL The post-festival clear up was well attended, and the sun finally came out to help us pack up all those unwanted tents. Led by Excellent Companion David Hampson, Grand Superintendent, and from a number of Chapters and Lodges, they were also joined by friends and colleagues, eager to assist in the undertaking. The sites were covered with tents, and the V-campers seem happy to leave the majority of them to be collected The format was simple select a tent, and take it down, roll it up and bag it. Leave it at a collection point, and move on to the next. Repeat until you ve had enough (you won t run out of tents, believe me). The tents, and all of the other salvaged material, will go to a worthy cause. After the tsunami, recovered supplies found a good use; as they did after the earthquake of last year. With over thirty separate designated sites in the Park, each holding hundreds of tents, it is easy to work out that the task is a large one. Because of this, the recovery operation has expanded during the years. The message is clear. It s worthwhile, and if you have some time on the Monday afternoon before the Bank Holiday, put it in next year s diary now. Photos show, clockwise from top, some of the Companions - and their companions - before, during and after the clean up. ROY Y BEECH (CONTRACT CTORS) LTD Est 1954 CIVIL ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS! GENERAL CIVIL ENGINEERING! SURFACING WORK! ROAD CONSTRUCTION! CONCRETE STRUCTURES! SEWERS Telephone: Fax: mail@roybeech.co.uk Web: North Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7DJ

8 Within Your Province 8 STAFFORDSHIRE MASONIC GOLF SOCIETY The Staffordshire Masonic Golf Society commenced the 2009 season with the Annual Spring Meeting held at Ingestre Park Golf Club, Stafford on Friday 9th June It was a mixed day weather-wise with 22 of the well established society membership participating. Once again the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro Tom Lloyd provided the society with his full support by his attendance at the Dinner and presentation of prizes. The PGM welcomed W.Bro.Colin Denne, Assistant Provincial Grand Master as the new Society President and gave thanks with acclamation to W.Bro.Jack Hewitt for all he had done as President of the society over the many past years. The result of the day was a tight decision for the overall winner, W.Bro. Steve Thompson, Prince of Wales Lodge No.4021 by just securing first place with a count back on the back 6 with 39 stableford points, W.Bro. Bernard Bailey, St.Martins Lodge No.98 in his usual true form took second place also with 39 stableford points just losing out on that back 6 count back. As consolation, Bernard picked up the prize for nearest the pin on the Par 3. The longest drive on the 18th hole was achieved by W.Bro. Bill Wood, St.Peter s Lodge No.419. On Friday 3rd July the Staffordshire Team visited Beeston Fields Golf Club, Nottingham for their annual match against the Province of Nottinghamshire, it was a typical English Summer Day with the match commencing in torrential rain and culminating in beautiful sunshine. Despite the weather the match resulted in a satisfying half. On this occasion Nottinghamshire had revived an old Golf Trophy and presented it to be played for between the two Provinces on future occasions. As this particular match was halved Nottinghamshire claimed first retention of this new found trophy. Catering superbly for every occasion Corporate functions Weddings and special occasions Marquees and stately homes Exhibitions and shows Racecourse and event catering Freephone sales@jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk Web The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Thomas D.C. Lloyd presents W.Bro Steve Thompson with his prize. Friday 31st July heralded the Six Counties Championships played between the Provinces of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire/Rutland, Derbyshire, Yorkshire West Riding and Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire played host to this years event and was held at Ruddington Grange Golf Club, Nottingham. On this fine but blustery day 96 players were put to the test on this not so easy course. The event culminated with a splendid evening meal followed by the presentation of prizes by the Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, RWBro. Robin K.Wilson. For the third year in succession Yorkshire West Riding retained the overall prize with 143 stableford points taken from the best 4 cards. On this occasion Staffordshire were not to be outdone. Not only did Staffordshire take second place but Bro. Mark Mellor, St Peter Ad Vincula Lodge No.6835 won the overall individual prize of the Championship with a score of 36 stableford points. This was only gained with a count back on the back 9, against the runner up, another Staffordshire player, Bro. Mark Ashton, North Staffs Round Table Lodge No.8355 who also scored 36 stableford points.

9 9 Within Your Province The Wardens Golf Match Thomas D.C. Lloyd presenting the prize to W Bro Tony Usherwood Malcolm Phillips and Colin Denne ready to set off at Beeston Fields. The Staffordshire Masonic Golf Society welcomes all Staffordshire Golfing Masons to participate. The Annual Subscription is not beyond reach at Annual matches are played between the Provinces of Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire together with the participation in the Six Counties Championships. It also provides the opportunity to play in the Annual Spring Meeting at Ingestre Golf Club, the Annual Wardens Golf Trophy and the Annual Provincial Grand Master s Charity Event.This is supported by the distribution of Golf Cards to all Lodges and sold on at 50p each by the Lodge s Charity Steward. If you are interested and have an active Golf Club Handicap then contact W.Bro.David Hadler who will be pleased to hear from you, Tel No: or dhadler@btinternet.com The annual Wardens Golf Match was held at Walsall Golf Club on 11th June. Although four inches of rain had already fallen that week the day was fine and the teams had a dry round. It was a delight to see Jack Hewitt who came to supervise the competition in which he has always played a leading role. The Provincial Senior Grand Warden Maurice Williams came to support his team but even that was not enough. The winners (by a very narrow margin) were the Junior Warden's team and the prize was presented by the RW Provincial Grand Master to their captain Malcolm Phillips the Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Brian Cockersole won the prize for the best score. Tony Usherwood and Sandy Stewart were also presented with prizes for their efforts. This was a very successful and enjoyable event and all the profits go to the 2013 Festival The Chawner Cup A Team from Sutherland Lodge 451 won the Chawner Cup in a match played at Newcastle Golf Club on 4th June. W Bro Eddie Wright of Sutherland Lodge had the best individual score and his team won by one point from the runners up Gordon Lodge RW Bro Kevin Chawner presented the prizes and said that the completion had been played for twenty four years and that the next one would probably be the last. It had served its purpose well and now it is time to move on. Colin wins Valon Cup Bro. Mark Mellor, left, and Bro Mark Ashton, above receive their prizes from the Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, R.W.Bro Robin K.Wilson. Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Colin Denne won the annual Valon Cup Golf Competition at the Manor Golf Club with 36 points. Normally played among members of Stafford lodges, the competition was opened up this year and Geoff McAra, Chartley Lodge, was second with 35 points. Bernard Bailey, St Martins Lodge, was third with 33 points and Tony Liddiard, Old Eversley Lodge, was fourth with 32 points. 16 brethren played.

10 Within Your Province 10 Not enough Grand Lodge appointments to recognise so many The Province is greatly restricted with only two new Grand Lodge appointments per year and the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Thomas DC Lloyd, OBE, TD, DL, says this is not enough to recognise the wonderful work undertaken by so many worthy Brethren. Addressing Provincial Grand Lodge in May he said: "The appointment to Grand Rank is a huge accolade and a wonderful recognition of a brother's involvement and progress in Freemasonry and I have to congratulate W Bro Robin Stubbs and W Bro Eric Rymer on being appointed Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies, the latter assuming the important appointment of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. In addition, I know you would like to congratulate W Bro Gary Read, my new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, being promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer and requiring him to be addressed as Very Worshipful Brother in future. W Bro Colin Denne has also been promoted, to Past Senior Grand Deacon to accord with his appointment as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and W Bro John Renaudon, having completed his year as an acting Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, does for this year become a PAGDC. To all, we extend our heartiest congratulations and good wishes for your sterling and continuing effortsto improve Freemasonry especially in this Province. I must express my grateful thanks for the support, co-operation and advice that I have received from my new team in the chained executive. My Deputy of four years, VW Bro John E Griffiths decided it was timely for him to stand aside to give to others the opportunity of being a Ruler in the Province. I express my heartfelt gratitude for his complete loyalty and whilst his presence will be hugely missed, it is not lost, for he has expressed a willingness to be available should the need arise. His successor, VW Bro Gary Read, requires no introduction and is well known throughout the Province. The team was also strengthened at the beginning of the year by the appointment as an APGM of W Bro Colin Denne whose wide experience and knowledge as the former Provincial Grand Secretary remains invaluable. He has now been joined in that similar appointment by W Bro John Renaudon. Whilst some Lodges benefit from the enviable experience of being able to attract a steady flow of candidates for initiation, others, for no apparent reason, suffer great difficulties. There are a number that have diminished in membership to a critical level, on occasions making it exceedingly difficult for them to undertake Ceremonies. However when help has been sought beforehand, I have the greatest respect and admiration for the valuable voluntary assistance frequently provided by the Staffordshire Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge under the general guidance of W Bro Charles Matthews. WBro J Keith Thomas, who so magnificently campaigned the Staffordshire Way, has also now indicated his wish to let someone else take forward and develop the challenge of Education. I have previously said how much we are indebted to him and I have every confidence that W Bro John Lockley will be a worthy successor. Once again the sincere appreciation and congratulations of the whole Province must be given to the past Wardens, W Bro Sandy Stewart and W Bro Michael Heenan, who have provided full, incisive and helpful reports. As your predecessors before you, we thank you for your splendid efforts and hope you will continue to enjoy your Masonry. The genuine gratitude also extends to all the outgoing Provincial Officers, each of whom have made a personal sacrifice of their time to provide an invaluable contribution to Freemasonry in general. Since my first Address to you seven years ago, communications throughout the Province have improved beyond recognition. Integral to this has been the development of the Provincial Magazine 'Within Your Province'. "It would certainly not have been achieved without the depth of knowledge and experience that has been so freely given by the Editor, W Bro Peter Atkins. It is a regret that Grand Lodge hold back from agreeing to an acknowledgement of the Information Officer, as a badged office at Provincial level, although this matter has been raised by the Provincial Grand Masters, and I have raised the matter at our Rulers' Forum. To me the Office provides a vital facility to disseminate information and activity between north and south. The system of passing information to the Information Officer is working well and unlike some Provinces, he never lacks for newsworthy articles. Restricted by the cost of printing to only two publications per year, I believe he does a magnificent job of compilation and editorship to a standard that I wish to have perpetuated. At the last Provincial Grand Lodge meeting, WBro Atkins asked me to make enquiry of anyone with experience or knowledge of editorship, printing or advertising. I am delighted to say that W Bro David Bowyer and WBro John Davies have volunteered to assist with the printing and advertising. I am also grateful to W Bro Chris Priestly, the Provincial Web Master and the Communications Committee, now under the guidance of W Bro John V Renaudon, for the way that this area of Provincial activity continues to be developed. We must move with the times and where we can, be ahead. The number of lodges who have web sites is growing and are proving to be a flourishing source of potential candidates. We must still campaign 'Openness' and be prepared to discuss with our friends and acquaintances the wonderful features and benefits that Freemasonry has to offer. Particularly relevant to this is the expansion of the use of the internet and for all Secretaries to , not only Summonses, but other interesting and useful information; avoid the use of traditional snail mail

11 11 Within Your Province worthy brethren and the increasingly heavy cost associated with it but, vitally, still continue to communicate. One Secretary who does use this method of communication is the Provincial Grand Secretary, W Bro Barrie Rouse. He works tirelessly giving many hours of valuable time and he gives the Province a splendid service, as do the two ladies who undertake the increasingly complex, comprehensive, and continuous office administration. In like manner, Miss Marianne Salt tirelessly benefits the SMCA Office and supports the secretary W Bro Jim Warburton, with her long years of experience. Having been involved with previous Festivals, she understands the complexities of the Festival system which does move apace. The Festival Committee, led by the Deputy PGM together with the enthusiasm of the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro John Francis, is dedicated to further improve the contributions at present standing in the order of 0.25m. However, if we are to reach anything like the success that we did in 2002 of 2.5m, we do have an awful long way to go. One point that I wish all Lodges to take extremely seriously in the present climate of very modest returns; whilst you may be holding money in anticipation of releasing this to the Festival fund in due course, the returns of interest that you will obtain through normal banking sources is almost negligible. I urge and commend in the strongest terms, the use of the relief chest scheme benefitting from a rather higher interest rate. You may either place your own money in your own relief chest with Grand Lodge or pass the donations to the Festival Committee to be credited to your Lodge. Sadly within the last month, Sandwell Lodge has now officially merged with Walton Walker Lodge, the first such loss for the Province. The merger has been conducted completely amicably and will continue to meet at West Bromwich. I am however, pleased to report that support has been forthcoming to enable Boscobel Lodge, which had been facing closure, to continue. Also on the positive side, I was delighted to dedicate Freemasons' Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme, for the benefit of the Lodges which had been displaced by the closure of the rooms at Clayton Lodge Hotel." Newcastle Hall is dedicated The Provincial Grand Master unveils the plaque marking the dedication with Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Gary Read behind him and the chairman of the Hall board of directors W Bro Brian Machin. Newcastle-under-Lyme's Masonic Hall was formally dedicated on Monday, March 23 by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Thomas DC Lloyd, who was accompanied by a full team of acting officers. The five craft lodges who meet at the Hall in Garden Street - Sutherland Lodge of Unity, 460, John O'Gaunt, 4054, Castellum, 6710, Seagrim, 8161, and Jasper, were all represented and their master and a past master proposed various toasts at the five course Festive Board which followed the ceremony. In his address which included a short resume of where lodges had been meeting since the Masonic Rooms at Clayton Lodge Hotel were vacated, the Provincial Grand Master traced the history of the building and said; "We hope that this building, The Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, the Provincial Grand Master and the Hall chairman with the plans and designs. which has been purposely fitted out to match the needs of the various Lodges, provides a happy and rewarding home for many years to come and a lasting edifice for future generations of Freemasons in Newcastle-under-Lyme." Also taking part in the ceremony were the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro Rev Stephen Cooke, the Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, W Bro HW Jenkins, and the chairman of the board of directors of the Hall Company, W Bro Brian Machin. Corn, the symbol of plenty and abundance, wine, the symbol of joy and cheerfulness and oil, the symbol of peace and unanimity were all used in the ceremony of dedication which included the Grand Superintendent of Works handing the Provincial Grand Master the plans and designs of the building which he entrusted to W Bro Machin for safekeeping. 50 Year Celebration for Geoffrey Here are the members of Dieu-La-Cresse Lodge, 4160, who joined Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Keith Thomas to celebrate the milestone of 50 years in Freemasonry of the father of the lodge, W Bro Geoffrey Evanson, PPJGW. He was Master of the Lodge in 1974.

12 Within Your Province 12 University Lodges A few years ago it was decided not to create a new University Lodge in North Staffordshire but the question has now been raised as to whether one of our existing lodges might want to change into a University Lodge. The PGM sent a delegation under W Bro Richard Thompson to listen to a presentation on the subject in Manchester at the end of May. There are now 29 University Lodges which aim to recruit undergraduates and postgraduates. This means that they must make changes to the way they work to make themselves more attractive and effective. Every candidate has a personal mentor and a plan to achieve his Grand Lodge Certificate in the time he has remaining at University. This inevitably results in having several candidates in one ceremony or with more than one ceremony at every meeting. We were assured that this is easily done if the Lodge does away with some of the time consuming ceremonials and concentrates on the work in hand. In order to recruit young people, Lodges need a good website because a first approach to freemasonry will often be through the internet and a clear and helpful website will encourage those interested candidates and put them in touch with the right people. Young people like to be involved from the start and University Lodges encourage their candidates to work on the floor as assistant Deacons from their initiation onwards. The Lodge may also want to look at the timings of their meetings and the cost of their meals to make themselves more attractive to students. They also open their festive boards to prospective candidates so that they can get to know each other. Grand Lodge has set out strict criteria for becoming such a Lodge and the most important is that it can only happen with the agreement of all the brethren of the Lodge in an open meeting. There is no risk of finding that your Lodge has suddenly been designated a University Lodge. When the student graduates or leaves the university he is encouraged to join a 'Receptor Lodge' which will continue to treat him in the same way as his mother lodge. There are already many such lodges in England. In the afternoon there was a presentation from a Manchester Lodge which at one point had only nine members and was failing to recruit at all. They chose to become a University Lodge and are now humming with activity and enjoying the company of many young masons. This was achieved by a determination to make a success of the project and by some fortunate recruitment. They told us that although their meetings start after six pm they have usually finished their festive board by nine thirty pm and many of the brethren stay for a chat or another drink afterwards. The Province is considering this whole question again and whether it has a place in Staffordshire. Racing, Hunting and Umpah at Staffs Knot On June 6th newly installed Worshipful Master Robert Gasch ably assisted by his wife Sue held a Race Night at the Masonic Hall Stafford. The function was a sell out and the hall was packed to capacity. During the evening the Brethren and their families and friends enjoyed a supper prepared by Sue. Daughters Sharon and Nicola assisted during the evening too. The evening turned out to be a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, raising the fantastic amount of 800 for the Worshipful Masters charities 'Asthma UK' and 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People'. Although the preparation for the event was very hard work, it was really pleasing to see the event turn out so successful. Andrew Alders is pictured receiving his prize from W.Bro Bob Gasch August 2nd saw many of the Brethren meet up again, this time for a 'Treasure Hunt'. The event started from the WM's residence at Marston, Stafford and then took the Brethren, families and friends to Eccleshall, Norbury Junction, Gnosall and Stafford in search of clues, culminating in a three course Sunday lunch at Stafford Constitutional Club. The Treasure Hunt was won by Mr Andrew Alderson (son of Brother L B Alderson) and he was presented with a bottle of bubbly by the WM for his efforts. The clues were set mainly by the WM's wife Sue and certainly taxed the brains of all entrants on this lovely Sunday morning. Proceeds from the event and donations totalled 200. On leaving the event WM Bob Gasch said that he and Sue looked forward to meeting everyone again at their 'Umpah Night' on 23rd October. Looking for LIVE MUSIC for your forthcoming Ladies Evening? Then look no further - or a brilliant evening anyone can book this band with confidence. Music to please everyone (W.Mids Entertainment News) nmatched versatility and reliability. 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13 13 Within Your Province A Choral Afternoon at Wilson Keys Court The residents of Wilson Keys Court, the Masonic sheltered housing association at Rugeley, gathered for a concert on Saturday 20th June by the Staffordshire Masonic Choir. The Choir was formed some years ago at the behest of RW Bro Kevin Chawner and it sings in concert several times a year. The afternoon was hosted by RW Bro Kevin Chawner and the marvellous buffet lunch was kindly provided by W Bro Arthur Wright. W Bro Jack Hill was welcomed with a standing ovation and W Bro Keith Thomas and W Bro Alan Walker also dignified the event by attending. The choir put on a magnificent performance much to the delight of their conductor, W Bro Ian Wass, and their audience. The choir rehearses for 90 minutes on one Saturday morning each month in Stafford. New members are very welcome. Just send an to editor@pglstaffordshire.co.uk and you will be put in touch with the Chairman W Bro D.J.Leigh. This autumn the choir will sing at the Installation meeting of the Old Denstonian Lodge and at a White Table dinner at Burton at Christmas time. The Skoda Raffle The raffle raised 4000 for the 2013 Festival thanks to the generosity, hard work and enthusiasm of the organiser, W Bro John Edwards. The winning ticket was drawn by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master Thomas D.C. Lloyd at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge. The winner was Bro Martin Birkinshaw of Forresters' Lodge No 456 who appeared completely stunned when the result was announced but was back to normal for the presentation. The car was obtained from Skoda by arrangement with the dealer principal, W Bro G. Barrie Kibble PPrJGW of Autosales Limited of Bilston. He is a member of St Peter's Lodge No 419. The picture shows the Provincial Grand Master handing over the keys to Bro Birkinshaw with W Bro John Edwards in the centre. The photograph was taken by W Bro G.V.Jenkins.

14 Within Your Province 14 Black Country Evening - A Great Success On Saturday 17th January a Black Country Evening organised by W.Bros Mike Reynolds and Jeff Johnson on behalf of the four Rugeley Craft Lodges was held at Wolgarston High School, Penkridge. It was attended by 220 people and raised the fantastic sum of 3, for the 2013 Festival Appeal. Two Black Country acts, comedy duo Dandy and Tommy Mundon entertained the guests and everyone had a great time. In Addition to the 3, raised on the night W.Bro. Des Pugh the WM of Robert Mummery Lodge No handed over a cheque for the sum of to be added to the amount for the Festival Appeal. This was part of 1, raised at a dinner party organised by Mrs Diane Pugh and their very good friends June and Andrew Pike, the balance of will be donated to Cancer Research later in the year. On the 26th April 2009 a Sunday Lunch was held at the Chase Golf Club, Penkridge and raised 1, for the 2013 Festival Appeal. Other events already booked are the 16th January 2010, a Bavarian Oompah evening with Karl's Bavarian Brass at Wolgarston High School, Penkridge and another Sunday Lunch in April, date to be advised again all proceeds will go to the 2013 Festival appeal. To date the 5 events held have raised 11, , to the 2013 Festival Appeal and a further sum of 1, to the Masonic Garden at the Arboretum, Alrewas. The picture shows Mike Reynolds and Jeff Johnson with their wives together with Gary Read and the Black Country entertainers.

15 15 Within Your Province A Daily Advancement It is important to place the words read in the Second Lesson [St.Matthew Gospel, Chapter 5 13:16] in their proper order if we are to understand them aright. That context is well known as The Sermon on the Mount, presented in Chapters 5-7 of St. Matthew s Gospel. We are informed at the beginning of Chapter 5, significantly, When he saw the crowds, he went up to the mountain. Moreover, when he had sat down, his disciples came to them and he opened his mouth, and began to teach them saying then follows the beatitudes blessed are they that In setting the scene in this rather deliberate and rather long-winded manner, the Gospel writer is drawing our attention deliberately and carefully to the fact that Jesus is having a serious talk with his disciples not with the wider crowd who sought to hear him serious, because of the mountain harking back to Moses delivery of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, two thousand years earlier. Then God was setting out the ethical code. Mountains for Matthew are places where special events occur Temptation, Transfiguration, Resurrection appearance and the Great Commission This then was a special event the time when Jesus proclaims to these the first Christians, how to conduct themselves through life - the Christians Code of Practice as it were. Notice especially that this code was being delivered to Disciples those who already followed Jesusthey followed the code because they were Christians they did not become Christians through following the code. Christianity, like Freemasonry, is accessed by those who, having preconceived a favourable impression of the Institution, seek initiation - in that case through the sacrament of baptism, in which vows of fidelity are made. Then they learn to apply Christ s Code of Practice as committed disciples that are practising members of the church. You, Brother Freemasons are fully cognisant of such a process in your own sphere and you well know that your formal initiation and commitment are the only key to the Masonic door. As it is amongst Freemasons, so it is with the Church, founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ. He demonstrated his own commitment to this fellowship of believers at his own baptism at the hands of St.John the Baptist. And the record of the Gospel is plain his expectation was for his disciples to practice, not just give lip service to, lifelong commitment to his fellowship and teaching. Only one of his archetype 12 disciples broke fellowship that was Judas Iscariot. Sermon Preached by W.Bro.The Revd. Kenneth John Rider, P.Pr.G.Reg., Parish Deacon, Stafford Team Ministry, at the Sesquicentenary Service of Thanksgiving of Staffordshire Knot Lodge No.726 given at The Collegiate Church of St.Mary, Stafford, on 26th October 2008 Salt and Light Masons and Christian Living St.Matthew Gospel, Chapter 5 13:16 W.Bro Ken Rider passed to the Grand Lodge Above in December 2008 Freemasons down the years have had had their share of troubles with the church. They are sometimes accused of being rival religions even though such a contention is entirely false and irresponsible on part of those who preach it, and indeed scandalous. The construction of the Craft makes it plain that Freemasonry is not a religion but that it is a supporter of religion. Its Declarations are one thing; practice is another. Freemasonry in this county needs to declare its strategy if it is to regain and retain the Churches confidence and goodwill. There needs to be recognition that the face of religion in our society has changed and I limit my remarks to Christianity here cognisant of Freemasonry s ability to encompass all worlds religions in membership. When Lodge No.726 was founded in 1858, England was part - if not the centre of the concept of Christendom that is the group of nations where Christianity was the norm for all citizens. The Sesquicentenary of the Lodge takes place in a post-christendom world when the churches themselves have to renew and reestablish their identity in a pluralistic society. Thus in the old order everyone living in this country was automatically regarded as a Christian, but those who claim Christianity today have to demonstrate their credentials. Those credentials, as I have shown, are membership of the church (through Baptism) and regular and active participation in its assemblies and fellowship - unless you are a hermit, and hermits have to be formally appointed as such by the authority of the Church, being simply a nominal Christian is fatal to spiritual progression. Declarations, Brother Freemasons are one thing; practice is another. All in masonry must profess belief in a Supreme Being. The Craft needs to move towards wanting further expectations and those who profess a religious identity should demonstrate their practice of whatever religion that represents, by means of keeping fellowship in the assemblies of that religion. This is no novel precept I am here presenting. The excellent pamphlet entitled Freemasonry and Religion published by the United Grand Lodge of England and freely available, closes with the words Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering with religious practice it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place above all other duties, his duty to God It could not be put more plainly. For Christian Freemasons, keeping within the church s disciplines and fellowship is not an option but an expectation. It should not be difficult. The watchwords of Christianity are Faith, Hope and Love. The watchwords of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. If we reverse the order of the latter, the two sets of precepts will be found to be exactly matched. Freemasonry, like the Craft from which it arose, is a practical art. Thus Love is seen as Brotherly Love mutual care, support and encouragement; Hope is expressed as the relief of material disadvantage, from which hope can emerge, Faith is characterised as truth for what greater truth is there than that of the faith s Author? In such a partnership faith and craft how can the Institution do other than flourish?

16 Within Your Province 16 Ready Lodge 4008 happily welcomes new members It's been a good year for Ready Lodge, 4008, in Stoke on Trent and the installation of W Bro Richard Johnson as Master sealed the on-going success of the lodge which just a few years ago was facing grave difficulties with recruitment. Now, there are seven officers progressing and all of them wear light blue aprons. They are all also under 45 years of age. Lodge Information Officer W Bro Graham Lloyd described the occasion as "a rewarding end to an anxious 15 year period of reducing membership." He said: "During the last 15 years many of our Past Masters with Provincial Grand Lodge ranks Support for seven Seven charities were due to benefit from the charity account of Dormston Lodge, 7821, in April. A total of 350 was to be shared between Acorns Children's Hospice, Diabetes UK, Multiple Sclerosis Trust, Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support, Compton Hospice and Help for Heroes. have been recalled to office and it has been a jolly experience for all concerned. But we knew this was not a good situation for the lodge or its members. "You can imagine how relieved we older brethren are that we have so many young and enthusiastic junior brethren and it is delightful to see them working in the lodge. It all augurs well for the future of the lodge and the momentum is continuing with the latest initiation in April." Bro Graham said the change in fortunes of the lodge, which had a very worrying few years, and will be celebrating 90 years in November, has been welcomed by all members, young and old, and the future is looking good. Mentoring Talk The Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Kevin Parkes talked to members of Round Table Lodge, 8273, which meets in Wednesbury, about Masonic Mentoring at the Lodge's May meeting. The lodge will be celebrating its 200th meeting in November. For your Special Occasions and Masonic requirements Plus Evening Suits Lounge Suits White Tuxedos Patent Leather Shoes And a Host of Goodies that will tempt you to cruise or party W Bro Richard Johnson welcomes the newest member of Ready Lodge Bro Tom Brocklebank after his initiation in April. Banner dedication As we go to press, Izaak Walton Lodge No 4281, Stafford has a busy evening planned for its September 9th meeting when they are holding a banner dedication followed by a Raising ceremony for Bro. Mike Smith. We hope to have a report and photos for our next issue. Did You Know? The bronze doors to the Grand Temple, meeting place for Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and the annual meetings of a number of Provincial Grand Lodges, each weigh one and a quarter tons! The Grand Temple measures 123 feet long, 90 feet wide and 62 feet high and can seat Phone Graeme for details or call in and browse Full Menswear Hire Service also available Graeme Hewes Menswear 7 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6JX Telephone graemehewes@amserve.com

17 17 Within Your Province Forthcoming Events Clay Pigeon Shoot Doveridge Clay Sports Ground (on A50 near Uttoxeter) on Sunday 11th October 2009 starting at am and finishing at 3.00 pm. Remembrance Service National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Burton on Trent, Wednesday 11th November 2009, am Ladies Gift Fayre Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday 14th November 2009 at am. Centenary Service at St Andrew's Church, Handsworth on Saturday 28th November 2009 at 6.00 pm. Bavarian Night. At Penkridge on Saturday 16th January Provincial Grand Chapter Annual General Meeting Staffordshire County Showground on Thursday 22nd April 2010, 5.00 pm. Provincial Grand Lodge Annual General Meeting Staffordshire County Showground on Wednesday 12th May at 5.00pm Provincial Ball. Staffordshire County Showground on Saturday 22nd May Cathedral Service at Lichfield on Sunday 20th June 2010 at 6.00pm. Lodge Events - all visitors are welcome Izaak Walton Banner Dedication Lodge No th September. Round Table Lodge No th Anniversary on 11th September Summit Lodge No th Meeting on 30th September. St Peter's Lodge No th Lodge Anniversary on 1st October. Andresey Lodge No Visit of Delegation from the Royal College of Surgeons on 13th October. Smith Child Lodge No th Lodge Anniversary on 25th November. Black Country Heritage Lodge No th Lodge Anniversary on 3rd December. Awards at Menturia Lodge WBro Eddie Haycock is pictured with WBro Professor David Hoole and his wife, Dr. Janet Hoole after the Ordination ceremony W. Bro Dave Hoole, Past Master and current Worshipful Master of Menturia Lodge No 418, has recently been awarded a Professorial Chair at Keele University. He has been awarded this honour in recognition of his contribution to research in fish diseases. His Inaugural Lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday 8th December 2009 at 6.00pm in the Westminster Theatre at Keele University and is entitled 'From Fish to Chips: understanding fish diseases' W.Bro Eddie Haycock, PPSGD, currently IPM of Menturia Lodge No 418 was admitted to Holy Orders and Ordained at Lichfield Cathedral in June. He will serve his initial curacy at St. Lawrence s Church, Gnosall and St. Mary s, Moreton. Although he studied Theology at University it is only since his retirement as College Lecturer and Award Officer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme that he has been able to undergo training for the Ordained Ministry. At the ceremony he was well supported by family and friends.

18 Within Your Province 18 The New Provincial Prior R.Em.K.t D. Gary Read Candidates for this order are installed first as Knights of the Temple and then later in a separate ceremony, as Knights of Malta. Although we can only claim to have inherited these titles from the knightly fraternities formed during the crusades the interesting and moving ceremonies are based on those early beginnings when a group of knights were granted a place to live within the sacred precincts of King Solomon's Temple by King Baldwin the Second of Jerusalem in The colourful regalia worn is again based on the dress worn by the Crusaders - a white tunic faced with a red cross for the Order of the Temple together with a white mantle, a belt and a sword. The Knights of Malta wear a red tunic faced with the Amalfi cross, a black mantle again faced with the Amalfi cross together with the belt and sword. E.Kt. R.D. Glover M.E. & S.G.M. R.Em.Kt. D Gary Read Leslie Felgate Dring In June the Most Eminent Knight and Supreme Grand Master Leslie Felgate Dring G.C.T. came to Staffordshire with his full team of Officers from Grand Priory to invest David Gary Read as the new Provincial Prior of Staffordshire and Shropshire. He in turn invested Eminent Knight Richard Daniel Glover as his Provincial Sub Prior. Over two hundred and twenty dined at Tettenhall Road and about two hundred and forty witnessed the Investiture. The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Priory followed in the afternoon and all the Officers for the year were invested. The Supreme Grand Master soon won the hearts and minds of those present by the kind and generous way in which he conducted the ceremony and his address after lunch earned him the respect and affection of all the Knights. The Province looks forward to his next visit. Knights Templar and Knights of Malta As the title suggests this is a Christian Order and requires the candidate to be a Trinitarian Christian, a Master Mason and also a Royal Arch Mason. Those who are members of 'KT', as it is familiarly known, believe it to be the most relaxed and friendly Order with open inter- Preceptory visiting at all times. History of the Order The earliest references to KT activity in the British Isles can be found in Ireland. The earliest reference in England was minuted in Portsmouth in 1777 and was worked under the authority of Royal Arch Chapters, as appellant degrees. In 1791 a Grand Conclave was formed comprising seven appendant 'Encampments' with Thomas Dunckerley as Grand Master. Now around five hundred Preceptories are listed. The Order is administered by Great Priory from the Chancery of the Orders, St James's Street London. The Degrees practised are the Order of the Temple (Knight Templar) and Knight of St Paul or the Mediterranean Pass. In the first of these the candidate is admitted dressed as a pilgrim who is first required to undergo a period of pilgrimage and then a period of warfare before taking his vows as a Crusader. Having conducted himself courageously he is instructed in how penance and meditation prepare him for knighthood. Finally he is received, armed and proclaimed as a Knight of the Temple. All business of the Order is conducted in this degree. A short passing degree held in a room outside the Preceptory confers the title Knight of St Paul. The ceremony consists of scriptural readings about St Paul and a battle involving the Knights of St John of Rhodes which success secured safe passage to travellers in all parts of the Mediterranean. The degree of Knight of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta recounts the history of the Knights of Malta and their long struggle against the infidel. There are sixteen Preceptories in the Provincial Priory of Staffordshire and Shropshire and all enquiries about this order should be made to the Provincial Vice Chancellor Alan Howls at The Newlands, Crosscut Lane, Stanwardine-inthe-Fields, Baschurch, Shrewsbury SY4 2DD.

19 19 Within Your Province Prior s Bodyguard at Bi-annual Church Service The bi-annual church service was held this year at the Royal Wolverhampton School on 12th July. The Provincial Prior's Bodyguard under their commander E.Kt. Ray Haynes and their deputy commander E Kt. Chris Ambrose were present in force. A hundred and seventy members attended the service and enjoyed a fine English Tea afterwards. The charity Collection raised 475 and this was given to the Wolverhampton School's Orphanage Appeal. The next of the bi-annual Church Services will be held on 10th July 2011 at 3.30pm. The bodyguard consists of twelve members, each appointed at the personal invitation of the Provincial Prior and each must be below the rank of Preceptory Constable. Retirement Gift On his retirement as Provincial Prior, R.E. Kt. Ian Moxon was presented with a unique Crusader figure, the shield of which bore his coat of arms. The Crusader figurines are supplied and sold for charity by W.Bro Gordon Hewitt of Crusader Lodge