fraternally yours Grand Master s Message Upcoming events Society Office Hours Mon-Fri am pm February 2011

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1 fraternally yours What s Inside: 2011 Awards For Higher Education - Secondary School Education Grant Winners - Loyal Rangiora Lodge - 150th Celebrations and more... Grand Master s Message As we greet the New Year, we contemplate the year just gone and think about the year ahead. This past year has seen tragedies in this country and abroad. We especially remember the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River disaster which affected so many of us. Some of us lost loved ones last year and our thoughts and love go out to you. But the New Year brings hope to us all and the wish for a better year. My wish for all our members and your families is for a happy and peaceful year in The Society is moving ahead with assisting lodges with their consolidation plans and several lodges will complete their plans early this year. At the same time, Society is adjusting to the complex new regulations which now dictate how we run our business. The fraternal side of our Society is continuing to move ahead with lodges Thinking outside the square when developing their fraternal programme. It is pleasing to see the growth in Afternoon Lodges for our elderly members. These assist members who are unable to come out at night, but who still wish to have fraternal contact with their fellow members. Congratulations to those lodges which are doing this or something similar, and my hope is that more lodges will do the same. I have a busy few months coming up, visiting all regions around the country. I hope to meet many of you during these visits and spend some time with you. Please come up and introduce yourselves to me, I delight in putting faces to names! I look forward to meeting you. In Friendship, Love and Truth Peter Courtney Grand Master Upcoming events 19 Feb 2011 Grand Master s visit to Canterbury Region. Afternoon at the Air Force Museum. Contact J Sheppard/M Dempsey 16/17 Mar 2011 Fraternal Council meeting in Palmerston North and attend Manawatu Lodge. 19 Mar 2011 Grand Master s visit to Southland District. Stewart Island. 9 April 2011 Grand Master s visit to Nelson Lodge 14 May 2011 Grand Master s visit to Lodges Manawatu/Wanganui area. Wanganui River Trip. 9 June 2011 Fraternal Council meeting in Hamilton and attend Waikato Lodge 29 Aug 2011 Fraternal Council meeting in Christchurch and attend Rangiora Lodge. 22/23 Sept 2011 Riccarton Lodge 125th Celebrations. Contact J Winsloe 27/28 Oct 2011 Movable Conference in. Contact R Hocking TBC Nov 2011 Fraternal Council meeting in New Plymouth and attend Egmont Lodge If you would like more information on any of the above, please contact the Fraternal Manager. February 2011 Society Office Hours Mon-Fri am pm

2 Greetings from the Fraternal Manager Welcome to 2011 and what we plan to be a great year. This is going to be a full year with 5 Grand Master visits, 4 Fraternal Council meetings and Movable Conference in October. During the year I plan to visit as many Lodges as possible, so if you have a special meeting coming up you might like to let me know early. Lodges need to be encouraging their members to come along to their meetings and Fraternal functions. Think outside the box and be prepared to try something new. The first thing to do is find a core group of 3/5 people who are prepared to assist in organising events. Make use of these people and the times they are available. When we visited the UK, we saw several examples of Social Lodge events. One of these was a very interesting speaker from the local community. This person collected Annuals. By this I mean the books not plants. He had copies that dated back to the early 1800 s. He had brought with him a very small part of his collection and the members were very appreciative of his efforts. One of the most unusual was no bigger than a pack of cards. This is an example of making use of the members in your local community. What is more their meeting is held on Friday afternoon to allow older members to attend in daylight. There are lots of interesting people out there who would like to tell you about their interests or even jobs. Another of the social events we attended was a very well organised trip up the Thames in London. This was a great trip with approx 180 attending, including a number of non members who got to see what a great time MU members have. Now I know that we all don t have London to travel through or a river like the Thames to travel up, but I am sure that if you put your thinking caps on you will find something in your area to visit and have an enjoyable time. If you have an idea, don t be afraid to come forward and tell your Lodge Secretary/Fraternal Administrator about it. Often they are very keen to hear new ideas. This year I am already aware of 4 Lodges who plan to put Consolidation before a Special Meeting of Members. These Lodges back themselves to make Fraternal Activities work and can see that Consolidation will help the Lodge and the members. If your Lodge has not already done so, why not have a discussion about consolidation. If you would like some more information or assistance in such a discussion, please contact me. Members of the Fraternal Council and Board will be more than happy to come along and assist. Remember that the year to come is totally new and is yours to do with as you wish. I plan to make this a great year and I am looking forward to spending some of it with the members of Manchester Unity. Bro Ian Fitchett Fraternal Manager Free phone 0800 MUSO4U ( ) Cell phone ianf@manchesterunity.org.nz The 0800 number should divert to my cell phone when I am away, so try that number first. Loyal Lodge Meetings Would Members please note that as of January 2011, Loyal Lodge will be meeting in the Masonic Lodge Hall in Kennedy Road,. For any visitors the Hall is situated on left hand side of Kennedy Road 2 sections removed from the Kennedy / Riverbend Road traffic lights. Lodge Meetings are held on the second Monday of Each Month commencing at 7.30 p.m. Members and Visitors most welcome. For more information please contact our Fraternal Administrator, Richard Hocking, (06)

3 Loyal Rangiora Lodge : 150th Celebrations Group photo of church service held on Sunday 17th October 150 years in the making---wow---what a weekend. The weekend of the 16th-18th October 2010 dawned bright and clear with the committee on setup duties early at the Rangiora R.S.A. Club, Victoria Street, Rangiora, where all the functions were held. Members started to arrive at 4.30pm for a great deal of chatting and catching up prior to dinner at 5.30pm. With the formal part of the evening completed guests were then able to eat, drink and dance the night away.sunday events started with a church service with members wearing regalia. The service was conducted jointly by Brother Noel Dalley P.D.G.M. and Elizabeth Smith [daughter of the late Vern Henry, a member of Ashley District management committee]. During the service a detailed history of Loyal Rangiora Lodge which was written and presented by Sister Suzanne Inkson P.D.G.M. was given. At the conclusion of the service members enjoyed a finger food luncheon prior to the annual celebration of Senior Members day. The formal part of the afternoon included presentations of 50 year certificates and jewels, three 75 year membership certificates, two lodge merit jewels and on behalf of Ashley District three Past District Grand Master certificates. Also given was a 10 year service certificate to the retiring lodge treasurer. The anniversary cake was then cut by the two oldest members present, Sister Audrey Rae of Waiau and Brother Keith Rowe of Rangiora - jointly nearly 140 years of membership between them. Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by The Highflyers, many of whom are lodge members. To conclude the afternoon Lynda, Ian and their staff in the restaurant provided once again an amazing array of food, for afternoon tea. Monday evening, the final event of our celebrations, was a universal ritual meeting with the officers taking part being former members of the outlying 10 lodges that made up Ashley District until amalgamation on Rangiora in We were honoured to receive the Grand Master of New Zealand, Brother Peter Courtney, Past Grand Master and Chairman of the Board, Brother Paul Haglund, Director, Sister Ingrid Taylor P.G. and Brother John Simpson and Sister Sue Meikle, Fraternal Councillors as our guests for the evening. The meeting was ably chaired by our Noble Grand, Sister Fran Gardner P.D.G.M. [whose family have given 143 years of service to Loyal Rangiora Lodge] and she welcomed visitors from Auckland,, Nelson, Ashburton, Banks Peninsula and North Canterbury lodges and districts. Also present were the Mayor of Waimakiriri District, David Ayers and his wife Marilyn, and our local Member of Parliament, Clayton Cosgrove, and his partner Jane. A special mention was made of the number of White Star Jewel recipients and their respective partners attending. A Rangiora member, Bruce Shadbolt and his wife even made the trip from Australia to attend. On the Monday evening, because of ill health, Bruce was able to stand in as Vice Grand, which he did with great pride. During the evening the Noble Grand chose a few members to share their early lodge experiences - this included our Grand Master. The anniversary cake was cut by Brother Peter Courtney G.M. and Sister Fran Gardner, N.G. Loyal Rangiora Lodge. The evening concluded with supper, MORE food and conversation time. By all reports a great weekend was had by all. Sis Anne Tull Group photo of Officer bearers with the Grand Master Bro Peter Courtney at the Anniversary ritual meeting on Monday 18th October Manchester Unity Friendly Society: Level 6, 142 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145

4 Nelson District Welcome to I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year was a very busy year with many functions to attend. This year the social committee is busy planning the events for you to enjoy, look out for the programme in the Nelson/Marlborough Top of the South newsletter. The 2010 Lodge Christmas dinner was a great social event with 45 members being treated to a catered meal in the Lodge rooms followed by gifts handed out by Santa s helpers. Also that night Past Grand Master Bro Richard Jenkins was presented with his 50 year membership certificate by District Grand Master Sis Julie Tomlinson. The retirement of Bro Kevin Elliott as Financial Secretary of the Lodge was marked with a gift from the Lodge of a Glass Blown Bowl. This was presented at the Christmas dinner by District Grand Master Sis Julie Tomlinson who thanked Kevin for all his dedication to the Lodge for over 30 years. Several members spoke of Kevin s service and wished him well on his retirement. The appointment of Sis Jan Simpson as the Lodge Fraternal Administrator has been advised to all Nelson Lodge members with the relevant contact details. Feel free to contact her with any queries you may have. Fraternal Councillor John Simpson District Grand Master Sis Julie Tomlinson presenting Bro Kevin Elliot with a gift Loyal Rangiora Lodge 150th Anniversary Badges for Sale The lodge has a small surplus of these badges available at $10 each. Please contact and send money with order to Anne Tull, Secretary, Loyal Rangiora Lodge, P.O.Box 164 Rangiora. First in, first served. Anne will try to have same day turn around for these. Loyal Riccarton Lodge On Sunday November 21, 2010 twenty three members and friends helped out at the Special Children s Christmas Party held at the CBS Arena in Christchurch. The members worked incredibly hard in Santa s Cave, handing out the wonderful gifts donated by the sponsors to the hundreds of children who were invited to the party. The day started with food and entertainment for the children, then a visit to Santa s Cave to receive a gift and see Santa. Riccarton Lodge members have assisted for the past 6 years by providing their person power for this very rewarding and worthwhile project. Bro John Winsloe Riccarton Lodge members Bro Ernie McNicholl District Grand Master, with Sisters Pauline Smith and Margaret Bell - ready to hand out gifts to the many children attending the Party

5 Secondary School Education Grants 2010 Winners As reported in the November edition, Manchester Unity has created a new assistance package to help members with the increasing costs of Secondary School. Up to 10 grants of $ each will be awarded every year. We have pleasure in announcing the Secondary School Education Grant winners for 2010 these are: Harrison Algie Alexandra Clarke-Ryk Thomas Freer Emma Pickup Samara Ulyatt Laura-Jane Douch Kelsey May Courtney McCallum Jessica Silcock Milly Williams Hastings Wellington New Plymouth Hawera Christchurch Christchurch Congratulations to all these winners. North Canterbury District It was once again a very special day to share an afternoon with more than 70 Senior Lodge members at the annual Senior Members Party, held on Sunday, November 7. Guests were welcomed by the District Grand Master Brother Ernie McNicoll as they gathered in the lounge at Loyal Riccarton Lodge Rooms, before moving through to the hall to be entertained by Heather Mitchell playing a variety of tunes on her piano accordion. Many joined in the singing to the toe tapping music. A wonderful afternoon tea was shared by all and three lucky people took home the raffle prizes. On Sunday, December 12 it was the children s turn to have fun with 71 registered for the Annual Children s Christmas Party. Held in Holmes Park on a hot but windy day, the families gathered in the shelter of the large trees. Tony Chimes was right on time and everyone got to enjoy one of the creamy delights. Adam Allsorts has entertained the children for a number of years and this year he went all out to ensure that every child received one of his balloon figures. He performed many magical feats and had the children laughing and joining in with his antics. Of course the highlight of the day was the arrival of Santa in a white, stretched limo and the children all clamoured to receive their gifts. There were lolly scrambles and loot bags including drinks and balloons for all the children to finish off a very successful day. Sis Lynne Winsloe, District Secretary Adam Allsorts entertaining the children

6 2011 Awards for Higher Education The Awards for Higher Education judging was carried out by the Fraternal Council and their recommendations were approved by the Board at their December Board meeting. We are pleased to announce the following Awards recipients commencing in the 2011 year: Degree Scholarships were awarded to: Joseph Corbett-Davies of BE (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Antonia Haynes of Canterbury - Medical Radiation Therapy Likely to Succeed Awards were also awarded to: Ryan Hewett of Chef s Apprentice Cheryl Courtney of Auckland conjoint degree in Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws It was also agreed that Likely to Succeed Awards now be for the term of study and that all successful applicants be granted free membership to MU, (including a $5,000 FAB policy) for the duration of their study. It was noted that some applicants were undertaking consecutive degrees (ie one degree followed by another, not a double degree) and it was agreed that in such a situation an award would only be made for the term of the initial degree and the applicant would be required to make a separate application for the second degree. Congratulations to our Awards winners and we look forward to hearing their progress throughout the year. Holiday Home Update Last year we sold our Orewa Holiday Units and we have had a lot of feedback requesting a more centrally located holiday home in Auckland, and we have been investigating suitable properties/areas. As yet we have not been successful in purchasing a property in Auckland, but we are hoping to in the near future. Members will of course be advised when this occurs. Exterior painting will be commencing on Hanmer Springs and Units during January, February and March. The remainder of the holiday homes will have maintenance work carried out on them gradually throughout the year, during the quiet periods. Members are encouraged to utilise the holiday accommodation units, which are a great benefit for all to enjoy. MC 2011 Reminder HOSTED BY LOYAL NAPIER LODGE - 27TH - 28TH OCTOBER 2011 VENUE: - NAPIER WAR MEMORIAL CONFERENCE CENTRE MAIN ACCOMMODATION: - TE PANIA HOTEL OPPPOSITE THE CONFERENCE CENTRE (OTHER OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE) START YOUR PLANNING NOW - DETAILED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO COSTS, ACCOMMODATION, PROGRAMME ETC WILL BE DISPATCHED TO LODGES & DISTRICTS EARLY IN NEW YEAR SEE YOU IN SUNNY NAPIER