Triple celebration for Bradelei Lodge

It has to be a special occasion to bring together the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and two Assistants, the Provincial Grand Superintendant and the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark degree and his Deputy; and that’s what the meeting of the Bradelei Lodge № 9205 held on 6th December 2011 was!

The Lodge held a triple celebration on this occasion; its 25th anniversary, completion of its target for the Derbyshire 2014 Festival and subsequent presentation of the commemorative Maul and block, but primarily these distinguished Brethren, together with almost 130 other Brethren (including a significant delegation of acting Provincial Officers) were gathered as a mark of respect for WBro John Spiers Wallace, PJGD, Past Provincial Grand DofC and honorary member of the Bradelei Lodge, on the occasion of him being presented with a 50 year certificate of membership of the Craft.

Bradelei Lodge was consecrated in November 1986; the daughter Lodge of the Lodge of Saint John (8070) and granddaughter Lodge of Beaureper Lodge (787). It takes its name from the ancient Saxon settlement of Bradelei (meaning broad clearing) and it is now generally recognised that Bradelei is synonymous with the district of Belper Laund, a small part of modern Belper.

WBro Peter Hodcroft, APGM and a founder member of the Lodge, gave a brief and interesting presentation of the history of the Lodge, the circumstances of its formation, and the role played by the late WBro H (Bert) Marks in the development of its ritual, particularly the practice of actively encouraging Past Masters to take on parts of the rituals. The present secretary, WBro Keith Roberts, JGD, then expounded on the subsequent development of the Lodge, through some difficult times, to its present day healthy state, with a significant number of Master Masons waiting to progress on to ‘the ladder’.

WBro Phil Hughes, the Charity Steward and first Initiate into Bradelei Lodge, presented a cheque for £6575 to the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Graham Rudd, which represented the balance of the £23100 target set for the Lodge towards the Derbyshire 2014 Festival. The PGM expressed his grateful thanks to the Brethren of the Lodge for their generous efforts in achieving their target so early in the process, and presented the Worshipful Master, WBro Dhirendra Devlia, with a commemorative Maul and block, in recognition of the Lodge’s achievements.

The RW Provincial Grand Master then presented WBro Wallace with his certificate of 50 years of membership. He introduced his presentation with an impressive CV of WBro Wallace’s achievements in both the Craft and Mark Masonry, being a past Deputy Provincial Grand Master in the Mark degree from 1988 to 1994, as well as the Craft Provincial Director of Ceremonies for Derbyshire from 1984 to 1995. The PGM credited WBro Wallace with the progressive reforms of the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting to the pleasant occasion it is today and also reminded the meeting of WBro Wallace’s assertive and idiosyncratic command to the assembled Brethren at these meetings which was unique!

WBro Albert Goodman, secretary of the Derwent Lodge, WBro Wallace’s mother Lodge, then read out the handwritten minutes of the meeting of November 1961 when he had been initiated. He is a Lewis, and had the pleasure of having the working tools of the degree explained to him by his father, a distinguished Leicestershire and Rutland Mason.

The PGM took the opportunity to ask Lodge secretaries to minute any interesting and unusual occurrences at Lodge meetings that they may be record for the future.

Belper Masonic hall then did a good impression of Dr Who’s Tardis by accommodating over 130 Masons for a fine Festive Board, after which, WBro Liversley presented an engraved gift to WBro Wallace to further commemorate the occasion.

John Peck - News Journalist - North
 

Heat Wave at St Werburga № 4147

Friday 30^th September 2011 saw a truly spectacular meeting of St Werburga Lodge № 4147 at the Grange Masonic Hall, Derby. The lodge was opened by the Master, WBro Peter Featherby and his officers at 6.15 pm precisely.

The lodge was ‘well graced’, by the presence of two most worthy brethren, WBro Peter John Hodcroft (APGM) PSGD along with the Incumbent (Prestonian Lecturer 2012), WBro Tony Harvey, ProvGMentor.

An autumn evening, ‘temple temperatures’ were such, the WM immediately authorised the removal of gloves.

The lodge temperatures further arose, when WBro Harvey occupied the chequered carpet to furnish the lodge and its many visitors with an ‘Interactive talk upon Masonic Mentoring’.

WBro Harvey engendered his opening address, inviting all brethren but for a short moment to simultaneously close their eyes, preying perfect peace, recalling those moments when first received into Freemasonry.

A sophisticated full debate with total audience participation ensued, most particularly by our APGM, with findings of contrasting degrees. WBro Harvey closed his talk, outlining the role of Lodge Mentor and his support towards Brother Candidate.

The temple atmosphere was ‘electric’ upon this very interesting subject and could well have continued ad infinitum, into the late evening. WBro Harvey retired against ‘quiet audience applause’.

Lodge labours then saw the WM convey a £6,000.00 - ‘Letter of Authority’ towards the APGM in support of The Derbyshire Festival 2014.

The APGM thanked all brethren of St Werburga Lodge most particularly (Lodge Charity Steward), WBro Harry Fry for his labours and further detailed that St Werburga, was well, on its way towards receipt of a Festival Maul.

The festive board saw the consumption of a ‘grand platter’ most suitable towards the pallets of all brethren present and the exchange of sincere friendship and camaraderie. The WM closed the evening, wishing all brethren, a safe journey home.

Brethren desirous of hearing our ProvGMentor should contact the Secretary, ‘The Derbyshire Lodge of Installed Masters’ № 8509 prior to its meeting on Wednesday 28^th March 2012 or visit Website: www.prestonian.org.uk

Mentor Lodge make further 2014 Festival Contribution

A further contribution of £1,250 was made by Mentor Lodge towards their 2014 Derbyshire Festival total at the Mentor Lodge Meeting on Thursday, 6^th October 2011.  Immediate Past Master WBro Martyn Bertalan made the presentation to the Provincial Senior Ward as a large proportion of the money raised for this donation was achieved during his year as WM  WBro Ian McDarmaid thanked the Lodge on behalf of the Festival Committee and stated that Mentor Lodge had now reached 56% of their Festival Target. 

John L Cole
Secretary, Mentor Lodge № 7064

Smiles Personified at Littleover № 9565

Few facial expressions are more powerful than the simple smile.

A smile has the energy to convey some of our strongest emotions.

Such facial expressions were well in evidence by all present, including the many ‘visiting brethren’, who attended the meeting of Littleover Lodge № 9565 at Derby upon the evening of Thursday 7^th July 2011.

The WM, WBro Mike Cullen along with his officers opened the lodge and all brethren present stood ‘in respect of departed merit’, moments before which, WBro Manus Booth afforded all present, with a detailed, truly compassionate tribute towards WBro David Charles Law (Past Provincial Grand Master), who sadly passed to the Grand Lodge on Tuesday 17^th May 2011.

The WM then went on to formally greet our DPGM, WBro John Raymond Collison PGSwdB along with many supporting members, of The Festival Executive 2014 Team.

The labours of the evening saw a well executed ‘passing ceremony’ of Bro. Gareth Roberts, by the WM well supported by ‘deputy’ Senior Deacon, WBro Geoffrey Hursthouse, who performed magnificently supporting brother candidate.

The WM detailed the Secrets and South East Corner, whilst lodge DC, WBro Ravi Sahnan gave a well delivered ‘Second Degree Charge, supported by Brother Nicholas Reynard who gave a ‘floorless recitation’ of the extended version of the working tools of the degree.

It was truly a lovely evening together, ‘Pena ultimately’ completed, when WBro Eric Mitchell PAGDC afforded Bro Danny Brown with a detailed compassionate explanation of his ‘Pillars Certificate’.

WBro Collison then received from the Lodge a cheque to the value of £6,300.00 towards The Derbyshire Festival 2014.

The DPGM went on to sincerely thank,  the WM and lodge, most particularly WBro Ray Gandhi (Charity Steward),  for the generous donation, further outlining how constantly ‘astonished he felt’ receiving such an amount of money and that Littleover Lodge had achieved magnificently upon arriving at 36% of it s lodge target.

The Lodge was closed in perfect peace and harmony and a splendid festive board ensued, with the exchange of sincere friendship and camaraderie

The WM then closed the evening wishing all a safe journey home and a safe and happy summer break.

WBro George Frost
PProvGReg

Unlucky 13! – not Spencer Lodge

Over 60 masons, including 20 Provincial Officers, witnessed a wealth of Masonic talent on display at the Spencer Lodge № 8773 Installation meeting on Thursday 23^rd June 2011.

Led by WBro Robert van Woeden, all of the participants gave a display of Masonic ritual delivery at its best, including full working tools explanations from junior Brethren of the Lodge, Brothers Degg, Sharp (moral tendencies no less!) and Fox, and the three addresses from senior members WBrethren  Merriman, Swift and Tipping.

The incoming Worshipful Master, WBro Gary Lloyd had the pleasure of appointing his father, Bro. George Lloyd as the Junior Warden of the Lodge, as well as a full complement of “light blue” Master Masons to the ladder offices, and no less than eight stewards!

The meeting was honoured by the presence of the Provincial Grand Master, RWBrother Graham Rudd, who gratefully received a cheques for £6000 jointly from WBro Parnham, the Lodge Charity Steward, and WBro Tipping, his predecessor.  The PGM was advised that this donation marked the achievement of the Lodges target of £22500 towards the 2014 Derbyshire Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund.

The PGM thanked the Lodge and its members for their hard work and generosity, and congratulated them in achieving the target so early in the period. He then expressed his pleasure at being able to present the Lodge with a commemorative Festive Maul, to mark the achievement and in recognition of attaining their target.

The PGM advised the Brethren that this was the 13^th Maul he had had the pleasure of presenting so far since the Festival was launched, and that the Festival had realised two thirds of its target.

To the surprise and pleasure of all of the Brethren, the PGM then took the opportunity to promote WBro Tony Bell, PProGW to the office of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden, in recognition of his long and distinguished service in this Lodge, his mother Lodge (Liversage Lodge № 5027 – WM in 1975!) and Derbyshire Freemasonry generally.

Brigade Boys have Highland fling

On Saturday the 28th of January 2012, family and friends joined the members of Sure and Stedfast Lodge to celebrate what proved to be yet another magnificent and memorable Burn’s night.

The lodge was delighted to welcome W.Bro Graham Johnston who addressed the Haggis in his own brilliant, unique and inimitable style. The occasion was further enhanced by the attendance of Miss Sarah Fox, a renowned Operatic Soprano.

Sarah has appeared at several of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and the Royal Albert Hall where she regularly performs in the annual BBC Proms festival. Sarah entertained the 110 guests, treating them to a repertoire of songs accompanied on piano by Bro David Barnard. The performance concluded with a hearty sing song (of traditional and well known Scottish songs) which everyone participated in and thoroughly enjoyed.

Being well known for their special raffles and fund raising efforts the lodge did not disappoint as the outstanding amount of £1,105-00 was raised in aid the of the Derbyshire 2014 festival.

One could not fail to mention W.Bro Paul Barrass who donated a quite fantastic themed Scottish Hamper for the Raffle and who gave a most entertaining and memorable toast to the lassies (in Rhyme of course). Congratulations to W.Bro Peter Gallimore for winning the hamper!!

Completing the fund raising event was an auction sale of one of the first Masonic (Cookery/Kitchen) Aprons. Although due to be launched at Provincial Grand Lodge in March 2012, W.Bro Richard McDonald happened to be in possession of one of the first ones available and Mrs Jo Mather kindly wore the apron during the evening and modelled it for the sale. The auction raised an incredible £60.

What a wonderful evening of friendship, fellowship and charitable giving. Well done to the worshipful master and brethren of Sure and Stedfast Lodge for all their hard work and many thanks to everyone for their support and generosity. Dad even let me have a glass of wine, what a fantastic night!!!!

Tristan McDonald

- a Lewis in the making!!

Sing when you’re winning

Those who know Amadeus Lodge will know that they don’t need any encouragement to sing! So when WBro Martin Bates presented the Worshipful Master, WBro Dr John Wade with their Festival Maul on a hot Saturday 2^nd July, there was much cause for rejoicing.

Amadeus Lodge had become the 14^th Lodge in the Province to receive this honour having raised over £34.000 which easily surpassed their target of £32,450.

WBro Bates was particularly please to advise the members of the Lodge that they ought to feel proud in the knowledge that their Lodge members had the 2^nd highest number of Gift Aid covenants in the Province.

32 Masons were treated to a wonderful day of Freemasonry.

The day ‘kicked off’ by the Initiation of Mr John Hemmingham. The football supporters (and fans of Sheffield United!) amongst you may recognise John as being one of the lead trumpet players in the official England football team band. He started this interest as a member of the band which original followed Sheffield Wednesday, and in spite of this initial adversity, he is now the principal organiser of the England bands activities. He has supported the England team in this capacity all over the world. As well as playing in the England band, he and his colleagues supported Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, the GB hockey and volley ball teams at the Bejing Olympics and hope to do so again at the 2012 games. He has written a book about his experiences called “Playing for England”.

John is a Lewis, and the ceremony was watched by his proud father Scarborough Mason, WBro Peter Hemmingham. Peter also had the pleasure in reciting the ‘Initiates Chain’ ritual to his own son at the Festive Board.

After calling off for a buffet lunch and Festive Board, the meeting called on again in the afternoon and Immediate Past Master, WBro Jonathon Parsons took the chair to conduct and excellent double passing of Bros Mark Smith and John Smith.

Bretwalda step closer

I attended Bretwalda Lodge last night with WBro Peter Hodcroft APGM and WBro Mike Knifton. WBro Hodcroft was presented with a cheque for £5000 by the Worshipful Master, WBro Michael Croft and the Charity Steward, Bro Ron Murray. This represents great progress by the Lodge in support of the Derbyshire 2014 Festival and the brethren were warmly congratulated by the Assistant PGM.

Reported by WBro Steve Jones.

King Egbert hit the target

One could quite easily be forgiven for running out of superlatives when trying to describe how magnificent the Initiation Ceremony was conducted by King Egbert Lodge on Tuesday 5^th April 2011 especially the Worshipful Master WBro Martin Hemingway on his first outing since his Installation.

This was a very special evening in many ways and a most memorable occasion for the Candidate Bro. Alexander James Ekins who now follows his late Great Grandfather The Revd. GR Ekins who was a founder back in 1921. What a wonderfully sentimental moment for Bro Ekins and the Lodge as a whole. I am sure that you will all join me in wishing Alexander every future happiness and success in his Freemasonry and in this wonderful Lodge.

Congratulations King Egbert Lodge on your tremendous contribution towards the Festival and very well done to WBro Martin Hemingway who performed an outstanding and very impressive ceremony. The year ahead is certainly very rosy at King Egbert.

Richard C. McDonald.

A further contribution from Cesterfield

At the meeting of Cestrefeld Lodge № 3889 on Monday evening, WBro Peter Hodcroft, Assistant Provincial Gand Master received a cheque for £5000 from W Bro Mike Boyce, the Worshipful Master, as a further contribution towards the Lodge's target in support of the Derbyshire 2014 Festival.  Also in the picture are WBro Maurice Cox, lodge Secretary and Bro Richard Wilkins, Charity Steward.

Rabbie Burns would have been proud!

A damp and dismal night followed an dismal Saturday afternoon at Dore Masonic Hall; but no matter, months of planning and a dedicated team of 'sorters' had ensured that everything was set for an excellent evening of fine food, first class entertainment and of course, the (brief) obligatory meeting in the Temple before hand.

As always, the January meeting of Sure & Stedfast (№ 9130) was purely a business affair; the Master Elect, Treasurer & Tyler were all dealt with by WBro Paul and his team in a timely fashion. Indeed, two candidates and two joining members were also favourably balloted for and the affairs of the Lodge, Province and Grand Lodge dispatched with unusual efficiency!

Clearly, the brethren assembled really wanted to join their partners and other guests relaxing in the (recently refurbished) sumptuous bar lounge, enjoying complimentary sherry and the wide range of offerings from Bob the bar steward and his efficient team. Some 45 minutes after the Lodge had been gaveled open, the closing ode had been sung (delightfully accompanied buy the 'newly joined' organist WBro Ken Langley - although WBro Ken has been our guest organist for some time) there was a rush back up stairs in a manner similar to a Le Mans start of yore!

The return to the lounge was an utter delight with our ladies, resplendent in their gowns and dresses trimmed with flashes of several clans' tartan, the hum of joyous chatter, and of course, that waft from the kitchens of the banquet that awaited us. An aperitif or two later and we were summoned to the dinning hall by the drones of David Barnard's pipes. Moments later the servery doors opened and the team of waiters and waitress descended with the first course, a traditional Scotch Broth.

A quarter of an hour quickly passed by as the soup easily passed our palates, and minutes later the tables were cleared once again, in preparation for our Pipe Major, David, escorting the haggis to the table of WBro Brian Evangelista for the formal address, which in his usual superb style was a joy to behold.

Clapshott of Haggis, dressed with amber sauce (a nice Scotch variety!) followed, as did a fine cut of Scotch beef with the usual trimmings and Scottish raspberries made an appearance prior to the cheese board. With wine, and merriment, a tremendous banquet was thoroughly enjoyed by the 109 (that's 109) happy souls present.

Following the toasts there was a very well provisioned raffle, and an additional 'envelope' raffle for the exceptionally stocked (to the tune of around £200) Scotch Hamper that our WM WBro Paul personally provided, for which there was one very happy winner and a room full of envious runners-up! The figure that our raffle's engendered was a staggering £910!! How's that for a contribution towards our 2014 Festival target? We then presented one of our waitresses with a birthday present - is that commitment or what?

The evening continued with some wonderful singing by Debbie Norman, delightfully accompanied by David Barnard again, but this time, competently tinkling the ivories. After a short break, with a just-for-fun quiz we all joined in with some more Scottish favourites and of course a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne - what more could one ask for? Well, may be tickets for next year!

Reaching the Peak !

The December meeting of Mundy Grove Lodge (506) saw the culmination of the Three Peaks Challenge with the presentation of a cheque to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master J G R Rudd, with many of those brethren that took part in the event being present.

In the first weekend of June last year a team of 18 brethren travelled to Fort William in Scotland to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Mount Snowden in Wales all in aid of the 2014 Festival.

The Provincial Grand Master accepted a cheque for £12,295.29 from WBro Neil Ruddiman, the Worship Master of Mundy Grove, on behalf of the Three Peaks team, representing the largest amount raised in one single event by Derbyshire Masons.

Certificates were then presented to the Three Peak members by the Provincial Grand Master to commemorate their achievement, all of which were kindly prepared by WBro Matthew Hewitson of Lutudarum Lodge (9363), one of the organisers of the event.

Others that braved the Three Peaks included WBro L Kirkman (6736), WBro C Sellars (9363), WBro P Massey (9074), WBro R Atkin (884), WBro J Curzon (353), WBro C Taylor (5603), Bro C Thurman (6736), WBro J Webb (4147), WBro M Fallon (9074), BroM Wilkinson (8458), Bro D Smith (9493), Bro T Waddington (9063) and ably assisted by the support team of WBro F Dawson (9436), WBro S Tingey (9436), WBro W Millichip (5027) and WBro J Ho (802).

The Provincial Grand Master and members of the Festival Committee then joined brethren, partners and guests at a packed Christmas Festive Board, where everyone was able to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal and ‘sing away the night’ with a wide choice of Christmas Carols

The good news is that the Three Peaks challenge was not a one off event and 2012 will see another challenge, but on this occasion it’s time to get on your bike for the ‘Coast to Coast’ bike’ ride. If you think you’ve got what it takes to sit in a saddle for three days for the good on the 2014 Festival, then we want to know – call WBro Rob Atkin on 07852263263 and we promise that your feet won’t touch the ground for 130 miles!

Cholesterol Busting at Fairfield

Of the many visiting Brethren attending the meeting of Fairfield Lodge № 2224 Long Eaton, Wednesday, 5^th October 2011, doubtless all would agree on the content of the temple meeting possessed content, quality and interest.

WBro Barry Bickley furnished a highly compassionate eulogy, upon the passing of WBro David Charles Law following which, all brethren stood in respect of departed merit.

Being ‘Past Masters Night’ the WM WBro Kewal Athwal handed his office to WBro Stephen Bradford who, assisted along with many other experienced brethren, in order a passing ceremony of candidate, Bro Rod Patterson ensued.

A remarkable standard of ritual was well in evidence, with lodge SD WBro Barry Austin, supporting the candidate, WBro John Lacey ‘well delivered’ the secrets of the degree and WBro Eddie Allcock gave a flawless extended version of the working tools of this degree.

Without doubt, the ‘highlight’ of the evening materialised with Lodge DofC, WBro Phillip Bowler affording brethren with a unique but unimaginable explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board. Such was the ‘very detailed deliverance’ that many visiting brethren desired to witness its deliverance a second time!

WBro Bickley then presented with a detailed explanation of the ‘Pillars Certificate’ to Bro Than Yung.

Many brethren had supported the WM’s lodge ‘sponsored slim’, participants being WBros Barry Bickley, Phillip Bowler and Bros Alex Parker, Cyril Bishton, Adrian Hackett, David Ross & Brett Bishton in addition to the WM.

A fitting legacy towards The Derbyshire Festival 2014.

The photograph depicts: WBro Peter Hodcroft with the WM and members of the ‘Fairfield slimming world’.

Peter accepts another £5k from Elm Avenue!

Chris Taylor is the current Master of Erewash lodge, and a Past Master of Dale Abbey in 1987, and can be seen handing a £5000 cheque to APGM Peter Hodcroft. They have a young enthusiastic Charity Steward called W Bro A R Blackburn, who made the proposition to transfer £5000 to the Festival.

This is Peter's second visit to receive a cheque from Long Eaton, and as ever, addressing the brethren with style and dignity. On this occasion WBro Mike Knifton ran off with the money! Don't worry Mike we'll be keeping an eye on the coffers!