Within Your Province ffordshire Freemasons The Newsletter for Sta ISSUE 19 AUTUMN 2007 Clearing up after Pop Festival to help International charity

Forty Royal Arch Freemasons, All the items collected have been including the Grand Superintendent, shipped to the charity Promotion at 50 year celebration E Comp David Hampson, and the International Aid who will send Assistant Provincial Grand them to an area where they are Master W Bro Keith Thomas, needed. helped clear one of the campsites at Weston Park after the annual V Rotary District 1210 International Festival in August. Committee Service chair Alan Holdcroft said: "It was good to And they managed to dismantle see the group of Masons working and pack up around 250 tents and with everyone. Please thank them other camping equipment which all. I don't know where this year's will be sent overseas to provide collection will go but last year shelter in a disaster area. collected items went to Ukraine, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all within eight weeks." Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp John Winter said: "This was only the tip of the iceberg because the combined Rotary and Masonic manpower (and woman power) was only able to tackle one of the six campsites before the bulldozers moved in." W Bro Terry Adam pictured with W Bro Gary Read, centre, and W Bro Jack Robards. E Comp David Hamspon said: "There is considerable benefit When W Bro Jack Robards, from Assistant Provincial working with Rotary on this sort Mercia Lodge, 3995, attended his Grand Master W Bro Gary Read, of project and it demonstrates that December lodge meeting last year had a special significance for the our charity is not confined to he arrived at a Past Provincial Worshipful Master, W Bro Terry raising money. It also created a Junior Grand Warden, an honour Adam. bestowed 20 years ago, and left as So where exactly did we leave our tent? good team spirit, helping people less fortunate than ourselves." a Past Provincial Senior Grand W Bro Adam's who was initiated The Masonic contingent which Warden. by W Bro Robards 40 years linked up with local Rotarians He also said he hoped to repeat The occasion was the celebration earlier - to the date - presented helped to fill two large vans, a 7.5 the operation again next year with of his 50 years in Freemasonry him with a suitably inscribed new ton truck and a 40 foot articulated an even greater number of which, apart from receiving the Ballot Box which he in turn lorry during the tent collection. Freemasons. promotion and certificate presented back to the Lodge. Forum for Younger Brethren A forum for younger brethren is to get a better understanding of opportunity for research. being set up with a view to Freemasonry and its history. We holding informal meetings where also think it is important to have The founders are W Bro David they can discuss and debate an extended view of how others Edwards, PAGDC, who this relevant issues, share concerns see Masonry. autumn is to be installed as and knowledge. The Initiates Lodge, 6415, said: "The idea is to Provincial Grand Master of the Forum will hold its first meeting provide a forum for younger "All will be welcome but we see it Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark on October 24 at 8pm at the members of the fraternity to meet really as a forum for brethren Master Masons in Staffordshire Wolverhampton Masonic Hall. others of a similar status in an below the chair." and Shropshire, W Bro Benion informal gathering. We want to and W Bro Graham Wilkes One of the Forum founders, W give them the opportunity to share It is also planned to have lectures supported by a number of junior Bro Andrew Benion, Boscobel any concerns they might have and from time to time and provide an brethren. 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 the 50 years since Harold last publication, as recorded on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at Provincial Grand Lodge. W Bro PA Clayton, St Peter's Lodge, 419. W Bro WV Cook, Abbey Lodge, 624. was in the chair W Bro T Higginson, Josiah Wedgwood Lodge, 2214. W Bro TC Stowe, St Michaels Lodge, 2484. W Bro GH Stephens, Lewisham Lodge, 2582. A milestone in the history of Smith Child W Bro HK Malpass, Hanliensian Lodge, 3935. Lodge, 2064, was marked last year when W W Bro JC Brassington, Dieu la Cresse Lodge, 4169. W Bro G Fisher, St Modwens Lodge, 4850. Bro Harold Bettany celebrated 50 years since W Bro DT Deas, Faith and Works Lodge, 5079. he was installed as Master of the Lodge. Born W Bro JH Clews, Old Eversley Lodge, 5259. in 1920, when his father Herbert was Master of W Bro R Betts, Old Masonians Midlands Lodge, 6762. W Bro OH Dickenson, Royal Wolverhampton School Lodge, 8170. the Lodge, he joined it in 1944, a year after qualifying as a solicitor. Catering 12 years later he was installed as Master and Corporate functions four years later, in 1960, he became secretary superbly Weddings and special occasions of the lodge, a position he held for 30 years. He for every Marquees and stately homes was also a director of the Hanley Masonic Hall Exhibitions and shows for 37 years including the last 13 as chairman. He is now an honorary member. occasion Racecourse and event catering W Bro Harold was first appointed to Provincial Grand Lodge in 1963 as Past Provincial Grand Registrar and in 1975 promoted to Provincial Junior Grand Warden. In 1987 he was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. Freephone He is also the senior Past Master of Menturia Lodge, 418, where he was 08000 installed as Master in December 1968. 350522 Email [email protected] Museum up date Web www.jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk Freemasons across the Province are being asked to help W Bro Malcolm Jones get the Staffordshire Masonic Museum to the next stage of its evolution. Thanks to the support of the Hanley Masonic Hall management committee and staff the collection will soon be seen in an bigger way. The museum room has now been expanded after various fixtures and fittings have been taken out by Malcolm. Now he needs more display cases to exhibit items and also two large pieces of toughened glass for more displays. Malcolm said: "I would be grateful to any brother who can help with any of these items and of course to anyone who has items which can be put into the collection." The collection of Masonic jewels and pictures has been expanded and a lady in Sutton Coldfield has recently donated a solid silver rose bowl. The next scheduled work on the museum is to the paint the room and lay a carpet. If you can help in any way please contact Malcolm by email: [email protected] Within Your Province Patshull’s £2,000 for hospice Patshull Lodge No. 6592 have once again carried on their tradition of rdshire Freemasons The Newsletter for Staffo raising money for good causes by hosting several charity events during Within Your Province is published twice yearly, in March and September and the past year. This year £2,000 was raised for the Mary Stevens Hospice, any contributions, ideas or suggestions will be welcomed by the Editor, W Bro Stourbridge. Peter Atkins, by email to [email protected] or by post to Peter Atkins, Information Officer, c/o Provincial Grand Lodge Office, 211 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 0DD. He can also be contacted on his home telephone 01889 500635. 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 www.pglstaffordshire.co.uk 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, TD, DL, Provincial Grand Lodge Office, 211 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 0DD. Telephone and fax 01902 745151, Pictured above presenting the cheque from left to right are: email [email protected] W. Master, W.Bro. Peter Coupe, Mrs. Elizabeth Coupe, Printed by David Bowyer Print and Design, Stafford. 01785 253060. Mrs. Ann Isherwood (Charity co-ordinator of Mary Stevens Hospice) c Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire. and W. Bro. Lyndon Goddard (Charity Steward). 3 Within Your Province Provincial Diary Dates Lodge of Venture increases numbers Ompah Band night Rugeley lodges are planning a 2013 Sept 11: Provincial Grand Masters Golf Grand Charity Festival fund raising Competition at Ingestre Park Club. Sept 12: Grand Lodge Quarterly Comm. evening on Saturday, January 19, Sept 18: Provincial Grand Lodge 2008, at Wolgarston High School, General Purposes Committee, Penkridge. Tickets, £12 includes Hanley Masonic Hall. supper, are available on a first come Sept 19: Provincial Year Book and first served basis from either W Bro Calendar published. Mike Reynolds (01785 713459 or W Oct 31: Installation of W Bro David Bro Jeff Johnson (01889 584213). Edwards as Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Staffordshire There is a limit of 220 who can and Shropshire. attend and music will be provided by Nov 9: Norah Mitchell (Minerva Lodge) Karlls Bavarian Band. Trust grant presentation, Hanley Masonic Hall. Nov 14: Supreme Grand Chapter 50 years certificate Quarterly Communication. W Bro John W Moren, PPrJGW, Dec 4: Visiting Grand Lodge Officers Bromwic Lodge, 6773, celebrated meeting, Wolverhampton Masonic 50 years service on October 14, Hall. 2006. W Bro CB Denne, PAGDC, Semina Scribe Es and DCs meeting, Provincial Grand Secretary, Rugeley and District Masonic Centre. presented a 50 Year Certificate on Dec 13: Grand Lodge Quarterly Comm. Members of Lodge of Venture, W Bro Brian Schofield is pictured, 2008 6916, are hoping they have centre, with, from left to right, his behalf of the Province and on behalf Feb 7: Provincial Grand Lodge reversed the trend of falling twin cousins W Bros Nigel and of the Provincial Grand Master, General Purposes Committee membership. Three initiations Miles Schofield, his father W Bro promoted him to Past Provincial meeting, Wolverhampton Masonic Francis Schofield and his uncle W Senior Grand Warden. Hall. took place in the first three Bro Viv Schofield, PPSGW. March 12: Grand Lodge Quarterly Comm. months of the year and another is planned for October. Chapter Committee of General Francis Schofield. His uncle Viv Cooling down Purposes and Benevolent Fund, The Lodge, established 57 years from Weymouth, Dorset and Air conditioning is to be installed at Wolverhampton Masonic Hall. ago, also has two more candidates cousins, Nigel from Leamington the new Rugeley and District April 30: Grand Lodge investitures. in the pipeline and welcomed its Spa and Miles from Sheffield were Masonic Centre at the Chase Golf May 1: Supreme Grand Chapter first rejoining member, W Bro also special guests. Club. Investitures. George Jenkins, who is now lodge May 14: Provincial Grand Lodge of secretary, last October. Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford. At the April installation meeting May 21: Great Priory. in April the new Master, W Bro June 11: Grand Lodge Quarterly Brian Schofield, was supported Communication. by members of his family June 14: Provincial Ball. including his father, W Bro It's a family thing! There was nothing untoward about Worshipful Master, W Bro Ian Friday, the 13th, when an initiation Barnett, Michaels's son. ceremony took place at Etruscan Bro Graham was initiated on the Lodge, 546. night, a month after Bro Mark who Pictured, left to right are Bro was proposed by the Worshipful Michael Barnett, Bro Malcolm Master and seconded by Bro Graham Harrison, known as Michael who in turn proposed Bro Graham, Bro Mark Graham Graham who was seconded by the Harrison, Graham's son and WM. Within Your Province 4 President A year of consolidation and growth wishes the 2013 Festival every success Masonic relief grants in the last 12 months totalled £2.5 million, the President of the Grand Charity, VW Bro Grahame Elliott, CBE, told the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting. And 35 Staffordshire Masons and their dependants received more than £46,000. Bro Elliott in his address gave a wide ranging précis of the work and the workings of the charity and highlighted the fact that hospices in the Province during the last 12 years had received a total of £198,924. He also said how pleased he was that the charity had funded a £49,000 research programme at Keele University into deafness. He also made special mention of the valuable contribution to the Pictured at the official launch of the 2013 Grand Charity Festival are members of the committee with chairman Assistant Council of The Grand Charity of Provincial Grand Master Gary Read and The President of the Grand Charity VW Bro Grahame Elliott, CBE, to the left and two Staffordshire Treasurer right of the banner. They are, left to right, W Bro Trevor Sleigh, PrGStwd, W Bro John Edwards, PrJGW, Committee co- Brethren, W Bro Harold ordinator W Bro Mike Daniels, PAGDC, Bro Read, Bro Elliott, W Bro Mike Reynolds, PPrJGD, W Bro Gary Evans, PPrSGD and committee secretary W Bro David Wood, PPrGStwd. Hampton and W Bro Rod W Bro John Francis, PPrGSwdB, who is running the 1,000 club, has been co-opted onto the committee. Mitchell who succeeded him. Reporting on national activities Consolidation and steady growth he highlighted grants to youth ! The Wilson Keys Court Masonic Charity date work, medical research and were the key words used by the Housing scheme at Rugeley where Following the successful fund raising emergency grants which included Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro the matron is soon to retire. Thomas DC Lloyd, TD, DL, is his night last year organised by Clarendon £150,000 in a three year period to ! The enormous contribution made Lodge, 8023, and Boscobel Lodge, support Skill Force which helps annual address to members by the Provincial Grand Almoner W 6415, another event is planned for 14 to 16 year olds who are attending the Provincial Grand Bro Maurice Williams, the Saturday, November 24, at the struggling with their education or Lodge meeting in May at the Provincial Grand Charity Steward Wolverhampton Masonic Centre in at risk of exclusion. He also said Staffordshire County Showground. W Bro Alan Walker, MBE, the new Tettenhall Road. In aid of the Acorns Children's Hospice at Walsall, it will £1 million over ten years to fund secretary of the Staffordshire the Grand Charity of One 60 year certificate and 12 start at 7.30pm and the entertainment Masonic Charitable Association W arranged to date includes a disco and Freemasons' Chair of Molecular certificates for 50 years were Bro Jim Warburton and the magician. A buffet is also included and Biology for research into male awarded during the year which also Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro more details can be obtained from one cancers was making major included the dedication of the Colin Denne who will step down of the organisers, W Bro Andrew advances. Benion, on 01952 253830. Rugeley and District Masonic after three years at the end of this Assisting the Red Cross/Crescent Centre, the dedication of a new year. First meetings in war torn Sudan, most recently Lodge banner and two significant ! The success of the Visiting with a £50,000 grant, will provide lodge anniversaries. The two Uttoxeter craft lodges will Officers scheme which is measured soon meet for the first time at their shelter, food, health clinics, clean by the welcome given to the Grand new meeting place, the St John water and sanitation supplies for "I am truly heartened by the enthusiasm, co-operation and up- Lodge officers. Ambulance HQ in Carter Street. children and their families, he Forresters Lodge, 456, will meet on added. beat approach where ever I go. You He also congratulated all brethren Thursday, September 20, and Dove have all taken heed of the need to Lodge, 8519, will hold the Installation Bro Elliott also pointed out the recruit the right candidates and I am who have been appointed or advantages of Lodges and now promoted and thanked those who meeting on September 27. The aware that some lodges have dedication ceremony will be carried Provinces participating in the waiting lists, "he said, and went on were standing down for their out at a later date. Relief Chest system to maximise to praise the Staffordshire Way valuable contribution and support. effectiveness of their funds. He Looking to the future, the Provincial Photo request said approximately £30 million education programme as an important aid to improving the Grand Master said one of his All lodges in the Province are to be was held in the scheme at the priorities for the next year would be moment for nearly 4,000 Lodges retention of members. asked to supply a head and shoulders communications and he asked for a photo of the Worshipful Master after and Chapters. significant attendance from all those the annual installation meeting. They Concluding, The President The Provincial Grand Master also highlighted: entitled to attend the Committee of are needed as a reference at Provincial wished everyone in the Province Grand Lodge and also for possible every success and enjoyment in ! The Masonic Garden at the General Purposes to do so (Tuesday, September 18, 7.00pm at Hanley publication in Within Your Province. the lead up to and completion of National Memorial Arboretum and Where possible they should be saved the Festival in 2013 and said the asked members to assist in the Masonic Hall) in order to set the as a jpeg and sent electronically to the charity would provide every funding of a suitable impressive tone for further efficiency and well Provincial Grand Secretary at assistance possible to help. entrance. being within the Province. [email protected] 5 Within Your Province Cheque for Air Ambulance A cheque for £1,562.50 was presented to Applications have been received and the County Air Ambulance Service by forwarded to The Grand Charity from the Provincial Grand Master, who was Acorns Children's Hospice, Compton accompanied by the Secretary of Hospice, Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Katharine House Hospice, St.Giles Association, at RAF Cosford in April. It Hospice, and the Donna Louise Trust, represented the Province's part of a total for their annual grant. donation of £12,500 from Grand Charity W Bro Maurice Williams, Provincial to the Air Ambulance Service covering Grand Charity Steward, has recently Staffordshire and surrounding written to all Lodge Charity Stewards Provinces. re-emphasising the importance of the Later that day, at Foster Gough Lodge, gift-aid scheme and tax recoverable the Provincial Grand Master presented a resulting from the use of the scheme. cheque for £10,000 to RW Bro Fred Currently the number of brethren in Cotton, Provincial Grand Master of Staffordshire who have completed a gift Mark Master Masons of Staffordshire aid declaration form is under 35% of the and Shropshire towards the Province's total membership and W Bro Williams is Mark 2007 Benevolent Festival Fund. anxious to gain as much benefit as This brought the total donated from the possible from the tax recovery from The Provincial Grand Master and Secretary of the SMCA are Craft Province to £15,000. personal donations. pictured left, at the Air Ambulance presentation At the Annual General Meeting of the At the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting SMCA on June 27, W Bro John Brooke in May, when the 2013 Festival in aid of was elected President for the year 2006-7 The Grand Charity was launched, VW and approval was given to donate £250 Bro Grahame Elliott, President of The Flooding grants each to St. John's Ambulance, North Grand Charity, explaining the workings An emergency grant of £65,000 was made by The Grand Staffordshire Combined League of of the organisation urged all members Charity towards the British Red Cross UK Floods Appeal in Friends, Children's Activity and not to forget our local charities and in July as the torrential rain and flooding continued to affect large Recreational Projects, and Tettenhall particular the SMCA with its B fund. areas of England. Another £35,000 had already been made Wood School. The matched charity Staffordshire has a wonderful record of available to boost Provincial Grand Lodge donations to various funding scheme advised in the last issue of donations to many national and local charitable organisations involved in flood response. Within Your Province will be completed non- Masonic charities and more than The Grand Charity also announced that it would be helping by the time this issue is published and the 150 separate organisations have been individual Masons affected by events, and their dependents, Province will have advised Grand Charity supported over the last few years through Masonic Relief Grants which are given to relieve of the non-Masonic charities who are to assisting worthy causes of across a wide hardship. benefit from a grant of £5,000 available to spectrum. In August The Grand Charity also gave an emergency grant of the Province. W.Bro. Jim Warburton, Secretary SMCA £50,000 to the British Red Cross Asia Floods Appeal.

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Commemorative Poem Members of the International Successful Royal Arch forums Masonic Poetry Society have been Two 'informal' forums covering Chapter meetings were officers, he also thanked the invited to submit a commemorative various aspects of Royal Arch exaltationsThere were also a outgoing officers for their support poem to mark the 150th anniversary freemasonry during the last year number of joining members. particularly in Chapter visits of Staffordshire Knot Lodge, 726. He also asked Chapter which did so much to generate The winning entry will be read at resulted in around 100 attendees the Lodge's Sesquicentennial of which 30 were Master Masons representatives to investigate why enthusiasm and bolster spirits. He meeting in October 2008. showing a keen interest, said members resign and also to ended by asking as many Grand Superintendent ME encourage as many members as Companions as possible to join A past master of the lodge, W Bro Companion David Hampson, in possible to take part in him in August, at the clear up of Ken Rider, PPSGD, who is also his address to Provincial Grand ceremonies. the V Festival at Weston Park, President Emeritus of the Society, Chapter. The Grand Superintendent also when Freemasons would be has also offered a £100 prize for the The success of the evenings, he made a personal thanks to all joining up with Rotarians, winning entry. W Bro Rider can be said, was down to the hard work Companions who had helped him packing up abandoned tents and contacted for more details on: in so many ways during the year camping equipment, which would 01785 245485 or by e-mail at put into the events by everyone in [email protected]. the Order which supported the when, with his medical hiccup, he be packed and shipped to various encouraging news that in the first was unable to drive. strife ridden locations in the third Sunday lunch four months of the year half the Congratulating newly appointed world. Following the success of the first Sunday lunch organized by Rugeley Chapter celebrates 150th year lodges earlier this year, another is planned, on March 30, 2008. All surplus funds from the event, which will include another large raffle, will be donated to the 2013 Grand Charity Festival. Morning Mercia Mercia Lodge, 3995, which meets at Aldridge, has changed its meetings to the third Tuesday of the month and starts at 11am. The meeting is followed by lunch and says W Bro Terry Adam, Worshipful Master, it has proved to be a very popular move, particularly among older members who are not keen to go out in the evenings. It has also attracted some joining members. Festival Memorabilia The Grand Charity Festival 2013 committee have a number of items Staffordshire Knot Chapter, 418, celebrated its sesquicentenary in March at a celebratory meeting at Shelton. for sale to raise funds. Full details, Grand Superintendent, E Comp David Hampson, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Superintend E Comp John they include so far, wallets, belts, Winter together with E Companions Norman Joughin and Tim Barrrett, 2nd and 3rd Provincial Grand braces, embroidered shirts and Principals and 15 other acting Provincial Officers were in attendance. gloves, Festival lapel pins and cuff A commemorative booklet was produced and a special commemorative bowl which was kindly made and links, are on the Provincial website decorated by W Bro Dave Truman of Ceramic Chapter, 3827, was also produced. www.pglstaffordshire.co.uk The Grand Superintendent is pictured with Principal Officers and members of the Chapter displaying the commemorative bowl. Support for High School student Contributions from members of Sheltonia social life. The Lodge immediately Lodge, 8557, and St Edward's Chapter, responded with £100 and the Chapter 966, together with match funding from the raised £150 to which the SMCA also gave Staffordshire Masonic Charitable £250 - enough to buy the computer Association, have resulted in a severely completely. deaf North Staffordshire student receiving Accompanied by other Masons, Michael a laptop computer. presented the computer to the student and Sheltonia Worshipful Master, W Bro described his reaction as "very emotional" Michael Ashcroft, PPJGW, first heard of which "touched us all." the plight of the student from a friend through the Stoke on Trent Deaf Children's Michael is pictured presenting the Society and he presented the facts to his computer, watched by from left to right, W own lodge and chapter with a request that Bro Geoff Bean, PPSGW, Margaret they contribute towards the purchase of a Hawkins, head of the Hearing Impaired Unit laptop computer to help the student both at the school and W Bro Gordon Lancett, with his school work but also with his PPGSwdB. 7 Within Your Province The End of an Era Hospital presentation Bowls finals Illness prevented W Bro Dennis The finals of the revived Provincial To mark his last meeting as Sub In addition RE Kt. Ian Moxon, Maxwell Borman, Sutherland Crown Green Bowls competition Prior of the Province of Provincial Prior presented a Lodge,451, receiving his 50 year are due to take place at Penn Fields certificate at the installation Bowling Club, Wolverhampton, at Staffordshire and Shropshire of similar statue in the Malta colours evening so W Bro Alan Lockett, 6pm on Wednesday, September 19. the United Religious Military and on behalf of the Province, in secretary of the Lodge was asked to More than 30 bowlers took part in Masonic Orders of Knight respect to 14 continuous year's make the presentation on behalf of two area qualifying rounds earlier in Templar, VE Kt Frederick A. service, as Deputy Marshall, the Provincial Grand Master and the summer. Cotton, PGt Reg. presented a Marshall and for the past five promoted Bro Dennis to Past Organiser W Bro Brian Tennant Provincial Senior Grand Warden. said: "We had a good take up and I paper entitled "The Crusades" at years Sub Prior. The ceremony took place in hospital know everyone is looking forward his own Sir John Kent Preceptory in the presence of Bro Dennis' wife to the finals. Any brethren who No.369 at the end of May. V EM Kt. Cotton, quite moved by and daughter and two lodge would like to come along will be The meeting was attended by the surprise presentations thanked members, W Bros Doug Course and most welcome. Refreshments will more than 40 Knights including the Brother Knights for their most Jim Leviston. be available.” the Provincial Prior, RE Kt.Ian generous thoughts and said the Moxon, KCT, and the Sub Prior magnificent statues would take Elect, EM Kt.D.Gary Read, pride of place on his mantelshelf. Provincial Grand Marshall, and VM Kt Gordon Hewitt told the many other distinguished guests. assembled Knights of the history of the ceramic knights and the At the conclusion of the Paper, original ones were made for EM Kt Colin B Denne, Preceptor, Crusader Lodge No.4107 and all Sir John Kent Preceptory, on have been numbered but the one in behalf of the Preceptory, Sir John Kent colours was number presented V EM Kt. Cotton with a one. unique and purposely made EM Kt Colin B Denne, V EM Kt Fred ceramic statue of a Knight in the Cotton and RE Kt Ian Moxon at the colours of the Preceptor in presentation which also includes a appreciation of the many services whisky glass - which was embellished rendered to the Preceptory during with a bottle of fine whisky - presented to V EM Kt. Cotton at Sir Robert Mavesyn 33 years. Preceptory No.457, the previous week.

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Telephone: 01782 847925 Fax: 01782 848863 Email: [email protected] Web: www.roybeech.co.uk North Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7DJ Within Your Province 8 9 Within Your Province Tribute to Paddling, pedalling and running for Mitchell charity W Bro Alan Smart, treasurer of St John's Members of Jasper Lodge, 3934, Lodge of Lichfield, 1039, knows a thing paid tribute to one of their famous of two about going the extra mile for members, Bro Reginald Mitchell, in charity. So much so that last September, a unique ceremony at Hanley with three friends, he completed 49 miles for charity and personally raised £3,000. Masonic Hall in June. Closely timed to commemorate the 70th The distance, it was on the annual Jersey anniversary of the death of the Triathlon, meant a one mile sea canoe trip designer of the Spitfire fighter across St Katherine's Bay, a 40 mile bike aircraft, a framed photograph of him ride around the island, a four mile road was unveiled by Past Provincial W.Bro. Peter Hughes, R.W.Bro. Kevin Chawner, R.W.Bro. Thomas D C Lloyd, run and a four mile cross country run. And Grand Master RW Bro Kevin TD,DL, and Mr. Ross Mitchell, great nephew of Bro. Reginald Mitchell at the he completed it all in five hours and three Chawner. unveiling ceremony minutes. Lodge members were joined by Other guests included Mr Mike was, described Bro Mitchell, ‘the But not content with his achievement he more than 100 other Freemasons Sassi, Editor in Chief of The aircraft designer’ and the Provincial has been in training during this summer to and guests, which included the Lord Sentinel, who provided the Grand Master spoke of his Masonic do it all again - to see if he can beat his Mayor of Stoke on Trent, photograph. A front page picture career. time. It is also part of his preparation for Councillor Bagh Ali, the Mayor and and report appeared in the next competing in an even bigger charity Mayoress of Newcastle under day's Sentinel and BBC Radio W Bro Norman Wright, vice challenge next year - walking part of the Lyme, Councillor and Mrs David Stoke broadcast from the event. chairman of the Hanley Masonic Great Wall of China. Clarke, Deputy Lieutenant Anthony Two magazines, Staffordshire Life Hall Club, who welcomed everyone Alan, 54, took up the first challenge Wood, Stoke North MP Joan and Staffordshire County Magazine, to the event also extended an which raised the £3,000 for St Giles Whalley, Mr Ross Mitchell, the both published full page reports invitation to a buffet lunch. Hospice, Lichfield, to which his friends great nephew of Bro Mitchell and with photographs. Donations to the Hanley Museum added another £1,000, in memory of a Provincial Grand Master RW Bro W Bro Peter Hughes, secretary of Spitfire appeal are expected to raise friend, Mrs Joe Hilton, who died of Thomas DC Lloyd, TD, DL. the Lodge, whose idea the ceremony several hundred pounds cancer at the age of 49.

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Members of Boscobel Lodge 6415, have an insight into Freemasonry in Italy following a lecture by Assistant Grand Master R.W.Bro. Nicholas Emerton-Court of First Draw 22nd December 2007 the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy Don’t miss your chance of the top prizes 50 Years in Mark Reverend Bro. Ken £1 a week for 20 weeks (£20 total) W Bro Alfred T Southwell’s 50 W Bro Ken Rider, PPSGD, a Past years in Mark Masonry was Master of Staffordshire Knot starting 22nd December 2007 celebrated in March at Staffordshire Lodge, 726, and a member of Knot Lodge of MMM, 541, when Foster Gough Lodge, 2706, is to be Cheques payable to Provincial Grand Master RW Bro ordained into the Church of “Staffs PGL Festival Account” Frederick Cotton led a Provincial England and appointed a Deacon visit and presented certificates from to Mark Grand Lodge and the A retired Health Authority Director John Francis, 3 York Ave., Fulford ST11 9SB Province. of Nursing, Bro Ken has recently Bro Alf has completed 50 years in been working within the Prison or contact him to pay in 4 monthly instalments by Craft, Royal Arch and Mark. He is Chaplaincy Service. Standing Order or see your Charity Steward 93 years old. Within Your Province 10 Mark Benevolent Fund 139th Festival By RW Bro Fred Cotton, Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Staffordshire and Shropshire It was in 1868 that the then Most was celebrated at the Worshipful Grand Master of the Sesquicentennial of Mark Grand Mark Master Masons, the Rev Lodge in London's Royal Albert George Raymond Portal, decided Hall. that the Mark degree should have its own Benevolent Fund in order At eight years notice every year a that charity, to be most effective, Mark Province is invited to begin should be dispensed quickly and raising resources for the Fund and without the bureaucratic formality to host the annual Festival. This which other Masonic charities year it was our turn, the last one seemed to suffer from. He also being in 1971 - just remembered wanted to give the Order a positive by your correspondent. charitable motive above the ritual MW Pro Grand Master John Hale and RW Bro Fred Cotton, Provincial and ceremonial of the degree. Held at International Centre in Grand Master and Festival President. Telford during the weekend of July The first grant, £5, was made in the 6 and 7, we were well supported Brethren and their Ladies attended John Brackley, Grand Director of same year, to a Mark Brother who by brethren from all parts of a VIP reception I was pleased to Ceremonies VW Bro GT had lost virtually all he possessed England and Wales with 345 host in my capacity of Festival Herbertand four other Mark Grand in a shipwreck. Since then the enjoying a Friday evening buffet President which was attended by Lodge officers, 35 other Right Fund has distributed more than and entertainment by folk group the MW Pro Grand Master John Worshipful Brethren, the Festival £16 million to individual Bedlam. Hale, our Guest of Honour, Committee and their ladies. We petitioners and worthy causes - the Assistant Grand Maser RW Bro were also pleased to welcome the most recent being £3 million to the During Saturday, 07.07.07, various Benjamin Addy, President of the Provincial Grand Master of the National Osteoporosis Society to excursions had been arranged and General Board RW Bro Michael E Craft Province of Staffordshire, RW provide mobile scanner units, which in the evening no less that 709 Herbert, Grand Secretary RW Bro Bro Thomas DC Lloyd, TD, DL. The secret of looking good At Masonic occasions when only immaculate clothing will suffice, Slater excels in providing the perfect choice. Black jackets, vests, tailcoats and striped trousers along with our Lounge and Dinner Suit options provide an exceptional range. And free alterations mean the best possible fit. Now you know, why not call in?

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After the Loyal Toast and toasts to the MW Grand Master and the Fund, the moment arrived which we had all been awaiting for, time for the Grand Secretary to announce the result of all our efforts. It was a lovely moment for we had exceeded our highest hopes with the magnificent sum of £562,820.

One way or another the Province contributed approximately £400,000, a wonderful result from our 850 members and an "inheritance" of some £30,000 in October 2002. We are deeply grateful for the assistance and support given by other Orders, other Provinces, personal donations and some other organisations. Mainly it represents a tremendously successful campaign by all the members of the The Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master W Bro David Edwards, Assistant Provincial Province. Well done to everyone. Grand Master W Bro Alan Sykes and the contingent from Grand Mark Lodge.

The Staffordshire and Shropshire 2007 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival Committee. Finally, and to great applause, I was delighted to announce RW Bro John Brackley, the Grand that on my retirement in September, Grand Lodge has been Secretary, announcing the result of the pleased to appoint my deputy, W Bro David Edwards to Festival. succeed me. Much ingenuity and effort went into A great deal of credit must go to Provincial Grand Charity the various fund raising efforts both by Steward W Bro RE Wibberley, PGSD, for his tireless Lodges and individuals, from gourmet efforts during the entire eight years and to my deputy and meals and grand draws to holidays, to his committee: Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro name just a few. While many lodges Alan W Sykes, Festival Secretary W Bro Alan T Howls, did very well pride of place must go to Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro Barry C Clark, Gough Mar Lodge, 45, which from a Provincial Grand Treasurer W Bro Colin Hutchinson, membership of only 15 raised a Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro Timothy staggering sum of £18,032. P Cashin, Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro David Wall,Deputy Provincial Grand The President of the General Board Secretary W Bro Michael Daniels, W Bros Michael JA proposed the health of the Festival Barratt, John B Edwards and Peter C Hulme and Bro President who, when responding, Ernest S Storie. presented cheques to the value of £5,000 to RW Bro Tony Morris, It will probably be either 2042/43 before Staffordshire and Provincial Grand Master for the Shropshire will hoist another Mark Benevolent Fund Province of Leicestershire and Rutland Festival and the request will probably come in 2034/35 by who will host the 140th Festival next which time most of the current experience will have July. Bouquets were presented to Mrs "passed on" so it is my fervent hope that the Lodges and ME Herbert, wife of the President of members will continue to raise significant sums for charity The Festival President presents cheques for the General Board and to Dr BJ to periodically enable my successors to make donations to £5,000 to RW Bro Tony Morris, Provincial Mehentee, daughter of the Festival worthy causes in the province and so keep the wonderful Grand Master, Leicestershire and Rutland, for President who had deputised for her spirit now engendered alive to the benefit of those less the 2008 Festival. late mother. fortunate than ourselves. Pictures by George Jenkins Within Your Province 12 Arthur Ladies Who Lunch (The Wednesday Club) In the spring of 2000 the then organised Provincial Grand Master of Staffordshire, R. W. Bro. Kevin Chawner, suggested, to three cruise do ladies, Pat Joughin, Doreen When Bro Arthur Darlaston and Lancett and Sheila Savage, wives his wife Megan booked a of Masons whose Lodges met at Mediterranean Cruise little did Shelton Masonic Hall, that it could be beneficial for the ladies of they think he would be organising Masons to meet socially as a Masonic meeting. Not only was group. Thus 'The Wednesday Club' the meeting a great social success arrived at its embryonic stage. but it also raised £600 for two Members of The Wednesday Club at one of their recent meetings charities. The name of the proposed group was discussed and Kevin declined Arthur, who is no stranger to the offer to use his name in the title travel from Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury to evening jaunts to organising Masonic meetings, he of the 'club' even though he was the adjoining Provinces of Halfpenny Green Vineyards, a is secretary of Bacchus Lodge, the inspiration behind the Cheshire and Shropshire. The Club canal trip from Sutton Cheney 9068, described it as a pleasurable formation of it. As we were to meets on the third Wednesday of Wharf in Warwickshire, including task on board the 45,000 ton P & O meet on a Wednesday we decided each month, from September to a meal and entertainment, Tutbury child free liner Artemis on the title of 'The Wednesday June. The February meeting is Castle (Oliver Cromwell) and, this Club'. After much discussion it held on the fourth Wednesday of year, Tutbury Castle to experience The 24 masons, wives, guests and was decided that membership the month to avoid clashing with 'an evening with Nell Gwyn'. ships officers who attended the should be available to ladies with a half-term holidays when many of cocktail's and canapés party Masonic connection i.e. any male the members, who are Since our inception in 2000 we included another Staffordshire relative - husband, father, brother, grandparents, have duties to have donated over £8,700 to the Mason, W Bro Trevor Wills, son, uncle, etc. as a member of the perform looking after Masonic Hall and hopefully, made Ashmole of Lichfield, 8405, and Craft. The members could, if they grandchildren. Our meetings are it a more welcoming venue for his wife Janet. The honoured so wished, invite a friend, or held at Hanley Masonic Hall, outside functions and the ladies. guests were actress Prunella Scales friends, who need not have a Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent and we We have also raised funds for Masonic connection, to attend meet at 12.15pm for 12.45pm many local, non-masonic, charities. and her husband Timothy West. meetings. usually having a speaker or Miss Scales responded to the demonstration. In order for us to be recognized by Ladies Toast and Arthur proposed The administration of the group the Brethren we decided to adopt the toast to the Captain and Ship's was shared between the three The topics for speakers began with The Broken Column Brooch as our Company to which Captain David ladies with Sheila Savage suggestions from the committee badge. This brooch was adopted as Pembridge responded. accepting the Office of Secretary, but now involve suggestions by all an identifying emblem after being Doreen Lancett that of Treasurer the members. first given to the ladies of Masons Arthur said it was a tradition on the and Pat Joughin that of Chairman. in the American Civil War and they Artemis to hold a Masonic get Topics covered have included The continued to wear it afterwards together. The ship even has its own The costs involved in membership Millennium Tapestries, the Local when so many failed to return. It minute book and during the past are not great; at present (2007) we Radio Station, the County of was first introduced into England two years more than £3,000 has have a joining fee of £5.00, an Staffordshire, North Staffs Heart by a member of the Earl of Chester annual membership fee of £10.00 been raised for charity. The ship Committee, the role of an Almoner Lodge No. 1565 and is having plus the cost of the meal on the day and imaginary visits to different wide acceptance throughout the also produces a souvenir (usually about £10.00). Current countries to hear about life in United Kingdom. We wear it programme which lists all those membership is in excess of 55 with Saudi Arabia, the Eye Hospital in because, although most of us are who attended the party. the majority of members from the Jerusalem and the Tibetan not widows, the sentiments behind Stoke-on-Trent area, but some borderlands of China. At one of the brooch reflect ours; 'to assist in our first demonstrations a local building relationships where you Successful Open day at Wednesbury artist Tom Hinks, who was also a will find friends who will assist Mason, came and demonstrated you in times of need and join with More than 30 people visited the Open Day at the Wednesbury Masonic how to paint with water-colours. you in times of gladness'. Hall in Russell Street on April 21. And one applicant has resulted with After he had completed the interest from two other visitors. painting he donated it to the club to We are still open to new members be raffled. Over £1,000 was raised so if you are interested in hearing The day was organised by members of St Bartholomew Lodge, 696, and and was used to improve facilities more about us then please make Old Eversley Lodge, 5259, who welcomed visitors and showed them at the Masonic Hall. Other contact and we will do our best to around the building. Refreshments were also served and Provincial demonstrations have included cake make you feel welcome. Educatio0on Officer W Bro George Arblaster provided a visual display decoration and flower arranging. about the Staffordshire Way education programme which gave visitors an Pat Joughin: - 01782 302158, insight into the aims and objectives of Freemasonry in Staffordshire. We now hold a Christmas Fayre Sheila Savage: - 01782 392601 and Easter Lunch biannually and The present Committee members W Bro Bill Gwilt, Worshipful Master of St Bartholomew Lodge, said: organize annual outings. These are:- "We had our first visitor within 30 minutes of opening the doors and the have been well supported by Pat Joughin - Chairman, whole day went very well. We had no idea who or how many would husbands and friends of the Sheila Savage - Secretary, come along and I think managing to get some publicity in the Express members. The outings have varied Josie Mitchell - Treasurer, and Star helped us. We had a good turn out from members of both lodges from day trips to Liverpool, Eve Cooper - Vice-Chairman, we were all pleasantly surprised with the number of visitors, particularly Southport, Salford Quays, Chester, June Wall - Minuting Secretary, with all the road works and road closures in the area" Nottingham, Hereford and Norma Ashcroft and Lynn Wright. 13 Within Your Province

Hospital presentation Friendship Book Illness prevented W Bro Dennis Funds for Special Charity Amazing Friendships is the title of a Maxwell Borman, Sutherland book published by Bro Paul Lodge,451, receiving his 50 year When W Bro Dennis Harvey and Liverpool, for check ups and Barrass, a member of Dove Lodge, certificate at the installation his wife Chris held their Lodge treatment. Dennis said : "We have 8519 and Sure and Steadfast Lodge, evening so W Bro Alan Lockett, Ladies Night they decided to make been lucky but other children are 9130, in Derbyshire. An secretary of the Lodge was asked to it a charity event and help a charity not and have great difficulty during Occupational Therapist who make the presentation on behalf of which supports people who are their early years and their parents specialises in older people's mental the Provincial Grand Master and affected by a not very well known need a lot of support. We were health, Paul's subtitle for the book promoted Bro Dennis to Past medical problem. But they know delighted to present TOFS with a (£3 from each copy will be donated Provincial Senior Grand Warden. well what Tracheo-Oesophageal cheque for £500 to help them with to the Provincial Charity) is How to The ceremony took place in hospital Fistula is and what its support the excellent work they do." make and keep good friends the in the presence of Bro Dennis' wife organisation can do. friendcraft way. For more and daughter and two lodge information visit his web site members, W Bros Doug Course and Their eight year old paulbarrass.com. Jim Leviston. grand daughter Phoebe was born with TOF Applicant is 96 St John's Lodge of Lichfield is to Grand Meeting which meant there was consider an application for joining no connection between Ten officers of Grand College, led membership from retired school the oesophagus and the by Grand High Priest MIIIKtPt teacher and musician W Bro James stomach but fortunately Ernest Peter Donnison and Pinder, a past master of Lodge of surgeons were able to accompanied by his deputy, Loyalty, 86, and St Nicholas Lodge, operate within a few MEmKtPt Jonathan Terrence 3620, both in the Province of West hours of her birth to Crompton, visited the Zadok Lancashire. He has recently moved Tabernacle, 33, in the Order of the create a channel between to Staffordshire and is 96 years old. Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar her throat and stomach. Priests in April when RtIllKtPt MQ on disc Frederick Arthur Cotton was And despite other MQ magazine is now available on invested as Grand Superintendent of medical problems her CD disc for members who are blind, 38 District, North Midlands. IllKtPt proud grand father partially sighted or have problems F John Singer was invested as describes her as a bright reading. It has been available on District Director of Ceremonies and and happy little girl who now lives Denis Harvey, Past Master of Abbey tape for some time and any member VEmKtPt Andrew Beckingsale was with her parents and two brothers in Lodge, 624, presents a cheque for £500 who would like to take advantage of to the chairman of TOFS, Gren installed as High Priest of the Brazil, although she still has to visit Shepherd. this service should contact the Tabernacle. Alder Hey Children's Hospital, near Provincial office. WELCOME TO OUR NEW CUSTOM BUILT PREMISES NEW CARS

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SANDON ROAD MOTORS NOW AT: ASTONFIELDS ROAD, STAFFORD 08700 600372 www.sandonroadmotors.co.uk Within Your Province 14 Grand Council of the Order Cryptic Degrees - of Royal and Select Masters the essential link There are four degrees in the The Cryptic The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales, "Cryptic series" which are worked in degrees can be was formally constituted on July 29, 1873, by four Councils chartered just Councils under the jurisdiction of the said to fill part of two years earlier by the Grand Council of New York. They organised Grand Council of the Order of Royal the void in the themselves into a sovereign body under the patronage of the Rev Canon and Select Masters. progression between the Craft G. R. Portal, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master ceremonies and the Royal Arch Masons, who was installed as the Grand Master of the Order. The Cryptic Rite was introduced into ceremonies. The four degrees This Grand Council continues to prosper and today has many Councils England in the 1870s. Whilst part of worked are the Select Master, the overseas which are controlled by District Grand Councils. The degrees in the ceremonies had been worked in Royal Master, the Most Excellent this group are frequently referred to as 'Cryptic Degrees' although only the North of England in the 18th / Master, and the Super Excellent two actually refer to a crypt. They are, the essential link between the 19th Centuries the complete rite as a Master. degrees of Master Mason and Royal Arch Mason. sovereign body existed only in the To many members of Royal and The Order is administered from Mark Masons' Hall, and Grand Council USA and formed part of the "York" Select Masters, the ceremony of the governs over 200 Councils and exercises authority over the following degrees: or American rite. Royal Master includes one of the most impressive pieces of ritual, Select Master The first Book of Constitutions was undertaken by the Principal This degree is supposedly held in the secret vault which has been published in 1874 although it was not Conductor of the Work, surpassing constructed beneath the Temple, consisting of several arches, into one of until 1930 that the regalia was even that of Principal Sojourner in which the secrets were deposited and later discovered. It relates how a standardised. the Royal Arch. well-known mason employed by KS accidentally intrudes into the crypt where the three GMs were wont to meet and confer, and illustrates the consequence of this intrusion. The District of Staffordshire symbolic colors are red and black. (A similar legend may be found in & Shropshire the Allied group and is also in one of the degrees under the A & A Rite.) Until September 22, 2006, the Central District covered the Craft Provinces of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Royal Master Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire This degree is set in time just prior and had 16 Councils. Since that date the Central District was to the completion and dedication of the first Temple; it highlights the divided into three separate districts. Warwickshire, Wyvern and completed vessels pertaining to the our own Staffordshire and Shropshire when the following House of the Lord and refers to a rulers in our Province were appointed:- certain fellow craft making diligent District Grand Master - Rt Il. Comp. Brian William Price. enquiry of HA as to when he might Deputy District Grand Master - Ill. Comp. Clifford Howard receive the secrets of a MM. The Bull subsequent disquisition by our District Principle Conductor of the Work - Ill. Comp. Harold Grand Master on the subject of death Wilford Hampton.db is one of the most enthralling pieces Those who are already members of the Order in this, our new of ritual in freemasonry. It also District don't need to be told how strong are the ties of shows how the secrets came to be brotherhood and support, both between individual members deposited in the crypt where they and of the various Councils. It is a masonic degree that is well were subsequently found. The known for its magnificent ritual and its expression of the symbolic colors are black and red. fraternal friendship and support of its members. Most Excellent Master Being a new District we face the challenge of bringing the This degree deals with the degree and its qualities to the door of every mason in the completion and dedication of the Provinces of Staffordshire and Shropshire so that they may first Temple; it celebrates the have the opportunity to enjoy its many facets but above all to completion of the whole edifice and complete the ancient circle of Freemasonry. mentions the installation of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy Place. It At the present time, we are in the process of exploring the Deputy District Grand Master, provision of a new Council within the District to be held at Ill. Comp. Clifford Howard Bull constitutes a fitting ceremonial and Tamworth. We hope that interest and demand for this essential dramatic preface to the Cryptic degree will allow us to form other councils in different Interested Brethren should contact any of the Degrees. The symbolic colour of the locations within our District to serve the needs of potential as following: Deputy District Grand Master, degree is purple. well as current members of this Order Clifford H. Bull on 01283 790322 or Super-Excellent Master Come and choose your Council and come and experience [email protected], District Recorder The legend around which this the best ritual in Masonry. Candidates must be Royal Arch Geoffrey M. Lates on 0121 248 4999 or any degree is built brings the story of' Masons as well as Mark Master Masons. Council Recorder. the first Temple down to the time of its imminent destruction and refers Councils meet at the following venues:- to the siege of Jerusalem by the Council No Meeting Dates Venue Recorder Telephone No troops of the enraged Nebuchadnezzar, following the Phipps Dorman 32 2nd Sat Mar,1st Sat May & Oct Wretham Rd Malcolm R S Thomas 01827 830250 rebellion of the tributary Jewish N Staffordshire 150 1st Mon April, Oct & Dec Stafford Ken Williamson 01782 782 682 king, Zedekiah. The symbolic colour of the degree is crimson. Wretham 188 3rd Wed July,1st Tues Oct, 2nd Tues Dec Wretham Rd John F R Handley 01564 777578 Besides these degrees, there is also a Westune 241 1st Tues Jan,4th Tues May,4th Thurs Sept Whitchurch Ken Williamson 01782 782 682 Ceremony for the installation of a Master of the Council. 15 Within Your Province

Significant advances We are now in our third year of the Staffordshire Way education programme and the information on this page will, I hope, fully inform you of the significant advances which have been made and will continue with the emphasis on conveying the message of Freemasonry to all initiates. It is therefore fully expected that all lodges will make available to initiates the wealth of information provided in our publications and thereby encompassing the benefits to be obtained from the establishment of good mentoring practice for junior brethren. Speakers' scheme launched You will find that great pleasure can be derived by acquiring and disseminating a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. W Bro J Keith Thomas, PJGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Welcome to team To further the work of The Staffordshire Way and meet the demand from lodges, we are delighted to welcome a number of brethren who have offered to help Provincial Information Officer W Bro George Arblaster. They include W Bros Charles Ambrose, Paul Arrowsmith, Paul Ashcroft, Philip Baker, Geoff Bean, Ian Botham, Pictured at the meeting are, left to right, W Bros Harold Hampton,George Maurice Downes, Chris Hibbs, Stephen Jeremy, Kevin Parkes, Arblaster, Bob Crundwell, Keith Thomas, Alan Walker, Graham Lloyd and Geoff Wright and Bro Mike Santopietro. Robert Smith. A meeting for those interested in taking part in the Provincial Speakers Scheme On the web was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in July when Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Keith Thomas welcomed 20 brethren. A meeting has been arranged for Tuesday, November 27, at 7.30pm at A short presentation was made by the Provincial Education Officer, outlining the Aldridge Masonic Centre to assist lodges who want to explore or how the scheme fitted into the programme and how it would operate. Full details develop a website. The Provincial Webmaster, W Bro Chris Priestley, are to be sent to all lodges. will lead the meeting and fully supportive documentation will be W Bro ED Humphries has offered to co-ordinate the speakers scheme which provided. Bookings can be made via the web site or lodge secretaries. already has more than 30 volunteers. Mentor Phase 3 Info Packs Three more meetings have been arranged for brethren who are Lodge secretaries have all been advised that from September the three booklets interested in finding out more about mentoring or becoming a published as part of the programme for Entered Apprentices, Fellowcraft and mentor in their own lodge. All attendees will receive a set of the Master Masons will be available from The Provincial Office in a plastic wallet four Education Booklets for their own use. The meetings all start accompanied by other literature from the United Grand Lodge of England, at a at 7.30pm and will be held at Kidsgrove on Wednesday, October subsidised cost of £5. Lodges are encouraged to present all initiates with their 17, Wednesbury on Thursday, October 31 and Burton on Trent on own pack. Thursday, November 29. Places can be reserved either through the web site or lodge secretaries. To date more than 100 mentors have been trained from 60 lodges. Update…Update…Update…Update

! During 2006 and 2007 all Entered Apprentices have been provided with a copy of Booklets 1, 2 and 3 and all attendees at Mentoring Training courses have also received the booklets Working Tools and a copy of the Mentor's Handbook. ! More than 100 brethren from 60 lodges have received Mentor Suppliers of fine Masonic Regalia Training. at reasonable Prices ! The Staffordshire Way education programme has been presented to 20 lodges covering half of the Province's Masonic Centres. Top Quality Master Masons, ! The education team has been expanded by 12 brethren volunteering Provincial, and GL Aprons all with to be responsible for an aspect of the programme. Pockets ! Support has been given to several Masonic Centres and Lodges who have held Open Days. White Gloves with Square and ! Other Provinces which have Open Evenings have been visited to compass only £7:50 observe best practice. These will be included in the Staffordshire approach. Run by Staffordshire Masons, ! A register of Lodges of Instruction is being compiled and will be for Staffordshire Masons incorporated into the 2008 Provincial Year Book and Calendar. ! Lodge secretaries have been kept fully informed about courses and the development of the programme. Tel: 01952457224 ! A comprehensive Staffordshire Way section has been developed on the Provincial website which contains all the latest news and Or visit our website at www.Working-Tools.com developments and also enables Brethren to book places on courses electronically. E-mail [email protected] Within Your Province 16

The following article describes the Masonic Ceremony performed during the laying of the foundation stone of The Sutherland Institute, Longton by W. Bro. Graham Deeth, P.Pr.G.Reg. Secretary of Sutherland Lodge of Unity No 460. Thanks due to Andrew Dobraszcyc a local lecturer and The Staffordshire Advertiser of 9th January 1897. Foundation Stone Laid in Masonic Ceremony In 1895 the Technical Instruction and office, the other occasions being Free Library Committee of the Truro, Wanstead and Oxford. As Longton Borough Council were soon as it was announced that the authorised to make the necessary Prince of Wales was coming to enquiries and to prepare a scheme for Longton to lay the foundation stone the erection of a Free Library and of the Sutherland Institute, the An illustration of the ceremony Technical Schools. The new project members of the Etruscan Lodge of was to commemorate the diamond Freemasons (546) began to consider The brethren assembled and clothed the site was reached, where they jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign in the question of respect being paid by in the Zion Methodist New opened out and entered the marquee 1897. The Duke of Sutherland was the fraternity to their Grand Master, Connexion Chapel, and then passed in reversed order, seniors infront. the largest property owner in as well as assistance being rendered into the Queen's Theatre, where Six Lewis's attired in white surplices Longton where he owned about a in the promotion of such a good Provincial Grand Lodge was carried the Volume of the Sacred third of the land in the early 1890's object. The proposal was favourably opened. Before the opening of the Law. The Prince of Wales was was elected Mayor of Longton in received by the Earl of Dartmouth, Lodge, Wor. Bro. A.D. Parker, of greeted by Lord Dartmouth, November 1895. The Duke of R.W.P.G.M., Lieut-Col. J.A. Bindley, Lichfield, the Provincial Grand Provincial Grand Master and acting Sutherland offered to donate land for W.D.P.G.M. and P.G.D. England, and Organist, extemporised during the as Deputy Grand Master and W. the new institute and the proposed Masons generally throughout the assembling of the brethren, Bro. Walton Walker, Provincial site was located on the corner of Province of Staffordshire. It is a introducing the National Anthem. Grand Secretary with a Masonic Stone Road, (now Lightwood Road) somewhat singular circumstance that "God Bless the Prince of Wales," address. The Prince's reply was and Rosslyn Road. about the same time it became known and a new patriotic song. "God taken as read and handed to the that the Grand Master of English Bless Victoria," written and Provincial Grand Master. It should By all reasonable minds it must be Freemasons and future King was composed by himself. The stage of be stated that the address is a large regarded as an appropriate procedure coming to North Staffordshire, a the beautiful theatre was used as a vellum scroll, magnificently that the Prince of Wales, on being member of a literary society should platform, and the Earl of illuminated in gold and glowing invited to lay a foundation stone, have read a paper in which he Dartmouth, as P.G.M. presided, and colours. should conduct the ceremony in his denounced Freemasonry as a was supported by Lieut-Col. capacity of Grand Master of dangerous secret association. Bindley, D.P.G.M. The Warden's The Prince was accommodated with England, a position which he had Whatever may be said of other chairs were occupied by Bros. E.V. a raised seat immediately behind the filled since 1874. George, Prince of institutions, it must be a misguided Greatbach, acting S.W; before stone. The Grand Officers who led Wales, was Grand Master in 1790 notion for anyone at the present time adjourning, and W. Bro. Caddick, the Royal procession into the and their Royal Highnesses the to imagine that there is anything P.S.G.W; afterwards; W. Tunnicliffe, pavilion were The Grand Tyler; the Dukes of Sussex and Kent filled the inimical to the interests of the J.W. and on the platform were the Deputy Grand Director of same office at a later period. community in the principles and officers of the Provincial Grand Ceremonies; the Grand Director of Masonry, which had flourished as a practice of English Freemasonry. Lodge of Staffordshire. Ceremonies; three Masters of distinguished guild during the Lodges, bearing the cornucopia and Middle Ages, rapidly declined in Speaking with a full knowledge of After the Lodge had been formally ewers with wine and oil, they were Staffordshire after the Civil Wars in the subject, we are able to say opened, the Earl of Dartmouth and W. Bros. J.W. Bromley, of Longton, the 17th Century. Several Lodges, freemasonry is neither an Col. Bindley were duly saluted W. Brickel of Cheadle, and Major lingered in Cheshire, and in 1805 one ecclesiastical or a political according to Masonic custom, and Harding of Stone. The Grand of these, the" Independent" of association, and has nothing to do the same compliment was paid to Secretary bearing a plate with the Congleton, migrated to Lane End or with the disputes of sects and parties; the officers of the Grand Lodge of inscription for the foundation stone, Longton, but it was erased in 1828. but it aims at developing the virtues England. The Provincial Grand Bro. E. Letchworth; the President of In the same year a military lodge, the of benevolence and good fellowship, Master then moved that an address the Board of General Purposes, with "Athol," which was originally and the members of the Craft take a of welcome be presented to HRH mallet; the acting Grand Secretary constituted in the Royal Artillery in pleasure in declaring that a good the Prince of Wales from his bearing the Great Seal; the Grand 1774, was transferred to and became Mason cannot be a bad citizen. brethren of Staffordshire. The Treasurer bearing a phial containing the "United Potteries Lodge," held at address was agreed to at once, and coins, the Grand Chaplain; the the White Lion Inn, Lane End. This However they differ in tastes, the brethren then adjourned to the Junior Grand Warden with the lodge was erased in 1829. disposition, education, and streets, formed a procession and Plumb Rule; the Senior Grand occupation, they respect each other in marched by way of Market Street Warden with the Level; the Deputy It is singular that two Lodges should lodge, and can recognize one another and Stafford Street to the site where Grand Master with the Square; the have migrated to Longton in the the world over. English Masons have the ceremony of the day was to be Earl of Dartmouth; the Grand same year. The present Longton in innumerable instances experienced performed by the Prince. Sword Bearer; and the Senior Grand Lodge, the "Etruscan" No 546 on the the advantage of this in far-off lands Deacons. roll of the Grand Lodge of England, and amongst men of various The council had provided a large dates from 1847, and will celebrate nationalities. The Masonic charitable marquee suitably decorated with The chairs, pedestals etc used on the its jubilee this year. Thus Burslem, institutions of Englandare a standing flags, plants, poles with Royal tartan occasion were from St. Michael's which is sometimes spoken of as the and sufficient reply to those who, drapery and shields and escutcheons Lodge, Stone, which possesses "Mother of the Potteries" also takes a knowing nothing of Freemasonry, are bearing the Royal arms and heraldic handsome Lodge furniture. senior position in Staffordshire sometimes found trying to decry it. devices appropriate to the borough. Freemasonry. St. Martins Lodge, The strength of the Craft was pretty In the afternoon a Masonic The ceremony commenced for the Burslem is No. 98 on the roll of well manifested on Thursday when luncheon was provided at the Town laying of the Corner Stone with Grand Lodge, and its warrant dates the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hall, under the presidency of the addresses between the Mayor of from 1764. It may be added that Staffordshire was held at Longton - Earl of Dartmouth and about 160 Longton, the Duke of Sutherland this is only the fourth occasion on on the occasion of the laying of the brethren were present. and the Prince of Wales. At the which the Prince of Wales as Grand foundation stone of the Sutherland The order of the Masonic request of the Prince, the Grand Master has performed a similar Institute. procession was juniors in front till Treasurer deposited in a cavity in the 17 Within Your Province

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The Sutherland Institute, now being used as a library and, below, the foundation 01785 223212 www.srbs.co.uk stone laid by the Prince of Wales. lower stone, a casket containing the cornucopia emptied its contents of current coins of the realm, from the grain upon the stone and then poured sovereign downwards, and copies of wine and oil onto the stone. This The Times, The Staffordshire concluded the Masonic ceremony, Advertiser, The Staffordshire which throughout was most Sentinel and The Longton Times and impressive. Purses were then Echo. presented and graciously received by the Prince of Wales. The following The Prince having accepted the lodges made donations: Etruscan of Mayor's presentation of a beautiful Longton, St. Giles of Cheadle, gold trowel and ornamental mallet, Portland of Stoke, Minerva of and mortar having been spread over Fenton, St. Michaels of Stone, the surface of the lower stone, he Forresters of Uttoxeter and Menturia levelled the mortar and the of Hanley. suspended block was slowly lowered into position, three distinct stops After the presentation of purses the being made in the process. Grand Chaplain pronounced a The Gavel, Plumb Rule, Square and blessing, after which the Prince of Level belonging to Sutherland Lodge Wales was conducted round the of Unity No 460 were used by the pavilion by the Grand Officers amid Prince of Wales to lay the foundation a scene of great enthusiasm. stone. The Sutherland Institute was The inscription on the gavel reads, formally opened by the American "This Gavel was used by HRH. Ambassador, Mr. Choate and the Prince of Wales, Most Worshipful Duke of Sutherland on 27 October Grand Master, at the laying of the 1899. foundation stone of the Sutherland Institute, Longton, with Masonic The Sutherland Institute is still Ceremonial on the 7th Jan 1897". standing and used as a library at the present time. I have visited the Having used the Plumb, Level and premises and reproduce herewith a Square the Prince announced, "I find photograph of the foundation stone this stone to be plumb, level and and the Sutherland Institute. square, and I declare it to be duly For a history of the Ancient Working prepared and truly laid, and that the Tools owned by Sutherland Lodge of craftsmen have worked well." He Unity No. 460, please see article in a then struck the stone thrice with the recent copy of "Within Your Mallet, and having been handed a gilt Province"

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a voluntary body which operates on The front of Wilson Keys Court in behalf of the Masonic Housing Rugeley Association and the Masonic Province of Staffordshire who own that tenants can speak directly to it. It is currently chaired by Past trained staff at the centre. Provincial Grand Master RW Bro There are two elements to charges Kevin Chawner who took over from for tenants: Rent and a Service Past Provincial Grand Director of Charge. They are reviewed annually Ceremonies W Bro Jack Hill, who and the rent is set by Masonic chaired the committee for its first ten Housing Association in line with a years. formula stipulated by the Housing The committee considers all tenancy Corporation and as required by the applications and supervises lettings. 1998 Housing Act. It is also responsible for repairs and A number of lodges maintain links decorations, the well being of all with the tenants and outings and tenants and maintenance of the entertainment are laid on from time building and grounds. It also to time. Any brethren who are supervises the work of the scheme interested in finding out more about manager. Outside normal office the complex should contact the new hours an emergency care call system scheme manager Jayne Thacker on is linked to a local control centre so 01889 576544. House Committee The Wilson Keys Court complex house committee is chaired by Past Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Kevin Chawner and his vice chairman is Provincial Grand Almoner W Bro Alan Walker, MBE. The secretary is W Bro Ron Attwood and the treasurer is W Bro Granville Evans, a former bank manager. Other members of the committee, all bring an expertise to the meetings, include W Bro Ray Trueman, former committee secretary, W Bro Eddie Ford, a builder, W Bro Dr Percy Grero, Provincial Grand Charity Steward W Bro Maurice Williams and Past Provincial Grand Secretary W Bro Stanley Loweth, a trustee of the Wilson Keys Memorial Fund. The President of the Committee is the Provincial Grand Master. 19 Within Your Province Golf Society halved first match FINE weather has helped members of the Staffordshire Masonic Golf Society have an enjoyable season with some good social golf. The season started at the North Worcestershire Golf W Bro Bev Nicholls with the Provincial Grand Master Club at Northfield, Birmingham, Bro Mark Ashton who was the runner up in the Spring after winning the Spring Competition. on May 18, when Staffordshire Competition. halved the match against Heavy rain flooded to course at The trophy, which was won by Nottinghamshire won the Worcestershire. Seedy Mill Club near Lichfield the Senior Wardens team, was competition. A couple of weeks later the annual when the annual Staffordshire presented to W Bro Geoff Bean Next year the Six Counties Spring Competition took place at Wardens Golf Competition was who accepted it on behalf of W Competition will be hosted by Ingestre Park Golf Club, near due to take place and it was re Bro John Lockley who was Staffordshire at Brocton Hall Golf Stafford, when 27 members arranged for July 19 by secretary unable to attend. Club on Thursday, July 28. participated. The Stableford W Bro Malcolm Phillips. The The Six Counties Championship The last two events of the season Competition was won by W Bro prize presentation and dinner was which was hosted by the Province are the match against Bev Nicholls, Round Table held at the nearby Royal Oak at of Derbyshire was played on July Warwickshire at Oxley |park Golf Lodge, 8273, with 36 points, three Kings Bromley when several 27 at Ashbourne Golf Club. Club, Wolverhampton, on points ahead of runner up Bro nonplaying Past Wardens Teams from South Yorkshire, Thursday, August 23 and the Mark Ashton. A dinner and prize attended together with Provincial Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Provincial Grand Masters Golf presentation by the Provincial Junior Grand Warden W Bro John Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire Trophy which will be played at Grand Master followed. Edwards. The Provincial Grand and Staffordshire took part and Ingestre Park Golf Club on The annual fixture against the Master presented the prizes and the Staffordshire team of 13 Tuesday, September 11. Province of Nottingham was held he was joined by Assistant players took third place. Any golfers who would like to at Erewash Valley Golf Club at Provincial Grand Masters, W Bro W Bro Mike Baggaley, Castelum join the Staffordshire Masonic Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston, on June Gary Read and W Bro Keith Lodge, 6710, won the individual Golf Society or who would like 26, which the home team won 4 Thomas who played in the Senior runner up prize with a Stableford more details should contact W and 2. Warden's team. score of 32 points. Bro David Hadler on 01902 429707 or email him at St Martins A Team Win Chawner Cup [email protected] The A team from St Martins Norman at Lodge, 98, won the Chawner Cup with 68 points on a back nine Buckingham count back from Forresters Lodge, 456. This year's Palace competition, which included Past Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Masonic Caravan and Camping Kevin Chawner, who gave the Club chairman W Bro Norman Cup in 1986, attracted 24 players. Wood, a member of Sutherland The Forresters Lodge team of two Lodge of Unity, 460, and his wife included Assistant Provincial Patricia, were among a select Grand Master W Bro Keith Thomas and W Bro Malcolm group of members who celebrated Phillips, organiser of the the Centenary of The Caravan Provincial Wardens Golf Club at a Garden Party at Competition. The St Martins team Buckingham Palace in July. The of three, the lodge actually fielded Duke of Edinburgh is President of seven players and the best two the Club and welcomed everyone. scores in any team of up to three Norman reports an excellent players, count, was made up of buffet but not such a good day, three recently initiated friends, weather wise. Bro Trevor Eclestone, a 39 year old project manager, Bro Robert In April, six brethren and their Bunt, 54, a Construction families met up in the New Forest Manager, and 43 year old when the weather was Contracts manager Bro Mark St. Martins A Team with the Chawner Cup, Bros. Trevor Ecclestone, Robert magnificent and they visited Robinson. They were initiated in Bunt and Mark Robinson Bourne Lodge, 6959, in February, March and April this Bournemouth, where they were year. It is open to all members of North more than one team must name made very welcome. Division 1 winner was B Staffordshire craft lodges who can their teams before play commences The next Masonic get together is Cockersole and the Division 2 enter as many teams as they wish. and individuals who don't play in a in September when six brethren winner was RW Bro Kevin It is a Stableford competition, full team and are therefore not eligible Chawner. handicap, max 24. Members of the to win the Trophy, are entered into have booked to meet up at The competition took place at host club have an additional two the two divisions. The Cup winners Teversal, near Mansfield. A visit Newcastle Golf Club on June 6 shot penalty on their handicaps. are not eligible to win a further to the installation meeting of the and the orgainser is W Bro Jim Rules of the popular competition prize. North Notts Rotary lodge, 8176, Macfarlane. also state that lodges entering is also planned. am a new breed.

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