The Suffolk Freemasons Magazine May 2020 FORUM Lockdown Edition...

Dear All,

Extraordinary times? Well I think we all agree that this is the mother of them all. The resilience of one and all is remarkable and the guidelines have thus far been followed. I am typing this message on VE day having just been reminded of how those before us coped to allow us many of the privileges that we benefit from today. Within this electronic edition of Forum my focus is of course on Freemasonry and our brethren and families. We have seen many outstanding acts of kindness given by so many of our Brethren to so many causes as well as the people around them and your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Trying to keep ourselves together as Lodges could become another challenge for us to consider, but after my first health check of our Lodges, I cannot believe for one moment that this may present a problem now, or at any time in the future. The Zoom meetings that are already taking place probably means that none of our Lodges will not have missed more than one gathering each. Visual contact adds a great deal to these meetings and whilst individuals are sharing regular phone calls, it means we can stay in touch, update and inform, and most importantly, share a smile. I strongly believe that not having our meeting of the Province on May 29th and congratulating those Brethren who have worked so hard for their pending honours, would be a travesty, so I plan to hold a virtual meeting on Zoom for all the brethren who are to be recognised for their achievements on that very day. My secretary will inform you of the details shortly. Brethren, it will remain essential that we follow the UGLE rules and regulations for the future and the Governments advice for us all. During the months to come I have no doubt that you will all protect the future of your own Lodges. Stay in touch, stay connected and informed and most importantly, look after each other. Captain Tom reminded us that “tomorrow will be a better day” and it will. ‘Your proof of being a mason to others’…well that has been defined in many ways we could never have imagined but nevertheless, that’s where we are and this, or anything else that may be thrown at us will not deter the effort and ingenuity of every Suffolk Freemason. I don’t wish for one moment to try and predict a time when we may meet as we used to but I do predict that you will maintain your Lodges with the same enthusiasm that you have always had and we will make do and mend with the tools that we currently have to use. To temporarily exchange the warm handshake for Zoom, is not the best deal in the world, but it will do and it will do well until we can sit around that Festive Board and I can take wine with each and every one of you. Please stay safe and always ‘to Absent Brethren’. remember our final toast,

R.W.Bro. Ian Yeldham Provincial Grand Master ottings J from e Provincial Grand Secretary

What a strange situation we find ourselves in! Most Lodges will have now missed their last three meetings which is as long as the Companions, usual summer break. On the plus side almost all of us seem to have embraced the As I write this, we are a week away from what should opportunity to continue to meet through a have been our Annual Provincial Meeting, where I virtual forum. Province is very keen to promote this and would would have been able to thank all of you for the encourage all lodges to carry on meeting through the summer enthusiasm and support of the Royal Arch Province of months on the date of their regular meetings. If you do set up a Suffolk over the past year. Alas, circumstances have meeting please include the Provincial Office on the email curtailed our Freemasonry at the moment, hopefully distribution list of the meeting details, you might find that your there will be light at the end of the tunnel soon, and Provincial Rep, a senior Provincial Officer or even a Ruler will we will all be able to catch up and swop stories of our join you for a few minutes to wish you well. self-isolation. My grateful thanks to the active Officers of 2019-20 for e recently announced Suffolk Provincial Covid 19 Fund has their support and attendance at those Chapters I and already been put to good use as you will read elsewhere in this my executive were able to visit before the “lockdown”. newsletter so if you become aware of any way in which the To those Companions that were to receive their Province can assist your local community please make it known Appointment or Promotion next week, Companions to us. whilst I will not be able to perform the actual ceremony You will by now be aware of the latest guidance sent to lodge your Appointment/Promotion will still take effect as Almoners covering their reporting on the health of their from 14th May 2020 and I hope once we return to our members. At first glance this would appear to be contradictory to Freemasonry I will see you out around Suffolk and be one of the fundamental principles of our organisation. All I can able to congratulate you personally. tell you is that it is a temporary situation and that further advice To those who should have received Grand Rank will be issued by Grand Lodge in the future. Appointment or Promotion, Nigel Gregory our Director of Ceremonies to Active Grand Standard Bearer, to e 2020 Provincial meeting has had to be postponed as you are our Assistant Secretary Kelvin Larcombe to Past aware and I am not able to give any indication of when or even if Grand Standard Bearer, and my Deputy Ray Pascoe it will be held. I can however inform you that the date for 2021 promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer, we all missed has been set as Friday 4th June at the Royal Hospital School so at out on what would have been a very special day. least we have something to look forward to, although it seems I have great pride in this Province to well in the future. see and hear what is being done by You would think that the Provincial secretariat would be quiet at the members of all the Orders during the moment but it doesn’t seem to feel that way, so as usual can I this difficult time, I dearly hope it is thank the members of the team who continue to carry out their not too long before we can all numerous duties with good humour and their customary meet again. efficiency, mostly from isolation in their own homes. David. I wish you all, your families and all your connections the very best of health in the coming weeks and look forward to meeting you again when all of this is behind us. Roger Nash, Provincial Grand Secretary, May 2020

őĂőĂÁĢė űĩŖ͠͠͠ Felixstowe Foodbank ʼ‹ñ²čăŘĔŁ ĴĔ ČŁËñ êĔİ ŘĔŁİ õčËİÕÑõÊĆŘ ëÕčÕİĔŁĴ ëõêļêļ supported by Colneis Ĕêˍʃɽɽʞ Ĕč ÊÕñ²Ćê Ĕê ²ĆĆ ļñÕ ËñõĆÑİÕčʞ ŘĔŁčë ĭÕĔĭĆÕ ²čÑ ê²ê²ČõĆõÕĴ ļñ²ļŖÕ Ë²İÕ êĔêĔİʞ ĭĆÕ²ĴÕ ²ËËÕĭļ ĔŁİ ČĔĴļ ĴõčËÕİÕ ëݲļõļŁÑÕʣ ‹ñõĴ Jamie Read asked the members of Colneis Lodge õĴ² ÑõêêêêõêõËŁĆļ ļõČÕ õč ŖñõËñ ÕŕÕİŘĔčÕ õĴ ÑÕ²Ćõčë Ŗõļñ ²č ((((if they were willing to donate the equivalent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! of the ! ŁčĭİÕËÕÑÕčļÕÑËİõĴõĴʞ ²čÑ êĔêĔİ ŘĔŁ ļĔ ļñõčă Ĕê ŁĴ ÑŁİõčë ļñõĴ price of a meal at the Festive Board to a local charity called ĭ²čÑÕČõËõĴ ļİŁĆŘ ²ĭĭİÕËõ²ļÕÑʣ ‹ñÕ ĴŁĭĭĔİļ Ĕê ‹!#####################İõŁčÕ ñ²ĭļÕİ ‘Basics’ which is a local foodbank that supports families in ²čÑ‹ñÕ ƒŁêêêêĔĆă |İĔŕõčËõ²Ć ;ݲčÑ ñ²ĭļÕİ ñ²İõļŘ êĔİ &###################AʿĴ Felixstowe. For the past couple of years Colneis have had a ŕõĴõĔčļñ²ļ ÕŕÕİŘ ËñõĆÑ ÑÕĴÕİŕÕĴ ĴŁĭĭĔİļʞ ˲İÕ ²čÑ Ĕĭ#####ĭĔİļŁčõļõÕĴ ‘Basics’### box in their robing room #########and members are invited to ##################### čĔČ²ļļÕİ Ŗñ²ļ ļñÕõİ ËĔčÑõļõĔč õĴ ²ÊĴĔĆŁļÕĆŘ õčŕ²ĆŁ²ÊĆÕ ļĔ ĴĔ make a donation of non-perishable items when they come along ###### ############ Č²čŘê²ê²ČõĆõÕĴ ʴ ļñ²čă ŘĔŁʽʣ to meetings. ## ##+4'&,-"#8'"#E'"%-&#)5#+),*$-"#.)(/-#'#E-&-#DO#6-'&"#'/)=#N)E-#B&)%4-&"#84)# &²ĴļčëĆëĆõ²ʿĴ ñõĆÑİÕčʿĴ AĔĴ8####ĭõËÕĴ ʰ&Aʱ Within #### 24 hours £554.50 #### was raised and has # already## been##>-,,#C)*-# + ####donated, ###### a fantastic effort. One ### of Colneis # other ### ‘traditions’ is ###to  ##( give each lodge member an Easter Egg at our April meeting, «p~99iĄblY1«ioY«~b however with the meeting suspended and the eggs having been purchased, they too were donated to the charity.

! ### ######### ############## ## ####### ######### ####### ## ######### ###### ######### ###### ## #### # # # ### Cornwallis Court Update Sudbury Lodges commence Following requests for news about how Cornwallis Court has been affected by Covid 19, the Provincial Executive has agreed ‘Square Meals’ food box deliveries that a monthly bulletin shall be circulated to all members of the Across our province, lodges and Province. You should expect to receive the bulletin from your groups of lodges have been Lodge Secretary or Lodge Almoner. e bulletin will not be about organising schemes to support all things connected to Cornwallis. It will focus on the impact of the most vulnerable. Necessities the pandemic. e Manager at Cornwallis, Denise O’Brien has are being relieved and afflictions informed me that there have been ten cases. She says that, in the are being soothed. In the circumstances, everyone is bearing up well. western tip of the county, • Eight residents have tested positive. ree have had to be Sudbury lodges are locally hospitalised and two have sadly died. e third has recovered offering a ‘Square Meals’ sufficiently to return to the home. e five other residents who service. Food boxes are have contracted the virus are mainly from the St Winnold’s ordered, loaded and delivered to wing. the doorstep for a mere £33.00 each and contain a sensible selection of the staples of a • Two of the care staff tested positive, but after a period of self- good diet: isolation, have recovered and returned to work. • e home has a good stock of PPE. 1 Loaf of bread Chicken breasts 900g Potatoes 2kg 1 Block of butter Back bacon 300g Medium cauliflower • e home is now able to test all staff and residents. is will help to stop the virus from spreading. 2 Litres of milk Minced beef 500g Green beans 300g 40 Tea bags Gammon joint Onions 500g • e PGM was able to obtain 5 i-phones and 15 tablets for the home. is has improved communication, particularly Coffee small jar Tinned soup x 2 Carrots 500g between residents and their families. e only problem has Eggs ½ dozen 1 Jar Pasta sauce Pasta 500g been that the home’s wi-fi cannot support simultaneous use of This wonderful yet simple all the devices, and some residents need help to operate their service is open to all those tablets which is a logistical problem for the staff. who can’t leave, shouldn’t • Most residents are happy to isolate in their rooms and take leave or are just too their meals there. ose who need/wish to use the dining worried to leave the house room are socially-distanced, one to a table. and are stuck for help • e switchboard is happy to take calls. during this difficult time. To place your order call: • Some lodges have collected money for the staff, similar to the 07974 710101 and Cathy, NHS fund and will contact Denise to see how they should our Hall Manager, will be make their gift. there to take your order. • e Friends of Cornwallis Court have also offered help from Your box will then be their funds and the chairman, Peter Gosling delivered the loaded by our team of devices which were sourced by the PGM. volunteers in the dining • No unarranged visits to the home/ coffee mornings until hall and passed to one of further notice. our delivery drivers. Your driver will take great care to help In line with recent advice no names of those with covid-19 are with your delivery whilst keeping a safe distance and making given. sure you are comfortable with him every step of the way. Terry Lewis PGA, 1st May 2020 Run by volunteers with produce sourced locally to help local Lodge of Dawn supply treats to businesses, this service is giving everyone a chance to be involved. James Padget Hospital Even customers can do their bit As part of all the good because being such great value work and volunteering for money makes it easy to give a which is going on small contribution which will be across the Province passed straight to the Sudbury during this Storehouse Foodbank to help unprecedented time, those who can’t afford even the the members of Lodge basics. of Dawn 8799 have Square Meals has been organised raised some money to by Cliff Sargent, Cathy O’Neill and fill the mess room of Kevin Polley with the support of some frontline staff Carrie Parkin, Mike Barrett and Bill with a selection of Dotesio-Eyers niceties which they can enjoy on their breaks when they get a Community values and mutual support are very much at the chance. Namely Ward 6, ITU and Emergency eatres at the heart of Freemasonry and at this most difficult time for us all, James Paget Hospital, which are all dealing with Covid patients. Freemasonry is opening up its own heart to help where it As you can see by the photograph the donated treats have gone matters most, “At Home”. down very well! Matty Johnson Bill Dotesio-Eyers Time to Toast! #

Please join us on our Facebook pages every Saturday evening at 9 pm Share your photos or short videos for everyone to enjoy and let us stay connected. Suffolk Freemasons contribute towards ‘Freemasons’ COVID-19 Community Fund’ £100,000 funding to test for COVID-19 raises money for projects that are helping Suffolk Freemasons are helping to fund a during the coronavirus pandemic £100,000 research project to provide up to With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to challenge all of us 2,000 antibody tests a day for COVID-19 in our everyday lives, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) across the entire East England region. It will is working in partnership with the United Grand Lodge of help to significantly increase testing levels England (UGLE) to help Freemasonry respond to this national which could help key NHS staff and care home teams back to crisis. e MCF has allocated £2.75m to support Freemasonry’s work. e money will be used to purchase a new advanced testing charitable response to COVID-19. is money is already being machine from America, which will accept blood samples from used to fund local projects across the country identified by NHS hospitals in every part of the region to verify whether UGLE’s ten Regional Communication Groups. people have already had the COVID-19 virus. ose showing Projects supported include the provision of Personal Protective antibodies will be followed long-term to see if the antibodies Equipment to NHS and care workers; funding meals prepared at confer immunity that would allow them to return to work. masonic halls for isolated and vulnerable people; and supporting e machine, a ‘Dynex high volume pipette the recruitment of volunteers for local Age UK branches and diluter’ will be used by scientists led by Prof other services. To raise additional funds in support of the longer- Bill Fraser of the Norwich Medical School at term relief effort, the MCF has also established the Freemasons’ the University of East Anglia, Norwich. It COVID-19 Community Fund – a special appeal dedicated to will come on line by July and until then a raising money for charities and projects that are helping people second hand unit is being put into place to through the current coronavirus pandemic. ensure that testing can start as soon as e Freemasons’ COVID-19 Community Fund is administered possible. through our well-established Relief Chest Scheme and the MCF Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk have joined with colleagues in will match donations received up to £1 million. All funds raised Norfolk, Essex and Hertfordshire to ensure that the University of will be distributed either to a registered charity or to any other East Anglia receives the funds it needs to increase testing levels COVID-19 related activity, as agreed by the COVID-19 Regional across the entire region. Until now the University has only been Communication Groups (RCG). Freemasons and their families able to handle a few hundred antibody tests each day and with the can help by donating online, via SMS (by texting ‘COVID19’ to addition of this new high throughput machine will significantly 70500 to donate £5) or by starting a fundraising campaign. increase that level to 2,000 daily, which could make a huge To make a donation or access the donation guide, please visit difference to our hard pressed NHS and care home workers. mcf.org.uk/covid19fund David Ellis, Director of Development at the University of East Anglia, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Suffolk Freemasons for their support. is new machine will make a huge difference and is capable of testing up to 200 samples an hour.” FORUM “Until now our blood sample testing capacity has been limited and it is essential to know whether key workers have already had the disease and developed some immunity to it, so that they can The Suffolk Freemasons Magazine get back to work as quickly as possible. e tests will show Welcome to this most clinicians who has developed antibodies which could give them unusual issue of Forum some level of immunity, allowing them to safely return to looking which on this occasion is after patients.” ‘virtual’ - rather like the many meetings being held all over the Felix still Fundraising... Province! A big thank you to all When Felix Lodge had to cancel their 8th those Secretaries who April meeting it was decided to have a have been sending virtual Lodge get-together via Zoom. is information and articles was very well attended and led to a on what is happening in your Lodge and of course the many fundraising campaign to support those individuals who have been in touch and are putting in a huge charities that the lodge normally help effort to help those around them, you can read all this and through Festive Board raffles etc. e much more in this edition of Forum. original plan was to contribute the foregone It is most important that you keep me up to date with anything dining fees, however the response from you are doing during these strange times as whilst many of Felix Members surpassed expectations and has led to the you follow our Social Media pages and receive information on a daily basis the majority do not - the purpose of us emailing following donations - a sightly smaller Forum is to keep those members connected East Anglian Children’s Hospice EACH - £1,000 and in touch. Felixstowe Area Community Transport Service FACTS - £500 I will be producing another issue in a few weeks time so will Local initiative PPE production - £100 (share of a total £400 from be pleased to receive anything that you feel might be of the four Felixstowe Lodges) interest, simply get in contact by email or give me a call. We continue to fundraise and hope to make further donations to Kelvin Avis, Provincial Communications Officer worthwhile causes. Telephone: 07771 644716 Nigel Palmer Email: [email protected] Doric Lodge along with the Friends of Cornwallis Court have collaborated to support the care home residents and keep them connected... Upon COVID-19 becoming widespread in the UK and the Government announcing lockdown I quickly approached our WM Barry Amoss in my capacity as Charity Steward of Doric No 81, as to whether the Lodge would like to support Cornwallis Court residents due to the isolation they may now find themselves in. Having an elderly relative myself in a local care home I was all too aware the impact that lockdown may have on a resident, but also on the immediate and extended family and friends. A feeling of loneliness, isolation, a lack of both physical and emotional love and support. Missing a hug from their Wife, Husband, Daughter or Son and not even being be able to see their face, for what may be an lengthy and unknown period of time. To ease this burden, even just a little, I proposed that we investigate the use of technology to enable a route of visual contact between relatives and resident, to eliminate the need for visiting, as this was now banned for understandable reasons limiting virus transmission. Barry Amoss and the lodge members gave full support. Dean Willingham and I made contact and explored providing several iPads/Tablets to Cornwallis Court in order for the residents and families to have a video conference facility in their rooms to enable residents to chat to their loved ones, see them smile and make a long day just that bit easier. Dean and I contacted Peter Gosling of The Friends of Cornwallis Court and also Denise O’Brien, Manager at Cornwallis Court, to see if providing the tablets would be useful, the answers was a resounding ‘Yes please!’ From here things snowballed fast with Peter and Dean both investigating how to obtain the most suitable tablet for ease of use. Along this route our PGM heard of our mission, rose to the challenge, and to our amazement managed to source 15 tablets - what a great result for the residents. So the tablets were sourced, however during this time Peter became aware after speaking with Cornwallis Court that their phones lines were getting jammed up regularly with families understandably calling the main telephone number in order to check on their loved ones. This in itself could prove to be a safety issue with medical staff and suppliers not being able to ring into the home due to all lines being engaged. Solution number 2! Peter Gosling and I spoke about providing a number of Mobile Phones with separate telephone numbers that could be provided to families and friends, so they could call Cornwallis Court, without effecting the main lines and enable them to chat to their loved ones at leisure. Doric Lodge used a ‘Virtual Forum’ in What’s App, to approve the proposal and Dean immediately started sourcing the phones. I am pleased to say Doric Lodge have funded 5 Mobile Phones along with 12 Months fully paid contracts for each unit. Another great result. All at Doric Lodge would like to pass on our thanks to the carers at Cornwallis Court who are doing amazing things supporting the residents, both physically and emotionally during this very uncertain time. Our thoughts are with you all. Ross Murphy, Charity Steward, Doric No 81 Guidance for Virtual Masonic Gatherings As you are fully aware all Masonic meetings and And Did Those Feet In activities remain suspended until we are advised otherwise by UGLE. Ancient Time, Walk Upon is means that your Lodge is unable to hold a Regular Meeting and the usual business of the Englands Mountains Green Lodge will have no “lawful” standing until the suspension is lifted. You will not be able to hold an Election for a WM, Treasurer or Tyler; Ballot for Membership, vote to exclude a member in arrears or undertake any Ceremony in which you would normally have a Candidate. Many Lodges however have turned to modern technology and are making use of computers to hold ‘virtual’ meetings using programmes such as Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams. I thought it would be useful therefore to issue a few suggested guidelines to help provide some structure to these meetings and indicate what may and may not be included. I should say that these guidelines are based on information that UGLE has issued thus far and will be updated when we learn more. ey may be used to substitute a Lodge Meeting, Lodge of Instruction or a Social event. Permanent Committee Meetings may not be held in this manner for the time being. It is suggested that any virtual meetings are of a more relaxed nature without any formal opening ritual. Regalia is not required. It is suggested that they should, where possible, be held on your Lodges’ usual meeting date (or LoI date) to give the feeling of a regular meeting and be open to all the Lodge members. As the purpose of a Lodge meeting is to conduct the Masonic Ceremonies and decide on the administrative issues, neither of which can be carried out at the moment there seems little point in any formal ceremonial content. An Agenda may be circulated in advance to give structure to the meeting and for example could include the following- • Welcome from the WM • A general Lodge update by the WM • Communications received by the Secretary • Reports from the Lodge Almoner, Charity Steward, Treasurer and Mentor • Presentations of items of Masonic interest; EG information available on Solomon • AOB (ideally notified to the Secretary in advance) • Collection of Alms (by BACS to the lodge account; details having With little on our horizon to look forward to, maybe now is been circulated) a good time to reflect on some of Freemasonry's • e Toast to Absent Brethren (need not necessarily be held significant or recent achievements. An easy target for at 9 pm) celebration is the patient and tireless work of Peter Thorogood, a Masonic “Gardener” responsible for Minutes of the meeting may be kept but it should not be recorded creating a veritable orchard of fruit bearing projects to using the facility on the software programme. Assistance should be adorn the landscape of our wonderful province. made available to assist those brethren who are less IT familiar in order that they are not excluded from attending. e purpose of a His lectures have been a feature of many lodge meetings and as a showcase for Suffolk the ceremony of the empty Lodge of Instruction however is to educate the brethren and provide chair has traveled far and wide. But ask, what has been an opportunity for the officers and less experienced brethren to his greatest achievement and without hesitation he will practice the ceremonies. It is therefore desirable for it to include tell you... “The Sportsmans Lodge of Suffolk”. Masonic ritual but with the exception of the following – I need not here dilate on its excellencies, no doubt you • Salutes have sampled them for yourself or heard all about it from • Signs, Tokens and Words a friend who has indulged! In fact here is a lodge, founded • Perambulations on fun, vibrant and exciting, passionately patronised by • Risings our PGM in a manner so honourable as conduces to Brethren, remember your Obligation. make those so who are obedient to the precepts on which It is suggested that 30-40 minutes is a sufficient length of time but each the lodge was founded. Particularly at the festive board. Lodge may vary. ere is no reason why regular guests cannot be So at a time when Peter, Freemasonry and our country, included or invited to participate. Non Masonic Guests or those who are struggling with isolation, a care package is delivered have indicated an interest in membership would be permitted to by the lodge Almoner from the Master, Wardens, officers participate with the proviso of non-disclosure of any Private Masonic and founders of “His” lodge, to remind Peter of our matters. gratitude for his dedication to the future health of Freemasonry in Suffolk. Roger Nash ProvGSec Bill Dotesio-Eyers Living History: Depicting a Napoleonic War period Soldier's Lodge I am involved in a project that I thought many in the Province might be interested in hearing about, the project is to create a living history display, depicting a Napoleonic War period Soldier's Lodge. Masons from Suffolk and other Provinces, are members of an historical re-enactment society - ‘e 44th Regiment of Foot’. We are hand-making the regalia and other items that would have been used in a typical soldiers lodge. Mark Dennis, a curator at the Museum of Freemasonry in London and also a re-enactor, has published a very interesting book about the period. In conversation at an event, we learned that there was a lodge associated with the real first Battalion of the 44th. With excellent support from Mark and his colleagues at the museum, we researched original pieces of lodge furniture and decoration, which we are copying - trying to get that new, just used a bit, authentic look! We think that Lodges often used items that were still in use by the builders, carpenters and other tradesmen of the time, rather than commissioning specially made items. On the other hand, the regalia in some cases are highly decorated items, elaborate in comparison to the modern equivalents - and the original pieces also varied in the levels of skill and craftsmanship of their makers. is suggests that they were very personal items. ere are many talking points. We are still working on various pieces but slowly and surely it's coming together. When the living history display is complete, we intend to take it ‘on the road’ and perhaps not only to lodges. As the original items are all on view at the museum, there'll be an opportunity to give the public an insight into this aspect of Masonic and military history. If anyone would like any further information please contact Dominic Williams 07588 494544 [email protected]

All you ever wanted to know about... Nick Moulton Group 5 Provincial Representative

I am a Sudbury boy, I was born and lived my first 22 years no more than 200 yards from Sudbury Masonic Hall, The Mount next door (now occupied by Sulby House) was my childhood playground. Despite seldom working in the town I have never lived more than four miles away, currently just across the border in Essex. I attended Sudbury Schools, two since demolished and one burned down twice when I attended (it wasn’t my fault). I have three grown up sons and one granddaughter, my youngest George lives nearby, with the eldest Ben in London, whilst Jack emigrated and married a Californian girl. There’s a song about that. Being a Romantic at heart, on Valentines Day 2019 I eloped with Sandra to Cornwall and we got married. There was a Masonic twist to that, all I’ll say is that in the fraternity we all have friends we have not met yet and when you need a favour all you have to do is ask. I started work at 14 as Saturday boy in International Stores, went to college etc, worked for builders, property developers, loss adjusters and then qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992. I have known my business partner Barry Whymark for over 45 years, we met in the Sudbury Leo Club (the junior arm of Lions International), a friendship that continued into Round Table, motorcycling and Freemasonry. My main work is within Dispute Resolution with much of my time spent as a Party Wall Surveyor in London and as Expert Witness. I have an MSc in Dispute Resolution and Construction Law. I am on the education and membership panels of those professional bodies and present training courses and seminars on the topics. I have been in service clubs all my adult life, I was initiated into Masonry in October 1990 and joined Round Table Lodge of Suffolk in 1997, I finally became a Sudbury Mason in 2013 on joining Priory Lodge and in 2016 a founder of Sportsmans Lodge. I was Provincial Steward in 2018 whilst Master of RTLOS, making that a very busy year also the culmination of the 4 year long Festival cycle challenge accompanying Andy Gentle, an unforgettable experience (visiting all the Lodges, not being with Andy) I am 41 Club member (Association of Past Tablers) and enjoy fiddling with and driving / riding my selection of cycles, cars & motorbikes when the opportunity presents itself. Also a new pastime of tool restoration. My annual foreign Motorcycling trip with my group of mates is sacrosanct and this September we are scheduled to visit the Dolomites. I was a wedding DJ in the 1980’s, which usually means I do well if there’s music questions from the era in a pub quiz. My mission as group rep is to try to enrich the Masonic experience for us all regardless of where we are in the journey. As a species we have always needed to evolve to survive, Freemasonry is not exempt from that process and CV-19 has presented us with a massive step change, if we pull together we will emerge stronger as a movement. Lodges unite to support Girl Guide ree Lodges have joined Ceremony of the Empty Chair at together to support Sarah- Marie Betts who is a Easterford Lodge in Kelvedon member of the Rangers section of the Harleston Girl Guides. Sarah-Marie had been selected to represent the East of England’s Guides at the International Jamboree due to be held in Poland this summer. Sadly, Sarah- Marie’s father Mark, a prominent member of the Harleston Community, died in September last year, just after Sarah-Marie had heard the exciting news that she had won a coveted opportunity to attend the Jamboree. Two Harleston Lodges, e Faithful Lodge and the Lodge of Marksmen, hearing about Sarah-Marie’s trip were happy to help, as were e St Mary’s Lodge, a Suffolk lodge, based in Great Yarmouth, being the mother Lodge of both Sarah-Marie’s Grandfather, Colin Derrick and two of her Great-Grandfathers, Richard Derrick and Jim Rodgers. Representatives from the three Lodges were pleased to present her with a cheque for £750.00 in February of this year Members of Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge who make up Jim Woodger the Ceremony of the Empty Chair demonstration team, affectionately know as ‘luvvies or thespians’ by the outgoing RMBI during the Covid-19 Crisis Provincial Orator, gave another very moving demonstration at Easterford Lodge at Kelvedon in March. e RMBI Care Co has provided Care Homes for older Freemasons and their dependents for over 170 years. We have 18 Easterford Lodge Homes spread across the Country offering over 1,000 placements. is steeped in e adverse national media coverage in the last few days history with many regarding the impact of Covid-19 has been well reported. artefacts on display in the Despite this we continue to remain open for new referrals be it robing room. for respite or permanent. All our Homes are fully compliant Although not a with our English and Welsh Regulators and well supported by particularly big local Freemasons through our Association of Friends. temple it merely We reacted quickly in early March to the warnings concerning added to the the spread of Covid-19. is included immediate restrictions on atmosphere on the visitors (and we thank relatives for being so understanding), daily night which was temperature checks for all residents and staff, 14 day isolation for very well received any resident with symptoms of Covid-19 or returning from by the WM and the hospital and importantly, the sourcing of adequate Personal Brethren. This was Protective Equipment. We have also had several generous offers the first of support from Freemasons to the provision of local PPE demonstration supplies. without the e limited number of residents with symptoms continue to originator of the make a full recovery and whilst we have had a small number of demonstration deaths related to Covid-19 we have had several good news stories Peter Thorogood of residents returning to full fitness and health. We maintain who has had to step down to care for his wife, he was regular communication with relatives to confirm how each home admirably replaced by Tim McCormick who seemed to is doing and remain confident, despite the current adverse media enjoyed his role making the most of his theatrical reporting of the Care Sector, that the RMBI Care Co continues to background! operate within strict protocols which ensure the safety and Easterford Lodge kindly made a generous donation which security of our residents and excellent staff team. We also was gratefully received. continue to communicate on a regular basis with Almoners to encourage new referrals and to update on each home. On behalf of the demonstration team I would like to thank Peter for his dedication in establishing the Ceremony and We welcome referrals from the community be they from the working so hard to research each presentation to include Freemasons or the wider community and any enquires can be Masons who died during the war at the respective Lodges, it forwarded in the first instance to Debbie our Resident was clear this small part of the presentation moved the Placements’ Manager at [email protected] who will be respective Lodges and made each demonstration very happy to answer your questions. poignant. Mark LLoyd, Managing Director, RMBI Care Company Mark Jepson ousands of tablets are being Lodge Prince of Wales No. 959 Zoom Virtual Meeting 4th May 2020 donated by Freemasons

Freemasons have provided the tablets to more than 50 hospitals, Dear Sir and Brother, care homes and hospices across their regions at the start of a new “You are invited to participate in a nation-wide initiative. During the current crisis, NHS hospitals Virtual Meeting of your Lodge at your have been forced to limit visits to patients in an attempt to residence by Internet connection on control infections. Some of those suffering from the virus can be Monday 4th May 2020 at 19.45 pm punctually” in intensive care for two to three weeks or more, with one-to-one visits only being allowed for dying patients. Dark Suit Jacket, Black Tie and White Shirt, No Gloves is has led hospitals to try to find a way to help patients communicate with their families during this difficult time. Freemasons have risen to the challenge and gifted more than a thousand devices to help patients see and hear their loved ones Holding a Virtual Meeting? and provide much-needed comfort. Need a short talk? Something to discuss? Hospitals in Suffolk will receive 15 tablets and in Norfolk they will receive 12. In East Lancashire, Freemasons are donating 10 Solomon has all this and much more smartphones and two tablets to help the NHS. While in complete and ready to download! Monmouthshire 11 tablets have been donated to hospitals. e donations were coordinated through a new Covid-19 You will have heard of Solomon Response Group, which was formed by the United Grand Lodge but what is it? Very simply it is a resource of Masonic information, of England (UGLE) as an emergency structure in response to which is there to offer you Covid-19. Its purpose is to work together to deliver life-changing encouragement, help and initiatives on a national scale to those in need. Using the full support on your masonic journey capability of its network, the Freemasons have been able to draw - and once you register yourself together suppliers to source the tablets quickly and efficiently. Dr on the website you will be able to David Staples, CEO of the United Grand Lodge of England, said: explore a huge amount of “At this time of national crisis we will work together within our material enabling you to enjoy a local communities to provide charity and support to those in greater understanding of the need, as we have done for the last 300 years. To ensure what we ritual, symbolism, history and do is both effective and targeted, we have for the first time in our traditions of Freemasonry. history coordinated our activity on a national level though the Finding your way around newly formed Covid-19 Response Group. You will find both learning sections contain ‘Modules’ that cover In London, hospitals including e Royal London, Queen Mary's the Craft Degrees, Royal Arch, History, Symbolism, Lodge Matters and St omas' will receive approximately 115 tablets. In Kent, and ‘about Freemasonry’. ere are also welcome and guidance Surrey and Sussex, some 200 tablets will be donated, to help videos to offer encouragement, help and support. To access a patients stay in contact with their families. module you simply enrol into it, browse, search and download Hospitals in Durham, Yorkshire and Northumberland will receive material as desired. We encourage you not to enrol in modules 170 tablets. While in Somerset, hospitals including the Royal beyond your present Masonic level, so as not to diminish the United Hospital Bath and Weston General Hospital will be sent enjoyable experiences to come. Any content may be used for 40 tablets. Freemasons are also giving 25 units to care homes in personal reading. Some items are in audio formats too and more formats are being introduced. Berkshire. West Middlesex Hospital will receive eight tablets, and Hillingdon Hospital in Middlesex, have been received seven www.solomon.ugle.org.uk tablets. Freemasons also donated 100 devices in south Wales. Solomon: Fostering Curiosity - Developing Understanding All of the donated devices will continue to be used by the hospitals after the coronavirus crisis is over. ‘Not the Installation Meeting!’ Phoenix Forget-Me-Nots e last time that e Round Table Lodge of Suffolk met was on When the Province sent a Tuesday, 25th February at Stowmarket where we enjoyed a ird request for help for the Degree Ceremony. e fact that we also enjoyed the company of Covid-19 appeal, my 12 guests cannot be understated for little did we know that this thoughts as the Phoenix was to be the one and only time the Lodge was going to meet ‘so far’ in 2020. Lockdown meant that not only did we see the Lodge Asst Charity cancellation of our Lodge Meeting and another Raising on 24th Steward was to sell these March but also our Ladies Festival at Gresham’s and Installation seeds to the lodges, at Ipswich - will we meet again in October - who knows? brethren and companions Despite this adversity and the Lodge comprising of ex-Round in supporting this appeal. Tablers whose motto is ‘Adopt, Adapt and Improve’, our I got the idea whilst enterprising Mentor, Paul Taylor decided that the Installation working on a reputable Meeting should be recognised in a more sociable way. Hence a seed companies seed virtual Zoom Meeting entitled ‘Not e Installation Meeting - catalogue. One of the their products is called LIGHT BLUE Forget- the Social Duties of the Lodge in your Own Home’ was arranged me-nots seeds, so I came up with the idea that the Suffolk Lights complete with everyone dressed in black Jackets, white shirts and Blues would like to get involved by purchasing packets of seeds ties. along with any other dark blue brother. It was decided to set up a special fund should the Lodge be called The seed company are having record sales and could not supply upon to assist a Brother in distress or in time of need caused by this product, but the managing director said they could supply the Lockdown and Brethren were encouraged to donate monies me with a large pack of seeds very similar, and very kindly that would have been spent for the Broken Column, Raffle and sponsored this Covid-19 Appeal with a gift very similar. I’m selling Bar in to this fund. them under the heading of Suffolk Light Blue, (the masonic e Charity Steward was also flower). pleased to inform the Brethren If any lodge or individual wishes to support this appeal I’m happy that two Members of the Lodge had stepped forward with help for to take their contributions, if they do not want the seeds I’m also the Emergency Services. Phil happy to plant the seeds at Stowmarket Masonic Hall, or I could Ramsey, Operations Director at send to any other masonic hall for planting. Delphi Technologies, Sudbury An order form is shown below, or contact Colin Barber at has, through his Company, [email protected] - BACs payment can be arranged. purchased and donated over Very many thanks to St. Margarets Lodge who bought £4500 worth of PPE equipment to 50 packets on the first day of the launch Woolverstone MacMillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital in particular, with the balance being distributed through the NHS Procurement Office at the Hospital. To say the quantity of stock was readily snapped up is an understatement, it included 500 disposable Lab Coats, 600 Safety Goggles, 4000 Nutrile Surgical Gloves, 18 Rolls Disposable Paper, 340 Cotton Gloves and 2 Eye Wash Stations. Phil has also agreed through his company to allow for the proceeds of the sale of surplus furniture and IT Equipment to be made to its employees and the monies raised being donated to the NHS Charities and Phil is currently suggesting that up to £7000 could be realised. In addition Mark Lewis has also been in contact with a client who have agreed to donate free Steri-Wipes which disinfect screens and mobile devices and protects them from recontamination for up to 10 days to those organisations needing help. ….and not forgetting wives and partners who have been getting involved as well making Scrubs and Masks at home for Ipswich Hospital. Well done to everyone for their efforts and generosity!! Finally to all our Masonic friends from the Members of Round Table Lodge of Suffolk 9276, stay safe in the weeks to come and let’s look forward to better times ahead.

Rodger Oatley Suffolk Freemasons have delivered in excess of 5000 items of PPE to approximately 30 locations across four counties East Suffolk PPE is a project based in Leiston and staffed by volunteers who are making some of the desperately needed PPE for local care homes, surgeries, and other front-line care providers funded solely by public donations. All of the 60 plus people involved are working for free and the project makes no charge for the items provided.

The Lodge of Prudence 388 were asked to donate some money to the project and that in turn led to a discussion with the project lead Mr Andy Gardiner from where it became clear that the project needed help with deliveries. In order to achieve the best results, we would need a large number of volunteers across the whole Province who had access to their own vehicle, were able to leave home freely given the lockdown advice, and who were not in any of the higher risk groups. They also needed to be willing to give freely of their own time and undertake this at their own expense. That was a big ask by any standards in the current climate. The membership of the Suffolk Light Blues seemed to fit the profile and so a request was circulated via the groups Face Book page and the results were overwhelming. Within 24 hours of making the request over 50 SLB’s had offered their services and that number has steadily increased over the weeks with the current number being close to 100. A rudimentary logistics operation was created to facilitate the deliveries. Initially they were restricted to the Leiston area and were covered by members of The Lodge of Prudence but as production ramped up so did the logistics and within a week, we were operating across the county and into neighbouring Provinces. At the time of writing Suffolk Freemasons have delivered in excess of 5000 items of PPE to approximately 30 locations across four counties in support of this project, alongside delivering industrial rolls of PVC material to factories who laser cut them in accordance with the NHS standards. We then collect the cut masks and return them to the production hub. We have also been approached by other groups who are making similar products requesting our help with deliveries and in addition to our regular commitments we will be handing over an addition 1500 face visors to 18 locations in and around Ipswich during the week commencing 11 May. None of this would have been possible without our members who volunteered and we thank each and every one of you. If we have not yet called on your services be assured that we still have your details and when the need arises, we will call. I would like to make mention of a few SLBs who have gone above and beyond in support of the task thus far, Paul Keeble for making us aware of the project in the first place, Karl Vice for being the face to face liaison with the production team, Paul Rackham for making one of his staff and vehicles available to us at all times for bulk and long distance work, and also Mark Jepson, Paul Rudland, Paul Goodrich-Hobson, Tim Smith, Simon Cusworth, Matt Milson, and Will Roberts a ridiculously keen entered apprentice from Apollo Lodge 305, along with our very own Honey Monster Adrian Harvey for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment. Ollie Fordham

If any of you are minded, donations can be made at www.eastsuffolkppe.co.uk and if any of you know of a community project who might benefit from our delivery function, please ask them to make contact via [email protected] Suffolk Light Blues Sportsman’s lead the way Half Time Gin e Suffolk Light Blues have been at the forefront of Suffolk Freemasonry’s response to the ...e Background Story coronavirus, working tirelessly to ensure that new and younger brethren stay connected and offer assistance to those Following a sterling meeting in May we had retired from the lodge as is our usual want and struggling under lockdown. I was sat with Paul Rayner in front of the log e Light Blues have pioneered the use of Zoom meetings to fire at Sudbury Rugby club recovering from the unannounced visit of the stay in contact with one another. From as early as the 24th PGM, glass in hand calming my nerves, discussing our love of the juniper berry and its mystical properties when distilled with a grain mash and lovingly March SLBs have had regular meetings in their two virtual mixed with an appropriate tonic. Our musings turned to our need to raise ‘pubs’; the Masonic Alms and e Square and Compass. funds for the lodge charitable donations but within the ethos of our lodge ese meetings have either been social events, for brethren which is to avoid overt collections. Cue eureka moment, Paul is part owner to chat and catch up, or structured events such as quizzes led of ‘the Stillery’ in Bury St Edmunds, Sportsmen love gin, lets make a by one of the SLB Group Reps. At the core of these events, is Sportsman’s Lodge Gin! the toast to Absent Brethren and key workers, which, Now many of you may assume this was simply an opportunity to test many suitable gin flavourings in order to find the perfect combination of botanics following UGLEs ‘Time to Toast’ initiative, is honoured at all to suit our delectable palate’s and you would not be wrong. Sportsman’s SLB virtual events. Members have been particularly Lodge descended on Caernarfon for our annual weekend away and having enthusiastic about ‘Time to Toast’; posting their own toasts to spent two nights swelling the coffers of the local gin bar, tasting most of its the Facebook group even when an event is not on. With 50 or so flavours we had managed to drink them dry of Orange Marmalade many Lodges now too using Zoom for socials the SLB Gin and through our dedication to this taste testing process the choice was made. committee is now looking ahead; putting together a schedule On our return I relayed this discovery to Paul and he set his Gin Elves into of larger virtual events to take place throughout the manufacture and Sportsman’s Gin was born, having partaken of a drop or suspension of masonic activity. Details of those events will be two Merv Jeffrey completed the process by slurring in my ear that we should posted on the SLB Facebook group in due time, so keep call it half time gin, its got oranges in after all! checking your feed! That’s the background story Brethren, well we are now 170 bottles and many In the tangible world, satisfied customers down the line which is testament to the quality of the still. The current situation unfortunately precludes us from getting together and under the and the lockdown may well see your spirit stocks depleting at a rapid rate. direction of Vice- Fear not Brethren the wonderful Gin Elves at the Stillery are going to do us Chairman Ollie another run and we are going to offer a lockdown special of just £35.00 a Fordham, SLB’s have bottle. The profit from each bottle will be equally split between our Lodge been out in force Charity Fund and The Suffolk Provincial COVID Charity Chest. So not only will you receive a splendid bottle of our magnificent gin but you will also be making coordinated supporting charities within our Province. deliveries of life-saving PPE across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire to front line workers. Members, Lodges and Masonic Centres have rallied behind the call put out to the Light To place an order simply call/text me on 07860 565894 or email me on Blues by the group [email protected] and for the bargain price of £35 you can support Chairman and the Province and Lodge’s charity account whilst indulging your taste buds. Provincial Mentor to Alternatively you can rip off the ordering section below and email or post it help where they can. Brethren have been making PPE, to me with a cheque (payable to C. Warnes) or I can send you my account details for BACS payment. We need to order 40 bottles to achieve the donating supplies and food to key workers, and assisting discount and then it takes roughly 3 weeks to distil but Paul will do his best vulnerable members wherever they can in getting food, to get your supplies as quickly as possible. Collection will then be possible prescriptions and so on. from the next Sportsman’s meeting or sooner from Hadleigh but I appreciate e advent of coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown has this may be an issue during lockdown so I will package and post the bottles for an extra £5 per bottle if you can’t wait. Sales are open to lodge members, emphasised the need for all of us to adhere to those truly friends and family so please spread the word!! Finally my thanks and Masonic ornaments- Benevolence and Charity; the Suffolk gratitude to Paul and his friends at ‘the Stillery’ for supporting us so admirably Light Blues, for their part, are demonstrating them one in our endeavours! hundred-fold. Please keep Safe and Well during this difficult time and we hope to see you Will Lambarth, SLB Communications Officer at Sportsman’s Lodge as soon as possible.

Name ...... FORUM Email address ...... Mobile Number:...... Whilst we are in Lockdown we want to hear from you... I am desperate for...... Bottle(s) of Sportsman’s Half Time Gin at £35 What has your Lodge been up to whilst we cannot meet? and enclose a cheque for...... Made payable to C.Warnes Have you got an idea for an article? Please post this slip to Chris Warnes, Hadleigh Castings Ltd, Editor: Kelvin Avis Tel 07771 644716 [email protected] Pond Hall Road, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5PW. If you require postage please add £5 per bottle. www.suffolkfreemason.org.uk I 13 Suffolk Freemasons Social Media We have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - The Communications Team gives you EXCLUSIVE up to date news and information on what is happening around the Province including topical posts from Suffolk Light Blues, UGLE, the MCF, Supreme Grand Charity and much more. We invite you, your friends and family to follow and enjoy the content!