Provincial Grand Master Installed

SPRING 2011
FIRST ISSUE
Provincial
Grand Master
Installed
Your window into Hampshire
Insight
& Isle of Wight Freemasonry
Freemasonry in the Community
IN THIS ISSUE
Provincial Initiatives including:
Masonic Open Days
The University Scheme
Teddies for Loving Care
PLUS
Charity Matters
Around the Province
Freemasonry and the
Armed Services
Masonic Bikers Association
MESSAGE FROM
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER
W
elcome to Insight
the
successor
publication
to
News & Views which has
been available to our
members for many years.
Insight is part of a number
of exciting new initiatives
which we have introduced
over the past year with
a view to establishing
Freemasonry within the
local community.
We will only achieve this if we
dispel the myths of secrecy
and mystery which have traditionally surrounded Freemasonry. As part of this project
we have acquired an Exhibi-
‘to dispel the myths
of secrecy and
mystery which
have traditionally
surrounded
Freemasonry’
tion Unit which takes Freemasonry out into the Community
through local shows, fairs,
town centres, markets and
other places frequented by
members of the public. The
Unit is manned by Freemasons often accompanied by
their wives and it is intended to give members of the
public an “Insight” into the
objectives of the Craft. The
primary objective is to “make
men” or perhaps more appropriately to “make good men
better”. That should appeal
not only to men; but to their
ladies and families!
The Provincial
Grand Master and
his wife Kay (back
row) with family
There is an article about the
Exhibition Unit in this issue.
Also in this issue we include
an article about our Website
which has been redeveloped
to make it more attractive and
meaningful to members of
the public; and we are organising a number of Open Days
at Masonic Centres across the
Province to which non-Masons
are invited and during which
presentations will be given
which again will improve the
public perception of what we
do and why. Articles which
will be of particular interest
to the public, which of course
includes
members
wives,
partners, and families, are
those on Freemasonry and the
For more information on Freemasonry in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
take a look at our website at www.hiowmasons.org
or phone the Provincial Office on 02380 261555
Armed Services, the Universities Scheme, and Teddies for
Loving Care. I do hope all will
enjoy the publication.
Michael J Wilks
Provincial Grand Master
Cover: Active in the Community.
A youngster receives a Teddies
for Loving Care Bear.
See article on page 5
Photo: Chris Bryan
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Published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight
85 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hants SO53 2GG
Insight • Spring 2011
2
www.hiowmasons.org
PROVINCIAL INITIATIVES
FREEMASONRY IN THE COMMUNITY
T
he
Province
of
Hampshire and Isle
of Wight became
proud owners of a professional Exhibition Unit
during 2010 that has
quickly proved to be an
enormous asset. The unit
is in the form of a 2500kg
gross weight trailer that
the members of Lodges
can tow, with their own
vehicles, to public shows
where they wish to mount
displays of the work that
is carried out by Freemasons within our Communities and to improve the
perception of the organisation among the general
public
whilst
dispelling the myths that have
evolved over the years.
The Provincial Exhibition Unit,
in trailer form, demounts from
it’s wheels and chassis so that
the exhibition room itself sits
level with the ground to facilitate easy access. The exhibition room has a headboard
lettered “Freemasonry in the
Community” to attract atten-
tion from afar, this is complemented with large external
signs that advise what Freemasonry is and where it can
be found in Hampshire and
Isle of Wight; there is further
detailed information within
the unit that provides for
a wide appreciation of the
organisation as well as the
charitable and voluntary work
that is carried out by the
members.
In the summer of 2010 our
members attended six County and Local Shows where
they spoke to in excess of
1000 members of the public
who enquired about Masonic activity, some expressed
an interest in joining the
fraternity and some whose
parents or grandparents were
Masons expressed surprise
and delight that the organisation was now publishing
the good work it carries out.
Other members of the public
advised us they appreciated that we were now out
in the midst of society advising what we do. There were
also interesting comments
Lots of public interest in the Exhibition Unit at Isle of
Wight Garlic Festival
such as from the lady who
exclaimed “Goodness me the
Freemasons have come out
of the closet”. Such comment
endorses the desire of the
Provincial Leaders to pursue
this new activity of creating
better public relations and an
improved perception of the
organisation as a whole.
Plans for 2011 include attendance at the New Forest Show,
The Garlic Festival on the
Isle of Wight, the Alresford
and Romsey Shows, as well
as appearing in a number
of Town Centre locations on
special occasions. We would
be delighted if you could find
time to view our display at one
of these places and take the
opportunity to talk to us about
your views and the benefits we
believe Freemasonry is able to
provide for society.
Barry Preece
PROVINCIAL
WEBSITE UPDATE
“Change is the law of life; those who look only to
the past or present are certain to miss the future”
– John F Kennedy 1963
W
ise words and ones
which
Masons
ought to heed, for
we now live in an era of
social and other media
which are having an ever
increasing impact on our
lives and actions.
Freemasonry has, over recent
years, failed to engage with
the local community such
that many think of us as a
secret society and are totally unaware of our aims and
objectives.
www.hiowmasons.org
A recent serious look at the
United Grand Lodge guidelines, and our own and other
related websites, convinced
the Provincial Grand Master
that the site should be
fundamentally revised and
be directed to the general
public; answer those obvious questions – what, why
and where is Freemasonry,
and what does it do for the
community?
the needs of the public and,
with the minimum of effort
on the part of the recipient, to transmit the answers
to those key questions in a
jargon-free way that can be
easily understood by all.
The Home page will be
relevant, eye-catching and
welcoming. From here the
general public should be
able to access all of interest to them by one or two
clicks.
The intention therefore is
to set up a new website
specially designed to meet
3
Much of the work is being
done in-house by Hampshire
and Isle of Wight Masons
skilled in the art of graphic
design and website management.
The launch is planned for
Spring of 2011 and we trust
it will give the community
an Insight into Freemasonry in Hampshire and Isle of
Wight. The address will be –
www.hiowmasons.org
Ken Day
Insight • Spring 2011
PROVINCIAL INITIATIVES
MASONIC OPEN DAYS
tion on Freemasonry, after
which cheques are presented
to the charities concerned
which then have a forum to
explain their work, so that
all present learn more about
Freemasonry and the charities whilst enjoying the hospitality of the brethren. Other
Centres have simply opened
their premises to members
of the public, issued specific
invitations and also invitations
to the local community at
large, and ensured that brethren are available throughout
the day to answer questions
about Freemasonry and give
conducted tours of the Centre,
including the Lodge room.
These templates will form the
basis for such events across
the county. It is intended that
where non-Masonic charity
presentations are to be made,
these will include donations
where appropriate from the
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Masonic Grand Charity. The
A packed Masonic open day
M
y brief is to organise the launch of
a series of “Open
Days” across Hampshire
and the Isle of Wight from
2011 onwards, based on
the experience gained
during the very successful Freemasonry in the
Community (FMITC) initiative which started in
2010 and involved our
Exhibition Unit at public
events and shows.
We have 40 Masonic Centres
in the County, including 9
on the Isle of Wight, and it
is intended that as many as
possible will participate, with
the individual Centre’s activity being coordinated by a
small central team under my
direction.
Some Centres have already
organised “Open Days” usually
having a coordinated charity
presentation evening, inviting
the charities concerned (all
non-Masonic), their guests,
and members of the community including local dignitaries, to attend. The evening
commences with a Presenta-
THE UNIVERSITIES SCHEME
T
radition and continuity are two values
which characterise
the relationship between
Freemasonry and universities. It was nearly 200
years ago that Apollo
University Lodge was
founded at Oxford with
Isaac Newton University
Lodge following soon
afterwards at Cambridge.
These
two
Lodges
provided the inspiration
for what has since become
the Universities Scheme.
Its aim is “To enhance the
opportunities for undergraduates and other university
members to join and enjoy
Freemasonry”. There are literally thousands of suitable
young people today who are
missing out on something
they would find both enjoyable and fulfilling.
How can Freemasons help
to improve the situation? It
was answering this question
that led to the Universities
Scheme being established.
There are currently three lodges within Hampshire and Isle
of Wight participating in the
Scheme, namely Southampton University Lodge (Southampton), Domus Dei Lodge
(Portsmouth) and William of
Wykeham Lodge (Winchester).
These lodges have adapted
their way of operating to
ensure that they are truly
undergraduate-friendly, whatever that may mean in the
context of their own university. Many suitable undergraduates, some as young as 18
years old, have become Freemasons whilst studying for a
degree at these Universities.
Many graduates will discover that their old school has
a lodge, many of which are
affiliated to the Federation of
School Lodges or the Public
School
Lodges’
Council,
while some universities have
lodges for their alumni that
meet in London.
Three or four years is not a
long time in the life of a Freemason, so undergraduates
Insight • Spring 2011
4
We will also convey what Freemasonry means to us. It will
of course vary from person to
person but in general means
the joys of a shared ceremony
and a meal in the company
of cherished friends and new
acquaintances.
The spirit of Freemasonry is
too special not to be shared
with people outside of the
fraternity, their partners and
their families. We aim to
capture this shared experience and make it evident to
visitors to our Open Days.
Bob Collins
Newest member of Domus Dei Lodge,
Harry Booth (left) is greeted by its
first Scheme member Jordan Fretter
who are contemplating
becoming members of a
University Lodge
usually apply to
join earlier rather
than later in their
student careers.
Some will remain
members of their
Lodge, even when
they move back to
their home area
at the end of their
studies.
Others
will join a Lodge
or Lodges within
their own area and
– for graduates
moving elsewhere
– the Universities Scheme also
has ‘Receptor’ lodges in many
large conurbations.
What this means in practice
is that suitable lodges have
been networked throughout
England and Wales and each
one linked to a local university. Membership of a University
Lodge is usually a microcosm
of the university itself, with a
diverse and stimulating multicultural mix.
work of this charity is covered
in detail on page 8. Open
Days will give our brethren the
opportunity to engage with
the public; proudly display
our Centres, furnishings and
regalia; and emphasise our
support for the local community through charitable giving
and otherwise.
A recent initiative is a
(University) Class of Instruction. In addition to learning
more about Freemasonry,
its purpose is to encourage
undergraduates and members
of our Universities Scheme
lodges to meet socially,
exchange ideas about the
Scheme and arrange visits to
other University Lodges.
Michael Codd
www.hiowmasons.org
PROVINCIAL INITIATIVES
TEDDIES FOR LOVING CARE
I
n 2001 the wife of
an Essex Freemason
suffered an allergic
reaction which caused
swelling and blocking of
her windpipe. Fortunately
her life was saved by the
rapid intervention of the
medical staff at an Accident
and Emergency (A&E) unit,
who were able to resuscitate and stabilize her. The
Freemason and his wife
found the experience the
most frightening of their
lives and speculated on
the distress that children
must face when visiting
A&E units. There can be
fewer distressing sights
or sounds than that of a
child who is admitted to
hospital in pain and frightened. What could be done
to ease a child’s distress?
The Freemason speculated
that if a child had a comforter, the visit to the A&E unit
might be a little more bearable. From that point on the
compulsive idea of “Teddies
for Loving Care” was born. The
Freemason asked members
of his own Lodge and other
Local Freemasons to assist.
They sought advice from
several A&E departments,
decided that a teddy bear was
that the Teddies also acted as
a distraction enabling medical staff to administer much
needed treatment far more
quickly and the Teddies have
also acted as a diagnostic tool
allowing the child to point to
the part of the bear where he
or she is suffering pain.
the best form of comforter,
took advice on the size and
design of a bear, arranged
for specialist bears to be
manufactured, and the first
Teddies were distributed in
September 2001. The entire
venture, design, manufacture, and distribution of the
Teddies, was funded entirely
by Local Freemasons.
As a result of letters received
by the A&E units from grateful
recipients and their families,
it was discovered the most
surprising effect the Teddies
have, is that they assist in
calming the child, this in turn
calms the parents and siblings
allowing the medical staff to
undertake the treatment in a
more controlled environment.
Since that date the initiative
has captured the imagination
of Freemasons and Hospital
A&E units across the country and to date over 850,000
Teddies have been given
to severely distressed and
frightened children admitted
to A&E Units.
Freemasons in Hampshire
and Isle of Wight raised funds
to join the Scheme and started distributing the Teddies
in bulk in 2005 and all A&E
units in the area now have a
supply which is replenished
as required. Over the last five
years some 25,000 Teddy
Bears have been given to children attending Hampshire
and Isle of Wight A&E units,
all funded by Freemasons in
Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Since the successful introduction to all the A&E units in
Hampshire as well as Frimley
Park Hospital Surrey, we have
now extended our TLC operation to include The Hampshire
& IOW Air Ambulance Service,
and The St. Johns Ambulance. We also distribute the
Teddies to several Women’s
Refuges in the county, where
once again they are seen as a
great comfort to a child at a
time when they are obviously extremely vulnerable and
possibly suffering from the
effects of domestic violence.
Very often children in such
situations will not talk freely
The Teddies are effective on
many levels. The initial intention was to provide comfort for
the unfortunate child. However A&E staff quickly realised
to the staff; but a TLC bear
works wonders, calming the
child down so that they will
talk freely to the Teddy – their
new friend – allowing the staff
to glean vital information and
insight into the child’s domestic situation.
As one of our major “Freemasonry in the Community”
initiatives, the Freemasons of
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
are committed to the ongoing support of this wonderful
programme, and will ensure
that there is a ready supply
of TLC Bears wherever there
is a need.
For more information on the
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Teddies for Loving Care
Scheme contact me at barrie.
[email protected]
or
phone 01489 589280.
Barrie Hewitt
JOLLY’S LTD
Seaspray, 1 Purbeck Avenue,
Poole, Dorset BH15 4DN
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5
Insight • Spring 2011
CHARITY MATTERS
CHARITY DOESN’T ALWAYS
BEGIN AT HOME
Brethren and Companions.
Initially the Province asked
Lodges and Chapters to make
donations to the Deputy Lord
Lieutenants Appeal for Help
for Heroes (or H4H as it is
affectionately known) and
specific items produced by
the charity were made available for sale, the lapel pins,
wrist bands and teddy bears
proving particularly popular.
While donations continued
to be made by Lodges, the
Grand Superintendent who
heads the Royal Arch Chapters in the Province, made
H4H his particular charity in
2009/10, raising in excess
of £50,000. During the year
there was a charity visit to the
Pantomime in Southampton, a
coach load of 50 attended the
charity rugby match at Twickenham, and the Gala Charity Dinner held at the Royal
Marines Museum at Southsea
had a maximum attendance
of 150. That evening cheques
totalling £8000 were handed
over to the charity. Both Bryn
and Emma Parry attended,
the guests were entertained
by the Corps of Drums of the
Royal Marines Portsmouth
Band, and a serving Royal
have its own agenda of local
or national charities which it
wishes to assist. This all adds
up to Freemasonry being the
second largest contributor
to charity after the National Lottery; and the monies
come exclusively from Freemasons themselves.
A
Freemason
when
asked about the
inner meanings and
attractions of Freemasonry will often comment
that it is a fraternity that
makes good men better.
One cannot argue with
this as a mission statement but he could have
added that it is a close
fellowship seeking to
ensure that a Mason
makes the best use of the
talents with which he has
been blessed and that he
is as understanding and
caring as possible in his
dealings with others.
This naturally leads Freemasons to place charity very
highly in their priorities and
there are indeed the three
Masonic charities that support
the infirm, the aged and the
children of Masons in need.
The fourth Masonic charity,
called the Freemasons Grand
Charity,
supports
worthy
causes both large and small
throughout the world and
their donations were among
the very first to be received
after the 9/11 attacks, the
Tsunami six years ago, the
Haiti tragedy and the recent
earthquake in Christchurch
New Zealand. At the other
end of the scale they annually support every Hospice in
the country. A Masons charitable giving is not however
restricted to his own Masonic
charities, as each Province will
Just over two years ago, Bryn
and Emma Parry were not
only distressed at the number
of servicemen returning from
Afghanistan and Iraq, having
made the supreme sacrifice,
but were deeply affected by
the statistic that for every life
that is lost, there are approximately 10 who are repatriated having suffered the most
appalling injuries, invariably
involving the loss of limbs.
They knew that they could not
prevent these terrible injuries,
but by joining with others felt
that they could do something
positive to help these men and
women on the road to recovery. Accordingly just over two
years ago they formed Help
for Heroes and in particular
have been able to fund the
Headley Court Rehabilitation Complex and the Adaptive Sports through the Battle
Back initiative. To ensure
that those in hospital recovering from their injuries and
operations and also those in
convalescence have the benefits of having family close by,
the charity has a programme
of building accommodation
for relatives adjacent to the
hospitals. They are now also
working with the Services to
establish a Recovery Capability that will not just ensure
that those who have to leave
the Services obtain work, but
have access to a comprehensive range of support including a “One Stop Welfare Shop”
for the wounded and their
families.
Marine described not only
his experiences, having twice
“died” on the plane bringing
him home, but all the support
he had received from H4H.
To quote Sir Thomas Browne
from the 1600’s “Charity
begins at home, is the voice
of the world”. An admirable
sentiment and it is certainly
true that those who would be
critical of Masonry maintain
that Freemasons only support
their own Masonic charities.
Yes Freemasons do support
those four Masonic charities
but not exclusively, and I
hope that in these few words
I have been able to highlight
the wonderful support given
by Freemasons as they play
their part in the community.
The amount given thus far
by all the Masons in Hampshire & Isle of Wight to Help
for Heroes is in excess of
£125,000, an achievement of
which they can justifiably be
very proud. Whether support
is given either to our four
home charities or the many
non Masonic charities, long
may it continue.
Chris Rashbrook
Photo: Help for Heroes
With many Service Lodges and
Chapters in the Province of
Hampshire and Isle of Wight,
it is not surprising that this
new charity very much struck
a chord with the 12,000
Insight • Spring 2011
6
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www.hiowmasons.org
7
Insight • Spring 2011
CHARITY MATTERS
FESTIVAL APPEAL
F
antastic News less than a year
into the Festival Appeal and we
are making great
progress towards our
goal of helping to relieve
poverty and advancing
the education of children
through
the
Royal
Masonic Trust for Girls
and Boys.
val Appeal. You will find the
forms on our website at www.
hiowmasons.org There are
loose-leaf forms in your Festival Booklet and at www.hiowmasons.org/festival2016/.
And of course the donations
attract up to 28% more when
using Gift Aid. Hundreds of
our Brethren have, by signing
the Regular Donations Form,
already qualified for and been
presented with their Festival
Stewards Jewels.
The youngsters featured
to the left of this article
have all benefitted from the
support of the RMTGB which
aims to provide assistance
not only to the children of
distressed Freemasons but
also, where funds permit, to
assist other children.
Jubilee Lodge in Bournemouth
recently achieved a unique
first in presenting a Festival
Jewel to a new member on
the night of his Initiation.
Peter Rylands completed his
contribution some time previously, on the day after being
successfully balloted for.
As you can see, many of those
already assisted are gifted in
the areas of music, sport or
the performing arts and have
been given assistance through
the “TalentAid” scheme. This
appeal is currently our princi
principal charitable cause and we
should be concentrating our
efforts on it. We are indebted
to the RMTGB for the photos.
At the end of 2010 Elvetham
Lodge had already achieved
its Gold Award and three
Lodges Jubilee, Faith and
Confidence and Royal Sussex
had attained Silver. Hampshire Lodge of Emulation had
reached Bronze. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to
them all.
Don’t forget that if you
want a Presentation by the
RMTGB and the Appeals
team, contact Geoff Tuck in
the first instance. His details
are on the website and in the
Year Book.
COLLECTING DONATIONS
Our magnificent progress is
principally due to hundreds of
our Brethren signing a simple
Bankers Order pledging small
monthly amounts for the
duration of the six year Festi-
HAVING FUN
Supporting the Appeal should
be fun and you will find some
imaginative and amusing
ideas on how to raise funds in
the reports from “Around the
Province” later in this issue.
A play, “The Initiation of
Leopold Mozart into his son’s
Lodge” was presented by the
members of Arthurian Lodge
in November and Canute
Lodge held an evening of
whisky tasting in February.
The Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge is organising a
competition open to all Lodges with the winners receiving a special presentation of
the First Degree Lecture in
their Lodge. This presentation will be led by Mike Wilks
with a number of other distinguished Brethren also participating. Details should be with
your Lodge Secretary now.
Proceeds will go to the Festival in the name of the winning
Lodge.
Other “events” being considered include a clay pigeon
shoot, parachute jump, Province-wide inter lodge quiz
and many, many more.
All in a wonderful cause;
to help youngsters in difficulty and distress. Don’t
forget,
have
fun
and..
Help make a Child Smile
Geoff Tuck
OVER £500,000 DONATED TO
NON-MASONIC CHARITIES
O
ver
1000
local
Charities
and
deserving causes
have received donations
in excess of £500,000
from the Hampshire &
Isle of Wight Masonic
Grand Charity since it
was formed in 1985.
The main aim of the Fund is
to provide assistance to those
local Charities and organisations which are most in need
of support, especially where
Applications in support of
specific Charities/organisations are sponsored by Masonic Lodges in the Province, and
these are then considered by
a Committee that meets twice
a year. Applications for funding can only be made at the
instigation of the Lodges.
children and the underprivileged are involved. Grants
are made to a wide range of
causes and at the November 2010 Meeting the Fund
awarded over 30 grants. For
example the sum of £1000
was granted to Saxon Wood
School, Andover, to provide
voice communication equipment for children with severe
learning difficulties. A further
£1000 was granted to the
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat to purchase
life saving equipment.
Insight • Spring 2011
In most cases donations made
by the Fund supplement the
amounts that are given by individual Lodges to their selected
local charities, thereby providing additional funds by which
8
Freemasonry recognises the
efforts and needs of those
organisations that serve the
community so admirably.
Over the years the Hampshire
& Isle of Wight Masonic Grand
Charity has benefited from the
generosity of Freemasons in
the Province and has built up
a sizeable fund, the income
from which will allow us to
support even more deserving
causes in the future.
Noel Voice
Hampshire & IOW Provincial Grand Charity
www.hiowmasons.org
FEATURE
FREEMASONRY AND THE
ARMED SERVICES
T
he early history of Freemasonry is shrouded
in the mists of time. However, the first written
reference to the admission of Brethren into an
English Lodge dates from 1646 when Elias Ashmole
(the famous museum in Oxford is named after him),
at that time serving as a Royalist Captain and Colonel
Henry Mainwaring, a Parliamentarian in the Civil War
were initiated together in Warrington. Clearly in its
early form, Freemasonry attracted military men and
provided neutral ground on which those in opposition
could meet without rancour or animosity.
enemy. It was instituted
in 1856 by the Secretary
of State for War, the 2nd
Baron Panmure. He was a
prominent Freemason and
served as Deputy Grand
Master of the United
Grand Lodge of England
(1857 -61). Five current
Lodges are named after
him and one (Panmure
Lodge No. 723), which
meets in Aldershot, can
number one V.C. among
its past members. In
1870 it sponsored Aldershot Camp Lodge No.
1331, which has three;
and in 1882 it in turn
supported the formation
of Aldershot Army and
Navy Lodge No. 1971,
which has four. Three
H.R.H the Duke of Connaught
other Lodges meeting
and Strathhearn: senior Army
in the Province – Zetland
Commander and Freemason
Lodge No. 515, Lodge of
Hope No. 2153 and Royal
Marine Portsmouth Lodge No. 6423 – have one holder each.
The premier Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 and its first
noble Grand Master was the Duke of Montagu, who was
Master-General of Ordnance. Among its Lodges was the first
purely Military Lodge, the Lodge of St. John No. 51 constituted
in Gibraltar in 1728. Two years later the East India Arms Lodge
was formed in Calcutta for soldiers in the service of the East
India Company.
Hampshire has close associations with both the Royal Navy and
Army, having within its boundaries the important Dockyard
and Naval Port of Portsmouth and the equally significant military town of Aldershot. The unsettled nature of naval and military service was recognised by the issue of travelling Masonic
warrants to specific Men-of-war and Army units to enable their
Lodges to meet wherever they were stationed. The first was
issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland to the 1st Regiment of
Foot (the Royal Scots) in 1732. The Irish Grand Lodge actually
met at Farnborough the same year in order to consecrate a
Lodge attached to the Vlllth King’s Royal Irish Hussars. Many
Warships and Regiments held Masonic meetings under their
travelling warrants in the County and on posting overseas such
units were responsible for disseminating Freemasonry to the
Indian subcontinent, the Americas and the Antipodes.
Service in the Armed Forces has always been a dangerous
profession and the casualty figures at the Somme reveal the
horrendous carnage associated with military action. No less
than 191 Brethren from Hampshire and Isle of Wight are listed
at Freemasons’ Hall in London, which was opened in 1933 as a
memorial to the Masonic dead in the Great War.
One of the most influential Masons of the 18th century was
Thomas Dunckerley, a naval gunner who obtained a warrant
for a Lodge to meet on H.M.S. Vanguard. He later sought one
for H.M.S. Prince, which he transferred to H.M.S. Guadeloupe
on posting. On retiring from the Navy in 1766 he took the
warrant with him and formed a Lodge which met in his apartment at Somerset House. By amalgamation the Lodge survives
to this day as the Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge
No. 4. Dunckerley enjoyed a meteoric rise in Freemasonry after
leaving the Navy, as a result of King George lll acknowledging
him as the illegitimate son of his grandfather and predecessor George ll. Masonic Provinces were formed in Hampshire
in 1767 and on the Isle of Wight in 1772 and Dunckerley was
appointed as the senior Freemason (Provincial Grand Master)
of each. His name is commemorated today by Thomas Dunckerley Lodge No. 9514, which acts as the Provincial Grand
Master’s executive unit.
To this day Hampshire can boast several Lodges with close
service connections. Among these are:
It is perhaps appropriate that the Senior Service should have
provided the first head of the Province, but the Army can claim
the last serviceman to serve in that office in the person of Colonel Tom Langton M.C., who died in 1986. Like Dunckerley his
name is commemorated by having a Lodge named after him
– the Thomas Bennett Langton Lodge No. 9224.
Faith and Confidence Lodge No. 8222 (Royal Army Pay Corps)
Aldershot Camp Lodge No. 1331
Aldershot Army and Navy Lodge No. 1971 (Officers)
Lodge of Hope No. 2153 (R.N. Dockyard)
Farnborough and North Camp Lodge No. 2203
Victory Lodge No. 3509 (R.N. Dockyard)
Aldershot Royal Engineers’ Lodge No. 4178
Comrades Lodge No. 4745
St. Vincent Lodge No. 5295
Hermes Lodge No. 5532 (Royal Air Force)
Royal Marine Portsmouth Lodge No. 6423
Haslar Lodge No. 7234 (R.N. Hospital)
Andover Combined Services Lodge No. 8300
Fleet Air Arm Lodge No. 8867
Pegasus Forces Lodge No. 9393 (Airborne Forces)
Aldershot Camp Lodge was consecrated as long ago as 1870
and Pegasus Forces Lodge as recently as 1990, thus demonstrating that Freemasonry still mirrors the camaraderie and
close ties engendered by military service.
Military service mirrors the three founding principles of Freemasonry – “Brotherly love, relief and truth” – and it is therefore not
surprising that Freemasons account for a significant number of
the 1,357 holders of the Victoria Cross, which is only awarded for the most conspicuous acts of bravery in the face of the
www.hiowmasons.org
Roger Jago
9
Insight • Spring 2011
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE
PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER
Freemasons like to keep a sensible balance between their most
enjoyable and rewarding pastime and other committments so
I thought I would share with you a year in the life of the PGM.
January
A new year dawns – I have been Chief executive of a private bank
for over 20 years – the markets are uncertain – I have been Deputy
Provincial Grand Master for the past 6 years – little did I know what
was in store for me masonically – I attend the Grand Stewards Lodge
Installation meeting in London with other members of our Province
and hundreds of brethren keen to be present during the 275th anniversary of Grand Stewards – all the Rulers were not only present but
worked, including the Duke of Kent who delivered the Address to
the Master, namely the Pro Grand Master
February
Kay and I take a week’s holiday in the lovely island of Mauritius
– magical – just as well it was early in the month because on the
20th, our daughter Jane presents us with our first granddaughter,
Chloe Fay – we are introduced to Chloe when she was just a few
hours old, a wonderful experience – mum, dad, baby, and grandparents all doing well.
March
A number of official visits in the Province which reduces the number
to be made in the summer months in anticipation of good biking
weather to come – 27th, letter received from the Grand Secretary
that the Grand Master has decided to appoint me as Provincial
Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight – I telephone the
then PGM to inform him – we are both delighted – he says he will
announce it through the Provincial Information service, probably
the following Monday as the Provincial Office is closed over the
weekend – 28th, first round of the Dynomite Pit Bike championship at Matchams – my grandson Kyle (16 years) and I have entered
and will race the 140cc bikes against each other – we complete 3
heats and wait for the final – I receive a congratulatory text reference my new appointment – the news is out – Kyle comes second
in the final race – I come down the field – it doesn’t matter, it’s
great just to race with him – 29th, I attend the funeral of R.W. Bro
Jimmy Bullen, Provincial Grand Master between 1986 and 1991, a
great friend who would have been delighted with my news
April
I take Kyle for his CBT which he passes no problem, he’s on the
road, we ride home, first time on the road together – Kay and I
have a weekend away at Brands Hatch for the British Superbikes – I
attend a Lodge in Southampton invited especially to see the Master,
a nonagenarian, but you wouldn’t believe it, he was cool, as Kyle
would say – it is suggested during the April Pit Bike round that
Kyle is sufficiently good to race on proper race circuits, we decide
to investigate – 27th, I attend the Deputy PGM’s Mess in London
for the last time, a fantastic evening with friends from across the
country whom I’ve known for years – 28th, Annual Investiture of
Grand Lodge preceded by the Investiture Lunch and followed by
the Grand Festival, a great day for all but particularly brethren of
this Province who were being invested as Grand Officers
2010
July
1st Kyle’s prom, I arrange for a friend to take him in a Ferrari, and
after he returns to Solent Court with all his friends for an after
prom party, Kay and I agree provided our daughter Claire (Kyle’s
mum) and other mums attend to take charge, a first class night
but not sure where they get their energy (the mums that is) – 6th, –
Provincial Dinner with the Grand Lodge team before Investiture the
following day – relaxed and enjoyable in preparation for the Investiture – 7th, the Big Day at Southampton Guildhall – I am invested
as Provincial Grand Master by the Deputy Grand Master, the Assistant Grand Master also attended and took part in the ceremony
– first rehearsal was at 0800 – the brethren of the Province were
superb – I’m a very proud man – we leave the Guildhall after 1700
– my great friend who is Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire
and whom I’ve known before either of us were Freemasons, stays
over night – the family, including Chloe, join us for a celebratory
dinner – does it get better than this – I take Kyle to Silverstone for
a session with the Ron Haslam Race School – Kay and I attend the
New Forest Show for the first outing of the Exhibition Unit, this
particular dream becomes reality
August
British Superbikes at Brands, pit bike races, track day at Mallory
Park, In and Out dinner to say farewell to Brian and Jenny (again!)
- we return to Brands as competitors – Kyle competes at Brands
Hatch on a Honda 500 over Bank Holiday weekend, I am his pit
crew, sun turns to rain, I change his wheels, rain turns to sun, I
change the wheels again, superb results in the wet, Kyle is taken
out at Paddock Hill bend, he’s fine but we have to put the bike back
together, Kay mends his leathers with gaffer tape, we return home
drained and ecstatic – Rhys (Kyle’s brother aged 10) expresses an
interest in road racing, I let him ride my pit bike up and down the
drive, I thought he would never stop, where is this leading?
September
Kay and I host the Provincial Reception at Chandlers Ford for active
Provincial Officers and their wives/partners, a very happy occasion – unofficial visit to the Lodge of the Chevaliers de Fer on their
10th anniversary, this is a bikers’ Lodge meeting on a Saturday,
I arrive by bike despite the inclement weather, good to share the
company of so many like minded blokes – weekend away at Centre
Parcs with the family including Chloe, great to take her in the pool,
she’s a star,
October
I attend the Pro Grand Master’s Regional Conference in Bristol,
then on to the Wiltshire Provincial Meeting, and then to Mallory
Park for Saturday racing returning for Chloe’s christening on the
Sunday (that’s the first week!); Kay and I go to Jersey with other
couples from the Province for the Jersey Provincial meeting; we go
to Donington Park for the last race weekend of the season; Rhys is
christened aged 10 by a great friend the Rev. John Harvey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
November
I attend the Provincial AGM in Bristol held at the Grammar School,
it’s usually a good ride but the day is grey, and turned wet, still
better than travelling by car – Kay and I attend a Lunch at the Naval
Club in Portsmouth to say Farewell to the Past ProvGSec – very
well attended and very moving at times – more official visits in the
Province – we agree Kyle will enter the 500cc class in the ThundersportGB championship – I preside at the Grand Officers Mess in
Chandlers Ford for the last time.
The racing season is over, almost; the last event of the year is a
Pit Bike Enduro, 2 hours of racing non stop, each team has one
bike 3 riders, the Wilks Team is yours truly Kyle and Rhys, the
weather is atrocious and all riders kiss the tarmac at some stage
including all the Wilks Team, after two hours including refuelling
and running repairs as necessary, we come 2nd out of 13 teams,
wonderful to share the second step of the podium with the boys;
I attend the Stewards Lodge Installation to install the new Master,
the Pro Grand Master attends as Master of Grand Stewards, over
300 brethren at the Novatel in Southampton, a great night
June
December
Chloe has her first swimming lesson – Kyle “finds” a 500cc motorcycle on the internet – Retirement Dinner for the retiring PGM, held
at HMS Nelson, fantastic evening – Jenny and Kay looked radiant,
Brian and I ……… Brian retires and I take over as Deputy Provincial
Grand Master in Charge – 30th, Kay and I attend our first (and only
in that capacity) official function in Bournemouth, a charity presentation during which I make a speech about Freemasonry, the
mayors of Bournemouth and Christchuch attend with their ladies,
I’m going to like this job
Official visits to 2 of our University Lodges, one in Portsmouth and
the other in Southampton, undergraduates from the universities
are initiated on each visit, the University Scheme is gathering pace
in the Province, Kay and I attend the Bournemouth Group Church
service – it’s Christmas – anything but peace and quiet with three
active grandchildren.
May
Insight • Spring 2011
10
Michael J Wilks
Provincial Grand Master
www.hiowmasons.org
AROUND THE PROVINCE
ALDERSHOT
ALTON
PEDRO LEADS THE WAY
BIG BAD BIKE RIDE
With determination and a little help from your friends all
things are possible.
Having decided that the years have been kind to me I
thought I would again take up the challenge to raise money
for Freidreich’s Ataxia, a little known horribly debilitating
disease that usually puts children into a wheel chair by the
time that they are 12 or 13. Sponsorship from the ride will
go towards funding research into Ataxia which is passed
through the genes. The aim is to isolate the gene.
Kerry Levins who is 40, married with one daughter was an
officer in the Royal Signal Corps throughout the 1990’s serving
extensively overseas. During the last few months of his military service he discovered that his eyesight was deteriorating.
The deterioration was rapid, and after having suffered an unrelated stroke in 2005, by 2006 he was officially registered blind
with no sight in his right eye and less than 1% in his left. He
received his Guide Dog Pedro, a Labrador retriever, in November 2009.
Kerry Levins correctly felt that there was no reason why he
should not join Freemasonry. Both he and Pedro, whose work
in the Lodge is impeccable, are
regular attendees at Anniversary Lodge and both are determined to advance through the
Offices to the Master’s chair.
As Kerry says, life has been a
bit of a challenge since leaving
the Army but you just have to
get on and make the most of it,
and he hopes in the future to
help make people more aware
of the problems and difficulties
faced by those suffering with
blindness.
I was a cyclist in my teens and early twenties but since the last
Big Bad Bike Ride in 2008 my bicycle had been hanging up in
my garage!
With a non-Masonic friend, Bryan Russell, we started training
for the event.
This year’s Big Bad
Bike Ride was based
on Pitlochry in the
Grampian Highlands.
The course was 75
miles but Bryan and
I missed a turning
and did 76 miles. We
always like to go the
extra mile!
We raised £4,000
sponsorship
for
Ataxia Research. The
whole event raised
over £120,000.
Andy Duff
BOTLEY
David Pennell
BOURNEMOUTH
RENDEZVOUS & MORE TOO
THIS LITTLE PIGGY
The spread of Clubs for widows and more mature brethren has been nothing less than astounding with nine now
appearing in the Year Book. These clubs provide a regular
opportunity to gather and socialise.
Masons know how to enjoy themselves and this was
certainly the case when over 160 of them, including their
families and friends met at Wimborne Football Club on a
gloriously warm and sunny day for a Pig Roast.
The format is usually flexible and modified to suit the wishes
of the members. Some have gone further and arranged trips to
places of interest. The Island Compass Group took a party on a
mini-break to Torquay where they were joined one evening by
ladies from the Torbay Masonic Widows Group.
Thanks to a raffle organised by Tony Drake and Phil Hoyle, who
ran a Tombola, plus a number of other donations we made a
handsome profit.
Knowing that we had a very interesting presentation from
Canine Partners, a charity we support, an invitation went out
from Rendezvous Circle to the Concord Club in Farnborough.
The Canine Partners
dogs can help people
with even the most
complex
disabilities
including members of
HM Armed Forces.
Concord
members
had an opportunity to
understand the training of these amazing
dogs. They were also
able to meet the star of
the show Oona, whose
claim to fame is that she
once met Prince Harry.
Phil Hoyle’s wife organised face painting for the youngsters
and there was some goal practice on the football field. A good
number of the children took part in at least one of these activities. The pig turned out to be just about the right size and the
vegetarian option proved popular.
As this was the first event organised by the new Social Committee
we
are
delighted it was
a success. We
are looking for
your support for
any future events
so that we can
continue to help
the Bournemouth
Masonic Centre
and have fun with
our friends and
families
whilst
doing it.
Gino Fanti
www.hiowmasons.org
11
Peter Martin
Insight • Spring 2011
AROUND THE PROVINCE
CHANDLERS FORD
COSHAM
IN A SPIN
JAIL BREAK
Freemasons in our Province have been regular supporters
of the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity. The charity offers disabled children from the special schools and
disabled clubs in our area a interactive day in the countryside and an opportunity to try their hand at catching a
plump trout.
In 2010 John Charlton and Nigel Russell
bump started the
2016 Festival activities for Landport
Lodge by escaping
from Southsea Gaol.
To raise funds for this worthwhile cause the Charity recently held a Casino Night at Kings Court Masonic Centre. There
were roulette and blackjack tables, a chance to sample the
famous Kings Court’s knife and fork buffet and dancing to DJ
Colin Ross.
On arrival players were provided with an amount of “funny
money” and those ending the evening with the most were
presented with a prize for being the “best gamblers”.
Best Gent was Bob Leach and Best Lady Kim Masters. Each
received a bottle of champagne. There was also a raffle with
a fine array of prizes ranging from a bottle of single malt to a
brace of pheasants.
A fun evening was had by all
and a good amount of real
money raised in support of
the Charity. The organisers were very grateful to the
local companies that donated
prizes to the Grand Draw and
for private donations which
swelled the coffers.
Their sponsored breakout saw Nigel blag his
way, with kind co-operation from National
Express, to a place
where he thought he
could blend in with the
crowd.
Much to his surprise,
he was very nearly arrested trying to hitch a lift back home
from a black Limo with a flag on the front, but managed to
give the boys in blue the slip again and made it home safely
that evening.
John, however, was last seen falling off Hadrian’s Wall holding
tight to a bottle of Buckfast.
Still, their efforts raised £200 for the RMTGB appeal and they
hope to escape again with a few more crazy inmates in 2011.
Anyone interested in participating can contact Landport’s
Festival Steward at [email protected]
Peter Springett
Jim Steele
GOSPORT
ISLE OF WIGHT
IN TUNE WITH LOCAL NEEDS
BOXING CLEVER
During the week the Rachel Madocks Special School in
Cowplain near Waterlooville helps children from between
two and nineteen years of age who have complex medical and learning difficulties. At weekends and school holidays it opens its doors to organisations such as KIDS and
On-Track who work with young people and adults with
special needs.
A Gentlemen’s Evening with John Conteh was organised by
Derek Ryall and Shaun Burden in aid of the Royal Masonic
Trust for Girls and Boys 2016 Festival.
The School’s “Eagle Appeal” helps raise money to support the
school’s activities by purchasing specialist playground equipment, but their current need was for Outdoor Musical Instruments and Karwan Lodge supported by our own Grand Charity
realised this wish.
The Worshipful Master and his wife Sue together with members
of the Lodge, Noel Voice, the Secretary of the Hampshire and
IOW Grand Charity and Tom Jones, a regular contributor to the
Fund who has a special interest in supporting young people,
presented the equipment
to Fund Raising Manager,
Coleen Smith.
John is one of Britain’s most successful boxing champions with
a record of 34 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses. In the 1970’s he was
a possible opponent to Muhammad Ali. He started boxing at
the age of 10 at the Kirby club, the training ground for some of
the best amateur boxers at that time and at 19 won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games.
He then turned professional winning the WBC Light Heavyweight crown in October 1974 and holding it until 1978.
John regaled us with memories of his fame, often being on the
front and back pages of newspapers due to his love of partying and women and how it brought about a premature decline
in his talents. An excellent evening was rounded off with an
auction which included items of boxing equipment signed by
John and raised £1,858 for the RMTGB.
Keith Scovell
The presentation unites
local
Freemasonry,
strongly supported by
our Provincial Charity,
with a worthy local charity to support very needy
young people.
Jim Laurie
Insight • Spring 2011
12
www.hiowmasons.org
AROUND THE PROVINCE
NEW FOREST
SOUTHAMPTON
BIG BIKE CHARITY HIKE
WHISKY GALORE
Imagine a 3,500 mile trip following the coastline of Great
Britain, in essence travelling from Lands End to John
O’Groats and back, the long way round! That was the challenge for our band of motor-cyclists, both Masons and nonMasons.
Canute Lodge hit the ground running for the 2016 Festival when over 45 Masons, their partners and guests got
together for an evening of whisky tasting led by UK Ambassador for The Balvenie, Dr. Andrew Forrester.
Over the 14 days we were delighted that there were no accidents, breakdowns or speeding tickets and just the one puncture. The weather was a real mix, sunny one day, wet the next
and sometimes all in one day. We lost one day in Scotland due
to wind and torrential rain. In our travels we stayed at campsites and on one occasion in someone’s back garden. We all
enjoyed the trip hugely and would do it again and in the process raised approximately £7000 from sponsorship to be split
between Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice Trust.
Lee Marsh
Colin Stenning,
Lee Marsh, Iain House
& Darren Moss
In an exciting early fundraising event in aid of the RMTGB 2016
Festival, everyone was captivated by the expert instruction of
Dr. Forrester as he revealed the complexities and character of
5 different Balvenie single malt whiskies. We learned the difference between the Kylie Minogues and the Anne Widdecombes
of the whisky palate as Dr. Forrester brought us on an enjoyable tour of whisky flavours.
We were also honoured by the presence of Les Hutchinson,
Chief Executive of the RMTGB. He gave a very moving and
passionate presentation about the work undertaken by the
Trust. As we consider the many hundreds of beneficiaries
within our Province alone, we can realise the true importance
of this fundamental Masonic charity.
Thanks to the generousity of members and friends
of Canute, the event raised a
marvellous £670 towards the
Festival. This is hoped to be
one of many more charitable
social events during the Festival period for Canute Lodge,
so do keep an eye out for
future events!
Andy Milligan
WINCHESTER
SILVER SURFERS
Providing a wide variety of support to local people, Andover
Neighbourcare includes a Silver Surfer Internet Café for the
over 50’s. Recently Vince Delderfield of Ariel Lodge was
delighted to provide them further financial support from
the Provincial Grand Charity.
Pam Delderfield, Senior Manager of Neighbourcare said “There
is always a need, not only for financial support but voluntary
support from local people to ensure that this great service to
the community continues to grow. We receive tremendous
financial help from both local businesses and Masonic Lodges
and on behalf of the organisation I would like to thank you all
most sincerely. At present at least 15 of our current staff are
Masons or wives of Masons so we have a strong association
with the Masonic Fraternity.”
She continued “The Silver Surfers Internet Café, visited recently
by the Mayor of Test Valley, was introduced as a new facility in
May of last year and opened by Sir George Young.
Andy, Andrew Forrester & Les
Hutchinson
CHEVALIERS DE FER 10TH
ANNIVERSARY
Chevaliers de Fer (roughly translated – “Chivalrous Men of
Iron” or “Knights of the Road”) was the first bikers Lodge
and was founded in this Province 10 years ago.
Since that time, the Lodge has met in Masonic Centres across
the country, from York to Honiton but always returns to Basingstoke in this Province once a year for its Installation meeting. The Lodge’s 10th anniversary celebration was attended
by the Provincial Grand Master who is an honorary member
of the Lodge and who 12 months previously had dedicated
the Lodge’s banner. The picture shows the PGM arriving for
the meeting and being greeted by the Master of the Lodge
and other senior members most of whom had travelled to the
meeting by motor cycle but changed before the PGM arrived.
The Lodge’s lead has been followed by biker freemasons in
other Provinces most recently the Mike Hailwood Lodge which
was founded in the Province of Warwickshire in 2008.
This very generous donation is a great boost for us, it will
enable us to continue to give this free and very worth-while
facility to the over 50’s
throughout the town for
the foreseeable future”.
Roy Quin
Charles Kirby shows Test
Valley Mayor Chris Lynn
what he has been taught
in the Internet Café
www.hiowmasons.org
13
Insight • Spring 2011
AROUND THE PROVINCE
THE ROYAL ARCH
Each year the Grand Superintendent of Hampshire and
Isle of Wight Dr. Roger Jago has chosen a charity to be
supported by the Province and invited a sponsoring Chapter to take the lead.
This year the St. Hubert Chapter based at Keystone Hall in
Andover was given the opportunity of hosting the activities
on behalf of The Countess of Brecknock Hospice, the Grand
Superintendent’s Charity for 2011.
At his official visit in early December was warmly welcomed by
members of the Chapter (below), and with the assistance of
the Active Provincial Officers, he exalted three new candidates
into The Royal Arch degree on behalf of the Chapter. It was a
memorable evening for all who attended.
For details of the fund raising events planned for the year
contact Chris Rashbrook on 01962 868400.
Roy Quin
THE IRISH CONNECTION
Do you know why an Irish Mason wears his apron on the
inside? Because an Irishman always takes his coat off
before starting work!
Freemasons are always delighted to visit other Lodges; even
better if there is a family connection and a trip abroad.
I was honoured that my father, grandfather and uncle were
present for my initiation in Canute Lodge last May, and now I
was invited to attend a meeting of my grandfather’s Lodge in
the Province of Antrim.
In true Masonic fashion, the craic really came after the Lodge
closed! I watched as the Worshipful Master, officers and distinguished guests retired from the lodge and came back with
sandwiches and a tea urn from the side room! Once we had
eaten our fill the meal was cleared away and the bar came out
of carrier bags. The remainder of the evening was spent with
music, singing and after dinner speeches.
Andy Milligan
Alan Berman, Dr. Roger Jago, Graham Glazier
Gifton Bailey, Darren Twigg & Paul Darliston
Billy Milligan (Grandfather), David Milligan (Father),
Andy Milligan (Me) & WM Wendell McGrath
If your lodge is doing something that will be
of interest across the Province please mail it to
your local reporter
See the year book for details or
The Editor, [email protected]
Insight • Spring 2011
14
www.hiowmasons.org
SPORT & SOCIAL
ARE WE SAILING?
HAMPSHIRE
MASONIC BIKERS H
H
ampshire Masonic
Bikers Association
is an initiative of the
Provincial Grand Master. It
has the aim of applying
that feeling of fellowship
and camaraderie which
exists in the Biker community, to the wider community and at the same time
as raising the public profile
of Freemasonry, creating
greater awareness of the
good work carried out in
the community by Freemasons.
To ascertain all this we must
meet, but first we need an
indication of those interested in getting this new and
rather exciting project off the
ground. Please contact me
and let me know. Interest has
already been shown from as
far away as Powis, Donington
and Cumbria.
The aim is to encourage
Masonic and non-Masonic
bikers to join, so that where
bikers gather to talk bikes,
admire bikes and plan road
trips they will include Freemasonry in their conversation.
O
How do we set about this?
What activities do you see
being carried out? How do
we communicate? What will
membership entail and what
will be the cost? We need to
resolve these questions.
The Provincial Grand Master
has agreed to be President
of the Association. We have
a Chairman, Secretary and
Treasurer. A graphic artist has
designed the logo and it has
been approved by the PGM.
Now we have to look at what
else is required, what offices
should we have, what expertise we need to have in our
membership.
The Association would cater
for both Masons and nonMasons.
If you are interested please
contact me, David Stevenson, by e-mail at:
Also let me know how you
think we should progress. All
suggestions to be one liners
and against bullet points
please. This will enable me
to produce and circulate a
C
The incentives are that it will
be of benefit to the community and also to your Lodge.
The Association will in due
time grow outside the bounds
of the Province.
ello to all you
sailing enthusiasts. Would you
support the formation
of a Hants & Isle of
Wight Masonic Sailing
Association?
davidstevenson50@
ntlworld.com
or you can phone me on
02392 589410.
David Stevenson
GOLF SOCIETY
BI
T
he Golf Society had another very successful
year, with the Captain, Don Oliver, leading the
members in a series of competitions.
KERS
discussion document and
after it has done the rounds
to produce an agenda for
when we meet.
When this has been achieved
and enough replies have been
received to prove it viable the
Provincial Grand Master has
indicated that he will find us
a place to meet.
Monies raised have been donated to St. Dunstans, the Charity for Visually impaired Ex Service Personnel, Police and
Firefighters.
We played a number of Matches against other Masonic
Provinces; we didn’t win any of them but competed well and
renewed friendships.
At the Society AGM, Alan Hamilton was elected as our
President in place of Bob Mills-Goodlet, who had decided to
stand down after over 20 years. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Society he was created Honorary Life
President, and presented with a fine Commemorative Salver.
Please call me on 02392
591730 if you wish to talk
about it or you can email me
on [email protected] or
snail mail me, Arthur S. Agate,
26, Beech Rd, Clanfield, Hants.
PO8 0LH. I look forward to
hearing from you.
We encourage all Hampshire Masons, who play golf, to join
the Society (it’s Free), to play in our competitions and help
raise monies for Charity in 2011.
Arthur Agate
Brian Williams
CAPTION COMPETITION
“I’m a
CelebrIty
get me out
of here!”
www.hiowmasons.org
Insight
• Spring 2011
Membership Applications should be sent to the Secretary,
that’s me, Brian Williams.
You can reach me on 02380 620202 or email me at
[email protected]
We are delighted to announce that Terry
Owens came up with the best Caption for this
photo of APGM Eric Moody.
Terry receives a pair of Calvin Klein sunglasses
from Charlie Kemp who kindly donated them.
Those of you who know Terry’s shy and
retiring nature will agree this is a suitable prize.
Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry.
15
Insight
www.hiowmasons.org
• Spring 2011
Self Catering Accommodation on
The Garden Route, South Africa
(Sedgefield, near Knysna)
Bird Cottage is an ideal situation if you just
want peace and solitude surrounded
by birdsong and lovely walks.
The Town of George with all the shops
you could desire is a 25 minute drive away.
www.birdcottage.co.za
0027 44 343 1261
Or call Mark Bizley at
Marked & Sparkling in Fareham
01329 827678
for a fuller description and more information
on the area.
This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part nor transmitted in any form whatsoever without the written permission of the
publishers. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, neither the publisher nor the Masonic Province of Hampshire
and Isle of Wight can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, nor any consequences arising therefrom.