Hallmark Newsletter - Widnes

HALLMARK NEWSLETTER
Newsletter Date
News and views from Widnes Masonic Hall and the
Widnes Group of Lodges and Chapters
APRIL 2014
Inside this issue
Group Chairman’s
notes
2
Goodwill at St
Rocco’s
3
Defibrillator in
Widnes
3
Keith’s golden
Jubilee
5
Appointments and
promotions
8
WLFC plays the
right notes
8
David gets a
sword
Charity notes
154th Grand
Masonic Festival
and Ball
Welcome to the new look and new style Hallmark Newsletter.
This new format is much easier to produce and to print when
sending to members who do not have an email address or
access to the internet.
As before, this newsletter is a means of publishing
information about what’s going on at Widnes Masonic Hall,
information about lodge and chapter meetings and social
events.
So to attract more members to your meetings and socials, please send
details of events to Frank Parle Widnes Group Publicity Officer at
[email protected] or via the Publicity Officer’s
pigeon hole outside the main lodge room.
Notes from the Chairman of the Board
David Wilkinson
I am pleased to say that we have a stable financial position
at the Hall and we continue to generate income that complements the capitation payments and donations made by
10 lodges.
9
Even Royal Mail has now finally paid the outstanding amount
10 on their parking charge after months of chasing - now we
Donation to Sea
Cadets
just need to educate the postmen in orderly parking! Lodges
regularly make donations to the Development Fund for which
11 the Board Members express their continuing gratitude.
Second secrets
explained
Members will already know that the car park barrier access has been
12 installed and this gives greater control over who may use our car park.
Before card access actually came into use the physical sight of the
HALLMARK NEWSLETTER
Page 2
barrier had some impact especially on staff from the Riverside College and it is pleasing to see
that the disabled spaces are now being respected.
You are all probably aware that we have a policy of continued improvement of the facilities at the
Hall and maintain a list of projects to undertake when finances permit. In the summer months we
intend to carry out some work in the main hall by replacing the perimeter carpet, carrying out
some decoration and looking at the lighting. We also need to change the lights in the Lodge
Room to provide better illumination and there are plans to do something about the accumulation
of items in the ante-room.
We continue to attract enquiries for functions at the Hall and this has been helped by having our
name at the front. It was surprising the number of people who said that they did not know what
the building was! I know that the dance classes on a Thursday evening is of concern to members
as the music may sometimes be heard in the Lodge Room. The solemnity of our ceremonies is
the over-riding principle and should not be interrupted and we are working with the organisers to
resolve this issue. Whilst the revenue is welcome, what is best for members is the priority.
I am personally grateful for the comments from members about what the Board are trying to
achieve. But we do not have a monopoly on ideas so if anyone has a suggestion for making improvements please do not hesitate to get in touch. We shall look at anything that will add to our
facilities or make our meeting place better.
Notes for the Group Chairman
Derek Williams
As we move into April and begin to feel some warmer weather, it signals that the
end of the nine month Masonic season is approaching. It is also the end of my first
year as your group chairman, a privilege which I have thoroughly enjoyed spending
with you all and I look forward to it continuing.
Congratulations to those who have received promotion in and appointment to Provincial Grand
Lodge and Chapter. At Provincial Grand Chapter in April, I was pleased to witness two Royal
Arch Masons from the group receive their acting ranks and also enjoyed their company at the
celebrants’ banquet in Preston Masonic Hall. I look forward to being with those attending Provincial Grand Lodge in May to receive their honours.
Ian Boswell, our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, has now been discharged from hospital and
continues to make good progress. I am sure each and every one of you sends him your best
wishes and look forward to receiving him in our lodges again in the very near future.
September will see the start of the new Masonic season and also a new leader of this great Province. Tony Harrison will be installed as Grand Superintendent in the morning of 31 July and as
Provincial Grand Master in the afternoon at Blackpool Winter Gardens. All RA Masons are invited
at the morning session but the afternoon is an all ticket event!
Sadly, the new season will be missing Bold Lodge No 7583 as they have voted to hand in their
warrant at their June meeting. I wish all the members every success in their new lodges and
hope they continue to enjoy Freemasonry.
Lastly, I wish you all an enjoyable summer recess and hope you come back refreshed to meet
the future challenges of Freemasonry in Widnes.
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Goodwill to St Rocco’s
Director of Ceremonies of Goodwill Lodge No 3896 Bob Williams
and his wife Joan went along to St Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington to present them with a donation of £1045 in memory of his
mother Meiriona (Mona) Williams who passed away in late June
at the grand age of 92 years after spending some time in the
hospice.
Mona was the widow of the late Bill Williams, who was a member
of Wilmere Lodge No 8472, which is now incorporated within
Goodwill Lodge, was a frequent and popular visitor to all of the
lodge’s social functions and always appreciated the regular contact provided by the almoner Brian Magan and the brethren of
the lodge.
Bob and the members of Goodwill Lodge chose to honour
Mona’s memory with a Masonic donation of £750 from the lodge,
which was then added to personal donations and will be used by
the hospice to continue providing specialist care for patients and
their families with life limiting illnesses.
Bob and Joan Williams
As an independent hospice which has been established in Warrington for 28 years and provides specialist care for patients with
cancer and other life limiting illnesses is a registered charity that takes patients from Warrington
and the surrounding areas. It costs £2,900,000 each year to provide the special care for which St
Rocco’s is renowned and in 2013 they need to raise £5.50 per minute just to keep the hospice
running!
Acknowledging the donation a representative confirmed just how appreciative all of the staff; volunteers; patients and families are when support such as this is forthcoming.
Defibrillator at Widnes
A defibrillator which has been donated by a charity from another Masonic order has been delivered to the Widnes Masonic Hall and is affixed to a wall on the first floor landing, near to the stair
lift terminus. In order to provide the Widnes members expert training on the use of the defibrillator and some basic first aid advice a training session has been held at which about 60 members
attended.
Location of the defibrillator.
The training session, which was organised by Frank Thomas,
was opened with a greeting from Peter Connolly PrGM of the
Masonic Order that had donated the defibrillator. Peter was accompanied by Mike Clarke and Ian Nairn both being APrGM’s
and Eric Drinkwater the PrGMs special representative. Also attending was Janet Graham from the St John Ambulance Blackburn, who gave instruction on how to use the defibrillator safely
should it ever be required.
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Janet’s instruction and training was very informative, detailed
and well-presented with a very friendly and helpful approach.
Information given by Janet included checking for lumps or
scars on the chest, the patient may have a pacemaker; do not
jostle the patient as there may be broken bones; if the patient
carries a gas bottle and is permanently breathing oxygen the
mask should be removed.
Some strong advice is to check the surrounding area for gas
cylinders, electric cables, unstable floors or any dangerous Where the electrodes should be
situation before risking your safety and if CPR is required, it
attached.
should be done to the tune of ‘Staying Alive’. It is also worth
noting that the box contains scissors for cutting away clothing as necessary.
Although the defibrillator is relatively easy to use as it works like a
Satnav, on opening the lid full instructions are given audibly and
visually and no one should be afraid of taking on the responsibility
of using it as it will not deliver the electric shock if it is not needed
and cannot harm the patient. It is important that members of
lodges and chapters are familiar in the use of the defibrillator. The
training was not complicated or arduous as the machine talks an
operator through the sequence to be followed. There is also a useful video and information on the St John Ambulance website.
http://www.sja.org.uk
The Widnes Group are indebted to Peter and his Masonic Order
for their generosity in ensuring that Widnes Group has the approAndy Maginn practices CPR. priate lifesaving equipment available should the worst scenario
ever happen. The machine will now be registered with the emergency services and should anyone make a 999 call for medical assistance within the immediate
vicinity of our machine they will be advised of its location.
At the end of the demonstration Peter
thanked Janet for her informative talk and
the humorous manner in which she got the
message across. Peter also thanked all
those present for their attendance. All present were then given the opportunity to
practice their CPR on two dummies and Members in discussion with Janet at the white
also the working of the defibrillator.
board.
Goodwill Lodge Social Events 2014 - 2015
Canal Dinner Chester 29 June 2014
Bowling Main 30 August 2014
B.B.Q. at WM’s home 13 September 2014
Christmas Dinner 10 December 2014
Ladies Evening 14 February 2015
Llandudno Weekend 20-23 February 2015
For more information contact Davie Redhead;- 01928716807 or [email protected]
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Keith’s golden jubilee
The worshipful master of Hale Lodge of Fellowship No 3799, Jim Carmichael-Prince opened the
lodge for this special meeting to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry by Keith Banks. Jim quickly
discharged the initial business and then Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dave
Thomas announced the entrance of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Tony Bent, accompanied
by Widnes Group Chairman Derek Williams, grand officer David Redhead and escorted by acting
Provincial deacons Neil Pedder and Alan Carter.
Jim gave Tony a very warm welcome and offered him the gavel of
the lodge, which he accepted, retained and took over in the chair of
King Solomon in order to preside over the next part of the ceremony.
Tony commenced by saying that 50 years’ service in any organisation is a marvellous achievement and shows dedication and commitment.
Some notable events that were happening in the world during 1938,
the year of Keith’s birth and 1964, the year of Keith’s initiation, were
mentioned by Tony before he asked for Keith to be placed in front of Tony Bent, (left), presenting
him. He then recalled the life and time of Keith from his birth at Keith with his certificate.
1.00am on Friday 16 December 1938 to the present day.
Keith was born at his aunt’s house in Norwich Road, Wavertree, Liverpool. His aunt was a midwife and indeed delivered Keith’s sister and many of his cousins. Her husband, Keith’s uncle,
who did all the fetching and carrying at the births was a master Mason and can be now said that
Keith made contact with Masonry at his earliest opportunity.
Keith’s father had a sweet and tobacconist shop near
to the docks in Bootle and life was fairly good for Keith
until an ex Liverpool art student named Adolf decided
to warm things up by starting a war against Britain.
The Liverpool and Bootle docks were prime targets for
the Luftwaffe and many lives were lost during the subsequent bombing. At the age of three Keith was evacuated to the leafy pastures of Mossley Hill to live with
his grandparents.
At the age of five he started school at Dovedale Road
Pictured from left to right, are: Tony Bent, Junior School, to be followed two years later by a cerKeith Banks and Derek Williams.
tain John Lennon. Keith says that he doesn’t remember him as one did not associate with younger students. His parents returned to Liverpool and
Keith, who was now six, rejoined them to live in Allerton. At the age of 11 he attended Liverpool
Blue Coat School where the headmaster, who was a Reverend, was well known for the issuing of
summary justice via a birch that he always carried with him.
In 1955 Keith began his apprenticeship at a leading city garage. As he was the youngest and
newest employee, he was the butt of all the usual works jokes. When asked about his instructor,
Keith said, “His was a mechanic called Bill who could hold a sledge hammer at arm’s length for
one minute and walk up a flight of stairs backwards on his hands.”
During his apprenticeship he joined the 12/13th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment Territorial
Army at Grace Road Barracks, Walton. His Brigadier was Lt. Colonel ‘Jonny’ Frost who had won
fame for capturing and holding onto for four days, the bridge at Arnhem.
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Whilst on a summer camp with the TA in Norfolk, he was approached by his Sgt. Major and
asked to jump from a helicopter for a film company. Keith explained, “I was required to join Equity, which I did, but unfortunately I was unable to do the jump due to bad weather. Apparently, I
was to act as a ‘stand-in’ for Bridget Bardot.” This caused much amusement to the assembled
brethren.
In 1959 having, completed his apprenticeship and three years in the TA he joined the Merchant
Navy. He joined his first and only ship, MV Salaverry, as a 2 nd/6th Junior Engineer, but by the time
the ship sailed he had been twice promoted to 2 nd/5th Junior Engineer. The ship left Liverpool and
on arrival at London the Chief Engineer was carried off in a drunken stupor. Too much duty free.
After loading, the ship sailed for South America, through the Panama Canal and down the Pacific
coast to Tierra del Fuego. Keith previous longest trip was to Llandudno on the St Tudno! His
longest voyage took him through the Magellan Straights to Punta Arenas, the most southerly port
in the world. It was here that Keith watched an American cowboy film spoken in German with
Spanish subtitles. On the way home he sailed through an earthquake and a Tsunami of 8.3 magnitude.
Pictured from left to right, are: Alan Carter, David Redhead, Tony Bent, Keith Banks, Derek Williams and
Neil Pedder.
In 1963, Keith left the sea and joined Liverpool City Police and after training he was posted to Essex Street Bridewell. On his first tour of duty Keith paraded for nights. The inspector told him to
go in the ‘jeep’ and keep out of trouble. On patrol, a short time later, three males ran across the
road in front of the jeep. The driver braked hard and shouted out, “Get them”. Keith duly jumped
out and gave chase. After a short chase Keith was able to rugby tackle the nearest man. The
driver of the jeep ran up to Keith who was struggling on the ground and shouted, “You’ve just arrested a plain clothes police officer” and dragged Keith off. A few minutes later a second plain
clothes officer returned with the real prisoner. By the end of that tour, the whole station knew
what had happened. As it turned out, the policeman whom Keith arrested, George Baldwin was
many years later, to install him into the chair of Hale Lodge No 8813.
Keith was to serve as a uniform officer and then as a plain clothes officer in the Vice Squad. Due
to the nature of the Vice Squad, officers were only allowed to serve one year, but Keith served
three. He also served as a firearms officer and became an instructor. During the later years of his
police service, Keith entered the CID and became a scene of crimes officer. Keith finally retired in
1993, having served for thirty years and enjoyed every minute of his service.
In 1966 Keith met Anna and they married in 1968 and have two children and a grandson. They
have now been married for 45 years.
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During 2002 Keith was elected onto Hale Parish Council and in 2006 was elected chairman. In
2007 he was given the honour of being sworn as a Freeman of the Ancient and Honourable Corporation of Hale, a title going back to 1304. Keith is also a member of the Hale British Legion
Committee and acts as a parade marshal on Remembrance Day.
Early in 1964, Keith was approached by a friend in his local cricket club and was invited to be
considered for membership of Hyperion Lodge No 3933 in Liverpool. The lodge met at the Adelphi Hotel and on 10 January 1964 Keith was initiated. On 14 February 1964 he was passed to
the second degree and on 13 October 1964 he was raised to the third degree.
The Worshipful Master at this time had just lost his son in a tragic accident but had decided to
continue with his installation and the following month raised Keith. He stated that Masonry had
probably saved his life and sanity; A truly dedicated Mason.
In 1982 Keith became a joining member of Hale Lodge No 8813 at Widnes. He counts himself
fortunate to have occupied all positions on his way to becoming Worshipful Master. He finally was
installed into the chair of King Solomon in 1990. His installing master was, as you now know, the
same person that Keith had ‘arrested’ all those years ago, George Baldwin.
The years 1989, 1990 and 1991 were certainly the halcyon days of new members being initiated.
In 1989 George Baldwin initiated 12 new members; Keith initiated the same number and all
mostly in pairs. In 1991 John Wilson initiated 14 new members. He later became Assistant Director of Ceremonies in the lodge before taking over from George Baldwin as Director of Ceremonies. It seems that from the time they first met Keith was following George.
At his ladies night in 1990, George Baldwin invited the ladies upstairs to view the lodge room.
On entering the room Keith’s wife, Anna, noticed
the large G suspended from the ceiling. Tony
asked Keith to explain what happened next and
he said, “My wife turned to me and said, Keith,
when you get installed later this year, will they
put up a large K for you?” This again caused
much amusement around the room.
In 2007 Fellowship Lodge No 3799 amalgamated with Hale Lodge to form Hale Lodge of
Fellowship No 3799, which is how it remains to
this day.
In 1998 his contribution to Masonry was finally
acknowledged when he was deservedly promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Senior
Grand Deacon. Keith still enjoys his Masonry to Keith Banks, (seated), being presented with his
this day and feels that it has made him a better watch by Jim Carmichael-Prince.
and more understanding person.
Tony then asked Derek Williams to read the citation on the certificate from the province before he
presented the certificate to Keith. With the jubilee ceremony complete, Tony returned the gavel to
Jim to enable him to transact the final business of the lodge and then all retired to the festive
board for a wonderful meal. As special mementos of the occasion, Keith was presented with a 50
year badge and a whisky tumbler from the Widnes group by Derek Williams and a St Mortiz
watch from the lodge by Jim Carmichael-Prince.
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Appointments to and promotions in Provincial Grand Rank 2014 – Craft
The Group Chairman has the greatest of pleasure in announcing the following appointments and
promotions to be received at respective Provincial Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Chapter
meetings in 2014.
First Appointment
W Bro Peter Kenny
Victoria Lodge No 4629
PrAGDC (Acting Rank)
Lodge of Equity and Appleton No 1384
Lodge of Equity and Appleton No 1384
Dormer Lodge No 4389
PPrGSuptWks to PPrJGW
PPrAGStdB to PPrJGD
PPrAGDC to PPrDGSuptWks
Promotions
W Bro Trevor Price
Bro Leslie Dobson
W Bro Barry Thornley
Appointments to and promotions in Provincial Grand Rank 2014 – Royal Arch
First Appointments
E Comp Bob Williams
E Comp Barry Philips
E Comp David Ashall
E Comp David Merrill
Promotion
E Comp Niel Pedder
E Comp William Bushell
Kingsway Chapter No 7870
Chapter of Equity No 1384
Widnes Chapter No 2819
Bold and St Paul’s Chapter No 5459
Chapter of Equity No 1384
Widnes Chapter No 2819
PrGStwd (Acting Rank)
PPrGStdB
PPrAGDC
PPrAGDC
PPrGStwd to PrGReg (Acting Rank)
PPrGStdB to PPrDGSwdB
WLFC plays all the right notes
Through an organisation entitled Wellbeing Enterprises in association with the NHS, funding was
set up in 2013 to finance various workshops in a variety of subjects aimed at people who had social problems. One of these was the Fairfield Community Guitar Workshop that meets every
Tuesday at St John’s Church, Fairfield Road, Widnes.
This proved an excellent opportunity for people to mix, have a natter and a cup of tea, whilst
learning to play an instrument. At the end of
financing a number of the group members decided to keep the workshop going, so a committee was formed including George and
Sheila
Skarratts,
Mike
McPhillips
(chairman), Stan Parr (treasurer) and Linda
Johnston (secretary).
At this point the cupboard was bare with no
other funding coming in and hall rental
charges to pay, also a tutor, Ian Collinson a
professional musician and an excellent guitarist and teacher to pay. The workshop also re- Pictured from left to right, are: Linda Johnston,
quired a number of pieces of equipment to Stan Parr, Ian Collinson, Mike McPhillips, George
continue operating.
Skarratts and Sheila Skarratts
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So an application was made to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity grants committee by
George Skarratts for a sum of £600. Fortunately the application was successful and the amount
was granted. In presenting the cheque on behalf of WLFC to Mike McPhillips George Skarratts
said, “For an organisation which looked like it would have to be disbanded the future is now secure, we are all very grateful for the donation; it means a lot us and our members. Well done
WLFC.”
The workshop currently has 14 members, which is just about enough for the tutor to handle.
However Ian has other classes meeting in Widnes and Runcorn and would always accommodate
new members. Anybody wishing to join one of his workshops can contact Ian Collinson on 07908
308843 or email [email protected].
David gets a sword
In recognition of the many years of dedicated service David Redhead has put into the Widnes
Group, particularly the last seven years as chairman, the current group chairman Derek Williams
approached the lodges and asked for donations towards a gift to show the group’s appreciation
and to mark David’s retirement as chairman.
The donations took their time coming in but eventually, after
removing the foreign coins and IOU's there was a grand total of £3.41, so the search was on. When all was in place
Derek decided to present the gift to David during a social
held by Goodwill Lodge No 3896 in which David is now WM
for the third time.
At the appointed time during the
social Derek rose and to
David’s surprise Derek said, “As
Derek Williams, (right), presents
a result of his retirement, our
David Redhead with his sword.
past chairman’s busy life
slowed considerably and he discovered he has a wife again. Yes
David, this unscheduled interlude is about you. David, please come
and join me to mark the many years you served this group. What do
you give a man who appears to have everything? So I approached
Linda for suggestions. After some thought we came to a conclusion
and an order was placed and 3 months later the Royal Mail delivDavid with his sword.
ered. David, before you jump to the wrong conclusion, it's not shares
in the Royal Mail! David, please accept this sword with the best wishes of the brethren of the
Widnes Group.”
David thanked Derek and all the brethren for
their generous gift and said, “I have enjoyed my
time serving the Widnes Group, I’ve always
had a good team and I thank them for their
support and hard work. I also thank my wife
Linda for her invaluable support and help over
the years.”
Derek then had another pleasant task to perform in presenting a bouquet of flowers to
Linda Redhead as a thank you from the group Pictured from left to right, are: Linda Redhead,
for her supporting David over the many years. David Redhead and Derek Williams.
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Group Charity Steward Peter Carter talks about charity
“Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for
the community as a whole – both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and working as individuals.”
Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main charity organisations, all of which can be
accessed through The United Grand Lodge of England website.
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
Masonic Samaritan Fund
Here in the Province of West Lancashire we are unique in having our own Masonic charity. With
this in mind we should focus our Masonic giving to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
The charity has adopted a yellow envelope scheme, which contributes a predictable and sustainable income for the charity by claiming tax back through the government ‘Gift Aid Scheme’
For non-Masonic giving, the Province encourages lodges and chapters to look at charities in their
local community.
The Widnes Group have assisted many local charities in the past and our generosity is considerable. We will carry on the good work by ensuring that it is being directed to causes which really
need the support and those charities where the majority of the funds received actually go to the
point of need.
154th Grand Masonic Festival and Ball
Widnes Group was well represented with seven members attending the 154th
Grand Masonic Festival and Ball held in the Premier Suit, Reebok Centre, Horwich.
The evening commenced with a formal reception for all installed masters and first principals
where they had an opportunity to meet the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones and
the Deputy Grand Superintendent Steven Reid.
A marvellous meal followed the reception and then when everyone had wined and dined there
was the Grand march followed by dancing until midnight. A great time was had by all attending.
All proceeds from the evening will be donated to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Masons Charity.
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Donation to Sea Cadets
A request from the President of Widnes Sea Cadets Captain Colin Boardman, MN Retired, to the
Chairman of Widnes Group of Lodges and Chapters Derek Williams had a very successful outcome, Colin’s request was for a donation of £260 to enable a Widnes Sea Cadet to go on a two
week voyage on the Marine Society and Sea Cadets sail training ship TS Royalist.
Following some discussion the group executive decided to make the donation as the request
filled the current aims of the Province in supporting local youth initiatives. Derek contacted Colin
to tell him the good news and arrangements were made to present the cheque at the Sea Cadets
headquarters, TS Eskimo, Cliffe Street in Widnes,
After being presented the cheque by Derek, Colin said, “We are
very grateful for this donation, it will provide a wonderful opportunity for a young boy or girl to do something they will remember for the rest of their lives.” The lucky Sea Cadet is Able Cadet Adam Keogh who is fifteen years old, He has been in Widnes Sea Cadets for over three years and is studying Seamanship and Marine Engineering. The trip on Royalist will really improve his Seamanship skills; he will also have the opportunity Derek Williams, (left), presents
to see how things really work in a ship’s engine room.
the cheque to Colin Boardman.
Colin then explained that this was the last season for TS Royalist, which is a twin-mast, squarerig sailing ship, otherwise known as a brig, was built in the late 60’s, is to be replaced next year.
The hull for the new and larger training ship has been laid down in Spain at Astilleros Gondan SA
shipyard and will cost £5,500,000.
Colin also mentioned that they received a grant from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity
two years ago for a new boiler which has made a vast improvement to the heating in the headquarters.
Chief Petty Officer Paul Ellison explained that there is a wide range of training available to the
Sea Cadets including B Tech, engineering, communication skills, and seamanship aboard one of
the training ships. TS Royalist continually sails around the UK and has at times visited ports on
the continent.
The Sea Cadets at Widnes have two sections, juniors nine to 12 years and seniors 12 to 18
years and meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and would welcome new members.
For more information phone 0151 420 5133, email [email protected] or visit
www.sea-cadets.org/widnes.
Pictured with Able Cadet Adam Keogh, (left) and other Sea Cadets, on the back row from left to
right, are: John Gibbon (group secretary), Paul Ellison, Derek Williams, Colin Boardman and Neil
Pedder (group vice chairman).
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Second secrets explained
Members of Dormer Lodge No 4389 were privileged to host the second of a series of lectures
from the renowned author Dr Robert Lomas to be given at Widnes. Robert is a lecturer at Bradford University and was Dan Brown’s inspiration for the character Robert Langdon in his series of
novels including The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons and The Lost Symbol. Robert Lomas is
no less a prolific author himself, having written or collaborated on numerous titles including Freemasonry and the Birth of Modern Science along with the Hiram
series incorporating The Hiram Key, The Book of Hiram and
Turning the Hiram Key – Making Darkness Visible.
Robert’s second lecture was entitled ‘The Secrets of the Second
Degree’ and it attracted a large number of brethren, some for
from far and wide including Prescot, Preston and as far as Durham, word about the lecture had reached them via the internet
and The Federation of School Lodges.
Having opened the
Robert Lomas, (right), with Neil lodge and dispatched
Munnerley.
with the initial lodge
business, WM of the
lodge Colin Graham introduced Robert Lomas and gave
him a very cordial welcome to the lodge saying that
everyone is looking forward to the lecture and hoping to
learn something.
Wearing a second degree apron, as he always wears Pictured from left to right, are: Widnes
the apron of the degree he is lecturing, Robert began by Group Chairman Derek Williams, Colin
saying that the second degree is his favourite degree Graham and Robert Lomas.
and enjoys wearing the second degree apron and was
glad to see another brother, Neil Munnerley, wearing the apron.
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation Robert delivered his lecture with a
mixture of humour together with the important significance of the symbolism
used in the second degree. These symbols carry a message and in order to understand the message and achieve personal development, development of the
mind is required to help in this transition
point on the journey to becoming a master Mason. The symbols used are very
important as language can be slippery at
times but symbols are always solid.
Pictured from left to right, are: Colin Graham, Peter
Taylor WM (Cestria Lodge No 4493 Durham), Robert
Lomas and Lloyd Pickering (Old Dunelmian Lodge No
8100 Durham).
During his lecture, Robert was interactive
with the audience and referred to Neil
Munnerley throughout, Neil also assisted
HALLMARK NEWSLETTER
Page 13
Robert at various times as he explained the meaning of the second degree allegories. Robert
ended by saying that in order to be ready for the third degree the fellowcraft degree must be mastered. He then answered a number of questions from the audience before Steve Thornley delivered grateful thanks to Robert on behalf of the members and guests present.
Colin Graham then transacted the final lodge business before closing the lodge and all then retired to the festive board to a very delightful meal.
The next lecture to be delivered by Robert Lomas entitled, The Secrets of the Third Degree, will
be given on Thursday 2 October 2014 and will be hosted by Lodge of Equity and Appleton No
1384.
Pictured from left to right, are: Alan Jones, Hrushikesh Joshi and Mark Galloway (guests from
Prescot), Robert Lomas, Mike Grey and Ken Williams (guests from Preston).
KINGSWAY FUNCTION ROOMS
The Masonic Hall
Kingsway
Widnes
Conveniently situated on
Kingsway, this is your 'one
stop shop' for any event.
For more details
Phone:- 0151 424 4982
A Complete Wedding Venue under one roof
Having recently undergone a £30,000 programme of refurbishment
and redecoration, the Rooms can accommodate a wide range of functions for up to 180 guests. There is disabled access at the rear of
the building allowing easy access from the illuminated car park.
Our Caterers offer a wide range of options for both the Buffet and
Wedding Breakfast Menus. Samples of what are available and information on samples and pricing are available by contacting Kingsway
Function Rooms. Details can be found on the web page :-
www.kingswayfunctionrooms.co.uk