Congratulations Bournemouth Masonic Holiday Committee
At the end of July my husband and I had the good fortune to be invited to attend the
Gala Dinner, held at the end of the Bournemouth Group annual holiday which is arranged
for those brethren and/or their dependents who for various reasons have not enjoyed a
holiday for several years. Many of the participants had been sponsored by the Royal Masonic
Benevolent Institution and the others were nominated by Almoners of Hampshire Lodges and financed from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Charities.
On our arrival at the Pavilion Hotel we were made very welcome. It was obvious from the large
groups of residents all talking and laughing together that there was a very happy atmosphere.
We learned that on their arrival, thirteen days earlier, several of the ladies were rather
quiet and apprehensive. This was very understandable as for many it was their first experience
of being away from home without their partner. By the second evening they had formed into groups
and had settled in well.
Entertainment was provided by a different Lodge within the Bournemouth Group each day, including
coach trips to Salisbury and Dorchester, and entertainment after dinner every evening. It would
appear that the Bingo was very popular. The hotel proprietor, who originates from Persia, gave
a nightly rendition of his version of "Yellow Bird". This fact was marked by the presentation
of a cuddly toy in the shape of a large yellow bird. Someone must have combed the shops to find
it but their efforts were much appreciated by the recipient!
Several residents were keen to tell us that the hotel staff had been very kind and had gone out
of their way to ensure that everyone was content. Nothing was too much trouble. The whole
fortnight had been very relaxed and enjoyable.
Approximately thirty paying guests joined the holidaymakers at the Gala Dinner. Amongst those
guests was the Brother who had instigated the holiday idea, accompanied by his wife.
The Chairman of the Holiday Committee thanked everyone who had contributed to the success
of the holiday for the 27th year. A very humorous response was given by one of the holiday
makers who had travelled south from Sunderland with his wife. He commented that many new
friends had been made and Christmas card lists had grown. There was verbal agreement and
resounding applause from all the holidaymakers.
It really was a treat to see some many people there, not to be "seen" but to ensure that those
less fortunate than themselves were given a truly memorable evening to round off a fantastic
holiday. If only the critics could have been there to experience Freemasonry in operation!
Thanks to all concerned, long may it continue!
Sandra Davies (formerly of Provincial Office)
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Deputy Provincial Grand Master Jumps for Charity
On Easter Monday 16th April 2001 at RAF Weston on the Green, Oxfordshire, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Hampshire & IOW, V.W.Bro. Brian Bellinger, who had never previously jumped out of an aircraft, did so, at a height of 12000 feet, for the benefit of the Province`s 2005 Festival Appeal. Fortunately, he was attached to both an instructor and a parachute, which ensured his safe descent to the ground!
Prior to the event, sponsorship forms had been circulated to Freemasons throughout the Province and, as V.W.Bro. Brian exited the aircraft, he knew that his few moments of sheer terror would raise the sum of £31800 for charity! `What a thrill, in retrospect!` commented V.W.Bro. Brian!
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A New Temple
The first new Temple in the Province for many years and the first step in the right direction
to achieve the Provincial Grand Master's goal of providing Centres of Excellence, was dedicated
in September 2000 by the PGM at Cowes, the home of 270 year-old Medina Lodge No. 35. "The
quality and thought that have gone into this project are apparent from the moment you step
into the entrance. It is a magnificent building" said the PGM.
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Opinion: The Changing World of the Initiate
"Worshipful Master, I wish to propose as a Candidate for Initiation Mr.Alan Smith,
who was born on May 4th 1979. I have known Mr.Smith..." What did he say?
Nineteen seventy nine? He’s too young surely! No he isn’t, he’s 21.
After recovering from the shock of realising that a man born in the 1980s will soon
be eligible to join us, those of us born in the 50s, 40s or 30s might also realise
such a man has grown up in a world very different from our own. For example, Mr.Smith’s
Initiation Fee and subs are nearly £100 each; a meal and a drink at eight meetings,
another £100; a guest every other time, charity donations, raffles, building fund,
another £100. His first year in Masonry can easily cost £500, or £10 per week. Well
it’s all relative isn’t it? Given the lower income and expenditure when we were Initiated,
it cost the same didn’t it? Maybe, but when we were Initiated a family of four could live
on the husband’s wage; today, with a wife’s earnings part of the mortgage-eligibility
calculation, a couple needs both incomes to survive, so Mr. Smith must justify to Mrs.
Smith taking £10 per week from the family purse. And today’s young wife will not sit
quietly at home, sewing, having put the kiddies to bed, while her husband is out enjoying
himself, spending the family income. In today’s equal society she has a voice and will use
it.
Mr.Smith’s world differs from ours in other respects. In 2000 a man is five times more
likely to taste redundancy during his working life than in 1960; a "job for life" no
longer exists; chasing work around the country is common; the standard nine-to-five,
five-day week has gone. So perhaps we should not be surprised if he does not attend every
lodge meeting or resists joining a Chapter or the Mark; and is it reasonable to deny him
promotion in the Lodge if he finds attending Class of Instruction or rehearsal difficult?
Perhaps we should try to accommodate him by altering some of our customs rather than expect
him to fit in entirely with us and thereby risk losing him. Why not hold Class of Instruction
or Lodge rehearsal on a Saturday? Or set up a mentor system where an older brother helps the
young officer to know his stuff, as well as - or even instead of - rehearsal? Should we look
at the possibility of an office being shared? Should we change the custom of paying for
guests to one where they pay for themselves? - after all, we who were initiated in the 50s
and 60s are now on reduced-income pensions.
All this need not be uncomfortable if we keep an open mind. Our new initiate,
Brother Smith, needs our understanding of his world and its difficulties, as well
as our practical help. If we do not respond positively the consequences could
be dire: last year more lodges than ever before surrendered their warrants through
lack of support. If his lodge does respond positively it will be able to avail
itself of his talents and the Craft will be the richer.
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A First for the Mark
More history was made when the Mark Degree held a Thanksgiving Service in the Portsmouth and Southsea Synagogue in July, believed to be the first such service held in a synagogue in England. More than 150 Mark MMs with their ladies, both the Craft and Mark PGMs, together with many members of the local Jewish Community attended. Presentations were made by the Synagogue to the Mark PGM, R.W. Bro.Nigel Buckingham, and by the Mark Degree to the Synagogue. In the true spirit of Freemasonry brethren from several different religions came together in harmony and worshipped under the same roof.
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Masonry Rededicated at Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathredral may have held more Masons than at any time since operatives constructed
it centuries ago, when brethren and their families attended the Provincial Millenium Service
on October 1st, 2000.
The family involvement was underlined when the wife of our Provincial Grand Master read one of
the lessons. The music from the organ and the rendition from the Choir of a short anthem
were magnificent. The Provincial Grand Chaplain gave a passionate and thought-provoking
address in which he reminded those present of the better world that "more Masonry into men"
would achieve. It was a truly memorable occasion.
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History is made at the Provincial AGM
Brethren who attended the Annual General Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in
July 2000 at Southampton Guildhall were privileged to see history being made with the appointment
of two new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Their patents having been examined and approved by
the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Ernest F.R.Moss, they were
appointed and invested with their
chains of office. One assumes responsibility for the Chandlers Ford and Winchester
Groups and the second for the Bournemouth and New Forest Groups. Brethren in these districts
look forward to welcoming them in their lodges, and the whole Province wishes them well.
The occasion of the AGM was conducted with a characteristic sense of ceremony as befits the
occasion and all
lodges in the Province were represented by a total of 1,148 brethren.
Brethren who have not yet attended an
Annual Meeting are urged to do so at the next opportunity. In 2001 it is hoped every lodge
in the Province will be represented by an even greater number of brethren.
This is after all, the premier event in the Province's calendar. All Master Masons are eligible
to attend - the younger the better!
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Golf: The Lodge Shield Team Event
This event, played for the first time in June 2000 in Romsey, was won by Southampton Old
Edwardians Lodge 7106. Nineteen Lodges entered teams of four players and more than £1200
was raised for the 2005 Festival. The Provincial Grand Master took part and will do so again
when the competition next takes place in June 2001.
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Charitable Giving
A substantial amount of our charitable giving is of benefit to the world outside Freemasonry. This has been the case for many years but is largely unrecognised outside the Craft.
In 1967 the Craft established a fund totalling £594,850, the annual income from which is used to fund surgical research under the direction of the Royal College of Surgeons. In today's money this fund, which is for the benefit of society as a whole, is equivalent to just under £6,000,000. During the year ending in November 1998 the Grand Charity donated £1,043,600 by way of grants for non-Masonic purposes. These included £150,000 to the Prince's Youth Business Trust, £125,000 to the Alzheimer's Research Trust and £251,500 to 178 hospice services. These figures do not include the numerous donations made by individual lodges to local charities outside the Craft.
It is important to recognise that all this money was derived from within the Craft, from our own members' pockets. We do not shake cans on street corners at Christmas-time. We give because giving is part of being a Freemason.
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Technology brings "Edutainment to Children's Hospices
On 23rd June 1999 'lifelites,' a scheme aimed at highlighting the benefits computers can make to children in hospice care, was launched by the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys (MTGB) and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT).
'lifelites' is a charitable project with the aim of enthusing and exciting children by linking up all the hospices across England and Wales and allowing children to interact with one another, where common interests can be explored.
MTGB President, The Rt Hon the Earl Cadogan, DL, said, "The injection of £7.5 million by the MTGB will enable this exciting project to become a reality. It will open up a world to children whose life-threatening conditions would normally allow them to experience all too little of it."
Tricia Drakes, Master of the WCIT, said, "Our members have been delighted to use their IT skills and expertise to create a revolutionary set of features for sick children and their families. We have been inspired by the energy of the people working in this area. From the managed internet access through to the video conferencing, we believe that the 'lifelites' systems will enthuse and enrich the lives of the children, their families and hospice care staff."
Using the financial resources of the MTGB, the 'lifelites' project team will link up and equip hospices across England and Wales to one shared network, including the world wide web and news information. Once all the hospices are set up there will be an inter-hospice network application, including system management, e-mail, community services, educational material, games and video conferencing.
Broadcaster and writer, Martyn Lewis, who chaired the 'lifelites' launch and has worked closely with the hospice movement for sixteen years said, "I view 'lifelites' as opening up the world to children who would otherwise see little of it. Early indications are that the use of computers is positively therapeutic for those involved."
All profits made from the sale of 'lifelites' merchandise, which includes silk ties and scarves, keychains, brooches, cufflinks and badges, will directly benefit children who receive hospice care.
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Behind the Wire
Please buy a copy of the limited edition book 'Behind the Wire.' It is a captivating account of Masonic activity by Prisoners of War from 1746, by W.Bro. Keith Flynn, OBE, PAGDC, 1991 Prestonian lecturer from South Wales.
All proceeds will be generously donated to the New Masonic Samaritan Fund towards the 2005 Festival.
Copies of the book are available from your 2005 Festival Group Committe. (See
the Provincial Year Book, page A4, for contact names.) Alternatively, copies
may be obtained direct from the author at
£5 + p & p 50p in the UK, (£1.75 Australia, USA) (payable to Keith Flynn) from Cardiff Masonic Hall, 8 Guildford Street, Cardiff, Wales CF1 4HL.
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Gateway Lodge provide Wendy House for Hospice
The words 'Gateway Lodge' took on a new meaning recently when the Lodge its name to a magnificent purpose-built Wendy House.
Members of the Lodge Social Committee felt they had more to contribute to children with a limited life expectancy than just money, so they set about finding an expert who could build a de luxe Wendy House capable of accommodating wheelchairs, which would be one of the finest in the country, to be built at Naomi House, the new Children's Hospice in Sutton Scotney.
The Committee organised numerous functions to raise almost £5,000 to complete the project. After a number of delays the new building was completed and the new facility will assist the caring staff who look after the children and will enable tired parents to get a good night's sleep or even a well-deserved holiday.
Dr. Lee of the Hospice wrote: "The Wendy House is like a 5-star hotel and will provide space and privacy for the children to talk and express themselves and I have no doubt your superb Wendy House will prove a very valuable tool in that process."
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