The Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire

	2009 - 2008 - 2007
Lodge St John's 70 – 250th Anniversary
At a special meeting at Mount Edgcombe Masonic Hall Plymouth, on the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Wednesday 24th June 2009, ‘70’ celebrated 250 years of continuous working. In attendance was the Provincial Grand Master who was supported by many members of the Executive. A large number of brethren from this and many other Provinces were also present. After the Lodge had been opened, the Provincial Grand Master Rt. W. Bro. Michael T. Penny accepted the gavel from the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Ian C. Scriviner, and presided over the Lodge together with his Senior Warden, W. Bro. Alan Cockman and his Junior Warden, W. Bro. Andrew Vodden. The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Lodge on being only the third in the Province to celebrate this important milestone in Masonic history. He made mention of the rich diversity of brethren who have made up the Lodge‘s membership and also to the varied patchwork of visitors to ‘70’ who range under the banners of our lovely Order. In closing he referred to the inspiration afforded by the example of the Lodge membership over the last 250 years and wished the Lodge great joy, happiness and continued success for the future.
The Lodge Warrant was read by V. W. Bro. Peter Galt, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who had researched the then Grand Master, the 3rd Duke of Atholl. Brethren were enlightened to the strange circumstances of his death by drowning following some form of ‘delirium’, the exact causes of which were left to our imagination. The first surviving minutes, dated 10th March 1794, were read by Bro. Paul A. Manning, Assistant Secretary. These surprisingly concise minutes simply refer to opening and closing the F.C. Lodge ‘in harmony’ and listing the 7 brethren who were present at the 2 hour meeting. A very condensed history of the Lodge (250 years in just 26 words!) was given by W. Bro. Bill Seymour-Jones, who then gave a more detailed and very interesting talk on the Lodge’s history, making special mention of the late W. Bro. David J. Mills, P.Pr.J.G.W., who had been the prime instigator of the current festivities. (A full history of the Lodge from 1759 – 1898 on CD-rom (£10 minimum donation to the 2012 Festival, incl. P&P can be obtained from W. Bro. Bill who may be contacted at billseymourjones@yahoo.co.uk) An Oration, of great interest to all present, was delivered by W. Bro. Raymond Bray, MBE, Provincial Grand Chaplain. He gave a most instructive talk on the historic link with the various ‘St. Johns’ who give their name to Lodges in the Province and how this was explained in the Catechetical Lectures attached to the First Degree and also dealt with some peculiar incidents which had taken place in 70’s past. The Rt. W. Provincial Grand Master returned the Lodge gavel to W.Bro. Ian Scriviner who presented him with two cheques, the first enabling the Lodge to claim Vice-Patron Status for the 2012 Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and the second for the Provincial Grand Master’s Personal Fund. Rt. W. Bro. Michael T. Penny thanked the Lodge and presented it with a Vice-Patron Certificate. After the Lodge was closed, all Brethren retired to the Holiday Inn for a celebratory Banquet where they were joined by wives and partners. In true Masonic style, over £1100 was raised during the evening for Charity including ‘Teddies for Loving Care’. The evening ended with happiness and merriment blended with high enthusiasm for the Lodge’s next 250 years.



St. Georges Lodge No. 112, Exeter
Bro Reuben Ayres of St. Georges Lodge No. 112 has written a wonderful article regarding the completion of their Historical Records Survey for Grand Lodge. To read it please click here and then select open when asked at the prompt.


New paper available to Lodges
	Bro. Ken Creber of the Dartmoor Lodge No. 4604, a former pupil of the Royal Masonic School for Boys 1949 - 1957, has written a paper about his experiences at the school. He is willing to travel to any Lodge to deliver this very informative paper perhaps when they have room in their schedule. The paper lasts about 30mins. Ken can be contacted on 01364 73620 or 07811 873266



Lodge of Obedience No 1753 Okehampton
At the regular meeting of the Lodge of Obedience No 1753, held on the 22nd May 2009, The Brethren assembled enjoyed a very special evening. There were two very important labours of the Lodge. First the Lodge carried out a Ceremony of Initiation and received its newest member, Bro Alexander Huntley. This was followed by a presentation of the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Service to Freemasonry to VWBro R.T Discombe PGSwdB to acknowledge his 50 years of service to Freemasonry. This presentation was made by RWBro Michael Penny, the Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire. In making the presentation, RWBro Penny gave an overview of VWBro. Discombe’s Masonic life and career, and likened the presentation to a Masonic ‘This is Your Life’, saying that VWBro Discombe was “a kind and considerate Mason and a gentleman who put his strong Christian beliefs into daily practice” and that he was “well loved, highly respected and very deserving of all the offices to which he had been appointed over the past 50 years,
being a continual source of encouragement to all who know him”. Additional to the presentation by the Provincial Grand Master, The Lodge of Obedience also marked the occasion by presenting VWBro Discombe with an engraved decanter. In addressing the Lodge VWBro Discombe said that he was somewhat overwhelmed and lost for words at the occasion but said that he was proud to be a Freemason, that Freemasonry had become a way of life for him and that he had derived so much pleasure and enjoyment from his involvement. In enjoying a wonderful evening the Lodge saw the two opposite ends of the Masonic Spectrum with the Lodges newest member being made acquainted with one of the Lodges longest serving members. The wonderful sense of warmth and welcome continued at the Festive Board. This was summed up by the Provincial Grand Master who said that “Brethren should leave from a Masonic evening feeling that they want more, and that the atmosphere on this occasion promotes exactly that feeling”. VWBRo Discombe was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of
Obedience in October 1958, and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1972. After installing his successor into the Master’s Chair VWBro Discombe served the Lodge in the capacity of ADC and as Treasurer and held the Treasurer’s office from 1981 through to 1992. In 1981 he received his first Provincial Office, Junior Grand Warden. He received his second active office in 1983 when he was appointed Provincial Grand Treasurer, an office he held until 1989. In 1985 he received his first Grand Lodge appointment, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Three year later, in 1988 he was promoted and appointed to the active office of Senior Grand Deacon and in 1994 he received a further promotion to Past Grand Sword Bearer, becoming a Very Worshipful Brother. Within the Holy Royal Arch VWBro Discombe was Exalted into St. Swithuns Chapter No 3483 in Jan 1961 and the Holy Royal Arch has been his main interest and commitment. Having served as Provincial Grand Treasurer and as Third Provincial Grand Principal he was installed as the Grand Superintendent of Devonshire in July 1987 and he held that office until 1995. VWBro Discombe is also involved in many of the “masonic side degrees” and holds high rank in these as well as in Craft and Chapter. Notably he has been promoted to the 32nd degree in the Rose Croix. He is a Past Grand Prefect in the Red Cross of Constantine, and was 1st Constable in Provincial Priory of Devon and Cornwall Knights Templar. Other degrees with which he has been involved include, the Knights Templar Priests and The Royal Order of Scotland. VWBro Discombe celebrates his 90th birthday on the 18th January 2010. As a gentleman who has given so much to Freemasonry we hope he has many more years to enjoy its privileges. WBro Chris Hodgson - Photographs by WBro John Moppett.



“The Best Event In A Masons Life”
Friendships made during one’s working life never really diminish and it was one small comment made by Mr Ken O’Connell, residing in Peterborough, to his old shipmate on the telephone, that started a 570 mile round journey to witness an initiation ceremony that will be remembered by all present for many years to come. The phone call was made to W.Bro. Jack Parnell, of the Lord Roborough Lodge No. 5789, when his old friend and Royal Naval shipmate from 1965, Ken O’Connell, happened to say that he was considering joining Freemasonry. W.Bro. Jack contacted the Secretary of the Medeshamstede Lodge No. 6104, in Peterborough, via the Proposer, Bro. David Craig and Seconder, Bro. Steve Quincey, to enquire if he could attend the initiation ceremony and before long had a small group of friends from the Plymouth area, were keen to join him on the trip.
	The Brethren left Plymouth on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at 07:00 hours in two cars with a picnic bag each, of food and drink provided by Jacks wife for the journey.Arriving at Peterborough in the afternoon the Brethren booked into a local hotel where they were met by the Worshipful Master of the Medeshamstede Lodge, W.Bro. Les Shoebridge, who had booked taxis to get them all to the Peterborough Masonic Centre. The Initiation Ceremony was superbly carried out by the Brethren of the Lodge and later at the festive board, W.Bro Jack recited the poem by Rudyard Kipling to the newly initiated Brother. We then were permitted to join the Brethren in forming the Peterborough chain and admitting Brother O’Connell to the order.
Later a copy of the Masonic Province of Devonshire 1732-2003 was presented to W.Bro. Shoebridge, who proudly requested that it be donated to the Masonic Library for all of the Brethren to enjoy. Everyone who made the trip, thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the reunion of old friends but most importantly the making of new friends. Truly “the best event in a Masons life”. W.Bro. Jack Parnell P.M. Lord Roborough Lodge No. 5789


The General Meeting of the Grand Charity to be held in the Provinces, is this year being held here in our Province of Devonshire at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren on Saturday, 10th October 2009 commencing at 11 a.m.. Various speakers will give an account of the good work that is being funded by the Grand Charity and hopefully who is doing what here in this province. After the meeting there will be a buffet lunch priced at £10 per person to include a glass of wine. The whole proceedings will conclude by 2.30 p.m. More details and ticket information will be published here as they become available. Watch this Space! B.D. Kelly



Classic Car Exhibition
The Provincial Grand Master has given permission for owners of Classic & Vintage vehicles [pre 1975 please] to show their vehicles at the garden party at Ugbrooke House on June 21st. Anyone interested in bringing such a vehicle please contact W.Bro. Kit le Marquand on 01626-354168 / 07798932311or kit.marquand@talktalk.net for details. Owners will be entitled to an entry concession



There is no such thing a free dinner!
Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Maurice Eglington was made to work hard on a recent visit to True Love & Unity No 248 on 20th April when he presented no less than three certificates at the same meeting: a Grand Lodge certificate to new member… another to a member for 50 years service to Freemasonry… and a certificate that had first been presented by the Lodge to a member over 200 years ago!!! This certificate had been generously donated to the Lodge by WBro Bryan White of the Sir Bevis Lodge No.5072 in Southampton. The return of the certificate was quite a story and is best related by Bro White: "It has indeed given me great satisfaction to know that Bro Issac White's Lodge Certificate will at last be returned home. I can't give you much in the way that it was lost or how it found its way to Liverpool, however after contact with numerous members of my family, it appears that my Grandfather (who was not a Mason as far as I know) was a well known hoarder and found the said certificate in a Liverpool street market and thought the frame would come in handy, put it away in the attic and there it remained until his death. My father on clearing the house found it and placed it in his attic; on my father’s death it eventually came to me via my brother on his death. I could not at the time find the original lodge as you have not only had a name change but also a number change. Being 76 years old I thought a few weeks ago, I really must try hard to find the original lodge and did so via the UK Masons’ List. Contact was made with WBro Richard Ebrey, curator of the Provincial museum, who was very helpful in locating the original home. I would have liked to present the certificate myself but with age and distance, it would prove somewhat difficult, however I am happy in the knowledge that it will be returned safely to you and I hope it will survive for many more years." On receiving the certificate, WBro John Lynes, Worshipful Master of the Lodge and a sprightly 80 years young, thanked everyone concerned in the process of the certificate being returned safely. W.Bro Lynes could not resist informing the assembled Brethren that the return of the certificate during his year was very appropriate as he himself was a Liverpudlian! Everyone in the Lodge is delighted with the certificate - I didn't mention to anyone what was to happen on that evening and when the certificate was handed over there was spontaneous acclamation from the Brethren which made the evening one of those exceptional Masonic occasions. The certificate is to receive attention from a professional conservator and will hang in a prominent position in the temple at Brixham. WBro KW Bower PPrGSupt Wks True Love & Unity No 248 Note from WBro Richard Ebrey, Curator: Although there are records of printed certificates being issued by the Grand Lodges from the mid-1700s, it was quite common for individual Lodges to produce their own, often handwritten and individually illustrated certificates of membership until formation of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. This certificate, issued in 1801, is particularly interesting in that it names the Lodge as “Free Love and Unity” and it is uncertain if this was a ‘slip of the pen’ or whether the Lodge was indeed known by that name for some of its long and impressive history.



A Naval Celebration
Most people enjoy a good birthday celebration, especially when it is a special age. NONE more so than the Brethren of the Royal Naval Lodge No. 3337, in Plymouth who recently celebrated their Centenary – not just once, but twice! The Lodge was Consecrated on the 16th December 1908 at the Freemasons’ Hall, Princess Square, Plymouth. The ceremony was conducted by R.W.Brother G.C.Davie, Provincial Grand Master, assisted by his Provincial Team. At the regular meeting of the Lodge on the 10th December 2008, proceedings in the Temple were followed by the customary Christmas social event with Wives and friends in attendance. The difference being that this was also regarded as the 100th Birthday Party. Some seventy people enjoyed festive fare, with a quiz and games organized by W.Bro. Roger Galloway and W.Bro. Phillip Collins. At an appropriate time, the Worshipful Master cut into a large birthday Cake. It was, in itself, an evening to remember. But more was to come. On the 10th January 2009 the Centenary was celebrated formally at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, the home of the Royal Naval Lodge. A packed Temple received the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Brother Michael T. Penny, accompanied by all of his Officers. The Worshipful Master W.Brother Raymond Fields welcomed the PGM and proffered his gavel, which was accepted. The Principal Chairs were occupied by the Provincial Officers. The Warrant of the Lodge was read by V.W.Brother Peter Galt, Deputy PGM, who noted that this was a substitute Warrant of Confirmation, the original having been destroyed by enemy action during the blitz on Plymouth in 1941. A review of the principal dates and events in the history of the Lodge was read by W.Bro. Adrian Stone. This traced the Lodge’s journey from its first meeting at the Friendship Masonic Hall, in Devonport to its present home at the Mount Edgcumbe Hall. The Centenary Warrant was read by W. Brother D.Purnell, Provincial Grand Secretary. The Provincial Grand Master then entrusted the Warrant to the safe keeping of the Worshipful Master. W. Brother Raymond Bray MBE, Provincial Grand Chaplain then gave an Oration. He reflected on the fact that the time of the Lodge’s Consecration was a time of many changes within the Royal Navy. He quoted from a speech by Admiral Jacky Fisher, the stirring statement “No power or combination of powers could contemplate a war with the Royal Navy, and the Navy must always so stand – SUPREME”. Resulting from that challenge came new ships, new weapons and new disciplines. He drew on some interesting research into the customs, pay and punishment of the day and gave some examples of the culinary delights which were served on board – dishes with names like ‘Ammick’, ‘March Past’ and ‘Ooh-me Gosh’. He referred to the Roll of Honour of Lodge members in memory of sixteen Brethren lost in World War 1, and twenty lost in World War 2. saying “They fought and died for freedom and for the principles and tenets of Freemasonry they believed in” In conclusion he referred to the Lodge Motto – Fear God, Love the Brotherhood, Honour the King – saying that the motto had served the Lodge well for 100 years and remains at the helm as it enters the second century. “May the Great Captain watch over you and guide you until such time as he brings you home into his own safe haven” The Provincial Grand Master returned the gavel to the Worshipful Master and took the opportunity to also present him with an engraved crystal tablet, from the Brethren of the Lodge, to commemorate the occasion. The Worshipful Master then presented the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for his charity. W.Bro Adrian Stone presented a heavy setting maul to the Lodge, on behalf of the Brethren, to mark the centenary. The maul, hand crafted by W.Bro A. Moody, will be displayed in the Lodge and used in Lodge ceremonies. The Lodge having been closed in due form, the Brethren reassembled for the festive board where good food, good wine and good company were enjoyed by all. The Worshipful Master, in his toast to the Provincial Grand Master, reflected on the importance of certain special birthdays within a family and how they drew in the elders to give the event special significance. He said that today was a great example of that gathering. The Lodge was part of the Provincial family and valued the guidance and support it received. It was a joy to see so many of the elders of that family present and, most importantly, the principal guest - the head of the family. The Provincial Grand Master proposed the main toast of the evening – The Royal Naval Lodge. He reminded the Brethren that the Lodge Motto had been taken from the 1st Epistle of St. Peter and how its words ‘Fear God, Love the Brotherhood, Honour the King’ so clearly encapsulate “Our duties to the Great Architect of the Universe, our Brethren and our sovereign and country”. He referred to the oration given at the original consecration of the Lodge, saying that those words should be imprinted on the hearts of all Masons - “Freemasonry imbued them with the noblest ideals of humanity”. He commented on the early enthusiasm and growth of the lodge membership which, by the end of the first year, had reached 73. One more year and it was 98, in the third year the total reached 124. In 1924 membership reached its peak of 343! “Today” he said “we have the opportunity to reflect with gratitude. Firstly on the foresight of our predecessors, the Founders who formed the Lodge and, secondly for those Brethren who have loyally served Royal Naval Lodge over this 100 year period, in whichever capacity they have done so. It is thanks to their dedication and love of their Lodge and our order that we are all here today” He concluded his toast by saying “Now, as the Lodge continues its’ journey, you can all look to the future with pride and satisfaction and, most important of all, with hope and inspiration from the example set by the contributions of your predecessors over the last 100 years. The Worshipful Master thanked the Provincial Grand Master for his kind and encouraging words. He reflected on the importance of building for the future by the involvement and development of new masons. In practice that meant creating opportunities for participation and supporting the endeavour of individuals to use them. In conclusion he said “I am sure that there is not a member of the Royal Naval Lodge who is not, at this moment, sitting a little taller in his chair with a silent resolve to commit himself to the furtherance of the Lodge and the Province of Devonshire”. The Worshipful Master then presented the Provincial Grand Master with a miniature Royal Naval ceremonial sword as a memento of this very special celebration. An event that will be remembered for its sincerity and the friendship of true Brotherhood. Raymond A.S.Fields


Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No. 9528
At a recent Ladies Night The Worshipful Master of Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No. 9528, WBro Sandy Macleod BEM MSM presented a cheque for £250.00 to Cadet “Tom Thumb” of the Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps based at The Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse who received it on behalf of the Help for Heroes Fund. The money was donated by Sincerity R.A.M. Lodge No. 35 and Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No.9528. During the evening a cheque for £200 was also presented to the The Plymouth Drake Sea Cadets towards the cost of their annual summer training camp. Shortly afterwards W.Bro. Sandy Macleod and Charity Steward WBro Cliff Hartley visited Stonehouse Barracks and presented a cheque for £500.00 to Lt Col Martin Taylor RM who accepted it on behalf of the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.




Bedford Lodge 282, Tavistock
Recently, Brother Len Jones was installed as Worshipful Master of Bedford Lodge 282, Tavistock. After an excellent ceremony, the Brethren and their guests moved from the Lodge to the Ordulf Arms for the Festive Board. A raffle, in aid of the Tavistock branch of The Dartmoor Rescue Group, raised £340. Pictured at the presentation are the DRG Chairwoman Nikki Lyons, W.Bro. David Spray, and Charity Steward W.Bro. Chris Burchell.



Teddies for Loving Care
The Province has appointed W.Bro. John Adcock to distribute Teddy Bears to hospitals in Devon to be given to children who have to go into hospital either as an outpatient of for an operation. These prove to be a great comfort to them in helping to make their visit or stay a happy and less stressful one. To date W.Bro. John has delivered over 2000 teddies to Derriford, Wonford, Torbay and North Devon hospitals and has received many heart warming thanks from both the children and parents. One particular appreciation came from a young girl who had a very serious operation and named her teddy “Lucky” because she was convinced it was him who ensured her operation was successful. Our Provincial Grand Master made a donation for the purchase of the first consignment of these wonderful gifts and subsequent purchases have been made through the generosity of the Brethren when contributing at the Festive Board of so many Lodges. Please continue to support this very worthy project for each teddy has a small tag which says it comes from Devonshire Freemasons. Colin Turner. APGM.



Lodge of St John's No.70 turns 250
Pictured right is the Master of the Lodge of St John's No.70, W.Bro. Ian Scriviner, cutting the Anniversary Cake together with Mrs. Mavis Eglinton and APGM Maurice Eglinton at a Luncheon as part of the 250th Anniversary Celebrations of the Lodge.



Masons Rescue Stoke Canon Church Bells
Back in September 2008, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro Conrad Donaldson received an urgent call from Fiona Thompson, the wife of W Bro John Thompson, Almoner and PM of St George’s Lodge No 112. Fiona is one of the parishioners of St Mary Magdalene Church in Stoke Canon, near Exeter. The timbers in the Church belfry were rotten and the bells needed to be urgently removed. The Church is raising £54,000 to repair the belfry but now urgently required to raise £2000 for the cost of removal and storage of the bells. Could the Masons help? With the aid of contributions from St George’s Lodge, Chapter of Union No 444, Grandisson Chapter Rose Croix No 1132, the Province of Devonshire Benevolent Fund and the Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch, a sum of £1,850 was raised and presented to Mrs Maureen Owen-Jones, the Church Warden on 6th November. Maureen said: “It is very encouraging, when we are trying to raise money, to have such a generous response from the Freemasons of Devonshire. The Parish Council will want to join me in expressing thanks to you and all concerned for these very generous cheques. It was really good to see the bells start their journey towards their refurbishment and we look forward to the day when the lorry returns.”
	Above: Conrad Donaldson presenting the cheques to Mrs Maureen Owen-Jones, accompanied by Fiona Thompson and two of the bell ringers, Bill Blake and John Woods. Pictured below: The Children of Stoke Canon Primary School say goodbye to the bells & the Bells loaded onto the lorry.




Scotland comes to Devon!
	Unity Lodge No.1332, Crediton, will be hosting Craigends Lodge No.1042, Scottish Constitution on Saturday, 9th May, 2009, commencing at 4.pm. Craigends will be demonstrating the 3rd degree working according to the Scottish Constititution and tickets are still available. Unfortunatly, Master Masons` only to attend. Anyone interested in attending please contact the Secretary, W.Bro. Brian Tyacke, 8 Walnut Drive, Crediton, EX17 1JB, 01363 776075; email brtyacke@talktalk.net


The Lodge of Prudence No. 1550
At a recent social event organised by The Lodge of Prudence 1550, the magnificent amount of £500 was collected in aid of The Macmillan Nurses. The cheque was presented by the Charity Steward W.Bro. Ken Johns and W.Bro. Keith Escott to Alex Foulks and Pat Stapleton who fund raise for the Nurses. The photo shows from left to right W.Bro. Escott, Alex Foulks, Pat Stapleton & W.Bro. Johns.



North Devon Hospices Benefit from the Grand Charity

Barnstaple based hospices have benefited recently from an ongoing program of support by the Grand Charity. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. P. Louis Baycock, presented cheques for over £2,000 each to Emma Puckey, head of fundraising of the Children's Hospice South West and to Alison Hunt, the fund raising manager of the North Devon Hospice. Over the last 24 years The Grand Charity has donated over £211,000 to hospices in Devon as well as many other deserving causes, the most recent of which was a donation of to assist victims of the bushfires that tore through the state of Victoria, Australia. Alan Cockman



Provincial Orator – “What’s one of those?”
I am sure you have all read the article in Freemasonry Today about the Provincial Grand Orator scheme being rolled out across the Provinces. But are you any the wiser? Or have you been able to make that daily advancement in Masonic knowledge, to which we all pledge ourselves? As Freemasons, we are heirs and custodians of rich and deeply moral traditions, many of which involve a journey to the very heart of each Brother’s life. As we have received these traditions in good faith we ought to be able to pass them on – in good health – to those who follow us. In order to help Brethren focus on this process the role of the Orator was created. This is because Freemasonry is a very personal journey: one made in the company of friends who, no matter how highly promoted they might be within the Craft, are also on their own travels. We may see Freemasonry as a vast international support network for individuals, travelling onwards towards insight and knowledge (Brotherly Love); we help others over the obstacles and try to clear the path (Relief); and we keep our vision fixed upon the ultimate goal (Truth) – in essence we keep eternity in view. It is for this task that the Orations and the Orator is important. His role is to point out specific aspects of our Craft and seek to draw us into them and to draw the meaning out.
A series of Orations have been produced which focus on various aspects of our Order and which I am available to present to your Lodge. The papers are typically around five to ten minutes long, questions and answers being invited afterwards which usually turn into a very interesting discussion. The Orator may also write, produce, edit and receive short papers for use in the Province and where applicable to submit the same to the Grand Lodge as suitable for use as Orations: if you have one please let me know. All lectures to be delivered to Craft Lodges within the Province have traditionally been approved by the office of the Provincial Grand Secretary and/or the Assistant Provincial Grand Master responsible for education. This has now become part of the Provincial Orator’s role, although it will initially be performed in conjunction with the Provincial Secretary and Asst Provincial Grand Master. I can be contacted via e-mail at rjebrey@aol.com or by telephone on 07811 438354. WBro. Richard Ebrey, Provincial Grand Orator



Western District Masonic Association
On the 13th October the regular meeting of the association took place at St Aubyn Masonic Hall, Stoke, Plymouth. W. Bro. Derek Murphy PPrSGD, President of the Association welcomed all brethren present. The association was constituted in 1894 with a view that the association should encourage an active interest in a wider knowledge of freemasonry by discussion of communication from Grand Lodge, Supreme Grand Chapter, Provincial Grand Lodge, and Provincial Grand Chapter and through lecture and discussion on freemasonry in general. The association has been proud to have had the Provincial Grand Masters and Provincial Grand Superintendents as Patrons and supporters of the Association’s activities since its constitution. The Association’s secondary role is to provide light refreshment as may be requested by Provincial Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Chapter and the committees attached to these meetings. The membership comprises of Worshipful Brethren, Excellent Companions, Master Masons and Companions of the Province. Over the many years of the association activities there has been many eminent masons presenting papers and encouraging discussion and reflection on the meaning and application of freemasonry. The October meeting was no different! The work of the association will continue into 2009 with a full programme of events for the meeting on the first Friday in May and the second Monday in October. W.Bro. John Cornish will be delivering his lecture on the Military Lodges and W.Bro Baycock will be arranging an update of the Masonic Records project.
	The Association has to rely on the small subscriptions from the lodges in the province to fund its activities mainly the light refreshments and would hope that all Lodges will continue to support the Association with the subscriptions, nominating representatives of the lodges and chapters who will attend the meetings and bring other, newer brethren, with them. This is your association. The management committee welcomes suggestions and ideas to enhance Masonic education and furtherance of Masonic activity. Earlier in 2008 the association held a very popular and interesting questions and answers evening. Just to remind Lodges and Chapters that annual subscriptions for the 1st January to 31st December 2009 should be sent direct to The Treasurer. Member Lodges £11.00. Associate Lodges £7.00. Member Chapters £6.00. Associate Chapters £2.00. (Members are within 20 mile radius of Plymouth: Associates are in the remainder of Province). The Association needs you and your ideas! Please contact the Secretary W.Bro John Pritchard or any of the Management committee.


Royal Marines Plymouth and Trinity Lodge working together
WBro Cliff Hartley, Charity Steward of Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No 9528 accepts a cheque for £250.00 on behalf of the Help for Heroes fund presented by his neighbour Mr Victor Dragonetti B.E.M. Also, Cadet “Tom Thumb” of the Plymouth's Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps accepts another cheque for £250.00 on behalf of the Help for Heroes fund. The cheque was presented by two Charity Stewards, WBro Cliff Hartley of Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge No 9528 and WBro Mike Tobin of Trinity Lodge No 3403. Trinity Lodge recently assisted Royal Marines Plymouth Lodge by passing one of their Brethren to the 2nd degree on their behalf, who is a beneficuary of the Help For Heroes fund.



Torbay Masonic Widows' Association
The Torbay Masonic Widows' Association once again enjoyed a Christmas Lunch, expertly prepared by Basil Ashling the W.M. of Lodge of the Seven Hills 6857. The ladies had a full turkey roast lunch, Christmas pudding and mince pies made by the liaison officer. The tables were decorated with crackers and matching napkins and Mrs Ann Jordan had purchased fancy candles in Austria especially for the occasion. The Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Stafford, announced that she was going to get married on Friday 19th December and she felt that she ought to resign the post at the January AGM. This came as a complete surprise to most of the members, but they all wished her well for the future. Mrs Beth Storey presented her with a wedding gift from the Association and advised that she would take over the reins again for just one year.



Courtland Lodge No.6706 is 60!
Courtland Lodge 6706 , recently had a double anniversary. On Thursday 13th November, The Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary, the occasion was marked by a visit from the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro.Derek.G.Webber P.S.G.D., Rt.W.Bro.R.O.Osborn P.P.G.M and W.Bro J.L.Attwod.P.J.G.D. the Past Assistant P.G.M. The Lodge room was filled to capacity, W.Bro Webber gave a short resume of life in Paignton in the early years of the Lodge. W.Bro.Peter.Carrick.P.A.G.D.C. then presented W.Bro. Jim Jordan.P.Pr.J.G.W. with an inscribed tray with a cut glass decanter and six matching whisky tumblers to celebrate his 40 years in the Lodge. W.Bro Jordan then gave a detailed talk on the history and the characters in the lodge over the last 60 years. He then presented the Lodge with a framed board showing all the Consecrating Officers, the Founders and every Initiate and Joining member since the Lodge was founded.


	2009 - 2008 - 2007