The Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire

News from around the Province 2012

	For full details of the 2012 Final Festival Event & Gala Dinner click here To book a hotel for the event directly with the venue click here

Britannia Lodge 4099 helping Guide Dogs

Britannia Lodge 4099, Ladies Night held on 31st March 2012, and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all who attended. All money raised on the night led to The Worshipful Master W.Bro P Darville's chosen charity,"Guide Dogs for the Blind". This charity is close to W.Bro Darville's heart as he suffers from a high degree of sight loss himself, Pam Gratton is seen receiving a cheque for £500 on behalf of "Guide Dogs for the Blind" On April 14th at our regular regular monthly meeting. Pam gave the Brethren a detailed account of the huge sums needed to train dogs (from pups) not only for their entire working life but also into retirement!.. W Bro Graham Jackson


Devon Hospices receive over £13,000 from Masonic Donations

		Local hospices have welcomed funding from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity - a total of over £13000 is being donated to 5 hospices in Devon. Adult and children’s hospices across England and Wales are receiving £600,000 in total from the Charity. In Plymouth, St. Luke’s Hospice has received £3840. This grant is in addition to funds already donated by local Freemasons, who raise thousands of pounds for charity every year. Freemasons have a long tradition of funding hospices, with The Freemasons’ Grand Charity donating £9.3 million nationwide since 1984. All donations are raised by Freemasons and their families and aim to assist hospices in their vital role in helping those affected by terminal or life limiting illness. Nina Wearne, Senior Community Fundraiser said: “Without the tireless support of those individuals and organisations who give so much of their time to raising funds for St. Luke’s Hospice we could not continue to provide our care to so many families. We are very grateful to The Freemasons’ Grand Charity for their continued support for St. Luke’s Hospice, and to the local Masonic groups who raise vital funds to support our work.
On presenting them with their cheques W.Bro. Nick Ball, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, said: “Supporting hospice services remains very important to Freemasons in Devon and we are delighted that The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has continued to provide this funding this year. The care provided by local hospices is exceptional – but continuous financial support is necessary to ensure such a dedicated service. For that reason we are delighted to be able to demonstrate our continued commitment to their cause”. Pictured shows Becca Jackson from St. Luke’s Hospice receiving the cheque from W.Bro. Nick Ball

A Tribute to the Patron Saint of England

The Sir Joshua Reynolds Lodge held their annual St. Georges Day Meeting on Tuesday 24th April 2012 where the Lodge was opened for a short while to conduct a business meeting. All then retired to the festive board where wives and guests of the Lodge could all take part in the St. Georges Day Festivities. On this occasion due to the numbers attending, the Plympton Conservative Club assisted with the catering and produced a fine Old English Festive Board. Following in the musical theme selected for the evening the Brethren and Guests were led by The Rev Freddy Denman who was in attendance to assist in the singing of these typically English songs and to give orations as listed below, St. George’s Day Fanfare and St. George’s Address Poem “Home Thoughts from Abroad” Song: Rose of England. Song: “The Yeoman of England”. Song: “For He’s an Englishman”. Recitation from Richard II Short Film: Scene from “Henry V” Medley of Songs: “We Will Gather Lilacs”. “Keep The Home Fires Burning”. “There Will Always Be An England”. “Land of Hope and Glory”. “Jerusalem” The National Anthem.
With thanks to all who worked so hard work to make is such an enjoyable evening. ‘Till we have built Jerusalem in England’s green and pleasant land’. W.Bro. Steve Parkinson - Photos W.Bro. Steve Waterhouse, PPrGSwdB

Lodge of Obedience 1753

The Chapter of Obedience 1753, have hired a River Dart Cruise boat on Friday 29th June to hold a Summer Social which entails a cruise along the Dart with a Jazz Band and 2 course meal. Any Craft and Royal Arch Masons and their families wishing to join us please email Tony Clapham for more details or ring 01647 253066


Old Masonic Girls Association

		The South West Branch of the Old Masonic Girls’ Association (OMGA) will be holding their Annual Reunion at the Paignton Club in Paignton on Saturday 12th May 2012. Any Devon Freemason and especially old Boys are most welcome to attend this meeting. The venue for the meeting will be the famous Paignton Club situated at the Southern end of the Paignton Promenade, just a short walk from the harbour and town centre. The OMGA represents former pupils of the Royal Masonic School for Girls and there are currently over 1400 members with reunions are held all over the world. The OMGA enables girls to keep in touch with each other and the Girls’ School. They publish an annual magazine called Masonica and their website is www.omga.org.uk Further details can be obtained from the Secretary, Barbara Jackson. She can be contacted on 01392 216526 or via BEJacksonuk@yahoo.co.uk Snail mail address is 29 East Avenue, Heavitree, Exeter, EX2 2DX.


Holy Royal Arch Provincial Dinner

This years Holy Royal Arch Provincial Grand Chapter dinner will be held at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, on Saturday 4th August 2012 at 7:00pm for dinner at 7:30pm. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent would like this occasion to be shared by everyone and accordingly welcomes ALL members of the Order especially this years Active team and their wives/partners/friends to join him and his wife, Lin, at this event. To download a booking form please CLICK HERE


Erme Lodge's Chaplain hands over after 27 years

After 59 years of unstinting service to Freemasonry, 92 year old W Bro Ken Spargo retired as Chaplain of Erme Lodge 1091. The Master, Officers and Brethren paid tribute to him and thanked him for the last 27 years as their Chaplain. W Bro Ken was initiated into the Erme lodge on 1st of April 1953 and was passed and raised the following 2 months. Ken was made a Steward of the lodge in 1958 in the heady days when there were 16 Stewards on the list. In 1962 Ken was promoted to Assistant Secretary and in 1963 he took the collar of Almoner. From there the progress was rapid with the offices of Junior Deacon in 1964, straight to Junior Warden in 1965 and thence to Senior Warden in 1966. Ken was installed in the Chair of King Solomon in 1967. After continued service to his Mother Lodge, Erme 1091, and Freemasonry in general; W Bro Ken was appointed Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 1976. In 1985 He was appointed Chaplain of the lodge and in the same year was appointed Past Provincial Superintendant of Works, followed in 1995 by promotion to Past Provincial Grand Warden. Worshipful Brother Spargo has been an inspiration to countless
numbers of Masons and has to the writer’s knowledge only missed 3 Ceremonies in his 59 years. He regularly attends lodge of instruction and is an experienced ritualist with a ready acquiescence to help a Brother. He is always cheerful and is a most dedicated man with the rarely seen charm of the “True Gentleman” he is much venerated within his own lodge and respected throughout the Province of Devonshire. WBro Tony Ashley

Trout Fishing Competition

		Brethren, I am holding a fund raising Trout Fishing Competition in aid of the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys at Bellbrook Fishery, Oakford, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 9EX on Saturday 26th May 2012. The event which is open to all starts at 9.00pm but entrants may join in when they want. For those that have never tried this classic English pastime, instruction and equipment are free but you should book early to ensure we have sufficient rods etc. The ticket price is £39 for a three fish catch and this includes a free cream tea and refreshments. There is also a prize for the heaviest catch. I hope that you will support me at this event which I am sure will be a really fun day out. Derek Webber, AsstPrGM, PSGD Please click on the picture (left) for more details.


W.Bro Eric Soper PPrJGW - 70 year certificate presentation

On the 15th March 2012, the Provincial Grand Master Michael T Penny visited The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe Lodge No.3924 to help celebrate the 70 years of service to Freemasonry by W.Bro Eric Thomas Soper PPrJGW. Also present were three of the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, six Grand Officers and six active Provincial Grand Officers. The Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to W.Bro Eric Soper with a presentation that contained an account of his Private life and Masonic career, which was made with detail, humility and sincerity. W.Bro Eric Soper a Lewis was born on 17.08.1921 making him 90 years old. He was the son of Thomas Henry Soper, an Accountant, who was a joining member (joined 17th July 1919) of The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe Lodge at the 3rd meeting of the Lodge. He was initiated at an Emergency meeting on Monday 23rd March 1942 at the age of 20 as he was a Wireless Mechanic in the Royal Air Force and was to be posted to Malta. His father proposed him and was seconded by W.Bro Martin G Endle. He was passed (17th Feb 1944) and raised (4th May 1944) at the United Brethren Lodge No1923 in Valletta Malta. After returning from the War Eric was appointed as a Steward of Lodge in June 1947 progressing through all the Office’s and
		becoming Worshipful Master for the first time in June1955. The PGM RW Bro Bishop Surtees presiding on that occasion. Ten years after becoming Worshipful Master, Eric was appointed PrGStwd in 1965, followed by promotion to PPrGD in 1967 and PPrJGW in 1974. Eric was in regular attendance after being Worshipful Master and became the Lodge Chaplain for first time in 1971 - an Office held for 5 years. After gap of 23 years Eric became Lodge Chaplain for second time in June 1999 for a period of one year, when he was then installed as Worshipful Master for second time in June 2000 by W.Bro MW Eglinton PSGD. Since that installation Eric has been in regular attendance and when called upon has filled in occasionally mainly as IPM or Chaplain and has been Installing Warden at several Installation meetings. He was exalted into the HRA in October 1944, at the Resurrection Chapter in Malta. This was to be his only Chapter meeting until he became a joining member of the Dundas Chapter 1255 on 24th April 1973. Steven Harvey PPrJGD Photo John Smerdon PPrJGD


St. Margaret's Lodge No. 6128


		At the recent Installation meeting, W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury DPrGM presented the out going Master, W.Bro Norman Minto with a Lodge Patrons Certificate to mark the contribution the St. Margaret's Lodge has made to the 2012 Festival in aid of the RMTGB. After, W.Bro Minto installed his successor, W.Bro Peter Wilkins into the Chair of the Lodge. For W.Bro. Wilkins, this was his third time in the Chair of St. Margaret's (a record for Devon?) which I am sure would have made his father, who was a founder of the Lodge very proud. Pictured left is W.Bro. Norman Minto with his son Robert who he was able to Initiate during his year in Office, making this a truly family affair. Photo: Martin Heskins

Time is running out for W.Bro. D.G. Webber APGM

On a recent visit to Courtland Lodge No.6706, W.Bro. D.G. Webber was presented with a carriage clock to mark his retirement in April as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Pictured right is W.Bro. M.R. Doleman, the Prov.G.D.C presenting W.Bro. Derek with his gift. Earlier, W.Bro. Derek delivered the Address in the North East Corner to our new Initiate, Brother Nigel Woodcock and a RMTGB 2012 Festival Jewel to Bro Dennis Cowley, our Junior Deacon. Picture: David Froud

Masonic Fishing

The Masonic Fishing Charity has now formed a Devonshire Branch with its first meeting planned for later this year. This is a new and exciting venture which will see Devonshire Freemasons working in the local community to provide an interactive fishing and outdoor experience for people with special needs. Events will be held throughout the year at which participants are introduced on a on a one-to-one basis to their fishing guide for the day who involves them as much as possible with the casting, playing and landing of the fish. Fishing tackle and all health and safety equipment is provided free of charge as is a light lunch and refreshments for each participant and carer. All participants receive a certificate of confidence to take home at the end of the day as well as other prizes for biggest fish caught etc. This is far more than just a day’s fishing though! It enables disadvantaged people to participate and experience something that may otherwise be unavailable to them and it enables the volunteers to give back to the community and have some fun along the way. The events are funded mainly by donations from Freemasons and there is no charge to participants, their organisations or volunteers. So if you would like to assist this very worthwhile charity as a caster/helper or if you would like to serve on the branch committee please check out www.mtsfc.org.uk or contact W Bro. Graham Snell on 07900 220 390 for further details.


Appointment & Promotions to Grand Rank 2012

Brethren, I am pleased to inform you that the following named Brethren of the Province of Devonshire will be Appointed/Promoted at the Grand lodge Annual Investiture on the 25th April 2012 First Appointments WBro. John W. Adcock - Salem Lodge 1443 and Devon Farmers Lodge 9250 (Active Rank) Assistant Grand Pursuivant WBro. John F. Thompson - St Georges Lodge 112. And, Lodge of Union 444. Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro. Simon F. Dunn - Lodge Virtue and Honor 494.Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. WBro. Chris A. Roach - Torbay Lodge 1358 and 2nd PrGPrincipal of the Holy Royal Arch. Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro John P. Smerdon a member of Old Plymothian and Mannameadian Lodge 6279. Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Promotions WBro. Ian Kingsbury. Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Past Grand Sword Bearer. (Very Worshipful Brother) WBro. Nicholas A. Ball Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Past Senior Grand Deacon. WBro. Colin C. Gale Assistant Provincial Grand Master Past Senior Grand Deacon WBro. Richard A.P. Speed Assistant Provincial Grand Master (wef 16th April 2012) Past Senior Grand Deacon. W.Bro. Raymond L. Bray MBE - Harmony Lodge 156 and Plymouth and District Masters Lodge 5898 Past Junior Grand Deacon. All well deserved appointments and promotions and I am sure you will join me in wishing them hearty congratulations and wishing them well. David Lyne PAGDC Provincial Grand Secretary



New Supreme Grand Chapter Appointments 2012

Companions, I am pleased to advise you of my newly appointed Grand Officers, who will receive preferrment in April 2012. First Appointments: Anthony Lee Royal Naval Chapter 3337 to be PGStB Robert C Munro Fortescue Chapter 847 to be PGStB Michael J Twitchin Pleiades Chapter 710 to be PGStB Promotions: Terry H G Downe Chapter of St Mary 5148 to be PGSwdB Ian A Moore Saint Aubyn Chapter 954 to be PAGSoj E.Comp S.W. Rowe ME Grand Superintendent for Devonshire

Courtland Lodge 6706

Pictured left is the cheque presentation to Mr James Drummond from Torbay Young Carers for £2000 Which was raised during WBro.David Frouds year in the chair of Courtland Lodge 6706. Mr Drummond was a former pupil of the Royal Masonic School for Boys and Girls and so is well aware of Masonic Charitable donations. Another member of the Lodge donated a ride in Limousine for 8 young carers to have a night out at a Pantomime on before Christmas in Torquay with a VIP trip to and from Theatre. Courtland Lodge 6706 has also donated a sum of £ 1200.00 at their February installation meeting to the RMTGB 2012 Festive helping them to reach £ 30,000 mark in donations so far. Pictured are Bro.Martin Squires, Mr James Drummond & WBro.David Froud PPrGReg AM Dewis


W Bro Cliff Heard PPrJGW - 50 years a Freemason

		On Wednesday 22nd February 2012, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Colin Gale, visited the Lord Roborough Lodge No 5789 in Plymouth to present the Provincial Grand Master's certificate to W Bro Clifford Henry Heard PPrJGW. This presentation marked his 50 years as a Freemason and took place at the meeting on the 50th anniversary of W Bro Heard’s raising to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. W Bro Gale gave an eloquent description of W Bro Heard’s life from being evacuated to Staffordshire in the war, through his national service and playing cricket for Plymouth Cricket Club, to his marriage almost 50 years ago and the setting up of his own menswear business which he still manages today with no thought of retirement. W Bro Heard was initiated into the Lord Roborough Lodge No 5789 on 22nd November 1961, passed on 24th January 1962; and raised on 28th February 1962. He was appointed and invested as Junior Warden in 1971, Senior Warden in 1972 and attained the Chair of King Solomon as the 35th Worshipful Master in 1973. In 1982 he was appointed Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon; promoted in 1991 to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer; and eventually attained the very
senior rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2000. He still takes part when he is able, volunteering last May to act as Senior Warden on a Past Masters’ evening and completing the passing of Bro Dominic Davison in an exemplary manner being word perfect throughout the ceremony. He also volunteers every year to act as an installing officer at the installation ceremony in September. W Bro Heard is an avid Plymouth Argyle fan. He is a season ticket holder and a club Vice-President. Walking his dog and enjoying life are two of his greatest pleasures. Well done, W Bro Heard! W Bro Chris Banbury PPrJGW

Devon Hospices receive over £13,000 from the Grand Charity

Local hospices have welcomed funding from The Grand Charity - a total of over £13000 is being donated to 5 hospices in Devon. Adult and children’s hospices across England and Wales are receiving £600,000 in total from the Charity. In North Devon, the North Devon Hospice and the Children’s Hospice South West (Little Bridge House) have each received nearly £2000. These grants are in addition to funds already donated by Devonshire Mason, who raise thousands of pounds for charity every year. Freemasons have a long tradition of funding hospices, with The Grand Charity donating £9.3 million nationwide since 1984. All donations are raised by Freemasons and their families and aim to assist hospices in their vital role in helping those affected by terminal or life limiting illness. Community Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, Paula Hullett, said: “Without the tireless support of those individuals and organisations who give so much of their time to raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West, we could not continue to provide our care to so many families with life-limited children at Little Bridge House. We are very grateful to The Freemasons’ Grand Charity for
their continued support for the hospice, and to the local Masonic groups who raise vital funds to support our work. This generous gift will help us make the most of short and precious lives for families visiting Little Bridge House.” Trusts and Grants Fundraiser for North Devon Hospice, Azey Siddiqui, said: “This is a fantastic award from The Freemasons Grand Charity. It will translate into specialist care for local people and their families facing the impact of cancer and other life limiting illnesses. The continuing support North Devon Hospice receives from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, and from local Masonic lodges, helps us to support people in their own homes as well as at Deer Park. We are only able to deliver our specialist care to local people thanks to the generosity of our dedicated North Devon community. On behalf of all our patients, volunteers and staff, we are very grateful.” On presenting them with their cheques W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire said: “Supporting hospice services remains very important to Freemasons in Devon and we are delighted that The Grand Charity has continued to provide this funding this year. The care provided by local hospices is exceptional – but continuous financial support is necessary to ensure such a dedicated service. For that reason we are delighted to be able to demonstrate our continued commitment to their cause”. The photo shows r to l Mrs Wyn and W.Bro. Richard Speed, Paula Hullett (CHSW), Azey Siddiqui (NDH), W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury DPGM and Mrs Toni Kingsbury


Children’s Hospice SW given Teddies by Devon Freemasons


Little Bridge House, the Children’s Hospice SW, has received a supply of Teddies for Loving Care from W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury the Deputy Provincial Grand Master on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Penny and all the Freemasons in Devon. Community Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, Paula Hullett said:” "This bundle of cuddly bears is such a wonderful gift for children coming to stay with us at Little Bridge House – for the poorly children and also for their brothers and sisters. This is a really special gesture of loving care and has put a smile on all our faces." W.Bro. Kingsbury said “We are pleased to be able to provide these Teddies to Hospices and the A&E departments of our 4 major hospitals, for staff to give to children who are in distress and where the staff feel that a soft cuddly teddy will help alleviate the stress and assist them in their work” Since the Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme started over 900,000 have been distributed, by Freemasons, nationwide. In Devonshire over 12000 have been provided to date. Photograph shows Paula Hullett from CHSW receiving their Teddies from W.Bro. Ian Kingsbury and the Devon Coordinator for the Teddies for Loving Care, W.Bro. John Adcock, together with W.Bro. Richard and Mrs Wyn Speed and Mrs Toni Kingsbury


Fire relief fund boosted by Crediton Freemasons

		Following the devastating fire at Buller Court in Crediton on Thursday 2nd February a fund has been set up by the Town Council to assist families affected by the blaze who have lost their homes and possessions. The local Freemasons, who meet nearby in Union Street, supported by their Provincial Grand Master, Rt.WBro.Michael Penny, have come forward and donated cheques totalling £1350 to the fund. The cheques were presented to the Deputy Mayor of Crediton, Councillor Mrs Joyce Harris, by WBro. Ian Kingsbury, Deputy Provincial Grand Master; WBro. David Jaques, Master of Unity Lodge, Crediton and WBro. Alan Tonkin of Unity Mark Lodge, Crediton. Councillor Mrs Harris said “I thank the Crediton Freemasons for their donation. Crediton pulls together in times of crisis, locally and nationally and this is just such an example.” W.Bro. Kingsbury said “Freemasons are always pleased to help the local community in times of distress” Pictured Cllr. Mrs Harris receiving the cheques. LtoR: David Jaques (Unity Lodge), Alan Tonkin (Unity Mark Lodge), Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs Harris, Ian Kinsgsbury (Deputy Provincial Grand Master), Peter Lee (Unity Lodge Charity Steward)


Prestonian Lecture

On Tuesday the 7th February, Torbay Masters Lodge 8227, were honoured with a visit from the Prestonian Lecturer for 2011 W.Bro Dr. James Campbell PhD FSA PAGSuptWks. The Lodge was treated to a very clear and concise history of Sir Christopher Wren, in the lecture entitled " Was Sir Christopher Wren a Freemason?". Several times we were shown proof that he was, only to have those proofs contradicted minutes later!! It would appear that the "jury is still out" but there seems to be convincing proofs that he was a member. The Lecture was attended by W.Bro.Nicholas Ball P.J.G.D and W.Bro.Colin Gale P.G.StdB both Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and various visiting Masters. Everyone agreed that it had been a most interesting and informative evening. Jim Jordan P.Pr.J.G.W. Paignton's Roving Reporter


New Assistant Provincial Grand Master

I am writing to inform you of some very important changes that will take effect from our annual Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on Monday 16th April 2012. As you are already aware, our Senior Asst PGM, W.Bro Derek G Webber PSGD will sadly be retiring after five years of dedicated and loyal service to our Province. He will be greatly missed, but the good news is that he will remain involved within the Province. I am very pleased to announce that I will be appointing W.Bro Richard Speed PAGDC of the Loyal Lodge of Industry No.421 as my new Asst PGM and I'm sure the brethren will join with me in wishing him our utmost congratulations and support. I must also regretfully advise you that our hard working Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W.Bro Conrad Donaldson PAGDC has indicated his wish to retire from 2012. W.Bro Conrad has served this Province for nine years with great distinction and enthusiasm and he has made a full & effective contribution to the 2012 festival. I am delighted to report that W.Bro Conrad will continue his excellent work as Festival Secretary up to the completion of the festival in November 2012. We all owe W.Bro Conrad an enormous debt of gratitude. I am pleased to announce that I will be appointing W.Bro Barry White PPrGSwdBr of the Northcote Lodge No.2659 as Provincial Grand Charity Steward and we all look forward to working with him in the future. I look forward to seeing you all at Our Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on Monday 16th April 2012 at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay. With best wishes to you all. Rt.W.Bro M.T. Penny Provincial Grand Master

Fifty Years a member of Rose Croix

		Most of us have heard of someone who has been in Freemasonry for 50 years these days, but how many of us know someone who has been in a side degree, especially Rose Croix , for 50 years? This was the occasion that was celebrated by André Potier of St. Swithin Chapter No. 115 at their October meeting. André was perfected into St. Swithin Chapter on 11th October 1961 at the Masonic Centre, Queen Anne’s Walk, Barnstaple after having been raised in Braunton Lodge in April 1957. He subsequently moved to Ruislip and joined Trinity Chapter where he made rapid progress through all the offices to Sovereign. In 1967, six years after his perfection, he received his 30°. In 1969 he became Prelate of Trinity Chapter and continued in that office for a remarkable 35 years, only missing three meetings through illness. He received his 31° in 1980 and his 32° in 1999. André was appointed Prelate to St. Swithin Chapter in 1994 and still continues in that office. The picture shows Ill.Bro. André Potier receiving his certificate from The Inspector General for Devonshire, V.Ill. Bro. Michael St.J. French. A. Cockman - Roving Reporter for North Devon


Sir Joshua Reynolds Lodge No. 4782 - Not for the Weightwatchers!

		The Sir Joshua Reynolds Lodge No 4782 held its annual Burns Night to the immortal memory of Rabbie Burns (1759 – 1796) on Tuesday 24th January 2012, when 50 brethren and invited guests were present to witness a working of the Initiation Ceremony within the Temple, followed by the traditional festive fare in the refectory. The evening started with W.Bro. Rod Burnett standing outside the Lodge building to practice with his bagpipes and all brethren arriving to the stirring ‘Flower of Scotland’ sounding out across the ‘Ridgeway’. Even the locals came out to appreciate the lovely music. W.Bro. Denis Compton led his officers through an enjoyable ceremony but the anticipation of what was to follow, always kept everyone on their toes. With the assistance of the Officers of The St. Andrew Lodge No. 4276 on their fraternal visit the festive board was conducted in the time honoured way, starting with the Selkirk Grace and the bagpipes of W.Bro. Rod Burnett, who went on to give the ‘Address To A Haggis’ saluted with a drop of the hard stuff! Traditional Scottish Broth with Parsley Dumplings, Haggis, Tatties and Neeps, Roast Beef and Vegetables, Typsy Laird, Cheese and Bannocks with Coffee completed the whole occasion.
All whisky was provided courtesy of the generous bequests from W.Bro. F.N. Adams, W. Bro. S. Hasney, W.Bro. S. Stone PPrGSwdB, W.Bro. G Harris, PPrJGW and W.Bro. K.R. Coombes PPrJGW. The evening was completed with the Tyler’s Toast: Brethren hear the noble truth that Robbie Burns has told etc., and with very full stomachs we all agreed a very successful evening spent in memory of a very special poet and Mason. W.Bro Steve Parkinson, PPrJGD, Director of Ceremonies 4782

Burns Night at The Lord Roborough Lodge 5789

The Lord Roborough Lodge 5789 held a Rabbie Burns Night following a 3rd degree ceremony on Wednesday 25th January 2012, where 60 Brethren attended. In the Temple, Bro Dominc Davison was raised to the 3rd degree and then the Rabbie Burns celebrations began at the Festive Board. W.Bro John Speak Worshipful Master, accompanied by, W.Bro N A Ball APGM and W.Bro P J M Keaty APGM, was delighted to be piped around the festive board on this special occasion by, Bro John Baxter (The Dundas Lodge 1255), the Selkirk Grace was then given before the 'Haggis' presented by W.Bro John Pritchard PPrGSwdB, was piped in and around the festive board. W.Bro Ian Hamilton PPrGSuptWks, (The St. Aubyn Lodge 954) gave the Address to the Haggis. The address was given in a wonderful manner, full of expression and meaning and excitement, Fair fa' you honest, sonsie face, Great Chieftain o' the puddin' race! Aboon them a ' ye tak your place, Pinch, trip or thairm and a few other verses etc: etc: this was received with great acclamation. Well done Ian. Burns was Initiated into Freemasonry on 4th July 1781 at the age of 23 years and his Initiation Fee was 12s.6d. he was then passed and raised 1791. W.Bro J Pritchard Lord Roborough Lodge 5789		Pictured above: W.Bro J Pritchard. Bro J Baxter and W.Bro I Hamilton


Estuary League of Friends - Topsham

Pictured right is E. Comp Bob Munro the Holy Royal Arch Provincial Grand Charity Steward and W.Bro John Soul of Brent Lodge and Brent Holy Royal Arch Chapter, presenting a joint donation on behalf of the Brent Lodge & Chapter and the Grand Superintendent of Devonshire, to Rachael Gilpin of the Estuary League of Friends. The work of the League is well documented locally and many people have benefited from its activities. It depends completely on the generosity of the public at large to be able to continue it’s worthwhile work in the greater Exeter area, and the Holy Royal Arch and Brent Lodge are very pleased that they are able to assist this charity. Photo Bob Munro

Royal Naval Lodge Double Initiation

		At our January meeting, we in The Royal Naval Lodge no.3337, after close consultation with The Provincial Grand Master, had the extremely rare privilege of performing a double initiation. It was a very special occasion for father and son, Roger and Martyn Lakey, being the third and fourth generation of their family to become Freemasons. The ceremony was carried out in a most excellent manner by W.Bro.Dougie Rogers, the Worshipful Master and ably assisted by his officers, in the presence of W.Bro. Colin Gale. P.G.Std.B. Asst.P.G.M. and W.Bro.Colin Barrett. P.J.G.D. the Lodge's V.G.O Brothers Roger and Martyn said " That they were completely overwhelmed with the whole occasion, it was so special, that they would treasure the memory for the rest of their lives". Martyn said to his Father, "We are now brothers" to which Roger replied, "You better let me tell your Mother when we get home." W.Bro. Dougie Rogers is to my knowledge probably the only mason in the Province, not only to carry out a double initiation of a father and son in the Craft, as the Worshipful Master, but also a double Exaltation of a different father and son in the Holy Royal Arch as the Chapter's First Principal.
Pictured above: L to R. Bro.Martyn Lakey, Bro.Roger Lakey, W.Bro.Dougie Rogers, Worshipful Master, W.Bro.Colin Gale P.G.Std.B. Asst.P.G.M. and W,Bro.Colin Barrett P.J.G.D.		W.Bro.Edward Willcox P.Pr.Swd.B. Director of Ceremonies The Royal Naval Lodge 3337