Uzbekistan mountain challenge gives boost to childrens charity

It is not every month that Freemasonry Today sends a reporter to one of the remotest parts of central Asia, to an area seen by few Westerners. Andrew Ross was one of a group of Freemasons who took part in a six-day trek in the mountains of Uzbekistan, to raise money for three charities, The Children's Trust, which cares for severely disabled children, Rukba (Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association) and the Leonard Cheshire Foundation.
    'The project, A Walk on the Wild Side, was conceived and planned by Bro Ken Treves of London Lodge Facta Non Verba No. 3409, as a fundraising project for intrepid travellers.
    He quickly gained support from other members of the Craft, including the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro. Lord Northampton, who wrote a message of encouragement in the attractive leaflet produced to promote the event.
    The three charities then joined forces to help Ken organise the expedition, which required everyone taking part to raise a minimum of £2,000.
    In September 53 Masons and non-Masons, the youngest 19 and the oldest 77, flew to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The original destination was the Tien Shan mountain range to the East, but shortly before leaving the team learned that the Uzbekistan government had closed the whole of that region to foreign visitors because of kidnappings by muslim fundamentalist fighters.
    A group of young Americans, who only managed to escape by pushing one of their captors off a cliff, had been kidnapped climbing on the very mountains for which we were heading.
    At short notice the route was relocated to the Nuratu mountain range, rising up from the desert to the north of Samarkand. There was a six-hour coach drive from Tashkent, stopping once in the desert heat for a roadside lunch.
    The team walked or climbed for nine or ten hours – it was the same each day – using narrow donkey trails where possible, in temperatures that rose into the nineties.
    W Bro Andrew Ross, Chief Executive of The Children's Trust, who was on the trip, said: "My best memories will be distant views of Lake Ayrdal, an inland sea beyond the desert far below.
    "Then there was the sudden loss of tiredness after a huge climb to reach the summit of Mount Khayatbashi, the tallest peak in the range. There were also the smiles and generosity of the local people, who pressed gifts of fruit and yoghurt on us as we walked up the valleys where they live.
    "We also raised a huge amount of money – a total more than £140,000 – from hundreds of sponsors, many of them Freemasons, for three very worthwhile charities."

Mason’s plea for drivers and vehicles to convey aid to Saharawi refugees

A convoy of humanitarian aid, organised by W Bro Ron Laybourne of Lodge de Loraine No 541 in the Province of Northumberland, is set to traverse the Sahara desert next October.
    W Bro Laybourne, director of the Saharawan Aid Trust, is looking for sponsorship of vehicles which have to be filled to the brim with clothing, blankets, medicine, educational equipment – anything and everything.
    It was 25 years ago that the territory of Western Sahara was promised independence. However, it is still occupied by its northern neighbour, Morocco.
    Ron Laybourne said: “A particularly brutal invasion caused heavy damage and loss of life. Many Saharawis were forced from their homes with just the clothes on their back. Many died on the long trek, and the survivors found themselves in the desert with nothing.”
    Algeria came to their rescue, and helped the refugees set up tents in a barren corner of the desert and have helped them over the years, as have international relief agencies.
    He continued: “I have been a Mason for 30 years, and I believe this venture is an ideal opportunity for us to show what Freemasonry is really about. I would like to encourage as many Masons and their Lodges to participate.”
    Ron Laybourne added: “The efforts of the Saharawi people themselves is an inspiration.” There is equality for women, religious toleration, they have set up an admirable education system, several hospitals and cultivated part of the desert.
    The refugees live in four huge tent “cities” each containing about 50,000 people, with each family having a tent about 20 feet square, a block-built kitchen and a soakaway toilet. All children attend school.
    The Saharawan Aid Trust is running its eighth convoy to the camps and vehicles and drivers are needed. Preferred vehicles are four-while drive Land Rovers or ex-army Bedford four-wheel drive trucks.
    Transit-type vans, water tankers, articulated lorries – any type of commercial vehicle is acceptable – provided they are in good condition.

London Lodge builds friendship with Danes

Following a request from Grand Lodge to invite three Danish Masons to witness a Third Degree ceremony in England, a bond of friendship has been struck between these European brethren and London-based Centre Lodge No 3701.
    The visitors were impeccably attired in tails, white dress tie and shirt, matching black cloaks, white silk scarves and top hats. The Danes – in impeccable English – gave a brief presentation of their regalia that differed greatly between the trio.
    It was agreed that Centre Lodge members would visit Copenhagen, and the Danish hosts arranged a convenient and comfortable town centre hotel managed by a member of the Craft.
    Alan Green, Secretary of Centre Lodge, said: “The Masonic headquarters in Copenhagen is spectacular. Purpose-built in 1927 on seven floors, with three below ground level, it has an area of around 150,000sq ft.
    “Vast communal areas, high ceilings, magnificent staircases – a truly impressive edifice constructed regardless of cost. Not surprisingly, there is a bar on each floor.”
    The Danes were members of Hafnia Lodge No. 552 (although Lodge numbers are rare in Denmark). The Host Lodge was Absalom Lodge, one of Denmark’s oldest, conducting a First Degree ceremony and celebrating their 200th anniversary.

Birmingham silversmith crafts for US golfing maestro Tiger Woods

There was a Masonic touch at the British Open Golf Championship at St Andrews in July, when American golfer Tiger Woods was presented with a silver statuette of one of his golfing heroes, Harry Vardon.
    This was to commemorate a century of winners of the United States Open from Vardon in 1900 to Woods in 2000. Vardon, born in Jersey, won the British Open six times and was the first overseas player to triumph at the US Open.
    W Bro Ken Downes, a Provincial Grand Steward for the Province of Warwickshire, of St Martin’s Lodge No 4011, and a silversmith, made the 17 inches high statuette, valued at £8,000 at his premises in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

Masonic Fellowhip Group expands as work to benefit Widows continues

For the first time in its 14-year history, the Province of West Lancashire Northern Group Masonic Fellowship has been given the honour of hosting the annual Masonic Fellowship Conference.
    Delegates from 25 other Masonic Fellowships attended the 18th conference representing West Lancashire and beyond. In total 97 members attended the conference.
    W.Bro I.M.Davies, Chairman of the Northern Group of Lodges, and President of the Northern Group Masonic Fellowship, told delegates of the importance of fellowship in supporting not only Masonic widows, but also retired Masons, ensuring that the fraternity continued and flourished.
    The Northern Group Masonic Fellowship was formed in 1986, the aim being to offer Masonic widows the opportunity to meet on a monthly basis to enjoy the company of other widows.
    They are entertained for a couple of hours, enjoy afternoon teas in the large, comfortable lounge at the Masonic Hall in Barrow-in-Furness. Retired Freemasons have also shown interest, and the membership was extended to include them.
    Since those early days the Fellowship has gone from strength to strength, now boasting 80 members. The modern trend of early retirement has also meant that the average age of members is falling.
    Besides a monthly program of guest speakers there are coffee mornings and other events, including an annual outing and a Christmas dinner. The Fellowship believes it is very important that all Masons, especially Lodge almoners, make widows aware of the existence of Masonic fellowships. They are more than welcome to become members, and can enjoy the many benefits of the extensive social program.
    For further information, contact the secretary, W.Bro Ronald Mein on 01229 861452.

Historic banner laid up at Cheltenham

In a special ceremony, 170 years of history 'came home' when the original banner of Gloucestershire Freemasonry was laid up behind glass at the Cheltenham Masonic Hall.
    The ceremonial banner had been in use in the Province from 1823 until 1996, having been presented by Thomas Quarington, Deputy Provincial Grand Master (1818- 1833). Then, to prevent further irreparable deterioration, a replica replacement was commissioned.
    During a meeting of Foundation Lodge No 82, formed in 1753, RW Bro Peter Marsh, the Provincial Grand Master for Gloucestershire, formally unveiled the magnificent display cabinet now housing the 177-year-old banner.
    He said: "It is right now to preserve the old, but demonstrate through the new banner, our role in the present and confidence in the future."
    Kenneth Detheridge, Master of Foundation Lodge, observed that the 1823 banner could well have been first employed on the occasion of the opening that year of the Masonic Hall in Portland Street, Cheltenham.
    Foundation Lodge moved there then from the town's Sheldons Hotel, having transferred six years earlier from Abingdon in Berkshire.
    Cheltenham's is one of the first purpose-built masonic premises outside London, and as a Grade 2 listed building has been carefully maintained over the years to retain all its delightful Regency features.

A fitting tree-lined backdrop to the new Royal Forest of Dean Chapter

It was a full house for the consecration of Royal Forest of Dean Royal Arch Chapter No 1067 at Newnham, Gloucestershire. The fact that 105 Royal Arch Masons turned up may have had something to do with each of them being presented with a commemorative beer brewed by the local Freeminer Brewery.
    The Chapter, like the Forest of Dean Lodge, incorporates the Freeminer logo, indicating connection with the Forest’s mining history. The consecration brought together representatives of two other Chapters with Royal Forest in their titles – Royal Forest No 5705 – that meets at Loughton in Essex, and Royal Forest No 401, that meets at Waddington in Yorkshire.

Jewish Freemasons celebrate long connection with Sussex Province

Some 230 people packed the Middle Street Synagogue in Brighton, Sussex, in September to participate in a unique and historical event, A Celebration of Jewish Freemasonry in Sussex.
    The service was sponsored by Sussex Unity Lodge and Sussex Unity Chapter which, by coincidence, are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Lodge and 75th anniversary of the Chapter.
    Rabbi Pesach Efune, Minister of the Congregation, officiated, assisted by Reverend Avromi Freilich, of Two Tenors fame, with his inspiring renditions of traditional Hebrew songs.
    In his address to the Congregation, Rabbi Efune, who is not a Freemason, pointed out the great similarities between the principles of Freemasonry and those of Judaism, namely Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
    Guest of Honour was Ian Homan Lay, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Sussex, who spoke of the great contribution to the community made by so many past and present members of Sussex Unity.
    He also pointed out that the former minister of the Middle Street Congregation, Rabbi Fabricant, was a member of Sussex Unity Lodge.
    Ivor Caplin, MP for Hove and Portslade, attended in a personal capacity. His late father, Len, was a Past Master of Sussex Unity Lodge and a Past First Principal of Sussex Unity Chapter.
    At a tea for honoured guests, following the service, Paul Phillips, Master of Sussex Unity Lodge, presented the Provincial Grand Master with a certificate for trees planted by the Lodge and Chapter in his name, in the British Park in Jerusalem.

Cheshire Masons aid Mencap mobility

Lord Rix – former Whitehall Theatre farce actor Brian Rix – has received five specially adapted mini-coaches as chairman of Mencap, the charity for the mentally handicapped, from Cheshire Masons.
    The former stage and TV star was guest of honour at a special meeting to mark the 275th anniversary of the Masonic Province of Cheshire at Christleton, near Chester.
    More than 1,300 Freemasons, representing the 300 Lodges, were at the celebrations. Four of the mini-coaches were donated directly from Cheshire Masons, and one from the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
    They have been named "Freedom Coaches" and will go into use with local Mencap.

York Minster celebrates £400,000 donation from Freemasons of North and East Ridings

“You are God's chosen people” was the text chosen by the Archbishop of York in September to address 1,800 Freemasons and their families in York Minster.
    The Archbishop was not, of course, implying that Freemasons were entitled to that designation exclusively. In the light of reservations by so many religious leaders about Freemasonry, it was encouraging to feel that he, at least, did not exclude them!
    The occasion was the Service of Thanksgiving arranged to celebrate the donation of £400,000 to York Minster by the Freemasons of North and East Ridings. The Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro lain Ross Bryce, the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro His Honour Judge Gerald Coles QC and his Provincial Officers marched to the Minster from St William College in full regalia with Sword and Banner at their head.
    It was the first time Freemasons had paraded through the streets of York since 1883.
    The donation is being used to effect a total refurbishment of the massive St William Window in the North Aisle of the Minster. The Window was the gift of the De Ros family of Helmsley Castle in 1421, comprising 95 panels of this towering masterpiece, which commemorates the life and miracles of St William, a 12th century Archbishop of York.
    The Window has been exposed to the elements since its installation, and has suffered some not very impressive repair over the years, as well as much damage from weather and atmospheric pollution.
    The donation will enable York Glaziers Trust to undertake restoration work designed to return the Window to close to the state in which it was installed six centuries ago.
    In 1996 when the concern felt by the Minster authorities for the future of the Window was first heard, the Provincial Grand Master, decided that Provincial funding of the restoration would be an appropriate means of commemorating the millennium.
    Mark Masons, the Ancient and Accepted Rite, Knights Templar and Knights Templar Priests (a York-based Order) all made substantial donations.
    They, and Lodges that raised more than £4,000 will have an individual panel (there are 95 such) recorded as their personal donation. Their arms, banner device or emblem will be incorporated into the Window in oreder to commemorate their donation. The Provincial Coat of Arms will also be incorporated separately in a prominent place within the Window for all to see. The Window is not expected to be completed until 2004, such is the extent of the required work.
    Those present at the Thanksgiving Service included the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro lain Ross Bryce (a former Provincial Grand Master), the Lord Mayor and the High Sheriff of York, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and the High Steward of the Minster (the Earl of Halifax).
    Two Provincial Grand Chaplains, the Rt Rev Bishop David Galliford and the Rev Ted Chapman devised the Service. Trumpeters of the Yorkshire Volunteers, the Minster Organ and the Bedale Festival Choir provided stirring and emotional musical support.

New Italian publication is launched

The Regular Grand Lodge of Italy has a new twice yearly publication called ‘de Hominis Dignitate’ which will be distributed free to all members.
    Fabio Venzi, Grand Secretary, said: "The magazine has the intention of dealing with and developing themes which regard opinions, history and rituals of Masonry in the Anglo Saxon style.
    "The need to acquire a thorough knowledge is particularly important today, since one is tending to lose the real sense of Masonic tradition."
    He added that the publication "intends to give its contribution to reaffirming those principles which have always made Freemasonry one of the most admired and followed institutions of our terms."
    The magazine will also be distributed to some Grand Lodges.

Country Stewards Lodge exhibition opened at Grand Lodge museum

The story of the Country Stewards Lodge, notable for their green aprons, is being retold at a special exhibition at the Library and Museum of Freemasonry at Freemasons’ Hall in London.
    The exhibition, which runs until the Spring, was opened in September by the Grand Secretary, VW Bro Jim Daniel. It has been mounted with the assistance of W Bro Trevor Harris and the Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, which inherited the Warrant of the Country Stewards Lodge.
    In the 1790s, while England was at war with France and the Deputy Grand Master was dealing with the Spithead Mutiny in his capacity as Admiral of the Fleet, the Country Stewards Lodge fought its own battle for the green apron.
    After a series of tumultuous Grand Lodge meetings, the 60-year tradition of the Country Feast was abandoned as the only way of dealing with the crisis.
    At the exhibition, visitors are greeted by a Country Steward in a green apron, and can also view three of the five Country Stewards jewels known to exist. Other items on display include an extremely rare ticket to a Country Feast.
    Freemasonry Today (Issue 7) contained an article about the Country Stewards Lodge.

The Library and Museum of Freemasonry has donated a set of gauntlets, one adapted for contemporary use as a collecting box, to an exhibition at the Museum of London. The exhibition, bringing together many London groups, clubs and societies, is part of the capital’s official historical record of the Millennium Year.

Woolpack memorial

A plaque has been placed at the Woolpack in Warwick commemorating the fact that it was here that the first recorded meeting of a Lodge was held on 22 April 1728.
    The Woolpack, a listed building, has undergone substantial refurbishment and now comprises a number of retail and residential units. Thanks to the generosity of the developers, Laing Homes, the plaque has been placed in a public part of the building.