Masonic Site at the National Arboretum

The Province of Staffordshire has a project to develop a plot at the National Memorial Arboretum in the heart of the National Forest, at Alrewas, near Burton-on-Trent. The Arboretum is in its early stages of horticultural development but already has many plots dedicated to a host of military, civil and community organisations. Its aim is to provide a living tribute to the people of the Twentieth Century and a gift in their memory for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy. Its patron is H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent, who performed the official opening ceremony at the Chapel and large Visitor’s Centre.
    This venture, covering 150 acres now but growing as land becomes available, will take several decades to reach its true beauty and maturity but it is already receiving thousands of visitors from across the world, many to pay silent tribute to those lost in the turmoil of conflict and war. Staffordshire Province believes it vital that Freemasonry should support this worthy cause and dedicate a plot to the peoples of the world and particularly Freemasons who have, in some instances, paid the ultimate sacrifice because of their membership.
    The Province would be pleased to receive contributions from other Provinces and individual Freemasons towards their vision of a memorial to Freemasons and the spirit of mankind universal.
    For details contact the Provincial Office: website www.pglstaffordshire.co.uk

Derbyshire Province Donate New Lift for Hospice

The Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire, David C. Law, shown cutting the ribbon to a new lift at the High Peak Hospice, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. The £21,000 cost of this lift was donated by the Derbyshire Provincial Grand Charity, the second donation made to a local hospice. Just eighteen months ago £23,000 was given to the Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield as a final payment for a minibus.

Bursaries for Craftsmen in Yorkshire

So impressed were The York Consortium for Conservation and Craftsmanship with the Millenium project of the Province of Yorkshire, North and East Riding, to re-furbish the York Minster, St. William Window, that the Province was invited to become a corporate member of the Consortium. The aim of the latter, under the Presidency of the Archbishop of York, is to ensure that the ancient and traditional skills are kept alive. They do this by assisting young craftsmen with further training, or by enabling skilled workers in stone, glass, paper, and other conservation techniques, to take on apprentices.
    The Provincial Grand Charity, along with three other local organisations, has made three bursaries available to the Consortium, one each for 2002, 2003, and 2004. It was interesting, and a little chastening, to hear a member of the Consortium Council say that he had no idea that Freemasons were interested in assisting good causes in the Community and in the preservation of our heritage, thinking Freemasons only helped their own members.

Masonic Exhibition in the Chateau of Tours

Preparations for the exhibition in Tours (France) are going ahead well and the event has received official support from President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin – though neither of them are Freemasons. The exhibition will be divided into 20 rooms, each dedicated to a particular theme. Displays will range from a 16th century multi-lingual Bible to a complete 21st century lodge room via 17th century lambskin aprons and even an early 19th century American Masonic tavern sign. Over 600 exhibits have been made available by collections all over the world. More than half have never been on public display before. Some 400 have been pre-selected for colour photography in the 320 page catalogue which will be a major reference work and will be published in separate English and French versions.
    For more details, ring John Ketley on (33) 247 94 11 07 or, better, leave him an e-mail address with your queries at jketley@infonie.fr The basic tasks of organisation have been entrusted to Association 5997 and if you are planning a group visit they may be able to help you. Their web site www.initialFM.com is well worth a visit in any case. It is advised to make any arrangements and book group guided tours of the exhibition as soon as possible; hotel accommodation is at a premium at this time of the year and a number of groups have already booked their guides.

Lincolnshire Charity Spectacular

A spectacular charity fund-raising dinner and dance was held in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Television star, Jim Davidson, attended to entertain and aid the task of raising funds for the chosen masonic charities and also Jim Davidson’s special, "The British Forces Entertainment Foundation" which provides much needed entertainment for the British Armed Forces throughout the world. Organiser, Colin Ward, told the packed hall that he was delighted with Jim’s generosity in attending. The function was attended by the Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire, Gordon Walkerley-Smith, who congratulated the event organiser, stating that the end result "far exceeded his expectations". As well he might: for the evening’s event raised the total of £15,000!

River Mersey Inshore Rescue Service

A cheque for £250 on behalf of the Province of Cheshire was given by the Chairman of Birkenhead "F" Division of Lodges, Keith Fair, to Mike Cummins, Chief Officer of the River Mersey Inshore Rescue Service, with Sub Officer Ken Scott standing by, on board a Rigid Inflatable Rescue Craft in the dock adjacent to the Rescue Centre. The Rescue Service operates 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Middlesex Medical Equipment

The 15 Middlesex lodges at Southgate raised £7800 to provide vital medical equipment for the Intensive Care Unit at Chase Farm Hospital, the third such donation made by the lodges bringing the total donated over the years to almost £17,000. Chairman of the Southgate Co-ordinating Committee, Peter Rider, stated that the lodges were "very proud to help in some small way to assist in the excellent work this unit does every day of the year". The lodges donated two syringe drivers, a bench-top blood bank and an infusion pump. Intensive care consultant, Dr. Nick Maccartney, praised the donation, saying, "We are very grateful to the members of the Middlesex lodges at Southgate for their generous donation. This new equipment will really make a difference to the work we do in the unit".

Support for Care Centre in Hereford

For his chosen charity during his year as Mayor of Hereford, Bro. Richard Thomas, Junior Warden of Delphis Lodge, No. 7769, selected “Herefordshire Mind”, a local charity which runs a Day-Care centre and sheltered housing units in the city. Delphis Lodge showed its support for his charity by donating a video recorder for the residential home whilst the Lodge of Instruction donated the alms from its annual festival meeting. In addition to this, the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association completed the purchase of several items of furniture for the home.