Conference at Sheffield: The Influence of Fraternal Organisations

Human nature is not immutable, and views of the difference between the sexes have changed throughout history. Among the influences which have shaped the history of gender are fraternal organisations of all types, ranging from Freemasonry, Guilds, and Friendly Societies to Religious Orders. The role of fraternal organisations in structuring gender relations was the theme of the first international conference organised by the Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield.
    The conference took place from 11-13 July and was organised with another of the University of Sheffield's research centres, the Centre for Gender Studies in Europe. More than forty delegates attended, drawn from many different countries and academic disciplines.
    Key-note lectures were given by two leading American specialists in the history of Freemasonry. Professor James Smith Allen of Southern Illinois University described the history of women's Freemasonry in France, and suggested that it pioneered new types of social relationship.
    Professor Mary Ann Clawson of Wesleyan University, whose book Constructing Brotherhood has been a major influence in the academic study of freemasonry, examined how changes in the Scottish Rite in America, and particularly the use of spectacular stage sets for initiation, shed light on the way in which men behaved as consumers in the late 19th century.
    The conference showed how the study of Freemasonry can contribute to the most cutting-edge areas of academic research.
    One of the most unusual presentations was a study by Professor Pamela King of the boat-burning ritual at Lerwick in Shetland, Up Helly Aa. The processions associated with this winter festival show similarities to masonic processions, and it seems that freemasons helped create the festival in the 19th century. In order to research her paper, Professor King assisted as a waitress at the Up Helly Aa celebrations.
    The proceedings of the conference will be published next year. In the meantime, abstracts are available on the website of the Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield:www.shef.ac.uk/~crf

Spine Boards for Manx Motor Sport Ambulance Service

A voluntary ambulance service set up in memory of a young Isle of Man TT Races competitor who was killed in a practice session for the world-famous event has benefited from gifts by Manx Freemasons. Hogg Motorsport, in memory of biker Phil Hogg, consists of 17 unpaid volunteers, all of whom are well experienced in motor sport events.
    The ambulance, and volunteers, attends all Isle of Man motorcycle road race events such as the TT, Manx Grand Prix, Southern 100, and Andreas Racing, as well as hill climbs and stock car racing.
    For the last nine years they have also been invited to the Rally of Great Britain, the UK's largest car rally.
    Conister Lodge, No. 4548 presented two spine immobilisation boards to the rescue unit. The boards will be carried on the ambulance when it visits race meetings throughout the season.

The Cornerstone Society Conference

The Cornerstone Society held their second Northern Conference, this time at Christleton in Cheshire, on Saturday 9 November. It was hosted by the Provincial Grand Master for Cheshire, Timothy Richards, and expertly organised by Cornerstone member, Kai Hughes.
    Those who attended had come from all over England, but principally from the Northern Provinces, and the increase in numbers over the Conference in Manchester last year was immediately apparent.
    The Provincial Grand Master opened the Conference and delivered the text of a talk by the Pro Grand Master, The Marquess of Northampton. “Enlightenment,” he said " . . . is not a permanent state, nor can it be turned on and off like a tap . . . there is a sense of oneness as all those who have had the experience are on the same spiritual level as part of an unseen brotherhood, a shared presence."
    The Revd. Neville Barker Cryer delivered a fascinating talk, The Restoration Lodge of Chester, describing a Freemasons' Guild in Chester around 1688. He explained: "What is being described here is something connected to a Fraternity. In addition, there is this attached Lodge to which selected members of a Guild are admitted, whether they are working masons or not . . . a new body which can only be called a Guild Lodge."
    John Acaster in What is Freemasonry? conducted us on a journey of definitions from different parts of the world. "Freemasonry lives or dies by its effect" he told us, "not by its constitution and practices… Freemasonry is . . . an ancient mystery. That it is so, and that its tenets and effects are as they are, is something which we should be proud to confess."
    Richard Knox-Johnston had put together an enthralling account of Rosslyn Chapel, linking the legends surrounding that fascinating building to discoveries in the New World as well as to King Solomon's Temple.
    Julian Rees reminded us that eighteenth century moves to de-Christianise the Craft had resulted in a sacrifice of spirituality in our ritual, which we might want to regain in the pursuit of self-knowledge.

In Total Harmony

If ever there was a physical and spiritual activity in total harmony with Freemasonry then it is Shotokan Karate, said Paul Hooley, the Immediate Past Master of a unique London lodge speaking at its consecration at Freemasons’ Hall.
    Shotokan Karate Lodge No. 9752, is made up primarily of members who have an interest in the martial arts, with its 40 members coming from the UK and abroad. Its first Master, Michael Randall, is an eighth Dan black belt who is Europe's highest ranked, non Japanese, Shotokan Karate instructor.

On Lookout for Haunted Lodges

A psychic town crier is on the lookout for haunted Masonic lodges for a book he has planned. Senior Warden of Wrexham's Wheatsheaf Lodge, No. 9170, Philip de la Maziere de Gers, who is making a name for himself on a number of TV programmes featuring the supernatural, explained: “I only know of one, Maesgwyn Masonic Hall at Wrexham.” Currently the Town Crier of Oswestry, he is also a member of Clasteg Lodge No. 6898. He can be contacted at 12 Penrynn Drive, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, LL11 4NA, telephone 0794 723811.

Picnic Time for 20,000 Essex Teddy Bears

A unique scheme run by Essex Freemasons has led to 20,000 Teddy bears being given by Accident and Emergency medical staff to distressed children to take home after treatment in the space of 12 months.
    Now, with the scheme being extended to Colchester hospital and two summer-only coastal outreach hospitals, it is hoped this year's total will exceed 25,000. Organisers of this registered charity hope other areas will take the enormously successful scheme on board.
    The Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex launched the scheme simultaneously at all participating hospitals in the province in March last year. Appeal Chairman Ian Simpson asked at one of the Accident and Emergency units whether the Teddies were any real help and was told, ‘No-one can put it into words. Come and spend a day with us as really see how wonderfully these Teddies work.’
    So he did.
    Essex Media Committee Secretary Brian Wright told Freemasonry Today, 'The day demonstrated to Ian just how much a “TLC Teddy” is worth when it arrives at the right time and place. It seems that for small children personal discomfort and pain fade into the background when these Teddies are called upon to touch the lives of thousands of distressed children each year, at a time when they most need it.'
    Freemasons who would like to extend the scheme to their area can contact the Appeal Chairman at 54 Medway Crescent, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2UY, telephone 01702 474064, e-mail: is@goldwyns.co.uk

Freemasonry Ringing out the Changes

A small village church is ringing the changes, thanks to help from Freemasonry. For many years, Kirkby Malham in the Yorkshire Dales possessed three very old church bells set in a decrepit oak frame badly in need of urgent attention. So, after 'ringing in' 2000, the three bellringers decided on an ambitious plan to purchase a new steel frame and three more bells.
    A fund-raising committee was formed and Freemason David Humphreys was appointed secretary. The fund began with a £500 contribution from the Provincial Grand Master's Fund, then the Clavis (bellringers') Lodge, No. 8585 among others. Thanks to these, plus fund-raisers such as suppers, quizzes and a gourment dinner, the success was such that five new bells could be added at one time. The culmination was a service of dedication, attended by more than 300 people - including between 25 and 30 Freemasons headed by Neville Parkinson representing the Yorkshire West Riding Provincial Grand Master - in October when the Archbishop of York, Dr. David Hope, blessed the bells.

Blackpool Lodges in Symphony for Old Tradition

Blackpool's Symphony Lodge , No. 4924 resurrected an old tradition whereby stars from the summer season shows - and others - combined to raise money for charity.
    The brainchild of West Lancashire Freemason, Paul Leverett, the evening saw more than 2,900 people enjoy over four hours of star-studded entertainment at a Midnight Matinee with all entertainers appearing free of charge, including London Freemason, Jim Davidson, who was in summer season at Bournemouth, not Blackpool. Leisure Parcs, owners of the theatre, allowed the premises to be used without charge and Fylde Coast Freemasons sold all the tickets. It is anticipated more than £25,000 will be shared equally among the Entertainment Artists' Benevolent Fund, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, and the Melanie Grant Magic Wand Appeal.

Driving Force for Charity

Driving an off-road Land Rover, a 42-ton articulated lorry, an ambulance, vintage car, sports car, tractor, digger and a dumper, proved to be all in a day's charitable work for Maureen Sims, wife of John Sims, the Secretary of the Lodge of Justice and Mercy, No. 6899, which meets in Highgate, London.
    Describing the event as 'a day of a lifetime' she said afterwards 'I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.’
    Backed by lodge sponsorship amounting to £235, she raised a total of £455 for Marie Curie Cancer Care on the day.The challenge was held at a disused airfield in Aylesbury.

Cornwall: Wonderful Relationship Shared

At a moving ceremony in which £10,000 was handed over by Cornish Freemasons for a planned children's hospice, the recipient spoke of a ‘wonderful two-way relationship’ existing between Freemasonry and the hospice.
    Jill Farwell, chief executive of the Children's Hospice South West, has lost two children to cancer and has herself received treatment for the disease. In presenting the province's cheque, Provincial Grand Master Nicholas Barrington, said that charity was a fundamental of Freemasonry. Other chairities also benefitted.

Freemasons in Dorset: Gift for School for Disabled Children

Dorset Freemasons have donated new equipment worth nearly £13,000 to a local school.
    Provincial Grand Mark Master for Dorset, Christopher Watton, presented Victoria School for Disabled Children at Poole with equipment for the new fitness and sports hall.
    Almost £11,000 was raised by contributions from all the Dorset Mark and R.A.M. Lodges and £2,000 from the Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266.