French Exhibition

The French Revolution of 1789 changed the relationship between Freemasonry and the state. In England, Freemasonry was non-political and the discussion of politics at masonic meetings was forbidden, and continues today.
     English lodges avoided closure only by agreeing to register lists of their members with local authorities, and this remained a legal requirement until 1967 when the Government abolished the Unlawful Societies Act. The suspicion of Freemasonry which arose during the Revolution has had a long lasting impact on politics and society.
     The Freemasonry and the French Revolution exhibition at the Library and Museum at Freemasons’ Hall in London traces the impact of the Revolution on Freemasonry in England and Europe.
     The exhibition runs from 1 July to 18 December 2009 and entry is free.

Brooklands Invite

The sixth Masonic Classic Car Run, supported by the Masonic Classic Vehicle Club, will take part in the Brooklands Double Twelve event at the famous racing circuit on 14 July. There is no entry fee. However, entrants will be expected to raise sponsorship, and the nominated charities are Help For Heroes and the Brooklands Museum Trust. Entry forms are available from jcole1701@aol.com or John Cole, MCVC secretary, Retrocar, PO Box 239, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 9YF,

New PGM for Dorset

Richard Merritt was recently installed as Provincial Grand Master for Dorset by Peter Lowndes, Deputy Grand Master, in the Great Hall of Sherborne School.

MASONIC CV Richard Merritt
1983	Initiated, St Aldhelm’s Lodge No. 2559
2004	Assistant Provincial Grand Master
2005	Past Senior Grand Deacon
2006	Deputy Provincial Grand Master
2007	Past Grand Sword Bearer

Bill Stone Dies at 108

Freemason, RMBI Lord Harris Court resident and World War I veteran William Stone passed away peacefully in January. At 108, he was the RMBI’s oldest resident. He was initiated in November 1932 in United Service Lodge No. 3473 at Portland, Dorset. After World War Two he joined Courtland Lodge No. 6706 at Paignton, Devon.
     In later years, and following retirement, he and his wife moved to Oxfordshire, where he joined Icknield Way Lodge No. 8292 and Oxfordshire Lodge of Service and Honour No. 9162.

Help for Heroes

The Help for Heroes Charity has received more than £50,000 from the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight – and there is more to come, said Provincial Grand Master Brian Bellinger. Mrs Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, stated: ‘I am amazed and immensely grateful to the freemasons who have donated more than £50,000 directly from its membership, towards my appeal for the Help for Heroes Charity.’

Lincoln Double

Graham Ives has been installed as the new Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of the Craft and Royal Arch for Lincolnshire.
     Both events took place on the same day at the new Lincolnshire Events Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln. The Installing Officer was Peter Lowndes, Deputy Grand Master and Past Second Grand Principal.

MASONIC CV Richard Merritt
1973	Initiated, Earl of Yarborough Lodge
1976	Exalted, Earl of Yarborough Chapter
1985	Master, Earl of Yarborough Lodge
1990	First Principal, Earl of Yarborough Chapter No. 2770
1992	Provincial Grand Registrar
1994	Provincial Junior Grand Warden
1996	Past Grand Standard Bearer
2002	Third Provincial Grand Principal
2004	Assistant Grand Registrar
2004	Deputy Grand Superintendent

Sign of the Times

Freemasonry will take on a public face following a recent revamp of the Prince Arthur Public House in Fleet, North Hampshire, which includes a new sign. The new sign shows Prince Arthur of Connaught in his full masonic regalia as Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire (1924 - 38). At least masons who call in will not have any trouble raising their glasses in the Prince’s honour!

Clay Invitation from West Lancs

West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society is inviting other Provinces to join in their fifth national shooting competition to be held at The Dolphin Shooting Ground, Longton, near Preston, on Saturday 27 June.
     The 100-bird sporting competition will be shot over 13 stands and shooting will start at 9 am with last entries at 2 pm. A 30-bird two-man flush will be available as a pool shoot.
     The entry fee is £45 payable in advance or £55 on the day. Buffet for nonshooters is £10. Enquiries should be made to Mike Casey, 7 Selby Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 2LY. Telephone: 01253 403 731.