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Promoting Middlesex in Freemasonry Today

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For the third time this year North Harrow Lodge have been fortunate to have articles published in Freemasonry Today, the United Grand Lodge’s magazine. The latest piece shows how a few of our members got together for a bit of team building, fun and frollocking whilst taking the opportunity of  promoting Freemasonry in general and the Province of Middlesex in particular by flying our newly designed  flag as we sailed  along the south coast for four days last July.
From Left to Right. W.Bro Harris-Cooksley (Sec), W.Bro Russell (ADC), W Bro Biddle (Charity Stwd),
W.Bro Clayfield (IPM), Bro Luther-Davies (SD6368), W.Bro Watterston (Treasurer),
Bro Leonardo Monno (JD), W Bro Coleridge-Matthews (WM)
Although almost half the crew were novices, of which 3 had never sailed before, never mind eating, sleeping and living in a confined space aboard  a 46′ yacht. However, we did have a number of experienced sailors in the Lodge crew that had sailed the Channel and Bro Luther-Davies who had actually sailed the Atlantic, so we were in good hands and confidently managed to negotiate the tides, winds and my cooking (the latter was the most dangerous) in the Solent whilst under the eagle eyes and direction of our skipper and current WM who delivered us all safely back to Hamble marina in one piece. Next year’s sailing is already at  the planning stage and we have doubled the amount of Lodge members that what to join us, so I think we will need a bigger boat.!!!!!

North Harrow with The Guards

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As if we hadn’t had enough of singing,we were out again on Tuesday evening.

This time we were invited to the Household Cavalry Christmas Carol Service again at the Guards’ Chapel. 

Both our WM, W.Bro. Vaughan Coleridge-Matthews and myself along with our respective partners had the pleasure of attending the service which was graced with the presence of top brass from the Blues and Royal and the Life Guards along with troops from their respective regiments.
By now we were very well aquainted with the words of the traditional carols, many of which we remembered vividly from our school days. These were interspersed with readings from the Bible and Christmas carols sung by the Group ‘Blake’.
The 700 seat Chapel was beautifully flood lit and was completely full for the splendid event.
Another fine evening as we continue to get into the Spirit of Christmas.

North Harrow welcomes in Christmas

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Christmas isn’t Christmas without the singing of traditional Carols, so for a number of years, North Harrow Lodge have got together on the first Sunday in December to get into the Festive spirit and attend the Household Division’s Christmas Carol Service at the Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel) in Wellington Barracks. This year was no exception as 22 of us, including partners and friends, met at The Goring Hotel , opposite Buckingham Palace, for a little sustenance which historically involves the consumption of at least a couple of magnum bottles of champagne, (taken for medicinal purposes only to lubricate our vocal chords).Then it was a leisurely walk alongside the Palace to the Chapel,  which was as usual packed to the gunnels for the hour long service comprising of readings and the singing of well known carols.
Then it was another strole back to the Hotel where we were again warmly greeted by Rupert Bear the Hotel doorman ( that’s his real name) and spent the next couple of hours chatting over tea and sandwiches. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and evening. Christmas has begun >>>>>>>>>>
       
If you go to the Goring … You must ask about the Life size Sheep, which are in the lounge and placed in every bedroom……….
The Goring Sheep

Our Newest Master Mason

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On the 20th of November our newest member, Bro. Srdjan was raised to the sublime Degree of a master mason at an excellent ceremony carried out in part and in an exemplary manner by the Provincial DepPGM at a regular meeting of Middlesex St.David’s Lodge in Harrow District Masonic Centre. This was an important part of Srdjan’s Masonic career as he was only initiated into North Harrow Lodge last May and passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft at a meeting in Twickenham of Wyke Green Lodge in September. This followed his initial enquiry a year ago through the Social Media site Twitter and to mark the occasion 6 of his Twitter Masonic “followers” travelled from far and wide, (well, Essex & Bucks) and took time out of their day to attend the ceremony and the subsequent Festive Board. Social Media has shown to be an important tool in recruitment for North Harrow Lodge, as over half of our recent 18 initiates have been secured through either our website or Twitter. A true testament to the power of websites and Social Media as a tool for recruitment and long may it continue.

Middlesex Masons on Show

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There are very few times that Freemasons wear their full regalia in public. The Middlesex Provincial Service of Thanksgiving was one of these times. It was held on Sunday 3rd November at St. Alban’s where in excess of 600 Freemasons in full regalia with their partners and guests packed the ancient Cathedral for the Service. Over 20 North Harrow members and guests turned out to experience a great ceremony. We also had the honour of seeing our newest Entered Apprentice, Bro Shaun Dias, who was nominated to carry the VSL in procession, carry out his duties impeccably. Middlesex prides itself on the quality of it’s ceremonial and organisation all of which was perfect .Well Done Guys !!!

Excellent

Middlesex Freemasons will remember them

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Pictures from 2012

On the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh month, we will remember those who have given their lives in conflicts throughout the world. However, Remembrance Sunday this year is on the 10th November and  members of the Middlesex Provincial Executive will be attending various ceremonies throughout the Province to lay wreaths on behalf of Middlesex Freemasons. I personally will be at the Pinner Memorial in the High Street along with many other Freemasons to support our Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Roger Croome. A list of all the venues, times and names of the Executive members attending are on our website that can be viewed by following the link http://bit.ly/1doz0QI Why not come along and support !!!!

Our Retention Policy guides us forward

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Speak to any Freemason and the subject will normally come round to membership numbers (or lack of them). How can they be increased and if you do, What are you doing about retention. This is something North Harrow has had to address mainly due to the exceptional increase in our numbers, namely 18 initiates over the last three years, these have been obtained firstly through our website and latterly from the referrals of those new members.

We have now acknowledged that something had to be done to make sure we manage these new masons in a way that we maintain their enthusiasm and recognise their potential.

So last January, at a G.P. Committee meeting, it was decided that we should agree to a recruitment and retention policy and put into action a strategy to enthuse and retain our existing members.
Over the previous year we had helped other Lodges by giving them almost thirty 2nd and 3rd degree Ceremonies when they had no work themselves, this had proved very successful in forging links and friendships and an opportunity to see some outstanding ritual.

A Father brings in his Son

However, it was recognised that for three years we had performed double initiations at every regular meeting and there was a chance that the existing membership could get bored with just seeing only initiation ceremonies in the Lodge.
We already had scheduled double initiations for each of our meetings in January, March and May this year and have a waiting list of 4 candidates, so with the vast majority of our new brethren having completed their 3rd degree, we were in a position to instigate a change for the forthcoming season. Following a Committee meeting in July a Recruitment and Retention Policy was actioned. To this end, the following strategy was agreed  and implemented.

  1. For the time being, any potential candidates referred from our Website or Social Media presence will be introduced to another Lodge for their consideration.
  2.  To restrict our intake to a maximum of two candidates a year to referrals by existing Lodge members only, providing that the Proposer has known the candidate for at least a year and the Seconder for six months.
  3.  Freemasons wishing to join North Harrow as joining members will be required to attend four regular meetings as guests before their registration form is read.
  4. To perform all three degrees at our own regular meetings during the year.
  5. To assign Mentors to ALL lay brethren, who will maintain regular contact with their charges, encourage their inclusion in the ceremonies by giving them the opportunity of presenting short pieces of ritual in the Lodge. To encourage their attendance at Lodge of Instruction meetings and their involvement in social activities and subsequently report their recommendations as to the progress,ability and well being of their charges to the Lodge Committee from time to time.
  6. To appoint a Social Secretary to arrange social activities and outings throughout the year to include partners/wives.
  7. To maintain / forge links with other Lodges and encourage our members to visit wherever possible.
  8. Progression in the Lodge will be by merit and ability, whilst taking into mind age, work commitments and attendance at Lodge of Instruction.
  9. No pressure will be exerted on any member to progress before they are willing to do so.

We believe that these agreed strategies / procedures that are now in place will endeavor to enthuse the new and existing members and keep them involved in the Lodge workings and most importantly, feel a part of the North Harrow Lodge ‘family’

An Early Seasonal Start

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The 2013/14 masonic season had only just started after the summer break and already this was to be my second visit. The first on the 5th September was to accompany, one of our APGMs, W.Bro Thoday as part of the official escort on his first visit of the year to Greenhill Lodge 6981, who performed a double initiation in an exemplary manner followed by an entertaining and excellent Festive Board. (even though I failed again to win any raffle prizes). However, it was a pleasure seeing another vibrant Lodge moving their membership forward.

The Candidate (smiling) after
the Ceremony.

But the meeting at (TDMC) Cole Court on Friday 13th September (lucky for some) was to support one of our newest Brethren through his second degree, having only been initiated at our last meeting in May. I was accompanied on this occasion by our Worshipful Master, W.Bro Terry Clayfield and our candidate, Bro Srdjan, who had flown in the previous day from Serbia especially for the meeting.

The Candidate before

The Ceremony of Passing and an explanation of the TB was carried out in an exceptional manner by members of Wyke Green Lodge 8208, who had approached me earlier in the year and asked if I could give them some “work” for their next meeting and as Srdjan was eager to progress, I was happy to oblige. It was a pleasure to see the ritual performed in an excellent manner by the Lodge and a delight to hear our candidate faultlessly reply to his questions.(applause).

Members of Gradation Lodge 6368
and Guests after the meeting

Then on Tuesday 17th September, I attended Gradation Lodge 6368 along with four other members of North Harrow to assist in taking offices at their Installation Meeting. We have attended their meetings regularly over the last few years in order to get them through membership difficulties and now they are able to place lay brethren in every office and it was a pleasure to be present at the installation of Bro Francisco as Master. They were also honoured to have the Metropolitan Grand Master RW Bro Russell Race attend in an “unofficial” capacity to see the new Master as he was actually at his initiation some 7 years previous. A superb Festive Board was held at the Hercules Pillars with a Champagne reception and Port / Brandy digestives…Another excellent meeting.. The opportunity of Visiting is part of being a Freemason.

Watch for QCs at GQS

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The Great Entrance 

Since being appointed to Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works at the Provincial meeting in May, I have made a point during my year of active office of promoting the Province of Middlesex in as many ways as possible. The first was to acquire (my grateful thanks to W.Bro Ian Ferguson) a Provincial flag and fly it from our chartered yacht in July whilst sailing along the south coast crewed by a number of North Harrow Lodge members and the second is to attend the Quarterly Communications of Grand Lodge whenever possible. This event is a great opportunity to meet and catch up with Masonic friends from other parts of the country. Such an event was held again this morning at Freemasons’ Hall starting at 11.30 am. A bit early for some and an exercise for those travelling from far afield.

Myself with Dave Luckins (MetGSuptWks)
and Kent Club Members and others

However, this morning I had decided to make the effort, brave the scrum on a ThamesLink train to St.Pancras and travel into London early in order to meet a few of the Masonic “Twitterati”  ( 1111 followers on Twitter) and others for breakfast at The Shakespeare’s Head in Holborn. There on table 10 we were able to pass an hour or so chatting whilst tucking  into Sausage, Bacon and Eggs and several mugs of tea before it was time to cross the road  and make our way to Great Queen Street for the Quarterly Communications which this meeting was chaired by The Pro Grand Master. The ceremonial work was of the highest standard as you would expect. The meeting was attended by numerous Grand Masters of District Grand Lodges from America, Monaco, Africa and Serbia (I may have forgotten a few) to say the least and t here was also an excellent and informative presentation on dementia and its various conditions. Then at the stroke of 1 pm it was all over for another couple of months, we said our goodbyes and made a move back home or across the road to the pub. Roll on the next one on 11th December.

Fete and Fortune

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The “A” Team
For over 20 years, North Harrow Lodge has supported the Middlesex Provincial Family Fete. This year was no exception. The organisation by the Fete Committee this year was second to none. They had erected a large Marquee to house our BBQ. I had arrived at about 8am followed shortly by a number of our members who proceeded to fire up the BBQs and before long we were cooking . A favourite in the early morning has always been our bacon butties and not many can resist the smell of bacon sizzling on a grill.
Our ProPGM presenting a cheque
to the Virgin HEMS Air Ambulance
At work
Storm Troopers
The Provincial recruitment trailer 
Even Dark Blues
occasionally succumb
 to the Dark Side 
The Lady Freemasons Stall

The human Fruit Machine 

The weather forecast was for sun and high temperatures and we were not disappointed. Before long the car park was full to the gunnels and hundreds of people started to arrive. Many of whom wanting to sample some of the 600 the Burgers, Hot Dogs and Kebabs that we had on offer. There was also a vast array of various entertainments and events going on throughout the day, from Storm Troopers to a Classic car display and from Pirates to ferret racing. By the time the fete came to an end we had almost sold most of our stock and were pleased to able to donate the profits from our stall totalling £1,100 to the charity, which is an all time record. This would not have been possible without the help of  the 17 or so North Harrow Lodge members, prospective members and partners that turned up on the day and gave their time and energy, to them I would like to convey my grateful thanks for supporting the event.  A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!

Our BBQ stall
Welcome to the dark side