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Calm Seas & Following Winds

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Promoting Middx Freemasonry

The day had arrived. It was Thursday 11th July and it was time for months of planning to come into action for The North Harrow Sailing extravaganza . 9 of us were scheduled to arrive at Hamble Point Marina at various times during the afternoon and evening.

Video of Terry at the Helm

A large cauldron of Chilli was on the stove simmering in readiness for their arrival along with an enormous tiramisu supplied by Leonardo, our new Italian Brother. Almost half the crew had never sailed before so in the interest of safety Bro.Vaughan, our skipper, went through the relevant procedures and briefings before we slipped lines. The weather forecast for the week-end was high temperatures, so copious amounts of suntan cream was the order of the day,  and slight winds, which although not perfect for sailing, was perfect for our virgin sailors to experience the pleasures of the Solent from another perspective and a chance for everyone to take the helm or man the winches during our four days afloat always under the eagle eye of the skipper. We were then ready to sail once we had hoisted our flags,which including the HouseHold Division ensign ,(one of our crew is Ex Guards) RAF YC Burgee (skipper being Ex RAF) and the newly obtained and designed Middlesex Provincial flag, promoting our relationship with Middlesex Freemasonry, which received admiring acknowledgements from passing yachtsmen during our venture..

After a feast of sausage,bacon and eggs (our daily rations) the following morning we slipped lines and entered the Solent before hoisting the Foresail and headed in a westerly direction towards the Needles and Poole Harbour beyond. After six hours of sailing we entered the marina where we managed to moor next to a mega Sunseeker Yacht and were able to go ashore to one of the local pubs for a couple of pints before putting our heads down for a second night. Then before you knew it it was time to get up, set sail and head towards the IoW and Yarmouth for our third night, mooring up on a buoy outside the main marina, which meant we had to take a water taxi to get to shore. A few went to sample the delights of the hostelries and the local brew, whilst the rest of us tucked into the copious amounts of “refreshments” on board.  Sunday we returned to the Hamble to drop off a couple of crew members who had other engagements the following day and then sailed to Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth for the last night, mooring under the famous Spinnaker.

Our WM & ME
The Spinnaker by night
Bro.Secretary
The Needles
Our ME & Skipper

We set sail on Monday at the unearthly hour of 8am, as our last port of call was to be NewTown Creek on the IoW, which is a beautiful National Trust bay only accessible by water. There we had our lunch, a swim and lazed away a couple of hours before our return to Hamble to hand back the boat. Another great weekend of fun and camaraderie was had by all. I think that next year we will need a bigger boat as more of our members have already expressed a wish to join us. My special thanks must go to our Skipper, Bro Vaughan Coleridge-Matthews for looking after us and returning us back to port safe and sound….. click here to view further Photos and to W.Bro Ian Ferguson for designing and sourcing the Middlesex Provincial flag we proudly flew during our trip.

Bro.Leonardo
taking the Helm
Now View the Video

Skipper !!!Look Behind You!!!!

NewTown Creek, IoW
View The serenity of the Creek

Solent and Beyond

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As an update… we now have both a full compliment of 9 crew and a Middlesex Provincial flag which we will proudly fly from the boat.           Video for iPhone/iPad via YouTube Sailing the Solent 2012

 
We have only 3 weeks to go to the North Harrow Sailing Week-End and we’re all set for a great time with a bit o’ good old masonic bonding thrown in for good measure, well on a 47′ yacht there’s not a lot of space for 8 burly ship-mates to do anything less. However, we do have one spare berth, so if anyone would like to grasp the nettle and join us for the four days, from Thursday evening 11th – Monday afternoon the 15th July, you would be more than welcome and be part of our motley crew, no previous experience need as we have an experienced skipper , who as it happens is also our Master Elect, to look after your safety and comfort and maybe bring you a cup a tea in bed. (well if you believe that you’ll believe anything) All you’ve got to do is stump up the £260 for the four days slip on a pair of shorts and slap on a bit of sun cream and you’re set …
 Just contact me on the link if you are interested….
Also, we are looking to borrow or buy a Middlesex Provincial Flag to hang from the mast.
If anyone knows where I may find one please contact me
p.s. Middlesex Provincial Office doesn’t have one.

In the absence of our own !! We will fly other Province’s Flags for a £20 donation which we will give to charity and take photographs as proof!!

We continue to Spread the Word

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For the second time in a year we have been fortunate to have a piece published in FreemasonryToday, the official magazine of the United Grand Lodge of England. This time it was an update on our successful membership drive, which I hope other Lodges who are experiencing a membership problem, like we were, to take inspiration.
The online version of the magazine is available by clicking on the link above and our letter has been published on Page 76
Since submitting the letter, we have continued to move forward with our membership and have a further 5 candidates waiting to be initiated in 2014.
It shows that there are potential candidates out there…… You just need to find them….. 

D-Day at East India Club

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Here we go again !! Lunch at the East India Club…. Its a hard life, but someone’s got to step up to the mark….
What a great sunny day it was, not like the same day in 1944 (so I was told) the day started by my usual trip on the Met Line from Pinner, where I sat near this Guide dog that was enjoying a day out with his master, oblivious to the sounds and people crowding the carriage who merely stepped over him.

The Menu
Gradation Lodge Members

Then after a quick change onto the jubilee line, I got off at Green Park , where it was a short walk to the club which is situated in the corner of  St. James’ Square.
 June 6th 1944 was D-Day and for many years Ted Bentley has commemorated the day by attending a Luncheon at the Club. Ted was only 21 years of age at the time and was operating one of the Landing craft that was to carry troops onto Juno beach and his memories of the day are fixed in his mind and it was fascinating to hear him recount what went on, he had also obtained a copy of the Official Orders for the attack and was able to read them out after the meal.

W.Bro Ted (right)

Ted celebrated his 90th Birthday a couple of weeks ago and was expecting 4 friends to join him again this year for the lunch. However, he didn’t expect 8  from his own Lodge and  4 members of North Harrow Lodge to be there.Thank you Ted for allowing us to be part of your special day.

The Canadian Room

Another great afternoon was had by all

Pinner Fair 700 years on

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Personally , I’m not a great lover of fairs, however, I do like tradition.

The first Wednesday after the May bank holiday heralds an amazing spectacle and just for one day and for 24 hours, the Fun Fair rolls into the quiet leafy village of Pinner where the massive lorries and rides maneuver themselves to within feet of the shops on both sides of the streets.The street fair dates back to the 14th century when it was given a Royal Charter to enable it to be held at the same time in Pinner each year in perpetuity. If they fail to arrive, the charter fails and they would not be able to come ever again. Somehow, I believe Harrow Council wishes that would happen. Over the last few years, health and safety and security has been high on the agenda and this year was no exception as I noticed cctv overlooking most of the streets and although it rained on the day it didn’t stop thousands of people enjoying themselves.Then at 10.30pm and in a blink of an eye, they had gone, well , for another year. Tradition lives on !!!

                                          

Our Initiate’s Wedding

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Its not that often that a Lodge gets a new Initiate and have the pleasure of being invited to his wedding a few months later. This was the case for our Bro.Feliciano Romero’s son, Mark who was initiated into North Harrow in January this year and then followed by his brother, John, initiated in March, who was best man on the day.
A proud father, Son and
 Daughter-in-Law

The wedding was held at Southend Register Office on Saturday the 18th May at 10am, and afterwards at the Kursaal Function Rooms where over 120 family and friends assembled to congratulate the happy couple and enjoy a fantastic typically Filipino meal in “art deco” surroundings. The array of food was fantastic.
There was a multitude of speeches, the best of which was the best man, Bro. John, who had spent all night writing his speech, putting it on his iPhone and after the first couple of paragraphs was going so well ,however, whilst scrolling down the text, inadvertently pressed the delete button. Ooopps !! no plan “B”.

The Roast Pig (before)

A great day was had by all and the sincere congratulations of North Harrow Lodge go to Bro. Mark and Mrs Marrie Romero on taking their first regular step in married life together.

The Roast Pig (after)

Off we go to Provincial Grand Lodge

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New Active Rank Jewel

I met up with our WM on the rattler (oops ! Sorry TFL,forgot about the new Met line livery, very posh) into London at about 1.30pm . A  50 minute ride was all that was needed as we intending to meet a couple of others in the Hercules Pillars in Great Queen Street. However, we weren’t expecting the mass of Middlesex Masons to be filling the pub, and overflowing onto the pavement . ..So we thought it prudent to register our presence across the road first, in order for me to pick up and sign for my new acting collar jewel before returning later for a swift pint and to meet up with Bro.Feliciano, who is one of our newest MMs and had never been in the Grand Temple, never mind Provincial Grand Lodge
We left after having restricted one’s self to just the one pint of britain’s bes,t as it is not the best course of action to ask the ProPGM to be excused in order to have a pee halfway through the meeting.

Front Row
Bro Feliciano

After donning our regalia we proceeded into Grand Temple in order to place Bro.Feliciano in a convenient seat where he would have a good view of the proceedings and then ventured to our allocated seats. I was on the front row, Seat 2 which possibly meant I was almost first to the slaughter and Terry, a couple of rows behind.
Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form and we were honoured by the presence of not only our Pro Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Roger Croome, but also the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro.David Williamson (formerly a Middlesex Mason) and many representatives from neighbouring Counties.Both the AGM and the ProPGM addressed the brethren and welcomed all to Provincial Grand Lodge . To read a transcript of the addresses, just click on the links above.

Me,ProvGSuptWks
Our W.M, PPrJGW

There were over 200 Masons being either Invested or Promoted at the meeting and the precision and teamwork of the DCs, ADCs and Stewards were second to none. (they had been practicing since the early hours).and it showed.. Each recipient receiving a sedate applause and as the time went on a few cheers. It must be great to be popular.!!
Our new Master Mason was truly impressed.
Then by 6.30pm it was all over and exodus began for the assembly to make their way home or to the Connaught Rooms for Dinner. Three of us from North Harrow stayed and along with 200+ sat for meal never to be forgotten (I thought it was Christmas), Paupiette of Norfolk Turkey ( I had to Google the word to see what it was) even down to the 2 sprouts, 2 roasties, some sort of green sludge and the unforgettably poor wine, a mere snip at £37.50 (and £4.50 a pint of lager) !!(E&OE)

Assembling for Dinner
Me, W.M and Mentor
The list of Active Officers

But its not always the meal you go for, but the camaraderie and friendly chat that is more important…. The formal festivities were over by 9.30pm and Terry and Myself made our way back to Pinner with our newly received Promotions..
All in All a Great Day…. Well Done Middlesex , you really put on a good show..Thank You…

Practice Makes a Perfect Meeting

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My surrogate initiate, who
can keep a secret

As I was to initiate one of the candidates at the meeting, I had spend hours beforehand  running through the ritual . (As you do) Charlie, (Every Mason should have one) my surrogate candidate didn’t seem to mind, he’s heard it so many times before and has never corrected me onc , so I must be pretty good and practice makes perfect.The Thursday before the meeting I had turned up at the Harrow Centre early to interview another couple of prospective initiates.( that makes 35 in three years). Good ehh!!!
They had arrived a few minutes earlier and were waiting in the bar when they were greeted and asked if they needed help by no less than the ProPGM Roger Croome, who was passing through and saw them nervously standing at the bar (its not every candidate that gets that pleasure before they have even joined) at that point our Worshipful Master Terry Clayfield and myself arrived and took charge of them, after a long chat and the introduction to the many Lodge members that turned out for l.o.i, meeting I had to rush off to Heathrow Airport to meet and greet one of our initiates who was arriving that evening and was staying at our house.

W.Bro Ted Bentley on his
90th Birthday
Our Two initiates

The last Lodge meeting of the year was being held the following day on Friday 10th May, and what a great meeting it was ….. 35 members and guests packed No2 Temple at Harrow Masonic Centre, full line up of officers were present along with a couple of special guests, one of which was our permanently invited guest and Grand Officer, W.Bro.Ted Bentley PJGD who was to celebrate his 90th Birthday the following day and the other was our Honorary member W.Bro Ron Loke-Eng whom we hadn’t seen for a few years. We even had a contingency of 5 of our Twitter followers #TheTwitterati  who had turned up to see how we perform. They were not disappointed, in my opinion, it was the best meeting I have had the pleasure of witnessing for many years. The quality of the ritual was second to none and  I also had the pleasure of presenting another 4 Grand Lodge Certificates to our members ( that makes 10 in 6 months) who had completed their third degrees over the previous couple of months.

Bro. Monno with
his Grand Lodge Certificate

The festive board was a most enjoyable affair, as they normally are for North Harrow Lodge and another first for our two new  initiates.

Middlesex ProPGM Speaks Up

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The ProPGM’s Address for PGO Club on 4thApril 2013
Good Evening Brethren,
 Picture courtesy of Pglm.org.uk

How nice to see so many of you here today for this very special evening.  I’ve always liked these meetings because they give me the chance to meet with all of you, the senior members of the Province who are actually interested in what is going on in the Province.

Firstly,let me begin with the sad departure of W.Bro Clive Pigram, who passed to theGrand Lodge above on the 26th December.  As you all know he was a very active Masonand his absence has left a tremendous void in the Province.   The huge number of people that attended hisfuneral gives testament to his commitment to every aspect of his life.

Nowis not the time for me to dwell on it for I will have more to say about Clive atour next Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting. However, you may recall that when he was here with us at our lastmeeting on the 1st November we gave him a tremendous round of applausefor the wonderful Service that he had organised for us at Guildford Cathedral tendays earlier.  It was a Service at whichhe excelled himself and which, despite his failing health, he enjoyedimmensely.  Even he considered it to beone of his best.
With his passing we were uncertain asto whether to hold a Service or not this year. However, as he had organised all of them for the last 21 years I feltthat it would have been an insult to his memory if we didn’t continue withthem.  I am therefore very pleased to announcethat thanks to W.Bro Andrew Storey warning me of the imminent closing date forapplications at St.Albans, we managed to secure the date of Sunday 3rdNovember.  So put it in you diaries nowand do tell your members at your next lodge meeting.
Asa result of this Andrew and our DepGChap Bill Dolman have already been workingon an appropriate Service for us, but as they will be very committed with theirindividual roles on the day I have asked W.Bro Mike Karn to oversee the wholeevent for us. And I am extremely grateful to him for agreeing to do so.  He and I are to have a meeting with the Dean laterthis month.
Now for some Grand Lodge news. The investitures of those about to be appointed or promoted in GrandRank are due to take place on the 24th of this month and I am surethat you will wish to know who the lucky Brethren are.
I shouldhasten to add that whilst they are all Middlesex Masons several of them werenominated by the PGM of either London Metropolitan or another Province. (Please stand when I call your name so thatthe chaps know that it is for your efforts and not merely your good looks).Those receiving a First Appointment are:- Barry Cramer; Alan Peters; GusFielding; Michael Bishop; David Carpenter and Noubar Manoukian.  Those being promoted are:- Peter Austin Cook;David Wareham; Michael Goody and Victor Marsh. Vic, you may recall was a Visiting Officer with us until he moved to Cornwall quite a few yearsago.
Those receiving first appointments in Grand Rank at Supreme Grand Chapter the following day are:- John Culling; Chris Connop; Brian Fisher; Alastair Mason;Alan Scriven; Len Sullivan and Richard Fielding.  Those being promoted are Philip Summers and Colin Fraser.  Again, we are extremely fortunate in that the recommendations for some of these chaps have come from the Grand Superintendents of other Provinces.

Changes in the Executive.
How the years roll by!  This year W.BroRichard Hardaker stands down as APGM of Group 7 having completed 5 years in post.  He has done some amazing work in keeping records and producing statistics of our diminishing memberships and failing lodges. He also acts as the secretary of any Board of Enquiry that I am obliged to convene when a Masonic disciplinary offence appears to have been committed.  Brethren, it is not until you get to a position such as this that you become aware of these sad but fairly rare lapses.  So do lets try to hold on to our Masonic principles – and keep Richard’s work load to a minimum.
Becauseof his experience in this field Richard is to become our Provincial Grand Registrar which will bring us in line with the majority of other Provinces.
Similarly,W.Bro Terry Baker stands down after his 4 year tenure as APGM of Group 3.  A few years ago I asked Terry to head up the new Provincial Communications Committee,  (known as the PCC) so that the Mercury,Website and our Information Officer were all active and in tune with eachother.  Inevitably there were a few teething troubles but I am sure you will agree that all have now combined to provide a wealth of information about forthcoming events as well as reports on recent successes.  Terry will continue to be active as a representative on the Grand Charity
Having mentioned Richard’s watchful eye on our lodges and memberships, now is an appropriate time to tell you that we are down to 224 Lodges in the Province although this will go down again when those that have recently closed have their warrants officially ‘Erased’ at Quarterly Communications in June.
With our overall membership now standing at 5300 it means that the average lodge membership is 23.  Some will have more and some will inevitably have less.  The point is Brethren that enjoyment is the key!  If yours is a lively, entertaining lodge with candidates joining and numerous,frequent visitors, then congratulations! Long may it continue! 
But,if it is not like that, or not how it was when you joined; if there are far fewer members; no one brings visitors; you haven’t had a candidate for a few years and the ceremonies are all rehearsals, then it is definitely time for a rethink.  Perhaps a change round of the senior posts will give everyone concerned a new lease of life; or why not get the Recruit or Die Team to come and give you the benefit of their experience. 
Why not consider amalgamating with another 1, or even 2 lodges that use the same ritual and meet at the same Centre.  It has worked extremely well with Harrow Temple in Unity Lodge and it could do the same for you, too.  All you need is an enthusiastic go-between to contact the others.
Or you could go en masse to visit another lodge so that you get to know the members before committing yourselves to an amalgamation. 
Brethren,if you really wish to continue enjoying your Freemasonry then don’t just sit there hoping someone else will save you – Do Something!.  I am almost certain that the mere fact that some positive action is at last being taken will, in itself,have quite a rejuvenating effect on you.
Changes in the Royal Arch.  E.Comp David Wakefield will be standing down as an APGP after 4 very dedicated years in that roll and I thank him for his tireless support and commitment. His place will be taken by E.Comp Alan Peters.  Congratulations Alan.
Brethren, Ihave been advised by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master that as numeracy is tobe at the forefront of education in our schools , he believes that our Groupsshould follow that lead.  (I can see your eyes glazing over!)  So instead of having Groups 1,2,3,4,6& 7,we are going to have Groups 1,2,3,4 & 5. Radical thinking Brethren! -but please bear with me on this!   Those bright sparks amongst you with GCSE Maths or higher, will have realised that not only have the numbers changed but that we appear to have lost a Group. Careless you may think – but no, it wa deliberate.
ChrisConnop’s Group 6 will be renumbered as Group 5, and the Lodges that made up RichardHardaker’s Group 7 will be dispersed amongst the five remaining groups.
Before our Provincial meeting in May a letter will be sent to those lodges affected by this,notifying them of the forthcoming change either of their APGM or the Group towhich they are attached.
And shortly afterwards the APGMs will notify those lodges which are to be allocated a newVisiting Officer.
From all of this you will have deduced that as from May we will only be requiring 5 not 6 APGMs.
However,on the positive side I am now delighted to inform you that to take over from Terry Baker and look after Group 3, the Provincial Grand Master has been pleased to appoint W.Bro Simon Thoday!   Please stand Simon as I know the members will wish to join me in congratulating you.
With the diminishing numbers of lodges some members may be looking for a Lodge of Instruction to attend so let me give a plug for the Cole Court Lodge of Instruction which meets at 8.00 pm. every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Cole Court.  Ifyou have a ceremony to perform and need some practice or just need some guidance then please go along and join in. They are a committed bunch of chaps. You will be warmly welcomed and given every encouragement.  There is no doubt about it that practice gives you confidence, and confidence enables you to enjoy the office that you hold that much more.
Leaflets setting out the LoI programme for the year can be found in the bar at Cole Court.   
Dates fory our Diaries.
I know that many of these events will be shown on the website or in the Mercury but as that requires some effort on your part to search for them and actually read them, you rascals,  I’ll tell you about them now, while I have youas a captive audience.  Hopefully I can get you interested enough not only to tell your members about them, but also to attend as well.  Well, I can but hope – but then, as you know, I am a born optimist.
Firstly,and most importantly, is Tuesday, 14th May.  What’s on then? … ..Correct!
It is our Provincial Grand Lodge AGM when Simon Thoday will be invested along with a goodly number of Brethren who are to be appointed or promoted.  Will those who are to be invested on that day please stand.  Congratulations Brethren,I look forward to seeing you there and personally investing you with your new rank.
Brethren,do please remind your Worshipful Master and Wardens that it is part of their duties to attend wearing their collars. In particular, please stress that all the Masters will process in, whichis a special event during their year and shouldn’t be missed, particularly whenI tell you that we are to be honoured by the presence of the Assistant GrandMaster, R.W.Bro David Kenneth Williamson.
Thenext date is Wednesday 19th June when we will hold our Royal ArchProvincial AGM here at the Concord Club. Again, who here is to be appointed or promoted on that day? Please stand.  Congratulations Companions!  I look forward to investing you on tha tday.   Do make sure that the dining application for you and your guests is returned promptly as the limit here is for 300.  In the past we have had to turn people away, which is a shame if you have just been invested but cannot stay to dine afterwards.

I should add at this stage that as in previous years, the names of the Lodges and Chapters that book full tables at either the Provincial Lodge or Chapter meetings will be put into the hat and I will make an Official Visit to the first ones drawn out.  However, if you don’t want to see me you can either spread yourselves around the other tables or askfor your name to be withdrawn.  I won’t be offended – Much!
Afew days later on Saturday 22nd June we will have our annual ‘Masters Ride’, where we hope about 100 riders will be cycling from London to Brighton to raise money for a variety of charities,but in particular for Lifelites, which as you know supports childrens hospices throughout the Country.  For us in Middlesex it is the Shooting Star Chase Childrens’ Hospice, where Lifelites is planning to spend around £36,000 on a updating project. Simone Enefer-Doy, the Lifelites Chief Executive, rode the full 50 miles last year and I understand that she is hoping to do the same again this year.
A before we have invited neighbouring Provinces to take part and at present I understand that both Essex and Dorset have submitted entries.  However, what Paul Sully, our tireless organiser would really like to see is a few more entries, well a lot more really.  All you need, other than being sound in wind and limb, is a cycle, a helmet and a hundred pounds of sponsorship money, which will go to Lifelites. Anything over the first £100 can go to whichever charity that you, the rider, wishes to support, although of course supporting Lifelites is the main object of the exercise.
I should point out that you don’t have to ride all 50 miles yourself. You can do it as a relay team made up from Lodge members or with friends and family.   We have a number of travelling marshals on motor cycles to keep you on the right route, or to track you down if you’ve inadvertently left it!.  We also have first-aiders and supporters in cars, and vans carrying spare equipment etc. but Paul could always do with a few more.  So if you fancy riding, manning a checkpoint, being a marshal or a travelling supporter Paul would be really pleased to meet you afterwards.  Please stand up Paul so that they know who to see.  And can I now ask all those who rode, marshalled or helped in anyway last year to stand please.  Congratulations chaps you did us proud and many thanks for taking it on again.
OnSunday 21st July the Middlesex Grand Family Fete is being held again at the Royal Masonic School for Girls at Rickmansworth.  This i sorganised and run by Peter Hyde and his Fete Committee.  Brethren, It is a wonderful day out for us,our friends and families but it is so easy to forget all the work that Peter and his chaps do in preparing for the event, starting with the sale of Prize Draw tickets, organising Stall Holders, setting up on the Friday and Saturday,running the event, scheduling the displays, and when it is all over on Sunday evening, taking it all down and clearing everything away.  And don’t forget this all has to take place come rain or come shine.  It is atremendous commitment which usually raises between £10 -£15K each year.  The money raised will go to five localcharities each of which has been nominated by one of our Masonic centres.
Again,as last year, I will make a point of visiting the Lodge that sells the most Draw Tickets for the Fete.
 I should also like to take this opportunity of congratulating Peter and his team for organising a superb Boxing evening at theThistle Hotel a few weeks ago.  I have been told that it raised the staggering amount of £9,700! , which is a tremendous result.
Please stand Peter, together with the members of the Committee and take a bow. 
On Monday 9th September at Southgate Centre, if all goes according to plan Middlesex Masters (Southgate) Lodge is to have a Banner Dedication ceremony. If you haven’t seen one before then this would be a good opportunity todo so.  And for those of you who are Mentors let me remind you that this would be open to all Masons not just Past Masters so you might just wish to bring your protégée along to see it.
On Saturday, 21st September we are holding our Bi-Annual Provincial Ball.  This year it will be held at The Lensbury Club, in Teddington and is once again being organised by Mrs.Gillian Allan and members of Albert Duke of York Lodge. If your lodge is too small to hold a Ladies Night then do please consider using this for that purpose. You can book 2,3 4 or more tables and we can make it a special evening for your Master and his partner.  I am advised that tickets will be priced around £85.
TheRoyal Arch Companions amongst you will know that on the 16th October Supreme Grand Chapter will be celebrating its Bicentenary.  However, despite asking Companions to record their interest on the designated website the organisers now need a little more information as to how many would like to attend. 
Accordingly each Province is being asked to find out who wants to attend one or more of the four designated functions.  They consist of:- 1) A demonstration of the new Approved Ceremony at 11.0am; (2) Lunch at the Grand Connaught Hotel; (3) the Convocation in the afternoon, and lastly (4)Dinner at the Savoy.
An email was recently sent from Provincial Office to all Scribe Es asking them to raise this matter with their members, and to collate and return the information. Whilst a few have already done so the majority haven’t and Ireally need to know so that places can be allocated.  This is open to every Companion no matter what position he holds in the Royal Arch.
With regard to the 2013 RA Bicentenary Appeal in support of the Royal College of Surgeons I am very pleased to announce that we in Middlesex have now reached a total of £43, 578
As yet 16 chapters have yet to contribute although to be fair 12 have pledged todo so.  However, can I ask all the Companions here to check if your Chapter has made a contribution, no matter how small, as we need to wrap this Appeal up in the next month or two.  Cheques should not be sent direct to the appeal as they do not get credited as coming from Middlesex.  Please make your cheques payable to ‘The Grand Charity’ and send them to Adrian Howorth, our R.A Provincial Ch. Steward c/o Provincial Office.
Lastly,but certainly not least, my thanks go to Andrew Elliott and Howard Walters for the way that they have looked after the Club’s affairs during the year.  I am sure that you too would wish to show your appreciation of their efforts .
After a short comfort break we will be welcoming the Charity Representatives to join us for dinner, after which Mike Foxwell, Chairman of the Middlesex Province Relief Fund together with our Information Officer, Stewart Graham will be inviting the Lodge Representatives among you to come forward and present your cheques to your chosen Charity.

As ever, I thank you for your kind attention Brethren. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

£160,000 from Middlesex Freemasons

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How nice it is to meet like minded people. Last week was no exception, as it marked the occasion of the Annual AGM of the MGO & PGO Club (Middlesex Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers’) and where almost a full capacity of 280 members attended.
The club meets twice a year and enables Provincial Officers (Past & Present) to informally get together over a drink and an exceptionally good meal and where on that evening we had the pleasure of the company of a number of representatives of non masonic Middlesex charities in order to present them with a substantial amount of money.

The AGM was subsequently opened and the usual procedures and appointments were made and approved. This was followed by an enlightening and entertaining address from Roger Croome, our Pro Provincial Grand Master and club President.
Then to mark the 10 years of the Middlesex Provincial Relief Fund ( See below for more details of the fund) and the Royal Jubilee, the trustees decided to ask each of the Lodges in Middlesex to nominate a charity of their choice for a £500 grant from the fund and then 3 of the best nominations would then receive a further £15,000 and 2 lots of £7,000. This would make a potential total of £160,000 . However, we were amazed to be told at the meeting that 38 Lodges in the Province couldn’t be bothered and had failed to nominate any charity, which meant that £19,000 would not be claimed. The Trustees decided that this money would not be lost and would therefore give and extra 19 charities £1000. This is what Freemasonry does best…
The winners of the extra money were the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, nominated by John Gunner and Roy Constable of Parsifal Lodge no 5655 & Amanda Heaton and Anne Constable from the Oak Centre for children & young people at the Royal Marsden and they were presented with the cheque for £15,000. The charity we had nominated along with 2 other Lodges was Kids can Achieve, based in Harrow Weald, who had already been presented with cheques totalling £1,500the previous week were pleased to have been presented with a further cheque for £7,000 on the night. A great evening of Fun, Fellowship and Giving was had by all present.
About the Middlesex Provincial Relief Fund
This fund was set up in 2003 with the proceeds from the sale of the Princess Alexandra Home. An application form is available on the Provincial Web Site or can by emailed or posted to you on application on request. The Trustees of the Charity are able to reach a decision about grants very quickly and often a grant is made to relieve severe financial distress whilst an application is being made to the Grand Charity for a Masonic Relief Grant. Requests for Grants for non-Masonic requests received through the Provincial Almoner are also considered by the Trustees and three applications made during the year resulted in grants to worthy causes.
The Trustees will consider applications for assistance with living expenses for undergraduates with Middlesex connections. One of the young people that the MPRF was assisting at Trinity College Dublin graduated during the year and ere are now no such assistance grants being made. The number of applications has fallen again during the past year and Freemasons or their dependants are urged to make applications through the Provincial Grand Almoner.