NEWS ITEM 1

JANUARY 'TOP 40' FOR 2014 FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED

The New Year came in with two Lodges having exceeded their 2014 Festival target - well done to Eccles Lodge and Trent Valley Daylight Lodge.

The Report does not include payments made by Lodge Charity Stewards to the Provincial Charity Steward as part of the Annual Return. This will be included in a later Report.

NEWS ITEM 2

W.BRO. FRANK BEMROSE - 50 YEARS A MASON

The recent meeting of the Earl of Yarborough Lodge No:2770 in Grimsby saw the Provincial Grand Master present a 50 Years in Masonry Certificate to W.Bro. Frank Bemrose.

The Provincial Grand Master, also a member of Earl of Yarborough Lodge, paid a glowing tribute to W.Bro. Bemrose who had helped guide him through his earlier days as a Mason and also as the Lodge's Director of Ceremonies.

L to R: Bro. Selwyn Richard Shelton, the Lodge's newest member; W.Bro. Jim Doughty, Master of Earl of Yarborough Lodge; Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, the Provincial Grand Master; W.Bro. Frank Bemrose; W.Bro. John Vincent PGStB, the Lodge's senior member.

W.Bro. Frank Stephen Bemrose was Initiated into the Earl of Yarborough Lodge on the 21st December 1961, Passed on 21st February 1963 and Raised on 17th October 1963. On the 22nd February 1968 he was Exalted into the Oliver Chapter and also became a Joining Member of Earl of Yarborough Chapter in 1970. He became Worshipful Master of Earl of Yarborough in 1976 and attained the high position of Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1985 in the Craft and Provincial Scribe 'N' in the Holy Royal Arch in 1995.

Our congratulations to him on this Masonic milestone.

NEWS ITEM 3

DEATH OF ROBERT WAREING, DFC (BAR), AE, PAGDC

St Lawrence Lodge, No 2078 and Freemasonry in general, has suffered the sad loss of W Bro Robert Wareing, DFC and Bar, AE. He died on the 26 November 2011, in Scunthorpe General Hospital and would have been 95 years old on the 22 December.

Born 22 December 1916, Died 26 November 2011
(Photograph taken when Bob was 70 years old)

Bob was initiated into St Lawrence Lodge, No. 2078, on the 6th February 1956 aged 38 years; Passed on the 4 June 1956, Raised on the 4 March 1957 and achieved the Chair of Worshipful Master in 1967.

He was exalted into St. Lawrence Chapter on 10 October 1957 aged 40 years.

Bob received the Grand Rank of PAGDC in 1979 and went on to achieve Grand Rank in all the Degrees of which he was a member

W. Bro. Robert Wareing was a Scunthorpe man, in a family of 6 sons, and is only survived by one brother Reg. He started his working life as an articled clerk with Stephenson and Smart.

In 1939 he joined the Volunteer Reserve in Waltham. He only had 75 hours flying experience when joined the RAF 106 Squadron at Finningley and Bob went on to have a very distinguished war service where he flew Lancaster bombers.

He married Joan on 30 May 1942 and they had two sons Andrew and Christopher. In 2002 they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary and would have been celebrating the 70th in May 2012.

His wife Joan, a former Scunthorpe magistrate, who is 91 years has been ill for quite some time and Bob has spent the last few years caring and looking after her and so had not attended the his lodges since 2008; up to that time he had been a regularattendee at all lodge and committee meetings of both his craft lodges.

He was a perfect gentleman, very amiable and a man of strong principles who always

tood by them and an inspiration to many. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

For a full history CLICK HERE

NEWS ITEM 4

LINCOLNSHIRE ROSE CROIX MEMBERS HONOURED

On the 9th January at Duke Street, St. James's, London at the meeting of the Supreme Council, Grand Chapter Rose Croix a special event occurred for Lincolnshire members.

Five Lincolnshire brethren were promoted to the 31st Degree. It is, in itself, a high honour to be promoted to the 31st Degree and even more unusual for so many brethren to be promoted at once and many congratulations go to them all.

From L to R: Illustrious Brothers: J.F. Warwick, Crookshank Chapter No:593, Cleethorpes; R.G. Drake, Alexandra Chapter No:638, Long Sutton; T.H. Peacock, Stukely Chapter No:503, Spalding; A.R. Newton, Maguncor Chapter No:191, Grantham; and R.K. Gilman, Sancta Maria Chapter No:167, Lincoln.

NEWS ITEM 5

HUNDRED OF ELLOE LODGE MAKE CHARITY DONATIONS

Hundred of Elloe Lodge No:469 in Spalding made representation to the New Provincial Benevolent Fund and received two cheques for local charities: 'Annas Hope' for Children with Brain Tumours received £500 and The Butterfly Hospice Trust also received £500.

The photo features the donation to 'Annas Hope' and shows (L to R)
W.Bro. John Fitzgerald, WM; W.Bro. David Johns; Carol Hughes (Anna's mother); and Bro. Terry Hall.

The photo features (L to R) W.Bro. Rob Clark; W.Bro. John Fitzgerald, WM; W.Bro. David Johns; Sue Alexander, the manager at the The Butterfly Hospice Trust's Spalding shop; and Bro. Terry Hall.

NEWS ITEM 6

ECCLES LODGE FIRST TO REACH 2014 FESTIVAL TARGET

Eccles Lodge at Spilsby is the first Lodge in the Province to attain 100% of their 2014 Festival target, and received an early Christmas present when Provincial Assistant Grand Master Timothy Dodds presented the Provincial Grand Masters Gold Certificate to them.

W.Bro. Dodds presenting the certificate to the Worshipful Master, W. Bro David Laking, while Lodge Charity Steward W.Bro. Robin Wilmhurst looks on.

Congratulations to Eccles Lodge on a magnificent achievement.

NEWS ITEM 7

LORD HENEAGE LODGE CHARITY SING-A-LONG

The Lord Heneage Lodge No:5979 in Grimsby held a Charity Sing-a-Long night on Monday Dec 19th.

There were 100 people there to see The Humberston Singers lead a night of carols and songs. They were helped by Maureen Kerridge, Bob Swallow and John Moulson who gave addition festive renditions. They were also entertained by 11 year old Victoria Keel whose singing stole the show and the hearts of those watching.

The photograph shows the 56 members of the Humberston Singers, their Musical Director, Richard Bradley and their accompanist, Esther Peterson.

The evening raised £500 for charity which will be shared between the Choir’s charity, 'Wish Upon a Star' and the 2014 Festival in aid if the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys.

NEWS ITEM 8

SMYTH LODGE No:2284 HOLD THEIR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Smyth Lodge enjoyed their third annual Christmas Sunday Lunch at Grimsby Masonic Hall. Primarily is was started to invite the lodge widows, five were able to attend on this occasion, but also it is hoped that it would be an opportunity to encourage the brethren to bring along their children and potential new members.Sixteen Brethren along with the Lodge widows, firends, family and children attended on this occasion which brought the total to 77 people.

Liam Newby clearly enjoys the Smyth Lodge Christmas Party

The children of North Thoresby and Utterby Primary schools provided wonderful entertainment singing several Christmas songs, some of which were quite comical and original. Father Christmas then arrived to surprise the children. A collection for the schools funds was held which was much appreciated.

For more photographs CLICK HERE

NEWS ITEM 9

SECOND GRAND PRINCIPAL TO VISIT THE PROVINCE IN MARCH

At the Installation Meeting of the Geoffrey Mawer Cooper Chapter of Installed First Principals No:9467, on Friday 3rg March 2012, there will be an Official Visit from George Pipon Francis, the Second Grand Principal, who is spearheading the 2013 celebrations for the Royal Arch and in particular the Appeal in favour of The Royal College of Surgeons.

Left: The MEComp George Pippon Francis, 2nd Grand Principal, seen here with the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent at the 2009 Provincial Grand Chapter Meeting

There will also be a presentation by representatives of The Royal College of Surgeons. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent has transferred the meeting to Grantham from Horncastle to accommodate numbers.

NEWS ITEM 10

LORD WORSLEY LODGE SUPPORT NEW MACMILLAN SUITE & ROCK

The Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby is about to open a new chemotherapy suite for the treatment of cancer patients and the Lord Worsley Lodge nominated it for a donation from the New Provincial Benevolent Fund.

The Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Rob Stevens is seen presenting the cheque to Ward Manager Karen Smith watched by Debbie Tansley and Valerie Heard of the unit. Also pictured is W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough, Provincial Grand Registrar and a Past Master of the Lodge, who spent six months under the care of the Macmillan Suite following surgery for colon cancer.

A second cheque for £500 was presented to Pam Hodge of the Rock Foundation, Grimsby an organisation which caters for all ages of children and adults with learning difficulties, teaching skills in sewing, art, woodwork etc.

W.Bro. Rob Stevens presents the cheque to Pam Hodge

Pam was the founder of the foundation about 3 years ago and was kind enough to W.Bro. Stevens around the facilities including a victorian cafe which was very impressive.

NEWS ITEM 11

BRO. PETER BARRE - 50 YEARS A MASON

Bro.Peter Barre has just celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry and was presented with his cetificate by W.Bro. Les Penney at the recent widows Christmas Sunday lunch. An engraved cut glass decanter and glasses marking this Masonic milestone is to be presented to him in the new year.

Left: W.Bro. Les Penney hands the 50 Year certificate to Bro. Peter Barre.

Bro. Barre was Initiated into Alexandra Lodge No:985 on the 6th September 1961 and Exalted into Alexandra Chapter No:985 on the 8th May 1978.

We congratulate him on this wonderful achievement.

NEWS ITEM 12

SIR JOSEPH BANKS LODGE HELPS COMMUNITY PARK

Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa was one of many non Masonic Charities to have been awarded a charitable donation of £1,000 from the Provincial Benevolent Fund following an application by the Joseph Banks Daylight Lodge in Horncastle. The Volunteers at the Park, which came into community ownership in April 2011, are delighted to receive the award and it has been decided to use the money towards the refurbishment of the Shower facilities in the Caravan Site.

(L-R) Joe Stanhope, Winter Park Manager; Nicki Lee, Friends of Jubilee Park; and Ian Paton, Worshipful Master of The Joseph Banks Daylight Lodge in Horncastle.

The success of the Jubilee Park Caravan Site is crucial for the long term future of this community run park. Joe Stanhope, of The Friends of Jubilee Park said "This fantastic donation by Lincolnshire masons through the Sir Joseph Banks Daylight Lodge is a wonderful gift. The money will enable us to increase the standard of the facilities in the Caravan Site. This year the Caravan Site has been very popular, but we aware that the facilities are in need of updating. We hope the improved facilities will be open in the Spring and bring even more families to the park in 2012".

The Caravan site is now closed for the season and will reopen Easter 2012. Recognition of the award will be displayed in the Park so that all may be aware of the significant contribution that Lincolnshire Freemasonry makes towards local community projects.

NEWS ITEM 13

MARK MASTER MASONS HOLD DEDICATION MEETING

On 31st October the Mark Provincial Grand Master RtW Bro Rev Trevor Walker attended the newly formed Lincolnshire Provincial Officers Lodge of Mark Master Masons No:1910 with his Provincial Team to dedicate a beautiful Bible, Bible Cushion and Master's Chain Collar.

Pictured are from left to right- Rt W Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith, Past PGM, PrGChaplain; V.W.Bro. Simon Mighall, PGJO, Deputy Grand Secretary; Rt.W.Bro. Rev. Trevor John Walker PGM; W.Bro. Robert Corfield, PGJD, the Installing Master; W.Bro. John Charles Board, PGSD, Dep PGM; and V.W.Bro. Trevor Harold Kitchen PGMO , Past Dep PGM.

The Bible was very kindly donated by V W Bro Trevor Kitchen Past Dep PGM and was a treasured family posssession. The Cushion was donated by W Bro Nev Storey PAGDC the Provincial DC, and the Lodge members jointly collected for the Collar which will have each Master's name engraved upon it.For a short time in the Lodge Room the ladies and partners of the brethren witnessed some of the ceremonial involved with the dedication and were then treated to a very informative talk by the Dep Grand Secretary V.W.Bro. Simon Mighall on the subject of Masonic Charities work and particularly Mark Masonry. There followed the Installation of the new Worshipful Master, W.Bro. John Walker-Sherriff, followed by an Installation Dinner which was greatly enjoyed by all present.

The object of the new Lodge is to allow those promoted to Provincial rank to continue meeting their counterparts both during and after their year in office is over, and to develop a greater understanding of the workings of the Province and their continuing roles in it.

NEWS ITEM 14

FREEMASONS PAY THEIR RESPECTS AT REMEMBRANCE PARADES

Once again, the Freemasons of Lincolnshire have paid their respects to the Glorious Dead by placing wreaths at local Remembrance Services.

Brigg Masons joined their town's annual Remembrance Service in Brigg Church which was then followed by the parade to lay wreathes at the Cenotaph along with other Civic groups. This year both the Ancholme Lodge 1282 and Glanford Vale Lodge No:9769 attended the Remembrance Service.

L to R: Bro. Adrian Joyce, WM Ancholme Lodge No:1282, and Bro. Mike Watkins, WM Glanford Vale Lodge No: 9769, march forward to place the Lodge wreaths at Brigg Cenotaph


Brethren of both Ancholme and Glanford Vale Lodges mustering to take their place in the parade to the church service and then to the Cenotaph.

In Horncastle a similar tribute was paid when W.Bro. P. Houldershaw, Chairman of Horncastle Masonic Club; W.Bro. Mike Carter, Chairman of Horncastle Masonic Benevolent Fund and Bros: William Fitzaden-Gray and Richard Avison of Rudyard Kipling Lodge No:9681 attended the service at The Methodist Church before parading to The War Memorial to lay their wreath

The Horncastle wreath was dedicated to Bro. Isle, the only member of Olive Union Lodge No:1304 to lose his life in service to his country during The Great War.

Meanwhile, Brethren from Bolingbroke Castle Lodge paid their respects by laying a wreath at St Michael’s Church, Coningsby.

Holding the wreath is W.Bro. Michael Sivill, Master of Olive Union Lodge, accompanied by Bro. Alan Mawer, W.Bro. Derek Cook and W.Bro. Frank Edwards, all members of Bolingbroke Castle Lodge.

NEWS ITEM 15

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND UNIVERSITIES SCHEME - APPROVED FOR LINCOLNSHIRE

For a long time the University Lodges of Apollo, Oxford and Isaac Newton, Cambridge have admitted undergraduates into their Lodges and this has encouraged young and bright young men to join Freemasonry. A number of other University Lodges have also been established over time to develop this practice.

About 3 or 4 years ago it was decided to try to expand this scheme and Grand Lodge asked all the Provincial Grand Masters to examine whether or not Lodges could be created in the Provinces where there are Universities to try to expand the scheme even further. The PGM of Lincolnshire, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives encouraged that an examination be conducted and after first asking W.Bro. Reg Brittan to become involved he then asked W.Bro. Brian Roberts and V.W.Bro. John Hockin to consider if such a scheme could work in Lincolnshire.

Over a period of 18 months to 2 years material from the UGLE Universities website was downloaded and presentations made to the Lincoln Lodges. After this had taken place Lodges were invited to consider whether or not they wished to be involved and, eventually 2 Lodges, Minster and St Hugh, sought to be considered. Presentations were made by each and the recommendation to the PGM was that St Hugh be the Lodge to act as a Lodge accepted into the UGLE Universities Scheme.

Much work was carried out after this and the 3 members of the Provincial subcommittee met with students representing those at Lincoln University and the DPGM held discussions with the Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. David Williamson. The AGM has to approve each Lodge before it can be accepted into the Universities Scheme and it was agreed that he would visit St Hugh to “try to see it operate as it normally does”.

It is well recognised that when any distinguished visitors arrive at a Lodge it can hardly be described as “normal” but every effort was made. On Wednesday 19 October 2011 the AGM accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of the University Scheme, W.Bro. Daniel Johnson and the Regional Coordinator, W.Bro. David Staples attended to witness St Hugh Lodge perform an Initiation ceremony where the candidate was Paul Bowden.

At the end of the ceremony the AGM announced that he was approving St Hugh Lodge as a Lodge to be admitted into the Universities Scheme to the delight of all who attended. Afterwards, at the Festive Board, which was full to capacity, other comments were made to enlighten those members and visitors who attended and a presentation was made to Rt.W.Bro. David Williamson on behalf of the Lodge.

Now that it has been accepted as a member, St Hugh Lodge will now be working so that it can Initiate, Pass and Raise suitable members of Lincoln University into Freemasonry alongside its normal practice.

W John Hockin
DPGM

A happy group of Rulers : (l to r) the Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. David Williamson; the Worshipful Master of St Hugh Lodge, W.Bro. Howard Kelly; the Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives.

The group showing those involved with the University Scheme : Front Row l to r: the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. John Hockin; the Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. David Williamson; the Worshipful Master of St Hugh Lodge. W.Bro. Howard Kelly; the Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives; Provincial Grand Mentor, W.Bro. Reg Brittan.

Back row l to r: W.Bro. Rev Dr. Brian Roberts, member of the Provincial sub Committee for the University Scheme; W.Bro. David Staples, Regional Co-ordinator of the University Scheme; W.Bro. Daniel Johnson, Deputy Chairman of the UGLE University Scheme.

The group showing the Lodge Officers forming the subcommittee developing the University Scheme for St Hugh Lodge; the members of UGLE University Scheme who attended, spoke to the Lodge at the Ceremony and the Festive Board and gave the approval that St Hugh Lodge is admitted a member of the University Scheme; members of the Provincial Team involved in the process and the Initiate of the evening, Bro Paul Bowden

Bro. Arthur Edwards presenting a gift from St Hugh Lodge which he had produced to The Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. David Williamson. The gavel and sounding block can be seen on the table

The gift being a gavel and sounding block. Notice the intricate carving on the swan which surmounts the gavel.

NEWS ITEM 16

EARL OF YARBOROUGH ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER NO:2770 - DRAWS THE VEILS ON 50 GOLDEN YEARS

At its October 2011 50th Anniversary Convocation at Grimsby the Earl of Yarborough Chapter celebrated its first 50 years, in style. With an invitation sent to every Chapter in the Province, 116 Companions representing 28 of the 33 Chapters supported the celebration meeting.

Readings from early Chapter minutes revealed that, when the Grimsby Lodges and Chapters moved to the new Centre in Cambridge Rd in 1971, the first meeting of the Earl of Yarborough Chapter received a lecture on the Veils Ceremony. This theme was continued and developed at the 50th Anniversary meeting when the Grand Superintendent, E. Comp. Graham Ives, a Past First Principal of the Chapter, “called off” the meeting for a demonstration of the Veils Ceremony – recently approved by Supreme Grand Chapter for occasional presentation.

L to R: E Comp Tony Bridges, Provincial DC; E Comp Des O'Neill, Provincial 3rd Principal; E Comp Peter Brooks, Provincial 2nd Principal; E Comp Graham Ives, Grand Superintendent; E Comp John Wood, 'H' of the Chapter; E Comp Kori Rajasekhara, 'Z' of the Chapter; E Comp Peter Brookes, 'J' of the Chapter; E Comp Colin Wells, Deputy Grand Superintendent; E Comp Lindsay Studd, ADC of the Chapter; E Comp Chris Wilson, Scribe e of the Chapter and E Comp Bob Marwaha, Past 'Z' of the Chapter

The demonstration was carried out by members of the Provincial Team together with Companions of the Chapter. The short and dramatic Ceremony of the Veils developed in the 18th Century as a preliminary to the main Exaltation Ceremony. It fell out of vogue nationally in the mid-1830’s following a national review of Chapter ritual some years after the creation of United Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter; to this day only the Province of Bristol is authorised to work the Veils Ceremony as part of a Royal Arch Chapter ceremony.

It was clear to the appreciative audience on the evening that the Ceremony, although brief, must have had a major impact on Master Mason candidates of former days as a preliminary to the drama of the Exaltation Ceremony as we now know it. For many of the Companions present, the occasion represented a unique event and a positive and rewarding ”daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”.

The memorable evening was further highlighted when the Grand Superintendent dedicated a fine new Chapter Kneeling Stool – generously made and given to the Chapter by E. Comp. Peter Sams PPGReg. ( the Earl of Yarborough Lodge Royal Arch Representative).

The Grand Superintendent, above left, thanks E. Comp. Peter Sams.

After completion of the formal business, Chapter members dined with their guests - when the Grand Superintendent indicated his wish, subject to Supreme Grand Chapter approval, to hold a further demonstration elsewhere in the Province, in due course, to allow for a greater number of Companions to attend.

For some years now Lincolnshire has enjoyed one of the highest membership percentages of Royal Arch Companions, when compared to Master Masons, in the country. On its 50th “birthday” and with a strong membership of 61 the Earl of Yarborough Chapter can be justly proud of the part it plays in Royal Arch Masonry in the Grimsby /Cleethorpes area - and within the Province as a whole.

NEWS ITEM 17

DEDICATION OF NEW ORGAN AT SPALDING MASONIC HALL

The Provincial team was in attendance when the Provincial Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Graham Ives, visited the Hundred of Elloe Lodge, No. 469 in Spalding, for the Dedication of Spalding Masonic Hall’s new organ. The previous single manual Wyvern organ had become unreliable, so the three Spalding Lodges (Hundred of Elloe, St. Godric and Welland) got together to contribute funds for a new Viscount Vivace 30, classical digital organ with two manuals and pedals.

After the Dedication, W.Bro. Eric Wayman, ProvGOrg, led a presentation, "Music in Masonry", assisted by Bro. Barrie Jefferson, PProvGStB, the organist of Hundred of Elloe Lodge and Bro.David Shepherd, the organist of Welland Lodge. The three of them played a selection of pieces, including a new Toccata composed for the occasion by the Provincial Grand Organist. W.Bro. Wayman spoke about the history of Masonic music and its notable musicians. He talked about the different types of instruments found in lodge buildings, as well the various difficulties that many lodge organists have to contend with.

Some of the Provincial Team in attendance at the dedication of Spaldings new organ.

L to R: W.Bro. Mike Dennett, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon; W.Bro. David Gray, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, V.W.Bro. John Hockin, Provincial Deputy Grand Master; Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, the Provincial Grand Master; W.Bro. Tim Dodds, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and W.Bro. Rev. Ian Walker, the Provincial Grand Chaplain.

NEWS ITEM 18

FREEMASONRY CARES LAUNCHED IN LINCOLNSHIRE

The 'Freemasonry Cares' Project was recently launched in Lincolnshire when a copy of the Freemasonry Cares booklet was issued to every Lincolnshire Freemason with the latest copy of the 'Masonic Lincs' magazine.

The Project utilises:

A central freephone (0800 035 60 90)
Email: help@freemasonrycares.org
Web site: http://www.freemasonrycares.org/

for anyone with a Masonic connection to gain easy access to the full range of support the Masonic Charities collectively provide.

Freemason are urged to read the leaflet carefully and to pass on the details to their loved ones, widows of members or retired members in need - so they can accessfinancial, healthcare and family related health should they need it.

Freemasonry Cares has issued its first Summary Report for the Province of Lincolnshire for the period 1st August – 31 October 2011 and this and a full article can be seen by CLICKING HERE.

NEWS ITEM 19

NEW MASONIC CENTRE DEDICATED IN BOURNE

September 5th. 2011 saw a new chapter opened in the history of Bourne Freemasonry when a new Masonic Centre was Dedicated in the town. The Provincial Grand Master and his team of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers joined with the Freemasons of Bourne and other visitors to give the new centre a wonderful start.

The start of a new Masonic era for Bourne

Council Development of Bourne Town Centre meant that the previous Masonic Lodge had to go and so the Bourne Lodges began a search for suitable premises. A lease was signed in December 2010 on some existing premises on Roman Bank, Bourne and then in 2011 began a labour of love to convert the building ready for the new Masonic season.

The Lodge Room awaits the Dedication Ceremony

Preparing the dining room for the capacity Festive Board

An essential piece of Lodge furniture - the new bar

The Brethren involved in converting and decorating the building have done a splendid job and the Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, paid a glowing tribute to them during the recent Dedication Ceremony.

The ceremony, in a packed to capacity Lodge Room, followed the usual Masonic protocols with the Provincial Grand Master taking the gavel from the Worshipful Master and carrying out the ritual. After the Dedication, Rt.W.Bro. Ives unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The Brethren of Hereward Lodge and Lodge of Aveland after the Dedication Ceremony

A special moment then followed when the Provincial Grand Master was escorted to W.Bro. Raymond Ringrose’s seat in the Lodge Room whereupon he gave a resumé of the long and dedicated service that W.Bro. Ringrose, who is aged 97, still attends Masonic functions and is the senior Mason of Hereward Lodge in Bourne, had given to Lincolnshire Freemasonry for over 70 years.

The Provincial Grand Master, Grand Officers and the Provincial Team with W.Bro. Raymond Ringrose holding the Certificate of Merit

W.Bro. Ringrose had been initiated on 21st April 1939 and was subsequently Exalted in the Holy Royal Arch on 15th November 1948. He is highly respected Freemason and has been head of several other Orders within Freemasonry.

The Provincial Grand Master thanked W.Bro. Ringrose for his friendship, guidance and support over many years and stated that he wished to show his appreciation in a special way - by presenting his Certificate of Merit to W.Bro. Ringrose. All the Brethren rose, with one accord, and applauded this wonderful act of recognition and merit.

This was a most fitting tribute at the end of a very special night for Bourne Masons and we wish both Hereward Lodge and Lodge of Aveland well in their splendid new home.

NEWS ITEM 20

DEDICATION OF NEW LODGE FURNITURE AT HAMILTON LODGE

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, his Deputy and Assistant Grand Masters, and members of the Provincial Team went to the October meeting of Hamilton Lodge No:1600 in Alford and, at a given point in the ceremony, Dedicated some new Lodge furnishings which were a new Secretary's Desk and the Lodge Carpet.

The Provincial Grand Master along with the visiting Provincial Team members, the Master of Hamilton Lodge and his Officers and Bro. Brian MacDonald (seated) who was Initiated on the night.

The beautifully made desk was purchased from a bequest of £500 made by W.Bro. John Eric Chappell, PProvGReg, who passed away in October 2010 after 54 years in Masonry. The desk was actually made by Bro. Graham Wright the current Inner Guard of Hamilton Lodge.

The Carpet was purchased with a bequest of £1000 made by the late W.Bro. Ralph Parish, PProvJGD, who had been made an Honorary Member of the Lodge in 2006 and died in May 2007 after 42 years as a member of Hamilton Lodge.

The furnishings will provide a long lasting memory of these two much loved and missed Brethren.

During the meeting, a most youthfull Bro. Brian McDonald (80 years of age) was Initiated into Freemasonry - showing that it is never too late to join Freemasonry.