Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire - Established 1792...
Link to the UGLE website

Site approved by
The United Grand Lodge of England.

News Stories

Ermine Lodge No:2351 BBQ»

Masonic Golfing Association results»

Rudyard Kipling Lodge No:9681 BBQ» Witham Lodge help provide minibus»
Great success for Provincial Meeting» Paulinus Lodge help special school» Social Committee enjoy Sunday lunch» Provinces help Air Ambulance again»
Pelham Pillar double presentation»

W.Bro Geoffrey Cowlings 50 years»

W.Bro Ron Clay makes it 65 years»

W.Bro John West celebrates 50 years»
Fun Day at Market Rasen great sucess»

Province to thank PGM at Lincoln»

Peter and Pauline Cowe retirement»

Lodges get their own web page»

NEWS ITEM 1

ERMINE LODGE NO:2351 BBQ IN AID OF NEW BUILDING FUND

Ermine Lodge held their Summer Barbeque Party in aid of the New Lincoln Masonic Building Fund on Sunday 27 July 2008 at the home of W Bro. and Mrs Roger Wallis. A total of £650 was raised, delighting the Worshipful Master, and all present.

Ermine Ladies and Brethren enjoy the sun.

Not only was the Worshipful Master delighted at the amount raised, he also managed to win on the Tombola!

A delighted W. Bro Mike Price WM of Ermine Lodge collects his Tombola prize.

NEWS ITEM 2

LINCOLNSHIRE FREEMASONS’ GOLFING ASSOCIATION
Spring Meeting Sleaford 20 June 2008

This year’s Spring event was held at the Sleaford Golf Club where 29 golfers took part in sunny and breezy conditions.

After dinner, the presentations were made by Bro. Steve Spavin on behalf of his father, W. Bro. Roy Spavin, Chairman of the LFGA.

The Provincial Challenge Cup was won by W. Bro. Eric King of Minster Lodge, No. 8702, with an excellent net 66 score. On receiving his trophy from Bro. Steve Spavin, W. Bro. King thanked the Club and ground staff for the superb condition of the course.

W. Bro. Eric King receiving his trophy from Bro. Steve Spavin.

The Butlin Trophy was won by Bro. Steve Spavin of Pharos Lodge, No. 6450, with a net 71 having the best back 9; Bro. John McArthur having the same score.

Bro. Steve Spavin with his Butlin Trophy being congratulated by Bro. McArthur

Bro. P.L. Isaac of Lindum Lodge, No. 5777, won the Jesse Spavin Trophy with a net 66.

Bro. Isaac receiving his trophy from Bro. Steve Spavin

The team trophy, The Epton Cup, was won by Pharos Lodge’s W. Bro. Mick Wright and Bros. Steve Spavin and John McArthur with a net score of 213.

W. Bro. Rod Dudley of Yarborough Lodge, No. 422, won the St. Lawrence Jubilee Cup with 40 points.

W. Bro. Rod Dudley receiving the St. Lawrence Jubilee Cup and tankard from Bro. Steve Spavin.

Competition for the ever popular over 50s Gardener-Brown Trophy was fierce with Bro. Steve Spavin winning with a net 71.

Finally, W. Bro. Mick Wright won the Grandfathers’ Cup with 37 points.

In conclusion, on behalf of all those who took part, Bro. Steve Spavin, the current Captain of Holme Hall Golf Club, thanked the Club, Ground Staff, Caterers and the organisers – W. Bro. Derek Stones (Secretary), W. Bro. Ray Wade (Treasurer) and Mrs Joyce Dudley. He looked forward to seeing everyone at the Autumn meeting which will be held at Holme Hall Golf Club, Near Scunthorpe, on 26 September, 2008, which this year is celebrating its Centenary.

We are grateful to Peter Brooks who took the photographs with his phone!

NEWS ITEM 3

SUMMER IS HERE AND RUDYARD KIPLING HAVE THEIR ANNUAL BBQ

Rudyard Kipling Lodge and other Horncastle Lodge members and their family’s had a most enjoyable afternoon BBQ at Horsington. The weather stayed fine so summer must have arrived at last. The burgers and sausages were special supplied by Bro Russell Hirst who just happens to be a Butcher at Woodhall Spa.

Guests enjoying the afternoon

The cooks Bro’s Adam Carter and Russell Hirst in that hat

Bro David White’s daughter Charlotte won the Teddy Bear

To see more photographs on the Rudyard Kipling Lodge No:9681 page Click Here

NEWS ITEM 4

WITHAM LODGE NO:297 HELP WITH SUPPLYING A MINI BUS TO AGE CONCERN SKELLINGTHORPE

As part of the last round of grants from the New Provincial Benevolent Fund, Witham Lodge in Lincoln nominated Age Concern Skellingthorpe for a £1,000 grant for their minibus appeal. This addition to their fund took them over the point where other pledges could be called in, and enabled them to get the new minibus.



(L-R) Bro David Allen, Bro Mark Burgess, Bro Peter Lamming, WBro Don Teesdale (Almoner), Hugh Mansford (Age Concern), WBro Brian Garlinge, Bro Chris Bending, and WBro Brian Cook.

The minibus was on show at the Skellingthorpe Village Gala where the cheque was formally handed over. The graphices on the minibus were done by Bro. David Allen's company "Allen Signs".

NEWS ITEM 5

SPECIAL MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE AND PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER INSTALLS NEW PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, PROVINCIAL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER AND GRAND SUPERINTENDENT

Tuesday the 24th. June 2008 was a memorable day for the Province of Lincolnshire when some 650 Freemasons attended Provincial meetings at the new Lincolnshire Events Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, which is adjacent to the main A15 road from Lincoln to Scunthorpe.

The day started with a Meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter at 11.30am where E.Comp Ives was installed as Provincial Grand Superintendent in the Holy Royal Arch.He was then pleased to obligate and invest E.Comp C.A. Wells as the new Deputy Grand Superintendent. The Second and Third Grand Principals were then appointed and the other Provincial Chapter Officers confirmed.

Luncheon followed with 450 Masons enjoying a wonderful meal in pleasant surroundings.

In the afternoon the Craft also saw Rt.W.Bro Graham Ives (pictured later in his wonderfully ornate regalia) installed as Provincial Grand Master.

Following his own installation, Rt.W.Bro Ives promptly invested the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. John Hockin; re-appointed the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters; and also confirmed the appointments of the Provincial Officers.

In the two addresses, to the Companions and then the Brethren, tribute was paid to the Installing Officers, everyone who had helped in arranging the event, and his predecessors - namely E.Comp Derek Scarborough the Immediate Past Grand Superintendent in and over Lincolnshire and Rt. W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master.

A report with further photographs of the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting are on the Provincial Grand Masters Web Page. Click here for Craft

While the Provincial Grand Chapter Meeting is reported on the Royal Arch Chpater page. Click here for Chapter

NEWS ITEM 6

PAULINUS LODGE NO:3957 PRESENT SOCCER TABLE TO SCHOOL

St Francis School are again able to enjoy a game of indoor soccer following the presentation of a new Soccer Table to replace the old one which had seen its best years. Bro. Colin Hornsey of Paulinus Lodge No:3957 in Lincoln provided the table which Colin Dagg, the Deputy Head of St Francis, said would give the senior residential students many hours of fun in their free time.

All ready for the kick -off

St. Francis is a day school with residential facilities for young people with physical and/or medical disabilities. It is a centre of educational excellence and opportunity, offering a full curriculum from Nursery to Primary, through to Secondary and beyond, to the age of nineteen. Students attend from all over Lincolnshire and from neighbouring counties.

NEWS ITEM 7

LINCOLNSHIRE PROVINCIAL SOCIAL COMMITTEE ENJOY THEIR SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE PETWOOD HOTEL

Some 175 Masons and their Ladies had a most enjoyable Lunch at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa on Sunday 15th June. The LPSC event, organised by W. Bro Barry Topliss, once again proved to be a popular event.

W. Bro Barry Topliss, the event organiser, sat second right with his guests

For more pictures go to the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee page of the web site by clicking on the text:Lincolnshire Provincial Social CommitteeSocial

NEWS ITEM 8

PROVINCES OF LINCOLNSHIRE AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CONTINUE SUPPORT OF AIR AMBULANCE

The Masonic Provinces of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire continued their close support of the appropriately named Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance when the Provincial Grand Masters from both Provinces presented cheques to this vital service.

In the presentation ceremony, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith from Lincolnshire and Rt.W.Bro. Robin K. Wilson from Notinghamshire each presented cheques for £4000.

Rt.W.Bro. Robin K. Wilson (left) and Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith (right) flank the pilot

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is a dedicated medical air service which first began operations in Lincolnshire in April 1994.

Based at RAF Waddington, south of Lincoln, and unaffected by road congestion, country roads, heavy vehicles or road works the Helicopter can reach any destination in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire in 19 minutes.

The Provincial Grand Masters look at equipment used by the pilot and Paramedic

In England and Wales there are sixteen dedicated Air Ambulance operations flying a total of 22 helicopters and all are reliant upon charitable support. An Air Ambulance provides an important and sometimes vital additional patient care service for our most critically ill and injured patients.

NEWS ITEM 9

PELHAM PILLAR LODGE NO:792 MAKE DOUBLE PRESENTATION

The Master of Pelham Pillar Lodge No:792, Worshipful Brother Roger Dixon made presentations to the Crossroads Caring for Carers South Humberside and St Andrews Hospice.

On the left, Christine Field receives the cheque for Crossroads Caring for Carers while Angela Greenfield recieves the cheque for St Andrews Hospice.

NEWS ITEM 10

W.BRO GEOFFREY COWLING, OF ECCLES LODGE NO:8632 IS PRESENTED WITH HIS 50 YEARS IN FREEMASONRY CERTIFICATE

W.Bro.C.Geoffrey Cowling. P.Pr.S.G.W. of Eccles Lodge No 8632 in Spilsby has celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry and was presented with his certificate by W.Bro.L.A.Penney PGStdB at the May 2008 Lodge meeting.

W.Bro Cowling was Initiated into Acorn and Rose Lodge No:5677 in East Lancs in1958 and became a Joining Member of Granta Lodge No:4950 in 1972. Thereafter he was a Founder Member of Eccles Lodge No:8632 and then joined the Lincolnshire Bicentenary Lodge of Installed Masters No:9467.

W.Bro Geoffrey Cowling (left) receives his certificate from W.Bro. Les Penny

W.Bro. Cowling was Master of Eccles Lodge in 1979 and has been Secretary since 1991. He has also been Secretary of Granta Lodge since 1989. He is still a member of the Acorn and Rose Chapter and also Granta Chapter.

Ever an active chap, Geoffrey was in the Royal Air Force and served on Lancasters in what is now Ghana in 1945. He and his wife are still members of a motorcycle club but at 86 Geoffrey has decided to hang up his helmet as far as riding is concerned.

We wish him many more active years in Freemasonry.

NEWS ITEM 11

SURPRISE VISIT BY W.BRO. RON CLAY TO PAULINUS LODGE NO:3957 TO CELEBRATE 65 YEARS IN THE CRAFT

At their meeting on the 7th May 2008, the members of Paulinus Lodge No 3957 in Lincoln were delighted by a surprise visit from W.Bro. Ron Clay. W Bro Clay was Initiated into Paulinus Lodge, aged 22 years, on the 19th May 1943 and, therefore, achieved a memorable 65 years membership of the Lodge and the Craft shortly after his visit.

The photograph shows, left to right, Worshipful Master Bro D.W.C.Robinson, W.Bro. Ron Clay and W.Bro. Dudley Dolan.

W Bro Clay worked abroad for many years and now lives on the south coast and was made an Honorary member of the Lodge in April 1994.

We wish W.Bro. Clay many more years of enjoyment in the Craft and look forward to seeing him again in Lincolnshire.

NEWS ITEM 12

W.BRO JOHN WEST OF WITHAM LODGE NO:297 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN THE CRAFT

At the Regular Meeting of Witham Lodge No:297 on Monday 9th June 2008 W.Bro. John West received a cetificate to mark his '50 Years in Freemasonry' from the Past Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith.

W.Bro John West receives his ceretificate from Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith

In presenting the certificate, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith congratulated W.Bro West for the dedication he had shown to his Lodge and Freemasonry over the 50 years.

Born in Lincoln, John West went into the Royal Air Force for his National Service. He was commisioned as a pilot - unusual in itself for conscripts - and on his demob continued his Air Force association by running the local Air Training Corps.

John was proposed into Masonry by his father and seconded by his brother and became the Worshipful Master of Witham Lodge in 1975. Active in other Degrees and Orders, the Past Provincial Grand Master recalled that he had presented W.Bro. West with the first Mark Master Mason Degree Certificate of Merit.

Ever ready to assist his Lodge, W.Bro. West was acting as Secretary on this particular evening and at the Festive Board acted as the Junior Warden. A true stalwart of the Craft whom we congratulate.

NEWS ITEM 13

MARKET RASEN FUN DAY - A GREAT SUCCESS DESPITE THE WEATHER

On Sunday 1st June about 2000 Brethren, Family’s and many guests from Disabled Organisations enjoyed a day out at Market Rasen Racecourse. The event was organised by the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee led by the Event Organiser W. Bro Brian Hind PPGSwdB. The event was a great success despite the cloudy and cool weather.

A general shot of half of the stands at the Fun Day

Many Lodges had contributed to the financing of the event and also provided the many attractions. The entertainment was continuous throughout the afternoon and included a girl band 'Brit Chix', a Caribbean Steel Band, the Barton Town Brass Band, Comedy Car Clown Act and Dancers. A Stilt walker, clowns and Animal Characters mingled with the crowd, and the many side attractions included Punch and Judy Shows, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Assault Course, Vintage Cars, stalls and games. A big attraction was the BSM Disabled Learner Car, with a over a hundred at one point waiting in the queue.

The many guests from Disabled Organisations also enjoyed picnics supplied by their sponsoring Lodges.

One letter passed on to us said.... "having just returned from Market Rasen race course we would like to say a big Thank You to the people who organized the ‘fun day’. Although the weather wasn’t as good as the previous day it was what you made of it. There were lots of different things to do and the entertainment was great. Having a pack up made for you was fantastic and all the family enjoyed ! Well done and thanks once again, please pass on this message, regards lisa Russell and family"

The rest of the stands also attracting visitors

Bev Rolf, Secretary of Boston & District Mencap, wrote...."Please accpet my sincere thanks on behalf of our many members who attended the Fun Day at Market Rasen Racecourse hosted once again by the Provincial Societies of Lincolnshire.

We had a marvellous day, despite the weather attempting to intimidate us!

As usual, it is a joy to see the members taking part in the many activities; some old favourites as well as some newer ones; there really was something for everyone regardless of age (we have a very diverse membership).

Please convey our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped in arranging the day again - it REALLY is appreciated. Also accept our thanks with regard to the provision for lunches; this was a very generous gesture and always welcome.

We are most indebted to W.Bro Bruce Goodman for the report and many other photographs - which are on the 'Charity Events' page of the web site. Click the text to see them: Photographs of the Fun Day

NEWS ITEM 14

BRETHREN GET CHANCE TO THANK Rt.W.BRO. GORDON WALKERLEY SMITH ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER.

Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith (pictured left) is to be honoured at a special meeting of his mother Lodge, St James Lodge No:7415, to be held in Lincoln on Friday the 5th September 2008. The St James Lodge usually meet in the Masonic Hall, Grimsby but, doubtless, this opportunity for the Brethren to show their respect and gratitude will be heartily supported and Lincoln can provide a more central location.

The Meeting will give the Brethren of the Province an opportunity to celebrate Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith's time as our Provincial Grand Master and for them to show their grateful thanks to him for the hard work done on their, and the Province's, behalf over many years. A retirement gift from all the Brethren of the Province will also be presented at the Meeting.

More details will appear on the web site and be notified to Brethren through their Lodge secretaries as the event is finalised.

NEWS ITEM 15

20 YEARS AND £23,900 OF REGALIA FUND RAISING BY PETER AND PAULINE COWE

At the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee meeting at Crowle Masonic Hall, W.Bro. Peter Cowe and Mrs. Pauline Cowe were presented with a retirement gift from the Committee by V W. Bro Ray Windsor. It was in acknowledgement for their long support of the Committee, and for the 20 years of second-hand Regalia Sales during which time they raised a staggering £23,900 towards charity.

Mrs Pauline Cowe receives the gift from V.W.Bro. Raymond Windsor as W.Bro. Peter Cowe looks on, watched by other members of the LPSC meeting.

The Masons of the Province of Lincolnshire and the charities that benefited from their work owe a great debt of gratitude to Peter and Pauline for the many hours of every one of the twenty years they provided their wonderful service.

NEWS ITEM 16

LINCOLNSHIRE LODGES AND OTHER MASONIC GROUPS. ETC. CAN NOW APPLY FOR THEIR OWN WEB PAGE ON THE PROVINCIAL WEB SITE

As part of the continuing upgrade of the Provincial Web Site (and in response from Lodges, Masonic Groups, etc. wishing to have their own web page) we are pleased to announce the launch of this new facility.

When informed of this new and exciting development, the Provincial Grand Master asked that all participants wishing to have their own web page should make contact through the web site administrator, W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough. This is to ensure that the Masonic protocols set up for the web are properly met.

As can be seen in the graphic above, the Lodge Logo and Name will appear on the page within the surroung of the existing web site. Individual stories, items of interest, etc. can have their own heading and speed navigation bars - just like the main site.

It is recommended that each participant should appoint a representative who can liaise with the Web Site Administrator so that news items, photographs, etc. can then be passed to the Province for loading onto the web page.

Don't worry if your photograph has not come out as you would have liked. We have the software to be able to adjust them under most circumstances. As can be seen from the following photo of W.Bro. Malcolm Coates and W.Bro Chesney Brocklesby enjoying each others company after a Provincial Grand Lodge.

The first photo had a distracting background and the divider was at an angle. Once this was rectified Malcolm and Chesney were also brought nearer together. That is, of course, what Masonry does - brings us close together as Brothers.

The first Lodge web pages are already on the site and they give an indication of how your page can look. We look forward to Lodges using this new facility.

Freemasons' Hall
Great Queen Street
London WC2B 5AZ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 9811
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7831 6021