NEWS ITEM 1

PRESENTATION TO MRS. AVIS SLATER BY THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, with his wife Janet presented a bouquet of flowers to Avis Slater in appreciation of her work for the Province over many years - assisting her late husband W.Bro. Keith Slater, and now W.Bro. John Grimwood in their duties as the Provincial Almoner.

Mrs. Avis slater holding the bouquet presented by the Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, and Mrs. Janet Ives

The Province is very fortunate to have her contribution especially with advice on welfare and social benefits, and the Provincial Grand Master believed it was fitting to recognise her assistance for which the Province was deeply grateful. The presentation took place at the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee Sunday Lunch at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa.

NEWS ITEM 2

LINCOLNSHIRE PROVINCIAL SOCIAL COMMITTEE LUNCH - A GREAT SUCCESS

The annual LPSC Sunday Lunch was again held at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa on the 14th June. The lunch was organised by W. Bro Barry Topliss and was attended by 199 Brethren and Ladies who enjoyed a splendid dinner and afterwards were able to enjoy the Petwood’s grounds in the sun.

A general view of the luncheon

Due to the generosity of the Brethren attending the event raised a magnificent £634 towards charity. Next years event is already booked for Sunday 13th June.

For more photographs CLICK HERE

NEWS ITEM 3

CHRISTIAN ORDER SERVICE HELD IN BINBROOK PARISH CHURCH

The Christian Order service was held on Friday evening at Binbrook Parish Church when Father T J Walker led the Service supported by Geoffrey Mawer Cooper and Gordon Walkerley Smith who read Lessons and Malcolm Forrest played the Organ.

The Girls Choir from St James added to the Service singing various anthems and the sermon was preached by father T J Walker.

After the service, dinner was served in the village hall where nearly a hundred ladies and brethren partook of a splendid repast provided by Trudy Winter and her ladies. A most enjoyable evening following on with the tradition of many years in support of the Christian Orders in Lincolnshire.

It is hoped that there will be some photographs shortly.

NEWS ITEM 4

FINAL OF LINCOLNSHIRE PROVINCIAL SOCIAL COMMITTE QUIZ

The LPSC Quiz Final, was recently held at Lincoln and was organised by W.Bro. Pat Forbes-Ritte. The winners were 'Rudyard Kipling Lodge Treasurers' after a very closely fought contest.

Winning Team L-R. Linda O’Neill, W. Bro Des O’Neill, Mary Daulton, W. Bro Brian Daulton 

A total of 14 Teams took part in the Final from the North and South of the Province, and was settled after an exciting ‘sudden death’ play-off between Rudyard Kipling Lodge Treasurers and reigning champions St Pega Lodge - both teams having finished with 60 points.

Runners up St Pega Team

Photographs kindly provided by W.Bro. Bruce Goodman.

NEWS ITEM 5

MINSTER LODGE GREETS OTHER MINSTER LODGES AT UNIQUE INSTALLATION MEETING

On Thursday 19th March, 2009 members of four of the five Minster Lodges in the English constitution were in attendance at Minster Lodge No:8702 for their Installation meeting in Lincoln.

This rather unique event brought together Minster Lodge No:8510 from Nottinghamshire, Minster Lodge No:6914 from Essex, and Minster Lodge No:5581from Worcestershire. Apologies being received from Minster Lodge No:4663 in York.

The photograph shows the new installed Master, Bro John Hannam, together with the representatives of all Minster Lodges present. With Universal Ritual being practiced, an interesting and enlightening evening was enjoyed by all.

NEWS ITEM 6

W.BRO. ROBERT HOLLAND, PROVINCIAL GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES, WINS RNLI SUPPORTER AWARD

W.Bro Robert Holland, the Provincial Grand director of Ceremonies, has been presented with a coveted Royal National Lifeboat Institution award by the Duke of Kent in recognition of his long term support for the lifesaving charity.

W.Bro Holland, a prominent funeral director by profession, has been a dedicated RNLI supporter for many years and recently initiated an in memoriam donation scheme which has so far helped the charity raise more than £1M around the country.

W.Bro Robert Holland and HRH The Duke of Kent at the Awards Ceremony
Photograph courtesy of RNLI / Jon Stokes

In recognition of everything he has done for the RNLI, he was presented with the RNLI Individual Supporter Award during the charity's Annual Presentation of Awards at the Barbican in London on the 14th May 2009 - the day after Provincial Grand Lodge at Lincoln. The ceremony saw a number of presentations, chief among them the award of RNLI Silver Medals for Gallantry to two RNLI lifeguards, Chris Boundy and John Dugard, who saved the life of a Yorkshire sea angler in Cornwall last summer.

W.Bro. Holland said he felt extremely honoured to be receiving his award at the same time as the two RNLI gallantry medallists. He added:

"What I have done pales into insignificance compared to what the lifeguards have done, or to what lifeboat crew members do when they go out to rescue someone at sea. I'm a keen yachtsman and I'm full of admiration for those brave people who head out to sea to save someone in horrendous conditions when everyone else is turning around to return to harbour.

I was absolutely amazed and extremely proud to hear I was to receive the award. All I did was recognise a potential source of income for the RNLI. I used my knowledge of the funeral business to help the RNLI, and will continue to do so whenever I can."

W.Bro. Holland has a long history of support for the RNLI. He is currently president of the Grantham RNLI Branch and his uncle, Ken Holland, was a coxswain at Skegness Lifeboat Station. He first raised the idea of developing an RNLI in memoriam leaflet for funeral directors in 2004. Mark Spruce, RNLI Fundraising Manager in Lincolnshire, said the idea has had a significant impact on RNLI fundraising. He added:

"Robert was concerned that, unlike some other charities, the RNLI did not produce an in memoriam leaflet and so was missing out on a potential source of income. He helped write the first draft of the leaflet and advised on how best to distribute it within the funeral director network. Bereaved people often want to encourage mourners at a funeral to give a donation to charity in memory of their loved one rather than buy flowers and this leaflet is a simple and sympathetic aid to those who want to donate to the RNLI.

‘Robert's support has been very important to the RNLI, helping us raise substantial amounts of money but also showing us how best to deal sensitively with bereaved people. He continues to offer valuable advice regarding all aspects of funeral donations and I am delighted that his contribution is being recognised today with the presentation of this RNLI supporter award in London."

W.Bro. Holland’s support for the RNLI will continue when he helps man a stand at the 2009 National Funeral Exhibition in Warwickshire next month, wearing his morning suit with yellow lifeboat wellies to ensure he stands out from the crowd.

W.Bro Robert Holland, Provincial Grand director of Ceremonies as we usually see him - pictured here immediately after the conclusion of Provincial Grand Lodge at Lincoln. Note also the new Provincial tie which is echoed by the design on his RMTGB jewel.

As Freemasons, we know he stands out from the crowd as we saw at Provincial Grand Lodge the day before his award was presented. Robert was particularly pleased to be receiving his award from the Duke of Kent since this was the second occasion within a few short weeks that he would be in the company of our Grand Master. W.Bro. Holland having recently attended United Grand Lodge to be invested as a Grand Lodge Officer.

We offer him our warmest congratulations on the receipt of this prestigious award.

NEWS ITEM 7

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE AND PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER A GREAT SUCCESS

Companions and Brethren from around the Province gathered at the Epic Centre on the Linconshire Showground on Wednesday 13th May 2009 to attend Provincial Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Lodge.

The day started with Provincial Grand Chapter in the morning which was graced by the presence of the 2nd Grand Principal, Most Excellent Companion G. P. Francis. Following this a splendid luncheon was provided which was attended by 456 Companions and Brethren. In the afternoon it was the turn of Provincial Grand Lodge where the numbers in attendance reached some 600!

Centre left is 2nd Grand Principal, M.E.Comp G.P. Francis congratulating the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E.Comp Graham Ives after Provincial Grand Chapter. Looking on are (left) E.Comp Tony Bridges the Provincial 2nd Principal and (right) E.Comp Richard Garn the Provincial 3rd Principal.

The day also saw the launch of the new Provincial Tie in aid of the 2014 Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Sales were very brisk but you can still obtain one from the Provincial Office.

To read a report on Provincial Grand Lodge CLICK HERE

To read a report on Provincial Grand Chapter CLICK HERE

NEWS ITEM 8

A FIRST FOR MARK MASONRY IN LINCOLNSHIRE

On saturday 25th April 2009, a new Mark Lodge was consecrated at Grantham. The Mayflower Lodge of M.M.M. No. 1899 was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. The Rev. Trevor John Walker, assisted by his Provincial team.

The picture shows the PGM,R.W.Bro. the Rev. Trevor Walker; the Deputy PGM, V.W.Bro. Trevor Kitchen; the Provincial Chaplain, R.W.Bro Gordon Walkerley Smith and the Past Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Raymond Leonard Ringrose as the W.Master, Ian Charlton receives the warrant from the PGM.

It is a first for the Province in that it will be held in "daylight" hours at Spilsby.
The consecration was followed by installation and W.Bro. Ian Charlton was installed as the first Master by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro Trevor Harold Kitchen. The first meeting at Spilsby takes place on Tuesday 5th May at 11am.

V.W.Bro.Trevor Kitchen conratulates W.Bro Ian Charlton after installing him as the first Master of the Mayflower Lodge MMM No:1899.

NEWS ITEM 9

CLASSIC CAR OWNERS SOUGHT FOR NEXT YEARS FUN DAY

Owners of Classic Cars are being sought to attend the 2010 Fun Day at Market Rasen. In order to ensure that all such owners are invited, W.Bro. Philip Spicksley is collating a list of all members.

If you have a Classic Car andwould like to attend the Fun Day, please, contact Phil at: pwspicksley@googlemail.com

NEWS ITEM 10

TWO CLEETHORPES MASONS IN NEWS SCOOP

On the morning of Friday 1st May a single deck Stagecoach bus careered off Taylors Avenue in Cleethorpes and down onto a small private estate. W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough, the Provincial webmaster, received a telephone call from his wife, Sue, who had just set off from work to tell him of the accident just round the corner from their home.

Arriving on the scene, camera in hand, W.Bro Oxborough was amazed to see not only the accident but W.Bro. Ian McLean of St Peter Lodge No:7648 stood beside the bus with a local news team.

W.Bro. Ian McLEan stood at the scene of the accident

The bus was, apparently taking people on a local swimming contaract and had crashed through a large hedge and dropped onto the road below. No details of injuries to passengers was avaiable at the time.It is thought that the driver may have had an angina attack.

The view from Taylors Avenue, Cleethorpes with the bus in Brampton Way

Appart from destroying the hedgerow, a lampost and damage to the front of the bus this was, apparently and mercifully, an unfortunate accident which could have been far worse. In commuter time and with young children about who knows what might have happened.

The bus, with ladders to prop it up in case of slip, after it came to rest.

W.Bro. McLean explained that he had won a prize to be Editor for the Day with the local Grimsby newspaper. He hardly expected such an eventful start to the day. Despite the presence of the local press, on checking their web site W.Bro. Oxborough discovered he had beaten them with the story complete with photographs. Scoop indeed.

NEWS ITEM 11

THE LINCOLNSHIRE PROVINCIAL SOCIAL COMMITTEE PREPARE TO RELAUNCH THE LINK MAGAZINE .

After a gap of some two years, plans for a new magazine are well on the way to fruition. To be called 'Masonic Lincs' it will replace the old Lincolnshire Link and sports the new name, a new logo and will be in full colour. A sample copy was produced for the meeting of the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee in Gainsborough on Sunday 26th April and is shown below.

It is intended that 'Masonic Lincs' will be posted to every Brother in the Province who wishes to receive it and distribution will be tightly controlled to preserve Masonic security. The posting will be under the direction of the Provincial Office and carried out by a Lincolnshire Freemason.

The new logo reflects the use of colour and also features the flag of Lincolnshire. This was inspired by the new Provincial Tie, designed by Mrs Janet Ives - the wife of our Provincial Grand Master, which will shortly be on sale.

The funding for the magazine will come from advertising and this is being co-ordinated by Jon Hollis. He can be reached at Meadowbank, Foul Anchor, Tydd, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 5RF or by telephone on 01945 420198 / 07958 036788.

The magazine will be edited by Stewart Oxborough who will be pleased to receive articles, etc at the Provincial Office, Masonic Hall, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs, DN34 5SZ or by email at administrator@pgllincs.org Telephone 01472 870042.

NEWS ITEM 12

PROVINCIAL OFFICERS DINNER HELD IN LINCOLN

The Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives and Mrs. Janet Ives hosted the annual Provincial Officers Dinner at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln on Friday the 24th April.

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives and Mrs Janet Ives prepare to meet their guests.

The dinner was attended by the 2008-2009 Provincial Officers, senior Craft Officers and those Brethren promoted or appointed to celebrate the Provincial Grand Masters appointment .

The dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. W.Bro John Warwick proposed a toast to the PGM to which he replied and in turn proposed a toast to The Ladies. Both speeches, lighthearted, amusing and entertaining, were received with much acclaim by all present.

NEWS ITEM 13

ILLUMINATED ADDRESS PRESENTED TO ST ALBANS LODGE

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, attended a recent meeting of the St Albans Lodge No:1294 in order to make a special presentation of an illuminated address. It had originally been presented to Jack Sutcliffe J.P., the first Master of St Albans, when he was Mayor of Grimsby, to commemorate the 60th year in the reign of Queen Victoria. It was presented by the Pelham Pillar Lodge No:792, the St. Albans Lodge No:1294 and the Smyth Lodge No:2284 on the 22nd June,1897.

(LtoR) W.Bro. Ted Ford, Master of St Albans; W.Bro. Peter Vaughan, who carried out the restoration; Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, the Provincial Grand Master and W.Bro. Carroll Preston the Provincial Grand Secretary

The illuminated address had been 'found' by W.Bro John Speed of Olive Union Lodge No:1304 and restored by W.Bro. Peter Vaughan of St Peter Lodge No:7648.

Mrs Sue Sutcliffe of Hemingby House, wife of James Sutcliffe, attended furniture restoration classes run by W.Bro. Speed and he saw the illuminated address in a garage. Mr James Sutcliffe is not a Freemason and after W.Bro. Speed explained the significance of the address it was, most kindly, presented back to the Masons.

Now that it has been restored to its former glory it is to be exhibited in the Grimsby Masonic Hall.

NEWS ITEM 14

HORNCASTLE MASONS PRESENT A DEFIBRILLATOR TO THE RED CROSS

Brethren of Horncastle Lodges recently received a plea from the local branch of The British Red Cross for help in purchasing a new defibrillator. Some of the lodges felt able to make generous donations and the remainder was to be provided from the Horncastle Masonic Benevolent Fund (HMBF). However, the family of the late W.Bro. Eric Barlow (Olive Union Lodge No:1304)asked that part of his bequest to HMBF should go to this worthy cause.

(L.toR.) W.Bro. J. R. Hansard Trustee; Mrs. Betty Morton, British Red Cross; Mrs. Barbara Bark, British Red Cross and W.Bro. M. Carter, Chairman HMBF.

W.Bro. Michael Carter, Chairman of HMBF thanked the lodges who had contributed and made special mention to W.Bro. Barlow’s family for such a generous gesture. W.Bro. Carter also thanked W.Bro. Hansard for his hard work behind the scenes and the volunteers of The British Red Cross who gave so much of their time to help others.

They replied that the defibrillar is a valuable piece of equipment and thanked Horncastle Freemasons for their immediate offer of help.

NEWS ITEM 15

ST. JAMES LODGE NO:7415 GETS INTO THE SWIM FOR CHILDRENS HYDROTHERAPY POOL

The St James Lodge in Grimsby has a very active social calender to assist in raising monies for local charities and its latest presentation saw £310.00 go to the Humberston Park Special School Hydrotherapy Pool fund. The presentation was made before the Lodge's Installation Ceremony to W.Bro. Brian Marsh D.L. who is also the Chairman of the Charity.

W.Bro. Brian Marsh D.L.,PGStB receives the cheque from W.Bro. David Smith, the outgoing Master of St James Lodge watched by (left) W.Bro. Neil Charlesworth, Lodge Charity Steward and (right) Bro. Malcolm Jackson, the incoming Master of St James Lodge.

The pool caterS for up to 60 children of all ages from 2 1/2 years up to 19 years within the area of North East Lincolnshire. All 60 pupils with profound and multiple disabilities benefit enormously from the Hydrotherapy. Many of the other pupils with severe learning disabilities will also benefit.

Following the presentation for this worthy casue, W.Bro. Smith installed Bro. Jackson in the Chair of King Solomon in a most enjoyable ceremony - making this a special night all round.

NEWS ITEM 16

BRIGG MASON TO RUN IN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MARATHON

Bro Mark Redstone of Glanford Vale Lodge No 9769 is part of a ten man British Forces Team (Joint Army and RAF) who have been invited to compete in the United States Air Force annual marathon at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, USA on the 19th September 2009.

Bro. Mark Redstone

Details of the marathon can be found at: http://www.usafmarathon.com/

The team are running for two charities, "Help for Heroes" information found here: http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/index.html and "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association" (SSAFA) information found here:  http://www.ssafa.org.uk/

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team, should do so either by the following "Just Giving" link http://www.justgiving..com/usafmarathon2009 or directly through Bro Mark Redstone who can be contacted by email - redders9251@btinternet.com. or via Glanford Vale Lodge.

All monies raised will be split equally between the two charities.

A presentation was made from Glanford Vale Lodge of two cheque's - each of two hundred pounds - to Bro Mark Redstone in support of his 'marathon' efforts to raise money for 'Help for Heroes' and 'SSAFA'

From left to right W.Bro Keith Lacey, Lodge Charity Steward; the Worshipful Master, Lawrie Watson; Bro. Mark Redstone and W.Bro Pat Grisdale the Lodge Secretary.