Thanks to your generosity the Children had a great time
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This year the Cleveland Show went ahead with the Freemasonry in the Community
Committee putting on their display.
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The annual meeting of the four Vulcan Lodges
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W Bro Jim Sutcliffe and wife Norma with punters cash, all for Charity.
On Saturday 31st May, at Marton Cricket Club, W Bro Jim Sutcliffe and his wife Norma, with the
help of many members of the Lodge, arranged a superb Race Night.
The night was a sell out, with 120 lucky punters in attendance, a card of eight races was organised.
The weather was a warm and the going was good. All Races were sponsored and all eight horses in
each race were sponsored as well, with the wining owner receiving a bottle of wine and a rosette.
Supper was arranged after the first four races and a sumptuous supper of Pies, Mushy Peas and
Boiled Potatoes was quick and efficiently served.
Then a quick game of “Heads and Tails” at £1 a person and it was back on with the Races.
The atmosphere was getting quite jovial as alcohol released inhibitions, as the night moved on.
For the last race, No 8 on the card, all horses were auctioned, for sums as low as £10 and as high as £20.
The atmosphere was by now electric as owners bet high on their horses.
The noise was deafening as the horses ran into the home straight, lots of money was won,
but it seems a lot was lost as well, with the winning owner receiving £60.
W Bro Jim announced at the end of the evening a sum of almost £1,000 had been raised for Charity.
A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all, good fun, food and fellowship.
Plus a bonus of a large amount of money raised for Vulcan Lodges Charity Account.
Well done to everyone!
YORKSHIRE FREEMASONS HELP AIR AMBULANCE CHARITIES
At their annual meeting in York on 17th May 2008 Freemasons in the North & East Ridings
of Yorkshire gave substantial donations {totalling £151,000} to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and
Great North Air Ambulance who between them provide air ambulance services totheir area
The Provincial Grand Master, Richard Anderson, launched an appeal a year ago to raise
£75,000 to benefit both charities. The appeal was so successful that it raised more than
twice the target. All the money raised was given by Freemasons and their Lodges and
Chapters throughout the Province.
Making the presentation Richard Anderson said “Freemasons play an active part in the
community and are pleased to help these extremely worthwhile and needy charities
who play an invaluable part in saving lives and rescuing victims of terrible accidents.”
On Tuesday, 15th April 2008, 72 serving Officers from the Middlesbrough Lodges, including
nine current Worshipful Masters, met in the Masonic Hall, Roman Road, Middlesbrough.
The meeting had been organised by WBro Bob Harvey and WBro Clive Gregory of the North York Lodge
No. 602.
The purpose of the evening was to try and improve communication between the Lodges,
to facilitate Brethren
meeting with and identifying Officers from other Lodges, to provide
the opportunity for
Brethren to discuss the
way forward for Freemasonry in the Middlesbrough area,
and enjoy each other’s company. It was further
hoped that the meeting would result in greater
numbers of Brethren visiting neighbouring Lodges.
After a reception, when drinks were served, the Brethren sat down to a three Course meal.
The Brethren at each table were then invited to discuss how the objectives of the evening
could be attained and a spokesman for each table reported their conclusions.
The main ideas which are to be pursued were:-
A Raffle was held and thanks to the generosity of those present the magnificent sum of £430 was raised.
The proceeds will go towards the funding of a party, which is to be held in the Masonic Hall on 30th July,
2008 for 24 children from Belarus who had been injured in the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster in 1986
The children attending the party will, at that time, be the guests of Cleveland residents throughout Cleveland.
W.Bro. David Robson, a member of the North York Lodge, will be providing accommodation and care for
two of the children at his home.
(More information on Chernobyl Child Lifeline Charity which organise these visits and other initiatives,
can be obtained by visiting http://www.chernobylchildlifeline.org/).
At the end of the evening Brethren present concluded that the evening had been a great success.
A number of interesting and valid issues had been raised which it is hoped can be implemented over the coming months.
It is hoped that this type of gathering will be repeated and hopefully become an Annual Event in Middlesbrough.
Grand Lodge is looking to assess what historical resources are available both within and outside the
Craft to develop a better picture of the role Freemasonry has played in social history.
To ensure our future we need to protect our past. It is essential to list and assess the
condition of all Lodge and Chapter records, many of which are being lost or destroyed
in various ways. Bro Les Sinden has been appointed Co-ordinator of this project by the
Provincial Grand Master and will be holding area meetings across the Province. Every one
of our Lodges and Chapters has a history, be it long or relatively short, so should recognise
the importance of appointing someone to attend their area meeting.
Snooker fans Paul Grace from BBC Tees, and JW of Peace Lodge 3936 and
Tom Brown from Redcar and Cleveland College have smashed the World Record
for the longest snooker marathon involving 2 players
For more Details click here...
The North York Lodge is organising a Dinner for the Officers of the Middlesbrough Lodges on the 15th April 2008
The night is an attempt to cement and encourage inter -lodge Comradship and co-operation.
The Evening is open to all of the Officers from the Lodges that meet at Masonic Hall Middlesbrough
Cost of tickets will be in the region of £10 with any proceeds going to Masonic Charity.
A letter will shortly be sent to each Lodge, but if you would like to book in now please e-mail
dinner@npsmedia.com
"Bob Harvey, (right) the Newly Installed WM of North York Lodge No 602, handing over cheque for
£1000 to David Marsh who was representing the Provincial Grand Master at the Lodge's
Installation Meeting in Dec 2007 ,
The money is to go towards the Provincial Grand Charity Appeal
to support the Yorkshire & Great North Air Ambulances,"
Middlesbrough Freemasons are partners in an initiative to restore the monuments to two founding
fathers of Middlesbrough, Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan. Both Bolckow and Vaughan were
instrumental in the development of the iron and steel industry in the area, which resulted in the
development of Middlesbrough as a major Victorian industrial town.
Both Bolckow and Vaughan are now buried in St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard, Marton, although time
has taken its toll on the graves, which have fallen into a state of disrepair. A project steering
group was set up to look at the restoration of the monuments, with representation from
St. Cuthbert’s Church, Middlesbrough Freemasons, Marton and Stewart Park Heritage Group,
Middlesbrough Environment City, Groundwork South Tees and Middlesbrough Council.
The project has taken a long time to develop, due to the complexity of the works. However,
detailed plans for the restoration of the monuments, including replacement of fallen and
damaged masonry, have now been developed. Additional proposals include improve access
to the monuments and an interpretation board, outlining the significance of the two men in
the development of Middlesbrough.
Some funding for the scheme has already been obtained from local Community Councils and
Middlesbrough Freemasons; a larger funding bid is now being developed for the works, which
are likely to cost around £30,000 to complete.
The Third Ferrum Lodge Christmas Lunch on Sunday, 2nd December 2007 was held at the Masonic Hall,
Roman Road, Middlesbrough and was the best so far. 130 Guests comprising Lodge members some with
their Children, Grand parents other family members and friends attended. After a drink everyone sat
down and enjoyed a tradition Christmas Meal. It was real family affair, which was enjoyed immensely by all.
Those members of Ferrum Lodge present donated prizes for the customary raffle and this resulted in
£200 being raised for the Worship Masters chosen Charities.
This has clearly become an annual event, which is expected to go from strength to strength.
At their Annual Ladies Night held on Saturday 10th November 2007 the Ferrum Lodge, No.1848 in
Middlesbrough, raised £780 for Charity.
The money will be shared between and presented to the Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation,
New Marske Girls Brigade and the News Marske Boys Brigade at the Middlesbrough Lodges Charity
Presentation evening in May 2008.
129 guests attended the evening and it was their generous purchasing of Tombola Tickets and
Raffle tickets that raised the money for Charity.
The venue for the event was the Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough and after a very enjoyable meal
entertainment was provided by a live band ‘Striking Back’ and a Disco provided by one of their own
members. Every Lady in attendance received a Gift and the opportunity to win the table decoration
(a display of flowers), and a prize which was allocated to each table.
The photograph shows the Worshipful Master of Ferrum Lodge W.Bro. John Cartwright and his wife
Christine really enjoying themselves. For them it was very much a family night.
Their daughters Susan and Jennifer sold the Raffle tickets, Nigel Atkinson, Christine’s Brother
sang the Ladies song accompanied on the piano by Mavis Atkinson Christine’s Mother
At a time when some Lodges are struggling to organise a Ladies Night the Ferrum Lodge Ladies Night
is going strong. Any Brother who wants to bring his Lady along to next years event should contact
Worshipful Brother Barry Hill for details, b.hill1@btopenworld.com or 01287 632854.
On Sunday, 11th November 2007 Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Freemasons of Middlesbrough at
Remembrance Day Services held at the Cenotaph, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough and St. Cuthbert’s Church,
Ormesby.
Each year a different Middlesbrough Lodge provides volunteers to undertake these duties.
This year it was the turn of the Vulcan Lodge No. 4510. The Worshipful Master,
W.Brother Ian BUTTRESS, PPSGD laid the wreath at the Cenotaph and W.Brother Paul HAYTON, PPSGW
laid the wreath at Saint Cuthbert’s Church.
Both Brethren reported that it was a moving experience and an initiative that Freemasons should
continue to undertake.
See how W.Bro Maurice smith of Dundas Lodge got on his bike and pedaled
http://www.pgl-york.org/html/community_7.html#NTO
We regret to inform you that the Cleveland show for this year has been cancelled due to waterlogging..
For further information click below.
http://www.clevelandshow.co.uk/
North yorkshire Scouts take delivery of mobile display trailer thanks to the
Freemasons
click here....
The annual Charity Evening hosted by Middlesbrough's Freemasons this year was again a great
success donating over £17,000 to local charities.
for full story click here....
Masonic Hall has taken delivery of the Emergency Defibrillator.
The machine does it all for you, giving you step by step instructions what to do.
You still need to keep up to date with your CPR skills.
But don't forget to ask for help (dial 999) once breathing has been assessed.
Training on this highly automated piece of equipment has been offered
and
given to 2 members of each Lodge.
The annual charity Presentation Evening will be held at Masonic Hall on the 17th May 2007.
Lodges are asked to confirm numbers and Charity Representatives as soon as possible...
A very favourable article about freemasonry appeared in the recent issue of this local magazine, the interview with the chairman of the Freemasonry in the Community Committee was an insight into what Freemasonry is about and why it is often regarded as being secret.
To download the article click here...
The Middlesbrough Mason is being introduced in an attempt to increase and improve communications between Freemasons who use the Masonic Hall Roman Road Middlesbrough.
It’s format and contents will be decided by you, from what you submit for publication.
It is hoped it will make interesting reading whilst at the same time making everyone aware what other Lodges and Side Degrees are doing.
On Remembrance Day Sunday members of the Peace Lodge representing the Freemasons of Middlesbrough laid wreaths at the Cenotaph and St. Cuthberts Church, Ormesby in honour
of those who have died fighting to protect our freedom.
This is an annual tribute paid by the Freemasons.
It came about as a result of Freemasonry adopting are more open position in Society a few years
ago and started with the laying of the wreath at the Cenotaph.
The laying of the wreath at St. Cuthberts followed an invitation to do so by the Reverend
at the Church.
In 2004 at the Freemasonry in the Community presentation event,
Dundas Lodge No 7970 donated the sum of £200 to the Soldiers Sailors
Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).This is an organisation which
helps Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who have fallen on hard times,
either due to, or after service in Her Majesty’s Services .
SSAFA were astounded at receiving this donation without solicitation,
especially from Freemasons, as they had the preconceived idea that
Freemasons generally only looked after their own.
In September 2006, an invitation was received from the local branch of
SSAFA for someone to attend a luncheon they were holding on the
5th October at the TA Centre in Norton, Stockton -on-Tees.
Bro Ez Watson who had suggested the donation, went along to
represent Freemasons in general. He was welcomed by a
Major General (retired) who has recently become a volunteer
with the organisation. Also present were people from Social Services,
some members of Rotary, and also shop owners who give discounted
goods like televisions, furniture etc.
After thanks had been given to those present, Bro Ez was asked to give
a brief talk on the merits of the Craft. He said that it wasn’t only about
wearing aprons and giving funny hand shakes, and explained that money
was raised at our meetings to enable all kinds of charitable organisations
to receive help, both locally and nationally, often in excess of £2,000,000
per annum in total. It appeared to Ez, the only Mason present, that the
attitude towards Freemasonry of the others attending the luncheon was
somewhat changed.
The reason Ez had suggested that SSAFA should receive a donation was
due to some personal experience of the organisation. In 1962, Ez joined
the Army and became a squaddie in the Royal Signals. He was stationed
in Aden in 1964 and then sent to Borneo to join the Marines and SAS on
patrol in the jungle, in order to keep communications open with their base.
On one occasion his patrol was being pursued by the enemy and they had to
get out quick. Whilst Ez managed to get onto a helicopter, it was unfortunately
shot down and upon crashing, his head was seriously injured resulting in prolonged
hospitalisation and the need to have a metal plate fitted near to his brain. Needless
to say his Army life was finished, but SSAFA were there to help him re-adjust to
civilian life. Something he has done very successfully indeed.
The Army’s loss was Freemasonry’s gain, as Ez is a popular and active member of Dundas Lodge.
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