The new Masonic season is still a little while away (except in the minds of those busy learning ceremonies!), but one event of great significance in the months ahead will be the Provincial Church Service on Sunday, 8th October at St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, at which regalia may be worn. Officiating will be V.W.Bro. David John Bowen, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire. The Provincial Grand Master is hoping for a very strong show of support from the entire Province. A letter has been sent to all Lodge Secretaries, which is reproduced here for your information - a similar letter has been sent to all Scribes Ezra. Please put this date in your diary!
Dear
Sir and Brother,
Re:
With
the approach of the Masonic Season, I have been asked by the R.W. PGM.,
J. McA. Hodgson, to remind all Brethren of the Provincial Church Service
that will take place at St.
Brethren
are advised that Masonic (Craft – full dress) regalia has been
authorised to be worn. It is hoped that suitable changing accommodation
will be available in the adjoining Church Hall. However, brethren are
advised to bring regalia in a carrier bag or similar in the event that
this is not available.
It
is the wish of the R.W. PGM that a copy of this letter is forwarded with
the next summons to all brethren in order that they are advised of the
Service.
I
would be further obliged if Lodge Secretaries could give some indication
of the numbers attending by the last week in September.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Roger Wedlake
During
the year Shropshire Freemasons raised £20,000 for the Queen Elizabeth
Court Residential Home in Llandudno. The culmination of this superb
effort was a Fete organised by the Shropshire Lodges under the guidance
of the SMCA in the spacious grounds of Queen Elizabeth Court on
Saturday, 3rd June. Over 200 Masons travelled to Llandudno to celebrate
the Appeal, and in fine weather the event was enjoyed by all who
attended, and added to the total raised. It was indeed a fitting finale
to the fundraising efforts which had led up to it! Pictured are
Provincial Grand Master James McAllister Hodgson in summery mood and
Charlie Hodgson of Caer Caradoc Lodge keeping warm over a hot stove!
The
annual summer donations to local charities were made on Monday, 12th
June at Crewe Street by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Peter Taylor
who reminded the assembled guests that Charity was one of the
fundamental duties of a Mason from his earliest time in the Craft. The
cheques were then gratefully received by representatives of the
charities.
A new link has been added to our Masonic Links page - now it is possible to visit the Grand Charity web-site and read for yourself of the good work being done. This includes an emergency grant of £10,000 which has been made to the British Red Cross to aid their urgent work in tackling food shortages in Africa, where at least 23 million people are facing serious food shortages. The money will be used to help fund provision of food aid, water, sanitation and seeds for planting. News has reached us of a number of grants to regional non-Masonic charities approved by the Grand Charity this summer, totalling £43,000 nationwide, and including a grant of £1,250 to Telford-based charity "NO PANIC", which supports people with phobias, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorders. News of the Grand Charity and its activities can be found on their web-site www.grandcharity.co.uk.
Another new link is aimed at recently initiated Brethren, and is called www.initiatesclub.co.uk . Please report back on how helpful/enjoyable/whatever you find this and any other links; and the Webmaster is always pleased to hear of any new or broken links which he can add or repair.