Search Results

On Thursday 28th November 2018 the Grand Superintendent took his team of Provincial Officers together with some Grand Officers to the Wiclif Chapter No.3078 in Lutterworth. The visiting team enjoyed a superb evening, witnessing the Installation of Companion Christopher Greenhill into the chair of the Chapter. A first class installation ceremony was performed by E.Comp. Geoffrey Phipps, who together with the team made the entire ceremony and the subsequent investiture of the officers an enjoyable experience for all of those in attendance. During the evening, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Noel Manby made a special presentation of a certificate of 50 years’ service in the Royal Arch to E.Comp. Michael Robinson. Although the 50th anniversary was last year, the Grand Superintendent wanted to do this at this time as he was unable to do so last year on the actual date, which was appreciated by all.

On Saturday 26th January 2019 a large number of Royal Arch Companions and their partners descended on Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester for what has become an eagerly awaited event in the Royal Arch calendar. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Noel Manby, together with his wife Jackie welcomed everyone before they took their seats to enjoy an excellent meal. The theme of the event this year was “Music from the Shows” and the assembled company were entertained by a trio of singers who provided songs to listen to during dining, and then afterwards turned up the volume with music to dance the night away. A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all and many of the Companions are already asking for the date of next year’s event.

On the 29th October 2018, Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was the venue for the first in a series of roadshows around the Province highlighting the next step in Craft Masonry and the links to the Royal Arch. Master Masons, their Royal Arch Representatives, and hosts gathered for an informal yet informative presentation of what the Royal Arch can offer them. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Noel Manby opened the proceedings with an introduction to the team and the Royal Arch in general, followed by presentations from Excellent Companions Paul Wallace, Carl Ackers and Dale Page, and a personal account of why the Royal Arch was right for him by Companion Richard Barnett. Afterwards all were treated to a buffet where further questions were raised and discussed by all of the team. During 2019 it is planned to hold further introductions to the Royal Arch in other centres around the Province.

On a mild winters' afternoon on the 9th December 2018, over 350 Freemasons, family, and friends gathered at Leicester Cathedral for the annual Christmas carol service.  As the visitors arrived, they were greeted by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Andrew Green, along with the Dean of Leicester, The Very Reverend David Monteith, before being escorted to their seats by a delegation of Provincial Grand Stewards. It was a very festive occasion, as the Cathedral was filled with song, expertly led by the Senior Girls and Songmen of the Cathedral Choir. The first lesson was given by W.Bro. Jonathan Varley, Provincial Senior Grand Warden “Wisdom of Solomon 7.1-7”, followed by W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson, Provincial Grand Secretary, with “Exodus 3.1-6”. After renditions of favourite seasonal hymns, the third lesson “Isaiah 11.1-9” was given by the Provincial Grand Treasurer, W.Bro. Adrian Pearse, and the fourth lesson “Isiah 9.2,6-7" by the Assistant Grand Master W.Bro. Andrew Green. After the congregation delighted with a superb rendition of “O little town of Bethlehem”, the lessons continued with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder delivering “Luke 1.26-38”, and the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. David Hagger with “Luke 2.1-16” where St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. All were treated to an enthralling and enlightening Sermon, given by W.Bro. The Reverend Clive Watts, Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, before the closing lesson given by V.W.Bro. The Reverend Canon Michael Wilson, Provincial Grand Chaplain “John 1.1-14” and the prayers and blessing led by The Very Reverend David Monteith, Dean of Leicester. The Provincial Grand Master said: “Whereas last year the deep snow prevented many from attending, it is such a delight to see the Cathedral full for this service of celebration” The afternoon was concluded with mince pies and a glass of wine in the Great South Aisle of the Cathedral.

On Tuesday 8th January 2019, at the regular meeting of the Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No.779 in Ashby de la Zouch, a cheque presentation was made to the Leicestershire and Rutland 2022 Festival Chairman, W.Bro. Dale Page. Past Master, W.Bro. Terry Hueck had the pleasure, on behalf of the Lodge, of presenting W.Bro. Dale with a cheque for £2,500 which had been raised during 2018 by the members, families, and friends of the Lodge at a number of social events. The most significant being a very successful hog roast held in the summer. W.Bro. Dale was pleasantly surprised and delighted to receive the donation into the 2022 Festival funds, saying that "such charitable donations give me confidence that the full sum of £1.8m will be raised across the Province by 2022. Thank you very much”. The Lodge is currently preparing plans to continue with 2022 Festival fundraising during 2019.

W.Bro. Ian R. Johnson PAGDC was installed as the 127th Master of the Lodge of Research No.2429 on Monday 26th November 2018 at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester. At the meeting, the lodge was delighted to welcome the Provincial Junior Grand Warden, W.Bro. Geoffrey Searson as the representative of the Province. After the installation ceremony, the new Master delivered his Inaugural Address “Past Provincial Grand Treasurers of the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland”. As a former Provincial Grand Treasurer himself, and member of the Lodge Semper Eadem No.3091 he has a particular and understandable interest in his forerunners and whilst he was aware that his immediate predecessor, W.Bro. Chris Packham, is also a member and Past Master of Lodge Semper Eadem it was only when he began his researches more thoroughly did he discovered that this connection with his Mother Lodge was a recurring theme throughout the history of the twentieth century. The paper explored a trend in the evolution of the role of Provincial Grand Treasurer where the first appointees were noted and respected leading businessmen reflecting the wealth, success and upward social mobility of late Victorian Leicester. Following World War Two we had a succession of military men taking on the role of managing the Province’s finances before eventually the finance professional, predominantly chartered accountants, took centre stage. The Master selected several examples of Provincial Grand Treasures in the various categories of Business, Military and Professional men: W.Bro. Henry Grace (Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1914 to 1931) W.Bro. James Pickard (Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1932-1940) R.W.Bro. Cecil Morley C.B.E., T.D., A.D.C., D.L. (Provincial Grand Treasurer between 1949 and 1953) W.Bro. Sidney Brown T.D., D.L., J.P., (Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1959 to 1966) W.Bro. John Castleman (Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1990 to 1996) W.Bro. Alan Jinks (Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1997 until 2002) The full lecture will be printed in the lodge’s Transactions which will be published in the Autumn of next year.

Freemasons from lodges meeting across Leicestershire and Rutland, plus visitors from far and wide attended the Annual Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge which was held on Friday 30th November 2018 at Freemasons' Hall, Leicester. The Provincial Grand Master of Leicester & Rutland, R.W.Bro. David Hagger welcomed the many guests from other Provinces, and also a most welcome guest from the United Grand Lodge of England, the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir David Hugh Wootton. The meeting continued with the appointments and changes to the Provincial Executive team, with the retirement of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. James Buckle having served the Province well in the position since 2010. He was succeeded by the promotion of V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder. The Provincial Grand Master then promoted W.Bro. Dr. Andrew Green to the position of Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The position of Assistant Grand Master in Leicestershire & Rutland was created in 1962, W.Bro. Andrew is now the youngest serving in this post at the age of 47. Many other Brethren were honoured with Appointments and Promotions to Provincial Grand Rank and invested by the Provincial Grand Master during the meeting in view of their commitment to Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland. The Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association reported that during the last year, donations were made to 55 local Charities of £60k. These local Charities, supported by the LRMCA, are providing much needed services and support to the community. In addition, The Masonic Charitable Foundation continues to support local Charities within the Province, with donations to Charnwood Twenty Twenty of £35,481 over a period of 3 years, £5,000 to Home-Start South Leicestershire, and £3,500 to The Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Also, three local Hospices received grants, £500 to Dove Cottage Day Care, £3,790 to LOROS, and £1,580 to Rainbows. The Provincial Grand Master then addressed the Brethren, in particular focussing on events within the Province that have raised monies for the 2022 Festival target of £1.8m, as well as the celebrations of the Tercentenary of organised Freemasonry held during the last year, such as The Memorial Wood at Bradgate Park, funded by the Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons and Leicestershire County Council. This initiative has so far raised a profit of over £70,000 through the sale of over 500 bronze oak leaves with personal inscriptions which have been purchased from the Bradgate Park Trust and installed on distinctive feature wooden oak pillars within the Memorial Wood. After the meeting, 330 brethren dined within Freemasons’ Hall where all enjoyed an excellent meal to celebrate the previous year, and usher in the new. The Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir David Hugh Wootton received a presentation gift for his return journey to London, which included stilton cheese and a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. On receiving the gifts, Sir David said: “This has been a fantastic and superb day, Freemasonry at its finest!” The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger brought an end to the day by saying: “Yet again we have had a fantastic year in the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland, with so much work undertaken by our 77 Lodges to raise money for those in need, and above all ensuring that all of our members enjoy their Freemasonry”

At the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire & Rutland, held at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester on Friday 30th November 2018, a generous donation of £11,274 was presented by W.Bro. Peter Faulkner, who is a member of several lodges meeting in Lutterworth and Hinckley, to the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger. Earlier this year, a committee was formed of representatives from three lodges, Wiclif Lodge No.3078 and Edwards Sherrier Lodge No.6757 who meet at the Masonic Hall in Lutterworth, and the Burbach Lodge No.8699 who meet at the Masonic Hall in Hinckley. It was agreed that in August of this year, W.Bro. Peter Faulkner would host at his home a “Lakeside Charity Party” to raise funds for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival, which has a target of raising £1.8m for local good causes. The event was a great success, with over 400 people in attendance. The cheque was presented to the Provincial Grand Master, who said “What a fantastic achievement by the three lodges, which will go towards helping us achieve our target”

Freemasons' Hall in Leicester was the venue as Festival and Charity Stewards from all over the Province gathered for a workshop chaired by the 2022 Festival Committee and special guest W.Bro. Paul Crockett, Fundraising Officer for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The morning began with an introduction from the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger who welcomed all those that attended from Lodges throughout the Province, and thanked them for their dedication to the festival and looked forward to their ideas of how to achieve the £1.8m target.  The Chairman of the 2022 Festival, W.Bro. Dale Page then gave an update on the performance of the Lodges, and in particular to celebrate achieving the £1 Million milestone. Grateful thanks were also given to the top ten performing Lodges, although the message is clear that much work is still to be done.  Next up was the special guest, W.Bro. Paul Crockett, who gave a thought provoking and insightful presentation on how the MCF is helping brethren, families, and charities throughout Leicestershire & Rutland. The audience then took the time to work with their peers around the table to generate ideas and plans to help their lodges achieve their targets, and the ultimate target for the Province of £1.8m. The Chairman of the Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Charitable Association, W.Bro. Phil Caswell rounded the proceedings off by explaining how the LRMCA can help Lodges to maximise their fundraising efforts by engaging with the LRMCA to see where donations can be made to benefit chosen charities as well as the 2022 Festival. The Chairman of the 2022 Festival, W.Bro. Dale Page said "What a fantastic sight, to see so many lodges represented here today to work together to achieve our ultimate goal" The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger added "The team and enthusiasm shown here today has proven that achieving our target of £1.8m by 2022 is indeed achievable, and i would again like to thank all those present here today to make the morning such a success"

On Wednesday 31st October 2018, The Leicestershire & Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896 were thrilled to welcome W.Bro. Christopher Noon of Apollo University Lodge No.357, the 2018 Prestonian Lecturer. The Holmes Lodge room was a buzz with members of the Lodge, visitors and guests who had arrived to witness a rare event in Leicester, the presentation of this year’s Prestonian Lecture “A good workman praises his tools: Masonic Metaphors in Ancient Greece” expertly delivered by the author himself, W.Bro. Christopher Noon. The presentation demonstrated some of the links, evidence, and example, tenuous or otherwise, between Masonic symbols and ceremonies and the Ancient Greeks. The audience were educated and entertained throughout, with a heartfelt thank you being delivered by the Master of the Lodge, V.W.Bro. Jim Buckle, who also announced that the Lodge of Installed Masters will be donating £500 to the chosen charity of W.Bro. Christopher, and a further £250 to the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival. Afterwards, all were treated to an excellent festive board and good humour before W.Bro. Christopher had to leave, as he was due in Greece the very next day to present the same lecture. The Prestonian Lecture is the only lecture given under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. William Preston (1742 – 1818), the foremost Masonic educator of his time. left a legacy to provide for an Annual Lectureship. Pictured left to right: The Provincial Grand Master, David Hagger; The 2003 Prestonian Lecturer, W.Bro. Prof. Aubrey Newton; The 2018 Prestonian Lecturer W.Bro. Christopher Noon; Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Jim Buckle

On Wednesday 24th October 2018, Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was pleased to receive an unexpected but most welcome visitor. Whilst working in the office, W.Bro. Ian Nesbitt, the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary was called to reception to meet with a fellow Mason, all the way from Greece who had asked to be shown around our Headquarters. In a typically polite fashion, W.Bro. Ian acceded to this request, and whilst asking for more details of the unexpected visitor found out his name to be George Vassilogeorges, none other than M.W.Bro. George Vassilogeorges, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Greece. Having directed M.W.Bro. George around, he made no hesitation in expressing his delight in seeing the splendid hall, and in particular the Holmes Lodge Room and it’s wonderfully ornate ceiling and décor. Being so taken aback with its splendour, M.W.Bro. George asked if he could attend a Craft Lodge that very evening. With several options available, it was decided that M.W.Bro. George would attend the Installation meeting of the Grey Friars Lodge No.6803, which was to receive the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder as the representative of Provincial Grand Lodge. V.W.Bro. Peter was duly briefed on the unexpected visitor, and arrived at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester to meet M.W.Bro. George who was resplendently dressed in his most ornate Past Grand Master’s regalia. The Master of Grey Friars Lodge, W.Bro. Stuart Davison and the Master Elect, W.Bro. Richard Bartholomew, together with all of the other members and visitors attending that evening made their special guest feel very much welcome. The evening was a tremendous success, helped out by the skilful tones of W.Bro. Tony Stockton who delivered a flawless rendition of “God be in my head” and also the “Master’s song” at the festive board. A special evening indeed that will be remembered by all, especially the new Master. Pictured: W.Bro. Peter Gisbson-Leitch, V.W.Bro. Peter C Kinder, M.W.Bro. George Vassilogeorges, W.Bro. Tony Stockton

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) care home Devonshire Court at Oadby, Leicester recently held a celebration event after their recent 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission. The celebration was attended by Mark Lloyd, the Managing Director of the RMBI Care Company, along with several senior Freemasons from both Leicestershire and Rutland, and Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire. Many of the staff and residents of the home were also in attendance to enjoy the celebrations. Mark said: “It was remarkable how from a very bad period, two and half years before, the Home had managed to achieved such a high rating with the Care Quality Commission”. He congratulated the manager and all the staff who had made it possible. The inspection, carried out on the 15th August 2018, found the registered manager and her team to be providing excellent leadership to staff, ensuring good staffing levels to meet the needs of residents, and pursuing a long term vision for the home with excellent standards. The Manager at Devonshire Court, Julie O’Connor said: “It had only been possible because of the dedication of all the staff, and the help of the Masonic community”. The Christmas Fair at Devonshire Court will be held on Saturday 1st December 2018, which every brother will be most welcome.