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Two new plinths and a new bench have been placed at the Memorial Wood within Bradgate Park. They have been donated by the Temperantia Lodge 4088 to mark their centenary.

The Brethren of Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland would like to with the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, a very happy 84th birthday! Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG,GCMG,GCVO,CD,ADC (Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick; born 9 October 1935) is a member of the British Royal Family. The Duke was initiated into Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 on 16 December 1963 and was elected its Worshipful Master for 1965 and 1966. Having been appointed Senior Grand Warden in 1966, he was elected as Grand Master the following year and was installed on 14 June 1967 during United Grand Lodge of England's 250th-anniversary celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall. He is the 10th, and longest-serving Grand Master of UGLE, the governing body of Freemasonry in England and Wales. In December 2013, he celebrated 50 years as a freemason. In October 2017 he presided over the tercentenary celebrations of UGLE, marking the 300th anniversary of the founding of the original Grand Lodge, one of two which merged to form UGLE in 1813. The main ceremony was held in the Royal Albert Hall, in the year which also marked the Duke's 50th anniversary of installation as Grand Master.

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is delighted to announce it has been shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing and Leader of the Year categories at the Investors in People Awards 2020. Dr. David Staples, Chief Executive of UGLE, said: “Over the past few years, UGLE has put enormous effort into understanding, and supporting, the health and wellbeing of its staff. It is great to see that hard work has been recognised by Investors in People. Through these troubling times, we will continue to look after our most precious asset, those men and women who keep our organisation working and serve our 200k members.” Dr Staples, who became CEO in 2018, has also been named a finalist in Investors in People – Leader of the Year up to 250 category. Since being appointed, he has worked tirelessly to create a positive and pleasant work environment, where staff enjoy coming into work. Also competing for the Health and Wellness Award, the HR department has implemented a comprehensive strategy to ensure employees feel highly valued within the organisation. This has included: · The creation of a staff committee, made up of employees nominated by staff, who share any concerns or recommendations from staff directly into the HR Director and CEO; · The introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme, with access to a health e-hub and gym membership; · Provision of free fruit for the office to encourage staff to think about their eating habits; · Implementation of flexible working; · Appointment of four mental health departmental champions available for staff who need a friendly ear, support, and advice; · Organising annual Mental Health Week and Learning at Work week events with high levels of engagement from staff; · The introduction of new organisational values, a revamped appraisal system, and a new recognition and reward scheme. In addition managers and senior team members are trained and equipped to deal with difficult and challenging situations and with the support of HR, ensure staff are supported, recognised and given relevant help and guidance where required. In a recent Back to Work survey following Covid-19 sent by the HR department to staff, 84% agreed that they has access to the things they need to succeed when working from home, and 86% agree that they are just as productive working from home as they are at Freemasons’ Hall. Elizabeth Gay, Director of Human Resources, said: “I am passionate about health and wellbeing and the benefits of having a defined strategy and one that supports and fosters our culture and values. As an organisation, we are committed to providing a healthy working environment and improving the quality of working lives for all members of staff. I am absolutely delighted that UGLE is a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing awards category and proves that our hard work in this area has been recognised.” This is an enormous achievement in such a short space of time, during a period where a major restructure is taking place centered on delivering improved services for members. In addition, a new internal communications department was created, which is focussed on improving and implementing communications between its 100 employees. UGLE were originally awarded Investors in People accreditation in 2018 shortly after Dr. Staples’ appointment and was accredited at ‘Developed Level’ until 2021. The winners will be announced on the 24 November.

Thursday 17 September 2020 Freemasons are throwing open the doors of their famous headquarters in London’s Covent Garden this Saturday as part of Open House London. Freemasons’ Hall is renowned as one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London and was built as a tribute to Freemasons who died in World War One. For the first time at Freemasons’ Hall, visitors will be able to experience an immersion in WW1 with a camp scene, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, and Scottish Horse Yeomanry. The public will be able to walk around the medical, mess, and officers tents and view a 1917 Royal Ruby motorcycle and Anglia Ambulance Service used during the Great War. This year the visitors will find many new attractions to enjoy with their families and friends. Visitors can follow a children’s trail and identify beautiful architecture throughout the building including pictures within stunning stained glass windows. Children also have the opportunity to take home Bright Brick figures of a dragon, throne, and unicorn, as well as an ornate model of Freemasons’ Hall itself. During the weekend, visitors will also find Freemasons in regalia in the magnificent Grand Temple to answer any questions the public has about Freemasonry and also watch an interesting short film about Freemasonry. The Order of Women Freemasons will also be there to talk to visitors about female Freemasonry in the stunning vestibules. Last year Freemasons’ Hall welcomed nearly 9,000 visitors into the venue, making it the second most popular attraction that weekend after the Foreign Office. This year, the building has been made Covid Safe with temperature checks and hand sanitizing units, Track and Trace QR codes and a one-way system. There is no need to pre-book but visitors will be limited to no more than 30 per room over the weekend. Children will also get a free TLC teddy bear with every children’s face mask purchased. Dr. David Staples, UGLE’s Chief Executive, said: “Freemasons’ Hall was built as a peace memorial to the 3,000 Freemasons who died in WW1, so this year we decided to make a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country. “We are also excited to re-open the building for visitors but we are facing difficult times so we have made the building Covid Safe to protect our members and visitors to ensure that everyone will feel safe inside Freemasons’ Hall. Anyone who is unable to visit in person can view our new online tour film”. The Museum of Freemasonry will be open, displaying one of the world’s largest collections associated with Freemasonry, including Winston Churchill’s apron and the large throne made for the future King George IV, who was Grand Master from 1790-1813. Organ performances will also entertain visitors during the weekend. They will have the chance to listen to organ performances on Saturday and Sunday with five different organists playing a variety of songs on our magnificent pipe organ. The organ was constructed by famed British organ builders Willis in 1933 and was lovingly restored in 2015. For those who prefer to stay at home, Freemasons’ Hall will have talks online for people to watch and will be able to view a new tour film and behind the scenes footage of our Lodge Rooms.

The brilliant sunshine across the county made for a special outing as the Leicestershire & Rutland Classic Car enthusiasts gathered at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester for a joyful ride out to Rutland Water. The group congregated at the start point in Leicester, observing all requirements for social distancing and track and trace measurements before they set off on the pleasant ride out to Rutland Water. The route was organised by Bob Smith, and after a few detours, the convoy re-grouped at Houghton on the Hill before a journey through the rural lanes of Rutland. Parking up at Sykes Lane Beach car park for a picnic and refreshments, the glorious sunshine was a welcome addition to the day. In total twenty-five cars made the trip, of a wide variety of types and ages. The event was enjoyed by all and attracted several new members to the well-established group. Although there are no further outings planned for this year, it is hoped that next year will bring about better times ahead for meetings to resume.

The sun was shining brightly as three intrepid members of the East Goscote Lodge took to the saddle to raise monies for charity. For Nathan Paddison, Shael Marshall, and Vijay Chouhan, months of training had finally come to this moment, when the three of them set off on a journey from Syston, Leicestershire, to Skegness. The support team of Pete Leatherland and Pete Leatherland Senior were on hand to ensure that the cyclists had everything they needed for the journey and were given a rapturous send-off by the watching crowd, including the Provincial Grand Master Peter Kinder, and the Chairman of the 2022 Festival Dale Page. The route will take the cyclists eastwards, through to Grantham for a well-earned rest before pushing on towards Skegness before the day is out. So far they have raised over £2,000 for the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival, which has a target of raising £1.8m for the Masonic Charitable Foundation, supporting local charities and good causes. On seeing the cyclists depart into the glorious sunshine, the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder said, "What a tremendous effort by East Goscote Lodge and these lads in particular, I am very proud of everything they are doing to support this fantastic charity". The Chairman of the 2022 Festival Dale Page said, "The weather today is fantastic for the team, the effort they have put into this is superb, this is exactly what Freemasonry is all about".

On Tuesday 11th August 2020 the executive team from the Leicestershire & Rutland Royal Arch held a live video call with members to answer their questions and discuss how to return once restrictions allow. The panel spent ninety minutes answering questions put to them by the Companions of the Province, most of which were on the theme of how and when we can re-open our Chapters and begin to meet again. The full recording can be seen below:

Since purchasing his first bike for his 50th birthday in October 2015, Paul Simpson of St Wilfrid’s Lodge No.8350 has already completed a 300 mile charity ride over four days in 2017, a 150 mile charity ride over two days in 2018 and a 100 mile ride in one day in 2019. All these rides included a tour of the Masonic centres in Leicestershire & Rutland and further afield. In total, Paul has raised almost £8,000 of which half has been donated to the local Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough. He is now on his fourth bike and has cycled over 11,000 miles in the last five years, 4,000 of these during 2020. Typically Paul would cycle 100 miles a week, however, since lockdown this has increased to almost 200 miles a week. This year was to be a different challenge, Paul joined the Graces Racers team to participate in the Ride London 100 to raise funds for Neuroblastoma UK. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled, but Paul still wanted to ride 100 miles in a day with another team member. On Saturday 15th August 2020 starting at 8am at Gilmorton Playing Fields, Paul together with Gavin Gough from Graces Racers completed four 25 mile circuits, in six hours. He enlisted a support team of riders to help them on the day, of which many were fellow Freemasons (Andy Morris, Phil Caswell, Jason Clothier, Chris Pantelli, and Jon Taylor). Paul & Gavin’s local cycling club, Kibworth Easy Riders also provided support riders and Paul’s wife Denise and Gavin’s wife, Rita manned the main feed station. The halfway feed station was manned by fellow Freemason Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh and his daughter Ellie. Some of the riders just supported over one circuit but many completed two or more circuits and Andy Morris completed the full 100 miles. The Graces Racers fund-raising in aid of Neuroblastoma UK has raised over £6,000 as a team.

Freemasons in Leicestershire & Rutland have generously donated £1,000 to support the fantastic educational and social resource which can be found at the Gorse Hill City Farm in Leicester. The farm provides a wide range of facilities for visitors, including small animals, pond dipping, and other educational trips. Despite being affected by the restrictions due to Covid-19, the farm has had to ensure that the upkeep and welfare of its animals remain paramount. As well as cuts to local council funding, the team at Gorse Hill City Farm have been looking for other forms of local support, to which the Freemasons answered the call. Dave Hurst, trustee and treasurer commented, “we are hoping to be up and running again within two weeks after the relaxation of the lockdown”. Peter Kinder, head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons said, “I am delighted that we have been able to support such a wonderful local initiative, and help the team overcome the recent challenges. As Freemasons, we support our local charitable partners, the service provided by Gorse Hill City Farm certainly does make a huge difference to the community in and around Leicester.” Pictured: Gorse Hill City Farm Project

On Saturday 5th September 2020, members of the East Goscote Lodge No.2865 will be taking to the saddle to participate in a charity bike ride from the Masonic Hall in Syston, Leicestershire to the Skegness coast. The intrepid riders are Bro’s Nathan Paddison, Shael Marshall, and Vijay Chouhan, who will be ably supported by Bro’s Pete Leatherland and Pete Leatherland Senior. The past few months have seen intensive training to build up the stamina required for such a ride. The proceeds will go towards the Leicestershire & Rutland 2022 Festival Appeal, which has a target of raising £1.8m which will be distributed by the Freemasons Charity, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, to local charities and individuals who need it the most. You can help support the riders by donating here: https://bit.ly/3a6QDIx Pictured left to right: Nathan Paddison, Vijay Chouhan, Shael Marshall

Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester has been the home of Freemasonry in the city for over one hundred years, the foundation stone was laid on Saturday 17th July 1909 by the then Provincial Grand Master, The Rt. Hon. The Earl Ferrers. The laying of the foundation stone is always a topic that generates much interest amongst Freemasons and enthusiasts alike, and it is always a moment of fascination when new information is discovered. Recently, Bro. Nick Bradshaw of the Lodge of the Flaming Torch No.4874 was delighted to discover one such item on an auction site, and promptly bided and won the item in connection with the laying of the foundation stone. The item in question is an original order of proceedings booklet in great condition for its age, which would have been given to those in attendance for the ceremony over one hundred years ago. Over the twelve pages, it details the ceremony that took place on that day, and the role R.W.Bro. Earl Ferrers took in laying the stone. Freemasons’ Hall Leicester is on London Road within the city and boasts a large collection of Masonic artefacts and memorabilia, as well as being the headquarters for all Freemasons across Leicestershire & Rutland.

On Wednesday 10th June, Leicestershire and Rutland Royal Arch Masons hosted a live virtual tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. The Western Wall will be familiar to Royal Arch Masons as it was originally erected as part of the expansion of the Second Temple on Temple Mount. The Western Wall Tunnels have been filmed using state-of-the-art technology that gives a fully immersive tour of these famous tunnels. During the virtual tour, those who participated were in awe at the hidden underground spaces, and the opportunity to stand opposite the Holy of Holies and walk through a Hasmonean water aqueduct. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation provided an expert guide who took the virtual group on the magical tour of the tunnels and more. The evening was well attended, by the Grand Superintendent Noel Manby, and many of his officers and Companions from Leicestershire & Rutland. Although the evening was free of charge, a donation to the Craft 2022 Festival was encouraged, which totalled an amazing £1,046. The Grand Superintendent said, “This was such a fascinating evening, I would like to say a special thank you to E.Comps Andy Green and John Peberdy for organising the event.”