Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

My Dear Brethren,
As we approach the end of a year that has presented many challenges to Society in general, it is testament to the high value of Freemasonry that our Order continues to add light and lustre to all. I am extremely hopeful for 2012 and do hope that Lodges in Area 5 will consider local worthy causes and apply to the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund for grants to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

Let us all strive to unite in the Grand Design of being happy and of communicating happiness.

My very best festive and fraternal regards to you, your families and your loves ones.

WBro. David S. Pratt PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master

Posted in Area 5 on December 29th, 2011

It is with regret that we have to report the death of W Bro Walter Downs. Walter passed away on Wednesday, 21st December 2011.

The funeral will be on Thursday, 5th January 2012 at Lepton Parish Church at 12 noon  following a private family cremation.

Posted in Uncategorized on December 26th, 2011

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has donated £50,000 to The Place2Be to fund a programme for primary and secondary school children in Leeds, which will benefit 3,300 young people. The charity provides counselling and support within schools for vulnerable children in areas of deprivation.

The programme helps young people who are suffering abuse, family breakdown, violence, substance abuse and bereavement. It also supports teachers and parents in dealing with emotional and mental health issues. The aim of the programme is to enable children to share their troubles and emotions; increase their self esteem and coping skills; help them communicate more effectively; help them build relationships with others and finally, it is there for young people during a time of need.

Speaking about the donation John Clayton, the Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire, West Riding, said: “Providing opportunities to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people is at the heart of our youth opportunities funding programme. The Place2Be works to help young people fulfil their potential in the best way possible, which Freemasons fully support.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be benefiting from the Freemasons’ wonderful support and for this opportunity to continue our partnership.  This donation will ensure we can continue making a lifetime of difference to over 3,300 vulnerable and at-risk children in Leeds through our range of school-based services, ensuring they are able to learn more effectively and grow up with prospects not problems,”

Benita Refson OBE, Chief Executive, The Place2Be.

The Major Grants Scheme is just one of the initiatives driven by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity which donates over £3 million to national charities every year.

Posted in Charity News on December 21st, 2011

Four days before Christmas the Grand Charity is very happy to announce that over £1 million has been donated during November – December 2011, for non-Masonic grants. This includes £600,000 for hospice services as well as major grants in the areas of support for vulnerable people, youth opportunities and medical research.

Read the full article on The Grand Charity website

Posted in Charity News on December 21st, 2011

While Lodges in many parts of the Province have become involved in big parades a small group of Brethren from Ryburn Lodge No 1283 laid a wreath at the Annual Remembrance Service at the tiny War Memorial at West Vale near the Lodge building at Willow Royd.

The Masonic Wreath was placed alongside those laid by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire, the local branch of the Royal British Legion, The Calderdale Council and the Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies.
This War Memorial is probably unique as it is situated inside the building at Clay House. The room was filled to capacity with about 70 people attending, many having to stand. The Service was conducted by Father Terry Swinhoe who makes the presentation relevant and lively by talking each year about the personal history of one or two of the men named on the Memorial. The release of the 1911 Census has enabled him to give a very detailed account of the lives of local men who died in WW1.

W.Bro.Jim Johnson
Ryburn Lodge No 1283

Posted in Uncategorized on December 3rd, 2011

The Tyler at Royal Forest Lodge No 401 has for many years been improperly dressed. For those who have visited the Lodge at Waddington will have no doubt seen the ancient tylers coat that has been worn since 1829 and is still worn at every meeting.

But in living memory he has been without his tricorn hat.

It was worn with the coat whilst standing at the door of  the Hark to Bounty Public House in Slaidburn, the original home of 401, and is believed to have been lost or misplaced many years ago.

The lodge committee felt it was time to restore the Tyler to his former glory and commissioned W Bro Barry Whitehead to source an authentic replacement.

At the October meeting the Tyler W Bro Towler wore his new hat for the first time and is here pictured with the Worshipful Master, Bro Arthur Cassidy.

Posted in Area 2 on December 3rd, 2011

For many years the Masonic fallen have been remembered in Doncaster and District by the laying of a wreath at Doncaster’s War Memorial by the President of DDIMA, currently W Bro Richard Paver of St George’s 242.

As usual, there was an excellent gathering outside Elmfield Park, Doncaster as can be seen from the above picture taken as W Bro Richard approached the Memorial.

This year, in addition, W Bro Bob Corfield of Hall Cross 5744 laid a wreath at Thorne’s Memorial Park. Often a family event, this was no exception as also present with a detachment of 26 Air Cadets was W Bro Bob’s son, Flt Sgt Martyn Corfield, also a member of Hall Cross Lodge.

Pictured l-r, Bro Martyn Corfield, W Bro Bob Corfield

Although not on the same scale as Doncaster, a good number of the local community was present with representatives of each of the services and a number of ex-servicemen’s and youth organisations in attendance.

Posted in Area 4 on December 1st, 2011

On the day after installing his successor, W Bro Martin Skinner into the chair of DeMaulay Lodge, W Bro Graham Bailey presented a cheque for £1,000 to Glebe field stables, the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association. The money was raised during his year in the chair.

Glebe field is a family run stables that has been established for 35 years and, in partnership with RDA, aims “ to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride and or to carriage drive to benefit their health and well being.”

There are three self contained secure stable yards, two of which are suitable for wheelchair users. The 18 horses and ponies owned are appropriate for all, ranging from miniatures up to 16.2 hands horses. There are car parking facilities and two all weather arenas.

The premises are wholly wheelchair friendly with ramps, portable hoists, disabled toilets, additional wash rooms and kitchen facilities available.

There is a purpose built heated classroom equipped with computer, printer, copier, OHP and TV

Over one hundred and fifty people with a wide variety of physical, mental, social and educational needs use the facilities weekly. Clients range from three year olds to adults well past retirement age.

The £1000 will repair old and buy new equipment.

Pictured l-r, Sophie Leeson, Jane Hemmingway, head of the centre, Isabelle Stone and W Bro Graham Bailey

Posted in Area 4 on December 1st, 2011

Over 60 brethren assembled for the November meeting of Stonegate Lodge 6118 to celebrate W Bro Viv Gregory’s 50^th Anniversary in the Craft. The brethren were joined on this occasion by V W Bro Jack Pigott, PGSwdB, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Doncaster Mason W Bro Colin Forster, Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies.

V W Bro Jack Pigott (l) and W Bro Viv Gregory

V W Bro Jack briefly took the chair to confirm the purpose of his visit and then joined W Bro Gregory on the floor of the Lodge where they discussed W Bro Viv’s life in and out of Freemasonry.

One of the more interesting revelations was W Bro Viv’s first wage as an apprentice – 7/6 (37½ pence) for a 56 hour week.

W Bro Viv was also commissioned into the Black Watch, a fact commemorated at the Festive Board by the presentation to him of a Black Watch infantryman figurine by W Bro Mick Ricketts on behalf of the Lodge.

Judging by the smile on his face throughout the proceedings, W Bro Viv, like the rest of us, thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Posted in Area 4 on December 1st, 2011