GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS 26 APRIL 2006

The following are the main points in the address by HRH The Duke of Kent, Grand Master. To read the full text ask your Lodge Secretary for the report of the Quarterly Communication of April 2006 or read it in MQ Magazine.

1. The policy of openness is bringing visible results by way of acceptance in the wider community - especially being open about our charitable activities.
2. We must remeber that charity has many facets - not just raising money. It also means love for one's fellow men, kindness, and leniency in judging others.
3. We must engage in activities which bring joy and happiness into the lives of the disadvantaged.
4. Cash donations do not always discharge our obligations as charitable Freemasons.
5. Charity means giving time - and we must spend time considering it in oor assemblies.
6. Christian scripture places charity in front of both faith and hope as the greatest of qualities.
7. Freemasonry rests on friendship, charity and integrity - what we know as Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
8. Freemasonry is a system of belief and principle offering a framework to better regulate our lives.

At the Quarterly Communication on 14 June the Pro Grand Master followed this up by saying:
"It is important that we build on the foundations we laid with our Freemasonry in the Community week by arranging events which benefit our local communities. There is no better way of ensuring the public and potential candidates have a good impression of what Freemasonry is all about than by seeing us helping those less fortunate than ourselves."

At the Quarterly Communication on 13 September the Pro Grand Master invited Brethren to think about priorities. In particular he recommended the effort put into the Universities Scheme designed to introduce Freemasonry to undergraduates and those connected with their Universities. The aim is to introduce thinking young men into Freemasonry.
The annual intake of initiates is not our main problem as long as we continue to introduce good men. Our main concern is retention - too many men drop out after only a short while in the Craft.

CRAFT ADMINISTRATION

Brethren will be aware that changes in the administration of the Craft took place during the year (2007).

The changes made are as follows:
1. The Grand Secretary will have responsibility for matters Masonic and will be fully responsible for our Districts and Lodges overseas, albeit at a reduced level. He will concentrate his efforts on Masonic matters for the benefit of Freemasonry in England and Wales and its Provinces and Districts.
2. A Chief Operating Officer - who need not be either a Freemason or male - will have responsibility for the management of Freemasons' Hall.
3. A new Office of Grand Chancellor will be created to oversee our relationships with other Grand Lodges. This will not be a paid office but he will have a Secretariat and will be a member of the Grand Master's Council and the Board.

STANDARDS OF DRESS

The Board of General Purposes has issued the following directions:

Ties: The new Craft tie or the plain black tie are both acceptable, although the Board would prefer that the new tie is adopted by as many Brethren as possible. The new tie is for wear in public if so desired.
Provincial ties or those of an old-school, regiment, university etc. may continue to be worn in members own Lodges.

See elsewhere on this page for more on the matter of ties.

Suits: In Northumberland (as elsewhere), traditional morning wear (short black jacket with pin-striped trousers) or dark lounge suit are correct.

Grand Officers at Installations etc: The Provincial Grand Master has stated that he wishes to move away from the wearing of long morning coats by Grand Officers who represent him at Installations. They must not be worn by VGOs in the Lodges to which they are assigned.

Shirts: Need not be completely white. However, they must have a plain white collar and any colour or stripe should be of a restrained pattern and colour.

COLLARETTES

Please note that NO Lodge may be permitted the wearing of any type of collarette, with or without a jewel, by any member. It is contrary to Rule 241 of the Book of Constitutions.

LODGE BUSINESS

In a Private Lodge, non-Masons must not be present when the Lodge is open. No part of the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree or Installation ceremonies may be conducted with non-Masons present. This includes giving the Charge after Initiation or any part thereof in the context of a ceremony or part of a ceremony. There is, however, no objection to the charge or part thereof being quoted at 'Open Days' etc.

The administrative business of a Lodge MUST be conducted ONLY in open Lodge, (without non-Masons present).

If a Lodge feels comfortable with it, there is no objection to it being involved with non-Masons in e.g. the laying of a foundation stone or a banner dedication. No Masons' signs should be given on such occasions. Provincial Grand Lodge must always be consulted in advance.

CRAFT TIE

The Craft tie is now well established and is being worn by a large number of Brethren in the Province.

There are 3 versions of the same design (silk with woven emblem, silk with printed emblem and printed polyester) and a polyester bow-tie version. A breast-pocket handkerchief and a cumerbund are also available.
All these are available from The Shop at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London and from the manufacturers, Toye, Kenning & Spencer.

Although it is still a permissible alternative to wear the black tie, the Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master have indicated that it is their wish that as many Brethren as possible wear the new design ties on Masonic occasions and publicly if they feel so inclined.

There is still a common misconception that this is a 'Grand Lodge' tie. IT IS NOT - IT IS THE CRAFT AND CHAPTER TIE FOR ALL FREEMASONS IN ENGLAND & WALES. There is such a thing as a Grand Lodge tie which is available for wear at Grand Lodge by Grand Officers (Present and Past) and those who work in and around Freemasons' Hall, London. However, the new design Craft / Chapter tie, in any of its forms, is now the recommended standard for all members of Northumberland Province.There are, of course, exceptions (in accordance with Grand Lodge Regulations) where it has long been accepted that certain Lodges may wear Old School, Regimental / military ties and/ or dinner suits.

A tie specific to the Royal Arch Chapter is under consideration - in the meantime the 'Craft' tie is appropriate for Chapter meetings.

FROM PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE

OPENING HOURS - PROVINCIAL OFFICE

Please note that the Provincial Office will be open ONLY at the following times - therefore there will be no-one available to answer telephone calls, emails etc. outside of these hours :
Monday - Thursday 8.00 am to 3.30 pm. Friday - Closed All Day

CRAFT ANNUAL MEETING

Rt. W Bro. Peter Magnay will preside over his first Annual Meeting as Provincial Grand Master at the City Hall on Thursday 29 November 2007, commencing at 6 pm. Please be seated by 1730. The meeting will be followed as usual by Dinner at 8pm at the Newcastle Civic Centre.

It is the bounden duty of all Grand Officers, Provincial Grand Officers and Masters and Wardens of all Craft Lodges to attend and to vote on the various items of business.

Also those receiving Provincial appointments are expected to attend to be invested. They deserve your support on this special occasion for them.

Other members of Lodges should also make an effort to attend - there is much to learn and much to be enjoyed from the meeting. The dinner at Newcastle Civic Centre is always a happy and enjoyable occasion enjoyed by all who attend. It is only once a year and the expenditure will bring its rewards. So when you receive the application form , do not just throw it away - think about your responsibility to wider Freemasonry and your support of the Provincial Grand Master and apply to attend the meeting and, if possible, the dinner.

Lodge Committees should, where appropriate, carefully consider financing the attendance of, at least, the Master and (conceivably) one or more Wardens. Remember - THE ANNUAL MEETING IS NOT ONLY FOR PROVINCIAL OFFICERS - it is for ALL Northumberland Freemasons.

Last year a considerable number of Lodges were not represented (!) and were asked why ! The Provincial Grand Master has a right to expect that EVERY one of his Lodges is represented. Please make every effort to ensure this happens - especially as this will be the first annual meeting over which Rt. W Bro Peter Magnay will preside.

PROVINCIAL VISITS 2007

Guidance Notes for all the years' Provincial Officers are issued at the Annual Meeting in November.

TEAM A:

Sept 10		Blackfriars		7556		Corbridge Rd.

TEAM B:

Sept 21		Newcastle upon Tyne   	24		Corbridge Rd.

TEAM C:

Sept 20		Bon Accord		8252		Bedlington

TEAM D:

Sept 13		Ocianus			8329		Ponteland

LODGE AMALGAMATIONS

The amalgamation of Lodges has the full support of Grand Lodge and a number of enquiries have been received by the Provincial Office. If any Lodges want to know how to pursue this course, or merely wish to explore the possibilities, Secretaries should contact the Provincial Grand Secretary at Neville Hall.

SECRETARIES ~ PLEASE NOTE

COMMUNICATIONS FROM PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE

Will Lodge Secretaries (in particular) please note that when the Provincial Grand Secretary issues a communication marked 'TO BE READ IN OPEN LODGE' he is acting for the Provincial Grand Master who has decided it is of particular importance. The instruction means exactly what it states. It must be read IN FULL, not just in part or referred to on a 'come and see me later' basis.
The Secretary's correspondence in the 'risings' is a vital part of communicating what is going on in Freemasonry, both locally and nationally, to those who do not receive Provincial correspondence or Grand Lodge reports.

SUMMONSES, CIRCULARS & MINUTES

It is appreciated that to some Lodges the costs of producing Lodge summonses and circulars can be prohibitive or, at least, a heavy burden on finances. However, it plays an important part in any Lodge and is often the only remaining regular link that older or housebound brethren have with their Lodge.
It has been noted that the quality of some Lodge summonses leaves a great deal to be desired - very poor quality paper, produced on ancient 'duplicating machines', badly out of alignment, print blurred or unreadable etc.

There are still printers who will produce summonses at a reasonable cost. Alternatively most Lodges have competent Brethren whose home computer facilities are capable of producing respectable summonses. Where necessary Lodges may consider compensating a Brother for his costs in carrying out this function for his Lodge.

NEW MEMBERS - DETAILS FOR SUMMONS

Rule 164(b) of the Book of Constitutions requires, in respect of all initiates, joining or re-joining members, that the following information MUST be shown in full on the summons for the meeting when the ballot is to take place.

1. Full Name
2. Age
3. Profession or occupation (if any)
4. Place(s) of abode - including PostCode
5. Business address(es)
6. Names of Proposer and Seconder
7. Date of proposal in open Lodge

SUMMONSES AND MINUTES BY E-MAIL

Enquiries are becoming more frequent regarding the issue of Lodge summonses / circulars and minutes by computer and electronic means.
Lodges / Secretaries are encouraged to print the e-mail addresses of the principal Lodge officials on their summonses and to begin collating the e-mail addresses of those members who have e-mail access. There is no objection from Grand Lodge or Province to Lodges sending the summons by e-mail to any member who is prepared to receive it in that way. HOWEVER, it must be identical in every respect - apart possibly from the art-work - to the hard copy version. The latter must continue to be issued to any brother who requests it - even if he also receives the e-mail version - and Province must be supplied with the usual number of hard copies.

Re the restricted access to the minutes and summons on a web-site:
Enquiries have shown that it is NOT acceptable at the present time to have either minutes or summons available on a site - even in a password-restricted part. The reason for this is to be found in Rule 177 of the Book of Constitutions where it states: "No Brother shall publish or cause to be published anything which according to the established principles of Masonry ought not to be published. No Brother, without the consent of the Grand Master or the Provincial or District Grand Master as the case may be, shall publish or cause to be published the proceedings of any Lodge."
The summons and Minutes are, of course, the written proceedings of the Lodge and when posted on a web-site are regarded as having been published to anyone with web access. This applies even though they would be in a 'password restricted' area of the site. The reason is that, although the average person browsing the site would not be able to obtain easy access (if at all), it is technically still possible for someone to get around such security if that person has the knowledge and determination.

Of course, there is no objection - indeed it is now actively and greatly encouraged - to all members receiving a copy of the minutes prior to the meeting (in either hard copy or by e-mail – or both) and then it is only necessary for them to be taken as read (hopefully!) at the meeting which follows. It is far better because it saves time and members can, if they wish, have a copy of Lodge proceedings and business to which they can refer, and sometimes learn from, to the benefit of the Lodge. Additionally, members who are elderly, infirm or ill who can not attend their Lodge are able to be kept in touch with what is going in in the Lodge.

LECTURERS FOR MEETINGS

Please note that the list of lecturers prepared by W.Bro Mike Louis several years ago is no longer extant and should not be used. W.Bro Louis no longer maintains a list and neither he nor anyone on the list should be contacted. Some of those on the original list are now deceased and contact with numbers on the list would clearly risk offence or upset to families of the persons contacted. The Secretary of the John Stephenson Lecture Lodge 9571 will be pleased to assist. Contact Provincial Grand Lodge if details required.

TREASURERS ~ PLEASE NOTE

INCREASES IN ANNUAL DUES - GRAND LODGE

All Secretaries will have received a copy of the report of the Quarterly Communication for 9 March 2005 which indicated the very significant increases, effective next year, in Grand Lodge and Grand Charity dues. These were approved at the March Communication and are for £20 and £10 per member respectively.

These are the most significant increases in the overall costs of membership for some considerable time and, of course, will often be in addition to rising general costs and costs of accommodation. It is inevitable that there will be an effect on memberships but it should be noted that the overall cost per week of being a Freemason is still less than the price of a Sunday paper.

This should be an affordable cost for the majority of members - however, it is vitally important that all Brethren should look out for, and Almoners check for, those Brethren who do not wish to give up their membership but who will suffer genuine hardship. Lodges must consider how they can best help and support these Brethren, who are, in many cases, amongst the more elderly of members. It goes without saying that any offers of assistance should be made with sensitivity and an awareness of the feelings of the Brethren concerned.

The Annual Dues payable to Grand Lodge for the year 2007 remain unchanged from 2006 and it is expected that the dues for 2008 will increase only in line with inflation. Registration fees will increase by 3% in 2007 and it is likely that they will further increase by 3% in 2008. Full details are available from the Provincial Grand Secretary.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE DUES

Dues payable for the year 1 January 2007 to 31 Dec 2007 are £11 per member (£2 for initiates). The amounts for 2008 will be announced at the Annual Meeting on 29 November 2007.

DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES ~ PLEASE NOTE

RAFFLES AT FESTIVE BOARD

It is perfectly in order for Lodges to hold raffles at their after-proceeedings - including Installation meetings and on Provincial visits.
However, the proceeds of any raffle held at the festive board or dinner,and especially where guests or visitors are present must be used only for a declared, named, charitable purpose.

The procedure will therefore be:
1. Announce before the tickets are sold that the proceeds are for a charitable purpose.
2. Name the benefitting Charity(ies).
3. Let Brethren know whether or not the draw will take place that day / evening or at a specified date in the future.
4. Ensure that tickets are sold and the draw is held as early as possible in the proceedings to ensure purchasers have a reasonable opportunity to be present (especially when sold to a visiting Provincial team or Provincial official !!)

Raffle proceeds must not be used to raise funds for the Lodge - costs of running Lodges should be reflected in the level of subscriptions.

INSTALLATIONS

DCs should be clear that when the Deputy PGM or an Assistant PGM attends an installation on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, he is not 'representing' the PGM. He attends in his own right. The correct introduction (which should be clearly instructed to Tylers and Innner Guards) is e.g. "W. Bro. [xxx], Assistant Provincial Grand Master, requests admission".

VOLUME OF SACRED LAW

It has been noted in many Lodges that damage is being done to the pages of the VSL by Brethren using a place-marker (usually a ribbon) as a lever to open the VSL at the so-called 'appropriate page'. If asked, most Lodges will not be able to say why the markers are at the particular part of the scriptures, other than the old 'excuse' that 'they have always been there'. There is no directive from Grand Lodge or Province as to where the VSL should be opened - indeed in Emulation working the VSL is (or should be) opened randomly at one place and usually remains there for all degrees.
However, there are certain passages of the Holy Bible which are pertinent to the various degrees. Volumes for faiths other than the Jewish or Christian are not usually opened and are kept covered. In all cases the Provincial Grand Secretary will advise on appropriate passages or will provide suitable advice. The important point here is that it is offensive and hurtful to many to see the VSL being damaged or treated with disrespect. Please take appropriate care.

ELECTION OF MASTER AND TREASURER

Please note that it is now some time since Grand Lodge approved changes to the election procedures.

1. The election of the Master and Treasurer MUST take place on the same day.
2. A 'simplified' procedure may be used.
3. The 'simplified' procedure can only be used if there is only one nomination and no other brother puts himself forward.
4. The intention to declare the election of the sole-nominated brother at a meeting must be shown on the summons for that meeting.

The effect of all this is that, in most Lodges, provided the proper procedure (above) is properly followed, the elections of Master and Treasurer no longer require the lengthy procedure of distributing ballot papers, completing them, collecting them and counting them before the Master and Treasurer are declared elected. The procedure is recommended to all Lodges in order not to unecessarily prolong the length of meetings. Very few lodges are adopting the revised procedure which is highly recommended and preferred by Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. Masters and Secretaries should consider the revised procedures carefully and make the appropriate changes as soon as possible.

FIRING AT FESTIVE BOARD / DINNER

The rules on firing are quite clear and are not optional. They have been laid down by Grand Lodge and reinforced often by Provincial Grand Lodge.
The first toast is always 'The Queen and the Craft' and should be announced as such in full. What follows this toast dictates the procedure for all the other toasts of the festive board.
If masonic firing follows the toast (and there is no reason why it should not) then ALL the toasts of the evening should be 'fired'.
If, by tradition, this toast is not 'fired' then NONE of the other toasts should be fired. This is the approved Masonic way and does not have to correspond to any other form of firing or proposing of toasts (as e.g. in the armed forces, universities or schools).
The firing element of the toast to 'The Queen and the Craft' recognises '.....the Craft' and not the loyal part of the toast.

RITUAL (REALLY) MATTERS

The following is an extract from the address given by the Pro Grand Master, Marquess of Northampton, at the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge held in September 2001. It remains as very good advice in 2007/8:

"......the need to share the ritual. We have all been to ceremonies where the Master is a good ritualist and the ceremony is done well, but we have also been to ceremonies where the prompts almost out-number the correct words. This is not enjoyable for the candidate or the Brethren and leaves one feeling sorry for the Master if he appears to have tried his best. Commitment is important to the enjoyment of Freemasonry, but not everyone is able to perform the ritual to a high standard even though they often try hard to do so. Those who cannot must share the work amongst the Past Masters and where possible other Brethren, and they should not feel guilty about doing so. There are plenty of Brethren in most Lodges who would welcome the chance to do something. It would be preferable for the Master to learn a little well than over extend himself. We are a fraternity that prides itself on helping one another and here is an example of how we can."
But please note that Provincial Grand Masters have met and agreed that, under no circumstances should the ritual be READ rather than learnt and given from memory. Additionally, the sharing of ritual must NOT be used as an excuse for a Master, or any other officer, not to do ALL the work appropriate to his year of office.

Please note that the latest edition of the Northumbrian Masters' ritual (used by the majority of Lodges in Northumberland) is available from Provincial Office.

Grand Lodge has endorsed the following statement which will be of interest to Lodges that may wish to have a 'demonstration' at a meeting where there is e.g. no candidate:

The ritual of another RECOGNISED Grand Lodge which works in English may be demonstrated at a meeting of a Private Lodge provided the following conditions are satisfied:

a) Only Master Masons are present at the demonstration
b) The Lodge has been closed, or is 'called off' for the duration of the demonstration
c) The Lodge remains fully tyled throughout.

The above applies also to reconstructions of historical forms of Craft ritual. A language other than English must never be used and the demonstration must never be given at a Lodge of Instruction.
There are other 'rules' - if you are contemplating anything of this or a similar nature it is essential that you first contact the Grand Secretary through the Provincial Grand Secretary.

NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITIY ASSOCIATION

The 2007 meeting of the NMCA was held at Neville Hall in September 2007.

Please see the Provincial Grand Master's comments regarding the need for every to make a donation of £100 before the RMTGB Festival in 2009. This amount will need to be paid before the end of February 2009 in order to qualify for inclusion in the total of the fund.

One of the main thrusts of the effort towards a successful 2009 Festival is a policy to encourage as many tax-paying Brethren as possible to sign Gift Aid declarations. Secretaries and Charities Stewards of Lodges have been written to asking them to commence the drive to obtain standing orders in favour of the NMCA. This is important whether or not members are taxpayers, however those who are, and sign the Gift Aid declaration, will be donating an additional 28p for every pound by way of tax relief from the Inland Revenue.

The Gift Aid system is much simpler than the previous Covenant System. You do not commit yourself to giving any amount for any given period. Basically, once you have made a declaration that you wish donations to be Gift Aided then any amount, no matter how large or small, will in future benefit the charity by the appropriate amount of tax relief. You have no further forms to complete and can cease or reduce donations or (preferably!) increase them at any time. Although the Charity you will be donating to is the NMCA, the ultimate beneficiary will be the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys which is the Masonic Charity allocated to be the recipient from Northumberland Province. Please see other pages on this website for further details of Gift Aid, the NMCA and the RMTGB.

Please also see the 'Local Charities' page of this web-site.

IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU COMPLETE A STANDING ORDER FOR YOUR REGULAR DONATIONS TO THE NMCA. A FORM FOR COMPLETION IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD FROM THE 'DOWNLOADS' PAGE OF THIS WEBSITE.

EVENTS FOR THE 2009 FESTIVAL

Events which have been organised include:

SCOTTISH NIGHT at North Shields on 26 January 2008
GRAND BALL at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on 14 March 2008
TEPPAN YAKI EVENING @ the Fujiyama Restaurant, Stowell Street, Newcastle on 11 May 2008.

Contacts, information including how to apply can be made through the 2009 Festival Fund-raisiing Committee's Web page by clicking on the following link:

2009 Festival Fund Raising - Social Events 2008

The Fund-raising Committee for the 2009 Festival is shown below. The Committee is always looking for suggestions for visits etc. Your ideas for fund-raising will be welcomed by any of the Social Committee.

Contacts:
Ian Colthart 0191 296 3913
John Chan 0191 234 4463
Tom Foo 0191 285 2137
Colin Hume 0191 237 6110
Jim Neil 01661 833599
Dave Watson 0191 262 9349.

RICHARD HENRY HOLMES MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

The 2007 meeting of this committee was held at Neville Hall in October 2007.
Please see the 'Local Charities' page of this web-site for a list of donations made from this fund.

TRAINING

'SIMPLE GUIDE' LEAFLETS

The Training and Education Committee of the Province has produced a number of excellent 'Simple Guide' leaflets covering e.g. 'The Lodge Secretary', 'The Lodge Treasurer', 'The Senior Warden, Master-Elect', 'The Lodge Director of Ceremonies' and 'Why should I Join the Chapter?'. The latter is specifically addressed to the newly-raised Master Mason and is to be presented to him at the end of the 3º ceremony. Suitable words for the presentation have been devised and are included in the latest edition of the Northumbrian Masters' Ritual.

The Simple Guide 'Now that you are a Grand Officer' originally intended for newly-appointed Grand Officers has received much interest and is now being distributed to all new Grand Officers.

TRAINING SESSIONS

Presentations are occasionally held by the Provincial Communications and Training Committee. They are aimed at Master Masons with a short experience or those wishing to expand their knowledge. They usually take the form of a slide presentation followed by questions which are answered by experienced Brethren. Contact your Lodge Secretary or Provincial Grand Lodge if you wish to attend or require details of planned events.

INTER-PROVINCE FOOTBALL MATCH

The 10th Annual Challenge Match between the Provinces of Northumberland and Durham took place on Sunday 8th May at the West Auckland Football Ground. The match was played for the Ken common Trophy.

This is a popular event with Masonic reputations at stake ! It raises money for Masonic charities. Will the organisers please advise the Webmaster what was the result !!

Contacts are:
Bill Gibson 0191 414 8577, Michael Lightley 01670 817183, Brian Bradley 0191 487 9869

NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM
MASONIC GAME FISHERS

A number of succesful outings are planned for 2005. Will the organisers please advise detaiuls to the Webmaster

Brethren wishing to have news or take part in events, please contact any of the following Brethren:

A Jenkins - 0191 4163517
J White - 0191 3701370
I Foster - 0191 2749298
T Jameson - 0191 3881218
F Tizzard- 0191 3731048.

GOLF

W Bro Norman Hurst (Secretary)organises the golf activity. Please contact the Webmaster to include details of future events.

Contact Norman Hurst on 0191 413 3508

CARAVANNING

W Bro Jim Campbell organises caravanning activity. Contact Jim on Blyth 01670 352456 or Mobile 0788 7855287.
Please contact the Webmaster to include details of events.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

W Bro Jim Campbell also organises the Northumberland Masonic Clay Busters

Programme for 2005/6 has not yet been advised:

All events are usually held on the First and Third Tuesdays of May, June and July.
If you would like to try Clay Shooting please go along - take a friend - all are welcome.
For further information contact Jim Campbell:
Blyth 01670 352456 or Mobile 0788 7855287.

BOWLS

W.Bro. Syd Butcher is the Bowls contact - Tel. 0191 286 8809
The Annual Northumberland v Durham match will take place, probably in August 2005.

Organisers - please let the Webmaster know of new events.

If Syd Butcher not available - try L Swales 0191 536 4845

FREE DOWNLOAD! - BOOKLET FOR CANDIDATES

The Webmaster, Mike Louis, wrote this booklet some years ago and it has been updated regularly since. It has been widely used in Northumberland lodges and in other Provinces. It is a guide to what Freemasonry is all about for the prospective candidate so that he knows what he can expect from Freemasonry and what Freemasonry can expect from his membership.

It is now available as a FREE DOWNLOAD for anyone interested in joining Freemasonry or for any Lodge officer who will find it of some use. It is a small download consisting of 15 pages and is in 2 versions (MS Word or PDF). The PDF version, of course, requires that you have a recent version of Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

To View and / or Download the WORD Version click on the following link (The booklet is also available from the 'Downloads' page of this website):

BOOKLET FOR CANDIDATES - MS Word Version (approx 90 Kb)

To View and / or Download the PDF Version click on the following link:

BOOKLET FOR CANDIDATES - PDF Version (approx 150 Kb)

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

BEAMISH

Although this item relates to a project of our Brethren in Durham Province, many Northumberland Brethren have had an iinterest in the building of the Masonic Hall at the Beamish Museum.

Many Brethren will know that the project was to dismantle an old Masonic Hall in Sunderland, stone by stone, and reassemble it at the Beamish Museum so that the public could freely see what is the nature of the interior of a Masonic Hall and Lodge Room. Durham Brethren made a huge effort to raise the funds, with the promise of additional funding by those who fund the Museum generally. They were very successful and the building was moved to Beamish. Ultimately, a Foundation Stone was laid by the Provincial Grand Master for Durham, amidst a massive public display and procession in full dress regalia (approved wholeheartedly by Grand Lodge).

Unfortunately, much of the money promised by the Museums' benefactors was not forthcoming and our Durham brethren despaired that the project might not be completed as the stones stood in a large pile. Not to be beaten, they raised further monies to ensure that, one way or another, the project would be completed.

In 2003, the Director of the Beamish Museum, Miriam Harte, informed the Provincial Grand Master for Durham that, in conjunction with OneNorthEast (which promotes business and tourism in the North East), £2 million was to be provided for developments at Beamish. This includeded the Masonic Hall, enabling work on the design and specification to commence immediately. Tenders were obtained and work was commenced early in 2005. The shell of the building was erected by March 2005 and the Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodgeof Durham set the Keystone. The building was opened with much pomp and circumstance by the Most Worshipful Grand Master in April 2006 with full Masonic ceremony similar to that when the foundation stone was laid.

We share in the joy of our Durham brethren and congratulate them on the success of their project. This is a matter of National importance to Freemasonry and in particular to the North East. Northumberland Freemasons are encouraged, with their families and friends, to whole-heartedly support our Durham brethren, the Museum in general and the project in particular.

For more details please visit the Durham Province website (www.durhamfreemasons.org).