Compass

Compass 

The Official Magazine for Freemasons in the Province of Somerset 

www.somersetfreemasons.org 

Issue 46 JUNE 2016 

FREEFALL! 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR FOR THE 

TERCENTENARY? 

THE PROVINCIAL AGM 

FULL STORY INSIDE 

ASST. GRAND MASTER VISITS ST ALPHEGE 

WELLS MUSEUM HAS A NEW EXHIBIT 

BENEVOLENT LODGE 446! 

CHAMPIONS! 

VALE OF BRISLINGTON WIN BRISTOL’S DRAGON BOAT RACE 

AN INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN SLOCOMBE 

PROVINCIAL GRAND MENTOR 

@pglsomerset 

somerset 

freemasons

‘A few months ago I received a 

telephone call from the PGM who asked 

me if I would accept the office of Junior 

Grand Warden for the coming year. 

I told him that I would be delighted, 

and now, following the investiture at 

the Webbington Hotel, I am indeed 

ProvJGW. I am looking forward to visiting 

as many Lodges as I can and meeting 

the brethren, who have featured in, 

written to, sent photographs or shared 

their stories with Compass. I have just 

completed a year as Metropolitan 

Grand Standard Bearer in London 

and part of my duties was to act as an 

Escorting Officer (EO) in a similar way 

to our Provincial ADC’s in Somerset. I 

thoroughly enjoyed the experience and 

discovered many things that happen 

in Masonry of which I was unaware, or 

even imagined. Like the Lodge that 

meets at Freemasons Hall (Pilgrim 

238) and perform the entire installation 

Ceremony in German while wearing 

Top Hats!. Another Lodge initiated no 

less than eight candidates on the same 

evening (Apollo University Lodge 357). 

Visiting, brethren, is the life-blood of 

masonry and I thoroughly commend it. 

It will give you new ideas, expand your 

horizons and enable you to meet new 

friends as well as making it special for 

the Lodge you are visiting. You might 

like to spare a moment to read Sam 

Jimenez’s (St Alphege 4095) feelings 

about this important subject on page 10. 

As a Province we are fortunate to have 

a PGM who places visiting high on his 

agenda. Fraternal visits by a Provincial 

ruler accompanied by members of his 

team are a feature in Somerset. The 

team regularly perform Ceremonies 

around the Province and if you get an 

opportunity to go along – take it. They 

are well worth going to and you will be 

able to meet and chat, in person, with 

members of the team, giving you an 

opportunity to present your views and 

ideas. See the website for up-to-date 

info on where they will be, and contact 

the Lodge Secretary if you would like to 

attend. We look forward to seeing you. 

Mentoring is another area that makes 

an important contribution to the 

wellbeing of the Craft. We should never 

underestimate how daunting it can feel 

to step blindfold into the unknown, 

placing our confidence in a complete 

stranger. As the initiate we are the 

centre of attention, however once we 

have completed the three degrees and 

Editors Page 

Barry Davies 

become a Master Mason that focus is no 

longer there. We must take good care of 

our MM’s, Involve them in the Ceremony 

and the Lodge itself. Seek their views 

and take them into account at Lodge 

Committee meetings. They are after all, 

our future. 

The PGM has given a dispensation for 

us to wear ‘2020 Official Festival Socks’ 

in support of the Grand Charity. This, as 

far as I am aware, is unique in English 

Freemasonry and we should embrace it. 

However it should be remembered that 

only the yellow ‘2020 Official Festival 

Socks’ should be worn as an alternative 

to the traditional black ones. 

Installation is the most important 

ceremony of the Masonic Year and of 

course it’s the longest. Many Lodges start 

earlier than usual to try and take account 

of this. We are fortunate in Somerset in 

that every Lodge at installation receives 

a visit from one of the Provincial Rulers 

or his representative accompanied by 

a Provincial DC in order to welcome 

the newly installed Master as a ruler 

in the Craft. It should be remembered 

brethren that with over 80 Lodges in the 

Province many of the Provincial team 

are out almost every night. It’s a wonder 

sometimes they make it at all! We should 

try and maximise their time with us and 

accept that it is no reflection on the 

Lodge if invariably they have to leave 

before the end. 

Dear Editor, 

Does Anyone have a Digger? 

About a year ago we lost our Grandson, Lachlan to cancer caused by a brain tumour. During his illness our family were 

shown incredible kindness by brethren from across the Province and I would like, through the pages of Compass to 

express my heartfelt thanks to them all. Something Lachlan’s doctor said to me has always stuck in my mind, he said, “I 

believe I can cure this although five years ago I could have done nothing for him”, Sadly it was not to be, however, even 

during the time of his illness new ideas and treatments emerged which were of help to him. 

I would dearly love to do something in memory of Lachlan and help other children with a similar condition. I fondly recall 

the many happy hours we spent together trying to satisfy his fanatical love of diggers and suddenly it occurred to me - 

WHAT I NEED IS A DIGGER! It is my intention to raise the sum of £2016 for Cancer Research by moving 2016 Tonnes 

of earth, rubble or anything using a digger (well, excavator actually). If you have a digger or know someone who does 

I need to get in one and shift some stuff, Oh and I need to learn how to use the machine because I only have a little 

experience! I am willing to pay for fuel and any safety related courses if I can afford it. If you can help then please contact 

me at ianpcarlton@hotmail.com 

2 

S & F 

Ian Carlton 

Love & Honour 285

compass@somersetfreemasons.org 

16 

14 

Regular 

4 - Provincial News 

£50,000 to Somerset British Red Cross 

Provincial Cathedral Service at Wells 

10 - Letters to the Editor 

Thank You from the CEO GWAAC 

A Toast to our visitors - Sam Jamanez 

Contents 

Issue 46 JUNE 2016 

Featured 

An Interview with - 6 

Martin Slocombe 

Compass chats to our new 

Provincial Grand Mentor 

Masonic Charity Foundation (MCF) 

David Maddern appointed by MCF 

8 

12 

6 

Dates for 

your diary 

17 

7 

11 - Royal Arch News 

Final Chapter for Wells 

100 Years for Stanley Hopkins! 

Christmas at Cheddar 

12 - Dates For Your Diary 

Including Tercentenary Events - at a Glance 

21 - Masonic Charities 

Exmoor 2390 raise £3394 for Charity 

‘Don’t tell em Pike’ - Dad’s Army at Minehead MH 

Bishop Ruth rededicates Moorland Church 

18 - Brethren In Focus 

Peter Holiday (Benevolent 446) 

John Pearson (Royal Albert Edward 906) 

John Lendon (Exmoor 2390) 

Michael Vearncombe & Chris Harris (Pilgrims 772) 

Rex Roe (Admiral Blake) 

Sean Gaffney (Royal Naval 2761) at the Invictus Games 

21 - News From Around the Province 

First Ashlar for King Alfred 

LGR Association donate toward 2020 Festival 

What is London Grand Rank? 

Kevin Moynahan (Pilgrims 7973) cuts up his tie for charity! 

Double celebration for Loyal Vacation 

10 Festival Jewels for Love & Honour 

Somerset Farmers 9180 raise £2000 for ‘Breathability’ 

Old Aluredian 7724 celebrate first Ashlar 

RESCUE! Eldon 1755 present RNLI with Plaque & £250 

Wraxall 9011 host MetGChapter ‘Talking Heads’ team 

Somerset Motorcyclist’s Lodge 

Queens College Taunton - a family affair! 

CHAMPIONS - Vale of Brislington win Dragon Boat Race 

Kenneth Kinnersley 9218 support Mendip YMCA 

Graphics & Design - © Clive Davies 

Tercentenary Update - 7 

David Mason updates us with all 

the latest Tercentenary News 

The Provincial AGM 2016 - 8 

The Webbington proves a great success 

as the new venue for the Provincial 

meeting. 

Assistant Grand Master - 14 

visits St. Alphege 4095 

Sir David Wootton joins the PGM for the 

Installation of Sam Pool and is presented 

with a pair of Festival Socks! 

FREEFALL - 16 

Matt Redman & Richard Winter wanted to do 

something different for the Tercentenary so 

they jumped out of an aeroplane from 15,000 

feet! 

A New Exhibit For Wells Museum - 17 

Benevolent Lodge 446! 

The brethren of 446 have found a new home 

amoung the sarcophagi at Wells Museum! 

News Extra - 27 

The Great War Project - Stuart Hadler 

2020 Official Festival Socks 

Tynte 7794 achieve fifth Ashlar 

Cover Picture.: Matthew Redman - Skydiver (Photo © Lucy Redman 2016) 

Editor - Barry Davies BSME 


Advertising 


Compass: 11 The Mead, Paulton, 

Bristol, BS39 7XU. 

© PGL Somerset 2016. The opinions herein, expressed or implied are not necessarily 

those of the editor or publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for errors or omissions. 

The editor reserves the absolute right to edit articles, photographs and letters 

accepted for publication. It is the authors responsibility to ensure copyright 

material has the relevant permissions. The editor’s decision is final. Compass 

is published by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset (PGL Somerset). 

11 The Mead, Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7XU

Provincial news 

£50,000 ‘Patient Transport Ambulance’ 

for British Red Cross in Somerset 

(From L–R): Beverley Sugden (Ambulance Support Manager); Daniel Harding (Adair Club 

& Admiral Blake 4692); David Maddern (ProvGChStwd); Cheryl Murray (Chair, Volunteer 

Council); Tony Maull (Event 1st Aid Co-ordinator); Peter Niccol (Coleridge 1750); Claire 

Southwell (Emergency Planning & Response) 

The Grand Charity has made a 

donation of £50,000 to the British Red 

Cross (BRC) in Somerset to purchase a 

new fully equipped ‘Patient Transport 

Vehicle’ (non-emergency ambulance). 

Based at Taunton, the vehicle can 

carry up to seven patients and will 

be used to support the South West 

Ambulance Service during periods of 

high demand such as ‘Bridgwater’s 

Big Bash’ and the ‘Dunster Show’, as 

well as providing routine transport for 

patients to and from hospital. Last year 

BRC volunteers provided first aid at 

150 public events and treated more 

than 900 casualties. The vehicle will 

also be available in a supporting role 

during large scale incidents. The PGM, 

Stuart Hadler said “This vehicle will 

allow the BRC in Somerset to develop 

its services in the area and benefit 

those in our society most needing help 

and support.” Brethren attending the 

Presentation included David Maddern 

ProvGChStwd, Peter Niccol (Coleridge 

1750) and Daniel Harding (Adair Club & 

Admiral Blake 4692). David said “It is a 

great pleasure to be able to make this 

presentation and I look forward to seeing 

the new ambulance delivered and put 

into service”. Cheryl Murray, Chair of 

the Volunteer Council for the BRC in 

Somerset said “This new vehicle will be 

a huge boost to our work. I personally 

took part in the response and recovery 

stages of the Somerset Flooding 

and know how useful a vehicle 

like this is.” 

4 

This £50,000 donation to the British 

Red Cross is part of £56 million 

given to national charities by the 

Grand Charities since 1981. The 

benefitting charities include those 

in the areas of medical research, 

support for vulnerable people, youth 

opportunities, hospice services, air 

ambulance charities and worldwide 

disaster relief. 

The Provincial Service 2016 

Held at Wells Cathedral 

The Cathedral Church of St Andrew 

at Wells played host to the Provincial 

Church Service on April 10 th . The PGM 

was well supported by brethren and 

their wives from across the Province 

who were welcomed by The Revd. 

Cannon Andrew Featherstone, Acting 

Dean of the Cathedral. The prayers and 

Collects were in the hands of the Keith 

Fisher, the ProvGChap and Readings 

were given by Wayne Crawford 

(Corinthian Pillar 7552), David Roberts 

(Vale of Brislington 1296) and David 

Gleeson (Eldon 1755). The Address, 

which had the theme of ‘Peace and 

Unity’ was given by the PGM for 

Monmouthshire, The Revd. Malcolm 

Lane JP and was well received by the 

congregation. The Offering was in 

support of the Provincial Air Ambulance 

appeal which forms part of the 

celebratory plans for the Tercentenary. 

Following the Service, tea was served in 

the North Transept by members of the 

SMFA. Distinguished visitors included: 

David Medlock (Vice Lord Lieutenant 

for Somerset); Edward Bayntum Coward 

(High Sheriff of Somerset); Cllr. Gordon 

Wilson (Mayor of Wells); Cllr. Michael 

Clarke (Mayor of Burnham & Highbridge); 

the Chairs of Somerset County Council; 

Sedgemoor, North Somerset and 

Mendip District Councils; Jennifer Board 

(Chair of St. Margarets Hospice) and Ian 

Porter of Weston College. The Provincial 

Rulers and visiting dignitaries wore their 

Chains of Office, while members of the 

Provincial team and Ruling Masters 

wore their Collars. The service lasted for 

around 45 minutes and was a pleasant 

way to complete a Sunday afternoon. 

Above: Provincial Service 2016 – Wells 

Cathedral. The Offering. 

Pictured: Refreshments in the North 

Transept following the Service

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An interview with Martin Slocombe - Provincial Grand Mentor 

Barry Davies 

In March this year The Assistant Grand 

Master, Sir David Hugh Wootton 

announced the launch of the UGLE 

membership initiative ‘Pathway’ 

programme which has been developed 

by the MFG. of which our PGM, 

Stuart Hadler is a member. Ten Provinces 

are currently trialling ‘Pathway’. Once 

these trials are complete it will be taken 

up by all the Provinces.” 

Estune and sailed a Bavarian 38 from 

Bristol to the Algarve. “Seemed a good 

idea at the time” said Martin “until the 

Bay of Biscay produced one of it’s really 

big storms!” He now enjoys watching 

ships from the safety of his home in 

Redcliffe Bay, an occasional game of 

golf and daily walks with his dog, a 

boxer called Bella. 

Martin Slocombe has succeeded Ray 

Beckingham as Provincial Grand Mentor. 

Ray, who has held the post for the past 

three years and has been instrumental 

in developing the mentoring programme 

we have today, will continue to be a 

member of the development team. 

At the recent AGM I spoke with Martin 

about his new appointment. 

“Well, although the appointment is 

that of Provincial Grand Mentor, the 

office will actually be that of ‘Provincial 

Membership and Mentoring Officer’. This 

is to reflect the additional involvement 

which has come about from the activities 

of the UGLE Membership Focus Group 

(MFG) and the result of Membership 

Surveys." 

“The role will involve certain aspects 

of membership such as recruitment, 

development and retrieval as well as 

continuing the established practices 

of mentoring throughout the 

Province. 

6 

Martin Slocombe - ProvGMentor 

" Martin - can you tell our 

readers how you see 

your role as 'Provincial 

Grand Mentor' developing? " 

" Exactly what does the 

'membership' 

part in the title mean ? " 

" How does the Pathway 

programme work ? " 

“Each Province will appoint a 

Membership Officer (MO) and initiate 

a Membership Pathway Programme. 

An introduction to ‘Pathway’ has been 

recently published in ‘Freemasonry 

Today’ and consists of a number of 

steps which range from profiling the 

Lodge and identifying ideal candidates 

to retrieving members. 

Some of these steps will be co-ordinated 

by the Lodge Membership Officer and 

some by the Lodge Mentor. 

Lodges will be able to decide if they 

prefer to appoint separate Membership 

and Mentoring officers or combine the 

two roles into one. 

Once the initial trials have been 

completed I will be in a position to give 

you fuller details of this new and exciting 

initiative.” 

“Thank you Martin – We wish you every 

success in your new role” – Ed 

Who is our new 

ProvGMentor? 

Martin Slocombe was initiated into 

Estune 6817 in 1983 becoming Master 

in 1994. He is a founder member of 

Sir Isaac Newton 9801 and a member 

of Somerset Masters 3746. He was 

appointed PProvGReg in 2000 

and PProvJGW in 2008. He is the 

ProvGChStwd in the Royal Arch. 

Martin enjoys his sport, particularly 

rugby, cricket and squash. Two years 

ago he joined three other brethren from 

The Grand Charity, Royal Masonic 

Trust for Girls & Boys, Masonic 

Samaritan Fund and the RMBI have 

been streamlined into with one single 

charity called the Masonic Charitable 

Foundation (MCF). The new foundation 

will continue the work of the original 

charities while being more efficient and 

cost effective. There will be no change 

to the Somerset 2020 Festival in aid of 

the Grand Charity which will continue 

its work under the new name. 

For more info visit https://mcf.org.uk 

David Maddern appointed 

to MCF Fundraising 

Committee 

David Maddern ProvGChStwd has 

been appointed to the MCF fundraising 

committee at Grand Lodge. The 

committee oversees the running of 

Masonic festivals and fundraising 

projects throughout the Country. David 

commented "I consider it a great honour 

for both myself and our Province to 

able to contribute to this exciting new 

Charitable Foundation" 

Tercentenary Appeal in 

need of a boost! 

David Maddern 

The Tercentenary fund currently stands 

at just over £15,000 and only about a 

quarter of Lodges have responded so 

far. The Great Western Air Ambulance 

and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance 

Charities depend on donations from 

the public and other organisations 

and receive no funding from central 

Government. Brethren time is running 

out and it will soon be our Tercentenary 

year. I appeal to you, please make a 

donation to the Tercentenary charity 

appeal.

Pictured: David Mason AsstPGM 

2017 is rapidly approaching and with it 

the start of the Tercentenary celebrations 

to mark 300 years of the Grand Lodge 

of England. The Tercentenary Working 

Group (TWG) have been working hard to 

plan and coordinate events throughout 

the Province and I hope that our various 

Lodges and Centres have also begun to 

think how best they can celebrate this 

once in a lifetime event. Below is a list 

of events Province have planned so far. 

Provincial Ball. 

Saturday May 13 th 2017. 

Plans for a Somerset Provincial Ball to 

be held at the Webbington Hotel are 

well advanced. This will be a spectacular 

evening for brethren and their partners. 

As well as a 4 course dinner (yes… 

there will be cheese and biscuits!), we 

will be entertained by singer Daniel 

Beddingfield in Cabaret with his ‘An 

Evening With Elton John’ Tribute act. 

There will also be dancing to ‘Sunshine 

Boulevard’, a well-respected dance and 

party band. Tickets are priced at under 

£40 and will be on sale from the start of 

the new Masonic Season in September. 

Look out for direct mail shots and 

monitor the website. Make sure you 

book early, as numbers will be limited. 

The Tercentenary. 

Saturday June 24 th 2017 

There are already several events 

planned for this date so it is looking to 

be a great celebratory weekend. We 

don’t want to pack everything into that 

weekend otherwise it is likely to reduce 

the overall impact of the Tercentenary. 

We are hopefull that Lodges and 

Centres. will arrange events throughout 

the whole of 2017. Our Asst. Prov. 

Communication Officers will soon 

be contacting those who have yet to 

arrange anything to see what help they 

can offer. 

The Provincial Cathedral Service. 

Sunday June 25 th 2017. 

Will be held at the Cathedral Church 

of St Andrew at Wells (Wells Cathedral) 

at 3.00pm followed by a Cream Tea. 

The PGM invites you all to this special 

event at which family and friends are 

especially welcome. A large attendance 

will ensure that this is a memorable and 

enjoyable occasion, so please put this 

date in your diaries. 

Procession of Masons wearing their 

regalia through the City of Wells. 

Sunday June 25 th 2017. 

Prior to the Provincial Service there are 

plans for a number of brethren to march 

in procession wearing their regalia 

through part of the ancient city of Wells, 

culminating at Wells Cathedral. Further 

details will follow in due course. 

National Event at the Royal Albert Hall 

Tuesday October 31 st 2017. 

We will be giving our full support to this 

National event, details are still being 

finalised however it is likely that we will 

have between 50 – 60 places available. 

Full details and how to apply will be 

circulated as soon as we have them. 

Jurassic Coast Youth Adventure 2017 

(JCYA). 

Just to show the Tercentenary is not 

only about enjoying ourselves, as part 

of our celebrations we have decided 

to support JCYA 2017, which is being 

organised by the Province of Dorset. 

300 children from across the country 

will be taking part in a week long activity 

holiday at a ‘PGL’ (Parents Get Lost) 

Centre on the Dorset coast. This is aimed 

at children who, for financial or domestic 

reasons, would not normally be able 

to participate in such an event and the 

Tercentenary update 

David Mason APGM 

Province of Somerset has committed to 

sponsoring eight children from our area. 

We are teaming up with the Somerset 

Scouts who will make the selection from 

members of their organization as well as 

providing the adult supervision which is 

a requirement of the project. 

In Conclusion 

Finally, please think about what you can 

do in your area to showcase all that is 

good about Freemasonry to your local 

community. We won’t have a similar 

opportunity again in our lifetimes so let’s 

all pull together to make the most of this 

one. 

In order to avoid functions clashing with 

one another a central diary of all events 

is to be maintained. This will be available 

on the website so please take a look 

prior to making any arrangements. TWG 

Secretary, Ted Toon is maintaining the 

diary so please let him know of your 

plans ASAP to enable him to update it. 

To request that a Provincial Ruler attend 

your function then contact the ProvGSec 

David Leakey as soon as possible at: 

pglsomerset@btconnect.com 

Ted Toon is at: 

ted.toon@btinternet.com 

Compass will bring you further details in 

the winter edition, meanwhile up to date 

info can be found at : 


Above: Goose & Gridiron Tavern 

St Pauls, London 

7

The Provincial AGM 2016 

Over 700 brethren attended the 

Webbington Hotel at Loxton on March 

31 st for the PGL of Somerset’s AGM and 

a record number stayed for dinner. 

Above: The Ballroom at the Webbington 

became a Masonic Temple for the day. 

Over four hundred diners joined the 

PGM Stuart Hadler and his guests for a 

first class festive board at which the CEO 

of the Great Western Air Ambulance 

Charity, John Christensen explained 

how the Charity functioned and why it 

was such an essential asset to people 

living within its operational area. 

Above : Four hundered brethren joined 

the PGM for the Festive Board. 

In turn the PGM presented John with 

a cheque for £2000 which had been 

donated by Lodges as part of the lead 

up to the Tercentenary Celebrations. 

Preceding the dinner the AGM went 

as planned – thanks to ProvGDC Barry 

McCormack and the tireless efforts of 

Keith Baker and his team who turned 

the Webbington’ s Ballroom into a very 

respectable Masonic Temple. 

8 

Above: John Christensen receives a 

cheque for £2000 from the PGM. 

The PGM made his Address to the 

PGL during which he congratulated 

those receiving Provincial Honours 

and reminded them of the added 

responsibilities that the appointment 

brings. 

2020 Festival 

The PGM reminded the brethren that 

the target for the 2020 festival is £2.8m 

and was delighted to announce that 

we are just a little short of £1.5m. This 

represents an average of £350 per 

member so far. He then explained the 

reason as to why the Provincial Rulers, 

Wardens and a number of brethren 

were wearing what appeared to be 

yellow socks! He said “The Festival 

Jewel and Lodge Ashlar Awards are an 

important means of keeping our focus 

on the festival, however, today I grant a 

dispensation that until the 2020 Festival, 

traditional black socks may be replaced 

with ‘Official 2020 Festival Socks’ when 

attending meetings within the Province. 

The revenue generated from the sale 

of these socks will go toward the 2020 

Festival.” 

(The ‘2020 Official Festival Socks’ can be 

purchased from your Lodge Charity Steward 

at a cost of only £5 per pair – Ed) 

Freemasonry in the 

Community 

On this subject the PGM said “We have 

significantly increased positive press 

coverage for Freemasonry. I thank the 

Lodge Information Officers, Web and 

Social Media teams who together with 

the Provincial Communications Officer 

and Compass magazine do sterling work 

in promoting awareness and interest in 

Freemasonry. Our support following the 

Somerset floods of 2014 brought much 

goodwill toward our organisation and 

we should build on this. It should not 

be limited to financial help but include 

practical help as well such as the TLC 

scheme.” 

The PGM said he was keen to 

engage with Civic and Community 

leaders to help them appreciate the 

positive influence of Freemasonry. A 

recent charity presentation evening 

held at Taunton was attended by 

eight Chairmen, Leaders of Councils 

and Mayors. He would like such events 

to become a regular feature. 

Tercentenary 

The 2017 Committee chaired by David 

Mason is keen to hear from Lodges 

regarding their arrangements for the 

Tercentenary celebrations in order that 

he can co-ordinate working with the 

media, Civic dignitaries and charities 

as well as offering general support. 

To further promote Freemasonry the 

Province will be unveiling its new gazebo 

and exhibition stand at the Weston Air 

Festival to be held on Saturday 18 th 

and Sunday 19 th June. Around 170,000 

visitors are expected to attend this 

popular event. If any Lodge would like 

to borrow the gazebo or stand please 

contact Richard Ellis. 

Air Ambulances 

The Province will mark our Tercentenary 

by making donations to the Dorset 

& Somerset and Great Western Air 

Ambulance Charities. Donations for this 

are coming in steadily. “The intention is 

not to add to your fund raising efforts, 

rather that the proceeds from a raffle or 

social event be directed to the appeal” 

stated the PGM. 


wants to 

hear from you ! 

compass@somersetfreemasons.org

Future of My Lodge 

Project 

The PGM reiterated that the key 

objective was to provide a Masonic 

experience that values every member. 

“It is about attracting the right men and 

meeting their expectations and interests 

including good quality ritual, learning, 

fellowship and fun. Our actions should 

embrace both him and his family.” 

Selection of Candidates 

An approach to make us more successful 

in the selection of candidates is currently 

being piloted by ten Provinces and we 

should hear more of this in the New 

Year. We all have a responsibility to find 

new members. If we could each find 

one good candidate every 5 years the 

results would be astounding! Last year 

(2015), resignations and exclusions were 

amoung the lowest on record which is 

good news – however there is still much 

to do. 

Filling the gap 

Conclusion 

The PGM thanked the brethren for 

being patient while the various logistical 

challenges of a new venue were 

resolved. A water leak had taken a 

major changing room out of commission 

and car parking had been an issue. He 

anticipated that both these problems 

would be resolved at next years meeting. 

He concluded by saying “Brethren, we 

are a happy and friendly Province and 

it is my hope that through collaborative 

effort and co-operation we shall see it 

grow and prosper. I pledge myself to 

work to that end.” 

A full transcript of the PGM’s Address 

can be found at : 


Many Lodges have meetings at which 

there are no Ceremonies. This should be 

an opportunity for learning more about 

Freemasonry. We have to overcome a 

history of uninspiring speakers and poor 

quality talks and defeat the negative 

reaction from brethren when these 

appear on the summons. Ray Guthrie 

(PDepPGM) and the Rev. Jeremy Hellier 

(ProvOrator) have plans to address this. 

If you have an idea to share or enjoy 

a talent as an interesting speaker then 

make yourself known to them. 

Above: The Provincial Team 2016 - 17 at the Webbington Hotel, Loxton, Axbridge.. 

Somerset Masonic 

Friendship Association 

(SMFA) 

The SMFA exists to support Lodge 

Almoners by promoting social gatherings 

such as dining clubs, coffee mornings 

and outings. It is divided into five areas, 

each with its own representative. In 

order to do this effectively the SMFA 

requires financial support, and rather 

that ask Lodges for more money, I 

have decided that 25p of the annual 

Provincial subscription will be allocated 

to support this inportant work. 

Pictured: Cheers! from brethren enjoying the sunshine - but why are they all smiling? 

9

Letters to the Editor 

Thank you! From the CEO of 

Western Air Ambulance Charity 

“Dear R.W. Bro. Stuart Hadler, 

On behalf of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity 

(GWAAC) I wish to officially thank the brethren of the 

Province of Somerset for the fantastic support they 

have given us and for their latest donation of £2000. 

The support we receive from the various Lodges is 

always superb and it makes a huge difference to the 

service we provide and from which the community 

benefits - Thank you.” 

John Christensen – CEO WAAC 

10 

Pictured : Thank you – from the CEO of the GWAAC 

John Christensen 

Hi Barry, 

I was just reading Compass, and 

noticed on page seven under the 

heading ‘Tercentenary Update’, 

we are asked ‘please check out 

the "DAIRY" on our website’. 

I know there is a picture of the 

Goose and Gridiron Tavern, 

complete with a Goose (Farm 

Animal) but isn't it a bit much to 

try to make this a connection 

with the Tercentenary? 

Best wishes, 

Leyson Bradley, 

Winscombe 6474 

I could say it was subliminal 

advertising, however I have to admit 

- it was a typo! Ed. 

A Toast to our Visitors 

Dear Editor, 

I would like to share the story 

of how I came to realise what 

visiting is all about. I was in my 

second year in Freemasonry, 

and by then I had more or less 

figured out the general dynamics 

of a masonic meeting, and 

was looking to help out more. 

I had heard of the importance 

of receiving visitors and so I 

thought I would make a special 

effort to be welcoming to any 

visiting brethren. So, I turned up 

at the following meeting looking 

to do just that. 

However, after having a walk 

around the anteroom I realised, 

much to my disappointment, that 

there were no visitors there. The 

meeting was, nevertheless, well 

attended, with many brethren 

there chatting away and seeming 

to be enjoying themselves 

before the Ceremony, so I didn’t 

think much of it. Maybe next time! 

The ritual went fine and when 

we got round to the greetings, 

to my surprise a brother got 

up and greeted the WM in 

representation of a Lodge I had 

not heard of before. “Oh, there 

WAS a visitor, but I missed him, 

how silly of me!” I thought to 

myself. And the brother sat 

down, and after him another got 

up, who also brought warm and 

fraternal greetings from some 

distant Lodge. And after him a 

whole group of 5 or 6 stood up, 

in representation of yet another 

visiting Lodge. By the time the 

greetings were over, it was clear 

that around half of the brethren 

in that Temple were visitors. And 

I hadn’t even realised! 

My first thought was obviously “I 

really should figure out who the 

members of my Lodge actually 

are.” then it dawned on me 

that there was a reason why I 

had thought that there were no 

visitors that night: I couldn’t tell 

members and visitors apart. I had 

turned up at the Hall seeking 

to welcome some doe-eyed, 

slightly nervous Brother who 

looked a bit lost. But, as it turns 

out, that is not what visitors look 

like at all. 

When I arrived, they were already 

amongst the brethren, chatting 

away, enjoying some jokes, and 

looking completely at ease. And 

I realised then what visiting is 

actually all about. Visiting is not 

like a trip to the theatre, where 

you go to watch a performance 

being put on by a group of 

strangers. Nor is it simply a fancy 

dinner, where you enjoy a meal 

while wearing your Sunday best. 

In reality, what happens when 

you visit is that, for one night 

only, you become, quite simply 

and quite wonderfully, another 

member of the Lodge that you 

are visiting. It reminded me of 

the line in the ritual which says “A 

Mason will find in every country 

a friend, and in every clime a 

home.” * 

Brother Sam Jimanez 

SD St. Alphege 4095 

* Source - Royal Cumberland (41) 

Ritual – 1st degree. – Ed.

www.somersetroyalarch.net 

Final Chapter for Wells 

Royal Arch news 

Bideford 2016 

The Provincial Ladies Festival held at 

the Durrant House Hotel, Bideford was 

once again fully subscribed. Dinner on 

the Saturday evening was held in the 

‘Venetian’ Suite followed by dancing 

to a local band. The toast to the Ladies 

was proposed by the 3rd ProvGPrin 

Chris Moore with the response by Mrs 

Val Moore, Wife of the DepGSupt. A 

most enjoyable weekend. 

Christmas at Cheddar 

(Front from L– R): Adrian Moore (H); Charles Grisdale (MEZ); Ben Batley (J) 

(Rear from L– R): Robert Moore (DGSupt); John Bennett (GSupt); Chris Moore (3rd GP) 

The November Installation at 

Avalon Chapter 446 was the final 

Convocation to be held in the West 

Cloister of Wells Cathedral. John 

Bennet the GSupt was in attendance 

accompanied by DepGSupt Robert 

Moore and 3rd ProvGPrin Chris Moore. 

Following the meeting the Companions 

retired to the Vicars Hall to both 

celebrate the installation of their new 

First Principal and commiserate that this 

was their final meeting in the ancient 

City. 

The sadness of that final Convocation at 

Wells was certainly not reflected in the 

first one held at Wedmore on February 

16 th . Most of the Provincial Executive 

were present including the GSupt. A 

full Exhortation was undertaken under 

the direction of the newly installed 1st 

Principal Charles Grisdale, with the 

2nd. & 3rd. ProvGPrin’s presenting the 

Mystical Lecture. The Festive Board was 

exceptional having been both prepared 

and served by ‘Zaras Catering’. An 

excellent start to a new era. 

I am sure we all wish Avalon 446 every 

success as they settle into their new home 

– Ed. 

Did you KNOW ... 

When is a Cathedral NOT a Cathedral? 

A Cathedra (Latin for a chair with armrests) 

is the Seat of a Bishop. A Church in which 

a Bishops official Cathedra is installed 

becomes a Cathedral. 

100 years for Stanley 

Hopkins! PGScN receives 

TWO 50 year Certificates! 

Most Companions when they achieve 

the 50th Anniversary of their Exaltation 

are presented with a Certificate 

to mark the event. Not so Stanley 

Hopkins who is such a well-respected 

Companion that he was presented 

with TWO Certificates and celebrated 

in TWO different Provinces! The first 

celebration took place at his Mother 

Chapter, Parrett & Axe 814 at Crewkerne 

and the second at Devon & Somerset 

Farmers 9250 at Uffcombe in Devon. 

The Somerset Convocation was 

attended by the GSupt. John Bennett 

who witnessed David Irish giving a very 

amusing insight into Stanley’s life and 

his contribution to the Royal Arch. Six 

days later at Parrett & Axe there were 

TWO GSupts present, John Bennet for 

Somerset and Simon Rowe for Devon. 

Following the Installation Convocation 

John summarised Stanley’s Royal Arch 

achievements in both Somerset and the 

Supreme Grand Chapter of England. 

Simon followed this by telling the 

Companions of Stanley’s Devonshire 

exploits. They then jointly presented 

the two 50 year Certificates – one from 

Somerset and one from Devon! 


wants to 



Pictured: John Bennett with Rev. Stephen 

Hawkins at the Christmas Service 

The Annual Christmas Celebration took 

place at St Andrews Church, Cheddar 

on Saturday 5 th December 2015 and 

the Service was led by The Rev. Steven 

Hawkins, 3rd ProvGPrin of Bristol. 

Around 150 Companions and their 

families attended the service, followed 

by tea & mince pies in the Church Hall. 

The Final Chapter. The Royal Arch 

Temple at Wells Cathedral. 

11

2016 

Dates For Your Diary - at a glance 

June 18 th Cadogan Court Annual Fair with Entertainment & Strawberries 

Exeter Start 11:30am Barley Lane, Exeter EX4 1TA 01392 251436 

July 4 th DC’s Seminar All DC’s, ADC’s and aspiring DC’s Welcome. 

Clevedon MH Start 19:15 Contact: Barry.McCormack@talktalk.net 

July 14 th DC’s Seminar All DC’s, ADC’s and aspiring DC’s Welcome 

Taunton MH Start 19:15 Contact: Barry.McCormack@talktalk.net 

July 17 th SMFA (Central) Tiverton Canal Company Visit & Sunday Lunch 

Summer Outing Contact: Adrian Robson adrian@robsonelectrics.co.uk 

Sept 13 th Kenneth Kinnersley (9218) TEAM VISIT – 3 rd degree Ceremony. 

Midsomer Norton MH 

2017 

April 6 th Provincial AGM AGM Webbington Hotel, Loxton, Axbridge 

Webbington Hotel Organiser Keith Baker – Secretary Birnbeck 7160 

A full list of Provencal Fraternal visits can be found at www.somersetfreemasons.org 

2017 

Tercentenary Diary Dates - at a glance 

April 6 th Provincial AGM Presentation of two £15,000 donations from Lodges. 

Webbington Hotel 

May 13 th Tercentenary Ball Gala evening and Ball – Featuring Daniel Beddingfield. 

Webbington Hotel with dancing to Sunshine Boulevard – not to be missed 

June 24 th Goose & Gridiron Celebration Events around the Province 

Across the Province See www.somerstfreemasons.org for latest info 

June 25 th Provincial Service Preceded by a procession through Wells in full regalia. 

Wells Cathedral Service commences 3.00pm 

Aug 11 th Travelling Banner Province to receive the ‘Travelling Banner’ from PGL Dorset. 

Aug 20 th Travelling Banner Province to pass on he ‘Travelling Banner’ to PGL Devonshire 

Exeter 

Oct 31 st UGLE Event UGLE Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall London 

London Limited Availability 

Nov 3 Charity Presentation PGL Somerset Charity Presentation 

12 

This is not a comprehensive list and is given as a guide. New items may be added and timings 

changed. Keep up to date at www.somersetfreemasons.org

Masonic Charties 

Exmoor 2390 donates £3394 

to local Charities - Over Land, 

Sea and in the Air! 

member, the late Pat Taylor of St Bernard 

5361. The evening was a great success 

and the brethren of Exmoor Lodge would 

like to thank all those who supported it. 

In all, £2914 was donated in the cause 

of non-Masonic charities and £480 to 

Masonic allied charities. 

Thanks to Andy Baird. 

Exmoor LIO. 

‘Don’t tell him 

your name Pike’! 

Freemasons thanked as 

Bishop Ruth rededicates 

Moorland Church. 

Above: Gale Everett receives the DSAA 

Charity donation. 

Minehead Masonic Hall was the venue 

for the Exmoor 2390 Charity presentation 

evening last December. WM John Lendon 

was delighted to be able to complete his 

very successful year by personally handing 

numerous donations to representatives of 

his chosen local charities using the theme 

‘Land, Sea and Air’. 

LAND. Exmoor Search and Rescue 

received £2000 towards the purchase of 

a new rescue vehicle. Half of this total was 

donated by the Province through Match 

Funding. 

SEA. Minehead RNLI Station received vital 

specialist and training equipment worth 

nearly £600. 

AIR. A cheque for £500 was presented to 

Gale Everett on behalf of the Dorset and 

Somerset Air Ambulance Charity. Gale, 

who is the wife of Almoner, Tony Everett, 

is a volunteer helping to raise the profile 

of the Charity by giving presentations at 

various venues. 

Other local organisations receiving 

donations that evening included the 

West Somerset Food Cupboard, Friends 

of Seahorse Centre, Minehead Multiple 

Sclerosis Society, The Mobile Renal Unit 

and Lydeard St. Lawrence School library. 

Exmoor Lodge also made a charitable 

contribution of £150 to Roadwater 

Cricket Club which is building a new 

pavilion dedicated to the memory of past 

The Minehead Masonic Hall Company 

held an evening fundraising event with 

a difference on Saturday 12 th March. 

The Somerset seaside town became 

Walmington-on-Sea for an evening 

of Dad’s Army themed entertainment 

provided by the ‘Moonstone Theatre 

Company’. 

The players mingled with diners and 

engaged them in much unscripted banter, 

as well as scripted acts so as not to interrupt 

dinner proceedings. Some revellers joined 

in the fun by wearing 1940’s Forces and 

civvy garb. Their presence added to the 

fun and atmosphere of the evening. If you 

fancy holding a masonic fundraiser with a 

difference why not contact: 

www.moonstonetheatrecompany.co.uk 

you won’t be disappointed! 

The evening, which was organised by 

Paul Cullum, WM of St Bernard 5361 

and his wife Shirley, raised a substantial 

amount for both Minehead Lodges and 

their nominated local charities CLIC & 

Children’s Hospice South West as well as 

Minehead Masonic Hall. 

Thanks to Andy Baird. 

Exmoor LIO. 

Above: Bishop Ruth Worsley (Centre) 

with Alan Bradford – Chair. N. Petherton 

Council (Left) and Revd Jane Haslam (Right) 

Welcome the congregation in front of the 

Lych Gate at Moorland Church. 

The Church of St. Peter at Moorland 

Village which came to symbolize the 

desperate flooding that ravaged the 

Somerset Levels back in 2014, held its 

first regular Sunday service on January 

17 th , when the Bishop of Taunton, The Rt. 

Revd. Ruth Worsley joined Moorland’s 

Vicar, The Revd. Jane Haslam to conduct 

a rededication service at the Church. 

The ancient building was badly damaged 

when the waters rose and it has taken over 

2 years to dry it out and carry out repairs. 

Barry Scott, ChStwd of St Cecilla 9341 was 

on hand to represent the Province. He 

told Compass “The Chairman of North 

Petherton Town Council, Alan Bradford 

cut a ribbon at the Ceremony to officially 

open the reconstructed Lychgate, the 

timber for which had been purchased by 

the Somerset Freemasons. 

Alan paid tribute to the masonic community 

and thanked us for our generosity. At 

a reception following the rededication 

Ceremony mention was again made of 

the exceptional contribution made by 

Freemasons to the refurbishment of the 

Village Hall and many other projects 

across the levels”. 

Thanks to Barry Scott ChStwd St Cecilla 9431 

Photo – Courtesy Steve Roberts / Western 

Daily Press 

www.westerndailypress.co.uk 

13

Sir David Wootton - AsstGM Visits St Alphege 

April 2 nd and the Old Theatre Royal at 

Bath was filled to capacity for the visit 

of the Assistant Grand Master Sir David 

Hugh Wootton to St. Alphege 4095. 

St Alphege is a member of the UGLE 

Universities scheme and Sir David is 

the President. He was accompanied 

by scheme Chairman Edward Lord and 

other members of the committee. The 

occasion was the installation of the Master 

Elect, Damien Pool. The Ceremony was 

performed under ‘St Alphege Working’ 

(similar to ‘Bristol’ Working – Ed), by the 

Installing Master John Townsend with 

considerable passion. The address to 

the WM was given by Sir David himself 

and the address to the Wardens by 

Simon Duckworth DepMetGM. 

The PGM Stuart Hadler and AsstPGM 

Ben Batley were in attendance to 

welcome the visitors, many of whom 

had travelled long distances. Following 

the Ceremony Stuart presented 

Lodge ChStwd Neil Hawes with a 

fourth Ashlar and congratulated the 

brethren on a magnificent achievement. 

During the Festive Board the newly 

installed WM presented the AsstGM with 

a pair of yellow 2020 Festival Socks! 

Sir David was much amused by this and 

stated that he had noticed a number of 

brethren wearing them in the temple 

but decided not to comment until he 

had made suitable enquiries. The PGM 

explained that he had recently issued a 

dispensation for the wearing of the socks 

within the Province and that revenue 

raised from their sale would go 

14 

Above: Sir David Wootton (AsstGM) is 

presented with his Festival Socks by the 

WM Alex Pool. Photo - Paul Mallon. 

toward the 2020 festival. He was even 

considering wearing them himself at 

the quarterly communications of Grand 

Lodge to promote the festival! Sir David 

considered this and announced “if you 

wear them, then I will wear them too!” 

Watch this space! - Ed 

Above: AsstGM David Wootton with Alex 

Pool (WM 4095) and the PGM. 

What is the UGLE 

Universities Scheme? 

The Universities Scheme was set 

up in 2005 with the objective: ‘To 

establish and enhance arrangements 

and opportunities for undergraduates 

and other university members to enjoy 

Freemasonry’. Tradition and continuity 

are two of the values which characterise 

the relationship between Freemasonry 

and universities. 

It was nearly 200 years ago that the 

first university Lodge, Apollo 357, was 

founded at Oxford and there are now 

over 55 Lodges pursuing a similar 

course Their membership consists of 

undergraduates, postgraduates, senior 

members of the university and alumni, 

ranging in age from 18 upwards. All 

under-25s benefit from a recent decision 

by Grand Lodge to halve their dues in 

order to make Freemasonry accessible 

to as wide an audience as possible. 

Many thousands of young men have 

been introduced to Freemasonry 

through these Lodges. St Alphege 4095 

is attached to the University of Bath. 

Who is Sir David Hugh 

Wootton? 

Sir David was initiated in 1975 and 

thirty nine years later in March 2014, 

appointed Assistant Grand Master. 

Born in Bradford, Yorkshire on July 

20 th 1950, is married to Elizabeth and 

has four children. 

He was educated at Bradford Grammar 

School before going to Jesus College, 

Cambridge, to study Classics and then 

Law. He is a partner at Allen & Overy 

and advises on corporate transactions 

and governance. He has served as 

President of the City of London Law 

Society and Chairman of the City 

of London Branch of the Institute of 

Directors. With a strong interest in the 

governance of the City, David was 

elected as Member for the Ward of 

Farringdon in 2002. 

In 2005 he was elected Alderman 

for the Ward of Langbourn and 

became Lord Mayor of the City of 

London in November 2011. He has 

served as Master of the Worshipful 

Company of Fletchers and of the 

City of London Solicitors Company. 

He is a Warden of the Information 

Technologists; Court Assistant of the 

Glaziers and the Bowyers; Liveryman 

of the Clockmakers and the Woolmen; 

Honorary Liveryman of the Security 

Professionals; and a Freeman of the 

Watermen and Lightermen. David is 

a keen enthusiast of rowing and is a 

Steward of Henley Royal Regatta. 

David Wootton as Lord Mayor of the City 

of London. 

Photo - Courtesy Rodolph De Salis

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FREEFALL! What are YOU doing for the Tercentenary? 

" How high were 

you when the 

rip cord was pulled ? " 

“5000 feet (just under a mile), we were 

falling at 120 mph which is roughly 30 

seconds from impact should the chute 

fail to open!” 

"What is your most 

vivid memory ? " 

Matthew Redman (Perpetual Friendship 

135) and Richard Winter (Admiral 

Blake 4692) wanted to do something 

completely different in support of the 

Tercentenary Air Ambulance Appeal - so 

they jumped out of a perfectly serviceable 

aircraft at 15,000 feet (2.8 miles)! 

Compass brings you the inside story. 

“Damn good question! Long term 

ambition justified by raising a goodly 

sum of money.” 

“Over the cheese & port at a Social 

event with Richard who has experience 

of static line jumps from time served in 

the Royal Marine Reserves back in 1984. 

I on the other hand had never jumped 

before.” 

“Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, 

which was used during WW2 as an 

operational airfield. Today it is the base 

of Skydive.Buzz who specialise in all 

types of parachuting. Ours was a tandem 

freefall dive which means that we were 

each ‘attached’ to an instructor for the 

whole jump. My instructor was Andy 

Halloway and Richard’s, Chris 

Griffin. They were extremely 

16 

Safely on the ground! Matt (left) & Richard (right) with Stanley Hopkins PPGM (centre) 

" Matthew, why did 

you do it ? " 

" Where did you get 

the idea and have 

you jumped before ? " 

" Where did you take 

off from ? " 

professional and put us both at ease.” 

" When you jumped 

from the aeroplane 

what was it like ? " 

“It’s noisy and disorientating as you 

tumble from the aircraft but then you 

settle into ‘belly down’ freefall and gain 

control. The views are magnificent, 

with Portland Bill, Weston-s-Mare and 

the whole of the South West laid out 

below you. It’s quite cold - especially if 

you open your mouth when you have 

toothache!” 

Above: Matt in full flight with his instructor. 

" Were you scared ? " 

“Strangely and unsettlingly –mostly no 

– adrenalin kicked in as we climbed 

to 15,000ft and after the initial rush of 

leaving the aircraft, the freefall felt like 

floating – that is until the clouds rushed 

up at us and we fell through them!” 

“The tumble from the aircraft – that 

was the scary part! Achieving this with 

Richard – a true friend. The support 

of the PPGM for Somerset, Stanley 

Hopkins and the brethren of our Lodges. 

But most of all, the benefit to our chosen 

charities. We raised over £3000 through 

sponsorship and an additional £3000 

from the Province in ‘Match Funding.” 

We are absolutely delighted.” 

“Family, friends and brethren from 

around the Province and in particular 

four Lodges: Perpetual Friendship 135; 

Admiral Blake 4692; Tynte 7994 and 

Somerset Farmers 9180.” 

“The Tercentenary Air Ambulance 

Charities, Hollow Lane Club, Beacon 

Centre, 14th Bridgwater Scout Troop 

and Hope for Tomorrow.” 

“YES!!” 

" How were you 

sponsored ? " 

" Which charties benefitted 

from your adventure ? " 

" Would you do it again ? " 

Skydive.Buzz can be found at : 

www.skydiveukltd.com 

01404 890222 


That The Province will have a stand at 

the Weston Air Day

A new exhibit for Wells Museum 

Benevolent Lodge 446 

Skydiving Facts 

Aircraft – Beech 99 – Twin Engine 

turboprop. 

Height of jump 

15,000 feet (2.8 miles). 

This is the highest a civilian can 

jump from in the UK and the highest 

anyone can jump from without 

oxygen! 

Indicated airspeed at time of jump. 

90 knots (103 mph) 

Outside Temperature at 15,000ft. 

Minus 20 deg C (-4 deg F) 

Max. Speed of descent – 120 mph 

(180 feet per second) 

PGM presents Certificate to 

Yvonne Mapstone at 446 

During a personal visit to Benevolent 

446, the PGM presented Mrs Yvonne 

Mapstone with her late husbands 50 year 

Certificate. Yvonne was overwhelmed 

that Bob had so many friends in the 

Lodge and that they thought so highly 

of him. She explained that she knew 

he was to receive a Certificate but he 

sadly passed away before it could be 

presented. Bob who was 87 was initiated 

into 446 in 1966 and became Master in 

1977. He was almoner for 20 years and 

appointed PProvJGW in 2005. 

Pictured: The PGM, Stuart Hadler 

presenting Yvonne Mapstone with her 

Certificate at 446 

Above (L-R): David Maddern (ProvGChStwd) presents John Law (ChStwd) and Alesandro 

Guidi (WM) with the Lodge’s second Ashlar. 

Benevolent Lodge 446 has found a new 

home – amongst the sarcophagi and 

other relics at Wells Museum! The Lodge 

held its first meeting at the new premises 

on February 4 th this year in the presence 

of David Maddern, Provincial Charity 

Steward, who presented the Lodge with 

its second Ashlar. 

Freemasonry has been associated with 

the City of Wells for over 200 years. In 

fact the first records date back to June 

4 th 1785 when the ‘Lodge of Unanimity’ 

473 first met at the Swan Hotel. Meetings 

were later held at the White Hart and 

finally the Mitre Inn. The Lodge ceased 

to exist in 1809 after 24 years. 

On April 20 th 1837 the ‘Swan Lodge of 

Benevolence’ 653 held its first meeting, 

again, at the Swan Hotel. A year later it 

transferred to the Town Hall and in 1841 

the name was changed to ‘Benevolent 

Lodge’ and later re-numbered 446. It 

remained at the Town Hall for 54 years 

until 1892 when it moved to the Vicars 

Hall (the original refectory for the Clergy) 

within the precincts of Wells Cathedral. 28 

years later in 1917, toward the end of the 

First World War, it moved to 10 Cathedral 

Green, directly below the Vicars Hall into 

rooms which were originally the wine 

cellars and stores. In 1997 the Lodge was 

again on the move – this time to within 

the Cathedral itself - the Old Music Room 

in the West Cloister. 

To reach the new Temple brethren had 

to pass through the entrance to the West 

Cloister which was restored in 2010 

with the help of a generous donation of 

£60,000 from the Province. Set in the 

floor on either side of this entrance can 

be seen engraved the coat of arms of the 

Province of Somerset. 

In 2012 it became apparent that the 

Lodge premises were required by the 

Cathedral for its own purposes and that 

a new home needed to be found prior to 

the lease expiring in January 2016. 

Numerous premises were considered 

but none proved suitable. It was finally 

decided to take up an offer from Wells 

Museum. This involved constructing a 

‘pop up’ Lodge that could be erected 

and taken down each meeting, It did 

however enable the Lodge to remain 

in Wells. A dedicated team led by the 

(then) WM, Alesandro Guidi and Building 

Committee Chairman, David Nicholson 

set to work to devise a method of building 

a viable ‘pop up’ Lodge. The results are 

extraordinary. The pedestals and chairs 

are mounted on disguised pallets that 

can be manoeuvred into position using 

a hand operated pallet truck. The carpet 

rolls-up, and, together with the Tracing 

Boards, Pillars and other furniture, are 

safely stored in a dedicated storeroom 

between meetings. “The Lodge can be 

set up in less than an hour and taken 

down in about 20 minutes” says David. 

"It will of course take a little longer at 

installation meetings." 

The new room is much bigger than 

its predecessor and looks good. The 

Honours Board is on permanent display 

and the Pillars (an important feature 

of the Lodge) are erected for every 

meeting. The Master and Wardens 

Pedestals are raised above floor level 

and the Benevolent Lodge Banner hangs 

proudly above the Masters Chair. There 

is another advantage – the heating 

works! 

Barry Davies 

LIO 446 

17

Brethren In Focus 

John Pearson presented with 60 year 

Certificate at 89 years of age 

Their cause is very dear to his heart. 

Andy Baird, Exmoor’s LIO told Compass, 

“after having completed a very busy and 

successful year as Master, you might 

expect John to slow-up a little and enjoy 

a well earned breather - not a bit of it. 

His charitable work on behalf of both 

the Minehead community and beyond is 

well known but scarcely documented”. 

Compass is delighted to put that right – well 

done John! – Ed. 

Above: (L – R}: David Jenkins (PPGM); John Pearson; Phillip Cotteral (WM); Phillip Bullock 

(PGM Wiltshire). 

At nearly ninety years of age John 

Pearson has just celebrated sixty years 

in Masonry. The Old Theatre Royal at 

Bath was full to capacity as brethren 

from the various Lodges of which John 

has been a member, gathered to see 

David Jenkins PPGM for Somerset 

accompanying Phillip Bullock PGM 

for the Province of Wiltshire present 

John with his 60 year Certificate. John 

was initiated into Royal Albert Edward 

906 in 1955 and became its Master in 

1969. He subsequently became Master 

of two other Lodges, Old Union 46 

(MetGL) in 1987 and Lodge of Rectitude 

355 (Province of Wiltshire) in 2001. 

He was also a member of the Grand 

Stewards Lodge (number 0) and was 

conferred with the rank of PJGD in 1994. 

John is well known in the local area 

having been the Senior Partner in the 

accountancy firm Pearson May. & Co. 

He had set his sights on becoming a 

Chartered Accountant while a pupil at 

King Edward School at Bath which led 

him to be articled to Mundy Brewer & 

Johnson of Pulteney Street. When the 

outbreak of War interrupted his training 

he joined the Royal Engineers, stationed 

at Colchester. The army were quick to 

realise his skills were more attuned 

to figures than the building of 

‘Bailey Bridges’ and after a short 

18 

period of training he became an 

instructor in the Army Pay Corps. At 

the end of his military service John 

returned to Bath where he qualified 

as a Chartered Accountant, eventually 

retiring in 1996. 

John played an active role in the Royal 

Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and 

became a trustee of the Charity. Upon 

his retirement the Earl Cadogan paid a 

fulsome tribute to John's sterling work 

citing his professional knowledge, 

background and application as being 

key to the RMTGB sound financial basis. 

On presenting John with his Certificate, 

David Jenkins said “it is my honour and 

privilege to be able to present you with 

this Certificate and to thank you on 

behalf of the many people who you have 

helped during your time as a Freemason”. 

New Collar For Exmoor’s 

Elder Statesman 

The Brethren of Exmoor 2390 have 

released the first photograph of their IPM, 

John Lendon resplendent in his most 

recent ‘Collar’! The presentation was 

made within the porch way (or entrance) 

of the ‘Tesco’ store in Minehead 

by Terena Young of St. Margaret’s 

Hospice, in recognition of John’s tireless 

fundraising work on behalf of the Charity. 

Above: John Lendon of Exmoor 2390 

resplendent in his new ‘Collar’! 

Peter Holiday celebrates 

50 years 

The recent installation meeting of 

Benevolent 446 held a surprise for Peter 

Holiday. The Lodge was called off and 

Peter, accompanied by his wife Mave, 

invited to join the brethren to receive 

his 50 year Certificate from non-other 

than the Deputy PGM John Winston. 

Peter who has been unable to attend 

Lodge in recent months indicated that 

he was delighted to be able to visit 

the new Lodge premises at the Wells 

museum and be reunited with the 

brethren. He was initiated on February 

17th 1966 into Wykeham Lodge 4925 

(Province of Essex) and Joined Benevolent 

in October 1973, becoming its Master 

in 1986, and until recently was Lodge 

Chaplain. He was promoted to PPrJGW 

in 2010. He is well known in the local 

area having been the Landlord of the 

‘Waldegrave Arms’ at Chewton Mendip 

for a number of years and, upon his 

retirement driving for the local taxi 

service. Such is the esteem in which 

Peter is regarded by the brethren 

he was bestowed with honorary 

membership in February this year. 

Thanks to John Briggs 

Almoner 446

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Brethren In Focus 

Michael Vearncombe & 

John Harris Celebrate 

50 years in Masonry 

Pilgrims 772 meeting at Glastonbury 

celebrated a very rare event at its 

February meeting – Stanley Hopkins, 

Past PGM for Somerset presented 50 

year Certificates to two members of the 

same Lodge on the same night! 

Michael Vearncombe (who was initiated 

into Pilgrims) and John Harris (who was 

a Joining Member) were celebrating 50 

years in the Craft, and the event was 

even more remarkable because Stanley 

had known both brethren throughout 

the entire 50 years. Furthermore, he 

was actually present at John’s Initiation, 

and in turn John was one of Stanley’s 

officers when Stanley went through the 

chair. 

It was a remarkable milestone in the 

Masonic careers of both brethren, and 

an equally remarkable milestone for the 

Lodge. Congratulations all round! 

Thanks to Clive Hennessy 

LIO 772 

20 

Above: Michael Vearncombe (L) & John 

Harris (R) receive their Certificates from 

Stanley Hopkins PPGM. 


The postal address of the Provincial 

Office has changed to: 11 The Mead, 

Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7XU 

Telephone 07568 395970 

pglsomerset@btconnect.com 

50 years in Masonry 

for Rex Roe of Admiral 

Blake 

Above: Rex Rowe receives his 50 year 

Certificate from the DPGM John Winston. 

Reginald (Rex) Roe of Admiral Blake 

4692 was delighted to receive his 50 

year Certificate from the Deputy PGM 

John Winston at their January meeting. 

Rex was initiated into Admiral Blake on 

January 4 th 1966 and became its Master 

11 years later in 1977. 

He is a founder member of Somerset 

Farmers Lodge 9180 where he 

achieved the Chair in 1988. The 

Province of Somerset, recognising his 

achievements promoted him to PPrJGW 

in 1998. During his lifetime Rex has been 

involved with various public bodies and 

Councils and has a lasting passion for 

Somerset Cricket Club. Rex thanked 

VWBro Winston and the Lodge for the 

presentation and made reference to 

the luxurious conditions of the Temple 

today which were a far cry from the 

noisy wooden floorboards of 50 years 

ago! He gave a short anecdote about 

his early days as a Mason when he was 

told: ‘never to be late, never tell a lie, 

and never speak to a Provincial Officer’, 

all of which he promptly broke when he 

was late for the very next meeting, and 

gave a less than honest excuse for his 

lateness to the then Provincial Grand 

Master! The Lodge presented Rex with 

a decanter with an engraved silver 

collar and a set of glasses. 

Thanks to Dave Smith 

Sec 4692 

GOLD for Sean Gaffney 

(Royal Naval 2761) and 

Great Britain at Invictus 

Games in Florida 

Sean Gaffney of Royal Naval 2761 was 

chosen to represent Great Britain in the 

Invictus Games in Orlando and came 

back with TWO Gold medals (Power 

Lifting & Rowing), One Silver (Rowing) 

& One Bronze (Mens 400m Relay). The 

Invictus Games is a multi-sport event, 

open to all wounded, injured and sick 

serving military personnel and Veterans 

and involves over 500 athletes from 15 

countries. 

The Games are named after ‘Invictus’, 

the Latin word for ‘undefeated’. The 

inaugural Games were held in London 

in 2014. Sean joined the Royal Navy in 

1989 and on passing out became an Air 

Engineering Mechanic in the Fleet Air 

Arm. One of Sean’s career highlights 

was to run in the Fleet Air Arm field gun 

team during the 1995 Royal Tournament. 

It was while Sean was training for the 

final tournament in July 1999 that he 

received a crush injury to his left foot. 

Despite attempts to save it, which 

included transplanting one of his 

abdominal muscles into his injured foot, 

he contracted septicaemia which led to 

a below the knee amputation. 

Sean has never let his injuries hold him 

back and he was determined not only 

remain in the Service but also to return 

to operational duties. Since his accident 

he has been promoted to Petty Officer 

and completed tours of duty in Iraq and 

Afghanistan. Sean is married to Fiona, 

who is also an avid fitness fan and will 

often be found alongside him at the start 

line and sometime ahead of him at the 

finish line! Find out more how Sean got 

on in the winter edition of Compass. 

Thanks to Scott Gibbons 

Sec Royal Naval 2761 


wants to 


compass@somersetfreemasons.org

News From Around The Province 

First Ashlar for King 

Alfred 

Above: DPGM John Winston presents 

the Ashlar to Phil Lewis (ChStwd) of ‘King 

Alfred’ with the WM Terry Porter behind. 

King Alfred 3169, meeting at WSM 

have earned their first Ashlar. While 

making the presentation to Phil Lewis 

the ChStwd, John Winston, DPGM said, 

“the first Ashlar is always a special 

achievement as it means the Lodge has 

raised an amount equivalent to £200 

per member toward the 2020 Festival. 

My thanks to you all”. Terry Porter, the 

newly installed WM said “I am delighted 

that the Deputy PGM came personally 

to present our Ashlar. What a great start 

to the year”! 

Thanks to Pat Morrisey. 

London Grand Rank 

Association Raise £1375 

For Tercentenary & 2020 

At a recent meeting of the London 

Grand Rank Association (LGRA), 

Somerset Group, held at the Shrubbery 

Hotel, Ilminster, Jim Baker (Vice 

Chairman) was able to present Ray 

Guthrie (PDPGM) with two cheques, 

one for the Tercentenary Air Ambulance 

Charity appeal (£100) and another for 

the 2020 festival (£150), bringing the 

total so far donated by the group to 

£1,375. 

The LGRA is open to any brother 

that holds London Rank (LR), 

London Grand Rank (LGR) or Senior 

London Grand Rank (SLGR). ethren 

of the Somerset Group saying that the 

donations were very much appreciated 

by the Province. 

Thanks to Roger Earthrowl 

Above: Ray Guthrie (PDPGM) with Tim 

Baker (Vice Chair. Somerset Group LGRA) 

Photo – Courtesy John Hawkins 

What Is London Grand 

Rank (LGR)? 

In our Lodges we offer salutations to 

a number of distinguished brethren 

including holders of London Grand 

Rank (LGR), but what is LGR and how is 

it awarded? Today, LGR as conferred by 

the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London 

(MetGL) which covers an area roughly 

within a ten mile radius of Freemasons 

Hall. For the purposes of this article 

we might consider MetGL to be the 

‘Province of London’. It encompasses 

around 35,000 freemasons and 1320 

Lodges. The Metropolitan Grand Master 

is Sir Michael Snider. 

It should NOT be confused with the 

Grand Lodge itself which appoints 

Grand Officers and is the overall 

governing body of Freemasonry under 

the English Constitution There are only 

three honours conferred by MetGL, 

London Grand Rank (LGR), Senior 

London Grand Rank (SLGR) and London 

Rank (LR). LGR is awarded to brethren 

who have given exceptional service to 

both their own Lodge and to London 

Masonry. In 2015 there were 440 LGR 

Collars shared between 1320 Lodges. 

Above LGR is Senior London Grand Rank 

(SLGR), which is considered in London, 

to be the equivalent of PProvSGW 

because it is the highest rank that 

MetGL can bestow. In 2015 there 

were only 142 SLGR Collars awarded. 

London Rank (LR) is a special rank 

awarded to brethren who have given 

meritorious service to London masonry 

but for whatever reason have not been 

through the Chair. There are no Past 

Ranks in London Masonry. If a Brother is 

appointed to active office, for example, 

MetGStB (there are four active Standard 

Bearers in MetGL), that office is held 

for a year and when it comes to an end 

there is no entitlement to a past Rank 

or Badge. However a past active MetGL 

Officer is entitled to wear a special 

Collar Jewel incorporating the arms 

of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge in 

recognition of his service as an active 

officer. 

It should be noted that there is no direct 

comparison between the MetGL and 

Provincial Honours System; The above 

simplified explanation is offered to assist 

brethren to appreciate the reasons behind 

the Salutations that we give at our meetings 

- Ed 

Kevin Moynahan's tie! 

Photo (L to R): Kevin Moynihan, WM 7973; 

Ruth Morgan (St Margret’s Hospice); Dudly 

Tremain (ChStd) 

Kevin Moynihan, WM of St Dunstans 

7973 visited Kilwinning Lodge (number 

0) in Scotland recently and raised 

some money for his favourite charity – 

by cutting up and auctioning his tie! St 

Margaret’s Hospice was the beneficiary, 

and Kevin, accompanied by Charity 

Steward Dudley Tremain recently 

presented them with a cheque in the 

sum of £1154, the proceeds not only from 

Scotland, but also a Christmas social 

and Ladies Festival. Kevin is to 

continue as Master for another 

year so watch this space …….. 

21


Double Celebration for 

Loyal Vacation 

Ten festival Jewel’s for 

Love & Honour 285! 

Above: Nigel Weber (WM 6209) with the 

PGM and Lodge ChStwd Bob Page. 

Above: PGM Ben Batley (far left): WM Jeremy Adams (centre): ChStwd Mike Adams (far 

right) with brethren of 285 resplendent with their 2020 Festival Jewels. 

The January meeting of Loyal Vacation 

6209 saw a double celebration. The 

first was to commemorate the 70th 

anniversary of the Lodge, and on this 

special occasion the brethren were 

joined by the PGM Stuart Hadler, and 

his team. Stuart informed the brethren 

that he had recently come across a 

document detailing a visit, nearly one 

hundred years ago, in August 1817, of 

the then PGM, Arthur Chichester to the 

previous incarnation of Loyal Vacation 

- Lodge number 62! The Lodge met in 

Wiveliscombe between 1802 and 1854, 

when it was erased. He presented the 

article to the Lodge for their archives. 

The second celebration was the 

presentation of the Lodge’s first Ashlar. 

The PGM congratulated the Lodge 

on its achievement and stressed the 

importance of regular giving towards the 

2020 festivals target of £2.8m. Brother 

Philip Saunders then became one of the 

select few to be raised to the degree of 

a Master Mason by the Provincial Team. 

All in all, an evening to remember! 

Thanks to David Ware LIO 6209 

Photograph Courtesy Bill Wilson 


22 

wants to 



Assistant PGM Ben Batley was 

delighted to present no less than ten 

2020 Festival Jewels to brethren of 

Love & Honour 285 at their meeting in 

March. While presenting the Jewels Ben 

thanked the brethren for their support 

of the festival and reminded them that 

by setting up a regular payment of only 

a few pounds a month, the Jewel could 

be obtained immediately. 

Thanks to Mike Adams ChStwd 285. 

Photograph Mark Ambrosini. 


The new PGL Somerset ‘Gazebo’ 

and Banners are available for use at 

Masonic events. Resplendent with the 

Square and Compasses and the words 


emblazoned on the front it is a real eye 

catcher. 

Contact Richard Ellis at: 

richard@rellis4.orangehome.co.uk 

Somerset Farmers raise 

£2000 for ‘Breathability’ 

Above: Pauline Rendell; Nick Male; Jenny 

Woolmington; Anne Warnes; Norman 

Crang and Amanda Davies 

Somerset Farmers 9180 have raised 

£2000 to purchase equipment for the 

Charity ‘Breathability’, which supports 

people with lung and breathing 

problems. The group, based in Yeovil 

and formed in 2004 by a local doctor, 

has around 60 members and is run by 

volunteers. Norman Crang (IPM) raised 

the money during his year as Master 

through collections at the Festive Board 

and, with the help of his daughter, 

Amanda Davies, holding a BBQ at 

Parsonage Farm, Mudford (courtesy of 

Ken Crang), which was extremely well 

supported.. 

Thanks to David Burke 

LIO 9180


Old Aluredian Advance 

Candidate for Richard Huish 

& Celebrate 1st Ashlar 

Five School Lodges comprise the 

Taunton area of the’ Federation of 

School Lodges’, all of whom have four 

meetings a year. Richard Huish 8518 

have been fortunate to have benefitted 

from a number of candidates in recent 

months so they got together with Old 

Aluredian 7724 for a Ceremony with a 

difference! The WM of Richard Huish, 

Simon Cassing, occupied the Chair 

of Old Aluredian and conducted the 

Ceremony of Passing for Kris Mews 

who had been initiated into 8518 on 

November 7 th last year. 

The WM of Old Aluredian, Richard Cox 

said “The close relationship between 

our two Lodges has resulted in a most 

enjoyable and beneficial evening for us 

all. A potential ‘double ceremony’ has 

been avoided as well as a frustrating 

delay for candidates”. 

Above (from L-R): Richard Cox (WM 7724); 

PGM Stuart Hadler: Kris Mews (Candidate); 

Simon Cassing (WM 8518) 

To make the evening even more 

special the PGM Stuart Hadler was 

in attendance, accompanied by six 

Officers on a fraternal visit. Richard 

surprised Stuart by presenting him with 

a cheque for £800 toward the Somerset 

2020 Festival which the PGM instantly 

recognised as qualifying the Lodge for 

its 1st Ashlar! Always prepared, our PGM 

announced that he had a spare badge in 

his case which he duly presented. 

Thanks to Richard Baker 

LIO Queens College 6988 

RESCUE! Eldon present RNLI 

with commemorative Plaque 

Above: (from L-R): Dave Gleeson WM of Eldon with Steve Merryweather (PProvSGW) and 

members of the Lodge outside the lifeboat station at Portishead. 

Eleven Brethren of Eldon 1755, 

accompanied by the editor of Compass 

braved near freezing conditions to 

witness the launching of the new 

Portishead Life Boat. The brethren had 

been invited along to present a plaque 

to the RNLI to commemorate the fact 

that the new lifeboat station was built on 

the site which for 70 years had been the 

local Masonic Hall. The station, opened 

on June 20 th 2015 covers an area of 

the Bristol Channel that includes both 

motorway bridges (M4 and M48) as well 

as the Clifton Suspension Bridge which 

spans the river Avon. The new lifeboat 

named ‘My Lady Ann’ was officially 

‘Christened’ by its benefactor Bill 

Wraith with a bottle of Thatcher’s Cider. 

Following the launching Ceremony, 

Dave Gleeson WM of 1755 presented 

a cheque in the sum of £250 to Mike 

Roberts, Chairman of the Portishead 

Life Boat Management Committee 

along with the inscribed brass plaque. 

Dave said “We are delighted that our 

Masonic Lodge is now a front-line RNLI 

rescue centre. We hope that this plaque 

will act as a permanent reminder of 

our historical association with it”. Mike 

responded by thanking the members 

of Eldon for their generous donation 

and accepted the plaque which he said 

would be prominently mounted within 

the building. 

Barry Davies 

The Plaque commemorating the Old 

Masonic Hall at Portishead. 

Eldons ‘Travelling Brick’! 

Lodges that used to meet at the former 

Masonic Temple in Portishead, now 

the RNLI Lifeboat Station may soon be 

getting together again thanks to the 

‘Travelling Brick’ ! 

Eldon Lodge’s JW Darracq Shawe 

has salvaged an original brick from 

the old Masonic Hall, mounted it in a 

display case and plans are afoot to 

use it in a similar way to the ‘Travelling 

Trowel’ to encourage visiting between 

the Lodges that used to meet at 

Portishead. 

23


Wraxall 9011 host Metropolitan Grand 

Chapter ‘Talking Heads’ team 

Somerset Motorcyclist’s 

Lodge 

Are you a keen Motorcyclist? Would you 

like to join a special interest Lodge? If so, 

then this could be for you! Roger Penny 

is well on the way to turning an idea he 

had twenty years ago into a reality - a 

Somerset Motorcyclists Lodge! 

Why is the Royal Arch a separate Order 

and what is the Master Mason missing 

by not being a member? Performed in 

masonic Lodges throughout the country,’ 

Talking Heads’ – The Next Step: Into 

The Royal Arch is a short playlet that 

seeks to answer these questions. It 

depicts an encounter between an 

experienced Past Master, who is also a 

Royal Arch Companion, and a relatively 

new Master Mason eager to learn 

more. The opening scene begins with 

two masons chatting in the anteroom 

as they don their regalia, after which 

they start engaging with the brethren 

present. The playlet covers the history 

of the Order and explains a little about 

the regalia – especially the breast Jewel 

that is also worn in Craft Lodges as well 

as discussing other links with the Craft. 

These, and many more questions were 

answered when the Metropolitan Grand 

Chapter ‘Talking Heads’ team visited 

Wraxhall 9011 and played to a packed 

house. One of the team, Russ Woodland 

is a member of Somerset’s Royal Naval 

Lodge 2761 as well as the MetGStwd’s 

Lodge in London. Mike Baker, Ian Curran 

(AsstMetGM) and Mick Scotchmer made 

up the rest of the team and were greeted 

by the PGM Stuart Hadler and the Grand 

Superintendent John Bennet. The 

performance took around 35 minutes 

after which there was a lively question 

and answer session. This was 

the team’s 24th visit to the 

Provinces, all of which had been 

24 

Above: (THT -Talking Heads team) From L-R: Russ Woodland (THT): Mike Baker (THT): 

Ian Curran (THT – AsstMetGM): Stuart Hadler (PGM): Richard Hicken (WM 9011): The Rev. 

Mick Scotchmer (THT) and John Bennett (GSupt) 

well received. To commemorate the 

occasion John Bennet was presented 

with a recording of the playlet on a 

compact disc. Richard Hicken, WM of 

Wraxhall, presented a cheque for £300 

to the AsstMetGM Ian Currans in aid 

of the MetGL Air Ambulance appeal. 

The PGM thanked the team for a most 

informative and entertaining evening 

and the GSupt said that a Somerset 

‘Talking Heads’ team may be on the 

way. Watch this space – Ed 

Thanks to Ray Beckingham 

Wraxall 9011 

Queens College Taunton 

A family affair! 

Both the PGM and Deputy PGM joined 

the brethren of Queens College 6899 

at their March meeting to see Phil Jubb 

installing his successor Dr Jim Virjee 

as Master. The assembled brethren 

were treated to the ‘Extended Working’ 

adopted by 6899 at its consecration 

65 years ago, fascinating those who 

had never seen it before.Jim’s elder 

Brothers Roy and Zal Virjee presented 

the first and second degree Working 

Tools respectively and the new WM 

commented “it was the first time in his 

life that his older brothers had saluted 

him!” Later at the Festive Board alms 

were collected in aid of the Taunton 

Association for the Homeless – a Charity 

supported by Queens College. 

Thanks to Richard Baker LIO 6988 

“I formed the Somerset Provincial 

Motorcycles Association back in 2012” 

said Roger. “Every year I organise 

a selection of rides to venues such 

as Weston-s-Mare, Lyme-Regis and 

Poole. Through this project I met many 

Somerset riders who were keen to form 

a Motorcyclists Lodge. To date I have 

received founders applications from 

thirty six brethren. 

If successful, we hope to have one 

candidate and five meetings a year, 

some during the summer months when 

we have lighter evenings. Installation 

will be at Keynsham with others held in 

the Provinces of Gloucester, Wiltshire 

and here in Somerset. The plan is for 

brethren to ride to Lodge, meeting up 

in groups for the journey. Meetings 

would be late afternoon with an early 

festive board enabling us to ride home 

in daylight. It would certainly be a Lodge 

with a difference!” 

If you would like to know more – contact 

Roger Penny at: 

mpenny@blueyonder.co.uk 

Above: Dr. Jim Virjee (centre) is the new 

Master of Queens College 6988.


Vale of Brislington 1296 

win Bristol’s ‘Dragon 

Festival’ boat race 

When David Roberts was installed as 

Master of Vale of Brislington he was 

determined to do something different 

during his year – and he did. He formed 

a team, entered Bristol’s Dragon Boat 

Race – AND WON! David takes up the 

story “My daughter Victoria had taken 

part in the ‘Dragon Festival Boat Race’ 

organised by ‘Julian House’ in Bristol 

docks the previous year. It proved to be 

a very exciting day which was successful 

in raising money for Charity. Companies 

and Charitable organisations who want 

to take part in the race pay a fee of £375 

in return for which they get a boat and a 

pitch for the day at the dockside. There 

are 16 rowers and a drummer in each 

boat and we named ours ‘Dafty Oars’. 

Our Chosen Charity was ‘Breast Cancer 

Research’ and we set ourselves a target 

of £2000. As there were seventeen 

in the boat we agreed that each team 

member should try and raise £100 

through sponsorship. Our wives and 

partners baked pink ‘fairy cakes’ which 

we sold from our stall on the day as well 

as a lucky dip and face painting.” Race 

day was September 5 th and consisted 

of brethren from the Lodge, sons, 

daughters and family friends. There 

were three heats over a distance of 250 

metres leading to a final race between 

the fastest three boats. The 1298 team 

qualified for the final and it was a photo 

finish with ‘Dafty Oars’ declared the 

winners! ”We raised £3622” said David 

“almost double our target, which we 

presented to Jackie Morris at the ‘Touch 

of Pink’ Ball last November.” This year’s 

Above: The ‘Vale of Brislington’ team in action. 

race will be on September 3rd and, 

In the name of Charity, the Ruling 

Champions, Vale of Brislington 

CHALLENGE YOUR LODGE to a 

Race. - Can you take their Crown? 

David’s aim is to have five masonic 

entries this year and Lodges can join 

together to build a team if they wish. 

Why not have a little fun - Contact David 

at robertsbathltd@btconnect.com 

Kenneth Kinnersley 

support Mendip YMCA 

Mike Perrée, IPM of Kenneth Kinnersley 

9218 was delighted to present a 

cheque for £2695 to Kaz Marsh, 

Deputy CEO of Mendip YMCA recently. 

The money, which will go towards the 

cost of funding training and support 

for volunteers was raised during 

Mike’s year as Master and included a 

£1000 boost from the Provincial ‘Match 

Funding Scheme’. Mike said “I consider 

becoming the Master of a Freemasons 

Lodge a privilege and a position to be 

proud of. I am delighted we are able 

to support the work of Mendip YMCA.” 

If you are interested in becoming a 

Volunteer with the YMCA and working 

with young people then contact Glenda 

Collier at: 

gcollier@mendipymca.org.uk 

or call her on 01749 679553 

Winners! David Roberts (2nd from L) with his team 

Mike Perrée (IPM 9218) presents a cheque for £2,695 to Kaz Marsh with YMCA volunteers 

and staff, Helen Ware, Eve Parsons, Glenda Collier, Angela Riddle, Vicky Masters, Claire 

Rig, Dave Bonston, Stephanie Montagne. 

25

SMFA – Somerset Masonic Friendship Association 

Introduction by Ray Baines – Provincial 

Co-ordinator. The SMFA has been 

making steady progress since it was 

introduced nearly three years ago The 

principle aims of the Association are to 

ensure that the widows of brethren who 

have passed away understand that we 

still care for them and to keep in contact 

with our more elderly and frail brethren 

who are no longer able to attend their 

Lodges. The Province has been divided 

into a number of geographical areas, 

details of which are on the Provincial 

web site and in the Somerset Masonic 

Reference Book. 

At a recent meeting of Lodge Almoners 

the PGM explained that as a Province, 

we need to appreciate the needs of our 

Lodge widows and the elderly and frail 

amongst our brethren. He requested 

that each Lodge contact its widows and 

ask them to register with the SMFA. We 

can then keep in touch by sending them 

copies of Compass magazine as well 

as info on outings, charitable events 

and social functions in their area. If you 

know of a widow of a former Lodge 

member who has yet to be contacted 

by their Lodge Almoner and who would 

like to attend any of the Friendship 

Association’s events, please contact me 

at raymondbaines@me.com 

SOUTH WEST 

Steve Ford & John Trowbridge 

Thirty of us including family and friends travelled by mini bus to Clarks Village in Street and arrived in time for 

morning coffee. This was the start of Christmas shopping for some of us, however after 2 or 3 hours I had had 

enough! (2 or 3 minutes actually but I am old and cranky!) 

Early in December sixty four members enjoyed Christmas lunch at The Masonic Hall Taunton. The food was 

beautifully presented by Peter Catlow and his team. Our guests of honour were Stanley & Sylvia Hopkins and 

Ray & Pat Baines. It was also the occasion of Gwyneth Trowbridge’s birthday and she was presented with a cake 

accompanied by a rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. The raffle raised over £300, followed by Christmas Carols to the 

accompaniment of John Darlington on the piano. Thanks to all who helped to organise this event and a special 

thank you to Roger and Chris from Unanimity & Sincerity 261. 

Contact steveford23@yahoo.co.uk 01398 323016 or john@trowbridge.freeserve.co.uk 01823 323016 

North WEST Martin Yates Has the following events planned : 

June 15 th Private guided tour of Yeo Valley Organic Gardens followed by a two course lunch. Cost £20 

August 7 th Sunday lunch and illustrated talk "Otters on my Doorstep" by Gill Brown. Cost £15 

Oct. 6 th Sunday Lunch at Michael Angelo's seafront restaurant in Weston super Mare. Cost £15 

Nov. 27 th Pre- Christmas lunch at Mendip Spring Golf and Country Club with entertainment. Cost £14 

Details and bookings martinwyates@gmail.com; Tel: 01934 833634 

North East Martyn Russell 

26 members enjoyed Christmas Lunch at Bath Masonic Hall accompanied by an interesting talk on 'Christmas 

Past.' The SMFA Bath Masonic Widows continue to have regular monthly meetings every third Thursday with 

guest speakers and other groups within the SMFA are always welcome.. 

Contact martynrussell44@hotmail.co.uk 01761 418909 

Central Adrian Robson 

Hold regular events from Coffee Mornings to Sunday lunches, the most popular of which are at the ‘White 

Cottage’, W. Huntspill and the ‘Ashcott Inn’ near Street. We are planning a Summer Day Trip on Sunday 17 th July 

to the Tiverton Canal horse drawn barge, stopping afterwards for lunch at ‘The Fisherman’s Cot’. There will be a 

Sunday lunch at The Isle of Wedmore Golf Club on Sunday October 30 th so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Don’t forget the popular Coffee Mornings held at Bridgwater Masonic Hall, come along and see what it’s all about! 

Contact Adrian Robson at almoner-admiralblake4692@outlook.com 01278 433100 

26 

South east Contact at mjfroom@btinternet.com 01460 65751 

Mike Froom

News Extra 

The Great War Project 

Lodge No. Family Name Given Names Rank Died 

Royal Sussex 53 Perkins Bertram Falls Capt. 27/11/1915 

St Kew 1222 Burrough Francis Thomas Capt. 01/07/1916 

Royal Somerset 973 Powell Richard Oversby Capt. 16/07/1916 

Agriculture 1199 Miles Henry Robert 2 Lt. 16/07/1916 

Connaught 2761 Blinman Percy L Cpl. 23/07/1916 

By the summer of 1916, seventeen Somerset brethren had 

lost their lives in the Great War. With trench warfare on the 

Western Front established, it is not surprising to find that all 

of those recorded as ‘Killed in Action’ in this report were 

fighting in the area between the Somme and Ypres, however 

unusually they all have known graves. Soon more Somerset 

brethren would die. 

The youngest of these was L/Cpl Percy Blinman, aged 27, a 

trainee architect. A Lewis, he was initiated into Connaught 

3573 and passed to the 2nd degree just before leaving for 

France in 1915. His Father and Uncle were also members of 

Connaught. Percy served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 

and was killed on the Somme in July 1916. He is buried at 

Poziere Cemetery. 

Henry R. Miles, a wealthy man, was born and well educated 

in England. Having travelled in Argentina, he returned to 

his family home in Salisbury where he was initiated in 1903. 

He then became one of the pioneer farmstead settlers in 

Saskatchewan, Canada. He was admired for his tenacity, good 

character and generosity towards others. Whilst in Canada he 

married, and became WM of his local Lodge. On his return to 

England, he had not long settled in Backwell when, with the 

outbreak of war, and despite initial rejection because of his 

age, he joined up in 1914 and died aged 49 in France. He was 

a member of Lodge of Agriculture 1199. 

Richard Powell, an early volunteer, was a Yorkshire-man. His 

trade as a commercial traveller brought him to Frome where 

he was initiated into the Royal Somerset 973 by emergency 

resolution prior to joining the Royal Artillery in 1914. He was 

commissioned from the ranks and was killed in action in 

France in July 1916. 

Francis Burrough, having travelled the world, settled in 

Wedmore with his wife in 1905. Having served in the Somerset 

Light Infantry, Francis joined the regular light infantry in 1914 

and was killed at Ypres, Belgium in 1916. He was initiated into 

St Kew 1222 in 1911. 

Bertram Perkins, though recorded as a First World War 

casualty actually died of pneumonia at home in Wookey in 

June 1916. He had suffered severe illness in the South African 

wars and though he continued military service had never fully 

recovered. He was the son of the DPGM for Somerset, Alfred 

Thrale Perkins and was initiated into Royal Sussex Lodge on 

November 3rd 1913. 

Stuart Hadler 

Brethren – We will remember them 

2020 Official Festival 

Socks 

2020 Official Festival Socks are 

available from your Charity Steward. 

They are bright yellow because that 

is the corporate colour of the Grand 

Charity. Revenue generated from their 

sale will go toward the festival fund. 

The PGM has issued a dispensation for 

the wearing of these socks at Lodge 

meetings within the Province until the 

2020 Festival. No other socks other 

than traditional black or dark grey are 

acceptable and Festival Socks should 

not be worn to meetings outside the 

Province of Somerset. This is a rare 

opportunity to do ‘something different’ 

while supporting the Grand Charity and 

a great conversation piece for visitors 

from other Provinces! The Official 2020 

Festival Socks are available from your 

Charity Steward in two sizes at only £5 

a pair. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

to TYNTE on their FIFTH 

ASHLAR! 

Congratulations to Tynte 7994 on 

receiving their 5th Ashlar. Ben Batley, 

AsstPGM presented the award to Lodge 

ChStwd Dai Wood and WM Terry Joyce 

at their April meeting. With only 38 

members Tynte have raised £26,606 

toward the 2020 festival –that’s over 

£1015 per member! While making the 

presentation Ben said “To obtain 5 

Ashlars is a tremendous achievement, 

even more so when you consider you 

have only 38 members. The PGM 

has asked me to pass on his grateful 

appreciation for setting such a fine 

example in your support of the Festival” 

Thanks to Dai Wood 

LIO, ChStwd 7994 

27

A lifetime of support for your family and 

your business 

Services for your 

family 

Services for your 

business 

➤ Moving home 

➤ Family and children 

➤ Personal injury 

➤ Wills, inheritance and probate 

➤ Employment 

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resolution 

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➤ Employment 

➤ Litigation and dispute 

resolution 

Henriques Griffiths LLP 

0117 909 4000 | info@henriquesgriffiths.com 

Offices in Central Bristol, Fishponds and Winterbourne 

www.henriquesgriffiths.com

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