Older News
Commemoration Service at Chester Barracks
W. Bro. E. Barry Evans P.J.G.D., represented the Province at the Commemoration Service and Ceremony held at the Chester Barracks on Wednesday, 11th November, 2010.
He was very well received and the gift of a £400 donation, particularly appreciated.
The first British soldier to be killed in Bosnia was among the brave soldiers who've been awarded posthumous medals'.
Lance Corporal Wayne Edwards, 26 from Cefn Mawr, near Wrexham and Fusilier Stephen Jones, 22, from Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh, received the Elizabeth Cross. Their proud families received the awards on their behalf at the Officers Mess, 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, in Dale Barracks, Chester. Lance Cpl Edwards, 26, was attached to the l Cheshire Battle Group as part or UNPROFOR deployment to Bosnia.
He was killed by crossfire between Muslim and Croat warring factions in Gornii Vakuf, on 13th January 1993. At the time of the incident he was the driver of the lead Warrior vehicle escorting an aid convoy through the town of Gornji Vakuf, where heavy fighting was taking place between Muslim and Croat forces. He was the first British soldier to be killed in Bosnia. The Elizabeth Cross was presented to Lance Corporal Edwards' sister Kimberly.
Fusilier Stephen Jones, was serving as a rifleman in A Company, 1st Batallion The Royal Welch Fusiliers during the Battalion's tour of Iraq in 2004. A Company was attached to the l Princess of Wales's Regiment Battle Group based in Al Amarah north of Basra.
On 10th of September 2004 Fusilier Stephen Jones was driving a Landrover, which was involved in a road traffic accident 10 miles south of Al Amarah. Fusilier Jones died of his injuries at the scene. The Elizabeth Cross was presented to Fusilier Jones' widow Zoe. Yesterday she said: "It was a fantastic honour."
Major General Roddy Porter MBE, Colonel of the Regiment made the presentations. The dedication of a new plaque, attached to the memorial stone near to the entrance to Dale Barracks, also took place during the ceremony and honours the sacrifices which were made by personnel on operations. The inscription on the memorial says: "The cry of battle fills the wind. And the blood of lads mingles with the rain. We will remember them".
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Lock, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh said: "The ceremony at the home of l Royal Welsh was a fitting occasion to honour the three servicemen who lost their lives on operations, or to terrorism
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll serve as recognition of sacrifices made for which the country owes a great debt. For the families receiving them, I hope they will wear the emblem with pride and that they then pass it on to future generations."
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll was introduced in 2009 for families of British personnel killed while serving their country since the Second World War.
Older News
Flint Lodge donates £160 to the Flint RNLI.
A Firework display is set to go off with a bang after receiving a generous donation. The popular event, which is organised by RNLI Flint, landed a donation of £160 from Flint Masonic Lodge, No. 4544.
The cheque was presented by the current Worshipful Master, Bro. William Collings, P.Pr.J.G.D., who had hosted a fundraising barbeque.
The barbeque, which took place during the summer, was held in the garden at the home of W.Bro. Neil Scholfield, P.A.G.D.C., and his wife, Linda whose son, Robert, is a member of the lifeboat crew.
Click to enlarge
The donation will purchase a state-of-the-art electronic firing system in time for the fireworks extravaganza. The Worshipful Master, Bro. William Collings, P.Pr.J.G.D., in making the presentation, said "We were delighted to be able to support the local volunteer RNLI by helping to fund the purchase of the electronic firing system for their annual firework display".
RNLI Operations Manager, Alan Forrester, added "We are really grateful to the Freemasons of Flint Lodge for their gift. The electronic firing system is a very necessary piece of kit, which ensures that we comply with Health and Safety regulations and the safety of the two qualified volunteer crew members who will be looking after the display on the night".
Older News
Province of Shropshire celebrates 125 years.
125th Anniversary of the foundation of the Province of Shropshire.
On Saturday 23rd October 2010 our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Ieuan Redvers Jones accompanied by W. Bro. Peter J. Sorahan, P.A.G.D.C., Provincial Grand Secretary, attended as guests of RW Bro. James McAllister Hodgson, Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire, at a Meeting of the Salopian Lodge of Charity No. 117.
This was to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the Province of Shropshire on the 22nd October 1885. Previously to this date the Province had been linked in partnership with the Province of North Wales since the 13th of April 1791.
Because of the strong historical links between the two Provinces and the close amity which still continues our Provincial Grand Master was invited to propose the toast to the Province of Shropshire at the Festive Board following the Lodge Meeting.
An article appeared in a recent Edition of the Shropshire Magazine which mentions this event written by Neil Thomas a journalist and non-Mason - which from an unbiased source is refreshingly supportive of the Craft and its Aims and Object.
As referred to in the article our RW Provincial Grand Master in his toast maintained the long tradition of the good natured banter now taken for granted between the two Provinces whilst expressing his earnest good wishes for the health and prosperity of the Province of Shropshire and particularly the happy state of amity existing between the two Provinces. Read the full article by clicking on this link (3.6MB)
Older News
Meliden Masons raise £2,400 for local Hospice
Bro. Tim Harper, Worshipful Master of St Melyd Lodge No. 3840 hosted a Hog Roast at his home during the summer and the Stalls and Clay Pigeon Competition raised the magnificent sum of £2,400 which was donated to the local St Kentigern's Hospice.
Click to enlarge
Some 150 Masons with their families and friends attended. The Worshipful Master said that whilst the weather was not very favourable he was very pleased with the outcome which increased Freemasonry and particularly the Lodge's profile within the community.
The Worshipful Master paid tribute to the Lodge members and their friends for ensuring the success of the venture.
Older News
Donation by North Wales Masonic Benevolent Association
The North Wales Masonic Benevolent Association have recently donated the sum of £2,000 towards the purchase of two Automated External Defibrillators (AED'S) for use by the First Responder teams in North Wales.
The Teams are community based volunteers trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service and respond to 999 calls within their community, getting trained people to patients sooner, which could improve patient outcome, as many areas are remote and emergency ambulances have some distance to travel.
Click to enlarge
At a recent presentation of the new Defibrillators to Harold Burrows, Regional Staff Officer - Welsh Ambulance Service and David White, First Responder Scheme volunteer, the R.W. Provincial Grand Master said how pleased he was to be able to make the presentation on behalf of the NWMBA in the knowledge that the new AED's would go towards saving more lives.
Interested in joining?
Would you like to join Freemasonry?
People might think that to become a Freemason is quite difficult. It's actually straightforward. The essential qualification for admission is that you have a belief in a Supreme Being.
It is usual for candidates to be "mature men of 21 years and over", but in some circumstances candidates between the ages of 18 and 21 can be admitted.
After reading the information on this page, if you are still interested in becoming a Freemason, we advise that you first talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a member.
They will be able to explain to you what they can about the fraternity and help you find a suitable Lodge.
Latest Provincial
News
Latest News from around the Province
Foundation Stone laid for new Masonic Hall at Bangor
After some 11 years of planning, hard work and patient waiting, the new Masonic Hall at Bangor is coming to fruition. At a Ceremony conducted by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Ieuan Redvers Jones, on Wednesday 16th November 2011, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony took place attended by the Worshipful Master and other representatives of St. David's Lodge, No. 384, the Senior Lodge in the Province.
Others in attendance were W. Bro. Peter Sorahan, PAGDC, the Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Steven Jones, PAGDC Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and W. Bro. Gwynfor Williams, PAGChap. PProvGChap., as Provincial Grand Chaplain and W. Bro. John C. Kettlewell, Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works. There were also present a number of Freemasons representing other Lodges and Chapters which will be meeting at the new Masonic Hall. Directors of Watkin Jones and Company Ltd. were also in attendance.
Also present at the Ceremony were some sixty invited guests which included the Mayor of Gwynedd County Council, the Mayor of the Bangor Town Council, Members of both councils and other civic dignitaries. The brief Ceremony had been structured by W. Bro. Hywel Wyn Jones, PProvJGW, the Provincial Information Officer, following advice from V.W. Bro. Graham Redmond, Assistant Grand Secretary at United Grand Lodge in London who took photographs of the event.
The Project has been a partnership venture with the Developers, Watkin Jones Ltd., a local building and development company, who acquired the old Bangor Football Ground Site at Farrar Road, Bangor, but needed to have an improved access to that site by levelling the old Masonic Hall.
The Masonic Hall was a purpose built building dating from the early 1930's with many interesting Art Deco Features. Many of those features have been saved however and will be installed in the new building. One particularly interesting feature is a stained glass window which will be backlighted and be a prominent feature in the new Entrance Hall.
Wal-Mart, aka ASDA, are moving into the Football Ground site but with a smaller store than originally planned but in the words of the developers will anchor retail development nearer to the town centre than has been the trend with other developments locally.
Posted 02/02/2012
Wrexhamian Burns Night Celebration
The Festive Board of Wrexhamian Lodge, Wrexham, in January took the form of a Burns Night celebration. The Haggis was carried in by W. Bro Nigel Curry, IPM of Kilmorey Lodge 7109 in the Province of Cheshire, and the piper was the Provincial Grand Tyler of Cheshire who gave the traditional address to the haggis much to the delight of all present.
Posted 29/01/2012
Boost for the T.L.C. Charity
Brethren at Maesgwyn Hall in Wrexham have donated a further £800 to the TLC Fund.
Bro. Kevin Bennett, the St Catherine Lodge Charity Steward, completed his latest fund raising "Name the Teddy" scheme at the recent Lodge Ladies Evening raising a magnificent sum of £400.
A successful application to the Grand Charity Matched Funding Scheme publicised by the Provincial Grand Secretary in October last year secured a further £400 making a total of £800 which was presented to W.Bro. David Gibbison by Lodge Secretary W.Bro. Phil James.
Such was the generosity of those attending the successful Ladies Evening that a further donation of £466 is to be presented to the "Help for Heroes" charity; again with the support of the matched Funding Scheme.
Finally, in lieu of the traditional Ladies' Gifts, the Lodge resolved to make a donation to the Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham amounting to £232.
The Worshipful Master of the St Catherine Lodge, W.Bro. James Lambert, wishes to record his thanks to all those brethren meeting at Maesgwyn Hall who supported Bro. Bennett's TLC efforts and those who went on to support the Ladies Evening.
Posted 27/01/2012
Charitable Donations by St. Tudno Lodge No.755
The Lodge of St Tudno No 755 has, over the last year or so made a number of charitable donations to local worthy causes:
Recently it gave a donation of £635 to the Guide Dogs for the Blind. This
is a charity which has a special relevance to St Tudno as one of its oldest
members, W.Bro Keith Roberts can now only attend the Lodge with the help of
his own guide dog. The Guide Dog has been named "Cooper" which is also the
name of the Lodge's Assistant DC which can be confusing for both. See www.guidedogs.org.uk for further information on this charity.
More recently, the Lodge made a donation to their namesake church situated on the Great Orme. The Church of St Tudno is in need of renovation works and the money has gone as part of the "Sponsor a Slate" scheme. A donation of £500 was made and with each slate costing £10, you can all work out how many slates the Lodge has paid for.
The link between the Lodge of St Tudno and the Church of St Tudno is more than just the name. The first Worshipful Master of the Lodge, William Henry Reece, who was a wealthy business man living in the area, paid for the full restoration of the church following severe damage to it in the great storm of 1834 when it was virtually abandoned by the Church in Wales.
St Dunstan's , a charity helping blind ex-servicemen has recently opened a new centre in Llandudno, refurbishing a local landmark building to a very high standard. Once again, the Brethren of St Tudno, with a blind ex serviceman as one of the Lodge's senior members, dug deep into their funds and donated £500 to the "buy a virtual brick" scheme to help with the cost of the refurbishment.
Further donations of £50 each for Mood Lighting at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and towards a new Gazebo for the St John Ambulance have also been made. The arrangements for the above have been made through the Lodge's Charity Steward W.Bro Keith Rimmer.
Posted 25/01/2012
Official Visit to Beaumaris Lodge by PGM
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and some members of his Provincial team are shown below. This was on the occassion of the Provincial Grand Master's official visit to Beaumaris Lodge No.5347 which took place on the 19th of January 2012.
Posted 20/01/2012
St.Tudwal's Lodge Ladies to Dine Evening
After a short December Lodge Meeting 21 brethren of St. Tudwal's retired to Pwllheli Golf Club to enjoy a Christmas dinner with their Ladies. By all accounts everyone had a most enjoyable evening. This was the first time that such an event has been held by St. Tudwal's Lodge but from the very favourable comments made after the evening it seems that by popular demand it could become an annual event in our calendar. A raffle raised £132 towards Masonic charities.
Click on a picture to temporarily stop the rotation.
Posted 17/01/2012
£2,772 donation given to Nightingale House Hospice.
A donation of £2,772 from the Grand Charity has been given to Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham. The cheque was presented by David Davies, Wrexham and Caergwrle Group (7) chairman, accompanied by Secretary, Philip Marles. Accepting the cheque, Caroline Siddall, the hospice's Income Generation Director, said: "We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons for this generous donation and appreciate the good work they do for charities."
From left, John Savage, Nightingale House Chief Executive, Philip Marles, David Davies & Caroline Siddall.
Posted 19/12/2011
Freemasons donate £9,666 to North Wales Hospices
Local hospices welcome funding from The Freemasons' Grand Charity - a total of £9,666 is being donated to five hospices in North Wales.
Adult and children's hospices across England and Wales are receiving £500,000 in total from the Charity. This sum is in addition to funds already donated by local Freemasons, who raise thousands of pounds for charity every year.
Freemasons have a long tradition of funding hospices, with The Freemasons' Grand Charity donating £9.3 million since 1984. All donations are raised by Freemasons and their families and aim to assist hospices in their vital role in helping those affected by terminal or life limiting illness.
Speaking about the donation, the Provincial Grand Master - Ieuan Redvers Jones said: "Supporting hospice services remains very important to Freemasons in North Wales and we are delighted that The Freemasons' Grand Charity has continued to provide this funding this year. The care provided by local hospices is exceptional - but continuous financial support is necessary to ensure such a dedicated service. For that reason we are delighted to be able to demonstrate our continued commitment to their cause"
W.Bro. Harry Davies presents a cheque for the sum of £1,636.00 to Mrs Jackie Jeffrey at St Kentigern Hospice.
Posted 14/12/2011
St. Melyd's Lodge Donation to St. Kentigern's Hospice
St. Melyd's Lodge No. 3840 held a Social Evening at St. Melyd Hall on Saturday 29th October 2011. 74 guests enjoyed a Magic themed evening with a member of the Magic Circle performing at the tables.
£320 was raised and has been donated to St. Kentigern's Hospice. The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. David Owen (on the right) and the Lodge Secretary, W. Bro. Alan Stone, presented the cheque to Jackie Jeffery, the Hospice's Fund Raising Manager.
Posted 02/12/2011
Castell Crogen Lodge present two cheques
Castell Crogen Lodge has recently presented a cheque to St Martins scout group to assist them with their refurbishment programme. Bro Marvin Ward-Batha (far right) who is a member of the lodge and the scout troop, asked if the members could help with a donation to assist them with the refurbishment and it was agreed to make a donation of £100.
Pictured L-R: W Bro Graham Greasley, Group Scout Leader Andrew Dyke, Worshipful Master W Bro Peter Budd and Bro Marvin Ward - Batha.
The members of Castell Crogen Lodge also recently presented a cheque for £100 to the Leonard Cheshire Home to help with their fund raising for overseas students that attend the home on work experience.
Worshipful Master, W Bro Peter Budd is seen handing the cheque to Linda Read a resident of the home. During their visit the Worshipful Master and W Bro Graham Greasley were given a tour of the home and enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat with several residents, also pictured in the photograph.
Posted 29/11/2011
Variety Spectacular Show in aid of the 2017 Festival
The Chelsea Lodge of Entertainers, in association with Twrcelyn Lodge, have very kindly agreed to stage a Variety Spectacular at Venue Cymru Llandudno at 7pm on Sunday 1st April 2012. All the proceeds are being donated to our 2017 Festival in support of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The purpose of this posting is to communicate the staging of this event to every member of our Province and to encourage as many members as possible to support it. Those that do support the event will hopefully bring along many family members and friends to enjoy, what is promising to be, a very special evening of family entertainment.
The cast is not yet finalised but will include stars such as Rick Wakeman, Miki Travis, Roger Kitter, Steve Womack, Freddie Davies, Paul Kaye Jones, Mike Jerome, Daryll King, Daniel Dean with his full stage illusion show and dancers. With a special guest appearance of Wyn Calvin, local rising singing star Sioned Terry and the Ysgol Penbaras choir - recent winners of Songs of Praise.
Tickets cost £30, £25 and £20 and are now on sale from the Venue Cymru box office, 01492 872000 - www.venuecymru.co.uk. The show will be advertised to the general public with effect from the 1st January 2012 , therefore Brethren are encouraged to book early so as not to be disappointed.
The Chelsea Lodge of Entertainers have undertaken similar events in other Provinces with great success. Please come along and support your Province, the cast and full production team, all of whom are giving their time voluntarily so as to ensure that all proceeds from the event to the 2017 Festival are maximised.
Further information is available on both the PECS extranet and www websites.
Thank you in anticipation of your support. A copy of the poster is attached here (159KB)
Posted 25/11/2011
75th Anniversary of the Consecration of Yale Lodge No.5636
The RW Provincial Grand Master of the Province of North Wales, W. Bro Ieuan Redvers Jones, and the Provincial team, were among the 82 brethren who attended the 75th anniversary of the Consecration of Yale Lodge No. 5636 in Wrexham on Monday, 14th November.
The Worshipful Master, W. Bro Steven Harvey, in the Chair for the third time, presented the RW Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for two thousand and seventeen pounds towards the 2017 Festival. Thanking the brethren of Yale Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master said: "This is an excellent effort considering you are a small Lodge of only 24 members."
W. Bro Harvey also presented him with a book about the Gresford Colliery disaster which the PGM said he would read with interest as his father was once a miner at Llay Main Colliery, Wrexham. He was a minister in Blaenau Ffestiniog at the time of the disaster and immediately went to Gresford to help.
The Provincial Grand Master is seen cutting the anniversary cake, made by Mrs Katrina Johnson, wife of Bro. Len Johnson a member of Yale Lodge, with W. Bro Stephen Harvey and the Prov. Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro Steven Jones, looking on.
Posted 24/11/2011
Old Ruthinian Lodge present cheque to Royal British Legion
John Collister, the Master of the Old Ruthinian Lodge No 9399, presenting a cheque to Mr Ted Evans for £200 as a donation from the brethren towards the Royal British Legion Annual Poppy Appeal
Posted 23/11/2011
Interested in joining?
Would you like to join Freemasonry?
The first condition of admission into, and membership of, the Order is a belief in the Supreme Being. This is essential and admits of no compromise.
The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, is always open in the Lodges. Every Candidate is required to take his Obligation on that book or on the Volume which is held by his particular creed to impart sanctity to an oath or promise taken upon it.
Everyone who enters Freemasonry is, at the outset, strictly forbidden to countenance any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society; he must pay due obedience to the law of any state in which he resides or which may afford him protection, and he must never be remiss in the allegiance due to the Sovereign of his native land.
Grants to Charities
We provide Grants for the following
We are committed to providing funding for charities in the following categories:
Medical Research,
Vulnerable People,
Youth Opportunities,
Hospices,
Air Ambulances,
Disaster Relief,
Masonic Charities
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity, Reg. Charity No.281942
Each year The Freemasons' Grand Charity provides relief grants for hundreds of Freemasons and their dependants in financial need, as well as donating millions of pounds to national charities.
Since 1980 we have made grants totalling over £100 million. The Freemasons' Grand Charity is funded by Freemasons and their families and is continuing a commitment to charitable support that began nearly 300 years ago in the earliest days of organised Freemasonry.
The Grand Charity
What is the Relief Chest scheme?
The Relief Chest Scheme is operated by The Freemasons' Grand Charity to provide a cost effective solution for the charitable activities of Craft Lodges, RA Chapters and other recognised Masonic orders, groups and bodies and to generally help them manage charitable giving efficiently.
There is no charge for this service.
Major / Minor Grants 2011
Over £250,000 in grants announced
May 2011
Twenty-six minor grants announced as well as funding for air ambulance services.
May 2011
New Major Grants Announced
The first major grants of 2011, awarded by The Freemasons' Grand Charity, have been announced - totalling £676,000.
The Grand Charity
Supporting Brethren & their families in need.
The primary role of The Freemasons' Grand Charity is to help Brethren and their dependants who are in financial need.
Over £50 million has been given during the last thirty years.
The Grand Charity
Supporting people in financial need.
In the current economic climate the importance of the support the Grand Charity provides for people living in difficult circumstances cannot be underestimated.
The work of the Grand Charity is also greatly complemented by the efforts of local and Provincial Lodges, who dedicate a lot of time in caring for members of their community who require assistance.
The Freemasons' Grand Charity is committed to supporting Freemasons and their dependants in need of help and will ensure discretion in every case.
Vulnerable People
We provide Support for Vulnerable People
Since 1981, The Grand Charity has given
over £19 million to fund projects that support vulnerable people of all ages.
"Vulnerable People" is the largest category and encompasses national organisations that deal with a wide variety of problems including: disability, care for the seriously ill, care for ex-members of the armed services, deprivation, homelessness and poverty, to name but a few.
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity, Reg. Charity No.281942
The charities and projects supported by The Grand Charity are chosen because they aim to make a significant difference to people in real need, provide maximum impact by benefitting as many people as possible and support issues that individual Freemasons and their families are concerned about and will be glad to help.
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity, Reg. Charity No.281942
Since 1981, The Freemasons' Grand Charity has donated over £49 million to national charities, continuing a commitment to charitable support that began nearly 300 years ago. The Charity is funded entirely by Freemasons and their families and is dedicated to supporting people in need.
The Grand Charity
Organisations that have received funding
Some organisations that have received funding in recent years include: Breast Cancer Haven, Alzheimer's Society, Disabled Living Foundation, Down Syndrome Education International, Emmaus UK, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Victim Support and Winston's Wish.
The Grand Charity
Air Ambulance charities in England and Wales
Mirroring the popularity of the Hospice project, since 2007, grants have been made to the many Air Ambulance charities that operate across England and Wales.
In total, £759,000 has been shared amongst these life saving services with every service in England and Wales receiving funding.
The Air Ambulance charities in England and Wales fly over 19,000 missions per year at a cost of about £0.5 million per week, met almost entirely by donations from the public.
The speed with which the ambulances are able to respond to emergencies and transport patients to hospital greatly improves the survival chances of individuals involved in serious road traffic collisions, medical emergencies and other incidents, 365 days of the year.
The Grand Charity
Hospice services in England and Wales.
Hospice grants are awarded for running costs only and not for capital appeals.
These grants are in addition to the considerable sums raised by Freemasons around the country in support of their local hospices.
Hospice services are asked to apply directly to The Freemasons' Grand Charity for funding.
Further information can be found at www.grandcharity.org.
• Approved by United Grand Lodge of England •
web site design and online content management by W.Bro. David Anthony Fink