News Archive January 2011 - June 2011

Index

Donation of £25,000 to Midlands Air Ambulance
Cantilupe contribution to Blackmarston School
Herefordshire-sponsored RDA horse Gypsy in dressage trial
Cantilupe Brother on expedition to South Pole
Deputy PGM meets new CEO of Breast Cancer Haven
Ariconium Lodge celebrates its 200th meeting
Presentation to Acorns Children’s Hospice
Arrow Lodge presentation to Breast Cancer Haven
Contribution to new echocardiograph on BHF anniversary
Donation to The Martha Trust
Ariconium support for local charities
HMCA sponsors Brookfield School annual panto
Provincial contribution to St Michael’s Hospice

The Vision for the future of St Michael’s Hospice revealed

Representatives of Herefordshire’s Masons considered it a privilege to be appraised of the significant £10 million refurbishment and re-development project designed for St Michael’s Hospice. Ruth Denison, Head of Fundraising, presented the plans which had been officially approved by Herefordshire Council in mid December.

The occasion coincided with the presentation of a cheque for £2,900 representing the annual donation from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity. During 2010 the Charity distributed £600,000 among the 225 hospices across England and Wales. Since 1984 the Grand Charity has awarded well in excess of £8 million to such hospices, St Michael’s being allocated upwards of £60,000 during this period.

Over the past 25 years, St Michael’s Hospice at Bartestree has become nationally and internationally recognised as a provider of Specialist Palliative Care. The projected development – ‘The Vision’ for the next 25 years – will provide a new purpose-built 20-bed In-Patient Unit and landscaped gardens, on 5.5 acres recently purchased, a development which is designed to ‘significantly improve patient privacy and dignity without creating isolation’.

In addition, a new purpose-built education facility, which will strengthen St Michael’s position as the regional centre of excellence in the delivery of Palliative Care Education, will be incorporated into the development.

Ruth Denison emphasised that “The new development will retain the value of the present building which has seen significant investment, both financially and emotionally over the past 25 years, while the projected plan will enable the hospice to engage in patient care much earlier and for longer periods of time.”  The hospice will be operational throughout the planned development.

The annual cost of providing hospice services at St Michael’s is £3.6 million, which includes government funding of £300,000. The hospice greatly relies on voluntary donations and fundraising activities.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire in presenting the donation stated “We are delighted to demonstrate our support in this way for the services so commendably provided by St Michael’s Hospice, and we accordingly pledge our continued support.”

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity distributes grants totalling nearly £7 million each year in areas of medical research, support for vulnerable people, youth opportunities, air ambulances and disaster relief, as well as providing assistance to individuals in financial need. Further information on The Freemasons’ Grand Charity can be found at their website at www.grandcharity.org .

The photograph shows, left to right: Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Rodney Smallwood; Worshipful Brother David Knowles, Provincial Grand Charity Steward; and Ruth Denison, Head of Fundraising at St Michael’s Hospice.

(January 2011)

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A moment in time to remember

Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association has once again sponsored the annual pantomime at Brookfield School on Grandstand Road which provides specialist educational needs to 6 to 16 year olds from Herefordshire. On this occasion, children from Blackmarston School, accompanied by many parents, were also invited to the performance.

This year’s pantomime “Sleeping Beauty” was organised through the national charity Happy Days by the initiative of Dennis Smith the modern languages teacher at the school.

The Head Teacher Oremi Evans thanked W Bro Terry Neate, Provincial Grand Almoner, for the continued support of Herefordshire Freemasons in their sponsorship of the pantomimes so professionally and enjoyably performed by the visiting theatre company M&M Productions.

W Bro Terry Neate mentioned how the children’s faces “lit up with unbounded joy and expectation” during the performance, and was a “beautiful moment in time to remember”.

The photograph shows Oremi Evans and W Bro Terry Neate with some of the children in anticipation of the start of the production.

(February 2011)

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Ariconium Lodge continues local support

Freemasons of Ariconium Lodge continue their support of local charities. As in the past, donations have recently been awarded to Hereford Vision Links and Ross-on-Wye Age Concern Visage Project, to assist people in the locality with impaired vision.

Sheila Taylor, Chief Executive Hereford Vision Links, on being presented with the most recent donation commented that such financial support “is essential in the promotion of social interaction and welfare of this vulnerable group of local inhabitants, and is yet a further example of the ongoing assistance given by Freemasons”.

Bob Ratcliffe, Past Master of Ariconium Lodge, said that he was “proud that the Freemasons of Ross-on-Wye are able to continue to help local independent charities in their essential work  within the community especially at this time of financial uncertainty”.

Photograph left to right: Peter Nash, Lodge Charity Steward presenting donation to Sheila Taylor, with Bob Ratcliffe in attendance.

(February 2011)

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British Heart Foundation's 50th Anniversary celebrated
at Hereford

Claire Cassidy, the British Heart Foundation fundraising manager for Hereford and Worcester, proudly displayed the state of the art £98,000 ultra sound 4D echo cardiograph machine at Hereford Hospital following a three year local appeal supported among others by Herefordshire Freemasons.

Claire stated that this machine "places Hereford in the forefront of cardiac screening, and provides a direct link with QE Birmingham."

Herefordshire has a higher than national average incidence of heart disease with a need for 4000 cardiac screenings per year, a demand which is increasing annually by 10%: Gill James, Senior Technician in the hospital's Heart and Lung Department, said that this machine "will make a fantastic difference."

At the presentation, Very Worshipful Brother, The Reverend David Bowen, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, expressed his pleasure on behalf of Herefordshire Freemasons in being part of the successful Herefordshire Heartbeat Appeal.

The recent launch of a national ten year appeal by the British Heart Foundation to raise £50m for research into making the first repairable heart tissue thus giving hope to millions, was publicised at the presentation - an appeal aiming  to "turn science fiction into scientific fact."

Photograph taken during the presentation of the 4D echo cardiograph machine at Hereford Hospital: left to right, Gail Robinson Hereford Hospital Senior Technician, Gail Cassidy local BHF Fundraising Manager, VWBro The Reverend David Bowen, Gill James Senior Technician at Hereford Hospital.

(March 2011)

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Breast Cancer Haven welcomes visitors

Anne and John Davis of Eardisley were pleased to experience during their recent visit, the welcoming and tranquil environment of Hereford's Breast Cancer Haven.

While at the Haven, Anne and John presented money raised during a Masonic Ladies Festival held in Kington at a time when John was Worshipful Master of the Arrow Lodge. They had decided to make a donation to the Breast Cancer Haven in place of presenting gifts to the ladies attending the Festival. However, each lady did receive on that evening, the distinctive ‘pink ribbon’ lapel broach so readily and so powerfully associated with Breast Cancer Care.

During the visit to 37 St Owen Street, Hereford, the manager Frankie Devereux explained the in-depth programme of support, counselling, complementary therapies, nutritional advice, and guidance on relaxation and stress management, provided free of charge to cancer patients visiting the Haven.

Anne and John considered it a "privilege" to be welcomed at Hereford's Breast Cancer Haven. Both are ardent supporters of the Breast Cancer Haven and the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester.

Photograph left to right: Frankie Devereux Haven Manager, Anne and John Davis at their visit to 37 St Owen Street, Hereford.

(March 2011)

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An Inspiration - The Martha Trust, Hereford

The Martha Trust at Hampton Green, Old Eign Hill, Hereford, established as a registered charity in 1996, provides no age limit lifelong and respite care on a one-to-one basis, for young people with profound intellectual and physical disabilities.

Together with her husband Richard, founder member and trustee Sarah Smith, mother of Sophie, one of the lifelong residents and “inspiration of the home”, stated that the residence had always been full ever since its foundation, accommodating 12 lifelong residents and some 14 respite care individuals.

At a presentation of financial support donated by Herefordshire Masons, the Provincial Grand Master Rodney Smallwood was particularly impressed with “the emphasis on individual care of each resident, and the successful creation of a truly family environment with a loving home atmosphere.”

Zana May Lowe, Fundraising Manager of the Martha Trust, proudly showed Rodney Smallwood the approved plans of the pending £3.5m project to double the capacity of Martha House with a second home in nearby Holywell Gutter Lane.

Sarah Smith mentioned that the Martha Trust was now “an integral part of Community Care in the county”, and thanked Herefordshire Freemasons for their much appreciated support.

Photograph of ‘Old’ and ‘New’: Against the background of Martha House established 15 years ago, Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, is shown the plans of the projected £3.5m new complex by Zana May Lowe. Seated is founder member Sarah Smith.

(March 2011)

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A Warm Welcome at Acorns Children’s Hospice

A warm welcoming smile greeted representatives of the Masonic Province of Herefordshire when they recently visited the Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester.

The Herefordshire Freemasons met Carole Crowe the Community Fundraising Manager at Acorns to present a donation well in excess of £5,000, so continuing the regular support given to the Hospice since its foundation.

On this occasion Worshipful Brother Tim Bridgland-Taylor, Worshipful Master of Dean Waterfield Lodge, represented the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association with a donation of over £3,000.

Photograph taken at the Acorns Children's Hospice: Brother Keith Farmer, Worshipful Brother Tim Bridgland-Taylor, Carole Crowe, and Worshipful Brother John Davis.

Worshipful Brother John Davis set himself a challenge at the start of his year in office as Worshipful Master of Arrow Lodge 2240, to raise a sum that equalled the lodge number. He achieved his target of £2240 which he duly presented to Carole Crowe. Carole thanked John Davis for his, and Freemasonry’s, continued support of the Acorns Children’s Hospice which supports some 600 life limited, life threatened young people and their families.

John and his wife Anne also donate money to Acorn’s raised through regularly opening their garden to visitors.

Photograph taken overlooking the gardens at the Children’s Hospice with Carole Crowe welcoming Worshipful Brother John Davis to Acorn’s.

(April 2011)

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Ariconium celebrates 200th Lodge Meeting

Last month Ariconium Lodge No. 8868 celebrated the 200th Meeting at Ross-on-Wye. The ladies of the brethren were invited to a talk given by the Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Dennis Roberts, about the formation of the Lodge in 1979 and the reasons for its foundation.

Following this presentation, brethren and guests sat down to dinner during which a cake, made and presented by Mrs Llinos Garrett, was received and enjoyed by all.

The photograph shows Mrs Garrett, W.Bro. Ron Freeman, Provincial Grand Registrar representing the Provincial Grand Master and W Bro Geraint Bevan, an Associate Founder and Past Master.

(April 2011)

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Haven ‘Guardian’ Invitation

The recently appointed national Breast Cancer Haven's Chief Executive, Pam Healy, was welcomed this month to Hereford by Haven Manager Frankie Devereux. Among those prominent Herefordshire people to be invited to meet Pam Healy, in recognition of proven support for the Charity, was the Very Worshipful Brother The Reverend David Bowen, representing Freemasons in Herefordshire.

During the visit to St Owen Street, David Bowen took a special interest in the Haven's "Guardian" Programme - an invitation to individuals and corporate bodies to become Haven Guardians by donating £1,000 a year, and thereby recognised with exclusive invitations to nationally organised events. Pam Healy stated that the success of this challenging programme could result in Hereford's Haven becoming fully self supporting. The Haven is entirely dependent on charitable donations.

Pam Healy has a background of 30 years in the Ministry of Defence as Head of Regional Communications, together with extensive work, both freelance and in industry, in sales, marketing and event management, including Fundraising Director for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. She showed great appreciation for the continued support received from local Masons and the Freemasons' Grand Charity.

Photograph taken at the Haven: Janice Dell, Specialist Cancer Nurse sponsored by Freemasons; Reverend David Bowen, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire; Pam Healy, National CEO of Breast Cancer Haven; Frankie Devereux, Haven Manager.

(April 2011)

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In the footsteps of Legendary Freemasons

This year witnesses The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole, the coldest place on earth.

On 11th November 2011 two teams each comprising three serving members of HM Forces will retrace the footsteps of Scott and Amundsen in "the last great race on earth" as quoted by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley MBE the organiser and leader of this unassisted centenary challenge. One member of the team to retrace Scott's route from Cape Evans in Antarctica will be Master Mason Kevin Johnson, the newest Freemason to be initiated into Cantilupe Lodge Number 4083. Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and fellow explorer Ernest Henry Shackleton were all Freemasons.

Prince William Duke of Cambridge KG FRS is patron of the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race and his message issued from St James's Palace reads:

"I am proud to be Patron of The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race. This extraordinary adventure will remind us of the immense and inspirational challenges faced by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and their teams in the name of exploration. The world benefited from their heroism and it is right that we remember their enduring story and achievements.

Six serving members of the British Army are taking on this expedition, and I am delighted that they have chosen to support the Royal British Legion in its 90th anniversary year. The Centenary Race will, for the first time, retrace the original routes of Scott-Amundsen without any outside assistance, reliving what remains a defining moment in polar exploration. This fitting tribute exemplifies the courage, determination and pioneering spirit shown by early 20th Century explorers, and which lives on today in the British Armed Forces.

The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race is a remarkable adventure, which will be a test of character, strength and resilience. I urge you to join me in supporting both teams to achieve their goal."

HRH Prince William is also Patron of the Royal British Legion which has issued a target of raising £90 million to mark its 90th anniversary year, to support in particular the Personnel Recovery Centres in the four Garrison Towns across the UK: the Scott-Amundsen Race has a challenging target figure of £1 million to raise in aid of their injured colleagues. In the words of Captain Scott "But if we have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is for the honour of our country, I appeal to our countrymen to see that those who depend on us are properly cared for."

Members of the Centenary Race will each haul 140kg of supplies and equipment in a sled - by the terms of the Antarctic Treaty neither dogs nor ponies are allowed - from sea level to nearly 10,000 ft at the South Pole, in temperatures with wind chill of minus 50 degree Centigrade. It is estimated that the journey will take between 60 and 65 days and result in a probable two stone weight loss for each team member. Scott reached 90 degree South on 17th January 1912 some 35 days after the Norwegian expedition, following a 97 mile shorter route, had attained that destination. Scott's last journey has earned a place in British history as a tale of heroism, dedication and tragic sacrifice. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, planner of the 2011/12 expedition, emphasises that although there are obvious dangers, neither team will undertake ridiculous risks - "it is indeed a celebration of past heroic achievements."

Following a farewell reception set for 6th October in London, Kevin Johnson and his fellow soldiers will leave their families behind and embark on this incredible and challenging Centenary Race which is scheduled to commence on Remembrance Day. Hopefully the Motto of Kevin's Cantilupe Lodge "Fide et manus forte" - by faith and a strong hand - will stand him and the teams in good stead throughout.

Brother Kevin Johnson is 43 years of age, by coincidence the same age as Scott in 1911, and a serving Warrant Officer in HM Armed Forces with the nickname `Smiler'. He is married to Hannah who is also in the army having met in Bosnia, and has two young daughters Luka May and Neve Lily. Like Shackleton he is Anglo-Irish - possibly why the family's pet dog is called Murphy!

Freemasons and public alike wish the Centenary Expedition well on their remarkable 900 plus mile completely unsupported race to the bottom of the world. We pay homage to their courage and their charitable objectives.

Photographs taken on 19th May at Kevin Johnson's Raising to become a Master Mason:

The Masonic Flag, obtained by Brother Chris Barrett, Inner Guard of Cantilupe Lodge, will be placed at the South Pole at the successful completion of the expedition. It is proposed that it will be signed by Prince William, Patron of both the Centenary Race and the Royal British Legion, and by the Most Worshipful The Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent KG. To date Herefordshire Masonic Lodges Cantilupe and Arrow, together with Pegasus Forces Lodge of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight have initially donated upwards of £2,000 towards the Centenary Race target.

One can follow the journey on the website at http://scottamundsenrace.org which also has a facility for making donations to support the aims of Kevin Johnson and his colleagues in their unique challenge.

Photograph below, left to right: Worshipful Brother Paul Cooper, Worshipful Master of Pegasus Forces Lodge Number 9393 and Senior Deacon of Cantilupe Lodge into which he proposed Brother Kevin Johnson;Brother Kevin Johnson, initiated into Freemasonry 20th January 2011 and Raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on 19th May; Worshipful Brother Jozsef Pollock Worshipful Master of Cantilupe Lodge.

(May 2011)

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Support in Safe Hands

Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire is piloting the county’s Masons in a sustained and dedicated programme of support for Midlands Air Ambulance.

At a recent meeting with Annie Newell Community Liaison Officer at Midlands Air Ambulance base at Strensham, Rodney Smallwood presented a donation of £25,000.

An annual national grant, this year totalling £192,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity which is distributed countrywide, formed part of this local donation, with the remaining £21,000 being the amount raised for the Air Ambulance within Herefordshire’s Masonic Lodges.

Such continued support over the years, both nationally and locally, has been acknowledged by Midlands Air Ambulance with the display of the Masonic Square & Compass logo on the tail fin of their three distinctly coloured helicopters.

Rodney Smallwood praised Midlands Air Ambulance staff for their dedication and expertise, and these sentiments were echoed by the Provincial Grand Masters of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, both present on this occasion, who also presented donations to the Air Ambulance.

(June 2011)

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Mounted support

Over the past decade Herefordshire Freemasons have sponsored a named horse at Holme Lacy Riding for the Disabled Centre. One such horse was aptly called Mason.

Gypsy is today’s current horse, which will soon be travelling with Instructor Helen Powell, to compete in the National Dressage Competition at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

Janet Alderton, Centre Manager at Holme Lacy, is particularly enthusiastic about the suitability of this year’s entry at Hartpury which will be entered under the official title of Hereford Masons Gypsy.

A trial canter on Gypsy under the instruction of Helen Powell was undertaken by Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, who promised his members’ continued support of Riding for the Disabled in Herefordshire.

The photograph shows Rodney Smallwood, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire seated on Gypsy attended by Instructor Helen Powell at Holme Lacy RDA Centre.

(June 2011)

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Cantilupe contribution to Blackmarston School

On Friday 24th June 2011 a presentation of a cheque for £672 was made to Blackmarston School in Hereford, made up of donations of £500 from Cantilupe Lodge and £172 from St Ethelbert Mark Lodge.

The photo shows W Bro Brian Sanders, Master of Cantilupe Lodge during 2010, with W Bro John Norris, making the presentation the the Headmistress at their Sensory Auction of Promises. The donations were in aid of the school’s equipment programme.

(June 2011)

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