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Ladies Festival 2010

This year saw a change of venue for the Lodges Ladies Festival, a total of 68 guests, which included Lodge members and friends with their ladies sought refuge in the middle of Shakespeare country at The Billesley Manor Hotel on the weekend of February 26th-28th where Bro Matt Dennis hosted what proved out to be a very enjoyable and successful Ladies Weekend.  This beautiful Elizabethan manor house is set deep in the Warwickshire countryside situated three miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon. 

For those who arrived Friday a magician entertained with his trickery and slight of hand during the evening meal.  On Saturday many of the guests ventured away from the hotel taking the opportunity to visit many of the surrounding attractions including Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick Castle and Ann Hathaway’s cottage. 

The banquet on Saturday evening was enjoyed by all, with an array of entertaining speeches including the debut public speeches from W. Bro Matt’s daughters Emily aged 8 and Megan 10.  The raffle and silent auction raised in excess of £1000 for charity which is to be donated to The Keech Cottage Hospice for terminally ill children.  Included within the silent auction was a signed book from J K Rowling which alone raised £300.

 
£20,000 for Chile Earthquake

The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has approved an emergency grant of £20,000 to the Red Cross following a large earthquake in Chile. The earthquake struck at 03.35 hours local time on 27 February 2010, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale. It is reported to be the worst earthquake to hit the country in 25 years, and has been followed by aftershocks of up to 6.9 magnitude. 802 people are confirmed dead and over 2 million are believed to have been affected.

The earthquake hit 90 kilometres north-east of the city of Concepción in central Chile, and has reportedly caused considerable damage to infrastructure in the Bíobío and Maule regions. Many roads and buildings have been damaged, particularly in coastal zones, while some areas continue to suffer from power outages, though Santiago remains largely unaffected.

 
Haiti Earthquake - £30,000 and Relief Chest Opened - January 2010

Following the devastating earthquake which took place in Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010, the President of the Freemasons' Grand Charity has approved two emergency grants totalling £30,000.

The 7.3-magnitude quake, Haiti's worst in two centuries, struck at 1653 local time (2153 GMT) on Tuesday. The epicentre was within 10 miles of the centre of the densely-populated capital, where around one million people live, more than 50,000 people are feared dead.

The Red Cross have pre-positioned relief supplies for 3,000 families in Haiti. These emergency supplies consist of kitchen kits, shelter kits and tarpaulins, personal hygiene kits, blankets and containers for storing drinking water. Red Cross volunteers in Haiti are currently assisting the injured and supporting hospitals who do not have enough capacity to deal with this emergency. The most urgent needs at this time are search and rescue, field hospitals, emergency health, water purification, emergency shelter, logistics and telecommunications.

On the 20th January 2010, in response to requests from members of the Craft and as the extent of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti became clearer, the Council of The Freemasons' Grand Charity opened a dedicated Relief Chest.  This centrally administered service is for those who would like their donation for victims of the earthquake to be part of a co-ordinated Masonic response.

Any individual Freemason or Lodge wishing to make a donation via the Council's Relief Chest and in support of the longer-term recovery efforts can do so by sending a cheque payable to "The Freemasons' Grand Charity" to: Relief Chest Scheme, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ and noting that it is to be paid into the Haiti Earthquake 2010 Relief Chest No. E0125

 
£650,000 for Hospices Across England and Wales    

Continuing an annual programme of support, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is donating £500,000 to hospices across England and Wales, in total 225 services will receive a grant. In addition to this grant £150,000 was awarded to Lifelites, to provide educational and recreation technology for children in hospices.

The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each and every year to ensure these respected services can continue providing free physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to patients and their families.

Freemasons have been dedicated in their support for hospices across England and Wales for the past 25 years, and this year takes the total donations to the sector to more than £8 million, complementing the generosity Provincial and individual Masonic Lodges regularly show for their local services. 
 10/12/2009

 
East Hertfordshire Lodge Supports Ian Rennie Hospice at Home

On March 25th 2009 members of East Hertfordshire Lodge donated £700 to Ian Rennie Hospice at Home. The funds were raised at the recent Ladies weekend and were added to the proceeds from a variety of raffles at other events held throughout the past year.  Ian Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) was selected by Immediate Past Master W. Bro Alan Verney as his chosen charity of the year.  His choice was influenced by his brother Clive whose wife Rita was cared for by the Iain Rennie nurses.  For 6 years prior to her death in 2008, Rita had been a dedicated and popular volunteer in Iain Rennie's Tring shop.

The £700 cheque was presented to Liz Clarke by Alan and Clive Verney and Ken Carbin.

 

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Installation Ceremony March 12th 2009

Our installation meeting this year was attended by nearly eighty brethren including on behalf of the Province, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master W. Bro Colin Harris.  They came to witness our Senior Warden, Bro Matthew Dennis being installed as Master of the Lodge by his father W. Bro Michael Dennis.  

Matthew was initiated in 2001, and has steadily worked through the various offices eventually culminating in the top job.  Despite having had the opportunity of getting there a year earlier it was his wish to have served in all the offices prior to becoming Master and to this end W. Bro Alan Verney already himself a past master,  took the chair last year to enable this to happen, at the same time allowing Michael to install his son.

The emotionally charged ceremony was conducted with both dignity and good humour, yet retained the absolute solemnity befitting the occasion.  It was a credit to all those who took part.

Later on in the proceedings, another landmark in the history of East Hertfordshire Lodge was noted by the presentation of a Certificate of Service by The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master to W. Bro Brian Mills, celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry.  All in all it was an unforgettable day. 

 
Ladies Festival 2009

Our Festival this year was a return to the Hotel Miramar Bournemouth from Friday 28th February to Sunday 1st March and it was blessed with the best weekend weather we have had this year - sunshine all the way. 

Initial problems with numbers posed some concern as to whether the event could take place this year due to the credit crunch.  However,  we eventually managed to sit a creditable 46 for the banquet and in conversation afterwards it seemed that the smaller numbers did not detract from a successful event but on the contrary, enabled those present to circulate more freely and meet friends both old and new.

The President, W. Bro Alan Verney was accompanied by his wife Shirley, members of their family and their 10 month old granddaughter, Jemima.  They were supported by Officers and Brethren of the Lodge along with their families and friends which  included four delightful young ladies under 12 years of age being introduced to the established standards of  Ladies’ Festival etiquette.  That process enabled the President to “take orange juice” with them during dinenr!  

During the evening, various Raffle and Auction prizes were on offer, resulting in over £600 being raised for the Masters List.  The chosen Charity this year was The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and a cheque presentation to representatives of that very worthy cause will be arranged shortly.

W.Bro Alan would like to offer his sincere thanks to those members of the Lodge who supported and contributed to such a successful Festival.

Some of the photos taken at the festival banquet can be seen here.

 

The Early History of East Hertfordshire Lodge

Thanks to Honorary Member W. Bro Brian Mills, a banquet program has come to light produced in 1965 celebrating the 50th anniversary of East Hertfordshire Lodge.  This will be of great interest to members of not only East Hertfordshire Lodge, but also of Masonic historians and lodges throughout the Province of Hertfordshire.

The booklet contains a wealth of information regarding the early days of East Hertfordshire Lodge and has now been reproduced on this web site.  Click on the lodge emblem on the right to view it.

 
Freemasons Support Victims of China 'Quake

The President of the Grand Charity has approved a £20,000 grant to the Red Cross to support relief efforts following an earthquake on May 12th 2008 measuring 7.8 in south-western China. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is the first organisation to support the British Red Cross’ response to the worst earthquake to strike China in more than 30 years.

The Red Cross Society of China’s local branches have been active in the 48 hours following the quake providing emergency relief to the affected areas, including tents and blankets. At the time of writing, the official death toll stood at over 40,000 with over 250,000 people injured.

The grant of £20,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be an important contribution to the continuing rescue and relief efforts and is enough to provide approximately 200 relief tents which will provide shelter for many of those affected and act as a first aid point to treat casualties and also 850 quilts.  

 
Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone

Following Cyclone Nargis in Burma the President of the Grand Charity has announced an emergency grant of £20,000 will be made available to Save the Children to help provide much needed aid to the victims of this terrible disaster.  The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is also in discussions with District Grand Lodges in the affected region to identify what support it may be able to provide to their own efforts.  

More than 32,000 people are now believed to have been killed by the high winds and resulting tidal surge which struck on May 2nd 2008 destroying homes, crops and infrastructure. Following the Cyclone, Save the Children quickly redirected the efforts of 500 staff already in the Country from work on longer-term projects to the emergency relief response and essential supplies including food and clean water have already been distributed to over 100,000 people.

The grant of £20,000 from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will be an important contribution to this ongoing work and is enough to provide plastic sheeting for temporary accommodation to 1,400 families, including around 33,000 children.   

 

East Herts Lodge presentation to Macmillan Cancer Support

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£530 for Macmillan Nurses

W. Bros Mick Dennis and Alan Verney are seen here presenting the remainder of the money raised from the Ladies Festival to Carla Poole, Hertfordshire Community Fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.  The presentation took place on 22nd April 2008 at the Hertfordshire fundraising office based in Welwyn.

Macmillan improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They help with all the things that sufferers both want and need, from specialist health care and information, to practical, emotional and financial support.   

 
Donation to Keetch Cottage Childrens Hospice

On 16th April 2008 W. Bro Mick Dennis presented a cheque on behalf of East Hertfordshire Lodge for £530 to Keech Cottage Children's HospiceThe hospice supports families from across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire who are caring for a child or young person diagnosed with a life limiting condition.  Such illnesses sadly prevent most of these young people from reaching adulthood.  The staff offer medical and social care, emotional support and friendship to the whole family, throughout the child's illness and after their death, for as long as it is needed.  This valuable care is provided free of charge to families in need, regardless of race, religion or culture.

Pictured with Mick is Janice O'Neill - Community Fundraiser and Stephanie Bullen - Staff Nurse.

W. Bro Mick Dennis Presents a Cheque for £530 to Keetch Cottage Hospice

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Installation March 13th 2008

W. Bro Alan Verney was installed as Master of East Hertfordshire Lodge by outgoing Master W Bro Mick Dennis.  It was the culmination of a very successful and enjoyable year for both Mick and the Lodge and we look forward to an equally happy time with Alan at the helm. 

To mark the occasion, photographs were taken of both Mick and Alan with the officers and members of the lodge.  Click on the thumbnail images below to see the full size pictures...   

W. Bro Mick Dennis Master 2007-2008

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W. Bro Alan Verney Master 2008-2009

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Ladies Festival 2008

A total of 64 guests, comprising Lodge members and friends with their Ladies, once more descended on the Miramar Hotel in Bournemouth on the weekend of February 22nd - 24th where W. Bro Mick Dennis presided over what proved to be a wonderful ladies weekend

The Miramar commands a prime location situated on the sea front at East Cliff.  The food and accommodation provided are of a very high standard and as usual W. Bro Alan Verney  did a marvellous job in both organising the weekend and in his role as Master of Ceremonies.
 
The weekend kicked off on the Friday evening with a race night which was an outstanding success as not only being entertaining but also productive in serving to boost the money raised for charityThe Banquet on Saturday Evening  was most enjoyable, with speeches relevant, entertaining and enlightening.  The dinner was duly rounded off with dancing to a live band.  Altogether the race night on the Friday with the raffle and silent auction on the Saturday resulted in a total amount raised for charity of £1060.00.  This is to be divided between Keetch Cottage Children's Hospice and The Macmillan NursesBoth charities which were chosen by the Lady President, Mrs Pauline Dennis.

A selection of the photographs from the weekend can be found here.

 
Ron Barlow and Mick Dennis Present a Cheque for £550 to Phillipa Grainger of Isabel Hospice

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East Herts Lodge Donates £550 to the Isabel Hospice

Following on from our successful Ladies Weekend in February, W Bros Ron Barlow and Mick Dennis presented a cheque for £550 to the Isabel Hospice based in Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire. 

The presentation was made on 26th April 2007 to Phillipa Grainger pictured here with Ron and Mick.  The Hospice provides invaluable assistance throughout Eastern Hertfordshire to enhance the quality of life for patients living with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.  Their services include Day Hospice care for up 60 patients each week, two satellite day hospices, "Hospice at Home", a family support service and a 16 bed In-patient Hospice and a Bereavement Service.  This is provided through a team of Community Nurse Specialists supported by a fully trained team of volunteers. 

To find out more about the Isabel Hospice, go here.

   

2009 Festival - East Hertfordshire Lodge Achieves Grand Patronage Status

Due wholly to the generosity of our members, East Hertfordshire Lodge has now achieved the elite rank of Grand Patron of the 2009 Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire festival.

The Certificate of Grand Patronage was presented in open Lodge by Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro Paul Gower to our new Worshipful Master W. Bro Mick Dennis on the afternoon of his installation into the chair on 8th March 2007. 

On an individual level, we are now pleased to note that many of our members have achieved, Steward, Vice Patron and even Patron status, based upon their charitable contributions leading up to the festival.  To find out more about this and what it means, go here.

 

Ladies Weekend 2007

East Hertfordshire Lodge Ladies Festival was hosted this year at the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth during the weekend of 9th -11th February 2007.

The event, organized by Alan Verney on behalf of this years President W. Bro. Ron Barlow and his Lady, Sue, was very well attended. So much so that the hotel was filled to capacity requiring a further hotel to be utilized to accommodate the overflow of guests.  A great weekend ensued, culminating in the Gala dinner on the Saturday night.  All agreed that the evening was a huge success and that they were very well looked after by the Miramar management and staff.  Excellent food, good music and first class company ensured a memorable night, even leading to the subject of next years event being discussed in various quarters before the night was over! 

A vast selection of raffle prizes were generously donated which enabled the total money raised for charitable giving to amount to a very respectable £1,100.

To see a selection of photographs from the Ladies Festival click here.

If any attendees wish to add more pictures please send them to the webmaster (see the contacts page for his email address).

 

Masonry Overseas

In April 2006, two members of East Hertfordshire Lodge were fortunate enough to be selected to take part in the consecration of a new English speaking Lodge in Bulgaria after having previously visited Sofia in July of the previous year to demonstrate the full Emulation ritual comprising the 3 degrees and installation ceremony. 

Read the full MQ Magazine article here.

 

The Hertfordshire Demonstration Team Front Row (l to r): W Bro John Sharp, W Bro James Young, VW Bro Allan Atkinson, RW Bro Colin Harris, W Bro Geoffrey Goodman, W Bro Paul Ostwind, W Bro Ted Long; Back row (l to r): W Bro Chris Radmore, W Bro Jordan Giddings, W Bro Marc Long, W Bro Ali Osman, W Bro Stephen Taylor

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