1
Crayford Lodge News
March 2011 Volume 12 Issue 2
www.crayfordlodge.org.uk
Editorial
Has the recession caught up with us?
The Christmas Meal was cancelled due to lack of bookings. Was this because
it was scheduled for midweek or was it thought to be too expensive?
The Ladies Night scheduled for March has been cancelled, Are we fed up with
the Masonic Centre as a venue or was it again felt to be too expensive?
The visit to Belfast is in jeopardy, again hardly any interest.
The White Table and Chinese nights were a great success.
Do you think we should ease off on the Social Side?
The Lodge had a busy period end Jan/Feb
26th January we held a Past Masters Meeting to Raise Bro Simon Harrison to
the sublime degree of a Master Mason. After was a White Table when non
Masonic Guests were invited into the Temple to hear a talk on Freemasonry
by Grand Officer W.Bro Gordon Davie. After 70 sat down to an excellent meal
including Beef Wellington.

Early February we celebrated Chinese New Year with 32 eating at a local
Chinese Restaurant whilst being entertained by an Elvis Look Alike.


Programme for 2011
March 3rd Degree Bro N Massie
May Installation
Social events
20th May Bowls Game Vs Lullingstone Lodge with Fish and Chip Supper
3rd June. Another Race Night.
22nd July. Medway Boat Trip


Bowls game v Lullingstone Lodge
The Bowls Game against Lullingstone Lodge will be held on Friday 20th May at
6.00pm at Hesketh Park Bowls Club, Dartford.
Come along and support your Lodge.
Friends and Relatives Welcome for the Fish and Chip Supper after.
An opportunity to practice will be at Hesketh Park Open Days on 16th & 30th April.
Start at 10.00am
If interested contact Roy or Brian
There will be a Bring and Buy Sale in the Club House in aid of
Macmillan Appeal.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/HowWeCanHelp/Nurses/AboutMacmillanNurses.aspx
Sickness and Distress
Sorry to inform you Eunice widow of Ernie Warbey is in a Care Home
The Way Forward 2011
Counting the Cost
When: Thursday 3 March 2011 Where: Masonic Hall, Welling. Target
Audience: Treasurers and potential Treasurers
Financial security is a core requirement of any Lodge or Chapter if it is to
survive and therefore effective budgeting and controls are essential.
In a more interactive question and answer session the Treasurer’s
presentation will remind us of the principles of financial control, good practice
and re-introduce pro forma accounts, designed to assist and simplify the
accounting process
What Value – a Social Calendar?
When: Monday 28 March 2011 Where: Masonic Hall, Dartford. Target
Audience: all members
4
It is all too easy to underestimate the value of our social activities, particularly
when Lodges might be experiencing a downturn in membership.
The Province of Surrey has introduced an initiative to encourage and assist
Lodges to rekindle their social activities and in doing so have experienced a
marked increase in interest to join Freemasonry. Nick Burger will outline this
initiative and share with us ideas for promoting our own social calendar.
Both of these events include a buffet.
If you wish to attend contact our Secretary
Working tools
As an Entered Apprentice you were presented with the 24-inch gauge and the
common gavel and instructed as to their use. These working tools were not
given to you as a mere part of the ritual to be memorized and then forgotten
as you passed to the next degree. Have you really given eight hours to the
service of God and a distress worthy Brother? Have you given one hour ... or
even five minutes? Have you taken one minute to bring relief to an
unfortunate Brother or console someone in sorrow? Have you stooped to wipe
the tears from the eyes of a little child grieving over some trifle, which to its
tender imagination seemed the greatest disaster? Have you tried to bring
cheer to some fellow creature realizing that not only those in the lodge, but all
men are your brothers?
Have you taken the Symbolic Gavel and endeavored to divest yourself of
some bad habit or undesirable trait to make you a better man in the eyes of
your maker? Have you tried to suppress some unworthy or uncharitable
thought, which though unknown and unseen by your Brethren ... is all too
apparent to the Grand Architect of the Universe who has decreed that as a
man thinketh so is he?
Have you guided your life by the lessons of the second degree, walking
uprightly by the plumb of rectitude, not in haughtiness and vainglory but in
humility and modesty? Modesty is a shining virtue; it elevates the soul and
prepares the mind for knowledge. Have you acted upon the square with all
men? Because ... as a Mason ... It IS expected of you.
Are you really traveling on the level of time, or are you standing still while
time passes you by? Time is a sort of river of passing events and swift is its
current. No sooner than one thing comes into view than another takes its
place and it too will soon be swept away. That undiscovered country from
who’s borne no traveler returns is not some distant land to be found in some
far distant future. It is here and now. Time is now ... it is not the past nor the
future, for the one has already ceased to exist for us, and the other may never
be. The only time we should really have is now and now is forever. Seems it
strange that thou shouldest live forever?
5
Is it not stranger still that thou shouldest exist at all? Remember that an act
once done has its effects go on forever, and the consequences of that act
whether for good or for evil are forever charged against you and you alone.
The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on and neither all your piety
nor wit can lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your tears wash away a
word of it. Have you respected and properly used your working tools? None
but those who do so are entitled to be called Master Masons. The working
tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry indiscriminately,
but more especially the Trowel. The Trowel is an implement used by
Operative Masons to spread the cement which unites a building into one
common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for
the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly
love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or
society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist,
but that noble contention, or, rather, emulation of who can best work and best
agree
In the West?
In the Worshipful Society of Freemasons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters,
Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers (aka The Operatives) the WM (in this
case the title is Deputy Master Mason) sits in the West.
Not a lot of people know that.

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Crayford Lodge News
January 2011 Volume 12 Issue 1
www.crayfordlodge.org.uk
Editorial
2010 has been a sad time for Lodge members,
We suffered the deaths of Bill Bootman in February. Doris Capper in August, Eric
White in September, Sandra Peters in November and Percy Harris in December. All
we be sadly missed.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Welcome to our new members
W.Bro. John Miller Bro. Martin White-Peart
Our November meeting saw the Initiation of Bro Martin and welcoming W.Bro John Webb as a
joining member. We are sure these brethren will be an asset to the Lodge.
We also passed Bro Nigel Massie. Only one to go Nigel. We know Nigel is keen to join us
visiting other Lodges.
2
Brethren appear keen to attend Paddy Degree in Belfast next March.
Programme for 2011
January 3rd Degree Bro S.Harrison. This to be a Past Masters meeting followed
With White Table Festive Board.
March 3rd Degree Bro N Massie
May Installation
Social events
Ladies Night 2011. Booking has been made at Dartford Masonic Hall for Friday 25th
March. Disco and Toast Master booked. Cost £36 includes wine.
Our January meeting on Wednesday the 28th will be a Past Masters meeting with White Table
after. Cost £18 includes wine.
Proposed visit to Northern Ireland for Paddy Degree in March 2011
3 rd June 2011. Another Race Night.
22nd July. Medway Boat Trip
Proposed Chinese New Year Meal
Greek Meal July
Visit to Robbie Burns Lodge near Prestwick. Autumn 2011
3
Tributes to Worshipful Brother Percy Harris who died on Friday 3rd December
after a long illness. Aged 81 can be viewed on our Web site
http://www.crayfordlodge.org.uk/page11/page11.html
_______________________________
This publication, while it is printed with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of Minnesota, contains the writings and opinions of Ed Halpaus
and is not in any way the opinion of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
Visit the ill
Twere better to carry a single flower
To give a living friend at any hour
Than pile hosts of Roses, white and red
Upon his coffin when he is dead.
Anonymous
Dear Masonic Student – Below we have a very fine essay from Brother Ken Baril, a
member of our Education Committee. I’m sure you will get something worthwhile out
of it. – Ed
4
WHY DO WE WAIT?
This morning, I read the local newspaper from the town in Connecticut where I
had resided before moving to the Cincinnati area. It contained numerous eulogies
for the Chief of Police who succumbed to a heart attack a few days ago. He was
fifty-four years old. These words were beautifully written and consumed over two
pages of the newspaper. While reading these eulogies which were filled with praise
for this individual, his love for his family and his friends, his sense of humor, his
dedication, his devotion to duty and to the town in which he served, his compassion
for others, and his assistance to those who called upon him, I realized he truly was
an honorable man, and a dedicated leader. Many will miss him. Upon reflecting on
these eulogies, a thought came to me. How many individuals does each of us know
personally, especially family members, or friends of ours, who fit the same
description as that popular Chief of Police? I’ll bet we all know some one. During the
period of time we have known these individuals, how many times have we mentioned
the way we feel towards them? How many times do we express our inner most
feelings to them, shake their hand or even give them a loveable hug? Have we
hugged someone today? Most likely not! Why? Maybe it is because we are
ashamed to. Perhaps we are too “macho” to express our feelings. It could be that
we feel today is not the appropriate time to do this and we will definitely do it at some
other time; some other time? When? When will we have the nerve or the “guts” to
tell someone we love, or admire, what they mean to us? Give me a timetable when
you plan to accomplish this. You can’t!!
Why is it at visitations and funerals we hear from family members and friends of the
deceased all the great attributes this person had. Was he or she informed of these
feelings while they were still with us? Funeral homes usually are filled with a variety
of floral arrangements, conveying the sympathies of many people. Have flowers
ever been sent to these same people while they were living? Have flowers been
sent just for the sake of sending someone a bouquet? Think now, how many times
have you sent flowers to someone just to say Hi, or “I love you?” Have we sent
flowers to someone just to brighten their day? How many acts of random kindness
do we perform in the course of a day? Be honest now. How many? Don’t be
ashamed, be truthful. As human beings, we take everything for granted. When we
get into our cars and turn the ignition key on, we take for granted the engine will start;
when we enter a dark room we automatically flip the light switch on and take for
granted the light will come on. When we turn the thermostat up on a cold winter day,
we take for granted the furnace will fire up and keep us warm. The examples are
endless. The most important items we take for granted are our family members, and
our own lives. Who can guarantee that we or one of our loved ones will be with us in
the next second? What a shame it is that we take these loved ones so much for
granted, most always, unconsciously.
5
The last two verses of a poem I read many years ago seem to sum it up perfectly.
So hold your loved ones close today
And whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
And that you’ll always hold them dear.
Take time to say, “I’m sorry, please forgive me,
Thank you, or it’s Okay,”
For if tomorrow never comes,
You’ll have no regrets about today.
S. K. Baril
The Way Forward 2011
Wednesday19th January at Masonic Hall Bromley Cost £10
Sacred Secrets-Freemasonry in Historical Setting
Mike Neville will share with us his research on the Biblical, historical and geographical setting
of the Masonic Ritual, which will be presented through maps and images. It will be of interest
not only to Craft Masons but also to those who members of other orders.
Mike has carried out extensive research and written a book on the subject. He is an extremely
research accomplished speaker who believes that-‘we have got to stop recycling the ritual.
And begin to understand it’
Be prepared to take part and have fun.
Tuesday 8th February at Masonic Hall Bromley Cost £10
When Trgedy Strikes.
All to often we hear of incidents when a Mason or his dependant suddenly falls ill. The
potencial extreme stress suffered by those directly involved can have an adverse effect.
How do they pick up the pieces and start planning for the future? How do they activate a
support mechanism? What can Freemasonry do for them?
Vital assistance is available to Freemasons, their wives, partners and dependants. Find out
what is available and how to apply.
Both of these events include a buffet.
If you wish to attend contact our Secretary
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CRAYFORD LODGE WHITE TABLE
Wednesday 26th January
The Lodge will be open for visits from friends and relatives.
See the Officers in their regalia.
See the procession out.
Join in the Festive Board at 8.00pm £18 per head. Includes Wine
Menu
Prawn Cocktail
Beef Wellington
Trifle and Cream
Cheese and Biscuits
Coffee
Please reserve me __________ places for my guests.
I enclose cheque to the value of £____________
Name____________________________________
Bookings must be made prior to Monday 13th January.
Please forward to our Assistant Secretary.
Mr Ron Bodkin
44 Wrotham Road
Welling
Kent DA1 61LW
7
CRAYFORD LODGE
Ladies Festival at Dartford Masonic Hall on Friday March
25th March
6.00pm - Midnight
4 Course Dinner and Dance.
Pauls Disco
Cost £36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please reserve me ___________________places
Names of my guests are.
I enclose cheque for £______________ payable to Crayford
Lodge.
Please forward to the Secretary.
Mr B Butler, 51 North Road, Dartford Kent DA1 3ND
8

Tags: January

Crayford Lodge News
September 2010 Volume 11 Issue 5
www.crayfordlodge.org.uk

Editorial

I regret to inform you of the death of W.Bro Eric White on 8th August after a long illness. He will be missed by his friends and brothers in Freemasonry

Not a lot happening masonically during the closed season. Social events are to the fore.

Father of the Lodge

Congratulations Michael. Ward
A mere youngster who this December will celebrate his 77th birthday Michael has been involved with football in some form or another since he was at least fourteen
Playing schoolboy football for his school team in Bexleyheath, then having trials for England at school-boy level, playing for Millwall and Welling youth sides, all before he reached his twentieth birthday.
During the early 50's Michael played for the R.A.F.Command Station team and still found time to pass numerous coaching and referee's badges, Michael was a man on a mission.
His football career continued, Playing for several local team's but being plagued by injury his thoughts turned to physiotherapy and as you would expect passed his exams with flying colours, He was appointed club physic at Tonbridge F.C. in 1972, ten years later also managing Tonbridge, Michael's association as the Gravesend Physio started and he loved it so much he did it twice, retuning once again in 1994.
Michael has had a long and successful career, both on and off the pitch and has been a great servant to football for many years.
He officially retired in 2008, but regularly attends games, watching his beloved Fleet, both home and away.
The Football Association for services to football recently honoured Michael, in particular under K.C.F.A. 
Congratulations Michael, Well deserved.  Stan.

Proposed programme for forthcoming season.
September 2nd Degree Bro. S Harrison
November 2nd Degree Bro. N. Massie plus a 1st Degree
January 3rd Degree Bro S.Harrison. This to be a Past Masters meeting followed
with White Table Festive Board.
March 3rd Degree Bro N Massie
May Installation


Social events



Visit to Edinburgh on Wednesday 27th October by Crayford Lodge

Itinery

Wednesday 07.00 Depart Gatwick. Arrive Edinburgh at 08.25.
Book in to Ramada Edinburgh Mount Royal Hotel
10.00 Grand Lodge of Scotland Tour escorted by Roger Bullard
Lunch. Free Time
19:00, Cannongate Kilwinning No.2 (MM Degree) (oldest continually used lodge building in the world)
Thursday. AM Rosslyn Tour. (Coach and Guide from Hotel)
14:00, GLoS Regular Communication
16:00, Lodge Sir Robert Moray No.1641 held in the premises of Marys Chapel No.1 
 19:45, Depart Edi Airport Arrive Gatwick 21:15

Proposed visit to United Service Lodge, Portland, Dorset. On Monday 15th
November 2010
Christmas Meal at The Bull, South Darenth Saturday 18th December
Carol and Lesson Service at St Paulinus Church on Sunday 19th December at
6.00pm. Joint venture with St Paulinus Lodge
Ladies Night 2011. Provisional booking has been made at Dartford Masonic Hall for Friday 25th March
Our January meeting on Wednesday the 28th will be a Past Masters meeting
with White Table after.
June 2011. Another Race Night. Details to be agreed













One hundred fifty years ago in the U.S., there were nearly 3,000 Masonic lodges that can be described as "Moon Lodges"; in 1972 there were fewer than 500, today fewer than 350. These lodges met on or near the day of the full moon for very practical reasons; the brethren had light to travel by at night.

Greek Night 2010



Pasted Graphic



Pasted Graphic 1 Pasted Graphic 2

This was at the Greek Taverna Dartford on Saturday 17th July





 
 

Here are the answers to last months Anagram Puzzle.
 
In no particular order.

 
  1) Arthur Balfour
  7) Neville Chamberlain
       2) Anthony Eden
       8) Harold Wilson
       3) Winston Churchill
       9) Ramsey Macdonald
       4) Tony Blair
      10) Clement Atlee
      11) James Callaghan
        6) Margaret Thatcher
      12) Harold MacMillan

 

If you enjoyed this or not, please let me know.

Cheers for now
Cliff Lee

A Puzzle for the United Benefice

Twelve 20th Century Prime Ministers
are hidden in the anagrams
can you find them?
 
 
01)     BARTHOUR FLAUR
02)     TANNED HONEY
03)     CHRONIC HULL TWINS
04)     NOT BY RAIL
05)     WE HAD THREAD
06)     THAT GREAY CHAMER
07)     CHAIRMAN BILL ELEVEN
08)     HOLLOW DRAINS
09)     MADLY DON MASCARA
10)     LET ME LACE TENT
11)     CLEAN GAL HAS JAM
12)     MAIN LOCH MALLARD  


BOAT TRIP on The Medway August 20th 





 
Pasted Graphic 1 Pasted Graphic 2

Pasted Graphic 3



Malta Inn Allington Lock to Maidstone and return.







Organised by the Hesketh Park Bowling Club. http://www.heskethparkbowlingclub.org.uk

























The West Kent Lodge of Charity 9610
Invite you to participate in the Inter-Centre
2010 Raft Race
In aid of the 2015 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund
To be held at Greenhithe Riverfront
Adjacent to the Pier Hotel
Race starts at 3.30pm Saturday 11th September 2010
Each Centre will need to provide: -
A team to design and build their raft – barrels will be supplied
4 “crew members” to row the raft around the course (duration
approximately 30 minutes)
Supporters to cheer and wave the raft on!!
A Great Day fun out for the whole family;
*Bouncy Castle *
*Raffle*
*Outside Bar*
“Come along for a great day out”
Contact W.Bro Dave Huntley for full rules and information
20 Berens Way, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 6RJ.
Email David@lminstallations.co.uk

Mobile 07951 016677

Dear Lodge Secretary
 
Further to the recent circulation of papers relating to the forthcoming AGM and EGM of the Masonic Samaritan Fund it has been suggested that the full impact of the proposed changes to the governance of the Charity, notably the proposed changes to the voting rights of existing Members, have not been explained. You are therefore asked to forward this briefing note to all Lodge members for their information.
 
To date, individual Freemasons who have made the appropriate qualifying donation have been able to attend, and vote on certain matters at any General Meeting of the Masonic Samaritan Fund.  Such meetings have been held annually since the Fund was established in 1990.  In practice attendance of Members declined to the point that only six attended the last meeting held in London (2002).  In a deliberate attempt to make meetings more accessible all subsequent AGMs have been held within Festival Provinces.  Attendance has been encouraged from anyone interested in the work of the Fund.  Every venue has been full to capacity as the formal business of the meeting has been followed by a briefing about the work of the Fund and an opportunity for attendees to present questions to Trustees and staff of the Charity.
 
It remains the intention to hold meetings at least once each year at venues around the country and all interested parties will be encouraged to attend.  The date and location of the meetings will be widely publicised.  
 
However, whilst in the past those individual Freemasons who have made the appropriate qualifying donation have been entitled to vote on the appointment of a London member of the Board, the election of the Treasurer, the appointment of auditors and resolutions proposed by the Board and to consider the Report of the Board and the annual accounts, in practice a vote has often not been required (for example, because only one candidate has been put forward to fill a vacancy) or votes have been passed unanimously at the proposal of the Board (for example, the reappointment of auditors). 
 
To ease the administrative burden on the Charity and the cost involved in having such a large number of formal voting members, it is proposed that formal membership of the Charity going forward be reduced in number. However, the Board is keen to ensure that the views of Freemasons across the country remain properly represented and their views are heard. 
 
Therefore, following discussion with the Deputy Grand Master it is proposed that each Province will elect two members and Metropolitan Grand Lodge will elect six members to represent all subscribing Freemasons from their respective areas. It will be these elected members, and not those who have previously qualified through the appropriate donation, who will be entitled to vote at General Meetings (together with the Trustees, the Grand President, Deputy Grand President and the Grand Vice Presidents (who will also be members)). It is hoped that this structure will retain an effective role for the wider Masonic membership within the formal governance of the Charity. 
 
Any questions relating to the above should be directed to Richard Douglas (Chief Executive MSF), either by phone (020 7404 1550) or by email (richard@msfund.org.uk). There will also be an opportunity to discuss this at the AGM which will be held at 11:00am on Thursday 16th September at Castlegate House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RP.”


 
Richard Douglas
Chief Executive
 

From GFN Facebook page

Grandpa's Wooden Chest

 I hated to hear the lawyer say
The things my grandpa gave away.
Like his old truck to Dad and Mom
And world war medals to Uncle John


My name was called
And something was said
About an old wooden box
Underneath his bed.


Just a worn out chest
With a rusty hinge
But I knew Grandpa kept
Something special within.


When I opened the lid
All I could see
Were some unused tools
And a letter to me.


A large fancy cloth
With two long strings
A small wooden hammer
Among other things


He wrote a man's job
Is to be a good husband father and a friend.
I built my life as best I could
By the tools laid here within.


He said the compasses remind me that life has boundaries
So live your life within
The square proves true and so should you
When dealing with all your friends.


Be an honorable man and walk uprightly
According to the plumb.
The level teaches us treat all men equal
Instead of only some.


And now it's your turn
To start your journey for knowledge, love and faith
So live your life by the Square and Compasses
And tools of your trade


Many years have passed by since I first opened
Grandpa's wooden chest
The tools he gave me, the words he wrote
The challenge to be my best.


Today I'll visit Grandpa
At the place where he was laid
To let him know he can be proud
I'm a Master Mason

Our condolences to Graham on the recent loss of his mother after a long illness



Doris Capper
A large contingent from Crayford Lodge attended Eltham Crematorium on 16th August for the Funeral. 
Doris was the Wife of Terry, Treasurer of our Daughter Lodge, St Paulinus. 



Crayford Lodge News
May 2010 Volume 11 Issue 3
www.crayfordlodge.org.uk

Editorial

Mentoring

First, to stir the pot a little: do we really need a mentorship program at all? Instead why not adopt a friendship program? Why not encourage every lodge member to establish a friendship with the new brother. Surely that’s not asking anything out of the ordinary.
If we are brothers it should not be too difficult to also be friends.
So what would a friendship program entail? Well, what does friendship entail? What
do friends do? They talk to each other for one thing. They invite each other for coffee.
They invite each other to their homes. They offer to drive each other to lodge. Do I
need to say more?


Congratulations to W.Bro Cliff Lee on being elected our Tyler for next season



 

Congratulations to our new member. Bro. Nigel Massie on his initiation into Crayford Lodge 



Notes on General purposes meeting held on Thursday 1st April 2010

Notes on GP of 1st April 2010-04-01

Installation (Proclamation) Meeting on 26th May. WM to serve a second year.
Start at 3.30
During ceremony
Euclid Fonseca to act as IG
John Blunden to act as JW
Mike Ward to act as SW
Stan Dunham to give Proclamation
Address to brethren Peter Evans
Address to Wardens Rich Smale
1st Tools Jan Ozog
2nd Tools Ben Nicholls
3rd Tools John Blunden
Officers for next season will be in progression other than
Secretary, Brian Butler.
Charity Steward Andrew Essinghigh.
IPM and Organist Peter Evans
Acting IPM Stan Dunham
Almoner Vic Emson?
DC Mike Dyer
ADC Mike Hitchens
Chaplain Graham Elms.
Inner Guard to be appointed

It was requested at the Festive Board our place names be used.

Charity distribution.
Brian Butler proposed and Mike Dyer seconded that the sum of £500 be deposited with the Lodge Charity Chest. £250 be given to Wizz Kids. £250 be given to Kent Air Ambulance via a friend of Andrews who will be cycling across Cuba to raise money for them.
This was agreed.

Social events

Ladies Night will be held at The Woodlands, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley on Saturday 24th April 6.30 for 7.00 until 1.00pm Cost £40 per head.

Race Night will be at Dartford Masonic Hall on Friday 4th June. Cost £12 including Buffet. 


Go Cart Racing at Buckmore Park. Lodge is hoping to enter a team of four. July 9th 
(Due to lack of participants this has been postponed until September)

Greek Night. July 17th http://dartfordgreektaverna.co.uk/default.asp?textpage=home


Visit to a Lodge in Edinburgh. Canongate Kilwinning No.2 to witness a Scottish 3rd Degree one of the oldest Lodges in the world and have a very impressive Lodge room. Wednesday October 27th.
Please see the website here: www.cankil2.com
. With a visit to Roslyn Chapel 
the following day will be on 27th Oct. (To be confirmed) http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/



Proposed visit to United Service Lodge, Portland, Dorset. On Monday 15th November 2010

Our November meeting on Wednesday the 24th will be a Past Masters meeting with White Table after



Visit to Belfast


Nine members of Lodge attended. Flying out from Stanstead am on Monday returning pm Tuesday



 




 




Visit to Lodge Light of the East

Like the 'Three Wise Men' we travelled East, well actually we travelled to 'Lodge Light from the East’, which technically is West, which then means we were indeed from the East but I doubt whether they saw us as a 'Light'!!  Now less of that I'm starting to confuse myself!!
 
Bro Garrett, Bro Essinghigh and I attended the Passing of Bro Adrian Peacock, which I believe a number of Crayford Lodge were in attendance for his Initiation.  The Lodge is based in Kingston, Surrey and the majority of its brethren are Past Masters, so joining his Fathers Lodge, Bro Peacock is a very welcome addition.
 
As when you visit other lodges you become acutely aware of differences in ritual, style and presentation, this visit was no exception with the workings being Emulation with a subtle mix of different styles due to it also being a Military Lodge.  I must say that I for one found the Masters workings a real treat to watch.  W.Bro Naresh Wadhera was word perfect with inferences in his voice, which captured your attention and never let it go.  Couple this with the excellence of the Senior Deacon W.Bro P.J. Caeiro and you had a perfect ritual for the candidate to experience.
 
W.Bro Caeiro also went on to do an extended 2nd Degree tracing board, which was to the same high standard as the SD work during the ritual.  All in all I for one was very impressed and would hope one day to have a similar level of competency when in the chair.
 
The Festive Board, as expected, was excellent (it would have to be at £25 a pop!) and with a certain amount of luck Bro Garrett won the first prise in the raffle and chose a cuddly toy (let me hear you say AHHH!!) second prise went to our table too and away went a box of chocs, then Bro Essinghigh won 3rd prize and chose the 'BIG' bottle of whiskey (cuddly toy? chocs? whiskey?.....and the whiskey goes 3rd......go figure!)
 
Anyway, we were made to feel very welcome and very comfortable and I for one would love to go back.  I believe Bro Peacock will be Raised on the 2nd Saturday in November so I would hope to see you there. 
S&F
James

Our Ladies Night at Swanley. April 24th
Although this was not supported as well as we would wish with only 62 in attendance it was nevertheless a good night.

Linda

Mel WM



Peter IPM





 


Our Wardens



Mel’s Girls



DON’T FORGET


Race Night will be at Dartford Masonic Hall on Friday 4th June. Cost £12 including Buffet
Contact Ron Bodkin to book

Tribute to Brother Bill given at Lodge meeting on Wednesday 24th March 2010 by Brian Butler
Worshipful Master and Brethren.
Roderick William Bootman who we knew as Billy was born in 1927 at Flordon, Norfolk. Then moved to Bexley when he was about 8.
I first met Bill when I was visiting a friend in 1952. There was a knock at the door and two diminutive figures entered dressed in full‐length leather coats. They were Bill and Lillie who were visiting my friend’s brother. They


were riding a Vincent motorcycle, hence the coats.
Having met Bill I kept in touch with him when we were both working for J & E Hall. I remember seeing Bill box in Halls Canteen where boxing tournaments were held. I witnessed him boxing at the Royal Albert Hall at the ABA Championship alongside Dave Charnely A crowd from Halls hired a coach and attended the championships. Bill reached the final of the Bantamweight but unfortunately only received a runner up trophy.
Bill commenced his apprenticeship as a fitter at Halls in 1942. On completion of his apprentice he joined the Merchant Navy as a seagoing engineer with Cunard, sailing between Liverpool and Montreal and later on Queen Elizabeth between Southampton and New York.
Bill met Lily at New Cross Speedway and they were married for 55 years. He gave up seagoing when his family came along when he worked for LCC at Deptford Pumping Station, changing his career at age of 40 to become a Work Study Practitioner for Thames Water at Crossness.
He qualified in Institute of Managers at the age of 40.
Bill was a great friend of Ron Camp. Ron and I shared an allotment, as it was 2/3rds of an acre Bill joined us to share the load and reward.
Bill still had his Vincent Motorcycle, indeed he had increased his collection to 3 plus I believe a Brough Superior. He recently sold these to I believe a member the Vincent Owners Club to which he was a member up to his death.
I joined Crayford Lodge through Ron Camp in 1980. Bill was a regular visitor being a member of Methinim Lodge No 8552 which he joined in the 50s who meet at Welling. I attended his Ladies Night in 1988 at the Yorkshire Grey. A great evening for Bill and Lily.
Bill worked for my company for a few years. Travelling in a van we would work a degree. Methinim worked Craft Guide, at one time he impressed on me three marching steps, and I said this at our Lodge of Instruction and Eric Gulston our Perceptor at the time blew his top. Where did you get that? That’s not Emulation work he said.
Bill although a PM was not happy at Methinim Lodge and become a joining member of Crayford on 24th January 2001.
He was honored as Past Prov Junior Grand Deacon.
Bill and Lillie have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Best holidays for he and Lily were on the Isle of Man, especially on TT Week.
He was an avid Stamp Collector, keen gardener. Had a love of Wedgwood china and fine glass.
Sadly Lillie died in Jan 2004
Bill will be missed in the Lodge, as he always supported us in the Lodge, our Social events and his Charity Contributions.
Bill died on February 25th in Darent Valley Hospital after a short illness aged 83
The funeral will be at Eltham Crematorium on 31st March at 11.30. followed by a reception here.
Brethren please be upstanding and stand in silent tribute to our departed brother.

We gave Bill a good send off. The crematorium was packed. The Lodge was well represented.

First Step
The office of Steward is the first office to which a Brother is appointed. An important first step. Is there no ceremony to mark this? Did our ancient Brethren do it this way? Researches have shown that there was a ceremony, not in the ritual book, handed down from time improbable, by word of mouth alone, now sadly rarely seen.

This evening with the assistance of my W.Bro. The D.C. and my Bro. the J.W. an explanation of this archaic ceremony will be given.

I shall therefore request the D.C. to put the necessary questions.

D.C. Bro. ________ Where were you first prepared to be made a Steward?

ANSWER: In the body of the Lodge by the W.M's' pedestal.

D.C. Where next?

ANSWER: At the festive board adjoining the Lodge.

D.C. Describe the mode of your preparation.

ANSWER: I was deprived of the right to eat my dinner in peace, a napkin was placed over my left arm, a bottle opener placed in my right hand and a corkscrew was hung about my neck. (J.W. does this)

D.C. What is Stewardship?

ANSWER: A Peculiar system of servitude, Practiced by few for the benefit of many.

D.C. Name the three grand Principles on which Stewardship is founded.

ANSWER: Courtesy, prompt clearing of the empties and willingness at all times to bring a beer when properly called upon.

D.C. With what were you invested?

ANSWER: The working tools of a Steward, namely the napkin, the bottle opener and the corkscrew.

D.C. Explain their separate and conjoint significations.

ANSWER: The napkin being white denotes the purity of the beverages we serve. The bottle opener is an instrument which acts on the Principle of leverage and enables beer to be opened for the brethren and our visitors and the Corkscrew, which works with a winding motion, is meant to remind us of the staircase up which our ancient brethren went to receive their refreshment.

D.C. What refreshment did they receive?

ANSWER: Scruple and roasted hens.

D.C. Why this Peculiar menu?

ANSWER: Scruple was well-known strong ale to which they felt justly entitled, and the Temple caterers served roasted hens frequently in those days.

D.C. What was in the two great Crates, which were placed at or near to the entrance to the Festive Board?

ANSWER: That on the left contained Bass and that on the right Worthington

D.C. What are their separate and conjoint significations?

ANSWER: The former denotes Strength, the latter to inebriate and when conjoined, Instability, for the Worshipful Master said, "With strong beer I will inebriate these my Brethren and make them remember MY year in office for ever!"

Submitted by Simon T Harrison
Crayford Lodge 

Templar and Hospitaller


We know Templars are now Masonic but do the Hospitaller have any connection?

 





Masonic Vibes: A Master's Wages

Masonic Vibes's Notes

WHEN MASONRY was operative, the Fellow of the Craft laboured long and earnestly to fit himself to produce his Master's piece, by which he would be enabled to prove himself fit to receive the Mason word - what we know as "the Secret Word of a Master Mason" - that he might go where he would, prove himself a Master and receive a Master's wages. 

Now that Masonry is speculative only, many who apply and receive the degrees think that the mere possession of the secret word makes them fit to receive a Master's wages, forgetting that it was not the word, but the fitness to receive it, which qualified their ancient operative brethren for a Master's wages. 

But the speculative Mason can no more receive a Master's wages today than in days of old, unless he is truly a Master. Writing "Master Mason" after one's name does not make one such in the speculative sense. Having one's name inscribed upon the by-laws of a Lodge does not make one truly a Master Mason. 

Being a Master Mason is wholly a matter of the heart and mind; unless the one be humble, the other eager to learn and willing to study, a man may never truly be a Master Mason-aye, though he take every degree in every Rite and wear a jewel pin for every title he assumes. 

In ancient days a Master's wages were paid in coin of the realm. They are no less so paid today, but the realm is of the Inner man, not the world of society. The wages received by a Master Mason who has fitted himself to earn them are paid in that which money cannot purchase. Not by favouritism or influence or high estate can any man win a Master's wages; if he receives them, it is because of what he is, what he thinks, and how he thinks it. From the time a Fellowcraft goes alone to the Altar to make his petition to Deity he stands alone or falls. When he is raised to the Sublime Degree, his brethren and his lodge have done all they can for him; if he is ever to receive a Master's wages, it will he because of what he does for himself. 

A Master's wages are paid in the knowledge of the human heart; its dependence upon love and friendship, its eagerness to give for the love of giving, its humble hope of receiving for the simple human joy of being beloved. They are paid in knowledge which girds a man in armour through which misfortune, hard times, ill luck, cannot pierce. They are paid in the security which comes from certain knowledge of millions of brethren sworn to your aid and support - and make no mistake about this, my brother; though you may never need to make appeal, though no man spreads his call for help throughout the whole Masonic world, no matter where that call echoes, there will be some who hear and heed. A Master's wages are paid in friends of the heart; friends who make life rich with its fairest treasures. The sentimentalist- sings of the friend of his youth. It is true that friendship deepens with time; a common past is the foundation on which many a friendship is based. Freemasonry supplies such a past. Men linked in the Mystic Tie can think, symbolically, of their friendship beginning thousands of years ago! The friends made in Masonry are of tested steel; there are none better. A Master's wages are paid in the knowledge of closeness to and communion with the Great Architect of the Universe. In the practice of Freemasonry a Master Mason draws close to God. The All Seeing Eye to him is a friendly one. No man spends time in a lodge without having his faith strengthened; in days when mental confusion, doubt, debate and argument undermine beliefs less solidly founded, the firm foundation for simple beliefs which comes from Freemasonry is surely not the least of the coins in which a Master receives his wages. 

And a Master's wages are paid in strength to endure, in courage to proceed, in hope of the future and in joy in the present. 

These are wages worth working for! These are coins besides which those of minted gold show themselves to be the dross they are! For these are the wages given to character. 

Freemasonry gives us wages according to our labour; and if we work faithfully, we may be sure, as in the parable, we shall receive each man his penny. But Freemasonry, like any other institution, pays in a sliding scale according to the worth of the labour given; the Apprentice receives less than the Fellow of the Craft, and he less than a Master. See to it, my brother, that you are a Master in fact as well as in name; so shall you learn the real meaning of the Word by which some day you will travel in a far, far country, where there is neither gold nor silver, and where, indeed, the only coins which can be used are those you here fit yourself to receive - a Master's wages. .

Can we club together and buy Mel one?

Dartford Greek Taverna

www.dartfordgreektaverna.co.uk

I have negotiated a special price for our Greek Night on Saturday 17th July.

Two course £20.00. Three course £25.00 per person.

Please use order form at end of this News Letter

We regret to inform you Mrs Audrey Glover, widow of Gus our one time secretary passed away on Friday 23rd April.

It is my intention to visit Edinbough

Name_________________________________________________

It is my intention to attend Race Night together
With____________________Guests

Name_________________________________________________

THE CRAYFORD LODGE No 6336

Please reserve me ____________ places for Greek Night

My choice of menu is
First Course_______________________________________________________

Main Course_______________________________________________________

Desert Course______________________________________________________
Name____________________________________
Return to Brian B

Tags: May 2010

Crayford Lodge News
March 2010

Volume 11 Issue 2

Editorial

Pasted Graphic


Brothers Peter Evans and Stan Dunham together with Olivia Reyes (RGN Nursing Unit) 

and Sally Williams (Senior Activities Co-coordinator) Of Duke of Kent Court. 
On the presentation of Radio Cassette Player as a token of our thanks for the care given to 
Bro Percy Harris
Pasted Graphic 1 Pasted Graphic 3Pasted Graphic 2


Bro Simon Harrison at the Festive Board after his Initiation by our W.M.and Bro Lincoln Steel after being raised by Peter Evans at the January meeting

Brethren. Many thanks for an enjoyable meeting especially to all of those in office and Loft. Being raised certainly made an impression, giving me plenty to think about, along with witnessing a new initiate into our Lodge



Note: I am aware that I will not reach all Brethren with this email, i.e. Worshipful Brothers Mike Hitchens, Mike Dyer, Mike Ward, Peter Evans, Ben Nicholls.

If someone does have the email addresses for those missed would they kindly pass this email onto them. 


S&F 

Bro Lincoln Steele

URGENT APPEAL
Some years ago the Lodge purchased a Video for potential candidates regarding the Craft.
If any brother has any news of the whereabouts of this please contact our Almoner 


Notes on General purposes meeting held on Thursday 4th February 2010

It was agreed at our next meeting in March we should be working a 1st Degree. Initiating Mr Nigel Massee
It was proposed that W.Bro Percy Harris be made a Honoury Member of The Lodge
Our Almoner gave notice he will not be seeking re appointment next year. If any brother feels he can fill this important office please contact our Master.
It was requested and agreed the Summons be issued during the first week of the month when a meeting is taking place.

Social events were discussed.
Ladies Night will be held at The Woodlands, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley on Saturday 24th April 6.30 for 7.00 until 1.00pm Cost £40 per head.

Visit to Northern Ireland for Paddy Degree will be on 22nd March.
Visiting William Shannon Lodge. 8 members will be attending.

Race Night will be at Dartford Masonic Hall on Friday 4th June. Cost £12 including Buffet.

Visit to a Lodge in Edinburgh to witness a Scottish 3rd Degree with a visit to Roslyn Chapel the following day will be on 27th Oct. (To be confirmed)

It is hoped to organise another Greek Night. Probably in Jul

Our Chinese Elvis Night on Wednesday 17th February was a great success with 27 brethren and guests attending. An Elvis impressionist entertained us Pasted Graphic 4for 2 hours while we ate a great meal.

Pasted Graphic 5

To Worshipful Brother Euclid Fonseca on his forthcoming promotion to 
Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works





Progress in the Craft

Tie of black and lodge-suit, shoes are polished bright
Check regalia in the case; see everything is right.
Just a final run-through of words you have to say;
We'll have another Mason ere the closing of this day
And hope that he enjoys it, becomes one of us,
Also that he realizes, we once were treated thus!

We, having seen such ceremonies many times before,
Will witness his first entrance, nervous through the door,
As keenly as when seeing those first steps we took,
We too listening to the words (Not always as per book!)
For all our Brother Masons are fallible like me;
Few can be word-perfect throughout each degree.

We shall watch him when he's crafted, later at his Third,
His progress to the Master's Chair, to gain the Master's word. 
Initiating others, in that year so swiftly gone!
Becoming a Pastmaster, and so relied upon.
Then other years are passing, he's in dark blue, and bald
But willingly will take a job, whenever he is called.

He's still at every meeting; at L.O.I. he's there
For well being of the Lodge he's always time to spare.
He's reaped no advantages through being in the craft
As spoken by our critics, the jealous and the daft!
Except that great advantage, which we Masons are aware
That wondrous 'Magic' something of being On The Square.

The Lost Art of Tying a Bow Tie!

We as officers spend a vast majority of our time in formal wear. I actually enjoy it, it brings my mind back to a simpler time when a man took pride in his appearance, it also reminds me of how important the work that we do really is. It is so important that we actually dress up for it!

For my installation as Master, I wanted to wear something different so I opted for a white bow tie, but not just any bow tie, a REAL bow tie, you know the type that has to be actually tied! Well when I picked it up at the formal shop I frequent I asked the man behind the counter if he could teach me how to tie it. I didn’t think that it could be very difficult. After all it was just a bow tie! He said that he could not, so I thought I would just come to lodge and figure it out with the help of my brothers. Surely one of them knew how to tie the darn thing, as there are so many of them that wear one. Well at first, I figured I would try to look it up on Google with the assistance of my IPHONE and the Lodge’s WIFI connection, shoot I forgot to charge the phone the night before! Oh well on to plan B.

So I asked every brother I could find, especially the old timers whom I thought might have been around before the advent of the ready made bow tie that you just clip on. No joy. Boy was I feeling desperate! I really wanted to wear this. Anyway, as time went on, I figured it was hopeless, so I donned my old trusty clip on, and out I went to the Lodge room, discouraged but undaunted, then out of nowhere, a brother of our Grand Lodge, Right Worshipful Gary Arseneau came to my rescue! Hurray, when he was all said and done applying his magic, my tie was looking pretty good! I guess the purple of our fraternity really do come in handy from time to time LOL!

Anyway, I didn’t learn how to tie it that day, it’s very hard to learn while one, you are getting ready for your installation as Master of the Lodge and two, someone is tying it on you without the benefit of mirror so that you can’t watch, but when I got home that night, I did indeed look it up on Google and low and behold, I found several YouTube videos that educated me on this elusive art.

Now that I know how to tie this monster, I don’t think I will ever go back to the traditional clip on bow tie. There is something to be said for the class and elegance of something that you do yourself! So if you are like me and want to learn how to tie your very own bow tie, then perhaps you should check out this video!

Oh and Brother Gary, if you read this, THANK YOU! You made my day!

Fraternally,

Bruce P. Morin 
Worshipful Master
Sequin Level Lodge No. 140 - Newington, Connecticut

Pasted Graphic 6


 

Timpson coach depot Crayford in the 50s

I believe this site is being redeveloped, another part of our history going.