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CHARITY LIGHT
First Rising #33
| MONDAY 25th APRIL Welcome to First Rising – the official newsletter for members of United Grand Lodge of England. |
| FREEMASONS DONATE MORE THAN 20,000 EASTER EGGS TO CHILDREN ACROSS THE UK |
| DR DAVID STAPLES – AN IMPORTANT NOTICE I’m sorry to announce that David Staples (CEO) has decided to resign from his role as Chief Executive Officer for United Grand Lodge of England with effect from 14 April 2022 although he will remain as Grand Secretary until 14 September 2022 and will attend the investiture events. David has commented as follows: “Being the Chief Executive Officer of the UGLE has been a singular privilege and honour, and I feel, with the completion and imminent launch of the new UGLE strategy for the next seven years, the time has come to hand on the mantle to someone new so that I can embark on new opportunities. “The last four and a half years have seen an enormous rate of change within Freemasonry, and I am honoured to have been part of the journey. I have asked the President of the Board to allow me to step down as Chief Executive Officer and to begin the process for recruiting my successor to take the organisation forward into a new chapter of its history. Recognising my desire to move on to new and different challenges, he has kindly agreed. With leave of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, I will be continuing in my role as Grand Secretary until such time as a successor has been appointed in my stead, at which time, as is right and proper, I should expect to step down from office in his favour. I would like to thank you for your enormous hard work and support whilst in tenure and I wish you all, and the United Grand Lodge of England, the very best for the future.” I would like to thank David for his hard work and commitment during his time in office, which has led to many positive improvements within Freemasonry. I wish him well in the future. Geoffrey Dearing, President of the Board of General Purposes |
UGLE WORLDWIDE – A VIEW FROM THE DISTRICTS ON SOLOMON LIVE Meet RW Bro Michael Hadjiconstantas, District Grand Master of Cyprus, who will share his insights into UGLE Districts and tell us about the customs and traditions of Freemasonry in Cyprus. Solomon Live webinars cover popular masonic topics and offer the opportunity to ask questions and give us our #DailyAdvancement. These lively sessions are hosted by the inimitable W Bro Brody Swain, PCO of Worcestershire. 🎟️ Book here to register for an interview with RW Bro Michael Hadjiconstantas, at 19.30 on Tuesday 17th May BOOK YOUR TICKET |
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First Rising #32
| MONDAY 11th APRIL Welcome to First Rising – the official newsletter for members of United Grand Lodge of England. |
| UKRAINE RELIEF CHEST APPEAL CHARITIES ANNOUNCED |
| The Relief Chest Appeal for Ukraine now stands at £564k and is rising. The response from members across the Constitution has been tremendous and will enable Freemasonry to respond to the crisis in a meaningful and impactful way. Five selected charities will each receive a grant of £100,000 each towards their work. They are:- UK for UNHCR – the UN Refugee agency Key focus – Ukraine – EMERGENCY SHELTER AND PROTECTION UNICEF Key focus – Ukraine – HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES Plan International UK Key focus – Border Countries – CHILD PROTECTION AND EDUCATION British Red Cross Key focus – UK – REFUGEE SUPPORT AND RESETTLEMENT The Refugee Council Key Focus – UK – REFUGEE SUPPORT AND ADVICE |
| NORTH WALES FESTIVAL KICKS OFF FESTIVAL IN SPECTACULAR FASHION |
| To launch the North Wales Festival 2028 Appeal, John Charles Hoult, Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by his Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Charity Steward rode the Velocity Zip Wire at Zip World. The target is to raise £2.5million for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), the Freemasons’ charity. Provinces throughout England and Wales organise fundraising appeals known as Festivals. Festival appeals are a vital source of funding and generate the majority of donations made to the MCF. |
| SOLOMON LIVE: MEET THE ASSISTANT GRAND MASTER SIR DAVID WOOTTON |
| Meet the Assistant Grand Master Sir David Wootton on Solomon Live. Find out about Sir David’s life, from being Lord Mayor of London, leading the Universities Scheme, being a leading City lawyer and his life-long commitment to rowing! These stimulating webinars are hosted by W Bro Brody Swain, PCO of Worcestershire and are designed to give us our #DailyAdvancement. They will last approximately 45 minutes. We will cover popular masonic topics and offer the opportunity to ask questions. Book here to register for an interview with RW Bro Sir David Wootton, at 19.30 on Tuesday 19th April. |
| FIRST RISING FEEDBACK AND AMENDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS |
| Did you enjoy this edition of First Rising? We highly value your feedback! Please let us know by emailing: newsletter@ugle.org.uk You can change your First Rising contact email address by clicking here. |
First Rising #31
| MONDAY 21st MARCH Welcome to First Rising – the official newsletter for members of United Grand Lodge of England. |
| News from Grand Lodge |
| PRO GRAND MASTER PETER LOWNDES ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT |
| In case you missed it, at the recent Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, MW Bro Peter Lowndes announced his retirement from his role as Pro Grand Master. RW Bro Jonathan Spence will be installed as his successor in September. |
| UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND/MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, THE FREEMASONS’ CHARITY RESPONSE TO THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN UKRAINE |
| The United Grand Lodge of England is keenly aware of the events which are currently taking place in Ukraine. We are immensely encouraged by the quite exceptional and rapid response to the call for charitable donations to provide relief to those who have been, and are, suffering from events in Ukraine. The joint UGLE/MCF appeal has raised £350,000 to date to help those who are being affected in the region. This sum has been raised in a shorter time than in any recent appeal, which indicates the strength of compassion felt by individual Brethren to those affected by the war. At this time, we are maintaining communications with all our recognised Grand Lodges in the region to ensure we are providing an appropriate level of support where possible. In a world of disinformation and propaganda, we value the insight of those who are living through the current crisis. The United Grand Lodge of England has a strong history of supporting those who have lived through the trauma of active conflict. It is for good reason that so many of our Lodges and Chapters have had their Centenary celebrations in the last 5 years as many of these were founded to provide supportive networks for soldiers returning home after the First World War. We are still maintaining this supportive relationship 100 years on; most recently, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a show of unerring support for members of our Armed Forces. Freemasonry has always taken steps to avoid divisive discourse which can promote conflict in the Lodge. All three of the Home Grand Lodges have a long-standing policy of not expressing opinion on State or foreign policy either at home or abroad. The aim of this policy is to foster a harmonious environment within an ever-turbulent wider world. We hope that peace soon prevails. In the meantime, our efforts towards supporting humanitarian aid will continue. |
| BOOK YOUR TICKET FOR THE BELMONT ENSEMBLE & TRAFALGAR SINFONIA AT FREEMASONS’ HALL |
| Freemasons’ Hall is proud to partner with the Belmont Ensemble and Trafalgar Sinfonia for a series of concerts in 2022. The Belmont Ensemble of London was founded by its Musical Director, Peter Dyson in 1991, winning instant critical acclaim. It is now one of the busiest and finest chamber orchestras in the capital. |
| SOLOMON LIVE: MEET THE ASSISTANT GRAND MASTER SIR DAVID WOOTTON |
| Meet the Assistant Grand Master Sir David Wootton on Solomon Live. Find out about Sir David’s life, from being Lord Mayor of London, leading the Universities Scheme, being a leading City lawyer and his life-long commitment to rowing! These stimulating webinars are hosted by W Bro Brody Swain, PCO of Worcestershire and are designed to give us our #DailyAdvancement. They will last approximately 45 minutes. We will cover popular masonic topics and offer the opportunity to ask questions. Book here to register for an interview with RW Bro Sir David Wootton, at 19.30 on Tuesday 19th April. |
| FIRST RISING FEEDBACK AND AMENDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS |
Please let us know by emailing: newsletter@ugle.org.uk
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Looking For Volunteers!
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Looking for Volunteers! We are looking for ambassadors to join us to support The Mobile Information or “outreach Team” on behalf of the Province of Middlesex.The Team will promote Freemasonry, provide information to the public and attract potential new members.Volunteer ambassadors may be invited to attend up to three events, for the day or part. These events are normally weekends, with the majority in the summer.We are also looking for volunteers to spare a couple of hours on a Saturday, or Sunday to tow the provincial information trailer from Cole Court to one of the venues within Middlesex and at the end of the event, to collect the trailer to return to Cole Court. So if you would like to join the team please reply to keith.gregory@pglm.org.uk adding your contact details and numbers and confirm whether you would like to just become an Ambassador at the events or if you are able to also the support the team and tow the Trailer. |
First Rising Special Edition – Peter Lowndes
MOST WORSHIPFUL BROTHER PETER LOWNDES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
At today’s Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Brother Peter Lowndes announced his retirement from his role as Pro Grand Master, and that his successor, Right Worshipful Brother Jonathan Spence, will be installed in September.
Peter was initiated into Old Etonian Lodge No. 4500 on the 20th April 1972. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on the 8th June 1972 and was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the 19th October 1972.
Peter served as Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1984 until 1987 and was promoted to Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1995 – a role he held for eight years.
In 2004, Peter was appointed Deputy Grand Master and held the role until 2009 when he was appointed Pro Grand Master.
When the Grand Master is a member of the Royal Family, he may appoint a Pro Grand Master to be his principal Masonic advisor and to act for him on occasions when, due to Royal engagements, he is unable to be present. Brother Lowndes has performed this role with wisdom, humility and with consummate skill.
On behalf of all Freemasons of the United Grand Lodge of England, we thank him for his service to our Craft.
First Rising Special Edition – Crisis In Ukraine
TUESDAY 8th MARCH
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND AND MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, THE FREEMASONS’ CHARITY, LAUNCH UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL
The United Grand Lodge of England and the Masonic Charitable Foundation (the Freemasons’ charity) have been monitoring the growing refugee crisis in Ukraine.
In response to this, we have created the Ukraine Crisis Appeal to allow Freemasons and their families to donate.
All the money raised in this appeal will be used to support the overall contribution that we are already making on behalf of all Freemasons under the United Grand Lodge of England, which includes £50,000 to assist the British Red Cross in their work providing essential aid to refugees.
Please click the link below to donate
DONATE HERE
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Letter of Dispensation
Please see the attached letter below dated 14th September 2021
Urgent: Please read the following message to all Dalhousie And Call Sign Lodge No.865 members
To All Members and Visiting Officer
Further to a meeting earlier today (Thursday 2 September) between myself, Garo and Barry Cramer Deputy Provincial Grand Master I am writing to confirm that we have been formally instructed by Barry Cramer that we cannot hold our lodge meeting on Saturday 11 September 2021.
Unfortunately Province is holding the Lodge to the Dalhousie Lodge 865 By-Laws meeting dates and until such time as the by-laws can be formalised as Dalhousie and Call Sign 865 we are not allowed to hold a meeting unless it is on a weekday which was the Dalhousie lodge dates Or arrange a dispensation 28 days from a Dalhousie meeting date..
It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation as I know we were all looking forward to meeting again after such a long break due to C-19.
By means of this email I would ask that Brian Cole would put the above message on our web page.
In the meantime if there are any questions you wish to raise please feel free to either telephone myself or Garo. I look forward to seeing you all virtually this coming Monday within our Jitsi meeting commencing at 8pm.
Regards, Ian Clabon
“Our family is grateful for your kindness.”
A letter of thanks
No images? Click here
“Our family is grateful for your kindness.”
In March last year, Rachel and David’s son, Cole, was diagnosed with acute leukemia – days before the country went into lockdown. Rachel has since sent in a thank you letter for the support her family received.
“Dear Freemasons, I am writing to you to sincerely thank you for your support over the last year. You made a very difficult situation a lot easier.”Read Rachel’s thank you letter
Record-breaking exams
Students receiving their A-level and GCSE results have been rewarded for their hard work through lockdown, with record-breaking grades!
This year, 44.8 per cent of A Level students achieved A* or A grades, whilst those attaining a pass (grade C or above) rose to 771 per cent.
Congratulations to all those who have received their A/AS level, BTec and GCSE results – whatever they may be.
Did you know? We can support the children and grandchildren of Freemasons with their education Find out if your family is eligible
Shelf care
We’ve been gathering together book recommendations from charities supported by Freemasonry! Reflecting their work in some way, charities submitted their top reads especially to share with you.What’s on the list?
What did you think of Better Lives?
Over 75,000 copies of Better Lives magazine have now been delivered through letter boxes across England and Wales!
Have you read yours yet? Let us know what you think of this issue by tweeting us, messaging us on Facebook or Instagram, or sending us an email.
Freemasonry in the news
New life-saving equipment has been added to The Lizard, Britain’s most southerly village, after a tragic incident prompted the community to rally.
An additional public access defibrillator has now been bought for The Lizard, which has been located at The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station, with donations made from Penhellis Lodge, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall, and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.Read more
| Masonic Charitable Foundation, Freemasons’ Hall, London, WC2B 5AZ info@mcf.org.uk 020 3146 3333 mcf.org.uk |