Huntcliff on Tour to Darlington
On Wednesday, 27th March 2024, Trinity Lodge 4751 hosted a fraternal visit by W Bro Ted Law as he led his brethren of Huntcliff Lodge 4539, from Saltburn by the Sea to Darlington. This annual pilgrimage by the Huntcliff brethren is known as Fish and Chip Night and was well attended by many brethren. Our Fish Fryer, Ken John, whose day job is Hall Caterer, put on a splendid four course meal with tea and coffee. Star of the Show though was the fish, battered to perfection.
The evening started in the Lodge Room with the initiation of Bro Peter Mortimer who had the pleasure of being guided in the Lodge Room by his proposer, Bro Chris Horner, as Junior Deacon. W Bro Ray Bradley led his team of Officers through an excellent ceremony watched by our visitors. The Festive Board followed with much mirth and merriment as Bro Chris emphasised Bro Peter’s qualities in his toast to the Initiate before the collective brethren sang the Entered Apprentice song together due to our regular singer, W Bro John Parker, suffering a vocal infection. Bro Peter anxious to reply to his toast gave a well-received speech. The evening ended with a 300 Club Draw and our usual raffle in aid of charity.
Our thanks to W Bro John Rees of Huntcliff Lodge for the photos.
Trinity Lodge support the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA)
Having dodged the heatwave from the day before, the Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge 4751, David Gutteridge, accompanied by the Charity Steward, Simon Atkinson, called in at the Eaglescliffe base of the GNAA charity to make a substantial donation of £1,000 from Trinity Lodge 4751. Handing over the cheque to Sophie Bendelow of the fundraising team, it was gratefully received given the annual costs of running the helicopter charity which in 2020-2021 was the princely sum of £5.2 million. A recent innovation is the ability of the newest helicopter, a Eurocopter AS-365N-3+ Dauphin, to fly over water having been equipped with emergency floats. This means it can now extend its range of operations to the Isle of Man as part of trauma support. Although the helicopters are not yet cleared to fly at night the GNAA operate Critical Care Cars manned by health professionals able to extend the range of emergency care of the GNAA during silent hours. Find out more about this remarkable charity at: www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk
Pictures shows Simon, David and Sophie at GNAA, Eaglescliffe.
Trinity Lodge support local hospitals cancer care charity.
David Parr, Worshipful Master, called in at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Friday 17th Jan 2020, to hand over a cheque for £500 raised by Trinity Lodge to support cancer care at the hospital. The cheque was received on behalf of the Foundation Trust Charity by Pat Chambers, Charity Development Manager.
Pat said, in appreciation of the donation, “Your support will help us make such a difference to the many patients we treat every single day of the year in our hospitals with cancer and will transform the patient experience during their cancer care, which in some cases can mean sitting in a treatment chair for 4 – 6 hours.”
Pat went on to say that some of the highest numbers of newly diagnosed cancers in all England occur here in County Durham so donations such as this will touch many thousands of patients in our communities.
If you want to know more about supporting County Durham & Darlington NHS Trust Charity visit www.cddft.nhs.uk and select fundraising from the menu.
Pictures shows David Parr and Pat Chambers
Provincial First Appointment for John & Roy
W Bro John Illingworth and Bro Roy Enoch of Trinity Lodge 4751 received their first appointments as Provincial Officers from RW Bro John Arthur, Provincial Grand Master, at June’s Annual meeting of the Province held at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston. John was honoured to receive Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon whilst Roy received Past Provincial Grand Pursuivant. A pursuivant is effectively an Inner Guard.
After a well managed meeting which seemed to fly by, the brethren enjoyed a Festive Board and wine with other members of the lodge including W Bro Steve Wilcock, Worshipful Master of Trinity (see picture). The meeting ended in good order by 4 pm and people departed for home in good humour.
We wish John and Roy many happy years as Provincial Officers and we also extend our best wishes to all who received an honour on that day.
Trinity goes Platinum as the PGM visits bearing gifts
Trinity Lodge 4751 received the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro John Arthur, on Wed 23rd Jan 2019, who presented his Platinum Award to the lodge for raising £33,134 for Festival 2021.
The evening was also blessed with an Initiation Ceremony for Bro Martin Crowe who became a member of Trinity Lodge in a well executed ceremony by the Officers of the Lodge.
Presenting his crystal award piece and commemorative certificate to W Bro Steven Wilcock, the Worshipful Master, the PGM thanked Trinity Lodge for the welcome and the big cheque which was presented (tongue in cheek – see photo) in the Lodge Room. He also took great delight in sticking the Charity Steward’s Platinum Badge onto W Bro Simon Atkinson to much mirth. He congratulated Bro Crowe on joining the lodge and wished him many happy years in freemasonry.
Accompanied by W Bro John Thompson, Festival 2021 Director, he also thanked the lodge for a warm welcome, a fine meal (Curry & Chips) and wished them well for the future.
More photos on our Facebook page.Trinity Facebook
Trinity Lodge Installation Meeting 24th October 2018
Out with the old and in with the new is only partially applicable on this occasion as Bro Steven Wilcock became Master of Trinity Lodge 4751. Many of the invested officers of Steven’s team were re-appointments who had signed on for another year in office to ensure Steven was ably supported. Importantly, both Wardens are Master Masons who are committed to going through the Chair in the years ahead with Bro David Parr next in line and Bro David Gutteridge following on.
Doing the honours as Installing Master, W Bro Joe Simpson, the outgoing Worshipful Master of Trinity ensured a smooth and efficient transition of power took place. Afterwards, Joe received his Past Masters Jewel at the Festive Board and rounded off his tenure with a one word speech of, “Thanks!”
A Planning Engineer by profession, Bro Steve thanked W Bro Tony Petch for kind words during his toast to the Worshipful Master at the Festive Board, pointing out his own committment to ensuring everyone had a good year in office whilst upholding the tenets and traditions of the Craft in general and the Lodge in particular in a rapidly changing masonic environment.
The Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Michael J Wilkinson, PProvJGW, accompanied by W Bro Phil Johnson, PPGStwd, as his Director of Ceremonies, thanked the lodge for a thoroughly entertaining evening and the generous donations of two healthy cheques for Charity to Provincial Lodge (£500 to Durham Benevolence and £250 for TLC Teddies).
Rounding off an excellent meal, a raffle was held in support of the Oncology Unit at James Cook Hospital in recognition of the care it affords to all members of the community but in particular, members of the lodge who have received treatment there recently. The raffle raised in excess of £270 pounds.
More photos on our Facebook page.Trinity Facebook
Provincial First Appointment for Nigel
Congratulations to W Bro Nigel O’Brien Bird of Trinity Lodge 4751 on his first appointment as Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works at the Annual Provincial Promotions Meeting in June 2018. Nigel has earned his honour through his many masonic commitments including being Worshipful Master of Trinity twice and recently taking up the Chair at Sportsman’s Lodge 9440. Congratulations also to Paul Farrell and Malcolm Dunstone from our Mother Lodge, The St Cuthbert Lodge, on their first appointments too!
W Bro Alan Dodd promoted
At the recent Provincial Promotions meeting it was announced that W Bro Alan Dodd had received the honour of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, Alan was unable to attend the promotions meeting. His certificate however was presented to him in open lodge at the Decemeber meeting by Trinity’s Visiting Grand Officer, W Bro Andrew Foster, PJGD. Andrew congratulated Alan on his preferment and waxed lyrical about Alan’s commitment to the Craft and community. Bro Alan thanked the assembled brethren for the kind words and stated how much his promotion meant to him and even more so by sharing this special moment with the lodge.
Well done Alan.
Installation 2017
Trinity Installation Night at Darlington Masonic Hall on Wednesday, 25th October 2017, was a night to remember for several reasons. First and foremost, the lodge welcomed their new Worshipful Master to that most important chair. Joe Simpson took up the reins from Nigel O’Brian Bird and hit the ground running…literally. For part of the formalities of the evening in the lodge room was taken up by presentation of two medals in commemoration of fundraising efforts by Joe Simpson and David Gutteridge (Senior Deacon) for completion of the Great North Run and raising over £2,000 for the Festival 2021. Mike Smithies did the honours on behalf of the Festival 2021 team presenting the medals to Joe and David.
Prior to this event, a cheque for £1,000 was presented to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John Arthur, to take Trinity’s fundraising for the Festival past the Gold Award target by over £2,000. The lodge has raised over £27,000 in 21 months. A certificate recording the lodge reaching its Gold target for fundraising was presented to W Bro Joe by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who attended as Representative for the Provincial Grand Master at the Installation, accompanied by NIgel Fallow, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Charity Steward, Simon Atkinson, also received a Gold Award lapel badge in recognition of Trinity Brethren’s fundraising efforts.
The assembled brethren including 38 visitors from 21 lodges, retired to enjoy a festive board and carry on the presentation of fundraising cheques. Outgoing Master, Nigel O’Brien Bird, presented a cheque for £200 to John Arthur to be added to the lodge total. This was money raised from a joint social event held earlier in the year. At the conclusion, there were many favourable comments as to a great evening was had by all.
Our grateful thanks to Ken John, the caterer, and his team who never disappoint with hall hospitality. A special mention also to Chris Houfe, Andy Hill and Kevin Williams, from Restoration Lodge 111, who ran the bar during and after the Festive Board.
For an alternate take on the night, visit Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham’s News Page here: PGLD News
Didn’t they do well?
Well done to our Trinity Lodge Runners, Joe Simpson and David Gutteridge who were part of a Provincial Grand Lodge Team of over 30 from Durham who completed the Great North Run and raised a significant sum of money for the Masonic Charitable Foundation in doing so. Their times were very similar and didn’t they do well considering they were both running through the pain barrier with training injuries. All that pasta and training paid off!!
Going for Gold….
Trinity Lodge 4751 is not far short of achieving its Gold Award for reaching its Festival 2021 target for fundraising (£25,488). We are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time (18 months).
Can I draw your attention to Joe Simpson (Senior Warden) and David Gutteridge’s (Junior Deacon) participation in the Great North Run on 10th September when they will run for the Festival 2021 Charity on behalf of Trinity Lodge. If you want to donate a couple of bob for our two stalwart heroes go to:
https://e0124.everydayhero.com/uk/joseph
https://e0124.everydayhero.com/uk/david-gutteridge
Why not consider giving them a £5 each??
50 years in Freemasonry and Trinity Lodge 4751
W Bro Arthur Lea, aged 96, joined Trinity Lodge in 1966 and achieved this remarkable milestone on 28th December 2016. Unable to attend Lodge in recent times due to ill health and the challenge of Father Time, he remains upbeat in his outlook on life as he continues to enjoy his retirement with his wife Kathleen, also aged 96, in the quiet North Yorkshire village of Manfield.
Arthur has enjoyed a remarkable life, serving in the Royal Engineers during World War 2 before moving on to accountancy and ending his career as a company director and secretary. A keen footballer in his day, it was rumoured a tackle from Arthur was not one to be relished according to W Bro Alan Dodd who played in the same team. He let slip he had to give up salmon fishing on the Tweed only four years ago as he felt a bit unstable in the river. Not bad for a then 92 year old game fisher!
It was Alan who presented Arthur with his 50 year Certificate, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master and the Officers of the Province of Durham, at Arthur’s home in Manfield where several senior masons of the Lodge, Alan Thompson, Tom Whitfield and Derek Smith, attended to wish Arthur well.
Well done Arthur!
Since this article was written, Arthur sadly passed away 20 days short of his 97th birthday on 2nd February 2018. We leave the article here in memory of a wonderful man and freemason.
Trinity Lodge “Cheques In”
A Darlington based Freemasons Lodge held a charity evening on 28th December 2016 to hold true to their motto of Faith, Hope and Charity. On this occasion, Trinity Lodge 4751 demonstrated their charitable approach by handing over £2,000 in cheques to local charities.
A cheque for £ 250 was presented by the Master of the Lodge, Nigel O’Brien Bird, to the 5th Darlington Scout Group. Stuart Nicholl, Group Chair, was accompanied by Connor Petch (a Scout Group Leader in full regalia) to receive the donation. Stuart spoke how Scouting benefited young people by giving them an opportunity to work together in teams, developing social and life skills whilst simultaneously attending a wide range of events and activities.
The second cheque, also for £250, was presented to The Guide Dogs for the Blind and received by Mrs Christine Kay (a guide dog user with both visual and hearing impairments) was accompanied by, and her guide dog, a black Labrador named Sula who has the unique distinction of being both a guide and hearing assistance dog. Mrs Kay explained the cost of training and supporting a guide dog is in the region of £45,000, a not insignificant sum. She explained that having a guide dog has been invaluable and given her the confidence to get out and get on with her life. Mrs Kay, on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind, expressed her sincere thanks to the lodge for the donation.
The third cheque for £500 was donated to Durham Benevolence, a charity run by County Durham freemasons offering individual and community grants for charitable purposes. The cheque was presented to Assistant Provincial Grand M aster, W Bro Stephen Walker, representing the Durham Benevolent Committee. Stephen, a lodge guest of the evening was unaware of this donation and taken by surprise. Stephen graciously thanked the assembled masons for their generosity.
A fourth donated cheque had been done in the style of “Blue Peter”, one that the lodge had presented days earlier as the recipient was unable to attend on the evening. Mr Grant Hewitt, a Darlington based student studying at Northumbria University, had been presented with a cheque for £1,000 as part of a three year bursary of which he will receive an annual donation to support him in his architectural studies. The bursary holds true to the memory of the late Ray Wallace Thompson, a Borough Architect in his day and member of Trinity Lodge, who left a significant legacy to the lodge to be used for charitable purposes which is managed as a registered charitable trust. The cheque was presented on this occasion by Alan Dodd, Chair of the Trust.
Faith, Hope & Trinity
Early evening on Wednesday 26th of October 2016, brethren started to gather for the annual installation of the Master Elect at Trinity Lodge. The representative of the Provincial Grand Master for the evening was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Simon Craig Steele. Craig was warmly welcomed into the lodge by Tony Petch, the Installing Master, who was ready to hand over his collar after a very busy and successful year in office.
The (re)installation of the Master Elect, Nigel O’Brien-Bird, was soon under way after he was presented by his father, Tony Bird, who also happens to be the Lodge Treasurer.
At the end of the meeting during the second rising the newly installed master presented a “heavy cheque” to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, on behalf of the brethren of Trinity, for £2,500 towards the 2021 festival. Craig sincerely thanked the brethren for their generosity and advised that the lodge had now achieved the PGM’s silver award amount towards the lodge’s festival target. Craig gave particular thanks to Simon Atkinson, the Lodge Charity Steward, for his hard work and effort encouraging Trinity brethren to support the Festival.
At the close of the meeting upstairs the brethren then enjoyed a delicious meal at the festive board and celebrated the newly installed master and officers for the ensuing year.
For a fuller narrative of this evening as reported by Trinity‘s own Provincial Information Officer, Neill Mallett, and see more photos visit: http://www.durhamfreemasons.org/news-archive/faith-hope-trinity/
Twice is nice?
A rather unique occasion occurred on the evening of 5th October 2016 at Wolsingham, County Durham, when Worshipful Brother Tony Petch became Master of two lodges at the same time. This is not a normal occurrence in English Craft masonry and requires a special dispensation from United Grand Lodge of England. Tony’s dispensation (literally) came through at the last minute and he was able to take the chair at Hudson Lodge 2791, whilst still Master of Trinity Lodge 4751. He will only have a short time as Master of two lodges as he steps down from Trinity chair on the 26th October 2016, when he installs his successor, W Bro Nigel O’Brien Bird, for Nigel’s second time around as Master of Trinity Lodge.
Seven Trinity brethren and several Darlington Installed Masters made the trip up to Wolsingham to see Tony installed into Hudson chair. The festive board was a merry occasion with speeches commending the newly installed master. The Provincial Grand Master was represented by Worshipful Brother Alan Hall who, along with the assembled brethren, wished Tony and his Hudson Officers a happy year in office.
Trinity Chicken Chuck Success at Raby Gala
The Raby Gala offered lodges a chance to raise money for Festival 2021 and Trinity Lodge took on the challenge in an unusual way with a Chicken Chucking Stand. Tony Petch, the Worshipful Master, was joined by Junior Warden, Joe Simpson, and Secretary, Fred Holmes, to set up the stall early on Saturday morning of 2nd July 2016. Dodging rain and wind, the stand was ready to go at the stated start time of 10.00am and manned by Trinity brethren throughout the day. Popular with visitors and masons alike, many a chicken was chucked. Indeed, some spectacular ‘cock ups’ occurred as ‘foul throws’ occurred with chickens going backwards as well as forwards. Indeed, one noted ‘foul up’ was caused by Gala Director, Andrew Foster, whose chicken ended up in the beck behind the stall. Nice one Andrew! Total raised was £151 for the Festival 2021. Thanks to all who donated
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Annual Provincial Craft Meeting June 2016
The Annual Provincial Craft Meeting was held at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston, Gateshead on 25th June 2016. Two Trinity brethren were rewarded for their work in the lodge with first appointments. The Lodge Secretary, W Bro Fred Holmes, was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar (PPGReg) and the current Immediate Past Master (IPM), W Bro Neil Mallet, was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Steward (PPGStwd) becoming a member of the very active Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge facilitating Provincial activities around the province. They are pictured here with Master of the Lodge, Tony Petch.
To see them receive their appointments from the Provincial Grand Master were Tony Petch and his Senior and Junior Wardens, along with other members of the lodge. The day ended with the usual Festive Board to celebrate the occasion. The new Provincial website has a comprehensive round up of the day’s events at:
Provincial Craft Meeting June 2016
Durham Province’s Travelling Gavel calls in at Trinity…again!
Trinity Lodge are fans of laying claim to the travelling gavel that percolates around Durham Province in the interests of improving fraternal visiting. And again, on the evening of 11th May 20105, at Strathmore Lodge 6229, in Barnard Castle Trinity Brethren led by Worshipful Master, Tony Petch, laid claim to this unique piece of masonic memorabilia which was handed over by Worshipful Brother Tony Hobson.
The next chance visitors can have of claiming the gavel will occur on 25th May 2016, at Trinity’s next regular meeting.
Charity begins at home
The Trinity Lodge motto is Faith, Hope and Charity and on the evening of 27th April 2016, the latter came to the fore when a cheque for £1,000 was presented to NSPCC for its charitable work with children in the North East. The presentation came at the end of Trinity’s regular monthly meeting when Mr Nihad Ćehić, Community Fundraising Manager for NSPCC North East, was invited into the Lodge Room at Freemason’s Hall, Darlington, to give a short talk about Children’s Initiatives ongoing in Darlington and the Teesside area. Mr Ćehić stated that, “90% of all NSPCC work is funded from charitable donations such as Trinity’s and the money would ensure at risk children and families got their lives back on track.
Handing over the money, on behalf of Trinity Lodge, were Worshipful Brothers Tony Petch and Neil Mallet, the present and past Masters of the lodge. Brother Neil Mallet had guided the lodge to raising half the money last year at a very successful event called “Brass on the Grass.” It only remained for Brother Tony Petch to encourage the Trinity brethren to part with the other £500 to round off the sizeable donation. Trinity have a good record of raising money for charity having donated over £13,000 in recent years for charitable causes. Brother Tony Petch emphasised that, “Trinity believe in its motto especially the Charity aspect!” The evening was rounded off with Mr Ćehić joining the Trinity brethren and guests for a tasty dinner.
Trinity Lodge Ladies Night 2016
Trinity Lodge 4751 held a Ladies Evening on 19th March 2016, at Freemasons Hall, Darlington, where W Bro Tony and Mrs Mandy Petch hosted the festival. An impressive turnout of over 80 people in their black ties and evening wear came along to be wined, dined and dance the night away. In keeping with tradition, the toast to the Ladies was proposed by the Junior Warden, Bro Joe Simpson, followed by an excellent rendition of the Ladies Song by W Bro John Parker, accompanied by Bro Barry Taylor on piano. Mrs Mandy Petch responded on behalf of the Ladies with a well delivered speech including a most humorous poem about being the wife of a mason which struck a chord with many of the ladies present.
A raffle was held during the musical interlude, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, which raised over £200. To finalise the evening, more music was provided by the talented Matthew Anthony, singer guitarist. Afterwards, Mandy praised all those who helped make the night a success and thanked the Catering and Silver Service Staff under the supervision of Hall Caterer, Ken John, for a beautifully cooked and presented meal. You can see photos of the evening, produced on this occasion by W Bro Tom Bradley from Hudson Lodge, on the gallery page : Link to Gallery.
Provincial Honours for two Trinity Brethren
At the November Promotions meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, two Trinity brethren were honoured with promotions. The two stalwarts honoured were W Bro Bob Allen (on the left below) who was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar and Brother Barry Taylor who was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Pursuviant. Both are thoroughly deserved and we congratulate them on their new ranks.
90 Not Out!
Fancy a tipple Neil?
At the November meeting of Trinity Lodge held on the 25th of the month, the new Worshipful Master, W Bro Tony Petch, reminded brethren at the Festive Board that Trinity Lodge was consecrated 90 years ago on the 11th of November 1925. To commemorate this milestone, Bro Tony issued a small memento to each brother dining of a small bottle of wine with the lodge jewel as a label. Roll on 2025 when the Trinity hold its centenary. Bro Tony’s Speech celebrating 90 years not out is below:
“Brethren …. It is worth noting that this month is the 90th anniversary of the Consecration of Trinity Lodge. The actual date being the 11th Nov 1925
The meal you have had tonight is a meal that might have been eaten in that year. Pork was a typical main meal and in the 1920s brethren what had been the dessert of the time …Eton mess, was replaced in the year 1925 by adventurous chefs experimenting with alcohol, hence brethren your Sherry Trifle.
The Master of the Lodge in 1925 was W Bro Arthur Betts PJGW; he was also a Past Master of Lodge No 3417, THE St Cuthbert Lodge
In 1925 brethren, our founders had just suffered what we know as the First World War; which in those days was given the name The Great War simply because the Second World War was not expected. The founders of our lodge kept it supported during the Second World War and we should be thankful to them for carrying this lodge forward for us to the present day.
Brethren you may be pleased to know that I feel we should celebrate this 90 year occasion. And to celebrate all the past and present members of Trinity Lodge; I would like each of you to take a commemorative bottle of wine home which our Stewards and assistants will distribute to you. Please be aware brethren this is not for opening on the premises! Brethren, I would like to add another toast to the evening: TO TRINITY LODGE”.
Installation 2015
On a damp October evening, Trinity Lodge 4751 underwent their annual changing of the guard as Master Elect, Bro Tony Petch, was installed as the new Worshipful Master. Bro Tony was installed by W Bro Neill (Captain Kirk) Mallett into the Chair of King Solomon according to ancient tradition watched on by 60 visitors from 21 lodges, which by anybody’s standards, is an excellent turnout. We must thank all our visitors from near and far but especially the large groups from Hudson Lodge 2791 up in the sticks of Wolsingham and Huntcliff Lodge 4539 over by the sea in Saltburn.
The new Master is very proactive in his community as an active member of his local church and as a member of a local scouting group acting as a Scout Leader who, incidently, spent his last weekend as Senior Warden taking his scout group camping. W Bro Tony also recently got married which is documented elsewhere in our news section. W Bro Tom Milner, who seconded Bro Tony into Freemasonry, gave an excellent illumination of Tony’s qualities at the Festive Board in the absence of his proposer, the late W Bro Percy Taylor.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was represented by W Bro Denis H Robinson, PAGDC, who complimented the lodge for their warm welcome and donation to masonic charity of £200. W Bro Denis was accompanied by W Bro Paul Farrell, PPGStwd, as a Director of Ceremonies.
The Festive Board was highly praised by those present for the excellent 4 course dinner turned out by the Hall Caterer, Ken John, assisted by Deputy Chef, Mandy, and presented by the Silver Service team led by Sandra. Bar support was supplied by Kevin Williams, Bryan Hill and Chris Houfe from Restoration Lodge 111.
We wish W Bro Tony a happy and memorable year in office and congratulate him on receiving this important honour in the life of Trinity Lodge 4751.
Photos from the evening can be found on our Gallery Page here: Gallery
W Bro Ron Greener
Ron Greener, a former member of Trinity Lodge and a Past Master, has passed away aged 81 years. Ron is best remembered for his skills as a footballer and commanded a great deal of respect for all he did to advance the fortunes of the Quakers during many appearances for the club. Ron is survived by his wife, Margaret. Our commiserations are extended to Margaret and the Family.
The Northern Echo did a fine article on Ron which can be read here: Northern Echo Article
Chloe’s Three Peaks Challenge
Some time ago we mentioned that Chloe Atkinson, daughter of W Bro Simon Atkison of Trinity Lodge 4751, was undertaking the 3 Peaks Challenge in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign charity. As someone who has had multiple family members suffer from this awful disease, she decided to do the 3 Peaks Challenge over the period 11th-12th July 2015.
Chloe’s blog is here explaining her experiences: 3 Peaks Blogs
If you would like to donate then please note the cheque details of any donations should be made payable to: ‘Breast Cancer Campaign’
Donations can be posted to: ‘Breast Cancer Research’ c/o Chloe Atkinson, 32 Fife Road, Darlington. DL3 7TA
Alternately, you can use the Just Giving link on Chloe’s web page. https://www.justgiving.com/chloepops
Your support of this worthy cause would be most welcome.
It’s a Winner…
After being actively involved in the horse racing for more than half a century, W Bro Alan Moore’s most Memorial Day on the racetrack came on May 31 this year when his horse, Ibushka, finally came home a winner at the 25th time of asking.
The victory at 33-1 in the novice handicap hurdle at Fakenham was a cause for family celebration. At home, the four-year-old is looked after by Lorna Nelson, Alan’s granddaughter, and the win gave the owner’s son-in-law, David Thompson, the first double of his training career following the earlier 10-1 success of Troubled in the handicap chase at the same meeting.
Despite some testing times with the horse, Alan persevered since he saw the horse’s potential. On the day, he backed Ibushka at 50-1. He said, “It was the best day’s racing I ever had and although nothing will ever beat July 20, 1963 when I married my wife Joyce. My father, Les, had a horse called Sunny Times running in Scotland. We got married at 2 PM and the horse won at 2:30 PM. It was amazing”
So next time you want a flutter on a horse, you know who to ask!
© Racing Post for some of the editorial and picture.
And another one bites the dust….
Trinity Lodge’s Senior Warden, Bro Tony Petch, tied the knot on Saturday 18th of July 2015, at St Mary’s Church, Cockerton, to Miss Amanda Potts . Several of his Trinity Lodge friends joined other friends and family to celebrate Brother Tony’s special day with Mandy. This was a long courtship….some say 29 years?
We wish Brother Tony and Mandy all the best for the future.
Brass on the Grass
Sundays and afternoon tea in the garden go together very well but add a popular local brass band and what do you get? Answer: Brass on the Grass!! The Worshipful Masters of Trinity Lodge 4751 and Dunelm Lodge 4079, Neil Mallett and Baz Porritt (also a PM of Trinity) respectively, played mine host at Hinkleside, the home of Baz near the picturesque village of Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire, on the afternoon of 21st June.
With a superb afternoon tea that would have put Betty’s Tea Rooms to shame organised by Mrs Baz, Doreen Porritt and her catering crew of helpers, members of both lodges with their families dodged the rain clouds to hear the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band play two sets of wonderful and entertaining music despite the challenge of having their bandstand tent blow away in a gust of wind. Fortunately, the rain stayed away as everyone embraced the event in the aid of two worthwhile charities, NSPCC and MacMillan Nurse. £1125 was raised for these good causes and the band must be commended for giving up their time for free.
Our thanks to Baz and Doreen Porritt for the use of their home and the legion of helpers that ensured the event was successful. Our grateful thanks to Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band, under the leadership of conductor Mike Priestley, for giving up their time in the aid two worthy and worthwhile causes.
More pictures on our gallery page.
60 years and still going strong…
In May 2015, W Bro Tony Atkinson celebrates 60 years in masonry. This is his story.
John Anthony Atkinson, better known as Tony, was born 19 January 1926, in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. He was educated at the Middlesbrough Preparatory School and following the death of his father, George, in 1935, he attended the Royal Masonic Boys School at Bushey, Hertfordshire, for which he was sponsored by Zetland Lodge 561, (his father was a Past Master) and Huntcliff Lodge 4539. He spent 6 years at Bushey leaving in 1942. Tony is a member of the Old Masonians Association, which keeps alive the memory of the now defunct school whilst promoting masonic education.
On leaving school, he spent 18 months with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Company (later known simply as Peat Marwick) before volunteering for the RAF. He was called up for service in 1944, on his 18th birthday, and served 4 years as a wireless operator.
On being demobbed, Tony returned to Peat Marwick and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. In May 1955, he accepted an appointment as Accountant with Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Darlington, with whom he remained until he retired in January 1991.
Tony joined Freemasonry on 5 May 1955, when he was initiated into Huntcliff Lodge 4539, Saltburn, North Yorkshire, where his uncle, John Henry Atkinson, was a founding member. He was raised to Master Mason almost one year later on 5 April 1956. His connections to Darlington 999 Round Table led him to joining Trinity Lodge 4751 on 25 February 1959. In 1969, Tony became Master of Huntcliff and 3 years later Master of Trinity in 1972. He holds Provincial rank in both the Provinces of Yorkshire (North and East Ridings) and Durham.
On a personal level, Tony married his first wife, Patricia Rose Burton, in 1951. They had four sons: Christopher, Stephen, Mark and Simon who all became freemasons. Several grandsons are also members of the Craft. Sadly in 1991, Patricia died after a long illness just after their 40th wedding anniversary. In 1997, he married Enid with whom he remains happily united.
Hear Tony’s views on his masonic life…
https://youtu.be/A25rjxRShZE
Certificate Celebration
W Bro Tony Atkinson’s 60 Years in Masonry was celebrated at a rearranged meeting of Trinity Lodge on 22nd Many 2015, when the Provincial Grand Master and a Deputation visited to present Tony with his 60 Year Certificate. The evening was one of high emotion for Tony as he not only had this important milestone acknowledged but he was joined, without prior warning , by his 3 grandsons, all entered apprentices, and his son Stephen who had journeyed from Holland for his dad’s special night. In total 4 sons: Christopher, Stephen, Mark and Simon and 3 grandsons: Jamie, Peter and Mark Jr made up the Atkinson contingent to celebrate Tony’s night. To cap it all, after presenting Tony with his certificate, the PGM then promoted Tony to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden (PPSGW) for services to masonry.
Afterwards, a Festive Board was held where many fine speeches were made complimenting Tony’s achievement and some rib tickling about his life as an accountant. The PGM also thanked Tony and the Lodge for several donations to the upcoming Festival in aid of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, something very close to Tony’s heart. A reet good night!!
60 Year Certificate – The Sequel
W Bro Tony Atkinson’s milestone was also acknowledged on 4th June 2015, at his mother Lodge in Saltburn, Huntcliff 4539, by the presentation of another 60 year certificate. It was presented, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings, by RW Bro Richard Anderson, Past Provincial Grand Master. The Worshipful Master, W Bro Brian Earl, and the brethren of Huntcliff were joined by many distinguished visitors including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Bill Fisher, who sneaked in to surprise Bro Tony and congratulate him. Such is the high regard Bro Tony commands amongst his fellow brethren.
The evening coincided with the annual fraternal visit of Trinity brethren to Huntcliff where many friendships were renewed and a splendid evening of ritual was topped off with an excellent Festive Board. But the star of the show was Bro Tony recounting many humorous memories of his time at Bushey and his passage through a masonic life.
Mallett’s Mallet (or Gavel to you and me)
Wednesday 11th February 2015, a raiding party of determined Trinity Brethren drove to the North West on a mission. At the conclusion of the evening, that mission had been accomplished: the acquisition of Durham Province’s Travelling Gavel.
The Travelling Gavel was initiated by Castle Lodge 6713 as a means of promoting visiting between lodges of the Province of Durham. The prize is a rather splendid gavel housed in a presentation box which remains in the safe keeping of the capturing (or rescuing) lodge until it is claimed by another visiting lodge. The gavel has its own web site explaining its history and rules here: http://castlelodge6713.wix.com/travellinggavel
W Bro Neil Mallet accompanied by a goodly number of Trinity brethren joined other visitors to Strathmore Lodge 6229, for their February meeting at Barnard Castle Masonic Hall. A pleasant evening’s work in the lodge room where a new candidate was initiated in fine fashion was concluded with an excellent festive board. Despite a squeeze to get everyone in, fine food and merriment followed before the real business of the evening unfolded as Bro Neil claimed the travelling gavel for Trinity. The Worshipful Master of Strathmore Lodge, W Bro Andrew Maddison, duly surrendered the gavel to Trinity’s care and is pictured below doing the deed.
Trinity Lodge meet at Freemason’s Hall, Darlington on every fourth Wednesday of the month less June, July and August.
On 25th February 2015 our mother lodge, the St Cuthbert Lodge 3417, ‘rescued’ the gavel. We are planning a ‘raid’ to recover it…..
…and did so on 3rd March!! Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 22nd April 2015, commencing at 6.45pm. Please contact the Lodge Secretary with catering numbers at least 3 days prior to the meeting if your lodge is coming to claim the gavel.
Newsflash: At our April meeting, the WM of Hadrian Lodge 1970 and a goodly number of his brethren rescued/claimed the gavel. Well done to Hadrian Lodge who brought 10 brethren on their mission to claim the gavel. We shall look forward to venturing out again after this unique tool for stimulating masonic visiting in the near future.
Trinity get 2 for 1 at Promotions Meeting!
At the Provincial Promotions Meeting, Trinity Lodge was doubly honoured when two of its brethren received promotions. W Bro Baz Porritt had been informed of his promotion to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden (PPJGW) prior to the meeting for his outstanding work in his lodges (Trinity 4751 & Dunelm 4079) and the Craft in general.
However, W Bro Tom Whitfield, already a PPJGW, was surprised by the Provincial Grand Master (PGM) when Tom was asked to step aside from his seat and be escorted by the Provincial Director of Ceremonies (ProvDC) to go up to see the PGM. The PGM then promoted (on the basis of his work in masonry supporting many lodges with his singing and more) W Bro Tom to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden (PPSGW) much to Tom’s and everyone’s surprise. Tom had no warning of this great honour and was extremely thrilled.
The dynamic duo are shown, after the meeting, having a well earned drink!!
Being Worshipful Master is super…..
On Wednesday, 22nd October 2014, lifelong Trekkie fan and Master Elect of Trinity Lodge 4751, Bro Neil Mallett was installed into the Chair of the Lodge as Worshipful Master. As you can see, Bro Neil came suitably dressed for the setting up in the morning realising he was going to need his super powers later that evening. Fortunately, he remembered to change into more suitable attire for his most important masonic event to date.
The evening was a very special occasion being the 800th meeting of the lodge since its formation in 1925, and this was marked by the presentation of a Master’s Collaret to the newly installed master by Lodge member W Bro J Alan Moore PM, PPJGW. But the gifts did not stop there as another Lodge member, W Bro Baz Porritt PM, PPGReg, presented 2 engraved oak alms bowls to the lodge to commemorate this significant meeting.
The Representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master, W Bro John D Watts, PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, remarked on the welcome, generosity and vibrancy of the lodge as he received two cheques from the Lodge: £200 for the Provincial Cathedral Project and £500 for the TLC Teddies Appeal.
Further photos from Installation Night can be viewed on the Photo gallery Page here
Grand Officer honour for Trinity Brother
Simon Anthony Atkinson – Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (PAGDC) – Trinity Lodge No 4751
Simon Anthony Atkinson was honoured by investment to Grand Officer rank on 30th April 2014, at the United Grand Lodge of England Annual Investiture held at Great Queen’s Street, London. He was accompanied by several other Durham Freemasons also receiving Grand Officer honours as well as proud members of his family including his father, Tony Atkinson, the most senior member of Trinity Lodge 4751. Simon was granted the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (PAGDC) in recognition of his outstanding work as a mason across the Province.
Simon was initiated into Trinity Lodge in Darlington in 1989, becoming the Worshipful Master in 2002. He became a joining member of the Old Barnardian Lodge in Barnard Castle in 1990 and Huntcliff Lodge in Saltburn (Yorkshire North & East Ridings) in 2003, serving as Worshipful Master for those Lodges in 2000 and 2007 respectively, and a joining member of Neville Lodge of Installed Masters in Darlington in 2008.
Simon was appointed to Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham in June 2007, and to Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire North & East Yorkshire in April 2014. In the Royal Arch, Simon was exalted into the Old Barnardian Chapter in 1995, and was their First Principal in 2007; 2012 saw him appointed to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of The Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham. In other orders he is a member of St Cuthbert Rose Croix Chapter and St Cuthbert Knights Templar Preceptory; both in Darlington.
Outside of Freemasonry, Simon is married to Melanie and has three children, Kristopher, Chloe and Phoebe. He owns his own business in the financial services sector, working from his offices in Darlington. His interests include golf, dog walking and supporter (long suffering) and season ticket holder of Middlesbrough Football Club.
(with thanks to PGLD for this editorial)