DETAILS OF A LETTER FROM HOPETOUN ST JOHN 1232
CLICK ON LOGO TO GO TO 1601 NEWS
CLICK ON LOGO TO GO TO 1601 NEWS
LODGE MEETINGS
2nd & 4th Monday of the Month & 7.00pm from September until April
Installation is held on the 3rd Saturday in November
******************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM OUR R.W.M. Bro. Wallace Allan Wednesday 17th June 2020
Good Evening Brethren
The five man committee met today 17th June 2020 ( social distancing maintained ) to discus how we proceed for the remainder of the year. As we read from Grand Lodge and our own P.G.L., they have made the decision to suspend the remainder of their meetings and to keep in line with Scottish Government guidelines.
Today, we have decided to continue to suspend our meetings until otherwise instructed by Grand Lodge and also stay within the Scottish Government guidelines. We have also, regrettably, taken the very tough decision to cancel our Installation of Office Bearers this November. 2020. I don't believe this will come as a surprise to most brethren.
This will however, mean that all offices will remain the same through until November 2021. I would like to thank all our office bearers in advance for their patience and acceptance of this very difficult decision taken by the five man committee today. I would like to thank all the office bearers for all their support and assistance up until we were placed in lockdown. I personally thought our lodge was going in the right direction and we had a really good feeling about the place, I really miss our Sunday practice sessions, especially our resident comedian our own Junior Deacon Bro. John McEwen.
I would also like to take the time to assure the brethren that the five man committee are working very hard in the background as regarding the business of our social club. Believe me when I say this, lockdown has meant a great deal more work for us, much more than we could have imagined. We are also taking advantage to reassess our whole business structure and prepare for when we are allowed to reopen. This is essential in this changing environment and will allow , I hope, our lodge to prosper and grow.
I sincerely hope and pray that all Lodge Lord Bruce brethren and their families come through this difficult period safe and sound.
Thank you all brethren
Bro Wallace Allan R.W.M.
BRETHREN THIS IS A LETTER SENT FROM GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FOR ALL FREEMASONS
12th JUNE 2020
The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland
William Ramsay McGhee, M.St.J., D.L., Grand Master Mason
Brethren
At long last we are seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with our Lodges in Hong Kong and Western Australia ready to open once again and the Lodges in the Bahamas not far behind albeit I understand that the Government in the Bahamas have stipulated that no one over the age of 65 will be allowed to attend.
That said, at home and in many of our Districts, there is little prospect of getting back to regular meetings in the foreseeable future. Yesterday, we should have been in Edinburgh for the June Communication at which we would normally have made recommendations in respect of Office-bearers for the coming year. As that was not possible, I did write to all members of Grand Committee and they have agreed to my suggestion that the current Grand Lodge Office-bearers will remain in Office for a further year and that all Lodges, where practicable, should consider taking the same action. It follows that those who were due to come off Grand Committee this year will remain in situ and that we will simply move the elections for Grand Committee forward to next year.
We would also have welcomed new Provincial and District Grand Masters yesterday. I have written to them all welcoming them to their new Offices and have likewise written to those demitting office yesterday to thank them for their endeavour over the past five years. We welcome to the ranks of Provincial and District Grand Masters, Brother Chrispin Deigh in Sierra Leone and the Gambia, Gary Dinham in Newfoundland and Labrador, Chris Wong in the Far East, David Collings in Sutherland, Gordon Sewell in Stirlingshire, Andrew Forsyth in the Scottish Borders, William Semple in Perthshire West, Alan Balfour in Orkney and Zetland and Michael Mulholland continuing for a further five years in Forfarshire. I look forward to installing them all in due course. That was supposed to happen at a joint Installation meeting in October but unless there is a monumental change in direction from the Government that date will possibly have to be rescheduled. Likewise, all the Lodges that we have scheduled or rescheduled to have Rededication Ceremonies from September onwards will, in all likelihood, have to be rescheduled again. I would ask you to sit tight on the dates until we get more positive guidance from the Scottish Government and thereafter, I will be in touch with you all to agree when we can best carry out the ceremonies.
All Lodges will have much to do before being allowed to reopen. Grand Lodge are preparing guidelines that will hopefully provide a step by step routine to ensure that every possible precaution can be taken to safeguard all Brethren.
Could I give another reminder about the Covid-19 Business Relief Fund – there is still time to apply and contrary to the belief held in one Lodge, Grand Lodge do not receive a proportion of the grant from each Lodge. The grant, in full, is for each Lodge to use to best advantage in their respective premises.
The Scottish Constitution Freemasonry Support Group (SCFSG) now has members from:
Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, Central South Africa, Chile, East Africa, Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Far East, Gibraltar, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, Kwazulu Natal, Malawi, Middle East, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand North Island, Panama, Republic of Mauritius, Sierra Leone and the Gambia, Trinidad & Tobago and Granada, Western Australia, Western Province of the Cape of Good Hope, Zambia, Zimbabwe (28 in total).
Zimbabwe has just joined us within the past week with 12 members. There are now over 185 overseas Brethren with Central South Africa, Middle East and Western Australia having most representation.
As of this week the Facebook has:
Members 2061
Posts 182
Members Posting 120
Lodges Mentioned 114
Provinces mentioned 28
Districts etc. 7
Monetary value £146,061
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Scottish.Constitution.Freemasonry.Supports/
The History and Heritage Group presented the first of a series of five lectures on Thursday night with Brother Tom Wood, PGM of Lodge Mother Kilwinning No 0 giving a history of the Lodge. The lectures take place at 19.00 hours each Thursday night. Next week Brothers Scott Harrison and Ewan Rutherford will give a joint presentation on The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No 1. If you miss any of the lectures you can catch up on the Scottish Craft Freemasonry Facebook page.
This past week Brother Charles Iain Wolrige Gordon and I attended the monthly Zoom conference of the European Grand Masters. Many of the Grand Lodges throughout Europe are beginning to look at opening up again but all three of the Home Grand Lodges reported that there is no immediate likelihood of a resumption of Lodge meetings anywhere in the UK or Ireland.
It was with great sadness that I learned this past week of three more Covid-19 deaths within our ranks. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all Brethren who have been taken from us as a result of the Pandemic.
Please remember for any urgent issues whether at home or abroad – you can contact Grand Lodge on the following numbers - Dawn Oliff - 07464 683630, Sue Williams 07881 440272 and Andrew Paterson 07787 217772. Emails to Sue at pa@grandlodgescotland.org will also be picked up and forwarded to the correct person.
Please take care of yourselves and each other – stay safe.
Kindest regards to you all.
Ramsay McGhee
*****An Updated Message from our R.W.M. Bro. Wallace Allan-7th June 2020*****
·
Good Afternoon Brethren.
I would like to give you an update on how things at the lodge are doing during this period of lockdown.
This afternoon I was speaking to our Almoner, Bro. Garry Drysdale P.M. I am delighted to inform you that Garry ( Our Almoner) had phoned round the lodge widow's, and I can report that they are all in good spirit and I am very pleased to let you all know that none have fell victim to Covid-19. Garry said that they were all delighted that the lodge is keeping in communication with them. I would like to add my own thanks to Garry for taking the time to do this and also on behalf of all the brethren of Lodge Lord Bruce 1601.
Brethren, as most of you will be aware, the business of the lodge and our Social Club doesn't stop for Covid-19 or anything else. Although we are in lock down the 5 man committee of the lodge have the responsibility to ensure all affairs are attended during this difficult time. Rest assured brethren, we have been doing this through emails, phone calls, etc. We have also on several occasions had to meet and I can ensure you that all social distancing and other measures were kept, remember brethren we are all getting that we bit older !!!!. I am glad to report we have paid all the accounts as requested for both the lodge and the social club.
During this period we have taken advantage to do a complete deep clean of the lodge premises. I would like to thank the 2 ladies who undertook to do this, Christine and Veriona, a great job well done. Also Christine's husband Bryan Thomson who painted the railings inside and also has painted and repaired the railings out in the car park. Likewise Bryan many grateful thanks from all at 1601. It would be very remiss of me not to take this time to thank our W.J.W. Bro. Paul Heron P.M. for opening the lodge and also repairing the furniture. It's all the little things that have to be attended to that we really appreciate. We are now over the 90 day period since closing. In order to ensure we are compliant with our insurance etc, we have to do a walk through our premises at least once per week. Also we have to run the water for a while each week to stop legionaries disease forming in our water system. It's all these small but important things that are easy to miss.
We are watching with anticipation the government announcements to identify if and when we can all meet up again. All I can say is it doesn't look to good so far. I think brethren we are still a while away from that, but you never know things could change just as quick, always the optimist.
Brethren I sincerely wish and hope that you are keeping well and safe. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the brethren who have recognised that with no meetings taking place and our social club being closed, our finances are going in one direction only. It was with great delight that the news and feedback from our Lodge Treasurer, Bro. Tom Bambrough P.M. that a few of our brethren (led by Bro Robert Clements P.M.) have made the choice to pass on what they would have given in our call for charity at our regular meetings. Thank you for taking the time and effort to do this, I can assure you brethren all at 1601 are eternally grateful for this.
Thank you all brethren, remember if you or someone you know requires assistance, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any member of 1601.
God Bless & Take Care
Bro. Wallace Allan R.W.M.
R.W.M. Bro. Wallace Allan hands over a cheque to Murrayfield Primary School
Today 19th May 2020 I had the great pleasure of presenting a cheque for £600 to Murrayfield Primary School on behalf of the brethren of Lodge Lord Bruce 1601. This fine sum was raised by the brethren doing a sponsored walk just prior to lockdown. The money raised will be used by the school for equipment for the benefit of the children who have dyslexia. Murrayfield Primary School do an exceptional job on how they teach the children who are dyslexic and it must be recognised and supported. I have had the privilege of sitting in on a pupils review meeting, and I can assure you brethren I was impressed by the fantastic work being done by them. The way the teachers spoke to, and supported the pupils is exceptional.
I must at this time thank the brethren who accompanied me on the walk, it was a great day enjoyed by all ( even with the terrible weather ).
The lodges within and out with our province must be commended for the fund raising and support they have given to all the local organisations. If any brother has any doubts or question why they ever wanted to be a Freemason, they just need to look at the great work being done by lodges during this difficult times and being exceptionally led by our own Provincial Grand Master Bro. Jim Ellis.
Once again brethren, stay safe and well during these exceptional and difficult times. And remember brethren, if any brother requires any assistance, or if any brother knows of a brother whose circumstances are such that they require assistance, you know who to contact.
Bro. Wallace Allan R.W.M.
NEWS UPDATE
A donation of goods to the value of £250 was made this morning 11th May 2020 on behalf of the PGL of Linlithgowshire - Almoners’ Group, to the NHS Lothian Staff in Community sites and Community hospitals (e.g. Tippethill, St Michael’s and Maple Villa). This included:-
Tea/herbal tea /decaf coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate
Packet soups (cup of soup style)
Bottles of water and reusable water containers
Small cartons of long life milk/ fruit juice
Sugar /sweeteners
Disposable cups/spoons/stirrers
P.G. Almoner, Brother Kenny McMaster, advised, “It is due to the hard work and dedication of the Almoners of the Province that we can make donations such as this.”
Bro. Jim Ellis P.G.M. also commended the Almoners for their exceptional efforts and made special mention of the Brethren who have stepped in, fulfilling an Almoner's role, during this national crisis, two of whom were involved in the presentation.
Thanks is again extended to the staff at Lidl Livingston for their assistance.
Pictured also are Brother Lex Law from Lodge Blackridge, No. 1145 and Brother John Anderson from Lodge St. Margaret, No. 548.”
A Message from our R.W.M Bro. Wallace Allan
Brethren: I do realise that not all of you are on Facebook and therefore I will try and keep you informed of what is going on within the lodge through various social media. I do hope and pray you are all keeping well and safe through this very difficult time. This morning 3rd May 2020 our Almoner Bro. Garry Drysdale P.M. phoned to inform me that he had again contacted the Lodge Widows and I am delighted to report that they are all safe and keeping well. To date none have shown signs of or have had Covic 19. Our lodge secretary Bro. Andrew Wallace P.M. is still kept busy with correspondence from Grand Lodge and on his daily walk always takes a visit to make sure the lodge premises are safe and secure. Unfortunately, our Treasurer Bro. Tom Bambrough P.M. still has lodge accounts to pay in order to keep us from going in the red. I am sure most of you will be aware our W.J.W. Bro Paul Heron P.M. keeps us entertained with his music show on Facebook. To the Past Masters on behalf of myself and all the lodge members a sincere thank you for your enthusiasm and tremendous hard work. As R.W.M. it has been very disappointing that we have had so few meetings or the opportunity to visit our sister lodges. Thank God for modern technology. It allows us all to keep in contact so much easier. I wish to inform you last week our Provincial Grand Lodge donated £250 from the Provincial Almoners Fund to purchase groceries etc. for West Lothian Food Bank (photo enclosed). I would like to remind all brethren that the Provincial Grand Lodge Facebook is an excellent way to find out the great job being done by Freemason within the community
Finally, Brethren keep well and stay safe. REMEMBER if you or any brother who needs assistance no matter how trivial you may feel, do not hesitate to contact myself or any available number on the website,
WE ARE ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY
Bro. Wallace Allan R.W.M.
LATEST NEWS ON CORONAVIRUS from PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER
*****************************
To All Lodge Secretaries Dear Sir and Brother Message from:
The Provincial Grand Master Bro. James Ellis
Brethren, following consultation with our PPGMs and our Commissioned Office-bearers, recognising the fact that many Lodges have been proactive in the cancelling of meetings, taking cognisance of the advice issued by governments, noting the demographic of our membership and employing an awareness of the projected spread and subsequent effects of the Coronavirus, I am instructing the cancellation of all Lodge meetings during March and April with immediate effect. This decision will be reviewed at the end of that period. I am sure that you will understand the reason for this and thank you for your support in implementing it.
Yours Faithfully and Fraternally
Thomas S Walker Provincial Grand Secretary
Website updated 10/07/2020
|
Click for R.W.M. & Office Bearers 2019/20
If any Brother requires assistance from the Lodge Almoner please contact: our ALMONER Bro. Garry Drysdale P.M. 07951939785
|
copyright © 2009 Lodge Lord Bruce 1601 all rights reserved. Designed by Webmaster..... Privacy & Disclaimer
