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I was an MBA student Durham University’s Stockton campus. During the course of my studies, I enjoyed being an active member at the Lodge of Fraternity 1418 in Stockton-on-Tees. I would like to briefly share my motivation for this and explain the overall experience gained in order to shed some light on this topic for you as a perspective applicant. In doing so, I only hope that if you feel compelled to find out more, this message encourages you to take action and pursue your desires.

Growing up, as many people have, I heard about Freemasonry. As I grew older the interest was still there and I began to ask questions. I was surprised to find I had a few distant uncles and family friends who were Masons. Digging deeper I found that many of my mentors and other positive role models which I looked up to in my community had Masonic ties. I quickly understood that Freemasonry was about taking good men and making them better. It is an organisation which is built on brotherly love and understanding; one which strives to actually help one another whenever possible and which builds better moral characters. I can whole heartedly say that I have never met another Mason and failed to enjoy his company. This fascinates me, as the Masons I have spent time with have been from different countries, of different ages, occupations, levels of education, social background, religion and ethnicity. It was for these reasons that I found myself wanting to become a member.

Durham is over 4,000 miles from my home and in order to come here I had to leave my family and friends behind. This burden was severely lessened by meeting my Masonic brothers shortly after arriving. I was invited in and treated like family. After only meeting these Masons on one or two occasions I felt as if many of them were lifelong friends or family members and they were always there to ensure I was okay as I developed and continued my studies. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at university, my Masonic ties have helped to prevent me from being completely sucked into the university bubble. It is partially because of this that I have maintained a forward looking and productive attitude and I would like to think that this has been influential in me securing my new role in banking in London. Looking back my only regret is now having to leave such good friends behind to take the next step in my life. However, with absolute certainty, I know and look forward to meeting new Masons because I know the reception and relationships will be the same. There is nothing greater than travelling as a Master Mason, meeting new friends along the way and further developing as a person.

I wish you much success as you embark on your path through university. If you decide to join the university scheme all you must do is find a Mason and ask. I wish you the best of luck and trust your experiences will be as fulfilling as mine.

Following on from the success of last year’s lodge barbecue hosted by the previous WM of the lodge, this year Adrian and Vicky invited the lodge members and their families to their home in Marton for a summer barbecue on 7th July. The weather was amazing. Adrian did a superb job cooking the meat, and we enjoyed a fine array of salads and sweets.

Many of the lodge members attended. It was a great opportunity to catch up with many of the lodge members and their families. As a bonus we raised £168 for charity. Many thanks to Adrian and Vicky.

On 1st July 2018 it was announced from Provincial Office that W Bro Michael Shaw will be invested as Deputy Grand Superintendent for the Province of Durham on Saturday 6th October 2018.

In May we were honoured by a visit from the Assistant Grand Master, President of the Universities Scheme. This was a very special occasion as this visit was by the most senior Mason ever to have visited our lodge.

The 24th May 2018 was a very special occasion for the Lodge of Fraternity. The lodge welcomed the Assistant Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master, two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and some 16 Grand Officers, as well as numerous visitors from near and far.

The Assistant Grand Master, Sir David High Wotton, as President of the UGLE Universities Scheme, ventured north with his acting AGDC Royston Jones, from the Province of Cheshire, North East Regional Coordinator of the Universities Scheme, David Cavaye, and Universities Scheme Chairman, Mark Greenburgh.

As a celebration of the Universities Scheme Lodges in the Province, the ceremony of passing included candidates from Mowbray Lodge (Stephen Cullen) and Universities Lodge (David Squirrell) to accompany Fraternity’s own Entered Apprentice (Dave Chapman). The ceremony was performed to an excellent standard, involving deacons from each lodge accompanying their own candidate.

Sir David said that it was a real pleasure to be in attendance and congratulated all who took part in this meeting under the leadership of the Worshipful Master, Ken Hardy, particularly praising Lee Harrison for his deacon work. Sir David congratulated the lodge on the work undertaken as part of the Universities Scheme and wished the lodge continued success.

Mark Greenburgh, as the Chairman of the Universities Scheme addressed the lodge with an update on the Universities Scheme and a number of strategies identified to aid progress. These strategies include how to engage with universities, including those uncertain of what freemasonry has to offer those within their walls, how to improve the assistance given to enable graduate members to transfer to new lodges as they travel away from their place of study, what is involved and how to join the Chapter, help available to overseas countries as graduates return to or travel to those countries to progress their careers and finally Masonic associations that could be joined or visited that would enhance masonic life.

Not content with his leading role in the ceremony, Lee Harrison took the opportunity to promote his forthcoming inclusion as part of the Masonic team taking to the road and hills to complete the ‘three peaks challenge’ in aid of the Festival.

This effectively ended the business in the lodge room. The brethren retired for drinks and canapés prior to a special dinner with entertainment by the pub choir, Infant Hercules.

In May, Lee Harrison took part in the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in less than 24 hours.

10.00am on Saturday 26th May saw Lee Harrison of the Lodge of Fraternity and a group of other Freemasons assemble at Durham Services, load their luggage and walking gear into two minibuses and a van and set off for Ben Nevis, the location of their first challenge. After a long bus ride, the group departed Ben Nevis Visitor Centre at 5.40pm – unfortunately the centre is only a mere 45ft above sea level, they would get no head start on this one! Crossing the River Nevis by the footbridge, passing below Loch Meall an t-Suidhe, a clear mountain torrent emerged from beneath a mini-glacier, a remnant of the winter snow cap, The path then levelled out a little, but it didn’t last; this is merely the warm-up to the ‘Five Fingers’. With the summit almost in sight, the path was obliterated by a steep slippery snow field. Reaching the summit plateau, a huge snow cornice overhung a sheer drop on the left, with a jagged boulder field on the right; the summit cairn and refuge hut just 100 yards ahead over flat terrain. At 1347m, the temperature was chilly, to say the least, so a quick scamper up to the trig point, refuel on chocolate bars, admire the amazing view, then head back down.

The party then drove through the night from Glen Nevis down and across to West Cumbria, reaching Wasdale Head for challenge number two: Scafell Pike!

Again, the weather was beautiful, but a stiff breeze was whipping up waves on the dark surface of Wast Water. Heading up Lingmell Gill, the trail divides, the right-hand fork going up the near-vertical ‘Scramble Route’, the left taking a less perpendicular approach via Lingmell Col to the summit. Ascent times were typically 1h50 to 2h20, reflecting Scafell Pike’s lower summit at 977m compared to Ben Nevis’ 1347m. As before, the descent was achieved much quicker than the ascent, and by 11am the party were leaving Wasdale en route to Snowdonia. With two down and one to go it was time for Snowdon. Reports of thunder and lightning in Wales cast their own pall over the group, but despite considering abandoning the final climb, it was agreed that they would press on. Rain greeted them in Llanberis, with clouds obscuring the mountain tops. With more relief than joy, hands were placed on the trig point at 1085m, signifying the summiting of the three peaks within 24 hours. What an amazing achievement by all 27 walkers including two non-masons who were more than happy to raise money for our Festival. With life memories gained and real sense of achievement in the bag, the fact that this challenge raised just short of £20,000 for the Durham 2021 Festival is absolutely amazing. Well done to Lee and everyone who took part.

Thursday 26thApril 2018 marked the day after the United Grand Lodge Investiture Meeting within the fantastic setting that is Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, London and that could mean only one thing, The Annual Investiture Meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter.

After a fantastic meeting on the Wednesday it was the Royal Arch’s turn to put their spin on the meeting with the fantastic colour, pomp and ceremony that makes the Royal Arch such a special degree and this particular meeting such a memorable one. The many Companions still in London from the previous day’s exploits were met by even more visitors from the four corners of the globe with a healthy contingent winging its way from the Province of Durham to witness the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Principal invest the worthy companions with the fruits of their efforts. On this occasion our own George Bird was honoured by being appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer.

George was initiated into the Lodge of Fraternity in 1990 and became their Worshipful Master in 1995. He served the lodge as Director of Ceremonies for a period of 9 years and is currently Treasurer. He was instrumental in the lodge becoming a member of the UGLE Universities Scheme about which he is very passionate. George joined Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters in 1998. He joined the Tees Royal Arch Chapter shortly after his initiation into the craft and became their First Principal in 2000, joining Nevill Chapter of Installed First Principals in 2002. In the Province George was recognised in 2001 when he was appointed Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works and promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2008. His first Provincial Royal Arch appointment was in 2005 when he was appointed to Past Provincial Grand Sojourner. This was followed by a promotion three years ago to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. George retired from the police service 19 years ago and went on to work for a further ten years as an investigator for HM Government. Now fully retired, he spends his time caravanning and holidaying further afield. When he retired from work he decided to learn to play the guitar and now says he can play something which sounds like music but will never replace it!

Bill Ellington died in November 2017 after over 60 years’ membership of the lodge of Fraternity.

Address by W Bro Michael Shaw to the lodge 25th January 2018:

It is sad to report that W Bro George William Ellington, known as Bill, died on 24th November 2017, the day after our lodge meeting. Bill was one of the longest standing members of this lodge, and in view of his long service, it is appropriate that I say more than just a few words.

Being a Freemason was very important to Bill, & Freemasonry played a significant part in his life.

Freemasonry can mean different things to each of its members. For some, it’s about fellowship, the opportunity to make friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about a means of caring for those less fortunate in society and helping those in need. For many, it’s an enjoyable pastime. For Bill, it was all these things. He derived great satisfaction from being a member of the organisation.

Bill was initiated into the Lodge of Fraternity at the age of 25 in 1957. My father was here too, having been initiated the year before. My grandfather was SW. Such was the waiting list to join the lodge at that time, that it had been 4 years earlier, when Bill was just 21, that he had written to the secretary expressing his interest in joining the lodge. It was during these years that the lodge enjoyed the highest membership in its history, peaking at 114 members. So it was almost 12 years after Bill joined, that he was invested as inner guard. He subsequently progressed through each of the offices and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1974.

During the remainder of the 1970s Bill continued to be an active member of the lodge. He also served as a director of the Stockton Masonic Hall Board. Over the years Bill’s interest and involvement in Freemasonry grew. He took part in Masonry not only in Stockton, but also in Darlington, Middlesbrough and later in Yarm. He joined the Royal Arch, eventually serving as first principal of Marwood Chapter in Middlesbrough in 2005. He joined the Mark & was a member of Percy Mark Lodge here in Stockton for almost 25 yrs. He particularly enjoyed being a member of St Cuthbert’s Preceptory of Knights Templar where he was a member for over 40 years, and was a regular attender right up until just a week before he died.

Outside Masonry, in the 1950s, Bill joined the Territorial Army. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received the Territorial Decoration. Bill spent his working life in the iron & steel industry. For most of his career, he worked for Ashmores, later known as Davy, which was a company renowned for designing and building iron and steel plant around the world. And so, towards the end of the 1970s, Bill’s work took him to various locations overseas and in particular to South Africa where he remained until his retirement in 1997. Bill’s daughter, Cecilia, settled in South Africa, and still lives in Johannesburg. Throughout all those years away, Bill maintained his interest and demonstrated his commitment by retaining his membership of Freemasonry here at home, & particularly as a member of the Lodge of Fraternity.

After returning to the UK, he immediately resumed an active role in the lodge and in 2001 served as Worshipful Master for the second time. During that year, I recall, he raised a significant sum in aid of a motor neurone disease charity. Throughout all his Masonic activities Bill was supported and encouraged by his wife, Wendy. Bill was always keen to be involved with, and supportive of, new initiatives in this lodge. He was forward thinking, and had his eye on the future. Around this time, Bill joined a new lodge, Yarm Lodge, and served as secretary for several years.

In the year 2000 Bill received his first Provincial appointment as PPJGD, and in 2006 he was promoted to PPGReg. In the Province of Yorkshire N&E Ridings he was appointed PPJGW in 2008. And, in last Oct, Bill was here to receive his 60 year membership certificate from the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Walker.

Although Bill had not enjoyed good health for a few years, and was undergoing regular dialysis, his death at home on 24th November 2017, just a month after his 60th anniversary, was unexpected. Bill made a considerable contribution to the life of this lodge in particular, and to Freemasonry in general. He was highly regarded and much admired by all those who knew him as a Freemason. Thank you Brethren.

On Remembrance Day, 12th November 2017, members of the Lodge of Fraternity and members of other lodges, joined with other organisations, military and civilian, in the Stockton parade and commemorations in the High Street. W Bro Michael Shaw laid a wreath on behalf of Freemasons at the Stockton War Memorial.

The biennial Universities Scheme conference was held at Freemasons’ Hall in London on 4th November 2017. This time, the lodge was represented by George Bird, Michael Shaw and Cerrith Moore.

This was a full day of talks, discussions and networking. Over 60 lodges were represented. Sessions included the scheme’s strategy, working with universities, the Chapter, maintaining a healthy lodge etc.

After the conference many of us retired to a local pub.

At our October meeting, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Walker, was in attendance with a very pleasant duty to perform. George William Ellington, Bill to his friends, was presented with a certificate to mark his achievement of 60 years continuous membership in Freemasonry.

Bill was initiated into the lodge on 24th Oct 1957 at the age of 25, passed on 30th Dec 1957 and raised in the December of 1958. The membership of the lodge at that time was so large that it took Bill a number of years to take office as inner guard before progressing to the chair in 1974. Bill’s work took him abroad for a number of years which included a long spell in South Africa until he retired in 1997. Despite working abroad Bill remained a subscribing member of the lodge until he returned to the UK and became Worshipful Master once again in 2001.

Within the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Bill was appointed PPJGD in 2000 and promoted to PPGReg in 2006. Bill was a member of Yarm lodge for almost 20 years and was appointed PPJGW in Yorkshire North and East Riding in 2008. He was exalted into Marwood chapter in 1974 and was first principal in 2005, gaining a promotion to PPGSoj in 2016.

After almost 100 years a member of the Lodge of Fraternity was recognised for his service to his country. Frederick Lackenby Hardy was initiated into the Lodge of Fraternity on 22nd October 1914. His father, Frederick Walter Hardy, was Master of the lodge in 1915 and lodge secretary from 1917 until his death in 1930.

Frederick Lackenby Hardy was an analytical chemist employed by Stockton Borough Council. He enlisted in October 2015 into the Corps of Royal Engineers Special Brigade Division.

He was gassed in France on 23rd March 1918 and discharged as physically unfit on 11th Nov 1918. He died at home, in Stockton, on 15th September 1919.

He was not recorded as a war casualty and the only reference to him as such, was in the Roll of Honour of the United Grand Lodge of England published in 1922.

Frederick Hardy’s service to his country has finally been recognised with a headstone provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The headstone has been erected on the family grave in Oxbridge cemetery in Stockton. On 10th December 2016 members of the lodge gathered at the cemetery for an Act of Dedication of the new headstone. The dedication was followed by a minute’s silence. Wreaths of poppies were then laid by Michael Shaw on behalf of the lodge and by Stephen Liversage as the representative of the CWGC.