Last night, Hartington Lodge No 1085 in the Province of Derbyshire, conducted a Raising for Brother Christopher Keresztury. This was carried out on behalf of Wigan Lodge No 2326, at Derbyshire Freemasons Hall.
Unfortunately a number of the members were unable to attend, due to illness, so a number of Officers stepped in to assist.
The Lodge was blessed with seventeen visitors and three Masters in the Chair. A number of Brethren had travelled down from the Province of West Lancashire, to witness the Raising. As Brother Chris is a member of Wigan Lodge, but moved back to Derbyshire.
An enjoyable night was had by all who attended, and there was a great buzz at the Festive Board afterwards. Times are starting to fell a little more normal again.
Last night saw Derbyshire Lodge of Installed Masters, host the 2022 Prestonian Lecture.
This years Lecture is entitled “The Royal Family and Freemasonry” by W. Bro. Dr. J. W. Hawkins PJGD.
The lecture travels through the years of Freemasonry, building links between the members of the Royal Family and the Craft in particular. It’s well worth a listen, if you’re able to go and hear this.
The Lodge has two Prestonian Lecturers, already members so Worshipful Brother Hawkins was in good hands!
On Tuesday night 9 brethren from Hartington Lodge 1085 attended an emergency meeting of Cornucopia Lodge No 9925. To witness the dedication of the new provincial banner. An event that has not happened since 2002 we believe.
The Provincial team supporting the PGM looked splendid in their regalia as they processed in.
The PGM gave an explanation of the banner, how it came about and it’s symbolism after which the provincial Chaplin gave a reading and prayer.
After the dedication, cornucopia lodge then proceeded to pass our very own Bro. Dane Mullis on behalf of Hartington Lodge. The ceremony was very good and his answers to the necessary questions were exemplary, including an additional question given to him by another W.Bro when asked by the WM if anybody else had one to give!
The following festive board was busy and lively and a good time had by all.
Hartington Lodge has recently donated £300 to the Parent Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) for the Mease Spencer Academy Primary School in Hilton.
Pictured below Bro Ian Johnson’s son, started at the school in September 2021. Whilst talking to members of the PTFA he learnt how Covid has made it unable for the PTFA to operate and raise funds, in order to provide activities to the children. He wondered if Hartington Lodge could assist.
With opening in 2019 and only taking on one school year at a time, it meant that after the first 6 months of being open, they had to close their doors and were not able to put on any events to raise funds until the 2021/2022 academic year started. Now with three school years and the world returning to normal, the school really wants to push events in order to do more activities for the children and raise money to buy a school stage.
This donation was greatly received by Sarah Irvine (left) PTFA Treasure and Julia Hart (right) headteacher. Wasting no time the school is doing a film screening and providing popcorn and hot chocolate for the children one evening soon to celebrate valentines day.
Yesterday the Magnificent Seven, a team of seven intrepid explorers, ventured over the boarder into the neighbouring Province of Staffordshire. We were greeted by Royalty (in a Masonic sense), which consisted of both Derbyshire and Staffordshire’s Provincial Grand Masters. Staffordshire also had their Deputy Provincial Grand Master – David Thomas present, the brainchild behind this initiative and Derbyshire had their Assistant Provincial Grand Master – Martin Giles, who was willing to get involved with the walking!
The idea behind the walk, was to raise money for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Charities in the name of the Universities Scheme, something Hartington Lodge is very proud to be a part of. The aim is to walk 2021 miles in 2021, in the form of a relay, travelling through all Provinces with a University Scheme Lodge, visiting numerous Freemasons Halls.
The walkers and Support team were all treated to breakfast by Staffordshire and Derbyshire, where we tried oat cakes and breakfast fillings. We’re told they’re a local Staffordshire delicacy. Not bad at all, the tastiest pancakes we’d ever had!! Our PGM, opted for the lighter, healthier option and had a full English instead!
The David Kenneth Williamson cup was presented from Staffordshire Province to Derbyshire.
The walkers set off, full of spirit on their 18 mile stroll! They ventured through glorious sunshine, heavy rain, thunder storms and were even graced by a rainbow!
There were times when we had to dodge tractors and articulated lorries, but this wasn’t a problem due to our diligent support team, warning the traffic of our presence.
After a short while we stepped foot on to hallowed ground and crossed the border into the Province of Derbyshire.
After a while, the walkers started getting thirsty, so a pub was in order! Our first was a sign for the Ostrich, however this was just a farm, with a sick sense of humour, leaving two empty kegs for us to admire!
After a few more miles, we did find a pub, where we all enjoyed a quick pint!
Another mile or so and we stumbled across another watering hole, so thought we’d pop in there for a drink!
After the beers, it was time to start pounding the Mile’s again and get this cup to the heart of Derbyshire Freemasonry.
We arrived back at The Grange Banqueting Suite, at about 18:00, where we were greeted with a cold beer and a tasty curry.
A representative from Daybrook Lodge from our other neighbouring Province of Nottinghamshire, was also there to greet us and take care of the cup, in its next leg of the walk.
In total we walked about 38, 594 steps, which was about 19 miles. A great day was had by all who attended and a sum of money was raised for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Charities and the Derbyshire 2025 Festival.
If anyone feels inclined to sponsor us, then please get in touch.
The other weekend, four of Hartington Lodges members, travelled North (and in one case south), to attend a simulated game day at Harboro Rocks Clay Shooting Ground.
The day started with a cuppa, full English, safety briefing and drawing of pegs.
This was followed by some great shooting in the morning and then we had elevenses, which consisted of sausage rolls, sloe gin and gin and tonics!
After dinner we had yet more shooting and a couple more fantastic drives!
All-in-all, we had a great day and we will all be making a return visit.
Thanks Harboro Rocks, for your hospitality and your shooting.
And no we’re not talking about football! Although the football was on the cards when we met at The Grange Banqueting Suite for our July meeting.
It started off in the Lodge room, where we Passed Brother David Johnston to the degree of a Fellowcraft.
The ceremony was carried out in exemplary fashion adhering to the new Covid workings at all times.
Two more candidates were Proposed for Initiation and two more balloted for Initiation.
We then finished the evening in the bar, where out tables had been set for dinner, so we were able to watch the game! We were also accompanied by some of our candidates who are waiting to be Initiated and balloted.