Oracle December No.25

oracle
25
STOWMARKET MASONIC
Masonic Hall,Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket
Ypres
Pilgrimage
DECEMBER 2017 Issue No.
Thank you for all those who have kindly contributed to this edition.
Story on page two
We look forward to all those who use the facilities at Stowmarket and welcome contributions to Oracle for future issues.
Please feel free to submit any articles you may feel of importance for Oracle to W.Bro. Codge [email protected], your secretary, or to the Stowmarket Masonic Association.
THIS PUBLICATION WOULD WELCOME ANY ARTICLES FROM OTHER DEGREES WHO USE THE FACILITIES AT STOWMARKET
Please also feel free to submit any events your lodge may have arranged i.e. Ladies Nights etc.


Ypres Pilgrimage 2017
OUR FORTY-FOUR intrepid travellers were finely on board by 5.15am but not quick enough to board the 8.20am Chunnel. However we managed the 8.50 to journey over and into France on our way to Belgium. France's weather proved to be uninviting, but miraculously Belgium greeted us with moderate sunshine and some cloud coverage as we crossed its inactive boarder control area separating France and Belgium. Immediately the views changed.
Our first official stop was Essex Farm, primarily a Canadian dressing station and famous for where John McCrae’s wrote his poem “In Flanders Field”. In the adjacent cemetery the youngest soldier could be found among the dead - specifically Valentine Strudwick, just 15 years old when he succumbed.
Next was the only German cemetery in the area, Langemarck Cemetery. Dark tombstones with up to twenty bodies under each surrounded the largest tomb where a single shell obliterated thousands of soldiers, among them two British. One could feel the sadness and emotional neglect of those discarded for cannon fodder This cemetery did not carry the reverence of even the smallest Commonwealth Forces one.
Dotted among pristine roadways and farm fields, homes and industrial estates, were glistening white cemeteries of those who fell during the First World War. Wherever these soldiers fell, be it one or thousands, a cemetery with plinths and granite tombstones were found.
A short drive took us passed the impressive Brooding Soldier, overlooking yet another Canadian cemetery taking us onto Tyne Cot where several passengers had relatives memorialised there. One in particular was Codge Barber's great uncle, John Russell Day (also on Stowmarket's memorial gates). He died during the infamous yet secretly guarded “Moonlight Massacre” on 2 December 1917. Historically it was not widely reported so as not to affect morale both on the front and at home. Over 50,000 British, Canadian, New Zealander, Australians were among the various Commonwealth soldiers who perished that night.


Back on the bus and onto Passchendaele Museum which housed artefacts found in the surrounding battlegrounds. A few of us were privy to the ‘hand back’ of a silver chalice belonging to a Kiwi priest (Father James Joseph McMenamin). It survived when he did not. The museum found it appropriate to give it back on the centenary of New Zealand's historical loss.
alight with energy one could only describe as electric. After the ceremony it felt like it must have felt so long ago. Life began again after such a horrific four years. Everyone was celebrating!
Examples of trenches and underground hotels were recreated at the museum to illustrate the true meaning of being in the dugouts. We were informed that
Onto our final destination - through the Menin Gate and into Ypres, a city completely obliterated but resurrected from the fires of hell. Every building was painstakingly rebuilt to its original style reflecting its proper age. No detail was forgotten, almost as an act of defiance.
Unwittingly, we arrived on the same day as the Kiwis who were commemorating their nine-hundred-plus fallen soldiers - the greatest loss in their history. As we laid our wreath at the Menin Gate, our intrepid Suffolk officials were unmistakably included in the ceremony of 5,000 Kiwis along with Sir Tim Lawrence, the Kiwi VC Willie Apiate and Dave Doddyn. Ypres was
there is a yearly ‘clean-up’ of discarded war ammunition and artefacts uncovered by farmers who, to this day, provide ample samples for the museum.
Unfortunately for us, we were back on the bus and through the channel tunnel before we could participate or down another Belgian ale. Britain welcomed us with road closures and accidents, but we arrived safely back by 3am. At least we had a warm bed - guiltily accepted yet gratefully acknowledged. We have not forgotten.
We are planning another trip for 6-8th October 2018 - Arras and the Somme, with at least one day over, possibly two.
Please post your interest as soon as possible as we have been informed that the hotels are quickly booking up. Contact
Codge or Christina via [email protected]. ©ChristinaBarber
Photos: © Bob Shilson Roger Florey & CB
Ed: Thanks to Christina for suggesting this trip and organisation along with Roger.
email


Royal Arch Grand Chapter Visit
photo © Ray Pascoe
SIX COMPANIONS from Phoenix & Ala together with Hartismere Chapters, were amongst over 30 Companions from Suffolk, accompanying our Grand Superintendent of Suffolk to Grand Chapter, Queen Street, London on Wednesday 8th November.
We were witnesses to Ex.Comps Geoff Spencer and Graham Colthorpe receiving Grand Honours from the First Grand Principal His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.
A mini bus was organised from Ashler House by Ex.Comp. Steve Bye with the assistance of Ex.Comp Roger Young.
Afterwards a festive board was well attended with plenty of beer along with Indian Cuisine. - It is hoped to attend Grand Chapter again next year with the possibility of a larger coach and more pick- up points.
The next regular step for the Master Mason
After the Third Degree
the Chapter. A Past Master of a Lodge normally holds the office of a Principal.
The Essence of Freemasonry
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF SUFFOLK
Having been Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, you are now eligible to be Exalted to the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch, often known as Chapter. A Royal Arch Chapter is a Masonic body attached to, but organised separately from, a Craft Lodge.
There should be no pressure for a member to progress through these offices unless he wishes it. Most new companions are happy to attend, learn more about freemasonry and cultivate new friendships until after they have passed the Master’s Chair but some are keen to take part in the ceremonies sooner, and enjoy doing so. It is up to you. Being a member is the important thing.
In Craft Masonry we learn that we should endeavour to “please each other and to unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.” We also learn that Freemasonry is a system of morality, founded on a belief in God and promoting Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. The Royal Arch continues and develops this theme and enables us to reach a deeper and more rewarding understanding of all that has gone before.
The Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch is correctly described as both the foundation and the keystone of the whole Masonic structure.
Structure and Administration
The Masonic story cannot end with the Third Degree. Make up your mind to enjoy your Royal Arch Masonry as you do your Craft Masonry and you will come to understand why the Royal Arch is considered, The Essence of Freemasonry.
In Craft Masonry, a brother acknowledges a belief in The Supreme Being, yet this relationship is never explored. In the Royal Arch, the mason continues and completes his education and knowledge of Craft Masonry and is invited to consider his relationship and dependence on God.
The Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch is the only order officially recognised by Grand Lodge. This should in no way put you off from joining one of the other wonderful orders of freemasonry, but if you only join one - it should be this one.
How to Join?
It is, therefore, justly claimed to be the climax of Pure and Ancient Freemasonry, and no brother can consider his Masonic knowledge complete until he has joined this Supreme Order.
Supreme Grand Chapter administers the Royal Arch, and its principal officials are always the same as those of the United Grand Lodge of England. Within Suffolk, we are led by a Grand Superintendent, a Deputy Grand Superintendent and a Second and Third Provincial Grand Principal. Their details can be found in the Provincial Year Book. Each year we have an Annual Convocation, much as the Craft has its Provincial Grand Lodge.
Contact your Craft Lodge Representative.
A Royal Arch Chapter
Chapters usually hold three meetings each year known as Convocations. The joining and annual fees are considerably less than those of a Lodge. Due to its close affinity with the Craft, the Royal Arch does not hold its own Charity Festivals and therefore restricts its charitable giving to Alms Collections.
Between a third and a half of craft masons tend to join Chapter, normally the keener members. They are easy to spot in the Lodge, as companions proudly wear their Royal Arch Jewels. White for a companion, red for a principal or past principal and tri-coloured for a Provincial Grand Officer.
A Chapter is similar to a Lodge in that there is a progression of officers towards the position of the Three Principals who govern
COMPLETE YOUR JOURNEY IN PURE ANCIENT FREEMASONRY
1 ENTERED APPRENTICE
2 FELLOWCRAFT
3 MASTER MASON
ROYAL ARCH COMPANIO4N
For more details contact the Phoenix Lodge representatives [email protected]
or [email protected]


STOWMARKET FREEMASONS
and my wife attended the civic tea, laid on by the mayor in the John Peel Centre. During what I must say was quite a nice spread, I had a chance to speak to the Deputy Mayor about the importance of next year’s remembrance ceremony. This will mark 100 years since the end of the Great War. This is something that the then Mayor would very much like to make an even bigger event, and I will keep you informed, but needless to say that we have a fantastic opportunity to bring freemasonry into public view in our area. I therefore would encourage many more brethren to help with this as well as show their respect together as a brotherhood by being ‘On Parade’ next year. Just one thing ‘Wrap up warm!’
MEMORIAL PARADE
TO SAY IT WAS COLD was a bit like saying the surface of the sun is warm!
out by sergeant Majors, and squad CO’s (not always in line with what the parade director wanted, I might add) and then off we set, chests puffed out and proud of what we were doing, and who and what we represented. (I was particularly proud as my daughter was also in the parade).
But in order to represent the craft and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those pictured from Ala and Phoenix lodges complete with collars, made their way to Red Gables for a 10:00 start.
It is very exciting seeing all the various forces and clubs represented forming up and a very smart looking 1331 SQ ATC gave an impressive formation display while we waited.
We arrived at the memorial gates and were ushered into position. It was Phoenix’ turn to lay the wreath, and WBro Brian Evans took post along with all the others selected. Once called forward he laid the wreath in a most respectful manor.
So as instructed we took our place behind St Johns, and as the band started a rousing march, off we went. As we are not a military order we decided that we did not need to march, but it is very hard not too when surrounded by the sound of marching feet.
Now I know I started this by saying it was cold but now it was colder than that, in the openness of the recreation ground. Along came our saviours, in the guise of my wife and mother-in-law who brought us all coffee, both for the warming of hands and the body.
©Bro. Graham Fielding
We did do an ‘EYES LEFT’ as we passed the mayor and made our way to the church. Once seated (eventually), we paid attention to a moving remembrance service. ‘Abide with me’ always gets me!
Unfortunately this means that having a mother-in-law who is an absolute diamond I cannot now indulge in any mother-in-law jokes during festive board speeches, a vast array of material now out of reach.
Ed: We are planning an Armistice Day Dinner to mark the 100th Year anniversary since the ending of WWI, possible date would be 11/11/2018 T.B.C.
We then reformed in the square and listened to the various commands metered
After the wreath laying ceremony myself
Also a three day trip is in preparation to visit Vimy Ridge and the Somme, etc. Staying in Arras on 6th-8th October


Light Blues BROTHERS
THE
PHOENIX LODGE 516 was honoured to have W.Bro. Jack Clarke (Group 9 Rep) present 12 Suffolk Light Blues Badges to those entitled, at the October meeting.
W.Bro’s. Brian Evans, Steve Perry, Alan Halland Bro’s. Stuart Girdler, Tiago Perdiago, Gary Riches, Arnel DeSola, Kevin Hobbs, Les King, Adam Lee, Raul Natura, and our initiate Bro. Thomas Inflekhan. Bro. Jack Sile of ALA lodge also received his Badge.
PHŒNIX LODGE LADIES
GREAT EVENING at Phoenix Lodge Ladies Festival at “Belstead Brook Hotel.”
FESTIVAL 2017
Our WM Brian Evans and his Lady ‘Sue’ put on a fabulous evening.
WB Bernie Nunn was MC WB Colin Davies, Festival Secretary and Bro. Roger Florey, “Toast To The Ladies.”
Great company, great food, great Jazz band unfortunately some iffy dancing.
BRILLIANT NIGHT
©Roger Florey


Spotlight - Alan Parsons Bosmere Lodge
ALAN was born in Islington North London in 1935 and due to WWII was evacuated to Harlestone (between Northampton and Coventry) in October 1939.
After the Bombing of Coventry he were moved back to London but his first house was damaged and moved to another which itself was hit by incendiarys two or three times after the V1s were used against London. He was
then evacuated to Newbury Berks but came back to London in time for the VE Day Street Parties.
He left school aged 16 and joined General Steam Navigation for a season as “Captains Tiger” on the “Queen of the Channel” which did day trips from Tower Bridge to Southend, Clacton, Margate andRamsgate.
At 18, he moved to Gislingham in Suffolk to stay with relatives, and joined
the Royal Air Force aged 18 at Bridgenorth and served also at Lytham St Anns, Stafford, London KG5 Movements (Harwich to Hook-of-Holland) and was demobbed at Kidbrooke London.
Master of Bosmere
Lodge 2011
Alan met his wife Enid, a Farmer’s daughter in June 1952, was engaged in 1954 and married in October 1955 in Needham Market Parish Church. They
had three Children Susan 61, David 56 and Beverly 50, also nine Grandchildren and 11 Gt
Grandchildren.
He joined the Freemasons in 1993
at Bosmere 9460 which was started in 1992 and served as Master in 2011, he is also a joining member of Hampstead Lodge 2408 and
was Master in 2012.
Sadly, Alan lost his Wife in
2013 but still lives in Needham Market where he served as a Parish Counciller in the 1970s & 1980s. He is
now currently President of the Needham Market Cricket Club and Chairman/Trustee of
the Needham Market Institute.


The following Brethren and Partners would like to send their personal
Christmas Greetings
as suggested in last Oracle
Lizz and John Shaw
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish all
wish all our Masonic friends a Merry Christmas and everything they wish for the New Year Donation SMA
and a Happy New Year
the Brethren a Merry
Festive greetings and love to all of our friends and their families at this special time of year. Enjoy your Christmas and have a wonderful New Year.
Bob and Sylvia
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to each and everyone. All the best
Roger and Rosina Young Supporting 100 Club
Supporting PDSA (sick animals)
Sarah Riches
Happy Christmas
Codge and Christina
Bob Whisson
Jack
and Margaret
All best wishes to our very good friends and partners of Phoenix, Ala and Bosmere Lodges. Have a Happy Christmas and Wonderful New Year.
To all The Brethren of Phoenix Lodge Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Colin and Terry
Val. & Bernie
Roger Florey
Happy Christmas
Donation SMA
healthy New Year
to all in the SMA
.
Christmas also a
Jack and
Happy and Healthy
Phyl Sile
New Year
Supporting Stowmarket Contact Club
Maureen Lloyd
wish everybody a
Happy Christmas
and New Year
Gary and
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Dear Brethren wishing you and your families a Very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
Barry and
Supporting Macmillan Nurses
Supporting
Fire Benevolent Fund
wish all our friends of
Phoenix, Ala and
Bosmere Lodges a
and a prosperous and
Supporting Phoenix Lodge Charity Account
G.9 Rep.


Ala Lodge supporting STOWMARKET CHRISTMAS
SEVENTY SEVEN PARTY GOERS enjoyed the second “Stowmarket Lodge’s Christmas Party” on Saturday 2nd December 2017.
TREE FESTIVAL
FOR THE SECOND YEAR Ala Lodge have been proud to take part in the Christmas Tree display at St Peter and St. Marys Church in Stowmarket.
Their tree in one of many that can be found either in the Church, Musuem of East Anglian Life and the Library. (We are in the Church by the Pulpit).
I would like to give thanks to W.Bro. Mike Hart and his wife Jan, W.Bro David Card and his wife Eileen, Barbara Mullins and her grand-daughter Phoebe and Sue for helping create the decorations also to W.Bro Rob Crozier and his wife Denise who helped Sue and I to decorate the tree in the Church.
W.Bro Graham - Christmas Tree Steward
Masons with family and friends made it a fabulous night at Stowmarket Golf Course. Thanks to Chris and all the staff there for making it a great night. Food was great. I apologise for getting a couple of the meals mixed up, MY FAULT. Hopefully it didn’t seem to spoil anyone’s evening.
Party games went down well, my friend peter Burrows even lost his shirt. Dancing followed and the evening ended around 11.45pm.
I will try to get it right next year when we will encourage everyone to wear Christmas out - W.Bro Florey
Three Lodges Christmas Party


Almoners notes...
SEVEN HEALTH TIPS FOR SURVIVING
LODGE ALMONERS
WINTER
Need an Almoner? Although the Lodges have a summer recess, the Almoner’s door is always ajar - 24/7.
With the cold weather arriving, it brings with it some additional hazards, particularly for those that spend some, or most of the day working outside.
hypothermia, and take action to prevent illness from the cold. Slurred speech, memory loss and cold pale or blue skin are all indicators that quick action is needed.
Please keep these contact details where they are clearly visible - like by using a magnet on a fridge door.
Find a warm place of rest to allow a break from the cold. Frequent breaks should be encouraged to give opportunities to warm through, and change gloves, socks and other clothing if it has become wet.
Cut along dotted line
IN AN EMERGENCY RING AN ALMONER
Here are seven health tips for surviving winter:
Phoenix - David Frost [email protected] 01359 230152 or 07585 701230
5. Put the heating
Ala - Keith Cadby [email protected]
One of the most obvious forms of protection against the cold is to wrap up warm. Several layers of suitable clothing which must be suitable for protection against the cold particularly in cold windy, icy or snowy conditions.
6. Protect
01449 258406 Bosmere - Tony France
Find ways if you have to work outside to reduce the wind chill factor and minimising draughts. Find ways of breaking the wind by working behind a screen such as a building or fence.
[email protected]
01359 240208 or 07759 442946
2. Don’t shiver in silence
Gipping Valley Rose Croix - Colin Barber - [email protected]
If you or others show signs of shivering and loss of coordination, not only does this in itself increase the risk of accidents, but also shows you are being affected by the cold, stop and warm up, add more layers or change into warmer clothes.
7. Hot snacks
01449 675548
3. Notice symptoms
Warm drinks and snacks, especially warm liquids like soups, teas, coffees and hot chocolates can also help maintain body temperature during rest periods.
We often discuss the safety risks associated with winter, such as slips on ice, extreme winds and delayed reactions. But it is important to remember that your health can also be at risk in the cold.
4. Rest and warm up
1. Wrap up warm
It is important to give your body the opportunity to warm up to a reasonable and comfortable temperature. Put the heating on, even if only in one room.
You need to be aware of the symptoms of cold stress and the early signs of
W.Bro. David A Frost
PHOENIX LODGE 516 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Phoenix Lodge Installation Ceremony has been postponed until Friday 12th January 2018
NEWS & DIARY...
Three Lodge Christmas
Carol Concert.
Monday 11 December 7pm for 7.30pm Burns Night
February, 2018
Haggis, Nips, Tatties and Gravy - £19.50
Ladies Festival
Sat 19 May, 2018
Thank you to all our ladies
National Memorial Arboretum June
Coach trip
Armistice Day Dinner
Nov, 2018
A 100 year remembrance dinner
ABOVE TO BE CONFIRMED
The Great War Centenary 1914-1918 • 2014-2018
3 DAY TRIP TO ARRAS visiting Vimys Ridge, The Somme etc. 6-8th October 2018 MUST BOOK TODAY OR TRIP WILL BE CANCELLED
A big thank you to all those contributors, please keep sending articles events etc. to [email protected]