Clifton_Lodge_Centenary_Booklet_2025_10_29_Draft

44 Officers of the Lodge 2024 / 2025 W.Bro. Chris WJ Brown Worshipful Master W.Bro. Rob JP Flowers IPM Bro. Pete J Marshall Senior Warden Bro. Jamie N Rogers Junior Warden W.Bro. David G Blackley Chaplain W.Bro. John A Higton Treasurer W.Bro. Mike G Upton Secretary W.Bro. Peter F Huse D. of C. W.Bro. Michael TD Baines Almoner W.Bro. Terry Brown Charity Steward W.Bro. Stewart R Hubert Membership Officer W.Bro. Stewart R Hubert Mentor Bro. Luke Goddard Senior Deacon W.Bro. Mike P Sycamore Junior Deacon W.Bro. Tim J Harding Asst D of C W.Bro. Jim S Berry Asst Secretary W.Bro. Jim D McGuiness Inner Guard Bro. Kingsley D Gyinae Steward Bro. Rupert Hawke Steward Bro. Carl D Carlisle Steward Bro. David C Tyler Members: W.Bro. Peter F Sheffield Bro. Rob G Boden W.Bro. Philip G Marshall (Hon) W.Bro. John T Tipler W.Bro. Jason D Evans Bro. Marian Stanciu W.Bro. Charles ES Fellows W.Bro. Richard J Goold Bro. Daniel L Chrol W.Bro. Brian C Slater Bro. David A Thornhill Bro. Justice Yeboah W.Bro. Paul T Douglas W.Bro. Tony P Lincoln (Hon) W.Bro. Tim G Scott W.Bro. Teg Davies (Hon) 1 1925 — 2025 The FirsT hundred Years Prepared by W.Bro Mike Sycamore PPrGSwdB

2 Foreword by V.W.Bro Philip Marshall (Hon) PGM 2015 to 2025 There is no doubt that we live in a much faster paced world than our Brethren of a century ago. This situation has, in the main, been brought about by major technological and societal advances over the last fifty years or so and as evidence, I cite that Microsoft has only been in existence for five decades when to many of us, it seems to have been here forever. It is my belief that Clifton Lodge No 4753 has over the years, demonstrated its ability to work within the demands set by an increasingly dynamic environment whilst retaining a clear focus on the founding principles of the Lodge and its aim to provide a fine masonic experience for its members and visitors. At this stage, I should confess that my belief is underpinned by solid experience having had the honour to serve as the Lodge’s Liaison Officer for several years. It is to be hoped that many of the newer members and, of course, those yet to join that happy family which is Clifton Lodge, will have the same opportunity to influence local communities and institutions to the extent that previous generations of its Brethren have done as evidenced by the Lodge’s splendid record of support for both our own charities including an impressive record of contributions to a number of masonic Festivals and also those which aid non-masonic causes. It is also a feature of our times that the efforts of individuals are often masked by the accelerated pace of our existence. That being said, I have no doubt that the Lodge, as it moves into its second century, will create as much pride in its achievements as there is in its success over the past 100 years. I am sure that the Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire in 1925, William, 6th Duke of Portland, if asked to comment on the impending Consecration of the Clifton Lodge No 4753, would have said he had somewhere in his thoughts, a delight that Freemasonry was continuing to grow in the county which in turn meant more good men were prepared to expound its principles. A century later, it is a delight to be able to reflect on those possible musings of one of my predecessors and acknowledge the contribution of Clifton Lodge, not just to Nottinghamshire Freemasonry but to the wider world outside of the Craft. A Message from W.Bro. John Seldon Worshipful Master of Old Priory Lodge Dear Worshipful Master and Brethren of Clifton Lodge No 4753, In 1925 The Old Priory Lodge No 2594 sponsored the creation of Clifton Lodge. Fifty years later our then Master, W.Bro Alf Cockin congratulated you on your Golden Jubilee. As Master of The Old Priory Lodge today, let me add our sincere congratulations, on reaching your centenary celebration. Our close contact has continued for all those years, and we are delighted to find our ‘offspring’ in good health. On behalf of all the Brethren and Wardens of The Old Priory Lodge, may I send hearty greetings; all good wishes for a successful evening, and our best hopes for your next one hundred years. Key JM Joining Member F Founding Member Hon Honorary Member 43 Entry Name WM Provincial 13 Bro Simon K Meadows - - 13 Bro Simon Labana - - 14 Bro Simon P Branch - - 15 Bro Rob P Kendall - - 15 Bro Paul R Thornhill - - 15 Bro Mark D Horsley - - 15 Bro Rob JP Flowers 03-Nov-2023 - 15 Bro Chris WJ Brown 01-Nov-2024 - 17 Bro Pete J Marshall - - 17 Bro Josh LJ Neal - - 17 Bro Jamie N Rogers - - 17 Bro Harrison Rouse-Osborne - - 19 Bro Luke Goddard - - 19 Bro Nathan J Everest - - 19 Bro Carl D Carlisle - - 21 Bro Jim D McGuiness - - 23 Bro Kingsley D Gyinae - - 23 Bro Rupert Hawke - - 24 Bro Marian Stanciu - - 24 Bro Daniel L Chrol - - 24 Bro Kwarteng J Yeboah - -

42 Entry Name WM Provincial 97 Bro Pat C Brown - - 97 Bro David L Cole - - 97 Bro Malcolm E Humphreys - - 98 Bro Gerald W Devine - - 99 Bro Paul Barthorpe - - 00 Bro Mike G Upton 06-Nov-2009 PPrGReg 00 Bro Mark N Haresign (JM) - - 00 Bro James Keavney - - 00 Bro Keith T Sisson (Hon) - PGSwdB / PDepPrGM 00 Bro Gavin J Mitchell - - 01 Bro Peter A Thornley - - 01 - - 02 Bro Mike P Sycamore 05-Nov-2010 PPrGSwdB 02 Bro Shally Suri (JM) 04-Nov-2011 PPrJGD 02 Bro ScoƩ G Smith - - 04 Bro MaƩ C Walster - - 04 Bro Neil D Dodd - - 04 Bro Tony J BeecroŌ - - 04 Bro Mike G Clay - - 04 Bro Gwyn BM Williams - - 04 Bro Terry Brown 04-Nov-2022 - 05 Bro Peter F Huse 02-Nov-2012 PPrGSuptWks 06 Bro David G Blackley 01-Nov-2013 PPrAGDC 06 Bro Paul Marshall - - 06 Bro John A Murphy - - 06 Bro Andrew J Heath - - 07 Bro David C 06-Nov-2015 PPrAGDC 09 Bro Tim J Harding 04-Nov-2016 PAGDC 09 Bro Chris J Donnelly-Williams - - 09 Bro Rob G Boden - - 09 Bro Stuart A Read - - 09 Bro Jason D Evans 02-Nov-2018 - 09 Bro Andy O'Hagan 03-Nov-2017 - 10 Bro Richard J Goold 01-Nov-2019 - 10 Bro Trevor W Palethorpe - - 10 Bro Frank A Flegg - - 10 Bro David A Thornhill - - 11 Bro George Kavvouras - - 11 Bro Dan R Mahoney - - 12 Bro MaƩ J Branch - - 3 A Message from the Worshipful Master by W.Bro Chris Brown It is my great privilege to be writing this welcome as Worshipful master of Clifton lodge 4753 as we proudly enter our centenary year. I look back in wonderment and admiration for our founding members. I have tried to imagine the excitement that they must have had in forming a new lodge within the province. The stories of triumph and challenge, the wisdom to impart to us that they could share would be a lecture we would all welcome above all others. Having personally joined Freemasonry in 2016, the welcome received from members of the lodge was and continues to be something we as a lodge can be proud of. Looking back over the notes of the formation and fifty-year celebrations; it strikes me that the focus of working extremely hard in the temple to deliver exceptional ritual, festive boards focused on enjoyment, and welcoming of visiting brethren are the very definition of Clifton Lodge. As I look forward to the next chapter of Clifton Lodge, it is undoubtedly the challenges we, and Freemasonry in general must face and overcome. We must ensure we remain relevant to the next generation of men. With increasing demands on life and their time, we must ensure that the timeless values of brotherhood are portrayed and expressed to the uninstructed and popular world, helping them to understand our core values that we celebrate, Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service. I have no doubt that Clifton Lodge will be around for many more years to come, with friends we are yet to have met, to be greeted as brothers. Finally, my thanks go to all the brethren of Clifton Lodge, for the support you have given to me, and most importantly the support you continue to give to the lodge. Not forgetting the support and service we continue to provide for ourselves, and those in the wider community of Nottinghamshire in particular. I greet you all well Brethren, and hope for years to come your daily advancement is well founded. A Message from W.Bro. Martin J Smith PhD Worshipful Master of Thoresby Lodge As Master of the sponsoring Lodge I would like to offer, on behalf of the Thoresby Lodge No.3106, sincere and fraternal congratulations on the occasion of your centenary year and celebrations. Nine members of our lodge decided to become joining members of Clifton, and were in attendance at the consecration which highlights the strong bond we have between our two lodges. We hope and trust that this strong bond will continue in the forthcoming years. Ongoing growth and continuance of any Lodge is difficult in our current times but I trust the Clifton Lodge will continue to thrive and grow in the coming years. On behalf of the Brethren of the Thoresby Lodge I send fraternal greetings and sincere good wishes for a happy evening and for a successful Future!

4 Clifton Lodge 4753 Background The Clifton Lodge was consecrated on Thu 29th October 1925 at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham (GSS). Meetings were initially held on the first Friday from Sep to March with a change to the current calendar of Oct through April in 1927. The Lodge was sponsored by Old Priory Lodge (2594) and for many years meetings took place on Styring Street in Beeston until the building was sold shortly before the outbreak of the second world war when the Lodge moved to GSS complete with their own set of crockery and a cabinet to keep it in. Clifton were the 44th Lodge to be consecrated in Nottinghamshire and over the last century seven older Lodges have surrendered their charter which is always a sad time but a testament to the members of Clifton Lodge past and present that we are able to celebrate our centenary and hopefully proudly display our warrant for another hundred years. Nine of the seventeen founding members came from Thoresby Lodge alongside Howe & Charnwood, Llangattock, Pinner, Annesley & Rufford with four of the consecrating officers accepting Honorary membership. The centenary meeting is the 695th after disruption during the second world war when It didn’t meet regularly in 1939 / 40 to avoid blackout restrictions. Clifton has during its hundred years Initiated 222 individuals with a further 31 becoming joining members (JM) together with the ten founders (F) and 22 Honorary (Hon) making up the Clifton roll call of 285. 203 of these have passed to the Grand Lodge above with three of these whilst serving in office. Bro Sydney Liebling who was Master, Bro Joe G Williams JW and Bro Paul Marshall also JW. The following statistical information has been extracted from the minutes with the extremes in brackets… Ave years to MM 1.99 Years (John Keetley Smith 4.59) To WM 9.71 Years (Eric Lovatt 19.87) Av Age of WM 51.34 (Derick Lincoln 68.62, John Wigley 33.44) Av Initiate Age 42.13 (Harrison Rouse-Osborne 21.97, Frederick Harrington 66.01) Av length of Membership 19.80 Years (George Watts 66.25) Av hours as WM 772 hours (G B Pollard 1,905 hrs) 41 Entry Name WM Provincial 79 Bro Michael T Wheeler - - 79 Bro William G Glover - - 80 Bro Tony P Lincoln (JM) 06-Nov-1987 PPrJGW 80 Bro Brynley Willims - - 80 Bro Frankie A Holmes - - 81 Bro MarƟn E PlackeƩ - - 81 Bro David N Wragg 02-Nov-1990 - 82 Bro Roy D Parkin - - 83 Bro Robert A Hinchcliffe - - 83 Bro Kevin P Cassells 05-Nov-1993 PPrGReg 83 Bro Thomas D Harries - - 84 Bro Barrie J Richards - 85 Bro Peter F Sheffield 06-Nov-1992 PPrJGW 85 Bro David G MarrioƩ - - 85 Bro Andrew Cluskey 04-Nov-1994 PPrGReg 85 Bro Richard D Fletcher (JM) - - 86 Bro Jim S Berry 07-Nov-1997 PPrJGW 86 Bro Trevor Cook 01-Nov-1996 PPrSGD 87 Bro Richard RH WhiƟng - - 87 Bro John T Tipler - PPrJGD 87 Bro William H Berry (JM) - - 87 Bro Mark R Hinchcliffe - - 88 Bro Charles ES Fellows 06-Nov-1998 PPrJGW 88 Bro Teg Davies 05-Nov-1999 PPrJGW 89 Bro John A Else - - 89 Bro John LA Courtney - - 90 Bro Bryan C Slater - 91 Bro Adam J Wragg - - 91 Bro Paul T Douglas 03-Nov-2000 PPrAGDC 91 Bro Mike TD Baines 02-Nov-2001 PPrGReg 91 Bro Derrick W Lincoln (JM) 03-Nov-1995 PPrGReg 91 Bro Roger J Halfpenny 01-Nov-2002 PPrJGW 92 Bro Paul Grewcock - - 93 Bro Tim G ScoƩ 07-Nov-2003 PPrJGD 93 Bro Stewart R Hubert 05-Nov-2004 PPrGSwdB 94 Bro Eric C LovaƩ 07-Nov-2014 PPrAGDC 95 Bro John M Spencer 03-Nov-2006 PPrSGD 96 Bro Geoffrey T Donoghue - - 96 Bro Russ Maynard - -

40 Entry Name WM Provincial 65 Bro Sydney N Liebling 04-Nov-1977 - 65 Bro Donald Hitchon - - 65 Bro Kenneth TE Price - - 65 Bro Bernard J Wright (Hon) - PJGD / PDepPGM 65 Bro Frederick J Roth (Hon) - PJGD / PPrGSec 66 Bro Chris M Brader 03-Nov-1978 PPrGSuptWks 66 Bro Leslie J Mitchell (Hon) - PGSwdB / PDepPrGM 67 Bro Geoffrey Bramley - - 68 Bro Francis I Lacey - - 68 Bro Harold H Shaw (JM) - - 68 Bro Ray A Tooley 02-Nov-1979 PPrAGDC 68 Bro John Dexter 07-Nov-1980 PPrAGDC 69 Bro John C Twigdon 06-Nov-1981 PPrGStdB 69 Bro Joseph G Williams - - 69 Bro Fred TL Wheeler (JM) - - 69 Bro Horace Scourfield (Hon) - PPrGSuptWks 70 Bro Joseph Booth - - 70 Bro Buster PHR Lewis - - 71 Bro Sidney Harrison - - 71 Bro Derek Long - - 71 Bro Harold G Hannah - - 72 Bro John P Woodward - - 72 Bro John A Higton 05-Nov-1982 PPrSGW / C of M 72 Bro Peter J Quesnel - - 72 Bro William Huntley 04-Nov-1983 - 73 Bro Albert Ginson - - 73 Bro Harold W Westby - - 74 Bro Frank A Craven 02-Nov-1984 PPrJGD 74 Bro Denis A Hanley - - 75 Bro Ronald E Wilkins - - 75 Bro Wilfred JR Pegg - - 76 Bro Allan FR Wilson 01-Nov-1985 PPrGReg 76 Bro Thomas HA Wheeler - - 76 Bro Wilfred ScoƩ (Hon) - PGSwdB / PDepPrGM 76 Bro Dennis A Rudge (Hon) - PSGD / PPrSGW 77 Bro Derek C Collins 07-Nov-1986 PPrJGD 77 Bro Geoffrey Povey - - 78 Bro Brian J Carver - PPrGSwdB 78 Bro Ralph A Holmes 04-Nov-1988 PPrGSwdB 5 Clifton Lodge Members 2025

6 Formation of the Lodge The earliest record appertaining to the Clifton Lodge, which celebrates its centenary this year, is that of a preliminary meeting held at the Albert Hotel, Nottingham, on Friday 14th November 1924. Those present were Lawrence E Button (F), Samuel A Hargrove (F), John W Gaze (F) and Frederick AJ Steward. Each one present was asked to approach other members of the Order with a view to their becoming Founders. At the next meeting in March of the following year, the Founders were agreed upon, there were ten in all, and it was decided that the Old Priory Lodge (2594) be invited to become the 'Mother Lodge’. It was also agreed that the meetings be held on the first Friday evening of the months September to March at the Beeston Masonic Hall. It is apparent from the Minutes that the Founders and the various sub-committees they formed in dealing with the complicated business of setting up the new Lodge were most business-like and industrious in their work, unsparing in their efforts to ensure that the Lodge was on a sound footing. The smallest detail would be discussed at length and frequently advice would be sought from other Lodges or Grand Lodge in London if there was the slightest doubt on any matter, be it an item of Masonic procedure or of catering costs. Particular care was given to all matters of Lodge finance and when the time came to set a scale of fees many different figures can be found to be mentioned in the Minutes before the following were adopted: Subscription £3 3s.0d (£158.48 - 2023) to include six suppers but not the Installation Dinner, Founders' fee £4 4s 0d (£211.30), Joining Members' fee £8 8s.0d (£422.60), Initiation fee £15 15s 0d (£792.38), Master’s chair fee and Wardens Chair fee. The final Founders Meeting was held two days before the Consecration Ceremony, bringing to a close the first chapter of the Lodge's history, a period of dedicated and conscientious work by a small group of Masons anxious to extend their knowledge of the Order. Consecration The Clifton Lodge was consecrated at the Masonic Hall, Nottingham, on Thursday 29th October 1925, and became the 44th Lodge in the Province of Nottinghamshire. The Old Priory Lodge was the ' Mother Lodge’ and the then Worshipful Master, W.Bro. John Holmes, took the chair at the opening of the Lodge on it’s consecration. The Consecrating Officer was the VW Bro. Rev. Henry T Hayman (Hon) M.A. Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire, who also installed W.Bro Lawrence E Button (F) as the Worshipful Master. . Following the ceremony of consecration and lodge business, Brethren sat down to a nine course dinner, including hors d'oeuvres, consommé, boiled turbot, sweetbreads, roast chicken and ham, roast mutton or roast beef, roes on toast, dessert and coffee, served at a cost of 8s.6d 0d (£21.63) per head. To mark his appreciation of the help afforded him by the Old Priory Lodge in the carrying out of his duties as Acting Secretary, Secretary to the Founders and to the new Lodge, Bro. John W Gaze (JM) presented Old Priory with a portrait of the Consecrating Officer, VW Bro. Henry T Hayman (Hon). At present his portrait hangs in the Ionic Temple at Goldsmith Street. 39 Entry Name WM Provincial 49 Bro Francis L White - - 49 Bro Lewis A Marshall 04-Nov-1960 PGJD / PAsstPrGM 50 Bro William G BancroŌ - - 50 Bro Arthur C Tupin - - 50 Bro Albert H Paget - - 51 Bro Richard A Williamson 01-Nov-1963 PPrJGW 51 Bro Fred CD Wagg (JM) - - 52 Bro Thomas E Gilding 06-Nov-1964 PPrJGD 53 Bro Clifford H EllioƩ 05-Nov-1965 - 53 Bro Edwin A Holmes - - 53 Bro Alfred E Boƫng - - 54 Bro Colin M Carver 04-Nov-1966 PPrGSwdB 54 Bro Frank Marvin - - 54 Bro John GB Bayles - - 54 Bro George J Mackness (Hon) - PGSwdB / PPrGM 54 Bro Horace BE Stevens (Hon) - PGD / PDepPrGM 54 Bro Arnold JR Slaney (Hon) - PGD / DepPrGM 54 Bro Harry White (Hon) - PJGD / PPrSGW 55 Bro Alex Williams 03-Nov-1967 PPrJGW 56 Bro Ben M McLernon - - 56 Bro Eric Holmes (JM) - - 56 Bro George H WaƩs - - 57 Bro Francis JE Woodward 01-Nov-1968 PPrJGW 57 Bro Kenneth S Crawford - - 58 Bro Alan Willis - - 58 Bro Sidney J Allison - - 59 Bro George Allen 07-Nov-1969 PPrAGDC 59 Bro John C Finglass - - 59 Bro Harold Whiƫngton - - 60 Bro Ernest E Baker - - 60 Bro Walter R O'Callaghan - - 61 Bro Grenville N Watson - - 61 Bro Ken Lee 05-Nov-1971 PPrGStdB 62 Bro Sidney Straw 06-Nov-1970 PPrGStdB 62 Bro John H Ward 03-Nov-1972 PPrJGD 63 Bro John Fletcher 02-Nov-1973 PPrGStdB 64 Bro Samuel G Issom 01-Nov-1974 PPrGAlm 64 Bro Gordon B Pollard 07-Nov-1975 PPrJGW 64 Bro Norman OD Meads 05-Nov-1976 PPrSGW / C of M 64 Bro Charles HV EllioƩ (Hon) - PAGDC / PPrGM

38 Entry Name WM Provincial 38 Bro Harold Lee - - 38 Bro Cecil H Higson - - 38 Bro Walter AƩenborough - - 40 Bro Walter A Waters - - 41 Bro Albert Williams 05-Nov-1948 PPrGStdB 41 Bro Harry Dickin - - 41 Bro Herbert A Allen (JM) 04-Nov-1949 PPrGStdB 42 Bro John K Smith 07-Nov-1952 PPrSGW 42 Bro Alfred E Wheelhouse - - 42 Bro Gren A Roper 06-Nov-1959 PPrSGW / C of M 42 Bro Fred W Barker-Cox 06-Nov-1953 PPrSGW 42 Bro William Green - - 42 Bro Percival W Stringer (JM) - - 42 Bro Francis H Starling (Hon) - PGD / PPrGM 42 Bro Charles D Hart (Hon) - PGC / PrGM 43 Bro Thomas H Bellamy - - 43 Bro Michael Beaumont 02-Nov-1951 PPrJGD 43 Bro Frederick Harrington (JM) - - 43 Bro John E Underwood 05-Nov-1954 - 44 Bro Henry W Stevens (JM) - PGD / DepPrGM 44 Bro Harry Prew-Snith (JM) - PAGDC / PPrSGW 44 Bro Fred McGowan - - 44 Bro Charles W Nicholson - - 44 Bro William Sharman - - 44 Bro William Harrison (JM) - - 45 Bro Joseph R Weldon-Jackson 04-Nov-1955 PPrGSuptWks 45 Bro Frank Slaughter 02-Nov-1956 PPrSGD 45 Bro Kenneth T Hopkin - - 46 Bro Len E Ward 01-Nov-1957 PPrSGW 46 Bro Eric Fletcher (JM) - - 47 Bro Jack G Munton - - 47 Bro John R Burnell - - 7 Founders & Officers Officers: W.Bro. Lawrence E Burron (F) Worshipful Master W.Bro. Frank Bradley (F) IPM W.Bro. Fred Bentley (F) Senior Warden W.Bro. William H Stevens (F) Junior Warden W.Bro. William Davis (F) Chaplain W.Bro. Walter Arlidge (F) D. of C. W.Bro. Albert E Stones (F) Senior Deacon Bro. Charles F Hammersley (JM) Junior Deacon W.Bro. Neville Barratt (F) Inner Guard Bro. John. W Gaze (JM) Secretary W.Bro. Sam A Hargrove (F) Treasurer W.Bro. Joseph W Freckleton (F) Asst. D. of C. Bro. Percy B Rushton (JM) Steward Bro. Robert Marvin (JM) Steward Bro. Frank Shaw (JM) Steward Bro. Edward J Boot (JM) Steward Bro. William A Pike (Vis 2594) Organist Bro. George W Rhodes (Vis 2594) Tyler Consecrating Officers: VW. Bro. Rev. Henry T Hayman (Hon) MA. DepPrGM W.Bro. Francis H Starling (Hon) PrSGW W.Bro. Arthur J Payne PrJGW W.Bro. Canon Francis J Ashmall (Hon) PrGChap W.Bro. Francis B Whitty (Hon) PrGSec W.Bro. Ernest H George (Hon) PrGDC W.Bro. Charles E Pinder PPrGO W.Bro. Arthur C Howard PrAsstGSec

8 Consecration from the Minutes The Brethren Assembled in the Lodge Room. The forty fourth Lodge under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nottinghamshire and the 4753rd on the register of Grand Lodge was Consecrated in Ancient and Solemn form at the Masonic Hall, Nottingham on the 29th day of October 1925, under the style and title of the Clifton Lodge. The Opening hymn was sung. Lodge was opened in the three degrees by the Worshipful Master of the Old Priory Lodge, W.Bro. John Holmes, assisted by the Senior warden Bro Charles P Walker, Junior warden, Bro. Frederick Lowe JW & Secretary W.Bro. K W Rainbow. The Provincial Grand Lodge Officers Entered in Procession. The Consecrating Officer the VW Bro. Rev. Henry T Hayman (Hon) MA PrGChap DepPrGM accompanied by the Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge Officers entered in procession. The Consecrating Officer took the chair and appointed his officers (pro tem) The Officers of Grand Lodge were Saluted. The Consecrating Officer and other officers of Grand Lodge were saluted in ancient form. The Consecrating Officer addressed the Brethren on the motive of the meeting and called on the Chaplain to give the opening prayer. The acting Secretary addressed the Consecrating officer, reading the petition for a new lodge. The Consecrating Officer replied and gave directions. The Brethren of the new Lodge were then arranged in order, whilst the acting Secretary read the warrant. The Consecrating Officer having enquired of the Brethren if they approved of the Officers named in the warrant, the Brethren duly signified their approval in masonic form and resumed their seats. An oration on the nature and principals of the institution was given by the Prov. Grand Chaplain. The Prov Grand Chaplain gave the dedication prayer (first portion). The Brethren then turned towards the east whilst the Consecrating officer gave the Invocation. The PrGChap read II Chron. Chap ii verses 1 to 16. 37 Entry Name WM Provincial 28 Bro Reginald C Crane - - 28 Bro Frank G Ursell - - 28 Bro John E Wright - - 28 Bro William H Clifford - - 29 Bro Harold W Wilson - - 29 Bro Reginald L Ghent - - 29 Bro Herbert R Tucker 24-Nov-1939 PPrAGDC 30 Bro Jack A Hargrave - - 30 Bro William A Gray - - 30 Bro Charles H Marston - - 30 Bro John H Wigley 01-Nov-1940 - 31 Bro William H Roper 06-Nov-1942 PPrAGDC 31 Bro Claude A Rigley 05-Nov-1943 PPrGReg 31 Bro Donald A Morrison - - 32 Bro Alfred Stoppard 03-Nov-1944 PPrGStdB 32 Bro Thomas Pedley (JM) - - 32 Bro Frederick Baker - - 32 Bro Thomas W Pell - - 32 Bro George R Glover 02-Nov-1945 PPrGStdB 33 Bro Ernest P Pollard 01-Nov-1946 PPrAGDC 33 Bro William R Clarke - - 34 Bro Arnold H Bentley - - 34 Bro Robert S Hawksworth 07-Nov-1947 PPrJGD 34 Bro Fred J Islip - - 34 Bro Chris MarƟn - - 35 Bro Samuel E Johnson - - 35 Bro Mark Mellors (JM) - - 35 Bro Henry E Carver - - 36 Bro Clifford S Walker (JM) - - 36 Bro James Lord - - 36 Bro Ernest L Carver - - 37 Bro Frank PL Say - - 37 Bro John H Reynolds (JM) - PPrGStdB

36 Roll of Members Entry Name WM Provincial 25 Bro Lawrence E BuƩon (F) 29-Oct-1925 PPrJGW 25 Bro Frank Bradley (F) - PPrGStdB 25 Bro Fred R Bentley (F) 01-Oct-1926 PPrJGW 25 Bro William H Stevens (F) - PGStdB / PPrGSW 25 Bro Walter Arlidge (F) - PPrJGW 25 Bro William Davis (F) - PPrGSD 25 Bro Samuel A Hargrove (F) - PPrGSD 25 Bro Albert E Stones (F) 03-Oct-1927 PPrJGW 25 Bro Joseph W Freckleton (F) - PPrGReg 25 Bro Neville D BarraƩ (F) - PPrSGD 25 Bro William Cavendish-BenƟnck (Hon) - PPrGM 25 Bro Henry T Hayman (Hon) - PGC / PrGM 25 Bro George V Monckton-Arundell (Hon) - PGW / PPrGW 25 Bro Francis B WhiƩy (Hon) - PGD / PPrGSW 25 Bro John W Gaze (JM) - - 25 Bro Charles F Hammersley (JM) 05-Oct-1928 PPrAGDC 25 Bro Isaac Thornhill (JM) - PPrSGW 25 Bro Percy B Rushton (JM) 01-Nov-1929 PPrSGD 25 Bro Robert Marvin (JM) 06-Nov-1931 - 25 Bro Frank Shaw (JM) 07-Nov-1930 PPrGDC 25 Bro Edward J Boot (JM) 04-Nov-1932 PPrGSwdB 25 Bro Horace F Marvin - - 25 EH George - PPrGDC 25 Bro Edward St John Morse (Hon) - PAGC / PPrGSW 25 Bro Francis J Ashmall (Hon) - PPrGChap 25 Bro Henry B BeƩerton - - 25 Bro Leonard G Tomlinson 02-Nov-1934 - 25 Bro George H Hunt - - 25 Bro George Smith 03-Nov-1933 PPrJGW 25 Bro John H Linday (JM) 04-Oct-1938 PPrGStdB 26 Bro Sam H Mellers 01-Nov-1935 PPrGStdB 26 Bro George W Brown - - 26 Bro Harry B Parkes - - 26 Bro Albert O Jones 06-Nov-1936 PPrGD 27 Bro BerƟe J Clifford 05-Nov-1937 PPrGPurs 27 Bro George J Burnell - - 9 The consecrating officer directed the Lodge board to be uncovered and then accompanied by his wardens carried the elements of consecration three times round the Lodge, halting in the east at each perambulation, firstly to scatter corn the symbol of plenty, secondly to pour wine, the symbol of joy and cheerfulness, and thirdly to pour oil, the symbol of peace and unanimity. The chaplain then read Exodus, chapter XXX versus 25 & 26. The petitioning brethren were again arranged in order, when the consecrating officer sprinkled salt, the symbol of fidelity and friendship. The Chaplain read Leviticus Chap ii, verse 13 and the petitioning Brethren resumed their seats. The consecrating officer then dedicated the Lodge. The Chaplain took the censer three times round the Lodge, halting in the east. The Provincial grand chaplain then gave the dedication prayer (second portion). The petitioning brethren were again arranged in the west, whilst the consecrating officer constitutes the Lodge and then gave the Patriarchal Benediction. The Lodge was then lowered to the second degree. The Worshipful Master elect, W.Bro. Lawrence E Button (F) gave adherence to ancient charges and regulations and was duly obligated. The Lodge was opened in the third degree. The Master Masons retired whilst the Board of Installed Masters was opened and the WM elect Installed by VW Bro. Rev Henry T Hayman (Hon) MA DepPrGM. The Board of Installed Masters was closed, and Master Masons admitted. The WM was duly proclaimed and saluted and working tools presented. The Lodge was closed in the third-degree Fellow crafts admitted. The WM again proclaimed and saluted and working tools presented. The Lodge was closed in the second degree. Entered apprentices admitted. The WM again proclaimed and saluted and working tools presented. The WM was then presented with the Warrant. W.Bro. Samuel A Hargrave (F) was unanimously elected Treasurer. W.Bro. George W Rhodes (Vis 2594) elected Tyler. The WM then appointed and invested his officers, The address to the WM was given by VW Bro. Rev Henry T Hayman (Hon) MA DepPrGM. The address to the Wardens and Brethren was given by the RW Bro. Lt Col The Hon. George V Monckton Arundel GW (Hon).

10 Profile of the First Worshipful Master Lawrence Ernest Button, the first Worshipful Master of the Clifton Lodge, had been the Chairman of the founders committee since its inception and it was at the second founders' meeting that a motion was put forward and carried unanimously that W.Bro. Button be the first Worshipful Master of the new Lodge. W.Bro. Button was a Past Master of the Thoresby Lodge (3196) being installed in the chair of that Lodge in 1913. In 1925, Clifton's consecration year, he was serving as secretary and almoner of the Thoresby Lodge. He is remembered as a jovial chap and a first class ritualist, who would enjoy giving the address to the Brethren at an Installation (twelve times). In Provincial Lodge he held the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. He lived in Sherwood, and by profession was a Manufacturer's Agent, with offices in Broad Street, Nottingham. W.Bro Button was married to Maud and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 9th Dec 1956. The Earliest Initiates At the Consecration Meeting two gentlemen, so the Minutes record, were proposed for initiation. They were the Worshipful Master's candidate, Mr Henry Bucknall Betterton (left), aged 53 years, of Ware, London a barrister and Tory Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe, and Mr Frederick Horace Marvin, aged 26 years, of Beeston, Dyer and Bleacher. The candidates were to have been initiated simultaneously at the meeting in December 1925 but owing to dense fog Mr Betterton, the senior candidate, was unable to attend the ceremony and sent a telegram of apology to the Brethren. Mr Marvin therefore was able to claim the distinction of being the first initiate of the Lodge. He went on to serve through all the Junior Offices, including Assistant Secretary, up to the position of Junior Warden in 1931. Mr Betterton was initiated on 1st January, 1926, and served as a Steward in the year 1926/27. It seems that he was not destined to find fame in the Clifton Lodge but in his own sphere, the world of politics, he became very well known as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour, being knighted and in later life taking the title of Lord Rushcliffe. Bro Betterton had the honour of opening Grimsby’s no.3 fish dock on 4th Oct 1934. Honorary Members CliŌon Lodge has elected twenty two honorary members to it’s ranks and those not exisƟng members of the Lodge are as follows. Bernard J Wright (Hon) PJGD / PDepPGM Rev. Charles D Hart (Hon) PGC / PrGM Charles HV Elliott (Hon) PAGDC / PPrGM Bro Dennis A Rudge (Hon) PSGD / PPrSGW 35 Just a ‘Minute’ Chair fees set at: WM £5 5s 0d (£264.13), SW £3 3s 0d (£158.48), JW £2 2s 0d (£105.65). Oct 1932. A vote to move to GSS from Beeston defeated by 19 votes to 10. Subsequently the Masonic Hall in Beeston was sold and the last meeting was held there on 2nd April 1939. Family of Bro Thomas Pedley presented a cutlery and China cupboard in 1938. A vote to sell the Lodges crockery in Jan 1942 was deferred and ‘left on the table’, it was eventually sold to the masonic hall for £100 (£3,465) in 1946. Charity Steward was first appointed in Mar 1941 being held continually by W.Bro Percy Banks Rushton (JM) until his death in May 1961. VE day celebration dinner held on 30th May 1945. Inc cigars, 12/6 (£21.83). Accidental damage Insurance was taken out in 1957 to cover table cloths. Grand Lodge certificates were presented to master masons by the WM until the 1960s. Warrant framed in Aug 1963 to preserve it. In 1966 Bro Sidney J Allison presented a silver candelabra to the Lodge. Oct 1973. Voted to sponsor the creation of Clifton Chapter. Lodge Banner repainted Nov 1973 after restoration in 1967. Glass in the Lodge charter frame also replaced in 1967. Dec 1977 Silver Tankard presented to Bro Fred Barker-Cox to mark twenty one years by the WM, Bro Sydney Liebling at what was to prove his last meeting before ascending to Grand Lodge above. His family donated £250.00 (£1,405.00) for charitable purposes. Feb 1979 Silver tankard presented to Bro John K Smith to mark twelve years as Treasurer. Old Priory and Thoresby Lodges sent a delegation to a meeting every year. Past Masters occupied the senior chairs annually at the March meetings. New officer regalia replaced in 1973 at a cost of £16.00 (£166.00). In Dec 1985 Clifton voted in favour of selling the Royal Masonic Hospital.

34 Events Taking Place at the Time Below are the principal events taking place in the world when Clifton Lodge was being formed. Oct 5 The Locarno Conference meets: Germany agrees to recognise their frontiers with France and Belgium and will apply for membership in the League of Nations. Oct 12 German-Russian trade agreement signed Oct 14 Anti-French uprising in Damascus (French inhabitants flee) Oct 19 Italian army takes Somalia Oct 27 Water skis patented by Fred Waller Insulin: Frederick Banting and John Macleod received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin. Benito Mussolini: He asserted his dictatorial powers in Italy, shaping the future of the country. The Great Sphinx of Giza: Its restoration began under the direction of French engineer Émile Baraize. The construction of the Royal Tweed Bridge in Berwick-upon-Tweed began in January. The statue of Eros was temporarily removed from Piccadilly Circus in London to make way for a new Underground station. Pink's War: The Royal Air Force conducted a military campaign against the Mahsud tribesmen in South Waziristan from March to May. Administration of Estates Act: This act abolished the legal rule of primogeniture in England and Wales and modernized property law. On May 1, Cyprus was officially declared a Crown Colony. BBC Daventry Transmitting Station: The world's first longwave broadcast radio transmitter opened in Daventry, in July. Red Friday: The government announced a subsidy for the coal industry to maintain wage levels while a Royal Commission investigated the industry's issues. In October, John Logie Baird successfully transmitted the first television pictures with a greyscale image in London 11 Honorary Members Rev Henry T Hayman (Hon) PGC / PrGM Francis B Whitty (Hon) PGD / PPrGSW Harry White (Hon) PJGD / PPrSGW Horace BE Stevens (Hon) PGD / PDepPrGM Francis H Starling (Hon) PGD / PPrGM Arnold JR Slaney (Hon) PGD / DepPrGM Keith Thomas Sisson (Hon) PGSwdB / PDepPrGM Wilfred Scott PGSwdB / PDepPrGM (Hon) Frederick J Roth (Hon) PJGD / PPrGSec Rev Edward St. John Morse (Hon) PAGC / PPrGSW Viscount Galway (Hon) PGW / PPrGW Leslie J Mitchell (Hon) PGSwdB / PDepPrGM George J Mackness (Hon) OBE PGSwdB / PPrGM William Cavendish-Bentinck (Hon) Ernest Herbert George (Hon) No Image available, Bro Horace Scourfield (Hon) & Rev Canon Francis James Ashmall (Hon)

12 Senior Member Bio’s CliŌon Lodge has produced many fine masons with five aƩaining grand rank and three the Provincial Grand Master’s CerƟficate of merit. Grand Lodge W.Bro Frank Bradley was born on June 12th 1880 and educated at the Old High Pavement school. He was IniƟated into the Thoresby Lodge (3160) on October 8th 1913 joining the Commercial Chapter (411) in 1915. A keen mason Frank was also a member of Annesley Lodge (1435) of which he became master in 1919 then secretary from 1920 to 1930. A founder of the CliŌon Lodge in 1925 he aƩained Prov honours of PJGW in 1937 followed by InvesƟture in Grand Lodge as PGStdB in 1945. Henry WhiƩaker Stevens was born in Loughborough on 20th September 1911 and was educated at The Kings School, Canterbury. AŌer studying accountancy he joined his fathers firm Stevens and Pedley Ltd. A member of the Framework KniƩers Guild and a Freeman of the City of London. A one Ɵme keen cricketer and rugby player he also collected anƟque china and poƩery. IniƟated in De Vere Lodge (1794) on 18th December 1936 becoming WM in 1949 he joined the CliŌon Lodge 1944. Henry was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 1965 followed by PGD in Grand Lodge. Harry Prew-Smith was born in Noƫngham on 2nd January 1905 and was educated at Noƫngham High school and Ashby-de-la-Zouche Grammar. Later he aƩended Noƫngham University Technical College. He started work in the Hosiery business and in 1930 formed his own Company. A keen sportsman, his interest lay in in rowing and shooƟng, and a general interest in country pursuits and gardening. During world war 11 he served as a Lieutenant in the Home Guard aƩached to the Sherwood Foresters Trent River Patrol. IniƟated in Rufford Lodge (2553) on 30th October 1939, becoming WM in 1948. He joined CliŌon in 1944. He became PrJGD in 1957 and eventually PPrJGW. Harry was appointed PAGDC in 1966. William Henry Stevens PGStdB and PPRGSW IniƟated into the Howe and Charnwood Lodge (1007) on 20th May 1913 becoming a founder of the CliŌon Lodge in 1925. 33 north-south. The Hall Company to have the entire width of that section running east-west. This gave the Church a small car park and the Hall Company a private road to the proposed extension and car park. When application to build an extension was made to the planning authority they stipulated that any addition to the existing Hall must incorporate parking facilities for a minimum of one hundred cars (How the planners have changed their attitude to Car Parking!). The new extension, is the result of a third set of plans and drawings. Plans ranged from providing no more than administration offices for the Province with the addition of committee rooms to an elaborate two phase design which would have cost in the region of £500,000 (£6,047,917). The architect was instructed to prepare a new design which should provide such accommodation as could be envisaged as being required for the next 25 to 30 years. Construction work started on 29th March 1971 with a completion date of 31st July 1972. The Foundation Stone was laid on 4th September 1971 and on 1st September 1972 the completed building was dedicated by RW Bro. CHV Elliott TD.MA. Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire. The total cost of the extension was £250,000. That included the site, construction and all furnishings. The late W.Bro. John Marriott P.G.D. was mainly responsible for securing the purchase of those first five houses in 1957. Unhappily he died before clearance was obtained of the larger site. His widow and daughters donated the fine gates which are at the entrance to the approach road to the Belgrave Suite.

32 Temple History - GSS By the 30th July 1931 the new Masonic Hall was completed and dedicated by the Grand Secretary VW Bro. Sir Colville Smith, in the presence of Pr Grand Master RW Bro. The Duke of Portland K.G. and assisted by RW Bro. Viscount Galway, the deputy Pr Grand Master, VW Bro. Rev. Henry T Hayman and other officers of Grand Lodge. At last the Freemasons had a home and headquarters that they could be justly proud of. During the war years, 1939 to 1945, it is sad to note that the building received a direct hit during the Blitz of Nottingham on the night of the 8th May 1941, this caused considerable damage, the front of the building had to be reinforced with wooden buttresses to stop the fabric from collapsing; the bomb went down the centre of the building causing extensive damage. Workmen must be congratulated that in a very short time they had cleared the debris and supported the stairway and the damaged floors. By 1955 the Directors of the Nottinghamshire Masonic Hall Company (1924) Ltd turned their thoughts to the need for a further extension to the Masonic building. Naturally they looked to Belgrave Square as a possible site. The freehold of Belgrave Square was owned by the Governors of the Nottingham High School. All the houses and their land being let on leases for 99 years not due to expire until the late 1960's. The School sold their freehold interest in the middle 1960's to Messrs. Joseph Burton & Sons Ltd who had premises in Masonic Place and Talbot Street. In 1957 the Hall Company purchased the freehold of the first five houses in Belgrave Square. All five houses were occupied but at least the beginnings of a site for the extension of the Hall was secured. In 1963 the Trustees of what was at that time The Presbyterian Church approached the Hall Company to ask if it would join with them in the purchase of more houses and land in Belgrave Square. Agreement was reached but the proposition met with a firm refusal from Messrs. Joseph Burton & Sons Ltd since they required the site for their own extensions and also to provide them with vehicular access from Belgrave Square to their existing warehouse. In 1967 a dramatic change came about. Burtons now wanted to sell. The Hall Company acted promptly and bought the remaining ten houses and land. The Church then decided they only required sufficient additional land for a small car park. It was mutually agreed that a joint application should be made to the local authority to close Belgrave Square as a public highway. Thus in 1970 after three years of hard negotiating they secured possession of all the occupied properties and the way was clear to make a joint application. The application was approved and Belgrave Square ceased to exist as a public highway. As the ownership of the former highway was shared equally by the Church and Hall Company it was agreed that the Church should have sole ownership of that section of road running 13 Lewis Albert Marshall was iniƟated into the CliŌon Lodge on 3rd March 1950 becoming WM in 1960 having been exalted into Annesley Chapter in 1958, Lewis became Asst Provincial Grand Master aƩaining Grand Lodge rank of PGJD. A longer biography is contained later in this booklet. CerƟficate of Merit John Anthony Higton was born in Noƫngham in 1945 and educated locally at Ellis Secondary school. He became an arƟcled clerk before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1968 but leŌ the profession in 1973 to work in Industry. He was IniƟally employed as a Finance Director at Ellistown Pipes, followed by a similar posiƟon locally at Albert, MarƟn, Cooper & Roe. Since 1984 he has worked in the furniture trade where he remains employed as Group Finance Director of Wade Furniture Group. He became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers in 1997. John is married to Zena and has a daughter and two grandchildren. He enjoys travelling abroad, staying fit, keeping up with the grandchildren and generally enjoying life in the local community. Norman OD Meads and Grenville A Roper were also awarded C of M for their long and meritorious services to Freemasonry. Elected to Honorary Membership 2025 W.Bro. Philip Marshall was born in June 1954 at SuƩon-in-Ashfield. He was educated at the Brunts school in Mansfield. On leaving he was appointed as a pupil public health inspector by SuƩon-in-Ashfield Urban District Council and qualified as an Environmental Health Officer in 1974. He is a member of the Society of Local Authority Chief ExecuƟves and holds a range of professional and managerial qualificaƟons including a Masters in Business AdministraƟon. Philip married Ann in 1983 and she has been his constant support as they have journeyed around the country pursuing their careers. Sport has always been a feature in Philips life. He played cricket unƟl he was 50 and now is a spectator whenever Ɵme permits. He confesses to being a commiƩed Noƫngham Forest fan. Masonically he was IniƟated into the Forest Lodge (1852) in December 1984 his former headmaster proposing him. WM in 1996, ADC from 1997 to 2004 and DC 2004 to 2009. Appointed PrAGDC in 2003, PrDGDC from 2004 to 2006 with PrJGW following in 2008. PrGDC in 2010, PPrSGW in 2011 and from Grand Lodge PAGDC in 2012. Philip was appointed PrGM in 2015 from which he will step down during our centenary year having served his full term. A busy freemason the highlight of his Ɵme surely has to be lodge liaison at CliŌon Lodge for several years prior to becoming PGM.

14 W.Bro Bill Huntley MBE Bill Huntley was WM of the Clifton Lodge in 1983 and became only the fourth Rotarian from Britain and Ireland to achieve the Presidency of Rotary International. A past President of Rotary in Britain and Ireland Bill fulfilled every major function within Rotary; he received the Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service Award. His extraordinary service to Polio Plus lead to the Polio Plus Pioneer Award and the Polio Plus International Service Award; his peers describe him as “a leader amongst leaders” Bill received many honours and awards including Membership of the Order of the British Empire, awarded for services to Rotary; he held Venezuela’s Order of Simon Bolivar and a degree from the University of Leeds in Religious Education; he also held honorary degrees from the Universities of Hull (his home town), Palermo (Italy), Hanyang (South Korea) and Bradford (England) the home of a Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution, a project in which he was heavily involved. Bill was a man dedicated to education and to serving others; he lost his Father at an early age and grew up in a single parent household during the depression years. The spirit of hard work and faith instilled in him by his mother led him to be successful in gaining a scholarship to Grammar School; however he was compelled to leave school to earn money to support his family. A teacher throughout his life he taught religious education for a short time before moving to work in youth rehabilitation and training, his chosen path lead him to be a man of modest means but towering leadership. During Bill’s year of RI Presidential office he established a “Pooled Fund” within the Permanent Fund of Rotary Foundation in hope of gathering sufficient funds to establish a scholarship in his name. After Bill died suddenly in 2006 when still active throughout the world on Rotary business his club never forgot his Presidential year theme “Be a Friend” and continue to be a friend to his memory to this day. The Bill Huntley Endowment Bill’s club operates in a particularly deprived part of the United Kingdom nevertheless his friends were determined to establish an Endowment within the Rotary Foundation in memory of this remarkable and compassionate Rotarian. In June 2012, after strenuous fund raising, the Bill Huntley Endowment substantially exceeded its target of $500,000 which will fund a Rotary Peace Fellow attending at one of the Rotary Centres for Peace and Conflict Resolution (see below) every four years in perpetuity. In the Spring of 2016 Francis Rothery of Exeter, England became the first Huntley Peace Fellow. Bill’s daughter Sue, speaking on behalf of his widow Audrey and all the family, said “Thank you from all of us, it’s fantastic to think that his memory will live on in this way and that many more Peace Fellows will follow.” Thanks to The Rotary Club of Alford & Mablethorpe 31 Temple History - GSS The first move to get a Masonic Hall built seems to have started in 1876, when there were five Lodges meeting in Nottingham and four more in the province. A committee was set up, to get a "home of their own" and it decided that the share capital be fixed at £6,000, and in August 1876 property in Goldsmith Street was purchased for £1,228 10s 0d (£117,246). Plans were prepared and a prospectus was printed and sent to all the Brethren in the Province. In January 1877 the Directors were authorised to obtain specifications and estimates and by February these had been approved. Nothing seems to have happened until at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held on the 20th September 1878, RW Bro. The Duke of St. Albans was installed as the Provincial Grand Master and it was agreed that a committee be formed to consider the building of a new Masonic Hall. On the 24th January 1879 this committee issued a report recommending the project. In February 1880 the site had been paid for, plans approved, and a tender accepted. On Saturday 2nd July 1881 the building was completed and dedicated by the Grand Secretary, VW Bro. Colonel Shadwell Clarke, assisted by the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro. The Duke of St. Albans, and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. This building was built where the present Corinthian Temple and Dining room now stands at the junction of Goldsmith Street and Masonic Place the main entrance was on the front of the building. Shortly after the opening it was also decided to open a club on these premises and within two years it had enrolled over 200 members. Soon the Brethren wanted to enlarge the property. Tentative enquiries were made about the houses in Belgrave Square but there was a lot of opposition from the tenants. At the outbreak of war in 1914 any further plans came to a halt. With the end of hostilities in November 1918, a sub-committee was appointed to look into the possibility of building and shortly afterwards this committee purchased five houses in Belgrave Square for £3,750 (£176,321) and it also obtained the freehold from The Nottingham High School for the sum of £2,000 (£94,038). It was estimated that the amount of money required to build would be in the region of £60,000 (£2,821,140) so for the next five years members were very busy raising the money needed. In July 1928 the tender of J.W. Stamp & Co. Ltd. for £55,202 (£2,869,516) was accepted. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on Tuesday 11th Dec 1929 by the Pr. Grand Master, RW. Bro. The Duke of Portland KG. Before the stone was laid Provincial Grand Lodge met at the Albert Hall, and after the meeting masons marched through the streets from the Albert Hall to Goldsmith Street. It is interesting to note that the General Purposes committee laid down that all members should wear top hats but the shops of Nottingham sold out and many were unable to obtain “toppers" and walked in the procession bare headed. After the Ceremony Lunch was available to all subscribers at a cost of 5 shillings (£13.14), this was held at the Nottingham Palais De Danse.

30 Temple History - Beeston The first move to found a Lodge in the Beeston area came towards the end of the nineteenth century when members of the Royal Sussex Lodge and the Arboretum Lodge (of Derby) resident in Beeston persuaded Royal Sussex Lodge to sponsor a new Lodge, to be known as the Old Priory Lodge (2594), to meet in the Parish of Beeston. This Lodge was duly consecrated on 29th January 1896 and for seven years met in the Schoolroom, Brown Lane (now, Station Road). In November 1903, the Lodge moved to the Wesleyan Schoolroom in Chapel Street, which was renamed the Masonic Hall on being purchased by the Lodge. A second Lodge in the area was sponsored by the Old Priory Lodge in 1925, and the Clifton Lodge (4753) was consecrated on 25th October of that year. Moves to sell the Masonic Hall in Chapel Street and build a new Hall in Foster Avenue, Beeston, were frustrated by the outbreak of War in 1939. Clifton Lodge moved to Goldsmith Street, and the Old Priory Lodge found temporary accommodation first at the Beeston Manchester Unity Hall in Middle Street, and later in the Beeston Church Sunday Schools, in Station Road. It was joined there after the War by another Lodge, Beeston Lodge (6103) consecrated on 29th November 1945. As early as 1949 a special committee was formed to raise funds for the building fund, but it was not until Bro. P A Walker, of Old Priory Lodge made a gift of a parcel of land at the corner of High Road and Meadow Lane, in memory of his father, that the movement to acquire a new Hall really gathered momentum. Costs made a prefabricated building, rather than a brick and stone one, imperative, and after four anxious years of fund-raising, the present building was dedicated on 23rd November 1964. The Hall's name was changed on 25th October 1979, from 'Old Priory and Beeston Masonic Hall' to Chilwell Masonic Hall'. Craft Lodges Meeting / Formerly in Chilwell Masonic Hall Old Priory Lodge (2594) 29th January 1896 Clifton Lodge (4753) 25th October 1925 Beeston Lodge (6103) 29th November 1945 Chilwell Hall Lodge (8413) 20th April 1972 Bramcote Lodge (8750) 29th March 1977 Nottinghamshire Engineers (8739) 22nd April 1977 Ribblesdale Lodge (8020) 24th June 1965 Round Table of Notts (8604) 7th October 1974 15 Lewis Albert Marshall (Asst Pr GM) Brother Marshall was born on 15th January 1920 and educated at the high Pavement Grammar School in Nottingham. Apart from War war service in the Royal Corps of Signals from 1st September 1939 to early 1946, (during which he served overseas in France, North Africa, Sicily and Italy, being mentioned in despatches), has spent the whole of his working life in the lace trade, the last 25 years as a Company Director travelling extensively overseas in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and USA. He has for many years played an extremely active role in various lace trade associations and was President of the British Lace Federation from 1960 to 1962. Chairman of the Lace Research Association from 1966 to 1969, and President of the Nottingham Lace and Net Finishers Association in 1965 and 1966. In his private life he was admitted and licensed as Diocesan Reader by the Bishop of Southwell in 1957. He served for five years on the management committee of Nottingham No.1 Hospital Group and as Chairman of the Newark hospitals subgroup committee, but resigned in 1970 owing to increasing Masonic Commitments. Craft Initiated into Clifton Lodge on 3rd March, 1950 he was installed as WM in 1960 joining Notts Installed Masters Lodge in 1961. Provincial honours followed in 1968 (PrSGD): PPrSGW in 1971 and Asst provincial Grand Master in 1971. Lewis was appointed to Grand Lodge in 1972 as Past Grand Deacon. Royal Arch Lewis was Exalted into Annesley Chapter in 1958 reaching Z in 1971 before joining Notts first Principals in 1972. When Clifton Craft Lodge decided to form its own Chapter in 1973 he became a founder member and it’s first Z. Provincial honours followed in 1975 when he was made PPrGScN. Mark Advanced into the Shelford Priory Lodge in 1963. One of the Founders of the West Bridgford Mark Lodge in 1966. He was Elevated in Nottingham RAM in 1966. In the 28 years that W.Bro. Marshall was a member of the Craft he showed all the ability and enthusiasm which could be expected from the record of his private life. He undertook many duties in the different degrees in which he was concerned and always with great satisfaction to the brethren. When appointed Provincial Charity Steward for the 1977 Festival the PGM was so taken with the effectiveness of his work that he had no hesitation in appointing him to the post of Asst Provincial Grand Master which remains the highest Provincial homour a Clifton member has yet attained.

16 Long Service Since consecration 119 Brethren have exceeded twenty years of membership with the following clocking up over 40. Current Members highlighted in red. Bro Grenville A Roper 64.88 Bro John K Smith 63.02 Bro Fred W Barker-Cox 60.94 Bro John Fletcher 57.27 Bro John A Higton 53.10 Bro Walter Attenborough 49.18 Bro Norman OD Meads 47.44 Bro Donald Hitchon 47.44 Bro Francis I Lacey 45.23 Bro Tony Lincoln (JM) 45.10 Bro Gordon B Pollard 43.84 Bro Michael Beaumont [nee Lazareff] 43.73 Bro Len E Ward 43.69 Bro Claude A Rigley 43.28 Bro Alfred Stoppard 41.54 Bro Fred McGowan 41.21 Principal Officers Meetings as Treasurer Bro John A Higton 175 Bro George Smith 157 Bro Gren A Roper 112 Bro John K Smith 84 Bro Samuel A Hargrove (F) 67 Bro Fred R Bentley (F) 66 Bro Gordon B Pollard 28 29 Charity A significant part of our Freemasonry is the contribution the Lodge has made to charities. From the earliest meetings of the Lodge, an offertory was collected and grants recorded to widows and dependants of members. The Broken Column was traditionally passed round the table at the Festive Board as a repository for 'coppers' (now any small change) and the resulting few pounds were added to the charity collection. This has now been replaced in our Lodge by a Festive Board raffle with prizes donated by members and a series of events arranged by the Lodge throughout the current year. As well as Masonic charities, Provincial charities and Festivals, Clifton Lodge annually raises significant amounts which are donated to non-Masonic Charities. Typically these are local and of particular interest to members. Over the years, these have included: Portland College, Footprints Nottingham, Breast Cancer UK, MacMillan, Autism UK, Clickseargant, the local Air Ambulance and Guide dogs for the blind. The Lodge has also supported the Provincial Festivals... 1931 Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 1944 The Royal Masonic Schools 1961 Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 1977 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 1991 The Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys 2007 New Masonic Samaritan Fund 2018 Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys In fact, at the last count Clifton Lodge has provided support and donations to over 90 local and National charities. It is customary for the Worshipful Master's lady to nominate a charity to receive monies raised at the Ladies' Evening. Since formation Clifton Lodge has raised in excess of £300,000 The Lodge Almoner is active within the Lodge. At Christmas each year, it is the custom for him to visit infirm members, widows and those older members unable to attend regularly and to deliver a Christmas gift. As a Lodge we envisage these incredible levels of support to continue with current members coming up with innovative and creative fund-raising activities aligned with today’s trends. For example, an annual BBQ held in the garden of one of our brethren which alone has raised over £2,500, an annual Golf Day has raised over £13,000, Quiz nights and even a trip to the Dog races, all reaffirming and promoting the Masonic principles within Clifton Lodge.

28 Haunting A reputation of Clifton Hall as haunted by ghosts stretches back to at least the time when it was used as a school between 1958 and 1976. Anwar Rashid, a businessman with a £25 million fortune and a portfolio of 26 properties, bought the South Wing of the Clifton Hall in January 2007. The 52 room hall originally included 17 bedrooms, 10 reception rooms and 10 bathrooms, divided in 2001-2003 into two apartments: The 9 bedroom south wing and the 5 bedroom north wing. Rashid made his fortune from a chain of nursing homes and a hotel in Dubai. Thirty-two-year-old Rashid and his family, consisting of his 25-year-old wife Nabila, three daughters, and an infant son, moved into the hall the same month they bought it. From the first day in the house they allegedly experienced paranormal activity leading them to believe that Clifton Hall was haunted. On the first evening they spent in the house, there was reportedly a knocking on the wall and a voice saying "is anyone there?", however they did not find anyone making the noises. Rashid said "The day we moved in we had our first experience. We sat down in the evening to relax and there was a knock on the wall. We heard this, 'Hello, is anyone there'? We ignored it the first time but two minutes later we heard the man's voice again. I got up to have a look but the doors were locked and the windows were closed. On another occasion Nabila, Anwar Rashid's wife, thought she saw her eldest daughter watching television downstairs at 5 a.m., however when she checked in her daughter's room, Nabila discovered her daughter was still in bed. Eventually, the family's friends refused to go round to the house. Eager to get rid of the ghosts the family believed were haunting them, they invited Ashfield Paranormal Investigation Team (T.A.P.I.T.) to investigate the hall. The investigators were unable to stop the haunting and the leader of the group said "Clifton Hall is the only place where I've ever really been scared, even in the light. It's just got a really eerie feeling about it". When drops of blood were found on the baby's quilt of their 18-month-old son, the family decided to leave. Rashid said "When we found red blood spots on the baby's quilt, that was the day my wife said she'd had enough. We didn't even stay that night". After spending eight months in Clifton Hall, the family moved out of the house in August 2007. They stopped paying the mortgage in January 2008 and, on 18 September 2008, the Yorkshire Bank reclaimed the property. Speaking of his experience in Clifton Hall, Rashid said "When people used to tell me about ghosts, I would never believe them and would say 'whatever'. But I would have to tell any new owner was haunted having experienced it". Thanks to Haunted Rooms 17 Principal Officers Meetings as Secretary Meetings as Almoner Bro Fred W Barker-Cox 196 Bro Charles ES Fellows 140 Bro John A Higton 98 Bro Percy B Rushton (JM) 123 Bro Mike G Upton 76 Bro Richard A Williamson 70 Bro Albert O Jones 76 Bro Frank Slaughter 49 Bro Tony P Lincoln (JM) 54 Bro Allan FR Wilson 49 Bro Neville D Barratt (F) 52 Bro Samuel G Issom 35 Bro Jim S Berry 40 Bro Richard RH Whiting 28 Bro Charles F Hammersley (JM) 27 Bro Samuel A Hargrove (F) 23 Bro Harold W Wilson 22 Bro Albert Williams 14 Bro Albert Williams 21 Bro John K Smith 14 Bro Jack A Hargrave 14 Bro Sidney Straw 14 Bro John W Gaze (JM) 8 Bro Peter F Sheffield 14 Bro Tim G Scott 5 Bro Claude A Rigley 14 Bro Ernest P Pollard 14 Meetings as DC (> one year) Bro Frank Shaw (JM) 81 Bro Albert E Stones (F) 21 Bro Kevin P Cassells 73 Bro Colin M Carver 21 Bro Tony P Lincoln (JM) 58 Bro Gordon B Pollard 21 Bro Mike TD Baines 55 Bro Ernest P Pollard 21 Bro Peter F Huse 38 Bro Frank A Craven 21 Bro Claude A Rigley 28 Bro Gren A Roper 20 Bro Francis JE Woodward 27 Bro John K Smith 20 Bro Walter Arlidge (F) 23 Bro Joseph R Weldon-Jackson 15 Bro Lawrence E Button (F) 22 Bro Edward J Boot (JM) 9 Bro Len E Ward 22 Bro Ray A Tooley 8 Bro Charles F Hammersley (JM) 21 Bro Fred R Bentley (F) 7 Bro Thomas E Gilding 21 Bro Frank Slaughter 7 Bro Lewis A Marshall 21

18 The Lodge and World War II Owing to the Beeston Masonic Hall being sold, it was decided that Clifton would hold future meetings at the Goldsmith Street Masonic Hall, Nottingham. The last meeting of the Lodge held at Beeston was 5th April 1939. The October meeting of the Lodge, which was to have been the first at Nottingham, was cancelled owing to the outbreak of the Second World War, but meetings were resumed on 24th November 1939, and throughout the war not one other scheduled meeting was missed. Despite air raids and air raid warnings attendance at meetings was good, although at various ceremonies Brethren would be given permission to leave the Lodge owing to national duties. Brethren serving with the colours were allowed a reduced subscription. It is a pleasure to recall that no member of the Lodge made the supreme sacrifice nor were any permanently disabled, although two Brethren suffered severe losses. W.Bro. Charles F Hammersley (JM) lost his son Dennis, Pilot Officer, aged 21 years, whilst flying over Germany in 1941, and W.Bro. Albert Williams lost his son Eric, Flying Officer, aged 22 years, during operations in Germany in 1944. The Lodge suffered no loss or damage to Lodge records or property. Brethren of the Lodge who performed National Service are recorded below.: Army Fred W Barker-Cox Major, Sherwood Foresters, 1940/46 Ken Hopkin (above) Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, 1938/45 Charles W Nicholson Captain, Regular Soldier, 1939/45 Gren A Roper W/Sergeant, Royal Artillery, 1939/46 John K Smith Captain, 56th Division Royal Engineers, 1940/45 Royal Navy Joe R Weldon-Jackson R.N.V.R. 1904/41, and Home Guard 1941/45 and Home Guard 1941/45 Home Guard Thomas H Bellamy 14th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, River Patrol, 1940/44 William Sharman Served 1940 to stand down Frank Shaw (JM) Major in charge Beeston Company, 1940 to stand down Henry W Stevens (JM) Officer, 1940 to stand down Fred G Ursell Served 1940 to stand down Civil Defence Walter Attenborough Sergeant, Special Constabulary, 1938/45 Charles F Hammersley (JM) Assistant District Leader Jack A Hargrove. Division Warden, 1939/45 Robert S Hawksworth Senior Fireguard, 1939 to stand down Ernest P Pollard Leader, Rescue Party Alfred E Wheelhouse Warden, 1939 27 The Hall is a 13,946 square feet (1,295.6 m2) Grade I listed building and is situated within the Clifton Village Conservation Area. The manor of Clifton was noted in the Domesday Book of 1086. Clifton Hall is on top of a cliff on the edge of the village of Clifton, overlooking the River Trent, probably because the site was easily defensible. Clifton Hall was originally a fortified tower house, designed for defence as well as habitation. The Hall was three stories high Clifton Grove, a 2 miles (3.2 km) long double avenue of elm trees running alongside the River Trent to Wilford, was probably planted by Sir Gervase Clifton, 6th Baronet in the late 17th century. Clifton was well known in the 19th century for its grassy terraces and the grove. The house was largely rebuilt between 1778 and 1797 by a later Sir Gervase Clifton, who employed the premier architect in the north of England John Carr of York. It was during this remodelling that the tower of the original house was demolished. The octagonal domed hall built by Sir Robert Clifton, which incorporated many of the old rooms of the house,] c.ௗ1750 was retained during the rebuilding. The south wing of the Hall is Carr's work, but the north wing is of a later date, probably used by servants as quarters and a working area. In 1896 Sir Hervey Juckes Lloyd Bruce, 4th Baronet (1843–1919) succeeded his cousin Henry Robert Clifton, to part of the Clifton estates. The early Bruce years at Clifton are recalled in Henry James Bruce's book Silken Dalliance (1946). Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thomas Clifton began in the 1940s to sell off the remainder of the Clifton family estates. A local legend states erroneously that a portrait in the Hall of the colonel on horseback was originally intended to be one of his daughters but was changed when she died while it was being painted, in a riding accident in Clifton Grove. The story is however untrue as both of the colonel's daughters outlived the colonel and later married. Further alterations were made in the 19th century and a conversion in 1953, when the south front was most likely altered as seen in the photos from c. 1900. In 1947, 944 acres (382 ha) (3,820,000 sqm) of the family's land in Clifton was sold and an auction of the contents of Clifton Hall was held in 1953. In 1958 Peter Thomas Clifton sold Clifton Hall and the remains of the estate, thus ending a period of 700 years of ownership by his family. In 1958 the Hall became Clifton Hall Girls' Grammar School, which closed in 1976. Nottingham Trent University, then Trent Polytechnic, used the Hall until 2002. In the early 2000s it was sold to Chek Whyte, who built houses on the grounds and converted Clifton Hall into two luxury apartments, the South Wing and the North Wing. Fourteen houses were built to the southeast of the Hall. Anwar Rashid bought the South Wing in January 2007 and applied to Nottingham City Council for a licence to hold weddings. In May 2007 the council refused planning permission to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships, conferences, training courses or media events. Rashid moved out after eight months, claiming Clifton Hall was haunted. The North Wing 5- bedroom apartment was sold in March 2016 for £1,250,000.

26 The Lodge Banner In considering the question of the banner for the new Lodge many different designs were looked at by the Committee and much advice and opinion sought from outside. It was finally decided in July 1925 to commission Messrs. Fattorini to make the banner. Rough designs were drawn up by the Committee and Fattorini’s worked on from there, first submitting a design which was approved and then making the banner in time for handing over before the Consecration. However, it appears from the records that the Committee were not entirely satisfied with the finished product and complained to Messrs. Fattorini, whereupon Mr Fattorini attended the Committee meeting of 21st September 1925, to hear the complaint and a promise was made by him that the banner would be improved and returned. And so it was, in time for dedication at the Consecration. The banner, still in use today, measures 4ft. 10in. x 2ft. 10in. It is made of silk, pale blue with dark blue and gold wording. The central hand painted picture is a view of Clifton Hall with the River Trent in the foreground. W.Bro. Derek Collins bequeathed £1k to the Lodge for a new banner which was first used in 1999. History of Clifton Hall In Consecration year, 1925, the Hall at Clifton was still occupied by the Clifton family, but in 1953 it was sold by Colonel Peter Clifton to the Nottingham Corporation and with certain adaptions and additions became a school, Clifton Hall Girls' Grammar School.' The Corporation purchased much of Cliftons' land in 1945 for housing estate development and the village was purchased in 1958. The Hall itself is one of the largest mansions of its time remaining in Nottinghamshire and is visible from many points on the Nottingham side of the Trent. It is sited in Clifton Village, its terraces descending to the water on one side and overlooking the grassy tree-lined walk of Clifton Grove on the other. The Hall is basically 18th century, incorporating fragments of an earlier hall, notably an intricate plasterwork ceiling, a black and white marble chimney piece and a room whose walls are panelled entirely with scores of small Dutch paintings illustrating the handling of pike, musket and other weapons. An octagonal hall whose vault goes through to the roof was added during remodelling in 1779. The exterior of the Hall is divided into five bays with one storey colonnaded and coupled Tuscan columns support the front. The final Clifton' additions were made to the building in 1900. For centuries the Hall at Clifton had been occupied by a Clifton, the family having been located in the County perhaps longer than any other. Cliftons of Clifton have all been men of consequence and title, landed men, military men, and men of civil importance too. The Manor had been held by Cliftons since Sir Gervase de Clifton purchased it off a certain de Rhodes in the reign of Henry III. Sir Gervase was Sheriff of Nottingham as far back as 1279 and later was also Sheriff of Derby. In 1869 the male line died out and Cliftonism became extinct with the death of Sir Robert Clifton, MP. The estates and baronetcy, together with the ancient Hall, passed to Mr. Henry Robert Markham, a cousin, and after him to his second cousin, Sir Harvey Bruce, and after him to his son, who changed his name to Clifton so that the family name, associated in past times with events which had so shaped the history of the county and country, would be perpetuated. 19 Family Connections The Lodge has seen a succession of family names passing through its ranks. Starting as early as 1930 when W.Bro Jack A Hargrove was initiated by his father and founder of the Clifton Lodge W.Bro Samuel Hargrove (F). A reverse with Bertie Joseph Clifford initiated in 1928 with his father William Henry Clifford following in 1929. The Smith family is a notable example, with the late W.Bro. George Smith being initiated in 1927 and taking office almost immediately, being Worshipful Master in 1932 and for a second time in 1942 when he initiated his son, W.Bro. John K Smith. In 1944 W.Bro. Smith, Snr took on the office of Treasurer and held the position until 1966 when he handed over to his son, who held the post until 1978. So there is a great example of service father and son holding office in the same Lodge for almost 50 years. Bro. Henry E Carver, a nonagenarian, was initiated in 1937. He was noted for his beautiful tenor voice and was in great demand to sing throughout the Province at all manner of Masonic functions. His son W.Bro. Colin M Carver, was initiated in 1954 and was Master of the Lodge in 1967. The Ropers are another family who have given outstanding service to Clifton Lodge. father, the late W.Bro. William H Roper, was initiated in 1931, and was Worshipful Master in 1943. He initiated his son, W.Bro. Gren A Roper, who was Treasurer from 1978 until 1994, and his son-in-law, W.Bro. Fred W Barker-Cox, who from 1956 until 1984 held the position of Secretary. The Ward family link with Clifton can be traced to 1946, when W.Bro. Leonard. E Ward was initiated. W.Bro. Ward twice went through the chair of Clifton, the first time in 1958 and the second time in 1963 when he initiated his younger brother, W.Bro. John H Ward. W.Bro. Richard A Williamson must also be counted as a member of the Ward family, being brother-in-law to W.Bro. Leonard. E. Ward. The Pollards are a two-generation Clifton family with W.Bro. Ernest P Pollard being initiated in 1934 and his son, W.Bro. Gordon B Pollard, initiated in 1965. W.Bro. Francis J E Woodward, initiated his son and son-in-law, Bro. John P Woodward and Bro. John A Higton, at a joint ceremony in 1972.. Father and Son W.Bro. Derek and W.Bro. Tony Lincoln are both past masters of the Lodge. Other Father and Son relationships were Mark and Robert Hinchcliffe and Thomas and Michael Wheeler. The most recently forged family links are those of Brothers. Matt and Simon Branch, Uncle and Nephew Paul and David Thornhill and W.Bro. Mike P Sycamore, who initiated his Nieces spouse, Bro. Peter J Marshall whilst acting as JD in December 2017.

20 Hospitality and Special Occasions Clifton Lodge is known throughout the Province for its high standard of hospitality and the excellence of its festive board, and indeed this has always been the case. The responsibility of keeping standards up on this front at present is very ably managed by the Secretary, W.Bro. Mike G Upton In the past, however, the Stewards have played a greater active part in dealing with the catering arrangements. The very first Senior Steward, W.Bro. Percy Rushton (JM), who was installed in that position on 1st January 1926, took his duties very seriously, for it was he who, on the very night he was installed as Senior Steward, stage-managed the first 'Baronial Night,' a tradition which many readers will remember to this day. The dinner, consisting of soup, vol au vents, half a duck, plum pudding, cheese and coffee, was cooked at the Rushton’s home, using pots and pans borrowed from the Nottingham Masonic Hall and transported to the Beeston Hall. This must have been a tremendous task when it is realised that as many as 200 would attend this most popular of nights at Clifton Lodge. Much of the food for Baronial Night in those days would be donated by the Brethren and indeed in the course of the investigations into the origin of Baronial Night it has been said that "It was all made possible by Brotherly love!" From the earliest days Baronial Night provided a chance for Brethren to indulge in fancy dress, and although the black paper top hats of yesteryear were exchanged for plastic bowlers, Brethren continued to smoke shag tobacco in Churchwarden pipes, wear the red neckerchiefs, enjoy their ale in pint pots, and all this in a Christmassy, candle-lit atmosphere of tables bedecked with holly and winter twigs. It is remembered that W.Bro. Rushton, even when a Past Master of the Lodge, would be called upon at the Baronial Night dinner to act as Senior Steward, and donning chef's hat and white apron, would once again oversee the traditional proceedings. Up until 1939 when the Clifton Lodge moved from Beeston to Nottingham Masonic Hall it was customary at every dinner for the Stewards of the day to carve the meat at the table. To some extent that tradition was revived, when, once each year, on what was known as 'Baron of Beef Night, W.Bro. Len E Ward, in chef's regalia, carved the beef at the table. As time moved on the Baronial night was still an important event within the Clifton lodge calendar but having to change with the times such as the indoor smoking ban prevents the ability to smoke the pipes and ensuring the newer Brethren which were normally stewards from having to work for their supper, the night changed to a roast beef carvery being served by the catering staff at Goldsmith street and a local choir providing Christmas cheer. On the Baronial night it was also traditional that the ceremony in the temple was an initiation ceremony with the new brother being welcomed by between 70 or 80 Brothers from various lodges across the province and beyond as was the draw of this unique event in the Clifton lodge calendar. As with lots of traditions that have had to change with the times, the Baronial night is no longer an event, but Clifton lodge still try to maintain our December meeting as an initiation and make the festive board appropriate to the time of year with Christmas festivities such as a traditional roast turkey dinner and Christmas carols. 25 The Hargrove Masonic Bowling Shield W.Bro. SA Hargrove, of Clifton, presented the Province with the Hargrove Masonic Bowling Shield in 1925 and this is now kept in West Bridgford Masonic Hall. The shield has been won on only two occasions by Clifton in 1970 and 1975 by W.Bro. G Allen and his partner Bro. JG Williams. Past Presidents of the Masonic Bowling Association include the following Clifton members: W.Bro. SA Hargrove in 1925, W.Bro. AO Jones in 1939 and W.Bro. CA Rigley in 1952.

24 Sporting Occasions In 1927 W.Bro. William H Stevens (F), presented a Cricket Cup to be played for annually by Clifton and the Mother Lodge, Old Priory. It is understood that many pleasant summer afternoons were spent by the Brethren at what was then Ericsson’s Sportsground, Beeston, in pursuit of the cup and it is interesting to note that save for the first two years when it was held by Old Priory, it was won alternatively by the two Lodges. After the matches, players, spectators and ladies would dine together at a local restaurant with a substantial charity collection, the universal sign of a satisfactory event, could always be relied upon! The last cup match was played in 1939 since when the cup was held by W.Bro. FL Jones, a member of the Old Priory winning team. Similarly a golf challenge cup, presented by Bro. AB Frost of Old Priory, was regularly played for between Old Priory and Clifton Lodges. Whilst the competitive cricket matches against our mother lodge in our early years are now a thing of the past the sporting traditions within the lodge continue today. With the old matches being played out for a cup, todays events are focusing more on raising money for charities where the members, family and friends can still enjoy competitive sporting events we also raise money for local charities. Events such as bike rides from Nottingham to Skegness, competitive clay pigeon shooting and more recently the annual Clifton lodge golf day. Several of the lodge members partake in the competitive masonic golf societies and we can now boast the firmly established Clifton Lodge golf day as the new sporting forte for the Lodge. The event has grown spectacularly from initially some 20 players to our most recent event were in excess of 70 players competed for both team and individual prizes. The day whilst highly competitive is also a very enjoyable one for all involved and carries on the sporting traditions that the Clifton Lodges heritage firmly established many years earlier. 21 Another tradition within the lodge was that of a ladies festival, more lately described as a ladies evening. As what appeared to be the general protocol not just within Clifton lodge but most masonic lodges of the time, the event was a very formal affair with probably little input by the ladies, who’s night it was purported to be, but followed a strict format of regular toast and speeches and the ‘Flower Song’ being sung to the principle lady of the evening and then the daunting prospect of having to make reply, Clifton lodge has moved with the times to make these evenings less formal and therefore more enjoyable for all concerned. Below provides a flavour of how the ladies evenings would generally have gone in times gone by. The first festivals were held at the Mikado Cafe in Nottingham, then later moved to the Victoria Hotel and in 1971 to the Belgrave Suite at the Nottingham Masonic Hall. It is remembered that in years past Brethren would attend the reception wearing full Masonic regalia and after the meal the Worshipful Master's song would be sung, but a directive from Grand Lodge discontinued this procedure for the reason that nonmasons were present. Up until 1957 a drinks table would be set up at the reception where guests would help themselves to sherry from an arrangement of glasses spelling out the name 'Clifton Lodge', this was discontinued on the grounds of expense! Clifton lodge is fully aware of the need to move with the times and accept that certain traditions such as the ladies evening needs to adapt to cater for a younger membership and relevant to today’s trends. The ladies evening is now an event where they can indeed have their own choice of how they wish the evening to be run with as much or as little formalities as they prefer, hopefully making it a much more enjoyable experience for all concerned. The ladies evening has also moved away with the tradition of the event being held at the Masonic hall’s Belgrave suite and in recent years the evening being held at Wollaton Park Golf Club, The Cosy Club (previously The Victoria Club) on Victoria Street and Portland colleges banqueting suite. After dinner entertainment has always been another particular feature of Clifton Lodge meetings, although it is now limited. In years gone by musical entertainment was frequently given by three very well-known singers, Bro. Mark Mellors (JM), Bro. Sam Mellors, Bro. Unwin of Sheffield, and on one memorable occasion by members of the Doyle Carte Opera Company. Clifton lodge is always looking for ideas to ensure that our members along with family and friends can enjoy each other’s company outside of the normal lodge meeting and festive board. Several social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and greyhound racing are important aspects of the lodges current social calendar. We can be assured with such enthusiasm for these events the lodge will move forward in the next 100 years ensuring enjoyment outside of our regular Lodge meetings for many years to come.

22 50th Anniversary Address by W.Bro Leslie J Mitchell (Hon) PGSwdB / DepPrGM on the occasion of the 2nd October 1975 The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, replying to the toast to Grand Lodge, proposed by the Worshipful Master, thanked the members of CliŌon Lodge for their princely hospitality and the Lodge on a aƩaining its fiŌieth birthday which has been celebrated in such a memorable style, both by the work in the Lodge room and by the table and entertainment provided. . He said he has already spoken warmly of the excellence of the work undertaken in the Lodge Room and nothing he could say now could would add to the words he had used at the conclusion of the seven lectures. He had had the opportunity of reading the history embodied in the booklet prepared by W.Bro. Francis JE Woodward. He would like to pay tribute to the depth of research and the excellent way he had siŌed the whole of fiŌy years into a compact, readable and warm document. He also thanked the Secretary, W.Bro. Fred W Barker-Cox for bearing the brunt of the arrangements of this evening. The booklet covered the work of the Lodge during the past half century and set out clearly the ideals laid down by its founders and the way in which their standards had been maintained over the 50 years of history celebrated tonight. That is very proper. It is interesƟng however to consider what has happened in the world during the past 50 years. We have seen almost a social revoluƟon and the changes are sƟll conƟnuing but at an accelerated rate. It is useful to recall that from 1918, the end of the First World War to 1922, 10 lodges were consecrated in this Province and a similar upward curve is recorded in every Province throughout the country and the world. In 1922 there was a lull and the next Lodge to be consecrated in our Province was CliŌon, 1925. In those years we had enjoyed the joy and excitement which followed the end of the War, but there was already rumbles of trouble in the industrial world and in the following years, 1926, we had the first General Strike and although it was quickly seƩled, industrial trouble, unemployment, low wages and a depression conƟnued for the next 8 years. By the end of that Ɵme the country was again enjoying an arƟficial measure of prosperity with low prices, beƩer employment, but compared with today's condiƟons and prices, dramaƟcally cheap condiƟons in which to live and prosper. In 1939 we had the second world war and for the next 6 or 7 years Masonry was again at a standsƟll. That standsƟll is illustrated in no beƩer way than by reminding you that this Masonic Hall received a direct hit in an air raid over Noƫngham and for some Ɵme was out of commission unƟl temporary repairs could be undertaken. We had to put up with difficult working condiƟons unƟl the end of the war, and unƟl it was our turn to have the Hall reinstated by the Government when such work became a possibility. 23 From that Ɵme to the beginning of the 70s, we enjoyed another period of almost exuberant prosperity, where easy money was made, speculaƟon was rife. It was a world for looking aŌer number one, and a scramble for the good things in life. At the same Ɵme there was a dramaƟc fall in the way in which young people and older people, treated the established order of society. During the whole of that long Ɵme the Members of CliŌon Lodge have remained firm to their principles. That is a great source of pride, not only to this Lodge, but to the Province. He went on to say that the record of the past 50 years was now history. No organisaƟon, no insƟtuƟon and no Province could live on past history. The reputaƟon of a Lodge built up over half a century was a good basis to start the next half century, but it did no more than encourage the present members to further efforts to preserve the principles we stand for in Freemasonry in this country. He said that in his opinion the next 50 years would be a further and greater test of the integrity of Freemasonry. InflaƟon was creaƟng problems in all Lodges and in the Province and in Grand Lodge. We must try to control the cost of Masonry to our members because we really cater for two separate groups of Brethren. First there is the older brother on a fixed pension and liƩle hope of implemenƟng his income to meet the desperate effects of inflaƟon. The second group is the younger brother who had ever increasing expense at home, in his employment, and in his living condiƟons. It is vital that the cost of Masonry is kept as low as possible to the advantage of our old and trusted elder brethren. It is equally vital that the younger man, and parƟcularly new candidates do not find the cost of Masonry beyond their reasonable competence. The future of Freemasonry depends almost enƟrely on new members and the younger they are in years the beƩer for a Lodge and Freemasonry as a whole. We have just got to face up to changing condiƟons of this world and do our best to cope with these condiƟons in order that the basic principles laid down in our consƟtuƟon and land marks are unchallenged, unchanged and a bulwark in this changing society. Your Founders coped with a depression, a world war, and so far, with the terrible effects of inflaƟon, I feel certain the members of this Lodge have the guts and determinaƟon to see that CliŌon Lodge in the next 50 years is as successful as it has been in the past, and in that effort I wish you well.