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By admin, 6 December, 2011 12:33 AM

After a few false starts and a delay of suitable dates because of inclement weather and family illnesses W. Bro. D. Stuart Cummins finally presented a Jubilee Certificate to W.Bro. Ron Thurston on behalf of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.

W. Bro. Thurston recalled his career in RAF training units, a navigation course in London soon relocated to Blackpool. Flying in Blenheim bombers and then to an Operations Training Unit at Marston Moor. From there he moved to Lissett on the East Coast to fly as a navigator / air gunner on Halifax Bombers for 158 Bomber Squadron. On his 31st mission over Berlin his aircraft was shot down and he was lucky to escape from the burning plane by parachute.

He was captured and served almost 2 years in Prison of War Camps, mainly in Stalag IVB.

They were liberated by the Russians but then held prisoners by them. Three escaped and finally made their way across the Moder river to the American lines.

Three years ago he received a letter from a German historian stating that they had located the remains of his aircraft near Berlin and photographs were sent to him.

He went on to recount how he entered into the property business having been studying for a surveying course before the war.

W.Bro. Thurston was initiated into the Lodge of Charity on 13th January 1961 by Jack Hicks WM and was passed 10th February and raised 12th May in the same year. He was Worshipful Master in 1974-75 and held almost all the Offices in the Lodge. He was promoted first to P.P.D.G.D. of C, in 1984 and to P.P.J.G.W. in 1989.

W. Bro. Cummins asked if he thought Freemasonry had changed since he joined, he said he felt that in the early years after the war many members were from a service background and there was considerable camaraderie.

W. Bro. Thurston went on to mention his family, wife Peggy and daughters Christine and Audrey and of the tragic loss of two grandsons in recent years.

W. Bro. Thurston on receiving his Certificate thanked the Brethren of the Lodge for their support and for the support he has had from Freemasonry from the people he has met and the Lodges he has visited.

The WM thanked W. Bro. Thurston for recalling his history and Masonic career and presented him with a gift from the members of the Lodge.

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By admin, 3 November, 2010 11:52 PM

The following regular meeting times and focus have changed.

On Friday 12th November the Lodge will now tyle at 12.30 pm followed by a light lunch. Commencing at 7.00 pm there will be a Ladies Evening.

The meeting on 14th January 2011 will now be the Installation of D. Stuart Cummins as Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Team will be in attendance to perform the Installation. It is planned that the Installation Ceremony will start at 6.30 pm.

At the 11th February meeting we will now celebrate W. Bro. Thurston’s 50 years as a Freemason.

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By admin, 18 October, 2010 12:20 AM

Following on from our Installation Ceremony on 8th October 2010, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended and helped to make it such an enjoyable and memorable night. It was a pleasure to welcome our Provincial Representative, Worshipful Brother Judge Lawton, my new colleagues of the South East Corner, all our guests (both from England and Scotland) and indeed all the members of the Lodge of Charity 4105.

I was touched to receive the engraved gift from the Master and Brethren of Lodge St Clair of Dysart No. 520, S.C.

I am particularly grateful to my Installing Master and Director of Ceremonies for their hard work and perfect ritual. Both the outgoing Officers and my newly appointed Officers were all second to none. W. Bro Paul Tottle and W. Bro Stuart Cummins made sure that the preparations were just right. Brother John Tilley worked tirelessly to keep everyone refreshed and the Supt. of Works, W. Bro Alan Miller, had the Lodge and Rose Bowls looking splendid. I would also like to thank W. Bro Stephen Bell and his lovely wife Lauren for the beautiful flower arrangements. Our Stewards, Dawn and Andrew ensured that our Festive Board was up to their usual excellent standards.

The music and harmony was provided by our very own W. Bro. Michael Woodward and W. Bro David Austin to a very high standard. I hope no-one has been left out, if they have, then please forgive me.

Geraldine and myself are looking forward to a busy, successful and happy year for the Lodge of Charity 4105.

 John Plant

Worshipful Master