BP Quarterly - Page 2

Text Box: I wish to thank the ceremonial team and members of the Lodge who have volunteered to support the various committees of the Lodge. Many hands will make light work and this will enable a greater number of members participating in the running of the Lodge. I am looking forward to a busy and rewarding year in the Chair as Master and sharing those rewards with all the members of the Lodge. We have many challenges ahead of us in meeting the requirements of the Lodge Renewal Programme and Accreditation. I am confident we will achieve our objectives in the given time and we will reap the benefits of growth and development within the Lodge. Many of the new Committees to meet these challenges are established and I wish them success in the exciting year ahead. Graham White

Page 2

B.P. Quarterly

“Freemasonry & Scouting – A Journey through time”

The meeting was held at the Chelmsford Temple, a part of the Chelmsford County Hotel. Entry to the Temple is through the side entrance of the hotel and not very evident. Both the Temple and the County Hotel are very old and of Elizabethan style construction.

Attendance at the meeting was 130 of which only 13 were not in uniform. These included the Provincial Grand Lodge Team.

The meeting was opened, then the Master declared a “Call off”. Members of the Venturer Lodge gave a presentation on the similarities between Freemasonry and Scouting. The presentation was punctuated with campfire and show time songs. The singing enabled all Freemasons attending to join in the presentation, “Freemasonry and Scouting – A journey through time”. Special guest Michael Baden-Powell had a major part in the presentation.

The Master then declared a “Call On” and closed the meeting accordingly.

Text Box: On David Wain’s last night he reflected on his year as Master and said he was very fortunate to have some degree work, successful social functions and a lot of support from the brethren of the Lodge. David started his year with a Re-Enactment of the Consecration of the Lodge conducted by the Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. Bruce E. Bartrop, as a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Lodge. This was followed by the Installation of David into the Master’s Chair by the Deputy Grand Master, R.Wor. Bro. Garry J. Sebo. This was not the only milestone celebrated in David’s year. The 21st Australian Jamboree was held at the Elmore Field Day site in January 2007 which commenced the 100 Years of World Scouting celebrations in Australia. For the first time, the Baden Powell Lodge received dispensation to hold a Masonic meeting at the Jamboree site. Over 140 members and visitors, including the Grand Master wearing Scout Uniform, attended the meeting at which Bro. Alston Park, OAM, Chief Commissioner, Scouts Australia - Victorian Branch, was presented with the Grand Master’s Order of Service. David enjoyed the company of members of the Mountaineers master’s Group and has developed close and long term relationships with many Masters in his group.

Following the presentation in the Temple I was given the privilege of presenting the framed scarf and badges from the Australia Jamboree to the Worshipful Master of the Venturer Lodge. This gift was very well received and attracted a great deal of interest by everyone attending the jamboree meeting.

This meeting certainly made everyone feel privileged to belong to two of the most revered organisations in the world, that being Freemasonry and Scouting. Members attending our uniform night in February 2008 will be able to enjoy parts of this wonderful presentation.

Graham White