Provincial
Grand Lodge for Shropshire
Welcome to Freemasonry in Shropshire
RESEARCH FUNDED BY THE MASONIC GRAND CHARITY COULD LEAD TO POTENTIAL CURE FOR AGE-RELATED DEAFNESS
Over
9 million people are affected by age-related hearing loss in the UK,
with over half of people aged 60 and above affected in some way.
Since 2006 the Freemasons' Grand Charity has funded Deafness Research UK
with £180,000 to carry out research by David Furness at Keele
University. The researchers at Keele are now attempting to grow new
replacement fibrocyte (stem) cells inside the the ear - the first study
of its kind in the world. For more information click on
this link.
PETER ALLAN TAYLOR APPOINTED AS PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER FOR SHROPSHIRE
Peter Allan Taylor was appointed the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Shropshire at
a ceremony held at Harper Adams University College on the 9th July 2011. He previously held the position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
£5000 GIVEN TO PARKINSON'S UK
A cheque for £5,000 was given to
Amanda Elliot of Parkinson’s UK (West Midlands) by Peter Taylor, the Provincial Grand Master
for Shropshire on behalf of the Masonic Grand Charity, as part of a £250k award nationally. The intention is to benefit local branches of the charity in their work.
Click
here for more pictures. More information on the work of Parkinson's UK available at
www.parkinsons.org.uk.
MASONIC FISHING CHARITY LAUNCHED IN SHROPSHIRE
A new charitable venture by Freemasons in Shropshire was launched on Wednesday 10th August [2011] at Dearnford Lake, Whitchurch. Sixteen disadvantaged young people enjoyed a day’s fishing with the help and support of enthusiasts from the Masonic Fishing Charity. Although the
organisation has been in existence for some years and is now operating in 24 counties throughout the U.K., this is the first meeting to be held in Shropshire. The driving force behind the initiative is Freemason Peter Robinson of St Alkmund Lodge 2311, who has recently moved into the area from Cheshire.
“The aim of the charity is to provide disadvantaged youngsters with a special day out where they can enjoy fishing, food, friendship and fun in pleasant outdoor surroundings. The event began early as the young people were shown what to do and if necessary given assistance by one of our volunteers. It concluded with a presentation of certificates and medals to all who have taken part by the newly appointed Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire, Peter Allan Taylor. The event has been funded and the staffing organised by Freemasons from Shropshire and beyond.”
The youngsters were ably assisted by ‘casters’, Masonic and non-Masonic, with the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master Roger Pemberton and his wife Monica each taking a very active part, and Peter Taylor, James and Julie Hodgson in relaxed mode looking on and having a go. We can report that some rainbow trout were caught (if you want to know how big, you will need to ask the fishermen!), and despite one or two quite heavy showers, a great time was had by all. Peter Robinson was delighted with the result, but for future meetings hopes that he will be able to call on more Shropshire fishing masons to assist. He can be contacted on 01948 780218 or via St Alkmund lodge.
Details of the organisation, including the itinerary of a typical day, can also be found on the website www.mtsfc.org.uk.
FREEMASONRY IN SHROPSHIRE
There are thirty-three Craft Lodges set among Housman's "blue remembered hills". The oldest of these, Salopian Lodge number 262, was founded in 1788, and counted Thomas Telford among its members. The most recent, West Mercia Lodge number 9719, was founded in the year 2000.
The link for 'Craft Lodges' gives a list of all the lodges in Shropshire. Clicking on each lodge name will give you details of its whereabouts, meeting dates and lodge Secretary contact details. Lodges can be found across the County and there will almost certainly be one within easy reach of where you live.
The booklet 'Becoming a Mason' published by the United Grand Lodge of England can be downloaded and read at leisure. The 'Frequently Asked Questions' link addresses many of the questions that are usually asked by non Masons who are thinking about joining Freemasonry.
If you are considering joining Freemasonry make contact with either Dave Kettle, the Provincial Grand Secretary whose details are on the 'Contact' link or the lodge secretary of one of the Lodges near you. All lodges have a 'Gentleman's Evening' once a year which prospective candidates can attend to get a better idea of what Freemasonry is about and chat with other Masons over a very pleasant evening meal.