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Footnote of history
Regarding the item “Keeping it short” (MQ, Issue No. 13) in the editorial and Quarterly Communication, as a secretary and Scribe
E of collectively 14 years experience, I wish to supply a word of caution.
Whilst no competent secretary would defend minutes that are long-winded for
the sake of it, in order to save on stationery and postage, the minutes are pruned down.
I have been a visitor at two Lodges, in which the respective secretaries were drafting Lodge histories. Both Secretaries have said that the drafting was going well, but for the period since minutes were sent
to members, the minutes are useless for
the Lodge history.
I would advocate well-written minutes being read at the meeting, and I include
an item below the WM’s signature and therefore not part of the minutes called “Footnote for posterity”.
This is not read out at meetings, but includes items such as the presentation of
a 50-year certificate to a member well into his 90s, complete with photographs, taken
at a nursing home.
Geoffrey H Newton,
Belvedere, Kent
Working with Campbell
While serving my apprenticeship at Vospers in Portsmouth, I worked with a qualified fitter with responsibility for the installation of all the electrical wiring and equipment fitted on the Bluebird on page 9 of your Campbells are Coming story (MQ, Issue
No. 13).
I was totally involved with the craft
from its concept until its departure for
Lake Coniston. Sir Malcolm autographed my works pass, signing it in the centre
of the infinity badge on the starboard
side of Bluebird, which he considered
most appropriate.
This was carried out with the craft situated on its cradle at the time of the photo, and immediately after he climbed
out from the cockpit. I still possess the
works pass, but unfortunately Sir Malcolm used ink which has subsequently faded.
M D Shapcott,
Fareham, Hampshire
Record breaker?
Is Brian Anderson a record holder in that
he has visited 1,438 Lodges in England,
154 in Scotland and 15 in Ireland as well
as 132 Chapters, 92 Marks, 40 Mariners
and 29 Knights Templar – a total of 1,908?
He was a company representative and covered much of the British Isles, and rather than sit alone in a hotel room or in the
bar – he is teetotal – he took advantage
of these many visits. He was initiated into Lodge of Remembrance No. 6319 in Northumberland, is a founder of Per
Diem Lodge No. 9638 and John Stephenson Lecture Lodge No. 9571 among others in various Degrees.
Dr D W B Hogg,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Freemasonry and religion
Thank you, Ernest Smart, for your article (MQ, issue No. 13) entitled “Faith and Freemasonry.” For some years I have had difficulty trying to explain Freemasonry to friends who have strong religious beliefs.
Your article certainly helped clear up some topics of conversation which have raised their head over the years around dinner tables, purely because I believe
these gentlemen would make fine Masons, but their religious convictions have always seemed to hold them back.
I have passed on your article, and hopefully this will put their minds to rest
and help them in deciding to join our ancient and honourable society.
Gary Cummins,
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Bill, 104, soldiers on
I was interested to read in MQ (Issue No. 12) that someone should remember that I joined Courtlands Lodge No. 6706 in 1962, when I lived in Paignton, South Devon.
However, I was initiated in United Service Lodge No. 3473 at Portland, Dorset, on 27 May 1933 – 72 years ago!
I now live in Watlington, Oxfordshire, and thanks to the help of W Bro Frank
Pate, I am now – at the age of 104 years – delighted to be able to attend as a member
of Icknield Way Lodge No. 8292 at Thame, and Oxfordshire Lodge of Service and Honour No. 9162 at Oxford.
William Stone,
Watlington, Oxfordshire
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Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
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