North Harrow with The Guards

As if we hadn't had enough of singing,we were out again on Tuesday evening.

This time we were invited to the Household Cavalry Christmas Carol Service again at the Guards' Chapel. 

Both our WM, W.Bro. Vaughan Coleridge-Matthews and myself along with our respective partners had the pleasure of attending the service which was graced with the presence of top brass from the Blues and Royal and the Life Guards along with troops from their respective regiments.

By now we were very well aquainted with the words of the traditional carols, many of which we remembered vividly from our school days. These were interspersed with readings from the Bible and Christmas carols sung by the Group 'Blake'.

The 700 seat Chapel was beautifully flood lit and was completely full for the splendid event.

Another fine evening as we continue to get into the Spirit of Christmas.

Our Newest Master Mason

On the 20th of November our newest member, Bro. Srdjan was raised to the sublime Degree of a master mason at an excellent ceremony carried out in part and in an exemplary manner by the Provincial DepPGM at a regular meeting of Middlesex St.David's Lodge in Harrow District Masonic Centre. This was an important part of Srdjan's Masonic career as he was only initiated into North Harrow Lodge last May and passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft at a meeting in Twickenham of Wyke Green Lodge in September. This followed his initial enquiry a year ago through the Social Media site Twitter and to mark the occasion 6 of his Twitter Masonic "followers" travelled from far and wide, (well, Essex & Bucks) and took time out of their day to attend the ceremony and the subsequent Festive Board. Social Media has shown to be an important tool in recruitment for North Harrow Lodge, as over half of our recent 18 initiates have been secured through either our website or Twitter. A true testament to the power of websites and Social Media as a tool for recruitment and long may it continue.

Middlesex Masons on Show

There are very few times that Freemasons wear their full regalia in public. The Middlesex Provincial Service of Thanksgiving was one of these times. It was held on Sunday 3rd November at St. Alban's where in excess of 600 Freemasons in full regalia with their partners and guests packed the ancient Cathedral for the Service. Over 20 North Harrow members and guests turned out to experience a great ceremony. We also had the honour of seeing our newest Entered Apprentice, Bro Shaun Dias, who was nominated to carry the VSL in procession, carry out his duties impeccably. Middlesex prides itself on the quality of it's ceremonial and organisation all of which was perfect .Well Done Guys !!!

Excellent

Middlesex Freemasons will remember them

Pictures from 2012

On the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh month, we will remember those who have given their lives in conflicts throughout the world. However, Remembrance Sunday this year is on the 10th November and  members of the Middlesex Provincial Executive will be attending various ceremonies throughout the Province to lay wreaths on behalf of Middlesex Freemasons. I personally will be at the Pinner Memorial in the High Street along with many other Freemasons to support our Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Roger Croome. A list of all the venues, times and names of the Executive members attending are on our website that can be viewed by following the link http://bit.ly/1doz0QI Why not come along and support !!!!

Our Retention Policy guides us forward

Speak to any Freemason and the subject will normally come round to membership numbers (or lack of them). How can they be increased and if you do, What are you doing about retention. This is something North Harrow has had to address mainly due to the exceptional increase in our numbers, namely 18 initiates over the last three years, these have been obtained firstly through our website and latterly from the referrals of those new members.

We have now acknowledged that something had to be done to make sure we manage these new masons in a way that we maintain their enthusiasm and recognise their potential.

So last January, at a G.P. Committee meeting, it was decided that we should agree to a recruitment and retention policy and put into action a strategy to enthuse and retain our existing members.

Over the previous year we had helped other Lodges by giving them almost thirty 2nd and 3rd degree Ceremonies when they had no work themselves, this had proved very successful in forging links and friendships and an opportunity to see some outstanding ritual.

A Father brings in his Son

However, it was recognised that for three years we had performed double initiations at every regular meeting and there was a chance that the existing membership could get bored with just seeing only initiation ceremonies in the Lodge.
We already had scheduled double initiations for each of our meetings in January, March and May this year and have a waiting list of 4 candidates, so with the vast majority of our new brethren having completed their 3rd degree, we were in a position to instigate a change for the forthcoming season. Following a Committee meeting in July a Recruitment and Retention Policy was actioned. To this end, the following strategy was agreed  and implemented.

1. For the time being, any potential candidates referred from our Website or Social Media presence will be introduced to another Lodge for their consideration.
2.  To restrict our intake to a maximum of two candidates a year to referrals by existing Lodge members only, providing that the Proposer has known the candidate for at least a year and the Seconder for six months.
3.  Freemasons wishing to join North Harrow as joining members will be required to attend four regular meetings as guests before their registration form is read.
4. To perform all three degrees at our own regular meetings during the year.
5. To assign Mentors to ALL lay brethren, who will maintain regular contact with their charges, encourage their inclusion in the ceremonies by giving them the opportunity of presenting short pieces of ritual in the Lodge. To encourage their attendance at Lodge of Instruction meetings and their involvement in social activities and subsequently report their recommendations as to the progress,ability and well being of their charges to the Lodge Committee from time to time.
6. To appoint a Social Secretary to arrange social activities and outings throughout the year to include partners/wives.
7. To maintain / forge links with other Lodges and encourage our members to visit wherever possible.
8. Progression in the Lodge will be by merit and ability, whilst taking into mind age, work commitments and attendance at Lodge of Instruction.
9. No pressure will be exerted on any member to progress before they are willing to do so.

We believe that these agreed strategies / procedures that are now in place will endeavor to enthuse the new and existing members and keep them involved in the Lodge workings and most importantly, feel a part of the North Harrow Lodge ‘family’

Watch for QCs at GQS

The Great Entrance 

Since being appointed to Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works at the Provincial meeting in May, I have made a point during my year of active office of promoting the Province of Middlesex in as many ways as possible. The first was to acquire (my grateful thanks to W.Bro Ian Ferguson) a Provincial flag and fly it from our chartered yacht in July whilst sailing along the south coast crewed by a number of North Harrow Lodge members and the second is to attend the Quarterly Communications of Grand Lodge whenever possible. This event is a great opportunity to meet and catch up with Masonic friends from other parts of the country. Such an event was held again this morning at Freemasons' Hall starting at 11.30 am. A bit early for some and an exercise for those travelling from far afield.

Myself with Dave Luckins (MetGSuptWks)
and Kent Club Members and others

However, this morning I had decided to make the effort, brave the scrum on a ThamesLink train to St.Pancras and travel into London early in order to meet a few of the Masonic "Twitterati"  ( 1111 followers on Twitter) and others for breakfast at The Shakespeare's Head in Holborn. There on table 10 we were able to pass an hour or so chatting whilst tucking  into Sausage, Bacon and Eggs and several mugs of tea before it was time to cross the road  and make our way to Great Queen Street for the Quarterly Communications which this meeting was chaired by The Pro Grand Master. The ceremonial work was of the highest standard as you would expect. The meeting was attended by numerous Grand Masters of District Grand Lodges from America, Monaco, Africa and Serbia (I may have forgotten a few) to say the least and t here was also an excellent and informative presentation on dementia and its various conditions. Then at the stroke of 1 pm it was all over for another couple of months, we said our goodbyes and made a move back home or across the road to the pub. Roll on the next one on 11th December.

Fete and Fortune

The "A" Team

For over 20 years, North Harrow Lodge has supported the Middlesex Provincial Family Fete. This year was no exception. The organisation by the Fete Committee this year was second to none. They had erected a large Marquee to house our BBQ. I had arrived at about 8am followed shortly by a number of our members who proceeded to fire up the BBQs and before long we were cooking . A favourite in the early morning has always been our bacon butties and not many can resist the smell of bacon sizzling on a grill.

Calm Seas & Following Winds

Promoting Middx Freemasonry

The day had arrived. It was Thursday 11th July and it was time for months of planning to come into action for The North Harrow Sailing extravaganza . 9 of us were scheduled to arrive at Hamble Point Marina at various times during the afternoon and evening.

Solent and Beyond

As an update... we now have both a full compliment of 9 crew and a Middlesex Provincial flag which we will proudly fly from the boat.           Video for iPhone/iPad via YouTube Sailing the Solent 2012

 
We have only 3 weeks to go to the North Harrow Sailing Week-End and we're all set for a great time with a bit o' good old masonic bonding thrown in for good measure, well on a 47' yacht there's not a lot of space for 8 burly ship-mates to do anything less. However, we do have one spare berth, so if anyone would like to grasp the nettle and join us for the four days, from Thursday evening 11th - Monday afternoon the 15th July, you would be more than welcome and be part of our motley crew, no previous experience need as we have an experienced skipper , who as it happens is also our Master Elect, to look after your safety and comfort and maybe bring you a cup a tea in bed. (well if you believe that you'll believe anything) All you've got to do is stump up the £260 for the four days slip on a pair of shorts and slap on a bit of sun cream and you're set ...
 Just contact me on the link if you are interested....
Also, we are looking to borrow or buy a Middlesex Provincial Flag to hang from the mast.
If anyone knows where I may find one please contact me
p.s. Middlesex Provincial Office doesn't have one.

In the absence of our own !! We will fly other Province's Flags for a £20 donation which we will give to charity and take photographs as proof!!

We continue to Spread the Word

For the second time in a year we have been fortunate to have a piece published in FreemasonryToday, the official magazine of the United Grand Lodge of England. This time it was an update on our successful membership drive, which I hope other Lodges who are experiencing a membership problem, like we were, to take inspiration.

The online version of the magazine is available by clicking on the link above and our letter has been published on Page 76

Since submitting the letter, we have continued to move forward with our membership and have a further 5 candidates waiting to be initiated in 2014.

It shows that there are potential candidates out there...... You just need to find them..... 

D-Day at East India Club

Here we go again !! Lunch at the East India Club.... Its a hard life, but someone's got to step up to the mark....
What a great sunny day it was, not like the same day in 1944 (so I was told) the day started by my usual trip on the Met Line from Pinner, where I sat near this Guide dog that was enjoying a day out with his master, oblivious to the sounds and people crowding the carriage who merely stepped over him.

The Menu

Gradation Lodge Members

Then after a quick change onto the jubilee line, I got off at Green Park , where it was a short walk to the club which is situated in the corner of  St. James' Square.
 June 6th 1944 was D-Day and for many years Ted Bentley has commemorated the day by attending a Luncheon at the Club. Ted was only 21 years of age at the time and was operating one of the Landing craft that was to carry troops onto Juno beach and his memories of the day are fixed in his mind and it was fascinating to hear him recount what went on, he had also obtained a copy of the Official Orders for the attack and was able to read them out after the meal.

W.Bro Ted (right)

Ted celebrated his 90th Birthday a couple of weeks ago and was expecting 4 friends to join him again this year for the lunch. However, he didn't expect 8  from his own Lodge and  4 members of North Harrow Lodge to be there.Thank you Ted for allowing us to be part of your special day.

The Canadian Room

Another great afternoon was had by all

Pinner Fair 700 years on

Personally , I'm not a great lover of fairs, however, I do like tradition.

The first Wednesday after the May bank holiday heralds an amazing spectacle and just for one day and for 24 hours, the Fun Fair rolls into the quiet leafy village of Pinner where the massive lorries and rides maneuver themselves to within feet of the shops on both sides of the streets.The street fair dates back to the 14th century when it was given a Royal Charter to enable it to be held at the same time in Pinner each year in perpetuity. If they fail to arrive, the charter fails and they would not be able to come ever again. Somehow, I believe Harrow Council wishes that would happen. Over the last few years, health and safety and security has been high on the agenda and this year was no exception as I noticed cctv overlooking most of the streets and although it rained on the day it didn't stop thousands of people enjoying themselves.Then at 10.30pm and in a blink of an eye, they had gone, well , for another year. Tradition lives on !!!

                                          

Practice Makes a Perfect Meeting

My surrogate initiate, who
can keep a secret

As I was to initiate one of the candidates at the meeting, I had spend hours beforehand  running through the ritual . (As you do) Charlie, (Every Mason should have one) my surrogate candidate didn't seem to mind, he's heard it so many times before and has never corrected me onc , so I must be pretty good and practice makes perfect.The Thursday before the meeting I had turned up at the Harrow Centre early to interview another couple of prospective initiates.( that makes 35 in three years). Good ehh!!!

Middlesex ProPGM Speaks Up

The ProPGM's Address for PGO Club on 4^thApril 2013

Good Evening Brethren,

 Picture courtesy of Pglm.org.uk

How nice to see so many of you here today for this very special evening.  I’ve always liked these meetings because they give me the chance to meet with all of you, the senior members of the Province who are actually interested in what is going on in the Province.

£160,000 from Middlesex Freemasons

How nice it is to meet like minded people. Last week was no exception, as it marked the occasion of the Annual AGM of the MGO & PGO Club (Middlesex Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers') and where almost a full capacity of 280 members attended.
The club meets twice a year and enables Provincial Officers (Past & Present) to informally get together over a drink and an exceptionally good meal and where on that evening we had the pleasure of the company of a number of representatives of non masonic Middlesex charities in order to present them with a substantial amount of money.

Making Visiting Work

Over the last few months we have been fortunate to have had a number of Middlesex Lodges perform ceremonies on our behalf and it's always great to get positive feed back.

Our candidate and his father

So, on one of my recent tours of Masonic websites, I came across this entry on the website of Middlesex St.Andrews Lodge No.8897. A Lodge with great traditions and ritual, who recently performed a Raising ceremony for one of our members.
The text was as follows:
"Many thanks go to North Harrow Lodge No. 6557 for giving a purpose to our meeting on 22nd March 2013. Bro. James Flood was raised by Middlesex St. Andrews and proved to be an exceptional candidate. Our March meeting was looking pretty grim a couple of months ago but with the assistance and co-operation of North Harrow Lodge, this meeting proved to be a pleasant change. One sour note (from our point of view) was the Festive Board, where the North Harrow visitors managed to walk off with all of the raffle prizes, which included some exceptional bottles of whisky!"

Their Secretary

Their W.M 

The hospitality shown to the six North Harrow visitors by Middlesex St.Andrews was exceptional, even though we did win three bottles of malt whisky and a bottle of wine ! Oopps !! Thank you from all at North Harrow !!!

A Time for Reflection

Howard

A year has passed and I thought It's time to reflect on the work that has been achieved with the help of many of the Masonic Lodges in the Province of Middlesex.
Over the last twelve months North Harrow Lodge has performed ELEVEN  initiations, ONE passing and TWO Raisings and welcomed into our fold a further THREE Joining Members.

James & his Father Richard

FOUR other Middlesex Lodges namely Hegeston 5220 (3), Haste Hill 7592 (2), Campbell 1415 (2) and Hercies 9651, have performed EIGHT Ceremonies of Passing on our behalf and a further SEVEN Lodges namely  Middx St.Davids 5460 (2), Syon 7394, Wealdstone 5236, Middx St.Andrews 8897, Wembley 2914, The Hale 5141 and Sudbury 4529, have performed EIGHT Ceremonies of Raising for us.

Feliciano

Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to these Lodges for performing some outstanding rituals, extending the hand of friendship and have ultimately helped us to clear the THIRTY ceremonies that we had projected at the start of 2012. (Photographs are of some of this year's Master Masons in no particular ) and what a great bunch they are!!!!

The Sec with Navin

That has also meant that we have made over THIRTY visits to other Lodges in the last year and built a friendship that, I am sure, will last well into the future. My special thanks must also go to our Worshipful Master W.Bro Terry Clayfield who has accompanied me on most occasions in support of our candidates.
Our TEN new Master Masons continue to impress us.  ALL have taken an office in the Lodge which range from Stewards to SD and play an active part in the ceremonies, festive boards and Lodge of Instruction meetings.

Feliciano & Rimal

It has enthused the membership and empowered the new brethren to progress.
Now we look forward to the future and have another THREE initiations scheduled and a total of THIRTEEN 2nd and 3rd Degrees outstanding.

Aamir, Our W.M  & Howard

Simon & Guy (VO)

From November last year, we have also continued to share our success with others by passing TEN Candidates for initiation to NINE Lodges.
70% of our initiates have come through our website or Social Media and the rest through their respective connections.
Lets hope that our success in membership will encourage more Lodges to embrace the Internet as a tool in recruitment.