Devon And Cornwall Division of The Masonic and Military Order of
the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of
the Holy Sepulchre of St. John the Evangelist

A glorious autumn morning greeted us as we sojourned to the Stannary town of Bodmin for the meeting of the Conclave of Light.

The Intendant General, Deputy Intendant General, the past Deputy Grand Sovereign Rt.Em and Ven. Kt. Peter Hawken, an illumination of Grand Officers, Divisional Officers and conclave members swarmed to the hall to welcome two new knights to the order. E.Comps Brett Varker and John Hipwell.

Unfortunately, due to ill health the MPS and Eusebius were unable to be present. However, In a superb ceremony conducted by the substitute Most Puissant Sovereign MWC Oats (Bill) assisted by the substitute Ven Eusebius, P.Kt. Robin Clowes and members of the Conclave, the candidates were installed as Knight Companions. W.Kt. Paul Stevenson, as Prefect in his first ceremony in that role, conducted himself in an exemplary manner.

Constantine and KHS Certificates were presented to W.Kt. Paul Stevenson and W.Kt. Gilson Rowe by the Deputy IG Ill.Kt. John Redman and the past Deputy Grand Sovereign, Peter Hawkin.

After the festive board, the famous ‘egg and bacon pie’ provided by Mrs Trevains (wife of W.Kt. Simon Trevains) the candidates proposer R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White IG, was able to welcome and congratulate both Brett and John formally, presenting them with Divisional ties and history of the Order. He was also delighted to welcome back to the order W.Kt. Lee Taylor.

A highly successful meeting, the last before the Divisional Conclave on 7th December in Torquay, completing the year which has brought great joy and new members across the Division.

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The members of the Conclave, under the Sovereign Ill.Bro. Mark Richardson, ever mindful of the need to recruit members to the Conclave and the Order, voiced an idea to hold a ‘white table evening’. This was universally accepted by the members as a good move and supported by the Intendant General, R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas S J M White volunteering to help in any way the Conclave felt appropriate…..

The date was set for the November meeting to be held on the 5th, so the ‘gunpowder plot’ was set! All the members of the Conclave were exhorted to bring along a Companion of the Royal Arch who may be interested in joining our illustrious order, especially in Topsham.

Meanwhile, P.Kt. Andrew Yelland in June, installed his successor as Most Puissant  Sovereign P.Kt. Dr. Robert Rew who took on his part in supporting the initiative with the help of P.Kt. Andrew Yelland and the invaluable administration of Ill.Kt. Keith Lockyer the Recorder. The Conclave hosted the guests paying for food and drinks as a welcome. The Treasurer was commended for his fortitude in bearing the cost!

The night arrived with six Companions present together with a former member of the Order looking to refresh their acquaintance with the members and a joining member, Ill.Kt. David Gold, who had relocated to Devon from afar. The Conclave was opened in due form and the usual business was attended to, the MPS then ‘called off’ the Concalve from business and then invited the Companions present to join the meeting.

R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White then addressed the meeting. He gave a potted history of the development of the order, the specific precepts and tenets of the Order, the requirements for membership and some information about the Division in the form of the Divisional Leaflet and information about the charity element, all for the Companions to consider. There was a lively question and answer session before the Intendant General was thanked, the Companions were escorted from the Conclave and the MPS ‘called on’ for the completion of labour.

The discussions continued during the Festive board, the evening concluded with several of the Companions expressing their interest in pursuing membership options. The Intendant General thanked the members of the Conclave for the hard work in putting the evening together and the Companions for taking time to come and listen. The evening will prove to be a model for other such occasions run by Conclaves in the Division.

Well Done All!

R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas St John Middleton White

Intendant General – Devon & Cornwall.

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A superb festive board followed by an after party which was energised by a selection of fine Malt Whisky and some Whiskey….

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 Attach is a photograph taken following our successful meeting last night where we welcomed our distinguished visitor, R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas St. John Middleton White, Intendant General for Devon and Cornwall, as well installing our two new Knights-Companion, David Tallon and Alex Lau.

Yours in Faith, Unity and Zeal,
 

Trevor Gray, P.G.W. of R.

Recorder
Lux in Oriente Conclave No. 215
 
 

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On 27th September, at the invitation of the IG, W.KT. Darren Coleman-Heald attended the meeting of Resurrection Conclave to speak about Charities managed by MMH. Darren was delighted to attend the conclave meeting as it was the first time that a Division had invited him.
As a peripatetic Conclave this meeting was held at the newly decorated St Aubyn MH in Stoke, the ceiling in the temple is magnificent! The evening had been made ‘open’ to invited guests not members of the Order but who had connections to MMH Charities.

The talk by Darren was well received and, of course, covered The Grand Sovereigns Care for Children Fund. At the close of the meeting a proposition to make a donation of £250 to the fund was made and agreed. Darren accepted the cheque on behalf of the Grand Sovereign and the fund.

The festive board was a delicious affair, Darren commented on the extreme good value of the meal compared to ‘London prices!’.
A brilliant night made possible by the hard work of the IG and P.Kt. Andy Patterson moving furniture and affects from Mount Edgecumbe and returning them the next day.
Watch this space to see what we discovered at StAubyn.
 

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Installation at Mount Lebanon Conclave No.270 - 2nd September 2024

After the Summer recess it was wonderful to see 25 Worthy Knights sojourn to Mount Lebanon 270 (Tavistock) to celebrate the Installation on Excellent Companion David Trevain as a Knight of our Order.

The MPS, Jim Davis and his team of valient Knights put together an excellent ceremony despite apologies from a few senior and very experienced members.

A fantastic start to the new Masonic Season and for the Red Cross in particular.

A warm and hearty welcome to Worthy Knight David and we hope you enjoy your journey in Red Cross masonry

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Bernard Winsor's funeral

Family, friends and masons gathered today to pay their respects to V.Ill.Kt. Bernard Windsor and to respect departed merit.

 Tributes to Bernard were made by Oliver, Bernard’s son and Ill.Kt. Michael StJohn French. Past Deputy Captain of the Sepulchre Guard, Ill.Kt. Chris Bird and several of the Sepulchre Guard (past and present) were in attendance.

Many memories of Bernard were shared with love and humour.

Stand down now Captain, your duty is done!

In Faith, Unity and Zeal

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Emergency at St Ercus Conclave No.349

Usually one expect the term 'emergency' to indicate a crisis or catastrophe. Not in this case fortunately! St Ercus,  like many other Conclaves, is enjoying a period of steady growth in enlisting members and, faced with the possibility of keeping keen applicants waiting for a considerable time before being able to Install them, the Conclave decided to take a bold move to hold an Emergency Meeting as per the Constitutions of the Order and Division.

So on Tuesday August 6th, usually the beginning of the 'quiet' period in Masonic calendars a gathering took place in Hayle to witness and support the Installation as a Knight Companion Matt Evans.

A small, but perfectly formed, contingent of Knights descended on Hayle from the East of the Division (enjoying the speed of travel on the new road west) to meet with the members of St Ercus. The Most Puissant Sovereign, P.Kt. Peter Everest together with the Eminent Viceroy Em.Kt. Neil Hitchens welcomed the troops on a warm August evening.

Under the direction of the Deputy Captain of the Sepulchre Guard, two new members of the Guard WKts.
Mark Pearce and Peter Willoughby were on duty for the first time and performed their duties with dignity. Visitors and members alike bonded together to deliver an excellent ceremony which the candidate thoroughly enjoyed and who was keen to discover more about what he had experienced, especially the significance of the impressive triangle. (Ask later!)

We retired to the refectory to partake in a delicious and light festive board and our newly installed Knight was again made welcome, presented with a Divisional Tie and history of the order. The cohort from the east then took their leave to again enjoy the freedom of the new road watching the sun set in the west behind them. An excellent evening of great Masonic camaraderie and ritual.

Well done St Ercus for taking this bold move! - Welcome Worthy Knight Matt.

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Further to my earlier news report the funeral V.W.Bro. Bernard Dennis Winsor will be held at Torbay Crematorium on Barton Road, Torquay at 11.30 am on Thursday 15th August 2024.

Bernard’s family would like to invite all who would wish to attend for a light buffet and refreshments at the Torquay Central Conservative Club after the service.

If possible please confirm whether you will be attending the Conservative Club by either responding to this email or contacting W. Bro. Denis Holding on 07847 202 408 or 01803 392131.

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Sad news about Bernard Winsor

It is with great sadness that I have to announce that V.W.Bro.Bernard Dennis Winsor passed away today, 11th July 2024 at the age of 94.

Bernard, who was probably best known in our order as the man who formed the Sepulchre Guard in 1999 and remained as its Captain for 19 years.

He was a founder and member of The Holy Trinity Conclave No.311 for 26 years and reached the high rank of Past Grand High Almoner as well as high Ranks in many other orders.

A great character who will be sadly missed!

Funeral details to follow

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On Tuesday 9th July the divisional officers, members and guests headed to Bodmin for the Enthronement meeting. After the opening, Rt.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White entered in procession with an entourage of GIC officers including Ill.Kt. Roger Goulding resplendent in his new regalia. The baton was proffered by Ill.Kt. Wm. Oats but declined by the IG after thanking Bill for all his hard work in the conclave and across the division.

W.Kt. James (Jim) Kirby was consecrated as Viceroy and P.Kt. Jon Sheehan was enthroned as Sovereign, both in a very sincere ceremony.

The festive board was of a very high standard and delicious.

Congratulations to the new sovereign and viceroy, the conclave has candidates joining so the future looks bright.

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Despite the torrential rain that fell in Cornwall the attending Knights were warmly welcomed and enjoyed catching up with old and new friends from both Devon & Cornwall.

V.Ill.Kt. R. Freeman carried out the duties of Prelate for the 1st Point, with P.Kt. P. Johns as Prelate for the 2nd Point and Ill.Kt. P. Acland as Commander for the 3rd Point.

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Royal Citadel Conclave No.327 on Friday 28th June
Royal Citadel Conclave No.327 on Friday 28th June was a business meeting with an addendum where the IG gave a short paper relating to the reports given in Conclave and why followed by a short discourse on the subject of Mathias and his role in scripture as well as significance to the order. Another happy and informative meeting.

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Ascension Conclave No. 499 on Wednesday 19th June
To follow the previous evenings enjoyment, on Wednesday 19th was the meeting of Ascension Conclave No. 499 at South Brent. The MPS Andy Chapman welcomed the IG and deputy IG to the meeting. R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White thanked the MPS for the courtesy extended but despite the best efforts of the Sovereign he remained in the chair. A happy meeting was held and the festive board was an excellent dish of locally prepared fish and chips. There were periods of silence through the meal as all the knights savoured the meal.

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St Ercus Conclave No.349 on Tuesday 18th June
On the 18th of June the IG was delighted to be in attendance at St Ercus Conclave for the Installation of Knight Peter Keast which was performed in a fine manner by the officers of the conclave who supported the substitute MOS P.Kt. Robin Clowes. St Ercus will be conducting two more ceremonies for new knights this year. Congratulations to the conclave were afforded by the IG.

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St John the Evangelist Conclave No.238 on 7th June
On 7th June the Intendant General with an entourage attended St John the Evangelist Conclave for an official visit. The MPS Simon Bennett gave a faultless performance with the support of his officers much to the delight of the assembled knights. Congratulations to the conclave who have a strong future with some new members swelling their ranks. Well done all!

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 He was accompanied by several officers of the Division who joined with the members of the conclave to witness a faultless Installation of a knight Ceremony delivered by the MPS Simon Bennett.

The oration was given by P.Kt. Peter Johns in an exemplary fashion.

Sadly for this occasion there was no candidate but with the high standard set when a candidate does come forward they will be delighted.

An extremely good evening of ritual and company. Well done all.

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20 Knights sojurned to Topsham on the 4th of June and witness one of the very best Enthronement ceremonies for a very long time as MPS Andrew Yelland enthrhroned his successor, EmKt Robert Rew into the Chair of Constantine.

All present had a superb evening celebrating the Enthronement meeting under the watchful eye of the Dept Int General  IllKt John Redman.

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The Intendant General was on tour this week with his Divisional officers on Wednesday visiting Holy Trinity Conclave No. 311.

The MPS Ill.Kt. Orme Vince welcomed the IG and Deputy John Redman, who were escorted by the Captain of the Guard, Ill.Kt. Peter Durrant, Divisional Eusebius, Ill.Kt. Richard Thomas, the Divisional High Priest, Ill.Kt. Graham Lea and other officers of the Division.

The IG thanked the MPS for the welcome and he took the chair of the conclave to deal with the minutes and matters arising. On handing back the baton of the conclave the IG thanked Ill.Kt Orme Vince for his support for the Division and Conclave during some difficult times.

The business of the meeting was conducted with ballots for the officers for the ensuing year. P.Kt. John Bate becoming the next MPS was congratulated.

Later in the proceedings the IG then delivered two small talks about the use of the words ‘Amen’ and ‘Halleluja’ and a talk about ‘Reports and Constantine and Mathias’. These were well received.

Congratulations were given to Ill.Kt. Dr Warner Barton on his promotion to Grand High Almoner, Ill.Kt John Redman on promotion to PGStdB (C) with the hope that as many members would sojourn to London on 2nd July to see them invested. Congratulations were also given to P.Kt
Robin Clowes who is to be honoured in the Royal Arch in Cornwall as 3rd Provincial Grand Principle.

The festive board was as usual a most convivial affair, everyone departed in good spirits looking forward to the next meeting of the Conclave in September.

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Many congratulations Robin from all of us in the Red Cross Division of Devon And Cornwall!
 

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At the meeting of the Grand of the Sepulchre Guard Conclave in MMH on Saturday 4th May, R.Ill. Kt. Richard Alan Lucas had the great pleasure and honour of becoming the Viceroy.

As you can see it was a packed meeting of the Conclave with the Grand Sovereign in attendance. A lovely day inDivision  fabulous company.

Meanwhile, at Twickenham the Army and Navy were  slogging  it out on the pitch in their annual derby…..

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Yours in FUZ

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Our Intendant General, Rt.Ill.Kt. Nicholas St. John Middleton White, with our Deputy Intendant General, Ill.Kt. John Redman, led 16 worthy knights from all across our Division into the installation meeting at Barnstaple on Wednesday 17th April and were warmly welcomed by our Most Puissant Sovereign, P.Kt. Mike O'Meara.

With the assistance of V.Ill.Kt. Roy Rudling, the Divisional Marshal, P.P.S. Mike O'Meara carried out the installation of Ill.Kt. Roger Guest as Viceroy and Em.Kt. Paul Howard Baker as Sovereign.

The other business of the Conclave was then carried out and the assembled knights retired to a most enjoyable Festive Board

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April is the month where the Grand Sovereigns Conclave No. 500 meets in the Division of the MPS in the chair. This year’s meeting was held on April 9th in Surbiton (home of the sit-com The Good Life. Who can forget Felicity Kendall!?). The Masonic Hall at Surbiton is a magnificent building with several lodge rooms and associated dining and bar facilities. It also is home to many Masonic artefacts and items of interest.

R.Ill.Kt. Robert (Bob) Hancock, past IG of the Division of Surrey presided with R.II.Kt. David Palmer as Viceroy opened the Conclave welcoming the Grand Sovereign, Deputy Grand Sovereign and Grand Eusebius as well as a host of Intendants General and visitors.

The conclave moved on with familiar business to then welcome Ill.Kt. Michael Neville P.G.Orator who gave an illuminated talk entitled ‘Masons and the Evolution of Forensic Science’. He covered the development of detective science from the earliest days of law enforcement, fingerprinting, DNA and other aspects of crime solving involving Freemasons from both sides of the fence! A most enlightening talk delivered with great humour. A test followed, we did our best!

After the formal meeting we retired to the festive board before leaving on our various journeys to all parts of the empire!

Our next meeting is in October at MMH.

Photos from the Conclave at Surbiton can be seen by clicking on this link

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If you weren't at the meeting of the Conclave of Light No.498 at Bodmin on Tuesday 9th April you missed a real treat!!

Before the regular business of the Conclave, nineteen worthy knights, led by our Deputy Intendant General, Ill.Kt. John Redman (our Intendant General attending an important meeting in London) watched as two candidates, Paul Stevenson and Anthony Jones were installed as Knights of our order in a superb manner by the Sovereign of the Conclave, Ill.Kt. Michael Oates, with individual ceremonies for each candidate all of which was completed in under an hour and with word perfect ceremonies.  The oration for both Candidates was presented again in superb manner by W.Kt. Jim Kirby.

The rest of the business of the meeting was then carried out in an efficient manner with E.Kt J. Sheeham being elected, as Most Puissant Sovereign for the forthcoming year, W.Kt. J. Kirby being elected, as Viceroy for the forthcoming year, and Ill.Kt. Colin Adams being elected as Treasurer.

The knights then retired to the refectory for a most enjoyable three course lunch with short speeches and by 2:30 we were all on our way home.

There's something to be said for daytime meetings!!

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The North Devon Link Road still remains the scourge to all those who live in Barnstaple!  Every time I travel on there is yet another set of traffic lights with still no one actually doing any work on the road!

Never mind, a quick trip down the A38 and I was in South Brent.  And how nice it was to meet up again with old friends from all over Devon & Cornwall, including our own Rt.Ill. Intendant General, Rt.Ill.Kt. Nichols St. John Middleton White, our Past Intendant General, Rt.Ill.Kt. Richard Lucas, Proudly wearing his Knight Commander Constantine sash! and many other high ranking Knights.

Most Puissant Knight Andrew Chapman quickly got the meeting under way and following a warm welcome he proceeded with the business of the day.

Following the routine business a discussion then took place on the possible future of the Cocnclave.

The knights then retired for a super lunch prepared by wives of the members.

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Travelling to a visit is one of the enjoyable parts of the work of the Intendant General, having just returned from warmer climes 20 degrees C (Spain for the District of Spain Mark Meeting) the shock of the cold and wet struck home quickly. The Deputy Intendant General Ill.Kt. John very kindly collected the IG to make the journey to Tavistock. The Agenda had been to Install a Knight of the Order, unfortunately the candidate was not available. There was, however, sufficient business to fill the evening.

After the social greetings and welcome the MPS, P.Kt. Wm. Humphries (Bill), opened the Conclave in due form with the assistance of the Viceroy, Em.Kt. Jim Davies and the High Prelate (pro temps) Rt.Ill & Em. Kt. Peter Hawken MBE. The usual salutations were given, minutes dealt with, baton offered to the Intendant General and politely returned with suitable comments. There was a ballot for a joining Knight PKt Christopher Haliburton, a subscribing member of Stroud Conclave No 360. West Midlands Division. The ballot was in favour and P.Kt. Chris was welcomed into the Conclave. A further proposition was read out which means that Mount Lebanon will have two candidates to introduce to the order in the near future. Congratulations.

The Intendnt General then gave a short paper from the Lockdown Lecture Series about the Battle of Milvian Bridge and the aftermath. This was well received by the Conclave members.

The Festive board was a delicious offering of Sausages, Mash and vegetables in a rich onion gravy followed by Apple Strudel and Custard. The usual toasts were observed. The Intendant general in his response made mention of his intention that when a Knight approaches a potential candidate, after that contact the IG will follow up that contact with a personal call to the individual. He also introduced a phrase to encapsulate the energy and drive he feels for the Order and Division:

‘Par sit fortuna labori’ -  ‘let the success be equal to the labour’.       Finally he reminded the Knights present of the ‘Spring Lunch, on the 17th March at Strawberry Fields. A most enjoyable meeting at Mount Lebanon.

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Monday 6th February - From Tavistock to Topsham - St.John  the Evangelist No. 238

It was a dark and dreary night as the IG, DIG, Divisional High Prelate Ill.Kt. Graham Lee and P.Kt. Robin Clowes sped off into the night heading for Topsham. Traffic had delayed the start of the journey, which prompted a positive response from our chauffeur Ill.Kt. Peter Durrant, with others in the car trying to find contact numbers for anyone who may be at Topsham to alert them that we would be there and arriving at speed… ‘coming in hot’ I believe is the expression used in the Americas to describe a supersonic event….. We arrived with 2 minutes to tyle! Much to the relief of us all!

The MPS, Pk.Kt Andrew Yelland opened the Conclave and we were welcomed in in due form under the direction of the Marsahl, Ill.Kt. Mark Richardson. The business of the meeting was practical and managed between the Recorder, Ill.Kt. Keith Lockyer and the MPS to the point at which the Most Puissant Sovereign delivered the Oration. He did so in a near faultless manner to the delight and approbation of all members present. Officers for the ensuing year will include Em.Kt. Dr. Robert Rew as Sovereign and W.Kt. John Sheehan as Viceroy. Under the item ‘other competent business’ a discussion was held about a proposed initiative to hold a ‘white table’ event for the Conclave and the Order. This was well received by the Intendant General and will be supported b the division. Worthy Knights all, this event will occur at eh Noveber Meeting of the Concalve on Tuesday 5th November. Further details to follow from the recorder Ill.Kt. Keith Lockyer.
 

The festive board was Roast Beef of Old England with trimmings and sticky toffee pudding, suitable ballast for our wet and windy journey home at a slightly more sedate pace. ‘Par sit fortuna labori’ ‘let the success be equal to the labour’.

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January 10th 2024 was a sad day for the family and friends, as well as the Division and Freemasonry across the Provinces in general, at the funeral of Keith Barry Jackson Past IG and Grand Historiographer.

The family and friends were joined at St Mary’s Church, Plymstock, by a host of Masonic representatives from Lodges and all orders of which Keith was a member. His contribution to Freemasonry is the substance of legend, the term ‘dedicated’ was exemplified in his Masonic works in physical presence as well as the written word. He was a fount of Masonic knowledge, anyone spending time in his company could not fail to make a daily advancement!

His daughter Hilary gave a moving eulogy expounding his many virtues and characteristics of a much loved and admired man. Past Deputy Grand Sovereign, Peter Hawken, then led a tribute to a man and Mason that he first met in 1969.

Requiescat in Pace Keith. You will be missed but always remembered.

A eulogy by R.Ill. & Em.Kt. Peter Hawken, MBE

K B Jackson’s Funeral

The family has asked me to say a few words about Keith’s 58 years
in Freemasonry, as you can imagine I could go on all day talking
about all the Orders Keith has excelled in but I think I should
concentrate on Keith as a person and what he has given to all the
Masons who has come in contact with him.

Keith was an outstanding Freemason respected by the heads of all
the Orders he belonged to, fully committed to always doing his best
no matter what it was, his delivery of ritual and papers were
faultless which has set such very high standards for us all to follow
as a lot of us know having followed in his footsteps.

His knowledge of all the Orders in Freemasonry was second to non
having written “Beyond the Craft” which I am sure most masons
would have a copy, Keith was never more happier than when he
was collating a history of an Order or putting together a paper for a
Lodge, this took him to the museum at Great Queen Street ( Grand
Lodge) and Mark Masons Hall, the delivery of these papers took
him far and wide throughout the country and a considerable
amount of interest from abroad i.e. USA.

As a person he had high standards in everything he did as some will
relate during the time he was a Football Referee where no one got
away with anything, this also applied to Freemasonry where a very
senior person said to me that when they were Provincial Prior’s
together he could be quite scary, but if he accepted you as genuine
he would fall over backwards to help you, he also had a lighter side
as a number of us can relate when we travelled together the banter
at times would leave us if fits of laughter, he also enjoyed
gatherings where he could take June and later Lidia and mix socially
with the brethren and their wives.

Keith came from that era of committed Freemasons, a character
larger than life who maintained the true principles of Freemasonry
to be faithful to our God, our Country and your Order we will all
miss him and will not see his like again.

God Bless you Keith and thank you for all that you have given us.

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Things have improved and he is still as sharp and witty as ever was! They were keen to hear of all the Knights in the Division and stories of the Conclaves. John is sad that he is unable to attend, having given up driving now, but is very happy to hear from any Knights who care to contact him.

He now spends part of the year in South Shields at Kate’s home and the rest of the year in Brixham.

He is looking forward to his 95th Birthday in March 2024! John has held many great parties over the years and I’m sure that the next one will be no different!

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The Intendant General took the opportunity after New Year to undertake a short tour of the far west of the Division staying in a property between St Just and St Ives accompanied by his wife and other family members. Weather was variable but he was able to increase his cultural exposure to visit the Barbara Hepworth House and Tate Modern in St Ives.

Jaunts like this also bring into sharp focus the distances we masons travel across our communities. It is easy when living in an urban area to think its easy to get to places, but in far rural settings it’s much more challenging. Let’s not talk about road works yet…..

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The paper was well received and stimulated discussion at the festive board. The usual toasts were observed after a delicious buffet. So the year for the Division starts well for 2024. Happy New Year to you all!!

Cheers

Nic