Audenshaw District Newsletter Winter 2013

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Order, order, we have a new APGM

In the edition: An interview with our new APGM Updates on the 2015 Festival Letters to the editor Provincial Grand Lodge Mentoring District Diary Plus much more

Editorial Welcome Brethren and Companions, to the Winter 2013 edition of the Audenshaw District Newsletter.

Over the past few months Audenshaw District has seen some surprising announcements and changes like VWBro Stephen Blank, taking up the role of APGM for Manchester District and our very own District Chairman being appointed as APGM for Southern Area by the RW Provincial Grand Master at Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on the 21st November.

The Audenshaw District team have been busy attending Lodge Installations, hosted meetings, and much more. Installations are always moving ceremonies and never more so than when a Brother is installed for the first time into the Chair of King Solomon, and one of those excellent ceremonies attended by the APGM and supported by the District Team was Audenshaw Lodge and the Installation of a new Worshipful Master, Bro Mark Rumney in October.

Enjoy reading this edition and remember please send any points of interest and I will do my best to include them in the Newsletter or monthly news sheets. Also following an article from a local newspaper left in the DCO’s pigeon hole at Stanley House, thank you to whoever you are, you can all read an article on ciphers and cryptanalysis later in this edition.

Sincere and fraternal regards, WBro Lee Marsh District Communications Officer

Audenshaw District Team Chairman – Gerald Hodson; Deputy Chairman – Paul Waring; Secretary – Michael Porter; Charity Steward and Festival Representative – Nigel Johnson; Mentor – Tony Davis; DORA’s – William Wootton and Tony Freemont; Communications Officer – Lee Marsh

What will you find in this Winter 2013 Edition: • An interview with our new APGM • RMBI Festival 2015 update • A Hosting by Iron Road Lodge • Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting • Royal Arch • Mentoring • Masonic Humour • Fellowship Diary • Cryptanalysis and ciphers • Audenshaw District Diary

With just under 40 Lodges and Chapters, there is no way we can get round to contacting them all for news items, so we ask that you send them to us ideally with photographs (please get permission from those in the photo), as they really make the articles much more appealing to readers. As ever, please continue to send in your material to leemarsh77@sky.com

An interview with our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master

After a busy and at times hectic day at work we know that with brethren armed with swords inside and outside the door of the Lodge we will not be disturbed. It is often so peaceful that brethren have been known to doze off.

Masonic giving

I feel as Freemasons we have the satisfaction of seeing vast sums of money donated to many different charities and worthy causes, some Masonic, but most non-Masonic. Above all though I draw on words from our ritual that we are to communicate happiness and probably the best of times have been enjoying camaraderie and humour amongst great friends and companions.

Masonic Speaking and Toasts

Although I had, as a solicitor, much experience of speaking in Court and had previously been a member of the National Executive of Round Table when I made many speeches around the British Isles, I can still remember being overawed when I first began my journey in Freemasonry. I recall that I was reluctant to visit other Lodges in case I might be put in a position where I did not know what to do or say. I can therefore understand when I hear members of our Perfect Ashlar Club say that they have similar feelings. It takes time to gain experience and grow in confidence and we should always be very careful to avoid placing our newer brethren in situations where they may feel uncomfortable.

There is so much to enjoy within Freemasonry that it is very difficult to say which aspect I find most enjoyable. I have always found the ritual fascinating. We have the contrast of the

peace and tranquillity within the Lodge and the wonderful fun and laughter at our festive board.

It takes time in grow in confidence

It is a huge honour and privilege to be invited to become an APGM. My late father was a very active and experienced Freemason in Unity Lodge in Oldham and later as a founder of Alphin Lodge at Mossley. I am sure he, like me, would have been amazed. He was present at my Initiation. When the Treasurer brought my receipt for my fees my father gave me my first lesson when he tore it up “so your mother doesn’t find it.” Sadly he was not well enough to see me raised.

Those lasting Masonic lessons

It is a great challenge to follow the fine example set by VWBro Stephen Blank. He has given me wonderful support and wise counsel during my years as District Chairman. I can only hope to aspire to the excellent standards he has set.

As mentioned, Freemasonry has so much to offer. We should all be willing to talk to our friends and other acquaintances about how much we enjoy being freemasons. We must tell people about the phenomenal amount of support we give to charity. In general the public have no idea of the scale of Freemasonry and the number of freemasons throughout the world.

Openness in and outside about Freemasonry

We all want a new generation of young men to share with us the fun and enjoyment we have as we continue to try to learn how to improve as individuals and live a good life. We must therefore be ready to change and adapt our Institution, as it has many times since 1717, to meet the demands of work and family on those young men so that we fit together with what they want from us – about which more later. I look forward to seeing you soon. WBro John Pearson PAGReg, APGM

Total Raised in East Lancashire to date: £ 1,550,790.27

Total Raised by Audenshaw Freemasons to date: £ 93,205.93

Festival 2015 31st October 2013

In September 2013, staff from the Research and Knowledge department of a local University joined up with an RMBI Home to help host a 1950’s Fun Day.

Every year the University looks for projects within the local community that may benefit from additional support to form their Community Challenge Day. The University have teamed up with RMBI in the past to help with bits of gardening and decoration so the Home was very pleased to be chosen as the focus for their Community Day for 2013. The 1950’s theme was inspired by the idea of ‘Games from years gone by’ and included many well remembered games such as Hoopla, Hook a Duck and Roll a Penny. The day was filled with classic 1950’s songs and memorabilia. Mr John Hooper from Semper Fidelis Lodge brought in his 1951 Ford Pilot for the Fun Day and residents enjoyed reminiscing about cars from that era. Residents, relatives and members of staff dressed up in their best 1950’s garb in order to compete for the best dressed prize. Prizes for the best 1950’s costume went to Nina from the University and resident Mr Les Glenister.

All who attended the event had a great time reliving the 1950’s. RMBI is especially grateful for the support and enthusiasm shown by the University who helped to make the day such a success.

We can all help the RMBI by being actively involved in the RMBI Festival 2015

Since our summer newsletter we have seen a further improvement in the number of festival stewards. Currently 22% (1% improvement) of Brethren and Companions are not yet Stewards, are you able to help the Festival further by becoming a Steward

Upon entering the Lodge, the RW Provincial Grand Master was greeted with all due ceremonial and, time honoured tradition, he received the gavel from the Worshipful Master, WBro Allan Hartwell and assumed the Chair. Sir David commented on how wonderful it was to see the Lodge room so full for this special meeting at Iron Road Lodge. Somehow 129 Masons had been eased into the main Lodge Room at Audenshaw Masonic Hall and it was truly wonderful and exciting to have so many brethren meeting together.

129 Masons present at the Lodge meeting

Fifteen recently joined Masons were then presented to the RW Provincial Grand Master by WBro’s Barry Dickson and Tony Davies. Sir David greeted each of the new members in turn, presenting each of them with a set of booklets on Freemasonry. He wished them all a long and very happy association with the Craft.

Fifteen recently joined Masons presented to the RW Provincial Grand Master

The Lodge was then called off in order that the East Lancashire Royal Arch Demonstration Team (ELRADT) might come into the Lodge in their Royal Arch Regalia and present a piece of work entitled “Crafty Companions”. On this occasion the ELRADT consisted of fourteen Companions under the leadership of EComp John Cavanagh.

Hosted at Iron Road Lodge

The brethren were then thoroughly entertained by the team who encouraged them to boo, hiss and otherwise reproach the various characters who were represented. The ELRADT certainly achieved one of its stated aims of entertaining and to encourage brethren who do not already belong to the Royal Arch to consider joining it.

East Lancashire Royal Arch Demonstration Team “Crafty Companions”

The ELRADT members where congratulated by the RW Provincial Grand Master and the Lodge was called back on.

Surprise and disbelief from the newest Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in the Province

of East Lancashire

In an item not included on the Summons, Sir David was pleased to call WBro John Palmer out from his place of hiding and promote him, on the spot, to the rank of PProvSGW. All of those who know John, will surely agree that there is no more worthy recipient of this signal honour.

Audenshaw District was honoured when Iron Road Lodge No 4964 hosted the Provincial Grand Master, the RWBro Sir David Trippier RD, DL at their October meeting.

Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting

Brethren Lodge Provincial Rank

John Pearson Westholme Lodge 9101 APGM

Michael Porter Rose of Lancashire Lodge 9174 ProvSGD

Bernard Stubbs Good Companions Lodge 6005 ProvAGDC

Peter Brodie ADLIM 8341 ProvAGSuptWks

Lee Marsh Audenshaw Lodge 4828 ProvGStwd

David Grimshaw Ardwick Lodge 2185 ProvGStwd

Peter Crompton Audenshaw Lodge 4828 PProvDepGDC

Tony Davies Debdale Lodge 9400 PProvDepGDC

Mike Frost Ardwick Lodge 2185 PProvDepGDC

Stuart Gibson Parnassus Lodge 7869 PProvDepGDC

Paul Waring Parnassus Lodge 7869 PProvDepGDC

Alan Crichton Composite Lodge 4574 PProvSGD

Edward Hale Concord Lodge 757 PProvSGD

Nigel Johnson Rose of Lancashire Lodge 9174 PProvSGD

Victor Longden Ardwick Lodge 2185 PProvSGD

Stephen Holgate Alexandra Lodge 993 PProvJGD

Jeffrey Denny Audenshaw Lodge 4828 PProvAGDC

Alan Saxon Rose of Lancashire Lodge 9174 PProvGStdB

Brian Worthington Rose of Lancashire Lodge 9174 PProvGStdB

A very special day in the calendar for all East Lancashire Freemasons, but, for 18 brethren from our district it started with excitement and anticipation.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire, is one of the large provinces under the UGLE, and larger than some overseas Grand Lodges and with so many Brethren in a Province the size of the East Lancashire competition for Provincial Honours is high and the criteria sometimes hard of many Brethren to get their head around.

18 Audenshaw Brethren Honoured

This year Audenshaw District is proud to have a large number of its deserving Brethren being honoured with appointment or promotion. Five brethren received the honour of becoming an acting provincial officer for the year, nine received a promotion and four initial appointments.

New APGM for Southern Area

The Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL, entered Provincial Grand Lodge to tremendous applause following a superbly arranged procession of distinguished guests, Heads of Orders and present and past Provincial Leaders and Officers. Indeed, one of the first items of business following the opening of Provincial Grand Lodge was to welcome the Distinguished guests.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the appointment of WBro John Pearson, PAGReg, as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Sir David inspected the Patent of Appointment and confirmed that it was in order before the Provincial Grand Secretary read its contents.

Following prayers Brother Pearson recited his Obligation as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and he was conducted to the Provincial Grand Master for Investiture before being proclaimed then saluted by the brethren.

The Brethren who received provincial honours at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on the 21st November 2013 are:

Congratulations to all Recipients’

Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth

Royal Arch Masonry

Royal Arch Demonstration Team will be giving a Demonstration of ‘Passing the Veils’ at

Egerton Chapter No 1030, helping to Celebrate their Centenary, meeting at Stanley House, Audenshaw on

Wednesday 4th December 2013

Other guests included EComp Norman Clarke, APGP for the area, EComp John Pearson, Audenshaw District Chairman, [APGM designate], and EComp John Farrington, Provincial Scribe Ezra. The purpose of the meeting was to witness the installation of EComp David H Thompson, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, as First Principal, EComp John King as Second Principal and EComp John Cavanagh as Third Principal of the Chapter. All three Principals were very ably installed with the rest of the meeting being undertaken to a very high standard. Whilst the Chapter is already a Grand Patron of the 2015 Festival, The ME Grand Superintendent was presented with a cheque for £382.85 to further support the Festival. Following the meeting all were invited to enjoy a champagne reception where a selection of hot and cold canapés were served. During which time the ME Grand Superintendent welcomed the opportunity to meet the other Companions present. An excellent meal followed, consisting of Beef Olives, Melon and Parma ham served in Port, Lobster Thermidor with King Prawns and spiced Crab, Fine Lemon flan, followed by various cheeses and coffee. A truly enjoyable and successful evening for all who attended.

Tonge Hall Chapter On Monday, 7th October 2013, the members of Tonge Hall Chapter No 8763, which meet at Audenshaw, were delighted to welcome Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL, the ME Grand Superintendent, as their special guest.

Masonic Humour

Recent newsletters had 2000 views online! With nearly 2000 views of our two most recent newsletters , I have been able to see a number of surprising results, to the right of this article you can see the wide range of countries individuals are in when viewing and reading our District Newsletter. Another surprise was the breakdown information of the devices used to read the newsletter at the highest point we have 36% of our readers using mobile devices, like iPhone’s and 64% using desktop computers.

We see a range of reading times with a common range between 4 minute and 12 minutes, So if you have 10-15 minutes the next time your on your computer or smart phone, why not have a read of our District Newsletter at www.issuu.com/audenshawfreemasons

A policeman and freemason was asked how he could do his duty and observe masonic teachings. “oh, quite simply,” he said. “Sometimes I have to deal with drunks and so I have to prove horizontals and adjust uprights while fixing them on their proper bases, then we all part in harmony”

Don’t drive with one arm round your girl. Let her drive and use both your arms A sign in the army barracks read: ‘Privates will kindly refrain from giving advice to officers’

The zoo elephant died and its keeper was sitting by the corpse weeping bitterly. “There, there now”, said an old lady who was passing, “try to be brave, I know how fond you must have been of the dear animal after taking care of it for all these years.” “Fond, nothing,’ snapped the keeper, “I’ve got to bury the thing.”

The mentoring programme will only achieve its aims if it operates within a well organised structure. This includes a defined process of monitoring and evaluation. Everyone involved in the scheme should be involved in this review process to ensure on-going continuous improvement. By its very nature, this role will involve continuous review as the mentor (who does not have to be the office holder of ‘Lodge Mentor’) and candidate will be meeting on a regular basis to review progress. It is the responsibility of individually assigned Mentors in lodges to give feedback on progress to the Lodge Mentor. This will include how the mentoring relationship is progressing with the Candidate and could contain such points as: • How often do they meet? • Have they met after each of the degree ceremonies? • Does the Candidate make any positive/negative comments about any aspects of the

Craft? • Has the candidate taken part in any ritual or shown interest in doing so? • Are there any recognisable skills that the Candidate has that may be useful to the Lodge

in the future i.e. a head for figures (Treasurer), Compassion (Almoner)? • Is the Candidate visiting other Lodges? • Does he attend any social events? • Any other general comments

The individually assigned mentor can also give feedback on how he personally feels about the role he has agreed to undertake: does he enjoy it; has he had any good success; any best practice to share etc…

Check out the new www.masonicmentoring.org.uk website by UGLE.

Cryptography, the use of codes and ciphers to protect secrets, began thousands of years ago and the pigpen cipher has been associated with Freemasonry for some time and versions of it have recently been used in books and films such as those by Dan Brown and in computer games, and children's puzzle books.

Until recent decades, it has been the story of what might be called classic cryptography — that is, of methods of encryption that use pen and paper, or perhaps simple mechanical aids. In the early 20th century, the invention of complex mechanical and electromechanical machines, such as the Enigma rotor machine, provided more sophisticated and efficient means of encryption; and the subsequent introduction of electronics and computing has allowed elaborate schemes of still greater complexity, most of which are entirely unsuited to pen and paper. The development of cryptography has been paralleled by the development of cryptanalysis — the "breaking" of codes and ciphers. The discovery and application, early on, of frequency analysis to the reading of encrypted communications has, on occasion, altered the course of history. Thus the Zimmermann Telegram triggered the United States' entry into World War I; and Allied reading of Nazi Germany's ciphers shortened World War II, in some evaluations by as much as two years.

Old Kingdom of Egypt

The earliest known use of cryptography is found in non-standard hieroglyphs carved into monuments from the Old Kingdom of Egypt circa 1900 BC. These are not thought to be serious attempts at secret communications, however, but rather to have been attempts at mystery, intrigue, or even amusement for literate onlookers. These are examples of still other uses of cryptography, or of something that looks (impressively if misleadingly) like it. Some clay tablets from Mesopotamia somewhat later are clearly meant to protect information—one dated near 1500 BC was found to encrypt a craftsman's recipe for pottery glaze, presumably commercially valuable. Later still, Hebrew scholars made use of simple monoalphabetic substitution ciphers (such as the Atbash cipher) beginning perhaps around 500 to 600 BC.

To encrypt a craftsman's recipe

The ancient Greeks are said to have known of ciphers. The scytale transposition cipher was used by the Spartan military, however it is disputed whether the scytale was for encryption, authentication, or avoiding bad omens in speech. Herodotus tells us of secret messages physically concealed beneath wax on wooden tablets or as a tattoo on a slave's head concealed by regrown hair, though these are not properly examples of cryptography per se as the message, once known, is directly readable; this is known as steganography. Another Greek method was developed by Polybius (now called the "Polybius Square"). The Romans knew something of cryptography (e.g., the Caesar cipher and its variations).

Fellowship Diary 2013/2014

11th December 2013

Christmas Lunch 22nd January 2014

An Amish Experience By Gordon Greenwood 26th February 2014

My life as a market trader By Joe Sambrook 26th March 2014

Curiouser and Curiouser By Margaret Curry 23rd April 2014

A visit to the antique and collectors fair

By Betty Hayhurst 28th May 2014

Down-forget-not-lane Part 3 By Brian Hallworth 2nd July 2014

Annual Trip to York

The Fellowship is an organisation for Senior

Citizens with connections at Stanley House. This

includes wives, widows, close friends and those who have taken early

retirement. The meetings are held on the fourth

Wednesday of the months shown above, at Stanley

House, Audenshaw commencing at 2-00 pm.

Cryptography

The pigpen cipher , below, (sometimes referred to as the masonic cipher, Freemason's cipher, Rosicrucian cipher, or Tic-tac-toe cipher) is a geometric simple substitution cipher which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid. The example key shows one way the letters can be assigned to the grid. The exact origin of the cipher is uncertain, but records of this system have been found which go back to at least the 18th century. Variations of this cipher were used by both the Rosicrucian brotherhood and the Freemasons, though our use of the system as Freemasons has lead to it frequently being called the Freemason's cipher. We as Freemasons began using it in the early 18th century to keep their records of history and rites private, and for correspondence between lodge leaders.

Freemasons start using the cipher in the 18th Century

Tombstones of Freemasons can also be found which use the system as part of the engravings. One of the earliest stones in Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City, which opened in 1697, contains a cipher of this type which deciphers to "Remember death". (Cf. "memento mori".) George Washington's army had documentation about the system, with a much more randomized form of the alphabet. And during the American Civil War, the system was used by Union prisoners in Confederate prisons. The Pigpen cipher has been used in several works of popular culture including Dan Brown's 2009 novel The Lost Symbol. The Trap, a 2009 nominee for Lancashire Children's Book of the Year, uses a variation of the Pigpen cipher. The BBC series Sherlock has created a website to correlate with the events in the series - The Science of Deduction. Under the "Hidden Messages" tab, "Sherlock" lists three coded messages he received from a stalker, and the third is in pigpen cipher.

Audenshaw District Diary 2013 and 2014 November update

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Date Lodge / Chapter Event Contact

Wednesday 4th December 2013 Egerton Chapter No. 1030 Demonstration of Passing the Veils – Deputy Grand Superintendent attending

Scribe E

Friday 6th December 2013 Audenshaw District District Meeting Michael Potter

Sunday 8th December 2013 Province of East Lancashire

Carol Service to be held at St. Ann’s Church, Manchester

Sunday 8th December 2013 Southern Area Carol Service to be held at St. Michael’s Church, Ashton

Wednesday 11th December 2013 Grand Lodge Meeting Quarterly Communication

Friday 13th December 2013 Alexandra Lodge No. 993 Installation proclamation followed by a Raising Ceremony

Lodge Secretary

Wednesday 5th February 2014 Trinity Lodge No. 5651 Personal 50th, WBro William Cavanagh

Lodge Secretary

Friday 14th February 2014 Alexandra Lodge No. 993 150th Anniversary on the consecration of the Lodge in 1864

Lodge Secretary

Monday 17th March 2014 Ardwick Lodge No. 2185 Installation of new Worshipful Master

Lodge Secretary

AUDENSHAW MASONIC CLUB REGALIA SHOP For all your Masonic Regalia, Ties, Accessories, etc.

Open Saturdays 10am. until noon. Join our Saturday morning Bacon Butty Club (BBC). Please support your shop.

All profits used for the benefit of the club. Contact Chris Bolton, Tel: 01457 869211