Monday, December 10, 2018

Integrity, Loyalty, Respect: GM's Theme for 2018

       "The Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson has determined his theme for his term of office is three words - Integrity, Loyalty and Respect.

       While words are important to characterise a person, their individual use; understanding and implementation are all that observers need to be able to live the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is very important in the jurisdiction of NSW and ACT that his theme is explained.


        Integrity is a noun from the Latin word integritas and has a meaning of steadfast adherence to a strict moral or code with a consistency of actions, values, honesty and truthfulness.


       Loyalty is a noun from the old French word loial and has a meaning of the quality of faithfulness, fidelity, fealty and allegiance.


       Respect is a noun and has a meaning of a state of deference, esteem and honour, a positive feeling or action shown towards someone.


       Collectively the theme pillars what it means when a person takes the step to become a Freemason. The embodiment of the theme lies in the changes and obligations we take on ourselves when we enter Freemasonry - obligations which entail collective as well as personal responsibilities.


       Obligations which call on us to apply the principal virtues of faith, hope and charity:


>     Faith to follow the moral dictates of our hearts and minds - 'the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.'


>     Hope that our faith will be manifested in the things we learn, and in turn, teach.


>     Charity - or as it is now more commonly understood, love - to share our lives, knowledge, understanding and means with others, especially to our Brethren.


       Obligations which call on us to apply the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice to:


>     to be prudent in our deeds and thoughts;


   temper our actions with wisdom;


   accept life's tribulations and burdens with equanimity; 


   and above all to be just in our dealings with others, but not to be judgemental.


       Obligations which ask us to practice a meaningful work ethic, to consider everybody as an equal, and to act honourably towards our fellow brethren. Obligations which require us to develop our knowledge of masonic philosophy, history and morality and above all, insist that we respect our brethren by practising the five points of fellowship.


       The theme embraces the elements of masonic  philosophy. The work ethic promoted in the First Degree is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of individual lodges and the Craft. That labour (or effort) is required; that accuracy is not just important but is absolutely essential and that without perseverance the affairs of a lodge which is facing adversity may well lose its resoluteness.


       The lessons of the Second Degree must be learned and applied if the lodge and its brethren are to advance - that a lodge must preserve, almost as one of its landmarks if you like, the concepts of justice and fair play - and the qualities of mercy and constructive criticism are applied fairly and equitably. Without the study and honing of the mind which is referred to in the Second Degree, the understanding, let alone the development, of the philosophy that is held dear is impossible.


       The theme demonstrates that the lesson of the First Degree is about developing a strong and meaningful work ethic; that the Second Degree is about the honing and polishing of the mind with knowledge and understanding and that the Third Degree is to teach us about the spirituality of Freemasonry and our lives.


       The theme says that if we miss these elements we miss the whole point of Freemasonry.


       The Grand Master's theme makes so much reference to what should be the daily practice of masons and masonic philosophy, and Kipling's poem, If, summarises the qualities to develop the hearts and minds of every Freemason."


By RW Bro Robert Moore as published in the December 2018 issue of the Freemasons, page 6.





Sunday, December 9, 2018

Lodge West Epping No 731 Charity Turnover at RDA Ryde

       Members and officers of Lodge West Epping No 731 turned over to Riding for the Disabled Association in Ryde the sum of $6,000.00; in conjunction with a MasoniCare interaction grant, to defray the costs of much needed steps and hand rails for their facility in Ryde.


       Photo shows above members and representatives of Riding for the Disabled Association in Ryde and Lodge West Epping at a simple turn over ceremony held last Tuesday, 4th December at their premises on 118-120 Culloden Road, Marsfield.


       Close up photo of the plaque commemorating the event, making the feed shed more safe for both volunteers and users.


       The Association is run by volunteers and according to their website is a non-profit organisation "which enables children and adults with disabilities to enjoy and achieve physical, social, psychological and educational progress through participation in therapeutic horse riding programs and horse related activities."

       To learn more about RDA Ryde, please go to their website here and to know more on how to support their various activities.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Calendar of Activities for January 2019

07 Jan, Monday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings Castle Hill

10 Jan, Thursday - Lodge Beecroft No 359 [Burns Night]
Tribute to Wor Bro William James Sebbens
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

11 Jan, Friday - Lodge Alpha No 970 [Burns Night]
07:15 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre



     Above photo shows officers & members of PCDL 1014 at their recent Christmas Picnic at Castle Hill Heritage Park.

12 Jan, Saturday - Parramatta City Daylight Lodge No 1014 [3rd]
10:00 AM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

12 Jan, Saturday - Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045 [2nd]
06:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

13 Jan, Sunday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings Dural

16 Jan, Wed, The Hills Lodge No 1025 [1st TB]
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

18 Jan, Friday, Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393 [3rd]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre



19 Jan, Saturday - Elysian Lodge No 418 [3rd]
06:00 PM, Wollongong Masonic Centre
174 Gipps Rd, Gwynneville NSW 2500

22 Jan, Tuesday - Lodge Burnside No 729 [1st]
06:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

23 Jan, Wednesday - Lodge Resurgo No 223
07:00 PM Dinner, Tyling 07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

24 Jan, Thursday - District 25/25A Association Meeting
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

25 Jan, Friday - Lodge Corrective Services No 1039 [2nd]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

26 Jan, Saturday - The Star of Australia No 200 [2nd]
06:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

Parramatta & The Hills Lodge of Instruction
IN RECESS

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

District Charity BBQ Schedule for 2019


07th January, Monday - Bunnings Castle Hill

13th January, Sunday - Bunnings Dural

09th & 10th February, Saturday & Sunday - Blacktown Athletic Centre

02nd March, Saturday - Bunnings Blacktown

22nd April, Easter Monday - Bunnings Castle Hill

04th May, Saturday - Bunnings Marsden Park

19th May, Sunday - Bunnings Dural

06th July, Saturday - Bunnings Castle Hill

21st July, Sunday - Bunnings Northmead

11th August, Sunday - Bunnings Northmead


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Calendar of Activities for December 2018

01 Dec, Saturday - Accredited Masonic Mentoring Course
02:30 PM - 06:30 PM, Orchard Hills Masonic Centre
[By enrollment only, see your Secretary or DGIW]


01 Dec, Saturday - Elysian Lodge No 418 [1st]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

05 Dec, Wednesday - Burnside No 729
06:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre
Christmas Party in the South, Ladies invited $25 dining fee.

08 Dec, Saturday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings Blacktown

08 Dec, Saturday - Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045 Fellowship
Family Christmas Party [Potluck/BYO]
11:00 AM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

08 Dec, Saturday - Parramatta City Daylight Lodge No 1014
Get together - Family Christmas Barbeque
12:00 Noon, Castle Hill Heritage Park

08 - 09 Dec, Saturday & Sunday, Athletics Sports Barbeque
Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill NSW 2766

10 Dec, Monday - Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393 [2nd]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

11 Dec, Tuesday - Lodge The Hills No 1025 
Family Christmas Dinner [Smart casual]
06:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

12 Dec, Wednesday - UGL NSW & ACT Grand Communication
07:00 PM, Sydney Masonic Centre

13 Dec, Thursday - Lodge Beecroft No 359
Family Christmas Social [Evening smart casual]
06:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre
$20 per head, children under 12 years old free.

14 Dec, Friday - Lodge Alpha No 970
07:15 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

14 Dec, Friday - Lodge West Epping No 731
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

18 Dec, Tuesday - Lodge Resurgo No 223
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre
Ladies' South



21 Dec, Friday - Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

LODGES IN RECESS:

Lodge Parramatta City Daylight Lodge No 1014
Lodge The Star of Australia No 200
Lodge The Hills No 1025
The Hills & Parramatta Lodge of Instruction




Monday, November 12, 2018

12 Dec 2018 Grand Communication

The December Grand Communication will be held on Wednesday 12 December 2018 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, it is open to brethren only and will start at 7:30pm.
All Past Grand Lodge Officers, members of Grand Lodge and brethren attending as observers are requested to be seated by 7:15pm as the Grand Master will enter the Grand Lodge Room at 7:30pm precisely.

Dress

Summer Dress, Dinner Suit or Dark Lounge Suit (for those lodges permitted). Alternate dress prescribed for hot or oppressive summer conditions is not permitted. Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers should wear Summer Dress or full evening wear (Tails) with their Grand Lodge regalia.

Observers

The Grand Master extends an invitation for any interested brethren, who are not members of Grand Lodge, to attend as ‘observers’. Brethren attending as observers are not entitled to vote on matters being considered by Grand Lodge.

Communication Dinner

The Dinner is for Brethren only and will be held after the Communication. Tickets for the Dinner are $40.00 per person if purchased before Friday, 07 December 2018, and $45.00 if purchased after this date. It will be a two course meal. Beer, wine and soft drinks will also be available for purchase. Tickets will not be available on the day.
All bookings will be handled by Eventbrite. The Communication Dinner is an invitation only event and you will receive an email with your personal invitation.
If for any reason you do not receive an email with your invitation, please contact Melanie on info@masons.org.au or 02 9284 2800. Alternatively you can request an invite from this link.

Ladies Festive Function

Gael will be hosting a Celebratory Dinner for Ladies only at the Sydney Masonic Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, 12 December 2018 for the duration of the Communication.

Gael would like to invite all Ladies to join her to celebrate the end of another successful Masonic Year.

Grand Master's Delegation

On entry to Grand Lodge, the Grand Master’s delegation will be limited to the Deputy Grand Master, Assistant Grand Master, Ceremonial Grand Lodge Officers and Regional Grand Counsellors.
On retiring, the delegation shall consist only of those brethren nominated by the Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Parking

Parking in the Masonic Centre is ONLY available to the GM, PGM’s, DGM, AGM and invested Ceremonial Grand Lodge Officers.
Parking is available at the car park in Goulburn Street at flat night rate of $10.00 per vehicle when entering after 5pm and leaving before 6am the next day.


Integrity, Loyalty and Respect

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Calendar of Activities for November 2018

03 Nov, Saturday - Lodge Victoria Cross No 928
05:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre 
[Pls double check with Secretary, WBro Bill Nash]

04 Nov, Sunday - Centenary of Armistice
10:30 AM for 11:00 AM start, Balcombe Heights Estate 
90-97 Seven Hills Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
[Lounge suit/smart casual with Regalia]

06 Nov, Tuesday - Elysian Lodge No 418 Emergent
Mark Man Ceremony
06:00 PM, Fairfield Masonic Centre
6 York St Fairfield NSW 2165

07 Nov, Wednesday - Burnside No 729
06:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre 

08 Nov, Thursday - District 25A Wheelchairs Turnover
02:00 PM, Blacktown Hospital
18 Blacktown Rd, Blacktown NSW 2148
Smart casual/lounge suit

08 Nov, Thursday - Lodge Beecroft No 359
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre 

09 Nov, Friday - Lodge Alpha No 970 [Raising]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre 

09 Nov, Friday - Lodge West Epping No 731
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre



10 Nov, Saturday - Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045 Installation
04:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre
Installation Banquet - Castle Hill Bowling Club [RSVP]
79 Castle St, Castle Hill NSW 2154
$50.00 per person, Ladies and family invited [children menu available].
Please use CBA BSB 062 293 Account Number 10198775

11 Nov, Sunday - Bella Vista Farm BBQ [Remembrance Day]
04:00 PM for 05:00 PM, Bella Vista Farm

13 Nov, Tuesday - Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393 
Turnover of Charity Donation to Nepean Hospital
09:00 AM, Nepean Hospital 
Derby St, Kingswood NSW 2747

14 Nov, Wednesday - Lodge Victoria Cross No 928 [1st]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

16 Nov, Friday - Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

16 Nov, Friday - Lodge Millenium Installation
05:45 PM, (18:45 GL) Eric A Primrose Centre Epping NSW




17 Nov, Saturday - Elysian Lodge No 418 Performing
Flight of the Winding Stairs at Lodge France No 1021
06:45 PM, Turramurra Masonic Centre
1247 Pacific Highway, Turramurra NSW 2074

21 Nov, Wednesday - Lodge The Hills No 1025
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

22 Nov, Thursday - District 25/25A Association Meeting
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

24 Nov, Saturday - Lodge Parramatta City Daylight No 1014
10:00 AM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

24 Nov, Saturday - Lodge The Star of Australia No 200 Installation
06:00 PM, (19:00 GL, LS, Ladies invited) Castle Hill Masonic Centre

26 Nov, Monday - Parramatta & The Hills Lodge of Instruction
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

28 Nov, Wednesday - Lodge Resurgo No 223
07:00 PM Dinner, 07:30 PM Tyling, Castle Hill Masonic Centre



District Wheelchairs Turnover Schedule

30 Oct, Tuesday - District 25 Wheelchairs Turnover
01:00 PM, Hawkesbury District Health Service
2 Day St, Windsor NSW 2756 
Lounge suit or smart casual




08th Nov, Thursday - District 25A Wheelchairs Turnover
02:00 PM, Blacktown Hospital
18 Blacktown Rd, Blacktown NSW 2148
Lounge suit or smart casual


For more details please liaise with your respective DGIW:
VW Bro Simon Oliver [25] or VW Bro Don Pandes [25A]
 or contact RW Bro Bill Driver.


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Centenary of Armistice, 4th Nov Sunday

To All Masons and friends,

If you have at anytime a connection with the "William Thompson Masonic School" at Baulkham Hills; now called the Balcombe Heights Estate, that wonderful Masonic establishment that cared for children of Masons in their time of need.

You are invited to attend a special Centenary of Armistice Sunday, for a dedication and commemorative service at the Soldiers Memorial, 4th November 2018.

Please come and bring your family and friends, 10:30 AM arrive for a 11:00 AM start of the ceremony.

Dress: Lounge suit/smart casual [Regalia to be worn].
Entrance: 90-94 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Morning tea will be provided.

-----------------


William Thompson Masonic School - Balcombe Heights Estate
"Long before the idea was conceived of establishing a school for orphans or other children in need, the Lodge members of the Freemasons had established a charity devoted to those children. In 1918, William Thompson thought that the wide open spaces and rolling landscape of Baulkham Hills would be a good location to establish homes for children who had been orphaned or left in poor circumstances following World War I. The project was funded by the Masons.
"On 11 November, 1922, (Armistice Day) the William Thompson Masonic School was opened. Fifty 'motor buses' helped transport 12,000 Masons and friends to the opening of the school.
"During World War II the children were moved into the countryside and the buildings became the 103rd Australian General Hospital. The school reopened on November, 8, 1947 as the Masonic School and functioned as such until the 1970s. In December 1973 Council signed a contract to pay for the property over 3 years with the final payment being made in 1977.
"Several of the original school buildings still exist including the dormitory buildings, classrooms, gymnasium, staff cottages and the Georgian Revival style central administration block. The main hall building was lost to fire and has now been replaced with a modern community hall suitable for hire.
"Other historic elements such as the memorial tree avenue of Brush box (planted in memory of soldiers lost in the World War I), sundial, fishpond and memorial garden compliment the properties heritage. Today many of the buildings are hired by community groups."
--------------------------

William Thompson (22 January 1862 – 6 October 1937) was an Australian politician.
He was born in Queanbeyan to surveyor James Banford Thompson and Margaret Carroll. From 1878 to 1885 he was a clerk in the Colonial Architect's office, before becoming a quantity surveyor and moving to Ryde in 1898. On 4 March 1885 he had married Florence Single, with whom he had two children. 
He owned a horse farm on the Hawkesbury River and was a founder of the William Thompson Masonic School at Baulkham Hills NSW, which operated from 1922 to 1972, and the New South Wales Masonic Schools Welfare Fund which, as A Start in Life, continues to assist indigent youth. He was a Freemason and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales 1914-1924.[1] 
In 1913 he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the Liberal member for Ryde, serving until his retirement in 1920. Thompson died at Ashfield in 1937. [Wikipedia]

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Calendar of Activities for October 2018

03 Oct, Wednesday - Lodge Burnside No 729
06:00 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

06 Oct, Saturday - Elysian Lodge No 418 [Initiation]
06:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre 

07 Oct, Sunday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings North Parramatta

08 Oct, Monday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings Castle Hill



Event CANCELLED & rescheduled for March 2019.
10 Oct, Wednesday - Lodge Resurgo No 223 
Charlie Teo Foundation Fundraising Show and Banquet
07:00 PM, Centenary Hall, Newington College
200 Stanmore Road, Stanmore NSW 2048
Ladies & friends invited, $145 per person

11 Oct, Thursday - Lodge Beecroft No 359 Re-Installation
06:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

12 Oct, Friday - Lodge Alpha No 970 
07:15 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

12 Oct, Friday - Lodge West Epping No 731 [Passing]
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

11:00 AM, Warami Shelter, Bungaribbe Park
corner Holbeche & Doonsde Roads entrance, Bungaribee NSW 2767

14 Oct, Sunday - District Charity Barbeque
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, Bunnings Blacktown

17 Oct, Wednesday - Lodge The Hills No 1025
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

19 Oct, Friday - Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393 [Raising]
07:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

22 Oct, Monday - Parramatta and Hills District Lodge of Instruction
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre 

24 Oct, Wednesday - Lodge Resurgo No 223
07:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

27 Oct. Saturday - Lodge Parramatta City Daylight No 1014 [Initiation]
10:00 AM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

27 Oct, Saturday - The Star of Australia No 200 [PM Night]
06:30 PM, Castle Hill Masonic Centre

27 Oct, Saturday - Lodge Victoria Cross No 928 Rehearsal
05:00 PM, Blacktown Masonic Centre

27-28 Oct, Saturday & Sunday - District 26
Cancer Council Blacktown Relay for Life
10:00 AM start and ends 10:00 AM Sunday
Blacktown International Sportspark
Eastern Road entrance, Rooty Hill NSW 2766

28 Oct, Sunday - District 25/25A  Family & Friends Picnic
10:00 AM [Approximate time], Balcombe Heights Estate
Entrance at the corner of Jasper & Seven Hills Roads
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
$5.00 per adult, children free. Please RSVP to VWBro Ken Byrnes  [Cancelled as per VW Bro Ken Byrnes]

30 Oct, Tuesday - District 25 Wheelchairs Turnover
01:00 PM, Hawkesbury District Health Service
2 Day St, Windsor NSW 2756
Smart casual or lounge suit

Thursday, September 27, 2018

District Family & Friends Picnic (CANCELLED)



Balcombe Heights Estate [About 9 to 10:00 AM start, TBA exact times].
Corner Jasper and Seven Hills Roads, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Please RSVP to VW Bro Ken Byrnes by 14th October for catering purposes.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Lodge Resurgo Presents Charlie Teo Foundation Fundraising Event

Event CANCELLED & rescheduled for March 2019.





Lodge Resurgo No 223 cordially invite you to the Charlie Teo Foundation for Brain Cancer Research Fundraising Show and Banquet on Wednesday, 10 October 2018, 7 PM.

With entertainment by World Famous Comedian Joe Avati accompanied by rising Australian Tenor Daniel Tambasco and in the presence of the Grand Master MW Bro Derek Robson AM and Prof Charlie Teo.

Online Bookings now open:https://www.trybooking.com/XNZB

Location:

Centenary Hall, Newington College,

200 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore.

Ample parking in College grounds.

$145 includes Sumptuous Banquet | Entree: Balmain Bugs, King Prawns, Freshly Shucked Oysters or Smoked Salmon & Blue Eyed Cod | Main Course: Lamb Shank marinated with Red Wine and Minted Jus served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans or Roast Breast of Chicken filled with Semi Dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Garlic and Dijonaise topped with a Napolitana sauce, Bread Rolls and Butter | Dessert: Caramel New York Cheesecake, Chocolate & Cherry Tarte, Sticky Date Pudding, Fruit Platters, Coffee, Tea, Red and White Wines, Beers, Soft Drinks, Diet Drinks, Sparkling and Still Mineral Water & Chocolates.

Auctions & Raffles with Great Prizes

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/XNZB