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Published 11 November 2020 |
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Change for the Good Over the past few weeks, we have kept ourselves abreast of the regular changes being put before us to ensure our personal safety. As we become more comfortable with these new protocols, set by government authorities, we will slowly realise that many of them will probably remain with us forever. Things like respectable distancing between us, regular cleaning of furniture, tools, and other implements, better record keeping of who is in our premises, improved catering standards with personal table service, and other similarly beneficial practices, can and should become the norm. Building owners have the opportunity to create their own lasting and effective instruction manual which will ensure that while their building is protected, their tenants are conducting themselves in a manner which will always satisfy COVID-19 standards and other similar health concerns. Lodge management committees can then keep their members informed and let them know that our health and safety protocols will be of the highest standard, so that we can confidently perform our ceremonial and ritual in the safest and most comfortable environment possible. We have this opportunity to move forward. With responsible management, practical solutions, and caring attitudes, Freemasonry can continue to present itself as the exemplar, and all with a minimum of change. Finally, may I encourage you to keep your many prospective members aware of your lodge's progress and keep them interested in the Craft by involving them in any social activity. Importantly also, take the time to make a simple phone call to that brother (and any masonic widows) that you may not have heard from for a while. While we strive to make a difference, some things never need to change. Take care. Derek Robson AM |
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40 Not Out & the Warrior's Chapel
Bro Darren Rolph congratulating his father VW Bro Arthur Rolph on 40 years of services to Freemasonry A 40 year certificate was presented to VW Bro Arthur Rolph on Monday 26 October at Lodge Enterprise, New Lambton. VW Bro Rolph was thanked for his very active involvement in the activities of the lodge and in Freemasonry in general. Further congratulations were made personally by Arthur's son, Bro Darren Rolph. Following the presentations, a very interesting talk, illustrated by photographs, on the Warrior's Chapel at the Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral was presented by Bro Roland Millbank. Musical solos were presented by VW Bro Frank Woodhead, accompanied by the organist W Bro Don Smith, prior to and following the talk. All COVID-19 requirements were strictly followed by the lodge in another great night in Freemasonry! |
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Talking about Sheep
Oberon Sheep! Photo: archives of Oberon Review What do those men in "dinner suits" have in common? Why do men want to remain members of such an iconic ancient fraternity? Lodge has echoed through centuries as a meeting place of men. What is the answer to this riddle? I ask you to get out there and talk about your lodge. What is your lodge doing for you? After the latest meeting of Lodge Oberon we sat around a table talking about sheep. We laughed about the goings on of sheep and how hard it was to round them up and how the rams would knock you over. Because of the COVID-19 problem, we had packets of crisps and cans of soft drink for the south, but what happened at that table I will not forget in a long time. It was like magic had happened at that table last night. I would like to say thank you to the brethren of Lodge Oberon for the camaraderie and a South that I will never forget. W Bro Terry Boyce |
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Extension of Deadline
The Freemason magazine is all about being fair. The COVID-19 situation has affected the postal service and a large proportion of magazines were received later than usual. This resulted in a short time frame to submit Stage 1 entries of their photo competition. The deadline for Stage 1 will be the same as for Stage 2: 15 January 2021. This will give everyone a little more time to be creative. The deadline for Stage 3 remains 15 April 2021. |
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Upcoming events "Art of Memory" Entered Apprentice Freemasons Q&A "Topic to Be Advised" "Topic to Be Advised" Fellowcraft Freemasons Q&A |
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STAGE 1 - PREPARE THE BUILDING All Masonic Centres are required to register as a COVID Safe business and prepare the building in accordance with steps that will be provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: Once all buildings have been prepared we can then move on to Stage 2. |
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STAGE 2 - PREPARE YOUR LODGE Once all Masonic Centres have completed Stage 1 it will then be necessary for each lodge to prepare their meeting place (lodge room) in accordance with further steps provided to them by the Grand Secretary. NOTE: When lodges have completed Stage 2 and following further directions from the Government Health Authorities we can then move on to Stage 3. |
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STAGE 3 - RETURN TO LODGE Once lodges have completed Stage 2 requirements and after ensuring we comply with all regulations directed by the authorities, the Grand Secretary will advise those lodges that they may consider their return. NOTE: The Grand Secretary will provide further advice on any meeting restrictions that may apply as a result of further directions from the Government Health Authorities. |
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Are your contact details up to date?
To continue to receive the Freemason magazine, emails and invitations to online meetings it is important your contact details are up to date. Please update your details on the Grand Lodge website or with your lodge secretary and urge your fellow brethren to do the same. |
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How is your lodge staying connected?
Write a paragraph or two, add a good large photograph and send it to news@masons.org.au. Your story will be considered for this newsletter, the next Freemason magazine and might even feature in our official facebook page. Just make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publicly published.
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The Grand Master's Newsletter Please submit your articles and photographs to news@masons.org.au and make sure you have permission from all mentioned and depicted for their image to be publically published. Download print versionUnited Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of The United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT. The information contained in this email is for the intended recipient and may be confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, interference with or disclosure of this material is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you are requested to immediately contact the sender by email or telephone and then delete the message. The message is NOT to be copied, further distributed or disclosed to other parties without the express permission of the author. |
