A past member of Santa Faz Lodge No. 48

A founder member of Leukopolis Lodge No.85. He was a valued member of the Lodge and was in receipt of a 40 year certificate.

SPRIG OF ACACIA LODGE No. 43

Eulogy for Edmundo given by W.Bro.Bernard Phillips

I first met Edmundo, when in 1986, a number of UK Freemasons residing in this area, wished to set up English speaking Masonic Lodges in Spain. Together with our wives, once a month we would meet at Benidoleig for the Men to discuss Masonic Business, and the Ladies to socialize over coffee and cakes. My instant impression was that here was an English Gentleman. More English than the English themselves. A stickler for etiquette and he epitomised what you expect of a Freemason.

It was at these meetings and at many social occasions that I learnt so much of his full and fascinating life.

Born on 7th December 1910, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, he became a typical teenage rebel and was shunted off to the Army where he played percussion in Military Bands. Obviously this was not entirely to his liking for at the age of 17 years he “Left” to go to Caracas to play as a timpanist in the Symphonic Orchestra of Venezuela

He Emigrated to UK in 1937, on a scholarship to study classical music at the Royal Academy of Music. His ambition was to study Law, but circumstances prevented this and I think to the benefit of the whole world.

Edmundo’s talent was recognised early on, as he was asked to play drums by Fats Waller at a recording session in 1938. He was so proud of this recognition, that he never cashed the cheque signed by Fats Waller himself. – and the family are still looking for it !!!

He established his own Rumba Band in the 40’s, cutting very successful records, and his performances at London Bagatelle and Coconut Grove Clubs, became the stuff of legend. His radio broadcasts for the BBC to South America brought a new dimension to his career, and he became a much enjoyed radio personality.

This “New Sound” during the depressing days of the war and immediately afterwards brought relief to the masses, and he became a favourite of the Royal Family, The Princesses (as they were at that time) dancing to his rhythms. During his career there were occasions when he was the soul of discretion thus enhancing his reputation.

Leaving the Bagatelle Club he opened his own Club renaming The Coconut Grove in Regent Street as “The Edmundo Ros Dinner and Supper Club”, It became an immediate success being the “in place” for everyone visiting London. He almost single-handedly introduced Rumba and Samba to the UK.

In his Illustrious career, he received countless awards and Honorary Fellowships, including the Freedom of the City of London- He was one of the few people entitled to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge !!!

Edmundo retired in 1975 and he and Susie moved here to Javea. He played a farewell concert in 1994 with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and in 2000 he was awarded the OBE for services to Music which was presented by the Prince of Wales, who asked him where he could get a good dance ???

There is so much more to Edmundo, he was a very active member of the famous Grand Order of Water Rats, a charity supported by so many famous entertainers and which has achieved so much support to many. And to whom the family are so grateful

He became interested in Freemasonry in the 40’s when he became aware that many of his friends belonged to the Brotherhood. They in turn recognised his potentiality, His joining was not without incident and may I say, at another time this makes an interesting story. However under the sponsorship of a Charles Topper, he joined the Cheyne Lodge No. 4443 in London and went through the Chair in just 6 years.

Of course to belong to one Lodge only was not enough for Edmundo – he became a member and progressed through the Chairs of 5 other Craft Lodges – 2 Chapter Lodges – Rose Croix-
Mark and was an Honorary member of others. He was the Vice President of the Masonic Boys School, Life Governor of the Masonic Girls School, Grand Patron of the Masonic Hospital, Life Governor of the Masonic Benevolent Institute and so the list goes on.
He also received London Grand Rank.

He and I were Founder members of Sprig of Acacia Lodge, which was consecrated in 1989 and he went through the Chair in 1995, carrying out his ceremonies with the same aplomb as he did in his musical career. He became an Honorary Member of the Lodge in 1999. He received many Provincial Grand Honours

My personal highlights was when I witnessed the Installation of Douglas, his son, in the Chair of Poulters Lodge in the splendid surroundings of Poulters Hall London. The ceremony being entirely carried our by Edmundo.

He will be sadly missed by all that were touched by his music, kindness and friendship, plus of course all his Masonic Brethren.

Lastly I must thank Fred and the staff of the Benimeli Home for the kindness, care and dedication to Edmundo’s welfare during his stay.

What a Man !! What a Life !! – He will leave a void in so many of our lives, and I feel very privileged to have been amongst his circle of friends.

The following information is published in the Edmundo Ros Web Site

EDMUNDO ROS
O.B.E.
1910 – 2011
Edmundo Ros was born in Trinidad in December 1910. The family moved to Caracus, Venezuela. Edmundo’s musical career started in the army, then he became the tympanist in the Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. He moved to London in 1937 to continue classical studies, but popular music was to become his career. He played drums in Fats Waller recordings, played percussion and sang in Don Marino Barreto’s Cuban band and formed his five-piece Rumba Band in 1940, and the rest is history.

Edmundo’s Rumba Band with strange rhythms was a smash hit in London, although the Nazi bomb almost hit the club. His first recording for Parlophone was Record of the Month in June 1941 (Harlequin HQ CD 15). The contract with the famed Bagatelle Restaurant opened the doors for Ros to high society. All the leaders of Allied Countries and the Royal Family came there to dine and listen to Edmundo’s Rumba Band. In 1951 Edmundo bought the famous Coconut Grove and named it “Edmundo Ros Dinner and Supper Club”. Only those mentioned in “Who’s Who” were allowed in the club. The Club was world famous and the BBC had regular radio broadcasts there. In the late 1950’s Ros got a smart idea of recording Broadway musical melodies arranged to different Latin rhythms: the mambo, cha cha cha, rumba, samba, baion, bolero, valse creole, meringe, guaracha, and the conga. He also made a series of TV shows for the US and European markets. The 1960’s was the the peak of Edmundo Ros’ popularity and commercial success.

Edmundo retired in 1975 and moved with his wife Susan to Javea, Alicante, Spain, where he lived until his death on 21st October 2011.

In 1994 Edmundo conducted and sang with the BBC Big Band with Strings at The Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The other conductor was Stanley Black. The concert was broadcast over BBC Radio 2 and it was such a success that a Japanese recording company invited them into a recording studio in London to make yet another Edmundo Ros CD.

Edmundo Ros was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in the 2000 New Year’s Honours List!

The Edmundo Ros Club
In 1951 Edmundo Ros bought a club in Regent Street, the Coconut Grove, which was very popular during the war. The address, 100 Regent Street was not quite right because the in-clubs at that time were in Mayfair. Ros changed names , and when it was finally Edmundo Ros’ Dinner and Supper Club, the stream of the right people and the Rolls-Royces turned there. Along came the BBC and the club became world famous.
Standards at the club were kept extremely high. Edmundo’s notebook included all the names of the British Royal Family, the nobility, the counts, the pears and dukes. These people and those mentioned in “Who’s Who” could get membership in to the club. The guests had also to be properly dressed. The Ladies coming from the tea party in Buckingham Palace were not allowed to wear their broad hats. When women began to wear trousers like men, Ros decided not to accept them

“Once a very well-known madame, the wife of Sir Cecil Hardwick, tried to enter the club dressed in pants. My reception had their orders, and she went to another night club very cross and hurt. She told everybody what an idiot Edmundo Ros was! There was a newspaper reporter listening and I got the biggest publicity you can think of:: a photo of her and the words: “Edmundo did not allow in…..marvellous! ” King Hussein of Jordan, a Latin music aficionado, with his party was denied entrance because one of his party, film star Peter O’Toole, was not properly dressed and did not accept the tie offered to him.”
Regular royal guests during the Club Era were Princess Margaret, Monaco’s Prince Rainier and Prince Bertil of Sweden.

The club had 24 musicians and 53 employees, one of which had polishing the silver as his sole job. Ros says that all those details–you could not smoke the pipe before twelve o’clock–made the difference, and it was terribly important in England. The business was excellent until 1965 when gambling became legal in England. Ros noticed the difference immediately in the takings and sold the club.

Affiliations and Honours
Ros was a Freeman of the City of London, having been admitted to the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Poulters on 5 January 1965 and subsequently clothed with the Livery of the Poulters’ Company on 22 June 1965. He was a Freemason, imitated into the Chelsea Lodge No 3098 and a Founder Member and Worshipful Master of Lodge of Ascension No 7358.  On retirement a member of Sprig of Acacia Lodge No 41, Javea, Spain.

Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music (1991).
In the 2000 New Year’s Honours List, Ros (then aged 90), was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He turned 100 on 7 December 2010.

Passed to the Grand Lodge above following a short illness.A member of Armonia de Ifach No 46 and a mason for 54 years. A gentleman and a true mason who will be truly missed.

Master of Caledonia Lodge, No. 68. W.Bro. Ian Duke,passed away to the Grand Lodge above suddenly during his Mastership of the Lodge.

BROTHER KURT HEINZ TRENKMAN

Kurt was an idealist. Born December 1920, his steadfast belief was in the Brotherhood of Masonry. Despite being a Mason for over 50 years he never took rank above that of a Brother, which, he always said was the highest rank that meant anything in masonry.

His life was one of service. Having been spared when the battleship Bismarck, on which he served as a young rating, was sunk by allied warships during the 1939/45 conflict. He was rescued from the sea by a British ship and taken into captivity. After a spell of confinement in England he was transferred to Canada where he spent his time teaching Italian POW’s to speak English.

On his return to Germany he became a Mason whilst working as a Sales Engineer in the ship building industry. His passionate belief in the multi-national nature of the Craft was evident when in retirement to Spain he joined Logia de Las Salinas which was the only multi-national lodge available to him at that time.

As his health and sight began to deteriorate, his attendance at Lodge meetings became sporadic but even on these occasions he tried to play a full part, whatever language was used.

As his attendance at meetings became less and less, it was suggested that he should save money and resign but could visit the Lodge whenever he was able. His response to this typified the man. He said “I have lived most of my life as a Mason belonging to a Lodge, I will die as one” which sadly he did.

The following is a copy of an article printed in the EL PAIS newspaper on 28th May 2000.

EL PAIS

Sunday, 28th de may de 2000
Report:
The last of the `Bismark´
Survivors or the German ship and English Ship, which sank, fraternise in Torrevieja.
Pilar Girona Orihuela 28 MAY 2000
“I remember those moments when I was floating in the sea, clinging to a lifeboat and looking to one side, saw how the Bismarck sank and on the other British ships coming towards me.” So recalled in Torrevieja the octogenarian German Navy Kurt Trekmann the sinking of the mighty German battleship Bismarck, belonging to the Navy of the Third Reich, at the hands of the British destroyers, 59 years ago now in the North Atlantic, off the Danish coast. From this survivor of that World War II episode has emerged the initiative to turn the anniversary of the sinking of the ship into an act of brotherhood and reconciliation among the few survivors of the sinking (117 persons, of the 2,700 crew), the attackers, the British sailors , and their Spanish colleagues, who also collaborated in the rescue.
An Act of this post-war reconciliation has been held in the town of Torrevieja, where Trenkmann lives, culminating at noon yesterday with a lunch. Kurt Trenkmann, along with several of his countrymen, all dressed in a jacket with coat of Schlachtschild-Bismarck, shared his joy of being able to continue, year after year, paying tribute to their dead comrades and the British that spared them.
Also participating were the British, who also collaborated in the rescue of their enemies, and attending the symbolic meeting was Ken Garham, soldier brother of Victor Garham, who died along with 1,300 crew of the British warship Hood, sunk by the Bismarck, shortly before the battleship after being hammered for over an hour in the English fleet, and was sent to the bottom of the ocean.
German survivors and the British attackers, all knowing perfect English, the former learning English due to their years as prisoners of war in British and Canadian fields, also thanked the Spanish Armada, and specifically the sailors of the ship Canarias, with its collaboration in the rescue of victims. Until now, the Germans have only found one relative of those Spanish sailors, the son of the commander of the ship `Canaries´, who they visited and presented a plaque.
The meeting took place with fraternal cordiality and recalling the tragic moments that lived in the icy waters of the Atlantic. “I was convinced that the British were going to kill me, because of the German propaganda and believed they would,” said Trenkmann. “But when the British threw down the ropes and saved me I became emotional and stopped seeing them as the enemy and began to feel them as friends forever,” he said.

EL PAIS

domingo, 28 de mayo de 2000
Reportaje:
Los últimos del ‘Bismarck’
Supervivientes del barco alemán e ingleses, que lo hundieron, confraternizan en Torrevieja
Pilar Girona Orihuela 28 MAY 2000
“En aquellos momentos me encontraba flotando en el mar, agarrado a un salvavidas y veía, a un lado, cómo se hundía el Bismarck y, al otro, los barcos británicos que se acercaban a mí”. Así evocaba ayer en Torrevieja el octogenario marino alemán Kurt Trekmann, el hundimiendo del poderoso acorazado Bismarck, perteneciente a la Armada del Tercer Reich, a manos de los destructores ingleses, hace ahora 59 años en el Atlántico Norte, frente a las costas danesas.De este superviviente de aquel episodio de la II Guerra Mundial ha surgido la iniciativa de convertir el aniversario del hundimiento del buque en un acto de confraternización y reconciliación entre los supervivientes del hundimiento (117 personas, de los 2.700 tripulantes), los atacantes, los marineros británicos, y sus colegas españoles, que también colaboraron en las tareas de rescate.
Los actos de esta reconciliación postbélica se han celebrado en la localidad de Torrevieja, ciudad donde reside Trenkmann, y culminaron al mediodía de ayer con un almuerzo. Kurt Trenkmann, junto a varios de sus compatriotas, todos ellos vestidos con una chaqueta con el escudo del Schlachtschild-Bismarck, compartían su alegría de poder seguir, año a año, rindiendo tributo a sus compañeros muertos y a los ingleses que los salvaron.
Por parte de los ingleses, que también colaboraron en las tareas de rescate de sus enemigos, tan sólo ha acudido al simbólico encuentro Ken Garham, hermano del soldado Víctor Garham, que murió junto a los 1.300 tripulantes del buque de guerra británico Hood, hundido por el Bismarck, poco antes de que el acorazado, tras ser martilleado durante más de una hora por la flota inglesa, se precipitase al fondo del océano.
Supervivientes alemanes y los atacantes británicos, todos perfectos conocedores del inglés, los primeros debido a los años que pasaron como prisioneros de guerra en campos británicos y de Canadá, agradecieron también a la Armada Española, y en concreto a los marineros del buque Canarias, su colaboración en el rescate de las víctimas. Hasta ahora, los alemanes sólo han encontrado a un familiar de aquellos marinos españoles, el hijo del comandante del Canarias, a quien visitaron y le hiceron entrega de una placa.
El fraternal encuentro transcurrió con cordialidad y recordando los trágicos momentos que vivieron en las gélidas aguas del Atlántico. “Estaba convencido de que los británicos iban a matarme, porque la propaganda alemana así nos lo hacía creer”, relató Trenkmann. “Pero cuando los ingleses me echaron las cuerdas para salvarme me emocioné y dejé de verlos como enemigos para sentirlos como amigos para siempre”, concluyó.

Stanley Hugh Pearce was indeed a very colourful character. After a career in the Navy as a young man, he returned to Tipton, Stourbridge where he joined the family building business and developed his expertees. Later on he was very instrumental in the much publicised restoration of Dudley Castle.
He was a very active and highly respected Mason in his home town making many long term friends who subsequently often visited him in Spain.

He and his wife Valerie retired to Torrevieja in the 90’s and he very soon became a valued and popular member of Old Tower Lodge where he took the Chair in 2000 – 2001. He had already been through the Chair of his Mother Lodge in England several years previously.

Stan was very actively involved with the development of the new temple at Quesada, which previously was a fire damaged club of dubious nature. He was present along with Bill Eastbrook at the bank when Mike Savory made the initial purchase of the building from the CAM bank.
From there on he oversaw and advised on all the restoration work that needed to be carried out to the building to make it suitable for its new purpose. He worked tirelessly with volunteers or often alone on the complex renovation to create a magnificent temple downstairs which included the provision of a lift.
On one particular occasion when the concrete for the bases of the supporting pillars was being poured from wheelbarrows, by Barrie Mansell, Mike Savory, Brian Walker and Mike Puckett, he suffered a serious gash to his left forearm which required urgent medical attention resulting in twenty odd stitches at the Hospital. He then returned to Quesada, heavily bandaged, arm in sling intending to continue working, but the intervention of his wife Val convinced him it was not a good idea.

He remained as Clerk of Works, foreman, advisor etc. until the initial completion of the Temple. Subsequently, ill health and the onset of early dementia precluded him from taking any further part in the ongoing improvements of the building.

Stan was made an Honorary member of Old Tower Lodge and continued to attend meetings whenever he could, prior to their departure back to England where he sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above shortly after.

A Past Master of Deportiva Lodge No. 83 and proud to bea ProvJGD and up to the time of his death he was the Senior Warden of Javea Lodge No.40 and looking forward to being the Master. A dear friend and brother who who be greatly missed.

A member of Sprig of Acacia No. 43 between 1999-2009 before returning to U.K. due to ill health.

A long standing brother, Past Master and Treasurer of Javea Lodge No. 40. Called to the Grand Lodge above suddenly during the afternoon.