Provincial News - Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia

Provincial Assembly 2019

Published 24/02/2019 | By Phil

On Saturday the 23rd of February the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Michael Anthony Shilan welcomed some 200 Masonic Brethren to the 2019 Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia Assembly 2019 held at the hotel Gran Bali, Benidorm, Spain Hotel_Website.

The minutes of this year’s Assembly can be found here in English (aqui) and here (aqui) in Spanish

The Provincial Grand Master warmly welcomed representatives from the Grand Lodge of Spain as well as dignitaries from other Masonic Provinces, distinguished Brethren and all Lodges of the Province were in attendance.

The representatives of the Grand Lodge of Spain was were led by none other than the Grand Master of Spain, M.W.Bro. Óscar de Alfonso Ortega and the Assistant Grand Master of Spain, R.W.Bro. Barrie Roy Mansell, both of who are Past Provincial Grand Master of this Province.

The Provincial Grand Master was delighted to note that when the roll of Lodges was called all Lodges rose in turn to announce their presence and the Banners of each Lodge were paraded into the Assembly.

In addition all Active Provincial Officers were present with the exception of only 7 who all presented their formal apologies and salutations to the Provincial Grand Master.

A solemn remembrance was held for those Brethren that have passed to the Grand Lodge above since the last Assembly and are remembered in the Lodge of Sorrow within this website.

The Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro. David Watts and the Provincial Treasurer, W.Bro. Fred Miller both presented their reports which are available for you to read here….
2018_Annual_Report_of_Provincial_Secretary_EN
2018_Annual_Report_of_the_Provincial_Treasurer

In addition the Provincial Grand Treasurer presented the statement of accounts for the preceding year and the budget for the coming year which are available for your review here….
2018_Financial_Balance_Sheet_Booklet
2018_Income_and_Expenditure_Booklet
2019_Budget_Booklet_EN

The Auditors both rose to confirm that the accounts had been thoroughly audited and were found to be in excellent order and the Brethren assembled voted unanimously to accept both the accounts and the budget.

There were many highlights but one notable one was the Appointment, Obligation and Investiture of the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Terrence Porter who was paraded before the assembled Brethren and Invested by the Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master then gave his sincere thanks to the retiring Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Rodney C. Bignell and presented him with a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master`s Collette and Jewel making particular note of the dedicated hard work that V.W.Bro. Bignell has given to him personally and to the Province.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master`s were then reappointed, W.Bro. Roy A. Mitchell and W.Bro. Eladio Gonzalez Jover.

The Provincial Grand Tyler was Proposed and Elected, W.Bro. John. McGuire, along with the two account Auditors followed by the Appointment, Obligation and Investiture of the two new Provincial Grand Warden`s, Provincial Senior Grand Warden, W.Bro. Graham Simons and Provincial Junior Grand Warden, W.Bro. Keith Alcock.

The Provincial Grand Officers both Active and Past were appointed and a full list is available in this website and can be seen by clicking (here/aqui).

The Provincial Grand Master was then presented with all of the current serving Masters of his Lodges and each was welcomed individually as well as all Initiates who had joined the Craft since the last Assembly.

The Working Committees were confirmed and a full list is available here/aqui

Certificates for Distinguished Service to Masonry were presented to the following Brethren….

W.Bro. Derek Moseley	Oliva La Safor Lodge No 112	55 years
RW.Bro. Neville Jarrett	San Juan de Espana Lodge No 28	50 years
RW.Bro. Ray Horn	Puerto de Xabia Lodge No 58	50 years
W.Bro. Graham Scutt	Oliva La Safor No 112	45 years
W.Bro. Les Beech	San Jorge Lodge No 165	45 years
W.Bro. Clifford Gingell	Las Salinas Lodge No 79	40 years

The Provincial Grand Master addressed the Assembly and his address is available for your review (Address_EN) (Discurso_ES). A further highlight was the announcement of the Mason of the Year which this year was presented to W.Bro. Fred Miller to the delight of all present.

Alms were collected and the M.W.Grand Master of Spain and his Assistant retired from the Assembly which was then closed in solemn form and all Brethren retired to enjoy a Festive Board with speeches and toasts.

In summary the 2019 Provincial Assembly carried on the proud tradition of this Province and of Spanish Masonry, it combined formal ceremonial aspects along with necessary business and accountability and all supported by the fraternal good spirit annoyed by Freemasons worldwide.

The photographs from the event are below this article, should any Brother require a full (higher definition) copy of any picture please email to itsupport@glpvalencia.com quoting the reference number of the required picture(s).

End

Javea Lodge No.40 Celebrates 30 Years

Published 06/02/2019 | By Phil

On Wednesday the 30th of January the Brethren of Javea Lodge No.40 were honored to receive a visit from the Grand Master of Spain, MWBro. Óscar de Alfonso Ortega as well as the Assistant Grand Master of Spain, R.W.Bro. Barrie Roy Mansell and the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia RWBro Michael Anthony Shilan who was accompanied by his senior team, all were there to join the Lodge in marking the 30th anniversary of the Lodge.

Consecrated on Friday the 27th of January 1989 at the Hostal Portichol, Cabo la Nao, 6km, Javea the Lodge has gone from strength to strength and although he was only able to arrive back into Spain earlier that morning the Grand Master spoke of his affection for the Lodge and that nothing would have prevented him from being present to give his personal appreciation to the Lodge.

The ceremony of the evening was the Installation of the new Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Nigel Parker who was Installed in a most excellent way by the Installing Master, W.Bro. Jens Gerl.

Presentation of the Consecration Summons

During the course of the evening one of the Founders of the Lodge, W.Bro. Hugh Parker presented a copy of the very first Summons signed by all that were present on that day in 1989 to be preserved with the Lodge records.

A history of the Lodge was presented by W.Bro. Derek Wait and is included within the commemorative Summons which is available to be viewed here.

In giving his congratulations to the Lodge the Provincial Grand Master also made mention of the excellent work the Lodge had done in organising the 2018 Provincial Lodge of Instruction.

All Brethren of the Province are encouraged to visit Javea Lodge No.40 during their 30th year to offer their congratulations in person and the Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Matthew James can be contacted here sec40@glpvalencia.com

Burns Supper

Published 03/02/2019 | By Phil

On Friday the 18th of January the Brethren of Logia de Las Salinas No.79 hosted their Burns Supper at JR’S Country Club in Ciuadad Quesada

The guest were all invited to join in the spirit of the evening by wearing something tartan and after gathering for a welcome drink in the bar they were called to supper promptly at seven-fifteen by the Master of Ceremonies and piped to table by the Piper in splendid highland dress. The Selkirk Grace was offered by W.Bro. Norman Barrall, after which the guest settled down to large bowl of hot soup.

The Haggis was traditionally piped-in and dutifully addressed by W.Bro. Clifford Gingell.

After a most excellent supper the toast to the Immortal Memory was given by W.Bro. Bill McLauchlin. The Toast to the Lassies was given by W.Bro. Clifford Gingell and a reply on behalf of all the ladies was given by Mrs. Pam Mclauchlin, to the delight of all.

Following Supper, all enjoyed an evening of dancing provided by the disco of Bro. Colin Pearce.

The Bill o’ Fare
Cock-a-leekie-Soup or Leek and Potato Soup

Haggis with Neeps and Tatties (with a Dram o’ Whisky)

Steak Pie and Mashed Potatoe, Garden Peas and Carrots

Sherry Trifle or Ice Cream

Coffee

Alexander Sturrock Harvie

Published 27/01/2019 | By Phil

Passed to the Grand Lodge above on the 27th of January 2019

Three Kings Celebration at Per Ells

Published 06/01/2019 | By Phil

In early January, most Spanish children look forward to the arrival of the Three Kings (or Tres Reyes) who are far more important than Father Christmas, as these are the gift bringers that the children most want to see. None look forward more eagerly than the children of the Per Ells day care centre in Turis.

Fortunately for them, this event has been sponsored by the local Freemason’s White River Lodge for the past nine years. Each year two or three Masons dress up as Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar and make the journey to the day care centre to give the children a treat.
The centre currently caters for around twenty severely disabled children who are able to attend, usually on a daily basis, this allows them to meet with other children and also gives their parents a short respite from their children’s constant care needs.

As is often the case, the centre receives almost no money from the local authorities and relies heavily on volunteers and charitable donations. Over the past nine years the Freemasons have done a great deal to make their lives a little easier both by donations and giving up their time to help whenever possible. The centre also has a nearby garden centre which has been adapted so that up to ten children can visit and stay overnight or even, in some cases, for a weekend which gives them a much needed break from their daily routine. Originally this building was unable to be used as there was no electricity to provide power, light and heating. However, a generator was sourced and the local Masons supplied, and had installed, all of the electrical cabling necessary to turn this previously unused building into a useful extra facility.

On Sunday, 6th January, over fifty parents and guests arrived to join in the fun and the children were very excited. They became even more excited as the Three Kings arrived and filed into the assembly hall ready to greet them. The three Kings took their places at the front and one by one the children came up to meet them to be given a small gift, some sweets and often a big hug as well. It was both humbling and motivating to see how these children reacted and it is obvious that they are very well looked after and loved by the carers at the centre, many of whom are the parents of the disabled children.

The centre was originally built and donated by a former owner of the Valencian Football Club and is now a much used feature in the town of Turis. The Masons of the White River Lodge have done a fantastic job in continuing that tradition and the children’s lives are a little better for it. We were joined on our visit by Ms Jackie Moore who kindly acted as both liaison and translator and we are very grateful to her for giving up her time to help us.

If you wish to help Per Ells they are always grateful for any donation and you may feel free to approach them directly.

WBro William Turney Communications Officer
Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia

Members of Grand Lodge of Spain visit Manchester.

Published 31/12/2018 | By Phil

Grand Lodge of Spain comes to Manchester’s Caledonian Lodge No 204
by Gerry Russell

Caledonian Lodge No 204 hosted a very special Spanish themed event on Wednesday 14 November 2018, at Manchester Masonic Hall.
One might have been mistaken for thinking that the distinguished guests from the Grand Lodge of Spain were there in some official capacity, but no, they had all travelled to Manchester to witness the initiation into Freemasonry of Paul Mansell, son of RWBro Barrie R Mansell, Assistant Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Spain.

Once the lodge had been opened, WBro Jonathon Basger, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, entered the lodge and announced that WBro Christopher Welton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was outside the lodge, accompanied by a delegation from the City Sykes and City Derby Districts, and that he demanded admission.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master and his delegation entered the lodge and once seated, the Worshipful Master offered him the gavel. On this occasion, he chose to decline his kind offer but continued to introduce his delegation which included: WBro Chris Prax, City Sykes District Chairman; WBro Chris Wildman, City Sykes Deputy District Chairman; WBro Paul O’Carroll, City Derby Deputy District Chairman; WBro Mel Rosenthal, City Derby District Secretary; WBro Elliott Moss, Manchester Districts Almoner; WBro Roy Chairman, City Sykes District Mentor; WBro Andrew Greenhalgh, Royal Arch District Officer; WBro Russell Conn, Royal Arch District Officer; WBro Chris Armstrong and WBro Craig Wood, both Provincial Grand Stewards.

At this point in the ceremony, RWBro Barrie Mansell brought greetings from the Grand Lodge of Spain and introduced his most distinguished delegation, which included: RWBro Michael A Shilan, Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Valencia; VWBro Rodney C Bignall, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Valencia; WBro Terrence Porter, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and WBro Gordon Ramshead, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies for the Province of Valencia.

The ceremony of initiation was then performed perfectly by the Acting Worshipful Master, WBro Graham Alexander and the Officers of the Caledonian Lodge.

It is a tradition within Caledonian Lodge that, at the meeting held closest to Remembrance Day, a Brother read the names of all those members of Caledonian Lodge that have risen to the Grand Lodge above, whilst in the service of their country. On this occasion, Bro Boyce-Thomson performed this duty and the brethren assembled observed a minute of silent reflection. Once the lodge had been closed, Bro Bryce-Thomson led the Brethren in a procession to the Memorial Stone Plaque outside the Lodge Room and placed a commemorative wreath upon it. Caledonian Lodge had enlisted the assistance of a bugler and, before the Brethren retired for dinner, he played ‘The Last Post’.

The Social Board was both fun and enjoyable. The Toast to the Candidate was given by his father, RWBro Barrie Mansell, during which he expressed the joy he felt at witnessing his son, now Bro Paul Mansell, being initiated into Freemasonry.

Square and Compass Magazine

Published 31/12/2018 | By Phil

Brethren,

The latest issue (number 7) of the Square and Compass magazine is now available for viewing and download.

Not only is the magazine produced and edited by our Past Provincial Grand Master and the Grand Inspector of Publications, R.W.Brother Norman Wheatley, it also contains many interesting articles concerning our Province and Spanish Freemasonry in general.

Should you have any articles that you would like to suggest for the next edition please email R.W.Bro. Norman Wheatley directly click here.

To open the magazine select the cover picture below……

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal by Caledonia Lodge

Published 16/12/2018 | By Phil

Local Freemason, Freddie Samrai, and his lovely wife Carol, organized a “CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL” on behalf of Caledonia Lodge, for the under privileged children of Torrevieja. With much support from other Lodges, individual Masons and several local charities, plus many anonymous donations (some listed below) 100 shoeboxes filled with children’s presents were given. As a result every child will have a gift to open on Christmas Day. The whole experience has left many people very emotional, from the overwhelming generosity of so many kind people. THANK YOU ALL on behalf of the children of Torrevieja.

The money from the Lodges was raised by holding Ladies Nights, BBQ’s and many other social functions. All, were kind enough to donate their charity funds to the “Shoe Box Appeal”. This is when everything went into over-drive. Many Masons donated independently, as did the Quesada Ladies Club. Everybody has been so generous with all their donations. All these boxes will be given to Alimentos Solidarios de Torrevieja, who will give them to the children at Christmas.

Those taking part:

Caledonia Lodge No.68, Torrevieja Royal Arch Chapter No.15.

Torrevieja Installed Master No.108, Las Salinas Lodge No.79.

Old Tower Lodge No.49, Quesada Ladies Club.

Salvador Artesano Torrevieja, Christmas Shop San Luis.

Comercial Chino Torrevieja, Plus many anonymous donations.

Thank you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to every one of you.

Provincial Grand Christmas Draw Results

Published 06/12/2018 | By Phil

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia
Annual Draw results

1st No.223 – €500 -Armonia de Ifach Lodge
2nd No.456-€250 – Ralf Lumley
3rd No.902 – €100 – Las Salinas Lodge
4th No.713 – €50 – Gerry Wren

Caledonia Lodge presenting a cheque for one thousand euros.

Published 06/12/2018 | By Phil

W.Bro Sid Formby presented a cheque for one thousand euros to Mary Chambers of Dedra from his Masters charity fund after his year as Worshipful Master of Caledonia Lodge No 68.

Mary Chambers runs the “Dedra” charity shop which raises money for the Butterfly children, who need constant care.

The money raised will go towards maintaining the nurses and providing bandages. W.Bro Formby raised the 1000€ from his ladies Festival, an Easter Bonnet evening, and a very successful hog roast evening.