Page 29 - EM-Issue-93

General Interest
G en er a l In t eres t

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Little Heath Lodge 5935
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Phoenix rising from the ashes
P h o e n i x r i s i n g f r o m t h e a s h e s
ike a phoenix rising from the ashes, Little Heath Lodge 5935 has come
back from near disaster to re-establish itself as a vibrant and extremely
Lwell supported unit.
A year ago, with only five members, the lodge was in danger of extinction
and on the verge of handing back its warrant. However, a few senior masons o
refused to allow that to happen and rallied close friends within the masonic
community for their support.
Consequently, the lodge now has 35 members with further candidates for
initiation and joining in the pipeline.
Indeed, one member, W.Bro Tony White PSGD, APGM, initiated his son at an emergency meeting on the 29th June
2022. The RW Provincial Grand Master and most of the Provincial Executive were among the 110 members and guests
who witnessed the event.
Tony performed the ceremony in an excellent manner, proving that he had lost none of his ritual expertise despite his
exhausting executive duties as APGM. He was assisted by W.Bro Martin House PSGD, APGM (Senior Warden), W.Bro
Chris Schrader ProvGStwd (Junior Warden), W.Bro Andy Schrader PPAGDC (Senior Deacon), W.Bro Clive Rees PSGD,
APGM (Junior Deacon) and Bro Bob Daisley (Inner Guard).
Our stand in DC, W.Bro Ralph Ankers PAGDC, PPJGW ensured the floor work was carried out with military precision, ably
assisted by the ADC, Bro Kevin Davies, who was brought in at short notice and did an excellent job!
One of our newest members, Bro (big) Harry explained the working tools of an Entered Apprenticed Freemason to the
Initiate in a superb fashion, to the delight of the brethren.
The explanation of the charge after initiation was given by Martin Cartwright PAGDC and the charge itself delivered by
VW.Bro Nick Franklin PGSwdB, DepPGM with skill and sincerity.

An everlasting memory of R.W.Bro. Rodney Bass OBE

After more than 40 years of outstanding service to Freemasonry in Essex,
R.W.Bro. Rodney Lister Bass OBE had undoubtedly secured his place in the
history of his Mother Lodge, Tollesbury and was eagerly looking forward to
its Centenary in September 2025.
Sadly, for Rodney that milestone was not to be. However, he made sure his
beloved Tollesbury would be remembered, when it was announced his Will
included a bequest to the Lodge. With the full support of his wife Margaret
she, graciously presented a cheque for £5,000 to the Master, W.Bro. Graham
Poulter, with members looking on.

It was unanimously decided by
the members that - as Rodney had
for many years held the office of
Secretary - the bequest would be
used to create a uniquely bespoke
solid oak desk, with an engraved
brass plaque in his honour and
now sits with pride of place in the
Masonic Centre’s Temple as an
everlasting memory of his service
and achievements.
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