The festival began with a brief history of The Charterhouse which was originally founded as a Carthusian Monastery in 1371 and today serves as almshouses supporting gentlemen pensioners.
An Ecumenical Service was then held in the 15th Century Chapel by Rev. Robin Isherwood along with wonderful renditions of The Benedictus and The Anthem ‘Jubilate Duo’ and an organ recessional of Fantasia in C minor by JS Bach.
The attendees were then treated to an amusing and enlightening lecture from David Battie of the BBC Antiques Roadshow regarding his ‘collectaholic’ lifestyle.
The festival concluded with a champagne reception on the lawns of Chaterhouse in the late September sunshine followed by a sumptuous festival luncheon in the Great Hall and Old Library.
Michael Turnbull, a member of the University Development Board and a prominent Leicestershire Freemason, said: “This second exciting grant from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund will fund the continuation of important research into heart disease at the new Leicester University Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital. “It is further evidence of the broad support given by Freemasons toward medical research throughout the country. Supporting the DREAM study is something in which we can all take great pride.”
Recently, a natural protective mechanism has been identified that can reduce the amount of damage from a heart attack. If the blood supply in a person’s arm or leg is interrupted temporarily, the body releases chemicals that can “condition” the heart to protect it during a heart attack and the subsequent effort to restore the flow of blood. This is called remote ischemic conditioning (RIC).
In the DREAM trial, researchers from the University of Leicester are undertaking a simple and pragmatic randomised clinical trial to gather preliminary evidence that RIC, applied daily for 28 days to patients who have sustained significant damage to the heart after a heart attack, results in significant improvement in their heart function compared with patients who have not had this treatment.
Professor Nilesh Samani, Head of the University of Leicester’s Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and lead investigator on the project, said: “Heart attacks are the commonest cause of death in the UK. While there have been substantial advances in the treatment of heart attacks, many patients still experience severe damage to the heart and are left with heart failure, where the heart does not pump blood adequately for the needs of the body, resulting in symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue.
“The funding we have received from the Grand Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund will allow the DREAM trial to continue to investigate whether a simple treatment that can be easily applied can improve heart function during recovery after a heart attack.”
Worldwide around 7.2 million people suffer a heart attack every year and about 124,000 of these are in the UK. Evidence indicates that coronary artery disease, including heart attacks, accounts for 52% of all heart failure sufferers under the age of 75.
The study is being undertaken by the DREAM project research team led by Dr Andrew Vanezis based at the Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, under the direction of Professor Samani.
John Peberdy, Chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association, said: “ The Freemasons of Leicestershire and Rutland have also been pleased to be able to fund several specific pieces of equipment for the Cardiovascular Research Departments costing nearly £50,000”
I arrived in Leicester in the autumn of 1997 at the age of 26 for my first job at Leicester University after graduating with a PhD from Hull. Only knowing one person in the entire city from my comprehensive school days in Somerset, I was keen to build social circles outside of my work colleagues. That was easier said than done. I however, remembered conversations with a friend, Jon, who was a Freemason, whist we were studying at University. Our many chats about Freemasonry eventually inspired me to find out more from him and felt that it was something I should pursue, not only for the social side but for the long term fraternal bonding and sense of belonging to a worthwhile organisation. I wholeheartedly trusted my good friend on his recommendation that Freemasonry was something I would “very much enjoy”.
Jon being a Freemason in Hampshire (and latterly in Cambridge) could not personally recommend a Lodge in Leicester but instead posted on an online Masonic forum seeking a possible Lodge. No sooner had it been posted there was a reply from a Mason, a member of the Wyggeston Lodge, No.3448, in Leicester saying that they would be interested to meet with me as a potential new member. Following several meetings with Lodge members, I was eventually Initiated into the Wyggeston Lodge in December 1998 and at the time a first for the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland having a member introduced via the internet. Jon, and another University friend, both made to the trip to Leicester to witness my introduction into Masonry and one, like every Mason, that I will always cherish.
Having been a Freemason for nearly 17 years and able to reflect on my membership, it has very much surpassed all my initial expectations. Not only is it a wonderful fraternity where I have gained so many genuine friends, I have learnt a great deal about myself and the personal journey I have taken so far and continue to do so. It has offered me transferrable skills, confidence and above all a great deal of enjoyment. I also have the personal gratification that I donate to a wide range of worthy local charities particularly those that I would not necessarily have previously considered donating money.
As I have progressed through Masonry from new member, to Master of the Lodge and beyond there have been many exciting challenges and I look forward with anticipation to those which I have yet to encounter ready to embrace them with as much enthusiasm as the day I became a Mason. Above all Freemasonry is thoroughly absorbing, extremely rewarding and a great deal of fun.
As a student of archaeology I am repeatedly asked two things; ‘do you dig up dinosaurs?’ and ‘will I be seeing you on Time Team?’ Almost all social interactions, from family gatherings to meeting people in bars, are plagued by those two simple questions. The stock answers are of course, ‘you’re thinking of palaeontology’ and ‘Time Team got cancelled’, much to the disappointment of the enquirer! Similarly, as a proud member of the Freemasons, I am often asked the question ‘What is Freemasonry?’ Unlike archaeology however, to ask for a definitive answer in Freemasonry would be to miss the point. Yes, it is a club, an organisation – but it is also a way in which to live your life and make a positive impact on the world and people around you.
I grew up with stories of my Grandfather, a Freemason, heading out in a suit on occasional evenings, briefcase in hand, Crombie overcoat keeping out the winter chill. My mother never knew where he was going but she saw how much he looked forward to it, how happy it made him. My Grandfather was going to his monthly Lodge meeting, a chance to meet hard-working men, share some drinks, enjoy great food and socialise in circles that he may otherwise not have known. That was in the late seventies, and while the traditions and values of Freemasonry have not changed since the 17th Century, the openness and acceptance of this fraternity certainly has in more recent times.
John – Student and Freemason
When I confirmed my place at the University of Leicester I glanced over the societies on offer. I’d never planned on joining any groups, so I wasn’t overly let down when nothing took my interest. I did however, stumble across the website for what would later become the home of my Masonic journey; The Wyggeston Lodge. I got in touch and was instantly treated with the utmost respect. Attending the Freshers Fair in a rather fragile state (why so early during Freshers Week?) it was easy to see the Masonic stall standing out amongst the others; slick colours, professional banners, smartly dressed men talking confidently on the same level as those asking. A stark contrast to the fast food joints handing out free pizza slices to the hungover masses!
Established in 1910, eleven years before the University was founded, the Wyggeston Lodge is arguably one of the most flourishing and active in the country and is gaining members and momentum at an enviable rate. This is no doubt in part owed to the launch of the Universities Scheme by the governing body of the Freemasons, the United Grand Lodge of England. A tradition of Oxford and Cambridge spanning two centuries, the Universities Scheme branched out in 2005 to other University towns and was fittingly taken on board by the Wyggeston Lodge in Leicester in 2011 – making it the home for University of Leicester students. The scheme aims to bring in students with a sense of morality to add to the future of the fraternity and now consists of 60 similar Lodges across England and Wales. The Wyggeston Lodge have students of history, biochemical science, law, distant-learners, mature students, alumni and staff. The list is vast. While some would expect there to be a clash in generations, I joined at 21 years old and was welcomed with open arms by men covering every decade up to their nineties. No pre-judgement in sight, perfectly matching Leicester University’s ‘elite without being elitist’ attitude.
So what is Freemasonry? Again, there is no real definitive answer. Freemasonry is what you want to make of it. Our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. We support a large amount of charities, both masonic and non-masonic. We don’t discuss religion or politics, two of the biggest points of disagreement, in order to create a friendly and equal atmosphere. The three great principles we live by are simple: respecting everyone, looking after others and being honest. Once a month we hold official meetings, alongside other casualones. Drinks are had, beautiful food is eaten and together we aim forintellectual, social and moral improvement, achieved through participation in dramatic ceremonial plays. It’s all done with a positive attitude and a few laughs.
I went out on student nights as much as (or more than) anyone in first year, but I also excitedly looked forward to one evening a month – like my Grandfather had done 40 years earlier – to putting on a suit and tie, polishing my shoes and heading into an incredible building full of interesting people, away from the intensity of living in halls. It made for a welcome change and for me personally, allowed me to recharge my batteries. University is by no means easy and Freemasonry did, and continues to, give me an often needed break from the sleepless nights of student life.
Freemasonry, like so many traditions, is adapting to the present day. In a world in which information is freely available, social media replaces social interaction and chivalry is considered a dying art – rather than shutting doors, Lodges are kicking them open. A new, young generation of Freemasons is pumping life into the fraternity and securing its exciting future for generations to come.
Bro John H. Phillips
The Wyggeston Lodge meets at Freemasons’ Hall on London Road, Leicester and meet once a month on a Friday night from October through to April. We welcome new members particuarly any Leicester University students, alumni or staff who are male and 18 years and older. You don’t have to be invited to become a member and more details about Freemasonry and how to join can be found here.
The United Grand Lodge of England have produced a new short film outlining the fundamental values of what it means to be a Freemason.
If you live, study or work in the Leicester area and want to join The Wyggeston Lodge then you do not need to be invited to become a Freemason. It is as simple as just contacting us.
More about making of the film can be read in the Summer 2014 edition of Freemasonry Today
On Saturday the 7th June 2014, the Master and members of The Wyggeston Lodge, along with the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club visited Apollo University Lodge No.357, in Oxford, the oldest University-affiliated lodge in the country. Both Lodges are members of the United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme.
The meeting was held in the Randolf Hotel Ballroom and consisted of 6 Initiations and 7 Raisings. Over 100 Freemasons attended and was excellently conducted by all involved.
The Festive Board was very enjoyable and entertaining with wine and laughter free flowing throughout the four course meal and afterwards.
After the Festive Board, members were welcomed to the Oxford University Union until the early hours of the morning.
Andrew Slater, a University of Leicester graduate and member of The Wyggeston Lodge, said “Yet again, visiting another lodge has not disappointed. We have all been able to make many more new friends from the far reaches of the country and strengthen existing ones.”
The Lodge held its 36th Meeting of the Lodge on Friday 17th April 1914 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester and was opened at 7pm.
There were a total of 25 members and 10 visitors in attendance.
The Master, WBro T Pitcairn Shearer, a Lodge Founder, presided over the meeting which saw Bro Lapraik passed to the Second degree. Bro Lapraik was Initiated the month before, and eventually Installed as Master of the Lodge in 1923. He remained a member of the Lodge for 49 years until his death in 1953.
Grand Lodge Certificates were presented to Bros Allen and Lee who were Initiated in September and November 1913 respectively.
An appeal for a subscription by the members to the Masonic Girls School and the National Institute for the Blind were made.
Bro Flockton proposed a Mr Thomas Beedle, a 37 year old Commercial Traveller residing in Leicester, as a Candidate for Initiation into the Lodge.
Our regular meeting in April was held on Thursday 17th April 2014 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester instead of the third Friday of the month as normal as this year it fell on Good Friday.
We were extremely honoured to welcome the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Peter C Kinder PGSwdB to our meeting who is also the Provincial Universities’ Scheme Liaison Officer. Among our other visitors was the Leicestershire & Rutland Light Blue Club which is the junior Masons social club for the Province.
At the meeting, Bros. Peter (a University of Leicester Law graduate) and Eric (a PhD student at the University of Leicester) were Raised to the degree of a Master Mason in a superbly conducted double Ceremony. Our congratulations go to both of them reaching this wonderful milestone in Freemasonry.
The evening was completed by an excellent Festive Board where we enjoyed a three course meal of pumpkin & chorizo soup, Highland chicken and seasonal vegetables followed by Boston pecan pie.
At the meeting, a total of £116 was donated by the members for the benefit of the Rainbows Children’s Hospice based in Loughborough.
This was the last regular meeting before the Summer break and the Master, WBro Dipak Chauhan, wished all our members a wonderful Summer.
Bro Carter (right) with the Master of Granite Lodge (left)
Our congratulations go to Bro David Carter who was kindly Passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft by the Granite Lodge No.2028 in the Holmes Lodge Room, Freemasons’ Hall Leicester on Monday 7th April 2014.
Bro Carter was supported by other members of The Wyggeston Lodge including his Personal Mentor, Bro. Bob Rankin. The Ceremony was performed by Past Masters of the Granite Lodge to a very high standard and it a most enjoyable occasion.
Our 5 new members plus other junior members of the Lodge
Our members and visitors witnessed a historic meeting at our Regular Meeting on Friday 21st March where we Initiated 5 new members. This was the first time in the Lodge’s 103 year old history that we have welcomed five new members in one meeting.
Since joining the United Grand Lodge of England Universities’ Scheme in April 2011 as the Lodge for University of Leicester students, staff and alumni we have Initiated 22 members the majority of these being undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Bros. Sohrabi, Grant, Perrin, Turner and Bhopa were Initiated at our meeting held in the Holmes Lodge Room, Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester in two separate Ceremonies. The first Ceremony was presided over by the Immediate Past Master, WBro Tom Bodycot, and the Master presided over the second.
The evening was concluded by a wonderful Festive Board where members and visitors enjoyed a 3 course meal.
The Wyggeston Lodge, No.3448 Leicester 