The Lodge attends University Freshers’ Fair

Our Lodge made a unprecedented attendance at the recent Freshers’ Fair at the University of Leicester held on 3rd October 2011, which was kindly supported by the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro. David Hagger. Members of the Lodge, W.Bro. Andy Green, W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson, and Bro. Jamie Mollart, manned a stall promoting both Freemasonry and the Wyggeston Lodge to students. The day began with hoards of students queuing to enter the hall keen to join societies and pick up the freebies from commercial companies.

Members of the Lodge and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master at Freshers' Fair
Members of the Lodge and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master at Freshers’ Fair

The number of students hardly abated throughout the day and they successfully handed out information leaflets on Freemasonry, the Province and the Lodge to over 650 male students. During the day, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Peter Kinder, who is also the Provincial Universities’ Scheme Liaison Officer, kindly assisted the members of Wyggeston Lodge by talking with students and handing out information leaflets.

The Lodge Stand at Freshers' Fair, University of Leicester
The Lodge Stand at Freshers’ Fair, University of Leicester

The response from students was very positive and encouraging. There was a great deal of interest particularly from students who already had family Masonic connections and by the end of the day, a total of 12 students were extremely keen to find out more about Freemasonry.

In the days following the Fair, several students contacted the Lodge via the newly updated Lodge website requesting further information about joining.

Freshers' Fair at the University of Leicester
Freshers’ Fair at the University of Leicester

Lodge members attend the Universities’ Scheme Conference

The members of the Lodge Universities’ Scheme Subcommittee, W.Bro. Andy Green, W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson and Bro. Jamie M, attended the Universities’ Scheme Conference held at the United Grand Lodge of England Headquarters – Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London on Saturday 15th October 2011.

The Wyggeston Lodge Universities' Scheme Subcommittee at the Universities' Scheme Conference. Left to right: W.Bro. Andy Green, Bro. Jamie Mollart, W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson
The Wyggeston Lodge Universities’ Scheme Subcommittee at the Universities’ Scheme Conference. Left to right: W.Bro. Andy Green, Bro. Jamie M, W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson

The Wyggeston Lodge is part of the Universities’ Scheme and is the designated Lodge for University of Leicester students, staff and alumni.

The conference was hosted by the Assistant Grand Master, RW Bro. David Williamson and had over 130 attendees from Scheme lodges around the country including the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland, R.W.Bro. David Hagger and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Peter Kinder.

Super Sunday Lunch 2011

The Worshipful Master, Brethren and families enjoyed a 3-course Sunday Summer Lunch at the West Leicester Conservative Club, Leicester on the 4th September 2011.

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A total of £220 was raised for the 2012 RMBI Festival Appeal and Lodge Discretionary Fund.

Provincial Fun Quiz

Well done to the 3 teams from Wyggeston Lodge who entered the Provincial Fun Quiz in aid of the 2012 Festival on Monday 16th May 2011 held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester. The results were: Wyggeston Stewards (3rd), Gee Bees (5th) and Team 3 (8th).

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Devonshire Court Coffee Morning

The Worshipful Master, Brethren and their families from the Wyggeston Lodge attended the annual coffee morning at Devonshire Court on Saturday 14th May 2011 which was an enjoyable occasion as always.

The Wyggeston Lodge becomes University Lodge

The Wyggeston Lodge became a University Lodge in April 2011 with the objective ‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other University of Leicester members to enjoy Freemasonry’ as Oxbridge have done for nearly 200 years.

The Universities’ Scheme is run by the governing body of Freemasonry in England (United Grand Lodge of England) and headed by the Assistant Grand Master, David Williamson, who explains: “We know from these long-established university lodges that students – whether undergraduates or postgraduates – enjoy Freemasonry to the full. Through the Universities Scheme, we hope that university members from all over the country will be able to gain the same inspiration, fulfillment and enjoyment.”

Annual Spring Luncheon held

The Master and his wife at the Spring Luncheon
The Master and his wife at the Spring Luncheon

The Worshipful Master, Brethren, family and friends enjoyed the annual Spring Luncheon which this year was held at the Bell Inn, Burton Overy on 10th April 2011.

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Obituary – W.Bro. John A. Farmer P.P.S.G.W.

Following in the footsteps of his father W.Bro. Stephen Farmer, W.Bro. John A. Farmer was initiated into the Wyggeston Lodge No. 3448 on the 18th December 1953 and installed into the Chair of King Solomon on the 17th November 1969. W.Bro. John subsequently held the Principal Offices of Almoner for 10 years (1972-1982) and Chaplain (2001-2007). In December 2003, W.Bro. John received a certificate to mark his 50 years in Freemasonry and at the Wyggeston Lodge Centenary meeting in July 2010, the Provincial Grand Master promoted him to P.P.S.G.W. in view of the long and distinguished service that he had given to the Lodge. W.Bro. John was also a Founder Member of Rothley Temple Lodge No. 7801 and was Master of the lodge in 1965.

W.Bro. John Farmer receving a goblet presented by the Brethren of the Wyggeston Lodge No.3448 to mark his 50 years in Freemasonry in 2003
W.Bro. John Farmer receving a goblet presented by the Brethren of the Wyggeston Lodge No.3448 to mark his 50 years in Freemasonry in 2003

Besides the Craft, W.Bro. John was a member of the Wyggeston Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1149 where he was Worshipful Master in 1971. He held Provincial rank of Prov.G.J.W. (1983). He was also a member of the Oliver Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 751 where he took the Chair on the 1st November 1992. He received Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 2000.

Although W.Bro John’s health and mobility declined in more recent years, he remained an active mason up until his death on 5th March 2011. W.Bro. John was a gentleman in every sense, kind and caring with a tremendous sense of humour and he will be sadly missed.

Lodge Ladies’ Festival

The Worshipful Master, Brethren, family and friends enjoyed the annual Ladies’ Festival on Saturday 5th February 2011 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester.

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