…and without neglecting the ordinary dues of your staon, to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge…
The role of the Province is to provide support and guidance to Lodges and Chapters.
It gives a structure to a range of activities and the Provincial Grand Master appoints individual Brethren to lead on these.
The onus on these Provincial Officers can be significant and, where needed, additional resources are supplied.
Following the launch of the national UGLE/SGC strategy last year, the Province created a Strategy Implementation Group to develop and roll-out an action plan to meet the needs of the Strategy.
The prime drivers being:
- A Thriving Membership
- Community Engagement, and
- A Cohesive Organisation.
The principal officers engaged in these elements have written their reports on the following pages:
- Strategy Implementation Group Lead
- Provincial Grand Mentor
- Provincial Grand Almoner
- Bristol Masonic Society
- Provincial Grand Learning & Development Officer
- University Scheme Lead
But we start with an introduction to the Senior Provincial Officers supporting the PGM.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master
Timothy John Brunton
Tim was born in Reading but, from the age of three, was brought up in Bristol. He was educated at Clifton College Preparatory School and Clifton College. He attended the London School of Economics, graduating with a degree in economics and economic history. He returned to Bristol in 1992 and set up a company owning and running Amusement Arcades. Since 2010 he has owned and run a private hostel for homeless men over forty in Bristol.
Tim was initiated in Jerusalem Lodge (No. 686) as a Lewis in 1994 and was W.M. of his Lodge for two years – 2000 and 2001. He has served the Province in many ways including Provincial Grand Chaplain, Provincial Junior and Senior Grand Wardens, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Provincial Grand Learning and Development Officer, Hon Secretary of the BMsC, President of the Bristol Masonic Society and was heavily involved in the 2019 M.S.F. Fesval. He is a member of Chapter, Mark, RAM and other Companion Orders including Royal and Select Masters, Red Cross of Constantine, The Royal Order of Scotland and The Camp of Baldwyn.
Married to Deirdre, they have two children – Emma (21) and Lachlan (20) and a collie-husky cross called Sandy. He enjoys golf and is a past Captain of The Bristol Masonic Golf Society. He also enjoys sea kayaking, body boarding, mountain biking, walking, his MGB classic car and Masonry.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Dr Jonathan Richard Hayes
Jon lives in Bath with his wife Katrina (predictably, a nurse – they met in Bournemouth, while dis-impacting an 84 year old boom together) and their two children Edward (21 – just back from Uni) and Laura (18 – still considering life’s options).
His family have been Masons for several generations, most notably in Greenwich, Plymouth and Rio de Janeiro. On his own Masonic journey, he has had the honour of serving the Province of Bristol as Senior Warden in the Craft and Third Principal in Royal Arch. By coincidence, in both these offices, his dear departed Dad served exactly 10 years before him and Jon is extremely proud to note that their names appear together on no less than four honours boards, spread across all three dining rooms in Park Street
Outside of Masonry, Jon works for the NHS as a full me GP, where he has been for the last 25 years and has also worked in various roles in commissioning NHS services. His main hobbies are sewing, drawing and painting and he sings with the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew. Jon is a uniformed Scout Leader in Bath and a lifelong fan of the TV series Doctor Who, so it is no coincidence that Jon is a founding member of Scoutcraft Lodge in Bristol and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Lodge in Staffs.
Provincial Senior Grand Warden
Brin Bassral
Brin Bassral is 63 years old and was born and bred in Smethwick, Birmingham His parents Immigrated to the UK in 1950 from the Punjab in India and they had 5 children . Brin is the second born out of 3 brothers and two sisters who were all born in the UK . Brin and his wife Pamela reside in West Bromwich and have 5 children Pria 40 , Sanjay 38 , Naveena 27, Maya 25 and Jovan 21. There are two granddaughters India Rose 8 and Lara Jasmine 5.
After leaving school Brin pursued a career in Amenity Horticulture and the RAF, but a few years later went into business as such he has been in a mixture of businesses spanning over 30 years in Precision engineering , Prestige cars, and in recent years retail apparel and the convenience stores.Brin also served as a Warrant Officer with the Air Training Corps , in Particular having responsibility for D of E scheme , Firearms and Dress and discipline. Brin also presently has the collective responsibility of looking after his family farm which the family still own in Punjab , the farm mainly cultivates sugar cane for the domestic market and has a small dairy. Brin visits Punjab a couple of times a year and hosts a charity event each time at their home within the farm. Last year’s event was a blood donation camp and next year he is planning to hold an eye camp to include issuing of spectacles as well as cataract operations , these events are aimed at helping the extremely poor in the region who can not afford any medical treatment and where the simplest of diseases can prove to be fatal and very often are ! .All events are entirely funded by the family .Other interests include sitting as a Presiding Justice mainly Birmingham , Walsall, Dudley and Wolverhampton Courts where he has been a magistrate for over 10 years.Out of personal interest Brin is compiling a family tree collating data from home and abroad before it may be lost forever!
Brin Bassral was initiated into the St Katharine Lodge No 7051 in January 2002 and was WM in 2008 & 2009 . He was exalted into the Moira Chapter of Honour No 326 (MEZ in 2013) and has membership of BIM No 8168 ( DC 2023/24), Patrons No 9522 ( WM 2025 – DC2021/22/23), BIFPC No 8168 (MEZ 2018 ), BMS and The Camp of Baldwyn. Currently Chapter Provincial Treasurer and Past Active roles have included Provincial Grand Chaplain,Provincial Grand Deputy DC. Outside of Bristol , Brin is a member of the Province of Staffordshire and Shropshire whereupon he has membership of Dartmouth Mark No 993 ( WM 2012 ),Dartmouth RAM No 993 ( W/Cdr 2016 Prov RAMGR 2021) and West Bromwich OSM No 467 ( S/R 2016/24 ) Supreme Rulers Conclave No 123.( G swd B 2023)
Brin is delighted to have been selected to serve the Province of Bristol in the role of PrSGW for 2025 and very hopes to assist all Lodges to foster the great spirit of freemasonry during the ensuing year and assures everyone the very best of his attention at all times.
Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Andrew Christopher Moore
Andrew was born in Bristol in 1966. Married to Carolyn, they have a daughter Victoria. After leaving school he joined the rail industry. Initially working within the Civil Engineering department before transferring to the footplate. After working as a train driver, he moved in to Operations management and held various managerial roles in the industry. He was involved in developing competence management systems and railway operational procedures and was involved in the design, development and testing of new trains and onboard systems.
Andrew was initiated into The Robert Thorne Lodge in November 2008 and served as Worshipful Master in 2015, 2022 & 2023. He is Director of Ceremonies of The Saint Vincent Lodge, The Bristol Patrons Lodge and The Bristol Installed Masters Lodge. He was Exalted in to The Moira Chapter of Honour in March 2010 and was First Principal in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Andrew is also a member of the Camp of Baldwyn; he will be installed as Worshipful Master of the Ernest Dunscombe Mark Lodge in October 2025 He is a member of The Order of the Secret Monitor and was Supreme Ruler of Nailsea Conclave in 2022 & 2023. He is also a member of The Royal Order of Scotland, the Red Cross of Constantine. Royal and Select Masters, and the Order of the Scarlet Cord. He has served as Provincial Grand Membership Officer since 2021and has edited the Provincial Yearbook in 2024 & 2025.
Having taken early retirement after 38 years on the railway, he keeps himself busy by volunteering as a Lock Keeper in Bath for the Canal and River Trust. He keeps Bees and has apiaries in North Somerset. He has a keen interest in art and photography and attends college in Stroud where he is studying Stained Glass and Glass painting. He is also a member of the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew who sing all over the south-west collecting for various charities and good causes. An unusual achievement is that he held his glider pilot license and train driver license before he could drive a car. His early driving lessons were provided by the RAF driving Land Rovers for aircraft recovery; this early exposure to Land Rovers led to a lifelong interest and he now owns a 1963 Series 2A Land Rover (which he uses for his beekeeping) and after retiring he bought a Series 3 Land Rover Marshall Ambulance which he is in the process of restoring / rebuilding.
Strategy Implementation Report 2025
We are now finishing our second year into our 7 year strategy to help Bristol masonry remain vibrant and strong for future generations. 2024/2025 has been a busy year with the launch of new Pathway booklet showing a record of lodge actions, these being presented by PGWardens to lodges on their visits at the second time of asking. In February all craft lodges received a copy of their membership breakdown and Pathway report cards, this being sent to secretaries, mentor and WM’s so they can be discussed at committee meetings. Attached is an example sent out.
Under the direction of the PGM the communications aspect of Bristol Masonry was investigated and as an outcome a local social media campaign was conducted. Also in conjunction with this there has been the co operation of 17 Park Street in opening up the building. The Sea Shanty and beer Festival. The purchase of a Wallace and Gromit Statute, the Norbot, for the Portico and QR Codes explaining Bristol Masonry and our building/ centre.
Community Engagement. Our new very active PGCharity Steward Simon Moss has been physically out with local Bristol Charities. Bristol Masons’ Charity is still heavily involved with charities in the Greater Bristol area and its matched funding schemes with lodges and chapters. Also generators to Ukraine via mini bus.
Engaged with community dignitaries through the BMS Carol Service and Remembrance Parade. Service: we have a few examples with Wbro Lee Bushby and the PGM with helping in land clearance for veterans.
Wbro Peter Carpenter has put new life into the Light Blues. This is significant going forward as it can keep our younger members engaged. WBro John Bassett [L &D]has been used to give talks to the Dunckerleys.
The Bristol Masonic Society wishes to get more active and help promote learning within the Province. The BMS is now linked with Learning and Development office. I have worked with Deputy Grand Superindendent Ex Companion Richard Lewis who has pushed the Royal Arch and talks about Archway to the Chapters. He is also looking at and reviewing the RA booklet from London, though we still have our own tailored booklet.
Though unfortunately we had one craft lodge who handed their warrant in, all members were successfully transferred to other lodges. On the upside we had the consecration of one new specialised interest craft lodge [motorcycling] and a daylight Chapter.
Plenty of hard work still to be done. In September there will be another Strategy workshop called Building Together at Sindlesham Bershire Masonic Centre where the Provincial Almoner, Mentor, Membership Officer and DPGM will be attending. Naturally we will pass all information on in October 2025.
DPGM VWBro Tim Brunton
Strategy Implementation Group Chair and SPOCK Bristol.
Provincial Grand Almoner’s report
It gives me great pleasure to present my first report as Provincial Grand Almoner. This past year has been both rewarding and enlightening, as I have sought to establish a strong foundation for the role and to develop the support available to our Lodge and Chapter Almoners throughout the Province.
Training and Development
At the outset of my appointment, I attended training at Grand Lodge for Almoners. This has provided me invaluable insight into the expectations and responsibilities of the office, as well as guidance on the wider work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). I also undertook further training to qualify as a Visiting Volunteer, to further understand the information required to support applications for grants from MCF.
Provincial Structure and Support
Recognising the importance of visiting volunteers within and without the Province, I appointed a Provincial Visiting Volunteer, W Br Mike Whitworth to complement and strengthen our structure of support. This hopefully will enhance our ability to respond to the needs of Brethren and their dependents in a timely and effective manner.
Communication and Engagement
A key focus during the year has been to ensure that all Almoners are fully informed and engaged with the resources available to them. To this end:
- Organised a meeting for all Lodge and Chapter Almoners, enabling them to meet one another, share experiences, and gain a clearer understanding of their vital role.
- Distributed the latest information from Grand Lodge and the MCF, ensuring it reached Brethren through printed leaflets and links to online resources.
- Made use of our private Provincial Facebook page to share updates and guidance, keeping information easily accessible.
- Encouraged greater communication and collaboration between Almoners across the Province maintaining the previously set up WhatsApp group . This has because of contributions by members, become an effective and supportive forum for sharing advice, best practice, and encouragement.
Under the guidance of our PGM, a guide to Almoner’s Role has been created and is presented to newly appointed Almoners at installation.
Looking Ahead
This first year has been focused on building the foundations for a stronger, more connected network of Almoners. Going forward, with the support of all Almoners in the Province, I hope to enable the Role of Almoner in each Lodge and Chapter to be more effective to benefit members welfare especially when in most need.
I would like to thank all the Almoners across the Province for their dedication, compassion, and willingness to embrace these initiatives.
Prakash Dewani PAGDC
Provincial Grand Almoner
Provincial Grand Mentor’s Report
Taking up the Office of Provincial Grand Mentor has been a hugely rewarding and educational experience for me and I am grateful to the Lodge Mentors for their support and engagement as the year has progressed.
One of the key functions of the Provincial Grand Mentor is to support Lodge Mentors to implement the Members’ Pathway, with a particular focus on the “Engage” quadrant, which looks at member support and retention. This involves working closely with the Lodge Mentors to help them understand their challenge areas and identify opportunities to support Members on their Masonic journeys.
A series of “round table” discussion evenings with the Lodge Mentors helped to shed light on some common challenges faced by Bristol Lodges, but also revealed a number of initiatives that Lodges have implemented to support Members’ development and enhance the Masonic experience for their Brethren.
These meetings identified a recurring theme that many of our “Light Blues” seem daunted by the thought of progression. Much of this comes from seeing a Worshipful Master deliver exceptional ceremonies from the Chair, making the task seem impossible to replicate. However, my 10 years of Masonry has taught me that good ritual rarely stems from a natural ability, but from patience and application. I would encourage every Brother to embrace progression and recognise that the enormous honour of attaining the Chair of a Bristol Lodge is well within your grasp. Your Lodge Mentor – and almost any Past Master – will attest that the process of learning ritual has revealed to them the true beauty of the Bristol ceremony and that delivering it well has given them an enormous sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Attendance numbers have been a challenge for many Lodges since Covid times, but I’m pleased to share some positive initiatives that have been implemented by Bristol Lodges, which have led to fuller, richer and more enjoyable evenings at Park Street:
- Semper Fidelis and Royal Sussex Lodge of
Hospitality now frequently attend each other’s
ceremonies and/or After-meetings en masse. - Saint Vincent and Robert Thorne Lodges have
instigated a reciprocal annual Fraternal Visit - Several Lodges encourage Fellow Crafts and
Master Masons to deliver the lessons on the
Working Tools - Several Lodges routinely invite New and Young
Masons to deliver Toasts at the After-meeting - A number of Lodges are delivering the Bristol
“Snippets” during ceremonies or using them to
guide conversations when Entered Apprentices
or Fellow Crafts are asked to retire.
If you have questions about any aspect of Masonry, if you are keen to join the Royal Arch or another branch of Masonry, or you simply want to prepare yourself for progression in your Lodge, seek out your Mentor and bend his ear! He will be only too happy to share his wisdom and experience or, at the very least, will signpost you accordingly. Enjoy the new Masonic year, Brethren.
W. Bro Pat Nagle
Provincial Grand Mentor
Universities Scheme Report
From acorns to mighty oaks would be an appropriate description of the University scheme as it approaches the 20th anniversary of its inception. The scheme was originally founded by the then Assistant Grand Master David Williamson who also founded the Association of Medical, University and Legal Lodges (AMULL).
The President of the scheme Deputy Grand Master Sir David Wootton, assisted by the Chairman Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Roger Hilditch, have enthusiastically supported and promoted the growth of the scheme to its current level of over ninety parcipating Lodges and Chapters with further applications for membership being received for consideration on a regular basis.
The core aim of engagement with students who are interested in their own personal development and of being part of a charitable and fraternal organisation remains unchanged.
St. Vincent Lodge continues to administer the scheme on behalf of the Province and have been fortunate to attract a steady stream of candidates. This has given rise to the opportunity to supply candidates to other Lodges when a gap has arisen in their calendar.
For more information please contact:
W. Bro Richard Keen
universies@bristolmasons.co.uk
The Dunckerleys Club Report
Executive Summary
The Dunckerleys Club, founded in 2014 by R.W.Bro. A.J. Vaughan and W. Bro. N. Parsons, is a Masonic organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering new and young Masons in the Province of Bristol. The club has evolved through community engagement, ceremonial support, and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering leadership and brotherhood.
Introduction
2024/25 has seen massive change for The Dunckerleys, for the better. Over the 2024 Summer the new and improved website was launched, with lots of new features, information and regular updates. This can be found at thedunckerleysclub.co.uk.
Events
We also had a large number of meet ups, supporting Masonic venues and getting together for the EUROs competition. Then in September, the first Dunckerley Daily Advancement Group meeting was held, with talks from W.Bro. John Bassett and W.Bro. Mike Page. We hope to continue this and start getting newer members interested in the history and esoteric side of Masonry, with support from the Bristol Masonic Society. We supported the Province during PGL and PGC and look forward to the same this year too. It’s an incredible way for newer members to get involved at an early point in their Masonic life, and see things from a different perspective. All of the social media accounts were resuscitated and are slowly becoming more active, from Instagram, twitter/X, Facebook and more. We enjoy what we do so it’s great to get the message out there! In January, we held the first AGM for a number of years covering the following:
Mission Pillars
‘Three Pillars of The Dunckerleys Mission’, the club’s strategic focus is built on three foundational pillars:
Support – Mentorship programs, Brotherhood through shared experiences, Safe and inclusive environment
Educate – Study groups and guest speakers, Interactive workshops on Masonic traditions, Online educational resources
Empower – Leadership opportunities, Skill development workshops, Networking events
Governance and Roles
- The club’s leadership is structured around key officer roles, each with defined responsibilities:
- Chairman: Strategic leadership, meeting management, financial oversight
- Deputy Chairman: Committee coordination, strategic planning, event leadership
- Secretary & Assistant Secretary: Record keeping, correspondence, event coordination
- Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer: Financial management, budgeting, audits
- Social Secretary: Event planning, member engagement, logistics
- Committee Members: Governance, event support, sub-committee involvement
Club Operations
- Ballot for Officers includes positions such as Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary, and multiple committee roles
- Chairman: Strategic leadership, meeting management, financial oversight
- W.Bro. Peter Carpenter
- Deputy Chairman: Committee coordination, strategic planning, event leadership
- Bro. Adam Chambers
- Secretary & Assistant Secretary: Record keeping, correspondence, event coordination
- Bro. Adam Pincott and Bro. Aidan Horan
- Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer: Financial management, budgeting, audits
- Bro. Flick Avison and
- Social Secretary: Event planning, member engagement, logistics
- Bro. Martin Cooper and Bro. Cash Butler
- Committee Members: Governance, event support, sub-committee involvement
- Bro. Darren Hilton
- Bro. Graham Thompson
- Bro. Gurdas Kasbia
- Bro. Robert Graham
New Member Integration
The Welcome Pack will include:
- Informational leaflet
- Pin badge
- Welcome letter
- EA booklet
- Absent Brethren card
- QR code for sign-up
- Province of Bristol Passport
Leadership Communication
We received an address from the Provincial Grand Master, reinforcing the club’s mission and strategic direction and pledging support to club moving forward. Following this, the Constitution was ratified by R.W.Bro. J.M.W. Davis, PGM and W.Bro. P.O. Carpenter, affirming the club’s governance framework, and the Province’s pledge of support for the future.
Events (continued)
There were numerous Fraternal visits including to Wales, Somerset, Poland as well as many inter Lodge visits within the Province. A number of Dunckerleys were involved in a demonstration of the Bristol Initiation ceremony which was held in London at #1 Lodge room at Great Queen St. Support was given via volunteering at the Ale and Shanty Fest, Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal, Classic Car and Bike Show. The inaugural Sunday Lunch Club meeting, 2 fishing trips and a mass visit to London for Quarterly Comms in September 2025.
Summary
2024/25 has been packed with events, meetups, initiatives and fraternal bonding across the board. The new committee were thrown in at the deep end but have pulled together and are breathing new life into the Club. We can’t wait to see what 2025/26 will bring!
Bristol Masonic Society
www.bristol-masonic-society.org.uk
1 Year’s Free Membership for new Bristol Master Masons
Our President this year has been Mike Page. He led an initiative to revitalise the role of the Society’s Lodge Representatives – so expect to hear from your next year. Our meetings has something for everyone – from history to current Masonic topics, Dr Who to the Alamo, and even a little of the esoteric:
- Guarding the West Gate – M. Page
- Material Freemasonry: Objects as Historical Sources F. Côrte Real de Carmago
- Masonry and Vampires in Weimar Berlin – J.R.K. Bassett
- The History of the Camp of Baldwyn – A. Rosengren & S.A. Hawkins
- Which Doctor Would Be the Mason? J.R. Hayes
- Men, Masons and Myth at the Alamo: ‘You Can Go to Hell,
- I’m Going to Texas’ T.J. Day
- Why Do We Need Tools in Speculative Masonry? S. Rawlings
We had an excellent Summer Outing to Dr Jenner’s house at Berkely in glorious weather in the middle of June. Again, we held two meetings on Zoom and we plan to do the same next year – on Sunday evenings to avoid clashes with your other Masonic commitments. We welcome Master Masons, who are not members of the Society, to these two meetings as a ‘taster’.
Also, this year the Society has published a 350-page history of its first hundred years. It describes the nature and structure of its meetings as well as listing them all. It discusses the objects of the Society and gives details of its invited speakers. It deals with challenges such as the Second World War and the destruction of Freemasons’ Hall at Park Street, including the Library and Museum. It also discusses contentious issues such as the ownership of the Library and Museum as well as the publication of Annual Transactions. Included throughout are hundreds of gems of Bristol Masonic history and customs as well as biopics of more than 170 Bristol Masons – some of whom you may have known! It is lavishly illustrated and has a full index – all for only £25.00. It is available on Amazon or from Tony Baker.
Society Membership costs only £20 per calendar year, payable on 1st January; this includes the price of the annual volume of the Transactions.
Next season’s programme will be:
Monday 29th September 2025, 6.45 pm
INSTALLATION MEETING and Presidential Address
‘Isaac Nathan, the Father of Australian Music and a Bristol Mason’
WBro A.R. Smith, QPM, PJGD, PM 8909, 7900, 9439 & 9840
Thursday 30th October 2025, 7.00 pm
‘Charley’s Aunt Was a Mason’
WBro J.K. Harmshaw, PPrSGW(Worcs), PPrJGW(Somerset), PM 3378 & 232
ZOOM Meeting (Master Masons who are not members of the Society are welcome to attend this meeting)
Sunday 30th November 2025, 7.00 pm
‘Cain, Where is Thy Brother?’
WBro Dr E. Eder (G.L. Austria)
Sunday 7th December 2025, 5.30 pm
B.M.S. ‘Provincial Carol Service’
St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
Friday 30th January 2026, 7.00 pm
‘Downend Masonic Hall and Bristol Masonry 1941-1957’
WBro A.R. Smith, QPM, PJGD, PM 8909, 7900, 9439 & 9840
ZOOM Meeting (Master Masons who are not members of the Society are welcome to attend this meeting)
Sunday 15th February 2026, 7.00 pm
‘Masonic Ciphers’
WBro R. Codling, PPrGSwdB (E.Lancs.), PM 363
Monday 30th March 2026, 7.00 pm
‘Bartholomew Ruspini, Bristol, and the Royal Masonic School for Girls’
WBro K.R.S. Surry, FCA, PAGDC, PM 906 & 355.
Friday 29th May 2026, 7.00 pm
‘In Silence and Secrecy’
WBro S. Bolomytis, P.M. 1404
Saturday 20th June 2026
SUMMER OUTING – Bath Masonic Hall for the Bath Furniture & Masonic Tour of Bath
Tuesday 29th September INSTALLATION MEETING
6.45 pm and Presidential Address
All enquiries should be made to the Secretary, Keith Hollands, at:
secretary@bristol-masonic-society.org.uk
Library & Archivist
One of the treasures of the Province of Bristol is our 1599 Beeches bible, also known as The Geneva Bible. The name “Beeches” is the result of a printing error. It has now been restored and is on display, It has an explanation of why it can be considered unique. The Bible has a very interesting provenance, including a card printed on the frozen river Thames in 1726.
During the year the Library received numerous book donations, many being new to the library. The Library collection was further enhanced by a large and varied collection of Masonic books kindly donated by WB David Mander.
There has been a general reorganisation of the Library. The Library now has a dedicated section solely on Bristol Lodge histories. The history of some of the more ancient Lodges, I hope will be of great interest to Masonic researchers.
I would like to request to all Lodge historians to donate to the Library a copy of your Lodge histories, even if they are in Word or PDF format.
During the past year, I have created displays to celebrate the centenary of the St Augustine Royal Arch Chapter 3108 and the centenary of The Lodge of Virtue and Industry 4701. I would like to thank all the Brothers and Companions who assisted me in creating those displays.
In an effort to ensure that our jewels appear as museum grade exhibits, I am in the process of re-mounting our collection of Bristol jewels. These can be viewed in the basement display cabinet. In the future, I hope to find funding to have museum grade cabinets constructed to exhibit our jewels.
Future projects are to hopefully secure on loan, the watercolour collection of Henry Smith, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Bristol 1815 to 1822. I also hope to arrange the loan of the collar jewel belonging to Frederick Charles Husenbeth, who was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Bristol on three separate occasions. Both items are stored in the museum collection of the United Grand Lodge of England. A further project will be a pictorial history display of our building,
I would encourage all Brothers and especially newly initiated Masons who are interested in learning our history, or the meaning behind our ceremonies, to use the Library for research.
Two books I would recommend is the Powell/ Littleton 1910 book “Freemasonry in Bristol” and The Ernest Cook book “History of Freemasons Hall”.
I would like to thank, WB Stephen Simmons and B Luca Antico for all their support during the year.
B Gary Williams
Provincial Grand Librarian and Archivist
Library Opening Times
Monday 10 am to 1pm
To arrange an appointment
or for additional Information
Tel: Gary Williams on 07849721033Email: garywilliams71@hotmail.co.uk