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Issue 6, September 2016
Newsletter Date
Annual Newsletter
For all Members of the Filton Masonic Hall Company Limited
Welcome to Issue Six of our Newsletter!
Welcome to the sixth of our annual Hall Newsletters.
In this issue, we inform you of the latest developments regarding our Hall, its mainte-
nance and the plans for improvement and enhancement of our facilities to ensure
the Hall remains a pleasant environment for members and visitors alike.
As usual we welcome comments and suggestions (good and bad!).
Contact us at newsletter@fmhcl.org.uk
©2016 Filton Masonic Hall Company
Annual Maintenance Weekend On the 25th and 26th June, the Hall held its annual “Maintenance Weekend” to
perform the annual tasks that are required to keep the Hall in tip-top shape. An additional
task this year was to change the lock on the main front door of the Hall and distribute the
new key to all Registered Keyholders.
Pete Close, of Hambrook Lodge, was the “chippie” assigned to prepare the door and fit the
lock, which he achieved—with aplomb—over the weekend.
Previously, with grateful thanks to Gerry Rivers, of Harmony and Concord, the Car Park was
cleared and tidied, filling several garden sacks of detritus and undergrowth, so no work was
required there on the weekend.
The Hall is indebted and very grateful to
those brethren who gave up a part of their
weekend to help out with painting, cleaning,
polishing and minor repairs to the Hall’s fix-
tures and fittings.
These brethren worked hard to perform the
various tasks that had been planned for the
(continued on page 2)
Pete Close checks the new lock as his work on the
Hall’s main front door progresses.
Eddy Oram does his Ken Dodd impression, much to
the amusement of Barry Doul and Tony Counter!
Page 2
Annual Newsletter Issue 6, September 2016
weekend. They are:
From Hambrook Lodge: William Durman, Barry Doul, Pete Close,
Chris Northcott, Andrew Strachan, Paul Sutton, Dick Smith, Ken Wil-
lies.
From the Filton Lodge of Fortitude: Eddy Oram, Steve Roach, Fred
Beacham, Graham Lynch, Geoff Warburton, Mike Lettey, Chris Point-
ing.
From St Christopher Lodge: Steve Manning, Mike Newcombe, Nick
Sargent.
From Fidelity Lodge: Peter Kirsen, Keith Noble.
Plus the following brethren: Tony Counter (Avon Mark), Pete Coles
(H&C), Mike Burridge (NBC), Ken Allen (True Friendship), James Hunt
(Purdown Mark).
Christine Burridge (wife of Mike) baked her usual cake to keep the
workforce going,
The rest of the Hall Membership (over 400 strong!) is indebted to
these few who have worked hard to ensure the Capitation fees are
kept as low as possible.
Annual Maintenance Weekend (from Page 1)
A FREE BAR was provided, along with a lunch of salad, sandwiches and chips.
Clockwise: Steve Roach, Fred Beacham, Barry Doul, Tony Counter, Eddy
Oram, Andrew Strachan, Mike Burridge, Steve Manning, Pete Coles
(standing), Ken Allen and Pete Close.
Fred Beacham (left) deep cleans the Bar, while Mike Newcombe (right) is a
little upset at the paint he’s managed to get on his hands!
Some of the tasks completed on the weekend were:
The usual repairs and replacements of the dining chair feet
and stacking buffers, repairs of the dining tables and rounds.
Touch up painting of several areas, including a refresh of the
columns in the dining room, and also the wall area between the dining rooms doors and the kitchen.
Bar area deep clean
Kitchen deep clean
Clearance of debris and weeding in external areas at sides
and rear
General tidying, cleaning and repaint in Gents toilet, includ-
ing re-sealing of wash basins.
A special mention and thanks to Chris Pointing (left) who, at short notice, made a thoroughly professional job of redeveloping the basin and glasswasher area of the bar. A new basin was installed with new waste fittings, into a new worktop covering the glass-washer. Chris worked tirelessly for several hours on the Sunday, and returned twice more to complete the task.
Chris Pointing works on the new worktop for the bar.
Sunday’s crew, clockwise: Ken Willies, Mike Lettey, Barry Doul, Pete Close,
Mike Burridge, Steve Manning and Will Durman.
(continued on page 3)
Page 3
Annual Newsletter Issue 6, September 2016
Unfortunately, Hall Chairman, Dave Oxenham, was unable to be with us due to holiday, but he has since made up for it, per-forming various tasks around the Hall that needed finishing off, such as painting the front door following the lock change, as well as tidying up what was left over from the Maintenance Weekend and also stocking the bar in readiness for the new season.
In spite of all this and, while the weekend went well, there were still tasks outstanding that need to be completed before the new season.
PLEASE REMEMBER—Volunteers are ALWAYS welcome in what has become a popular weekend of fellowship, fun and freema-sonry.
Help us to help you to keep the Hall something to be proud of.
Maintenance Weekend (continued from page 2)
Above: Steve Manning and Pete Coles get on with the task of paint
retouches around the new emergency lights in the Lodge Room.
Right: The Burn’s Night Haggis is piped into the dining room
Hambrook’s Young Cricketers Joe Dryall, (Grandson of W.Bro Cliff Roseblade, a founder member of
Hambrook Lodge who passed on in 2005) has recently been picked to
represent Gloucestershire County Cricket Club 2nd XI as a batter at the
age of just 15 years old.
His coaches at Glos CCC believe that Joe has all the tools to make a
quality 1st class cricketer if he continues to develop as he has. Not only
that, but his younger brother Ed (11 years old) is also being watched
very closely and is, by all accounts, quite a special bowler.
Cliff would have been very proud! Well done, Jo and Ed!
W.Bro. Dick Smith also has a talented Grandson in Josh Smith, just 12
years old and already keeping wicket for Chippenham CC 4th XI (that’s
Senior cricket!). Josh recently made his first senior half-century and is
being trained as a wicket-keeper/batsman. He also plays for the U15s,
and once turned out for the 3rd XI. Josh’s dad, Greg, also plays for the
same team—a proud dad! Well done, Josh!
Bro. Dick also went on to tell us he once faced two balls from Mike Proc-
tor, when they were both 18. Dick was playing for MAC and Mike was a
relative unknown at the time, just before he signed for Glos CCC, who
was brought in as a ‘ringer’ for the opposition, Imperial. In Dick’s own
words - “I didn’t see either ball—I thought he’d not released it—until I
heard my stumps shatter with the second ball! I wondered why the
‘keeper was on the boundary!”
With thanks to Ian Moore and Dick Smith.
Bro. Andy Strachan’s Initiation night very suitably coincided with the
lodge’s Burns Night Festive Board. An excellent ceremony welcomed
Andy to the fold and the ‘sangs and clatter’ that followed was spec-
tacular. W.Bro. Jim Mail addressed the haggis in rousing fashion, firstly
admitting that had he not seen the photos, he’d have failed to remem-
ber he performed the same function at the 2015 event. (And him being
in charge of the weapon which put the wee haggis out of its misery!).
There was a forerunner to this meeting. The previous Saturday, the WM,
W. Bro. Mike Blackmore, invited the lassies to share a Burns Supper, also
at Stapleton. An account of the evening with lots of photos can be seen
on the glosmasons website: http://www.glosmasons.org.uk/news/burns-
supper-season-upon-us. Well in excess of £500 was made on the night
which will be donated to the 2018 Grand Charity Festival.
With thanks to Ian Moore and Dick Smith.
Hambrook’s Annual Burns Night Celebrations
Page 4
Annual Newsletter Issue 6, September 2016
Curator’s Corner... Filton Masonic Hall’s Display Cabinet has many arte-
facts that cover much of the Modern History of Free-
masonry in and around the Province. It covers many
orders as well as the Craft and has relied on the gener-
osity of the Brethren over many years.
Situated in the main dressing room it is open to view to
all who use the Hall.
In this edition I would like to spotlight a couple of the
shelves and give some info regarding their contents.
This top shelf has a plethora of Masonry. Top right is the
jewels of the late W Bro Brian Hall of Fidelity Lodge that
includes, in the centre, the jewel and ribbon of the
Masonic Hospital. To the left is one of the candles
gifted to us through the Lodge of St Christopher from
the Loge Märkischen Hammer of Germany. To the left
again at the back is a photograph of the plaque out-
side the Alamo commemorating the Battle fought with
Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. To the far right is a gob-
let presented to The Lodge of True Friendship.
In the front of this shelf from left to right is a Com-
memorative spoon, Past Master’s Jewels of the Lodge
of Fidelity, including the late W Bro Brian Hall.
The shelf below is interesting from its content being
outside the Stapleton area. The Masonic apron and
sash is from Scotland and is typical in that each Scot-
tish Lodge has its own design and colour. At the right is
the Sash and Collarette of the late W Bro John
Churches and is his regalia pointing out his rank as 30
degree in the order of the Rose Croix.
I hope this is useful and hopefully I can bring some
more knowledge of our wonderful Display in the future.
Dave Burrows, Hall Curator.
Avon Mark upcoming event...
Tuesday, 5th November, 2016 at 6.30pm
Prospective Candidates will be invited to their regular
meeting, to be given an introductory presentation in the
Lodge Room by the Mark Provincial Grand Master, and
then afterwards at their Festive Board. The aim of the eve-
ning is to provide a clearer understanding of Mark Masonry,
and encourage them to join Avon Mark Lodge.
This invitation will be sent to all the Craft Lodges meeting at
Stapleton, with permission. It is also open to any Master
Mason who wishes to further their Masonic knowledge of
the Mark degree.
For further details, please contact the Lodge Secretary,
Dave Oxenham, on 07950 977199 or email davidoxen-
ham@talktalk.net
Up, up and away...
At the joint Filton Lodge of Fortitude and Tyndall Lodge Ladies Festival earlier this
year, a Glider Lesson, donated by Fortitude PM Steve Westlake, was auctioned as
part of the evening’s fundraising activities.
Pat O’Driscoll, whose late husband Noel was Master of Tyndall when he passed
away suddenly in 2009, won that auction and took to the skies at Steve’s gliding
club, the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club (www.dsgc.co.uk).
Steve is a fully qualified instructor and has been gliding for many years and took
Pat for her lesson in one of the club’s glider—a Glaser Dirks DF505 Elan trainer.
Though he lives in Plymouth these days, he still get’s up to Bristol for Lodge.
Pat still attends many Masonic functions, and confessed to having flown in a
glider once before. During the flight, Pat was handed the controls before Steve
put the glider through some advanced manoeuvres.
After half-an-hour, they were back on solid ground and completed the afternoon
with a welcome cup of tea. (with thanks to Dick Smith)
Page 5
Annual Newsletter Issue 6, September 2016
2015-16: The Hall Committee, on behalf of all members, offers its
respects and condolences to the family, friends and brethren of
the following members, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above
during the past year on the date given:
W.Bro. Brian Llewellyn Grant, PPAGDC
(Filton Lodge of Fortitude) 27th August, 2015.
W.Bro. Bryan Dennis (‘Dennis’) Gould, PPSGW
(Hambrook Lodge) 4th November, 2015.
W.Bro. Harold William (‘Bill’) Marriott, PPGSwdB
(Hambrook Lodge) 31st December, 2015.
W.Bro. William Arthur (‘Bill’) Stirling, PPSGW
(Filton Lodge of Fortitude) 24th March, 2016.
Bro. Colston John Elliott
(Filton Lodge of Fortitude) 22nd April 2016.
W.Bro. David Reginald Durnford, PPSGW
(Hambrook Lodge) 23rd May, 2016.
Obituaries of these brethren may be found on pages 6 & 8.
Dick Smith’s “Grand” Adventure…!
Please support our sponsors and partners, who have DONATED
enormous amounts of time and/or materials to the Hall...
Congratulations must go to Hambrook
PM, Dick Smith, who was very pleasantly
surprised to find that he had been pro-
moted to Grand Rank as a Past Assistant
Grand Director of Ceremonies (PAGDC)!
So, on 27th April, he set off to Great
Queen Street for his Investiture. A day he
thoroughly enjoyed with great pride!
Dick is a tireless workhorse in the back-
ground both for his Lodge and for the
Province. He edits a monthly Newsletter
for his Lodge, is the editor of Square Talk
and an administrator of the Provincial website. He is an ever-present
at most events, local and Provincial, capturing photographic evi-
dence for use in said Newsletter, Square Talk and website.
A thoroughly deserved accolade and, we are informed, Hambrook
Lodge’s first Grand Officer - W.Bro. Dick Smith, PAGDC. Congratula-
tions!
True Friendship Master, Steve Carlin (left), with Past Master, Ken Allen, his son,
Chris, and Chris’ father-in-law, Tony Lewis (right), also a Past Master.
One of True Friendship’s Initiates last season, was a ‘Lewis’. Past
Master, W.Bro. Ken Allen, was permitted by the current Master,
W.Bro. Steve Carlin, to take the Chair to initiate his son, Christopher
Lewis Allen, on the 9th June. Bro. Christopher was seconded by his
father-in-law, W.Bro. Tony Lewis, also a Past Master of the Lodge.
Interestingly, there is sometimes some misunderstanding about the
meaning of a ‘Lewis’. In fact, a ‘Lewis’ is only a ‘Lewis’ until he is
Initiated into the Craft!
The UGLE, in the booklet ‘Information for the Guidance of Members
of the Craft, which accompanies the Book of Constitutions, defines
a ‘Lewis’ simply as: “the uninitiated son of a Mason”.
A ‘Lewis’ may also be seen on the Senior Warden’s pedestal, being
the Cramp inserted into the Perfect Ashlar by which it is ‘raised or
lowered with precision’.
True Friendship Initiates a ‘Lewis’...
Mike’s Royal Arch Provincial Honour...
On 7th May, Mike Lettey, a member of the
Filton Chapter of Fortitude, was installed as 3rd
Provincial Grand Principal at Provincial Chap-
ter in Gloucester. Congratulations, Mike!
Of course, the Filton Chapter of Fortitude is no
stranger to Provincial high offices, since the
current M.E. Grand Superintendent, Graham
King, is also a member off the Chapter!
Two other members of the Chapter, Trevor
Merrett (Prov. Asst. Grand Scribe Ezra) and Geoff Warburton (Prov.
1st Asst Grand Sojourner), were also honoured with an active Provin-
cial office. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Royal
Arch, please contact your Lodge’s Royal Arch Representative.
Page 6
Issue 6, September 2016 Annual Newsletter
ber, 1948. A member for over 68 years, he held many offices in
the Lodge, but was well remembered and respected as the
Lodge DC. He received Provincial Honours to the Rank of Past
Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
He had been the subject of many a report from W.Bro Eddy Oram
in recent years due to his failing health. Eddy visited regularly to
hear his nostalgic reminiscences of his Army days and his career
as a Chef.
Bill had lost his beloved wife, Barbara, almost exactly two years
previously, and missed her terribly.
Due to his failing health, Bill had not attended Lodge for several
years and, as his health deteriorated, he gave everyone cause
for concern on several occasions, when suffering falls and col-
lapses at his home, but always seemed to bounce back.
However, more recently, he was insititutionalised and his deterio-
ration accelerated. He passed away 9 days before his 94th Birth-
day.
W.Bro. Bryan Dennis (‘Dennis’) Gould, PPSGW
(Hambrook Lodge)
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 4th November, 2015.
Bro. Dennis was a founder member of the Lodge. Dennis died
peacefully at his care home in Kingswood on 4th of November
2015, aged 93. Dennis was born on St David’s Day in 1922.
He was initiated into Downend Lodge No 5498 on 11th April 1949
and was Master in 1968. In 1979, he was a founder of Hambrook
Lodge No 8909 and became Master in 2006 at the age of 84. He
gained Provincial rank and was the longest serving Past Provincial
Senior Grand Warden in Gloucestershire, having reached this
landmark in May 1978.
Dennis was a very active and committed Royal Arch Mason, ex-
alted into Kingswood Chase Chapter in 1960. He was a founder
member of the Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Installed First Prin-
cipals Chapter, the Chapter of Rectitude No 335 in the Province
of Wiltshire and a joining member of Hambrook Chapter, which
he helped to consecrate. He was a Grand Officer in the Royal
Arch. He held high office in several other orders including Knights
Templar and Rose Croix, where he was promoted to 31 Degrees.
His wife, Dora passed away many years ago and he is survived by
his son.
One can truly say that Dennis was a very quiet, kind and caring
Mason and he was always ready to encourage and help newer
members. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a true
gentleman.
(continued on page 8)
Obituaries W.Bro. Brian Llewellyn Grant, PPAGDC
Filton Lodge of Fortitude
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 27th August, 2015.
Bro. Brian was born on Christmas Day,
1936, in Bristol. He was apprenticed to
Bristol Aeroplane Company until con-
scripted into the RAF. While serving in the
RAF, he met Venetia at a function and
though he had to make a 400-mile jour-
ney to visit, their courtship was a success
and they married in 1961. Following a
brief residence in Coalpit Heath, they
moved to their long-term home in Thorn-
bury. Brian had many interests, including Motor Racing, Golf,
Photography, Hi-Fi and Astronomy. He and Venetia also loved to
visit the Lake District.
Brian’s interest in Freemasonry led to him being initiated into the
Filton Lodge of Fortitude on 19th December 1984. He was
Passed on 25th February, 1985 and Raised on 23rd September
1985. Brian, strongly supported by Venetia, eventually reached
the Chair in 2003. He and Venetia were keen and active mem-
bers of the Lodge social activities.
Brian received Provincial Honours in 2008, and was promoted in
2015 to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
He was also a member of the Uno Corde Lodge in the Somerset
Province, a Mark Master Mason and a Royal Ark Mariner.
Brian had had his fair share of health problems. A diabetic for
over 30 years, he had a triple bypass, but dealt with it all. How-
ever, when diagnosed with celiac disease, his tenacity started to
falter.
He was a quiet and unassuming man, but popular, and gener-
ous in his praise for others, whom he felt did good work.
Brian passed away on 27th August, 2015, following a serious
coronary.
W.Bro. William (‘Bill’) Arthur Stirling, PPSGW
Filton Lodge of Fortitude
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 24th March, 2016.
Bro. Bill was the fourth most senior mason
in the Province of Gloucestershire. In
1959, he was the first Initiate of the Filton
Lodge of Fortitude to reach the Master’s
Chair. He had been Initiated in the newly
consecrated Filton Lodge of Fortitude on
24th November 1947, Passed on the 22nd
March 1948, and Raised on 27th Septem-
Page 7
Issue 6, September 2016 Annual Newsletter
The UGLE Tercentenary Celebrations
Please support our sponsors and partners, who have DONATED enormous amounts of time and/or materials to the Hall...
The Hall is looking for ideas
and volunteers to help us in in
the U.G.L.E. Tercentenary
Celebrations, commemorating
300 years of Freemasonry, for
the next 12 months or so. We
are looking to host about
FOUR events at the Hall spread
between now and next Octo-
ber (2017). ALL Members and
ALL Lodges are invited to get
involved with celebrating this
remarkable milestone.
There is no fundraising element
required, just a celebratory
event themed around the
Tercentenary (though fundraising is always welcome!).
Please contact Steve Manning, who is our Coordinator, with your
ideas and offers of help. He can be contacted on 07793-642448
or stephenmanning@btconnect.com.
Sincerity in 2016 It has been a busy year for the Lodge of Sincerity with a variety of
events so far this year.
On the 2nd March we were pleased to initiate our first Hungarian
candidate, Bro Gabriel Csetneki. He was warmly received into the
Lodge and Freemasonry, and went on to his advancement on the
4th May under the watchful eyes of the Filton Lodge of Fortitude who
were on their Fraternal Visit. We look forward to his raising is in Octo-
ber, and many further enjoyable years in Freemasonry.
On the 6th April, the Lodge was pleased to receive the Talking Heads
Presentation on the Royal Arch. This was a very enjoyable evening,
most ably presented by Worshipful Brothers C Ames, K Checkley and
R Britton.
The Lodge has also been on a return Fraternal Visit to the Filton Lodge
of Fortitude, and to Southey Lodge in Clevedon. We are looking for-
ward to our Fraternal Visit to St Nicholas in Bristol in October, and their
return to us.
To finish before the summer recess, our last meeting on the 1st June
was a White Table dinner with wives, partners and guests present. This
proved a great success, and was a very enjoyable social occasion.
Dave Foreman, Secretary.
Have you visited the Hall’s website? The Hall’s upgraded website at www.fmhcl.org.uk has been running for just
over a year now and is the place to visit for any news from Lodges, the Province, or
from the Hall itself.
There is a plethora of good information for visitors, including a pictorial description
of the Hall , how to find us and our car parking facilities. Members and visitors can
also check the Hall Calendar to see what’s on at the Hall. The Calendar is always
kept up to date and is the definitive source for events at the Hall. There is a Notice-
board, where significant items of news and other interest are posted, which com-
pliments the News From The Hall, which outlines day-to-day news.
This is your website. Contact the Hall Secretary and Webmaster, Geoff Warburton,
to get anything listed or advertised on the website. Get involved!
Tercentenary Stop Press! The Hall is considering running a ‘Masonic Bake-off’
competition as part of the celebrations, probably next summer or early autumn.
This will be open to the public and form part of an ‘open day’. If you can help
organise or steward such an event, please let any of the Hall Committee know.
We need volunteers to turn these ideas into reality!
Annual Newsletter Issue 6 September 2016
Page 8
Welcome, Brother!
Continuing our feature, where a warm welcome is extended to the new-
est members of the Craft at the Hall. This year we welcome...
Bro. Jonathan Craig Boulton, who was initiated into the Filton Lodge of
Fortitude on the 16th December 2015. Bro. Jonathan is a self-employed
Project Manager and lives in St George. Welcome, Bro. Jonathan!
Bro. Andrew James Strachan, who was initiated into Hambrook Lodge
on 19th January, 2016. Bro. Andrew is a retired Police Officer and lives in
Southmead. Welcome, Bro. Andrew! (See page 3—Hambrook’s Annual
Burns Night Celebrations).
Bro. David Stephen Wilmot, who was initiated into Hambrook Lodge on
23rd February, 2016. David is a Financial Adviser and lives in Stapleton.
Welcome, David!
Bro. Gabriel Csetneki, who was initiated into the Lodge of Sincerity on
the 2nd March, 2016. Bro. Gabriel is a Theatre Director and lives in
Clifton. Welcome, Bro. Gabriel! (See page 7—Sincerity in 2016)
Bro. Christopher Lewis Allen, who was initiated by his father, Ken, into the
Lodge of True Friendship on 9th June, 2016 (see page 5—True Friendship
initiates a ‘Lewis’). Bro. Christopher is a Contract Manager and lives in
Cadbury Heath. Welcome, Bro. Christopher!
And a warm welcome to all other new masons initiated in the past year
at the Hall... WELCOME!
which he joined the Gloucestershire Installed
Masters Lodge. In 1979, he became a founder
member of Hambrook Lodge, and introduced
his son-in-law, Terry, to the Lodge. He was im-
mensely proud to see Terry reach the chair in
2001. Dave’s Provincial career commenced
with an active office as Senior Grand Deacon
in 1980, and over the years in recognition of his
dedication, was eventually promoted to Past
Senior Grand Warden.
Dave was well-known for his advice and unofficial mentoring of mem-
bers of Downend, Hambrook and Kingswood Chase Lodges, a quality
which was recognised by the Province when making him Liaison Officer
for Kingswood Chase Lodge. His work and dedication to these Lodges
earned him Honorary membership of all 3 Lodges.
Dave was also very active in other Orders, including Rose Croix, Knights
Templar (achieving high office) and Knights Templar Priests, but he was
a very dedicated Royal Arch mason.
After being exalted into Kingswood Chase Chapter in 1966, he served
as MEZ (First Principal), no less than 3 times in 1977, 1988 and 2002. He
again received active Provincial Honours in Royal Arch as Grand Sword
Bearer in 1979, and received the honour of Grand Rank as Past Grand
Standard Bearer in 2004.
A dedicated, model mason who lived respected and died regretted.
He will be missed by many, whom he touched with his warmth, friend-
ship and integrity.
Obituaries
W.Bro. Harold William (‘Bill’) Marriott,
PPGSwdB
Hambrook Lodge
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 31st December,
2015.
Bro. Bill died peacefully at his home in Downend on
New Year’s Eve afternoon, aged 84.
Bill was born on 29th August 1931 joining Masonry in 1989
when he was initiated into Hambrook Lodge 8909 on
28th February. In November of 1997 Bill became Master
of the Lodge after which from 1999 until 2010 he served
the Lodge in the office of Almoner. He was also a mem-
ber of Gloucestershire Installed Master’s Lodge No 7900
which he joined in May of 2002.
Bill also gained Provincial rank in May 2002 as Past Pro-
vincial Senior Grand Deacon, before being promoted
to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in May 2009. He
was also a committed Royal Arch Mason being exalted
into Kingswood Chase Chapter No 4666 in May 1995,
before resigning on health grounds in 2013. He had also
been a member of Downend Chapter Rose Croix No
383 and was a staunch supporter of Stapleton Lodge of
Instruction.
Bill is survived by his wife Val, daughter Mandy, son-in-
law Bro Peter, son Gary and daughter-in-law Rose. Bill
was a larger than life character who touched the lives
of many Hambrook brethren, although his attendance
in recent years was severely hampered by ill health, he
will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.
Bro. Colston John Elliott
Filton Lodge of Fortitude
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 22nd April, 2016.
Bro. Colston was a long-standing member of the Filton
Lodge of Fortitude, though he rarely attended Lodge.
He was Initiated on 20th December, 1978, Passed on the
26th February, 1979 and Raised on 23rd May, 1979.
Cole died suddenly at his Henleaze home in his arm-
chair from a ruptured aortic aneurism, aged 77 years.
Cole is survived by his wife, Kay.
W.Bro. David Reginald Durnford, PPSGW
Hambrook Lodge
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 23rd May, 2016.
Bro. David was Initiated into Downend Lodge in 1961 by
daughter Marie’s grandfather, Don Sheppard. Dave
became the Master of Downend in 1975, following
Obituary (cont.)
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