The Longevity Project extract - PassGrip

freemasonry victoria

spring 2011 issUE 128

The Longevity Project extract

Life on the land

By Howard Friedman & Leslie R. Martin

FMV catches up with a rural Freemason

Our principles Make a Difference

Freemasons & their beloved wheeLs

Freemasons Victoria

Merchandise

The Freemasons Victoria E-store can be accessed at: www.freemasonsvic.net.au via the member’s log-in area.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can place an order over the phone: (03) 9411 0111

or email: [email protected]

2 From the grand Master

3 Letters to the Editor

4 Freemasonry news: All the latest news

12 An exclusive extract from The Longevity project: Surprising discoveries for health and long lives from the landmark eight-decade study.

16 Bless this house...Again! The future looks bright in Wangaratta.

18 Freemasons & their beloved wheels: Freemasons and their unique cars.

20 Car review: Toyota Prius.

22 'Just doing their bit’: Young Freemasons Bro.Daniel Jade and Bro.Michael Poutney’s amazing achievement.

23 The state Library of Victoria: Now has historic Freemasonry records online for all to access.

24 Country Freemason profile: Meet Spud.

27 Book reviews

28 What’s in the case?

In this issue:

18 Freemasons & their beloved wheels

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Freemasons Victoria

Merchandise

The Freemasons Victoria E-store can be accessed at: www.freemasonsvic.net.au via the member’s log-in area.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can place an order over the phone: (03) 9411 0111

or email: [email protected]

Welcome to the new look Freemasonry Victoria Magazine.

Freemasonry has received an unprecedented amount of publicity in the last few months, and it heartens me that the dedication and hard work of all Freemasons across Victoria receives such recognition from the press and the wider community.

Following the recent ABC1 Compass episode Whatever Happened to the Freemasons, I reflected on the words of Geraldine Doogue who said that “Freemasonry is reinventing itself to meet modern demands”. The expression largely encapsulate what we must do to raise the image of Freemasonry in our communities and I believe that that this important quarterly magazine is a big part of that process.

Some of the highlights in this magazine include an exclusive extract from The Longevity Project (a book in which many of the principles correspond with Freemasonry), a feature on Freemasons and their beloved cars, the Deputy Grand Master's test drive of an environmentally friendly car, and there is a heartening story on how Freemasons are coping in rural Victoria. There is also a number of news items featuring Freemasons doing what they do best – raising funds and awareness for those in need of support at a time of hardship.

Your letters and feedback are always welcome, and I encourage you to send your thoughts to the Editor: [email protected].

I hope you enjoy this issue.

MWBro. Vaughan Werner Grand Master

Grand MasterFROM The...Magazine contact details

Acting Editor: Emma Morris Associate Editors: Jessica McKinnon, Jim Puohotaua, Ben Quick, Lena WayEmail: [email protected]: www.freemasonsvic.net.auTelephone: (03) 9411 0111Toll Free: 1800 068 416Fax: (03) 9416 1468

Advertising and Editorial

Enquiries and artwork should be directed to the Editor, Freemasonry Victoria, 300 Albert Street (PO Box 553), East Melbourne, Victoria 8002. Material bookings for the next issue and articles and photos for consideration must be received by: Monday 1 November 2011

Freemasonry Victoria is distributed by mail direct to the homes of all members in mid March June, September and December and is published by Square One Publications Ltd, (ACN 005 631 470), 300 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.

Advertising contact details

Telephone: (03) 9411 0111Toll Free: 1800 068 416Fax: (03) 9416 1468

Square One Publications (“Publisher”) advises that, while the greatest of care has been taken in compiling the contents of Freemasonry Victoria (this “Publication”) the editor, designer and Publisher can not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. This Publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate. However, the contents of the Publication are not intended as and do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of professional advice. Neither the Publisher, Freemasons Victoria nor this Publication make any representation; give any warranty or guarantee concerning the information published. The Publisher disclaims any and all loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault, error or negligence on the part of the Publisher, its directors or employees. Editorial opinions expressed in the Publication are not necessarily those of Freemasons Victoria, the Publisher or the staff of Freemasonry Victoria.

The copyright on all original images, text and advertising appearing in this publication remains with Square One Publications unless otherwise specifically stated. Copyrighted content from this publication may not be reproduced without express written consent of the owner of the copyright.

Design: Think Productions

Website: www.thinkproductions.com.au

Q&Awith Charlie Bezzina

How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as a compassionate man with high integrity who achieved great job satisfaction in providing victims’ families with answers. I would thrive on team work and ensured that my team’s needs were met both emotionally and physically given the harrowing investigations we dealt with. I like to fight for what is right and just, and above all things, patience and thoroughness.

How long were you in the police force? I served with Vic Police for 37 years and 10 months as an operational uniform member and Detective in the western suburbs up to the rank of Senior Sergeant. The remainder was 1 year in the Bureau of Internal Investigations, 3 years in the Drug Squad as Team leader and undercover operative, 17 years as team leader Homicide Squad and 6 months in charge of the Embona Armed Robbery Unit Footscray.

What was your most memorable case and why? Most memorable was Serial Killer, Paul Charles Denyer, the taking of three innocent lives because he had the urge to kill and the frustration with Denyer being given a 30 year minimum, 10 years per life and the unlikely outcome of Denyer not overcoming his urge to kill but only time will tell. Look where we are currently with Julian Knight and his impending release and the dilemma for the State Government.

What do you miss about being a police officer? What I miss about not being a police officer is the interaction with the community and making a difference and the camaraderie all police have worldwide.

Why did you write The Job? I wrote The Job after I was approached by the Slattery Media Group. I wanted to show what is involved with the investigation of the most horrific crime we all face. Also to keep alive in the memory of us all the consequences of losing loved ones and unsolved murders in which the community may hold the answer. Also to highlight that it is nothing like television shows and how certain competing forces within a police organisation is counterproductive to the best outcomes for the community.

Where is your favourite place in Melbourne and why? My favourite place in Melbourne is home because I am surrounded by my family and friends, having spent so much time away from them while I was working.

Are you working at the moment? How do you spend your days? Currently I am running my own handy man business whiout of the job, the public speaking gives me an opportunity to interact with the community and educate them on true policing. This involves talks at schools and also corporate.

Dear Editor,

I have just read the feature article in the Autumn 2011 edition of Freemasonry Victoria where the financial assistance to Melbourne Youth Music by Victorian Freemasons is reported. From the other side of the world (France) this article goes right to my heart. In the late 1970s I was heavily involved in the administration of the Melbourne Youth Choir conducted by Faye Dumont. In February and March 1978 we took the choir on a world tour to Japan, Great Britain and France. Highlights were master classes in London conducted by Sir Colin Davis, a concert in Chartres Cathedral and being hosted by families of a French youth orchestra in Orléans.

I also appreciated the article on page 18 concerning French Goldfields Lodge, Ballarat. I have forwarded it to my French brother-in-law, a member of the “irregular” Grand Orient of France and currently Worshipful Master of the only Lodge in that Obedience that labours under the Memphis Misraïm Rite. We have often spoken of the Eureka connection with Garibaldi via Raffaello Carboni.

My family has a long history of Freemasonry in Victoria. My great grandfather, buried in White Hills cemetery in Bendigo, has the square and compasses on his tombstone. My maternal grandfather’s brother, Hugh Roche, always had the square and compasses prominently displayed over the fireplace in his Coburg home and two of my uncles, Tony Menagh and Dr Paul Pincus, were members of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. The Masonic Bible given to Tony Menagh when he was initiated into Warringal Lodge (now defunct) is opened at our Lodge meetings at La Pierre Bleue.

Now that I have discovered Freemasonry Victoria I’ll be a regular reader.

Kindest fraternal regards, Allan Sanders

Dear Editor,

Devastation can come quickly and with little warning. For the town of Carisbrook near Maryborough with a population of around 800 residents that is exactly what happened. No one was prepared for the extent of devastation the January Floods caused. Only a few houses escaped inundation and water was seen in streets which the 100 Year Flood Plan had not envisaged. Houses and furniture were ruined, the stinking mud and polluted water was everywhere.

The co-ordinated response and recovery effort with so many volunteers assisting was magnificent. The efforts of Freemasons Victoria to raise so much money is a wonderful tribute to such a fine organisation which does so much for our wider community. On behalf of my Council and Community I extend our very deep appreciation for the assistance extended.

Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor Mayor, Central Goldfields Shire

Letters to the editor

CBD Luncheon On Tuesday 16 August special guest speaker Detective Senior Sergeant Charlie Bezzina, former top homicide detective, presented to Freemasons and their guests at the quarterly 'Freemaons in the CBD' Luncheon.

Charlie Bezzina recently resigned from the Victoria Police Force after 37 years of service including 13 years as the head of the Homicide Squad. Charlie had an illustrious career with the Police Force and was affectionately regarded as the “best dressed detective in the Crime Squad”! He commanded investigations into over 300 murders and 150 suspicious deaths including the Mr Cruel case, the Wales King Society murders, cricketer David Hookes, heart surgeon Victor Chang and underworld figure Alphonse Gangitano.

Charlie is the author of The Job: Fighting Crime From The Frontline

News

seAVIC Lodge develops relationships beyond borders

SEAVIC Lodge was Consecrated on Saturday 2 July at the Dallas Brooks Centre. The Consecration, attended by in excess of 100 Brethren, was followed by an Open Installation which was attended by families and partners. The SEAVIC Lodge includes members from both Australia and South East Asia, and was formed with the purpose of developing fraternal relations with our Asian Brothers. SEAVIC is welcoming new members and meets on the third Friday of even months at the Dallas Brooks Centre.

Above: SEAVIC members proudly parading their new apparel purchased from the Freemasons Victoria e-store. Members and their partners purchased a variety of customised items including fleece pullovers, sleeveless vests, dress jackets, weatherproof parkas and rugby tops, all featuring the square and compasses logo with ‘SEAVIC’ embroided underneath. Any Lodge that purchases 10 or more apparel items from the Freemasons Victoria e-store is able to have their items custom embroided.

CBD luncheon host David Gibbs and guest speaker Charlie Bezzina at the last CBD luncheon

Freemasonry Victoria Spring 20114

Bro Bruce hughes honoured at RsL state Conferenceby NiCoLe VALiCeK The Northern Times

AFTER 65 years of service with the Returned Services League, Bro. Bruce Hughes of Kerand Lodge has again been recognised for his long-standing achievements and community service.

Bro. Hughes was presented with a National Certificate of Appreciation by National President, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO at the RSL state conference held at the Caulfield Racecourse recently. He was the only person to receive the award, which is presented to a RSL member who has given long and sustained service to welfare and charitable activities in the veteran community throughout the state and nationally. Bro. Hughes said he values the work of the organisation and is proud of his achievement. “I’m proud of the work and proud of being able to do it,” he said. Bro. Hughes has been involved with various RSL branches over his lifetime, his commitment spanning over decades. He said he does it because he enjoys helping fellow war veterans and the long-lasting comradeship he develops and maintains with members.

Bro. Hughes enlisted to join the naval service during the middle of World War Two in 1943. Bro. Hughes is a current member of Kerang 100 Lodge and has over 60 years service with the Craft.

Freemasons on facebookFreemasons Victoria has officially reached over 4,000 Facebook friends (you can review the page here, even if you are not on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freemasons-Victoria/116970862587 ). Facebook is a great way to stay connected with member and Lodge news, information, events and pictorials from all 17 Districts. If you have news and information you would like posted on Freemasons Victoria’s official Facebook site, please email a brief description along with an image to [email protected] with ‘Facebook Posting’ in the subject line.

Bro. Bruce Hughes with National RSL President, Vice Admiral Ken Doolan (Rtd) AO. Photo courtesy of The Northern Times.

A bequest in your Will to the Victorian Scout Foundationhelps make sure young Australians will continue to learn

the values and principles of good citizenshipwell into the 21st century.

The Scout Foundation can assist in the writingof your bequest. We also welcome direct donations

andand new members to the Foundation.

Spring 2011 Freemasonry Victoria 5

News


RWBro. Terry Pampakas PJGW represented the United Grand Lodge of Victoria at the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Greece. 26 international delegations were officially introduced at the celebrations. Victoria was the 16th delegation presented.

The Grand Master of the Grand lodge of Greece also made charitable donations to Lodges, Brethren and civilian volunteers worth 200,000 Euros, thus embracing the philosophy of goodwill to all people practiced in this constitution. One woman, responsible for 8,000 homeless people living in and around Athens, was rewarded with a signifigant donation to aid her cause.

The Grand Master made presentations of Distinguished Sashes to Brethren for exceptional service to the Craft. The Brother wears this sash over his regalia in the Lodge meeting or in the Grand Lodge. The members of the Greek Constitution are expected as part of their duty, to donate blood on a regular basis.

Freemasonry in Greece is in a growth phase and the membership is increasing. “It was an honour and a pleasure to represent our Grand Master and my Victorian Brethren at this historical and extraordinary event,” RWBro. Terry Pampakas said.

Terry Pampakas in Greece200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Greece

On Friday 24 June, Freemasons Victoria, along with the ABC’s Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara held the ‘Victorian Flood Relief Appeal’ concert at the Dallas Brooks Centre. The net proceeds from the $25,000 raised will be dispersed to families and communities affected by the floods earlier this year.

The concert featured some of Melbourne’s most talented artists including Melbourne Youth Music, The Australian Youth Choir, The Acclaim Awards, The Basics, Matt Tennant, Digger Revell and more. Freemasons Victoria would like to thank attendees for their generosity towards the deserving recipients of this appeal.

Concert a huGe fundraising success

Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara (host of ABC radio show ‘Australia All Over)

Terry Pampakas in Greece

News

Pictured: Julie Margarelli, Katy Nicolopoulos, Bro. Bill Magarell MM and Chris Charalambous at the My Fair Lady Ball

Raising funds & awareness for The Cancer Council Did you know that bowel cancer kills 70 Australians every week and is the nation’s biggest cancer killer after lung cancer?

Lodge Amicus has successfully campaigned and raised money for research into Bowel Cancer in Australia with the hosting of the 'My Fair Lady Ball' in May this year.

This event has grown to become the largest fundraising night for any Lodge in Victoria and possibly the largest third party single night fundraising effort for the Cancer Council of Victoria

The ball gathered 320 people for a night of conviviality at the renowned 9 Darling Street Function Centre. Fine food and wine, exhibition ballroom dancing and fundraising culminated in the raising of $51,300 by end of the night.

The Benevolent Fund of Freemasonry Victoria, agreed to enhance these commendable efforts and added another $25,000 to the total.

The Cancer Council has been presented with a total of $76,300 to be directed specifically towards Bowel Cancer Research.

Freemasonry regularly assists the community in many different ways through contributions to hospitals, aged care facilities, donations to appeals, the mobilisation of its members to directly work with less fortunate people in the community and direct fundraising efforts within its Lodges and by Grand Lodge.

(Adjacent to Mount Waverley Shopping Centre) Has some

vacancies, and offers: Air-con, Lift facility, First class Banquet

Hall & Kitchen Well appointed Lodge and rehearsal rooms,

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Is Your Meeting Place Up To Date & Comfortable ?

The Waverley Masonic Centre

9807 7131 or 0488 650 430


Time for Daylight? EvEning mEEtings finishing a littlE too latE?

The Essendon Daylight lodge is your answer. Please consider our friendly and

social lodge meeting at the Essendon Masonic Centre.

Contact George 9337 8320 or [email protected]

Brother Fred was born in Collingwood on 2 July 1911 and recently reached his centenary.

Following his primary education, Fred received secondary education at Hawthorn Central School and Melbourne High School where he was awarded a Class Certificate issued by the University of Melbourne in December 1926.

Fred considered his knowledge and skills were best suited to plumbing and he passed the Sanitary Plumbing Board Certificate qualification in 1932 and holds Licence no. 698. Fred also was acknowledged by the Department of Public Health with Registration No. 209 in 1937. There are now over 30,000 registered plumbers in Victoria.

Two years after receiving his plumbing authorisation, he married Dora in 1934 and they produced three children, Marie, Ronald and Beverley. Their extended family is now three children, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. His son Ron is a Past Master.

During this time Fred served with the armed forces and was discharged on 17 October 1945. On his discharge Fred resumed his plumbing business.Fred wanted more from life and was initiated in the

former West Melbourne Lodge No. 231 and is looking forward to receiving his 65 year service award on 10 October 2011.

Fred became a Mark Mason in 1952, a Royal Ark Mason in 1959 and was accepted into the Order of the Secret Monitor in 1970. Although Fred never made it to Master of the Lodge he has carried out many duties including Social Secretary and Almoner.

Fred entered Rosanna Views Nursing Home to be with his wife Dora in 2002 and following her passing Fred remained a resident at the Home.

Staff at the Home arranged a special party to celebrate Fred’s 100th birthday and MWBro. Vaughan Werner GM attended to present Fred with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Grand Master was also called on to present Fred with letters from Her Majesty the Queen (this included a photo), Governor General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and MP Jenny Macklin.

Whilst at the Home, the Grand Master renewed acquaintances with a number of Freemasons including RWBro. Bruce Skeggs PDGM.

Grand Master Vaughan Werner celebrates with Frederick Anderson for Fred’s 100th birthday

Brother FrederIck Anderson

turns100


News


Lilydale Lodge No. 108Lilydale Lodge opened on Thursday 28 July, it is the result of two existing Lodges (the Orient Lodge of Lilydale and the Yarra Valley Donna Buang Lodge) joining forces. The 'new' Lodge was celebrated with a traditional Installation ceremony.

Above left: The evening was very well supported as shown by the large attendance in the South.

Above middle: MWBro. Vaughan Werner, GM along with WBro. Max Harris (who is also a member of Tea Tree Lodge, SA Constitution) and RWBro. Ivan Ferguson, PJGW who were both presented with their 60 year jewels.

Above right: MWBro. Vaughan Werner, GM flanked by WBro. Ian Goddard, GLHer and his son Bro. Richard Goddard, EA.

Left: WBro. Peter Tyson, PGStdB cuts the Installation cake and ensures that the "Knife" received the required level of icing.

Grand Master Vaughan Werner was a special guest on Network Ten’s Logie award winning program in June. Reporter Sean Lynch joined the Grand Installation and interviewed the Grand Master and VWBro. Wes Turnbull, PGDC who both provided an overview on Freemasonry and the ceremonial aspects of the Grand Installation. The Grand Master also joined presenters Chrissie Swan, Denise Drysdale, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan live on ‘the couch’ to further discuss Freemasonry and answer questions about the Grand Installation, and the important part women play in Freemasonry.

The Grand Master Vaughan Werner, along with members WBro. Fotios Spiridonos SGD, Bro. David Bloom and Bro. Ramsey El-atm featured in an article in The Age newspaper about Freemason’s Victoria’s increasing membership and diversity.

And recently ABC TV’s Compass featured a program on Australian Freemasons reinventing themselves to survive in the 21st Century.

These media appearances can be viewed on the Freemasons Victoria website http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/.

Above: Reporter Sean Lynch interviews VWBro. Wesley Turnbull PGDC for Channel 10’s The Circle

Freemasons in the media


we have been told that the key to longevity involves obsessing over what we eat, how

much we stress, and how fast we run. Based on the most extensive study of longevity ever conducted, The Longevity Project exposes what really has an impact on our lifespan — including friends, family, personality, and work.

By gathering new information and studying participants across eight decades, Dr Howard Friedman and Dr Leslie Martin bust myths about achieving health and long life.

In September 1921, a talented young schoolgirl named Patricia and her precocious classmate John were pulled out of their San Francisco classrooms by a Stanford University psychologist,

Lewis Terman. Dr. Terman was looking for gifted children and had asked their teachers to pick out the brightest kids in the class. He was interested in the sources of intellectual leadership and wondered if he could identify early glimmers of high potential.

Eighty years later, both Patricia and John were still alive at ninety-one years old. They had beaten the odds and lived very long and healthy lives. What was their secret? In

an effort to find out, Friedman and Martin have spent the past twenty years following up on the people in Dr. Terman’s studies and investigating why some people thrive well into old age while others fall ill and die prematurely. Along the way, they discovered that many common health recommendations are ill-advised or simply wrong. They’ve replaced those with more accurate guideposts to a longer, healthier life.

one of the best ways to avoid research traps and biases is to follow individuals for their whole lives and see which characteristics influence subsequent qualities, behaviors, and outcomes.

the LongevityProjectBy HoWARD FRieDMAN & LeSLie R. MARTiN

FeATuRe


Extract from The Longevity Project

The 1,500 or so bright boys and girls selected by Dr. Terman were born around 1910. Almost all of them are now gone. We have documented when and how they died, and we have studied their lives in meticulous detail. Although many died by their sixties, many others aged in good health and lived well into old age. Surprisingly, the long-lived among them did not find the secret to health in broccoli, medical tests, vitamins, or jogging. Rather, they were individuals with certain constellations of habits and patterns of living. Their personalities, career trajectories, and social lives proved highly relevant to their long-term health, often in ways we did not expect.

The usual piecemeal suggestions

given to those who want to improve their health (“relax,” “eat vegetables,” “lose weight,” “get married”) are lifesaving for some but neither effective nor economical for many. In fact, standard medical advice often backfires, leaving us overweight and stressed out as we struggle to follow specific edicts. Our society spends a fortune on health care, fad diets, pharmaceuticals, and a variety of short-term remedies that help somewhat; but there is often disappointingly little effect on our long-term health and longevity.

The late comedian and actress Lucille Ball had her own secret to staying young: live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. Lucy was both right and wrong. Living honestly, our data show, really can be important, but eating slowly doesn’t much matter. Lying about your age and your health does indeed represent a challenge to health researchers, but we have figured out ways to outwit the Lucys of the world and get around this common source of research bias.

In our studies we focus first on longevity—length of life. Many studies of well-being are flawed because they rely too heavily on participants’ answers to queries about their health and wellness—called their “self-report.” Their self-reported answers are subjective and often inaccurate. Longevity is not distorted by self-report. Although there is a field of study on the reliability of death certificates, it is pretty much the case that if your death certificate says that you died on April 26, 1989, then we can be reasonably certain of your longevity and of your state of health on that date. Lucille Ball was not a participant in Dr. Terman’s studies, but, as we shall see, one of her closest associates was.

Many common beliefs about health and longevity come from a host of biased sources—with distortions that go well beyond the self-report biases. Aside from the self-interest research biases we hear so much about (in which someone has a financial stake in the findings), there are also many sources of

inadvertent skew or error. If you think about it—as we do every day in our laboratory—you come to realize that we can never be quite sure about the validity of many health studies and claims.

Of course we can study individuals who stay healthy, but to whom do we compare them? If we knew that two people started out exactly the same at birth but one ate only broccoli while the other ate only fried steak, then we might have a reasonable comparison. But almost all epidemiological studies, even those making daily headlines, compare people who differ in many, many ways. Indeed they differ in ways we cannot know about. Most comparisons of vegetarians and cheeseburger addicts, or of pill-takers and the pill-averse, therefore are necessarily somewhat flawed. The researchers generally do their best to be as accurate as possible, but there are always limits in a complex study of human health. And the statistics that emerge from the studies can be interpreted in many different ways.

One of the best ways to avoid research traps and biases is to follow individuals for their whole lives and see which characteristics influence subsequent qualities, behaviors, and outcomes. What exactly causes people with similar backgrounds to diverge in terms of their health and well-being? This step-by-step procedure is exactly what we have done, and this book is the first comprehensive report of the findings.

WorBro. Ken riddell, pJgD, age 84

‘There is always a plant that needs watering or a patch of grass to mow. It keeps me moving.’

Tracing the lives of hundreds of individuals, we have discovered new twists to common health recommendations, such as when staying single or getting divorced can be healthy for women. Our studies have uncovered a series of what we call dead-end myths—common advice that is not supported by good science and can lead to dead ends in more than one sense of the term. Throughout this book, we’ll explain exactly why the following common beliefs, to name a few, are false:

• The best of men cannot suspend their fate: The good die early, and the bad die late. (Myth!)

• Get married and you will live longer. (Myth!)

• Take it easy and don’t work so hard and you will stay healthier. (Myth!)

• Thinking happy thoughts reduces stress and leads to long life. (Myth!)

• Religious people live longer, so don’t miss religious services. (Myth!)

• If you have hobbies like gardening, walking, and cooking, you should take up more vigorous forms of exercise. (Myth!)

• Worrying is very bad for your health. (Myth!)

• If you believe that you are loved and cared for, then you are on the road to good health. (Myth!)

• Retire as soon as you can and play more golf to stay healthy and live longer. (Myth!)

• If your child is very serious, encourage him or her to be more spontaneous and have more fun. (Myth!)

• Give your children a big head start in school and they will thrive for life. (Myth!)

• You can live to be a hundred only if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred (as Woody Allen is said to have joked). (Myth!)

Most books about health and longevity are cookbooks—literally or figuratively. When they aren’t giving you recipes (start Week 1 with spinach sautéed in garlic and olive oil) and food lists (an apple a day),

they’re offering a list of ten dos and don’ts (do exercise for thirty minutes four times a week; don’t let your weight rise above a certain ratio to your height).

Exercise, diet, stress, and weight are indeed relevant to health, but in ways that vary from person to person. Lists of dos and don’ts are nearly impossible for most of us to follow for days, months, and years. Thankfully, the Terman study participants showed us that struggling with lists of specific health rules is unnecessary. The Terman men and women were born decades before running shoes, designer spas, and fancy medical tests were invented, yet many lived long, healthy lives. We’ll show why.

The point of describing our findings is not to lay out the factors that are likely to leave you the last one standing. Most of us, after all, would not wish to live extra years if they were years of constant decline and pain. But the fact is, those who live longer are also generally healthier throughout their lives. Most people who live to old age do so not because they have beaten cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease; rather, the long-lived have mostly avoided serious ailments altogether.

Because Dr. Terman began studying his participants when they were very young, many of the insights that emerged are helpful not only to adults looking to get on a healthier life path but also to those hoping to set their children on a good track. Many of our findings can help people rethink the potential long-term effects of their parenting decisions, as well as promote their whole family’s future health, happiness, and well-being.

We found that those who are healthier tend to be happier, and those who are happier tend to be healthier—but not for the reasons you might first imagine! The lives of the Terman participants open a new window to understanding the intriguing relationship between health and happiness. Our research yielded powerful suggestions for cultivating not only a long life but also a successful, meaningful, and productive life.

Thanks to scribe publications, we have three copies of The Longevity project to give away. To enter, email or post your tip for longevity to: [email protected] or post to: The Editor, Freemasonry Victoria, pO Box 553 East Melbourne ViC 8002

Bro. Bill Edwards, MM, age 95

‘In order to live a long life you must keep the brain ticking. You have to keep yourself busy.’

rWBro. Bruce Quinton, pJgW, age 86

‘The foundation for longevity is a positive outlook and a common sense approach to health.’

FeATuRe


In the heart of the Ovens Valley; only 100km from Mt Hotham and Falls Creek with Beechworth, Bright and the winerys only a short drive away.

Fishing, Cycling, Tennis, Snow and Water sking, Bushwalking, Golf, Bowls, Winerys and 4 Wheel Driving available.

An Excellent Holiday Opportunity for Brethren and Friends

Myrtleford Masonic Centre Holiday Units.

Conact Mrs Lorraine Webster, PO Box 344 Myrtleford 3737, 03 5752 1710

George H. Lilley RegaliaMASONIC & FRATERNAL REGALIAALL DEGREES & CONSTITUTIONS

PM JEWELS & MASONIC BRIEFCASESDRESSWEAR & ACCESSORIES MEDALS, BADGES & PLAQUESUNIFORM ACCOUTREMENTSMILITARY MEDAL MOUNTING

Head Of ce:27 Anderson Road Thornbury 3071Telephone: (03) 9484 6155Fax: (03) 9484 6055Email: [email protected] Mon-Fri

Agency:South Eastern Masonic Centre270 Hutton Road Keysborough 3173Telephone: (03) 9706 3366 Fax: (03) 9706 39019.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri

Website: www.ghlilley.com.auEmail: [email protected]

FeATuRe

dedicationon display

Above, L-R: RWBro. Peter Henshall, PSGW, GSec / RWBro. Robert Jones, DGM / RWBro. John Godfrey, SGW / MWBro. Vaughan Werner, GM / RWBro. Ian Coad, JGWImage: Cate Long

16 Freemasonry Victoria Spring 2011

saturday 20 August marked a new beginning for the Freemasons and local community of Wangaratta as the 2011 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team dedicated the new

Wangaratta Masonic Centre.

Originally a Uniting Church, the building has been completely refurbished and converted into Victoria’s latest Masonic Centre to accommodate the needs of local Lodges and current and future Freemasons.

The Grand Master accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master, and a number of Senior Grand Officers, along with the 2011 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team carried out the ceremony of Dedication. This Ceremony was carried out in public, which is a rare occurance. The Dedication was performed in front of an audience of 100 Freemasons, local community and members of the original Uniting Church.

After the beautiful ceremony of Dedication and the moving tributes that reflected on the history of the building and its new purpose to the community, all present gathered for a time of friendship and festivity to enjoy the more relaxed surrounds of the new dining room, which was marvellously hosted by the two Masonic Lodges whose care the building is under.

WBro. Roger Maxwell Porter, commented that, “It was a good social gathering that marked a moment in time of the opening of the new Masonic Lodge in Appin Street”.

Freemasonry itself has a long tradition in the Wangaratta area. The Wangaratta Lodge of St John No 1445 under the English Constitution was formally

established in September 1899. Many streets of Wangaratta were named after prominent Freemasons townspeople.

In 1883 with the formation of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria the Wangaratta Lodge of St John became No 66 on that register. Since its beginning the Lodge experienced many changes including multiple location changes and a moving population. Some members of the Lodge hardly kept their feet on the ground long enough to be counted. In the early 1850s Wangaratta was almost deserted as people flocked to the new gold diggings.

In 1985 Wangaratta’s second Lodge, Sir Dallas Brooks Daylight Lodge was formed and since 1908 they shared a building in Ovens street. The new Masonic centre is a much needed, joint venture for Freemasonry in general and for the Lodges in particular.

RWBro. Phillip Creed PJGW, Grand ChaplainImage: Cate Long

New Wangaratta Masonic Centre

17Spring 2011 Freemasonry Victoria

Freemasons & their beloved

WheeLs

COVeR sTORy

About graham: Graham joined Freemasonry in August 1986 in Queensland. He was installed into the chair of King Solomon for the fifth time in Victoria’s oldest Lodge – Lodge of Australia Felix in 2006.

About the wheels: Graham bought his beloved car from a lady in South Australia in 2008 after seeing it on a website. As soon as it was his, Graham jumped on to a plane to Adelaide armed with a handful of tools to pick it up. On the drive back, Graham blew up the spare tyre. He eventually got home about 2am after having near misses with a kangaroo and a deer. “The heater stopped working and I blew a fuse and the headlights when out. Luckily I found some silver foil on the side of the road from a cigarette pack and repaired it,” Graham said.

The car is affectionately known as ‘Baby Blue’ and has been back to South Australia, up to Queensland and recently went to the Morris Minor Nationals in Port Macquarie NSW and in March next year, will be touring Tasmania. The car is a 1960 Morris Minor 1000 convertible. “My wife loves ‘her’ baby blue and drives it whenever she can,” Graham said.

About russell: Russell was initiated February 2001 into Lodge Prospect 900 (East Kew). He is also currently Second Principal in Prospect Hill HRA Chapter and is in several other orders of Freemasonry. One of Russell’s memorable experiences in Freemasonry has included helping out with the Task Force and Blaze Aid after the 2009 bushfires.

About the wheels: Russell has had classic and vintage cars for many years but always hankered after a commercial vehicle.

Russell drives a 1923 Model T Ford delivery van which has just recently been used as a “hero” vehicle in the shooting of a TV miniseries by the ABC which goes to air next year.

“The body was built from original plans obtained form the Ford Museum archives in America and is the only one of its type I know of in use today with this particular body style".

"As for speed, on the open road it bowls along nicely at around 60 – 65 kilometers per hour (around 30mph in the old money) but steep hills or running into a stiff breeze ensure plenty of time to enjoy the slowly passing scenery and smell the road kill along the way,” said Russell.

wBro. Russell Medhurst, PM wBro. Graham Dines, PJGD


Masonic Unique Vehicles Club

Do you own a unique vehicle 25 years or older? If so, you can become a member of the Masonic Unique Vehicles Group. The group of 47 Masonic families represent 33 Lodges; in excess of 80 vehicles ranging from Veteran 1915 Model T Ford Touring Car, Vintage 1924 Buick Tourer, to classic Aston Martin and E-type Jaguar, a BSA motorcycle and several trucks, many members having multiple vehicles, with some coming from as far afield as Mitta Mitta, Kyabram and Lakes Entrance.

The elements of Freemasonry and unique motor vehicle interest have combined to form a very enthusiastic group of Brethren and ladies who expect to spend many enjoyable occasions together promoting Freemasonry’s ‘grand design of being happy and communicating happiness to others’.

Membership is open to all subscribing members of Freemasonry. You do not need to own a vehicle, just have an interest in unique cards, trucks or motorcycles. The group holds four runs to Masonic centres and a possible country weekend each year. Annual membership is $20 per year. Please contact Marg & Bro. Lyle Detez on 03 9878 6231 or [email protected]

About John: John has been a Freemason for over 40 years having been initiated on 15 September 1969. “That was one of many fond memories of my Masonic life. I was initiated with my brother Peter, and my father and uncles participated in the ceremony, a real family of Brothers,” said John.

About the wheels: John drives a 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger Coupe, a limited release model which is possibly one of only a handful in Australia. John said: “I acquired it in 1998 for the princely sum of $5000.00 and it took ten years to restore (not my fault, blame the panel beater).” John’s car won best modified Dodge at the 2010 Chryslers on the Murray show, the biggest Chrysler show in Australia.

“Cars have been a passion of mine all of my life, as is Freemasonry and I delight in driving and showing my car at the local car shows with a Masonic sticker on the rear window,” said John.

About nathan: Nathan joined Lodge Woden Valley in the ACT in April 2005, and been a member of Lodge Integrity in Melbourne since 2006. “My favourite moment in Freemasony was having my Grandfather, Bro. Rex Johnstone present me with his apron during my third degree. Having him a part of the ceremony was a special night, and to have two great uncles also in attendance made for a great night," said Nathan.”

About the wheels: Nathan drives a 1953 FJ Holden Special Sedan - named 'Frankie', which he acquired in May 2004 and is the fourth owner of the car. “I've been told my car was the last FJ Holden off the Sydney factory line. I'ts believed they ran out of black paint so painted the underneath of the car red,” said Nathan.

wBro. John Lloyd, PJGD Bro. Nathan Johnstone, MM


From the racing engine of a V8 Super Car to the newest Hybrid Vehicle from Toyota, Deputy Grand Master RWBro. Bob Jones and New Members Officer WBro. Ben Quick, WM hit the

road and put the Prius through it paces!

BQ: Deputy grand Master welcome to Brighton Toyota and the test drive of the 2011 Toyota prius. Any nerves going into today’s race… i mean test drive!

DGM: Ohhh, I’m extremely nervous, this is like starting a Bathurst all over again, not really knowing what’s up ahead and also not really knowing what the car is going to do… It’s exciting!

BQ: How do you think you will handle the 134 horse power engine that the prius has under the hood compared to the

650 horse power engine of the pimped up V8 super Car you would normally race in?

DGM: (laughs) It’s got 4 wheels and a steering wheel, so I should be alright! Compared to the V8, except for the

standard items, that’s really all the 2 have in common.

BQ: With good racing conditions and a dry track, lets take this

baby for a spin!

DGM: Sounds Great!

BQ: First impressions?

DGM: First impression is that it is so quiet; you don’t even know that it’s running! To drive a race car is a violent action, the car is a violent thing, it shakes your senses. With a race car you know it’s started and ready to drive, but the Prius is amazingly quiet!

BQ: How do you like the comfort and interior, different to the super Car?

DGM: I’d prefer to race like this rather than the way we do in the Super Cars (laughs). Every inch of your body is strapped into the seat so you can’t move; driving like that you feel every bump through your pants, through your bum (laughs) and hands. I’d much rather be driving around Bathurst like this, if it could last and keep the pace. It’s a nice interior, conservative, with all the modern features.

BQ: How are you finding the panel display?

DGM: What I am extremely pleased about is the heads up display on the window. Instead of taking your eyes off the road and looking at the dash board to figure out your speed from a needle that is 2-3mm thick, the actual speed is displayed on the window without being a distraction for the driver, that’s perfect, that’s brilliant.

BQ: i know you’re a big advocate for road safety and driver safety, giving talks at schools and also professionally. The prius has many safety features including 7 srs airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and brake by wire technology and the list continues; do you have any of these features on the V8 supercar?

DGM: We take a lot of those options off the race car. A race car doesn’t have ABS for instance, at least the race cars I drive, the reason for that is a good driver, in my opinion, an experienced race car driver can out brake an ABS system at very high speed, he can feel the wheels skidding under brakes, and can modulate the brake pedal to compensate, just like the ABS system does on the

Test Drive with the Deputy Grand Master

CAR ReVIew

hybridhigh octane to


Prius. All the things that the Prius does automatically, a good race car driver does instinctively. For the everyday driver the safety systems of the Prius are brilliant, it allows them to be considerably less skilled than a race car driver and still be very safe on the road.

BQ: How do you like the handling of the prius, we’re going around some corners now, does it feel safe to drive? Does it hug the road?

DGM: Certainly at this speed its quiet good, I would like to find a road where we can get past 60kms an hour (laughs), but it feels nice to drive, the engine is so quiet and that’s what has really got my attention, even in my own personal car I’m not used to a car being so quiet.

BQ: it certainly doesn’t have the note of a V8 does it?

DGM: (laughs) It certainly doesn’t have that, but then again comparing this to other road cars I’ve driven, this is brilliant. It is light in the steering, it’s easy, and you have no real sensation if the car is running off its batteries or running off the engine. It is a beautifully smooth transition through the gears, even in some of the good automatic luxury cars I’ve driven, they are nowhere near as smooth as this, and that adds to the comfort of the car, it’s excellent. I’m enjoying this… can we take it to Sydney? (laughs).

BQ: We’ve hit a road with a higher speed limit; let’s press the power mode which gives us an extra 25% from the 1.8ltr engine and a further 60kw from the electric motor.

DGM: The acceleration without going crazy, from a standing start, is just as good as my personal car. But it certainly doesn’t match the Super Car (laughs), no road cars could, however it’s still impressive.

BQ: So you’re finding the panel instruments easy to use while you are driving?

DGM: Extremely, I really like this heads up display. All the controls for the other functions of the car are at your finger tips.

BQ: Well Deputy grand Master, that’s about all the questions i have. Do you think i can get a gig at Wheels Car Magazine?

DGM: Ben, don’t give up your day job (laughs). Perhaps we should thank Cameron from Brighton Toyota, who has been sitting in the back seat very nervously wondering when we are going to hit 300kms an hour, but I’m worried when the electric cord hanging out the back of the car is finally going to run out (laughs)!

BQ: Deputy grand Master, thanks for the ride. should we give our readers a sneak peak of what’s coming up next?

DGM: It’s going to be a lot faster!

BQ: This is Ben saying ‘that's all for now watch out for our next test drive’!

Pictures: Ben Quick

Toyota priusThe Prius is a power split engine which can be propelled by petrol and/ or electric power.

As the car is driven the motor alternates between fuel and electric power. This charges the battery cells and once the battery is full, the Prius can be switched to 'ev mode' which means there is zero fume emission and zero engine noise.

21Spring 2011 Freemasonry Victoria

earlier this year, high intensity rainfall caused major flooding across much of the western and

central parts of Victoria. More than 51 Victorian communities were affected by the floods, with a total of over 1,730 properties flooded, devastating 51,700 hectares of pasture, and 41,200 hectares of field crops.

Over 17,000 homes lost electricity supply, and hundreds of roads and train services were inoperative. According to the Department of Primary Industries, the damage bill has been calculated at up to $2 billion.

The small town of Kerang in northern Victoria had recently recovered from floods in September 2011 only to be devastated by flash flooding yet again. The residents were forced to

evacuate after the levee gave way affecting nearly 4,000

people.

All roads in and out of Kerang were completely cut off as a result.

The scale of the disaster that unfolded was neither easy to avoid, nor able to be ignored. The Slush Flood Relief Project led by young Freemasons Bro. Michael Pountney and Bro. Daniel Jade was a 41 hour operation involving good food, fun and fellowship. They saw an opportunity

to make a great contribution to a community hit hard during the flooding and began to round up a team helping of hands.

Michael and Daniel saw Kerang as a town in need and decided that it should be the focus of their project. After attempts to obtain advice from the Gannawara Shire failed, contact was made with the Kerang Masonic Lodge. Within the week, the Lodge Secretary, WBro. Scott Strachan PM, had sought out

members of the community who were in need of assistance.

Financial support was sought to fund the project through a number of businesses and

organisations. In all, $3,950 was donated to the

project. Bunnings Hawthorn donated over $3,000 of equipment for the project.

This equipment was subsequently entrusted to the Kerang Masonic Lodge for ongoing work in the area.

The team worked on six projects during the weekend operation. Their efforts included clearing debris from fence lines, collecting firewood and collecting debris in excess of one metre deep.

One property was owned by a widower who had just been released from hospital three days prior to the flood. Work included clearing foodstuffs and other household items that had been swept out of the house. Firewood that had been washed away was also re-collected and re-piled.

The team and others who took part enjoyed a Saturday Dinner and entertainment at the Exchange Hotel in Kerang. During the evening the team presented a cheque of $1,500 from the money raised for ongoing work in the community to Gannawarra Shire Councillor Keith den Houting.

The Slush Flood Relief Project in Kerang is an excellent example of just a small number of people making a difference to a community in need. While the work itself was simple, the impact it had on those families huge.

our gratitude is nothing when compared to that of the families we helped, and the hope we have restored. The Slush Flood Relief Project led by Bro. Michael Pountney and Bro. Daniel Jade

‘Young masons just doing their bit’

by JeSSiCA MCKiNNoN

News


The Slush Flood Relief team

Michael Pountney and Daniel Jade

FeATuRe

A simple search by typing 'Freemasons Victoria' in the State Library of Victoria website shows that they have a large collection relating to Freemasonry. The

institution has a wealth of information available for reading and viewing including photos, sketches, newspapers, journals books and other items on the public record. Importantly and usefully, almost 100 items can be viewed online by anyone with an internet connection, and it is an incredible resource for researchers and those interested in delving a bit deeper into the Freemasonry history in the state of Victoria. The photographs provide a visual insight into those early days of Freemasonry. The collection is emblematic of the importance of Freemasonry in the history of Victoria.

As well as the collection that is available to view online, if you have a little more time to attend the library there are many more items that can be ordered and viewed in the reading rooms.

To view more photos and documents online from the State Library of Victoria’s collection, visit: www.slv.vic.gov.au and search Freemasons Victoria.

Photo 1: A Masonic picnic circa 1910; Photo 2: The United Grand Lodge of Victoria inauguration ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall, March 21, 1889; Photo 3: A group of 36 Victorian Masons in their regalia, including Lord Brassey from 1896.

A treasure trove of Masonic history

A rich collection of Freemasons Victoria's history is now available to view online at the state Library Victoria.

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FeATuRe


“Most people call me Spud,” said Woomelang farmer ian McClelland, “and by the end of this conversation, i hope you can call me Spud too.”

Spud McClelland is one of 211 residents who call the tiny Mallee township of Woomelang home, an agricultural outpost located 360 kilometres north west of Melbourne on the Sunraysia Highway. Born and raised on the same land his grandfather pioneered in 1898, it’s fair to say the McClelland name is synonymous with this part of the Mallee. And a Freemason for over 52 years, Spud is a recognisable and active identity in Woomelang community.

Spud joined Woomelang Lodge in 1959 following a strong family tradition; his two grandfathers, father, father-in-law, uncles and cousins were all dedicated Freemasons. on recalling the story of how he was proposed into Freemasonry, he remembers his grandfather approaching him following the construction of the local temple saying that, “if you join now, you will get to see a Masonic building being dedicated, and it’s a very special ceremony”. in hindsight, Spud is thankful for the strong encouragement he received from his grandfather, and distinctly remembers the week he became a Freemason; he was initiated on the Monday and got married to his wife Val on the Saturday. They still chuckle about the fact that his grandfather’s wedding present to them was a Masonic membership!

Spud still gets a buzz out of swapping his Yakkas for a suit and apron every month, and is fortunate to share Freemasonry with two of his sons Andy and Tim. When Woomelang Lodge closed four years ago, they all transferred their memberships to Karkarook Lodge at Hopetoun, and continue to enjoy Freemasonry with the 30 other members of this active Lodge.

During his Masonic career, Spud has racked up some admirable achievements, not the least of which was receiving his 50 year service jewel in 2009. in 1985 he was appointed Senior Grand Deacon and subsequently conferred with the rank of PGiWkgs in 1990 and PSGW

in 1996. in 2005, he was appointed as the District Co-ordinator for the North West Victoria District. in 1997 was installed as a First Grand Principal the Supreme Grand Chapter – a significant commitment when you think that it’s a four hour journey from Woomelang to Melbourne.

Spud notes his installation as First Grand Principal at the Dallas Brooks Centre as his Masonic highlight, but in the same breath speaks about the enduring friendships he and his wife have formed all over Victoria, the companionship and camaraderie he experiences at Lodge and the privilege of having two sons to share Freemasonry with. When he was installed as First Grand Principal in the Chapter, his son Andy wrote him a poem, of which an extract appears below:

Life on the land has taken its toll it has been anything but a leisurely stroll He did well with the farm and now his red coat But it’s got me buggered how he can catch the goat

Because he is not the man that he used to be With two crook legs and a wire in his knee So now he is Sir Grand Rub a Dub Dub Not a bad effort for a bloke from the scrub

Whilst he ably served the Chapter as their leader for two years, you get the feeling when talking to Spud that he’s an unwilling participant in any activity that might bring fuss or fanfare his way. He’s one of those humbly understated, salt-of-the-earth type characters, more comfortable getting around in a pair of gumboots and a well-worn floppy hat than the elaborate garb worn by First Grand Principals and Grand Masters. it seems farming is in his blood and he was destined to live a simple life on the land.

When Spud’s older brother decided to move to Ballarat, Spud and Val took the opportunity to buy the McClelland family farm, and over the years expanded it to the 10,000 acres it is today. At 74, you could say he’s sown a few

Life on the Land

Freemasonry Victoria magazine caught up with rWBro. spud McClelland, PSGW to find out more about Freemasonry and farming in rural Victoria.

BY LENA WAY


crops in his time, growing mainly cereal grains like wheat and barley, plus peas, canola and “a few head of cattle and lambs”. (There was no mention of growing potatoes at this stage so I spent the next few minutes pondering the origin of Ian’s nickname).

In 2002, it was time for Spud and his wife Val to retire from the farm, handing over the reins to their sons, Andy and Tim, who each took on 5,000 acres. On retiring, Spud thought the drought was over, but his sons would battle another eight years of relentless conditions where lamb prices plummeted to as low as $10 per head. During those years, Spud travelled to the farm every day to help his boys through the tough times, passing on over 50 years of farming experience.

Not all farmers enduring the ‘ten year drought’ managed as well as the McClelland’s. Many of us will recall news reports of farmers tragically ending their lives over failed crops and starving livestock, and parents doing it so tough that schools were forced to give students free breakfasts and lunches.

Of surviving the drought years, Spud said the teachings of Freemasonry helped him and his sons to get through the challenging and depressing times. “Freemasonry gives you a solid foundation, and strengthens you, so dealing with adversity becomes easier.”

“I joined when I was in my early twenties, so there is no doubt that Lodge has helped shaped my life, my attitudes and given me a form of resilience that comes from knowing yourself well.”

In 2010, rain finally fell from the skies and the drought was declared over. But the rain kept coming, and whilst the McClelland’s did not experience floods, the heavy, persistent rain damaged thousands of acres of crops. “The header would just get bogged in the ground,” said Spud, “and we had minimal hope of harvesting our wheat and barley crops. What we could salvage was downgraded to the lowest quality of grain due to high water content.”

On top of that, the McClelland’s had to contend with swarms of locusts threatening to eat whatever crops remained, but as Spud quips with a defiant grin, “At least we were getting about $160 per head of lamb.”

Just when farmers across the state thought it couldn’t get any worse, in early 2011 mice bred in plague proportions, literally blanketing fields and destroying entire crops. “When it came time to sow, the mice really settled in and we had to bait three times. We still didn’t get rid of them entirely and they used to scurry up the stalk of the canola, chew the head and move onto the next one. They are capable of destroying a whole paddock in a day, but I think we’ve got them under control now.”

Ever the optimist, Spud is quietly confident this year’s harvest will be a good one. “It has to be a good year, what else could go wrong?”

Still travelling out to the farm every day, Spud is very supported by his wife and two other children Kerryne and Barrie and acknowledges their commitment to his Masonic career. “I could not have become a First Grand Principal without the support of my family, particularly Val’s. When in Melbourne, Val would not only keep the home-fires burning but get her hands dirty on the farm.”

Of Freemasonry, Val has nothing but praise. “I am absolutely thrilled with Freemasonry. We’ve made so many good friends and it’s really broadened my horizons,” she said.

Spud says he’s very fond of his local community who have stuck together through the tough times. “We’re a really close community up here. I remember the week the two local banks closed down, and that was followed by the post office and general store a few weeks after that. The community banded together to fundraise for a local shop, which is now run by a local lady called Bev. We’re pretty proud of our shop.”

“And if you’re ever passing through Woomelang, be sure to visit the shearing shed made of compacted kerosene tins, built by volunteers during wartime shortages,” said Spud. Such is the resourcefulness of people living in this rural community.

Oh, and the origin of the nickname ‘Spud’? Val says it came from his mother!

FeATuRe

Freemason and Woomelang farmer Ian McLelland


p.O.W. Australian Prisoners of war in Hitler’s Reich

by Peter Monteath

Australians from every field of conflict in WW2 found themselves as prisoners in Hitler's notorious Stalags, or prisoner of war camps. Whether captured merchant seamen, bomber crews or soldiers taken in North Africa or the disastrous Greek and Cretan campaigns, they were to see out the war in the heart of Hitler's Europe, their fortunes intimately connected to the fortunes of the Reich.

The experiences of Australian POWs in Germany has long been overshadowed by the horrors of Japanese imprisonment, yet their stories of courage, stoicism, suffering and endurance deserve to be told.

THE THirD WAVE An Australian volunteer’s story

by Alison Thompson

The Third Wave tells the inspiring story of how volunteering changed Thompson’s life. It begins with her first real introduction to disaster relief after 9/11 and ends with her more recent efforts in Haiti, where she has helped to create and run an internally-displaced-person camp and field hospital for more than 65,000 Haitians who lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake.

She provides glimpse into what really happens on the ground after a disaster and a road map for anyone wanting to help. As her story shows, with some resilience, a healthy sense of humour, and the desire to make a difference, we all have what it takes to change the world for the better.

HEr FATHEr’s DAUgHTEr by Alice Pung

At twenty-something, Alice is eager for the milestones of adulthood: leaving home, choosing a career, finding friendship and love on her own terms. But with each step she takes she feels the sharp tug of invisible threads: the love and worry of her parents, who want more than anything to keep her from harm.

As she digs further into her father’s story, Alice embarks on a journey of painful discovery: of memories lost and found, of her own fears for the future, of history and how it echoes down the years. Set in Melbourne, China and Cambodia, Her Father’s Daughter captures a father–daughter relationship in a moving and astonishingly powerful way

KingLAKE-350 by Adrian Hyland

Kinglake-350 is a masterpiece of writing about family, community, country life and what happens when a day of ultimate terror arrives. Adrian Hyland takes a dramatic and compelling sequence of events on that day and weaves them into a picture of universal significance and deep fascination.

On 7 February 2009 Roger Wood was the police officer in charge of Kinglake, at the epicentre of the worst bushfire disaster in Australia’s history, Black Saturday. As the firestorm engulfed the community, he risked his life, again and again, to try and save people.

This is a book about the monster—and the heroism of those who confronted it.

Would you like to review a book for Freemasonry Victoria magazine?If there is a new book that you have heard about and would like to read and review it for Freemasonry Victoria, the quarterly magazine, please email [email protected] with the title and author of the book you wish to review, and we will arrange for the book to be sent to you.

We are always interested in hearing from members who have a story idea or would like to write an article. The stories don’t necessarily need to be Masonic (we are happy to have travel, health, lifestyle stories) but the contributor should have a Masonic connection. Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

MiLiTARY HiSToRY MeMoiR MeMoiR AuSTRALiAN HiSToRY

BOOK ReVIews


MysTeRy ITeM


discount offAccessories*

10%

*10% discount off all accessories

What’s in the case

by RWBro, Jim Spreadborough, oS PJGW Grand Lodge Librarian

This mystery object is one of the many treasures in our Grand Lodge Library. Visitors have made a variety of suggestions as to what it is and who could wear it. We invite you to enter a competition with your suggestion as to what this object is; be warned that in keeping with Masonic traditions it might not be as it appears from this view!

The most accurate response (multiple accurate responses will be entered in a random selection), and for the most imaginative response (as decided by the judging panel to whom no correspondence will be accepted unless accompanied by a very large cash donation) each be awarded a copy of the bestselling book The Brain That Changes itself by Norman Doidge.

To enter, post or email your entry to The Grand Librarian by 31 october 2011 to: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or post: The Grand Librarian, Freemasonry Victoria, Po Box 553 east Melbourne ViC 8002.

?

Order of theEastern Star

For further information please contactMrs Faye Thornton

PO Box 4266, Knox City Centre 3152Phone 03 9884 0235

Email: [email protected]

Join the largest Fraternal Organisation in the WorldTo which both Woman and Men may belong

There are Chapters in various parts of VictoriaBecome part of the Masonic Family

Documents

The Longevity Project extract - PassGrip