THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
Message from our Provincial Grand Master
WELCOME to the website of the Provincial Grand Lodge of The Scottish Borders, I trust that you will find it both interesting and informative.
It fills me with great pride to have been appointed as Provincial Grand Master in June 2020,
I have been so proud of how all the Lodges have interacted with their members and also continued with their Fundraising and Charitable activities during the last two years.
To Freemasons who manage to visit our Province, you will be assured of a warm welcome.
Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master
Another turn in the Chair for David at 424
Saturday 18 November 2023 saw the Annual Installation of Lodge St. James BURA No. 424 in the packed Lodge ,where Bro. David Jeffrey PM, was ably installed as Right Worshipful Master one more time by Bro. Ian Rutherford and Bro. Stan Swinton.
The well known and well respected Past Master is truly dedicated, not only to the Lodge, but to Freemasonry in General. Congratulations and all the best of luck David.
Charity Dinner Dance Raises over £1000 for Local Charities
A Charity Dinner Dance promoted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders which was held on Friday 10 November 2023 at Kelso Rugby Club proved to be a great success raising over £1, 000 which is to be split between 6 deserving local charities. Many thanks to everyone who supported what was a great night and gave generously to help the well deserved organisations below. click on the links below to find out more about the fantastic work they do.
The Empty Chair Degree
With November being the month of remembrance, last night at the regular meeting of Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24, the members performed the Empty Chair Ceremony.
The ceremony is thought to date back to 1875, a decade after the close of the American Civil War, when it was used in Masonic lodges throughout the United States to pay tribute to those who did not return from the war.
The Lodge members have a long history of serving our country throughout the ages and, to this day, have ex-servicemen in their ranks.
The fallen members of No. 24 gave themselves freely, not only to the service of Lodge Peebles Kilwinning but also to the obligations of service to their country in a time of great need. It is said that a man is made a Mason first in his heart. A Mason may have earned honours before or after becoming a member, but as the world sees it, those honours do not decorate his Masonry but rather highlight the spirit, which makes him both a Mason and a man of service. For our tomorrows, they gave their todays.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."
Bro. Sandy Re-installed at 104
On Saturday 4 November 23, a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders, headed by the Right Worshipful Master, Bro Andrew E. Forsyth, headed to Lodge St. John Jedburgh No. 104 to see Bro. Alexander Galbraith being ably reinstalled as right Worshipful Master of the Lodge By Bro. Jim Brown and Bro Jim Sykes, both Past Masters of the Hawick Lodge No. 111.
After the ceremony, the brethren were suitably watered and fed, followed by the traditional Masonic toasts and entertainment.
All the very best of luck to Bro. Sandy and his team of Office-bearers for the year ahead.
Pictured L to R: Bro. Jim Sykes PM, RWPGM, Bro. Sandy Galbraith RWM & Bro. Jim Brown PM.
Historic Night at St Ebbe
The first time the Borders Quarrymen have worked a degree, in the awe inspiring surroundings of Lodge St. Ebbe, which dates back to 1758.
The Quarrymen are our Provinces group of younger and new Masons, with Provincial Grand Master AE Forsyth as enthusiastic President of the group, which formed this year.
Brother George Donnelly, Past Master of Lodge St. Ebbe an a Past Provincial Grand Master, was the candidate and I believe thoroughly enjoyed his evening! Several Borders Lodges were represented, including St. Ronan’s 856 through Stewart Wilson as Senior Deacon.
Hopefully the Quarrymen can continue to grow in strength to support our fraternity in the province, and encourage new members to get involved in the craft.
Giving a helping hand to "Get George Moving"
Recently Bro. Tim Slater, Master of Lodge Kelso & Tweed 58, along with Bro. Mick Todd IPM, visited George and his family at their home in Kelso to hand over a cheque for £2000. George McIntosh is 14 years old and for the last 9 years has received treatment for a number of chronic, incurable and life-limiting conditions.
In September last year he woke up at his home unable to stand or use his right leg. Neurosurgeons and oncologists found that a cyst had developed above and below his spinal tumour causing pressure on the nerves to his legs and lower body. George has had a further three large spinal surgeries to prevent additional damage to nerves further up his spine. He has now endured 19 operations in total and has also suffered infections and allergic reactions to antibiotics.
The teen has been working so hard in intensive physiotherapy to try to stand and walk unaided but to date he is now a full-time wheelchair user and adjusting to a very different life. Meanwhile, he has missed a huge amount of important schooling and life in general and needs personal and mobility equipment so he can live as independently as possible.
He currently uses an NHS loan wheelchair, which is cumbersome, heavy and energy sapping. Through a Just Giving campaign “Get George Moving”, his Mum Julie and Dad Ewan, have raised over £10,000 of a £20k target to pay for the installation of a stair-lift and alterations to a bathroom. The stair-lift is now installed but there’s a long waiting list for the alternation to the bathroom to be carried out through the NHS.
But further funding is required for other alterations needed to make his home environment comfortable. George would also benefit greatly from a low energy wheelchair so that he can be more independent both in school and at home without being utterly exhausted and disheartened on a daily basis.
His Mum Julie said: “We are determined to make things happen for George. He’s always been so positive and upbeat. He was Scottish swimming champion two years ago in disability swimming and now he wants to be a wheelchair Olympian. He’s already gone back to swimming training and does wheelchair tennis.”
George is also a big Lego fan
This money was raised through the generosity of the Masonic Lodges of the Scottish Borders with donations from Provincial Grand Lodge and from individual Brethren. His Mum and Dad were blown away with the donation and pass on their heartfelt thanks to all involved. George will be back in hospital this coming Thursday for further surgery, we will be keeping in touch with the family to see how George is progressing.
What you need to do to get a good Annual Report.
At the Annual Visit from Provincial Grand Lodge to the Hawick Lodge No. 111 on 26 October 23, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth, was delighted to receive Honorary Membership of the Lodge. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro, Ian Stewart PM, thanked the RWPGM for all his help and support he has given No. 111.
At the same meeting Bro. Jake Hume was passed to the Fellow Craft Degree and was congratulated by the RWPGM on the way he conducted himself through the ceremony.
Congratulations to you both. Pictured (l to r) Bro. Andrew Forsyth, RWPGM, Bro. Michael Laidlaw, Past Master of the Hawick Lodge No. 111 and also the Provincial Senior Chaplain, who kindly stood in for the photo as the Right Worshipful Master, Bro. Ian Stewart PM, had to nip away and Bro. Jake Hume who become a Fellow of Craft and who is also an active member of the Borders Quarrymen.
Walking Stick up for Raffle in aid of Good Causes
Want a chance of winning this beauty ?? (The Walking Stick that is, not the PGM).
This beautifully hand crafted walking in stick with a seasoned hazel wood shank, adorned with a traditional design polished acrylic head in Provincial green, has been kindly donated by the skillful Bro. Cliff Worrell PM of Lodge Kelso & Tweed and will be raffled off in aid of local good causes.
Entries are only £5 each and the draw will take place at the Installation of the Provincial Office-bearers on 17 February 2024, where the lucky winner will be announced.
To make sure you are in the draw, please contact the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master direct. Good Luck!!
PHOTO CREDIT: Bro. Tim Slater PM RWM
Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58.
Visit to Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire East
A deputation from the Borders travelled up to the City of Perth on Saturday 14th October to attend the regular communication of our friends at the Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire East. Also in attendance was the MWGMM, Bro. W. Ramsay McGhee, along with a deputation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
During our visit, the Perthshire East Young Mason's Group, 'The Stones of Destiny' carried out an exemplification of the Entered Apprentice degree. The standard on display by the group was exceptional!
We would like to thank the Provincial Grand Lodge of Perthshire East for the very kind hospitality we received and thank all the masons in attendance, young and old, for their company!
New Master Mason at Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24
At their Regular Meeting on 11 October 2023, Lodge Peebles Kilwinning No. 24, Raised Bro. Steven Balmbra to the High and Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. On this occasion, the Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. James Thom, had the pleasure of congratulating Bro. Balmbra on behalf of the Province.
Pictured L to R: Bro. James Thom DPGM, Bro. Steven Balmbra, Master Mason & Past Master Bro. George Gilchrist, who took the Chair in the absence of their Right Worshipful Master.
Melrose 1bis Supports Hawick Dementia Cafe
On 21st September, the Hawick Dementia Cafe held in the premises of Hawick Lodge 111 was visited by the RWM of Melrose St. John No. 1bis, Bro. Brian Lawson along with Past Master Philip Titley, who presented Bro. James Sykes PM a cheque for £200 for the Hawick Dementia Cafe on behalf of the Lodge of Melrose 1bis. Which was gratefully received.
Lodge St. Ebbe continue to support EHQ Festival
Lodge St. Ebbe tombola stall proved to be a huge hit at the Eyemouth Herring Queen Music & Market Day on Sunday, raising a magnificent £546.56 for the EHQ fund.
Thanks go to everyone, including Lodge members, who donated prizes. A massive thank you to family and friends for giving up their time to help organise and run the stall on the day.
It was a lot of fun but also a lot of hard work and was much appreciated by the EHQ committee
"Give them a good afternoon and let them go away happy & smiling"
On Thursday 20 July, The Depute Provincial Grand Master, Bro. James Thom, headed to Hawick to visit the Hawick Dementia Café which is held within the premises the Hawick Lodge No. 111.
Bro. Jim Sykes, a Past Master of the Lodge, was instrumental in setting up the café in the Lodge as a similar facility was decommissioned a number of years ago, at the time when Jim’s late wife faced Dementia.
The café has gone from strength to strength. They meet on the third Thursday of every month and have a full house every time.
Jim and the dedicated team of volunteers welcome anyone (not just those from Hawick) who experiences the difficulties of Dementia along with their carers. Lunch is provided and they always arrange some kind of entertainment to give them a good afternoon and let them go away happy & smiling.
The Dementia Café is purely self-funded through generous donations. The Hawick Lodge No. 111, provide the use of their premises free of charge which is a fantastic help.
Jim and the team are an inspiration, forging links with the community, creating a safe and inclusive environment for the enjoyment of others. Congratulations and well done, you should all be proud of what you do!
Should you wish to offer a donation towards the running costs or provide support in any other way, no doubt the team would be pleased to hear from you.
More information >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/426135231322132
Pictured is Jim along with Janice, a dedicated volunteer. Photo Credit: Bro. James Thom DPGM
Not a Dry Eye in the Town
On Friday 14 July 2023, The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth, lead a deputation to a very wet Innerleithen on the occasion of the Torchlight Procession and Masonic Ceremony during the St. Ronan's Cleikum Ceremonies as part of the Town's St. Ronan's Border Games Week.
Although the weather was not good, the event was well supported by a number of Brethren from within the Province including a good representation from the Borders Quarrymen.
The event also saw a number of Brethren from out with the Province to support this traditional event.
Photo(s) Credit: Bro. James Thom DPGM (Left) & Bro. Dominik Smrek (Below)
Busy Braw Lads Summer Meeting at 262
A deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders were cordially invited to the “Braw Lads” Summer Meeting of the Galashiels Lodge No. 262 on Tuesday 27 June 2023, which was held in the premises of the Royal British Legion, Galashiels.
On this occasion the RWM, Bro. Paul Capaldi and the Office-bearers initiated a new member into the Lodge, Honorary Membership was conferred on Bro. Ronnie Patterson (No. 23) and Bro. Alistair Black (No. 216).
In addition to this, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth had the pleasing duty of presenting a 60-year diploma to Bro. Robert Luke. Bro. Robert thanked everyone for the presentation and said, “time was passing so fast”. Congratulations and well-done Bro. Luke.
Photo(s) Credit: Bro. Paul Capaldi RWM
PGL Deputation to 1bis Installation & Mason's Walk
On Saturday 24 June 2023 it was the Annual Installation of the Lodge of Melrose St. John No. 1bis in the Corn Exchange, Melrose, where Bro. Brian Lawson was installed as Right Worshipful Master for a second time.
There were 77 from within and out with the Province in attendance including deputations from Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10 which was headed by their Reigning Master, Bro. Paul Gilhooley and the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders, headed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Andrew E. Forsyth.
The installation was ably conducted by Bro. George Donnelly PM, Past Master of Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70, a Past Provincial Grand Mater and Honorary Member of No. 1 bis along with Bro. Duncan Taylor PM, a Past Master of Melrose 1bis , assisted by Bro. David Jeffrey, Reigning Master of Lodge St. Ronan's No. 856, as Installing Senior Warden , Bro. Tim Slater, Reigning Master of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, as Installing Junior Warden and Bro, Lewis Young PM, Immediate Past Master of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10 as Installing Inner Guard. Bro. Robin Wilson, Past Master of Lodge St. John Stow No. 216 provided musical accompaniment on his accordion.
After a successful ceremony of installation, 55 brethren joined the Annual Masons' Walk to Melrose Abbey which was lead by the Melrose Pipe Band, where Bro. Philip Titley PM, a Past Master of Melrose 1bis delivered a short oration to the assembled brethren and members of the public.
The procession returned to the Corn Exchange where the brethren enjoyed an informal harmony.
Photo(s) Credit: Bro. James Thom