A presentation to Prostate Scotland this morning at the Maggie’s Centre in Inverness.
£34,500 was raised through an event that never took place – it was sponsorship from the Forth Rail Bridge Abseil which was cancelled due to Covid. The cheque is being received on behalf of Prostate Scotland by Brian Corr, NHS Highland’s Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
That takes the total giving to Prostate Scotland to £625,000.
Brother Gomez is a Past Master of the Atlas Pythagoras Lodge in Westfield, New Jersey and amongst other Masonic accolades, is presently the Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.
Having worked for the port authority of New York and New Jersey for 30 years as a member of the Emergency Service Unit stationed at the George Washington Bridge, he was on duty and responded to both the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks which took place.
Via his Remembrance, My 9/11 Experience, Lecture, Brother Gomez will share his personal memories of those tragic events which shook the United States of America and the rest of the world to its core.
Tickets are available for the lecture which is on the 23rd of November 2019 at Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh and is hosted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh.
Ticket Sales will help support Prostate Scotland Registered Charity No SC037494
Prostate Scotland is pleased to provide lodges with a pin badge collection box filled with branded pin badges. The box has been designed with a special sticker displaying The Grand Lodge of Scotland logo.
Badges and boxes can be ordered online at https://www.prostatescotland.org.uk/support-prostate-scotland/register-for-pin-badge-collection-box and will be dispatched by post. The suggested donation per badge is £1 which is shown on the box stickers. A minimum of 50 badges can be ordered, and one box can fit up to 150 badges. The boxes are provided flatpacked for easy delivery and assembly.
Instructions for assembling the box and paying the donations to Prostate Scotland will be provided with the box. Donations of £1 per badge can be made upfront if Lodges wish to do so, with cheques to be made payable to ‘Prostate Scotland.’
Prostate Scotland,
14 Torphichen Place
Edinburgh, Scotland EH3 8DU
Tel: 0131 603 8660 Email: info@prostatescotland.org.uk
Patron: Sir Tom Farmer CVO CBE KCSG DL Trustees: Robert Wilson (Chairman), Alan McLaren, Prof. Alan
McNeill, Alison McNeill, Dr Anna Gregor CBE, Graeme Conn, James Thomson OBE, Julia Miller, Mary Hallam
Prostate Scotland Limited is a Registered Scottish Charity No.SC037494 and Company limited by guarantee
registered in Scotland No SC306268. Registered Office: Princes Exchange, 1 Earl Grey St, Edinburgh EH3 9EE
Day 14 The final day. After visiting 31 Provinces the length and breadth of the country over 9 weekends from 4 August the Grand Lodge of Scotland/Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 finally drew to close with visits to Port Glasgow in Renfrewshire West and Dumbarton in the Province of Dunbartonshire.
Arrived at Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 in Port Glasgow. Unfortunately it was raining today.
To be welcomed by Bro. Robin McIntyre PGM of Renfrewshire West.
Brethren assemble at the War Memorial
PGM Bro. Robin McIntyre lays the Provincial Wreath
PGM and the WSS
PGM Bro. Robin McIntyre with the WSS
Grateful thanks for the hospitality received at Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 and to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West for undertaking the necessary arrangements.
Arrived in Dumbarton at Lodge Dumbarton Kilwinning No.18 where we were met by PGM Bro. James Forrest.
Unfortunately a rainy drive when leaving Port Glasgow, however, it did clear up when reaching Dumbarton.
The service was conducted within the Temple.
PGM Bro. James Forrest lays the Provincial Wreath
Brethren and friends within the Temple
PGM Bro. James Forrest, RWM’s of the Province and the WSS.
Wreaths at the War Memorial within the Temple
Bro. James Mair, President of the WSS presents Mr. Gordon Michie from Poppyscotland with a cheque for £1,918.
This afternoon brought to a conclusion a journey that commenced at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on the 4th August.
31 Provinces visited over 9 weekends, 14 days in total, the length and breadth of the country, many miles covered and a few nautical miles as well.
Every Province and their Daughter Lodges rose to the occasion and provided a fitting tribute of commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War.
The hospitality received on this journey was exceptional and demonstrated the Craft at Work.
On a personal note I would thank the 31 Provincial Grand Lodges who assisted with the arrangements and the various Lodges who provided much needed refreshments and accommodation on the way.
The Widows Sons Scotland are to be commended for their support in providing a presence at every location visited and also providing that common link to each Province.
David A. Reid
Grand Sword Bearer
Day 13 The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Kilmarnock in Ayrshire and Kilwinning in the Province of Kilwinning.
Arrived at the Masonic Temple in London Road, Kilmarnock. Another fine dry day.
Welcomed by Bro. William Steel PGM of Ayrshire.
PGM Bro.William Steel, Provost Jim Todd and the WSS
We were delighted to welcome to today’s ceremony:
Provost Jim Todd of East Ayrshire Council
PGM Bro. William Steel
Provost Jim Todd, PGM Bro. William Steel and Mr Gordon Michie with the WSS
Provost Jim Todd, PGM Bro. William Steel and the Brethren from Ayrshire
Our grateful thanks to the PGL of Ayrshire for undertaking the arrangements for today’s ceremony along with the hospitality provided afterwards.
After a short drive from Kilmarnock arrived in Kilwinning
PGM Bro. Tom Wood and RWM Bro. James Savage of the Mother Lodge met us on arrival.
The now customary group photograph in the Mother Lodge Temple prior to visiting the Abbey.
PGM Bro. Tom Wood, Mr.Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland and RWM Bro. James Savage of the Mother Lodge with the WSS.
Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland receives a cheque from PGM Bro. Tom Wood.
Group photo of the WSS in the Mother Lodge of Scotland
It goes without saying that the hospitality received on this tour has been outstanding and today in Kilwinning that hospitality continued.
Grateful thanks to the PGL of Kilwinning and the Mother Lodge.
Day 12 The joint venture to commemorate by The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Cowie in Stirlingshire.
Arrived in Cowie, Another dry day.
Welcomed by Bro. Alistair Marshall PGM of Stirlingshire.
Honour Guard at the War Memorial
Bugler Mr. Simon Railton
We were delighted to welcome to today’s ceremony:
PGM Bro. Alistair Marshall presents a cheque to Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS
Brethren of Stirlingshire with the Civic Leaders
PGM and Civic Leaders with the WSS
Our grateful thanks to the PGL of Stirlingshire for undertaking the arrangements for today’s ceremony along with the hospitality provided afterwards.
Piper Bro.Kevin McLean (PGL Standard Bearer)
We depart for home.
Day 11 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Dumfries and Stranraer.
Arrived in Dumfries, another dry day.
Welcomed by Bro. Robert Hughes PGM of Dumfriesshire.
Setting off for the War Memorial
PGM Bro. Robert Hughes presents a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS looking on.
Our sincere thanks to the PGL of Dumfriesshire and the Brethren of the Masonic Hall in George Street. Especially Bro. Graham and his good lady for their hospitality.
Prior to this afternoon’s ceremony we assembled in the precincts of the Castle of St.John in Stranraer to meet local ladies who were in the process of knitting Poppies to raise funds for Poppyscotland,
PGM Bro.Dennis Warren gave us a very warm welcome to Stranraer and the PGL Of Galloway.
Lodge Stranraer Kilwinning provided hospitality prior to and after the ceremony.
Grateful thanks to the Province and the Lodge.
Brethren assemble at the War Memorial
Members of the Public observe the proceedings
PGM Bro. Dennis Warren lays the PGL Wreath
Assembled Brethren after the ceremony
PGM Bro. Dennis Warren presents a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with Bro. Jimmy Mair, President of the WSS looking on.
Day 10 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 took us to Millport in the Province of Argyll and Isles.
Ferry from Largs to the Cumbrae slip, fortunately the weather stayed relatively dry.
Welcomed by Bro. Frank Mapes PPGM of Argyll and the Isles.
Brethren assemble at the War memorial
Thanks to Lodge Kelburne No.459 for providing hospitality before and after the ceremony
PPGM Bro. Frank Mapes and the WSS
The customary group photograph, although the first time we’ve had a baby and a dog included.
Thanks to the PGL of Argyll and the Isles and Lodge Kelburne No. 459 in particular for their assistance and hospitality.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppy Scotland joint venture (days 8 and 9) to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 travelled from Inverness to Aberdeen over the weekend of 1st and 2nd of September. The weather being very favourable on both days.
Arrived in Inverness at the Social Club of Lodge Old Inverness St.John No.6, Lodge St.Mary’s Operative No.339, Lodge St.Columba No.1295 and Lodge Drummosie No.1438 to be met by PGM of Inverness-shire Bro. Vincent Geddes.
PGM Bro. Geddes and the WSS
Thank you to the PGL of Inverness-shire and the Daughter Lodges for assisting in organising this morning’s event and their hospitality on the day.
A pleasant drive along the A96 turning off
for Lossiemouth where PGM of Moray and Nairn Bro. Ron. Fowler met us.
Lodge Pigaveny No. 681 very kindly provided further hospitality.
Short drive to Buckie to be met by PGM of Banffshire Bro. Ally Coull.
Thank you to the PGL of Banffshire and the Daughter Lodge.
Day 8 drew to a close with the weather being kind all day and some relaxation time in the evening in Buckie.
Special thanks to Lodge Gordon’s No.589, Lodge Craigroan No. 1247 and Lodge Bow Fiddle No. 1349 for allowing the WSS to bed down overnight in the Lodge and for their hospitality.
Arrived in Turiff to be greeted with an early morning breakfast at Lodge St.Congan No.922 – bacon rolls, roll and sausage BBQ served style outside.
PGM of Aberdeenshire West Bro. Andy Lawrie met an increased number of WSS in attendance today.
Bro. Brian Morton presenting a cheque to Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland with PGM Bro. Andy Lawrie in attendance,
Allison was a local resident who lived adjacent to the War Memorial, found out what was
happening and very kindly made a donation to Poppyscotland.
PGM Bro. Andy Lawrie with the WSS and some members of the RBL
Day 9, venue 1 is off to a good start, thanks to the PGL of Aberdeenshire West, their Brethren and Lodge St.Congan No.922
A short drive to Ellon and met by the PGM of Aberdeenshire East Bro. Ron Simpson and his Brethren.
The hospitality as always was greatly appreciated and provided by Lodge Ythan No.
892.
Headed off to the War Memorial about 100m along the road. The procession was organised by a retired Drum Major.
Brethren within the temple of Lodge Ythan No.892
Mr. Gordon Michie of Poppyscotland receiving a cheque from PGM Bro. Ron Simpson
We say our goodbyes and head off to the final leg of our journey today, the Masonic Temple in Crown Street, Aberdeen
Arrived at the beautiful Masonic Temple in Crown Street, Aberdeen to be met by Depute PGM of Aberdeen City, Bro. Harry Ord.
All ceremonies to date have been different and very meaningful in their own way. Today we assembled outside the Lodge room and were piped to the War Memorial.
I mentioned previously all ceremonies were different and so was this one.
Depute PGM Bro. Harry Ord addresses the assembly, where the wreaths were laid at Altar commissioned to commemorate the end of the Great War.
Depute PGM and the WSS
Day 9 draws to a close and another successful weekend meeting many Brethren and their families and continuing to raise funds for Poppyscotland.
Depute PGM Bro. Harry Ord and the WSS
Day 7 of The Grand Lodge of Scotland / Poppyscotland joint venture to commemorate the end of the Great War in 1918 visited Hamilton and Paisley. Unfortunately, the weather was against and the Widows Sons Scotland had to endure a very wet drive to reach both locations. However, the visible presence of the motorcycles was appreciated at both venues..
Arrived in a very wet Hamilton to be met by PGM Bro. William Perry.
To minimise being drenched the ceremony commenced without delay.
Brethren assemble
PGM Bro. William Perry lays the first wreath
Brethren from the Province of Lanarkshire Middle Ward
Thank you to the PGL of Lanarkshire Middle Ward and the Daughter Lodges for assisting in organising this afternoon’s event and especially for turning up in numbers on a wet Sunday afternoon.
PGM Bro. Neil Fraser
A drive in the rain along the M74/M8 motorway, we arrived at Mexwellton Road in Paisley – home to 5 Lodges (129, 370,1116, 1218, 1219).
PGM Bro. Neil Fraser welcomed the assembled company. After a short briefing we departed for the Cenotaph in Paisley town centre.
The rain had now ceased and the ceremony was conducted by Bro. Rev Robert Craig Past Senior Grand Chaplain.
Bugler, Bro. Neil Terras SPGW
Bro. Michael Dailly, PG Piper
Brethren from the Province of Renfrewshire East
Commissioned Office Bearers and WSS Special welcome to Bro. Greg Winter from Northern Ireland
After the ceremony we returned to Maxwellton Road where the Paisley Lodges had very kindly laid on soup and a roll – very welcome on a damp day!
We said our goodbyes and Day 7 drew to a close.
Thanks to the PGL of Renfrewshire East and the Daughter Lodges for their support at this afternoon’s ceremony
Special thanks to the Paisley Lodges (129, 370, 1116, 1218, 1219) for their hospitality.
