Category Archives: Festival Committee

Paul G. Fryer

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Our Finale video is launched

Our Finale video is launched

Dear Member, July 24th 2021 would have seen us celebrating the culmination of 5 years of fundraising on behalf of the RMTGB, now the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The plan was to have the big reveal of the final sums raised as part of our Festival Finale Event to be held at Wynyard Hall, surrounded by […]

£3,000,000 and still going

£3,000,000 and still going

2020 continues to be a challenging year with our meetings and fundraising activities severely restricted. As you know our Target of £2,712,768 was reached in November 2020, we are very pleased to announce that collectively as a Province we have passed £3,000,000 in donations. Can I thank you all for the continuing support you give […]

cycling durham

100 Miles In A Day

When the London to Paris cycling event had to be postponed this year due to the Pandemic, our intrepid cyclists did not use this as an excuse to sit back and relax. Instead, when the MCF set up their Covid 19 Support Fund, their thoughts turned to how the cycle team could try to raise monies, under the current restrictions, which continue to limit numbers congregating together. So – the 100 mile challenge was born.

Sponsorship needed for a Hairy Past Master !

W.Bro. Peter M. Robinson, Past Master of Eden Lodge No. 8162, Castle Eden, is currently recovering from a drastic hair cut scenario. Having been identified as a member of the community who had to go in to lock down period for the thirteen weeks due to Covid 19, unfortunately the week he was allowed to […]

Weardale Freemasons – Helping the NHS Visor appeal

The Freemasons of Weardale and Stanhope were asked for help and they came up trumps in the most difficult times.  Around early April 2020 Bro Alan Anderson of Stanhope lodge 3520 enquired if the Freemasons could help in anyway to aid in the fight against Covid-19 or help anyone affected by it. Bill Hobson took […]

Paul G. Fryer

 

Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020)

Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer

Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773

Mobile Number: 07912 761073

Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org

Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM)

Personal Career: 14 years service in Army and currently employed as a Regional Commercial Manager for SSE Enterprise. BSc (Hons) Degree qualified Quantity Surveyor by trade

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson

Role: Events Manager
Lodge: Agricola Lodge No. 7741
Telephone: 07970 927719
Email: info@compost-uk.co.uk

Andrew Joined Agricola lodge 7741 in 1996, he became Master in 2005 and is currently Z in Chapter of Concord 124. He was a Founding member of the Durham Provincial Stewards Lodge 9633 in 2007 as a steward was part of the DC team. He then became events manager for the provincial events that the Stewards Lodge were responsible for. He joined Old Dunelmian Lodge 8100 in 2013 and became Master the same year.

In his non masonic career he is a farmer and processes compost 40,000 tonnes of garden waste from Saltburn in the South to Seaham in the North which is delivered to me by the various North East councils

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

John Arthur

Festival President, RW Provincial Grand Master

Paul G. Fryer

Paul G. Fryer   Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020) Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773 Mobile Number: 07912 761073 Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM) Personal Career: 14 years […]

Bill Hobson

William Hobson

Bill Hobson

Role: West Area Director
Lodge: Stanhope Lodge No. 3520
Telephone: 07557 739424
Email: bmhobson@yahoo.com

Responsible for the Lodges in the West of the Province of Durham. 

Bill resides in Stanhope, he is married and has 3 children and 3 Grandchildren. Bill is Semi-retired, however during his working life he was a Director of 4 companies: Hobson Bros (Stanhope) Ltd North East Foundry Supplies Ltd Rizdar Properties Ltd Deneside Luxury Lodges His hobbies are playing Bridge. Bill joined Freemasonry in 1979. His Craft Lodges are Stanhope, Hudson and Weardale Installed Masters and is also a member and Past Master of Chapter, Mark, Mariners and Rose Croix Lodges. Bill states that his main attributes as: Strengths are a few, however Weaknesses are many.

Meet the rest of the Western Area Team

Ian Mavin

Ian Mavin

Hall Ambassador
Stanhope, Wolsingham, Tow Law, Crook & Willington

David Hanson

David Hanson

David Hanson

Role: East Area Director
Lodge: Sportsman's Lodge No. 9440
Telephone: 07920 227201
Email: daveandmalla@hotmail.co.uk

Responsible for the Lodges in the East of the Province of Durham

David joined Freemasonry on 6th December 1991 into Sportsman's Lodge No. 9440 which meet at Shiney Row, where he was fortunate to be the first initiate into Sportsman's Lodge and was Master in 2003. He is currently the DC of the Lodge a position which he has held for the since 2007. He is also a member of Durham Lodge of Installed Masters and currently the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. He joined Williamson Royal Arch Chapter in May 1993 and became a founder member of Sportsman's Chapter. He is a PZ in both chapters [different rituals!!!].

His main hobbies are cricket, golf and socialising with friends and family. He is captain the 1st team at Seaham Park CC which play in the Durham Cricket League and also a member of Houghton le Spring Golf Club.

 

Meet the rest of the Eastern Area Team

Rob Donmall

Rob Donmall

Hall Ambassador
Shiney Row & Hetton Le Hole Lodge

Mike Smithies

Mike Smithies

Mike Smithies

Role: South Area Director
Lodge: Strathern Lodge No. 4965
Mobile: 07974 402699
Home 01429 221195

Email: michaelsmithies@gmail.com

Responsible for the following Lodges; 764, 1862, 2462, 2981, 4217, 4350, 4639, 4965, 6203, 7773 & 531
 

I was Initiated into Strathearn lodge on November 8th 2000 and finally Raised on the 12th September 2001. I progressed through the lodge, until I reaching the Chair of King Solomon on the 13th December 2006. I organised a successful Bond Themed Ladies Night of which 324 people attended, raising £1750.00, which was donated to various charities.  I continued to work hard in the Lodge, as Charity Steward, from December 2007 to present day, presenting various rituals on the floor. I have had the pleasure of inviting 9 candidates into Strathearn Lodge, some successful and others not. I was promoted to Past Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar in June 2013, which was a very proud moment for me and on receiving my Collar from the PGM, I presented him with a £750.00 Cheque from one of my sponsored Bike rides.

I am currently employed by Peart Access Ramps Ltd, as a Commercial Manager for the last 12 years. This is a local manufacturing company, supplying Disability Access Solutions for the Disabled across the country, which is a very fulfilling and rewarding Job. In my younger years, I was professional footballer at Hartlepool United and played under 5 different Managers!

I have been married to Maxine for 30 years (nearly) who I met at school; we were married on the 29th June 1985 at Stranton Church in Hartlepool. We have 2 sons, Jonathan 24, who studied Architecture at Nottingham Trent University and is currently employed as draughtsman for a Global Engineering Company in Middlesbrough.  Matthew 21, is currently studying Accountancy and Finance at Sheffield University, and is going to America this summer on an exchange programme. Both sons represented Durham Schools at Rugby and are keen all round sportsmen. Maxine and I enjoy travelling the world and recently went to watch the Abu Dhabi F1Grand Prix and the DP World Golf Championship in Dubai. We are looking forward to our 30th wedding anniversary, touring Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and then to Washington to celebrate 4th July.  I enjoy playing golf, were I’m a member of Seaton Carew GC, playing of a handicap of 8. I also keep fit by cycling and have done numerous rides throughout the country, raising money for Masonic Charities.

Meet the rest of the Southern Area Team

Ian Turnbull

Ian Turnbull

Ian Turnbull

Role: North Area Director
Lodge: Westoe Lodge No. 4750
Telephone: 0191 456 6193
Email: jeanian@blueyonder.co.uk

Responsible for the Lodges in the North of the Province of Durham

Ian was initiated into my mother Lodge, Westoe No 4750, in South Shields, where he has lived all his life, in 1986 and was first in the Chair in 1993 and then again in 2004.

In 1999 he was appointed PPGSuptWks and in 2009 promoted to PPJGW.

In 2012 he was promoted to Grand Lodge with the rank of PAGDC.

Ian is also a member of Durham Lodge of Installed Masters No 4441 and Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters No 9441.

Ian is Past First Principal in Mariner Chapter No 3217 having originally joined and been through the Chair in Lord Barnard Chapter prior to its merger.

Ian is Past Most Wise Sovereign in St Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix 293 having originally joined and been through the Chair in St Michael and All Angels Chapter Rose Croix No 891 before its closure earlier this year. Ian has recently had the 30th degree conferred.

Ian is also a member of Tyne Dock Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 362 and is progressing through the various offices, and current position is that of Senior Overseer.

When not involved in Freemasonry Ian likes to spend time with his two grand children who live in Carlisle. Ian and his wife Jean, babysit in Carlisle one day a week.

Ian is very keen on DIY and literally do everything, his current major project is the complete refurbishment of a two bedroomed apartment in South Shields.

Ian retired early about two years ago from his role as a Senior Manager in the Construction Industry where he was employed all his working life.

Meet the rest of the Northern Area Team

Dave Green

Dave Green

Dave Green

Role: Events Coordinator
Lodge: Clarence Lodge No. 2462
Telephone: 07913 685355
Email: davegreen599@hotmail.com

I am an Air Traffic Controller at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

I live in Hartlepool and have been a Mason since 1999.

I am member of Clarence Lodge No2462 also I am a member of The Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters No9441 and The Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No9833. I am a PZ of the Clarence Chapter.

As a member of the Stewards Lodge I was honoured to be the Worshipful Master between 2015 - 2017

I play golf badly and love travelling.

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

John Arthur

Festival President, RW Provincial Grand Master

Paul G. Fryer

Paul G. Fryer   Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020) Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773 Mobile Number: 07912 761073 Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM) Personal Career: 14 years […]

Paul Quinn

Paul Quinn

Paul Quinn

Role: Festival Secretary
Lodge: The Rowlandson Lodge No. 3360
Telephone: 07946 419224
Email: paul.quinn@durham2021.org

I have been a Freemason since 1997, joining Manor Lodge 7908, however I joined The Rowlandson Lodge 3360 in 2004 and had the honour of becoming WM in 2008 and during that time the Lodge celebrated its Centenary year whilst I was Master in August 2009. I became the Lodge Secretary after serving my year as IPM, a position I still hold. I was exalted into The Rowlandson Chapter 3360 in 1999, serving as Z in 2011 however this time I went straight to Scribe Ezra after relinquishing the chair, again a position I still hold.

I was lucky enough to be asked to become Secretary of a new Provincial Initiative for "Younger minded" Durham Freemasons called the North East Corner. A group designed to link together the younger minded Freemasons in a social media and group meeting aspect. We successfully organised a trip to the Quarterly Communications in UGLE, where 45 Durham Freemasons went on a day trip to Grand Lodge, a point highlighted by the Pro Grand Master in his address to Grand Lodge. In June 2015 I was honoured to be promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar. 

In my personal life I have been married to Julie since 1984 we have 2 children and now 2 grandchildren, keeping us busy. I work for the Prison Service as a Prison Officer, a very demanding role. I enjoy various sports and my favourite football team being SAFC.

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

John Arthur

Festival President, RW Provincial Grand Master

Paul G. Fryer

Paul G. Fryer   Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020) Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773 Mobile Number: 07912 761073 Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM) Personal Career: 14 years […]

John Thompson

John Thompson

John Thompson

Role: Festival Director
Lodge: Harte lodge
Telephone: 07970388809
Email: john.thompson@durham2021.org

John was born in Billingham; he was educated and has lived all of his life in the Town. He followed members of his family and became a qualified Electrician in 1989. His work took him to all parts of the UK as he worked in the food and confectionary industries.

The opportunity came in 1997 for John along with fellow colleagues to start a new electrical business on Teesside.  The first business Intelect UK Ltd specialised in the food industries, expansion came with the start of further engineering business in 2005, 2008 , 2011 & 2014  The group of companies now offer a full engineering  package and has over 200 employees that work locally, nationally and world wide for many of the top food manufactures.

John has been married to his wife Andrea now for over 25 years and has three children Daniel, Joseph and their daughter Katie. The family have a Static caravan at Ripon which they loved to visit as often as they can.

John’s masonic life started in Dec 1995 when he was initiated in Harte Lodge 4217 in Hartlepool and after following the progression of all the offices he was installed into the Chair of King Solomon in 2004. He received provincial honours in 2011 as PPGReg. He served as The Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2013 and subsequently promoted to PPSGW in November 2014. 

John was delighted to receive Grand Rank in April 2015 with the rank of PAGStB

He is currently the Secretary and the Charity Steward of Harte Lodge in Hartlepool

John along with fellow Hartlepool Mason’s organises the very successful annual Hartlepool Masonic Carol Service and has done so since 2012. He was also responsible for the organisation of a five day Masonic Exhibition held in the Hartlepool Central Library in July 2013

John is also a member of Nevill Lodge of Installed Masters which he joined in 2012.

He is also PZ of Harte Chapter, a member of the KT at The Ashbrooke Preceptory in Middlesbrough as well as The Court of Dearthington in The Order of Athelstan 

John has a very busy life being a Director of five companies and father of three but in his owns words “Masonry is very enjoyable part of my life and I’m very excited to be serving the Province as The Festival Director for our 2021 Festival.

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

John Arthur

Festival President, RW Provincial Grand Master

Paul G. Fryer

Paul G. Fryer   Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020) Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773 Mobile Number: 07912 761073 Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM) Personal Career: 14 years […]

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

John Arthur

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John Arthur

Role: Festival President
Lodge: RW Provincial Grand Master
Telephone: 0191 567 5365
Email: pgl@pgldurham.org

John spent his entire career in the Steel industry holding numerous management and senior management posts in different locations before retiring from his role as Director Special Profiles in 2008.

John was invested as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master on 7th January 2011, after the November meeting was cancelled on the day due to dangerous winter weather. On his appointment John assumed responsibility for the Lodges in the East of the Province, he was invested as Deputy Provincial Grand Master on Friday 28th November 2014 and invested as Provincial Grand Master on 6th October 2018.

If he has any free time he lists his other interests as following rugby union; photography; music; movies; current affairs; reading and keeping on top of the gardening. John and his wife Joan have no children and live in Great Broughton, North Yorkshire with their border collie Cleo.

 

Meet the rest of the Festival Committee

Paul G. Fryer

Paul G. Fryer   Role: Festival Treasurer (newly appointed May 2020) Full Name: Paul Geoffrey Fryer Lodge Name & Number:  Heugh Lodge No 7773 Mobile Number: 07912 761073 Email address: paul.fryer@durham2021.org Masonic Career: Initiated 20 Feb 2013, Installed as WM of Heugh Lodge No. 7773 on 19th September 2019 (current WM) Personal Career: 14 years […]