Report of V.M.M.A. Inc. Visit
Brighton District Lodge No. 37
Tuesday 14th December 2004
The V.M.M.A. was invited to attend the December meeting of the Brighton District Lodge No. 37 at the Brighton Masonic Centre to participate in the evenings activities, which included the presentation of a 65 year bar, three 50 year jewels along with various guest speakers.
The V.M.M.A. participation was that of Publicity Officer Brian Sanders having been invited to enlighten those attending of the V.M.M.A. CanTeen activities.
|
L to R: V.M.M.A. Publicity Officer Brian Sanders & Mr. Don Kinsey. |
There was no formal opening of the lodge, all Masonic and non-Masonic attendees were invited to be seated in the lodge room, prior to the entry of Grand Lodge Officers of whom M.W. Bro. John Wilson, P.G.M. was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
The evening was to honour 4 fine freemasons for their loyalty and service those being Lou Halsinger 65 years and Bill Jennings, Wally Wing and Alan Burton for their 50 years.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening M.W. Bro. John Wilson, P.G.M.
It was suggested that the Theme for the evening might be the answer to the question (Why good men would wish to belong / be a member for such a long period of time).
Freemasonry has it principles and tenets - in summary - the Support of family values and the traditional Australian way-of-life or the "Golden Rule" transcends religion, colour and race. Freemasonry is diverse and there are various aspects which appeal-not always the same.. Ceremonial, Task Force, Hospital, Homes, Benevolent Funds.
In 2001 Australia celebrated 100 years of Federation, at the September Quarterly Communication of that year a remarkable & memorable script - "Salute to Federation" was presented.
As it unfolded, and in the presence of Governor - John Landy, we became so aware of the extraordinary and in-depth part that freemasonry and freemasons have played in the development of Australia in our relative short journey.
Yes, our Governor General is a freemason, 6 governors have been Grand Masters of Victoria, but freemasons come from all walks of life, Judiciary, Law, Medicine, Business and the Trades etc.
Attendance was overwhelming for the evening.
This particular September 2001 Quarterly Communication was just a few after September 9th, Clive Hardeman carried the American Ceremonial Flag loaned from the American Consulate to be along-side the Australian flag carried by Peter Clark. Our letter, addressed to the president of the U.S.A. on behalf of Freemasons Victoria, deploring what had happened, was presented to the American Vice-consul for relay to the White House.
It was also the evening that our late brother Sir William Dargie - the winner of 8 Archibald prizes was presented with his 50 year Service Jewel. Co-compere on that night was one of the big names in Australian Radio during the past 50 years Ray Lawrence.
At this point in the evening Ray Lawrence was invited to the floor to talk about some of the freemasons he has known during his distinguished career, following this the first presentation was made to Lou Halsinger a Bar 65 Year Jewel, Lou being 92 years young became a freemason in 1939, a year that needs no introduction but in fact his initiation was in 1938. That same year, Herb Elliott, Betty Cuthbert and Rod Laver were born. Lou had a career with the tramways, there have been some well-known freemasons who have been with the tramways - P.G.M. the late Major General Sir Robert Rission being just one.
Lou Halsinger being presented with his Bar 65 Year Jewel.
Don Kinsey, 3DB the face of the Childrens' Hospital for many years was invited to the floor to lead us all with singing Australia's favourite Waltzing Matilda. Don then continued to enlighten us all with some of the historical achievements of the Childrens' Hospital over the years which included CanTeen, Uncle Bobs, Victorian Masonic Motorcycle Association.
Presentations of 50 Year Jewels then took place.
Bill Jennings was born at Gardenvale, he attended Brighton Technical School, his career was varied, sales, warehousing, excelling in managerial roles and time in London.
His community involvement is considerable: - one of the many volunteers who have made Australia great by way of service. From 1977 "Little Athletics" (team manager & registrar), the Clayton Sporting Club & the Clayton Football Club both senior & junior sides. Team manager, Vice president, Secretary and he still managers the bar at the Clayton Sports Club.
Masonically 54, 57 a Steward, W.M. in 1970, before and after served continually in most offices and Treasurer for the past 20 years. Active with freemasonry while in London.
Bill Jennings being presented with his 50 Year Service Jewel.
After the presentation the V.M.M.A. Inc. Publicity Officer Brian Sanders was invited to the floor to enlighten those present of the development and activities of the V.M.M.A., in particular the V.M.M.A. active community work with the CanTeen organisation.
M.W. Bro. John Wilson P.G.M. introducing V.M.M.A. Publicity officer Brian Sanders.
Wally Wing is one of those who helps everyone family and freemasonry. Born in Richmond December 1933, Marlene & Wally married in 1966 and have two boys. Wally went to school at South Caulfield and Caulfield Technical Scholl and completed an apprentiship. Craftsman - Wrapping Machines Brockhoff Biscuits, Cadbury's (Ringwood & Tasmania) and Red Tulip. Interests travelling, golf, FJ Holdens - sons bought Wally a 1954 restored car for his 70th birthday. Master in 1971-2 and member of Mark & Ark Mariner Lodges, his father was the Installing Master when he became Master of Lodge Fervour.
Wally Wing being presented with his 50 Year Service Jewel.
Alan Burton born at Glen Huntly went to school at Gardenvale Central and Melbourne High School. After 3 years with Shell he sought the "good oil" and joined Brockhoff Biscuits where he gave 41 years of magnificent service. Purchasing, supply, logistics - he was the doyen of his particular discipline!. President and Secretary of the Institute Burwood Credit Union - 14 years as Chairman. Past 21 years key supplier of foodstuffs for Christmas parcels for the No. 2 Group. Alan's hobby is restoring old cars and he has completed a panel beating course, owned a number of vintage cars and likes a drop of Scotch.
Alan Bunton being presented with his 50 Year Service Jewel.
The evening concluded and all retired to the supper room, of which was filled to the maximum.
Many people came and spoke to the V.M.M.A. members in attendance to show their support of our activities, a number of people made personal donations to the V.M.M.A. Charity Fund, thank you for you support.
Supper Room.
Reported by CW.