£8,000 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Dorset and Somerset Freemasons, with support from the Freemasons' Grand Charity, have again presented a cheque for £8,000 to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance based at Henstridge Airfield on the border between Dorset and Somerset. The presentation was made by WBros Clive Deakin and David Medlock, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters of Dorset and Somerset respectively, at the tenth Anniversary celebrations of the the foundation of the Air Ambulance. On a day blessed by glorious weather the celebrations were shared by hundreds of guests including those fortunate to have been saved by the prompt action of the Air Ambulance service.

Pictured here is the presentation by representatives of Dorset Freemasons, from left to right: Mrs. Jennifer Deakin, WBro Clive Deakin (Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Dorset), WBro Lawrence Jones (Worshipful Master of Blackmore Vale Lodge No. 3625), Mrs. Terri Gill (Chair of the Trustees of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance), Mrs. Julie Jones, WBro David Barnes (Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Benevolence No. 1168), and Mrs. Maggie Barnes.

An evening to remember for a Father and Son in Blandford
On Tuesday 20th July Father and Son Mervyn and Melvyn Curtis were raised to the degree of Master Masons in a historic double ceremony in The Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 in Blandford. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of more than 60 members and visitors, which included The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Richard Merrit, by the Worshipful Master of Honour and Friendship, Worshipful Brother Graham Smith.  

Mervyn Curtis was made a Mason in September 2008 and Melvyn in January 2009. With the prior consent of The Provincial Grand Master, the opportunity was taken by the Lodge to afford Brothers Mervyn and Melvyn an experience that few fathers and sons can ever have shared, a momentous evening for both that will stay in their hearts as a special bond between them for the rest of their days. Whilst the double ceremony did make for rather a long evening, it was a truly uplifting occasion that will live long in the memory of all that witnessed it.

Dorset Freemasons' Open Weekends
The Freemasons of Dorset recently held an Open Weekend at their Branksome Masonic Hall  in Poole, encouraging members of the public to visit a comprehensive exhibition and find out more about all aspects our fraternity and charity work. 

In officially opening the event, Leader of Poole Council, Councillor Brian Leverett, paid tribute to the vast work and contribution that Freemasons make in the local community, both in charitable giving and in support of initiatives for the benefit of those less fortunate.

An exhibition displayed the history of Freemasonry, Grand Lodge, famous Freemasons and Dorset Freemasonry, providing an illustrated account for visitors. Answering questions afterwards, the Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, Richard Merritt, said he was greatly encouraged by the interest shown and positive comments received from all the visitors, and hopes that this initiative has made more people aware of the good work carried out by Freemasons both locally and nationally.

Displaying stands in support of the weekend were Julia’s House, Lewis Manning Hospice, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Weldmar Hospice and About Face - just some of the local charities that had received support from Dorset Freemasons. They all expressed their gratitude for Dorset Freemasons' sterling efforts over the years.

More Open days
On Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th September there will be Masonic Open days at the Masonic Hall, 43 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8AE. It will consist of an exhibition displaying the history of Freemasonry, Grand Lodge, famous Freemasons and Dorset Freemasonry and will provide an illustrated account for visitors. All Masons and non-Masons are welcome to attend. Why not invite your friends, family, work colleagues, etc., to drop in and have a look? Doors open at 10am each day and will close at 4pm.

Zetland Court Summer Fete
On the first Saturday in June over 400 Brethren, their families and members of the public attended the 2010 Zetland Court Summer Fete organised by the Association of Friends of Zetland Court.  Lodges from the Province of Dorset, together with some from the neighbouring Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, manned a wide variety of stalls ranging from pig racing, plants, hoopla, burgers, pictures, golfing, books, skittles, bric-a-brac and the ever-popular beer tent.  The area serving fresh Dorset strawberry cream teas with home-made cakes, to the accompaniment of music from WBro Maurice Ross and his trio, remained busy throughout the afternoon. Elsewhere in the fete, visitors enjoyed burgers and beer, wine and other delights in glorious sunshine and were entertained by a live jazz band.  Children were kept amused by a range of entertainers including a Punch and Judy show.

RWBro Richard Merritt, Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, and Mrs Vicki Merritt made the draw of the winning ticket for a substantial cash prize; overall around £14,000 was taken for the benefit of residents of Zetland Court which will provide a range of facilities including transport, a music centre, Wii games and new furnishings. 

Zetland Court provides care for 63 residents, and last year the RMBI granted approximately £4 million for care and assistance to older Freemasons and their dependants who could not otherwise afford to meet the cost of their care.

Brownsea Island cheque presentation
On Monday 21st June 2010 the Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, RWBro Richard Merritt, presented a cheque to the Friends of Brownsea Island for an electric vehicle. The funding for this vehicle has come from the generous donations made by Lodges to the Provincial Grand Master's Discretionary fund.

Address to Dorset Masters Lodge
Dorset Masters Lodge No. 3366 will receive an address at their meeting on Thursday 2nd September from WBro Chris Caine, the Chairman of the Trustees for the RMBI. The subject will cover present advances regarding Dementia Care at the RMBI Masonic homes and information on the Charity in general.The RMBI is, of course, the subject of our 2014 Festival. The RMBI provides care and support for elderly Freemasons and their dependants. Last year it granted in excess of £4 million to those who could not afford the services they needed. In Dorset, Zetland Court (shown opposite) provides residential care, nursing care and sheltered accommodation to those in need.

Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting
This year's Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will be held at Sherborne School on Thursday 28th October. The 2010 Dorset Masonic Magazine will be delivered by post to all Brethren in Dorset prior to the meeting and will contain a removable agenda for the Provincial meeting; you can view a copy of the agenda here. The setting for this annual event is quite special and it is well worth attending. Sherborne is an independent boys' boarding school that was founded in 1550 under a Royal Charter granted by Edward VI. Housed in historic buildings, the school forms a perfect setting for a day devoted to the formal ceremony and business of the Provincial Grand Lodge annual meeting.

Provincial Carol Service
This will be held at Sherborne Abbey on Sunday 5th December at 2.45pm. This annual service heralds the start of the festive session, and is held in another beautiful and historical setting. The service is for all the family so please come along and join in. Refreshments are available following the service at the Masonic Hall, Digby Road, kindly provided by the Sherborne Lodges.