FVNews Daily  
COMBINED EDITION
No. 133. Monday-Tuesday, November 2-3, 2020

• From the Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team

• Email: editor@FVNews.com.au or Ash@Long.com.au
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• FVNews Daily is also available at the website: www.FVNews.com.au
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What’s On (45 listings)
UPDATED DAILY.

Please notify us about your event. 
Please include date, time, talk details, attire, and a link.
Email: editor@FVNews.com.au

Monday, November 2 – Cup Eve

• 7pm (7.30pm: Visitors). Oakleigh Mark Lodge. Business Meeting. Talk: Craig Spendlove, ‘India -The Raj, Mysticism and Masonry’. LINK
• 7.30pm. Lodge Garibaldi. Talk: Mike Kearsly, ‘ The Roberto Calvi Affair & ‘Masonic’ Lodge P2 – a Masonic Scandal?’ LINK

• 7.30pm. North Melbourne Lodge visits Lodge Garibaldi. LINK
• 7.30pm. Rosebank Lodge. Talk: Ben Quick, ‘Establishing Contact with Sister Lodges’. ZOOM link: 824 152 8207.

Tuesday, November 3

• 7.15pm. Swan Hill Lodge. Attire: White shirt with tie. LINK to come.
• 7.30pm. Lodge Liberation. Talk: Ron Ferdinands, “Sacrifice and service. The Life of RWBro. R.A Ferdinands, a former prisoner of war in Changi.’LINK Meeting ID: 262 446 2752. Pass code: 674674

• 7.45pm. Robbie Burns RAM No. 76. For MMM and RAM members. Talk: ‘The English Tracing Board’. LINK

Wednesday, November 4

• 7.15pm. Lodge of the Golden Rule. Business Meeting. LINK Meeting ID: 607 090 1923 Passcode: 9JNjZx

• 7.30pm. Centenary HRA Chapter. Talk: Craig Spendlove, ‘‘Zechariah – Encouragement for the builders’. LINK
• 7.30pm. Gippsland Lodge. Talk: Iain Nicolson, ‘Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem’. LINK to come.
• 7.30pm. Lodge of Honour. Dimboola Lodge will visit. Talk: John Glover, ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’. Attire: Neat Casual. LINK Meeting ID: 954 4794 4355
• 7.30pm. Powlett Lodge. Talk: Graeme Gully, ‘Freemasonry in PNG before and now’. Attire: Smart Casual. LINK Meeting ID: 945 3141 3308 . Passcode: 440875

Thursday, November 5

• 7pm. Doutta Galla Lodge. Talk: Ron Evans, Family association with Australian Defence Forces. LINK
• 7pm (7.30pm: Guests). Killara Lodge. Talk: Barry Watson, ‘The Last 100 Days of World War I.’ LINK
• 7.15pm for 7.30pm.Sandringham District Lodge. Talk: Ian Goddard, ‘What it takes to be in a Grand Team’. LINK
• 7.30pm. Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge. Talk: Rahim Samat, District Co-Ordinator. To be chaired by Milton Tsaktsiras, SW. LINK to come.
• 7.30pm. Robbie Burns Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Presentation of 50-Year Jewel to V.Wor.Bro Bill Wright. Talk: Glen Hollibone. LINK Passcode: CFW239 

Saturday, November 7

• 7pm. Blue Lounge Social Club. Forum: Becoming a Freemason. Event is for non-Freemasons (candidates, people interested in joining, etc.) LINK

Monday, November 9

• 10am-12 Noon. District Co-Ordinators’ Meeting.
• 7pm. Lodge of Commerce. Vacant Chair Ceremony. LINK to come.

Tuesday, November 10

• 7.30pm. Colac Lodge. Talk: Myles King, President, Board of General Purposes. LINK to come.
• 7.30pm. Epicurean Lodge in conjunction with Bellarine and Otway. Remembrance Day Observance. Pay-per-view: $10. Proceeds to Legacy. Attire: Collared shirt. BOOK AHEAD
• 7.30pm. Golden and Corinthian Lodge. Talk: Bob Jones, ‘A Day In The Life Of A Grand Master’. Attire:  Dinner Suit. Log in details: Meeting ID: 651 201 5916. PassCode: 8HrrzK (case sensitive)
Wednesday, November 11 – Remembrance Day
• 11am. Powlett Lodge, Wonthaggi. Laying of Wreath at Cenotaph, McBride St.

• 7.30pm. Lord Somers Australasian Chapter.. LINK Meeting ID: 856 1023 0004 Passcode: 803457 

• 7.30pm. Traralgon Lodge. Talk: Marty Tanzer, Remembrance Day. LINK
• 7.30pm. United Services Lodge. Remembrance Day Ceremony. Talk: Bro. Col. John Wertheimer, ‘A Remembrance Day’. Vacant Chair Ceremony. Attire: Members, jacket and tie. Visitors welcome, neat casual. LINK
• 7.30pm. Williamstown Lodge. Talk: ‘History of Lodge Liberation’. Ceremony of the Vacant Chair. Attire: White shirt and black tie. LINK Meeting ID: 612 821 4334. Passcode: 105105

Thursday, November 12

• 7pm. Masons Connect. Sharing Freemasonry Meeting. Talks: Milton Mann, ‘Using Hashtags’; Justin Stark, ‘Sharing Freemasonry’; James Lacey, ‘Beginners Social Media Journey’; Richard Shelly, ‘How People Make Sense Of What They Read Online’;  Andrew Shen, ‘How To Make A ‘Meet A Member’ video’; Matt Cameron, ‘Deconstructing How To Share Freemasonry. RSVP

• 7pm for 7.30pm. Antient York. Talk: John Glover, ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Power Point production of the Vacant Chair Ceremony. Attire: Jacket and tie. LINK to come.
• 7.30pm. Central Highlands District. Talk: David Waldron, ‘Rosicrucian Backgrounds of Freemasonry’. LINK
• 7.30pm. Cohuna Lodge. Talk: Paul Brennand, Grand Superintendent of Membership. LINK• 7.30pm. Dandy Apex HRAC. Zoom Business Meeting. Talk: Craig Spendlove, ‘The Three Principals’. Attire: Smart Casual. LINK Meeting ID: 835 6964 4614.

Passcode: 961205

Friday, November 13

• 7.30pm. Altona Lodge. Talk: Brendan Kyne, ‘Guided Tour of the Victorian Lodge of Research Portal’. Attire: members collared shirt and tie, visitors smart casual. LINK
• 7.30pm. Lodge of the Golden Fleece. Whisky Tasting Night. Sampler kits delivered to your home, $75 metro. ORDER and MEETING LINK

Monday, November 16

• 7.30pm. Lodge of Good Companions. LINK Password: 479218
• 7pm.United Wimmera Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. Talk: Arthur Williams, Ark Mariners Tracing Board. For RAM members only. 7.45pm. United Wimmera Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No Mark Members to be admitted to the RAM meeting. LINK to come.

Tuesday, November 17

• 7.30pm. Lowan Lodge. Talk: Rhys Webb, ‘St John Ambulance in Victoria’. Attire: Casual. LINK to come

Thursday, November 19

• 7pm. Prospect Hill Mark. Interview with Peter Gurr, First Grand Principal, Grand Chapter. Attire: members jacket and tie, visitors smart casual. Open to non-Mark brethren. LINK

Saturday, November 21

• 12 Noon. Education Volunteer Action Team Freemasonry Series. Lecture: Ari Indra, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. LINK Meeting ID: 885 3954 6483

Monday, November 23

• 7.30pm. South Gippsland Mark. Talk: Craig Spendlove, ‘Mark Masonry Before 1813’. LINK Meeting ID: 993 4347 5482  Passcode: 306566 

Tuesday, November 24

• 7pm. Lodge Amalthea. Talk: Chris White, ‘Freemasonry and the Goat’. LINK

Friday, November 27

• 7.30pm. Victorian Lodge of Research, with Old Scotch Collegians Lodge and Earl of Dunmore Lodge. Talk: Joseph Morrow, ‘Illustrated by Symbols – Masonic Heraldry in Scotland.’ Register enquiries prior to the event. Attire: Smart Casual. LINK

Monday, November 30
• 7pm. Oakleigh Council, Royal and Select Masters. Talk: David Yole. All members past and present of the Order, in addition members of other Orders. Attire: Casual. LINK
• 7.30pm. Citizens Marine Royal Ark Mariners. RAM Masons only. LINK

Videos

• Grand Master’s Chat. (21:37) WATCH
• Silence and Circumspection. (08:07) WATCH
• Sydney Harbour Bridge opened by a Freemason … well, sort of. (03:01) WATCH and READ MORE

The Wisdom of Solomon (1)

PERSONAL OPINION by FVNews Editor Ash Long
• King Solomon said: ““The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.” (Proverbs 12:13)
• This time last year when the position was advertised, our application for Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team leadership was built on accentuating the positives, and eliminating the negatives in Freemasons Victoria. Part of the promise was to clean-up the social media appearance of FV pages. In partnership with our 8000-strong membership, our online spaces are now much nicer places to be.
• We migrated most of the Facebook traffic to the Freemasons Victoria Chat page, with 793 members choosing to relocate the discussion away from the public eye. Our FVNews, alsofull of positives, reaches about 2500 opt-inmembers. The standard of positive conversation has improved markedly.

The Wisdom of Solomon (2)

• Our revered Solomon also said: “From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.” (Proverbs 12:14). “A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet. Words from good people are like pure silver, but thoughts from the wicked are worthless.” (Proverbs 10)
• Interestingly, around Full Moon time most months, a handful of social media warriors go on the attack towards our Freemasons Victorialeadership and staff. Often the attacks are quite unfair and personal. Numbering fewer than 20 people (0.25 per cent of our list), the malcontents have an axe to grind, but their axe must by now be worthlessly blunt. They do themselves, and Freemasonry, considerable disservice.
• Brethren, thank you to the 99.75 per cent who exercise prudence, wisdom, restraint and good sense in their respectful communications that seek to support (rather than harm) their fellow Masons. Let us give the final word to Solomon: “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”

Congratulations to Bob Pullin

• Bob Pullin has been appointed as the District Co-Ordinator for Bellarine Otway District No.110. Grand Secretary Garry Rungehas expressed thanks to Past District Co-Ordinator Chris Formosa for his dedication and service to the Craft.

Grand Master’s Video

• Richard Elkington, Grand Master, has recorded a detailed chat (21:37) for the Melbourne Cup Long Weekend. Richard addresses issues including Grand Lodge expenses, OXI Day, Remembrance Day and pathways for young Freemasons. WATCH

Starting the Conversation

• Geoff Newby, District Co-Ordinator, Gippsland East, writes about membership development in the 105 Newsletter: “These are just a couple of things you can say and I urge you not to be afraid to start or pursue a conversation at the appropriate time. Remember, it’s not for everyone and no-one wants to be lectured to or nagged about it. Persistence is OK, but not at the expense of turning someone right off the topic. Sometimes, and I have had success in this area, it is worthwhile planting a seed, with a short comment, letting it sit and revisit sometime later. Remember, the best form of advertising is word of mouth. Have a look at the quality of people in and around you in Freemasonry. That in itself is a testament to the fraternity and its appeal.”

50-year jewel for George

• John McTaggart writes: “RWor. Bro. George Lanagan PDGM has been presented with a 50-year jewel for his services to Freemasonry.  Bro George was initiated in the Rupanyup Lodge on September 16, 1969, and served that lodge in many offices including Worshipful Master and Secretary. He was a Junior Grand Deacon in the 1983 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team. He moved to Stawell in 1995 and joined the Euroka Morning Star Lodge and served as Worshipful Master, Secretary and Treasurer. Also, in 1995 he was appointed the Junior Grand Warden in the 1995 Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team and for the next nine years conducted just on 100 installations around Victoria. 

• “In 1997 he was appointed Wimmera District Co-Ordinator and served in this role for several years. During 1999 the Grand Master promoted him to Past Deputy Grand Master, the highest rank in Freemasonry other the Grand Master, for his services to Freemasonry. Being the local representative of the Grand Master, he has maintained an active interest in District Lodge activity. When the Euroka Morning Star Lodge closed in 2016 he became a member of Wimmera Lodge at Horsham. On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Wor. Bro Ian Ballinger PGStdB, the Almoner ofWimmera Lodge presented Bro. George with his 50-year jewel at his home in Stawell. During the past 50 years Bro. George has always had his wife Barbara by his side and we thank her for supporting him during this time. Well done to you both.”

Masonic Mailbag
• Andrew Morom writes: “Thank you for finding and putting up the video of Wayne Millard, Importance of Empathy. I found it very informative and being current it meant even more than some of the older American videos that have been put up in past issues. I look forward to reading eachday’s issue.”

World News
• The District Post (UK) reports: “Horsham Freemasons from the Normandy Centre in Denne Road, Horsham are to restart their hot meal deliveries initiative across the Horsham District area. The scheme, which is funded by Horsham Freemasons and being run in conjunction with theHorsham Matters foodbank, will once again see local Freemasons deliver a hot, two course, main meal, cooked by Debra Moore, the Chef/Proprietor of The Café, on a Sunday lunchtime every fortnight, to those people who have been locally identified within the Horsham Districtas vulnerable.” LINK

New Subscribers
• We are aiming to increase our opt-in subscribers list by seven every issue before August 31, 2021, to reach 4000 members. Subscribe at LINK. Today we welcome Max Paulet, Kane Smith

Please Send Your Summons
• Lodges can assist by sending emails about every lodge meeting and event to editor@FVNews.com.au – please include us on your Lodge Summons mailing list.

Famous Freemasons
• Travis, Colonel William Barret (1809-1836) – William Travis was a young military leader who notably commanded the ‘Texian’ defenders holding out in the mission of San Antonio de Valero, better known as ‘The Alamo’, against overwhelming odds. Approximately 182 rebels were pitted against more than 2400 Mexican soldiers. The Texians (as they were known) were attempting to wrest the rule of Texas from Mexicoduring the Texas Revolution. They were so positioned as to delay the advance of General Santa Anna’s force, in order to buy time for Texan General, Sam Houston to raise an army to effectively oppose him. Leading from the front, Colonel Travis was one of the first to be killed defending The Alamo’s north wall as thousands of Mexican soldiers stormed the mission. Several of Travis’s fellow Freemasons, notably James Bowie and David Crockett also fought to the death against odds of more than 13 to 1. Nevertheless their sacrifice was not in vein, causing Santa Anna to be defeated seven weeks later at The Battle of San Jacinto, and Texas being ultimately set to become the 28th state of the USA. Traviswas a member of Alabama Lodge No. 3, Claiborne, Alabama.
– Timothy Horton

Masonic Knowledge
• The Masonic philosopher W.L. Wilmshurst held that an ideal Lodge, when properly tiled and duly opened, would be a sanctuary of silence and contemplation, broken only by ceremonial utterances or such words of competent and luminous instruction as the Master or Past Masters are moved to extend. And the higher the degree in which it is opened, the deeper and more solemn would be the sense of excluding all temporal thoughts and interests and of approaching more nearly that veiled central Light whose opening into activity in our hearts we profess to be our predominant wish. In such circumstances each Lodge meeting would become an occasion of profound spiritual experience. No member would wish to disturb the harmony of such a Lodge by talk or alien thought.” – The Masonic Initiation, 1924

Masonic Wisdom
• “We can only know the fullest joys of Masonry when we truly walk the paths of service and of hard work in the quarries.” – Bro. George E. Burow 

The Last Word
• “There is no good way to answer fools when they say something stupid. If you answer them, then you, too, will look like a fool. If you don’t answer them, they will think they are smart.” – Bro. King Solomon (Proverbs 26:4-5)

INFORMATION TO KNOW
FVNews is published by Bro. Ash Long, Chair of the Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team of Freemasons Victoria. 
Phone: 0450 399 932.
Web: www.FVNews.com.au 
Email: editor@FVNews.com.au

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DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text of FVNews belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the United Grand Lodge of Victoria (Freemasons Victoria) organisation, committee or other group or individual. Readers should take all steps necessary to ascertain that information you receive from FVNews is correct and has been verified. FVNews assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in FVNews is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness