FVNews Daily 
COMBINED EDITION
No. 171. Thursday-Friday, February 18-19, 2021
• From the Communications and Marketing Volunteer Action Team

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What’s On (58 listings)
UPDATED EACH EDITION

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

In-person visiting to physical lodge meetings in February is not permitted, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
It is hoped that visiting might resume from March 1, 2021.
Visiting Zoom meetings is encouraged.

Thursday, February 18

• 11am. Samaritan Lodge. BY ZOOM

• 7.30pm for 8pm South. Portland Lodge. Talk: Fred Shade, The Oddfellows – Their Origin, History and Ritual’. LINK Meeting ID: 876 5588 1241

Friday, February 19
• 6.30pm. Seavic Lodge. Business Meeting. 40-Year Jewel to John Rodrigo. At J&W Restaurant, 43 Mahoneys Rd, Forest Hill. TRYBOOKING LINK

• 7pm for 7.30pm Tyle. Bairnsdale Daylight Lodge. LINK TBAMonday, February 22
• 7.30pm. Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge. Rehearsal for First Degree. At Ivalda Masonic Centre.
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAUTuesday, February 23
• 6pm. Lodge Amalthea. Historic First Meeting at Australian Club. Proclamation of Alfonso Avagliano as Worshipful Master. GM and DGM to attend. Ken Drew will receive his 65-Year Jewel, and Charles Bratton his 50-Year jewel. (Public gathering limit of 20 people does not apply at Australian Club.)

• 7.30pm. Middle Park Lodge. Talk: Gareth Andrews, former VFL footballer and Director, The Life Again Foundation, on Men’s Physical and Mental
Health. LINK Meeting ID: 861 3495 591. Password: 044153
• 7.30pm. Mount Scopus and Collegians Lodge. Talk: Robert Starr, Past Grand Master, Washington DC. LINK Meeting ID: 847 5620 1252. Passcode: 080930

Thursday, February 25
• TBA. Keysborough Lodge. Installation. 75-year Bar to George Raphael. At Keysborough Masonic Centre.
Friday, February 26
• 7pm: Tyle. 7.30pm: Visitors. Malvern-Waverley Lodge of Mark Master Masons. Talk: Kevin Fowler, ‘Military Freemasons – Were They or Weren’t They?’ All Freemasons invited to attend, attire: smart casual. LINK Meeting ID: 835 7236 1943. Passcode: 498288

Saturday, February 27
• 6.30pm. Earl of Dunmore Lodge. Talk: Tony Bucca, ‘The Masonic Time Machine’. LINK
• 7.30pm. Membership Volunteer Action Team. Ian Brown, ‘Lodge Engagement’. REGISTER

Monday, March 1
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAU
Tuesday, March 2
• TBA. Lodge of Commerce. Emergency Meeting. To obligate Master Elect.
• 7pm. Gippsland Lodge. At Sale Masonic Centre
Thursday, March 4
• 7.15pm. Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge. First Degree. At Ivalda Masonic Centre.

Friday, March 5
• 7.30pm. Nagambie Lodge. Return of Warrant to Brendan Wallace, District Co-Ordinator. At Freemasons Keysborough.
Monday, March 8
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAU
Saturday, March 13
• TBA. Lodge of Commerce visit to Gippsland Lakes Lodge. Second Degree.
Monday, March 15
• 6pm. Melbourne St Clair Reunion Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team. At Freemasons Melbourne.
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAU
Tuesday, March 16
• 6.30pm. Footscray St John’s Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team. At Sunshine Masonic Centre.

Wednesday, March 17
• 7.30pm. Quarterly Communication. At Freemasons Bayside. Details TBA.

Saturday, March 20
• 3pm. Star of the East Lodge. Installation by Gippsland Team with Richard Elkington. At Freemasons Omeo.
Monday, March 22
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAU
Friday, March 26
• TBA. Grand Installation Rehearsal. At Freemasons Bayside.
Saturday, March 27
• TBA. Grand Re-Installation. 2021 Team. At Freemasons Bayside. Details TBA.

• 2pm. Huon Daylight Lodge. Installation by 108 Team. At Freemasons Wodonga.
Monday, March 29
• 7.30pm. Masonic Caravan Club. LINK Meeting ID: 763 8342 1746. Passcode: 4xYjAU

Thursday, April 1
• 7.15pm. Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge. First Degree. Ceremony of the Vacant Chair. At Ivalda Masonic Centre.

Friday, April 2 – Good Friday
• All Day. Collections for Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Saturday, April 3 – Holy Saturday
• Holiday Weekend

Sunday, April 4 – Easter Sunday
• Holiday Weekend

Thursday, April 8
• 6pm. Gordon Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team with John Rodrigo. At Essendon Masonic Centre.
Saturday, April 10

• 4pm. Benambra Lodge. Installation by 108 Team with David Keame. At Tallangatta Masonic Centre.
• 4pm. Duke of Connaught Lodge. Installation by 2021 Country Team with Chris Scott. At Korumburra Masonic Centre.
• 4pm. Stewart Lodge of St Arnaud. Installation of Neville Wharton by the 2021 Country Team. At St Arnaud Masonic Centre.
• 5pm. Lodge Concordia.  Installation by 2021 Team with Felix Pintado. At Latrobe Valley Masonic Centre.
• TBA. Gippsland Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team with Richard Elkington. At Freemasons Bairnsdale.

Sunday, April 11
• TBA. Earl of Dunmore Lodge. Installation of Tony Meechan by Rob McGregor. Richard Elkington at Festive Board. At Freemasons Bayside.
Monday, April 12
• 5pm. Carisbrook Lodge. Installation by 2021 Country Team with John McTaggart. At Freemasons Carisbrook.

Tuesday, April 13
• 10am. Allara Lodge. Installation by Magenta Team with Leonard Kelly. At Dromana Masonic Centre.
Thursday, April 15
• 9.30am. Sale Daylight Lodge. Installation by Gippsland Team with Chris Scott. At Sale Masonic Centre.
Friday, April 16
• TBA. South Australian Grand Installation.
• 6.30pm. Moorabbin Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team. At Bayside Masonic Centre.

Saturday, April 17
• TBA. South Australian Grand Installation.

• 4pm. Koo Wee Rup Lodge. Installation by South Gippsland Team with Paul Vassil. At Koo Wee Rup Masonic Centre.
• 4pm. Rupertswood Numurkah Lodge. Installation by North East Team with David Blake. At Shepparton Masonic Centre.
• 4pm. Zetland Lodge. By 2021 Country Team with Bob Jones. At Freemasons Kyneton.

Sunday, April 18
• TBA. South Australian Grand Installation.

Monday, April 19
• 10am. Eureka Daylight Lodge. By 2021 Country Team with John McTaggart. At Ballarat Masonic Centre.
Tuesday, April 20
• 6.30pm. Ballarat-Yarowee Lodge. Installation by 2021 Ceremonial Team. 75-Year Jewel to Bill Messer. 65-Year Jewel to Max Matters. At Ballarat Masonic Centre.
Friday, April 23
• TBA. Lodge of Research. Truncated Version.
Saturday, April 24

• 3pm. Garibaldi Lodge. Installation by 2021 Lodge with Matt Donato. At Freemasons Brunswick.
• 4pm. Prince of Wales Lodge. Installation by 2021 Country Team. At Smythesdale Masonic Centre.

Sunday, April 25 – ANZAC Day

• Throughout Day. Dawn Service, Marches across Victoria.

Monday, April 26

• 9.30am. Derrimut Daylight Lodge. Installation by 2021 Team with Richard Elkington. At Freemasons Sunshine.

• 6.30pm. Baxter Lodge. 2021 Team with Richard Elkington. At Frankston and District Masonic Centre.

Tuesday, April 27

• 6.30pm. Mt Franklin St George Lodge. Installation by 2021 Country Team with John McTaggart. At Freemasons Daylesford.

Videos

• The Washington Masonic Memory. (02:50) LINK
• Prince Hall Masonry. (04:50) LINK
• Biography: Prince Hall. (03:19) LINK
• The Art of Public Speaking. (30:00) LINK

Published Information

• Freemasons Victoria. Re-Opening Lodges: The Manual. Version 2. READ
• Freemasons Victoria. COVID-19 Modifications for Lodge Ceremonies. LOG INat Freemasons Victoria website

‘And We’re Back …’

• Garry Runge, Grand Secretary, has announced: “The Victorian State Government has this morning announced that Stage 4 restrictions will be lifted across the state, effective from 11.59pm Wednesday (Feb. 17). The Grand Master has approved the re-opening of all Masonic Centres across Victoria from 11:59pm Wednesday, subject to strict observance of Government regulations. Lodges may meet from that time, subject to density rules and limits on numbers at public gatherings, as announced by the Government.

• “Face masks must be carried at all times. Masks are mandatory indoors (except in a residential home) and outdoors when 1.5m physical distancing cannot be maintained (unless a lawful exemption applies). Freemasons Victoria asks that all members keep themselves informed of all latest Government announcements, and that restrictions are strictly observed. Any change to these arrangements will be advised in due course by the Grand Secretary’s office.”

Vale Milton Alexandrakis

• We regret to advise of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of RWBro Milton Alexandrakis PSGW, GLHerald, born April 19, 1930-died February 16, 2021, aged 90. He was initiated September 1976 into Heyington Lodge, and served as Worshipful Master of Heyington in 1987 Milton passed away peacefully. 

His request was to not have a funeral. Condolences to Anna Alexandrakis and all of Milton’s family and many lodge friends.

Vale Victor Henshaw

• We regret to advise of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of VWor. Bro Victor Henshaw PGIWkgs, 66 years a Mason, aged 97. Roger Thompson advises: “To all of the Members who may have known VWBro. Vic Henshaw, an old Ranges Memorial Lodge No 745 member: Vic has collected his working tools and joined his friends in the Grand Lodge Above.”

Vale Herbert Willis

• We regret to advise of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of Bro. Herbert Rex Willis, aged 76, former member of Sir Francis Drake Lodge No. 770,  no longer operating. A former Army Apprentice from the 16th intake, and Vietnam veteran.

6 Weeks To Good Friday Appeal

• Steve Cusack and Peter Harris are putting out the call for Northern District collector volunteers for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal on Friday, April 2. There are high hopes that we’re certainly hoping that the Freemasons Victoria-Uncle Bob’s Club collections will be going ahead at 7-Eleven stores across the district. Collection sites and shift times will be confirmed with individual collectors, as and when they become available. Contact Steve Cusack, 0417, 598 082, and Peter Harris, 0438 376 399. EMAIL

$100,000 For ‘Let’s Talk’

• Bob Pullin writes: “The Freemasons Foundation has agreed to donate $100,000 to Let’s Talk in Warrnambool, so that this committee can continue the valuable work they are doing to combat mental health issues in the South-West of Victoria. A portion of this money will be used to establish new hubs around the Western District, thus providing this vital service throughout the entire Region. In addition, a brother from Gippsland who was travelling to Hamilton, saw the public sign as he passed through Mortlake and this prompted him to seek assistance from the Foundation to establish a similar committee as Let’s Talk in Gippsland.

• “A Zoom meeting was held last night (Wed., Feb. 17) between representatives of Let’s Talk and the three brethren from Gippsland to get this process underway. Any brother who would like to see a Let’s Talk program in their part of the state, please contact me on 0410 497 600 for details. This now puts Freemasons Victoria to the forefront in fighting mental illness, an achievement of which every Freemason in Victoria can be justly proud.”

Masonic Mailbag
• Daryl Cook writes about the Grand Master’s announcements last week: “Well done Richard. A great start on our journey bringing Freemasonry into the 21st century.”
• Grand MasterRichard Elkington’s video has had 1757 views since its release last Thursday (Feb. 11). The Grand Master’s video engagement with members has more than tripled since late last year.
• Deputy Grand MasterTony Bucca’s video has had 965 views since its release on Monday morning. This is double the Grand Lodge video engagement of 2020.

Vaccination Roll-Out

• Four Royal Freemasons homes have been included in the first week of the COVID-19 vaccination program commencing next week. These homes are Centennial Lodge, Flora Hill, Moe and Ballarat.

World News

• The Eastern Daily Press (UK)reports: “An independent Norwich charity which works with young carers has received a generous funding boost. Norfolk Family Carers has been given a £10,000 grant from the Norfolk Freemasons which will go towards the charity’s running costs over the next year.” READ MORE 

Next Issue on Monday
•  Our planned publishing schedule for FVNews Daily next week sees our next combined issue on Monday-Tuesday (Feb. 22-23).

New Subscribers
• We are building FVNews to be a vital daily guide to Masonry in Victoria. You can have your free copy emailed to your inbox. Use the ‘Subscribe’ option at www.FVNews.com.au We welcome Stuart R. Paterson, Jeff Carswell, Keith Claughton, David Webb, Daryl Cook, Russell John Patrick Hawthorn.

Sincere Thanks

• Amongst those who assisted with contributions (and encouragement) to this edition of FVNews Daily have been: Harry Adlerstein, Graham Berry, Paul Brennand, Craig Spendlove, Roger Thompson, Barry Minster, Stuart Chalmers, Kent Henderson, Steve Cusack, Peter Harris, Michael Holloway, Bob Pullin, Kevin Law.

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

Infamous Freemasons
• The Chevalier Charles D’Eon of France was born on October 5, 1728, and was given the name Charles Genevieve Louise Auguste Andre Timothee D’Eon de Beaumount. He was obviously born of a noble family. He became a Freemason in 1766 in the Lodge of Immortality, No. 376, which met at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, London, England. He served as Junior Warden in 1769 and 1770. He had many talents; he was an expert fencer and soldier, and an able diplomat who successfully negotiated the Treaty of 1763, ending the Seven Years War in which Austria, France, Sweden and Saxony where united against Frederick the Great of Prussia (who was joined by England).
• Nothing strange about him so far. Well, let’s look a bit further. He had an effeminate appearance, and occasionally masqueraded as a woman. His enemies in France accused him of being a woman masquerading as a man. Masons wondered whether a woman had been initiated into the Craft. The controversy about his gender caused considerable gambling, and speculation got out of hand. Finally an insurance company filed a petition to have the matter adjudicated. Witnesses testified that he was a woman. About this time he accepted an offer of Louis XVI to receive a generous pension, on condition that he return to France, and resume the garb of a woman. From this time on, with rare exceptions, he wore women’s clothes. When he died on May 21, 1810, a competent physician performed an autopsy and clearly proved that D’Eon was a man after all. – Nelson King

Masonic Knowledge
•  Kevin Law, Past Master of the Star of the East Lodge No. 116 in Omeo, writes: “I am requesting support, that is a donation (if within your means) for the Shine Volunteer Group hospital employees, in their support of the Omeo District Health Service in the high country of Victoria. To do this I am offering my beard which I am calling the ‘October Beard Off’, an event which will occur at the October 16 meeting.
• “A little about Shine. Their Mission is: “To raise community awareness of and raise up local community support to contribute funds and kind to Omeo District Health“. Their objective is: “To enhance and supplement the facilities provided through Government and this contribute to the wellbeing of the people of Omeo district and surrounding country region”.  Omeo District Health is a small country hospital which provides service to Omeo, Benambra, Swifts Greek, Ensay, Dinner Plains and surrounding area), with beds for the ill along with aged care residents located in the Victorian High Country about 5-6 hours east of Melbourne. The closest major hospital is in Bairnsdale, a 120-km two-hour drive at best on a winding mountainous road.
• “If any brother could find it within their means to make a small donation to this worthy cause you may do so by direct debit to the Star of the East Lodge 116 via Bendigo Bank BSB 633-108 Acc No 1581-05312 with your name and Lodge number as reference. Any questions: please contact me on phone 0409 153 527 or email kevinlaw3@bigpond.com

Masonic Wisdom
•  “The true Mason never hesitates to use the working tools to correct personal flaws.” – Bro. William Howard Taft

The Last Word
•  “How we walk with the BROKEN speaks louder than how we sit with the GREAT.” – Bill Bennot

INFORMATION TO KNOWFVNews 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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