The Halsey Hall Herald Welcome to the Summer edition of the Halsey Herald. I cannot believe how fast this year is flying past. The Hall website is nearing its launch and we have two social events to look forward to. The summer fair took place and was very enjoyable plus we have a Race night lined up for the autumn as well as the annual Christmas party. Tickets for these events are now on sale at the bar. The planned refurbishment had to be put on hold due to urgent roof repairs but the Board, as always, are working behind the scenes to continue to make improvements to the Centre. Until next time Brian Summer2015 In Memoriam to Brethren who were called to the Grand Lodge above E. Kt. Harry Parsons E. Preceptor of Stuart Preceptory, No. 28) The 2019 Festival Halsey Hall Watford is proudly supporting the Provincial Grand Masters Festival when it comes to raising money for charity. Should any Brother be organising any fundraising event be sure to give Rob the information and the Centre will do it s best to help promote it. Brethren if you know of a brother s passing and want it included in the next issue, please ask you Lodge Secretary to pass the information on Pearl I m sure members will be distraught to learn that our caterer Pearl following her recent her illness has passed away. Pearl took over our kitchens in October1996 and has given us many years of exemplary service and pleasure which I know is greatly appreciated by our members. I daresay she has also given one or two of us regulars an extra pound or two as we have indulged in extras well she did make and exceedingly good pies! Are thoughts and prayers are now with her family at this time. John Bond - Chairman
CHAIRMAN S CORNER The Summer fair On behalf of the Directors and organisers I would like to express my grateful thanks to you those of you who were able to support the Summer Family Fair either with your presence on the day or your assistance behind the scenes in motivating others or providing resource. It all helped. In particular Rob s assistance and enthusiasm in helping organise the Summer Family Fair was outstanding. Overall we had a number of successes on the day but could have done with many more masons and their families visiting the Centre on the day. Nevertheless we had some 48 non-masons take up the Tour the Temple organised by Watford 404. The children enjoyed the Bouncy Castle supplied by Chiltern Lodge and having their faces painted by Melisa (Friend of Rob s wife) Everyone enjoyed the Ice cream and the cakes supplied by Neil Mottershead of Leavesden Lodge and his good lady Elle (plus extra supplies baked by Mrs Collins, Wilson Isle and Mrs Hulme, Ricky Lodge) Splat the Rat was surprising calm, (perhaps as we didn t have many masons from the hall?), but we re grateful to Howard Collins, Wilson Isle Lodge and others for sticking their neck out to face the wet sponges! We collected and sold a great number of books and the books not sold were donated to Oxfam. The Jumble Stall and Plant Stall organised by Earl of Clarendon Chapter had ample interest and good sales. We thank the wives for producing some magnificent hanging baskets and manning the stall all day. We also had an excellent display from Chris Noble for the 2019 Festival and Masonry in the community generally and a representative of the Air Ambulance service. The Hog Roast by Dick Morgan, of Rickmansworth Lodge was the highlight for many adults, even attracting a number of guests from the town centre. As always, there are a number of lessons to take away and I look forward to comments on the day from others and suggestions for a future event. In the meantime I would like to thank all those who have helped. Keep smiling John
2014 Christmas party Report For the third year running, great music, great food and good company went into making a superb evening See the adverts here and around the hall for the date of this years extravaganza In the community In November between the 23rd and 28th the Pump House Theatre Company will be performing the hugely successful Vicar of Dibley bringing to you some of the best episodes and all the characters It is being directed by Stephen Wells of Watford Lodge and may possibly have yours truly in the cast If you want to come along Call the box office on 08448700887
Time At The Bar Would all brethren please use the theatre style drinks ordering system. It will mean no more rushing down for that first drink as it will be on the counter waiting for you The bar is open on LOI nights for all members and their friends Catering Corner. Menu for your Return Lemon Prawn pate with pitta crisps Lamb shank, pea and mint pie with Colcannon and carrots White chocolate mousse torte Cheese and biscuits Coffee/Tea Dining Secretaries Ask for details of the fresh and exciting variety of healthy options as well as the more traditional menus on offer. Wi-Fi is at Halsey Hall See Rob at the Bar Congratulations to Pearl,Daniel & their team for being awarded five stars for Kitchen Hygiene
Your board directory Whist the board has a collective and specific responsibly for the safe and peaceful enjoyment of Halsey Hall for its members, they also undertake specific day to day functions. John Bond - Chairman jwbond3@aol.com 07931 390546 Rana Bains - Secretary bainsrana@gmail.com 07956 828418 Rod Hancock - Vice Chairman rodhancock@aol.com 01923 264013 Richard Shirley - Treasurer rjshirley@btconnect.com 01483 726851 Phil Masters - Bookings Phillip.masters@btinternet.com 01442 395106 Alan Withey - Security alanwithey@aol.com 07973 558603 Richard Love - Building Works Richard.love5@btinternet.com 07889 298052 Barry Dutnall - Assistant Treasurer barry.dutnall@btinternet.com 07880 710487 Mike Kerrigan - Social Mike.kerrigan@lineone.net 07799 895077 Brian Handley - Communications brianhandley@btconnect.com 07789 997780 Howard Collins - Charity h.j.collins@mail.com 02085 021686 Attention Lodge Secretaries Please note all bookings or alterations to meeting dates must be made with Phil Masters and not the Centre staff as they may not be aware of changes to availability All Fridays and Saturdays for of July and all of August are available although the hall is generally closed for that period! Saturday 5th September 2015 Friday 11th September 2015 Saturday 12th September 2015 Friday 25th September 2015 Saturday 19thDecember 2015 Saturday 2nd January 2016 Friday 8th January 2016 Friday 22nd January 2016 Contact Phil Masters on Phillip.masters@btinternet.com 01442 395 106 Have you or your Lodge got something to say? If you have an event or item your Lodge would like to share with other users of the Centre please let us know by sending an email to brianhandley@btconnect.com
The Cathedral and Abbey of St Albans There has been a long association between the cathedral abbey of St Albans and Freemasonry and anyone who is fortunate enough to have heard one W Bro George Lavercks marvellous talks will have some idea as to how linked the two great structures are. I was delighted in March to be part of a group that was given a greater insight by enjoying a tour of the Abbey by W Bro George. The skills our operative brethren displayed in restoring the Abbey from the destruction of the reformation are incredible, especially when you consider what they had to work with in the Victorian era, where power tools were not even thought of. Much has to be said of the current works at the Abbey and the careful and beautiful restoration that continues under W Bro Georges watchful eye. Whilst the operative masons work can be appreciated as such fine building works there are also many Masonic symbols and references visible to those in the know as well as acknowledgements the Abbey makes to freemasonry, such as the restoration of Sir Humphrey s tomb. This historic building which is recognised as the site of first Christian martyr also boasts the longest nave in the country. I thoroughly recommend anyone to pay it a visit Date for your diary The Halsey Hall Christmas party 19th December2015
The Halsey Hall Wind-up Horse Race Night 25 th September 2015 15.00 (includes Food) Start 6.45 Everyone welcome
A message from Rob To all the Brethren 1 Lodge secretaries please email me your summons and dining numbers so as I can get my staffing levels and timings correct. Rob@halseyhallwatford.co.uk 2 If you notice anything broken or damaged would you please notify me so it can be repaired or rectified. 3 Please remember the Bar is open to masons and their guests most evenings so don t be shy come and buy 4 If you wish to go on the Halsey Hall events list for forthcoming events please email me. rob@halseyhallwatford.co.uk 5 I am now selling tickets for the Race Night and will also be shortly selling tickets for the Christmas party 6 Please note after being let down by a Worshipful Brother last year. I will not be accepting reservations for social events without Payment up front. 7 Please see me if you need to put up a notice for events at the Hall, (to save any embarrassment or removal!) Rob This newsletter has been emailed to the secretaries of every masonic unit that meets at Halsey Hall. It is expected that they will distribute it to their members. If you are reading one of the various copies situated within the centre and have not received your own copy, please contact your secretary to help rectify a possible distribution problem.