Freemasons Turn Music Into Charity

Freemasons Turn Music Into Charity

Freemasons Turn Music into Charity: “The Folded Note” Launches on All Major Platforms

What began as a creative partnership between two Monmouthshire Freemasons has evolved into a musical movement with the potential to make a lasting difference.

In 2023, W. Bro. Kelvin Reddicliffe and W. Bro. David Llewellyn combined their talents to create a unique project using music to raise funds for Masonic charities. 

When Kelvin set one of David’s poems to music, the result was a hauntingly beautiful original song that inspired a wider collaboration. The two freemasons have already worked together on other productions, including the highly acclaimed ‘Amor Patriae’ (Love of One’s Country), a collection of songs and poems that uplift, inspire, and resonate with listeners.

Soon, a group of local Freemasons—many of whom were already singers or instrumentalists in local ensembles—came together to produce a musical work of art. Their combined efforts led to the creation of a 22-track CD, which has already raised over £6,000 for Masonic charities.

At the heart of that project was their first original song, The Folded Note, which quickly received praise and calls for it to be shared more widely. Answering that call, the song—performed under the artist name Cobbler’s Thumb—has now been released on Amazon, Spotify, YouTube, and all major music platforms worldwide.

All proceeds from The Folded Note will go directly to Masonic charities, and the artists have set their sights on a bold target: to see a song written and performed by Freemasons enter the UK music charts.

“This project has been a real labour of love for Kelvin and me,” said W. Bro David Llewellyn. “We chose the artist name Cobbler’s Thumb as a nod to Kelvin’s past career. As well as raising funds for vital causes, we want to shine a light on everything we value in Freemasonry—supporting our communities and raising money for charity.”

The Province of Monmouthshire is now calling on the support of the wider Masonic fraternity, their friends, and their families to show their support by streaming, downloading, and sharing The Folded Note during the first week of November as we try and get the song in the download charts. Every play and every download helps raise money—and brings them closer to breaking into the charts.


How to Help:Search for Cobbler’s Thumb on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, or your preferred streaming serviceDownload and play The Folded NoteShare the song with friends and family

When:       From 00:01 on Friday 31st October to 23:59 Thursday 6th November

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

A huge number of mourners (150+) attended the funeral of W Bro Chris Rann at the Gwent Crematorium, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran on Wednesday 11th March. 

As well as a large number of former colleagues from the Police Service, numerous Brethren from his Lodges of Striguil, Henllys and Blue Lamp, along with members of other lodges, chapters and degrees from across the Province, attended at the funeral.

Such a large gathering of Brethren clearly showed the respect for and the high regard in which W Bro Chris was held during his lifetime. The funeral service proved to be a fitting and moving accolade to W Bro Chris’ achievements, with W Bro Granville Waters delivering a memorable tribute to a Brother who did indeed live respected and die regretted.

Kennard Welcomes A New Member

Kennard Welcomes A New Member

On 27 Jan 26, Kennard Lodge welcomed its newest member, Bro Shane Bright.  Pictured with the Worshipful Master, WBro Clayton Fisher OBE, and the visiting Worshipful Masters of Llantarnam Lodge, St Mellonius Lodge, and Trevethin Lodge, Bro Shane enjoyed a memorable ceremony, followed by a festive board in the company of his new ‘brothers’ and friends.  Welcome, Bro Shane and we look forward to sharing your Masonic journey in the years ahead.

If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry or joining us please contact us here…

Crystal and Henllys Lodges

Crystal and Henllys Lodges

Tuesday evening Crystal Lodge passed Brother Paul Urie of Henllys Lodge to the second degree, making him a Fellow Craft Freemason. The officers of Crystal Lodge delivered an excellent ceremony culminating in Worshipful Brother Graham Murphy delivering an outstanding extended explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board.

10 members of Henllys Lodge, including the Worshipful Master, were in attendance supporting their Brother. A huge thank you from the Brethren of Henllys to the Brethren of Crystal Lodge for assisting and supporting them with such a fine ceremony and festive board.

If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry or joining us please contact us here…

Brother Paul Urie ( centre) surrounded by the Brethren of Henllys Lodge.

Welcome Brother Jamie and Brother Ieuan

Welcome Brother Jamie and Brother Ieuan

Monday evening saw another double initiation ceremony at Henllys Lodge with Jamie Jones and Ieuan Lloyd becoming our latest Brothers to join Henllys. Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Brother David Coleman was assisted by his officers in delivering an excellent ceremony; with particular thanks to Worshipful Brothers Jeff Smith and Phil Davies for stepping into the roles of Senior Warden and Junior Warden.

Brother Jamie and Brother Ieuan with the officers of Henllys Lodge.

Worshipful Bro. David Coleman and the visiting Worshipful Masters .

If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry or joining us please contact us here…

Double Second Degree

Double Second Degree

Fantastic evening at Llantarnam. Double second degree ceremony on behalf of Henllys Lodge 8283 and a fraternal visit from them. Congratulations Bro Gabriel and Bro Nigel on your raising to the second degree.

Lovely to have our Past Provincial Grand Master visiting along with a princely number of visiting masters including the three other Pontypool masters and everyone else who came to support us.

Fantastic rendition of the tracing board by Bro Talbot and the extended tools by his son Bro.Drew.

Very impressive and a great time had by all.

Interested in joining. Please get in touch. Until next time.

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Warren The TLC Bear

Warren The TLC Bear

Warren the TLC Bear paid a visit to Trevethin Lodge last night! Trevethin Lodge 6008 has donated £1000 to the Mon TLC Appeal and in doing so, became Platinum Patrons. “On behalf of the team at the Mon TLC Appeal we would like to sincerely thank the Trevethin Lodge members for supporting us with this very generous donation. We rely on support like this to be able to continue giving these wonderful little bears to children who love and need them. Keep an eye out for Warren as he visits other lodges in the Province as they too become Patrons of The Mon TLC Appeal. 🩵🧸🩵🧸🩵🧸

Monmouthshire Freemasons

Pontypool Masonic Centre

TLC Monmouthshire

Kennard Lodge Welcomes Its Newest Brother

Kennard Lodge Welcomes Its Newest Brother

On 25 Nov 25, newly initiated Brother Michael Williams was welcomed by the Brethren of Kennard Lodge as their newest member.  Seen here with the Worshipful Master (WBro Clayton Fisher OBE), Senior Warden (Bro Graham Stowell), and Junior Warden (WBro Dennis John), Brother Michael greatly enjoyed the ceremony and the subsequent Festive Board, in the company of a large number of Kennard members and visiting Brethren who helped make the evening a very special one.

Henllys Double Initiation

Henllys Double Initiation

This evening Mr Luke Shephard and Mr Gabrielle Mier joined Henllys Lodge, becoming Brother Luke and Brother Gabrielle. With the Provincial Grand Master present the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. David Coleman, ably supported by his officers performed an excellent ceremony initiating our two newly made Brothers into Freemasonry. The welcome continued after the ceremony at a well attended Festive Board with numerous visiting Brethren.

Henllys Lodge presented a cheque to the Monmouthshire Light Blues of £1,000 for Teddies For Loving Care (TLC).
“A hospital visit can be frightening for a young child, especially in an emergency situation. Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) is a way of providing much-needed comfort to children attending A&E Units, helping to reduce their anxiety and improve their experience of hospitals. Every child that receives a teddy gets to take it home.”

Llantarnam Christmas Lodge Meeting

Llantarnam Christmas Lodge Meeting

As is the tradition for Llantarnam Lodge, their meeting on Friday 19 December will be a short business meeting before retiring to the dining room for a festive meal, quiz and raffle. Family and friends are most welcome to join in the festivities! Dress code – For those who are not attending the Lodge Meeting is smart casual. For those attending the Lodge Meeting, it is normal Masonic attire and at dinner a Festive Jumper can be worn!