Earlier this year, a group of dedicated Monmouthshire Freemasons, led by Kelvin Reddicliffe of the Armed Forces Lodge, embarked on a journey to create something truly extraordinary.
The Armed Forces Lodge created a limited edition CD to celebrate its 10th Anniversary, paying tribute to the brave souls who fought in the Great War. But these Freemasons were not content to rest on their laurels; they wanted to do more, to create something that would resonate far beyond their lodge.
While travelling around the Province, Kelvin Reddicliffe and David Llewellyn stumbled upon an idea that would give rise to a remarkable project. Kelvin overheard a conversation between David and some members of the Blue Lamp Lodge regarding a poem he had written. Intrigued, Kelvin asked to see more of David's poetry, and it didn't take long for him to see the potential for songs within these verses.
From this meeting of minds, the idea was born to produce a music CD for the 2024 Province of Monmouthshire festival. The result? A magnificent compilation featuring 22 musical tracks that are a testament to the artistic talents within the Monmouthshire Masonic community.
What makes this CD truly special is that brethren of the Province have contributed to all the tracks. At a later meeting, the idea of forming a Provincial choir was added to the mix. Kelvin reached out to brethren, requesting the formation of a Masonic choir, and the response was nothing short of incredible. The choir was formed, and three touching songs were recorded.
There's a delightful mix of music styles, including pop, rock, classical, and jazz on the CD. Chris Evans, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, has also made a vocal contribution to this project, with his track appearing in this musical treasure trove.
The CD is not just about music; it's about a shared love for creativity and a deep connection to Freemasonry. It's an example of what can be achieved when Freemasons come together with a common goal and an unwavering passion for their Craft.
David shared:
"Kelvin wrote a beautiful and haunting music track called 'The Folded Note'. It was based on the last letter my late wife wrote to me. The story behind this track is just one example of the emotion and dedication that went into this project."
Kelvin elaborated:
"After the chance conversation, David and I met over a coffee and discussed the idea of producing a 2024 Festival CD. We felt that there was a lot of musical talent in this Province, and the process started from there."This CD is a celebration of the rich tapestry of talent within the Monmouthshire Masonic community. It features members from over 20 lodges in the Province, showcasing the diversity and creativity that exists within the fraternity."
With the kind permission of the Provincial Grand Master Richard G Davies, the CD will be released in October. All profits from this CD will be donated to the 2024 Festival fund, demonstrating the Freemasons' commitment to positively impacting their community.
You can obtain your copy of this unique CD for a minimum payment of £5 by emailing [email protected], and in doing so, you'll be contributing to a wonderful cause. Let the music play, and the harmony continue to resonate throughout the Province!
