HEREFORDSHIRE Freemasons, family and friends of Hereford Cathedral, accompanied The Dean of Hereford, The Very Rev Michael Tavinor, in celebration of the completion of the refurbishment of the old fountain in the Cathedral Cloister. Simon Hudson, stone mason at the cathedral, undertook the work using Forest of Dean stone. The new fountain surround reflects the stylised ball flower design as seen on the cathedral tower.

Relatives and friends of the late Rev Philip Barrett vicar choral at Hereford, and of the late Tony Hunter-Choat past Worshipful Master of Palladian Masonic Lodge in Hereford, sponsored the work.

During the service of celebration held in the Cathedral Cloister, The Dean praised the community spirit and dedication of those named: he read extracts from Reverend Barrett's 1993 Barchester: English Cathedral Life in the 19th Century, which became and remains a standard reference work, and was supported by readings by The Right Worshipful Brother The Rev David Bowen, Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Herefordshire, and by Rev Canon Dr Maureen Palmer.

The present Worshipful Master of Palladian Lodge, Worshipful Brother Denis Cox, stated that the project had been initiated by Worshipful Brother Tony Hunter-Choat to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of Herefordshire's oldest Masonic Lodge: the Brethren of Palladian Lodge donated £1,000 accordingly, thus maintaining the strong link with the cathedral evident through the ages. Mrs Linda Hunter-Choat, and daughters Sarah and Felicity, were in attendance at the celebration.