As a part of the Province's fund raising efforts for the Royal College of Surgeons to celebrate the bi-centenary of the Holy Royal Arch there was a Grand Prize Draw.

The winners were announced at the Convocation of the Chapter of Installed First Principals No 3422 on Thursday, 5 September 2013 as follows

• First Prize          Robin Hitchcock       ticket No 4881
• Second Prize    David Butt                  ticket No 3057
• Third Prize         Brian Bell                   ticket No 7000
• Fourth Prize       Mark Charteress      ticket No 0407

We congratulate the winners.

A very special double celebration for both the Chapter and the Provincial Grand Chapter took place at Thursday, 5 September's Convocation of the Chapter of Installed First Principals No 3422. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the 181 Companions who attended. After the Chapter was opened by the Most Excellent Zerubabel, EComp Max Bayes (who is also the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province), it received the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, EComp Wayne Williams with his team of Provincial Grand Chapter officers. The Chapter was then pleased to welcome the Most Excellent Second Grand Principal, George Pipon Francis, accompanied by this Director of Ceremonies, EComp James Harrison, Grand Standard Bearer.

The MEZ vacated his Chair in favour of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, EComp Wayne Williams. He led the ceremony of dedication of the Chapter's new banner to commemorate the bi- centenary of the Holy Royal Arch.

After the MEZ had closed the Chapter four representatives of the Royal College of Surgeons gave an enthralling presentation describing their work and the importance of Masonic funding.

At the following Festive Board the MEGS invited the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, EComp Mike Green, to reveal the total raised by this Province in support of the Royal College of Surgeons - an amazing £60,176.  This was gratefully received by the Most Excellent Second Grand Principal who sincerely thanked the Province for this outstanding contribution.

In his toast to the MEGS, EComp Roger Wood produced a pith helmet which he presented to the MEGS who he revealed was about to enjoy a holiday in Zambia. 

The first Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter to be held in the new Northampton Masonic Hall was on 27 June. Eighteen Provinces were represented with no less than fourteen Most Excellent Grand Superintendents attending.

In all, a total of 230 attended. Unfortunately, this did not include the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mike Coleman, who had suffered a motor accident. E Comp Derek Todd stood in as Second Provincial Grand Principal.

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, made First and Past Rank Appointments as well as appointing his Officers for the year. He also had a surprise up his sleeve for the eldest Companion present. This was 92 years old E Comp Frederick (Vic) Bashford, a member of St Ivo Chapter No 2684, Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Chapter of First Principals No 3422 and Ailwyn Chapter No 3535 who is one of the few surviving World War II veterans who were recently awarded the Arctic Star campaign medal.

(l to r) Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams & E Comp Frederick (Vic) Bashford

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent praised E Comp Bashford's Second World War service. As Cpl Vic Bashford, a young Royal Air Force Electrical Fitter, he was involved in Force Benedict, a secret mission to protect the northern Russia port of Murmansk, that was a crucial lifeline to the Soviets. The aircraft, the first 39 of nearly 3,000 Hurricanes supplied, were transported in August 1941 by the Aircraft Carrier HMS Argos and SS Llanstephen Castle in the first Arctic convoy between the UK and Russia.

During the War 104 Merchant ships and 20 Royal Navy ships were lost. Fortunately, E Comp Bashford survived this ordeal and it was for his unstinting service over many years to the Holy Royal Arch that the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent awarded him his Certificate of Meritorious Service.

E Comp Wayne Williams with his Provincial Executive and and visiting Grand Superintendents

After the ceremony, to mark the historic nature of this year's Provincial Grand Chapter, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent presented to each of his fellow Grand Superintendents a commemortative pen.

Members of St Crispin Chapter No 5627 have raised £200 in support of Cransley Hospice, Kettering.

(l to r) EComp John Wooding (Treasurer), Debbie Grant (Cransley Hospice) & EComp Mike Gorrod (MEZ)

The MEZ, EComp Mike Gorrod making the presentation to Debbie Grant of the Hospice said he hoped this would be of great assistance in the light of the terrific work the Hospice carries out within the local community.