Royal Arch News
The Convocation of the Chapter of Installed First Principals marked the beginning of the new Royal Arch season in very fine form at Peterborough Masonic Centre. As always at this particular meeting, turnout was high, the event being well supported by Companions from across the widest reaches of the Province.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation entitled The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests and Order of Holy Wisdom, delivered in a most entertaining manner by E Comp Christopher G Maiden – Grand High Priest of the Order. E Comp Maiden produced a perfect balance of content and humour throughout his presentation which was warmly received by all present. Accordingly, a vote of thanks, richly deserved, was addressed to E Companion Maiden on behalf of the audience by MEZ, E Comp Phil Collins.
Finally the evening concluded with a sumptuous Festive Board for which the Peterborough catering team must be warmly congratulated. An excellent choice of menu, cooked to perfection, marking the perfect ending to a memorable evening.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Prostate Cancer Awareness
August 2017
One in seven men contract Prostate Cancer. It is unfortunately a well proven statistic and it is the UK’s most prevalent cancer in men. There are over 40000 diagnoses each and every year – a frightening statistic, isn’t it.
There are however currently ELEVEN Provinces under UGLE/Supreme Grand Chapter undertaking a series of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood-testing sessions at various local Masonic centres for those Companions and Brethren who seek re-assurance by a simple blood test under the direction and guidance of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, a registered Charity. This initiative was first launched in 2014.
The blood sample is forwarded to a Consultant Urological Surgeon for analysis who then reports back to the participant within a period of 7-10 days, confirming the results of the blood test and giving any further, appropriate guidance that might seem necessary. PSA testing is seen as a reasonable guide, now more reliable than ever before but not necessarily 100% accurate in all cases as certain extenuating and personal circumstances may come into play.
But so far, there have been well over 5000 Companions/Brethren who have participated –
- 89% have been advised that there has been no apparent problem.
- 222 participants have been assessed as “border-line” with a recommendation that further advice should be sought from their own GP as soon as can be arranged,
- But most importantly, over 300 participants have been identified as having an immediate problem with an early consultation with their GP strongly recommended. Of those, immediate medical/ surgical procedures have been necessary for 46 participants.
I do feel that these statistics alone warrant our further consideration and involvement in the PSA testing initiative and with certain charitable funding available within the Royal Arch Provincial Charity, we are in a position to underwrite the project initially. As a Royal Arch Companion therefore you will shortly receive further details and guidance from our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, E Comp Mike Green, advising of the Centres and dates at which testing will be available in the months ahead to those wishing to participate and with a suggestion that you may also bring along with you a Brother from your Lodge who would wish to participate, even though not a Royal Arch Mason.
It is true that such a test can be demanded from your own GP on the NHS but I just question how many of us actually take the time and trouble to make an appointment with our Doctor for this very purpose? Those 46 Companions/Brethren mentioned above might tend to agree – did they know, were they aware? I have to confess, Companions, I haven’t been tested but I shall be the first in line when the initiative comes to Northampton.
E Comp Mike Green will be in touch with you individually and Chapter Scribes will also be fully briefed.
Yours sincerely & fraternally,
Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Tuesday 1 August the Royal Arch annual golf competition for the Wayne Williams Trophy took place at Peterborough Milton Golf Club.
Fourteen teams representing several neighbouring Provinces plus teams from the Craft, Royal Arch and Knights Templar from Northants and Hunts enjoyed yet another enjoyable event thanks to the good offices of Excellent Companion Russell Laxton, Chairman of the Golf Club and Excellent Companion David Jackson, Past Deputy Grand Superintendent who has been the instigator and organiser since the establishment of the competition.
Winning team this year was the Northants & Hunts Royal Arch team of E Comp Russell Laxton, Comp Geoff Dyson and E Comp Leo McCormick. The Individual prize for the best score went to Comp Geoff Dyson with 40 points off a handicap of 5. This represents a score of 1 over par gross! A fantastic performance. Eat yer heart out Rory!
The event next year is already booked at the same venue for 31st July 2018. If you fancy taking part please contact E Comp David Jackson for information.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday 13 July, our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, supported by his Executive, hosted the Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers’ Dinner at Kettering Masonic Hall.
This evening presented our Grand Superintendent with the perfect opportunity to complete his 2017/18 Appointments and Promotions by appointing and investing E Comp Phil Longstaff as a Provincial Grand Steward. E Comp Phil of Whytewell Chapter had been, through very unfortunate circumstances, been unable to attend the Provincial Grand Chapter Convocation in June.
So, with a full complement of Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers appointed and invested, our Grand Superintendent proceeded to congratulate those present and rally the troops for the forthcoming season.
- Written by: John Fergusson