Abington Chapter exalted Bro Andrew Avallone on Wednesday 20 January and enabled him to complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry from Initiation to Exaltation.

The ceremony was conducted in an excellent manner with E Comp David Brown, standing in as MEZ with 24 hours notice, leading by example. He was supported in fine fashion by E Comp David Hargreaves and Comp David Morgan as Principal and 1st Assistant Sojourners respectively. After the ceremony, there was an excellent Festive Board which allowed all of Abington Chapter's members to welcome Comp Avallone, their newest Companion, into the fold.

Pictured above are (l to r):  E Comp David Watson, E Comp David Hargreaves, Comp Andrew Avallone, E Comp David Brown, E Comp David Morgan & E Comp John Booth

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 31 January 2016

Chapter of Fidelity in Towcester hosted a fine Installation meeting on 19th January 2016 with E Comp George Clayton the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal as the official visitor and his escorting DC, Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Jeff Chambers. 

E Comp. Russ Dickinson was installed as Z, E Comp Simon Laws as H and E Comp Terry Oldfield as J. It was an excellent meeting with some fine ritual all round. The readings and the Robes and Sceptres were presented by Acting Provincial Officers, E  Comps Tony Albrecht, Geoff Willis and David Brown in the most exemplary manner.  Particularly noteworthy was the Presentation of the PZ Jewel by E Comp Arnold Franklow who recently celebrated his 91st birthday.  This was very special indeed, delivered with such incredible warmth and in the true sense of the word, sincerity. Greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all present. 

Our congratulations to the three newly Installed Principals and Officers of the Chapter and we offer them our sincere best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable year ahead.

   
On the left Chapter of Fidelity's newly Installed Principals (l to r): E Comp Simon Laws, E Comp Russ Dickinson and E Comp Terry Oldfield and on the right E Comp Arnold Franklow

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 20 January 2016

By way of getting 2016 off to a very fine start, Buckby Castle Chapter Exalted its newest member, Comp Peter Austin, on Wednesday 6th January in a most exemplary manner. MEZ E Comp Chris Beck led from the front in producing a superb ceremony that Companion Austin will, for certain, look back on with a great deal of affection for years to come.

Particularly praiseworthy was the work by the two Sojourners, Comp Mick Stevens and Comp Chris Postins who together produced remarkable performances which were warmly appreciated by all those present, including the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton and Deputy Director of Ceremonies E Comp Jeff Chambers.

Pictured above are (l to r): E Comp Graham Ballinger, E Comp Chris Beck, Comp Peter Austin and E Comp Trevor Moore.

Equally remarkable, and totally unexpected was the musical accompaniment for the ceremony. E Comp Mike Shepherd (pictured right) having developed a system controlled by his iPad acted as Organist for the evening and the music throughout was quite superb. The odes etc, were all performed as normal, the cueing was extremely accurate, and music of the highest standard was provided throughout the ceremony. 

Congratulations and well done E Comp Mike, and Thank You for the Music.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 10 January 2016

On Friday 18 December, a new format, ‘White Table’ evening was very well supported by Kingsley Chapter members and visitors alike, including eleven Master Masons, all eager to find out more about the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, more affectionately known to most of us as Chapter.

Eleven visiting Master Masons were admitted following the closing of the Chapter, the regular business being ended. The presentation comprised of two excellent orations, the first presented by Past Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp David Jackson who gave the most enlightening overview of the origins of the order and its intrinsic link to the Craft Degree, together with an explanation of the furniture and ornaments of a Royal Arch Temple. This was immediately followed by an address by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, which continued in this vein, and much to the interest of all then gave a personal account of his experiences of his journey through the offices of the order with his unique brand of illumination and humour.

All in all, this was a truly wonderful evening supported by several Grand and Provincial Grand officers which also included the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman and the Second Grand Principal E Comp George Clayton As a result of this meeting, Bro John Darby will be Exalted into Kingsley Chapter on 19th February 2016 which will hopefully be followed by several other brethren who also showed interest on the evening. Well done and congratulations to the Companions of Kingsley Chapter on hosting this most innovative and productive evening.

Following an excellent seasonal Festive Board, proceedings concluded with the singing of Carols and the Twelve Days of Christmas – acapella…unbelievable!!!

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 19 December 2015