Craft News
- Written by: Simon Key
Last weekend, from Friday the 8th of September to Sunday the 10th of September 2017, the Masonic Centre in Daventry High Street threw open its doors to the public as part of the annual Heritage Open Days nationwide event.
The event's aim was to make people aware of Daventry's thriving Masonic community, and to give the public a guided tour of the lodge rooms and inherent symbology.
Local Masons were on-hand to explain the meaning of the many curious objects used at Masonic meetings. A video-presentation and exhibition provided information about Freemasonry in-general and its achievements locally and worldwide.
Inside the Lodge Room at Daventry Masonic Centre
A significant number of visitors braved the wet weather to attend the event. Many commented that they found the experience fascinating, that it dispelled many myths and rumours about Freemasonry, and that it left them with a positive view of the organisation, particularly taking into account its history of charitable giving.
Visitors at the Centre
Freemasonry in Daventry dates back to 1891, the year in which Beneventa Lodge No. 2380 was consecrated. Prior to that, Daventry Masons attended lodges elsewhere, typically Towcester or Northampton.
Beneventa originally met at the Wheatsheaf Hotel (now a residential care home) at the top of Sheaf Street. As a result of a continued increase in members, the Lodge obtained a mortgage and purchased its current premises (which were previously occupied by Daventry Working Mens' Club) in the Hight Street.
Daventry Masonic Centre is now host to over 250 brethren meeting at five lodges. Between them they've donated over £34,000 to many local charities and good causes.
Following last weekend's successful event, the organisers are hoping to attract even more visitors from Daventry and the surrounding area at a similar event next year.
For further information about Freemasonry in Daventry please email the Centre Secretary at the address
- Written by: Simon Key
Thanks to St Wilfrid Lodge No. 4453 and Graham Milton Lodge No. 9796, SERV OBN (Service By Emergency Rider Volunteers - Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire) are proud recipients of a new motorcycle.
Members of St Wilfred Lodge and Graham Milton Lodge take delivery of the new motorcycle
SERV OBN is a registered charity providing a professional blood and blood-product delivery service. It is run by a team of highly-trained volunteers including two riders from Graham Milton Lodge: Bro Alan Pollock and Bro John Mason. Two other Graham Milton brethren, Bro Barry Coleman and Bro John Allen, have ridden for SERV in the past.
The idea to fund a “blood bike” was born In early 2017 when WBro Steve Marshall and WBro Alan Cox (both members of St Wilfrid and Graham Milton lodges) discussed finding a highly tangible, medium-to-long-term cause to benefit the community and mark the Tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
From left: WBro Graham Sands, WBro Steve Marshall, Bro Alan Pollock, Bro Steve Saunders and WBro Mike Walton
The monies subsequently raised by each lodge were boosted by an additional donation made by the Province.
The new motorcycle bears the banners of both lodges together with that of the Province
All of the SERV OBN fleet vehicles are named after women who have made significant contributions in the field of medicine. The motorcycle funded by St Wilfred Lodge and Graham Milton Lodge is named Cecilie after Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Golding, DBE.
Brigadier Golding was a British Army Nurse who rose to Colonel Commandant, Matron-in-Chief and Director of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC).
Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Golding, DBE
Provision of the new motorcycle will make a significant difference to the operations of SERV OBN particularly as their older vehicles are subject to increased maintenance and repair costs.
The brethren of St Wilfrid and Graham Milton lodges are congratulated on their substantial contribution to a very worthy cause.
- Written by: Simon Key
The outcome of voting for Masonic Charitable Foundation Community Awards within the Province has been announced -
| Charity | Award | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal | £25,000 | Northamptonshire |
| Daventry Area Community Transport | £15,000 | Daventry & district |
| Acorn Cancer Support Group | £13,168 | Huntingdon, St Ives and Ramsey |
| Carers Sitter Service | £4,000 | Stamford, Bourne, Deeping, Rutland and East Northants |
| Northampton MENCAP Society | £4,000 | Northampton |
| Peterborough Riding For the Disabled | £4,000 | Peterborough |
Please click here for full details of the Awards nationally.
The Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Gerry Crawford, said:
We are grateful for these Awards in this special year during which we are celebrating 300 year of Freemasonry. Hopefully this will help to show our proud place in society and the tremendous good we do.
- Written by: Simon Key
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of RWBro H. Brian Smith, aged 85 years, a Past Provincial Grand Master of this Province from July 1990 to June 1997.
RWBro H. Brian Smith PPGM
RWBro Brian, a chartered accountant by profession, was initiated into Freemasonry in March 1957 and exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in September 1971.
Prior to taking-up the appointment as PGM, RWBro Brian was Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 1984 to 1990; he was also acting Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1979 to 1984.
RWBro Brian attained his first Grand rank in 1983 when he was promoted to PAGDC. He was further promoted to PGSwdB in 1985, and was a Grand Steward from 2005 to 2006. In 1999, shortly after his tenure ended as PGM, RWBro Brian became President of the RMBI, a post he served till 2004.
RWBro Brian was also a Grand Officer in the Holy Royal Arch. He attained the rank of PAGSoj in 1991 and was promoted to GScN in 1997.
RWBro Brian was a hard-working, well-liked and well-respected Mason. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Final Funeral Arrangements
Please click here for the final funeral arrangements (registered Mason users only).