Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
We have now circulated to all Chapters details of the recent announcement of Appointments and Promotions to Supreme Grand Chapter Rank for 2018.
Many Companions will have already been notified or advised within the last day or two but may I on behalf of the Royal Arch Province extend formal congratulations on First Appointment to Past Grand Standard Bearer on behalf of us all to:
E Comp Derek Pearson of Euston Chapter who was first appointed as our Provincial Grand Almoner in June 2014 and will be reappointed again at our Annual Convocation in June. E Comp Derek has put a tremendous effort into this very important appointment to ensure that our Chapters and their membership thrive. In June 2016 he received further recognition with a promotion to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
E Comp David Smith of Northampton Chapter who has been our Provincial Grand Treasurer since June 2017 and, like E Comp Derek, will be reappointed at our Annual Convocation in June. Prior to that, he served as Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2012 with some considerable distinction. He is now working very hard to ensure that the Province’s finances are kept in good order.
E Comp Dr. Kevin Williams of Chapter of Installed First Principals No 3422 to Past Grand Standard Bearer. E Comp Kevin is known to many as a Group Officer for Kettering in the Craft and holds Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is very active in the Royal Arch in London and holds Senior London Grand Chapter Rank.
To all three, I extend my personal congratulations and very best wishes from us all throughout the Royal Arch Province.
E Comp James Boughton
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson
At the Provincial Grand Charity AGM on Saturday 10th March 2018, I announced the details of the Appointments and Promotions to Grand Rank for 2018 and, on behalf of the Province, I extend our sincere congratulations on First Appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies to :
WBro Dale Robert Gilbert – Risdene Lodge No. 6532
WBro Dale is a well known and popular figure around our Province as he has been our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies since May 2015, having previously served as the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is very committed to maintaining the high ceremonial and ritual standards within this Province so this preferment is richly deserved.
WBro William Murray Caswell – Lodge of Perseverance No. 455
WBro William is a very busy Freemason and is well known to many because he is the Provincial Grand Orator and has been since 2015, an appointment which he serves with some considerable distinction. He has made tremendous efforts to explain our ceremonies and ritual to members old and new.
Our congratulations are also extended to the following Brethren for their respective Reappointment and Appointments.
VWBro James Henry Newman, OBE – Old Wellingburian Lodge No. 5570 has been reappointed as Deputy President of the Masonic Charitable Foundation which continues to be a source of great pride to this Province, particularly, as the 2024 Festival has been formally launched and we are raising funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At last, we’re off! Our 2024 MCF Festival is under way.
Over the weekend, despite arctic conditions, successful launch dinners were held on Friday 2 March 2018 and Saturday 3 March, respectively at Peterborough and Northampton. About 300 braved the treacherous conditions to attend.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Saturday the 10th February 2018, Anglo Scottish Lodge hosted their annual Beer Festival at Sheaf Close, Northampton to raise funds for 3 Pillars Feeding The Homeless Trust.
During the event, the Italy-Ireland and Wales-England Six Nations matches were shown to keep the drinkers entertained. WBro Ged Dempsey took the opportunity to explain more about 3 Pillars Feeding The Homeless Trust and the work that they are doing across in Peterborough. The afternoon was supported by Brethren from many different Lodges from across the Province and a number of non-Masons.
There was a range of fine ales on offer. All bar one, were brewed locally by Bro Lee Kellett and Bro Ian Bosworth, and proved to be very popular. There was also a Prosecco Bar as well as some food provided by WBro Tony Marshall, WBro Barry Weigleb, Bro Gary Thornton and their wives.