Provincial News
- Written by: Craig Bunday
At the September meeting of Medeshamstede Lodge No. 6104, there was quite a surprise for the Lodge's tyler, Bro Peter Sidwell, when he was summoned into the Lodge room and presented with a certificate by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell, to celebrate 60-years in Freemasonry.
Bro Peter Sidwell receiving his Diamond Jubilee Certificate from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell
Bro Peter was initially a member of Jersey Lodge No. 2334 at Bicester, Oxford before joining St Peters Lodge No. 442 after moving to Peterborough.
He is currently a member of Medeshamstede Lodge No. 6104, Scout Lodge No. 9814, Nantahala Lodge No. 9805 and Dr Oliver Chapter No. 3964.
Before he retired, Bro Peter was a commercial traveller selling household products to businesses covering the Midlands. He used to sell shoe laces to Richard Morris's late father-in-law, Reg Wright.
- Written by: John Fergusson
1st December 2017 saw Bro Bartlomiej Krogulec complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry when he was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch in the Chapter of St. Giles No. 8736.
The Chapter’s Principals, E Comp David Docherty, E Comp Malcolm Atkins and E Comp Garth Coward, led their team with some fine ritual. A special note must be made to E Comp Billy Glover who stood in at short notice for the Principal Sojourner’s role so excellently. The signs were perfectly presented by E Comp Arthur Byles, followed by the Historical Lecture, presented in an exemplary style by E Comp David Jackson, Comp Chris Vickers and E Comp Derrick Stringer. The Mystical Lecture was very well presented by E Comp Ken Marris, E Comp Gordon Brown and E Comp David Jackson.
The evening was rounded off when E Comp Ken Marris presented Comp Andrew Bloice and Comp Yakub Caratella with their Grand Chapter Certificates. This was followed by a fantastic Christmas Supper festive Board.
Below Comp Krogulec is welcomed by the Three Principals: Left to right; E Comp Malcolm Atkins, Comp Bartlomiej Krogulec, E Comp David Docherty, and E Comp Garth Coward.
- Written by: Simon Perry
The meeting of St Ivo Lodge No. 2684 held on the 6th December at the Masonic Temple, The Quay, St Ives, proved to be a special one for WBro Simon Perry.
Thanks to the St Ivo Master, WBro Barry Smethurst, WBro Simon was able to take the Chair of King Solomon and lead his son Matthew through his Obligation, thus initiating him into Freemasonry.
From left, WBro Francis Margôt, Bro Matthew Perry, WBro Simon Perry and WBro Barry Smethurst
- Written by: John Fergusson
As part of the Tercentenary Celebrations, Grand Rank appointments and promotions have been made. I hereby detail below the first appointments and promotions to craft Grand Rank for Brethren in this Province which will take place at the Quarterly Communication meeting in March 2018.
On behalf of the Province, I extend our sincere congratulations on First Appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies to:
W Bro Barry John Howard – Eleanor Cross Lodge No 1764
W Bro Barry is an experienced Freemason who has served his Lodge and Province well over many years.
Many will recall his significant contribution in bringing the Provincial HQ at Sheaf Close into fruition in 2013 and is now advising Grand Lodge on developing and building Masonic Halls.
W Bro Gerard Thomas Dempsey – Euston Lodge No 2283
W Bro Ged is a very busy Freemason and is well known to many because he was the Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2015/16, an appointment that he served with some considerable distinction.