Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
Every year, Masons from the several lodges meeting in Daventry get together to make a joint donation to a local recipient chosen by the Worshipful Master of each lodge in turn.
This year it fell to the Worshipful Master of Coritani lodge, WBro David Smith to select the beneficiary and David chose the "Friends of Danetre Hospital".
WBro David’s mother in law is one of the unfortunately growing numbers of people suffering from Alzheimers and he requested the hospital direct the £3,000 donation to support those suffering from this dreadful illness.
The photograph above shows WBro David Smith and his wife Liz presenting a cheque to Bro Chris Long, the Chairman of Friends of Danetre Hospital, who is himself a member of Danetre Lodge in Daventry. Also looking on is WBro Dick Godwin, the Senior Group Officer for the South West of the Province, who co-ordinates the annual donation.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
On Tuesday the 25th July 2017, Mr. Daniel Saxton, Head of Business Services at Papworth Hospital, received a cheque for £6,000 on behalf of Papworth Hospital Charity.
The cheque was presented by Mrs. Sue Hurd and RWBro Barrie Hall, PProvGM. The presentation took place at Peterborough Masonic Centre. Mrs. Hurd is the widow of WBro Steve Hurd, who was a member of Petriburg Lodge No. 8767.
From left, Mrs. Sue Hurd, Mr. Daniel Saxton and RW Barrie Hall PProvGM
The money raised included donations from the follow lodges/chapters -
- St Peter's Lodge No. 442
- Peterborough & Counties Lodge No. 2996
- St Crispin Lodge No. 5627
- Risdene Lodge No. 6532
- Vale of Nene Lodge No. 7006
- Petriburg Lodge No. 8767
- Thomas Deacon Lodge No. 9126
- Dr Oliver Chapter No. 3964
The following members also made individual contributions -
- WBro John Humphreys
- WBro Mervin Roberts
- Written by: John Fergusson
E Comp Rev Canon Frank E Pickard PPrGJ, PGStB:
It was with much sadness that we heard earlier this week that, on Wednesday morning in Northampton General Hospital at approximately 7.00am, E Comp Frank Pickard lost his fight against an illness which he had fended off bravely for so long over the last few years. He was 86 years of age.
His situation had gradually deteriorated of late and whilst we preferred not to face the inevitable consequences, his passing nonetheless came as a shock to so many. We convey our sincere condolences to his widow, Margaret, and the family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. E Comp Frank’s funeral takes place on Friday 14th July at 11.00am at Northampton’s All Saints Church.
He was a senior and experienced member of both the Craft and the Royal Arch - as a Past Provincial Grand Chaplain in the Craft Province for some 8 years, he was appointed to active rank for 12 months in the United Grand Lodge of England as Assistant Grand Chaplain in 1987. He was initiated into De La Pre Lodge in Northampton in February 1979, and later became a joining member of Forest Hill Lodge in London in 1984; he was Worshipful Master in both in 1985 and 1992 respectively. At the time of his passing to the Grand Chapter Above, he had been afforded honorary member status in no less than ten Craft Lodges.
But we know that he held a particular passion and affection for the Royal Arch, exalted into Eleanor Cross Chapter in Northampton in December 1982 and becoming a joining member of Forest Hill Chapter in January 1990. Most importantly, he was a Founder member of our own Waynflete Chapter, then based in Brackley, on its consecration in January 2002. He served as First Principal in all three Chapters with which he was so closely involved.
In June 1998, he was appointed our Provincial Third Grand Principal in Provincial Grand Chapter for two years, later awarded the rank of SLGCR in Metropolitan Grand Chapter in 2005 and rightly afforded the Supreme Grand Chapter rank of PGStB in 2007. We shall remember him for many years to come as a wonderful raconteur with a story to fit all occasions, a great support to all those who sought his help and with time to spare for all Companions, both young and old, who knew that, under that sometimes rather austere look, there lay a heart of gold in a Companion who was truly a Royal Arch man through and through.
I personally will never forget the time when our first grandson, at the tender age of five years, was diagnosed with leukaemia. With one’s faith well and truly tested, I vented my anger and frustration on all and sundry, not least, on E Comp Frank Pickard who accidentally fell right into my firing line. On reflection, I’m so glad he did – he so gently absorbed my ill-chosen words and frustrations and my doubts as to the existence of our Supreme Being. Yet, in the post just a few days later, a letter arrived, handwritten, from E Comp Frank urging me to keep the faith and strengthen my belief that all would be well. And so it came to pass – young Alfie, now at 13 years of age, enjoys the best of health.
E Comp Frank’s letter will serve as a reminder of a good friend, a great Mason and a Mentor to so many of us – it will remain with me until time with me shall be no more. Rest in Peace, E Comp Frank – you will be sorely missed.
Wayne Williams
ME Grand Superintendent.
- Written by: John Fergusson
It is with great sadness that we report the death of WBro Rev Canon Frank Eustace Pickard, PAGChap who passed to the Grand Lodge above on Wednesday 5 July 2017 at the age of 86.
WBro Pickard was initiated into De La Pre Lodge 8 February 1979 and duly became Worshipful Master of the Lodge in November 1985. He served the Lodge as Chaplain on three separate occasions. Outside of this Province, he was also a member of Forest Hill Lodge in London and became their Worshipful Master in October 1992. He was also a member of Grand Junction Lodge as well as being an Honorary Member of Waynflete, Towcestrian, Lodge of Unity, Sulgrave, Beneventa, Burghley, Gates of Billing, Salcey Forest and Hinchingbrooke Lodges.
WBro Pickard was honoured with an appointment to Grand Rank in April 1987 when he was appointed as Assistant Grand Chaplain. He received a first Provincial appointment in May 1988 when he was appointed as Provincial Grand Chaplain; a post that he held for 5 years until May 1993. In May 2008, WBro Pickard was reappointed as Provincial Grand Chaplain for a further three years.
WBro Pickard was equally active in the Holy Royal Arch, being exalted into Eleanor Cross Chapter in December 1982 and went on to become the Chapter's First Principal in 1995. He also served Waynflete Chapter's First Principal in 2002 and Forest Hill Chapter's First Principal in 2003. In 1998, he was appointed as Provincial 3rd Grand Principal and this was an appointment he held until June 2000. In due time, he was honoured with an appointment to Supreme Grand Chapter in April 2007 when he was appointed as Past Grand Standard Bearer.
W Bro Pickard was a very hard working and popular figure around the Province who will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.