Provincial News
- Written by: Simon Key
On the 23rd of February 2017, WBro Cliff Holmes, President of Croughton Square and Compass Dining Club presented a cheque for £400 to the local branch of Parkinson’s UK in order to assist the Exercise and Well-Being Group, which meets at The Forum in Towcester.
Pictured left to right, Mrs Julia Dickerson, Organiser and Trainer; Mr John Peachey, Chairman of Parkinsons UK - Northampton, Daventry & Towcester Branch; and WBro Cliff Holmes, President of Croughton Square & Compass Dining Club
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Saturday the 11th of February 2017, Anglo Scottish Lodge hosted a Beer Festival at Sheaf Close, Northampton to raise funds for Teddies for Loving Care (TLC). During the event, the Italy-Ireland and Wales-England Six Nations matches were shown to keep the drinkers entertained. At half-time, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Wayne Williams took the opportunity to explain the origins of the Teddies for Loving Care and how the major hospitals in the Province were being supported.
There were a range of fine ales on offer, some of which were brewed locally by Bro Lee Kellett and Bro Ian Bosworth, and proved to be very popular. Bro Lee’s fine brew, Captain Jack's Brewery - Redwood Original, picked-up the “Best Beer” title. All in all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon of rugby, beer and fun. Early indications are that a donation of around £1,500 will be made shortly to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton, for Teddies for Loving Care.
With the support of Brethren from many of the Northampton Lodges, also a number of non-Masons, it seems likely that this event will go from strength to strength and become a regular annual event in the Masonic calendar. The Lodge hopes that those who attended this year will support the event again next year.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Wednesday 8 February 2017, the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Wayne Williams, accompanied by W Bro David Tempest, W Bro David Todd and W Bro Stephen Addy from Lodge of Harmony headed down to the land of his birth to support one of their own Past Masters, W Bro Craig Davies, reigning Worshipful Master of Glantawe Lodge in the Province of South Wales. W Bro Craig was Worshipful Master of Lodge of Harmony in 2012.
The opportunity to see W Bro Craig initiate his brother in law was not one that they would pass up; they were not disappointed either as they were treated to an exemplary ceremony with some fine ritual. Bro Cook was of course blissfully unaware that W Bro Craig would be conducting the ceremony and was absolutely delighted at a family connection for his very special evening.
The evening was concluded with a very enjoyable Festive Board where the legendary Welsh hospitality was extended to all as Bro Cook was welcomed into Freemasonry.
The party from Lodge of Harmony are pictured below (from left to right): W Bro David Tempest, W Bro Stephen Addy, W Bro Craig Davies, VW Bro Wayne Williams & W Bro David Todd
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Valentine’s Day, 36 very brave Royal Arch Freemasons decided to spend this special evening away from their partners and with their Companions instead.
A most adorable evening of Royal Arch masonry was there for all that attended on Tuesday 14 February 2017 at the convocation of Thistle & Rose Chapter, No 6644 which was marked by the official visit of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. It was a special evening for E Comp Steve Seward as he witnessed his son Bro James Seward exalted into the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch, completing his journey in Pure Antient Masonry and become Comp James Seward.
Also present on the evening were E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent and E Comp John Phillips, Past 3rd Provincial Grand Principal as well as other Excellent Companions of Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter.
The Chapter’s Principals, E Comp David Docherty, E Comp Chris Goode and E Comp Paul Seaton, led their team with some enchanting ritual. The signs were exquisitely presented by E Comp Alex Henderson. Comp David Nixon captivated those present with a solo presentation of the Symbolical Lecture. The Mystical Lecture was then delectably presented by E Comp Ken Marris, E Comp Gordon Brown and E Comp Mike Coleman. The Sojourners' work was enticingly delivered and delightfully shared between all three of them; Comp Willie Docherty, Comp John Fowler were assisted by E Comp Mike Abbott from Perseverance Chapter.
Finally, E Comp Wayne Williams presented Comp John Neal and Comp Stephen Skillen with their Grand Chapter certificates.
This was followed by a scrumptious Burns Supper and festive Board. Could there be a more perfect Valentines night?
We welcome Comp James Seward into the Royal Arch in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.
The team (left to right):- E Comp Chris Goode, Haggai, E Comp David Docherty, MEZ, E Comp Wayne Williams,
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Comp James Seward, E Comp Paul Seaton, Joshua & E Comp Steve
Seward, Provinical Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies