Provincial News
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 15th of January 2017, The Corby Masonic Players, who are Freemasons or family and friends thereof, put on another show of their latest production, Jack & the Beanstalk, for the local community.
This was a special extra performance of the pantomime to kick off the Tercentenary events that the Corby Freemasons have planned. This free performance proved very popular with a hunded and sixty adults and children filling the Masonic Hall.
The audience members had no connection with the Masonic community - their attendance was as a result of local advertising. Every child received a festive selection box and free drinks/snacks were distributed to everyone that attended during the interval.
The Corby Masonic Players had previously held two other packed shows for Corby Freemasons, their families and friends. During each of these performances a raffle was held, which raised a total of £332 for Teddies for Loving Care.
WBro Jack C. Summerfield, the director and Panto Dame, said, “We have been putting-on an annual pantomime since 2006, but this is the first year that we opened our doors to the non-Masonic community”. He added, “The feedback has been fantastic. Everyone left with a smile on their face and hopefully a positive memory of Freemasonry.”
Back row from left to right: WBro David Jackson (King of Corbyshire), Courtney Smith (Dogsbody), Georgia Summerfield (Daisy the Cow – Back end) Melanie Tew (Buttercup the Fairy), Pamela Genner (Princess Mint), Dulcieanne Willey (Daisy the Cow – Front end) and WBro David Genner (Jack Trott)
Front row from left to right: WBro Jack C. Summerfield (Dame Trott), Virginia Tarbotton (Shorty), Emily Summerfield (Simon Trott), Ruby Tarbotton (Jobsworth) WBro George Peel (The Giant) and WBro Rab Reid (Fleshcreep)
- Written by: Simon Key
During his year as the Worshipful Master of Coritani Lodge - one of the five Masonic Lodges which meet in Daventry - WBro Max Reynolds held a number of social and sporting events to raise funds in support of several national and local charities which are close to his family's heart. One such charity is Breast Cancer Care.
Max's wife, Muriel, considers herself fortunate to be a survivor of breast cancer having undergone a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery almost eight years ago. Max and Muriel were therefore very pleased to be able to present a cheque for £1,500 to the local area representative of Breast Cancer Care, Nikki Swindell.
WBro Max Reynolds and his wife, Muriel, presenting the cheque to Nikki Swindell
- Written by: John Fergusson
W Bro Peter Manning is Chairman of the Group organising the Classic 300 Car Runs in the Midlands area this year, some of which will pass through our Province. The Classic 300 Event, is part of the celebrations this year; a collection of Classic Car Runs on Sundays, spread between May and September. The details can all be found on the website by clicking on this link https://www.classic300.org.uk/about These are open to all masons as well as their friends and families using vehicles which are pre 1997 or modern classics of special interest.
On registration for the sum of £25, each entrant will receive a unique Numbered Car Plaque and entitlement to enter any of the 17 runs being organised throughout the country, as well as a memento of the main event. Registration also entitles the entrant to take part in the Official Start, at Windsor Castle on 21st May, when HRH the Duke of Kent will be flagging us off. The Official Finish, will take place at Brooklands on the 1st October.
Each run will take a standard Classic Car Run format, starting, passing and finishing at places of motoring interest; there will also be an easy to follow dedicated tulip road book giving directions. Click here for an electronic flyer giving details of the routes and for those who may be interested, it has the details of how to get involved.
This is the only National Tercentenary Event being held as others are Provincial based. As such it is viewed by UGLE as one that should get maximum support.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Abington Chapter exalated Bro Michael Matthews on Monday 18 January 2017 and he became Comp Michael Matthews thus completing his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. The evening was marked by the official visit of E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent and supported by the attendance of the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant escorted by E Comp Jeff Chambers, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The ceremony was performed in an excellent manner with the Chapter's Principals leading by example, however, they were supported by E Comp Pat Harris as Principal Sojourner and the Mystical Lecture was dellivered in an accomplished manner by Comp Neil Sheppard, Comp Reuben Freeman and Comp Gene David. E Comp David Brown, Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra presented the signs in a very assured manner.
The evening concluded with a memorable Festive Board to welcome Comp Michael Matthews into the Royal Arch.
We welcome Comp Michael Matthews into the Royal Arch in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.
The team (left to right):- E Comp Jeff Chambers, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Michael Branch, Comp
Michael Matthews, E Comp John Booth, Haggai, MEZ, E Comp David Watson, Joshua, E Comp Steve Webb, E Comp Wayne
Williams, Grand Superintendent & E Comp Mark Constant, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal