Written by: Rob Taylor

Published: 07 November 2016

Devonshire Court was opened on the 2^nd of November 1966 by the Late Queen Mother. It was the first of the R.M.B.I. purpose built homes to be opened after a period of about 116 years since the formation of “the Asylum for Worthy, Aged and Decayed Freemasons” was opened in Croydon.

This years event was attended by many invited guests and residents of the Home. WBro David Watson, a trustee of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, addressed the assembled guests and residents on the work of the Charity and that of the R.M.B.I. Devonshire Court was then toasted in the usual manner with a glass of “Bubbly.”

WBro George Stamp, a Past Master and Chaplain of the Holmes Lodge, also a past first Principal of the St Peter’s Chapter and a member of the St. Peter’s Mark Lodge, delivered a Eulogy on behalf of the late Fred Lifford who bequeathed substantial sums to both Devonshire Court and The Market Harborough Masonic improvement fund. WBro George then unveiled a plaque naming the Lounge “The Lifford Lounge.”

The residents and guests then continued to enjoy the afternoon and the entertainment.

The night was attended by WBros Kevin Williams, Mike Gorrod, David Talbot and David Watson accompanied by Helen Williams, Margaret Talbot and Davids wife, Halina, who is photographed in her wheelchair having broken her ankle.

Following the sumptuous meal the gaming tables opened allowing both fun entertainment and a chance to chat with fellow masons from the Pprovince of Leicestershire and Rutland.

Written by: Michael Genner

Published: 06 November 2016

The Lodge of Prudence No. 8946 enjoyed a double celebration at its recent Installation meeting on October 22nd, 2016. 

WBro Eddie Hilton was installed into the Masters Chair for the second time, however on this occasion, the outgoing Worshipful Master, WBro Renaud Foussal de Belerd, kindly allowed WBro Eddie’s son, WBro Anthony Hilton, to conduct the Inner Working and install his father into the Chair of King Solomon.

The second cause for celebration was for WBro Arthur Jolly who received a certificate from the Province celebrating his 50 years of service to Freemasonry. WBro Jerry Higgins, presented the certificate to WBro Arthur and referred to WBro Arthur's long and varied Masonic career during which he had received Provincial Grand Honours in three provinces, including our own. WBro Arthur made a heartfelt reply, thanking the brethren of the Lodge and the Province for honouring him with the presentation of this special certificate. 

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 06 November 2016

Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Lodge of Installed Masters has witnessed many special occasions and the Installation meeting which took place on Monday 24 October 2016 stands alongside those occasions. Our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, was installed into the Chair of King Solomon by W Bro Richard Bedells in an exemplary manner. The ceremony was performed in front of a very full Lodge room at Sheaf Close including the full Executive team of Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Trevor Boswell and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, W Bro David Burton and W Bro Charles Bennett.

The Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Norman Pope was appointed and invested as Senior Warden and the Lodge’s Past Secretary, W Bro Graeme Fordham as Junior Warden.

Above (left to right), Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Trevor Boswell, 
Senior Warden, W Bro Norman Pope, Worshipful Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, W Bro Richard Bedells, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, 
W Bro Charles Bennett & Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Dale Gilbert. 

After the Installation ceremony was complete, W Bro Mark Smith of the Province of Essex and `Antiques Roadshow` fame, gave a very interesting and informative talk on the Victoria Cross. It covered the history and origins of the Cross, along with his findings on the heroics of some of the Freemasons who have received it. During the course of his talk, the Brethren were privileged to hold a Victoria Cross medal for themselves.

 
The evening was concluded with a very enjoyable Festive Board.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 03 November 2016

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Installed As Gildenburg Chapter's First Principal

On Thursday 20 October, a rather special event occurred in the calendar of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire's Provincial Grand Chapter. Almost the entire Team, led by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by his Executive team and a veritable plethora of Grand Chapter and Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers, descended upon Peterborough Masonic Centre for the first team visit of the season, which was hosted by Gildenburg Chapter.

It was a very special occasion, W Bro David Burton, PSGD, one of our Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, was duly installed as MEZ in a most exemplary manner by E Comp Nick Cesare, which was a splendid conclusion to his very successful term a MEZ. There was such a magnificent number of Companions attending that the convocation was held in the main temple and was filled almost to capacity. The Gildenburg Chapter team were congratulated on producing such fine work in the temple. Notably, Organist, E Comp Mike Flanagan, provided excellent musical accompaniment throughout the ceremony.

A very warm and convivial atmosphere pervaded the whole evening, both in the temple and at the excellent Festive Board, culminating in an extremely happy and memorable evening for all present, but especially the MEZ, E Comp David Burton, for the ensuing year.

Gildenburg Chapter's 3 Principals pictured above with the Provincial team (left to right):- E Comp Marcus Murphy, Haggai, 
MEZ, E Comp David Burton & E Comp Richard Olsen, Joshua

Pictured above Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams
&  E Comp David Burton 

Pictured above Gildenburg Chapter's Organist E Comp Mike Flanagan
who provided such fine musical accompaniment,