Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 26 October 2016

St Crispin Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Thursday 20 October 2016 at Kettering Masonic Hall which marked by the official visit of E Comp Mike Coleman, the Deputy Grand Superintendent who was escorted by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.

E Comp Dabinder Basra was installed as MEZ by E Comp Neil Langford, E Comp Jason Brice was installed as Haggai and E Comp Keith Dickson was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was very high. The meeting was well supported by both Supreme Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter Officers. 

We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices. 

Pictured above right from left to right:- E Comp Jason Brice, Haggai, MEZ, E Comp Dabinder Basra, Deputy Grand Superintendent,
E Comp Mike Coleman, & E Comp Keith Dickson, Joshua

Published: 22 October 2016

WBro Bill Reason had a good reason to celebrate this week, after being presented with a 50 Year Certificate. Not only is WBro Bill celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry, but he is soon to be recognising his 70th year in Scouting!

WBro Bill was initiated into St Johns Lodge 3972 on 17th October 1966, and became Worshipful Master in 1982. Bill has held many offices in the Lodge during his 50 years, including Treasurer, Almoner, and Charity Steward, as well as going back in the chair as master again in 1994. Bill attained Provincial Grand Steward in 1984, PPGSuptWrks in 1988 and PPSGW in 1944.

Outside of Masonry, Bill has had an even longer interest in Scouting. Bill's first warrant was as Assistant Scout Master at the 36th Northampton St Matthews Troop, July 1947 - March 1956. Bill then became Scout Master from 1956 to 1960. Bill has remained as a member of the organisation in many roles; as a member of the County Executive, District Chairman for many years, and District Present. Bill has achieved many awards over his 70 years in Scouting, notably the Medal of Merit in 1973, The Silver Acorn in 1997, The Bar to the Silver Acorn in 2005, and in April 2013 Bill was awarded the Silver wolf - the highest award in Scouting.

To help mark the special occasions, two of Bill's scouting friends, WBro Bunny Ingram and WBro Barry Weigleb both attending the recent St Johns lodge meeting wearing their scout regalia. 

Published: 22 October 2016

Members of the TBP Club (The Three Penny Bit Club) this week presented a cheque for  £1500 "Do if for Dementia" at Northampton General Hospital. 

The TPB Club was set up after the loss of a Northampton Mason, Bro Sedja Hunt, in November 2013, and requires all members to carry a 1967 Three Penny Bit coin with them. If a member is caught without their TPB coin, then a £5.00 contribution (or fine!)  to charity is required. The TPB has previously donated over £1000 to charity, and this most recent donation is made up of £900 in "fines" and a hefty provincial enhancement of £600. You can follow the TPB club here, and see some of the members who regualrly appear on the wall of shame! 

These funds will go towards creating a sensory garden within the Elderly Care area of Northampton General Hospital, where its hoped a small patch of rather sad land can be turned into a safe, tranquil area where patients, family and friends can sit in peace and safety.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 22 October 2016

A most enjoyable evening of Royal Arch Masonry was there for all that attended on Tuesday 11 October 2016 at Thistle & Rose Chapter's Installation Meeting which marked by the official visit of E Comp Mark Constant, the Third Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

E Comp David Docherty was installed as MEZ, E Comp Chris Goode as Haggai and E Comp Gordon Brown stood in as Joshua throughout the ceremony as E Comp Paul Seaton was unavoidably absent and will be installed at the next convocation.

The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was very high . The Robes and Sceptres were delivered in a memorable manner by E Comp Martin Dimmock, Comp John Wooding and E Comp Ken Rogers. E Comp Ken Marris also invested the Past Z, E Comp Graham Rodgers with his jewel. Finally, Comp James Milne was presented his Grand Chapter Certificate by E Comp Mark Constant.

Pictured above right from left to right:- E Comp Mark Constant, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Chris Goode, Haggai,
E Comp David Docherty, MEZ & E Comp Gordon Brown , Joshua

Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant, congratulates E Comp David Docherty on being installed as MEZ of Thistle & Rose Chapter