Provincial News
On 18 May 2016 the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Sheaf Close, Northampton. The meeting was an especially well attended event with the Past Pro Grand Master, MWBro the Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton, in attendance along with nearly 400 Brethren from this and other Provinces.
The Provincial Grand Master was pleased to appoint a new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Charles Bennett. The PGM then went on to thank the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Jim Boughton for all he had done during his time in office.
There were a number of reappointments to office and the PGM was pleased to appoint and invest his new active officers for the ensuing year, which he did in his usual exemplary and friendly manner.
After he had closed Provincial Grand Lodge, Lady Victoria (the President of The Friends of Fotheringhay Church) and her husband, Simon Leatham (Honorary Treasurer of The Friends of Fotheringhay Church) were invited into the Lodge room. The PGM was delighted to present Lady Victoria with a cheque for £150,000 in aid of The Friends of Fotheringhay Church - a charity dedicated to restoring and preserving the magnificent 15th century church, St Mary and All Saints, which is so much a part of the fabric of our cultural heritage. Click here to read more about the Masonic connection with Foitheringhay Church.
(l to r) VWBro Trevor Boswell, MWBro the Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton, Simon Leatham, Lady Victoria Leatham, WBro David Burton, RW Bro Max Bayes & WBro Charles Bennett
The PGM had selected this important community impact project and it had been very generously supported by Lodges and individual in the Province.
Lady Victoria and Simon Leatham then retired from the Lodge Room with a full escort. They stayed on to enjoy a delightful festive board during which Simon Leatham presented the Provincial Grand Master with a copy of the original deeds to the church.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 9 May 2016, Bro Iain Griffin became Comp Iain Griffin on being exalted into the Holy Royal Arch and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. Amongst those present to witness an excellent ceremony was the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
The 2nd Provincial Grand Principal congratulated the Chapter's Principals, led by MEZ E Comp David Sutton, on a first class ceremony,. Particular mention must be made of the outstanding work also carried out by the Principal and 1st Assistant Sojourners, Comps Peter Baker and Lyn Howells respectively. Other outstanding contributions were made by E Comp Ray Taylor who gave a stunning presentation of the Signs and E Comps Robert Pues and Cedric Cadman who presented the Mystical Lecture in an most exemplary manner.
The ceremony was followed by a fine festive board to welcome Comp Iain into the Holy Royal Arch.
Pictured below from left to right:- 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, Comp Iain Griffin, E Comp John Wilkes, E Comp David Sutton, E Comp Maurice Eggleston & E Comp Robert Pues.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday 28 April, a strong contingent from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire, led by our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams descended on the Annual Investiture at Supreme Grand Chapter. Aside from the appointment of the new 3rd Grand Principal, the occasion was particularly special as the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, was promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer and the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, was appointed to Past Grand Standard Bearer.
After the investiture was complete, there was an excellent lunch at the Connaught Rooms with over 700 Companions dining and it gave those from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire a chance to celebrate E Comps Mike and George’s very special day.
Above (l to r): 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant, Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams & 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton
- Written by: Rob Taylor
MTSFC Northants & Hunts Branch held their April event, the first of five planned for the 2016 season. There were 20 special needs participants from three different local schools in attendance on the day. With a little help one of the participants caught a whopping 7lb 4oz rainbow trout. He is pictured in the front of the group with it.
WBro David Watson attended as the Provincial representative and is seated in the centre of the photograph. With the twenty participants, twenty casters together with carers, caterers, guests and helpers approximately 60 people were catered for.
