Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
WBro Bruce Burrows from Pomfret Lodge recently visited Western Australia to see the records of John Newman Tooth, a member of his partner’s family. John was a Child Migrant sent to Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School Western Australia at the age of 10 years. He landed at Freemantle on March 20th 1928.
Bruce saw John’s records and discovered that the School had been closed in 1982 and Grand Lodge Western Australia rescued and saved it for future generations in 1984. Grand Lodge WA still manages the facilty today as a School Museum and Holiday Centre for groups of children who now stay in the original buildings, updated to modern standards, and where they do not start their days as John did with a cold shower at 6am.
Bruce visited the Grand Lodge of WA, had a guided tour, and then went on to make a visit to Fremantle Lodge No 2 WAC consecrated in 1865 as No 1033 E.C.
The main business of the lodge held on Tuesday 12th April 2016 was to Pass Bro Nathan Medford; Bruce saw the ceremony conducted in an excellent manner and with the Brethren clearly enjoying themselves under the direction of their Master WBro Glenn Swift.
SW Bro Kabir Ramasary, WM WBro Glenn Swift, WBro Bruce Burrows, JW Bro Chris Nicholls.
The Festive Board was a total delight with Bruce seated on the right of the W.M. The meal was excellent, prepared by the Brethren and one of the wives, and with as much beer and wine as required. Bruce gave the response on behalf of the visitors, and all linked hands for Auld Lang Syne. All too quickly the evening closed with Bruce totally convinced, that Freemasonry is indeed a worldwide brotherhood.
For more information about Kingsly Fairbrige search Wikipedia #Western Australia for specifics.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 26 April 2016, Comp Bob Hoffmann was exalted into The Holy Royal Arch by his son, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, First Principal of Dr Oliver Chapter. Amongst those present to witness an excellent ceremony was the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton who attended in a personal capacity.
Pictured below from left to right:- 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Tom Webster, Comp Bob Hoffmann, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, E Comp Malcolm Pegg
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Wednesday 6 April, Bro Colin Labrum became Comp Colin Labrum and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry at Piscator Chapter.
It was an excellent ceremony which was led by the Chapter’s Principals who were supported by E Comp Trevor Sherman and Comp Mike Howells as Principal and 1st Assistant Sojourners respectively and who delivered their work in an accomplished manner. The evening was finished off with a superb Festive Board to complete the evening and welcome Comp Labrum into the Royal Arch Masonry.
Comp Colin Labrum is pictured with the Chapter's Principals below (left to right): E Comp Aaron Day, E Comp Bob Green, E Comp Roger Blason and Comp Colin Labrum
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 5 April 2016, Whytewell Chapter in Wellingborough performed a rather unique Exaltation Ceremony on 5th April 2016. Bro Tony Norman, having been initiated into Freemasonry in 1973 finally completed his journey through Pure Antient Masonry on what proved to be a wonderful evening of companionship and celebration of this rather remarkable event.
The Three Principals, E Comp Arthur Ellis, E Comp Ron Ricker and E Comp Robin Porter led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce outstanding work. The Principal Sojourner, Comp Ian Richards together with 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp John Davies led Bro Norman through the ceremony in a most exemplary manner. The signs were then very ably presented by E Comp Robert Gibson. This was followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented with great style and flair, by E Comp John Barber E Comp Jim Boughton and E Comp Stuart Philips. It must be reported that E Comp Jim stepped in, literally at the last minute which resulted in a flawless presentation by all three participants.
A thoroughly entertaining and happy Festive Board followed which was enjoyed by all, and at which the Second Provincial Grand Principal, George Clayton, who was present in a official capacity, formally welcomed Whytewell Chapter’s latest Companion, now Comp Tony Norman, into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. Could this perhaps be the longest journey yet, from Initiation to Exaltation?
Pictured above (l to r): 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Ron Ricker, E Comp Arthur
Ellis, Comp Tony Norman, E Comp Robin Porter and Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
E Comp Steve Seward