Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Candidate at Danetre Lodge’s meeting on the 4th of April 2016, Mr Adam Reynolds, was born in February 1997, making him only 19 years old.
Because of his age and studies, his Grandfather, WBro Alan Randall, currently Director of Ceremonies of Danetre Lodge, had never broached the subject of becoming a Mason with Adam, no improper solicitations, and so was surprised when Adam made the approach.
The required Dispensation was granted by the PGM who was already scheduled to attend the meeting of the 4th and so was present to see Adam initiated. On the evening Danetre’s WM vacated the chair to allow WBro Randall to obligate his Grandson.
WBro Peter Ayton ProvAGDC, PGM, WM WBro Dick Godwin PAGDC, Bro Adam Reynolds & ‘Grandad’ (WBro Alan Randall)
Adam’s home is in North Perthshire, Scotland, although he studied in Manchester before moving to live in London studying music at University. Do we have a budding Organist looming?
Although Adam’s father never joined Freemasonry, his heritage is extensive, with his grandfather, both great grandfathers and his great great grandfather being members of the Craft along with several great and great great uncles.
The PGM welcomed Bro Adam to Freemasonry in General and the superior Province of Northants and Hunts in particular (he admitted to being somewhat biased on this) and informed Bro Adam that he had joined a popular and thriving Lodge.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Each year at Easter, on Maundy Thursday, Her Majesty the Queen presents special Maundy money to local pensioners in a UK cathedral or abbey in one of the Diocese in England or Scotland.
Exceptionally, for only the second time in her reign, the presentation in 2016 took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Thursday 24 March and was made to 90 men and 90 women throughout the Diocese of both Countries. One of the proud recipients was W Bro Richard Turpin OBE who said
We had a wonderful day and the presentation in the traditional Maundy Service was followed by an excellent reception in the State Apartments. I still don't understand what I have done to deserve such a high honour which is given to 'elderly' men and women for services to the Church and their local community.
Each recipient is given two purses. The red one containing a £5 commemorative coin marking the Queen's 90th Birthday and 50p coin marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. The white one containing the specially minted silver Maundy coins (nine packets of 4,3,2 and 1p face value) totalling 90p to equate to the Queen's age.
Our congratulations go to WBro Richard.
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Towcester Youth Coffee House Project runs a drop in centre for children of secondary school age. It is located close to the biggest concentration of social housing in Towcester and a primary school where 20% of pupils qualify for free school meals.
The Coffee Shop exists to provide a safe environment for children and young people in which they can develop their physical, mental and social skills, reduce the instance of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking caused by lack of recreational facilities.
On Wednesday 23rd March 2016 as Freemasonry approaches its three hundred year anniversary, Towcester Freemasons presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Youth Coffee House Charity Chairman Miss Charlie Fagan and Vice Chairman Mrs Pauline Bains.
L to R
WBro Richard Stokes, WBro Graham Minett, Mrs Pauline Bains, Miss Charlie Fagan, WBro Andy Lowe, WBro Chris Mullen, at the back WBro Bob Cox.
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The Coffee Shop has always relied on raising its money from the local community and on the participation of volunteers to keep running costs to a minimum and keep its doors open. The Coffee Shop is currently raising funds for renovation and redevelopment of the facility to increase the opening times and ensuring it will remain as a volunteer based organisation whose operational costs are funded entirely from local contributions.
The 2016 Appointments and Promotions to Supreme Grand Chapter Rank have now been published and circulated around Province – they will already be known to many therefore but may I, on behalf of the Royal Arch Province, formally extend congratulations on a First Appointment to:
E Comp George Clayton of Eleanor Cross Chapter in Northampton who received his first appointment to Past Grand Standard Bearer. George is well known to many across the Province as the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal and his contribution to the success of this Royal Arch Province is greatly appreciated.
And a well earned promotion to:
E Comp Michael Coleman of Perseverance Chapter in Kettering on his promotion to Past Grand Sword Bearer. Mike, of course, has been part of the Provincial Executive team since 2011, first as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal and more recently as Deputy Grand Superintendent. Again, his contribution and commitment to the Royal Arch has been exemplary and his promotion is richly deserved.
To them both, I extend my personal congratulations and best wishes from all throughout the Province.
E Comp W E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent