Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 12 February, Petriburg Lodge No. 8767 were hosts to the Royal Arch Provincial Demonstration Team who performed a play entitled "How & Why Royal Arch". The play, which was both informative and humorous, was set in the latter part of the 18th Century and explored the tensions between the Ancients and the Moderns, and the formation of the “Fourth Degree”, which was influenced by the Irish Freemason, Lawrence Dermott.
All of those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the event and a fortunate few in the audience enjoyed tankards of wine supplied by the Potman of the tavern in which the play was set.
The Demonstration Team pictured below with the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton (front left),
W Bro Perrin-Brown (WM, Petriburg Lodge) and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams (front right)
- Written by: John Fergusson
Tuesday 9 February was the convocation of Thistle and Rose Chapter at which Bro Stephen Skillen was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, completed his journey from Initiation to Exaltation and became Comp Stephen Skillen. The Chapter was honoured to have E Comp Mark Constant, the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal in attendance accompanied by E Comp Tony Winn, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Also in attendance was the Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp Mike Coleman and Past Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp David Jackson.
Companion Stephen Skillen (pictured below) was proposed by his brother Companion Richard Skillen (pictured right) and seconded by his father Companion Alex Skillen (pictured left). Thistle and Rose Chapter is no stranger to father and son members as they also can boast Companions Ron and Chris Goode and Companions Mel and Matt Garner.
The Three Principals, E Comp Graham Roger, E Comp David Docherty and E Comp Chris Goode led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce some superb work. The Principal Sojourner, Comp Andy McWilliam, and 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp Willie Docherty performed their work in the most exemplary manner. The signs were presented by E Comp Alex Henderson with great style, followed by the Symbolical Lecture presented solely by E Comp David Docherty whilst he walked the candidate Comp Stephen Skillen around the chapter followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented in an exemplary style by E Comp Ken Marris, E Comp Tom Strickland, and E Comp Keith Millington. Finally, Comp Matt Garner was presented his Grand Chapter Certificate by the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant.
The 3rd Provincial Grand Principal is pictured below with the Principals of the Chapter and the Exaltee:
Left to Right: E Comp Tony Winn, E Comp David Docherty, E Comp Mark Constant, Comp Stephen Skillen, E Comp Graham Roger & E Comp Chris Goode.
A thoroughly enjoyable Festive Board followed which was enjoyed by all, particularly, the Exaltee, his father and brother. It is good to see that Royal Arch Masonry is going strong within the Thistle and Rose Chapter and looks that it will continue to do so from generation to generation.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Friday 19 February, Bro John Darby became Comp John Darby and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry at Kingsley Chapter.
It was an excellent ceremony which was led by the Chapter’s Principals who were supported by a guest appearance from E Comp Roger Blason who acted as the Principal Sojourner and he delivered his work in his usual accomplished manner.
The evening was finished off with a superb Festive Board to complete the evening and welcome Comp Darby into the Royal Arch Masonry.
Comp John Darby is pictured below with (left to right): E Comp Roger Blason, E Comp Andy Moore, E Comp Tony Potter, Comp John Darby and E Comp Nigel Dickens
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
After ensuring Masonic charities and the Daventry Lodges’ Joint Annual Charity donation (to Kidney Rearch UK) had been supported, WBro Bob Lattaway, IPM of Coritani Lodge No 8079 in Daventry, donated the remaining money raised during his year to DACT (Daventry Area Community Transport).
In receiving the cheque, the DACT’s Chief Executive, Rob Kinning said
DACT is very grateful for this wonderful support which enables us to continue to provide our many transport and mobility services across the Daventry district.
Bob’s selection of DACT as his chosen charity came as no surprise to Coritani members. He has for many years been a volunteer, often seen driving one of DACT’s many minibuses all around the Midlands, taking elderly and disabled people on outings and running people to hospital appointments in his own car.
With the help of its many volunteers, DACT provides these transport services and runs the mobility shop and repair workshop in Daventry.
For more information about DACT or to enquire about volunteering opportunities call 01327 701665 or visit their website.