Provincial News
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Philip Litchfield proudly initiated his son, Bro Red Litchfield at the Lodge of St Paul 6516 meeting on 8th December 2015. This was the second `Lewis` initiation in Kettering in the past month and so perhaps is setting a trend? Worshipful Master WBro Mark Titterton led an excellent ceremony and then a most enjoyable Festive Board, made for a very special evening.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
On an overcast although dry day, Euston Lodge held a charity golf day at Wyboston Lakes golf course, where 40 players competed.
There where refreshments where available on the 1st tee, 10th tee and 19th tee followed by a luncheon. The Worshipful Master of Euston Lodge, WBro Cecil Collins and his wife along with other member’s wives joined the players for lunch, the prizes of the day where presented and sponsored by Richmond Hill Financial.
£840 was raised for WM's designated charities.
Photos show the winning Stapleford team. Eaton Socon FC Veterans, Single winner Mr James Tanswell and highest finishing freemason was Bro Steven Rodley.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Sunday 13 December, Peterborough Cathedral was the setting for the Province’s Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. It was very well attended by members, their friends and families from across the Province. The Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr John Peach, was amongst the civic dignitaries in attendance which included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Richard Barnwell as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, Simon Leatham.
The service itself was led by the The Very Reverend Charles Taylor, Dean of Peterborough, and the lessons were read by our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes as well as the Heads of Orders from within the Province including the Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and the Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Degree, RW Bro George Bonham.
The Peterborough Cathedral choir was magnificent throughout the service. In his opening remarks, the Dean of Peterborough expressed his gratitude for the support that the Cathedral had received over a number of years from the Province. Afterwards, there were mince pies and glasses of wine to savour and help start the Christmas feeling for those who enjoyed the service.
Below: Our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes is pictured with the Mayor of Peterborough (on the far left), Cllr John Peach.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Following his 10 very successful years in office, E Comp George Pipon Francis retired on 10th November.
To mark this special occasion, a retirement dinner was held at Freemasons' Hall in London. The invited guests were all those Grand Superintendents that the ME 2nd Grand Principal had installed during his tenure. With the exception of two who were unavoidably absent, all others, which included E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, were in attendance. Collectively this group was known as ‘George’s Boys’. 
On arrival at the Private Apartment, the invited guests enjoyed a Champagne Reception where they were then joined by E Comp George together with his successor, ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race. All went on to enjoy a delightful dinner, prepared by Chef Franco, in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, which, while tinged with sadness that ME 2nd Grand Principal was retiring, celebrated his many achievements over ten very successful years.
On behalf of all those present, E Comp George was presented with a beautifully inscribed crystal bowl by E Comp Graham Glazier, Grand Superintendent of Dorset, as a token of their appreciation and affection. E Comp John Saint, Grand Superintendent of Warwickshire, and the most senior Grand Superintendent present, then went on to propose a toast which reflected on the many achievements of the ME Second Grand Principal, and in particular his huge contribution in raising the profile of the Holy Royal Arch to the high levels it enjoys today.
E Comp George Pipon Francis (left) is pictured below with the ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race.
