Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
Euston Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Thursday 6 April 2017 which was marked by the official visit of E Comp George Clayton, the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp Tony Winn, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
E Comp Mike Harrison was installed as MEZ, E Comp David Markham was installed as Haggai and E Comp Alan Randle was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent. This Ceremony itself was a great example of team effort. All the officers taking part gave of their very best and provided incoming First Principal E Comp Mike Harrison with a truly memorable, though belated, completion of his journey to the First Principal's Chair. A very warm and fraternal atmosphere pervaded throughout the evening both in the temple and at a great festive board. Companionship at its very best!
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The newly installed Principals (left to right) E Comp David Markham, E Comp Mike Harrison and E Comp Alan Randle
along with the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp, Tony Winn Provincial Assistant Grand Director of
Ceremonies, E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand Registrar, E Comp David Bowdler, Provincial Grand Steward
and E Comp Robin Hitchcock Past Grand Standard Bearer
- Written by: John Fergusson
Euston Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Tuesday 4 April 2017 which was marked by the official visit of E Comp George Clayton, the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies as well as a personal guest of the incoming First Principal, E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex.
E Comp Bernie Wells was installed as MEZ, E Comp Lloyd Walker was installed as Haggai and E Comp Ged Dempsey was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent. The 2nd Provincial Grand Principal was supported by four Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers; Dr Christopher Clark Provincial Grand Registrar, E Comp Mike Binstead Provincial Assistant Grand Scribe Ezra and E Comp Jeremy Crompton Provincial Grand Steward and David Bowdler Provincial Grand Steward together with several Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter.
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The newly Installed Principals (left to right), E Comp Lloyd Walker, E Comp Bernie Wells & E Comp Ged Dempsey flanked
by the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton & E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Assistant Grand
Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex,
Grand Chapter Officers & Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers
E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex along with newly installed First Principal,
E Comp Bernie Wells & 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On this very special occasion, E Comp John Fergusson was duly installed as MEZ in a most exemplary manner by IPZ, E Comp Kevin Corcoran, thus marking a splendid conclusion to his very successful term a MEZ. E Comp Michael Pepper was then installed as H for the second time, and E Companion Barry Howard was installed as Joshua, again for the second time around.
The Official Visitor on the evening was the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp MIke Coleman, accompanied by E Comp A Winn, Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The newly installed MEZ then went on to Install and Invest his officers in a most exemplary manner. On replying to the Principals Toast he clearly set out his objectives for his year in office, which included three Exaltations of new members into this vibrant Chapter.
A very warm and convivial atmosphere pervaded the whole evening, both in the temple and at the excellent Festive Board, culminating in an extremely happy and memorable evening for all present, especially the new MEZ for the ensuing year.
The newly installed Principals with the Deputy Grand Superintendent (left to right):- Back Row: E Comp Tony Winn, Provincial
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Haggai, E Comp Mike Pepper, MEZ, E Comp John Fergusson, Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp
Mike Coleman & Joshua, E Comp Barry Howard
- Written by: John Fergusson
Two Companions from this Province – E Comp Stuart Morgan (Montagu Chapter No: 466) and E Comp Jeff Chambers (Chicheley Chapter No: 607), one of our Provincial DGDCs – join a small party that have already embarked on their epic Charitable cycle ride over no less than 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
They hope to reach their goal by 1st May during which time they are hopeful of raising sufficient monies to make healthy donations to the Eve Charity for research into Ovarian Cancer and other associated cancers in order to acknowledge the comfort and support given to E Comp Stuart’s late wife, Angie, during her illness. It is also the intention of our two Companions to make a significant donation to the Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Mark Benevolent Association, to recognise all the help and support that the Mark Charity gives to needy and worthy causes, not least worthy Masons in time of distress and suffering.
We wish E Comps Stuart and Jeff a safe and successful journey and many a happy sojourn along the way. If any Companion wishes to sponsor them, all donations can be sent to: Bro Brian Bell Provincial Charity Steward 62 Highfield Road DAVENTRY Northants NN11 9BJ
All cheques should be made out to the “N&H Mark Benevolent Association”. If Companions would like to increase their donation by Gift Aid and you are qualified to do so, please include your name, full address, and post-code to confirm that you are a UK Tax Payer.
- Written by: John Fergusson
E Comp Alan Kersley was born on 30 March 1958 and called to the Grand Chapter Above on 21 March 2017 after a long fight against cancer. E Comp Alan was married to Mariad and they had three children Matt, Coll and Rhiannon as well as three grandchildren Lexi, Logan and Rae Eryn.
Alan was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment up until December 2016 and finally passed away on 21 March, he remained very positive, cheerful and active right up to that time. He attended St. Peter’s Chapter in February, where he was Director of Ceremonies, and informed the Companions that it would be his last meeting.
For those that did not attend the service at Peterborough Crematorium last on Thursday 6 April, E Comp Alan wrote his own eulogy which was read out by the celebrant who took the service. It was a very moving history of his life and his sense of humour was still in evidence. During the piece, he told how he at last had been promoted to the “Grand Lodge Above” but at least with this promotion he would not have to buy an apron!
He was exalted into St Peter’s Chapter in September 1993 and progressed through the respective offices before becoming First Principal in 2007. In due course, he received Provincial honours which saw E Comp Alan becoming Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2012/13. This was an appointment that he served with distinction.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Alan Kersley was born on the 30th March 1958 and called to the Grand Lodge Above on the 21st March 2017 after a fight against cancer. Alan was married to Moraid and they had three children: Matt, Coll and Rhiannon. He also had three grandchildren: Lexi, Logan and Rae Eryn.
WBro Alan Kersley PPSGW
Alan started his working life at East Midlands Allied Press much to his father’s disgust. He wanted him to become an architect, but Alan decided to earn his keep instead of studying for a few more years.
After leaving EMAP and moving from South Wales to Peterborough, Alan started his own business. He sold this some time ago and formed another just before he was diagnosed with cancer.
For those that did not attend the service at Peterborough Crematorium on Thursday the 6th April, Alan wrote his own eulogy, which was read-out during the service. It was a very moving history of his life, and his sense of humour was still very evident. During the piece, Alan told how he had at last been promoted to the “Grand Lodge Above”, but with this promotion he would not have to buy an apron!
Alan had a distinguished career in Freemasonry. He was initiated into Peterborough and Counties Lodge No. 2996 on 18th December 1990 and became Master in 2001. He held various offices at Provincial level including the acting ranks of Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Sword Bearer and Junior Warden. He also joined the Richard Sandbach Lodge of Research where he held the office of Secretary. It was through RSLoR that he launched the Daily Advancement website, which he ran right up until the time of his death.
Alan was exalted into the St. Peter’s Chapter No. 442 in 1993 and occupied the 1st. Principal's chair in 2007 when he obtained the rank of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Alan was also a Mark Master Mason. He was advanced in the Norman Rolfe Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1643 in 1995 and became Master in 2005. He held the office of Registrar of Marks up until his death. He also held the rank of Past Provincial Grand Junior Overseer.
Alan was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment up until December 2016. During the period of his illness, Alan remained very positive, cheerful and active.
He attended his mother lodge on Tuesday the 21st February 2017, whereupon he was paid a living tribute culminating with a promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes.
Alan also attended St. Peter’s Chapter in February, where he was Director of Ceremonies. He informed the companions that it would be his last meeting.
Alan will be sorely missed by us all. He certainly lived respected and died regretted. May he rest in peace.
Russell Laxton
April 2017