Provincial News
- Written by: Rob Taylor
On the 15th of November 2016, just after 7pm, a fire gutted the boathouse at Wicksteed Park which was home to 800 Naval Air Squadron Kettering Sea Cadets. It represented 10 years of investment and effort by the unit, with equipment such as sails & rudders lost in the fire, but more importantly the Safety Boat which was worth between £8,000-£10,000
WBro David Watson, Provincial Grand Treasurer, and WBro Stuart Ogilvie recognised the invaluable work and opportunities the Sea Cadets provide and started the ball rolling, having secured a contribution from the Lodge of Perseverance 455 and with the Support of WBro Jason Brice, Charity Steward of Cytringan Lodge 4048, requested support from the other Kettering Lodges, which having been happily effected, the Provincial Grand Charity added to this making a combined total of £6,000.
On Thursday the 6th April 2017, Commodore Andrew Kyte (WBro Jeff Kyte’s son) as Kettering’s highest ranking serving member of HM Royal Navy visited the Kettering Sea Cadets on an official visit. This seemed an ideal opportunity to make the presentation on behalf of the Freemasons of Kettering.
Pictured left to right, WBro Neil Langford, Commodore Andrew Kyte (HM Royal Navy), Lieutenant Marc Pether (Sea Cadets Commanding Officer), WBro Jason Brice, WBro David Watson, WBro Barry Rogers, WBro Tom Stockley
- Written by: Rob Taylor
On the evening of Thursday the 6th April 2017, the Worshipful Master of Fitzwilliam Lodge, WBro Vince Tindale, presented a cheque for £500 to WBro Ged Dempsey in support of Three Pillars Feeding the Homeless Trust.
From left to right, WBro Rusell Laxton, WBro Vince Tindale, WBro Ged Dempsey, WBro Jon Hibbins, and Bro Brian Downs
- Written by: Simon Key
The first episode of a five-part documentary entitled Inside The Freemasons is set to air on Sky One at 8pm on Monday the 17th of April, 2017.
Emporium Productions were commissioned by Sky to produce the series, which is described as follows on the production company's website -
Welcome to one of the oldest social networking organisations in the world; a fraternal order that welcomes members regardless of their status, creed or political persuasion – Freemasonry. With unique and unprecedented access to the Freemasons, Inside The Freemasons asks who are Freemasons and what do they do? As the United Grand Lodge of England celebrates its tercentenary in 2017, we go beyond the myth and legend to discover what it means to be a Freemason today through the words and lives of Freemasons themselves.
While most of us are familiar with the concept of Freemasons, few can describe who they are and what they do with any confidence or accuracy. What has motivated generations of men to join its ranks? What does the symbolism mean? How does public perception differ to reality? And what does Freemasonry have to offer men and society in the 21st Century?
Updated information regarding the series can be obtained via the following social media links -
- Facebook -
- Twitter -
- Instagram -
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Monday 27 March, another rather special event occurred in the calendar of Northants and Hunts Provincial Grand Chapter. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by his Executive and almost the entire Provincial Team, together with many Grand Chapter Officers descended upon Huntingdon Masonic Centre for the second Team Visit of the season which was hosted by Socrates Chapter No. 373. The evening was particularly special for two people in particular.
Firstly, Brother Jeremy Curd completed his fourth and final stage of Pure Antient Masonry on being Exalted into this very special Chapter. Companion Jeremy was personally welcomed into our Supreme order by the MEGS and, together will all present, wished our newly Exalted Companion a very happy and fulfilling career as our newest member.
Secondly, E Comp Norman Coe, Exalted in West Kent Province in 1966 who was presented with a Certificate to commemorate his 50 years of meritorious service in the Royal Arch. Then and much to the surprise of the recipient, and the absolute delight of all present, the MEGS announced his decision to promote E Comp Norman, with immediate effect to the rank of Past Pr. Grand Registrar. E Comp Norman will be presented with his new regalia at the forthcoming Provincial Grand Chapter on 22nd June.
Such was the turnout; the temple at this wonderful new venue was filled almost to capacity. The Socrates Chapter team were congratulated on producing much fine work in the temple and particularly thanked for their warm welcome and very kind hospitality
The Principals of Socrates Chapter are pictured below with the E Comp Norman Coe along with the Most Excellent
Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and his Executive team.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has received a grant of £4,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation on behalf of this Province.
This is part a total of £192,000 that the MCF has donated to Air Ambulances across England and Wales. Since 2007, and including this year’s grant, £2.1m has been donated to Air Ambulances and equivalent rescue services in England and Wales.
Last year the MCF assisted needy Masonic families with grants totalling over £14m.
- Written by: Michael Genner
On Saturday the 25th of March 2017, the Tercentenary meeting at Great Queen Street was attended by three generations of the Day family from the thriving Piscator Lodge. WBro Daniel Day was proudly supported by his grandfather and father, WBros Albert and Aaron Day. The three generations, in common with around 1,500 brethren and family from the Province, had a wonderful day!
From left, WBro Albert Day, WBro Daniel Day and WBro Aaron Day
Daniel's great-grandfather, Bro Fred Leaney, was also a member of Piscator Lodge, but sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above before he could become Master.