Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
A JOLLY FINE ROYAL ARCH DAY
Some 250 Companions attended this year’s Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter at Sheaf Close, Northampton on Thursday 27th June 2019. Sixteen neighbouring Provinces were represented including 12 MEGS.
Jim Boughton, MEGS, opened proceedings in due form, welcoming the visitors and also Northants & Hunts Companions.
A significant part of the agenda included changes in the Exec team. Neil Handley was installed as the new DepGSupt replacing Mike Coleman, standing-down after 4 years in office. John Payne replaced Neil as 2ndProvGPrin and David Brown replaced John as 3rdProvGPrin. Mike Binsted was appointed Scribe Ezra.
Mike Coleman was presented with a token the Province’s esteem by Jim Boughton and Wayne Williams, PGSupt, acknowledging 12 years’ service in Provincial Office.
In addition, MEGS appointed or reappointed 25 Companions to Active Office. There were 11 first appointments and 27 promotions in Past Rank.
In his address, MEGS thanked all Companions for their tireless work for the Province and announced a new programme of PSA testing, acknowledging the strong support from the PGM and the Craft.
The jovial nature of the day was perhaps summed-up best by David Butt, ProvGSN when he proposed the toast to the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent. In reminding the 230 present at dinner that MEGS had a long and successful career as a teacher, David couldn’t help but wonder whether his own toast would be subject to marking by MEGS after!
L to R Neil Handley, DepGSupt, John Payne, 2ndProvGPrin, Mike Coleman, PDepGSupt, Jim Boughton, MEGS, and David Brown, 3rdProvGPrin
- Written by: Roger Lovesay
On Monday the 19th of August 2019, representatives from Chicheley Lodge No. 607 and the Provincial Grand Charity visited Stanwick Lakes where they presented members of Rockingham Forest Trust with a cheque for £1,680 for the purchase of a defibrillator.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Young people in need of emotional and practical support from across the Huntingdon area are to gain access to an expanded service thanks to a grant of £89,255 presented by the Province to Centre 33, a charity that supports vulnerable young people between the ages of 8 and 25.
- Written by: Craig Bunday
On Thursday the 4th of July 2019, the brethren of St Wilfrid Lodge No. 4453 were pleased to present Alan Williamson and Trevor Brant of Heartstart Oundle with a cheque to the value of £310. The presentation was made by the Worshipful Master, WBro David Bland, and Senior Warden, WBro Dennis French.
