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60 Years a Royal Arch Mason

On Monday 7 December 2009 Ailwyn Chapter 3535, in the market town of Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, celebrated the presentation of a Diamond Jubilee Certificate to one of their founder members, EComp Ivor Thulborn.

	EComp Ivor Thulborn (extreme right) with EComp Rodney Wolverson (1st left), EComp Wayne Williams (2nd left) & Other Comps

Comp Ivor was exalted into Caldwell Chapter 2727 in the Province of Cambridgeshire in October 1949. He has served his mother and his present Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire during those 60 years.

	(l to r) EComp Rodney Wolverson, EComp Ivor Thulborn, EComp Wayne Williams & EComp Ivan Greaves

The certificate was presented on behalf of the Province by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, EComp Wayne Williams.  He was accompanied the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for the Province of Cambridgeshire, EComp Rodney Wolverson.  They were supported by the all members of the Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire Provincial Executive and six senior Provincial officers.

65 Comps - 19 visitors from Cambridgeshire and a 46 local - blended together in fraternal companionship.  They enjoyed a special and unique evening, all wishing Comp Ivor many more happy years in Freemasonry.

Forthcoming Holy Royal Arch Chapter Demonstration

The Provincial Demonstration Team is working with EComps Bill Purcell and Barry Weigleb to develop a Royal Arch re-enactment. This is intended for both presentation at both Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters.

The Most Excellent Superintendent, EComp Wayne Williams, is fully supporting the project and said, "I’ve seen and read the initial draft and I think that they have something both educational and entertaining. They still have a lot of work to do in order to perfect it but I am very hopeful. Watch this space."

Successful Provincial Grand Chapter Convocation

On Thursday, 25 June a most successful Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter was held at Nortthampton.

In his address to the Convocation, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams announced changes in the Provincial team.

E Comp Wayne Williams

E Comp Trevor Cooke is standing down as our 3rd Provincial Grand Principal.  He has recently been appointed Provincial Grand Registrar in the Craft Provincial Office.

E Comp Roger Wood relinquishes his role as PrGDC to become 3rd Provincial Grand Principal

E Comp Derek Todd becomes PrGDC.

To download and read the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent's address in full click here.

Grand Rank Appointments

And at the annual Investiture Meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter held at Great Queen Street on Thursday, 30 April, two senior Companions of the Province were honoured with Grand Rank.

E Comp Mike Coleman (of Perseverence Chapter No 455) and E Comp Jim Boughton (of Pemberton Chapter No 3039), both received First Appointment to Past GStdB.

E Comp Jim Boughton

Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, said, "Such appointments are richly deserved I extend to those worthy recipients our hearty congratulations."

Two members of this Province’s Demonstration Team, E Comps Bill Purcell and Barry Weigleb, with the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Trevor Cooke, travelled to Devonshire on 15 January.  They visited the Vale of Haldon Royal Arch Chapter No 7949 in Dawlish where they witnessed an excellent presentation, bringing to life the complexities of inaugurating a Royal Arch Chapter in Cornwall in the late 18th Century.

Front row (l to r) E Comps Wayne William, Christopher Pengelly & Trevor Cooke Middle row (l to r) E Comps Barry Weigleb & Bill Purcell

Just three Companions took part in the presentation, but their portrayal of Comp John Knight of Redruth, Thomas Dunckerely, and his much put-upon servant Bronson (My cane Bronson!). Their use of original letters, other correspondence, the language of the time, and gentle wit used to great effect made for a superb display and a further daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

The evening was further enhanced by the presence of  E Comp Christopher Pengelly, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for the Province of Devonshire, accompanied by his full Executive, Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter and many acting Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter, all of whom extended the warmest of welcomes to the visitors from Northern parts.