The Challenge Awaits – 2015 / 2016:

The new Masonic season 2015/2016 is underway and what a launch we had on Thursday 3rd September when the Bristol Demonstration Team guested at our First Principals’ Chapter in Northampton to demonstrate their ancient and original ceremony of the “Passing of the Veils”. In spite of attempts over the years by higher authority to modify and even delete the ritual, Bristol held firm and for some 250 years, their Exaltation ceremony including the “Passing of the Veils” has stood the test of time.

Before an audience of some 270 Companions (and dining 250+), we were privileged to witness a truly outstanding ceremony from which many of us made the requisite daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. We were indeed grateful to the three Principals and Companions of our First Principals’ Chapter for allowing us to take advantage of their September Convocation to hold such a unique and special occasion for Province.

And now we look forward to the first Convocation of Piscator Chapter in October, here in Northampton, after their recent relocation from London following in the successful footsteps of Piscator Lodge just a few short years ago.

Then Companions, the rest of the new season awaits which we can embrace with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Each of us must be seen as an ambassador for the Royal Arch, collectively raising the profile to even greater heights in order to attract worthy Master Masons and to encourage them to engage in that fourth and final stage of Pure Ancient Masonry by exaltation into the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch - a journey of enlightenment from “Initiation to Exaltation” and the very completion of Craft Masonry itself.

Social Media of one sort or another is helping enormously to communicate with our Companions and to convey our message to those Brethren who have still to make that final commitment. Remind them, Companions, that we were all initiated into Pure Antient Masonry as so clearly defined in the Book of Constitutions. As an integral part, their journey is so incomplete until they are able to share with us that unique companionship and friendship that they will only find in the Supreme Degree.

That’s our challenge; it’s our collective responsibility and Companions, I wish you all well in your endeavours. Share the journey with me; enjoy the new Masonic season ahead and I will catch up with you all again before too long.

E Comp Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent

On Thursday 3 September 2015, the Holy Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire was honoured to extend a very warm welcome to the ME Grand Superintendent of Bristol, E Comp Alan J Vaughan, and his Demonstration Team to present a demonstration of the Antient Ceremony of the Veils. This was very kindly hosted by our own Chapter of First Principals.

Unchanged for some 200 years, this event provided a fascinating insight to the origins of the Exaltation Ceremony practised by us today, much to the appreciation of an enthusiastic audience of around 270 Companions which included the MEGS of Warwickshire, E Comp John Saint. E Comp Barry Goulding was awarded a Certificate by E Comp Vaughan following his participation in the ceremony as the Exaltee, his performance was almost worthy of an Oscar such was the gusto with which he played his part, word perfect as usual! 

Towards the end of an excellent Festive Board, our MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, congratulated and thanked all concerned for their hard work in producing this wonderful event which clearly exceeded everyone’s expectations.         

The ‘Wayne Williams Trophy’ Golf Competition 2015

This event was instigated in 2013 to foster relationships between neighbouring Royal Arch Provinces, and Orders within Northants and Hunts Province as a social event outside of the main Masonic Season.  Peterborough Milton Golf Club hosts the event and we are very fortunate to have a great connection at that Club in the person of E Comp Russell Laxton who manages the event.

The Trophy is awarded to the three man team that scores the most Stableford points on the day. The 2013 and 2014 events were won by a team representing Northants, Hunts and Beds Provincial Priory in the persons of E Comp Viv Thomas, E Comp Phil Collins and E Comp Bryan Birchall.

This year's event, held on 4th August, drew 13 teams from six Provinces plus teams representing KT, Mark and Craft from our Province. The winners this year represented Northants and Hunts Royal Arch and comprised of Companions R Laxton, G Dyson and W Stocks, closely followed in second place by our Provincial Craft team captained by E Comp Barrie Goulding. The individual prize winner with a score of 43 Stableford points was Phil Lever, Past Provincial 2nd Principal of Hertfordshire.

The 2016 competition will be held again at Peterborough Milton Golf Club on Tuesday 2nd August 2016.

E Comp Keith Clayton's 95th Birthday Celebrations

E Comp Keith Clayton of Kingsley Chapter 2431 celebrated his forthcoming 95th birthday on Saturday 8 August 2015 with over 50 friends, relatives and Companions at the Cheyne Walk Club in Northampton.  All enjoyed this splendid evening enormously, particularly hearing E Comp Keith’s reflections on a life lived and enjoyed to the full, spanning almost a century and still going strong.  

Congratulations from all at Provincial Grand Chapter to you E Comp Keith on this very special birthday (which fell on Monday 10 August) and for which we wish you ‘Many Happy Returns’.