A Northampton Mason who has raised thousands of pounds for charity has starred on BBC TV's "Tonight's the Night."
The show, hosted by John Barrowman, surprises specially selected people and makes their dreams come true.
WBro Steven Brown of Kingsley Lodge No 2431 made a (for him) surprise appearance on the show on Saturday 21 August 2010.
His wife, Mary, was behind the scenes and organised his appearance.
She said, "He just loves to sing and he'll sing at any opportunity."
Mrs Mary Brown
On the show, through the innovative use of modern technology, Bro Steven was able to sing "Born Free" in a duet with his all time favourite crooner, Matt Monroe (whose singing image was projected behind Bro Steven).
Bro Steven Brown sings on "Tonight's the Night"
After his appearance, Bro Steven said, "I've been singing for 40 years and that was the biggest rush in terms of entertaining I've ever had."
£10,000 Help for Heroes
As part of its support for National Charities, the Grand Charity has a scheme which offers to match donations to National Charities made by Lodges within the Province This is a one-off event to selective Provinces.
Peterborough and Counties Lodge No 2996, the Lodge of St George No 5978, the Lodge of St James No 6838 and W Bro Trevor Sherman have raised over £5,000 towards Help for Heroes. The Grand Charity has generously matched this with an additional £5,000.
l to r: W Bro Dr Viv Thomas, APGM, Jane Bowley, Help for Heroes County Co-ordinator
RW Bro Barrie Hall, PGM andW Bro Wayne William, APGM
On Friday 13 August 2010, it was the pleasure of the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Barrie Hall to present the cheque to Jane Bowley, Help for Heroes County Co-ordinator.
St Ives Lodges Donate to Crossroads Care
The two St Ives Lodges, St Ivo No 2684 and Sothius No 8774, have raised £860 for the young carers of Crossroads Care in St Ives. The Provincial Grand Charity topped up this donation to £1500.
l to r: W Bro Mike Tuppen, Dr Helen Brown and W Bro Sid Bower
The cheque was presented to Dr Helen Brown at the Crossroads Care offices in St Ives on the 12 August 2010 by W Bro Mike Tuppen, Master of St Ivo Lodge, and W Bro Sid Bower, Master of Sothius Lodge. WBro Peter Theakston, a member of both Lodges, co-ordinated the event.
WBro Bro Bill Hensley, also of Sothius Lodge, is the local Communications Officer for the Huntingdon Group. Wearing another hat, he is the Managing Director of Huntingdon Community Radio. In this role he conducted a number of interviews at the presentation.
The first was with a young carer, Alice.
Then with another carer, John.
The next was with the Chief Executive of Crossroads, Dr Helen Brown.
The WMs of St Ivo and Sothius Lodges, add their comments, first W Bro Mike Tuppen
and then W Bro Sid Bower.
A final word of thanks from Dr Helen Brown
before Bill Hensley signs off.
Audio by courtesy of Huntingdon Community Radio
2010 Annual Provincial Cricket Match
The afternoon of Sunday, 8 August 2010, at the Stoke Bruerne Cricket Ground was fine and sunny.
Two teams with RW Bro Russell Race, Metropolitan GM and RW Bro Barrie Hall,PGM in centre
Just the weather for our Province to entertain members of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge on the occasion of our annual Cricket Match for the "Andrew Henderson Memorial Trophy."
"Man of the Match" W Bro Jeremy Thomas presented
with his trophy by RW Bro Barrie Hall,PGM
The result was a close run thing with our Province, superbly led by our Captain, W Bro Mike Caseman-Jones, losing by only 22 runs.
The event was well supported, including visits from RW Bro Russell Race, Metropolitan Grand Master and RW Bro Barrie Hall, our Provincial Grand Master.
RW Bro Barrie Hall presented the Trophy to the winning Captain, W Bro Dr Reynold Hintzen. "Man of the Match" was W Bro Jeremy Thomas, who was the opening bat for Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.
The afternoon was concluded in the finest tradition with a BBQ and a few pints of shandy!
l to r: RW Bro Russell Race, Metropolitan GM, W Bro Dr Reynold Hintzen, winning Captain,
RW Bro Barrie Hall, PGM and W Bro John Wood Deputy Metropolitan Grand Secretary
Successful Premiere of How & Why the Royal Arch
The Demonstration Group had a very successful London premiere of How & Why the Royal Arch on 15 June 2010.
This was hosted by Euclid Chapter of First Principles No 7464 at Great Queen Street and was in the presence of the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendant, E Comp Charles Grace.
Provincial Stewards' Cross Province Cycle Ride - May 2010
The 2009/10 team of Provincial Grand Stewards marked the end of their year in office with a sponsored cycle ride in support of the Provincial Grand Charity.
WBros Steve Barley, Alistair MacDonald, Bob Watts and Jeff Chambers (all Provincial Grand Stewards) accompanied by WBro John Scotney (Dr Oliver Lodge) and WBro Mike Markham (Lodge of St Paul) cycled across the Province, setting off from Brackley on 5 May.
They called at all the main Masonic centres, finally reaching Ramsey and Huntingdon, after three days and 146 miles of cycling.
l to r: Steve Barley, Alistair MacDonald, Jeff Chambers, John Scotney, Bob Watts, Mike Markham
The weather was kind throughout. Apart from one puncture and a buckled wheel, the journey was completed without major problems. It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all and cemented several Masonic friendships.
Importantly, it raised £3,527.05 (the 5p was found on the road) for the Provincial Grand Charity.
The team’s sincere thanks go to those Brethren throughout the Province who generously helped and supported them in their efforts. The Provincial Stewards were delighted to present the proceeds to VWBro Max Bayes, Chairman of the Provincial Grand Charity, at the meeting of Three Counties Lodge in Northampton on 26 May.
Provincial Grand Lodge – May 2010
A warm sunny day and an equally warm welcome greeted members and guests who attended this year's Provincial Grand Lodge.
Over 350 Brethren attended a most successful day at which the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall made first appointments and promotions.
In his address he spoke of the happy and healthy state of the Province and the fact that membership was remaining stable. He said the reason for this was in no small measure the result of out successful mentoring scheme.
Survey Results Help in Compiing Book on 300 Years of Masonry
In 2017 Freemasonry in England and Wales will be 300 years old. As part of the celebrations surrounding this historic event the UGLE is to publish a history of this 300 years. This will particularly demonstrate the important role Freemasons have played in the civil, cultural and social development of our nation.
In Phase One of the UGLE inspired Historical Resources Survey Lodges and Chapters were asked to send to UGLE information about the historical records they hold. The MW The Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes joined the representatives of more than 35 provinces to celebrate the success of the first phase of the Survey at a reception at Freemasons' Hall in London in May. Over 6000 Lodges and Chapters completed the survey which recorded more than 117,000 documents and shows the depth of material available within lodges and chapters.
He noted, "Lodges and Chapters reflect the variety of local influences, personalities and local circumstances on freemasonry over time. Local diversity, as it would probably now be called, is probably one of the strengths of English freemasonry that enables us to look forward to celebrating a three hundredth birthday in 2017. It is particularly important that when we look at the history of freemasonry we look at the local history as well as the history of "head office".
Provincial representatives had many stories to tell about tracking down lodge records previously thought missing and the challenge of opening long forgotten cupboards and tin boxes in Masonic Halls.
(l to r) WBro Gerry Crawford, MW The Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes, PGM, RW Bro Barrie Hall - during a break at a meeting at the UGLE held on 18 May 2010 to discuss the findings of the Historical Research Survey
In this Province, 31% of Lodges and Chapters completed the Survey and returned it to UGLE. The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall said, "I would like to thank all those in the Province who have been involved in this Project and especially those Lodges that completed this Survey. It is not too late. I urge all Lodges that have not yet completed the Survey, particularly the older ones with a wealth of history behind them, to complete the Survey. They should concentrate on people who have helped shape developments in their local areas."
A reward for Lodges and Chapters that have completed the Survey is the opportunity to apply for a UGLE grant towards the preservation and conservation of their historic records (details from Provincial Office). An incidental part of this project has been to highlight the way in which Lodges and Chapters archive and preserve their records. The UGLE has taken advice on this from specialists of the British Library and provided information to help Secretaries in this process.
Phase Two of the Project will be to involve local project groups delving further into the Survey data to identify material that will be useful to UGLE in the celebration of this tercentenary and book publication.
Sportsman's Lunch a Winner – April 2010
A major fund raising effort at Freemasons' Hall, Northampton has been a great success.
On 30 April 2010 183 diners enjoyed a lunch, auction and after diner speakers with a sporting theme.
Bro Geoff Allen compèred the event.
Derek Redmond gave an insight into his life as a gold medal winning athlete.
David Powell, Northampton Saints RFC President and former England and British Lions player spoke of his sometimes turbulent life on the rugby field.
£6,250 was raised for the 2013 RMBI Festival.
Bro Geoff Allen - Event MC
Coritani Charity Golf Days – April 2010
The 2009/10 Worshipful Master of Coritani Lodge No 8079, WBro David Smith, held two fundraising golf days during his year.
The first was at Cold Ashby Golf Club in the Autumn of 2009 and raised £600 for the Maxiofacial Unit at the Sir John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
The second was on 17 April 2010 at Collingtree Golf Club last and raised £350 for the Helping Hands Charity in Daventry. WBro Mike Sheppard drove a golf buggy with refreshments on board, assisted by his 10 years old son Jason accompanied him.
WBro Brian Butt, WBro WBro David Smith and Jason Sheppard (photo courtesy of Daventry Express newspaper)
Because of this the WM asked Jason to present the cheque for £350 to Ian Spencer the son of the late Pete Spencer who founded the Charity.
After the cheque presentation, Jason raised a further £127!
Provincial Demonstration Group Update – March 2010
It is now one year since the Provincial Demonstration Group premiered their first play – ‘Lodge Night 1759’ – to the Palmer Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards in Northampton on 24 March 2009.
‘Lodge Night 1759’ has now been presented 12 times to appreciative audiences in and out of the Province. There are 11 more presentations booked between April 2011 and January 2012, including support for a 150th and a 250th Lodge anniversary celebration. For more information click on this Daily Advancement forum link.
‘How and Why the Royal Arch’ will be premiered at the Chapter of Installed First Principals on Friday 23 April 2010. There are seven forward bookings for this play between April 2010 and October 2012. These are to Chapters and Craft Lodges in and outside the Province. For more information click on this Daily Advancement forum link.
‘The Working Tools – a New Perspective’ is a two man demonstration by WBros Barry Hales and Mike Farrow of Risdene Lodge.
WBros Barry Hales and Mike Farrow present ‘The Working Tools – a new Perspective’
An article headed ‘Dramatic Masonry’ about the work of the Demonstration Group has appeared in the winter 2009 edition of a national publication and has resulted in 12 new bookings. This means that two-thirds of the Group's forward bookings are now from outside the Province and the Demonstration Group is truly a national ambassadors for Freemasonry in this Province.
Centenary Meeting of Installed Masters' Lodge No 3422
One hundred years later on Wednesda, 24 March 2010 over 140 Brethren attended the Centenary Meeting of the Lodge at Freemasons' Hall, Northampton .
They enjoyed an insightful oration from WBro Revd Tony Avery PAGChap.
This was followed by an excellent and thought provoking presentation "100 Years Standing" by VWBro John Hamill PGSwdB, Director of Special Projects at the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Right Worshipful the Earl of Euston
Jubilee Certificate Presentation to WBro Vincent Osborn
A very well deserved Jubilee Certificate has been presented to a Mason with an amazing Masonic pedigree. WBro Vincent Osborn who is now 80 years old and living in Leicester completed 50 years as a Freemason on 17 March 2010.
He has been a member of no fewer than thirteen Craft Lodges in the Provinces of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Warwickshire as well as the Metropolitan Grand Lodge. During that time he has also been a member of six Royal Arch Chapters in the same Provinces and also a member of numerous other Masonic orders.
(l to r) WBro Brian James (WM), WBro Vincent Osborn and VWBro Max Bayes (Deputy Provincial Grand Master)
On Thursday 18 March 2010, at a meeting of England's Centre Lodge No 2555 (his mother Lodge) WBro Osborn was presented with his Jubilee Certificate. In presenting it, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Max Bayes said the achievement of Bro Vincent was quite remarkable and one which few of us could hope to emulate. He heartily congratulated Bro Vincent on his wonderful achievement.
Bro Vincent is (or has been) a member of
England's Centre Lodge No 2555
St John's Lodge No 279 (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Newarke Lodge No 6794 (Leicestershire & Rutland)
George Beech Lodge No 2897 (Warwickshire)
Framland Hundred Lodge No 9453 (Leicestershire & Rutland) Founder
Ex Cathedra Lodge No 9229 (Warwickshire)
New Elizabethan Lodge No 7348 (Metropolitan Grand Lodge)
Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters Lodge No 7896
Warwickshire Installed Masters Lodge No 4538
Steadfast Lodge No 9654 (Metropolitan Grand Lodge)
Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Lodge of Installed Masters Lodge No 3422
Lodge of Enterprise Lodge No 6494 (Metropolitan Grand Lodge)
Gartree Chapter No 7778 (Leicestershire & Rutland)
De Mowbray Chapter No 523 (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Abington Chapter No 8041
Wayfarer Chapter No 8679 (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Chapter of First Principals Chapter No 3422
Warwickshire First Principals Chapter No 4538
Leicestershire and Rutland Chapter of Installed First Principals Chapter No 7896
Consecration of Salcey Forest Lodge No 9854
The Consecration of the Province’s ninety first and newest special interest Lodge, the Salcey Forest Lodge No 9854, took place at Freemasons’ Hall, Northampton, on Saturday, 13 March, 2010.
Over 170 Brethren, including 28 of the 30 founders, attended the event. After the Lodge had been opened by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Viv Thomas, the ceremony of Consecration was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall.
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The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Wayne Williams, installed VWBro Max Bayes as the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master. He will have a busy year as the Lodge has several candidates for initiation
The new Lodge, which takes its name from the nearby Salcey Forest, will meet four times a year on the last Thursday in January, March, May and October. It will particularly appeal to potential members who lead busy lives that preclude them from attending Lodge meetings at traditional times. Whilst observing the traditions and landmarks of Freemasonry, Salcey Forest Lodge meetings will typically start at 7 pm and the buffet style Festive Board will be concluded by 10 pm.
Founder Members of Salcey Forest Lodge with their first Worshipful Master,
VWBro Max Bayes (centre) and Consecrating Officer, RWBro Barrie Hall, PGM (left of WM)
The objectives of the Lodge will be
to attract new members to Freemasonry
to afford opportunities for, and to encourage, reasonably rapid progression for members who are not Past Masters in other Lodges
to encourage members to visit and support other Lodges within the area
Grand Lodge Appointments & Promotions - April 2010
The Province is pleased to announce the following Grand Lodge promotions
WBro William Rutherford PAGDC (Thistle & Rose Lodge No 6644, and Ferraria Lodge No 8489) to Past Junior Grand Deacon
First appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies are to be conferred on
WBro Anthony (Tony) Greene PProvSGW (De La Pre Lodge No 1911 and Scout Lodge No 9814)
WBro John Harvey PProvSGW (Wentworth Lodge No 737 and Trinity Lodge No 9165)
WBro Terry Roy PPrJGW (Pomfret Lodge No 360, Lodge of Harmony No 9048 and Grand Junction Lodge No 9775)
To them all, we extend our sincere congratulations. The Investiture Meeting of Grand Lodge will take place at Great Queen Street, London on Wednesday 28th April 2010.
Certificate of Merit for WBro John Ward
At their 102nd regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Ellindon on Wednesday 3 February, Thomas Deacon Lodge No 9126 was honoured by a surprise visit from the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall. He was accompanied by his Director of Ceremonies, WBro Neil Young.
The Provincial Grand Master explained they “were just passing, and decided to drop in.” They then enjoyed the Passing of Bro Michael Marjoram. After an excellent extended explanation of the Second Degree tracing board by WBro John Hitchin, the entered apprentices were re-admitted.
The Worshipful Master announced an additional item to the agenda. The true reason for the Provincial Grand Master’s attendance became clear when he awarded WBro John Ward the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Merit.
(l to r) WBro John Ward with the Provincial Grand Master
Bro John had been Director of Ceremonies at Thomas Deacon Lodge for ten years, and Assistant Director of Ceremonies for a further five years prior to that. The PGM praised Bro John’s work in Freemasonry and in particular his hard work in Thomas Deacon Lodge.
A very successful Initiates Evening took place at the Masonic Centre, Ellindon on Friday 22 January 2010.
The evening started with informal drinks.
After this all were invited to take their seats in the Lodge Room.
The PGM, RW Bro Barrie Hall, introduced the evening, with an outline of what was to follow and a 15 minute presentation on the basic principles of Freemasonry.
Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall
This was followed by WBro Trevor Boswell, the incoming Provincial Grand Secretary, who gave a short talk on Masonic Charities and the varying ways Freemasons support them.
WBro Trevor Boswell
Mrs Joy Hall, the wife of the PGM, then gave a ‘Masonic Wife’s’ perspective of Freemasonry referring inevitably to the early commitment made by all Freemasons ‘just one night out a month is not too much for a man to ask for is it’?
Mrs Joy Hall
There followed a very entertaining and informative explanation of the Lodge Room and regalia by WBro Reg Hirst, Provincial Education & Training Officer.
Much to the amusement of those present, he ended his presentation wearing the regalia of the PGM (however it was safely returned at the end).
WBro Reg Hirst in PGM's regalia
We invite you to invent yourt own caption!
The evening concluded informally over a drink and a buffet supper.
St John's Lodge No 3972 - Jubilee Certificate Presentations
The meeting in Northampton of St John’s Lodge No 3972 on Monday 18 January 2010 was a very special special occasion.
Brothers at very different stages in their masonic careers took centre stage. For Bro Johan-Christ Moukoko, who was born in Cameroon, West Africa, and is a 41 years old secondary school teacher of French, it was his first day as a Freemason as he was initiated into the Lodge.
For two other Bros it was a celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Wayne Williams, presented them with their Jubilee Certificates.
WBro Wayne Williams said WBro George Short, 84 years, a retired teacher of mathematics, had been initiated into St John’s Lodge 50 years ago to the day. He had been its organist for 18 years and its Worshipful Master in 1974. He became a ProvGStwd in 1976, PPGReg in 1980, PPJGW in 1989 and PPSGW in 1990.
(l to R) WBro Wayne Williams, Bro John Bogan, WM WBro Mark Douglast & WBro George Short
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master (who is also the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire) particularly thanked Bro George for his support of the Holy Royal Arch in the Province over many years. Bro George was promoted to Grand Rank (PAGDC) in the Holy Royal Arch in 1996. Clearly moved by the emotion of the occasion Bro George sincerely thanked WBro Williams.
(l to r) The most senior Lodge member, WBro George Short,
welcomes the most junior, Bro Johan-Christ Moukoko
In April 1959 Bro John Bogan was initiated into St Munn Ardnadam Lodge No 496 (meeting in Argyll under the Grand Lodge of Scotland). A Marine Engineer, his work took him to many parts of the world. In 2008 he moved to Northampton and became a joining member of St John’s Lodge where he is now the Inner Guard.
In presenting Bro John with his Jubilee Certificate, WBro Williams said that although Bro John had only been a member of this Province for two years the Certificate celebrated the contribution he had made in the whole of his 50 years as a Freemason.
Bro John said, “The current Worshipful Master, WBro Mark Douglas, is the youngest WM the Lodge has ever had. If I progress through the offices, as I intend to do, I shall probably be the oldest!”
Book Your Lodge's Oration
In his role as Provincial Grand Orator, VWBro Derek Young has made a New Year call for expressions of interest from Lodges in receiving Orations or Lectures during the next Masonic year.
Representatives of Lodges wishing to include such Orations or Lectures in their 2010/11 programme of meetings should contact VWBro Derek Young directly or through the Provincial Office.
