2007 News

		A record number of over 1,000 attended the 2007 Provincial Carol Service at Peterborough Cathedral. They enjoyed the Cathedral Choir and joining in the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
				The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, the Very Revd Charles Taylor
				At the conclusion of the service the spirit of Christmas continued with mince pies and wine. An excellent start to the Festive Season.
		The PGM, RWBro Barrie Hall with guests

		The PGM, RWBro Barrie Hall with more guests

Provincial Executive Changes Announced, 7 December 2007

At the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 15 May 2008, the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall, proposes to make the following changes to the Provincial Executive

VWBro Derek Young PGSwdB, DepPGM is to retire from office
He will be succeeded as DepPGM by WBro Max Bayes PSGD, AsstPGM
WBro Dr Vivian Thomas PJGD will be appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master

WBro Dr Vivian Thomas PJGD

WBro Wayne Williams PSGD will continue as senior AsstPGM

The Province will share the Provincial Grand Master’s deep gratitude and appreciation of the remarkable contribution which VWBro Derek Young has made to the Province throughout his Masonic career and in particular in the years as Assistant and Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this Province.

Our congratulations are extended to WBro Max Bayes and WBro Viv Thomas on their respective preferment.

Good Samaritans Fund Lourdes Pilgrimage

A group of twelve 2006/7 Masters of Lodges Meeting at Freemasons’ Hall, Northampton - led by WBro Barrie Goulding, Worshipful Master of Kingsley Lodge No 2431 - raised the funds necessary to cover a Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Lloyda Henton

Lloyda Henton, a barmaid at Freemasons’ Hall, wished to take part as a volunteer in the Welsh National Youth Pilgrimage Challenge 2007. This involved accompanying the disabled to Lourdes. She was having trouble raising the necessary funds when the twelve 2006/7 Masters came to the rescue and raised the £405 she needed for her trip.

The Pilgrimage, from 24 to 31 July 2007 was a great success and Lloyda said, “I’d like to express my deep thanks to you all for your support and funding towards my pilgrimage. Without you all it would not have been possible.”

Sartoris Magic for 2013 Festival - 6 July 2007

On 6 July, Sartoris Lodge 9497 held an evening of music and magic in aid of the 2013 Festival.

WBro Bill Abram, Worshipful Master, hosted the evening at the Fordham Arms, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire attracting a full house. After live music from Karl and Paul, they were treated to a magnificent buffet courtesy of the landlords, Bro Simon Harrison and Brother Ian McLinden.

Everyone was enthralled with an hour of magic including WBro Bill Abram During his act he successfully hypnotised a racoon, cut it into three pieces and restored it before anyone could ring the RSPCA! Bro Terry Lock stunned the audience with his close-up magic and everyone was mystified by the mental magic of Tai.

The labours of the evening having ended, the audience spent until the early hours of the morning 'in refreshment', listening to the amazing sound of Karl and Paul.

In the space of a few short hours £552.50 were raised towards the 2013 Festival. This 'magical' feat took place without the audience even realising! Special thanks are due to Bro Simon Harrison for working so hard to make the evening such a success.

Acts Required for Provincial Talent Show Mask

Bro Tony Potter is heading a group organising the Provincial Variety Show to be held on 10 May 2008 at Freemasons' Hall, Northampton. Proceeds will be in aid of the 2013 Festival.

They are looking for singers, dancers, musicians, small groups, magicians, comedians, novelty acts who are over 18 years of age and are willing to perform on a voluntary basis.

If you or you friends or relatives have the talent and are interested in performing please contact Tony Potter by email.

A flyer can be downloaded by clicking here.

Charity Walk Raises Over £135,000 towards 2013 Festival – 6-9 April, 2007

The Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire recently launched its 2013 Festival in support of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. Two weeks after the launch, it received its first big boost with a Charity Walk, led by WBro Max Bayes, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. It started on Good Friday, 6 April, from the Province’s most northerly Masonic Hall in Stamford, Lincolnshire, and culminated on Easter Monday 9 April, at its most southerly, in Brackley, Northamptonshire, a total of 70 miles.

The walk was led off by the Provincial Grand Master, R WBro Barrie Hall, who joined the walk each day for one of its sections and he was there at the end to see WBro Max Bayes lead it home.

Each day of the walk was split into three sections. Brethren were invited to raise sponsorship and join WBro Max Bayes for one or more of the sections. Well over 150 members from the Province participated, some raising as much as £1,000 in sponsorship. Over the four days 11 Brethren accompanied WBro Max by completing the 70 miles.

The walk was the inspiration of WBro Max who used it, not only to give a great start to the new Festival, but to bring to all Province members attention the important and vital work of the RMBI, as well as gaining recognition that their continued support is beneficial to all those requiring its help.

Start of walk

A chat with the PGM before the off

Heading through Nortamptonshire lanes

Getting into their stride

Last few strides

The last few strides

For more on this topic with pictures click here.

2007 Grand Officer Appointments

The Grand Master has recently appointed and promoted a number of brethren in the Province.

The Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton is re-appointed as Pro Grand Master.

WBro Albert T Shepherd, Lodge of Perseverance No 455, is promoted to Past Grand Junior Deacon.

First appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies were conferred on

WBro George E Bonham, Euston Lodge No 2283 and Meridian Lodge No 9542
WBro Norman E Pope PrGSec, Old Northamptonian Lodge No 5694 and The Scout Lodge No 9814
WBro Lyndon C Price, Ferraria Lodge No 8489

WBro Kevin R Williams, Trinity Lodge No 9165, was appointed Assistant Grand Pursuivant through the United Grand Lodge of England.

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