2008 News

Click on year to go to News of 2010 2009 2007

Fitzwilliam Lodge Members Bring Christmas Cheer to Devonshire Court
Sue Ryder Care Cheque Presentation
Librarian(s) Wanted
Curtain Up on New Provincial Demonstration Team - 30 September 2008
Provincial Information, Learning and Discussion Forum Launched - Summer 2008
1st Annual Provincial Beer Festival to be on Saturday 16 August 2008
Provincial Cricket Match a Big Hit - 3 August, 2008
Towcester Lodges Donate to New Local School - 19 June 2008
Executive Changes at Provincial Grand Lodge, 15 May 2008
Kimbolton Castle Charity Big Band Concert, 6 July 2008
Successful Provincial Variety Show - Saturday 10 May 2008
Top Brass Concert, Peterborough Cathedral, Saturday 12 April 2008
£10,000 Presented to Air Ambulance, Friday 11 April 2008
Ceres Lodge No 6977 Donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 5 April 2008
Natahala Lodge No 9805 Banner Dedication, 5 February 2008
Endurance Feats of Fittest Mason in Province
Teddies for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service
Piscator Lodge No 7557 Becomes 90th Lodge in the Province
Provincial Web Site Relaunched, 1 January, 2008

Fitzwilliam Lodge Members Bring Christmas Cheer to Devonshire Court

On Monday 8 December members of the Fitzwilliam Lodge No 2533 visited the RMBI Care Home at Devonshire Court, Oadby, Leicestershire. As is their practice on this, their annual Christmas visit, they distributed Christmas presents and general good cheer to the many of the 67 residents.

The Care Home will of course benefit from this Province's 2013 Festival.

Norman Manser presents cheque

WBro Ken Rogers, Worshipful Master of Fitzwilliam Lodge,

serves the Care Home residents with good cheer

which is well rceived by the residents

Norman Manser presents cheque

Residents

One of the residents, WBro John Kernick, thanked the Brethren of Fitzwilliam Lodge for their kindness once againin in providing Christmas presents for all the residents. He also gave an open invitation for all Masons to visit Devonshire Court at any time for a chat and cup of tea.

Sue Ryder Care Cheque Presentatation

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity continued its annual support to Hospices across England and Wales, by donating £600,000 in November 2008. The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each year.

For many tears, Freemasons have given enthusiastic support to Hospices and the total donations to this sector amount to more than £7.5m.

Norman Manser presents cheque

WBro Norman Manser presents £3,405 to Sue Ryder Care representatives

WBro Norman Manser PJGD, the senior group officer for Peterborough is seen here presenting a cheque for £3,405 to Sue Ryder Care - part of this years total donation by The Grand Charity.

Librarian(s) Wanted

Over the past years a number of Brethren have committed much time in looking after the Northampton Library and Museum, for which we are all most grateful.

We must, however, look to the future. It is with this in mind that we seek volunteers, not to replace anyone, but to continue this valuable work into the future.

If you want more information or might be interested in offering support and assistance please contact us.

Curtain Up on New Provincial Demonstration Team - 30 September 2008

A new Provincial Demonstration Team has been established to present historic Masonic plays for the enjoyment and education of Brethren in the Province. Over 20 budding actors and writers attended the inaugural team meeting on Tuesday 30 September in Northampton.

In his opening address to the meeting APGM WBro Vivian Thomas, Chairman of the Provincial Education & Training Committee, said, “The use of drama to educate and bring to life our Masonic history is very exciting. Group Officers will be promoting to their Lodges the concept of including a demonstration in plans for the forthcoming season. We have VWBro Derek Young to thank for setting this up when he was Chairman of the Education & Training Committee. My feeling on the subject of Demonstration Teams reflects that of Derek Young in that we want more Lodges to move from simply performing Firsts, Seconds and Thirds to accepting the enormous variation of Lectures, Demonstration and Orations that can enhance an understanding and enjoyment of our Craft. I’m delighted to say Demonstrations has the whole hearted support of our PGM, and I know he will be watching developments with considerable interest.”

Demonstration Team

The Pomfret Lodge No 360 Demonstration Team in 2006 with their play "A 1765 Initiation Ceremony"

WBro Trevor Sherman, who is setting up the Demonstration Team, said, “We are off to a flying start with the project. The Brethren who attended our inaugural meeting are very enthusiastic about the concept and the programme of plays. We identified two plays we will put into production in early 2009 with more planned over the next three years. We want to include members from all Masonic Centres across the Province. I’m still looking for Brethren to join the team. If you believe you can research, write or act in historic Masonic plays then please get in touch. I’m also very happy to receive nominations from Brethren would like to recommend members of their Lodge”.

The first of the two plays planned by the Provincial Demonstration Team, ‘A Lodge Night 1759’, will be premièred under the auspices of Palmer Stewards Lodge 8995 on Monday 23 March 2009. This will be followed by a second showing on Friday 24 April 2009 to be hosted by Kingsley Lodge 2431 in Northampton.

The Demonstration Team welcomes enquires from Lodge Secretaries, Worshipful Masters (serving, elected or to be) and Directors of Ceremonies to arrange for dates in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons.

For more information or to express an interest please contact WBro Trevor Sherman.

Provincial Information, Learning and Discussion Forum Launched - Summer 2008

In the summer of 2008, under the auspices of the Provincial Education and Training Committee, a Provincial masonic information, learning and discussion resource was established. It is in the form of a moderated, internet based forum that can be accessed by Master Masons who register. It contains papers that are available for download and other information on all manner of masonic topics.

A registered user can also initiate or take part in online (text based) discussions on any of the items in the forum or on other masonic topics of their choice.

Chairman of the Provincial Education and Training Committee, APGM, WBro Vivian Thomas said, “We live in exciting times. But a short while ago, such rapid access to a wealth of information was unheard of. The development of this forum will provide a wonderful opportunity for Brethren not only to enhance their understanding of freemasonry but to contribute towards evolving views on all manner of masonic debate. I hope Brethren will log on to the site and make full use of it.”

The forum creator and moderator, WBro Alan Kersely, said, “We have made a good start in gathering together material from various sources within the Province. However, I’m sure that, as yet, we are only scratching the surface. I hope Brethren will contact me with more contributions of masonic lectures, talks, references or in fact any masonic information they feel might be of use to others. I also hope Brethren will get involved in masonic discussion on the forum.”

1st Annual Provincial Beer Festival held on Saturday 16 August 2008

PGM with beer glass

Anglo Scottish Lodge No 8844 sponsored the 1st Annual Provincial Beer Festival.

It will took place at Freemasons' Hall, St George's Avenue, Northampton from 12 noon to 11pm on Saturday 16 August. There was entertainment and snacks were available to order.

Entrance tickets included a commemorative glass.

The event was organised by the Worshipful Master, WBro Tim Mills and Charity Steward, WBro Alex Thomson. For more information.

The picture features the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall, trying a sample.

Provincial Cricket Match a Big Hit - Sunday 3 August 2008

Many supporters witnessed a cricketing feast of good bowling and great batting at Ravensthorpe with a thrilling finale to the match between the Province and the Metropolitan Grand Lodge.

WBro Jeremy Thomas was unfortunately run out without scoring but it was no fault of his own and he would have won the game for us had he batted longer!

WBro Neil Young dropped a catch which also would have won the game for us.

WBro Mike Caseman-Jones had his middle stump removed by a fluke ball which would have gone for six and won the game for us. It was all that close.

Entertainment as it should be. The residents of Ravensthorpe were delighted to see the pitch being used again. Come and see for yourself next year.

In this keenly fought 30 overs a side encounter, our visitors scored 182 for 8 wickets and the Province replied with177 all out in 29 overs.

Members of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge expressed many thanks for their warm welcome and the hospitality extended to them. They say that it was by far the most enjoyable game they have played since starting the Provincial Cricket Challenge. To have the PGM and the two APGM’s and so many other supporters in attendance was a new experience for them all and they thoroughly enjoyed it. We expect to play them again in 2009.

Players representing the Province included the following Brethren: Mike Caseman-Jones (Capt), Mark Wilson, Jeremy Thomas, Brad Bull, Neil Young, Tony Pointing, Brian Gargett (wicket), Barrie Ball, David Collison, Jamie Plowman and David Mander

Towcester Lodges Donate to New Local School - September 2008

Towcester Church of England School opened in September 2008, replacing two schools - St Lawrence’s C of E Junior School and Towcester Infant School. All three Towcester Craft lodges (Fidelity, Lactodorum, and Towcestrian) donated money to pay for a prospectus for the new school. Any money left over will help pay for other items required by the new school.

Cheque presentation

Bros Tim Barrett, Towcestrian Lodge (left) and Oliver Lowe (right)

present cheques to Mrs Marian O'Grady (left), the Principle of the new school,

and Mrs Tracey Johnson (right), Chair of the Friends of St Lawrence’s School

Executive Changes at Provincial Grand Lodge - 15 May 2008

Derek Young

At the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 15 May 2008, VWBro Derek Young PGSwdB, retired from office as Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

On behalf of both the Province and himself, the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall, expressed his 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. (He was later apponited as the Province's first Provincial Grand Orator.)

Max Bayes

VWBro Derek Young PGSwdB

The Provincial Grand Master appointed WBro Max Bayes PSGD as Deputy Provincial Grand Master;

Wayne Williams

WBro Max Bayes PSGD

reappointed WBro Wayne Williams PSGD as Assistant Provincial Grand Master; WBro Dr Vivian Thomas PJGD

WBro Wayne Williams PSGD

and appointed WBro Dr Vivian Thomas PJGD as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

WBro Dr Vivian Thomas PJGD

Copies of the reports to Provincial Grand Lodge of the Provincial Grand Secretary, the Provincial Grand Almoner and the Provincial Grand Treasurer are available from the Provincial Office

Kimbolton Castle Charity Big Band Concert, 6 July 2008

A Gala Charity Big Band Concert, organised by the Brethren of Old Kimboltonians' Lodge No 7204, was held in the grounds of Kimbolton Castle on Sunday, 6 July 2008.

Successful Provincial Variety Show - Saturday 10 May 2008

On a warm, balmy evening at Freemasons' Hall, Northampton on Saturday, 10 May, over a year’s planning culminated with the Provincial Variety Show taking to the stage. The performers, whose ages ranged from 8 yrs to 78 yrs, all gave freely of their time and talent.

Part old time music hall, part break dancing, part music from the shows, part magic, part traditional Celtic dancing - but wholly compelling and pleasurable. The twelve acts were acclaimed by the 170 strong audience.

East Anglia's Premier Toastmaster, Alan Choat, acted as Master of Ceremony for this rich mixture of variety entertainment with something for all ages and tastes.

Local Masonic impresario, WBro Tony Potter and his team had put many hours of preparation into making this a superbly run evening of entertainment.

Local Oganiser, WBro Tony Potter		Master of Ceremonies, Alan Choat

Scarlet		Anthony

Sam Hagan


Forte with (left to right) David Russell, Lisa Simpson and John Simpson

In conclusion the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall, warmly congratulated all who had contributed - making this both a most enjoyable and successful evening.

It resulted in £2,650 being raised in aid of the 2013 Festival.

Top Brass Concert, Peterborough Cathedral, Saturday 12 April 2008

Conducted by David Reed, the Provincial "Top Brass" Concert was a great success and enthralled a most enthusiastic audience at Peterborough Cathedral. With soloists Caroline Trutz (soprano) and Benjamin Horden (organ) this unique collection of first rate musicians performed a programme of light, popular classics ending with a 'Last Night of the Proms' style finale which was thoroughly enjoyed and rapturously received by all who attended.

Top Brass Concert

Proceeds of this outstanding event are in aid of the 2013 Festival.

£10,000 Presented to Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance - 11 April 2008

Freemasons have donated £10,000 to the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. The money was raised through fund raising by local Lodges (Daventry lodges - Beneventa No 2380, Coritani No 8079, Danetre 8594 and Buckby Castle 8932 - and a Northampton Lodge - Harmony 9048) with additional support from the Provincial Grand Charity and Grand Charity.

Air Ambulace Cheque Presentation

On Friday 11 April a group of Masons representing these Lodges travelled to Coventry Airport. WBros David Tempest and Dick Godwin presented the cheque. This adds to the many thousands of pounds already donated to the Air Ambulance by Freemasons of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire which they will continue to support.

Ceres Lodge No 6977 Donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society - 5 April 2008

The Worshipful Master of Ceres Lodge No 6977, WBro Trevor Hood, has been instrumental in raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. With and his wife, Linda's, support he chose to support this charity during his year as Worshipful Master after meeting sufferers of the debilitating illness.

WBro Trevor Hood & Mike Naylor

At a recent Ceres Lodge Ladies Festival Luncheon attended by ninety six brethren and guests, WBro Hood (on the left) presented a cheque for £350 to Mike Naylor of the Northampton and District Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Natahala Lodge No 9805 Banner Dedication - 5 February 2008

Nearly 100 Brethren enjoyed the dedication of the banner of Natahala Lodge No 9805 at Peterborough Masonic Centre on Tuesday 5 February.

Dedication Team

The Worshipful Master, WBro David Pittham OBE PAGDC, was pleased to welcome the Provincial Banner Dedication Team led by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Wayne Williams. He said he was most pleased to be making a return visit to Natahala Lodge, having been a part of the Consecration Team.

After the ceremony the ladies were invited to the festive board. The Worshipful Master made the now customary grand entrance wearing the magnificent Red Indian headdress. This was particularly poignant because WBro Harry Arnold who brought it from the USA and presented it to the Lodge was present.

Endurance Feats of Fittest Mason in Province

Bro Keith Rumbold of Ferraria of Lodge No 8489 can lay claim to being the fittest Mason in the Province.

In the last week of November 2007, he completed a tremendous feat of endurance by finishing the Himalayan Endurance Race - a little matter of five marathons in five days. The third being around Mount Everest!

He received very well earned total sponsorship of £5,500 - from the Provincial Grand Charity (£2000), Corby Masons (£1,500) and non-Masonic sources (£2000).

Three years ago he ran the London marathon raising £2000 for the local Lakelands Hospice.

Bro Keith‘s fund raising efforts over the past 20 years have been officially recognised by the award of the MBE.

Bro Keith Rumbold at Himalayan Endurance Race start

Teddies for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service

In January, 2008, the ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ scheme was extended to the Fire and Rescue Service. This is a first for the Province, following our successes with A & E units, walk-in centres and paramedic ambulances. The addition of this Service promises to be a huge success and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ‘Freemasonry in the Community’.

All 28 of Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Services frontline fire engines, covering 22 stations from Brackley at one end of the county to Oundle at the other, now carry a stock of bears for fire crews to give to children they encounter in distress. From house fires to road traffic accidents, the fire crews will now have an extra string to their bows when helping young children deal with the trauma an incident brings.

Bro Mark Douglas (of St John’s Lodge No 3972 in Northampton) for 15 years a firefighter in the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said, “In our daily work we often encounter young children in distress of varying levels. Sometimes children are not injured themselves so do not attend A&E but could have lost family members or loved ones or even all their possessions due to a fire or an accident. These bears will provide us with a great help in the early stages of an incident to give children something to focus on other than what is happening around them.”

Picture of Bro Mark Douglas

by courtesy of Northampton Chronicle & Echo

The scheme has received full support from the County’s Chief Fire Officer and a space has been created at the Service’s Headquarters for a stock of bears to ensure engines are replenished quickly.

The TLC scheme is a great example of Freemasonry really making a difference to the lives of communities through its fundraising and hard work.

Following the presentation of the first batch of 72 teddies to Bro Mark Douglas of Northants Fire & Rescue Services on 19th January, WBro John Payne (TLC Co-ordinator for Northampton) said, “We now only need to involve the police in this natural progression and we will have a full house”

Piscator Lodge No 7557 Becomes 90th in the Province

Piscator Lodge No 7557 came about in the mid 1950s when a number of anglers went on a trip to Dieppe. In the bar, following a days fishing, many of them realised that they had a lot in common. The discussion moved to a decision to form a Lodge. The Lodge is predominantly an anglers’ Lodge but also has members with other interests.

On Wednesday 29 January 1958 the Lodge was consecrated at Great Queen Street. Today it still has two of its founders as Honorary members. It is one of seventeen Lodges which follow Stability Working.

During its first 50 years, Piscator Lodge met at Clerkenwell Green, London. Its last meeting there was on 24 January 2008. This Province is very honoured and pleased that the Lodge has decided to re-locate to Northampton - thereby becoming our 90th Lodge.

This decision has been made because of falling membership in London and a number of the members now reside in and around Northampton. The Lodge is hoping to attract new members. Its new Secretary is WBro Bill Ridoutt who can be contacted through this site.

Meeting four times a year, the Lodge’s first meetings in Northampton are on 20 March 2008 and then 23 May 2008. Any Brother wishing to attend the first meeting or interested in joining the Lodge should contact the Provincial Office which will re-direct all enquiries.

Provincial Web Site Relaunched - 1 January, 2008

As part of efforts to continually improve communications within the Province and to more critically assess its impact, the Provincial web site has had a major overhaul. The new, improved version is now relaunched. It will provide a comprehensive source of Masonic information including a dynamically updated list of the Lodges meeting each day in the Province.

When he was the Provincial Information Officer, WBro Chris Smith set up the original site. As the march of technology and electronic communication has continued at an unrelenting pace, the medium has become an ever more important part of Masonic communication. The Provincial site has already been directly responsible for some non-Masons becoming members.

The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall said, “WBro Chris has done a wonderful job in establishing and maintaining the site. He has relinquished roles of both Information Officer and Webmaster to concentrate on other important Masonic work. It is therefore an opportune time for his successor as Webmaster to update the site thus ensuring it continues to play its fullest part in the process of communication within the Province.”

With the help of Bro Paul Bass of Digital Flair, the new Webmaster, WBro Gerry Crawford has revamped the site. He said, “We intend that, for those with internet access, this site should be a primary source of information about Freemasonry in general and this Province in particular. It is aimed at Masons and non-Masons alike.”

The Provincial Information Officer, WBro Richard Turpin commented, “The site is now one of the foremost dynamic sites of its type and I commend it to you as a useful tool for Mason and non-Masons alike. It is very well placed to play its part in the daily advancement in Masonic knowledge for members and will be most helpful to anyone who has a wish to know more about Freemasonry in general or details of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire in particular. If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you could always ask one of your children or grandchildren (they all seem to have access these days). They will be sure to amaze you with what they find on their computer at this excellent ‘new’ site!”

One of the ways in which you can take full advantage of the site is by making it the homepage in your web browser (eg Internet Explorer).

If some aspect of Masonic life in the Province is not covered as well as you would like or is not up to date please contact the Webmaster, WBro Gerry Crawford.

Click on year to go to News of 2010 2009 2007