As the 2014/15 Masonic season comes towards a close and the Holy Royal Arch Chapters hold their last meetings, Excellent Companion David Jackson enjoyed a most convivial evening of companionship at Ailwyn Chapter which was his last official visit as Deputy Grand Superintendent. E Comp David, has served on this Province’s Executive since 2002 which is over 13 years dedicated service, the last 9 years have been in the capacity of Deputy Grand Superintendent. It should be noted that he has served under 2 Grand Superintendents.

During this period, E Comp David has enjoyed many official visits across the province and has represented Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire across the country at numerous Provincial Grand Chapter meetings. His last visit at Ailwyn on Monday night was an excellent occasion and enjoyed by all those in attendance. The Three Principals wished E Comp David well in his retirement and thanked him for his services to the Holy Royal Arch, which met with unanimous agreement from all the Companions present.

On 14 April 2015, Thistle & Rose Chapter in Corby,  welcomed their newest Companion, Comp Matt Garner, which was a most enjoyable occasion for all. Comp Matt was delighted to complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. Comp Matt's father Comp Mel Garner was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch, in the same Chapter at their previous meeting.

The photo below shows E Comp D.G. Rodger, Comp M. Garner, E Comp D. Hopkins, and E Comp D. Docherty

Our Provincial Team visited Whytewell Chapter in Wellingborough on Tuesday 7th April to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural  meeting  of this very fine Chapter, a truly remarkable evening of Royal Arch Masonry was enjoyed by all. Our congratulations and best wishes go to newest member Comp Matthew Horton who was Exalted into this supreme Order in the most exemplary manner. This very special evening was supported by nineteen Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter, all of whom were most appreciative of the very kind hospitality received throughout the evening.

Excellent Companion Geoffrey Barnes PAGDC 1938-2015

Geoffrey was born and raised in  Manchester in the year preceding the Second World War. As a youngster he  enjoyed a career in the Boy Scouts, after which he joined the Navy in whose care he travelled extensively World Wide for a number of years. After leaving the Service he returned to Rochdale and set up a successful business in the shoe trade, became married to his beloved Susan and became the father of two sons, Simon and Michael.

Much of his later life was spent in Ramsey where he quickly became involved in the local scene and was able to enjoy his many hobbies of shooting, fishing ,bowls and golf………and Masonics but not necessarily in that order! 

He was Installed as MEZ in Ailwyn Chapter 3535 in 1998 and promoted to PAGDC by the MEGS in 2012 in recognition of his sterling work on behalf of the HRA in the easternmost borders of the Province. As he was always keen to tell us….. “that glorious luminary the Sun, rises in the East from whence it diffuses light and influence to rest of the Province…”

The packed Memorial Service, held at St Thomas a Becket Church, Ramsey on Thursday 12 March was a testament to his popularity within the wider community. A poem “Footprints” was read by his dear friend Ex. Companion Esmond Edwards and a comprehensive and moving Eulogy was presented by his sons, Simon and Michael who between them gave an amazing insight into his long and very full life.

He will, of course, be greatly missed by his widow Susan, his family and the “Ramsey Boys” at the Abbey Rooms.  We send them our deepest sympathy.