Craft News
- Written by: Simon Key
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of RWBro H. Brian Smith, aged 85 years, a Past Provincial Grand Master of this Province from July 1990 to June 1997.
RWBro H. Brian Smith PPGM
RWBro Brian, a chartered accountant by profession, was initiated into Freemasonry in March 1957 and exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in September 1971.
Prior to taking-up the appointment as PGM, RWBro Brian was Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 1984 to 1990; he was also acting Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1979 to 1984.
RWBro Brian attained his first Grand rank in 1983 when he was promoted to PAGDC. He was further promoted to PGSwdB in 1985, and was a Grand Steward from 2005 to 2006. In 1999, shortly after his tenure ended as PGM, RWBro Brian became President of the RMBI, a post he served till 2004.
RWBro Brian was also a Grand Officer in the Holy Royal Arch. He attained the rank of PAGSoj in 1991 and was promoted to GScN in 1997.
RWBro Brian was a hard-working, well-liked and well-respected Mason. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Final Funeral Arrangements
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- Written by: Gerry Crawford
It is with great sadness that the Passing to the Grand Lodge Above of WBro Peter Jones PSGD is reported. He died at the Great Western Hospital Swindon on Monday 28 August and had been in poor health for some time, becoming frail and confused. He was 86 years old.
With his lifelong friend WBro Dennis Rideout, he was initiated in the Lodge of Remembrance meeting at Swindon in the Province of Wiltshire on 1st April 1964. He progressed through the various offices and became WM in 1981.
His work in the house building industry took him to Northampton. There, on 25 March 1991, he became a joining member of Grey Friars Lodge No 4990.
On 3rd August 1992 he became a founder member of Sulgrave Lodge which meets at Rushden and became its WM in 2001.
He achieved Grand Rank in 2004 and was promoted in Grand Rank to Past Senior Grand Deacon in 2005.
In a distinguished Masonic career an important event was his service as the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Wiltshire from 2004 to 2007.
In 2014 he received from both his home Province of Wiltshire and also this Province Jubilee Certificates marking his 50 years in Freemasonry.
Although he had lived in Swindon for much of his life that did not hinder his enjoyment of Masonry in this Province. Over the years he travelled many thousands of miles back and forth between Wiltshire and his Lodges in this Province.
He was one of life's true gentlemen and will be greatly missed.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Friday the 1st of September 2017, the Provincial Webmaster and Master of Lactodorum Lodge No. 8526, WBro Simon Key, together with Bro Des Morris, also of Lactodorum, were pleased to attend the home address of 15-year old Eloise Whitlock in Bugbrooke, and present her with a cheque for £200 in support of her bid to take-part in World Challenge India 2018.
Eloise was born severely deaf but wasn't diagnosed as such until she was nearly 3-years old.
Since then, and with specialist teaching-support, Eloise has been able to attend Bugbrooke Pre-School, Bugbrooke Primary School and her current school, Campion.
The members of Lactodorum were made aware of Eloise's bid as a result of an inspirational letter she sent to Bro Des, who is a near-neighbour.
Eloise wrote:
As a result of my deafness, I have had issues with self-esteem/worth and it has taken me a very long time to realise that most things are possible for me but extra support/equipment may be needed.
With my confidence growing, I have decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and do something that would benefit others and show me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
Eloise Whitlock with Bro Des Morris (left) and WBro Simon Key
World Challenge expeditions are designed to develop important life skills; they help students to:
- Hone teamwork and leadership skills
- Gain confidence and self-esteem
- Become more globally aware
- Enhance their employment prospects
Students taking part in World Challenge are required to raise the money needed by fundraising and sponsorship.
Eloise has earned money by doing jobs for friends and family (including grass cutting), dog walking and selling homemade cakes. She has also taken part in a sponsored abseil down the National Lift Tower (previously called the Express Lift Tower and known locally as the "Northampton Lighthouse").
The members of Lactodorum Lodge are thrilled to be able to assist Eloise in her endeavour and send her their very best wishes for her trip.
- Written by: Simon Key
Two events in the Province have made the news on the Freemasonry Today website.
Firstly, the Tercentenary Parade at Peterborough on Sunday the 11th of June, 2017 -
Click here to view the article on the Freemasonry Today website.
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Secondy, the donation made by Daventry Masons to Friends of Danetre Hospital -
Click here to view the article on the Freemasonry Today website.
You may also click the picture to view it full-size, as per the instructions above.