Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 19 December 2016

Brethren,

As Christmas is fast approaching, on behalf of the Executive of the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our members, their families and friends an enjoyable, peaceful Christmas as well as a healthy and prosperous 2017.

Certainly, 2017 will be a landmark year for English Freemasonry and I hope that you are all able to enjoy the various events that are being organised to mark the occasion in this Province. It will give us the opportunity to continue to talk about Freemasonry in a positive manner, to explain to people what a fantastic organisation it is and why it is so pleasurable to be a member.

As this busy year draws to a close, I would like to express the gratitude of myself and my Executive team for the support that we receive from you all during the course of the year, it is greatly appreciated.

Please take the time to enjoy your Christmas break with your family and friends and I look forward to having you join me in celebrating 300 years of English Freemasonry in 2017.

Yours sincerely & fraternally,

RW Bro Max Bayes
Provincial Grand Master

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 19 December 2016

Companions All, 

Certainly time flies and another year has passed and here we are again, rapidly approaching our Seasonal celebrations with the challenges of a New Year quickly to follow.

Always endeavouring to keep up with ever-advancing technology with Social Media, Websites, Facebook and my good old friend, the Intertwit, at least it gives me an opportunity of directly conveying to you all the very best of Seasonal Greetings, not only on behalf of myself but also on behalf of my colleagues on the Royal Arch Provincial Executive.

We should never lose sight of the true meaning and real purpose of Christmas and all it stands for - a period of joy and celebration as we reflect on events of some 2000 years ago in a far off land. Particularly at this time, we should enjoy and share the love of family and friends but then in quieter moments, perhaps take time out for calm reflection on events of recent past and events we can anticipate in the months ahead. And with batteries recharged, we may then be better prepared to approach the New Year with renewed vigour, enthusiasm and confidence.

Let me therefore thank you all for the wonderful support you have given to me, to my colleagues and to the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch over the last 12 months in particular. Can I, in return, wish you, your nearest and dearest and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas coupled with a healthy and prosperous New Year to follow. Thank you for sharing your companionship; thank you for your friendship and I’ll look forward to catching up again with you all in 2017.

A very Happy Christmas to you all.

E Comp Wayne Edward Williams
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent

Written by: Simon Key

Published: 17 December 2016

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) have given Community Support and Research Grants to Lakelands Hospice and Thorpe Hall Sue Ryder Care to the values of £1,000 and £3,863 respectively.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 15 December 2016

On Sunday 11 December, Peterborough Cathedral was again the venue for the Province’s Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. Peterborough Cathedral was filled by members, their friends and families from across the Province. The Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr David Sanders, was amongst the civic dignitaries in attendance which included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Richard Barnwell as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, Simon Leatham. 

The Acting Dean of Peterborough, Canon Jonathan Baker, led the service itself, and the lessons were read by our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes as well as the Heads of Orders from within the Province including the Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and the Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Degree, RW Bro George Bonham.

The choir of Peterborough Cathedral was absolutely first class throughout the service. Following the service, there were the usual mince pies and glasses of wine to enjoy which helped start the Christmas feeling for those who were in attendance.