Provincial News
On Saturday the 19th November 2016, Bro Benjamin Turvey was initiated into Abington Lodge No. 8041. The meeting was held at the Masonic Centre, Sheaf Close, Northampton.
Bro Ben is the stepson of WBro Selwyn Griffiths; he is also the stepbrother of Bro Jonathan Griffiths.
Performing in his capacity of Junior Deacon, Bro Jonathan conducted Bro Ben around the Lodge during the ceremony. The Master of the Lodge, WBro John Harris, invited WBro Selwyn to take the Master's chair up-to and including the obligation of his stepson.
It was a most enjoyable evening for everyone present, especially the very proud Griffiths family!
From left to right, WBro Selwyn Griffiths PPJGW, Bro Ben Turvey and Bro Jonathan Griffiths
- Written by: Simon Key
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of W.Bro John Witts PPSGW to the Grand Lodge above.
WBro John was initiated into Delapre Lodge on 15 January 1965, became Master in 1972, and served the lodge as organist since leaving the Chair of KS.
He was extremely well known among Northampton Masons being either the organist or honorary organist of Delapre Lodge, Pomfret Lodge, Kingsley Lodge, Lodge of St George, Anglo Scottish Lodge, Lodge of Harmony and Towcestrian Lodge. He was also organist of three Northampton Chapters as well as a number of Mark lodges.
WBro John was Provincial Grand Organist from 1978 to 1987. He rose through the ranks of Provincial Grand Lodge, culminating in the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. He was honoured with the Provincial Grand Master's Certificate of Merit in 2010.
WBro John's funeral will take place at 11am on Tuesday 6 December, 2016 at St Andrews Church, Harlestone Village, Northampton NN7 4EN and afterwards at Sheaf Close from 12.30pm to 1.00pm.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
WBro John Witts PPSGW receiving his 50-year Jubilee certificate from WBro Charles Bennett in 2015
- Written by: Simon Key
We are pleased to confirm the appointment of a new Local Communications Officer, W. Bro Nigel Dickens of Kingsley Lodge 2431. Nigel replaces W Bro Tony Potter who has retired from the role after many years of distinguished service. Nigel will work with the other Northampton Communications Officer, WBro Andy Moore, to facilitate communications to/from the Northampton Lodges.
W. Bro Nigel Dickens of Kingsley Lodge 2431
Nigel was initiated into Apollo Lodge 7886(EC) in the District of Cyprus in October 1988 while serving in the RAF, but because of his posting back to the UK in 1990 and the arrival of his first daughter, his progression in Freemasonry paused for a time.
However, on leaving the RAF in 2002 and settling back in Northampton, he became a joining member of Kingsley Lodge, working his way through the ranks to become Master in 2011. He is currently Lodge Mentor.
Nigel was Exalted into Kingsley Chapter in 2007 and is presently 2nd Principal. He is also a member of Northampton Castle Mark and Victory Preceptory No 207 Knights Templar and is currently the Deputy Commander of the Provincial Priors Bodyguard.
Nigel married his wife Helen in 1979 and they have two grown up daughters. Since leaving the RAF, he has been working as an IT and Information Security specialist and is currently a Cyber Security Consultant.
We are very pleased to welcome Nigel to our Provincial Communications Team.
- Written by: Simon Key
The inspection of the Naval Cadets taking part in the Kettering Remembrance Day procession was undertaken by Commodore Andrew Kyte RN. Andrew is the son of WBro Jeff Kyte, PM of Cytringan Lodge No 4048. Andrew was educated at Kettering Boys School before going to University College Cambridge and then attending Dartmouth Royal Naval College.
Commodore Andrew Kyte RN undertaking his Inspection prior to the parade
Commodore Andrew Kyte RN with his father, WBro Jeff Kyte PM of Cytringan Lodge No 4048