Written by: Michael Genner

Published: 21 October 2016

WBro Simon Key, the Provincial Webmaster, was installed into the Chair of Lactodorum Lodge on Thursday the 20th of October 2016 at Towcester Masonic Centre. Seventy-six brethren attended the meeting including WBro Charles Bennett, the Assistant PGM. Many fellow members of the Provincial Communications Committee were also present.

The work within the Lodge Room was an absolute credit to all those who took part as was the excellent Festive Board. At the latter, WBro Simon read touching words from his ritual book that had been written some twenty years ago when it was presented to him by his seconder, WBro Andy Palmer-Smith, who was present and to whom he offered grateful thanks. 

Written by: Simon Key

Published: 17 October 2016

On Wednesday 12^th October 2016 Bro Rhys Derreck Perrin was initiated into Vale of Nene Lodge No. 7006 aged 22 years. Both Rhys's father and grandfather were freemasons in Essex but have since passed away. As a result of talks he'd had with his father, Rhys was keen to carry on the family tradition once he became old enough.

Three members of his father’s Lodge, Stanford-le-Hope Lodge No 5217, secretly travelled to the Peterborough Masonic centre at Ellindon to surprise Rhys at his initiation.They presented him with a gift from his grandmother: his grandfather’s Masonic wristwatch.

Written by: Michael Genner

Published: 17 October 2016

The meeting was held on Friday the 23rd September 2016 in the Whitehall State Room of Kimbolton Castle.

There were one hundred and forty seven brethren in attendance including the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Hugh Wootton, the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, and four other Right Worshipful brethren including the Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire. Forty Officers of Grand Lodge and ten acting Provincial Grand Lodge Officers were also present.

A fine installation ceremony was led by the Installing Master, WBro Jeremy Allen, and concluded by the Worshipful Master, WBro Michael Herbert, who welcomed three new honorary members: RWBro Max Bayes, RWBro William Barrington Hall and VWBro Graham Redman. There were also propositions for two initiates and two joining members. A busy year is assured!

Whilst replying to the toast to Grand Lodge, the Assistant Grand Master expressed his delight at being present.

Proposing the toast to the WM, VWBro Derek Young spoke fondly of their days at school together and referred to WBro Michael`s glittering Masonic career in some detail.

A special evening concluded with Peace, Love and Harmony, and the Tyler’s Toast.

Written by: Simon Key

Published: 15 October 2016

Following the recent appointment of WBro. Peter Robinson PProvGStwd to Provincial Communications Officer, WBro Neil Langford has been appointed as the new Local Information Officer for the area of Kettering and Thrapston.

Neil was initiated into Rockingham Forest Lodge No. 9491 in 2006. He was installed as WM in 2013 and is now Secretary. He is also WM of Iris Lodge No. 2545 (which meets in London), and Secretary of the Kettering United Lodge of Instruction.

In addition to his Craft memberships, Neil is MEZ of St Crispin Chapter No. 5627, Treasurer of Perseverance Preceptory No. 218, Treasurer of Powys Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 685, and a member of Perseverance Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners.

Having held various positions in the railway industry during his 35 year career, Neil retired from London Midland in 2015 at which time he was General Manager for the West Midlands region.

Neil married his wife, Jane, in 2012 and they have six children between them. They enjoy holidays together, typically experiencing new places or seeking-out steam trains in Eastern Europe.

In addition to the time he devotes to Freemasonry, Neil volunteers for many activities, including the role of `Racemaker` for large events at Silverstone (as pictured below.)

We welcome Neil to our Communications Committee and wish him every success!