Provincial News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The recent Manchester Arena tragedy has brought a generous response from Masons in this Province who have so far raised £7,000 to help relieve the suffering caused by the tragedy.
This has been sent to the Province of East Lancashire where WBro Ken Davies, MBE, the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Charity Steward, is co-ordinating Masonic fund raising. He said
Please convey my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed. I can assure them that all donations will be put to good use through through a specially set up charitable trust. This response from Freemasons shows Freemasonry at its best.
There have also been donations from other Provinces.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Traditionally, this event is much anticipated by Companions throughout our province and this convocation, being the 11th hosted by our MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, was no exception. Over 250 Companions were in attendance which included 14 Acting, and 2 Past ME Grand Superintendents and other officers from surrounding Provinces. The Province was also honoured also by the presence of the Most Excellent 3rd Grand Principal, E Comp Gareth Jones, OBE
A change in the Executive was effected due to E Comp George Clayton stepping down, as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, due to some health issues. Installed in his place was E Comp Jim Boughton, who is particularly well known for his recent five year tenure as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
The Third Grand Principal addressed the convocation during which he discussed membership issues especially relating to Retention and Retrieval in a most thought provoking manner, which was very well received by all present.
Our MEGS during his address was pleased to announce a particularly healthy increase in new Companions joining our Royal Arch Province over the past calendar year, and certainly the largest during his time in office. While he was pleased to congratulate all Chapters for their hard work in achieving this result, he particularly advised avoidance of any complacency, particularly requesting that Companions ensure efforts are maintained to strengthen and reinforce the membership.
The ceremony was followed by an excellent Festive Board at which the Third Grand Principal further addressed the Companions much to the appreciation of all present. As is customary on these occasions, he was presented with a gift to commemorate a truly memorable and very happy occasion.
Finally, the Provincial Scribe E, E Companion David Brown and his Assistant and all others involved were thanked for organising this wonderful day of Companionship at it’s very best.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 18th of June 2017, Stamford Freemasons participated in the annual mayoral procession and church service.
Braving the heart, the public turned-out to line the streets and witness this ancient tradition, which is held at the inauguration of every Stamford mayor as they enter into their year of office.
Stamford Freemasons have joined the mayoral parade before, but not for many years. This year, to mark the United Grand Lodge of England Tercentenary, members of the Stamford Craft Lodges, wearing their full Masonic regalia, joined other civic bodies and local dignitaries as they walked from the Town Hall, up St Marys Hill, through Red Lion Square, and ending at All Saints Church.
Senior Group Officer WBro Philip Collins, PAGDC leading the parade's Masonic contingent
Following the service, Masons, together with their families and friends, were able to meet at the second of two Stamford Masonic Centre open-days. which were held over the weekend to give visitors the chance to learn more about Freemasonry and the work done by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), including the recent success of the Stamford Carers Sitters Service in securing an MCF grant of at least £4,000. Visitors were able to enter the lodge room where experienced Brethren were on-hand to explain the symbolism contained therein and answer questions.
These events were the perfect opportunity to highlight that Freemasonry has been in Stamford for over 150 years and to thank our community for their support over all that time.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, authorised a £1,000 donation directly to the Manchester Bomb Appeal on behalf of our Royal Arch Province; our Grand Superintendent has a very close relationship with his East Lancashire counterpart, E Comp Sir David Trippier, as both sit on the Committee of General Purposes.
The donation was very well received by the Province of East Lancashire as the extract from the recently received e-mail shows:
"I acknowledge receipt of your most generous donation of £1,000 on behalf of Provincial Grand Chapter of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.
I am informed that the RW Provincial Grand Master has agreed that monies will be donated to the most appropriate charitable fund which appears to us is best serving the needs of the victims and families. We are also waiting on hearing from the new Mayor of Greater Manchester in regards to what his office has set up. The British Red Cross have aligned themselves to the Manchester Evening News appeal, but as this is all about dealing with the consequences, we will consider all options and make an informed decision being cognisant that our monies are coming from Freemasons. Whatever is chosen will be checked out thoroughly and all Provinces advised/updated.”
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At the Quarterly Communications meeting of Grand Lodge held on Wednesday the 14th of June 2017, the Pro Grand Master, MW Bro Peter Lowndes, congratulated the Province on having no less than eighty-eight members present.
After the ceremony, members enjoyed lunch with a guest of honour, Simone Enefer-Doy CEO of LifeLites. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, presented Simone with a cheque for £10,000 and a second cheque for £2,000 from an undisclosed Masonic donor.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, with Simone Enefer-Doy
The PGM said:
We are keen to support this wonderful organisation - LifeLites - that does so much for children in difficult circumstances. Lodges and individuals in the Province have contributed and we know the money will be put to very good use.
Simone Enefer-Doy gave a notice of thanks to the PGM saying:
We are most grateful for your continued support which does make the lives of these children so much more fulfilling. We know that you are going into Festival next year but thank you for the wonderful you have given us so far.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 11th of June, 2017, over 800 Freemasons from throughout Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire joined together with civic dignitaries, family and friends to help celebrate 300 years since the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England with a specially dedicated Evensong service at Peterborough Cathedral. The service was conducted by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker, who welcomed everyone and commented on the common theme of `giving` in all aspects of life.
The service was preceded by a parade of Freemasons in their Masonic regalia from the Peterborough Town Hall to the Cathedral in glorious sunshine, with members of the public lining the route. Each of the 93 member lodges from the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire were represented and paraded their historic and colourful lodge banners. The parade aimed to replicate the last Masonic parade to be held in Peterborough over 95 years ago. Prior to this, parades were quite a regular feature in many towns and cities, but since the Second World War they had become rare.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, leading the Tercentenary Parade - click here for more pictures
The last parade, which took place in 1922 (click here to view video footage), was held to help raise funds to assist with major restoration works needed in the north-east wing of Peterborough Cathedral. The event raised a significant sum and coupled with other fundraising, the target was reached and the work completed.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, commented -
It is a wonderful day for Freemasonry in general and the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire in particular. I am sure that all present thoroughly enjoyed the day and were rightly proud of their membership.
Nationally, the 200,000 members of the United Grand Lodge of England come from all walks of life and meet as equals whatever their faith, ethnic group or position in society. For many, this spirit of fellowship is what is valued most, making new friends and helping others. Charity is at the heart of the organisation and Freemasons contribute over £33 million a year as one of the UK`s largest charitable givers. Raising funds largely through voluntary donations, they support individual members, local communities and global emergencies.
In Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, Freemasons raise over £100,000 each year for Charitable purposes and regularly support the local community with donations to many worthy causes, such as the Sue Ryder Hospice. In addition, The Three Pillars Feeding The Homeless Trust is a registered charity backed by local Freemasons which aims to provide practical help and support to those living on the streets. On several nights each week in Peterborough, volunteers using a catering van distribute warm food, clean clothing and bedding to those in need.
This Peterborough event is just one of many happening up and down the country throughout this special Tercentenary year for Freemasons, culminating with the main event at The Royal Albert Hall in October. To further mark the 300 year anniversary, The Masonic Charitable Foundation is donating £3m to 300 charities throughout England and Wales, with six local charities set to benefit. Further details on how everyone can get involved and vote are available by clicking here.