Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
Provincial Grand Chapter 2016 Convocation
The annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on Thursday 23 June 2016 was, yet again, another special occasion. It was, as has become the norm, very well attended and the occasion was graced by the attendance of the ME 2nd Grand Principal, E Comp Russell Race, making his first visit to the Province since his installation in November 2015. There were a further 70 guests from other Provinces including no less than 13 Grand Superintendents.
After the appointments and promotions had been made, the ME 2nd Grand Principal was invited to address the Convocation. During his address, he was particularly keen to stress the importance of membership numbers and that we all need to do our bit to ensure that we look after and retain Companions in our Chapters. He also noted that this Province enjoys a strong, healthy relationship with the Craft and how valuable such a relationship is for the Holy Royal Arch. During the course of his own address, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent thanked all of those Active Provincial Officers who had supported him over the course of this season. He took time express his thanks to E Comp Barry Hadley for his superb contribution in the Provincial office over the last 10 years and wished him well as Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. E Comp Tony Greene stood down as Provincial Grand Treasurer after 11 years and his dedication to ensuring the Province’s finances were well run was acknowledged too. E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, and his team were congratulated for the excellent way in which they ensured the Convocation ran smoothly.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent advised the Companions present that he had presented his Certificate of Meritorious Service to E Comp Stan Wilford earlier in the week with his Executive team. He spoke very warmly about E Comp Stan and said that this well deserved award reflected an above and beyond contribution over a significant number of years.
During the course of the Festive Board, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent made a special presentation of an engraved Crystal Decanter to the ME 2nd Grand Principal to mark his first visit to the Province.
Below: ME 2nd Grand Principal, E Comp Russell Race, replying to his toast and pictured with our Provincial Executive.
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s Certificate of Meritorious Service Award
Presentation to Excellent Companion Stan Wilford – PGStB
On Monday 20 June 2016, on the final run-up to the annual convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter, the MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, together with his Executive, was delighted to travel to Wellingborough, in order to present this very special award to E Comp Stan at his home in Wellingborough.
It would be extremely difficult to find a more deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. E Comp Stan’s glittering masonic career began some 65 years ago on being initiated into the John Pyel Lodge No. 5195 in 1952. He then went on to be Exalted into the Wellingborough Chapter No. 737 in 1965. Having been the recipient of a Royal Arch Jubilee Certificate in September 2015, marking his 50 years of exemplary service to the Holy Royal Arch, this award reflects his commitment, dedication, and unfailing encouragement he has always shown to younger and less experienced Companions.
He is admired, respected, and held in such high regard by his peers and indeed by all those who enjoy the privilege of knowing him. On presenting the award, the citation was formally read out by the PrGScE Designate, E Comp David Brown, in a most commendable manner. Thanks to his wife Jessie, this presentation came as a complete surprise to E Comp Stan who clearly enjoyed his very special morning. E Comp Stan, for health reasons, will unfortunately be unable to attend Provincial Grand Chapter, but there is little doubt that he will, on Thursday, be quietly raising a glass of something rather special, in celebration of his richly deserved preferment and, of course, to the very good health of his many friends and Companions.
Pictured below our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams presents E Comp Stan with his certificate and his wife, Jessie,
with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
At Rushden LAMS Chairman's Coffee Morning in May 2016 yhey celebrated the Queen's 90th birthday and used the occasion to mark the many significant birthdays being celebrated in 2016 by a number of members. Sheila Hartley (70), Evelyn Willmott (90) and Penny Sargent (75) are seen cutting the cake.
On Friday 20 May 2016 Rushden LAMS and guests enjoyed a magical evening of music prresented by Northampton Male Voice Choir who performed in the Lodge Room. This was followed by a delicious supper in Dining Room. Proceeds are to go towards their charities for 2016, Alzheimers Society and Parkinson's UK.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Kitty Hickman, one of our Widows, was pleased to receive a message from the Queen congratulating her on achieving her 100th birthday on 10th June. Kitty’s family joined her at the residential home where she lives to celebrate her birthday. Kitty’s late husband, Fred Hickman was Worshipful Master of Pomfret Lodge, 360, in 1973. Their son Johnny was also a member of Pomfret as was her nephew Brian Hickman who became Worshipful Master in 1981 and Brian's son Clinton was Worshipful Master 2002; a true family history of membership of Pomfret Lodge.
