Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday 28 April, a strong contingent from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire, led by our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams descended on the Annual Investiture at Supreme Grand Chapter. Aside from the appointment of the new 3rd Grand Principal, the occasion was particularly special as the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, was promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer and the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, was appointed to Past Grand Standard Bearer.
After the investiture was complete, there was an excellent lunch at the Connaught Rooms with over 700 Companions dining and it gave those from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire a chance to celebrate E Comps Mike and George’s very special day.
Above (l to r): 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant, Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams & 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton
- Written by: Rob Taylor
MTSFC Northants & Hunts Branch held their April event, the first of five planned for the 2016 season. There were 20 special needs participants from three different local schools in attendance on the day. With a little help one of the participants caught a whopping 7lb 4oz rainbow trout. He is pictured in the front of the group with it.
WBro David Watson attended as the Provincial representative and is seated in the centre of the photograph. With the twenty participants, twenty casters together with carers, caterers, guests and helpers approximately 60 people were catered for.
- Written by: Michael Genner
WBro Bruce Burrows from Pomfret Lodge recently visited Western Australia to see the records of John Newman Tooth, a member of his partner’s family. John was a Child Migrant sent to Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School Western Australia at the age of 10 years. He landed at Freemantle on March 20th 1928.
Bruce saw John’s records and discovered that the School had been closed in 1982 and Grand Lodge Western Australia rescued and saved it for future generations in 1984. Grand Lodge WA still manages the facilty today as a School Museum and Holiday Centre for groups of children who now stay in the original buildings, updated to modern standards, and where they do not start their days as John did with a cold shower at 6am.
Bruce visited the Grand Lodge of WA, had a guided tour, and then went on to make a visit to Fremantle Lodge No 2 WAC consecrated in 1865 as No 1033 E.C.
The main business of the lodge held on Tuesday 12th April 2016 was to Pass Bro Nathan Medford; Bruce saw the ceremony conducted in an excellent manner and with the Brethren clearly enjoying themselves under the direction of their Master WBro Glenn Swift.
SW Bro Kabir Ramasary, WM WBro Glenn Swift, WBro Bruce Burrows, JW Bro Chris Nicholls.
The Festive Board was a total delight with Bruce seated on the right of the W.M. The meal was excellent, prepared by the Brethren and one of the wives, and with as much beer and wine as required. Bruce gave the response on behalf of the visitors, and all linked hands for Auld Lang Syne. All too quickly the evening closed with Bruce totally convinced, that Freemasonry is indeed a worldwide brotherhood.
For more information about Kingsly Fairbrige search Wikipedia #Western Australia for specifics.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 26 April 2016, Comp Bob Hoffmann was exalted into The Holy Royal Arch by his son, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, First Principal of Dr Oliver Chapter. Amongst those present to witness an excellent ceremony was the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton who attended in a personal capacity.
Pictured below from left to right:- 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Tom Webster, Comp Bob Hoffmann, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, E Comp Malcolm Pegg
