Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Festival was hosted by the Worshipful Master, WBro Michael Raine at Daventry Court Hotel on Saturday 6 June.
WBro Robin Brown gave the Toast to the Ladies and WBro John Wilkes performed an outstanding rendition of the Ladies Song. The Worshipful Master’s Lady Mrs Maureen Raine gave a most sincere response on behalf of the Ladies, followed by the Worshipful Master who said that it was an important occasion that allowed wives and partners to be honoured for their understanding and support in the brethren’s lodge duties.
The Worshipful Master thanked WBro Graham Ballinger the Festival Secretary and WBro Malcolm Payne the Master of Ceremonies for organising the event, and the 138 present for their generosity. He said that it was beyond all his expectations to have raised a total of £936 in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind and other charities.
Following the formal proceeding the evening culminated with live popular music, performed by Brothers United, comprising of WBro Graham Ballinger and WBro John Wilkes (Buckby Castle Lodge), Bro Ray Robins, (a Worcestershire Mason), Mr Terry Ballinger (Graham’s elder brother), and Mr David Hylton of Long Buckby.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
A record number attended the 2015 Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on Thursday 25 June. This included representatives from no less than 21 Provinces.
The principal guest was the Second Grand Principal, ME Comp George Pipon Francis. He was making his last visit to a Provincial Convocation in that capacity as he is to stand down in November after ten years in office.
During the ceremony E Comp David Jackson stood down as Deputy Grand Superintendent and was replaced by E Comp Mike Coleman - being promoted from 2nd Provincial Grand Principal.
E Comp George Clayton was promoted from 3rd Provincial Grand Principal to 2nd Provincial Grand Principal.
E Comp Mark Constant was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal.
Following the appointment of E Comp Trevor Boswell as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, his place as the Holy Royal Arch’s Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies was taken by E Comp John Payne.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, presented his Certificate of Meritorious Service to E Comp Brian Thompson who he warmly congratulated on a well deserved award.
At the following Festive Board, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent made a special presentation to the Second Grand Principal to mark his fourth visit to the Province during the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s tenure of office.
The presentation was in the form of a refill for the previously presented cut glass decanter and a Saints rugby shirt bearing the number two and the name Francis. The Second Grand Principal gratefully received these gifts and was quick to don his new rugby jersey, to the delight of all present - with the possible exception of the Province of Leicestershire representatives.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Branch held their latest Masonic Fishing Charity event at Ringstead Island Fishery on 11 June 2015. The twenty participants came from two different schools and one care home. Sixteen excited children and four adults participated, all of whom have additional support needs. The sun shone all day and many fish of varying sizes were caught.
After a fantastic BBQ lunch, the group was joined by the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Ahmed Mukhtar. He is Immediate Past Master of Rockingham Forest Lodge No 9491.
Certificates and trophies were presented to the participants by a representative from the Province, WBro Gerard Dempsey ProvJGW, and the High Sheriff.
The event was sponsored by the Strangward Trust and the Douglas Compton James Trust with bait being sponsored by the local Gilders Country Sport shop.
- Written by: Michael Genner
Between the 10 and 17 April brethren from the Lodge of St George No 5978 walked 103 miles over seven days raising £1,500 for the Provincial Grand Charity and Cancer Research. Together with funds from earlier in the year, the Lodge has raised £3,000 for these two charities.
The walkers were WBro Danny Hunt, WBro William Diggins, WBro Andy Moore, Bro Richard Williams from the Lodge of St George and WBro Oliver Diggins from the Lodge of Protection, London. Mrs Sarah Moore also walked the last days 16 miles with the group.