Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 09 October 2015

Piscator Chapter’s inaugural Convocation in this Province took place on Friday 9 October at Northampton Masonic Centre. It proved to be a wonderful evening of celebration and Royal Arch companionship at its most memorable. The meeting was attended by an almost full complement of Acting Provincial Officers led, of course, by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Wayne Williams.

The three Principals, E Companions, Bob Green as Z, Aaron Day as H and his father Albert as J presided over the superb Exaltation of Companion John Byles in what can only be described as a textbook ceremony. Led by E Comp Trevor Sherman as DC, the Chapter Officers are to be congratulated on their outstanding quality of ritual. Comp. Roger Blason gave the performance of his life as Principal Sojourner, much to the delight of all present. Having migrated to Northampton from London, this Chapter, in the tradition of Piscator Lodge, already has its own style and identity. An early visit to this our newest Chapter is highly recommended, all can be assured of a very warm welcome!

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, is pictured above with (l to r): E Comp Mark Constant - 3rd Prov Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton - 2nd Prov Grand Principal and Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman along with the Principals of Piscator Chapter (l to r): E Comp Aaron Day, E Comp Bob Green & E Comp Albert Day.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 06 October 2015

A wonderful  evening of Royal Arch masonry was experienced on 2 October 2015 at the Chapter of St Giles' Installation Meeting which marked the first official visit of Third Provincial Grand Principal E Comp Mark Constant.  

E Comp.  Jack Summerfield was installed as Z, E Comp Malcolm Atkins as H and E Comp David Docherty as J. The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was outstanding.  Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp David Jackson, invested the Past Z Martin Baker with his jewel in a truly memorable and exemplary manner.  The evening was very well supported by Acting Provincial Officers which included the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, and the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.  

A very happy and most enjoyable Festive Board brought the evening to its conclusion and, finally, the caterers must be congratulated on the quality of the food which was simply delicious.

Written by: Rob Taylor

Published: 05 October 2015

The Dreamers Bar in Huntingdon is part of the charity "Voice Ability" (which is based in Cambridge). It is run by, and for, local adults with learning disabilities, and is a place where vulnerable and sometimes isolated people can socialise and make friends. They meet once a week where they can take part in games, Karaoke and other activities but most importantly socialise with friends with the  support of their carers etc. They run on limited funds and previously had to hire the Karaoke machine and other regularly used equipment

Six volunteers with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions are supported to run the Dreamers’ Bar, and have received training on managing food hygiene, customer service, handling money, working as part of a team and project planning.

They are supported by a Project coordinator with two Peer Coaches (adults with learning disabilities who have moved into paid roles to pass on their skills and support to others) to provide a route from volunteering into paid employment.

The master of Socrates Lodge 373 last year, W.Bro Philip Miles, used the opportunity to make the Dreamers Bar his chosen charity for the year to try and raise some money so they can buy their own Karaoke machine and other much needed equipment. From raffles at a few Socrates Lodge social events, the main raffle at their Ladies Festival plus a few personal donations, they managed to raise £1,300, which the Province then kindly increased to a total of £2,500.

In March this year, W.Bro Buster Edwards (Socrates Charity Steward), W.Bro John Benson, W.Bro Mike Jolly and the Worshipful Master Philip Miles went along to one of their weekly meetings to present the cheque for £2,500 to them as you can see in the attached photograph.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 26 September 2015

On Friday 25 September, Silverstone Lodge welcomed a delegation from the Chequered Flag Lodge from the Province of Hampshire & Isle of Wight to their regular meeting which was also honoured by the presence of our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes. Chequered Flag were led by W Bro Neil West (on far left of the picture) who will be the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master when it is consecrated in November in Southampton.

Those who attended had a most delightful evening with an excellent ceremony followed by the traditional Fish & Chips at a very convivial Festive Board. During the reply to his Toast, our Provincial Grand Master made a mention of the forthcoming Consecration and said

“I hope that the Consecration of the Chequered Flag Lodge in November will lead to a close and fraternal relationship being formed with Silverstone Lodge in this Province to further the dual interests of Freemasonry and Motor Sport.”