Royal Arch News
Following his 10 very successful years in office, E Comp George Pipon Francis retired on 10th November.
To mark this special occasion, a retirement dinner was held at Freemasons' Hall in London. The invited guests were all those Grand Superintendents that the ME 2nd Grand Principal had installed during his tenure. With the exception of two who were unavoidably absent, all others, which included E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, were in attendance. Collectively this group was known as ‘George’s Boys’. 
On arrival at the Private Apartment, the invited guests enjoyed a Champagne Reception where they were then joined by E Comp George together with his successor, ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race. All went on to enjoy a delightful dinner, prepared by Chef Franco, in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, which, while tinged with sadness that ME 2nd Grand Principal was retiring, celebrated his many achievements over ten very successful years.
On behalf of all those present, E Comp George was presented with a beautifully inscribed crystal bowl by E Comp Graham Glazier, Grand Superintendent of Dorset, as a token of their appreciation and affection. E Comp John Saint, Grand Superintendent of Warwickshire, and the most senior Grand Superintendent present, then went on to propose a toast which reflected on the many achievements of the ME Second Grand Principal, and in particular his huge contribution in raising the profile of the Holy Royal Arch to the high levels it enjoys today.
E Comp George Pipon Francis (left) is pictured below with the ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race.
- Written by: John Fergusson
A most enjoyable evening of Royal Arch masonry was there for all to see on Tuesday 24 November 2015 at Abington Chapter’s Installation Meeting, which was marked by an official visit from the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
E Comp. Alan Rance was installed as Z, E Comp David Watson as H and E Comp John Booth as J. It was an excellent meeting with some fine ritual all round with a special mention to Past Z E Comp Selwyn Griffiths for the exemplary manner in which he installed and invested his successor, and E Comp John Harris for a most memorable presentation of the Z Jewel.
The newly appointed Principals of Abington Chapter are pictured to the left. They are from left to right E Comp David Watson, E Comp Alan Rance and E Comp John Booth.
Our congratulations to the three newly Installed Principals and Officers of the Chapter and we offer them our sincere best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable year ahead.
Above: 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton (far right) Above: Provincial Grand Scribe E, E Comp Barry Hadley (far left) and E Comp
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp John Payne (far left) Trevor Cooke and E Comp Ivan Greaves (far right) with the newly installed
with the newly installed Principals. Principals.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Forty Companions attended the Installation Convocation of Dr Oliver Chapter at Peterborough Masonic Centre on 27 October. The Chapter was honoured to receive the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman who was escorted by E Comp John Hitchin, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
E Comp Paul Hoffmann was installed as First Principal, E Comp Tom Webster as Second Principal and Comp Malcolm Pegg as Third Principal. They are pictured on the left hand side with the Deputy Grand Superintendent as follows: E Comp Tom Webster, E Comp Mike Coleman (Deputy Grand Superintendent), E Comp Paul Hoffmann and E Comp Malcolm Pegg.
During the meeting, Comps Paul Stevens and John Horsfield were presented with their Supreme Grand Chapter Certificates by the the Deputy Grand Superintendent.
The Companions enjoyed a very good ceremony and a happy and hearty festive board.
Pictured here are Comp Paul Stevens (left) and Comp John Horsfield (right) with the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, in the centre with their Grand Chapter certificates.
- Written by: John Fergusson
A fine and very enjoyable evening of Holy Royal Arch masonry was in evidence for all who attended St John's Chapter Installation meeting on Wednesday 21 October 2015, which was marked by an official visit from the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
E Comp. Richard Stokes was installed as Z, E Comp Phil Martin as H and E Comp Geoff Allen as J. This wonderful ceremony contained some really excellent work, with many different members of the St John’s Chapter team’contributing to the Installation ceremony
A very happy and most enjoyable Festive Board brought the evening to its conclusion.
Pictured from left to right: 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Phil Martin, E Comp Richard Stokes, E Comp Geoff Allen and E Comp John Hitchin, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
Pictured from left to right: St John's Chapter's newly installed Principals, E Comp Phil Martin, E Comp Richard Stokes, E Comp Geoff Allen.
- Written by: John Fergusson