Royal Arch News
One beneficiary of the Royal Arch PSA testing campaign from 2019 is Abington Chapter No 8041 Treasurer, Excellent Companion Michael Branch, who prompted by an invitation to attend an event at Sheaf Close, produced test results that highlighted a need for him to contact his local GP.
Following a number of further tests at Kettering General Hospital, Michael was then transferred to the Oncology Unit at Northampton General Hospital. In December 2020 Michael commenced Radiotherapy Treatment concluding on 7th January 2021 to a successful outcome.
Excellent Companion Michael said, `I have been fortunate, my grateful thanks go to Excellent Companion Wayne Williams for starting this campaign, and to MEGS Excellent Comp Jim Boughton for continuing to support it`.
The picture shows Michael `Ringing the Bell` to denote the completion of his treatment at Northampton General Hospital Oncology & Haematology Unit.
- Written by: Michael Genner
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER 2020 – A NEW THIRD PROVINCIAL GRAND PRINCIPAL IS INVESTED AND IMPORTANT CHARITY GRANTS MADE
Despite the restrictions placed on Freemasonry at these trying times, Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the Northampton Centre, Sheaf Close on Thursday 29th October 2020.
Important duties were completed, not least of which saw the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Jim Boughton Obligate and Invest E Comp Derek Pearson as Third Provincial Grand Principal. E Comp Derek is well known in the Province having served with distinction as our Provincial Grand Almoner from 2014 until June this year. He is, of course, also Scribe E of Euston Chapter 2283 – a post he has held since 2008. In congratulating E Comp Derek on his new appointment, MEGS said that he was immensely appreciative of all the hard word he had carried out as Provincial Almoner and was looking forward to his continued contributions to the Exec and Province in his new office.
The Provincial Convocation also saw the approval of two important grants from the Provincial Grand Charity. The first, for £1,000 was made to the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones lose strength, making you more likely to break a bone than the average adult. The second, also for £1,000 was made to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. MND is an incredibly debilitation disease and the Association is dedicated to improving care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. Provincial Grand Charity Steward, E Comp Graham Minett said I am immensely appreciative of the donations of our members to the Provincial Grand Charity and incredibly proud that we are able to support these two charities who do such great work in our society.
The “Rule of 6” PGC: Front: E Comp Jim Boughton, MEGS, centre row (l to r) E Comp John Payne, 2ndProvGPrin, E Comp Derek Pearson, 3rdProvGPrin, back row (l to r) E Comp Mike Binsted, ProvGSE, E Comp Neil Handley, DepGSupt, E Comp Steve Seward, ProvGDC.
Article by Mike Binsted
- Written by: Michael Genner
Perseverance Chapter No 455 held a companions get together meeting by Zoom on Monday 26th October 2020 and were delighted to welcome a special visitor with Ex Comp John Payne, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal joining the gathering.
Ex Comp John gave his best wishes and outlined to the companions the work being undertaken by the Provincial Executive team to keep in touch with each Chapter and so in turn with Companions around the Province. He continued with a most interesting insight into the duties of the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, which would include in normal times over 30 official visits in a year to Chapters, other Provinces and London. Ex Comp John explained how honoured he felt in being entrusted with this high position, which came after over 8 years of service in various HRA Provincial Director of Ceremonies roles and went on to say, `It is quite a commitment, but one that I thoroughly enjoy. My advice is to always to be yourself in whatever you do`.
On behalf of Perseverance Chapter, Ex Comp Duncan Childs, MEZ, thanked Ex Comp John for his superb talk and sent the best wishes of all the Companions present back to Province and for a safe return to our normal meetings when possible.
Perseverance Chapter will hold its next companions get together meeting by Zoom on Monday 30th November 2020 at 7pm, when The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion James Boughton will be present. Visitors from other Chapters are always welcome.`
E Comp Peter Robinson.
- Written by: Michael Genner