Craft News
- Written by: Michael Genner
The meeting was held on Friday the 23rd September 2016 in the Whitehall State Room of Kimbolton Castle.
There were one hundred and forty seven brethren in attendance including the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Hugh Wootton, the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, and four other Right Worshipful brethren including the Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire. Forty Officers of Grand Lodge and ten acting Provincial Grand Lodge Officers were also present.
The Assistant Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Hugh Wootton (left), and the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes
A fine installation ceremony was led by the Installing Master, WBro Jeremy Allen, and concluded by the Worshipful Master, WBro Michael Herbert, who welcomed three new honorary members: RWBro Max Bayes, RWBro William Barrington Hall and VWBro Graham Redman. There were also propositions for two initiates and two joining members. A busy year is assured!
Whilst replying to the toast to Grand Lodge, the Assistant Grand Master expressed his delight at being present.
Left to right, the Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Grand Master and Worshipful Master of Old Kimboltonians' Lodge
Proposing the toast to the WM, VWBro Derek Young spoke fondly of their days at school together and referred to WBro Michael`s glittering Masonic career in some detail.
A special evening concluded with Peace, Love and Harmony, and the Tyler’s Toast.
- Written by: Michael Genner
WBro Simon Key, the Provincial Webmaster, was installed into the Chair of Lactodorum Lodge on Thursday the 20th of October 2016 at Towcester Masonic Centre. Seventy-six brethren attended the meeting including WBro Charles Bennett, the Assistant PGM. Many fellow members of the Provincial Communications Committee were also present.
From left to right, WBro Peter Robinson Provincial Communications Officer, WBro Simon Key WM, WBro Charles Bennett AsstProvGM and WBro Jonathan Hibbins ProvAGDC
The work within the Lodge Room was an absolute credit to all those who took part as was the excellent Festive Board. At the latter, WBro Simon read touching words from his ritual book that had been written some twenty years ago when it was presented to him by his seconder, WBro Andy Palmer-Smith, who was present and to whom he offered grateful thanks.
WM WBro Simon Key toasting his seconder into Freemasonry
Members of the TBP Club (The Three Penny Bit Club) this week presented a cheque for £1500 "Do if for Dementia" at Northampton General Hospital.
The TPB Club was set up after the loss of a Northampton Mason, Bro Sedja Hunt, in November 2013, and requires all members to carry a 1967 Three Penny Bit coin with them. If a member is caught without their TPB coin, then a £5.00 contribution (or fine!) to charity is required. The TPB has previously donated over £1000 to charity, and this most recent donation is made up of £900 in "fines" and a hefty provincial enhancement of £600. You can follow the TPB club here, and see some of the members who regualrly appear on the wall of shame!
These funds will go towards creating a sensory garden within the Elderly Care area of Northampton General Hospital, where its hoped a small patch of rather sad land can be turned into a safe, tranquil area where patients, family and friends can sit in peace and safety.
WBro Andy Moore, Mrs Denise Hunt and WBro Aaron Day, all members of the TPB Club, along with Kate McGinty-Gifford, and Gill two representatives of NGH
The site of the garden to be re-developed with funds from the TPB club
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Maurice Rye, PPSGW, C of M, an Honorary Member of Risdene Lodge No 6532, recently celebrated two important milestones, his 90th birthday and 50 years as a Freemason.
He lives with his wife, Evelyn, at Dukes’ Court, Wellingborough, a residential care home, and his recent birthday party with family and friends, included RWBro Barrie Hall, WM of Risdene Lodge, and WBro Steve Squires, Secretary, and their wives. RWBro Hall presented WBro Rye with his 50th Certificate, explaining the reasons for the award of his certificate of merit in 2000.
WBro Maurice thanked all present and explained how much he had enjoyed his life and his many years in Masonry and missed the lodge meetings due to his poor health.