Craft News
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Sunday 13 December, Peterborough Cathedral was the setting for the Province’s Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. It was very well attended by members, their friends and families from across the Province. The Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr John Peach, was amongst the civic dignitaries in attendance which included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Richard Barnwell as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, Simon Leatham.
The service itself was led by the The Very Reverend Charles Taylor, Dean of Peterborough, and the lessons were read by our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes as well as the Heads of Orders from within the Province including the Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and the Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Degree, RW Bro George Bonham.
The Peterborough Cathedral choir was magnificent throughout the service. In his opening remarks, the Dean of Peterborough expressed his gratitude for the support that the Cathedral had received over a number of years from the Province. Afterwards, there were mince pies and glasses of wine to savour and help start the Christmas feeling for those who enjoyed the service.
Below: Our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes is pictured with the Mayor of Peterborough (on the far left), Cllr John Peach.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Sothius Lodge No 8774
was consecrated on the 10th September 1977 after it became clear the market town of St Ives needed more than one craft Lodge. WBro Ron Jordan PPSGW was a founder member.
He has now been presented with his 60 year certificate by WBro Gordon Cox the Mentor of Sothius Lodge.
Initiated into Lodge Lorne No 1347 by this father in November 1954, he was exalted into Ebbisham Chapter No 2422, also by this father. He has also served as Master of Plaisterers Lodge No 7390 & Surrey Masters Lodge No 7388.
Now, aged of 92, he is still active in this family business and lives in Surrey.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Tuesday 17 November, on behalf of Petriburg Lodge & Provincial Grand Charity, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton along with Immediate Past Master, W Bro Graham Worraker presented a cheque for £5000 to The Well Charity in Peterborough. The Well is an independent counselling service set up in Peterborough for people aged over 18.
Above: W Bro Graham Worraker (left) and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton (right) present the cheque to Ann Green from The Well Charity.
The money had been raised from the Lodge relief chest, alms collections, raffles and additional amounts from both the Ladies’ night and other events. These amounts were increased by a further £2000 from the Provincial Grand Charity.
Ann Green, Chairman of The Well Charity, said,
“I would like to thank both Petriburg Lodge and Provincial Grand Charity for their generosity. This money will be put to good use and represents a substantial part of our annual running costs. It will give us a good start for the current year.”
Pictured above are (left to right): Sarah Jackson (Patron of The Well), Angela Worraker, Celina Worraker, W Bro Graham Worraker, Ann Green (Chairman of The Well), W Bro David Burton (Assistant Provincial Grand Master), Michele Hunt, W Bro Mervin Roberts (Petriburg Lodge Charity Steward)
- Written by: Rob Taylor
"It was very much a `Family Affair` at the meeting of Rockingham Forest Lodge 9491, held at Kettering on 12th November 2015, when the Worshipful Master, W Bro Duncan Childs, initiated his son Bro Thomas Childs in the presence of Grand Father, Bro Philip Childs.
It was particularly good to have Bro Philip Childs present & so make three generations of the family for this very special evening. The ceremony was led in fine style by Worshipful Master W Bro Duncan Childs, who is also an acting Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.
The Festive Board was a happy occasion with the Lodge, Guests & Visitors all welcoming Bro Thomas Childs in a very warm & friendly way.
Pictured; Bro Thomas Childs, Bro Philip Childs (seated) & WBro Duncan Childs.