Craft News
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Tuesday 10 November 2015, at the regular meeting of Petriburg Lodge No 8767, WBro Michael Hudson-Peacock received his Golden Jubilee Certificate from the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro David Burton.
Above: Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro David Burton presents WBro Michael Hudson-Peacock with his Jubilee Certificate
WBro Michael was initiated on 15 April 1965 in De Vere Lodge No1794 at Goldsmith Street, Nottingham. Due to his military career taking him overseas , WBro Michael retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Army Ordinance Corps, now Royal Logistics Corps. He was passed to the Second Degree in March 1966 and raised to the 3rd degree in March 1967 in a Lodge in which his father in law, WBro Cedric Wield, was a member - Read Lodge No. 2337 in Kuala Lumpur, Eastern Archipeligo. In May 1967 he joined the Centenary Lodge No 7629 in Singapore.
In 1980, having returned to the UK, he became a founder member of Theodore Lodge No 8943 in Bicester, Oxfordshire and became Worshipful Master in 1983.
In 1996 WBro Michael became a joining member of Petriburg Lodge, held office as Assistant Director of Ceremonies from 2004-2007, Senior Warden 2007-2008 and Chaplain from 2008 to 2011. Provincial honours were awarded in 2005, Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and a promotion in 2013 to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
WBro David Burton in presenting the certificate thanked WBro Michael for his services to Petriburg Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general and expressed his regret that for health reasons WBro Michael had found it necessary to submit his resignation from the Lodge.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
In 2011 W.Bro Joe Batten was unfortunate enough to require treatment at the Woodlands Centre in Hinchinbrooke hospital due to suffering stomach cancer. He was treated with chemotherapy on many occasions and experienced the brilliant care provided by all the staff.
During his year as Master of Sothius Lodge they held a number of social events and it was decieded that the amount raised was to be donated to The Woodlands Centre.
On Monday 9th November W/bro Joe Batten, W/bro John Dench and Bro Mark Bramley visited the Centre at Hinchinbrooke and presented a cheque for £3,000 to Janette Birch who was the nurse that attended him during that difficult time.
It is also worth noting that W.Bro Joe Batten is in remission and in good health.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Friday 6 November 2015 some of the Brethren of Silverstone Lodge 9877, W Bro Trevor Ray (Worshipful Master), W Bro Paul Sparks (Secretary), W Bro Tim Almond (Director of Ceremonies), W Bro D Jolly (Mentoring Officer) and W Bro Richard Collins attended the Consecration of a new motor sport related Lodge, Chequered Flag Lodge 9914, in the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton. They were warmly welcomed and treated to a very special afternoon and evening with the Stewards ensuring that they were all looked after and kept refreshed, especially at the Festive Board.
Left to Right: W Bro Tim Almond, W Bro Trevor Ray, W Bro Neil West (Primus Master of Chequered Flag Lodge), W Bro Paul Sparks & W Bro Duncan Jolly
The ceremony was truly memorable with the Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, RW Bro Michael Wilks, consecrated the Lodge, his Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Graham Williams installed the Primus Master W Bro Neil West, PAGDC. During the installation ceremony, three of the Province's six Assistant Provincial Grand Masters presented the Working Tools. The Motor Sport theme was carried through to the Lodge with the Worshipful Master, Senior & Junior Wardens using engine pistons as gavels which was a very interesting difference.
W Bro Trevor Ray, Worshipful Master of Silverstone Lodge congratulates W Bro Neil West, Primus Master of Chequered Flag Lodge
The connection with Silverstone Lodge has developed over the last year, with W Bro Neil West and W Bro Paul Sparks talking through the issues with forming a new motor sport lodge and trying to establish a friendship across the Provinces and arranging with an annual visit alternating between Silverstone and the other at Chequred Flag's home at the Borden Masonic Centre in Hampshire.
There is also a hope that there can be some joint social functions relating to motor sport halfway between the two Lodges.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
There was a `full house` at Devonshire Court, Oadby on Friday 6th November 2015 for the Friends of Devonshire Court Casino Night Fundraiser. The evening was well supported, with many Brethren & their Ladies from the Province, led by W Bro Norman Pope, Mrs Kathryn Pope, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Treasurer, W Bro David Watson & his wife Halina.
Pictured from left Mrs Halina Watson, W Bro David Talbot, Mrs Kathryn Pope & W Bro Norman Pope