Craft News
- 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
- Written by: Michael Genner
There were birthday celebrations at Trinity Lodge number 9165 in Kettering on October 28th 2015, when the Lodge held its 30th Anniversary meeting. The Provincial Grand Treasurer W Bro David Watson was the official visitor, representing The Provincial Grand Master. Six founders, together with many Past Masters of the Lodge were present and took part in an excellent ceremony. The Festive Board was most enjoyable, including a special toast to the future health of the Lodge & the next 30 years !
Official Visitor WBro David Watson & Worshipful Master WBro Jim Annetts
Lodge founders from left ; WBro Bryan Rowney, WBro Brian Thompson, WBro John Harvey, WBro Cliff Attwood, WBro Malcolm Smith and WBro Colin Biddulph. In the centre of the picture are WBro David Watson & Worshipful Master WBro Jim Annetts.