Craft News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
It was a case of keeping it in the family at the Lodge of Perseverance No 455 installation meeting in Kettering on 19 January 2015 when the Provincial Grand Treasurer, WBro David Watson, was delighted to install his son, Bro Andrew Watson, as Worshipful Master. In turn David was appointed Senior Warden by his son, the new Worshipful Master.
The Lodge was honoured with the presence of VWBro Dr Viv Thomas DPGM and an excellent evening was enjoyed by all who attended.
Thursday the 8 January 2015 was a special night in Delapre Lodge. Every initiation is special but there was a bit of extra fun welcoming to the Lodge during it’s 800th meeting Bro David Mason, whose father and grandfather practised the Craft in Lancashire.
Later a personal milestone for the Lodge’s longest serving active member was recognised with the presentation of a 50 year Jubilee certificate to WBro John Witts by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and Lodge member, WBro Charles Bennett.
John is a well known figure in Northampton Masonry - holder of the PGM’s Certificate of Merit and organist, or Honourary Organist for Delapre, Pomfret, Kingsley, Lodge of St George, Anglo Scottish, Harmony and Towcestrian Lodges – plus three Chapters!
John was initiated into Delapre on 15 January 1965, became Master in 1972 and has been Lodge organist since leaving the Chair - over 40 years.
He was Provincial Grand Organist from 1978 to 1987 and has risen through the ranks of Provincial Grand Lodge, culminating in the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden and being honoured with the Provincial Grand Master's Certificate of Merit in 2010.
(l to r) WBro Trevor Sidall PProvJGD (Warks) WM of Delapre Lodge, WBro Charles Bennett PrGDC and WBro John Witts CoM PPrSGW
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Many Masons from this Province made the supreme sacrifice in military service during the Great War of 1914-1918 (for fuller details please see the UGLE Masonic Great War Project - Roll of Honour 1914 -1918).
It is therefore fitting that the Provincial Grand Charity has made a donation of £5,500 to the local county branch of the Royal British Legion in Northamptonshire.
This was presented on 7 January 2015 by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Viv Thomas. They made the presentation to representatives of the Royal British Legion, Colonel Ian Keers OBE DL, County President, and Bill Rose, County Chairman.
Colonel Keers said
We are very grateful to the Masons for this very generous donation and I can assure you the money will be put to good use in the work we do in support of members and veterans of our Armed Forces.
Congratulations to Bro Michael Greene on winning the recent Bottle competition. The correct answer was £131.82. He guessed the amount in the bottle was £132 and wins one year’s subscription to his Lodge - Petriburg Lodge No 8767.
Even better news for the Provincial Grand Charity is that Bro Michael has donated his winnings to the Charity. Thank you Michael and also a big thank you to all who took part and helped to raise £750 for the Provincial Grand Charity.
