Craft News
- Written by: Nigel Dickens
On the 19th of March 2018, WBro Chris Zouch, Worshipful Master of Kingsley Lodge No. 2431, his wife, Coreen, and WBro Walt Thompson (the Lodge's charity steward) were pleased to visit Rainbows Hospice and present them with a cheque for £1,750.
From left, WBro Chris Zouch (WM of Kingsley Lodge), Alison Furlong (Rainbows Community Fund Raiser), Coreen Zouch and WBro Walt Thompson (Kingsley Lodge Charity Steward)
Rainbows is the only hospice for children and young people in the East Midlands. Notwithstanding that the services of the hospice are free, £5.5 million has to be raised each year to keep it running.
- Written by: Craig Bunday
On Wednesday the 21st of March 2018, Richard Sandbach Lodge of Research No. 9600 held its annual Lecture at Ellindon Masonic Centre, Peterborough.
What took place was a heartwarming presentation from the retiring Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of The Holy Royal Arch (HRA), VWBro Wayne Williams.
VWBro Wayne Williams (left) being toasted by WBro Jonathon Hibbins, Master of Richard Sandbach Lodge of Research
The presentation detailed Wayne's personal journey starting from humble beginnings in South Wales.
Wayne talked about leaving school at 16, his working life in the banking world of Northampton, and (of course) his introduction into Freemasonry in the eighties.
Wayne explained how his interest in the Holy Royal Arch came much later into his Masonic career - after he had risen to Assistant PGM in the Craft.
He went on to give a fascinating explanation of how the history of Craft Freemasonry and the Holy Royal Arch interweaved in the early 1700s and beyond.
- Written by: John Fergusson
At the Provincial Grand Charity AGM on Saturday 10th March 2018, I announced the details of the Appointments and Promotions to Grand Rank for 2018 and, on behalf of the Province, I extend our sincere congratulations on First Appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies to :
WBro Dale Robert Gilbert – Risdene Lodge No. 6532
WBro Dale is a well known and popular figure around our Province as he has been our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies since May 2015, having previously served as the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is very committed to maintaining the high ceremonial and ritual standards within this Province so this preferment is richly deserved.
WBro William Murray Caswell – Lodge of Perseverance No. 455
WBro William is a very busy Freemason and is well known to many because he is the Provincial Grand Orator and has been since 2015, an appointment which he serves with some considerable distinction. He has made tremendous efforts to explain our ceremonies and ritual to members old and new.
Our congratulations are also extended to the following Brethren for their respective Reappointment and Appointments.
VWBro James Henry Newman, OBE – Old Wellingburian Lodge No. 5570 has been reappointed as Deputy President of the Masonic Charitable Foundation which continues to be a source of great pride to this Province, particularly, as the 2024 Festival has been formally launched and we are raising funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
- Written by: Simon Perry
At the March meeting of St Ivo Lodge, held in the ancient town of Slepe in the old county of Huntingdonshire, Bro Tom Mantle was initiated into Freemasonry.
Tom's father, Bro Stephen Mantle, acted as Junior Deacon; Tom's grandfather, WBro Brian Higgins, worked the Obligation.
From left, Bro Stephen Mantle, WBro Douglas Jackson WM, Bro Tom Mantle, WBro Brian Higgins
All 80-brethren who attended the meeting had a most enjoyable time welcoming Tom into Freemasonry in such a wonderful setting.
We congratulate Bro Tom on joining our fraternity and wish him many happy years at St Ives. We also hope he has many enjoyable evenings visiting other lodges, near and far.