Craft News
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 11th of June, 2017, over 800 Freemasons from throughout Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire joined together with civic dignitaries, family and friends to help celebrate 300 years since the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England with a specially dedicated Evensong service at Peterborough Cathedral. The service was conducted by The Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker, who welcomed everyone and commented on the common theme of `giving` in all aspects of life.
The service was preceded by a parade of Freemasons in their Masonic regalia from the Peterborough Town Hall to the Cathedral in glorious sunshine, with members of the public lining the route. Each of the 93 member lodges from the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire were represented and paraded their historic and colourful lodge banners. The parade aimed to replicate the last Masonic parade to be held in Peterborough over 95 years ago. Prior to this, parades were quite a regular feature in many towns and cities, but since the Second World War they had become rare.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, leading the Tercentenary Parade - click here for more pictures
The last parade, which took place in 1922 (click here to view video footage), was held to help raise funds to assist with major restoration works needed in the north-east wing of Peterborough Cathedral. The event raised a significant sum and coupled with other fundraising, the target was reached and the work completed.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, commented -
It is a wonderful day for Freemasonry in general and the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire in particular. I am sure that all present thoroughly enjoyed the day and were rightly proud of their membership.
Nationally, the 200,000 members of the United Grand Lodge of England come from all walks of life and meet as equals whatever their faith, ethnic group or position in society. For many, this spirit of fellowship is what is valued most, making new friends and helping others. Charity is at the heart of the organisation and Freemasons contribute over £33 million a year as one of the UK`s largest charitable givers. Raising funds largely through voluntary donations, they support individual members, local communities and global emergencies.
In Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, Freemasons raise over £100,000 each year for Charitable purposes and regularly support the local community with donations to many worthy causes, such as the Sue Ryder Hospice. In addition, The Three Pillars Feeding The Homeless Trust is a registered charity backed by local Freemasons which aims to provide practical help and support to those living on the streets. On several nights each week in Peterborough, volunteers using a catering van distribute warm food, clean clothing and bedding to those in need.
This Peterborough event is just one of many happening up and down the country throughout this special Tercentenary year for Freemasons, culminating with the main event at The Royal Albert Hall in October. To further mark the 300 year anniversary, The Masonic Charitable Foundation is donating £3m to 300 charities throughout England and Wales, with six local charities set to benefit. Further details on how everyone can get involved and vote are available by clicking here.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At the Quarterly Communications meeting of Grand Lodge held on Wednesday the 14th of June 2017, the Pro Grand Master, MW Bro Peter Lowndes, congratulated the Province on having no less than eighty-eight members present.
After the ceremony, members enjoyed lunch with a guest of honour, Simone Enefer-Doy CEO of LifeLites. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, presented Simone with a cheque for £10,000 and a second cheque for £2,000 from an undisclosed Masonic donor.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, with Simone Enefer-Doy
The PGM said:
We are keen to support this wonderful organisation - LifeLites - that does so much for children in difficult circumstances. Lodges and individuals in the Province have contributed and we know the money will be put to very good use.
Simone Enefer-Doy gave a notice of thanks to the PGM saying:
We are most grateful for your continued support which does make the lives of these children so much more fulfilling. We know that you are going into Festival next year but thank you for the wonderful you have given us so far.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 18th of June 2017, Stamford Freemasons participated in the annual mayoral procession and church service.
Braving the heart, the public turned-out to line the streets and witness this ancient tradition, which is held at the inauguration of every Stamford mayor as they enter into their year of office.
Stamford Freemasons have joined the mayoral parade before, but not for many years. This year, to mark the United Grand Lodge of England Tercentenary, members of the Stamford Craft Lodges, wearing their full Masonic regalia, joined other civic bodies and local dignitaries as they walked from the Town Hall, up St Marys Hill, through Red Lion Square, and ending at All Saints Church.
Senior Group Officer WBro Philip Collins, PAGDC leading the parade's Masonic contingent
Following the service, Masons, together with their families and friends, were able to meet at the second of two Stamford Masonic Centre open-days. which were held over the weekend to give visitors the chance to learn more about Freemasonry and the work done by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), including the recent success of the Stamford Carers Sitters Service in securing an MCF grant of at least £4,000. Visitors were able to enter the lodge room where experienced Brethren were on-hand to explain the symbolism contained therein and answer questions.
These events were the perfect opportunity to highlight that Freemasonry has been in Stamford for over 150 years and to thank our community for their support over all that time.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Wednesday the 7th of June 2017, WBro Tony Harvey PAGDC attended the meeting of Northants & Hunts Lodge of Installed Masters No. 3422 at Corby and gave his 2012 Prestonian Lecture entitled Scouting and Freemasonry: Two Parallel Organisations?
The lecture was well received by all of the brethren present, and the Provincial Grand Master, RW Max Bayes, who is the current Worshipful Master of Lodge of Installed Masters, gave WBro Harvey his sincere thanks.
WBro Tony Harvey (left) with the Provincial Grand Master, RW Max Bayes - WM of Northants & Hunts Lodge of Installed Masters
In addition to the lecture, the brethren and visitors of the Lodge welcomed a number of Installed Masters as new members, and WBro Norman Pope PAsstProvGM, PSGD was declared as Master Elect.