Craft News
- Written by: Rob Taylor
The meeting of Socrates Lodge No. 373 at Huntingdon on Tuesday the 19th of September 2017 was a memorable occasion for 91-year old Bro Peter Frederick Dalton, who was presented with his 50-year Golden Jubilee certificate by WBro John Benson PJGD.
The presence of Bro Peter's grandson, Bro Ashley Dalton, made the event even more special.
From left, Bro Peter Dalton, WBro Brian Bennett (WM of Socrates Lodge No. 373), and Bro Ashley Dalton
Bro Ashley was Initiated into Freemasonry on Thursday 14th September 2017 at Cambridge.
With one member of the Dalton family celebrating 5-days in Freemasonry, and the other, 50-years, the event was a wonderful reflection of the Craft's ability to span the generations and bring together brethren of all ages.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Saturday the 16th of September 2017, 3 Pillars - Feeding the Homeless hosted a Thank-You Evening to mark its first anniversary.
It was an opportunity to thank friends, supporters and brethren for their assistance, particularly the amazing band of volunteers who had contributed so much in the form of time, effort and supplies during the first year.
Organisers and supporters of 3 Pillars at the Thank-You Evening
A particular vote of thanks must go to the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, and his wife, Barbara, who took time out of their busy schedule to attend and support the evening, 3 Pillars is enormously grateful for their personal support and encouragement.
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, speaking at the event
The Charity is now focused on supporting their homeless friends during the very difficult upcoming winter period.
Any and all offers of support, whether in the form of time, money or provisions, will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
On Friday the 15th of September 2017, members of Heritage Lodge No. 9344 together with the Past Masters of 2015/16 were pleased to present cheques to four charities: Lakelands Hospice, Corby MIND, Vine Community Trust and Home-Start Corby.
Additional cheques had already been presented to the Kettering & District Samaritans for £400, the Corby Parkinson’s Group for £250 and 3 Pillars Feeding the Homeless for £250.
Cheque Presented to Lakelands Hospice for £400
From left, WBro James Spence (Senior Group Officer Corby - PAGDC), VWBro Trevor Boswell (Deputy Provincial Grand Master - PGSwdB), Lakelands Hospital representative, W Bro Chris Winfield (IPM - Lodge of Heritage), WBro Thomas Hall (WM - Lodge of Heritage)
Cheque Presented to Corby MIND for £400
From left, WBro James Spence, WBro GBD Cole, VWBro Trevor Boswell, Corby MIND representative, Corby MIND representative, WBro Chris Winfield, WBro Thomas Hall, WBro D Docherty (Treasurer - Lodge of Heritage - PProvSGD)
Cheque Presented to Vine Community Trust for £400
From left, WBro James Spence, WBro GBD Cole, VWBro Trevor Boswell, Vine Community Trust representative, WBro Chris Winfield, WBro Thomas Hall
Cheque Presented on Behalf of 2015/16 Worshipful Masters to Home-Start Corby for £2,000
From left, WBro James Spence, WBro GBD Cole, VWBro Trevor Boswell, Home-Start Corby representative, Home-Start Corby representative, WBro CCH Woods (PM - St Giles Lodge 2015/16), WBro S Wright, (ADC - Lodge of Heritage - PPJGW), WBro AD Rae (PM - Lodge of Heritage 2015/16 - PPGStwd)
- Written by: Simon Key
Last weekend, from Friday the 8th of September to Sunday the 10th of September 2017, the Masonic Centre in Daventry High Street threw open its doors to the public as part of the annual Heritage Open Days nationwide event.
The event's aim was to make people aware of Daventry's thriving Masonic community, and to give the public a guided tour of the lodge rooms and inherent symbology.
Local Masons were on-hand to explain the meaning of the many curious objects used at Masonic meetings. A video-presentation and exhibition provided information about Freemasonry in-general and its achievements locally and worldwide.
Inside the Lodge Room at Daventry Masonic Centre
A significant number of visitors braved the wet weather to attend the event. Many commented that they found the experience fascinating, that it dispelled many myths and rumours about Freemasonry, and that it left them with a positive view of the organisation, particularly taking into account its history of charitable giving.
Visitors at the Centre
Freemasonry in Daventry dates back to 1891, the year in which Beneventa Lodge No. 2380 was consecrated. Prior to that, Daventry Masons attended lodges elsewhere, typically Towcester or Northampton.
Beneventa originally met at the Wheatsheaf Hotel (now a residential care home) at the top of Sheaf Street. As a result of a continued increase in members, the Lodge obtained a mortgage and purchased its current premises (which were previously occupied by Daventry Working Mens' Club) in the Hight Street.
Daventry Masonic Centre is now host to over 250 brethren meeting at five lodges. Between them they've donated over £34,000 to many local charities and good causes.
Following last weekend's successful event, the organisers are hoping to attract even more visitors from Daventry and the surrounding area at a similar event next year.
For further information about Freemasonry in Daventry please email the Centre Secretary at the address