Craft News
- Written by: Simon Key
The first episode of a five-part documentary entitled Inside The Freemasons is set to air on Sky One at 8pm on Monday the 17th of April, 2017.
Emporium Productions were commissioned by Sky to produce the series, which is described as follows on the production company's website -
Welcome to one of the oldest social networking organisations in the world; a fraternal order that welcomes members regardless of their status, creed or political persuasion – Freemasonry. With unique and unprecedented access to the Freemasons, Inside The Freemasons asks who are Freemasons and what do they do? As the United Grand Lodge of England celebrates its tercentenary in 2017, we go beyond the myth and legend to discover what it means to be a Freemason today through the words and lives of Freemasons themselves.
While most of us are familiar with the concept of Freemasons, few can describe who they are and what they do with any confidence or accuracy. What has motivated generations of men to join its ranks? What does the symbolism mean? How does public perception differ to reality? And what does Freemasonry have to offer men and society in the 21st Century?
Updated information regarding the series can be obtained via the following social media links -
- Facebook -
- Twitter -
- Instagram -
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has received a grant of £4,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation on behalf of this Province.
This is part a total of £192,000 that the MCF has donated to Air Ambulances across England and Wales. Since 2007, and including this year’s grant, £2.1m has been donated to Air Ambulances and equivalent rescue services in England and Wales.
Last year the MCF assisted needy Masonic families with grants totalling over £14m.
Some more informaiton is provided for thoses brethren and guests attending the Grand Lodge Visit, on 25th March 2017.
- Provincial Ties can be worn on the day
- All Worshipful Masters can wear their WM Collars
- Full Dress Regalia for Grand Officers and Provincial Officers
- Cloakrooms will be opened from 10 am and access is available all through the day.
- Buffet will be served in several sittings during the day, with early dining priority given to guests booked into any show or event elsewhere in London.
Click here to download and print a summons (registered users only).
The breakdown of the day, is below.
10:00 - Tower Entrance to be opened to admit brethren, partners and guests. Cloak rooms will be open, and access is available throughout the day.
10:45 - All Brethren & guests to be seated in the Grand Temple, upper and lower levels.
11:00 - Introduction by the Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro Max Bayes
11:05 - A lecture will be delivered by UGLE Staff (Approx 45 mins)
11:50 - Closing remarks by W.Bro W Diggins
12:00 - Exit Grand Temple
12:15 - onwards - Buffet in the Gallery Suite and Old Board Room; timing and sittings to be announced
13:45 - Rehearsal for all Brethren involved in ceremony in the Grand Temple
15:15 - Brethren to take their seats in the Grand Temple, Lower level only
15:30 - Second Degree Ceremony
17:30 - Exit Grand Temple
18:00 - Exit Grand Lodge.
18:00 - 18:30 - Coaches depart - further details will be given on the day.
- Written by: Simon Key
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A wonderful day was enjoyed at Grand Lodge on Saturday the 25th March 2017 by over 1,200 Masons, partners and friends from around the Province to launch our Tercentenary celebrations.
View from the front of the Grand Temple prior to the commencement of the 2nd Degree Ceremony (click picture to view full size)
The day started in the Grand Temple with a fascinating presentation by Diane Clements, Library and Museum Director, providing an overview of events covering the 300 years since the formation of The United Grand Lodge of England and also the history of the magnificent Freemasons Hall building.
Diane Clements, UGLE Library and Museum Director, giving her presentation
In the afternoon, a superb Second Degree ceremony was conducted in the Grand Temple under the banner of The Three Counties Lodge number 9278 and included 29 Worshipful Masters of the year from our Lodges. This was a significant event for the Province as it was the largest ceremony ever to take place in our history.
Panoramic view of the Grand Temple prior to the commencement of the Tercentenary 2nd Degree Ceremony (click picture to view full-size)
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, commented -
The fantastic support from all around the Province helped to make this a truly unique day and one that will remain in our memories for years to come. I would like to thank all members of the Tercentenary organising committee for their hard work and in particular, WBros William Diggins, Andy Moore and Chris Mullen. We now look forward to our next major event, with the Peterborough Parade and Cathedral Service in June.
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes; Past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Brian Smith; Past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall; Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell; Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBro David Burton and WBro Charles Bennett; Past Assistant Grand Master and Master of The Three Counties Lodge, WBro Norman Pope; Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Owen Davison; together with the Tercentenary Masters and candidate, Bro Luke Howard (click picture to view full-size)