Craft News
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Lodge held their annual charity BBQ for Family, Friends & Brethren at Broughton Village Hall on Sunday 25th June 2017.
There were over 70 in attendance, which was also supported by Brethren from Sister Lodges in Kettering.
A number of members and their partners supported their Worshipful Master WBro Totan Nguyen and his wife Thi-Thu (Titu) who organised a fabulous event, which the weather, although not as sunny as recently, stayed dry enough for all to enjoy the country air.
The Bar was ably run by WBro Barry Rodgers and his wife. Angie and Halina Watson managed to sell £345.00 of Raffle Tickets.
Special thanks went to WBro Bob Denton who obtained the fare from a very good Butcher and to Senior Warden Bro Malcolm Waldie & Junior Warden Bro Andrew Bailey and their families for their hard work with the cooking.
The event raised a total sum of £1253.00, which will be split equally between the Provincial Grand Charity & the Red Cross to help with the sufferings of the recent tragedies that have happened around the country.
Bro’s Malcolm Waldie (SW) and Andrew Bailey (JW) with others on cooking duties
WBro’s Neil Langford, Peter Robinson and David Watson with LOP 455 WM Totan Nguyen
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 25th June 2017 (a day late), over one-hundred Daventry Masons, partners and friends came together for a Sunday lunch in celebration of the UGLE Tercentenary.
Entertained by the multi-talented Rachael Johnson duet, a great time was had by all.
Daventry Masons, their friends and family enjoying the lunch
In his opening address, WBro Rick Hill said -
We are here today to celebrate our 300th anniversary, but most of all we are here to enjoy the one thing that we have spent the last 300 years building and nurturing - the warmth, friendliness and fraternal companionship of this wonderful order.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The recent Manchester Arena tragedy has brought a generous response from Masons in this Province who have so far raised £7,000 to help relieve the suffering caused by the tragedy.
This has been sent to the Province of East Lancashire where WBro Ken Davies, MBE, the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Charity Steward, is co-ordinating Masonic fund raising. He said
Please convey my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed. I can assure them that all donations will be put to good use through through a specially set up charitable trust. This response from Freemasons shows Freemasonry at its best.
There have also been donations from other Provinces.
- 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.