Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 01 February 2017

W Bro Peter Manning is Chairman of the Group organising the Classic 300 Car Runs in the Midlands area this year, some of which will pass through our Province. The Classic 300 Event, is part of the celebrations this year; a collection of Classic Car Runs on Sundays, spread between May and September. The details can all be found on the website by clicking on this link https://www.classic300.org.uk/about These are open to all masons as well as their friends and families using vehicles which are pre 1997 or modern classics of special interest.

On registration for the sum of £25, each entrant will receive a unique Numbered Car Plaque and entitlement to enter any of the 17 runs being organised throughout the country, as well as a memento of the main event. Registration also entitles the entrant to take part in the Official Start, at Windsor Castle on 21st May, when HRH the Duke of Kent will be flagging us off. The Official Finish, will take place at Brooklands on the 1st October.

Each run will take a standard Classic Car Run format, starting, passing and finishing at places of motoring interest; there will also be an easy to follow dedicated tulip road book giving directions. Click here for an electronic flyer giving details of the routes and for those who may be interested, it has the details of how to get involved.

This is the only National Tercentenary Event being held as others are Provincial based. As such it is viewed by UGLE as one that should get maximum support. 

Written by: Simon Key

Published: 23 January 2017

We are very sad to report the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of WBro Bill Zarins, who fought a brave battle against cancer over the last three years.

WBro Bill was installed as Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge No. 9165 in 2008 at Kettering. He received his first promotion to Provincial Grand Steward in 2011 and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Superintendent of Works in 2016.

WBro Bill played an active role in the Lodge as ADC during 2016. He had a fine singing voice and was often asked to perform at the Festive Board, which he did wonderfully.

A member of the Pemberton Chapter No. 3039 in Rushden, he worked through all the offices, becoming MEZ in 2015.

WBro Bill was a well-respected and much-liked Brother. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Angie, son Guy and daughter Amy.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 31st January 2017 at 1.30pm at St Andrews Church, Rockingham Road, Kettering, NN16 8RG. 

Following the service there will be a private cremation for family members only. Afterwards, there will be a reception for all at the Masonic Centre, York Road, Kettering NN16 0DB. 

No flowers by request. It is requested that any donations in memory of Bill go to Cancer Research UK.

Written by: Simon Key

Published: 22 January 2017

We are very sad to announce the death of WBro John James (Jim) Parker, PAGDC.

WBro Jim was initiated into Old Northamptonian Lodge No. 5694 in November 1974.

He was also a subscribing member of Palmer Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No. 8995, a subscribing and founder member of Webb Ellis Lodge No. 9740, and an honorary member of Grand Junction Lodge No. 9775 and England’s Centre Lodge No. 2555. He was also a member of Northampton Chapter No. 360.

During his career, WBro Jim held several acting ranks: ProvGStwd in 1989, ProvAGDC in 1993 and ProvSGW in 2003. He became a Grand Officer in 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Jim was a Group Officer for Northampton and Chairman of Freemasons' Hall Northampton Ltd.

In relation to Holy Royal Arch, WBro Jim was given an acting rank of Prov2ndAGSoj in 1999. He was promoted to PPGSN in 2004.

WBro Jim made a substantial contribution to Freemasonry during his career. His good friend WBro John Denton wrote -

"If Jim had a motto it would have been “controlled irreverence”. He was great fun. As Master, Director of Ceremonies and Chaplain of the Old Northamptonian Lodge he was superb. As Director of Ceremonies the Festive Board was strictly controlled, interspersed with lots of laughs".

There's no doubt Jim will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family.

Update Regarding Funeral Arrangements

The cremation of WBro Jim will be a private family-only service. This notwisthstanding, a public memorial service will take place on Thursday the 9th February 2017 at 2pm at Boughton Church, Church Street, Boughton and afterwards at Northamptonshire County Golf Club, Golf Ln, Church Brampton, Northampton NN6 8AY.

Written by: John Fergusson

Published: 03 January 2017

VW Bro James Newman, Deputy President and Chairman of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) as well as member of the Old Wellingburian and Three Counties Lodges in this Province, was named in the New Year’s Honours List, having been appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The citation reads 'for services to Business, the Economy and Charity in Yorkshire.’

James said, ‘Naturally, I am absolutely delighted to be honoured in this way and particularly pleased with the ‘charity’ part as it reflects my work at the RMBI and will assist in my work for the MCF going forward.’

VW Bro James is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a successful businessman. During his career, he has held the positions of Chairman or Non-Executive Director for a number of public companies and other organisations, which include the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board, where he played a leading role in the development of the Northern Powerhouse concept.

He has a long history in Freemasonry, having been initiated in 1974 and was Worshipful Master of the Old Wellingburian Lodge in 2013. He is currently a Grand Steward and will become Worshipful Master of the Three Counties Lodge in October 2017.

We extend our sincere congratulations to him and look forward to hearing about the Investiture at the Palace.