Craft News
- Written by: Simon Key
There has been a change of Local Communications Officer for Wellingborough and Rushden, with WBro Trevor Cook now taking over from WBro Rob Mallett, who has performed several years of service.
WBro Trevor Cook
Born and raised in Wellingborough just a stone’s throw from the Masonic Hall, WBro Trevor is well known in the area. He was educated at Victoria Junior School on Mill Road and then at the Grammar School in Wellingborough, before working for Unilever at Colworth House in Sharnbrook, for over 40 years.
WBro Trevor was Initiated into The Gates of Billing Lodge in 1999 and passed through the respective offices before being installed into the Chair of King Solomon in 2006. Whilst this means that his “mother tongue” for ritual is Taylor’s working, he is also fluent in Emulation being a Joining Member of John Pyel Lodge, also in Wellingborough.
A keen member of The Holy Royal Arch and several other Orders based mainly in Wellingborough and Rushden, WBro Trevor has also been a member of the Provincial Demonstration Team since its formation in 2008 and has performed with the group at many Masonic Centres across the Province and further afield.
We thank WBro Rob Mallett for all his past hard work and wish WBro Trevor Cook the very best in his new role
- Written by: Simon Key
WBro David Hawkins (Wolverton Trinity Lodge, Bucks), WBro Mick Hull (Roman Way Lodge, Bucks) and Bro Chris Knight (Lactodorum Lodge, Northants & Hunts) entered a "Three Clubs and a Putter" competition at Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club in support of a fund raising event for Polio Research. All three are members of Bucks Masonic Golf Club.
The dynamic trio, which went by the team name "Brothers Three" won the event and were presented with a trophy to commemorate their victory.
From left, WBro Mick Hull, WBro David Hawkins and Bro Chris Knight
- Written by: Simon Key
On Tuesday the 25th of April 2017, a special memorial to Freemasons awarded the Victoria Cross during The Great War from 1914 - 1918 was unveiled outside Grand Lodge.
Click the picture shown below to view video footage of the ceremony. Hovering your mouse over the video will provide more options including the ability to view the video full-screen and with subtitles.
The order of the memorial service is available below. It contains details of the Freemasons who were commemorated.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Alan Kersley was born on the 30th March 1958 and called to the Grand Lodge Above on the 21st March 2017 after a fight against cancer. Alan was married to Moraid and they had three children: Matt, Coll and Rhiannon. He also had three grandchildren: Lexi, Logan and Rae Eryn.
WBro Alan Kersley PPSGW
Alan started his working life at East Midlands Allied Press much to his father’s disgust. He wanted him to become an architect, but Alan decided to earn his keep instead of studying for a few more years.
After leaving EMAP and moving from South Wales to Peterborough, Alan started his own business. He sold this some time ago and formed another just before he was diagnosed with cancer.
For those that did not attend the service at Peterborough Crematorium on Thursday the 6th April, Alan wrote his own eulogy, which was read-out during the service. It was a very moving history of his life, and his sense of humour was still very evident. During the piece, Alan told how he had at last been promoted to the “Grand Lodge Above”, but with this promotion he would not have to buy an apron!
Alan had a distinguished career in Freemasonry. He was initiated into Peterborough and Counties Lodge No. 2996 on 18th December 1990 and became Master in 2001. He held various offices at Provincial level including the acting ranks of Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Sword Bearer and Junior Warden. He also joined the Richard Sandbach Lodge of Research where he held the office of Secretary. It was through RSLoR that he launched the Daily Advancement website, which he ran right up until the time of his death.
Alan was exalted into the St. Peter’s Chapter No. 442 in 1993 and occupied the 1st. Principal's chair in 2007 when he obtained the rank of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Alan was also a Mark Master Mason. He was advanced in the Norman Rolfe Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1643 in 1995 and became Master in 2005. He held the office of Registrar of Marks up until his death. He also held the rank of Past Provincial Grand Junior Overseer.
Alan was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment up until December 2016. During the period of his illness, Alan remained very positive, cheerful and active.
He attended his mother lodge on Tuesday the 21st February 2017, whereupon he was paid a living tribute culminating with a promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes.
Alan also attended St. Peter’s Chapter in February, where he was Director of Ceremonies. He informed the companions that it would be his last meeting.
Alan will be sorely missed by us all. He certainly lived respected and died regretted. May he rest in peace.
Russell Laxton
April 2017