Craft News
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Devonshire Court was opened on the 2nd of November 1966 by the Late Queen Mother. It was the first of the R.M.B.I. purpose built homes to be opened after a period of about 116 years since the formation of “the Asylum for Worthy, Aged and Decayed Freemasons” was opened in Croydon.
This years event was attended by many invited guests and residents of the Home. WBro David Watson, a trustee of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, addressed the assembled guests and residents on the work of the Charity and that of the R.M.B.I. Devonshire Court was then toasted in the usual manner with a glass of “Bubbly.”
WBro David Watson
WBro George Stamp, a Past Master and Chaplain of the Holmes Lodge, also a past first Principal of the St Peter’s Chapter and a member of the St. Peter’s Mark Lodge, delivered a Eulogy on behalf of the late Fred Lifford who bequeathed substantial sums to both Devonshire Court and The Market Harborough Masonic improvement fund. WBro George then unveiled a plaque naming the Lounge “The Lifford Lounge.”
WBro George Stamp admiring the new plaque
The residents and guests then continued to enjoy the afternoon and the entertainment.
WBro David Watson, his wife, Halina, and other guests
The night was attended by WBros Kevin Williams, Mike Gorrod, David Talbot and David Watson accompanied by Helen Williams, Margaret Talbot and Davids wife, Halina, who is photographed in her wheelchair having broken her ankle.
Following the sumptuous meal the gaming tables opened allowing both fun entertainment and a chance to chat with fellow masons from the Pprovince of Leicestershire and Rutland.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Lodge of Installed Masters has witnessed many special occasions and the Installation meeting which took place on Monday 24 October 2016 stands alongside those occasions. Our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, was installed into the Chair of King Solomon by W Bro Richard Bedells in an exemplary manner. The ceremony was performed in front of a very full Lodge room at Sheaf Close including the full Executive team of Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Trevor Boswell and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, W Bro David Burton and W Bro Charles Bennett.
The Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Norman Pope was appointed and invested as Senior Warden and the Lodge’s Past Secretary, W Bro Graeme Fordham as Junior Warden.
Above (left to right), Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro David Burton, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Trevor Boswell,
Senior Warden, W Bro Norman Pope, Worshipful Master, RW Bro Max Bayes, W Bro Richard Bedells, Assistant Provincial Grand Master,
W Bro Charles Bennett & Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Dale Gilbert.
After the Installation ceremony was complete, W Bro Mark Smith of the Province of Essex and `Antiques Roadshow` fame, gave a very interesting and informative talk on the Victoria Cross. It covered the history and origins of the Cross, along with his findings on the heroics of some of the Freemasons who have received it. During the course of his talk, the Brethren were privileged to hold a Victoria Cross medal for themselves.
The evening was concluded with a very enjoyable Festive Board.
At a packed “X Factor” style audition held at Corby Masonic Centre, on Saturday 29th October 2016, various brethren from across the Province demonstrated ritual with the hope that they would be selected to take part in the 2nd Degree ceremony to be held on the 25th March, 2017 in the Main Temple at Great Queen Street, London, to Pass Bro Luke Howard.
As a result of the audition, the brethren listed below have been selected to take part in that ceremony.
- B Bennett, Socrates, 373
- R Pengilley, St Peters, 442
- P Logan, Lodge of Fidelity, 445
- Tho Than Nugyen, Perseverance, 455
- Daryll Swainson, Chichley, 607
- Paul Donneky, Elanor Cross, 1764
- Andy Walker, Euston, 2283
- V Tindale, Fitzwilliam, 2533
- B Smethurst, St Ivo, 2684
- F Hawson, Pemberton, 3039
- M Curren, Hatton, 3041
- Robin Beeby, Cytringan, 4048
- John Simpson, Old Northamptonian, 5694
- Peter Chapman, Lodge of St George, 5978
- D Watts, Risdene, 6532
- J Russell, Thistle and Rose, 6644
- G Sharif, Lodge of St James, 6838
- Daniel Day, Piscator, 7557
- Scott Austin, Dr Field, 8158
- Graham Rodger, Ferraria, 8489
- S Key, Lactodorum, 8526
- A R Collins, Lodge of Harmony, 9048
- A McWilliam, Corbie, 9155
- J Taylor, Hinchingbrooke, 9282
- Phillip McKeown, Gates of Billing, 9309
- N B Hood, Burghley, 9364
- E Storey, Lodge of Unity, 9495
- K C Mackie, Pro Musica, 9547
- K Roberts, Scout, 9814
Tickets for this event are on sale now. Please see your lodge secretary for details.
Thanks to the generosity of numerous Lodges throughout the province, the gardens at Palmer Court, a Masonic Housing Association, have undergone a transformation.
The work on the gardens has recently been completed and included a new decking and patio area, allowing residents to relax outside in more modern and stylish garden.
