Craft News
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Maurice Rye, PPSGW, C of M, an Honorary Member of Risdene Lodge No 6532, recently celebrated two important milestones, his 90th birthday and 50 years as a Freemason.
He lives with his wife, Evelyn, at Dukes’ Court, Wellingborough, a residential care home, and his recent birthday party with family and friends, included RWBro Barrie Hall, WM of Risdene Lodge, and WBro Steve Squires, Secretary, and their wives. RWBro Hall presented WBro Rye with his 50th Certificate, explaining the reasons for the award of his certificate of merit in 2000.
WBro Maurice thanked all present and explained how much he had enjoyed his life and his many years in Masonry and missed the lodge meetings due to his poor health.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
The Masonic Trout & Salmon Fishing Charity held their latest event at Rookery Waters on the 7th July 2016. RWBro Barry Hall, WBro David Burton and their wives attended as Official guests.
There were over 20 participants and overall catered for over 50 people on the day which was a great success.
The final event of the year will be held at Ringstead Island Fishery on the 22nd September 2016 & volunteers are always welcome.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
It is with great sadness that the death of WBro Richard Herbert Turpin OBE PAGDC is announced. He lost his brave fight against cancer and passed to the Grand lodge Above on Tuesday 26 July 2016.
He was a Group Officer for the Huntingdon Group of Lodges and, since 2006, the Provincial Information Officer. Before that he had for many years been the Editor of the Provincial newsletter, Password, being its inaugural Editor. He was also the current MEZ of Socrates Chapter No 373.
He was 80 years old and born on 17 April 1936. After attending Archbishop Tenison's Grammar School in London he joined the Royal Air Force and rose to the rank of Wing Commander. When he retired he was working at the Ministry of Defence in London.
In 1992 his public service was recognised when he was award the OBE.
He was initiated into Craft Masonry in 1979 and exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in 1981. Becoming Provincial Senior Grand Warden in this Province in 2006, he achieved Senior London Grand Rank in 2007 and was promoted to Grand Rank (PAGDC) in 2009.
In this Province he was a member of Meridian Lodge No 9542, Wilavestone Lodge No 9829, Three Counties Lodge No 9278 and the Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Lodge of Installed Masters No 3422. He was also a member of the Royal Air Force No 7335 in London. He has performed great service in these Lodges in the progressive offices and as Secretary.
In the Holy Royal Arch he was a member (and current MEZ) of Socrates Chapter No 373 and a member of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Chapter of First Principals No 3422.
He was also a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this Mark Province and a member of other orders.
Richard had many interests and gave voluntary service in many walks of public life. He was a Churchwarden in his local Parish Church in Great Stukeley, a Trustee of Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust and a Lay Member of the Huntingdon and Wisbech Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committee. He was also past Chairman of his local Conservative Association and Huntingdonshire District Council.
Richard was a dedicated Freemason and a committed public servant who will be sadly missed by all.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At Coritani Lodge's meeting in April, WBro David Smith was installed into the Chair of King Solomon, seven years after his first stint as Worshipful Master.
He and his partner, Liz Ambrose immediately set about organising "The Big Barn Bash" which they hosted at the family farm at Winwick Warren near Cold Ashby on Saturday 11 June 2016.
Over 120 brethren, friends and family attended to feast on a Hog Roast, which had been bred locally by a neighbouring farmer. They raised £1,600 which will be split between Lifelites, Alzheimer's and Mind.
David and Liz thanked friends Chris and Claire for catering the event, Matt and Tracey for running the bar and donating beer and the increasingly popular ‘Brother’s Re-united’ for the evening's entertainment - WBros John Wilkes (guitar & vocals), Graham Ballinger (Rhythm guitar & vocals) and Bro Ray Robins (drums) along with Mr Terry Ballinger (lead guitar) and Mr David Hylton (bass guitar).