Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
It’s good when a plan comes together. This being the last scheduled Official Meeting of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, it was decided from the outset that Wellingborough Chapter's January Convocation was destined to be something rather special, the object being to fill the temple with as many friends and acquaintances possible, and indeed anyone wishing to say farewell to E Comp Wayne Williams, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire following almost eleven years of exemplary service. The only request to those intending to go, or being aware of what was happening was, ‘DON’T TELL HIM’.
Present on the evening was the full Executive, Past Executive, Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers and a virtual plethora of Grand Chapter Officers and friends.
The work in the temple was equally special, a double Exaltation Ceremony. Newly exalted Companions Martin Hill and Gary Thornton will, for sure, remember always this most amazing occasion on which together they completed their journey through Pure Antient Masonry. The whole ceremony was conducted in a most exemplary manner by the officers of this fine Chapter.
Newly exalted Companions Martin Hill & Gary Thornton pictured below with the Wellingborough Chapter's
Principals and Provincial Grand Chapter Executive 
The Festive Board, predictably, really was something else when what can only be described as a celebratory spirit pervaded the whole evening. The toast to the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was in the extremely capable hands of the Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp Mike Coleman. This was very warmly received being studded with many anecdotes and much humour. At some point, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was presented with a wrapped present which turned out to be a ‘Skiffle Group Washboard’. In unrehearsed splendour, starting with members of the Executive, the whole room joined in an amazing rendition of Lonnie Donegan’s ‘My old Man’s a Dustman’, solos by the Executive and great fun for all. E Comp Wayne accompanied on the Washboard together with Barry Weigleb on Tea Chest and Barry Williamson on Banjo.
Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike then presented the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent with an envelope containing an extremely large cheque which is reputed to be growing in value on a daily basis with no sign yet of it abating.
In response to his toast, E Comp Wayne reflected on his extended term in office and his undoubted affection for this wonderful Royal Arch Province. He thanked everyone for the huge support he received during his almost eleven years tenure. Finally he was saluted by all present with an enormous ovation, to mark not just the end of an era, but expectation by all of many more special occasions to enjoy together in Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Royal Arch Masonry, albeit in a rather different capacity.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 8th January 2018, our Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, rededicated the banner of Dr Field Lodge. He was very well supported by members of the Provincial team, and there were many Brethren in attendance from across the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Monday 15th January 2018, Chapter of Fidelity enjoyed an excellent Installation Convocation. The Chapter was honoured to receive the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams who was escorted by E Comp Jeff Freeman, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies as well as E Comp Jim Boughton, Second Provincial Grand Principal.
E Comp Terry Oldfield was installed as First Principal, E Comp Richard Brice as Second Principal and E Comp Chris Mullen as Third Principal. It was particularly special for E Comp Oldfield as the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Jim Boughton, was invited by the Grand Superintendent to deliver the Address to the Principals. as E Comp Jim and E Comp Terry have known each other since childhood, growing up around the corner from each other.
After the Principals had invested their Officers for the ensuing year, E Comp Arnold Francklow PPrGScN and holder of the MEGS Certificate for Meritorius Service presented the PZ jewel in a way that only he can to E Comp Simon Laws, IPZ.
The evening was finished off with a superb Festive Board which was enjoyed by all. Our congratulations to the three newly Installed Principals and Officers of the Chapter and we offer them our sincere best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable year ahead.
- Written by: John Fergusson
E Comp Neil Handley To Be Appointed 2nd Provincial Grand Principal
E Comp Jim Boughton, Grand Superintendent (Designate), has been delighted to appoint E Comp Neil Handley as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal at his Installation Convocation on 28th February 2018.
E Comp Neil was initiated into Freemasonry in December 1980 in Pax Magna Lodge and became a joining member of Perseverance Lodge No 213 in Norfolk in 1984 where he progressed through the offices to become Worshipful Master of in 1990. He completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry when he was exalted into Chapter of Perseverance in the Province of Norfolk in May 1993 and became the Chapter’s First Principal in March 1997.
In 2002, he became a joining member of Dr Oliver Chapter in Peterborough and became the Chapter’s First Principal in October 2013. His Provincial Grand Chapter appointments include being Provincial Grand Treasurer for the Province of Norfolk from 1999-2000 and Provincial Grand Registrar in this Province from 2014-15. Additionally, he is a Director of Peterborough Masonic Hall Ltd and Treasurer of the Peterborough Joint Chapters Committee.
In his professional life, he was a banker and worked within retail banking over 30 years. He has been married to Terri for 46 years. A qualified bowls coach (both indoor and outdoor) as well as being a keen armchair based supporter of Notts County.