Provincial News
- Written by: Michael Genner
When WBro David Nicholls of Danetre Lodge No 8594 visited WBro Bill Mead one night back in 2012, little did he know that it would set him on a Portuguese Odyssey!
Bill surprised David by saying that he and his wife Betty were off to Portugal for a rather different lodge meeting, one of the Lodge of the Oldest Ally near Lisbon.
When David told him that a distance of over a thousand miles seemed rather a long way to go for a Lodge meeting, Bill explained that the Lodge of the Oldest Ally was consecrated at Daventry Masonic Centre in 1993, that it was run in English according to the English Constitution, that it was a Craft lodge belonging to the Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire Province, and that it met twice a year: once on the first Saturday in May at Daventry Masonic Centre, and again on the first Saturday in October in Cascais.
David’s interest was sparked to plan his own visit, so two years later, WBro David and his wife Susan accompanied WBro Jack Hirst and his wife Linda on a trip to Portugal and a visit to the Lodge.
So great was the welcome and hospitality that they received, WBro David vowed to return, which he did this year. A more detailed account of David's travels will be published in the Spring edition of Password.
- Written by: Simon Key
The meeting of St Peter’s Lodge No. 442 held on Thursday the 12th of October 2017 was a memorable meeting for WBro Stan Goakes, who received his 50-Year Certificate exactly 50-years to the day after he was initiated in 1967.
WBro Richard Brice ProvGMen (left) presenting the certificate to WBro Stan Goakes PPSGW
WBro Stan became Worshipful Master of St Peter’s in 1978. He went on to serve as Treasurer and Chaplain.
WBro Stan was also a founder member of Thomas Deacon Lodge in 1984, the same year he received his first Provincial promotion to the acting rank of Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. He subsequently rose to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2009.
In The Holy Royal Arch, WBro Stan was a founder member of Dr Oliver Chapter in 1978, and was Most Excellent Zerubbabel in1984. He held Provincial honours in Chapter too, first as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1994, and then as Provincial Grand Swordbearer in 2009. Also, WBro Stan is a member of St Oswald Preceptory, a joining member of Nanatahala, and was Chairman of the Peterborough Joint Chapter Committee from 2005 to 2017.
Outside of Masonic Life, WBro Stan has been an active member of Soke Round Table, Rotary, Probus, as well as holding various offices with his local Church.
On presenting the certificate, WBro Richard Brice, Provincial Grand Mentor and official representative of the Provincial Grand Master, commented on what an illustrious career WBro Stan had both in Masonry and beyond, serving the community in a much wider capacity.
- Written by: John Fergusson
It has been confirmed by W Bro Gerry Crawford, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, that the very first donation to the 2024 MCF Festival Relief Chest has been made by Piscator Chapter No: 7557 in the marvellous sum of close to £4,000.
Congratulations to the Principals and Companions for such a tremendous contribution which sets the standard for others who might wish to emulate and follow “as their circumstances in life may fairly warrant”. Good luck!
- Written by: Simon Key
The Edwardian Pavilion at Wicksteed Park, Kettering was a fitting venue for the third and final Provincial Tercentenary celebration event, which was held on Saturday the 21st of October 2017.
Over 450 brethren, ladies and guests dusted off their DJs and cocktail dresses to enjoy a lovely drinks reception accompanied by a beautiful string quartet.
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, supported by members of the Provincial Executive and other distinguished brethren, warmly welcomed everyone after which dinner was served.