Provincial News
- Written by: Simon Key
Thanks to St Wilfrid Lodge No. 4453 and Graham Milton Lodge No. 9796, SERV OBN (Service By Emergency Rider Volunteers - Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire) are proud recipients of a new motorcycle.
Members of St Wilfred Lodge and Graham Milton Lodge take delivery of the new motorcycle
SERV OBN is a registered charity providing a professional blood and blood-product delivery service. It is run by a team of highly-trained volunteers including two riders from Graham Milton Lodge: Bro Alan Pollock and Bro John Mason. Two other Graham Milton brethren, Bro Barry Coleman and Bro John Allen, have ridden for SERV in the past.
The idea to fund a “blood bike” was born In early 2017 when WBro Steve Marshall and WBro Alan Cox (both members of St Wilfrid and Graham Milton lodges) discussed finding a highly tangible, medium-to-long-term cause to benefit the community and mark the Tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
From left: WBro Graham Sands, WBro Steve Marshall, Bro Alan Pollock, Bro Steve Saunders and WBro Mike Walton
The monies subsequently raised by each lodge were boosted by an additional donation made by the Province.
The new motorcycle bears the banners of both lodges together with that of the Province
All of the SERV OBN fleet vehicles are named after women who have made significant contributions in the field of medicine. The motorcycle funded by St Wilfred Lodge and Graham Milton Lodge is named Cecilie after Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Golding, DBE.
Brigadier Golding was a British Army Nurse who rose to Colonel Commandant, Matron-in-Chief and Director of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC).
Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Golding, DBE
Provision of the new motorcycle will make a significant difference to the operations of SERV OBN particularly as their older vehicles are subject to increased maintenance and repair costs.
The brethren of St Wilfrid and Graham Milton lodges are congratulated on their substantial contribution to a very worthy cause.
- Written by: Simon Key
The outcome of voting for Masonic Charitable Foundation Community Awards within the Province has been announced -
| Charity | Award | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal | £25,000 | Northamptonshire |
| Daventry Area Community Transport | £15,000 | Daventry & district |
| Acorn Cancer Support Group | £13,168 | Huntingdon, St Ives and Ramsey |
| Carers Sitter Service | £4,000 | Stamford, Bourne, Deeping, Rutland and East Northants |
| Northampton MENCAP Society | £4,000 | Northampton |
| Peterborough Riding For the Disabled | £4,000 | Peterborough |
Please click here for full details of the Awards nationally.
The Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Gerry Crawford, said:
We are grateful for these Awards in this special year during which we are celebrating 300 year of Freemasonry. Hopefully this will help to show our proud place in society and the tremendous good we do.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Prostate Cancer Awareness
August 2017
One in seven men contract Prostate Cancer. It is unfortunately a well proven statistic and it is the UK’s most prevalent cancer in men. There are over 40000 diagnoses each and every year – a frightening statistic, isn’t it.
There are however currently ELEVEN Provinces under UGLE/Supreme Grand Chapter undertaking a series of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood-testing sessions at various local Masonic centres for those Companions and Brethren who seek re-assurance by a simple blood test under the direction and guidance of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, a registered Charity. This initiative was first launched in 2014.
The blood sample is forwarded to a Consultant Urological Surgeon for analysis who then reports back to the participant within a period of 7-10 days, confirming the results of the blood test and giving any further, appropriate guidance that might seem necessary. PSA testing is seen as a reasonable guide, now more reliable than ever before but not necessarily 100% accurate in all cases as certain extenuating and personal circumstances may come into play.
But so far, there have been well over 5000 Companions/Brethren who have participated –
- 89% have been advised that there has been no apparent problem.
- 222 participants have been assessed as “border-line” with a recommendation that further advice should be sought from their own GP as soon as can be arranged,
- But most importantly, over 300 participants have been identified as having an immediate problem with an early consultation with their GP strongly recommended. Of those, immediate medical/ surgical procedures have been necessary for 46 participants.
I do feel that these statistics alone warrant our further consideration and involvement in the PSA testing initiative and with certain charitable funding available within the Royal Arch Provincial Charity, we are in a position to underwrite the project initially. As a Royal Arch Companion therefore you will shortly receive further details and guidance from our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, E Comp Mike Green, advising of the Centres and dates at which testing will be available in the months ahead to those wishing to participate and with a suggestion that you may also bring along with you a Brother from your Lodge who would wish to participate, even though not a Royal Arch Mason.
It is true that such a test can be demanded from your own GP on the NHS but I just question how many of us actually take the time and trouble to make an appointment with our Doctor for this very purpose? Those 46 Companions/Brethren mentioned above might tend to agree – did they know, were they aware? I have to confess, Companions, I haven’t been tested but I shall be the first in line when the initiative comes to Northampton.
E Comp Mike Green will be in touch with you individually and Chapter Scribes will also be fully briefed.
Yours sincerely & fraternally,
Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: Simon Key
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of RWBro H. Brian Smith, aged 85 years, a Past Provincial Grand Master of this Province from July 1990 to June 1997.
RWBro H. Brian Smith PPGM
RWBro Brian, a chartered accountant by profession, was initiated into Freemasonry in March 1957 and exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in September 1971.
Prior to taking-up the appointment as PGM, RWBro Brian was Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 1984 to 1990; he was also acting Provincial Grand Treasurer from 1979 to 1984.
RWBro Brian attained his first Grand rank in 1983 when he was promoted to PAGDC. He was further promoted to PGSwdB in 1985, and was a Grand Steward from 2005 to 2006. In 1999, shortly after his tenure ended as PGM, RWBro Brian became President of the RMBI, a post he served till 2004.
RWBro Brian was also a Grand Officer in the Holy Royal Arch. He attained the rank of PAGSoj in 1991 and was promoted to GScN in 1997.
RWBro Brian was a hard-working, well-liked and well-respected Mason. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Final Funeral Arrangements
Please click here for the final funeral arrangements (registered Mason users only).