Provincial News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
The recent Manchester Arena tragedy has brought a generous response from Masons in this Province who have so far raised £7,000 to help relieve the suffering caused by the tragedy.
This has been sent to the Province of East Lancashire where WBro Ken Davies, MBE, the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Charity Steward, is co-ordinating Masonic fund raising. He said
Please convey my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed. I can assure them that all donations will be put to good use through through a specially set up charitable trust. This response from Freemasons shows Freemasonry at its best.
There have also been donations from other Provinces.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Traditionally, this event is much anticipated by Companions throughout our province and this convocation, being the 11th hosted by our MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, was no exception. Over 250 Companions were in attendance which included 14 Acting, and 2 Past ME Grand Superintendents and other officers from surrounding Provinces. The Province was also honoured also by the presence of the Most Excellent 3rd Grand Principal, E Comp Gareth Jones, OBE
A change in the Executive was effected due to E Comp George Clayton stepping down, as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, due to some health issues. Installed in his place was E Comp Jim Boughton, who is particularly well known for his recent five year tenure as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
The Third Grand Principal addressed the convocation during which he discussed membership issues especially relating to Retention and Retrieval in a most thought provoking manner, which was very well received by all present.
Our MEGS during his address was pleased to announce a particularly healthy increase in new Companions joining our Royal Arch Province over the past calendar year, and certainly the largest during his time in office. While he was pleased to congratulate all Chapters for their hard work in achieving this result, he particularly advised avoidance of any complacency, particularly requesting that Companions ensure efforts are maintained to strengthen and reinforce the membership.
The ceremony was followed by an excellent Festive Board at which the Third Grand Principal further addressed the Companions much to the appreciation of all present. As is customary on these occasions, he was presented with a gift to commemorate a truly memorable and very happy occasion.
Finally, the Provincial Scribe E, E Companion David Brown and his Assistant and all others involved were thanked for organising this wonderful day of Companionship at it’s very best.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 18th of June 2017, Stamford Freemasons participated in the annual mayoral procession and church service.
Braving the heart, the public turned-out to line the streets and witness this ancient tradition, which is held at the inauguration of every Stamford mayor as they enter into their year of office.
Stamford Freemasons have joined the mayoral parade before, but not for many years. This year, to mark the United Grand Lodge of England Tercentenary, members of the Stamford Craft Lodges, wearing their full Masonic regalia, joined other civic bodies and local dignitaries as they walked from the Town Hall, up St Marys Hill, through Red Lion Square, and ending at All Saints Church.
Senior Group Officer WBro Philip Collins, PAGDC leading the parade's Masonic contingent
Following the service, Masons, together with their families and friends, were able to meet at the second of two Stamford Masonic Centre open-days. which were held over the weekend to give visitors the chance to learn more about Freemasonry and the work done by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), including the recent success of the Stamford Carers Sitters Service in securing an MCF grant of at least £4,000. Visitors were able to enter the lodge room where experienced Brethren were on-hand to explain the symbolism contained therein and answer questions.
These events were the perfect opportunity to highlight that Freemasonry has been in Stamford for over 150 years and to thank our community for their support over all that time.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, authorised a £1,000 donation directly to the Manchester Bomb Appeal on behalf of our Royal Arch Province; our Grand Superintendent has a very close relationship with his East Lancashire counterpart, E Comp Sir David Trippier, as both sit on the Committee of General Purposes.
The donation was very well received by the Province of East Lancashire as the extract from the recently received e-mail shows:
"I acknowledge receipt of your most generous donation of £1,000 on behalf of Provincial Grand Chapter of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.
I am informed that the RW Provincial Grand Master has agreed that monies will be donated to the most appropriate charitable fund which appears to us is best serving the needs of the victims and families. We are also waiting on hearing from the new Mayor of Greater Manchester in regards to what his office has set up. The British Red Cross have aligned themselves to the Manchester Evening News appeal, but as this is all about dealing with the consequences, we will consider all options and make an informed decision being cognisant that our monies are coming from Freemasons. Whatever is chosen will be checked out thoroughly and all Provinces advised/updated.”
