Provincial News
- Written by: Simon Key
We are sad to announce the passing of VWBro David Manners PDepProvGM PGSwdB to the Grand Lodge Above on the 28th of June 2017. He was 84 years old.
VWBro David Manners PDepProvGM PGSwdB
VWBro Manners was initiated into Beneventa Lodge No. 2380 on the 12th of October 1955 becoming Worshipful Master in 1969. He was subsequently elected as an honorary member.
VWBro Manners was also a founder and elected honorary member of Coritani Lodge No. 8079 and Danetre Lodge No. 8594. He was promoted to Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1974, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1975, Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 1988 and Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 1990.
VWBro Manners was made a Grand Officer in 1976 when he received the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He was further promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon in 1989 and Past Grand Sword Bearer in 1991. He was also a Grand Officer in Holy Royal Arch receiving the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer in 1989.
VWBro Manners was born and lived in Rugby. His interests included fine art, antiques and classic cars. He was an auctioneer by trade.
VWBro Manners was a very hard-working, loved and respected Mason. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
- Written by: Simon Key
On Sunday the 25th June 2017 (a day late), over one-hundred Daventry Masons, partners and friends came together for a Sunday lunch in celebration of the UGLE Tercentenary.
Entertained by the multi-talented Rachael Johnson duet, a great time was had by all.
Daventry Masons, their friends and family enjoying the lunch
In his opening address, WBro Rick Hill said -
We are here today to celebrate our 300th anniversary, but most of all we are here to enjoy the one thing that we have spent the last 300 years building and nurturing - the warmth, friendliness and fraternal companionship of this wonderful order.
- 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.
