Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
VW Bro James Newman, Deputy President and Chairman of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) as well as member of the Old Wellingburian and Three Counties Lodges in this Province, was named in the New Year’s Honours List, having been appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The citation reads 'for services to Business, the Economy and Charity in Yorkshire.’
James said, ‘Naturally, I am absolutely delighted to be honoured in this way and particularly pleased with the ‘charity’ part as it reflects my work at the RMBI and will assist in my work for the MCF going forward.’
VW Bro James is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a successful businessman. During his career, he has held the positions of Chairman or Non-Executive Director for a number of public companies and other organisations, which include the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board, where he played a leading role in the development of the Northern Powerhouse concept.
He has a long history in Freemasonry, having been initiated in 1974 and was Worshipful Master of the Old Wellingburian Lodge in 2013. He is currently a Grand Steward and will become Worshipful Master of the Three Counties Lodge in October 2017.
We extend our sincere congratulations to him and look forward to hearing about the Investiture at the Palace.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 9 December 2016, our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, visited Piscator Chapter for their December Convocation. He was accompanied by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and supported by E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand Registrar and Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, E Comp Martin Dimmock.
It was a very memorable evening for two sets of fathers and sons; E Comp Aaron Day and E Comp Michael Long both witnessed their sons, Comp Daniel and Comp James respectively, being exalted into the Holy Royal Arch and complete their journeys in Pure Antient Masonry. The Exaltation ceremony was delivered with ritual of the highest standard with the Chapter's three Principals leading the way and they were very well supported by Comp Mike Howells as Principal Sojourner and delivered the Historical Lecture in a superb manner.
The ceremony was followed by a fine festive board to welcome Comps Daniel and James into the Holy Royal Arch and Piscator Chapter and we wish them both a long and happy future as members of this fine Chapter.
Pictured above right from left to right:- E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand
Registrar, Comp Daniel Day, Haggai, E Comp Aaron Day, Haggai, MEZ, E Comp Bob Green, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent,
E Comp Wayne Williams, Joshua, E Comp Roger Blason, Comp James Long, E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of
Ceremonies & E Comp Martin Dimmock, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Tuesday 13 December, the Convocation of Gildenburg Chapter in Peterborough proved to be a very busy evening with an Exaltation, a presentation of a Supreme Grand Chapter certificate and last, but by no means least, the presentation of a 50 Year Jubilee Certificate. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, was the official visitor for this Convocation.
The three Principals of the Chapter; E Comp David Burton, E Comp Marcus Murphy and E Comp Richard Olson, led the Exaltation of Comp Robert Hodson in a fine manner and enabled him to complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. At this point, our Most Excellent Grand Superindent presented Comp Mark Benwell with his Supreme Grand Chapter Certficate and explained it to him. Finally, to the delight of all those present our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, then presented a 50 year Jubilee Certificate to Comp Colin St John-Browne who has enjoyed the companionship of the Holy Royal Arch for half a century, but, not progressed through the Principals' Chairs. He was absolutely delighted to receive this certificate.
The evening was completed with a very enjoyable Festive Board which captured the wonderful atmosphere of the evening.
Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, presents the 50 year Jubilee Certifcate to Comp Colin St John-Browne
flanked by the Chapter's three Principals; Haggai, E Comp Marcus Murphy, MEZ, E Comp David Burton, & Joshua, E Comp Richard Olson
Above left: Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams with the newly exalted Comp Robert Hodson.
Above right: Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams & Comp Mark Benwell flanked by the Chapter's three
Principals; Haggai, E Comp Marcus Murphy, MEZ, E Comp David Burton, & Joshua, E Comp Richard Olson
- Written by: Simon Key
On Wednesday the 14th of December 2016, Ceres Lodge No. 6977 held a very successful and well attended white table meeting.
The Worshipful Master, WBro David Watson, was pleased to welcome Mr John Helm and Mrs Amanda Taylor from the Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The Hospice had been chosen by the now IPM of the Lodge, WBro Richard Cooke, as the main charity he wished to support during his year as Master.
Mr Helm and Mrs Taylor gave an enlightening talk about the hospice and its work in the county. At the festive board WBro Cooke was pleased to present Mr Helm with a cheque for the sum of £1,900.
WBro Cooke thanked the staff of the Hospice for their tremendous work helping those needing palliative care in the county. WBro Cooke had chosen to support Cynthia Spencer Hospice in memory of Ceres Lodge member WBro Jim Pitts who sadly passed away whilst in their care.
Mr Helm (left) and Mrs Taylor receiving the cheque from WBro Richard Cooke
A donation of £500 was also sent to the Medical Detection Dogs Charity, the second charity supported by WBro Richard Cooke during his year as Master.
At the festive board, WBro David Watson announced that he wished to support Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) and the Air Ambulance Service during his year as Master. The latter was in gratitude for airlifting his grandson to hospital after receiving a serious back injury whilst playing rugby.