Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s Certificate of Meritorious Service Award
Presentation to Excellent Companion Stan Wilford – PGStB
On Monday 20 June 2016, on the final run-up to the annual convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter, the MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, together with his Executive, was delighted to travel to Wellingborough, in order to present this very special award to E Comp Stan at his home in Wellingborough.
It would be extremely difficult to find a more deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. E Comp Stan’s glittering masonic career began some 65 years ago on being initiated into the John Pyel Lodge No. 5195 in 1952. He then went on to be Exalted into the Wellingborough Chapter No. 737 in 1965. Having been the recipient of a Royal Arch Jubilee Certificate in September 2015, marking his 50 years of exemplary service to the Holy Royal Arch, this award reflects his commitment, dedication, and unfailing encouragement he has always shown to younger and less experienced Companions.
He is admired, respected, and held in such high regard by his peers and indeed by all those who enjoy the privilege of knowing him. On presenting the award, the citation was formally read out by the PrGScE Designate, E Comp David Brown, in a most commendable manner. Thanks to his wife Jessie, this presentation came as a complete surprise to E Comp Stan who clearly enjoyed his very special morning. E Comp Stan, for health reasons, will unfortunately be unable to attend Provincial Grand Chapter, but there is little doubt that he will, on Thursday, be quietly raising a glass of something rather special, in celebration of his richly deserved preferment and, of course, to the very good health of his many friends and Companions.
Pictured below our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams presents E Comp Stan with his certificate and his wife, Jessie,
with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
At Rushden LAMS Chairman's Coffee Morning in May 2016 yhey celebrated the Queen's 90th birthday and used the occasion to mark the many significant birthdays being celebrated in 2016 by a number of members. Sheila Hartley (70), Evelyn Willmott (90) and Penny Sargent (75) are seen cutting the cake.
On Friday 20 May 2016 Rushden LAMS and guests enjoyed a magical evening of music prresented by Northampton Male Voice Choir who performed in the Lodge Room. This was followed by a delicious supper in Dining Room. Proceeds are to go towards their charities for 2016, Alzheimers Society and Parkinson's UK.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Kitty Hickman, one of our Widows, was pleased to receive a message from the Queen congratulating her on achieving her 100th birthday on 10th June. Kitty’s family joined her at the residential home where she lives to celebrate her birthday. Kitty’s late husband, Fred Hickman was Worshipful Master of Pomfret Lodge, 360, in 1973. Their son Johnny was also a member of Pomfret as was her nephew Brian Hickman who became Worshipful Master in 1981 and Brian's son Clinton was Worshipful Master 2002; a true family history of membership of Pomfret Lodge.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Tony Norman’s Incredible 43 year Journey from Initiation to Exaltation.
In 1973, Tony Norman of Podington was Initiated into Risdene Lodge. Two years later, an agenda item at his Lodge was to present him with his Grand Lodge Certificate. For reasons unknown, this presentation was deferred to a later date, much later in fact, for he finally received his GL Certificate thirty one years later in 2006.
E Comp Tony has enjoyed a truly ‘chequered’ existence throughout his daily life, battling several health problems over the years, which included a heart attack at the age of thirty three. He is currently suffering severe sight problems and was registered blind four years ago. Contrastingly, he has enjoyed a glittering career in business at the highest levels, culminating in the position of Executive Chairman of the Marriot Construction Group. Throughout his 43 years in Freemasonry, Tony has found it to be a ‘sanctuary’ from the pressures of his work, a bolthole from business, somewhere to truly relax, unwind with his peers and enjoy our fraternity.
Following retirement, and on strong recommendations from his friends, he finally took the decision to complete his masonic journey, that fourth and final stage of Pure Antient Masonry, in the firm belief that ‘It’s never too late’. He was duly Exalted into Whytewell Chapter 8400 on 5th April 2016, thus ending a quest, 43 years in the making, to fully enjoy the wonderful Companionship that is The Holy Royal Arch.
