Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
The day was April Fool’s day, but the occasion was anything but.
On 1 April 2016 at Corby Masonic Complex, the Provincial Grand Chapter Team of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire came out in force to the Chapter of St. Giles No. 8736. The evening’s Convocation saw Brother Eben Viljoen exalted into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch and complete his journey through Pure Antient Masonry to become Companion Eben Viljoen, with a little more “Pomp and Ceremony” than would normally be the case.
At the start of the evening The Three Principals, E Comp Jack C. Summerfield, E Comp Malcolm Atkins and E Comp David Docherty received the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams accompanied by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Also present was the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, The Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton and The Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant, along with 18 distinguished Companions holding Grand Chapter Rank and Acting Provincial Rank in a magnificent display of ceremonial splendour.
The Three Principals Of Chapter of St Giles pictured with the Provincial team led by our ME Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams.
The Three Principals led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce some outstanding work. The 1st and 2nd Assistant Sojourners, Comp Garth Coward and Comp Paul McGregor led Companion Viljoen through his exaltation ceremony with great style. The signs were presented by E Comp Arthur Byles followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented in a commendable manner by E Comp Harry Twelvetree, E Comp Mick Wren and E Comp John Webster. It was particularly nice to see the other two Candidates from this season Comp John McMann and Comp Chris Vickers give the readings.
Chapter of St Giles Newest Companiont is pictured above (left to right): E Comp Jack Summerfield, Comp Eben Viljoen
and our ME Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Wililams
With 80 attending the convocation and over 70 sitting down to an excellent and entertaining Festive Board there was a great sense of occasion. In his reply to his toast Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Wayne Williams advised that he was pleased to see The Chapter of St. Giles continue to go from strength to strength on each of his recent visits to the Corby Chapter, and advised Comp Eben that he will never witness a better ceremony than the one that he had seen that evening. Everyone in attendance had clearly made a WISE decision to attend, and no-one made FOOLS of themselves!
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Candidate at Danetre Lodge’s meeting on the 4th of April 2016, Mr Adam Reynolds, was born in February 1997, making him only 19 years old.
Because of his age and studies, his Grandfather, WBro Alan Randall, currently Director of Ceremonies of Danetre Lodge, had never broached the subject of becoming a Mason with Adam, no improper solicitations, and so was surprised when Adam made the approach.
The required Dispensation was granted by the PGM who was already scheduled to attend the meeting of the 4th and so was present to see Adam initiated. On the evening Danetre’s WM vacated the chair to allow WBro Randall to obligate his Grandson.
WBro Peter Ayton ProvAGDC, PGM, WM WBro Dick Godwin PAGDC, Bro Adam Reynolds & ‘Grandad’ (WBro Alan Randall)
Adam’s home is in North Perthshire, Scotland, although he studied in Manchester before moving to live in London studying music at University. Do we have a budding Organist looming?
Although Adam’s father never joined Freemasonry, his heritage is extensive, with his grandfather, both great grandfathers and his great great grandfather being members of the Craft along with several great and great great uncles.
The PGM welcomed Bro Adam to Freemasonry in General and the superior Province of Northants and Hunts in particular (he admitted to being somewhat biased on this) and informed Bro Adam that he had joined a popular and thriving Lodge.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Each year at Easter, on Maundy Thursday, Her Majesty the Queen presents special Maundy money to local pensioners in a UK cathedral or abbey in one of the Diocese in England or Scotland.
Exceptionally, for only the second time in her reign, the presentation in 2016 took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Thursday 24 March and was made to 90 men and 90 women throughout the Diocese of both Countries. One of the proud recipients was W Bro Richard Turpin OBE who said
We had a wonderful day and the presentation in the traditional Maundy Service was followed by an excellent reception in the State Apartments. I still don't understand what I have done to deserve such a high honour which is given to 'elderly' men and women for services to the Church and their local community.
Each recipient is given two purses. The red one containing a £5 commemorative coin marking the Queen's 90th Birthday and 50p coin marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. The white one containing the specially minted silver Maundy coins (nine packets of 4,3,2 and 1p face value) totalling 90p to equate to the Queen's age.
Our congratulations go to WBro Richard.
- Written by: Michael Genner
The Towcester Youth Coffee House Project runs a drop in centre for children of secondary school age. It is located close to the biggest concentration of social housing in Towcester and a primary school where 20% of pupils qualify for free school meals.
The Coffee Shop exists to provide a safe environment for children and young people in which they can develop their physical, mental and social skills, reduce the instance of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking caused by lack of recreational facilities.
On Wednesday 23rd March 2016 as Freemasonry approaches its three hundred year anniversary, Towcester Freemasons presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Youth Coffee House Charity Chairman Miss Charlie Fagan and Vice Chairman Mrs Pauline Bains.
L to R
WBro Richard Stokes, WBro Graham Minett, Mrs Pauline Bains, Miss Charlie Fagan, WBro Andy Lowe, WBro Chris Mullen, at the back WBro Bob Cox.
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The Coffee Shop has always relied on raising its money from the local community and on the participation of volunteers to keep running costs to a minimum and keep its doors open. The Coffee Shop is currently raising funds for renovation and redevelopment of the facility to increase the opening times and ensuring it will remain as a volunteer based organisation whose operational costs are funded entirely from local contributions.