Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Friday 5 February, Bro John McMann became Comp John McMann as he was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch at the Chapter of St. Giles and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. 
Comp McMann is pictured above: E Comp Malcolm Atkins, E Comp Jack Summerfield, Comp John McMann and E Comp David Docherty.
The Chapter’s Principals led their team for an excellent ceremony with some fine ritual, a special note must be made to the 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp Garth Coward who stood in at short notice for the whole Sojourner role. The ceremony was warmly appreciated by all those present, including Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp Mike Coleman and Past Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp David Jackson.
This was the second Exaltation ceremony in which the Chapter of St. Giles has presented the short information excerpts simultaneously to both exaltee and the Chapter during the ceremony, which were received by all with great interest. Finally, Comp John McMann was the first exaltee in the Corby Centre to receive the new ‘Welcome to Royal Arch Masonry’ brochure which was presented by E.Comp Mike Coleman. The evening was finished off with a superb “Haggis led” Festive Board which was kicked off by some excellent bagpiping by Comp Scott Morton, followed by a wonderful address to the haggis by E Comp Billy Glover. E Comp Jack C Summerfield provided an English translation for those not of Scottish persuasion, all in all a very enjoyable Royal Arch evening…. Is there any other kind.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
St Crispin Lodge 5627 in Kettering has provided much needed financial support to Parkinson UK and Cransley Hospice from funds raised at their Lodge Swing Band event in 2015.
- Written by: Michael Genner
WBro Ken Stanley was presented with his 50 years Certificate on the 1st February.
Present at the occasion were WBro Ken’s daughter Kathy, his son John, WBro Don Willis and Almoners WBro Robin Hitchcock of Buckby Castle and WBro William Mead of Beneventa.
WBro Don Willis, Kathy, WBro Ken Stanley and John
WBro Ken was initiated into Beneventa Lodge in January 1966, WBro Don Willis was initiated at their March Meeting in 1966, and being close Masonic friends ever since it was most appropriate that WBro Don presented WBro Ken's 50 years Certificate. The occasion was deeply appreciated by WBro Ken and brought back many happy memories of his Masonic career.
WBro Ken was a Founder Member of Buckby Castle Lodge No 8932.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Monday 1 February was the February convocation of Eleanor Cross Chapter in which Bro Matthew Ellmer was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, completed his journey from Initiation to Exaltation and became Comp Matthew Ellmer. The Chapter was honoured to have the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent E Comp Wayne Williams in attendance, accompanied by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Chapter was further honoured by several Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter officers, namely, E Comp Jeff Lowe, E Comp Tony Greene, E Comp Derek Todd and E Comp Michael Green.
The Three Principals, E Comp Merrick Bowles, E Comp Kevin Corcoran and E Comp John Fergusson led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce some superb work. The Principal Sojourner, E Comp Paul Sparks, and 1st Assistant Sojourner, E Comp Kevin Foreman performed their work in the most exemplary manner. The signs were presented by E Comp Trevor Sherman with great style, followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented in an exemplary style by E Comp John James, E Comp Ken Briers and E Comp George Clayton.
Below Comp Matthew is pictured with E Comp Kevin Corcoran, ME Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, E Comp Merrick Bowles and E Comp John Fergusson.
Companions of the Chapter congratulated E Comp Paul Sparks on his first appointment in Provincial Grand Chapter, acting Provincial2nd Asst Grand Sojourner and E Comp Mike Pepper on his past rank promotion to PPrGScN.
The Chapter enjoyed a wonderful selection of music throughout the ceremony by acting organist for the evening, E Comp George Clayton.
Below the ME Grand Superintendent is pictured with Eleanor Cross Chapter's Three Principals.
