Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
Following his 10 very successful years in office, E Comp George Pipon Francis retired on 10th November.
To mark this special occasion, a retirement dinner was held at Freemasons' Hall in London. The invited guests were all those Grand Superintendents that the ME 2nd Grand Principal had installed during his tenure. With the exception of two who were unavoidably absent, all others, which included E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent of the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, were in attendance. Collectively this group was known as ‘George’s Boys’. 
On arrival at the Private Apartment, the invited guests enjoyed a Champagne Reception where they were then joined by E Comp George together with his successor, ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race. All went on to enjoy a delightful dinner, prepared by Chef Franco, in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, which, while tinged with sadness that ME 2nd Grand Principal was retiring, celebrated his many achievements over ten very successful years.
On behalf of all those present, E Comp George was presented with a beautifully inscribed crystal bowl by E Comp Graham Glazier, Grand Superintendent of Dorset, as a token of their appreciation and affection. E Comp John Saint, Grand Superintendent of Warwickshire, and the most senior Grand Superintendent present, then went on to propose a toast which reflected on the many achievements of the ME Second Grand Principal, and in particular his huge contribution in raising the profile of the Holy Royal Arch to the high levels it enjoys today.
E Comp George Pipon Francis (left) is pictured below with the ME 2nd Grand Principal Designate, E Comp Russell Race.
- Written by: John Fergusson
The 24th Regular Installation meeting of this very distinguished Chapter was held on Thursday 26 November which saw the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, E Comp Wayne Williams, Installed into the First Principal's Chair, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Bedfordshire, E Comp Bob Lovesey was installed as H and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Suffolk, E Comp. David Boswell was installed as J. 
Pictured above from left to right: E Comp Bob Lovesey, E Comp Graham Redman, E Comp Wayne Williams & E Comp David Boswell
Membership of this prestigious Chapter is restricted to Grand Superintendents and their Deputies only. A most interesting and informative address was given by E Comp Graham Redman, Deputy Grand Scribe E, much to the delight of all present.
Our congratulations and best wishes go to these three newly Installed Principals and other Officers, for a happy and enjoyable term in office. Congratulations are due also to E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire on being one of three newly elected members of this fine Chapter.
Pictured above right: Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman
- Written by: John Fergusson
A most enjoyable evening of Royal Arch masonry was there for all to see on Tuesday 24 November 2015 at Abington Chapter’s Installation Meeting, which was marked by an official visit from the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
E Comp. Alan Rance was installed as Z, E Comp David Watson as H and E Comp John Booth as J. It was an excellent meeting with some fine ritual all round with a special mention to Past Z E Comp Selwyn Griffiths for the exemplary manner in which he installed and invested his successor, and E Comp John Harris for a most memorable presentation of the Z Jewel.
The newly appointed Principals of Abington Chapter are pictured to the left. They are from left to right E Comp David Watson, E Comp Alan Rance and E Comp John Booth.
Our congratulations to the three newly Installed Principals and Officers of the Chapter and we offer them our sincere best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable year ahead.
Above: 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton (far right) Above: Provincial Grand Scribe E, E Comp Barry Hadley (far left) and E Comp
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp John Payne (far left) Trevor Cooke and E Comp Ivan Greaves (far right) with the newly installed
with the newly installed Principals. Principals.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Sothius Lodge No 8774
was consecrated on the 10th September 1977 after it became clear the market town of St Ives needed more than one craft Lodge. WBro Ron Jordan PPSGW was a founder member.
He has now been presented with his 60 year certificate by WBro Gordon Cox the Mentor of Sothius Lodge.
Initiated into Lodge Lorne No 1347 by this father in November 1954, he was exalted into Ebbisham Chapter No 2422, also by this father. He has also served as Master of Plaisterers Lodge No 7390 & Surrey Masters Lodge No 7388.
Now, aged of 92, he is still active in this family business and lives in Surrey.