Provincial News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Over two years ago, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester launched the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal to fund the building of a new state-of-the-art hospice building at Thorpe Hall in Peterborough.
Local Mason Ian Knox (whose wife had spent her final days at the Hospice) took up the challenge of helping raise funds in support of this Appeal. He has successfully spearheaded efforts which have resulted in donations from Lodges and individuals across the Province.
(l to r) WBro Gerry Crawford (ProvGChStwd), WBro Ian Knox (fund raising coordinator), WBro David Burton (APGM), Jane Petit, WBro Alan Nicholls (PGC Trustee), WBro Russell Laxton (Local Communication Officer)
These efforts have been supported by the Provincial Grand Charity and on 8 September 2015 at Thorpe Hall local Masons, led by the APGM, WBro David Burton, presented a cheque for £25,000 to Jane Petit, its Director. (In addition, some individual Masons and Lodges have sent donations directly. These will bring the total Masonic donations to about £50,000.)
Jane Petit said
Thank you for coming along and presenting us with such an incredible amount of money. We are incredibly grateful.
This coincided with a visit from Her Royal Highness during which she official opened the new building.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday 3 September 2015, the Holy Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire was honoured to extend a very warm welcome to the ME Grand Superintendent of Bristol, E Comp Alan J Vaughan, and his Demonstration Team to present a demonstration of the Antient Ceremony of the Veils. This was very kindly hosted by our own Chapter of First Principals.
Unchanged for some 200 years, this event provided a fascinating insight to the origins of the Exaltation Ceremony practised by us today, much to the appreciation of an enthusiastic audience of around 270 Companions which included the MEGS of Warwickshire, E Comp John Saint. E Comp Barry Goulding was awarded a Certificate by E Comp Vaughan following his participation in the ceremony as the Exaltee, his performance was almost worthy of an Oscar such was the gusto with which he played his part, word perfect as usual!
Towards the end of an excellent Festive Board, our MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, congratulated and thanked all concerned for their hard work in producing this wonderful event which clearly exceeded everyone’s expectations.
- Written by: Michael Genner
The early morning sun shone, whilst the prominently liveried Graham Milton Lodge marquee was erected (we remembered the roof this year..!!!) and the weather continued to be good all day.
The organisers informed us that that 17,000 motorcyclists attended this one day festival, which saw a myriad of motorcycling exhibits and exhibitors, from manufacturers, clubs and traders and the, closed to traffic town centre roads, echoed to the sound of high powered racing motorcycles, being used in anger. The groups attending were diverse in the extreme; The Christian Motorcyclists were present, as well as the Satan’s Slaves!
The Graham Milton Lodge 9796 had a small display of motorbikes, as well as literature about the Lodge and Freemasonry, the Northants & Hunts Provincial promotional material was very well received.
The show was a great success for the Graham Milton Lodge. 19 members of the Lodge signed in, Bro Brad Purnell made the three hour trip from Thetford and brought some friends for the ride. We also had many visitors that included Brethren from motorbike lodges in other provinces, Chevalier de Fer Lodge No. 9732 and Mike Hailwood Lodge No. 9839.
We had lots of interest from the public and Masons alike. 5 very worthwhile contacts were made: two lapsed Masons who are motorcyclists and interested in “coming back into the fold” via the Graham Milton Lodge, and three motorcyclists who are members of other Lodges and are interested in becoming joining members, bringing their Freemasonry and motorcycling together.
Bro. Steve Saunders, WBro. Keith Day, Bro. Martin Smith & WBro Mike Farrow
It was a great day out for the Lodge and a triumph for promoting Freemasonry in the Community.
I would like to thank all those that helped to make the day a success.
All profits from the 2015 festival go to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, The Brackley Foodbank and The Bike Experience, the former being the festival primary recipient each year, with several different local charities chosen yearly. The organisers will make known the total amount raised in a few weeks’ time, and we will be duly advised Brethren and update this article.
by Bro. Martin Smith 9796
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Donation to Northampton ITU
Mrs Denise Hunt, together with Bro. Geoff Sharif of the Lodge of St James No. 6838, presented a cheque to the Northampton Hospital ITU for £3042 in the memory of Bro. Sedge Hunt who passed away in November 2013, the donation was given in grateful thanks for all the work and efforts given by the ITU staff.
