Provincial Grand Chapter of Warwickshire
NEWSLETTER SPECIAL POINTS
J A N U A R Y
OF INTEREST Great Day at SGC 2013 Bicentenary Celebrations Magnificent total sum raised for RCS Appeal by Warks Special Report on Garden Party Veils Ceremony Demonstration at First Principals 4538 New date for Annual Convocation
SGC Bicentenary Celebrations report
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Come and Join Us!
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Great Day at Garden PartyFull Report
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Coughton Church Service details
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New DepGSupt 4 Invested at First Principals Chptr Prov Principals for 2014/2015 announced by MEGS
PROVINCIAL
Bicentenary Celebrations a Huge Success! What a wonderful day in London was had by the 52 Warwickshire Companions who attended the Royal Arch Bicentenary Celebration events on 16th November 2013. After some difficulties in securing the correct tickets for each attendee all frustrations were put to one side by the excitement of arriving at Freemasons’ Hall for the first event, the Demonstration of the Exaltation ceremony by the Metropolitan Grand Stewards’ Chapter. After processions into the Temple by the distinguished guests and senior Royal Arch Officers led by the Pro First Grand Principal, the Second and Third Grand Principals and the Grand Superintendents including many overseas visitors the demonstration commenced. This was an exemplary performance of the Alternative Version of the Aldersgate Ritual which impressed everyone who was privileged to witness it and provided a fine start to the day. At the close of the demonstration some Companions made their way to the Connaught Rooms to join the official lunch presided over by the Pro First Grand Principal others found suitable refreshment in themany restaurants and bars around Covent Garden.
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M E First Grand Principal, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG
The Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter was commenced at 4.30pm with the Grand Temple nearly full to capacity with the ME First Grand Principal, HRH The Duke of Kent presiding and he welcomed all to the special occasion. After the usual regular business was concluded E Comp John M Hamill, then gave an historical presentation called Pure Antient Masonry Triumphant which was well received by the Companions. A fine Oration was delivered next by E Comp the Rev. Dr. J.R.H. Railton which stated that what we are celebrating is the fulfilment of discussion and debate which led ultimately to the change of heart which opened the way for the later merger of the two Grand Chapters and the formation of this Supreme Grand Chapter – the final acceptance by both Grand Lodges that the Royal Arch is indeed an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry. Finally the ME First Grand Principal delivered his address to the Convocation and announced that the Appeal Fund on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons had received the sum of £2M and would remain open until the end of the year. After singing the National Anthem, the Convocation was brought to a close and the processions retired to loud and sustained applause. Everybody went home with a smile on their faces and warm memories of an excellent day with great Companionship and with feelings of great pride to have been part of such a special occasion.
Come and Join Us In The Holy Royal Arch The Holy Royal Arch whilst being an integral part of Freemasonry is organised as a separate Order. It is variously described as the “essence of Freemasonry”, the “foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure”, and as “the root, heart and marrow of freemasonry”. Every Master Mason has, and should take, the opportunity of discovering these qualities for himself by joining the Holy Royal Arch.
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The Holy Royal Arch is similar in some respects to Craft Masonry, it is different in a number of aspects and, indeed, is most interesting in its differences. Leaflets are displayed at most Masonic rooms so do read all about it or ask a Companion from your Lodge! During 2014 there will be a number of presentations made in Lodges, by the kind permission of the Provincial Grand Master, by a team of Compan-
WARWICKSHIRE
ions which will explain the nature of the Order and the special links with the Craft. The talk is aimed at those Brethren who may not yet have joined the Holy Royal Arch and will enable them to enhance their understanding of this degree and consider taking this vital next step in Freemasonry. Come and join us!
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Provincial Garden Party a Wonderful Day With £10,900 Raised for RCS Appeal!! The Warwickshire Royal Arch Garden Party in support of the RA Bicentenary Appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons was held at the home of E Comp Brian and Mrs Pat Holdsworth in Lapworth. After the poor weather leading up to the event, the organisers and stallholders were understandably anxious when setting up as the forecast for the afternoon predicted drizzle and gloomy overcast conditions. The morning started bright and dry which enabled the stallholders to set up and get ready for the gates to open at 12.30pm, however, as the day progressed the weather conditions started to get worse and the anticipated expected rain arrived. The gates opened officially and a steady flow of people had already started to arrive with numbers dramatically increasing by lunchtime. On his arrival the ME Grand Superintendent, E Comp John Saint, was given a warm welcome at this, the first Provincial social and fundraising event for some time. After a welcome from the Chairman of the Organising Committee, E Comp John Norman the MEGS officially opened the event at 1.30pm and in his address he explained that the main purpose of the day was to have fun, and to raise funds for the Royal Arch Appeal.
Event Chairman John Norman and E Comp Mike Hogarth enjoy an early morning bacon “butty”
He was joined on the stage by two Surgeons, Mr Fareed Iqbal and Mr Max Almond as well as Annisa Miah, the Development Manager for RCS who were attending to thank to Companions for their support and to help man the Royal College of Surgeons information stand which had come from London. The Grand Superintendent thanked E Comp John Norman and his Committee for organizing the event most especially E Comp Brian and Mrs Pat Holdsworth for hosting and all the Companions and Chapters who had arranged the many stalls. He wished everyone a splendid day and an enjoyable and happy afternoon.
MEGS and Surgeons Mr Fareed Iqbal and Mr Max Almond open the event
As always on these special occasions, Companions throughout the Province rallied collectively to provide an array of varied stalls and activities, all designed with the primary purpose of providing fun and entertainment for the many visitors, together with the added bonus of raising funds in aid of the RCS Appeal. The organisers were also very grateful to the Companions of the Province, who supported the event in such good numbers with their family members – over 400 attended!
A full programme of entertainment had been arranged throughout the afternoon to the delight of those present including a super performance of the Coleshill Town Band – all 25 of them, who entertained the audience with a splendid range of music. Also entertaining the crowd were performances from a wonderful pop group. The Guest List who were very talented, well received and even had some of the attendees up dancing to the music! Lots of well known Companions from across the Province were there supporting the stalls and spending money all of which was greatly appreciated. The afternoon flew by with everyone having a grand time and enjoying games and raffles, and just being there as part of the Masonic family. Amongst the displays was the Classic Cars with some wonderful vehicles on show including a 1926 Bentley 4.5 litre, a 1951 Bentley Mk 6 Special 4.9 litre, a 1928 Morgan Three Wheeler Super Aero and a magnificent 1960’s Jaguar E Type which drew admiring looks from the Companions.
E Comp Brian Holdsworth and Mrs Pat Holdsworth
In addition to the cream teas which were included in the ticket price and provided, a marathon task, by the members and ladies from Loyal Travellers Chapter, there were the usual refreshment outlets with a full range of food and drinks, all of which did a brisk trade throughout the day providing coffees, teas and the most amazing delicious cakes. A special mention must be given to Howe Chapter members who cooked and sold over 250 beef burgers and 250 hotdogs together with Holte Chapter where the ladies had made over 600 very fancily decorated cupcakes which were sold in boxes of six and raised a really magnificent sum of nearly £500! A wonderful effort by all! PROVINCIAL
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Didn’t We Have a Lovely Day the Day We Went To Lapworth! Approximately £10,000 was raised collectively by the Chapters that ran stalls and other activities. Funds were also raised by sale of tickets, advertising space in the programme, individual donations, generous sponsorship donations by some Chapters, and sale of Souvenir programmes at the gate. After the payment of expenses and collection of all donations from Sponsors a fantastic sum amounting to £10,900 was raised which far exceeded the anticipate. The success of the event was based on teamwork and the goodnatured help and willing support provided by so many Companions. Among those who rarely get a mention, but without whom the event could not have run so smoothly, are all those who assisted, either by running stalls, providing entertainment, or who helped with the tasks of parking, tent erection and dismantling as well as litter collection. Special thanks go to Brian Holdsworth and all his family who provided not just the field but a magnificent stage and professionally built stalls, Michael Irving who dashed back from holiday to collect and count the money, and John Norman for pulling it all together as Chairman with his committee of very hard workers – E Comps Fred Ditchfield, Peter Wellings, Hosey Davoudian, Bryan Brewer, Michael Irving, David Satchwell and John Handley.
. Tremendous support was provided by many sponsors as individuals, Chapters or Companies and grateful thanks go to them for their exceptional generosity which covered all of the costs associated with putting on the event. But the main thanks should go to all those Companions and their Ladies who supported the event by attending, despite the weather, and having a jolly good time.
We even had some lovely sunshine when the sun came out! STOP PRESS!!
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TOTAL RAISED BY WARWICKSHIRE COMPANIONS AT CLOSE OF APPEAL IS:
£70,682!! - WELL DONE EVERYBODY PROVINCIAL
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Coughton Church Again Hosts the Annual Church Service Sunday 23rd March 2014, will again see the annual Royal Arch Church service held at the lovely Coughton Parish Church. The service, which has a theme of “Acceptance” will again be led by E.Comp. Rev. J. Stephen Cooke, Prov. Grand Chaplin for Staffs, who last year gave an enjoyable and thought provoking sermon. With readings by the Grand Superintendent and Deputy Grand Superintendent the occasion will
provide an uplifting occasion, which will be enjoyed by all who attend. The ME Grand Superintendent hopes that Chapters, especially the current Principals as well as the Companions will support this event. Booking forms will be available from the Website and will be emailed to Chapter Scribes E. St Peter’s Church, Coughton in the Spring sunshine
Investiture of New Deputy Grand Superintendent and Scribe E The ME Grand Superintendent announced at the Annual Convocation in June that E Comp Rex Lowin was standing down as Deputy Grand Superintendent and that he intended to appoint E Comp John F R Handley, PGStB, the then Provincial GSE and a member of Holte Chapter No 1246, to that office. E Comp John was accordingly invested on 21st September 2013 at the Warwickshire First Principals' Chapter No 4538. After taking the Obligation of a Deputy Grand Superintendent he was invested with his Chain of Office and presented with the E Comp Norman Hands Royal Arch Breast Jewel which is traditionally passed to each Deputy Grand Superintendent and worn for their term of office. Also invested as the new Provincial GSE was E Comp Philip Gough, JP, PProvAGDC who accepted the ME Grand Superintendent's invitation to take over this important office. Phil, a member of the Chapter of Peace and Unity No 5844, is an experienced administrator and well known through his valuable work at Stirling Road. The introduction of an Administration Committee of Companions to support the Province and share the workload has been spearheaded by Phil and will make a positive contribution in the future. Additionally a change to electronic communication for correspondence has been implemented all of which will make for a more with a more efficient service to the Chapter Scribe Es. Phil can be contacted on 0121 270 4100 or by email at : scribe@royal-arch.org.uk
New Provincial Principals Announced by MEGS At the recent Past Principals’ and Principals’ Dinner on Thursday 28th November 2013, after reviewing the year to date and highlighting the key events that have taken place and initiatives being launched, the Grand Superintendent followed the usual tradition by announcing the new Provincial team to be appointed at the Annual Convocation on 3rd June 2014. This will be the 150th Annual Convocation of the Province and will herald the start of a year of celebrations. The current Provincial Grand Haggai, E. Comp. John F Norman, PGStB who was appointed in 2012 will retire and as Second Provincial Grand Principal, the MEGS was delighted to confirm that E Comp Paul J Wheeler, PGStB of Prudence Chapter No 3659, the current Provincial Almoner, will be appointed for the usual two year term. Paul served as Provincial Third Grand Principal in 2012 so is well know by the Companions of Warwickshire. As Third Provincial Grand Principal the ME Grand Superintendent was pleased to announce that E.Comp. Peter G Huckle, PProvGSN, a member of Guys Chapter No 395, will be appointed. E. Comp. Peter is well known to the Companions within the Province having served as Provincial Grand Registrar in 2012/3. E Comp Nigel J Hawkins, ProvGTreas will continue in office as Provincial Grand Treasurer subject to election at the Annual Convocation. Many congratulations go to all these Companions for a happy and successful period of office. PROVINCIAL
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Did You Know
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“Talking Heads” Presentation to Lodges Following the demonstration of the RA Recruitment Presentation last year the team led by the Deputy Grand Superintendent is now seeking opportunities to attend Lodges. The presentation is aimed at those Brethren who have not yet joined the Royal Arch and seeks to explain the close links with the Craft and how membership of the Royal Arch completes Pure Ancient Masonry. If your Lodge wishes to host a presentation during one of its meetings do contact E Comp John Handley. Lodge Royal Arch Representatives Lodge RA Representatives continue to do a sterling job in promoting membership of the Royal Arch. The last meeting of the Lodge Reps was held on Saturday 9th November 2013, and an interesting presentation was made by the Chairman, E Comp John Norman. Quarterly updates are now being sent to Reps by the Chairman which are intended to help keep the RA reports to Lodges fresh. First Principals’ Chapter No 4538 The Chapter has had the good fortune to secure a presentation to be provided by Companions of the Sportsmans' Chapter No 9841 in the Province of Bristol at the Chapter Meeting on Monday 12th May 2014. Their Companions will demonstrate their Exaltation Ceremony which will include the Ceremony of Passing of the Veils ritual. The full ceremony is rarely conducted outside the Province of Bristol so we are indeed honoured to receive this visit and it is hoped that many Companions will take advantage of this opportunity. Annual Exaltees’ Meeting 22th May 2014 will see the annual Exaltees’ meeting at Stirling Road which has proved very useful to new Companions and provides a good introduction to the Provincial team. Chapter Principals will be expected to accompany their Exaltees to this important event and details will be sent to Scribe Es shortly.. Fraternal Visit from PGC of Shropshire Chapter of Fortitude No 43 hosted a Fraternal visit to Stirling Road by the MEGS of Shropshire, E Comp Peter Taylor and his Provincial Officers. After a splendid Chapter meeting the Companions retired to the Festive Board. Joining in the response from the Visitors came the G Supt of Shropshire E Comp Peter Taylor who surprised everybody by producing an enormous pork pie, suitably decorated with the Seal of David, which had been commissioned from Reg May and Sons who are Champion Pie Makers in a traditional family butchers based in a small village in Shropshire. Website www.royal-arch.org.uk The Provincial website has been updated and is re-launched in a new format. It will now be updated regularly and includes more information for interest to Companions. We are looking for interesting articles so do please contact the Provincial Scribe E if you are able to assist in preparing material for inclusion. And Finally…… Please note the date for the Annual Convocation which will be held on Tuesday 4th June 2014 at 4.00pm.
The Provincial Newsletter is edited and produced by the Provincial Dep Grand Supt, E Comp John Handley, to whom all news should be sent: 67 Tilehouse Green Lane, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9EU or by email to deputygsupt@royal-arch.org.uk