Worcestershire’s premier Chapter held their 74th Regular meeting on Monday 31st March 2025 at the Halesowen Freemasons Hall, and what a great meeting it was.
Unfortunately, the Inspector General, V Ill Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, was unable to attend the meeting due to another masonic commitment at 10 Duke Street. Also absent was the 1st General and Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire, V Ill Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, who was at the same meeting at Grand East.
Ill Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, the MWS, welcomed the V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General (FIG) for the District of Worcestershire and presented him with his Baton and Chair saying that he could retain it “until the end of the meeting”. Much to the surprise of the MWS (and everyone else present), the FIG replied saying that “he wanted to keep it as it was many years since he had received that honour”!!! However, and under protest, the Baton was returned to the MWS and the FIG took his seat in the Chapter.
The MWS Opened the Chapter and Ill Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, gave a warm and sincere eulogy to III Bro Allan J Laidlaw 32°, who sadly passed to the Grand Chapter Above on the 7th February 2025. V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, also provided a moving tribute, and the Chapter rose for a moment’s reflection for the much-loved departed Brother.
After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Minutes were duly signed by the MWS and FIG, with the Recorder ensuring that there was sufficient space for the FIG’s signature. (By means of an additional page).The first high light of the evening was the very pleasant task of unveiling the new MWS Honours Board finally prepared and installed taking pride of place just inside of the Lodge room entrance of the masonic centre where the Worcestershire Chapter No 970 was consecrated in March 1987. V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, a Founder Member and indeed the MWS in 2006, proudly unveiled the Board and said a few words of wisdom of some of the names emblazoned on it.
The second high light of the evening was for the MWS to Enthrone Ill Bro William (Bill) Roberts 30°, as the 38th Most Wise Sovereign of the Chapter.
After Appointing and Investing his Officers, the new MWS gave a presentation from the writings of Leonard Bosnam.
The MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a super roast beef dinner.
A really enjoyable evening indeed.
Next meeting – Saturday 4th October 2025.
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