Author: Taff Hill

On Thursday 9^th April 2026 at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Stourbridge, 15 members enjoyed a super evening for the Proclamation of E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, as the MWS.

The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, who, like many a good man before him, failed to tempt the IG into his Chair to conduct the evening. The IG retained the Baton momentarily and returned it to the MWS as quickly as he had received it with some very encouraging words similar to “it’s your Enthronement Proclamation for another year”. 

After Opening the Chapter, the MWS asked the Recorder to give a eulogy for Ill.˙.Bro David Thomas 30°, who had sadly passed to the higher Chapter above. David was a much loved and well-respected past Sovereign of the Chapter.

With the Notice convening the meeting, and confirmation of the Minutes of the previous meeting, E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, was duly Proclaimed as the MWS for a second year and he then appointed and invested his officers in a very dignified manner indeed.

For the next item on the Agenda, the District Recorder presented a paper entitled ‘Perfection in Context’ written by the M.˙.P.˙.Bro the Rev’d Canon Richard Tydeman 33°, the Sovereign Grand Commander from 1994 to 2002. The majority of those present had not heard the paper before and found it to be extremely interesting and enlightening. It also provoked further discussion points which added further interest to the evening. Thank you for all the additional most welcomed input.

During the 2^nd Rising, a delegation of the MWS, Recorder & DC from Northfield Chapter RC No 1022, presented the Travelling Apron into the safe custody of the Chapter for onward transmission at their earliest opportunity. 

After completing the remainder of the Agenda, the MWS conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the Refectory for a super 3 course dinner with the main course being the long-time favourite of many – cottage pie. 

Another delightful meeting.

Next meeting – Thursday 8^th October 2026.

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Founded in 1926 under the Supreme Council 33°, for the Districts of:

Staffordshire and Shropshire

Warwickshire

Worcestershire. 

Affiliated with the King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement

To celebrate the 100^th Anniversary

A Demonstration of the 18^th Degree Ceremony of Perfection by the Deputy Preceptors

In the presence of M.˙.P.˙.Bro John Boyington CBE 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander

Friday 26^th June 2026 – 1100 hrs (seated by 1045 hrs) Kings Heath Freemasons’ Hall, 221 Alcester Road South, Birmingham, B14 6DT. Hosted by Merston Culy Chapter RC No 883

Lunch to follow

Tomato & Pancetta Tart

Fillet of Salmon Hollandaise

Strawberry & Prosecco Truffle

Coffee & Mints

Dining Fee £35.00 to include Wine at the table

Dietary alternatives can be provided if ordered in advance

A Pay Bar will be available for pre-lunch drinks

Tea, Coffee & Breakfast Baps will be available from 0900 hrs (CASH Payment ONLY!)

Please contact the Chapter Recorder, email preferred,

Ill.˙.Bro John Phenix 31°,  john.phenix@btopenworld.com Mobile: 07533 001495

Please pay Dining Fees to the Chapter Bank Account by 

Wednesday 17^th June 2026 LATEST

Account name:  Merston Culy Chapter 883

Sort Code:  30 – 97 – 78

Account number:  04400108

On Thursday 2^nd April 2026 – during Eater week, 10 members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder, met for an interesting and enjoyable evening’s entertainment. 

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC and presented to the MWS, III.˙.Bro J F P Mulligan 30°. The MWS offered the IG his Baton but the IG believed that as the MWS had work to do, which included presenting a paper to the Chapter, he would do well to keep it. 

With one or two absences probably being so close to Easter, the MWS filled the vacant offices, Opened the Chapter and warmly welcoming the visitors, and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The next item on the Agenda was for the Treasurer to give a comprehensive report on the continued financial health of the Chapter.

The DC then Proclaimed III.˙.Bro Mulligan 30°.  the MWS for another year, and he then appointed and invested his officers.

The MWS then delivered another excellent and informative lecture, which on this occasion was entitled ‘An explanation of the Cosmic Cross’. A huge amount of thought and study went into providing such an interesting paper which was very well received by everyone present.

Completing the remainder of the business, the MWS conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter, and everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a fish & chips supper. Just what the doctor ordered!!!

Next meeting – Thursday 3^rd December 26. 

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With a ‘Conference’ of 7 members of the 33°, and a ‘scribble’ of District Recorders from no fewer than 6 Districts, Worcestershire Chapter RC No 970 held their 76^th Regular meeting on Monday 30^th March 2026 at the Halesowen Freemasons Hall, for the Enthronement of V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire. 

With a bumper attendance of 51 members, the MWS requested the Chapter Recorder to read the Fire Emergency Notice. 

Ill.˙.Bro William (Bill) Roberts 30°, the MWS, Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. With Chapter now open, the DC announced an entourage of:

(i) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Ian M Fothergill 33°, Inspector General for the District of Worcestershire. (ii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Stephen Fowler 33°, Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire. (iii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  David Jarvis 33°, Inspector General for the District of Berkshire. (iv) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Nigel Bridges 33°, Inspector General for the District of Glos & Herfds. (v) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Paul Kelvin-Smith 33°, Inspector General for the District of S Wales & Mons. (vi) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Ralph Howarth 33°, Inspector General for the District of Staffs & Salop. (vii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Former IG of Worcestershire. The ‘Conference’ of Inspectors General were greeted with a resounding acclamation from the brethren.

With the exception of the IG for Worcestershire, they all took their seats whilst the MWS tried his very hardest to persuade the IG to take his Chair and retain the Baton. With an Enthronement ceremony to complete, this was never going to happen, and the IG politely declined and handed the Baton back ‘with great pleasure’. 

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Minutes were duly signed by the MWS and IG. 

With the Treasurers report confirming the Chapter was in very good health, The next highlight of the evening was the very pleasant task for the MWS to Enthrone V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Stephen Fowler 33°, as the 39^th Most Wise Sovereign of the Premier Chapter of the District. Under no pressure whatsoever, the MWS did a super job of Enthroning his successor, and after the new MWS appointing and Investing his Officers, the IG delivered the Address to the Princes – once again, with impeccable spirit.

*  With the conclusion of the presentation of the Warrant of the Chapter to the MWS, the Prelate placed into his hands the Holy Bible. The Prelate was then delight to present the MWS with a brand-new Holy Bible very kindly and generously provided by Ill.˙.Bro Maurice Hume 32°. 

The next item of the busy Agenda was for the new MWS to give a presentation entitled ‘Attraction & Retention – The Membership Challenge’. This proved to be a very informative and well-constructed reflection of some of the issues and concerns that we face today. In some cases, giving rise to more questions than answers. The paper was very well received and was also received with great acclamation from everyone present.

A Ballot then took place for a joining member which proved successful, and Ill.˙.Bro David Craig 30°, was welcomed into the Chapter.

After collecting Alms and dealing with correspondence, the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a much welcomed 3 course dinner in the pleasure of wonderful company.

This is what Rose Croix is all about.

Next meeting – Saturday 3^rd October 2026.

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On Friday 27^th March 2026, no less than 26 members of our beautiful Order which included the Inspector General for Worcestershire, his District Recorder, Inspector General for Warwickshire and the Past Inspector General of Worcestershire received a warm welcome to the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro Ed Baker 18°, for the second of their newly established ‘Day Light’ meeting arrangements. And what an impressive Enthronement ceremony it was, enjoyed by the bumper attendance.

Upon being escorted into the Chapter, the IG was offered the Baton & Chair by the MWS. But as wise and extremely experienced that the MWS is in freemasonry in general, he could not tempt the IG to take his Chair on this occasion. The IG returned the Baton and wished the MWS well for a super meeting. 

After singing the Opening Hymn, the MWS Opened the Chapter and requested the Chapter Recorder to read the Dispensation required in respect of the Enthronement of his successor, Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 31°-elect. The hard working, ubiquitous, and extremely busy Sovereign elect is also the MWS of the Northfield Chapter RC No 1022, and so a Dispensation from the Supreme Council was necessary for him to be the Sovereign of two Chapters at the same time.

The Minutes of the previous meeting being confirmed and signed for by the MWS & IG, a ballot was held for 3 x joining members –  V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, IG; E&P Bro Alistair Page 18°; E&P Bro James Maguire 18°; and 1 x re-joining member – Ill.˙.Bro Maurice Hume 32°. The ballot proving clear, all 4 new members were warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS. 

Following the Treasurers & Almoners report, the DR had much pleasure in presenting the Sovereign elect to the MWS for Enthronement. In simple terms, the Enthronement itself was perfect! E&P Bro Baker 18°, had quite clearly put in a huge amount of work into this ceremony, making sure ‘thing were right’. The IG gave the Address to the Princes and  congrated both the new MWS for occupying yet another Chair, and the IPS for the excellent way in which he conducted the ceremony. A super Enthronement indeed. 

After appointing and investing his officers and completing the risings, the MWS carried out the Third Point, and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a hearty lunch rounding off a super morning / early afternoon.

The next meeting of the Chapter will host the 100-year celebrations of the Midlands Rose Croix Chapter of Improvement (MRCCI), in the presence of the M.˙.P.˙.Bro John Boyington CBE 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander. Details to follow shortly.

Next meeting – Friday 26^th June 2026.

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On Thursday 26^th March 2026 eighteen members assembled to enjoy a delightful Perfection ceremony & annual business meeting.

Prior to Opening the Chapter, the Recorder read the Emergency Fire and Evacuation Procedures.

The Inspector General was escorted into the Chapter by the DC and was warmly welcomed by the MWS, E&P Bro J Battell 18°, who, confidently offered the IG his Chair and Baton which again proved a failure as the IG thanked the MWS for his generosity and returned the Baton saying that the Chapter required him to ‘sing for his supper’ a little later……..

The MWS then asked Ill.˙.Bro S Brotherton 30°, to act as First General, Ill.˙.Bro S Hillard 30°, to act as Marshal, and Ill.˙.Bro M Tonkin 31°, to act as Herald.

Following the singing of the Opening Hymn, the MWS Opened the Chapter and extended a warm welcome, particularly the Visitors. The Minutes of the previous meeting were then approved and signed by the MWS & IG. 

Following a successful Ballot to Perfect Bro Dean Wagstaff, into our beautiful Order, the MWS instructed everyone to retire for the Intermediate Degrees. These were very competently and delightfully given by E&P Bro W Duthie 18°. 

The MWS carried out the First Point in a word perfect and faultless manner, with the Marshal conducting the Candidate throughout the First Point with ‘total control’, leaving the Candidate oblivious to what was happening………… 

The Chapter Recorder carried out the Second Point with Raphael, E&P Bro T McMillan 18°, conducting the Candidate with complete confidence, and very skilfully assisted by the Marshal. The IG carried out the Accolade with his customary polished delivery, and ‘sealed’ our new brother a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom. With the Raphael’s work not yet complete, he then gave an exemplary presentation of the Collar & Signs. The new made Prince then took his seat in the Chapter. Great work it has to be said by the Marshal, Raphael & Captain of the Guard, all carrying out their work for the first time. And not forgetting to mention the word-perfect ritual of the Herald………….!

With equally impressive and informative skill, the IG was delighted to present a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro S Worton 18°, the Chapter Captain of the Guard.

Continuing with the Agenda, Ill.˙.Bro Dr Jonathan C Mead 30°, was declared the MWS elect for the ensuing year, and Ill.˙.Bro S Brotherton 30°, as the Treasurer for the ensuing year. The MWS then thanked Ill.˙.Bro Tony Munro 30°, for his 20 years unbroken service of his role as Treasurer, ably keeping the Chapter finances in a healthy condition throughout which was met with acclamation from all those present.Ill.˙.Bro Tony Munro 30°, said he was looking forward to a well-earned rest…….

On completion of collecting Alms and the Risings, the MWS carried out the Third Point in a delightful manner and Closed the Chapter. Members and guests retired to the Refectory to enjoy a well-earned fish supper. 

An excellent and enjoyable evening.

Next meeting (E) – Thu 18^th June 26.

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On Monday 9^th March 2026, 9 members of the Chapter plus 7 Visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the 100th Meeting of the Chapter. 

To mark this milestone journey for the Chapter, a ceremony of Perfection was to have been the ‘order of the day’, however due to a long-distance work commitment, the Candidate was unfortunately unable to attend. This did not dampen the spirit of the Chapter and all the hard work and preparation for the ceremony was duly rewarded with a super ‘full dress rehearsal’ in preparation for their next meeting………

The Inspector General was escorted into the room by the Chapter DC who presented him to the MWS Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 31°-elect. The MWS said that it was tradition for the Chapter to offer the Baton & Chair to the IG who would then conduct the remaining business of the Chapter. The IG replied to the MWS that it was his tradition to return the Baton immediately, and that as he (the MWS) had occupied the Chair on so many occasions, he could do the work himself!!! 

With a huge grin as is always expected from the MWS, he continued with the Agenda…….

Before Opening the Chapter, the MWS asked Ill.˙.Bro Charles Dyer 32°, to act as 2^nd General, and Ill.˙.Bro Mike Tonkin 31°, to act as Marshal. The MWS then Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting which were duly signed by himself and the IG. 

The Chapter then carried out the afore mentioned rehearsal of the ceremony of Perfection, very well directed and coordinated by the DC. With the DR volunteering to act as the Candidate, E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°, presented the Intermediate Degrees with comfortable confidence. Marshal, escorting and conducting the Candidate throughout the whole ceremony, did so with a great degree of skill and experience, – as you would expect given that he is a Deputy Preceptor of the MRCCI.  Special mention for Raphael, E&P Bro Chris Overall 18°, who also conducted the Candidate with a huge amount of confidence. It was so evident that the Officers had spent many hours with their heads in their ‘little red books’. The IG carried out the Accolade and the DR presented the Collar & Signs to a new acting Candidate – E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°……… The MWS can indeed be very proud of his work, and the work of his Officers for a fine performance. All good signs for when the next Candidate arrives……….

Continuing with the Agenda, E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°, was declared the MWS elect for the ensuing year, and E&P Bro John Peglar 18°, declared to continue as the Treasurer for the ensuing year, both of whom graciously accepted the confidence that the brethren showed.  

At the end of the 2^nd Rising, the MWS of Bordesley Abbey Chapter RC No 918 ably accompanied by two of his many enforcers (affectionately labelled by the IG as the Bordesley Bovver Boys), presented the ‘Travelling Apron’ to the MWS who was so delighted to receive it into the temporary safe custody of his Chapter.

After collect Alms, the room was prepared for the Third Point which was beautifully carried out by the IG. The MWS then Closed the Chapter and the Brethren retired to enjoy a truly excellent 3 course evening meal in the Refectory, again rounding off a first-class evening. Congratulations to the Chapter Recorder for ensuring the evening was an evening to remember.

Next meeting – Monday 8^th June 2026.

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On Monday 2^nd March 2026, 25 members of the Order including the Inspector General and District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for another super evening’s entertainment at the Halesowen Masonic Centre. 

In the unfortunate absence of the MWS due to illness, the Immediate Past Sovereign, III.˙.Bro Robert Bennett 30°, opened the Chapter, proved the Minutes of the previous meeting, and conducted a Ballot (for Perfection), of Bro Mark Simmonds. The Ballot proving in favour of the Candidate, the Chapter retired to confer the Intermediate Degrees.

The Intermediate Degrees were very professionally and confidently given by Ill.˙.Bro David Golby 30°, who had the added ‘pressure’ of the IG standing beside him and displaying the ‘shield’ of each Degree as there were conferred upon the Candidate. This was the first occasion that this had occurred, and it was very well received indeed. Something that may extend to all Chapters in the District perhaps?

Ill.˙.Bro John K Owen 31°, conducted the 1^st Point in an excellent manner, and the IPS, the 2^nd Point with the IG giving the Accolade, and the DR standing in to present the Collar, Jewel & Signs.  The Candidate was also very well attended to and directed by both the Marshal, & Raphael throughout the First & Second Points.

It is also worth a mention that Chapter used a brand new ‘Ladder’ for the first time as the previous ladder had been ‘badly damaged’ from a recent flood within the masonic rooms.

With the remainder of the Agenda being completed and the collection Alms, Ill.˙.Bro Simon Jinks 30°, gave collective greetings from all Visitors and thanked the Chapter for a super evening. It must also be noted that the IG was absolutely delighted with the number of Visitors that had supported the Chapter on this occasion.

The IPS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a super 3 course meal with continued Halesowen hospitality at its best. 

Next meeting – Mon 11^th May 26. 

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On Friday 27^th February 2026, eight members of the Chapter, three Visitors and the Inspector general were present at the Regular meeting of the Chapter.

On Opening the Chapter, the MWS, III.˙.Bro Steve N Middleditch, 31°, welcomed the Inspector General and proffered his baton which was, as is his usual custom, returned thanking the MWS for his kind offer. 

The IG greeted all those present and the MWS welcomed the Visitors especially a former member of the Chapter, III.˙.Bro Cliff Johnson, 30°, together with a visiting MWS, III.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman, 31°-elect, of Northfield Chapter No 1022, and the Brother now more affectionately known as the ‘District Substitute’, III.˙.BroMike Tonkin 31°.

Following the necessary administrative items including the presentation of the Annual Accounts together with the necessary declarations of the MWS and Treasurer for the forthcoming year, the Inspector General was invited to present a Tydeman Paper entitled ‘The Intermediate Degrees’, and displaying for the first time in the District, the individual Degree Shields. This presentation was very well received.

There then followed the Risings and the meeting concluded with the Third Point.

On completion, the brethren retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a sumptuous three course meal.

Once again, this small in number but very enthusiastic Chapter demonstrated the camaraderie and enjoyment which our beautiful Order provides.

Next meeting (E) – Fri 30^th October 26.

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