Author: Taff Hill

On a beautiful, sunny Friday morning on the 28^th June 2025, the Chapter met for the first occasion as a ‘daytime’ Chapter, with a start time of 1100 hrs. Going forward, ‘daytime’ meetings of the Chapter will provide a great opportunity for any past and present members that struggle to attend meetings later in the evenings due to health reasons, driving limitations or Saturday mornings due to family commitments etc, etc. And travel home before peak traffic issues! 

On this, the first occasion of an earlier start, the Inspector General and members of the Chapter were delighted to achieve an attendance of 23 members and guests.

The V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, Inspector General, and V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Past Inspector General, received a warm welcome into the Chapter by the MWS. V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Richard Hoare, who is the Prelate for the Chapter, took his seat and the MWS who, with due respect, offered the Inspector General his Chair and Baton. The Inspector General thanked the MWS for his very kind and generous offer, and politely informed the MWS that he did not want to deprive him the privilege of chairing his own Chapter and returned the Baton. 

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, The MWS then had the pleasure if Investing two of his Officers who were unable to attend the Enthronement meeting. 

With equally great pleasure, the MWS declared Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, Sovereign elect, and Ill.˙.Bro Mark Thomas 31°, re-elected as Treasurer for the ensuing year. Both were delighted to accept. 

Over the past 12 months, many chapters of the District have received a most interesting and informative approved paper from the IG titled “Why did our Order remove the requirement of swearing Allegiance to the Trinitarian Faith?” Following on from this, the IG presented his latest paper called “The Foundation and History of the Ancient & Accepted Rite”. This was another very interesting presentation which was well received by everyone present, and the IG is hoping to again present this paper at the Worcester Chapter RC No 970 meeting on Saturday 4^th October 2025.

Following the presentation, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, was delighted to propose the V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, Inspector General, as a joining member of the Chapter. This was seconded by the Recorder, Ill.˙.Bro John Phenix 31°. Not to be outdone, Ill.˙.Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, proposed E&P Bro Allistair Page 18°, as another joining member of the Chapter and this proposal was again seconded by the Recorder. Great news indeed!!!

On completion of an excellent Third Point conducted by the MWS, he closed the Chapter, and the rest of the meeting spent in the Refectory where everyone enjoyed a delightful 3 course lunch to round off a super, super morning/early afternoon meeting.

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Next meeting – FRI 27 MAR 26.

On a very warm and sticky Thursday 19^th June 2025 evening, sixteen members of the Chapter and six Visitors gathered for the Enthronement meeting – with a Perfection ceremony thrown in to make a super evening even greater……..

The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by E&P Bro S Hillard the MWS who, with due respect to item 6 of the conditions to his office, offered the IG his Chair and Baton. The IG unsurprisingly declined the kind offer, as he ‘was looking forward to a great evening’……..

Upon Opening the Chapter, the MWS warmly (didn’t want to use that word as it really was so hot) welcomed the Visitors and hoped that they would enjoy what was on show this evening.

Due to unforeseen and sad circumstances, a request for a Dispensation to the Supreme Council was made for authority to Elect & Enthrone a Most Wise Sovereign at this meeting. The SC duly and promptly provided the Dispensation, and the Recorder read out the details in compliance with the letter accompanying the certificate.

After confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, two ballots were held. The first to welcome Ill.˙.Bro Dr J C Mead 30°, as a Joining Member of the Chapter. Upon becoming a subscribing member, Ill.˙.Bro Mead presented the Chapter with an 18°, Apron which had been given to him a number of years ago. The Apron will be put to good use, and the Chapter give grateful thanks for the very kind and thoughtful gift.

The second ballot, that for a Candidate for Perfection was taken, and Bro Steve Worton, Junior Warden of Abbot Lichfield Lodge No 3308 was admitted a member of this beautiful Order in an (almost) faultless ceremony. 

The 2^nd General and Sovereign -elect, E&P Bro J Battell carried out the Intermediate Degrees. I am not going to tell you just how good he was, but he was good, really good. (No pressure from here on MWS). The IPS, Ill.˙.Bro S Brotherton 30°, conducted a perfect First Point in a slightly different ‘ambiance’ than previous Perfections. The Marshal, E&P Bro W Duthie 18°, who was the Candidate proposer, conducted the Candidate with a well-rehearsed example of how the 33 day’s journey should be done. Word (and step) perfect. Hats off too to the Captain of the Guard E&P T McMillan 18°, who is quickly adopting to life in the Order and performing with great confidence.

Having previously stated that the ceremony was (almost) faultless, the Second Point was conducted by the Recorder who couldn’t quite live up to the same high quality of the work of those before him. However, standards were overall restored by the exquisite work of Raphael conducted by a great, ever present, and always ready to lend a hand friend of this (and every) Chapter of the District, Ill.˙.Bro Mike Tonkin 31°. The IG conducted the Accolade, and the Recorder presented the Collar & Words of the degree, completing a fantastic ceremony.

If anyone should want to know how the ambiance was different, then you will need to attend the next Perfection ceremony at the Chapter to find out………

The evening continued with the Enthronement of the new MWS, E&P Bro J Battell 18°. Upon completion of appointing and investing his officers, and those elected by the Chapter, the IG gave the address to the Chapter in his usual polished, and enjoyable manner, and thanked the IPS for the way in which he Enthroned his successor.  The new MWS presented a Past Sovereigns Jewel to E&P Bro Hillard 18°.

On completion of the Third Point and closing the Chapter, members and guests retired to the Refectory to enjoy the traditional Evesham Enthronement evening dinner of Asparagus & baked Gammon or baked Salmon. 

A lovely evening had by all.

Next meeting – THU 16 OCT 25.

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On Monday 9th June 2025, the Inspector General and the District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for the Enthronement of III.˙.Bro M Hardeman 30°. 

On his entry into the Chapter, the IG was welcomed by Ill.˙.Bro J Pritchard 18°, who continued to Act as MWS for the Enthronement, and enquired of the IG, ”Do you want to do some work?” The IG gave a simple and straight forward reply – “No chance”……..!

With the MWS still on his medical learning and development travels ‘Down Under’, and with a return to this country profiled for early in 2026, the Chapter continued in the very safe hands of Ill.˙.Bro J Pritchard 30°. And what a delightful, confident and entertaining Enthronement he delivered! Ill.˙.Bro M Hardeman 30°, was Enthroned as Sovereign of the Chapter with great skill and ability, a testament to the hard work and dedication of Ill.˙.Bro Pritchard. 

Ill.˙.Bro Hardeman proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers in a faultless and impressive manner, using all of his own skill, ability and experience which he has developed.

The task of presenting the Immediate Past Sovereign Jewel to the now Past Sovereign, E&P Bro M Gohill 18°, will be carried over to their next meeting in January 2026. 

Members of the Chapter then took part in delivering an interesting presentation titled ‘The Words of the 18°. The presentation was broken down into 6 manageable parts allowing for 6 members of the Chapter to each deliver a portion of an excellent and hugely informative paper.  

On completion of an excellent Third Point, the MWS closed the Chapter, and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love in the refectory, enjoying yet another delightful evening meal with the main course consisting of cold meats, salad & hot potatoes.

Next meeting – MON 12 JAN 26.

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On Friday 30^th  May 2025, 37 members and Visitors including the Inspector General, District Recorder, Inspector General for South Wales & Monmouthshire, & Past Inspector General for Staffordshire & Shropshire were warmly welcomed to the Chapter to witness a truly delightful Enthronement meeting. 

The MWS, III.˙,Bro C Hart 30°, offered his Baton & Chair to the IG who, as expected, declined the offer as he was convinced that the MWS had put in a huge amount of hard work and effort to ensure the events of the evening went without any issues.

Immediately after opening the Chapter, III.˙.Bro S Jinks 30°, gave a wonderful heart felt and sincere eulogy to III\Bro Joe W Page 30°, who had sadly passed to the Grand Chapter Above during the previous month. 

After proving the Minutes of the last meeting, V.˙.III.˙.Bro Dr R N Hoare 33°, a Past Inspector General for the District of Worcestershire was then Enthroned as MWS of the Chapter by III.˙.Bro C Hart 30°, in a most impressive and enjoyable manner. The Enthronement was of ‘text book quality’, and you will certainly have difficulty in finding a better example Enthronement.

The ‘new’ MWS, V.˙.III.˙.Bro Dr R N Hoare 33°, appointed & Invested his Officers with his own delightful manner, injecting humour and other items of interest along the way………….

On completion of the Enthronement, the Inspector General gave the address to the Princes of the Chapter. 

The MWS completed the remainder of the business, carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty dinner, continued humour completing a super, super evening.

Next meeting – THU 30 OCT 25.

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On Monday 12^th May 2025 the Inspector General and District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for their annual ‘Business’ meeting. The MWS, Ill.˙.Bro Robert Bennett 30°, offered the Baton and his Chair to the IG who replied saying that it was an honour and a privilege to receive the Baton but I have to politely decline.

Immediately after Opening the Chapter, the Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed for by the MWS and the IG. 

The IG then had much delight in presenting a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Colin Edwards 18°, who thanked the IG for the lovely and informative way that he had presented it.

The MWS declared Ill.˙.Bro Phillip Hannah 31°, the MWS elect, and Ill.˙.Bro Peter Marks 30°, the Treasurer re-elected for the ensuing year, and the incoming Generals were elected as the two account examiners.

Following the Third Point and closing the Chapter, members retired to the Refectory for a super 3 course meal and in the company of 3 Master Masons who were given an enlightening description and welcome to our beautiful Order by the Inspector General. Another fine meeting and dinner in super company was enjoyed by all.

Next meeting – MON 03 NOV 25.

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Also on Wednesday 7^th May 2025 thirteen members of the Order met at Rainbow Hill for their Enthronement meeting.

The Chapter was Opened by the MWS, III.˙.Bro Maurice A Hume, 32°, at 1815 hrs, and the Recorder read the Minutes of the previous meeting which were formally adopted by the members of the Chapter and duly signed by the MWS.

Having thanked the Chapter for their support for the past year, the MWS had the delight of Enthroning Ill.˙.Bro Charles M K Dyer 32°, as the new MWS. As expected, the Enthronement, carried out between two of the Districts most senior, well respected and finest members, was a pleasurer to witness. 

The ’new’ MWS then appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their office in an exemplary manner. In the absence of the Inspector General due his attendance at the Breme Chapter RC No 862 Enthronement meeting just up the river in Kidderminster, the District Recorder gave the Address to the Princes.

On completion of the Enthronement and thanking those taking part, the MWS continued the very interesting history of the weaved rug (incorporating the Ladder) adorning the centre of the Chapter floor belonging to St Dunstan Chapter RC No 12 but shared with St Ann of Malvern Chapter. The MWS elaborated that the particular style of ‘weave’ was unique to only a handful of weavers of 100 years ago, and two of those specialist weavers made the rug for St Dunstan Chapter which was presented to the Chapter at their Enthronement meeting of 100 years ago. Sadly, one of the weavers died the night before the meeting. The MWS also commented that it looked as good as it (probably) looked when it was completed.

Following the conducting of the Third Point the Chapter was closed and the assembled company retired to the Refectory for a super evening meal of cold meats, salad & hot new potatoes, rounding off a fantastic meeting.

Next meeting – FRI 26 SEP 25.

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The Enthronement Meeting of the Chapter took place at the Masonic Hall Kidderminster on Wednesday 7^th May 2025. There were 14 Members of the Order present including the Inspector General, a Past Inspector General and Honorary Member, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr. R  N Hoare, 33°, and a visiting MWS, Ill.˙.Bro Bill Roberts, 30°, of Bordesley Abbey Chapter No 918.

The Chapter was opened in due and solemn form and following the confirmation of the Minutes the Inspector General was invited to present two Supreme Council Certificates to E & P Bros, Mark Henderson, and Phillip Butler which he conducted with his usual panache.

There then followed the Enthronement of E & P Bro Ian Calvert, 18°, by the Enthroning Sovereign, Ill.˙.Bro Richard Nokes, 30°, who had received his promotion to Knight Kadosh, 30°, since the last Regular Meeting of the Chapter.

The new MWS then appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their respective offices and the meeting concluded as usual with a well conducted Third Point.

12 members of the Order then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a 3 course Dinner.

In response to his Toast the Inspector General remarked on the excellent development of the Chapter over the past few years and presented everyone with the new Rose Croix tri-fold leaflet to be used to encourage recruitment to our beautiful Order.

Next meeting – WED 02 JUL 25.

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On Friday 2^nd May 2025, twenty-five members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder assembled for the Enthronement meeting. 

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC, and E&P Bro Phillip Abram 18°, the MWS, offered his Baton to the IG. Before returning the Baton, the IG informed the MWS that this evening was a most important night of his year in Office and wished him well. 

The Chapter was opened promptly at 1800 hrs and the Minutes of the previous meeting were proved. The Recorder then read extracts of the Minutes of the meeting held 100 years ago, which included a very interesting entry providing the history, background and dedication of the weaved rug (incorporating the Ladder), which adorned the centre of the Chapter floor – and still looks as good as new.

The next item on the Agenda, the MWS, E&P Bro Phillip Abram 18°, Enthroned E&P Bro Karl L Haines 18°, in a most relaxed, and dignified manner. An Enthronement which the Chapter will be most proud.

The incoming MWS appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their office, again in a most delightful, relaxed and dignified manner. 

The Enthronement ceremony was completed with the Address to the Princes of the Chapter by the Inspector General who also declared his delight at the future progression of the Chapter with so many ‘Red Collars’ occupying the Offices.

On completion of the remainder of the Business, the new MWS conducted Third Point for his first time, in a very competent and impressive manner. The MWS closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the refectory and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love and enjoyed a super dinner. 

Another wonderful evening of classic Rose Croix enjoyment.

Next meeting – WED 29 OCT 25.

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On Monday 28^th April 2025, the Inspector General accompanied by the District Recorder attended Freemasons Hall, Redditch for the Enthronement meeting. The Chapter was opened at 1800 hrs by the MWS E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, who promptly welcomed the IG to the meeting, and proffered him the baton which as usual was very politely declined.

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting which had been circulated to the brethren, a ballot was held for E&P Bro Philip Stanton 18°, to become a Joining member of the Chapter. The ballot proved in favour of E&P Bro Stanton, and he was warmly welcomed to the Chapter. 

E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, was then Proclaimed as the MWS for a second year in office, and he took no time in Appointing and Investing his Officers for the ensuing year.

The Chapter Recorder, III.˙.Bro Bill Roberts 30°, presented a paper to the Chapter entitled ‘A Potpourri from Rose Croix’.

Following the 3^rd Point and the closure of the Chapter, members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a delightful dinner with a main course of Chicken Curry, Rice & Chips. 

Next meeting – MON 22 SEP 25.

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