Author: Taff Hill

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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A ‘Business’ meeting of the Chapter was held at Kings Heath Freemason’s Hall on Saturday 26th April 2025 which saw E&P Bro Neil P Nicholls 18°, elected to become the MWS at their next meeting in September 2025, and Ill.˙.Bro John M Phenix 31°, elected as the Treasurer.

Then followed a discussion reference the sustainability, progression and future of the Chapter. The Chapter are pleased to report that after an incredibly successful discussion, the outcome being very positive, and a good, solid five-year plan agreed. The Chapter will also remain as a ‘Stand Alone’ Chapter. 

Three Candidates for Perfection were proposed, (with the possibility of a double Perfection in January 2026); one currently unattached joining member proposed; plus, four more joining members very close to proposal. The September meeting is scheduled to be the Perfection of W Bro Ravinder Mohan Dhody, followed by the Enthronement of E&P Bro Neil P Nicholls 18°, 

All of the members present agreed with the ensuing and five-year plan however, the overarching factor is to ensure it comes to fruition.

All in all, very positive and encouraging news from the Chapter?

Next meeting (E) – SAT 27 SEP 25.

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The Enthronement meeting for Gervase Paganel Chapter No 316 took place on Thursday 10^th April 2025 at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Stourbridge.

The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro Perry Conner 18°, who for his final attempt, did his best to entice the IG into his Chair to conduct the evening. The IG retained the Baton for a few moments and returned it to the MWS with some very encouraging words, and that he (the MWS) was probably much better prepared for the evenings work. 

After reading the Notice convening the meeting and confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, a ballot was held for two joining members of the Chapter. Ill Bro Robert Grainger 30°, and formerly a member of St Edmund King & Martyr Chapter No 730, and Ill Bro Michael Bayliss 30°, formerly of Oldswinford Chapter No 908. The ballot proved clear and Ill Bro Robert Grainger 30°,  was warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS. Ill Bro Michael Bayliss 30°, was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting and will be formally greeted at their October meeting.

Unfortunately, the MWS -elect for the ensuing year was unable to fulfil the role due to unforeseen circumstances. Therefor before continuing with the main event of the evening, the Recorder read the Dispensation from the Supreme Council permitting the Chapter to hold a further ballot for the MWS for the ensuing year. With the ballot proving clear, E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, and another former member of St Edmund King & Martyr Chapter No 730, was Enthroned as the Most Wise Sovereign in a sincere and heartfelt ceremony.  Congratulation to the Enthroning Sovereign for the very dignified manner in which he carried out Enthroning his successor.

With the new MWS appointing & investing his officers completed, the remainder of the business was carried out and everyone retired whilst the room was prepared for the Third Point. 

On completion of the Third Point everyone retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a super 3 course dinner. 

Special thanks to the exceptionally hard working Recorder Ill Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, for all his hard work in bringing this evenings meeting together under some very stressful and difficult circumstance. And thank you Gervase Paganel Chapter RC No 316 for a most delightful evening.

Next meeting – Thursday 9^th October 2025

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On Friday 3^rd April 2025, 16 members and visitors including the Inspector General, District Recorder, and the Preceptor of the MRCCI met for an Enthronement ceremony. The Chapter was also delighted to receive E&P Bro Andrew Martin-Smith 32°, of the Scottish Rite of the USA, South Jurisdiction. (Who indicted his intention to apply for membership of the Chapter. Great news! 

The MWS, E&P Bro Justin Randle 18°, warmly welcomed the IG and visitors, and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The Chapter then performed elements of the Perfection Ceremony, particularly the First Point (Black Room), which proved very beneficial for those taking part.

Ill Bro Jim Mulligan 30°, was then Enthroned as MWS of the Chapter in a most delightful manner, and he then had the pleasure of Appointing and Investing his Officers. The Chapter is in very safe hands indeed.

On completion of the Third Point the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a generous helping of Lasagne followed by Apple Pie & Custard.

Next meeting – Thu 4^th December 2025.

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Honours at Last

At the October 2024 Meeting of the Chapter the Inspector General, having conducted some valuable research, with grateful thanks to the management team at Halesowen an old, now defunct Rose Croix Chapter Honours Board was found, surveyed by Meg, the renowned Stourport signwriter and an estimated cost given. 

The Inspector General therefore at the meeting proposed that the Chapter, being the most senior Chapter in the District, should indeed have an Honours Board and, whilst it meets in two locations, Halesowen in March and Worcester in October it was Consecrated on 23^rd March 1987 at Halesowen and that therefore should be its home. The proposition was approved, and the Inspector General took the task on as a project.

The management team at Halesowen agreed with the proposal and stated that as the Chapter was Consecrated at Halesowen they would find an available slot in the main temple to affix it.

Having submitted the draft to Meg the IG then waited nervously to view the finished result and on Monday 17^thMarch met Meg and the management team at Halesowen and was deeply impressed with the result. This was achieved with an exceptional amount of unforeseen additional preparatory work, but the end result is very good.

Unfortunately, at the Chapter Enthronement  meeting on 31^st March 2025, the IG was attending the Inspectors General National Conference at Duke Street so the former Inspector General, V\ Ill\ Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, a Past Sovereign of the Chapter, was delighted to attend and act as the Presiding Officer and be given the opportunity of unveiling it, and it now publicly identifies those Past Sovereigns of this prestigious Chapter.

Much credit should go to Meg for the quality of her work, indeed such now is her reputation amongst the masonic fraternity she is now updating Honours Boards in at least four masonic locations.

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Worcestershire’s premier Chapter held their 74^th Regular meeting on Monday 31^st 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 1^st 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 7^th 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 38^th 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 4^th October 2025.

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On Friday 28^th March 2025, the Inspector General, District Recorder and 6 other visitors received a warm welcome to the Chapter by Ill Bro Mark Hudson 30°, the MWS in-the-Chair who, offered the Inspector General his Chair and Baton. The Inspector General thanked the MWS in-the-Chair for his very kind and generous offer but politely declined returning the Baton with his accustomed humour. 

Unfortunately, the MWS Ill Bro Ed Baker 18°, was unable to be with us on this occasion due to a pressing alternative arrangement. The MWS would have been ‘Proclaimed’ as the MWS for a second year, and this will now take place at the next meeting of the Chapter on 27^th June 2025. 

After opening the Chapter, the IG and the Chapter Recorder gave sincere tributes to Ill\Bro Roger Shayes 30°, and Ill\Bro Michael Midgely 30°, respectively who had passed to the Grand Chapter Above since the last meeting of the Chapter.

The Inspector General once again (and for the last time) had the pleasure of delivering his Paper Why did our Order remove the requirement to swear Allegiance to the Trinitarian Christian Faith? which was once again very well received, and the expected usual questions were asked and suitable answered by the IG. The District Recorder also gave a short explanation of the new Supreme Council 33°, website and the superb new tri-fold leaflet produced by the Supreme Council 33°, aimed at attracting new members.

On completion of an excellent Third Point, the MWS in-the-Chair closed the Chapter, and the rest of the evening spent in harmony in the Refectory where everyone enjoyed a delightful meal to round off a super evening.

Next meeting – Friday 27^th June 2025.

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On Thursday 27th March 2025 the Chapter gathered at their Swan Lane home for their ‘Business’ meeting. Prior to Opening the Chapter, the Recorder read the Emergency Fire/Evacuation Procedures, and everyone is now fully refreshed in the actions to be carried out in the event of an emergency.

Beside the Chapter Warrant stood the ‘Travelling Apron’ on full display after being liberated from the Halesowen Chapter RC No 615 Enthronement meeting in November 2024. Who will be the next custodians of this prestigious District of Worcestershire award? 

The Inspector General was warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro S Hillard 18°, who, for his second attempt, offered the IG his Chair and Baton which again proved a failure as the Inspector General thanked the MWS for his generosity and returned the Baton as if it were too hot to handle……..

Immediately upon Opening the Chapter, the MWS asked everyone present to rise and take  a moment of reflection in respect of Ill\Bro George A Aldrich 31°, a Founder and Honorary Member of the Chapter. 

The Minutes of the previous meeting were then approved, signed by the MWS & IG.

The MWS and 2^nd General carried out a ‘practice’ of the 2^nd Point (Red Room) of  the Perfection ceremony with the MWS demonstrating the ‘Ladder’, and E&P Bro J Battell 18°, Second General displaying an impressive delivery of the Collar & Signs. Our latest Perfectee, E&P T McMillan acting as Candidate….. E&P Bro W Duthie 18°, (Marshal) and E&P Bro P Emmerson 18°, (Raphael) once again gave confident performances of their responsibilities. Well done!!! 

The Inspector General had the pleasure of once again delivering his ‘Paper’ on the background to the recent changes to the Ritual, and subsequent implications for members. This talk once again very well received, prompting one or two interesting questions from some of those present. Following the IG paper the District Recorder gave a short explanation of the new Supreme Council 33°, website and the superb new tri-fold leaflet produced by the Supreme Council 33°, aimed at attracting new members.

On completion of the Third Point and closing the Chapter, members and guests retired to the Refectory to enjoy a delightful 3 course dinner. A relatively short but another enjoyable evening.

Next meeting (Enthr) – Thursday 19^th June 25.

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On Monday 10^th March 2025 , 8 members of the Chapter plus 4 Visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the Business Meeting of the Chapter. 

Due to reasons beyond his control and with the severe meteorological conditions ’Down Under’, the MWS was unable to return to the UK in time to attend the meeting. The Chair was very comfortably occupied by Ill Bro John Pritchard 30°, who looked and felt very ‘at home’ indeed. However, despite his best efforts, he was unable tempt the IG to retain the Baton when offered to him!!!

After Opening the Chapter, the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed by the members of the Chapter. The IG then had the pleasure of presenting a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Lawrence Wood 18°, who was Perfected into the Chapter at their last meeting in January. 

Ill Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, was then declared the MWS elect for the ensuing year, and E&P Bro John Peglar 18°, declared the Treasurer for the ensuing year, both of whom graciously accepted the confidence that the brethren showed.  

The next two items on the Agenda were to receive an exceptionally interesting and informative paper from E&P Bro John Peglar 18°, who captivated the audience with his knowledge of ‘The Five Noble Orders of Architecture’, followed by an equally interesting and informative talk from the IG on our beautiful Order in particular. Both Papers very well received indeed.

On completion of the Third Point the Chapter was Closed and the Brethren retired to enjoy an exceptionally good 3 course evening meal in the Refectory.

All in all, a very enjoyable evening.

Next meeting – Monday 9^th June 2025.

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