Author: Taff Hill

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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10 members of our beautiful Order including the Inspector General and the District Recorder, met at Rainbow Hill on Tuesday 24^th February 2026.

After singing the opening Hymn, the Most Wise Sovereign III.˙.Bro Charles M K Dyer, 32°, Opened the Chapter and immediately offered his Baton & Chair to the IG. This was probably the best attempt yet made from any MWS in the District in doing so alas, the IG once again politely declined the kind offer and returned the Baton with his usual humorous reply.

After hearing and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, in the absence of any other nominations or request for a ballot, the MWS declared himself as the MWS for the ensuing year. The MWS also declared III.˙.Bro Sean P Warner 30°, Treasurer for the ensuing year under the same conditions.

The IG then had the pleasure of giving another of his interesting and informative talks which on this occasion was titled ’The Foundation and History of the Ancient & Accepted Rite of Scottish Freemasonry’. On completion of the paper, the MWS thanked the IG for his enlightening and inspirational talk which was again well received by everyone present.

Greetings were given by Visitors from their respective Chapters and the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. 

Huge thanks to the Chapter Recorder for coordinating a quite superb 5* dinner in the refectory bringing an excellent meeting to a close.

Next meeting (E) – Wed 6^th May 26. 

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On Thursday 5^th February 2026, 13 members and visitors including the District Recorder, the MRCCI Preceptor and two of his Deputy Preceptors met for another interesting and hugely enjoyable meeting. 

After Opening the Chapter and warmly welcoming the visitors, the MWS, III.˙.Bro J F P Mulligan 30°, approved the Minutes of the previous meeting. The next item on the Agenda was for the MWS to Invest E&P Bro R B Macey 18°, as his 2^nd General.

Then followed a demonstration of the Intermediate Degrees which was broken down into ‘bite size chunks’ and delivered by three of the Chapters keen and well-motivated 18°, members. Each and every one gave a super performance which will have given them all a great confidence boost and appetite to continue in their development and progression. The MWS congratulated all three and everyone showed their approval with a well-deserved round of applause.

The MWS then delivered an excellent and informative lecture on the ‘Meaning of the Intermediate Degrees’, which was concluded with additional interesting observations and facts about several of them, from the Prelate III.˙.Bro Justin Parker 30°. Once again, those present showed their approval for the MWS’s & Prelate input with a round of applause.

Immediately after the presentations, one of the Chapter members stood, addressed the MWS and said that his attendance at the Chapter since the events of November 2023 and what followed, had sadly caused him to reduce his attendance significantly as he was unsure what he should do. He then said that he remembered what his father once told him which was “if you don’t know what to do in life, do nothing”. He is so glad that he did not make any rash decisions to leave our beautiful Order and said that he couldn’t believe what he has been missing. He also said that he is so looking forward to the future and continue to support the Chapter as best as he could. This was wonderful to hear because this particular member is such a well-respected and much-loved Brother……….

Completing the remainder of the business, (which included his re-election for another year as Sovereign), the MWS conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty helping of Steak Pie, seasonal veg, chips & gravy, finished off with Apple Pie & Custard. What a delightful evening!!!

Next meeting (E) – Thu 2^nd April 26. 

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On Thursday 29^th January 2026, 19 members including the Inspector General, District Recorder and the Chapter District Representative were warmly welcomed to the Chapter. 

Prior to Opening the Chapter, The IG and the MWS, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General, were escorted into the room by the Director of Ceremonies, III.˙. Bro V Fogarty 32°. With the MWS standing comfortably at his place behind his pedestal, he invited the IG to accept the Baton and occupy the Chair ‘or otherwise’. The IG upon receiving the Baton however informed him “I have followed you for many years, but for now the Chair is yours” ………..

The MWS warmly welcomed all the visitors, Opened the Chapter, and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. 

The next item on the Agenda was to receive a most informative and well-prepared paper from Ill.˙.Bro R Johnson 30°, entitled ‘Why the Rose Croix speaks to all beliefs’. A huge amount of thought process and study must have gone into preparing the paper which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, especially as it broached areas which most of us had not (probably) previously considered.

The MWS then had the pleasure of declaring III.˙.Bro G M Talbot 30°, MWS, III.˙.Bro T J Tudge 30°, Treasurer, for the ensuing year.

During the Treasurer’s report, the Treasurer announced that, with the Charity Account being fairly ‘healthy’, donations to the local ‘Happy Memories’ tea service group; and to the District wide appeal for the Fisher House UK unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, the receiving unit for injured military personal from both the UK and around the world, would be made.

The MWS carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter before everyone retiring to the Refectory to enjoy a lovely dinner, completing another super evening.

Next meeting (E) – Friday 29^th May 2026. 

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On Monday 26^th January 2026 some 18 members of the Order including a deputation of 4 members from St Francis of Assisi Chapter No 711, the assigned Deputy Preceptor and the Inspector General attend Redditch Masonic Hall for the January Regular Meeting which included a Perfection Ceremony.

The Deputy Preceptor was invited to take the 2^nd General’s Chair, III.˙.Bro Gerry Jinks 32°, was invited to act as Prelate and III.˙.Bro S Jinks 30°, as IPS.

The main item on the Order of Business was to Perfect Bro Martin Richard Jeynes.

The 1^st General E&P Bro, Michael Payne 18°, conducted the Intermediate Degrees, the MWS, E & P Bro. Steve Roadley 18°, conducting the First & Second Points, with III.˙.Bro Derek Taylor 30°, presenting the Collar, Jewel, and Signs.

The whole ceremony was conducted to a very good standard, and the IG congratulated the Chapter, acknowledging the important role played by visiting members, which underlined his constant request to all Chapters and Members of the important role inter-visitation plays especially where assistance is required to conduct a ceremony.

During the Second Rising the Inspector General invited the Members from St Francis of Assisi Chapter to present the ‘Travelling Apron’ and Charged to deliver it to the next Chapter, who have not been previous holders, when they have a Perfection.

The MWS then conducted the Third Point welcoming our newly Perfected Brother into the Living Circle and on completion the Chapter was Closed.

The members then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a two course Dinner.

Another evening exemplifying the beauty of our Order and the excellent camaraderie that we enjoy.`

Next meeting (E) – Monday 27^th April 2026.

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27 members assembled at Kings Heath Freemasons Hall on a damp, miserable morning of Saturday 24^thJanuary 2026 for what was to be the first double Perfection ceremony in the District. Alas, one of the Candidates fell ill just before the meeting, but that did not stop the MWS and all the members of the Chapter putting on a ceremony which they can all be very proud of. 

The Inspector General, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, accompanied by V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen W Fowler 33°, Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire and Asst DC of the Chapter, and V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General of the District of Worcestershire and 2^nd General of the Chapter, were escorted into the Chapter by the Director of Ceremonies. Before taking his seat in the Chapter, the MWS, E&P Bro N Nicholls 18°, very kindly offered the Baton and Chair to the IG which was declined with the IG stating that as he was at ‘The Temple Jinks’, he was happy return the Baton…….

Following the Opening Hymn, the Prelate gave the Chapter Prayer for St Francis of Assisi.

After opening the Chapter and confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, a ballot for Perfection was taken for Bro’s Kevin George Kane-Brooks and Joseph Patrick Galimpin which proved in favour of both. Bro Galimpin will be Perfected on a future occasion.

With the room prepared, Capt of the Guard, E&P Bro K Saunders 18°, gave a delightful presentation of the Intermediate Degrees. With the necessary adjustment to the room, the Marshal E&P Bro S Pinner 18°, conducted the Candidate throughout the First Point with pinpoint accuracy leaving the Candidate wondering ‘just what had happened there?’…… Returning the room as required for the Second Point, Raphael, III.˙.Bro K J Parkes 30°, directed the Candidate with impressive confidence, very ably assisted by the Marshal.

With the Marshal’s work not yet complete, he then gave another exemplary presentation of the Collar & Signs. Punishment if you remember from the Chapters last Perfection ceremony (October 25 meeting) when the MWS informed him that he is tasked to deliver them again at the next Perfection……….

With the Candidate taking his seat in the Chapter, the busy Agenda continued. The IG was absolutely delighted to present an Enthronement Certificate to E&P Bro R M Dhody 18°, who the Chapter proudly Perfected into our beautiful Order at their last meeting. The IG gave his usual informative and impressive presentation and again stated how delighted he was to have been able to do so, for someone he had known for so long.  

The Chapter had great pleasure in proposing III.˙.Bro G Phillips 30°, as an Honorary Member of the Chapter. 

At the end of the 2^nd Rising, the DR, III.˙.Bro L D Hill 31°, was delighted to present, on behalf of the MWS & members of Evesham Chapter RC No 994, the ‘Travelling Apron’ charging him to surrender it up to the next Chapter carrying out a Perfection ceremony, and who have not previously held it!!!  

The MWS completed the Risings, and conducted the Third Point in a most solemn, sincere and respectful manner. Upon Closing the Chapter, everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent 3 course lunch rounding off a most superb Rose Croix meeting rewarding the Chapter for the obvious hard work made preparing for the meeting.

Next meeting – Saturday 25^th April 2026.

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With the consistently miserable weather, dire travelling conditions, unfortunate short notice illness, and holidays, numbers were low for the first meeting of 2026 for the Chapter. That didn’t stop the 11 members present, including the Inspector General and the District Recorder having a most enjoyable evening at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Victoria Street, Stourbridge on Thursday 15^th January 2026.

The MWS, E&P Bro M J Winfield 18°, welcomed the IG to the Chapter and asked, “Can I offer you the Baton?” With the Baton being received by the IG in turn said, “Can I offer it straight back?” And returned the Baton without hesitation………

The MWS Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting and then Invested E&P Bro J L Montero 18° as the Second General as he was sadly unable to attend the Enthronement meeting. 

The next item on the Agenda was to demonstrate parts of the ceremony of Perfection. E&P Bro J L Montero 18°, gave an admirable demonstration of the Intermediate degrees with the District Recorder acting as the Candidate and III.˙.Bro M Tonkin 31°, acting as the Marshal. 

The MWS then had the pleasure of the Second Point being demonstrated by none other than III.˙.Bro M Tonkin 31°, acting as Raphael, the Chapter Recorder III.˙.Bro G Stacey 31°acting as Marshal and the District Recorder III.˙.Bro L D Hill (Taff) 31°, continuing as the Candidate. All 3 being Deputy Preceptors of the MRCCI. No pressure there then!!!

On conclusion of the demonstrations, the District Recorder gave a short talk entitled ‘The Feast of Fraternal Affection’ which was very well received by all. 

After completing all other business, the MWS carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Members retired to The Old Edwardian Club to enjoy a delightful dinner to end another super meeting.

Next meeting (E) – Thursday 9^th Apr 2026.

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Wednesday 14^th January 2026 saw 23 members & visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder assemble for a Perfection ceremony and the ‘Business’ meeting of the Chapter. 

The IG was warmly welcomed by the MWS, E&P Bro Karl Haines 18°, who made a very generous offer of his Baton to the IG. However, the IG of course thanked him for the kind offer and immediately handed the Baton back to him saying that as the MWS, you have plenty of work to do……..

The MSW duly Opened the Chapter and the Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and confirmed. A standard Agenda item of the Chapter following the confirmation of the Minutes is to receive the Minutes of the regular Chapter meeting of 100 years ago. Disappointingly, on this occasion the Minutes for that meeting were unavailable.

A ballot for the Perfection of Bro Roger James Wilkins was then conducted, and with the ballot proving in favour of the Candidate, the Chapter proceeded to Perfect him into our beautiful Order. The brother who was originally tasked with presenting the Intermediate Degrees was unfortunately absent for the meeting and IIl.˙.Bro T G Still 30°, presented them at exceptionally short notice. The MWS assisted by the Marshal, III.˙.Bro A M Dally 30°, worked the First Point, and Raphael, E&P Bro D F Brown 18°, led the Candidate throughout the Second Point, again suitably assisted by the Marshal. The Collar & Signs were then given by E&P Bro D C Boorn 18°. 

The MWS then had the pleasure of declaring E&P Bro D C Boorn 18°, MWS, E&P Bro A M Sinton 18°, Treasurer, and III.˙.Bro F P S Abram 30°, Outer Guard for the ensuing year.

During the Second Rising, the IG was delighted to hear the Chapter announce that a sum of £50.00 will be donated towards his District wide appeal, for the Fisher House UK unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, the receiving unit for injured military personal from both the UK and around the world. Also during the Risings, III.˙.Bro M A Hume 32°, presented the Chapter with a framed image, of the Chapter Banner with a background explanation and history. The banner itself is proudly displayed behind the MWS during meetings. III.˙.Bro A W Workman 31°, also provided an interesting history of a legacy donated to the Chapter, which helped to finance the wonderful banner.

Following the Third Point, conducted by the Immediate Past Sovereign, the MWS Closed the Chapter and the brethren retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent dinner.

Next meeting (E) – Friday 1^st May 2026.

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On Monday 12^th January 2026, some 12 members of the Order including the Inspector General, and District Recorder attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the first meeting in the District for 2026.

The Director of Ceremonies called the brethren to order and announced the entrance of the Inspector General. The IG was very warmly welcomed by the MWS, Ill.˙.Bro M Hardeman 31°-elect, who upon handing his Baton to the IG, made a fine attempt to persuade the IG to occupy the Chair for the evening. As good as the attempt was, the IG informed him that he would unfortunately disappoint him and that he could ‘do the work himself’ and returned the Baton as quickly as he received it.

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, and dealing with matters arising, the MWS Invested E&P Bro C Overall 18°, as Rahael as he was unfortunately absent from the Enthronement meeting last June.

The Chapter then gave an admirable demonstration of parts of the Perfection ceremony. E&P Bro R Mulgrue 18°, demonstrating the Intermediate Degrees, E&P Bro L Wood 18°, the work of Raphael for the Second Point (Red Room), and E&P Bro N Nichols 18°, the Collar & Signs. For some, it was the first time of delivering Rose Croix ritual since becoming members of the Order, and they can be proud of their efforts. It was also pleasing to see three ‘Red Collar’ members of the Chapter practicing this work for their own personal development and in preparation for when they receive their next new member………..  

On completion of the remainder of the items on the Agenda, The MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone then retired to enjoy a delightful evening meal in the Refectory (AKA Northfield Dining Club).

Whilst the numbers were small it was a most enjoyable Rose Croix evening with plenty of good ceremonial options learnt, and infectious humour throughout.

Next meeting – Monday 9^th March 2026.

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