Category: News

On Tuesday 2^nd June a small party comprising V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Past Inspector General, together with our present Inspector General, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill, 33^°, and Ill.˙.Bro’s Charles Dyer, 32^°, and John Phenix, 31°, travelled to Grand East for the Higher Degrees Meeting where Ill.˙.Bro John was to receive his well-deserved and long overdue promotion to the 32°, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

After a pleasant train journey and private hire taxi, due to the Tube strike, the party arrived at Duke Street to find Ill.˙.Bro Maurice Hume, 32°, waiting to join the party. Once booked in everyone retired to The Chequers Pub for refreshment.

Whilst preparing for the Ceremony Ill.˙.Bro Mike Simpson, 32°, also joined the group and further support was provided by V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler, 33°, the Inspector General for Warwickshire and his District Recorder, Ill.˙.Bro Frank Corrigan, 32°, also joining the supporting group.

In its usual impeccable style, the Supreme Council conducted both the 32°, and 30°, ceremonies to the highest standards and on completion everyone retired to a first-class Dinner at Mark Masons Hall. 

This was also marked with a special occasion for our District when our very own Inspector General proposed the Toast to The Supreme Council in his own characteristic way, which was both humorous but extremely sincere, underlining the excellent work and support the Supreme Council give to our beautiful Order.

At the end of what was a terrific day the party separated to make their own way home having thoroughly enjoyed another excellent meeting of the Ancient & Accepted Rite.………

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On an extremely warm evening of Friday 29^th May 2026, 22 members which included the Inspector General, District Recorder and the Chapter District Representative attended the Enthronement meeting. Thank heavens the lodge room had such efficient air conditioning system. It was so much needed………

Prior to Opening the Chapter, the MWS, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General, was escorted into the room by the Director of Ceremonies, III.˙.Bro V Fogarty 32°. The DC then announced the entry of the IG, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, into the room who was very warmly greeted by the MWS who, for his last time, tempted the IG with his Chair & Baton. The IG received the Baton with thanks, however very politely declined to act as Sovereign and returned the Baton. The MWS then extended an equally warm welcome to three very distinguished members in attendance – Ill.˙.Bro Gordon Stacy 31°, and also the Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire in the Royal Order of Scotland (RoS), Ill.˙.Bro John Phenix 32°-elect, & also the former Most Excellent Grand Superintendent (MEGS) of Worcestershire, & Ill.˙.Bro David Emery 31°, who had the most fantastic honour of being a former Sentinel for the Supreme Council for a year during the MWS Patent as Inspector General of the District. This honour by the way, is an extremely rare honour as it only comes around for each District once every 20 – 25 years. All remaining visitors were also welcomed by the MWS in his usual, enthusiastic and at times humorous manner.

Before Opening the Chapter, the MWS also thank most sincerely, all the Officers of his year and the IG for all their help and much valued support.

Following the confirmation and approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting the MWS launched straight into enthroning the Sovereign elect, Ill.˙.Bro Gary Talbot 30°. And a most delightful Enthronement it was too. The new MWS then appointed and invested his Officers in a relaxed and experienced manner. A wonderful enthronement ceremony was then completed with an excellent Address to the Princes by the IG.

During the next item on the Agenda, the Treasurer announced notice that a sum of £500.00 was available in the Charity Account for distribution, and three local charities identified to receive an equal share of the funds.

The MWS was then delighted to propose that the Immediate Past Sovereign become an Honorary Member of the Chapter. This not surprisingly, also delighted the members who all welcomed and congratulated V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, at becoming Honorary Member. It was suggested that this momentous occasion should be celebrated with a glass (or three) of champagne supplied by their new Honorary Member, who said that unfortunately he did not have any champagne with him tonight, but he might have on a future occasion. (I do hope this was recorded in the Minutes)!!!

The MWS carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter before everyone retired to the Refectory for dinner, where the evenings good-humour, and merriment continued.

Next meeting – THU 29 OCT 26.

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On Tuesday 19^th May 2026 saw five members of the District ensconced (settled safely, comfortably & securely) into the District Recorders car to make their way for the Grand East. On this occasion to witness and celebrate the preferment of III.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman to the 31°, Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander.

The journey from Worcestershire to London, with the exception of traffic delays for several miles some 12 miles into our journey, and of course the last 3 or 4 miles before arriving at our pre-arranged parking lot in St James’s, went extremely well, eventually arriving approx 30 mins later than our scheduled arrival time……… 

Four of the party made their way to the Chequers Tavern, a very well-known and respected public house nestled conveniently between the Cavendish Hotel and 10 Duke Street to enjoy a super ‘pub lunch’ courtesy of the Inspector General. The Inspector General himself was unable to join us for lunch as he had to attend a meeting of the Suprema Lex Chapter Rose Croix No 1000. 

On completion of a generous and hugely satisfying lunch, some took the opportunity of  a short walk around Fortnum & Masons, and the party a short while later reunited at 10 Duke Street to witness III.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman promotion to the 31°. 

In the second ceremony of the afternoon, a number of fellow members from around the several Districts received their 30°, promotions. Both ceremonies once again being conducted in a superb manner by members of The Supreme Council.

A most enjoyable day was completed with a short walk across to Mark Masons Hall to enjoy a dinner of the finest quality, and the return trip back to Worcestershire.

Did you know…………… After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the first buildings erected were in St James, southwest of the old city. One of St James’s buildings was an Alehouse called “The Mason Arms”. It was situated next to ‘Cavendish House’, home of Lady Cavendish, the ‘Duchess of Duke Street’ and mistress to King Edward VII, who resided at the palace of St James.

At the rear of Cavendish House and The Mason Arms was Mason Yard, (named after Hugh Mason, he of the world-famous Fortnum & Mason grocery store), where the Stonemasons prepared the stones for the building of Westminster Palace (today known as the Houses of Parliament).

The stone masons along with the coachmen and grooms would park their coaches and horses in Mason Yard and wait for their masters, who were being entertained at Cavendish House. They wiled away their time drinking ale and playing chequers on the steps of the ale house. So, in time The Masons Arms became known as The Chequers Pub and soon had a new sign depicting a Chequers Board.

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Monday 11^th May 2026, and a marvellous total of 16 members plus 8 visitors that  included the Inspector General and District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for a Perfection ceremony and the annual ‘Business’ meeting. The MWS, Ill.˙.Bro Phil Hannah JP 31°, offered the Baton and his Chair to the IG saying that it was an honour and a privilege to have him present. The IG was pleased to receive the Baton but swiftly returned it saying how much he looked forward to seeing the MWS’s work this evening.

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

A Ballot for the Perfection of Bro Mark James Barber then took place and with this proving successful, a super ceremony of pure quality and meaning took place. The Chapter DC, Ill.˙.Bro David Emery 31°, presented the Intermediate Degrees in a most pleasant and professional manner. Word perfect to the letter! The Chapter Recorder, Ill.˙.Bro Keith Owen 31°, conducted the Black Room with equal skill and ability, ably supported by the Marshal, Ill.˙.Bro David Golby 30°. The MWS carried out the Red Room with a guest of the Chapter, E&P Bro Philip Butler 18°, a member of Breme Chapter No 862, acting as Raphael and raising the afore mentioned standards even higher. Not to be out shone by the work thus far witnessed, the IG gave the Accolade and the MWS completed a well-rehearsed and polished overall performance by presenting the Collar & Signs. The Candidate really did have an amazing Perfection.

Continuing with the busy Agenda, the MWS declared himself as the MWS for a second year, and also declared Ill.˙.Bro Peter Marks 30°, the Treasurer for the ensuing year.

With a short report from the Masonic Hall Committee, Alms collected, and Risings completed, the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Members retired to the Refectory for a hearty and most enjoyable meal. A super evening completed……….

Next meeting – MON 02 NOV 26.

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Also, on Wednesday 6^th May 2026 eight members of the Order met at Rainbow Hill for their Enthronement meeting. Low in numbers perhaps, but no shortage of quality!

After singing the Opening Hymn and filling one or two Offices for the evening, the Chapter was Opened by the MWS, III.˙.Bro Charles Dyer, 32°, at 1815 hrs, and the Recorder read the Minutes of the previous meeting which were formally adopted by those members of the Chapter present and duly signed by the MWS.

Having thanked the Chapter for their support for the past year, the Chapter Recorder Proclaimed III.˙.Bro Charles Dyer 32°, the MWS for a further year.

The 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 presented a ‘paper of Masonic interest’ 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. On conclusion of the paper, the MWS received well deserved applause as this was something many present had not heard before. 

During the Risings, the Chapter announced the very generous distribution of £500 from the Alms Account to three local deserving Charities detailing the great spirit within the Chapter. 

Following the Third Point the Chapter was Closed and the assembled company retired to the Refectory for a Fish & Chips supper, rounding off a fantastic meeting.

Next meeting – FRI 25 SEP 25.

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On Wednesday 6^th May 2026 some 22 Members of the Order, including the Inspector General, mustered at The Masonic Hall, Kidderminster for the One Hundred and Thirty Third Meeting of the Chapter.

What a full evening it turned out to be with a Perfection, Enthronement and Presentation of a MWS Enthronement Certificate. The latter not being an item that is unfortunately not practised in all our Chapters in the District notwithstanding it would normally only be applicable to members of the 18° on reaching the Chair for the first time.

It was very good to see the members of the 18°, fully involved in the Perfection Ceremony which was conducted to a very good standard.

This was then followed by a well delivered Enthronement ceremony which saw E & P Bro A R Lewis 18°, duly installed for the forthcoming year.

The IG then presented an Enthronement Certificate to the IPS, E&P Bro Ian Calvert 18°.

Prior to retiring and conducting the Third Point the Recorder announced that there was another Candidate for Perfection in the pipeline which is excellent news for a Chapter which a few years ago faced an uncertain future.

Following the Third Point the Chapter was closed and the Brethren retired to enjoy a very pleasant evening meal which concluded an excellent feast of Rose Croix Masonry.

Next meeting – WED 01 JUL 26.

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On a glorious evening preceding the Early May Bank Holiday weekend of Friday 1^st  May 2026, 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 K L Haines 18°, the MWS proffered his Baton to the IG with a pitiful look, quietly hoping that he, the IG, would conduct the evenings proceedings. Before returning the Baton, the IG informed the MWS that this evening was a special evening for him and that he was probably better prepared.

Before Opening the Chapter, the Chapter sang the Opening Hymn with the delightful accompaniment of music played by E&P Bro A Sinton 18°. It was so good to see E&P Bro Sinton following a serious leg injury he sustained whilst on a recent holiday in Germany……The Chapter was Opened promptly, and the Minutes of the previous meeting were proved. The Recorder then read a short extract of the Minutes of the meeting held 100 years ago.

A Ballot then took place for: i) a Candidate for Perfection – Bro Jeremy William Greenfield a member of St Pauls Lodge No 43, and ii) a Re-Joining member of the Chapter – Ill.˙.Bro B Benge 30°. The ballot proved favourable for both, and Ill.˙.Bro Benge was warmly welcomed back into the Chapter. Bro Greenfield the Candidate for Perfection, will be Perfected at the Midland Rose Croix Chapter of Improvement (MRCCI) 100-year Anniversary celebrations at the meeting of Merston Culy Chapter RC No 883 on Friday 26^th June 2026.

The next Item, to present Supreme Council Certificates to E&P Bro J R Turpin 18°, and E&P Bro R J Wilkins was sadly deferred for the next meeting as both were unfortunately absent on this occasion. 

Continuing with the Agenda, the MWS, Enthroned E&P Bro David Charles Boorn 18°, as the Most Wise Sovereign of the Chapter in a confident, relaxed and dignified manner. A wonderful ceremony for which the new MWS was extremely proud to now be ‘in the Chair’ of the oldest Chapter in the District.

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

The IG then gave the Address to the Princes bringing an end to a lovely Enthronement, and the MWS was entrusted with the heirloom of the Chapter, and a Past Sovereign’s jewel presented to the IPS. The IG congratulated the IPS for the manner in which he Enthroned his successor. 

The Almoner, Ill.˙.Bro P Murphy 30°, gave a lengthy and comprehensive Almoners report and we all wish those currently absent for whatever reasons, a speedy relief from any sufferings.

On completion of the remainder of the Business, the new MWS conducted Third Point for his first time. The MWS then closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the refectory and the rest of the evening spent in true St Dunstan tradition of Harmony and Brotherly Love – and enjoyed a super dinner. 

Next meeting – WED 28 OCT 26.

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On Monday 27^th April 2026 the Inspector General accompanied by the District Recorder attended the Freemasons Hall, Redditch to enjoy the Enthronement of Ill.˙.Bro John C Roberts 30°.

The MWS, E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, welcomed the IG to the Chapter, and indeed failed miserably in attempting to persuade the IG to retain his Baton & Chair. After filling one or two vacant offices due to illness, holidays and other important masonic duties at Grand Lodge, the MWS Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting.

After dealing with matters arising from the Minutes, the Chapter received a Treasurers report indicating that the accounts were in very good health. The main item on Agenda was for the Enthronement of the new MWS. which the Enthroning Sovereign carried out to an exceptionally high standard indeed. The MWS appointed and invested his officers and the Enthronement was concluded with the Address to the Princes given by the IG.

The IG then gave a short presentation on the History of the 18°, which everyone enjoyed and raised two or three interesting talking points

The IG’s work was not yet complete as he then gave a delightfully informative presentation of a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Martin R Jeynes 18°, who had been Perfected earlier this year.

During the Second Rising the IG was delighted to learn that the Chapter had approved a second donation of £50.00 to the Fisher House charity which the District is supporting. A total donation of £100.00 from the Chapter is a wonderful contribution indeed. Thank you.

The MWS then conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter and the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a Fish Supper of the highest quality in harmony & brotherly love, bringing an excellent evening to an end.

Next meeting – MON 28 SEP 26.

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26 members and Visitors assembled at Kings Heath Freemasons Hall on a beautiful sunny morning of Saturday 25^th April 2026 for what was the first double Perfection ceremony in the District of Worcestershire. Considering a double Perfection had not been held in the District before, the MWS and all the members of the Chapter can be so proud of all their hard work, commitment and preparation to ensure the ceremony was ‘perfect’ and a day to remember. 

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. The IG was warmly welcomed by the MWS, E&P Bro N Nicholls 18°, and whilst prompting “I know what the reply is going to be, but please accept the Baton and Chair of the Chapter etc, etc”. The IG once again referring to the centre of excellence AKA ‘The Temple Jinks’, was happy return the Baton so that he could enjoy the special meeting……. 

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

After opening the Chapter, welcoming all the Visitors, and confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, a ballot for Perfection was taken for Bro’s James Robert Jonathan Murrell and Thomas Michael Dunstan which proved in favour of both. 

With the room prepared and ready to proceed, the Prelate, III.˙.Bro Gerry Jinks 32°, gave a wonderful presentation of the Intermediate Degrees to both Candidates. 

Rearranging the room to continue the ceremony, the Marshal E&P Bro S Pinner 18°, conducted the Candidates throughout the First Point with great confidence and bearing. Special mention for the MWS who conducted a delightful example of just how the First Point should be managed. Wonderful ritual, with such meaningful and sincere speech.  

Restoring the room as required for the Second Point and with two Ladders side by side (with just enough room between them for Raphael, E&P Bro K Saunders 18°, to navigate), he directed the Candidates simultaneously with such accomplished confidence, ably assisted by an additional Marshal…………

Following the Accolade given by the IG to each Candidate separately and completing a quite superb first part of the Second Point, E&P Bro S Pinner 18°, presented the Collar & Signs to each Candidate, silently assisted by the Chapter Recorder, III.˙.Bro Simon Jinks 30°. 

With the Candidates taking their seats in the Chapter, the busy Agenda continued. The District Recorder was delighted to present an Enthronement Certificate to E&P Bro K G Kane-Brooks 18°.  

With no other nominations or request for a ballot, III.˙.Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, was elected as the MWS, and  III.˙.Bro John Phenix 32°-elect, the Treasurer for the ensuing year.   

After collecting Alms, the MWS completed the Risings, and conducted the Third Point with another example solemn, sincere and dignified ritual. Upon closing the Chapter, everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty 3 course lunch rounding off another superb Rose Croix meeting.

If freemasonry is said to take good men and make them better, then Rose Croix takes these better freemasons and make them Perfect………..

Next meeting (E) – Saturday 26^th Sep 2026.

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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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