Category: News

11 members of the Order, including the IG and 1 Visitor, met on Thursday 4^th December at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Stourbridge, for the Regular December Meeting of the Chapter.

Unfortunately, several 18°, members, including the two Generals were absent but the Guest DC, III.˙.Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, who is also the MRCCI Representative, soon found volunteer replacements and the Chapter was Opened in due form.

The main item on the Agenda was the Presentation of a Paper from the MWS giving an explanation of the Third Point. This was very well received and led to an interesting discussion on completion led by the Prelate, III.˙.Bro Rev Fr Justin Parker, 30°, and the IG.

When the time came the Third Point was conducted in a most sincere manner and the Chapter was Closed.

The members then retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a good meal. 

During the presentation of the Toast List the IG was able to Propose the Higher Degrees Toast to III.˙.Bro Justin Randle, 30°, who had received his Promotion at Grand East the previous day.

An interesting meeting which once again provided a “daily advancement in masonic knowledge.”

Next meeting – THU 05 FEB 26.

xxxxxx-x

On a bright and sunny morning of Wednesday 3^rd December 2025, Ill.˙.Bro’s Phil Abram, Steve Hillard, Justin Randle and Perry Connor travelled to Duke Street to receive their well deserved 30°, promotions. With the exception of Ill.˙.Bro Randle who was already in London, the remainder, accompanied by the IG, Former IG, DR plus five other guests, met at Henly-in-Arden coach depot ready to head for Grand East. It was a tight fit on the 19-seater ‘mini-coach’ which had been ordered as all eleven of us had to squeeze into a 52-seater coach. A brand-new coach at that……..

The journey from Henley to London went exceptionally well and we arrived at Mark Masons Hall in very good time allowing us to enjoying our now customary pre 10 Duke Street Higher Degrees meeting, Soup & Sandwich lunch – with a glass of wine with compliments of the IG.

On completion of a generous and very satisfying lunch, the party moved to 10DS to witness a most spectacular 30°, ceremony performed as always by members of the Supreme Council. I’m sure it gets better and better every time. Apart from the quite superb delivery of the Work of the degree, the Sovereign Grand Commander’s explanation of the background and history of the degree, and in particular one of the signs was fantastic. And a special mention if I may for the work of the V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Surg Cdr N F J Scott-Moncrieff 33°, Grand Director of Ceremonies. If ever you want to witness exactly how ritual should be delivered with such passion, dedication and sincerity, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure, then when qualified, book yourself in to attend a Higher Degree meeting……… 

Following the meeting, everyone retired back to Mark Masons Hall to enjoy a quality evening meal before our long journey home. I am sure those that witnessed 10DS for the first time will look forward to a return in the not-too-distant future.

xxxxxx-x

On Monday 3^rd November 2025 the Inspector General, District Recorder and 3 other guests received a warm welcome to the Chapter for their Enthronement meeting. 

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC and welcomed by Ill.˙.Bro Robert Bennett, 30°, the MWS who in deference to his rank offered him the Baton. The IG politely declined saying “I would hate to deny you the opportunity” and the MWS then Opened the Chapter in solemn form.

Immediately upon Opening, a moment of silence and reflection was observed for the departure of III.˙.Bro Douglas Allen 30°, and III.˙.Bro Richard Ayling 30°, who had both recently passed to the Grand Chapter Above. The Prelate also gave a solemn prayer in their memory.

The MWS then had the pleasure of Enthroning III.˙.Bro Phillip Hannah 31°, as the new MWS of the Chapter in a very impressive manner. The DR was delighted to be asked to deliver the Address to the Sovereign and after the MWS appointing and investing his officers, the IG gave the Address to the Princes, completing a super Enthronement ceremony of the highest quality.

During Propositions, the Recorder announced that he was in possession of not one, but two application forms for Perfection into the Chapter. Subject to successful ballots, one will be Perfected at the next meeting in March 26, and the other at the May 26 meeting. Great news indeed.

At the beginning of the Second Rising, the Recorder informed the Chapter that he was in possession of the Supreme Council certificate for E&P Bro Colin Edwards 18°, and asked the IG if he would please present it to him. The IG was delighted to do so and noted that he had already given an explanation of the certificate to E&P Bro Edwards on a previous ocassion. For reasons known only to those present, the IG presented the certificate ‘for the second time’…………

Following the Third Point and Closing the Chapter, everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a delightful 3 course dinner. Not usually commenting on activities at dinner, it must be noted that during the Toast to the IG, the MWS gave a most delightful tribute to the IG for the sterling work he had done ‘bonding’ the District since becoming Inspector General. What a truly excellent evening.

Next meeting – MON 02 MAR 26.

xxxxxx-x

On Thursday 30^th October 2025, 22 members including the Inspector General and District Recorder were warmly welcomed to the Chapter at Stourport Freemasons Hall. 

The DC announced the IG at the door and escorted him into the room. The MWS, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare, 33°, Former Inspector General made a most commendable attempt for the IG to retain his Baton and Chair for the evening. Well, if a former IG was unable to tempt the current IG into retaining the Baton, there is not much hope for the rest of us……..

The MWS welcomed all the members and visitors to the meeting with his customary charm and wit (intelligent humour) and then Opened the Chapter. After confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting in May, the MWS had great pleasure in investing III.˙.Bro Tim Morris 30°, as his Prelate.

The main item on the Agenda was for the IG to present his latest paper entitled ‘The Foundation and History of the Ancient & Accepted Rite of Scottish Freemasonry’. The paper was once again received with great interest, with one or two very positive comments made by members. One point of interest made from III.˙.Bro Tim Wooldridge 32°, was that Bro Donald James CRUCIFIX was Perfected into St Mary & All Saints Chapter. A photograph of him is displayed the ante room at the top of the stairs.

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 completing a super evening. 

Next meeting – THU 29 JAN 26.

xxxxxx-x

On Wednesday 29^th October 2025, twenty eight members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder assembled at the Worcester Masonic Centre. 

The IG was escorted into the lodge room by the DC and the MWS did his utmost to tempt the IG to occupy his Chair for the evening. Alas the IG made gave a gracious refusal informing the MWS that there was far too much work to be done, and that he himself would be far better prepared. 

After Opening the Chapter, the members present confirmed and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting, which were duly signed by the MWS & IG respectively. The Recorder then proceeded to read the Minutes of their Regular meeting of 100 years ago, during which a Perfection ceremony was the main item on the Agenda.

Following a successful ballot, Bro James Richard Turpin was perfected in an excellent ceremony and after signing the Golden Book, took his seat in the Chapter. E&P Bro Ian Trennan 18°, conducting the Intermediate Degrees, The MWS E&P Bro Karl Haines 18°, the First & Second Points, and E&P Bro David Boorn 18°, the Collar & Signs. A particularly pleasing aspect of the Perfection was that all of the ceremony was conducted by members of the 18°. And it was once again, very pleasing indeed to see half of those present wearing Red collars.

Before carrying out the Risings, the IG had the most pleasant task of presenting III.˙.Bro Bill Mason 30°, with his 30°, Knight of Kadosh, certificate – some 7 years after actually becoming elected to the 30°, and on his birthday!!!. Another first for the District in general and the IG in particular. Please contact III.˙.Bro Bill if you require an explanation of how and why this happened (his delayed certificate, not his birthday)………..

The MWS conducted Third Point and Closed the Chapter, with everyone retiring to the Refectory to enjoy a lovely meal and in such good company.

Next meeting – WED 14 JAN 26.

xxxxxx-x

On Friday 24^th October 2025 11 members of the Order including 8 members of the Chapter 2 Visitors and the Inspector General attended the Enthronement Meeting of the Chapter held in No 3 Temple at Freemasons Hall, Kings Heath.

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC and welcomed by the MWS who in deference to his rank offered him the Baton. The IG politely declined and the MWS then Opened the Chapter in solemn form.

Both Visitors were requested to fill Offices, Ill.˙.Bro Mike Tonkin 31°, as 1^st General and Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, as both Capt of the Guard and Outer Guard.

Following the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous meeting the next item was to Proclaim Ill.˙.BroStephen Middleditch, 31°, as MWS for the Second Year. Following which he appointed and invested his Officers, and the IG gave the Address to the Chapter.

The next item was for 5 members of the Chapter to present the paper ‘The Words of the 18^th Degree’. On completion and given the author, (the IG), was in the room a brief discussion took place on the why and purpose of the paper.

Following the Celebration of the Third Point the meeting Closed, and the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a very pleasant convivial meal.

A very good evening of fraternal Rose Croix enjoyment.

Next meeting – FRI 27 FEB 26.

xxxxxx-x

On Thursday 16th October 2025 the Chapter gathered at their Swan Lane home for a meeting decimated by several absences due to sickness or urgent work commitments, with some apologies received less than an hour before the meeting was due to begin….. Nevertheless, with gaps suitably filled with willing volunteers, the MWS, E&P Bro J Battell 18°, Opened the Chapter for a most enjoyable and well-constructed evening. 

Immediately after Opening, the Inspector General was warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, who offered the IG his Baton & his Chair. The IG thanked the MWS for the honour and pleasure, however politely declined and returned the Baton to the MWS.

The brethren confirmed the of the Minutes of the Enthronement meeting last June which was duly signed by the MWS & IG. The MWS also signed the Minutes of the Officers and Past Sovereigns meeting held via ZOOM on Tuesday evening previous to this meeting. 

The next item on the Agenda, the MWS Invested Ill\Bro M Hadden 30°, as the Assistant Director of Ceremonies as he was unfortunately absent from the Enthronement meeting. 

The IG then had great pleasure in presenting the MWS with his Enthronement Certificate. The IG stated that Evesham was one of the few Chapters in the District that rewarded their MWS in recognition of the important, hard work carried out by a member enroute to his Enthronement as the MWS – quite rightly recognised with a certificate from the Supreme Council 33°. The MWS thanked the IG and also the Chapter for the certificate.

With the Chapter Recorder acting as the Candidate, the MWS gave a commendable performance of the Second Point, accompanied and well E&P Bro T McMillan 18°, as Raphael. Assured performances by both of them which looks good for the anticipated Perfection ceremony planned for the next meeting in March. Thanks (once again) to  Ill\Bro Mike Tonkin 31°, who also assisted the demonstration as the Marshal. What would this District do without the ever presence of Mike? Thank you.

The Chapter was then treated to an excellent presentation of The Words of the 18°. The paper was broken down into ‘manageable chunks’ and delivered by four members of the Chapter. One or two of the more senior members commented how useful and informative this paper was………

With Alms collected and a Candidate for Perfection being proposed, the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Members retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent dinner. 

Great meeting, great company.

Next meeting – THU 26 MAR 26.

xxxxxx-x

The Chapter met on Thursday 9^th October 2025. The MWS, E&P Bro M Winfield 18°, Opened the Chapter and warmly welcomed the Inspector General saying “we are delighted that you could be with us”. The IG with his well-known, light hearted and positive repartee answered, “to be honest, I am delighted to be anywhere”. The MWS endeavoured to hand his Baton and Chair to the IG, but continued repartee indicated that he would decline the kind and generous offer…..  

The Chapter Recorder then read the Minutes of the previous meeting (April 2025), which were duly confirmed by the members of the Chapter and signed by the MWS and IG. 

The MWS then had great pleasure in Appointing & Investing two members who were unable to attend the Enthronement meeting – E&P Bro D Preece 18°, as Marshal, and Ill.˙.Bro T Wooldridge 32°, as Captain of the Guard.

The next item on the Agenda was to demonstrate parts of the ceremony of Perfection focusing on the Intermediate Degrees in particular. The MWS conducted this part of the ceremony in an excellent manner. An additional item on the Agenda was a talk by the IG in which he described in great detail all of the degrees of the Ancient & Accepted Rite. This was an interesting and well received presentation.

The remainder of the business and the Third Point were carried out by the MWS, and after the Closing of the Chapter, members retired to enjoy a super, hearty dinner in the Refectory.

Next meeting – THU 15 JAN 26.

xxxxxx-x

At the recent MRCCI AGM on the 30^th August 2024, a discussion took place to consider the introduction of ‘Chapter Representatives’ within each District. The representatives being one of the Districts own Deputy Preceptors of the MRCCI. The IG is keen that if, for eg, there is no actual ceremony to perform, Chapters rehearse the ritual of the Perfection ceremony – always looking to involve the 18°, members whenever possible rather than ask the District to provide a paper. It would also prove beneficial to hold a rehearsal several days before a meeting which of course some chapter do.  Therefor, the IG has requested the following Deputy Preceptors to make themselves available to support the chapters for which they will assume responsibility:

Ill.˙.Bro David Emery 31° – Halesowen, Breme, St Mary & All Saints, St Nicolas

Ill.˙. Bro Gordon Stacey 31° – Gervase Paganel, Oldswinford, Merston Culy, St Francis of Assisi.

Ill.˙. Bro Mike Tonkin 31° – Bordesley Abbey, St Ann of Malvern, St Dunstan.

Ill.˙. Bro Taff Hill 31° – Evesham, Worcestershire, Northfield.

All Chapters are requested to insert / publish the name of their respective Chapter Representative on all future Summons, in a similar way as do many Craft Lodges in the Province of Worcestershire?

Chapter Representatives will not be expected to attend every meeting (other than their own Chapters of course) but will act as a liaison with the Chapter Recorders and offer as much support and advice as they are able to provide. Their attention must be given to the development and retention of our 18°, members and involve them in our ritual as much as possible. Chapters will not be expected to burden any costs for the Representatives visit.

On Saturday 4^th October 2025, Worcestershire Chapter 970 hosted the second ‘District Annual Meeting’ at Rainbow Hill Freemasons Hall, another successful event and another day to remember. 

Ill.˙.Bro Bill Roberts 30°, the MWS, opened the Chapter and warmly welcomed the Inspector General of Worcestershire, and all the visitors. Upon being proffered the Baton, the IG received it with great pleasure and informed the MWS that he was delighted to retain the Baton and Chair whilst he conducted the next 5 items on the Agenda.

The IG also welcomed everyone present and was delighted to introduce the Inspector General of Berkshire, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro David Jarvis 33°, along with his District Recorder, and the DR for Gloucestershire & Herefordshire. Remembering of course, that the Inspector General of Warwickshire, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, being a member of and 1^st General of the Chapter. 

Formal introductions over, the IG set about confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting and continued with the very busy schedule.

The IG requested that the DR read out the names of those brethren in the District that had passed to the Grand Chapter Above in the 12 months since the last meeting. The Prelate then recited a solemn prayer for the departed brethren whilst the Organist played ‘The Day thou Gavest’ quietly in the background…….

After informing the IG that all Chapters in the District were represented, the DR was pleased to present a District annual report which included details of all Perfections, Resignations, Joiners / Re-joiners, general District statistics, and several ‘special events and notices’.

Immediately after handing the Chair back to the MWS, the IG asked the DR to name all those who were promoted to the Higher Degrees between 1^st July 2024 and 30^th September 2025. Those promoted were presented to the IG, who congratulated them individually and shook their hands. 

The MWS continued with the Agenda and declared V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, the MWS -elect, Ill.˙.Bro Mark Thomas 31°, as Treasurer, and Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, as the Outer Guard for the ensuing year.

The next item on the Agenda was the patiently waited for presentation by the IG, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33, entitled ‘The Foundation and History of the Ancient & Accepted Rite of Scottish Freemasonry’. The talk was well presented, entertaining and informative. Several brethren agreed that there was so much about this beautiful Order that they just did not know about and presentations such as this made many things so much clearer. 

6 Joining Members were then announced by the Recorder and a ballot took place to cement their membership into the premier Chapter of the District.

With the very busy schedule completed, The MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory and settled down to enjoy a delightful lunch. 

Another hugely successful meeting enjoyed by all………..

Next meeting – MON 30 MAR 26.

xxxxxx-x