Category: News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Saturday 27^th September 2025 witnessed another mile stone in the history of St Francis of Assisi Chapter RC No 711 when they welcomed Bro Ravinder Mohan Dhody into our beautiful Order.

Members gathered for a late morning / early afternoon of captivating ritual – a fine example of Rose Croix masonry at its best.

V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, IG of the District of Worcestershire, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, IG of the District of Warwickshire, and V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Past IG for the District of Worcestershire were escorted into the Chapter by the DC and the MWS Offered his Chair & Baton to the IG, asking him to “do the ceremony”. The IG was very flattered by this request but informed the MWS that he was much better prepared to do it himself………… 

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

The MWS Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. Following successful Ballots for i) a Perfectee and ii) two Joining Members, Bro Ravinder Mohan Dhody was Perfected in a most delightful ceremony with Ill.˙.Bro Gerald Jinks 32°, presenting the Intermediate Degrees; E&P Bro Neil Nicholls 18°, the Black Room, Ill.˙.Bro Simon Jinks 30°, (MWS) the Red Room; E&P Bro Richard Pinner 18°, the Collar & Signs and the IG giving the Accolade. Very well done to all concerned.

The next item on a very busy Agenda was the Enthronement of E&P Bro Neil Nichols 18°. The MWS Enthroned his successor in another example of fine ritual. With the knowledge that the Chapter was in good hands, the Past IG was delighted to give the Address to the Sovereign, and the ‘New’ MWS appointed and invested his officers, The Inspector General rounded off a marvellous Enthronement with the Address to the Princes. 

It was evident that lots of hard work and preparation had been committed to making the whole meeting a most memorable occasion. Indeed, it is strongly rumoured that masonic fairies have been hard at it and constructed a new lodge room somewhere in darkest Droitwich – built specifically for the Chapter rehearsals.  

On completion of the Third Point and before retiring to the Refectory, members of the Chapter gathered for some ‘happy snaps’ before enjoying an excellent 3 course lunch. A fantastic meeting and great company enjoyed by all.

Next meeting – SAT 24 JAN 26.

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On Friday 26^th September 2025 12 members of the Order including the Inspector General and District Recorder, met at Rainbow Hill.

After singing the Opening hymn, and Opening the Chapter, the MWS, III.˙.Bro Charles Dyer, 32°, offer his Baton & Chair to the IG, but not even he could persuade the IG to retain them and conduct the evenings proceedings……….

The main event of the evening was to receive a talk of masonic interest – ‘The Words of the 18^th Degree’. The very interesting and most informative paper was ‘shared’ between the MWS, Recorder, Treasurer & IPS of the Chapter and was enjoyed by all present.

There was then an additional item on the Agenda with III.˙.Bro Roger Hall-Jones 31°, presented a super history of the Chapter, marking their 60^th year anniversary. The MWS thanked III.˙.Bro Hall-Jones for taking the time and excellent level of research in putting such an informative paper together.

Following the Risings, the MWS conducted the  Third Point. The Chapter was Closed and everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty Steak & Ale pie main course which rounded off a wonderful evening.

Next meeting – MON 26 JAN 26.

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On Monday 22^nd September 2025 12 members of the Order including the Inspector General, mustered at the Redditch Masonic Hall for the 123^rd Meeting of the Chapter.

Unfortunately, the MWS had gone down with Covid and other Officers were unavailable due to work commitments it was therefore deemed necessary to defer the projected Perfection until the January 2026 Meeting.

The Chapter Officers invited a regular visitor Ill.˙. Bro.˙. Mike Tonkin 31°, to occupy the Chair for the evening which he was both honoured and delighted to do.

The normal administrative requirements having been conducted, the Inspector General delivered a paper entitled “The Foundation and History of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.” This followed on from the Grand Priors visit to the District last October and the paper previously written by the Inspector General explaining why the Order had dispensed with the requirement for prospective members to sign the Petition of Allegiance to the Trinitarian Faith, given that in its original form the Order never required such a commitment.

Following the Risings the MWS in the Chair conducted an excellent Third Point and on closing the members retired to the Refectory where, thanks to a significant donation from the Inspector General eight members enjoyed a very good two course meal.

Over coffee an interesting and hopefully fruitful conversation took place with everyone involved regarding the current problems with numbers attending and the demands of the caterers for minimum numbers they require to provide a service.

A convivial meeting was enjoyed by all.  

Next meeting – MON 26 JAN 26.

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Picking up from where we left off………  Being the last Chapter to meet at the end of last season and the first Chapter to meet in the new season, Breme Chapter met for their 132^nd Regular meeting on Wednesday 3^rdSeptember 2025. 

Unfortunately, the MWS, Chapter Recorder and one or two other members of the Chapter were unavailable for the meeting due to a variety of reasons including would you believe, being in Holiday!!!!

Never the less the Chapter was in safe hands with III.˙.Bro Richard Noakes 30°, occupying the Sovereigns Chair, and III.˙.Bro Charles Dodge 32°, occupying the Recorders desk, both of whom looked remarkably ‘at home’ ensuring that the 12 members present had an enjoyable evening. 

III.˙.Bro Richard Noakes 30°, Opened the Chapter, and proved the Minutes of the previous meeting. The next item on the Agenda was to conduct a Ballot for V.˙.III.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, Inspector General of the District of Worcestershire to become an Honorary Member of the Chapter. The Ballot proving clear, the IG was welcomed into the Chapter for which he was most sincerely delighted and thanked the Chapter for the honour.

The MWS declared E&P Bro Adam Lewis 18°, Most Wise Sovereign elect for the ensuing year, and III.˙.Bro N J Evans 30°, would continue as Treasurer. 

Those present were then treated to a delightful paper titled ‘The Words of the 18^th Degree’. The interesting and informative paper was divided into 5 sections and was made all the more interesting by the enthusiastic delivery by all 5 members of the Chapter selected to present it.  

On completion of the Third Point, the MWS Closed the Chapter, and dining after the meeting was taken at a local, popular, curry house. 

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Next meeting – WED 06 MAY 26.

The Chapter met for their 131^st Regular meeting on Wednesday 2^nd July 2025 on another very warm and humid Kidderminster evening. A total of 14 members and guests were in attendance and the main business of the Chapter was to practice/rehearse the ceremony of Perfection

The MWS, E&P Bro Ian Calvert 18°, opened the Chapter, proved the Minutes of the previous meeting, and then asked the Treasurer to present the audited accounts for the year. The Chapter is in very good health indeed, but the Treasurer informed the members that it was now sadly necessary to increase annual subscriptions due to the ever-increasing costs in general. (Subscriptions btw have not been increased for 6 or 7 years). The Treasurer therefore proposed an increase of £1-00…………. 

The MWS confirmed that the Chapter would now perform a practice of the majority of a Perfection ceremony and invited Ill.˙.Bro Richard Nokes 30°, to confer the Intermediate Degrees, with E&P Bro Phillip Butler 18°, acting as the candidate. 

E&P Bro Adam Lewis 18°, conducted the 1^st Point, including the Collar & Signs in an impressive manner. Considering he did not know he was also presenting the Collar & Signs until just before the meeting, he did exceptionally well.

The Chapter were then pleased to propose the V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, Inspector General for the District of Worcestershire as an Honorary Member of the Chapter. The IG is delighted to accept such an honour, and very much looks forward to attending their next meeting.

On completion of the remainder of the Business and the Third Point, the MWS closed the Chapter, and the members retired to a local curry house to enjoy a most welcomed dinner. 

Next meeting – WED 03 SEP 25.

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