Category: News

It is with much sadness that we mourn the sad Passing of our Centenarian Ill.˙. Bro.˙. Allan Laidlaw at his Residential Care Home at Fernhill Heath in the early hours of Saturday morning 8^th February.

Allan’s Ancient & Accepted Rite career saw him Perfected into St Ann of Malvern Chapter No 606 on 28/09/1973 and became a Founder of St Theodore Chapter No 887 – Consecrated in 1981.

In 1980 Allan joined St Theodore Chapter No 887 and progressed to the Chair as MWS in 1983. He was duly promoted to the 30° in October 1985, received further promotion to the 31° in July 1994 and to the 32° in June 2015.

He was also a member of Worcestershire Chapter No. 970 where he became the MWS in 2004, and later becoming an Honorary Member.

One of his most memorable achievements was that in conjunction with Ill.˙.Bro.˙. Maurice Hume, 32°, with the assistance of the then Inspector General, V.˙. Ill.˙. Bro. Dr Richard N Hoare, 33°, they had permission granted to provide Most Wise Sovereigns Standards for both St Dunstan and St Theodore Chapters, which are still displayed albeit that St Theodore having had to surrender their Warrant. It is now displayed at St Ann of Malvern Chapter No 606.

In 2023 the newly appointed Inspector General Designate in Charge along with his newly appointed District Recorder and Ill.˙. Bro.˙. Maurice had the pleasure and honour to present Allan with his 50 Year Certificate in recognition of his long and loyal Service to the Ancient & Accepted Rite. A fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of our Order.

After an extensive Masonic career his work is now done.

May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.

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Tuesday 11^th February 2025 saw some 18 members of the District setting out for the Grand East, 14 of whom travelled by Coach from Henley in Arden, and the remainder travelling by their own means, to witness 5 members of the District being promoted to either the 31°or 30°.

The journey from Henley to London went extremely well despite having to avoid a severe accident on the M40. The Coach party and the other 4 members met at Mark Masons Hall where the District had laid on a soup & sandwich lunch and where the IG, with his usual generosity on such occasions, provided the wine.

The assembled company included 3 current and a Past Inspector General, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro’s. Stephen Fowler (Warks), Nigel Bridges, (Gloucs & Heref), Dr. Richard N Hoare, and our own IG.

On completion of a generous and very satisfying lunch the party moved to No. 10 Duke Street to witness Ill.˙.Bro’s, Lindsay (Taff) Hill, Gordon Stacey and Stephen Wyer promoted to the 31^st Degree.

Followed by Ill.˙.Bro’s Mark Hudson & Richard Nokes receiving their first promotions to the 30°.

Both ceremonies being conducted in a superb manner by the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander and members of The Supreme Council.

On conclusion it was back to Mark Masons Hall to enjoy a high standard quality Dinner which concluded at 1900 hrs, and saw the weary travellers depart back to their original locations. The Coach party arriving back in Henley in Arden for 2120 hrs.

The Inspector General concluded by addressing the Coach Party, once again congratulating those promoted, and stated that he looked forward to visiting their respective Chapters to Propose their Higher Degree Toasts. 

It was, without doubt a memorable Ancient & Accepted Rite day for those promoted, and an enjoyable day out for those supporting.

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On Thursday 6^th February 2024, 15 members and visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder, met for an interesting and enlightening meeting. 

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

What then followed was an encouraging and extremely enjoyable demonstration of a Perfection ceremony, including a ‘commentary of the ceremony’ given by III Bro Charles Dyer 32°, the Midlands Rose Croix Chapter of Improvement (MRCCI) Preceptor.

It must be noted that every Brother taking part in delivering the work were members of the 18°. This will give the Chapter huge heart and promise for their future. Bring on their next candidate………… 

The MWS then conducted an ‘open discussion’ on the way forward and future prospects of the Chapter, which was concluded with a few delightful motivational words from the Prelate, III Bro Justin Parker 30°. Encouraging and inspiring to say the least.

On completion of the Third Point the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a generous helping of steak pie, seasonal veg and Chips.

Next meeting (Enthr) – Thursday 3^rd April 25. 

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On Thursday 30^th January 2025, 13 members including the Inspector General, District Recorder and three other visitors were warmly welcomed to the Chapter. 

Prior to Opening the Chapter, The IG was escorted into the room by the Director of Ceremonies, III Bro V Fogarty 32°, and presented to the MWS. The MWS, III Bro C Hart 30°, invited the IG to accept the Baton and occupy the Chair and before the IG could answer said “I don’t know why I am giving you this Baton because I know I will get it straight back”. The IG however informed him “I am here here to enjoy myself this evening and hadn’t planned on doing ant work”!!! 

The MWS Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. The MWS then demonstrated the Intermediate Degrees with a confident and word-perfect presentation.

On completion of the remainder of the Agenda, V Ill Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General, carried out the Third Point and the MWS then Closed the Chapter. 

Everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy the accustomed high-quality Stourport Masonic Hall dinner, completing a super evening.

Next meeting (Enthronement) – Friday 30^th May 2025. 

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On Monday 27^th January 2025, with only 8 members of the Order present including the Inspector General and 1 Visitor, the Chapter was opened at 1800 hrs by the MWS in the Chair, III\Bro Del Padmore 30°, who gave a full account for the lack of attendance and then welcomed the Inspector General to the meeting and proffered him the baton which he as usual declined.

With various members being placed into Office, including the Visitor as Prelate the Chapter was Opened and the initial usual administration conducted. 

The Inspector General was then invited to present his recently approved paper “Why did our Order remove the requirement of swearing Allegiance to the Trinitarian Faith?” This was very well received and prompted some interesting questions, and it was suggested that it should be made available to all the members of the District. The IG agreed he would talk with the DR and make suitable arrangements.

He ended his talk by referring to the request recently made to individual Chapters in the District regarding using the Nunc Dimittis as a Recessional Hymn after Closing. 

St. Luke’s Gospel Chapter 2 v25-29 refers:

“After Simeon had seen and held Jesus, he broke out in the song we still sing: “Lord, now You let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” 

The Doxology at the end is an expression of praise sung to the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and is obviously as stated Trinitarian and therefore no longer approved.

The IG emphasised that given that we have just prior to Closing conducted the Third Point, forming a living circle of eternity and shared the goblet of fraternal friendship and fidelity and once Closed are moving to the Refectory to enjoy a social gathering, why would we want to end the Meeting singing a “song relating to death.”

The IG then presented a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Paul E Blackband-Hibbert in his usual erudite manner and welcomed him warmly into the Order, the District in General and Bordesley Abbey Chapter in particular.

The IG was thanked by the MWS in the Chair for all his work.

The MWS Declared the nominations for the MWS and Treasurer remaining in their respective Chairs for a further year. Unfortunately, neither were present.

The meeting was Closed following the Third Point but unfortunately there was no Refectory due to the small numbers in attendance.

Next meeting – Monday 28^th April 2025.

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9 members of the Chapter plus 3 visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder met at Kings Heath Freemasons Hall on Saturday 25^th January 2025 to enjoy a relatively short but never the less very enjoyable meeting.

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 V\Ill\Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, (Former Inspector General of the District of Worcestershire), were escorted into the Chapter by the Director of Ceremonies. Before taking his seat in the Chapter, the MWS very kindly offered the Batten and Chair to the IG which was declined with equal kindness by the IG……. 

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, The MWS Invested the Prelate as he was unfortunately absent for the Enthronement meeting. 

Then followed an exemplary presentation of the Collar & Signs by Raphael, E&P Bro R Pinner 18°. The delivery was so good that the MWS informed him that he was tasked to deliver it again at their next meeting at which there will be a Perfection…………

On completion of the Third Point the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent 3 course lunch. Once again excellent meeting and great company enjoyed by all.

Next meeting – Saturday 26^th April 2025.

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8 Members of the Chapter, 1 Visitor and the Inspector General attended the January Regular Meeting of the Chapter at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Victoria Street, Stourbridge on Thursday 16th.

Prior to the main item on the Agenda a Ballot was taken for two Joining Members, who had become unattached following the Closure of St. Edmund King & Martyr Chapter: The Ballot  proved favourable, and they were duly welcomed into the Chapter. Unfortunately, due to work commitments only one was present.

There then followed by Declaration the election of the MWS and Treasurer both of whom thanked the Chapter for their confidence in response. 

The main business of the evening was the MWS conducting the explanation of the Collar, Jewel & Signs of the 18^th Degree. It commenced with the IG conducting the Accolade prior to the explanation taking place and was done satisfactorily. It completed, other than the Installation of his Successor, all the necessary work required by the MWS.

On completion of the Third Point nine members retired to The Old Edwardian Club to enjoy a very convivial and tasty meal to end another meeting of a Chapter in this beautiful Order that we all enjoy.

Next meeting – Thursday 10^th Apr 2025 (Enthronement).

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Some 12 members of the Order which included the Inspector General and 1 Visitor attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the Regular January Meeting of the Chapter on Monday 13^th January.

On this occasion it was a Perfection Ceremony to welcome E & P Bro. Lawrence J C Wood into our Order.

Due to unforeseen circumstances following the MWS having been injured in an accident in Australia, the Chair was taken by the Chapter Almoner, Ill Bro. John Pritchard, 30°, with the ceremony being conducted by the Chapter Recorder and Inspector General, with the Visitor acting as Rafael. The Marshal also deserves a mention for the very good work he conducted including the explanation of the Collar, Jewel & Signs.

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

Whilst the numbers were small it was a most enjoyable Rose Croix evening.

Next meeting – Monday 10^th March 2025.

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Wednesday 8^th January 2025 saw the first meeting of the year in the wonderful District of Worcestershire. And what a welcome into the New Year it proved…………

Twenty One members & visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder assembled for the ‘Business’ meeting of the Chapter. 

Upon failing miserably to hand his Chair & Baton to the IG, the MSW, E&P Bro Phil Abram 18°, Opened the Chapter and the Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The MWS then declared E&P Bro Karl Haines 18°, and E&P Bro Alex Sinton 18°, Treasurer for the ensuing year. It was also announced by the MWS that as of the next meeting of the Chapter, the Chapter was going to return to the ‘old progressive process’ whereby the IPS automatically assumed the office of Outer Guard, following his rightful year as IPS. This was welcomed by the members……… 

Then followed an informative and much welcomed talk by the IG giving reference to the background and impact of the recent changes in the Ritual. The MWS and all the brethren thanked the IG for the explanation he gave.

Upon Closing the Chapter and carrying out the Third Point, the brethren retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent dinner.

Next meeting – Friday 2^nd May 2025. (Enthronement)

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