Category: News

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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Closer to home the District has also received its own New Years Honours with members being elected for Promotion to both the 31° and 32°.

Ill.˙.Bro Martyn G Hardeman, 30°,  is to be Promoted to Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander, 31° at the Supreme Council Meeting on Tuesday 19^th May 2026.

Ill.˙.Bro John M Phenix 31°, to the rank of Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32° at the Supreme Council Meeting on Tuesday 2^nd June 2026. 

Our sincere congratulations go to them for their well-deserved promotions in recognition of all they have done, and continue to do,  for their various Chapters, the District and the Order in General.

The District pays great respect and sends congratulations to the M.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Giles Robert Evelyn SHILSON 33°, Grand Secretary General H.˙.E.˙. on being made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 New Years Honours List.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was established by KIng George V in 1917 to honour those who had served in a non-combative role, and expanded the Order to reward contributions to the Arts, Sciences, Charitable work and Public Service. The Order comprises of five classes across both military and civilian divisions.

M.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Giles R E SHILSON 33°, receives the honour for ‘Lately Chair, City Bridge Foundation. For Services to Outreach and Inclusion and to Charity’. (London, Greater London).

The motto for the OBE is ‘For God and the Empire’.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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