Month: November 2019

Last night two of our members attended Bretby Lodge for their Installation. Brothers Jack Anthony (who is a member) and Peter Walklate.

It was an emotional evening for some Neil Simnett the Lodge Secretary gave the toast to the Master Andrew Higson, who have known each other for a number of years through kick boxing. The out-going Master John Haynes, Andrews Seconder, having had two years as Master, due to the very sad Passing of his Brother Steve, who would have naturally followed in succession.

The ceremony was excellently lead by John, who allowed Neil to carry out the Inner Workings, with him being the Master Elects The Festive Board, was a typical Bretby affair, with a lot of banter, drinking and fun.

Paul Foster the Provincial Junior Warden, was the Officer in Attendance and the personal representative of the Provincial Grand Master. He gave some great Publicity for the Movember Charity and raised quite a bit of sponsorship money. Thank you Brethren for your generosity, even if Paul was ridiculed for his Mo!

The Festive Board, was a typical Bretby affair, with a lot of banter, drinking and fun.

A great night was had by all the members and the visitors were well cared for.

Peter Walklate and Paul Foster both supporting Movember!

Cameraman’s camera got hi-jacked.

The Masters Seconder, the newly Installed Master and his Proposer.

On Saturday, Peter Walklate, our Universities Scheme Representative attended the Universities Scheme Conference at Christleton (Cheshire View).

It was a very informative and enjoyable day with approximately 180 Masons present, all with a common interest – the Universities Scheme.

There were a number of Grand Lodge Officers, including David Kenneth Williamson, Sir David Hugh Wootton, Julian Soper, Andy Green, all of whom have a lot to do with the Universities Scheme and Freemasonry in general.

Our IPM had an in-depth conversation with David Roberts-Jones, the Assistant Grand Chancellor, who was keen to hear how Hartington Lodge No 1085, was getting on with the scheme. He seemed to think we were doing a good job and seemed impressed with how we were recruiting and getting along.

He also had the opportunity to speak with David Thomas, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Staffordshire and Nick Thomas the East Midlands Regional Co-ordinator for the scheme.

There were numerous different seminars throughout the day, and it was difficult trying to decide which ones to attend. All the seminars that were attended, were very well received and very thought provoking.

Both of the Ladies Freemasonry Organisations were also represented this year. The Order of Women Freemasons and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. The reason being, they too have a lot to do with the Universities Scheme and often attend with the male organisations at the Freshers Fairs.

The Province of Cheshire should be very proud of their venue and all attendees were looked after extremely well.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and very interesting.

Last Sunday was Remembrance Sunday and as always Derbyshire Freemasonry was represented well at Repton – The Historic Capital of Mercia.

Approximately twenty one Freemasons were present, from various Lodges all over the Province of Derbyshire.

We all met at The Royal British Legion with a number of other Uniformed Organisations and marched down to St Wystan’s Church.

The service was informative and enjoyable, even though we were all there to Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We then laid our wreaths and Marched back to the Legion for refreshments.

Last night Hartington Lodge No 1085, Passed Brother Adam Bestwick, to the Degree of a Fellowcraft.

We were short on Members, so a lot of people had to step into Office at the last minute, which put a lot of pressure on those involved with the Ceremony.

Never the less, Brother Bestwick had an enjoyable night and was an excellent candidate.

Province was represented by Stephen Jones, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Derbyshire.

The Porchway Club was represented by Brother Gareth Collins, the club Chairman, who was also in possession of the long awaited club ties.

(Left to Right) Brother Jennings, Brother Bestwick and Worshipful Brother Walklate. The Candidates Seconder and Proposer.

Our Worshipful Master Brother Whittle, having one of his moments.

(Left to Right) Brother Collins, Worshipful Brother Walklate and Brother Brett – modelling the new Porchway Club Ties.