What a wonderful day in London was had by the 52 Warwickshire Companions who attended the Royal Arch Bicentenary Celebra-tion events on 16th November 2013. After some difficulties in se-curing the correct tickets for each attendee all frustrations were put to one side by the excitement of arriving at Freemasons’ Hall for the first event, the Demonstration of the Exaltation ceremony by

the Metropolitan Grand Stewards’ Chapter.

After processions into the Temple by the distinguished guests and senior Royal Arch Officers led by the Pro First Grand Principal, the Second and Third Grand Principals and the Grand Superinten-dents including many overseas visitors the demonstration com-menced. This was an exemplary performance of the Alternative Version of the Aldersgate Ritual which impressed everyone who

was privileged to witness it and provided a fine start to the day.

At the close of the demonstration some Companions made their way to the Connaught Rooms to join the official lunch presided over by the Pro First Grand Principal others found suitable refreshment in the-

many restaurants and bars around Covent Garden.

The Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter was commenced at 4.30pm with the Grand Temple nearly full to capacity with the ME First Grand Principal, HRH The Duke of Kent presiding and he welcomed all to the spe-cial occasion. After the usual regular business was concluded E Comp John M Hamill, then gave an historical

presentation called Pure Antient Masonry Triumphant which was well received by the Companions.

A fine Oration was delivered next by E Comp the Rev. Dr. J.R.H. Railton which stated that what we are cele-brating is the fulfilment of discussion and debate which led ultimately to the change of heart which opened the way for the later merger of the two Grand Chapters and the formation of this Supreme Grand Chapter – the

final acceptance by both Grand Lodges that the Royal Arch is indeed an integral part of Pure Antient Masonry.

Finally the ME First Grand Principal delivered his address to the Convocation and announced that the Appeal Fund on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons had received the sum of £2M and would remain open until

the end of the year.

After singing the National Anthem, the Convocation was brought to a close and the processions retired to loud and sustained applause. Everybody went home with a smile on their faces and warm memories of an excellent

day with great Companionship and with feelings of great pride to have been part of such a special occasion.

The Holy Royal Arch whilst being an integral part of Freemasonry is organ-ised as a separate Order. It is vari-ously described as the “essence of Freemasonry”, the “foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic struc-ture”, and as “the root, heart and marrow of freemasonry”. Every Mas-ter Mason has, and should take, the opportunity of discovering these q u a l i t i e s f o r h i m s e l f b y joining the Holy Royal Arch.

The Holy Royal Arch is similar in some respects to Craft Masonry, it is differ-ent in a number of aspects and, in-deed, is most interesting in its differ-ences. Leaflets are displayed at most Ma-sonic rooms so do read all about it or ask a Companion from your Lodge! During 2014 there will be a number of presentations made in Lodges, by the kind permission of the Provincial Grand Master, by a team of Compan-

ions which will explain the nature of the Order and the special links with the Craft. The talk is aimed at those Brethren who may not yet have joined the Holy Royal Arch and will enable them to enhance their understanding of this degree and consider taking this vital next step in Freemasonry. Come and join us!

M E First Grand Principal,

HRH The Duke of Kent, KG

Bicentenary Celebrations a Huge Success!

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

SGC Bicen-

tenary Celebra-

tions report

1

Come and Join

Us!

1

Great Day at

Garden Party-

Full Report

2

3

Coughton

Church Service

details

4

New DepGSupt

Invested at First

Principals Chptr

4

Prov Principals

for 2014/2015

announced by

MEGS

2

Come and Join Us In The Holy Royal Arch

Provincial Grand Chapter of Warwickshire

NEWSLETTER J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

S P E C I A L

P O I N T S

O F

I N T E R E S T

Great Day at SGC 2013

Bicentenary

Celebrations

Magnificent total sum

raised for RCS Appeal

by Warks

Special Report on Gar-

den Party

Veils Ceremony Dem-

onstration at First

Principals 4538

New date for

Annual

Convocation

P R O V I N C I A L G R A N D C H A P T E R O F W A R W I C K S H I R E

P A G E 2

Provincial Garden Party a Wonderful Day With £10,900 Raised for RCS Appeal!!

P R O V I N C I A L G R A N D C H A P T E R O F W A R W I C K S H I R E

The Warwickshire Royal Arch Garden Party in support of the RA Bicentenary

Appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons was held at the home of E Comp Brian

and Mrs Pat Holdsworth in Lapworth. After the poor weather leading up to the

event, the organisers and stallholders were understandably anxious when setting

up as the forecast for the afternoon predicted drizzle and gloomy overcast condi-

tions. The morning started bright and dry which enabled the stallholders to set up

and get ready for the gates to open at 12.30pm, however, as the day progressed the

weather conditions started to get worse and the anticipated expected rain arrived.

The gates opened officially and a steady flow of people had already started to ar-

rive with numbers dramatically increasing by lunchtime. On his arrival the ME

Grand Superintendent, E Comp John Saint, was given a warm welcome at this, the

first Provincial social and fundraising event for some time. After a welcome from

the Chairman of the Organising Committee, E Comp John Norman the MEGS

officially opened the event at 1.30pm and in his address he explained that the main

purpose of the day was to have fun, and to raise funds for the Royal Arch Appeal.

He was joined on the stage by two Surgeons, Mr Fareed Iqbal and Mr Max Almond

as well as Annisa Miah, the Development Manager for RCS who were attending to

thank to Companions for their support and to help man the Royal College of Sur-

geons information stand which had come from London.

The Grand Superintendent thanked E Comp John Norman and his Committee for

organizing the event most especially E Comp Brian and Mrs Pat Holdsworth for

hosting and all the Companions and Chapters who had arranged the many stalls. He

wished everyone a splendid day and an enjoyable and happy afternoon.

As always on these special occasions, Companions throughout the Province rallied

collectively to provide an array of varied stalls and activities, all designed with the

primary purpose of providing fun and entertainment for the many visitors, together

with the added bonus of raising funds in aid of the RCS Appeal. The organisers were

also very grateful to the Companions of the Province, who supported the event in

such good numbers with their family members – over 400 attended!

A full programme of entertainment had been arranged throughout the

afternoon to the delight of those present including a super performance of

the Coleshill Town Band – all 25 of them, who entertained the audience

with a splendid range of music. Also entertaining the crowd were per-

formances from a wonderful pop group. The Guest List who were very

talented, well received and even had some of the attendees up dancing to

the music!

Lots of well known Companions from across the Province were there

supporting the stalls and spending money all of which was greatly appre-

ciated. The afternoon flew by with everyone having a grand time and

enjoying games and raffles, and just being there as part of the Masonic

family.

Amongst the displays was the Classic Cars with some wonderful vehicles

on show including a 1926 Bentley 4.5 litre, a 1951 Bentley Mk 6 Special

4.9 litre, a 1928 Morgan Three Wheeler Super Aero and a magnificent

1960’s Jaguar E Type which drew admiring looks from the Companions.

In addition to the cream teas which were included in the ticket price

and provided, a marathon task, by the members and ladies from Loyal

Travellers Chapter, there were the usual refreshment outlets with a full

range of food and drinks, all of which did a brisk trade throughout the

day providing coffees, teas and the most amazing delicious cakes.

A special mention must be given to Howe Chapter members who

cooked and sold over 250 beef burgers and 250 hotdogs together with

Holte Chapter where the ladies had made over 600 very fancily deco-

rated cupcakes which were sold in boxes of six and raised a really

magnificent sum of nearly £500! A wonderful effort by all!

Event Chairman John Norman and E Comp Mike Hogarth enjoy an early morning bacon “butty”

MEGS and Surgeons Mr Fareed Iqbal and Mr Max Almond open the event

E Comp Brian Holdsworth and Mrs Pat Holdsworth

P A G E 3

Didn’t We Have a Lovely Day the Day We Went To Lapworth!

Approximately £10,000 was raised collectively by the Chapters that

ran stalls and other activities. Funds were also raised by sale of tick-

ets, advertising space in the programme, individual donations, gen-

erous sponsorship donations by some Chapters, and sale of

Souvenir programmes at the gate. After the payment of expenses

and collection of all donations from Sponsors a fantastic sum

amounting to £10,900 was raised which far exceeded the anticipate.

The success of the event was based on teamwork and the good-

natured help and willing support provided by so many Companions.

Among those who rarely get a mention, but without whom the event

could not have run so smoothly, are all those who assisted, either by

running stalls, providing entertainment, or who helped with the tasks

of parking, tent erection and dismantling as well as litter collection.

Special thanks go to Brian Holdsworth and all his family who pro-

vided not just the field but a magnificent stage and professionally

built stalls, Michael Irving who dashed back from holiday to collect and count the money, and John Norman for pulling it all

together as Chairman with his committee of very hard workers – E Comps Fred Ditchfield, Peter Wellings, Hosey Davoudian,

Bryan Brewer, Michael Irving, David Satchwell and John Handley.

.

Tremendous support was provided by many sponsors as individuals, Chapters or Companies and grateful thanks go to them for

their exceptional generosity which covered all of the costs associated with putting on the event. But the main thanks should go to

all those Companions and their Ladies who supported the event by attending, despite the weather, and having a jolly good time.

P R O V I N C I A L G R A N D C H A P T E R O F W A R W I C K S H I R E

We even had some lovely sunshine when the sun came out!

STOP PRESS!! STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!! STOP PRESS!! STOP PRESS!!

TOTAL RAISED BY WARWICKSHIRE COMPANIONS AT CLOSE OF APPEAL IS:

£70,682!! - WELL DONE EVERYBODY

Did You Know. . . . . . .

“Talking Heads” Presentation to Lodges

Following the demonstration of the RA Re-cruitment Presentation last year the team led by the Deputy Grand Superintendent is now seeking opportunities to attend Lodges. The presentation is aimed at those Brethren who have not yet joined the Royal Arch and seeks to explain the close links with the Craft and how membership of the Royal Arch com-

pletes Pure Ancient Masonry.

If your Lodge wishes to host a presentation during one of its meetings do contact E Comp John Handley.

Lodge Royal Arch Representatives

Lodge RA Representatives continue to do a sterling job in promoting membership of the Royal Arch. The last meeting of the Lodge

Reps was held on Saturday 9th November 2013, and an interesting presentation was made by the Chairman, E Comp John Nor-man. Quarterly updates are now being sent to Reps by the Chairman which are intended to help keep the RA reports to Lodges fresh.

First Principals’ Chapter No 4538

The Chapter has had the good fortune to secure a presentation to be provided by Companions of the Sportsmans' Chapter No 9841 in the Province of Bristol at the Chapter

Meeting on Monday 12th May 2014. Their Companions will demonstrate their Exaltation Ceremony which will include the Ceremony of Passing of the Veils ritual. The full ceremony is rarely conducted outside the Province of Bristol so we are indeed honoured to receive this visit and it is hoped that many Compan-ions will take advantage of this opportunity.

Annual Exaltees’ Meeting

22th May 2014 will see the annual Exaltees’ meeting at Stirling Road which has proved very useful to new Companions and provides

a good introduction to the Provincial team. Chapter Principals will be expected to accom-pany their Exaltees to this important event and details will be sent to Scribe Es shortly..

Fraternal Visit from PGC of Shropshire Chapter of Fortitude No 43 hosted a Fraternal visit to Stirling Road by the MEGS of Shrop-shire, E Comp Peter Taylor and his Provincial Officers. After a splendid Chapter meeting the Companions retired to the Festive Board.

Joining in the response from the Visitors came the G Supt of Shropshire E Comp

Peter Taylor who surprised everybody by producing an enormous pork pie, suitably decorated with the Seal of David, which had been commissioned from Reg May and Sons who are Champion Pie Makers in a traditional family butchers based in a small village in Shropshire.

Website www.royal-arch.org.uk

The Provincial website has been updated and is re-launched in a new format. It will now be updated regularly and includes more informa-tion for interest to Companions. We are look-

ing for interesting articles so do please con-tact the Provincial Scribe E if you are able to assist in preparing material for inclusion.

And Finally…… Please note the date for the Annual Convo-cation which will be held on Tuesday 4th June 2014 at 4.00pm.

The Provincial Newsletter is edited and produced by the Provincial Dep Grand Supt, E Comp John Handley, to whom all news should be sent:

67 Tilehouse Green Lane, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9EU or by email to deputygsupt@royal-arch.org.uk

P A G E 4

Coughton Church Again Hosts the Annual Church Service provide an uplifting occasion, which will be enjoyed by all who attend. The ME Grand Superintendent hopes that Chapters, especially the current Principals as well as the Companions will support this event. Booking forms will be avail-able from the Website and will be emailed to Chapter Scribes E.

Sunday 23rd March 2014, will again see the annual Royal Arch Church service held at the lovely Coughton Parish Church. The service, which has a theme of “Acceptance” will again be led by E.Comp. Rev. J. Stephen Cooke, Prov. Grand Chaplin for Staffs, who last year gave an enjoyable and thought provoking sermon. With readings by the Grand Super-intendent and Deputy Grand Su-perintendent the occasion will

The ME Grand Superintendent announced at the Annual Convo-cation in June that E Comp Rex Lowin was standing down as Deputy Grand Superintendent and that he intended to appoint E Comp John F R Handley, PGStB, the then Provincial GSE and a

member of Holte Chapter No 1246, to that office.

E Comp John was accordingly invested on 21st September 2013 at the Warwickshire First Principals' Chapter No 4538. After tak-ing the Obligation of a Deputy Grand Superintendent he was invested with his Chain of Office and presented with the E Comp Norman Hands Royal Arch Breast Jewel which is traditionally passed to each Deputy Grand Superintendent and worn for their

term of office.

Also invested as the new Provincial GSE was E Comp Philip Gough, JP, PProvAGDC who accepted the ME Grand Superinten-dent's invitation to take over this important office. Phil, a member of the Chapter of Peace and Unity No 5844, is an experienced admin-

istrator and well known through his valuable work at Stirling Road.

The introduction of an Administration Committee of Companions to support the Province and share the workload has been spear-headed by Phil and will make a positive contribution in the future. Additionally a change to electronic communication for correspon-dence has been implemented all of which will make for a more with a more efficient service to the Chapter Scribe Es. Phil can be con-tacted on 0121 270 4100 or by email at : scribe@royal-arch.org.uk

Investiture of New Deputy Grand Superintendent and Scribe E

P R O V I N C I A L G R A N D C H A P T E R O F W A R W I C K S H I R E

New Provincial Principals Announced by MEGS

St Peter’s Church, Coughton

in the Spring sunshine

At the recent Past Principals’ and Principals’ Dinner on Thursday 28th November 2013, after re-viewing the year to date and highlighting the key events that have taken place and initiatives being launched, the Grand Superintendent followed the usual tradition by announcing the new Provincial team to be appointed at the Annual Convocation on 3rd June 2014. This will be the 150th Annual

Convocation of the Province and will herald the start of a year of celebrations.

The current Provincial Grand Haggai, E. Comp. John F Norman, PGStB who was appointed in 2012 will retire and as Second Provincial Grand Principal, the MEGS was delighted to confirm that E Comp Paul J Wheeler, PGStB of Prudence Chapter No 3659, the current Provincial Almoner, will be appointed for the usual two year term. Paul served as Provincial Third Grand Principal in

2012 so is well know by the Companions of Warwickshire.

As Third Provincial Grand Principal the ME Grand Superintendent was pleased to announce that E.Comp. Peter G Huckle, PProvGSN, a member of Guys Chapter No 395, will be appointed. E. Comp. Peter is well known to the Companions within the Province having served as Provincial Grand Registrar in 2012/3. E Comp Nigel J Hawkins, ProvGTreas will continue in office as Provin-

cial Grand Treasurer subject to election at the Annual Convocation.

Many congratulations go to all these Companions for a happy and successful period of office.