January 2024 – The New Year was welcomed in with a number of well-deserved promotions for Princes of our District. The photograph shows the Inspector General (second right) congratulating those Princes of the District who received higher degrees on Monday, 8 January 2024.
Ill∴Bros James Blackhurst (far left) and Rob Chaproniere (far right) both received their 31º and Ill∴Bro Mel Shah (second left) received his 30º in superb ceremonies conducted by the Supreme Council 33º at the Grand East. This was followed by an excellent dinner at Mark Masons Hall.
James is the Recorder of Robert De Turnham Chapter 917, and he is also the Recorder of our Higher Degrees Chapter, Buckinghamshire, No. 1176. Rob is the Treasurer of Seventh Circle Chapter No. 1092 and is also a member of our Higher Degrees Chapter, Buckinghamshire, No. 1176. Mel is a member of the Signum Lucis Chapter No. 1171 and will shortly be joining our Higher Degrees Chapter.
We wish them all our heartiest congratulations on their preferment.
January 2024 – The Inspector General (far left) and the District Recorder (far right) celebrate with Ill∴Bro Peter Corbett (second left) and Bill Thomas (second right) on the occasion of them receiving their 32º.
The ceremony was conducted by the Supreme Council 33º at the Grand East in Duke Street, St James’s on 24 May 2022 and was followed by an excellent dinner at Mark Masons Hall.
Peter has recently moved out of the District but remains a staunch member of Buckinghamshire Chapter 1176. Bill is extremely busy in the District being a member of Merlaue 1145, St Nicholas at Kimble 986, Sunnymeads 1158 and Buckinghamshire 1176 Chapters. He also assists with the running of the Beaconsfield Chapter of Instruction classes which are held most months.
We all wish them both our heartiest congratulations on their preferment.
May 2024 – The May meeting at Robert de Turnham Chapter welcomed a new member, the travelling rose, a MWS elect and of course our Inspector General and District Recorder.
A busy meeting welcomed E&P Bro Martin Lucas (pictured centre) into this wonderful order. With the assistance from a number of Princes (pictured MWS Steve Tunney, John Marriott and Michael Perkins), the Chapter delivered an excellent ceremony which Martin enjoyed and is looking to participate in soon.
The Chapter also elected Tony Higgins (pictured far right) as its next MWS - to be enthroned in November.
At the Festive Board the Chapter was able to thank a contingent of 4 members of Chandos Chapter for bringing the Travelling Rose and also thanked the shortly retiring District Recorder, Ill∴Bro Peter Moody, for all his help during his time in office.
May 2024 – The Inspector General (who took the photograph) and Ill∴Bro Bill Thomas 32º (on the right), celebrate with Ill∴Bro Dave Pitwell on the occasion of him receiving his 31º.
The ceremony was conducted by the Supreme Council 33º at the Grand East in Duke Street, St James’s on 21 May 2024 and was followed by an excellent dinner at Mark Masons Hall.
Dave is the Director of Ceremonies of Merlaue Chapter which meets at Marlow and we all wish him our heartiest congratulations on his preferment.
September 2024 – The September meeting of the Higher Degrees at Duke street sees Richard Florio of Merlaue Chapter receive his 30th Degree.....
An excellent ceremony conducted by members of Supreme Council at Duke Street, saw Richard Florio of Merlaue Chapter No 1145 receive his 30th Degree. Accompanied by our Inspector General and Ill Bro Paul Baker 30°, the Prelate of Merlaue Chapter, an excellent afternoon and festive board was had by all.
Congratulations Richard for everything you have already, and no doubt will do for the order and Merlaue Chapter in particular!
September 2024 – Hope Rose Croix Chapter meeting on 23rd September 2024...…
The first meeting of the new season took place at the Aylesbury Masonic Hall and a wonderful time was had by those who managed to brave the floods and traffic chaos. Those present enjoyed a demonstration by E & P Bro Steven Smith in the Intermediate Degrees and an explanation by E & P Bro Steven Adamek of the second part of The Red Room. The MWS John Shepherd ran the meeting in his relaxed and proficient style ensuring everyone had a great meeting.
The Chapter received a visit from the Inspector General V Ill. Bro. Peter N I Harborne, 33° and the newly appointed District Recorder Ill Bro Mike Clanfield 31°.
September 2024 – Chandos welcome their new perfectee.......
After the summer break, Chandos Chapter welcomed their new perfectee of the year.
E & P Bro. Andy Hunter was Perfected on 26th September 2024 in Chandos Chapter in Yeomanry Hall, Buckingham. An excellent ceremony by the Acting MWS Mike Jolley, assisted by Bob Chevin.
An enjoyable meeting with our IG conducting the Third Point and the Accolade with several others all making the ceremony a memorable one for Andy.
We wish him well in joining this wonderful Order.
October 2024 – The October meeting of the Higher Degrees at Duke street sees another member of the District receive his 30th Degree.....
On Monday 21st October 2024 E & P Bro Martin Blair, Merlaue Chapter, attended the Grand East at Duke Street, St James to receive his 30°.
This was a special event and he was supported by his good friends, Bill Thomas 32° and Dave Pitwell 31°.
Withe the Inspector General Peter Harborne and the District Recorder Mike Clanfield also in attendance to congratulate him and support his achievement it made for a fine afternoon and evenings festivities.
Congratulations Martin for everything you have already, and no doubt will do for the order and Merlaue Chapter in particular!
October 2024 – A bumper meeting on Thursday 24th October 2024 at St Nicholas at Kimble Chapter No 586.....
with the Enthronement of E & P Bro Frank Duncan.
There was also the Perfection of two new members E & P Bro Arthur Downie and E & P Bro Andrew Elwin. Two new Joining members E & P Bro Ryan Pike and E & P Bro Ewan Gordon, great additions to the Chapter who are looking forward to an enjoyable year.
The meeting was well supported and the Inspector General gave ‘The address to the Princes’ and the District Recorder presented a SC certificate to Ryan Pike.
A very busy meeting was followed by a ‘fish and chips’ festive board with great atmosphere.
Photo 1- DR , two candidates and Ryan Pike
Photo 2- MWS Frank Duncan with members of Cymberline Lodge supporting, with DR photo bombing!
November 2024 – The November meeting of Buckinghamshire Higher Degrees supporting our Inspector General.....
At the meeting the Inspector General Peter Harborne delivered his Forum, reporting on the progress of the District and the coming year.
For a full summary please see the Officers & Princes page of the web site.
The Inspector General took the opportunity to thank Ill Bro Peter Moody for his efforts as District Recorder, and wished Ill Bro Michael Clanfield luck in his new role.
The Chapter also elected their new MWS - Ill Bro Matthew Arnold - ready for their 2025 Enthronement.
November 2024 – Robert de Turnham Chapter welcomes in their new MWS......
with the Enthronement of E & P Bro Tony Higgins.
A full house and guests welcomed in the new MWS of Robert De Turnham Chapter. E&P Bro Tony Higgins was enthroned in expert fashion by E&P Bro Stephen Tunney.
All officers were present and were invested followed by the Inspector General giving ‘The address to the Princes’.
The District Recorder presented two SC certificates and the Chapter informed of 3 new members in the pipeline.
Here's looking to a busy 2025!
