News & Reports
Sons of Kendrick Chapter 25th Anniversary
The 25th Anniversary of the Sons of Kendrick Chapter, which was Consecrated on the 10th October 1983, was celebrated on Tuesday 14th October 2008. (Photo below)
At the Convocation, held at the Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham, the M E Grand Superintendent, assisted by members of the Executive and other Provincial Officers joined in a Service of Thanksgiving. (Photo below)
It was a great pleasure to see four of the Founders present in the person of E Comp Mike Hooton, the Founding First Principal, E Comp Tony Sharkey the Founding Treasurer, E Comp Ralph Paterson, the Founding Second Assistant Sojourner and E Comp Mike Marshall a Founding Steward. (Photo below, left)
E Comp Ralph had travelled from his home in France to be present at the Anniversary. A large number of Companions were present to hear the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Richard Chandler, give a very interesting Oration which can be accessed below. Following the formal part of the evening, the Companions enjoyed a happy Festive Board, during which the Principals were presented with a set of engraved goblets. (Photo above, right)
Click here to read the Oration.
Charles Marshall – Chapter of Friendship and Care No. 8802
Charles Marshall was a member of Agincourt Lodge No. 7172 and Friendship and Care Lodge No. 8802. He became a member of Friendship and Care Chapter when he was Exalted on 21st February 1984.
He was appointed Scribe Ezra in 1986 and served in that office until 1990 when he became Third Principal. Having served as Second principal he then became MEZ in 1992. He was ADC and then DC of the Chapter from 1996 – 2000 and then again ADC from 2001- 2003. He was appointed to the acting rank of Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 1995 and Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 2001. Ill health in 2003 prevented him taking any further active office, although he continued to support the Chapter.
At Provincial Grand Chapter on 5th June 2008, Excellent Companion Charles Marshall, PPGSwdB, was awarded the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s Certificate of Meritorious Service. Unfortunately, Charles was unable to be present to receive his Certificate.
The ME Grand Superintendent therefore decided to make a personal visit to the home of Charles in order to hand him his Certificate in person. Towards the end of June the Grand Superintendent, along with Excellent Companion Peter Keeley and the Chapter Almoner, Companion Jim Hatty, made a surprise visit and presented Charles with his Certificate, lapel badge and paper weight and to say that Charles was surprised is putting it mildly.
A very pleasant few hours was spent with Charles and his wife Phyllis, reminiscing about his war time service and his membership of Friendship and Care. Charles was called up at the age of twenty and became a Flight Engineer. He flew in Lancasters with the Australian Air Force on bombing raids over Germany. He was shot down and forced to parachute into occupied territory where he became a prisoner of war for two years. After the war he became a member of the celebrated Caterpillar Club (those who parachuted into enemy territory and owed their lives to silk parachutes). He joined the Fire Service after the war rising to the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer (Middlesex). He and Phyllis recently celebrated their fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.
The photo shows Charles receiving his Certificate from the ME Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Ken Benford.
