Saturday 25th April 2026 – Wbro Anthony James ProvGStdB

 The Infamous Five Go Visiting

For those familiar with the tales of The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton, this is a story in a similar spirit, though with rather more aprons and rather fewer lashings of ginger beer.

 The five took their seats as the Worshipful Master opened the lodge promptly at 16:30. There was a precision to the proceedings that reflected the lodge’s military connections, each movement measured, each word delivered with care. Early in the ceremony, a particularly striking moment occurred when the Inner Guard requested permission to “Stand the lodge to.” Permission was granted, and the Invictus badge was displayed. It was a distinctive and symbolic gesture, one that quietly set this lodge apart and gave pause for reflection.

Greetings were then offered by both Grand Lodge and Provincial Officers, followed by the formal reception of the representative of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master in Charge, Ian Siddel, in the traditional manner. The Worshipful Master then continued with the installation ceremony, requesting that all Entered Apprentices retire, allowing the lodge to be opened in the Second Degree.

The Master Elect, Brother Darren Hartshorn, took one of his obligations with composure. The lodge was then raised to the Third Degree, with those below the rank of a Master Mason retiring for a short time. Before the Board of Installed Masters convened, the Master Masons were also asked to retire, leaving only those entitled to remain.

Brother Darren Hartshorn was then installed into the Chair of King Solomon in due and ancient form, carried out with a precision that reflected the discipline of the lodge. Upon completion, he was warmly congratulated by the Installed Masters present. The Board was then closed, and the Master Masons were readmitted.

What followed was a moment both unusual and memorable. The Third Degree was closed by the Wardens through the enactment of the substituted secrets, referencing the loss of the genuine secrets following the untimely death of Hiram Abif. The Senior Warden then explained these substituted secrets to the Worshipful Master. Though this had been witnessed on a previous visit, it remained a rare and thoughtful piece of ritual, not often seen elsewhere, and one that invited quiet contemplation.

The lodge was then lowered to the Second Degree, the Fellowcrafts readmitted, and finally lowered again to the First Degree, allowing the Entered Apprentices to return. The Officers for the year were duly appointed, and the business of the evening brought to its conclusion.

Once more, the Inner Guard sought permission to “Stand the lodge down.” Permission was granted, and the Invictus badge was respectfully withdrawn, bringing a sense of completion to the earlier symbolism. The lodge was then closed in due form, and the brethren retired to the festive board.

As is often the case, the formalities began with the National Anthem and the traditional toasts. Yet what followed carried the same character that had marked the evening from the start. The earlier military banter returned, conversations flowed with ease, and the atmosphere softened into one of warmth and good fellowship.

It was, in every sense, a most enjoyable visit and a splendid evening of fellowship. Like any good adventure, it was shared in fine company. In total, 63 brethren were in attendance, with 59 dining, and the Infamous Five proudly made up 25% of the visiting brethren present. The night offered moments of interest, reflection, humour, and friendship, ending with that quiet satisfaction which only comes from time well spent. For any brother considering a visit, Invictus Lodge should be placed very high on the list.

By Anthony James - ProvGStdB.

 From the moment the Lodge opened at 6:30pm, there was a feeling in the room that we were in for a memorable evening. The Officers were in fine form from the start, the responses were clear, and the work moved along with confidence and care. It was one of those nights when the Lodge seemed to settle beautifully, and everyone played their part.

 The Ancient Charge was then given by the Chaplain, Brother Bill Turner-Bone, with warmth and reverence. Brother Hemingway was also introduced to the Royal Arch, with a clear explanation of its place within Freemasonry, followed by a well-delivered exchange between the Wardens.

After the Lodge was returned to the First Degree and everyone was re-admitted, the usual reports were received, along with kind greetings from our visitors.

The evening continued at the Festive Board, where there was good company, sincere toasts, warm conversation, and the traditional parting song. All in all, it was a lovely evening, full of meaning, pride, friendship, and brotherhood. It is one that Brother Hemingway, and all those present, will surely remember with great fondness.

2nd April 2026

On the evening of 2nd April 2026, a delegation from our Chapter visited Humber 57 Royal Arch Chapter with the objective of claiming the Travelling Sceptre. The party comprised Excellent Companions, Hiten Thacker (APGP), Anthony James, Ian Parkinson, Rob Atkinson, and James Steele, together with Companion Ed Thompson.

The Travelling Sceptre represents an important initiative within the province, fostering fraternal engagement and collaborative visiting between Chapters. this was the brainchild of Excellent Companion Richard Smedley. The process for claiming the Sceptre is governed by established protocols. Chapters must formally notify the holding Chapter of their intention to claim the Sceptre prior to visitation. A visiting Chapter must present a minimum of four Companions on the evening in question, with larger delegations generally strengthening their position for a successful claim. Should the visiting Companions' results prove tied, the Most Excellent Zerubbabel of the holding Chapter determines the outcome.

Our delegation of six arrived at the bar area to assess our prospects, whilst being warmly received by members of Humber 57 Chapter. The occasion held particular significance, as it constituted an Installation ceremony for the three Principals Elect: Excellent Companion R. Smedley (designate for the Chair of Zerubbabel), Excellent Companion A. Todd (designate for Haggai), and Excellent Companion M. Sharpless (designate for Joshua).

Following a private opening behind closed doors conducted by members of Humber 57, all visitors were then admitted into the Chapter. It was then formally opened in due form. The Representative of the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal Officer was Eddie Wildman PAGDC, who was admitted with respect and due recognition.

The ceremony proceeded according to traditional practice. The Most Excellent Zerubbabel requested those below the rank of the 3rd Principal to retire whilst the relevant ceremonial portion was delivered. This procedure was repeated for those below the rank of 2nd Principal and subsequently for all those below the rank of Most Excellent Zerubbabel, establishing a Conclave of 1st Principals only. The newly elected Most Excellent Zerubbabel was then installed, followed by the readmission and installation of the 2nd Principal and subsequently the 3rd Principal. All Companions were finally readmitted and informed of the installations before resuming their seats.

Following the completion of routine business, the Chapter was closed in due and ancient form. The delegation subsequently proceeded to the festive board, where we learned that Anchor Chapter No. 1337 had secured the Travelling Sceptre by a single member. We extend our genuine congratulations to Anchor Chapter on returning to Northallerton with the Travelling Sceptre.

The evening was characterised by genuine fellowship, camaraderie, and the bonds of fraternity that unite our Order. We look forward to future visits and the opportunity to claim the Travelling Sceptre at a forthcoming date.

Blog by WBro Anthony James ProvGSdB

Earlier this afternoon, while out walking my dog in the park, I noticed the clear signs of the changing season. Snowdrops and daffodils were in bloom, the sun was shining, and the temperature had become noticeably warmer, an unmistakable indication that spring had arrived. This time of year also coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which falls in March and is precisely aligned with the vernal equinox. This astronomical event marks the exact beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when day and night are of equal length. Based on the Solar Hijri calendar and careful astronomical observation, Nowruz celebrates renewal, balance, and the reawakening of nature.

The Lodge was opened in the usual manner, and the standard business of the meeting was conducted efficiently. The Worshipful Master, Arash Vesali, then shared the sad news that one of our senior brethren, WBro Colin Pegg, had passed to the Grand Lodge Above. As many of the brethren present had not known WBro Pegg personally, Bro David Turner delivered a thoughtful eulogy in his memory. This was followed by a minute’s silence, observed with due respect and reflection.

Proceedings were then concluded in good order, as attention turned to the main event of the evening, the festive board. As this was a “White Table” occasion, the ladies had gathered separately and waited patiently for the Lodge to close.

Arash, together with his wife Susan, had clearly made considerable effort to prepare a memorable evening. The dining area was beautifully arranged with a Persian theme, the centrepiece of which was the traditional Haft-Seen table (Sofreh Haft-Seen), set out with great care and attention to detail. This symbolic display represents key elements of life, renewal, and prosperity, and provided an elegant and meaningful focal point for the evening.

The meal itself was a delightful introduction to Persian cuisine. We began with aubergine served in a richly spiced tomato sauce, followed by a main course of beef stew accompanied with rice. Dessert was a traditional Persian saffron rice pudding, served cold, which made for a refreshing and enjoyable conclusion to the meal.

Following dinner, we were treated to a musical interlude. Arash had invited a Persian musician, Pedraum Agahi, who performed on a traditional instrument known as the Santoor. The music was both soothing and captivating, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere. The instrument itself has a long and distinguished history, with origins dating back over 2,500 years, and has appeared in early cultural records, including ancient Assyrian reliefs.

Arash then delivered an informative and engaging talk on Nowruz, explaining its connection to the vernal equinox and its wider cultural significance. He also described the meaning behind the Haft-Seen table. The term “Haft-Seen” translates to “seven S’s,” referring to the seven symbolic items placed on the table, each beginning with the Persian letter “S”:

• Sabzeh (sprouted greens) – representing rebirth and growth
• Seeb (apple) – representing beauty and health
• Seer (garlic) – representing protection and medicine
• Samanu (sweet pudding) – representing strength and resilience
• Senjed (dried fruit) – representing love and affection
• Somaq (sumac spice) – representing the colour of sunrise and patience
• Serkeh (vinegar) – representing age, wisdom, and acceptance

In addition to these, the table is often adorned with a mirror, candles, goldfish, hyacinth flowers, painted eggs, coins, a book of poetry, and a selection of traditional pastries, each contributing further symbolic meaning.

The celebration of Nowruz traditionally continues for thirteen days, during which families and friends visit one another, strengthening relationships and marking the new year with hospitality and goodwill.

The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching cultural experience. My sincere thanks go to Arash and Susan for their effort, hospitality, and for sharing both the traditions and the deeper meaning behind this important celebration.

Nowruz Mobarak.