The History of Masefield Chapter
1997 onwards
The name of E.Comp. Richard B.W. Price has already been mentioned in our Second part of the history, but his continuing rise through the Ranks is to dominate the start of the Third section of history (and with good reason). On 1st May 1997 his dedication to Royal Arch Masonry was rewarded by the M.E. First Grand Principal, when he appointed him P.A.G.D.C.
On a very wintry morning on Thursday 29th January 2004 at the Three Counties Showground at Malvern in Worcestershire, Masefield Chapter's own Excellent Companion Richard B W Price PAGDC was installed as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Province of Worcestershire.
The ceremony was rehearsed by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, assisted by two Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies. The Ruling M E Z's of the following Chapters of Worcestershire formed an escort:- 252, 280, 377, 498, 529 & 560. M E Z of Masefield Chapter acted as Chain Bearer.
The Severn Hall at the Three Counties Showground was well filled and at 11.30am, Excellent Companion Richard B W Price was escorted by the Ruling Zerrubabels into the assembled Provincial Grand Chapter and duly installed as Grand Superintendent according to Ancient Custom by Most Excellent Companion David Kenneth Williamson, Past Grand Third Principal, assisted by other Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter..
Most Excellent Comp. Price then addressed the Chapter, including an outline of the principles behind proposed changes to Royal Arch being discussed by Supreme Grand Chapter, and his own reflections.
The Grand Superintendent then invested E Comp. T. Victor Condliffe, P.G.Swd.B., as Deputy Grand Superintendent and confirmed the appointment of the Provincial Second and Third Principals and the other Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter.
The Chapter was then duly closed and the Grand Superintendent was escorted from the Chapter accompanied by the Installing Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers.
E.Comp. Richard B.W. Price held this position untill April 2010 when his warrant expired. In reconisition of his service he was promoted to P.G.Swd.B. making him a V.W.Bro. in the Craft.
29th January 2004
Olympic Hero, Tommy Godwin, P.Prov.G.S.N.
(Picture from the Solihull News).
Senior Chapter member Tommy Godwin is a man who has lived
an extraordinary life and who can now add another accolade to his lengthy list of
achievements - he has just become an author. Tommy, who is now President of the
Solihull Cycling Club, became a double Olympic Bronze medallist in the 1948 Games
in London. He was also National Champion and winner of countless other top class
events before he went on to coach the national squad. He is now an Ambassador for
Birmingham in the 2012 Olympic Games and is trying to persuade the Chinese Team
to base themselves here.
His book "It Wasn't That Easy" tells of his life as an exceptional competitor in the days of amateur sport and of his principal competition in the form of that other great cyclist of the era, Reg Harris. The book also encompasses the personal aspects of Tommy's life working as an electrician for BSA to support his wife Eileen and their family, and his relationship with his father Charlie, who was Tommy's manager and coach. The book gives insight into life in the middle of the 20th Century as well as the thrills of bike racing.
"It Wasn't That Easy" is published by the John Pinkerton Memorial Fund and costs £15 plus £1.50 p&p (cheques payable to the Veteran-Cycle Club or V-CC). The book is available from bibibugg@ukz.net. Tommy's book only has a limited print run so buy now before you miss out on the wonderful read that is "It Wasn't That Easy".
July 2007
E Comp Richard Price Praised by the Mayor of Solihull
(article and picture from issue 16 : October 2010 Worcestershire Source).
The Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davis and his wife Brenda, were delighted to welcome E. Comp Richard Price and his wife Beryl to the Mayors parlour for afternoon Tea on Wednesday 12 May 2010.
He warmly thanked E. Comp Richard for his years of service as the recently retired Grand Superintendent and praised the magnificent fund-raising activities of all Royal Arch Companions under E. Comp Richard's leadership over the last six years.
E.Comp. Richard Price (left) and his wife Beryl (far right), pictured with Cllr. Norman Davies, Mayor of Solihull, and his wife Brenda in the Mator’s parlour.
May 2010
Lucky P.Soj. Winner From Masefield Chapter No 2034.
main article and picture from issue 16 : October 2010 Worcestershire Source.
The Provincial Craft Luncheon held on Sunday, 26th September 2010 at the Holiday
Inn Hotel, Bromsgrove proved to be a lucky outing for Companion P.Soj. Paul Lewis
of Masefield Chapter No. 2034.
Brethren (together with their partners) who received Provincial Craft Honours as
first appointments or promotions this year received an invitation to attend in recognition
of their preferment.
The
second such event with nearly 100 guests joined the Provincial Grand Master and
other Craft Rulers to enjoy good food, wine and company. The Provincial Grand Master
proposed a toast to the newly honoured Brethren, explaining that they were the "crème
de la crème" of the Province, but that the recipients should now be directed
to achieving even more in their Lodges and the Province.
Gift Aid envelopes were distributed to those present, with the promise that one
would be drawn to win a special prize, generously donated by the Holiday Inn Hotel.
Nearly £500 inclusive of Gift Aid was collected - and W Bro Paul Lewis, a newly
appointed Steward, of Frankley St. George Lodge No 8212 (also Comp.P.Soj. of Masefield
Chapter No 2034) was the lucky winner of a dinner, bed and breakfast break at the
Holiday Inn with his wife Angelina.
(pictured with the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Richard Goddard (left)
Angelina and Paul Lewis)
September 2010