Essex Goes to London
9th January 2025 saw the first of the Provincial Grand Senatus events taking place, this time in London. An early start but it was worth it as Champagne was waiting for us on arrival!
Great meeting and Festive board well done our own Jules and London
Wiivnhou Consistory Visit April 2025
Wiivnhou Consistory at Wivenhoe Masonic Hall. Congratulations to Companion John Stannard on being advanced to the Second Grade. Right Distinguished Companion Ray Fretten acted as Primus of Lectores and after the meeting he told me that with all his experience in our Order this was the first time he had the opportunity to carry out a 2nd Grade ceremony as Primus of Lectores. As always, he was impeccable. Many thanks to all who assisted, members and visitors.
Essex Goes Dutch
Thursday 10th April saw English members of Charlemagne Consistory travel to the Netherlands for the April meeting of the consistory which always takes place at Bilthoven. The day started by collecting the mini bus from Chelmsford before the drive up to Harwich for the overnight ferry. Of course once on board we were in need of refreshments and found a bar!
Next morning it was off to Bilthoven for the meeting, where Comps Tony Edwards and Alphons van La Parra were advanced to the 2nd Grade with Em. Comp. Andrew Hurrell as Primus of Lectores.
Then two candidates, Comps. Peter van Gelderen and Sander Schreurs were Inducted with Dist. Comp. Colin Crombie acting as Primus of Ostiarii. A very warm welcome to both. A pleasant lunch was enjoyed by all.
Wiivnhou Consistory 30th April
It was a busy night at Wiivnhou Consistory on Wednesday with a triple 2nd Grade for Comps. Ron Leslie, Brian Craig and Bernie Smith; a 1st Grade for Comp. Stuart Buckley; finally the Installation of the 3rd President, Dist. Comp. David Atterbury by Dist. Comp. Paul Fell. It was an honour to make an official visit to one of my own Consistories escorted by Dist. Comp. David Bridge. A special thank you to Dist. Comp. Colin Crombie who attended as a guest and deputised for me as Consistory DC. Colin ensured the performance of the ceremonies was sufficiently dignified and was our photographer. This was all capped off with an enjoyable, happy festive board.
Grand Senatus 30th May 2025
A Wonderful Day at the Grand Senatus Meeting in London
Today, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Senatus meeting in London—a truly memorable occasion!
We witnessed Companion Colin Crombie receive his Grand Rank, a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and service. Companion Brian Heasman and Paul Fell also received Grand Rank, adding to the significance of the day.
The meeting concluded on an especially exciting note with the promotion of Right Distinguished Companion John Paternoster to Past Deputy Grand Summus—a remarkable and fitting honour.
It was fantastic to see so many Essex members in attendance, showing their support for the meeting and those receiving promotions. The camaraderie and fellowship were inspiring.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
Trinovantes Meeting June 2025
Well done to Comp. Roger Breavington, who on the 4/6/25, became a Fellow of the Third Grade at Trinovantes Consistory No 10 T.I. It was also good to see Dist. Comps. Charles Lowry and Mal Williams wearing their 5th Grade Stars and Dist. Comps. Brian Heasman and Paul Fell wearing their Grand Rank regalia. Well done to all.
2025 Annual General Meeting
This years annual meeting will take place at Braintree (Howard hall) on Friday 20th June at 11am. With nearly 80 booked in to attend it wil probably be the largest attendance of an AGM to date. Whilst its too late to book in to dine you are most welcome to join us to suport the province and those being appointed, invested or promoted.
The agenda for the meeting with all the necessary information is attached
Essex Visits The Chilterns
Monday 16th June saw four intrepid Companions from Essex travel to St Albans for the Chilterns AGM.
Lovely friendly atmosphere in the meeting, which was conducted very professionally and in good time. The meeting was followed by a light lunch and glass of wine before heading home via the dreaded M25. It was worth it though!
2025 AGM REPORT
Friday 20th June saw nearly 80 Companions come together at Howard hall Braintree for the Essex Scarlet Cord AGM. Companions arrived from all over the Country and abroad, in particular the Netherlands. The meeting was fortunate to receive 12 Right Distinguished Companions, as well as 9 Heads of Other Orders and other Deputies.
The PGS had the pleasure of re appointing Dist Comp David Atterbury as his Deputy and Dist Comp Trevor Armstrong as his Assistant. A full list of other appointments and promotions can be found in the meeting booklet above.
During his address the PGS informed the members that the Preparation ceremony would take place at the Hearg-Hlaw meeting in October at Braintree and Charlemagne Consistory had agreed to make their December meeting at Saxon hall a Provincial Christmas meeting for all to attend. He also informed the meeting he intended making an official visit to Charlemagne Consistory in Bilthoven next April.
The meeting was completed within an hour and all retired to a sparkling wine reception before lunch. Jenny and james the caterers did us proud once again supplying a lovely lunch. Even our Dutch Companions enjoyed their traditional lunch time tipple of flavoured MILK, clear they are not from Essex!
The overall feedback from those attending the meeting was very positive and hopefully more can be encouraged to attend next year.
The address given by the PGS is attached.
Official Team Visit to Hearg Hlaw Consistory Thursday 30th October 2025
Full team visit this evening to Braintree to conduct both the Preparation Ceremony and then First Grade for three new members.
The evening began with the Preparation Ceremony, carried out with great aplomb for four aspirants:
Comp Nick Franklin, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the Craft
Comp John Finlay, Provincial Grand Master for the Mark, Comp. Mike Jervis
and Comp. Charles White
The Consistory then successfully balloted for two joining members, before carrying out the first grade for three new members who were admitted to the Order in a truly impressive and memorable ceremony.
Our sincere thanks go to all who took part in the evening, ensuring a warm welcome, fine ritual, and excellent fellowship throughout. It was a most enjoyable occasion for everyone present. And more importantly the Consistory now has five more members which is excellent news.
Special thanks to the Tzaddidkim and Active Provincial Officers who played an important part in the ceremonies.
In fact quite a rogues gallery of attendees
Pat Dep G.S R. Dist Comp John Paternoster vi.
Past PGS R. Dist Comp Ray Clare vi,
Grand Superintendent District 14 KTP
Intendent General RCC
Inspector General South Essex Rose Croix
Chief Adept SRIA
PGM for Mark
Dep PGM Essex Craft
Past PGM Middlesex Mark
Dep PGM Essex Mark
Dep PGS
AST PGS
Dep PGSR
Active GJW AMD
Who all took part in the ceremonies.
Plus many other distinguished companions and other guests including the PGSR all working together in harmony, masonry and more importantly Scarlet Cord masonry at its finest. Thank you all for the support to the Province and the Consistory
Seven intrepid members of Essex Scarlet Cord negotiated the A12 on Saturday 8th November to attend the East Anglia AGM at Lowestoft. The A12 was its usual nightmare but the welcome at Lowestoft was worth the visit. Some of us even got a bacon roll before the start of the meeting!
A Memorable Gathering of the Ceolmaer’s Ford Consistory of the Scarlet Cord of Essex
The day started bright and early when the members gathered to enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast followed by the Consistory meeting at the County Hotel Chelmsford on Wednesday 19th November.
The highlight of the meeting was the installation of the new President, the Distinguished Companion Andrew Hurrell and his Officers.
Additionally, the Provincial Grand Summus, Right Distinguished Companion Terry Sheern, proudly presented the Consistory with the Grand Master’s Keystone Award and collarette as well as the Mark Benevolent Fund Vice-Patron certificate.
This achievement marks a proud moment for the Province as the Province having already achieved the Grand masters award, the Consistory becomes the first Consistory in the Province to now hold this prestigious charity award.
It’s a testament to the generosity and commitment of everyone involved.
A Christmas Message to the Companions of the Scarlet Cord Degree of Essex
As we approach the festive season, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all Companions for your continued loyalty and support throughout the past year.
Building confidently upon the strong foundations laid by my predecessors, the Order continues to flourish in Essex and has now reached the highest membership it has ever known. This remarkable achievement is a clear reflection of your hard work, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to the Scarlet Cord Degree
It is especially heartening to know that several candidates are already in the pipe line for the coming year, demonstrating that the Order continues to go from strength to strength. Furthermore, I am delighted to note that early discussions are taking place regarding the possible introduction of two further Consistories at some stage in the future as well as the Sigeberht Consistory looking at meeting on the same day as Wickford Bon Accord OSM Conclave— a most encouraging sign of the vitality and growing appeal of the Order within the Province.
My special thanks go to all those who have supported me on my Consistory visits throughout the year, and in particular to my Deputy & Assistant PGS, the Tzaddidkim, administrative and ceremonial teams, whose commitment and professionalism have been invaluable.
As we look ahead to the next year, let us make it our New Years resolution to deliver the very best ceremonies for all our candidates, ensuring that their experience of the Order is both memorable and meaningful and they pass that message on to other Princes in the OSM.
I would like to offer my sincere thanks for the support you have shown me during my year as your Provincial Grand Summus. It has truly been an honour and a pleasure to serve you.
May I wish you and your families a joyful and peaceful Christmas, and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. For those of you that may not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense I hope you also have a very happy and peaceful holiday period.
I look forward to meeting you again at one of your Consistory meetings during 2026.
With fraternal best wishes,
Provincial Grand Summus
Charlemagne Christmas Meeting
Charlemagne Consistory meets twice a year once at Saxon Hall Southend in December and the other in Bilthoven in the Netherlands inApril .
Friday 19th December saw Charlemagne Consistory open its doors to all members of the Province for what is hoped to be an annual Christmas affair
The meeting was honoured by the presence of the Provincial Grand Summus Right Distinguished Companion Terry Sheern, who dedicated a new Provincial Bible, generously donated by Distinguished Companion John Simons. The Consistory was grateful for this thoughtful and much-appreciated gift.
Following the dedication ceremony, Distinguished Companion Andrew Hurrell was duly installed as President of the Consistory by Right Distinguished Companion Ray Clare, in a ceremony conducted with dignity and warmth.
On completion of the meeting, over 30 members of the Province adjourned to enjoy a truly festive Christmas Board, complete with full traditional turkey trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies and of course Christmas crackers. The evening concluded in excellent company, with members joining together to sing Christmas carols and celebrate the season in good cheer.
The Consistory was particularly pleased to welcome eight Companions who travelled from the Netherlands to support the meeting, and we thank them sincerely for making the journey to be with us.
A most enjoyable evening, combining ceremony, fellowship, and seasonal goodwill.
