At a recent luncheon, the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Ian Craigs, thanked several retiring Provincial Officers for their service to the Province.
The Provincial Grand Master thanked our past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro David Armstrong, and our past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Alasdair Watson, and presented each with a gift, as a ‘personal thank you’ for their help and support over many years.
He also thanked several other key Provincial Officers who retired this year, and surprised each of them with the honour of a field promotion:
W Bro John O’Dowd
John served as our Provincial Grand Sword Bearer since 2019, and the Provincial Grand Master promoted him to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
W Bro Jeff Ormston
Jeff served as our Provincial Grand Charity Steward for two years from 2021 to 2023, he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
W Bro Ivor Gregory
Ivor served as our Provincial Grand Tyler for 9 years, from 2014 to 2023, Ivor was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
W Bro Steve Kirtley
Steve served as one of our Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, and then as one of our Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. Steven was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
In offering his well-deserved congratulations and thanks to the brethren, the Provincial Grand Master said:
‘The Craft in general, and the Province of Northumberland in particular owes each of you a debt of gratitude. You have served Freemasonry with honour and distinction and I am so grateful to each of you’.
Well done to you all Brethren, and thank you for your service.
