Thursday, 25th September 2025, saw a full house at Wallsend Masonic Hall for a most memorable and eventful evening at Duke of Connaught Lodge No. 3892.
An early start at 6:30 p.m. was anticipated, and the Worshipful Master, WBro. Terry Christie opened the Lodge in due form.
A Distinguished Provincial Visit
The Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies called the Brethren to order as the Light Blues paraded in, followed by the Provincial Team led by the Provincial Grand Master (PGM), accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, three Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, and the Provincial Wardens. They were joined by two visiting APGMs from neighbouring Provinces, all of whom were saluted in turn.
The Provincial Directors of Ceremony, pictured together with the PGM in the temple following the meeting, ensured precision, order, and dignity throughout the evening’s proceedings.
A Faultless Initiation
Following a successful ballot, Mr Paul Harbord was initiated into the Lodge. Despite the packed temple and the distinguished audience, the Worshipful Master delivered an impeccable ceremony, ably supported by Bro George Chicken, Senior Lodge Steward, who acted as Junior Deacon. The working tools and Charge were flawlessly delivered by Bro. Gary Flemming, Junior Warden — an impressive performance that set a fine example of ritual excellence.
Honouring WBro John Freeman
The Provincial Grand Master then invited the Provincial DC to place WBro John Freeman in the centre of the Lodge. His 43 years of outstanding service to the Duke of Connaught Lodge, and to Freemasonry more broadly, were celebrated in a moving tribute by the PGM.
In recognition of his dedication, the PGM conferred a field promotion upon WBro Freeman to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. The Brethren saluted him in the customary manner, and he responded with heartfelt words of thanks and humility.
WBro John Freeman with the Provincial Grand Master in the temple after receiving a field promotion to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
Learning, Mentoring and Achievement
The Provincial Learning & Development Officer, WBro Bob Wadell, gave an informative explanation of the Solomon Academy initiative before inviting the PGM to present framed diplomas to seven Brethren who had completed the course.
The Provincial Grand Master and WBro Bob Wadell, Provincial Learning & Development Officer, with the Brethren who received framed Solomon Academy diplomas.
The PGM also presented the Worshipful Master with a UGLE Mentor’s Certificate, acknowledging his personal achievement in completing the mentoring programme.
WBro Terry Christie, Worshipful Master, proudly displays his UGLE Mentor’s Certificate, presented earlier by the Provincial Grand Master — marking another milestone in his Masonic journey.
During the Second Rising, WBro Barry Longstaff, Provincial Mentor for Yorkshire North & East Ridings, was invited to the centre and warmly addressed by the Worshipful Master, who spoke of their friendship and mentorship. He then presented WBro Longstaff with a ‘Travelling Gavel’ on behalf of Cornerstone Lodge No. 10051, the Yorkshire Light Blue Lodge – a fine example of inter-provincial camaraderie.
WBro Terry Christie presents a ‘Travelling Gavel’ to WBro Barry Longstaff, Provincial Mentor for Yorkshire North & East Ridings — symbolising friendship and unity between Provinces.
Certificates, Applications and a Festive Celebration
Two UGLE certificates were presented and signed, and the Secretary announced an unusually large number of new applications for initiation—a positive sign of growth and enthusiasm within the Lodge.
The Worshipful Master and Provincial Grand Master were piped into the Festive Board by Bro Rob Reavley, setting a lively tone for the evening. Each diner found at their place a Northumberland Light Blues news booklet, a commemorative coaster, and an NLB lapel badge—a thoughtful touch that reflected the Lodge’s pride in its Light Blue Brethren.
Dinner began with the first toasts already underway, followed by a well-enjoyed meal of vegetable soup, pork dinner, and cheesecake.
Toasts, Tributes and Generosity
The Toast to the Candidate was sung in fine voice, with Bro Harbord responding briefly but confidently. The Provincial Junior Grand Warden proposed the Toast to the Lodge, delivering an informative and entertaining account of the Lodge’s history and that of its namesake, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.
Several generous charitable donations were presented to the PGM during the evening:
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£4,000 personal donation from the Worshipful Master
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£500 personal donation from WBro Colin Anderson
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£250 from Duke of Connaught Lodge No. 3892
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£1,000 personal donation from the Worshipful Master to WBro Guy Smith, in support of his Temple Run charity challenge – which has already raised over £12,000.
In a further display of generosity, the Worshipful Master presented ceramic tankards to members of the Executive Team and honoured guests from other Provinces, as well as gifting new regalia to WBro John Freeman to mark his new rank.
A Memorable Conclusion
The evening concluded with a lively raffle boasting over a dozen prizes – including a dinner, bed, and breakfast for two in the honeymoon suite at the Manor House Hotel, Haltwhistle.
The Festive Board continued well past 11 p.m., with a full house of Brethren in high spirits, many of whom expressed their admiration for the Lodge, the ceremony, and the warmth of the occasion.
The Provincial Grand Master, his Deputies, Assistants and Wardens together with Worshipful Master WBro Terry Christie and newly initiated Bro Paul Harbord — pictured in the temple after a memorable meeting of Duke of Connaught Lodge No. 3892.
A night of ceremony, friendship, and generosity – the Duke of Connaught Lodge No. 3892 once again demonstrated the very best of Northumberland Freemasonry.