Provincial Executive

As Deputy Grand Superintendent, Philippe assists the Grand Superintendent in the running of the Royal Arch Chapters in the Province. He Chairs the Provincial Chapter Working Group; is our Archway Representative at UGLE and on the Reginal Communications Group and is a member of the Provincial Learning & Development Team.

Paul Ryder is responsible for facilitating communication between the Province and Chapters and also assisting the development and implementation of Chapter mentoring in our Lodges. As part of the Provincial Chapter Executive he strives to implement the Members’ Pathway, ensuring that, on being Raised as a Master Mason, Exaltation into the Royal Arch Chapter is part of the ‘complete’ Masonic journey.

Paul hails from Bradford in West Yorkshire and came to Newcastle to study. He is married to Julie, and they have one grown up daughter. Professionally he works as a Business Development Director for a London based recruitment solutions consultancy. Outside work, Paul enjoys the occasional run (which is more of a jog these days), spending time on the family allotment, walking Archie and Pippin the two-family dogs, reading, and going to concerts in a vain attempt to relive his youth. His sporting interests include supporting Bradford City Football Club.

Paul is a former Trustee of the community run Jesmond Pool and Chairperson of Jesmond Joggers Running Club, and since 2019 he has been a Street Pastor in Newcastle

Andrew Smith is one of the Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals. Like Paul, he is responsible for facilitating communication between the Province and Chapters and also assisting the development and implementation of Chapter mentoring in our Lodges.

Andrew is a native of Cheshire, settling in Newcastle in 1984. He is married to a ‘Geordie Lass’ and has two grown up Sons. He has worked as a Scientist for Procter & Gamble since 1988, leading Global washing appliance understanding. Outside work, he enjoys the company of 2 Black Labradors & a Golden retriever . Sporting interests are Rugby and Formula One.

Dennis is responsible for collating and banking of the Provincial Annual dues, Chapter rituals and Chapter Ties; the compilation of the Annual accounts; the calculation of future expenditures inclusive of Annual meeting costs and changes to the annual subscription charges. He works closely with the Provincial Grand Scribe E. to quantify and implement any changes in expenditure and alterations to the annual subscription charge.

Although now retired, professionally, Dennis started his working life as a mechanical fitter for a large Turbine Generator manufacturer, working his way up to become the Manufacturing Estimating Controller with responsibilities for managing a team of Production Measurement Estimators who compiled manhour and material estimates for Turbine Generator Tender submissions and the Company’s manufacturing, planning, and control systems. Dennis enjoys reading and distance walking outside of freemasonry and is a keen gardener.

Gary is responsible for leading the development and implementation of attracting and engaging new members in our Province. He works closely with the Provincial Grand Mentor to implement the Members’ Pathway under the direction of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dr Greg Smith.

In his professional life, Gary is the Managing Director of a National Commercial Cleaning Services company. Away from work, Gary enjoys spending time with his family, watching Rugby, walking his dog, playing golf and foreign travel.

David Stockdale is our Provincial Grand Mentor. David is responsible for leading the development and implementation of mentoring in our Lodges across the Province. He works closely with the Provincial Grand Membership Officer to implement the Members’ Pathway under the direction of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dr Greg Smith. In the Chapter, David supports the early adoption of the Archway scheme, focusing on encouraging and supporting our Craft members into the Chapter.

Professionally, David is the director of an independent national provider of social care for people with learning disabilities, complex autism, or mental health conditions. Outside of Freemasonry, David enjoys travelling to Italy, reading, playing board games, and walking his two retired Greyhounds. David is also the Trustee of a community organisation in Newcastle and a member of the charity Freedom from Torture.

Stuart is our Provincial Grand Secretary and Grand Scribe E. Operating from the Provincial Office in Gosforth his responsibilities are to provide a secretarial support and service to the Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters and individual members in the Province. Also, to deal with any administration formalities with United Grand Lodge & Supreme Grand Chapter. He works closely with the Provincial Grand Master / Grand Superintendent and his Senior Executive to manage the affairs of the Province.

Professionally, Stuart is a Retired Commercial Manager of one of our High Street Banks. A former Football Referee he now enjoys coast and country walking around his home town of Alnwick.