Kevin is a retired Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon from the Royal Victoria Infirmary. When not engaged in masonic activities, he continues to pursue his other main interest of building and flying radio-controlled model aircraft .... when he's not traipsing all over the fields around Ovington, walking Emmie, his hyperactive Irish Setter!
Provincial Executive
Provincial Executive
Provincial Grand Master & Provincial Grand Superintendent
Kevin Peter Stannard
Deputy Provincial Grand Master
John Nigel Bruce
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
David Leslie Armstrong
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
David Southern
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Geoffrey James Morrison
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Raymond Dryden
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Chris Ainsley
Initiated into St Alban Lodge on 2nd October 2002, W Bro Chris was Passed on 6th November 2002 and Raised on 3rd January 2003. He was Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch on 28th October 2003.
He served as Worshipful Master of St Alban Lodge in 2009 and later as Worshipful Master of Lodge Vandeleur in 2015. He has been Secretary of Lodge Vandeleur for the past nine years, demonstrating ongoing commitment to the administration and progress of the Lodge.
In 2018, he received his first Provincial appointment as Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, and was subsequently promoted to Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2023.
Provincial Team
Provincial Grand Secretary
Nicholas Deakin
Nick 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.
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies
John Robinson
Provincial Grand Chaplain
Leslie Dinning
Leslie has been our Provincial Grand Chaplain for many years. He was Deputy Provincial Grand Chaplain serving under the then Chaplain, The Rev Alan Pyle, from whom he learned so much about the role of Chaplain in the Province. The Chaplain's role involves attending Lodge anniversaries, offering orations and leading in acts of thanksgiving, banner dedications and other celebrations. The Chaplain also offers pastoral and Spiritual Support for the Brethren when needed.
Leslie worked in the N.H.S for over 40 years. First as a Nurse working in care of the elderly and for over 20 years as a chaplain in the Mental Health Trust. He is now retired and enjoys the discipline of preparation for Masonic events. He is a keen gardener[Mainly vegetables] and has been for many years standing, secretary of the local Flower and Vegetable Show and has won a prize or two over the years.
Provincial Grand Treasurer
Mike Gilberg
Mike is our Provincial Grand Treasurer. He oversees the finances of Provincial Grand Lodge and Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund. He is also a Trustee of Northumberland Masonic Charity Association.
Mike is a Chartered Secretary and is now semi-retired, having previously held senior financial positions with several local companies. In his spare time, Mike enjoys puzzle-solving and plays steel pan as a member of North Tyneside Steelband and KEVI Steel. He has recently become a grandfather.
Provincial Grand Almoner
Norman West
Norman supports our members, their families and dependants in time of need, guiding them through the process of applying to the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) or other agencies who can help individuals when going through challenging times. He also supports Lodge Almoners across the Province.
Outside of Freemasonry, Norman is now retired and enjoys, gardening and small DIY projects, looking after 5 grand children aged from 22 months to 15 years old and walking his 17 year old Jack Russell dog (when she in the mood!). Norman also works a special advisor for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (unpaid) on home adaption projects nationally.
Provincial Grand Charity Steward
Paul Winship
Provincial Grand Membership Officer
Wayne Brunton
Wayne 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.
Provincial Grand Mentor
Neil Foster
Neil is our Provincial Grand Mentor. Neil 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. In the Chapter, Neil supports the early adoption of the Archway scheme, focusing on encouraging and supporting our Craft members into the Chapter.
Provincial Grand Learning and Development Officer
Bob Waddell
Bob is the Provincial Learning and Development Officer, responsible for the Education and Training for the Province
Provincial Senior Grand Warden
Philip Rodney Hutchinson
Provincial Junior Grand Warden
Peter Younger
Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary
Andrew Hermeston
Provincial Grand Communications Officer
Graeme Butterfield
Lodge Vandeleur No. 3586 – Past Master & Membership Officer 2025- 2026
I was initiated into Freemasonry in May 2014 and a very proud member of Lodge Vandeleur No. 3586, where I currently serve as Membership Officer and is a Past Master of the Lodge.
Freemasonry provides me with opportunities to meet new people, enjoy good company, and test my knowledge while visiting different lodges throughout the province. Over time, my Masonic journey has deepened in meaning, offering friendship, support, and personal growth.
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2023, I have found Freemasonry to be a powerful source of strength, helping to support his mental health, wellbeing, and positive mindset. I continue to draw great comfort and inspiration from the fellowship of the Brethren.
I particularly enjoy visiting different Masonic temples, admiring their architecture, exploring their history, and reflecting on the legacy of the Past Masters whose names adorn the lodge boards.
Outside of Freemasonry, I love to travel, discover new places, experience local food and culture, and meet new people — continuing his lifelong passion for connection, learning, and shared experience.
“It’s not the years in Freemasonry that count, but the friendships, memories, and lessons learned along the way.”