Royal Arch Chapter

Ian Craigs has been our Provincial Grand Superintendent since 2014. He is responsible for leading the province, supported by the Chapter Team. During his tenure, Ian has encouraged wider participation of our membership in developing the province, focusing on attracting new members to the Chapter.

Professionally, Ian is a Farmer in Northumberland, which occupies most of his time outside Freemasonry.

As Deputy Grand Superintendent, Philippe assists that 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 Winship is our Second Provincial Grand Principal. He is responsible for assisting the Provincial Grand Superintendent in maintaining and developing the Royal Arch in Northumberland.

Paul is our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, a member of the Provincial Chapter Working Group and a Senior Member of our Provincial Learning & Development Team.

Paul has recently retired, having been a Director of a Financial Services business for more than 20 years. Married to Allison, his hobbies are golf, which he tells me he plays very badly, walking (usually in search of his golf ball) and cycling.

Paul Ryder is the Third Grand Principal. He 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

Andrew Smith is one of the Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals. Along with Ray Coe 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 Chapters across the Province. He works closely with the Provincial Grand Membership Officer to plan the implementation of the Archway.

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. A demanding role but one which he thorougly enjoys.

Married to Lynne they are looking forward to the birth of their latest granddaughter in December 2024.