On the 12th and 13th October, the Royal Arch Province of Leicestershire & Rutland welcomed Deputy Grand Superintendents from Metropolitan and Provincial Grand Chapters to Leicester for this year’s Deputy Grand Superintendent’s Forum, billed as “The Leicester Experience”. The annual Forum brings the Deputies together to share insights, address common challenges and work together on solutions that strengthen Royal Arch Masonry throughout the Constitution. The Province hosted it

Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was the setting for a landmark evening as members of the Craft and Royal Arch came together for a combined Festive Board, a first for the Province and a clear demonstration of the shared journey between the two Orders. Separate Meetings, Shared Purpose The evening began with three units meeting in their respective rooms: Gabriel Newton Cricket Lodge No.9071 St John’s Lodge No.279 Chapter of th

Friday 2nd October 2026 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester The Chapter of Fortitude No.279 welcomed a distinguished gathering on Friday 2nd October, as the Provincial Team of Officers, led by the Head of Royal Arch Masonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, Noel Manby, attended the Chapter’s meeting. The Chapter team had undergone several last‑minute changes, but any challenges were met with calm professionalism. Paul Tomkins, who normally serves as Treasurer, stepped forward to preside

On 17th September 2026, Richard Keenan, of Wiclif Chapter No. 3078, proudly presented a donation of £1,500 to The Laura Centre in Leicester. The funds were raised through charitable giving during Richard’s year in office, supported by an additional contribution from the Provincial Grand Chapter of Leicestershire & Rutland. The presentation was attended by Clive Sparling, Wiclif Chapter Charity Steward and Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Lisa Patel, representing The Laura Ce

On Monday 28th September 2026 the Vale of Catmos Chapter donated £1,000 to the Derbyshire and Leicestershire & Rutland Division of the Air Ambulance Service at Coventry Airport. The Derbyshire and Leicestershire & Rutland Division of the Air Ambulance Service provides rapid, life‑saving emergency medical care across the region. Operating from Coventry Airport, the service delivers advanced critical‑care support to patients in urgent need, responding to serious incidents, acci

The Chapter of Welcome No. 5664 held its annual installation meeting on 16th September 2026 at Freemasons' Hall, Leicester, marking the moment Sominder Jandu took the helm for the next twelve months. Richard Howe, the outgoing First Principal, handed over the reins with the efficiency and warmth that have become the hallmark of his year in office, ensuring a smooth and dignified transition for his successor. The Chapter room was filled well beyond its usual complement, with m

On Wednesday 7th July, Pete Williamson and his wife Jean presented a generous £3,200 donation to The Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust at the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit (Ward 27) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The donation comprised £1,600 raised at the Provincial Grand Chapter Annual Meeting in March, matched by a further £1,600 from the Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Charity, a combined effort reflecting the Royal Arch and Craft Province’s ongoing commitment to supporting you

A heartfelt donation of £1,000 has been made by local Royal Arch Freemasons to Samuel’s Promise, a community‑driven fund within The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association. The cheque was presented to Samuel’s parents at the Buttermarket in Mountsorrel, offering both financial support and a moving moment of remembrance for their son. Samuel, a Charnwood boy, lived in Rothley, played football for Mountsorrel Juniors, attended school in Quorn, and later studied at Loughb

Saturday 20th June 2026. Freemasons’ Hall Leicester welcomed members, friends, and curious visitors for a vibrant Open Morning showcasing some of the many Companion Orders of Freemasonry. Sixteen Orders, all of which members are eligible to join, set up their displays in the Holmes Dining Room, ready to greet visitors when the doors opened at 10 am. Over the course of three hours, a steady stream of members, families, and guests explored the exhibits, learning about each Orde

Reynard Chapter No. 9285 gathered at the Masonic Hall in Syston on Wednesday, 20th May for its 104th meeting, which also marked the Chapter’s 36th annual Installation ceremony. The Companions witnessed Rob Wood take the reins of the Chapter for a second time, receiving them from Jeremy Peacock. With a previous year of leadership already under his belt, Rob approached the evening with confidence and composure, appointing Matthew Zmija and Joe de Bie as his fellow Principals fo

Knights of Malta Chapter No. 50 enjoyed a truly memorable evening on Wednesday 7th May, as the Chapter conducted its first-ever double Exaltation. Rob Lewis and Paul Brown were exalted together in an evening that was both impressive and deeply moving. Both companions expressed how struck they were by the warmth of the companionship that followed. The evening continued in fine style at the festive board, where 36 Companions dined, including 7 visitors, creating a lively and fr

On Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April 2026, a strong contingent of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons travelled to Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London, to join colleagues from across the country for the annual investiture meetings of Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter. The Province was well represented on both days, with many members attending to support those receiving appointments and promotions. In the Craft, Roger Clarke received his first Grand Rank, bei

Thursday, 26th March 2026 Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester was alive with energy on Thursday as Royal Arch Masons from Leicestershire, Rutland, and neighbouring provinces assembled for their Annual Meeting. The event, a highlight of the Masonic calendar, drew a strong attendance as companions came together to witness the appointment of officers for the year ahead. The meeting was presided over by the head of Royal Arch Masonry in the two counties, Noel Manby, supported by his ex

Royal Arch Freemasons in Leicestershire & Rutland are fortunate to have a thriving Chapter dedicated to Companions who have served in the Principals’ chairs. The Chapter of Installed First Principals follows the same traditions as any other Chapter, including the annual Installation of a new team to guide its work for the year ahead. A strong turnout on 17 March saw members gather to witness the Installation of the new leadership team: Mark Street , Steve Skidmore , and Ste

Granite Chapter gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for their annual Installation meeting, marking another milestone in the life of this vibrant Chapter. Adding to the sense of occasion was the presence of the Head of Royal Arch Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, Noel Manby , accompanied by members of his Provincial team. The evening’s proceedings were led with assurance by Richard Barnett , who concluded his successful year as First Principal by installing his suc

The 398th meeting of St. Martin’s Chapter No. 3431 took place on Monday 9th March 2026 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, marking the Chapter’s annual installation meeting and the formal handover to a new leadership team for the coming year. A Smooth and Dignified Transition The Chapter has enjoyed an excellent year under the capable guidance of Robert Warrington and his officers. Their hard work, commitment, and steady leadership were evident throughout the past twelve months.

Beacon Chapter No. 5208, part of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, has marked a milestone by welcoming four new members to the Royal Arch at a single meeting. Following a strong period of interest from new candidates, members of the chapter agreed to hold a special ceremony on Friday 13 February 2026. With support from the Province, the Chapter was able to bring four candidates through the Royal Arch joining ceremony (known as an Exaltation) in one evening. The meeting w

Royal Arch Freemasons from Leicestershire & Rutland came together on Saturday 31st January 2026 for their annual Dinner Dance, held at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester. Nearly 120 companions and guests filled the beautifully decorated hall, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the highlights of the Royal Arch calendar. Attendees enjoyed an excellent three‑course meal, expertly prepared and served by the team at Devonshire Place, whose efforts were warmly appreciated througho

Tuesday 3rd December 2025 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester The members of the Chapter of the Flaming Torch gathered once more at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for a meeting marked by enthusiasm, anticipation, and celebration. As one of the Province’s newer Royal Arch teams, the Chapter is steadily building its identity and momentum under the leadership of First Principal Roy Evans, supported by the dedicated duo of Perry Stewart-Halford and Scott Arnold. A highlight of the evenin

Freemasons’ Hall in London provided a distinguished backdrop on 12th November 2025 for the latest Supreme Grand Chapter Regular Convocation, drawing Companions from across the country for a day of enjoyment and friendship. Representing Leicestershire and Rutland was the Head of Royal Arch Masonry in the Province, Noel Manby , accompanied by his Deputy Jonathan Varley , and members of his executive team, Philip Dodd , and Andy Green . Their attendance, supported by a strong d