http://www.staffordshirefreemasons.org.uk/

Staffordshire Freemasons, 211 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton (2026)

10/07/2025

Right Worshipful Brother Kevin Chawner Past Provincial Grand Master.

The Province of Staffordshire sadly announces the death of Right Worshipful Brother Kevin Chawner, 96 years old, Past Provincial Grand Master (Head of Staffordshire Freemasons) from 1990 to 2003.

Kevin was initiated into Hanliensian Lodge number 3935 in Stoke-on-Trent on 1st November 1956 becoming a Master Mason on 7th March 1957. In the Royal Arch he was Exalted (joined) in Sutherland Chapter number 451 on 23rd March 1962.

Over the years he was a member of 17 Lodge’s and 4 Chapter’s. Rising through the ranks in both Orders, reaching the highest rank in Staffordshire, the Grand Rank of Provincial Grand Master in 1990 and very high rank in the Royal Arch of Grand Scribe N in 2000.

Kevin held Grand Rank in other Orders including Mark Masonry, Royal Ark Mariners and Great Priory Rank in the Knights Templar and Knights of Malta, in the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) he held the 32º. He also held high rank in other masonic orders.

Kevin until retirement was a businessman, jointly owning Chawners clothes shop, in Hope Street, Hanley as well as several other shops in the city.

Until her passing Kevin was married to Rosemary and they had 4 children.

Right Worshipful Brother Kevin Chawner was a much loved and well-respected man both in and outside freemasonry, the Province is saddened by his passing and sends its condolences to his family and friends.

Requiescat in pace. Rest in peace.

06/07/2025

Armed Forces Day, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

The Provincial Trailer effectively promoted Freemasonry at the recent Armed Forces Day in Queens Park, Longton, with members from Shelton Lodges engaging the community and sparking interest in our activities and support for local charities.

The event saw an estimated 4,000 people enjoying the warm weather and community-based stalls. Several positive enquiries about becoming a Freemason were made, including one from a lady referred to the Order of Women Freemasons.

Thanks to Mark Sewell, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, for arranging the trailer delivery & collection and the Freemasons who offered their time, and special thanks to Councillor Lillian Dodd for organising the event.

04/07/2025

The Head of Staffordshire Freemasons, John Lockley tries out the MoLift donated by Staffordshire Freemasons via the Masonic Charity Foundation, see in the post below, at Age Uk Stafford and District.

04/07/2025

Staffordshire Freemasons Support Age UK, Stafford and District.

A chance visit to Age UK Stafford & District by Ralph Howarth (Deputy Head of Royal Arch Masons in Staffordshire) and his wife, Julie, earlier this year led to a conversation about funding and equipment.

After having a tour of the centre at Weston Road, Stafford, Ralph saw that the outdoor furniture was in a poor state and asked a question about what the centre would ideally need to help their guests.

Sandra Highland (Chief Executive) told Ralph that funding was tight due to ongoing repairs needed to their minibuses that they used to bring their guests to the centre, but ideally the outdoor furniture needed replacing and they could go with two sets. They were also using an outdated, heavy piece of equipment to help their guests to stand, and their main TV wasn’t in the best of health.

Ralph applied successfully to the Staffordshire Masonic Charitable Association for funding. As a result, Staffordshire Freemasons have been able to supply this worthy charity with two new sets of heavy duty garden furniture, a new standing aid called a MoLift, and a new 55 inch smart TV.

John Lockley (Head of Staffordshire Freemasons), Michele Santopietro (Head of Royal Arch Freemasons in Staffordshire), Gary Evans (Royal Arch Charity Steward) with Ralph and Julie Howarth formally presented the equipment to the centre on Wednesday 2nd July.

Sandra Highland said “I returned to work from holiday to be told we’d had a delivery. I never expected to see our wish list in reality and can’t thank Staffordshire Freemasons enough for their generosity”

Gemma (CEO Operations) at the charity said “The new furniture arrived at a perfect time for our clients and they’re already enjoying using the new tables and chairs. The MoLift is something we’ve needed since before Covid and is much safer and lighter for our clients and staff to use. It also helps people to maintain their independence”.

Age UK Stafford & District at Bradbury House, Weston Rd, Stafford provides day care and respite care for anyone aged over 50 from Stafford and its surrounding towns and villages. The charity provides care for 20-30 guests every weekday and also provides specialist dementia respite day care. They also have an extensive community program supporting clients in their own homes with daily living needs.

02/06/2025

Staffordshire Light Blues descend on the United Grand Lodge.

On Saturday 31st May 34 members of the Staffordshire Light Blues joined Light Blues from around the Country in visiting a meeting of Lodge Sine Nomine No 10,000 at Freemasons Hall, London. The meeting was attended by the Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence and the Staffordshire team was supported by the Deputy Head of Staffordshire Freemasons David Thomas and the Head of Staffordshire Royal Arch Masons, Mike Santopietro.

Members who have not yet received Provincial Grand Rank can join the Light Blues.

28/05/2025

Phil Thompson-100 Not Out

On Wednesday 21st May Seagrim Lodge (Newcastle) No 8161 had a very special meeting to celebrate their current Junior Warden W Bro Philip Gordon Thompson’s 100th birthday.

Assistant PGM (Assistant Head of Staffordshire freemasons), Jeremy Roberts was in attendance to present Phil with a certificate and on behalf of the PGM Jeremy promoted Phil to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

Phil was initiated into Composite Lodge No 5727 (Warwickshire) on 16th December 1986 and some members of that Lodge were also present.

More gifts were bestowed on Phil at the Festive Board including a Birthday cake, and a bottle of his special tipple Kraken black rum, which he says he partakes in a small dram before going to bed every night.

A birthday card signed by all present was also presented to him to go with the letter Phil has also received from His Majesty King Charles.

The Province sends its best wishes to Phil and congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone.

26/05/2025

Masonic Housing Association 50 Year Celebration.

On Thursday 19th May 2025 Wilson Keys Court, situated in Rugeley, a Sheltered Housing complex owned by Staffordshire Freemasons and assisted in the efficient running by the Masonic Housing Association, (MHA) celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the formation of MHA. The House is the home of Freemasons and their connections as well as people from within the community with no masonic connections and is one of only five in the Country.

Enjoying the event was the Head of Staffordshire Freemasons, John Lockley and his wife Jane who both have strong connections with the house. Also in present were the Heads of other Masonic Orders with close links to the house, Michele Santopietro the Head of Royal Arch Masons in Staffordshire and Kevin Spencer the Head of the Mark Master Masons in Staffordshire and Shropshire. Members of the MHA board of management were also present, President Geoffrey Dearing and Chairman Oliver Lodge as well as other dignitaries and the Rugeley Town Cryer.

Alan Walker MBE retired as the House Chairman and John Lockley appointed him President of the House.

22/05/2025

Great day on Tuesday at the County Showground for Provincial Grand Chapter in the morning, followed by lunch then Provincial Grand Lodge.

Both meetings saw many brethren and companions appointed, re-appointed and promoted by the Provincial Grand Master John Lockley and the Grand Superintendent Michele Santopietro.

There were several significant new appointments with Dr Matthew Gibbons changing roles from Provincial Grand Secretary in both Orders (known as Scribe E in Chapter), and being appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master by the Provincial Grand Master, John Lockley. Good luck to Matt in his new role.

Congratulations to the new Provincial Wardens, David Griffin as Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Alan Clark as Provincial Junior Grand Warden and also to David Thomas (Deputy PGM) as Provincial Grand Scribe N in Chapter.

Taking on the role of secretary in both Orders saw Christopher Priestley the Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary and Provincial Assistant Grand Scribe E promoted to this demanding role. Good luck to Chris.

In Chapter Chris Adams retired as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies after many years of hard work and was replaced by his deputy Paul Crutchley who will now take on that demanding role. Good luck to Paul.

Paul Sewell was appointed as Provincial Grand Charity Steward in the Provincial Grand Lodge taking over from Dr John Skellern who has given many years dedicated service and Gary Evans appointed to the same role in Chapter taking over from Martin Waller who has also given dedicated service. Good luck to them both.

The Province sends congratulations to all the other members who received honours and wishes them well for the future.

13/05/2025

Tonight was Chris Priestley’s first meeting since being appointed as an Officer of the United Grand Lodge of England in the rank of Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer.
Here is on the left swanking in his brand new apron (undress uniform) and Provincial Collar, with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master David Thomas.
Congratulations Chris.

30/04/2025

A great day at Grand Lodge in London today (Wednesday 30th April), when about 1,700 brethren witnessed many menbers who received promotions and first appointments in Grand Lodge. Staffordshire received four honours.

The Grand Superintendent and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Mike Santopietro was promoted to the active rank of Deputy Grand Sword Bearer, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jeremy Roberts was promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon, the Provincial Almoner (welfare officer) Tony Coates received a first appointment as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and Chris Priestley, the Provincial webmaster and soon to be the Provincial Grand Secretary, also received a first appointment as an Assistant Grand Standard Bearer.

The Province sends hearty congratulations to these worthy brethren.

26/03/2025

First Principals Chapter.

Fifty-seven members and guests enjoyed a great Royal Arch meeting tonight (26th March), at Stafford when David Philips was inducted into the First Principals Chair, Richard Parrott into the Second Principals Chair and Ralph Howarth into the Third Principals Chair. After appointing their officers David gave a very interesting talk entitled ‘Why should I be a Royal Arch Mason’.

Afterwards fifty-four enjoyed a lovely meal, thanks to Lisa and her team.

21/03/2025

The Haven, Wolverhampton charity receive a £60,000 grant from Staffordshire Freemasons to help child victims break cycle of abuse.

Local child victims supported by a Wolverhampton domestic abuse charity will receive help to break the cycle of abuse, thanks to a grant from the Staffordshire Freemasons.
The £60,000 grant to The Haven Wolverhampton, which supports 190 women and 176 children a year in its safe accommodation*, will fund a Children and Young People’s Service Therapeutic Worker for two years. This ensures that the charity can continue to offer children and young people vital support.

John Lockley, Head of Staffordshire Freemasons said “It’s incredibly rewarding for Staffordshire Freemasons to contribute to the West Midlands community by supporting The Haven Wolverhampton, and the children and young people within its services. Supporting young people who have experienced abuse and trauma is incredibly humbling, and we have no doubt that many children will benefit from our support.”

Staffordshire Freemasons

10/07/2025

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04/07/2025

04/07/2025

02/06/2025

28/05/2025

26/05/2025

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30/04/2025

26/03/2025

21/03/2025

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