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Freemasons remember the fallen Masons of Norfolk

Written by Mike Dawson on . Posted in Freemasonry, Member News.

On Thursday 20 June this year, in a most moving ceremony, three Norfolk Freemasons laid a wreath at the Menin Gate on the outskirts of Ypres in Belgium, specifically to remember the fallen Freemasons of Norfolk. The three Brethren were Bro Rigil Kent, IPM of Ephraimites Lodge number 9442, wearing the uniform of the Norfolk Fire Brigade in his rank as Station Manager, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Norfolk Luke Loades, and the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Norfolk, Brian Barton. The Brethren were part of a tour, which has become an annual event, from the Province of Norfolk to visit the battlefields of the Great War. The simple ceremony, held each evening at 20:00, underneath the arches of the beautiful Menin Gate, remembers the fallen of the Great War in the Ypres Salient, and the haunting sound of the ‘Last Post’ is played by members of the Ypres Fire Brigade, hence Rigil wearing his own uniform. It was a most moving occasion.

(Note…… in the two photographs, in each case the people are, looking at the photograph from left to right
APGM Luke Loades, WBro Rigil Kent, PAPGM Brian Barton

Investiture of RW Bro M R Butler MBE

Written by Mike Dawson on . Posted in Member News.

Investiture of RW Bro M R Butler MBE, DL as the
RW Provincial Grand Master and M.E Grand Superintendent of Norfolk.

Following the closure, of Saint Andrews Hall in Norwich for restoration, Thursday 22nd February 2024 saw 400+ Norfolk Freemasons travelling to the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk to witness the Investiture of RW Bro Michael Richard Butler MBE, DL as Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of and over the Province of Norfolk.

There Norfolk Brethren and Companions were treated to two memorable ceremonies, led by the Pro Grand Master and First Grand Principal Jonathan Spence DL, and his teams from UGLE.

The first Investiture of RW Bro M R Butler as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, was a truly spectacular ceremony, held in the morning, with very sincere and notable speeches by the Pro First Grand Principle and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, both were acclaimed by the Companions present.

Following a break for a most enjoyable and social lunch, the afternoon celebrated the Investiture of RW Bro Butler as the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Norfolk, which was again led by the Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence DL, and his UGLE team, the Brethren present listened intently to speeches by the Pro Grand Master and the now Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Michael Richard Butler and again showed their support for the UGLE and Provincial strategy, to unite both the Craft and Royal Arch under the single banner of One Journey, One Organisation.

The RW Provincial Grand Master was then pleased to re- appoint those officers previously appointed at the May 2023 meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge. It was then his further pleasure to appoint W Bro Luke Paul Maurice Loades as one of his Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, a truly memorable moment for all present.

It was, without doubt, a very enjoyable day for all and grateful thanks are given to the Province of Suffolk and their team of Stewards who very ably assisted the team of Norfolk Stewards in preparing the venue the previous day and to clear down following the meetings.

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Assistant Provincial Grand Master (designate) Luke P M Loades

Written by Mike Dawson on . Posted in Member News.

Appointment of an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Norfolk

W Bro Luke Paul Maurice Loades, Provincial Grand Steward, is to be appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master with effect from the 22nd February 2024. He will be obligated and invested by the Provincial Grand Master at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting being held at The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk.


Luke is a member of three Norfolk Lodges. He was initiated into Ephraimites Lodge No. 9442 in 2013 and became its Master in 2019. He is a member of Norfolk Installed Masters Lodge No. 3905 and joined Norfolk Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 9266 when he became a Provincial Grand Steward in 2022. He was reappointed to that rank in 2023. He was invited to be one of the original members of new Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10000 and is currently the Master of The Old Leysian Lodge in the Province of Cambridgeshire. Luke is also currently Zerubbabel in the Le Strange Chapter No. 3730 and is a member of several other degrees. Thus, you can see, its best to ask a busy man to do job.


Lukes’s portfolio as APGM will be the support and development of Membership, Mentoring, Norfolk Blues and the University scheme. Following the successful Facebook membership campaign in 2023 Luke will be leading the continuation of that scheme and developing our presence on social media via Linked in and other platforms.


Luke is married to Agnieszka and lives in Wiggenhall St Mary The Virgin, to the South of King’s Lynn.


His primary business is Rounce and Evans Property Management, a residential lettings and block management agency. He also owns Magpie Security, a Master Locksmith and Safe company which are proud holders of a Royal Warrant and operates a Storage business, all in King’s Lynn.

When not at work or engaged with Freemasonry, Luke’s hobbies include touring Europe in various cars as well as Scuba diving of which he is a qualified Master Diver.

Provincial Grand Master’s Christmas Message and Important Announcement.

Written by Mike Dawson on . Posted in Member News.

Brethren & Companions,

As this will be my final Christmas Message as your Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent, I would like to record my heartfelt thanks to all in the Province who have so generously given of their time and energies over the years, working with me at all levels, to ensure the happiness and smooth running of our Province.

For me, it has been the greatest of honours to lead our Province. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some amazing and talented people; all that we have achieved during my time in office is a reflection of their commitment, expertise and of course team work.

I would like to express my thanks to all the Lodges and Chapters that have made me so welcome whenever I have visited.  The warmth of the welcomes, the curtesy I received and the friendships I have made, will remain a priceless reminder of my time in office.

Looking to the future, the Province is in good heart.  In the Royal Arch we have stabilised our membership during 2023 and already have 54 Brethren waiting to join us next year.  In the Craft our figures are looking even better with both Members & Membership numbers up and a further 167 already in the pipeline for 2024.

The Province is growing, and its future is bright.

Which leads me on to a very Important Announcement.  I am delighted to inform you that it has pleased the MW Grand Master to Appoint W Bro Michael Richard Butler to be my successor as Provincial Grand Master for, and Grand Superintendent in and over, the Masonic Province of Norfolk.

I wholeheartedly endorse this appointment and am sure that you will join me in giving him our full support, friendship and encouragement as he embarks on this new era in the life and history of our Province.

Thank you once again for making my time in office so memorable and enjoyable.  

On behalf of Sue and myself, we wish you, your families and friends, a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.

Kindest regards


Stephen