Travelling Rose – The Journey

Essex Chapter No 894

The Travelling Rose was introduced to members of the South Essex Sovereigns Chapter – Essex Chapter No 894 – on Monday 31st October 2022.  It was presented to the Most Wise Sovereign, Ill. Bro. Jim Smith 30o by the Inspector General, V.Ill. Bro. John Reginald Hubbard 33o.

 

Prittlewell St Mary Chapter No 379 

The next phase of the Travelling Rose’s journey took place at the Prittlewell St Mary Chapter meeting on 25th November, 2022. The Travelling Rose was presented to the Most Wise Sovereign, E&P. Bro. Trevor Jewell, by Ill. Bro. Jim Smith, MWS of Essex Chapter No 894. He was accompanied by Ill. Bro. Colin Innes and a significant number of 894 members were also present. E&P. Bro. Trevor thanked Ill. Bro. Jim for making the presentation and presented him with a cheque for the charity of his choice – Christians Against Poverty.

Chingford Chapter No 850

On Thursday 15th December 2022 E&P. Bro. Trevor Jewell, Most Wise Sovereign of Prittlewell St Mary Chapter No 379, accompanied by his Prelate, Ill. Bro. David Wolland braved the freezing temperatures to travel from Southend to Chingford to present the Travelling Rose to Chingford Chapter No 850. The Rose was gratefully received by the new Most Wise Sovereign, Ill. Bro. Philip Brimley. The members of Chingford Chapter voted a generous donation to the charity of E&P. Bro. Trevor’s choice which is Pholk Care Ltd.
E&P. Bro. Trevor thanked the members for their generosity and gave a brief explanation of the marvellous work that the charity does in the community.

Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter No 835 

On Tuesday 10th January 2023 Ill Bro. Derek Mersh representing the MWS of Chingford Chapter No 850 Ill. Bro. Philip Brimley, accompanied by Ill.Bro. Michael Robinson attended the Enthronement meeting of the Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter Rose Croix No 835 to present their MWS Ill. Bro. Bill King with the Travelling Rose on the next leg of its journey around the Chapters of South Essex. The members of Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter then voted a generous donation to the charity of Chingford Chapter’s choice which is ‘Eat or Heat – Waltham Forest Food Bank’, a charity based in Walthamstow that endeavours to help feed people in these times of austerity. Ill. Bro. Derek Mersh thanked the members for their kind donation.

Grays & Eagle Chapter No 464 – 1st February 2023

The next stop on my journey around the Chapters of the Province of South Essex was on Tuesday 1st February 2023 when I was presented to E. & P. Bro. Alan Gold, MWS of the Grays and Eagle Chapter Rose Croix No 464 at their regular meeting by Ill. Bro. Brian Smith representing the MWS of the Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter No 835 Ill. Bro. Bill King who was unavailable, accompanied by Ill. Bro. David Wilmot and 3 other Brethren of the Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter. The members of the Grays and Eagle Chapter then voted to make a generous donation to the charity of Wickford & Langdon Hills Chapter’s choice which was Cancer Research. Ill. Bro. Brian Smith thanked the members for their kind donation.

Crossed Keys Chapter No 629 – 6th March 2023

At the meeting of Crossed Keys Chapter No 629 on Monday 6th March 2023 Ill. Bro. John Mansfield was Enthroned as Most Wise Sovereign. Ill. Bro. Ian Stevenson of Grays and Eagle Chapter No 464 was in attendance to present Ill. Bro. John with the Travelling Rose as it continues its journey around the Chapters of the District. He said how pleased and proud he was to be able to make the presentation on behalf of his Chapter.

The members of the Crossed Keys Chapter then voted to make a generous donation to the charity of Grays and Eagle Chapter’s choice. Ill. Bro. Ian thanked the members for their generosity and advised that the donation will be added to funds already available for donations in the near future.

De Vere Chapter No 831 – 5th April 2023

Settled into my new home at Crossed Keys Chapter No. 629, I was suddenly on my travels again. This time I was escorted by Ill. Bro. John Mansfield, MWS of Crossed Keys Chapter No. 629, accompanied by Ill. Bro. Peter Lindell their Recorder on my journey to De Vere Chapter No831. During the meeting Ill. Bro. John Mansfield passed ownership of the Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. Michael West, MWS of De Vere Chapter. It was then proposed and approved that the Chapter will donate £100.00 to a charity of Crossed Keys choice. It was later agreed that the £100.00 will be donated to the Essex Provincial Almoner’s Fund where it will be used to help support the charities supported by the Essex Provincial Almoners Fund.
 
 
Holy Mount Chapter No 399 – 9th May 2023
 
Travelling Rose – Episode 8
In the words of the Canned Heat hit “I’m on the Road Again”. This time I am on my way to Holy Mount Chapter escorted by the Most Wise Sovereign of De Vere Chapter, E. & P. Bro. Michael West, accompanied by E. & P. Bro. Glen Remblance. During the meeting E. & P. Bro. Michael West passed ownership of The Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. Chris Cook. It was then proposed and approved that the Chapter will donate £100.00 to a charity of De Vere’s choice which was Clowns in the Sky, a charity dedicated to the research and treatment of childhood brain tumours and to the welfare of affected children and their families.
 
 
 
Stanley Frohnsdorff Chapter No 399 – 20th June 2023

Travelling Rose – Episode 9

Luckily, I avoided the “Highway to Hell” (AC/DC) on this trip as both chapters are located at Chingford and the short journey was under the watchful eye of the Revd. Mick Scotchmer, Recorder of Stanley Frohnsdorff Chapter. The Travelling Rose was presented by the Most Wise Sovereign of Holy Mount Chapter, E. & P. Bro. Chris Cook, accompanied by his good friend E. & P. Bro. Alan Gold of Grays & Eagle Chapter and delivered into the safe hands of E. & P. Bro. Richard Holmes, Most Wise Sovereign of Stanley Frohnsdorff Chapter. It was then proposed and approved that the Chapter will donate £50.00 to a charity of Hutton Mount’s choice which was The Willow Foundation. This charity was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. They provide bespoke treats and experiences for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds and their loved ones.

Hutton Chapter No 680 – 17th July 2023

Travelling Rose Episode # 10: 17th July 2023.
Having spent the last 4 weeks with the Stanley Frohnsdorff Chapter it was time to get on the ‘Road to Hell’ and travel between Chingford and Hutton. This time I was escorted by E. & P. Bro. Richard Holmes, MWS of the Stanley Frohnsdorff Chapter No. 1055, accompanied by Ill. Bro. Martyn Bradish their Treasurer and E. & P. Bro. John Letham on my journey to Hutton Chapter No.680. During the meeting, E. & P. Bro. Richard Holmes passed ownership of the Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. Bob Davis who was standing in for the MWS of Hutton Chapter who was unable to be at the meeting. It was then proposed that and approved that the Hutton Chapter will donate £100.00 to a charity of Crossed Keys choice which was the Haven House Children’s Hospice which cares for seriously ill babies and children (up to the age of 18) by creating a loving and warm environment for them and their families while they go through the toughest of times.
 
Roding Chapter No 866 – 19th September 2023
 
Travelling Rose Episode # 11: 19th September 2023.
Having spent the last 8 weeks with the Hutton Chapter it was time to ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and travel from Hutton to Upminster. On this occassion I was escorted by E. & P. Bro. Paul Scothern, MWS of Hutton Chapter No. 680, accompanied by Ill. Bro. Ted Hoefling, Recorder along with Ill. Bro David Harvey, Director of Ceremonies and E. & P. Bro. Gavin Burgoyne on my journey to Roding Chapter No. 866. During the meeting, E. & P. Bro. Paul Scothern passed ownership of the Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. Michael Saunders, MWS of Roding Chapter. It was then proposed and approved that the Roding Chapter will donate £50.00 to a charity of Hutton’s choice which was the Southend Animal Hospital.
 
St Katharine’s Chapter No 608 – 20th October 2023
 
Travelling Rose Episode # 12: 20th October 2023.
St Katharine’s Chapter hosted the first ever Cluster Meeting of Southend and Rochford Rose Croix Chapters at Rochford, so I popped along to see what it was all about. I was escorted on my journey by E&P. Bro. Steve Crouch, MWS of Roding Chapter and Ill. Bro. Terry Mirams. The meeting was well supported by the local chapters, with the Perfection of Paul Goddard being conducted in an excellent manner by a selection of very capable members from the host chapter plus Prittlewell St Mary, Thames Estuary and Chapter of Eternity. At the appropriate time I was duly presented to the acting MWS of St Katharine’s, Ill. Bro. Ross Martin. It was then proposed and approved that the Chapter donate £100.00 to a charity of Roding’s choice which was Dementia UK.
 
 
Chapter of Eternity No 763 – 23rd January 2024
 
Episode #13: 23rd January 2024.
Having spent Christmas with the St. Katherine’s Chapter No. 608 it was time to continue my travels around the District of South Essex and travel between Rochford and Southend. This time I was escorted by the following members of St Katherine’s Chapter No. 608, Ill. Bro. Ross Martin – Treasurer, Ill. Bro. Alan Reynolds – Recorder, Ill. Bro. Roger Howorth – Director of Ceremonies and E.& P. Bro. John Bond – Captain of the Guard on my journey to Chapter of Eternity No. 763. During the meeting, Ill. Bro. Ross Martin, who was deputising for E. & P. Bro. Gordon Goodall, MWS of St. Katherine’s Chapter No. 608 who was unable to attend today’s meeting, passed the ownership of the Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. Alan Freeman, MWS of the Chapter of Eternity No. 763. It was then proposed and approved that the Chapter of Eternity will donate £100.00 to a charity of St.Katherine’s choice which was Karis’ Helping Hand  which can help families where their child is suffering from a brain tumour in the following ways.
Grant Making Provisions.
Memory-making days out.
Gift Packages.
Help towards everyday essentials.
Ill. Bro. Ross Martin thanked the members of the Chapter of Eternity for their generous donation.
 
Courtenay Chapter No 728 – 25th March 2024

Episode #14: 25th March 2024.

Having spent a few weeks in the care of Chapter of Eternity No. 763 it was time to continue my travels  around the District of South Essex and head from Southend to Upminster. A strong contingent of Eternity members escorted me along to Courtenay Chapter No 728. Unfortunately their MWS,  E&P. Bro. Mike Steeds was unwell so Ill. Bro. Joe Webster was called on to perform his duties. After an excellent ceremony of Perfection E. & P. Bro. Alan Freeman, MWS of the Chapter of Eternity No. 763 presented the Travelling Rose according to custom. It was gratefully received by Ill. Bro Joe together with Ill. Bros. John Appleton and Graham Jeffries. It was then proposed and approved that Courtenay Chapter donate £100.00 to ‘Breast Cancer Now’,  the charity of E&P. Bro Alan’s choice. The customary photo was taken and included too many members of Chapter of Eternity to mention by name.

I don’t have far to travel next as my next stop is also at Upminster.…
 

Essex Quadrant Chapter No 501 – 25th April 2024

Episode #15: 25th April 2024.

I had a great time at Essex Quadrant Chapter as the Travelling Rose was passed from Courtenay Chapter to Essex Quadrant Chapter. I was presented to the MWS, E&P. Bro. Mark Wheelhouse by the Travelling Rose ‘Overseer’ E&P. Bro. Nigel Owen.
Family and friends were then invited to join us for the annual ‘Wear The Rose’ St. George’s Day Celebration in support of the SSAFA. We enjoyed a bountiful English menu at dinner with friends.
Mark Smith gave an entertaining and truly moving talk about his experiences with militaria and the lifelong journey, from hobby to career, instilled in him from his late father’s experiences in the RAF during the war as part of Force 136.
The evening raised nearly £600 for SSAFA who do so much to support our military personnel and their families.
I’m looking forward to returning to Chingford when I will be presented to St Paul Chapter. 
 
St Paul Chapter No 295 – 2nd July 2024
 
Travelling Rose Episode # 16: 2nd July 2024.
 
My next ‘Port of Call’ so to speak was St Paul Chapter No 295 who meet at the Chingford Masonic Hall in Chingford. I was escorted on my journey from Upminster to Chingford by E. & P. Bro. Mark Wheelhouse, Past Most Wise Sovereign of Essex Quadrant Chapter. During the meeting E. & P. Bro. Mark Wheelhouse passed ownership of the Travelling Rose to Ill. Bro. Keith Wood, MWS of St Paul Chapter. It was then proposed and approved that the St Paul Chapter will donate £100.00 to a charity of Essex Quadrant’s choice which was the SSAFA-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, a UK charity that supports the armed forces community.
So, it is now time to unpack, chill out in and enjoy the summer as the next Chapter I will visit will be Ambresbury, Chapter but not until 5th November 2024.
 
Ambresbury Chapter No 632 – 5th November 2024
 
Travelling Rose Episode # 17: 5th November 2024.
 
Having spent the last 4 months with the St Paul Chapter I thought that I had better move on. Having thanked them for their hospitality, I decided that I would visit the one location in the South Essex District that I had yet to visit. I therefore packed my bags and headed off to the Loughton Masonic Centre and in particular I wanted to visit the Ambresbury Chapter No. 632. On this occasion, I was escorted by Ill. Bro. Chris Smith, Director of Ceremonies of St. Paul Chapter No. 295 and accompanied by E. & P. Bro. David Ford, Steward on my journey to Ambresbury Chapter No. 632. On my arrival I was greeted by two old friends, Ill. Brothers Keith Woods and Brian Wright who happen to be members of both St Paul Chapter and Ambresbury Chapter. During the meeting, Ill. Bro. Chris Smith passed ownership of the Travelling Rose to E. & P. Bro. David Grey MWS of Ambresbury Chapter. It was then proposed and approved that the Ambresury Chapter will donate £100.00 to a charity of St. Paul’s choice.
 
Next Stop: Thames Estuary Chapter No 634 – 3rd December 2024