News 2024
District Grand Chapter’s aim is to continue to provide an effective and efficient service support to all the Chapters within Down District. To this end, please ensure that all correspondence is sent to the following email address office@dgracdown.org.uk
The District Grand Chapter office at Galwally House will not be open on a Wednesday morning with immediate effect. The Office will be open 10.00hrs – 12.30hrs on Friday mornings. Closed July, August, Christmas/New Year & Bank Holidays.
RAC Charity Golf Competition 2024
RAC No.66 Diamond/Golden Jubilee Presentation
District Grand Chapter’s aim is to continue to provide an effective and efficient service support to all the Chapters within Down District. To this end, please ensure that all correspondence is sent to the following email address office@dgracdown.org.uk
Shamrock Royal Arch Chapter No.354 Kircubbin
Shamrock Royal Arch Chapter No.354 Kircubbin had a visit from our District Assistant Grand King, Rt. Ex. Comp. Gerry Fleming who presented Ex. Comp. Jim Irvine with his 25-year Jewel and Certificate.
RAC No.66 Diamond/Golden Jubilee Presentation
Companion Douglas Galbraith – exalted 18/03/1960 (63 years) received his Certificate from Right Excellent Comp Gerald Fleming, District Assistant Grand King.
Very Excellent Companion Gordon Knowles – exalted 25/03/1958 (65 years) received his Certificate from Right Excellent Comp Gerald Fleming, District Assistant Grand King.
Charity Cheque Presentation
A truly humbling experience today as we attended Cancer Fund for Children, Daisy Lodge, outside Newcastle, Co Down.
2 Companions (Grahame Forsythe and Richard Graham) representing Royal Arch Chapter of Down were there to present a cheque for £2530 on behalf of R.A.C. members in Down, the funds were raised at a recent charity golf event in Kilkeel.
We were given a guided tour of the premises and a short presentation on the specialist work and support carried out by the fantastic staff at this unique facility.
As a parent it was heart wrenching to hear not only of the trauma families of children diagnosed with cancer but also children whose parent has been diagnosed with cancer must go through.
On behalf of Grahame, Richard and the organising committee may we thank all who contributed to this very special appeal.
Just an update on Haleigh’s success
Presentation of fifty year jewel
Excellent Comp Joseph Henry O’ Connor Royal Arch Chapter 403, Holywood, received his 50-year Jewel from Right Excellent Comp Gerald Fleming, District Assistant Grand King.
There was a wine and cheese celebration afterwards which was a great success.
A Helping Hand for Haleigh
Local gymnast, Haleigh Miskimmin from Pro Star Gymnastics in Newtownards is traveling to Berlin to represent Ireland in the Special Olympics, starting on the 17th June.
With the permission of the Royal Arch District Chapter of Down, Royal Arch Chapters and Masonic Lodges in Newtownards and district, decided to help Haleigh and her family travel and stay for the duration of the games.
VEx Comps. Sam Snodden and George Finnigan, ExComp. Peter Lowry, WBros.Hugh McKeag and Stephen Arnold, presented Haleigh’s parents a cheque for £1450.
Our best wishes go to Haleigh (pictured 4th from the left with her sister and parents) for a successful competition. June 2023
Royal Arch Chapter 124 Banbridge held their convocation tonight 25.10.22 at their hall in Banbridge. This is the first convocation since their successful Gala Ball held in the Belmont Hotel on 07.10.22, where over 135 masons with their friends and families enjoyed good food and great music, whilst raising some welcome funds for charity.
V.Ex.Comp Artie Kerrigan was able to report to the Chapter that the Gala Ball raised £2,700 for Charity. Pictured are members of RAC 124 with V.Ex.Comp Artie Kerrigan handing over a Cheque to V.Ex.Comp Mike Robinson from the Banbridge District Masonic Charity Committee for £2,000 and Ex.Comp Graham Middleton Ex.King and Chairman of Banbridge Hall Committee for £700 to assist with hall costs and refurbishment.
RAC 124 Banbridge would like to thank all who supported the Gala Ball earlier in October and to all who assisted in making this event happen. Special thanks goes to V.Ex.Comp Artie Kerrigan who turned an idea into a reality and made this event such a success, with his careful planning, financial expertise and attention to detail.
Finally, it was great to see so many Masons with their friends and family out once again enjoying themselves at our Masonic functions. Here’s to many more !!
Photograph taken at the Men’s Health Event held at Galwally House on Tuesday 15th November 2022. A number of Brethren and their friends and family attended, It was another a great success.
Alan Kinghan from Men’s Shed and Barara Redmond from Health Improvement Belfast Trust provide demonstrations and give good advice on healthy eating and wood turning.