Page 14 - Essex Mason Issue 85

Holy Royal Arch

Old Parkonians 4709

75th Anniversary

Upminster Combined

Chapter Meeting
Hosted By Seven Kings Chapter

On the 6th September 2018, Seven Kings Chapter 2749 hosted a On Saturday 24th November Old Parkonians Chapter 4709 were
combined Chapter meeting, to which representatives from all the honoured to receive a retinue of Holy Royal Arch Provincial Executive
Chapters which meet at the Square were invited. Members of the headed by E.Comp. Clive Rees the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal
Provincial Executive also attended, including the Deputy Grand accompanied by E.Comp. Phillip Campbell the 3rd Provincial Grand
Superintendent, Cliff Thoms and the Second and Third Grand Principal and 3 Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, E.Comp.
Principals, Clive Rees and Philip Campbell. Elliott Chevin, John Crudgington and Andrew McLeod, all capably
organised by E.Comp. Geoff Turpin the Provincial Grand Director of
During the meeting, E Comp Dr John Reuther gave a very interesting Ceremonies to mark the celebration of the Chapters 75th Anniversary.
talk on how Freemasonry survived the American Civil War and how
it brought Freemasons together, even when they were on different During the ceremony E.Comp. Gerry Scott gave a very personable
sides! and humorous presentation of the Chapter history and the clear links
with Ilford County High School. The meeting also witnessed 4 joining
After the meeting, the Companions retired to the bar for a drink members, including one of the APGPs and a number of applications for
before dinner which comprised an American themed meal complete membership which was a great mark to this excellent milestone.
with clam chowder and southern fried chicken, perfectly prepared by
the in house chef, Gary Mitchell. During the meal there was much At the meeting, MEZ E.Comp. Gerry Scott, presented a cheque to
friendly banter and lively conversation, together with a raffle which E.Comp. Clive Rees who promptly handed it to E.Comp. Colin Felton
raised nearly £1,000 for charity. the Provincial Grand Charity Steward – this donation saw the award of
Grand Patron status for Festival 2022, a fantastic achievement from such
a small Chapter which was well received by the 2nd Provincial Grand
Principal

Help to Buy Guide

Help to buy encompasses two schemes. The first is an
equity loan, where the Government will loan up to 20%
of the value of a new home to anyone with a minimum
of 5% deposit.
The equity loan scheme is interest-free for the first Southend-on-Sea Office Mid-Essex Office
five years, after which there will be a charge of 1.75% Trafalgar House Whitelands
(which will rise in line with the Retail Price Index) plus Nelson Street Terling Road
1%. The loan can be repaid in full without penalty any Southend-on-Sea Hatfield Peverel
time within 25 years or on the sale of the property. Essex SS11EF Essex CM3 2AG
01702 352511 01245 495111
The second, which the Government launched on 8th
October 2013, is a mortgage guarantee which will
encourage mortgage lenders to lend to people with In order to qualify, applicants must pass their lenders credit and
small deposits. This was made available from January affordability checks and also meet appropriate criteria to ensure that
2014 and can be used to purchase new build or existing they can pay back the loan.
properties. Help to Buy cannot be used for properties in which the applicant
The mortgage guarantee is made to the lender by the will not be living, such as buy-to-let, nor is it to corporate buyers.
Government and means in the event of repossession the Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases an individual can
Government will cover the lenders losses. make, making good legal advice and support essential.

14