Worshipful Brother Roger Wooding Newman
Dear Brethren,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the sad passing to the Grand Lodge above of Worshipful Brother and Excellent Comp Roger Wooding Newman PAGDC on 15th of October 2025 (99).
Roger was initiated into Freemasonry over 65 years ago on the 5th of May 1960 in St Andrews Lodge L803, becoming Master in 1972 and elected Honorary member in 2023. W. Bro Roger was a founder member of Sandye Lodge L8820 in 1978, Primus Master, became an Honorary member in 2019. From 1978 – 2020 member of Bedfordshire of Installed Masters L7301. Founder of Bedfordshire Centenary Fishing Lodge L9151 in 1985, elected honorary member 2018.
A founder member 2000 – 2006 of Martin Foss Lodge of Research L9722.
Bro Roger was Exalted into St Andrews Chapter C803 on the 28th of May 1964, Elected to Honorary companion 2003. In 1980 a founder Companion of Ivel Chapter C6846, Elected an honorary member 2005. Joined Bedfordshire First Principles C7301 1984. Honorary (NS) Biscot Chapter C8801 in 1988 and Honorary (NS) companion of Manor Court Chapter of Ampthill C9096. A joining member of Chapter of Probity C7333 from 2004 – 2008
Provincial ranks first came in 1979 PProvJGD, in 1985 PProvGReg and PProvJGW in 1992.
Royal Arch 1986 ProvGSE, 1992 3rdProvGPrin and 2ndProvGPin in 1996, and 1997 Prov DepGSupt.
In 2002, Bro Roger received his first Grand rank in 1993 PGStB and in 2002 PAGDC. And in 1987 Royal Arch Chapter Grand Rank PGStB, 1996 PAGSoj, then PGSoj in 1998 and PGSwdB 2002.
W Bro Roger serviced Bedfordshire province for 65 years in the craft and Royal Arch Chapter 61 years, a full productive Masonic career. Roger passed to the Grand lodge above peacefully at Mantles Court Care home in Biggleswade and will be sorely missed by all those that knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time. I will be sending a card of condolences to the family on behalf the Province.
Funeral
W Bro Rogers funeral will take place at the Bedford Crematorium at 1.45pm on Tuesday 18th November and afterwards at the Biggleswade Conservative Club, St Andrews Street, Biggleswade SG18 8BA.
The family have requested Family Flowers only, and as they are celebrating Roger’s life no need to wear black, if you would like to wear something colourful that would be great.
Requiescat in pace
Yours sincerely and fraternally
Mike Fitz-Gerald – Provincial Grand Almoner