The annual meeting of Cheshire & North Wales District is considered a local one for the traveling brethren of East Lancashire. Therefore, it was no surprise we had 10 brethren in attendance at Maesgwyn Masonic Hall in Wrexham.
RW Bro. Graham Newton District Grand Prefect for East Lancashire accompanied by his deputy Trevor Parvin and a number of other brethren made the relatively short journey down the motorway to enjoy the companionship and the annual meeting of one of our close neighbours in the order. Everyone arrived in plenty of time with no hiccups on the motorway reported.
The meeting commenced at 11:00 am with the lodge room seats all fully occupied by Allied brethren. The District DC explained the rules regarding mobiles, which caused quite a few shuffles on seats whilst phones were switched off or turned to silence. All officers and RW Brethren were admitted into the lodge. They entered in their respective order during three processions. The District Grand DC W.Bro. Peter Crompton and his team had everyone seated in their rightful seats in quick time.
There was eighteen items of business on the summons for the meeting which The District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro Brian Williams dispensed to the interest of the brethren. It was a very enjoyable and relaxed meeting.
The District Grand Prefect reappointed his Deputy Grand Prefect R.W.Bro Brian Willaims and with the assistance of the DC appointed his acting District Officers of the year. It all went very well and the work on the floor was first class, and by the time the retiral parade was formed the brethens thoughts had turned to lunch and a drink from the bar.Once the Lodge was closed there was a bit of a rush for photographs in the Lodge room to record the visits of the numerous Districts from throughout the country. Interestingly their were three acting Grand Stewards at the meeting on this particular occasion. That’s half of those that received honors at the October meeting last year. Plus an acting assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Cheshire & North Wales certainly attracts a large number of visitors to it’s annual meeting.
The Lunch was a typical hearty Allied feast of Homemade Vegetable Soup, Steak & Ale Pie with Chips & Peas followed by School Sponge Cake & Custard. Its been a long time since the School Sponge Cake. The East Lancashire brethren had a noisy and very enjoyable lunch together and are looking forward to the next visit up to Northumberland District Meeting.
Although there was 10 brethren attending the meeting there is no reason why there couldnt be more. Any member of the District is eligible to come along. Just ask anyone who has been to these meeting in the past. They are great times and enjoyed by all those who do attend. There is always a seat in a car if its your first time. Contact Ed Barton the District secretary or send an inquiry on the website.
The Allied Masonic Degrees -East Lancashire 