Built in the19th-Century and originally known as “Littleover Grange,” the property was built as an elegant Regency villa. In1938 it was sold to the Littleover Parish Council. During the Second World War, the mansion was requisitioned by Rolls-Royce. It became a top-secret, highly secure overspill development facility. Crucial engineering design and refinement for the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin engine took place inside the building, securing its role in British aviation history.
Masonic Acquisition occurred in 1972 as growing membership pushed the Derbyshire Freemasons to outgrow their previous Gower Street temple. They purchased The Grange to serve as their provincial headquarters. The original stable block was demolished to build a large new wing, which now houses a massive, windowless Masonic Temple on the first floor.
It was this historic and interesting building that the brethren of East Lancashire Grand Council found themselves when they visited the Allied Grand Council District Meeting of East Midlands in Derby.
Ten brethren from East Lancashire made their way down to Derby on a pleasant day with a drive down the M6, or train journey, to partake in a well deserved sausage sandwich and coffee on arrival. All of us looking forward to the days event. Car parking was easy enough and the building was very welcoming and certainly impressive. We loved the Rolls Royce Merlin Engine WWII history. Its amazing what you learn when you read the pictures and history on the walls.
At 10:55 am the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro Steven Graeme Barratt processed into the Lodge room accompanied by his Deputy and active officers of District Grand Council. The Council was opened and Director of Ceremonies conducted the salutations to the R.W.Grand Prefect and R.W. Brethren.
The District Grand Prefects and all visitors from other provinces throughout the country including a visitor from Spain where thanked for attending and made very welcome.
It was a busy mornings work with 19 items of business on the summons. The District Grand Prefect, District Grand Secretary and District Grand DC had the majority of the work to do which they conducted and concluded with clarity and good humour.
The reappointment of the Deputy and Appointment of officers of the year went very smoothly proving that an early mornings practice does pay off.
The Council was closed at the end of the business and the National Anthem was sung at full volume. Very rousing. The R.W. District Grand Prefect and his Deputy then retired from the Lodge room along with a very happy gathering of Allied Freemasons from multiple Councils across the country.
The sunshine was still in abundance when we gathered at the bar and a good number of brethren managed to sit outside with their drinks on the patio and in the garden surrounding the Masonic Hall.
A hearty Lunch was served to a loud and hungry gathering of brethren who were enjoying the company of friends old and new from across the Allied Districts in attendance. The wine was poured and the toasts and business concluded.
What more can be said. The members of East Midlands Grand Council certainly put on a good show, know how to enjoy their Allied Masonry and look after their visiting brethren from other Districts. Congratulations to them for giving the East Lancashire contingent a day to remember. You can rely on us visiting again next year.
