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Allied masonry resumed with the first meeting of Constitution Council No. 183 at Accrington with three very important ceremonies: an induction, and an installation as well as the confirmation on post of the new Deputy District Grand Prefect.

Council Master Richard Frazer-Bastable was the man to start things going by opening the council and welcoming the head of the order, District Grand Prefect Mervyn Wilson as the principal guest.

12 members were joined by six visitors some of whom were the acting officers of the year, all of whom were greeted warmly.  Richard then handed the proceedings over to Graham Newton, District Secretary to induct our latest recruit Mark Rowe in fine style and blowing away lock down cobwebs to deliver a great ceremony assisted by Bill Pickup who explained the St Lawrence Lecture to Mark perfectly.

Graham has acquired some pretty impressive ‘pull up’ banners which illustrate perfectly the history of the Order, the degree of St Lawrence as well as the other four making up the order. The banner was proudly on display as the brethren entered the festive board room and bar.

One down two to go as Richard resumed his rightful place in the chair to install his successor as master, David Sharpe. David is an experienced mason who enjoyed this very special ceremony which was well worked most sincerely by Richard.

And finally….  Part three commenced when Mervyn rose and requested that Peter Hegarty was presented to him for this long awaited chance to invest him with his collaret as his Deputy.

Peter has been in office since May 2020 however the suspension due to covid had prevented his confirmation taking place until now. Peter received a round of applause following his confirmation and warm welcome to the team by Mervyn

Jobs done David Sharpe closed the council and it was off to the bar for a catch up and a superb buffet festive board.

During the meal Mervyn updated every one with all the good news surrounding the Allied Masonic degrees in East Lancashire which include the District meeting Saturday 11^th September and the re launch of Shuttleworth Council later that month on the 25^th, this website will contain all the details needed to book in to the  great events coming soon.

It also gave the latest recruit Mark a chance to meet and chat with the members of his new lodge and following a toast made to welcome him, he thanked everyone for a warm introduction to our most interesting order.

New Master Dave also received a welcoming toast from his installing officer Richard, following which he thanked every one for attending and looked forward to his year in office.

Mark Mason’s Hall present a series of most interesting lectures and presentations ‘

You will no doubt have seen the various releases of episodes of the “Brother. Beyond the Craft” series of Podcasts, produced in association with Mark Masons’ Hall. These are proving very popular as an interactive introduction to our Orders. A great way for potential Candidates to find out more; a good source of additional information for new members; and there’s even some useful nuggets for those of greater experience.

We have curated this collection of all the episodes which you can share with you members, by email or social media, either as a whole or pick out the items relating to your Order.

We hope you find these a useful addition to your recruitment and retention programme.’ Read the full document here

The District Grand Prefect, RWBro Mervyn Frank Wilson has been pleased to appoint WBro Peter Hegarty PGJD as the new Deputy District Grand Prefect for East Lancs. This ceremony should have taken place at the regular meeting of Constitution Council, Tue 19^th May. Due to the general suspension of all Masonic activity, this meeting has been cancelled.

The Office is, however, effective from that date and the investiture will be marked at a future meeting when it is deemed safe to go out again and sit amongst our friends and Brothers as we used to do. 

I am sure we would wish to congratulate Peter on his preferment and offer him our very best wishes in his new role.

Peter is looking forward to visiting all our Councils, when the general suspension has been lifted and Allied meetings resume.

The East Lancs team out in force again!

The heads of both Lancashire districts headed down south to Southampton to attend the investiture of a new District Grand Prefect.

At the end of their travels and in need of refreshment they, in true Allied style entered a hostelry. Well a hotel in any way! The next day they attended the meeting along with the Grand Master who performed the investiture in fine style.

Mervyn Wilson (front second from the left) has been out and about on his travels again.

This time in Burton-on-Trent visiting the District of West Midlands.

If you haven’t spotted our DGP in the photo, he is the one with the “glow in the dark” socks.

He is joined by colleagues of East Lancashire as well as Paul Snape, DGP West Lancashire (Centre) with some of his own district officers.

Herbert Barrington Slater Council No.234 will be working The Knights of Constantinople as well as Grand High Priest at the February meeting:

Saturday 22nd February at Salford Masonic Hall. All brethren who are looking to take either or both of the degrees mentioned will be made most welcome. The summons will appear in the ‘Summons ‘ section. or Email web.amdel@gmail.com for more information and book in.