Some photos from the District's New Members dinner held at Tutton's restaurant in Covent Garden in July 2022.

Some images from our 2022 Spring Social Event at the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

We were back at our favourite restaurant - Cafe du Marche - for our Autumn Social Evening. 

Over 30 brethren, family and friends attended and having had our starters and main courses, we sat back to listen to Mark Smith (the militaria expert from the Antiques Roadshow) talk for an hour without notes. 

Mark started with a brief history of how the Victoria Cross came into being, before enthralling us with detailed stories of how VCs have been won over the years, He even brought an early one with him for us to hold.

There is a second part to his talk, which we hope he will be able to give us in 2021 (which is the earliest his diary will permit!).

The District Grand Prefect then closed the evening by thanking Mark, the staff and everyone for attending.

The AMD London Spring Social Event started with a self-guided tour of Tower Bridge. Over 30 members of the District and their partners - including 4-month old Schofield Minor! - spent a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes learning about the history of this iconic bridge.

Built between 1886 and 1894, the bridge is now used by a staggering 40,000 pedestrians a year. Initially, the high-level open air walkways between the towers gained a reputation as a haunt for prostitutes and pickpockets; but as they were only accessible by stairs they were seldom used by regular pedestrians, and were closed in 1910. The walkways reopened in 1982, and as part of our tour we were able to stand on the glass panels and gaze down at the people and traffic below us.

After enjoying the views up and down the river from the walkways, we then headed downstairs to see the original steam engines which powered the bascules.

The cost of building the bridge went well over budget but, interestingly, tax-payers were not required to foot the overspend. This was because of a mysterious organisation called the Bridge House Estates , founded in 1282, which stepped in to foot the bill. The mark of the Bridge House Estates, dating back to the days of the stonemasons, can be found all over Tower Bridge.

After the tour, we headed to Browns - a few minutes' walk along the Thames - where we were joined by another 10 or so AMD members and partners for an excellent meal in a private dining room. The volume of conversation and laughter reflected how much everyone enjoyed themselves, a point noted by the District Grand Prefect when he closed the evening with thanks to the organising team.

The Autumn Social Event this year started with a private guided tour for about 30 AMD London members and their families and friends of the Charterhouse, which was founded in 1371 and since that time has served initially as a monastery, private mansion, boys school and finally an almshouse, which it remains to this day.

With the dissolution of the monasteries, the Charterhouse became a mansion for wealthy noblemen and a refuge for royalty. Elizabeth I met the Privy Council here in the days before her coronation in 1558 and James I used the Great Chamber to create 130 new Barons before he was crowned. But it was in 1611 that Thomas Sutton bought the Charterhouse and established the foundation that now bears his name.

Thomas Sutton’s will provided for up to 80 Brothers: "either decrepit or old captaynes either at sea or at land, maimed or disabled soldiers, merchants fallen on hard times, those ruined by shipwreck of other calamity" as well as Charterhouse school. James I retained his connection with the Charterhouse, becoming the first Royal Governor of Thomas Sutton’s foundation.

Wellington, Gladstone and Cromwell have all been Governors. The Charterhouse appears in the writings of Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray. Indeed, Thackeray, Robert Baden-Powell and John Wesley attended school here. When the school moved to Godalming in 1872, the 45 or so Brothers remained at the Charterhouse which now occupies approximately 7 acres in Clerkenwell.

After the tour, it was a very short walk to the private dining room of a local restaurant (in fact the same restaurant we used for the Spring Dinner - they had looked after us so well, a return visit was a "must"!).

During the dinner, there was plenty of good food, wine, conversation and laughter and at the conclusion the District Grand Prefect said a few words of thanks to the organisers.

Make sure you have the date for the Spring Social Event - 9 April, 2019 - in your diary, and keep an eye on the website and Facebook for further details in due course!

On Friday 21st April the District held their annual spring luncheon and this year it was in the Carvery at Mark Masons’ Hall, St James’s, London. 50 of us including wives, partners and friends took over the Euston Room and the afternoon began with a very interesting historical talk on medieval London from the distinguished academic Toni Mount, after which everyone enjoyed an impressive lunch.

Hosted by the District Grand Prefect, the evening started with a drinks reception where the lively conversation and laughter continued over a great meal.

Dinner was rounded off with a warm welcome from the DGP, during which he made reference to the interesting history of the Allied Masonic Degrees in England. He went on to explain his vision for the Order and shared with us statistics demonstrating that his strategy for growing the membership was working.

He thanked everyone for attending, with special thanks to Al Perry for organising an excellent evening, which ended with much conviviality - and a few more drinks!

The second of the District’s luncheons was held April 6th at the Bleeding Heart restaurant in the middle of Hatton Garden. After a refreshing glass or two of fizz, the 50 or so members and guests took their seats and were given a warm welcome by the District Grand Prefect, R.W.Bro Colin Woodcock.

We were then treated to a fascinating presentation on Jack the Ripper by criminologist Attilio Grandani. In his inimitable style, Attilio transported us back to 1888 and the 5 gruesome murders committed by Aaron Kosminski – or were they? Attilio explained that not only was there a question mark over exactly how many “ladies of the night” had met their grisly end in Whitechapel at the hands of the Ripper, but that the jury was most definitely out on whether the likely perpetrator was indeed Kosminski.

After having heard about the horrors of late nineteenth century East-end London, we then enjoyed a most delicious meal of pumpkin soup, roast maize-fed chicken and a mandarin and blossom honey mousseline. The beautiful room we were in buzzed with conversation and laughter the whole time.

At the end of the lunch, the District Grand Prefect thanked Attilio for his presentation, Scott Cargill for organising the lunch, Julian Trought for taking photographs and the restaurant staff for looking after us so well. Colin finished by saying that, in the style of the James Bond films, “we will return” with another luncheon being planned for October – so keep an eye on the AMD London website and Facebook page for more information!

Richard Criddle
AMD London Comms Team

On Saturday 18th November, Brethren of the Allied Masonic Degrees gathered at Mark Masons' Hall for the Annual Meeting of the Allied District of London.

The District Grand Prefect's address can be found here.

Thank you to W. Bro. Bob Tuthill, Dep. District Grand Prefect (Surrey) and to W. Bro. Julian Trought for the photographs

On Saturday 19th November, Brethren of the Allied Masonic Degrees gathered at Mark Masons' Hall for the Annual Meeting of the Allied District of London.

The District Grand Prefect's address can be found here.

On Saturday 21 November, 150 Brethren of the Allied Masonic Degrees - including the Grand Master M.W.Bro. Thomas Firth Jackson - gathered virtually via Zoom for the Annual Meeting of the Allied District of London.

The meeting was opened by the District Grand Prefect, R.W.Bro. Colin Woodcock, MBE, who spoke in his Address about what actions the District had been taking to keep its members engaged during the General Suspension. He also outlined some further initiatives - such as AMD face masks - that are in the pipeline.

The Grand Master then spoke for a few minutes, congratulating Colin and his team on the work they have been doing to ensure members stay connected and engaged.

The District Grand Prefect's address and a recording of the meeting can be found here.

Having opened the Annual Meeting in due form, the District Grand Prefect warmly welcomed the distinguished guests with plenty of humour and mirth. There then followed the usual administrative business of the meeting, at which point the District Grand Prefect invested and promoted his District Officers.

In his address, RWBro Colin Woodcock reflected on the continued growth of the District and talked about the social events and the New Members' Dinner that had been held over the last 12 months - including the recent Autumn Social Evening where Mark Smith (from the BBC's Antiques Roadshow) gave an enthralling talk on the Victoria Cross to members of the District and their partners and friends.

The alms collection, on behalf of the Carli Lansley Foundation, raised £750.

The District Grand Prefect then closed the Annual Meeting, and the Brethren adjourned to a splendid and enjoyable Festive Board.

Saturday 17 November marked the highlight of AMD London’s year – the Annual Meeting. The District Grand Prefect, RW Bro Colin Woodcock, kicked off the proceedings by processing into the Grand Temple to enthusiastic applause accompanied by his Officers of District Grand Council.

After the Council was opened, the District Grand Secretary then proceeded to call the roll of District Grand Officers, and reported that all the District's Councils were well represented at the meeting.

The District Grand Prefect then warmly welcomed all the official visitors, who were duly saluted.

The various reports were delivered, elections held and officers appointed and invested with both the District Grand Prefect and his Deputy spending a few minutes thanking each of those receiving preferment for their work in supporting the District.

RW Bro Colin Woodcock then proceeded to call off the Annual Meeting and Mr Aaron Hearne of Shelter was escorted into the Temple to receive a cheque for an incredible £12,000 – donated by Districts around England following the sale of the Allied Keep Calm mugs and in large part by the fund-raising efforts of the District of London.

Having effusively thanked the District Grand Prefect, Aaron proceeded to talk about the work of Shelter and how much of its efforts are directed at helping millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through advice, support and legal services. But perhaps more importantly, Shelter campaigns and lobbies to address the root causes of homelessness.

Having called on the Annual Meeting, District Grand Prefect then proceeded to deliver his address which can be read here: CLICK HERE

After the District Grand Lodge was closed, approximately 70 brethren attended an excellent Festive Board.

Special thanks must go to the District Secretariat and the Executive team for another superb Annual Meeting!

On the dot of 11.00 the first procession – the Past District Grand Prefects (the self-styled “decrepits”!) - entered the Grand Temple, followed shortly by RW Bro Colin Woodcock to enthusiastic applause accompanied by his Officers of District Grand Council.

After the Council was opened, the District Grand Secretary then proceeded to call the roll of District Grand Officers, and reported that every one of the District's Councils were represented at the meeting.

The District Grand Prefect then warmly welcomed all the official visitors, who were duly saluted.

The various reports were delivered, elections held and officers appointed and invested with both the District Grand Prefect and his Deputy spending a few minutes thanking each of those receiving preferment for their work in supporting the District.

Having welcomed the new members of the Allied Masonic Degrees, the District Grand Prefect then proceeded to deliver his address which can be read here.[http://www.amdlondon.org/index.php/news/latest/69-dgp-s-address-to-district-grand-council-18th-november-2017].

After the District Grand Lodge was closed, the brethren headed to the bar before going to the Festive Board. During the dinner, the Allied Keep Calm mugs in support of Shelter (which the DGP had announced in his address earlier) were snapped up by many of those present and raised £780. Coupled with the proceeds of an auction held at the Autumn Social Event, the total raised amounted to a terrific £885. A great start to an important AMD initiative being spearheaded by the London District.

Special thanks must go to the District Secretariat and the Executive team for another excellent Annual Meeting!

You could really feel the excitement building outside the Grand Temple in the minutes before the AGM started, and at 11:00 sharp it all began.
There was a warm London Allied welcome for the Past District Grand Prefects, our large number of distinguished visitors and, of course, for our very own District Grand Prefect.
After the meeting was opened, the Deputy Grand Master joined us for an AGM that was full of good humour and bonhomie, and all those brethren receiving first appointments or promotions were warmly applauded by those present.
During his address the District Grand Prefect personally welcomed those brethren who had joined London AMD since the last District meeting. You can read the text of the address here.
Following the meeting there was an excellent Festive Board, where the conviviality and friendliness that are hallmarks of Allied masonry in London were in much evidence.

On Saturday 20th February 2016 our very own Deputy District Grand Prefect, Steven Warwick, District Grand Secretary, Peter Warner and District Grand Stewards Julian Trought and Scott Dunn represented AMD London at the AMD Kent District Grand Council Meeting held at the Franklin Rooms, Gillingham, Kent

A fantastic meeting of Metropolitan Council "A" T.I. on 15th January.

Some fine ritual in St. Lawrence the Martyr with 2 new members coming into the order. This was followed by some further splendid ritual for Grand Tilers of Solomon with a number of members and visitors taking the degree.

All followed by a most enjoyable festive board. 

A most convivial meeting of Perram Council No.45 on Tuesday 29th October, with an official visit by the District Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Peter Warner, who was accompanied by a delegation of 5 escorting officers.

A busy night for W. Bro. Anthony Clayton as the current Worshipful Master, who first conducted the Introduction of Bro. Louis Myers as a Brother of St. Lawrence the Martyr. Then as Installing Master, W. Bro. Clayton, conducted the installation of the new Worshipful Master W. Bro. David Grimmer, in a fine manner.

The new Worshipful Master then installed his officers and closed the lodge in a similar splendid manner.

The brethren then retired to the bar before partaking a joyful festive board.

It was Allied Masonry at it's finest at the recent mtg of The Brigadier Galloway Council.

With an official visit by the District Grand Prefect (complete with Delegation), one of the finest Installations seen in years and a warm and lively Festive Board it really was 'one to remember'.

Without doubt the highlight of the meeting was W.Bro. Tony Carew-Hunt installing Bro. Thomas D'Souza in a splendid manner with great warmth and feeling.

RW Bro Colin Woodcock thanked the Council for the fantastic welcome he received commenting - "We have been provided with some fine ritual and excellent companionship, it has been a pleasure to attend"

The members of Britannic Council of Madeira enjoyed a double-whammy of a meeting on 2 April. Not only were they honoured by the presence of the Deputy District Grand Prefect and his Delegation, but they were also privileged to have a candidate for Admission. The ceremony was conducted very well by the Worshipful Master (“Major Major”) and the Lecture was superbly delivered by Roger Keys.

The members then proceeded to the Festive Board for a particularly good meal and equally enjoyable company.

It was a very busy meeting at the Guild of Freemen Council No. 145 at Mark Masons’ Hall, London on Friday 25th May 2018. First they had a candidate for St Lawrence, followed by the Installation of a new Master - enjoyed by a District delegation headed by the Deputy District Grand Prefect, Steven Warwick and all the members and vistors. A super meeting followed by a most convivial Festive Board.

A surperb meeting of Londinium Council on the 15th May. Colin Howard was Installed as WM and then immediately conducted the Grand Tilers of Solomon Degree in a quite excellent manner. This once struggling Council is now positively booming...

On Friday 13th April, members of Brigadier Galloway Council expertly led by WM Victor Parnis defied any ill omens associated with the date by delivering a superb demonstration of the Knights of Constantinople. Bro Dmytro, the acting candidate, and all present felt enlightened by a ceremony delivered with flair and sincerity, not least by the Senior Deacon, Bro Pierre.

Deputy District Grand Prefect, W Bro Stephen Warwick PGSD, was in attendance and addressed the brethren at a most convivial evening. The evening was organised by W Bro Peter Warner, who is also District Grand Secretary.

The brethren of Perram Council and their visitors had an excellent meeting recently. Not only were there two very interested and eager candidates to join the Order and the Knights of Constantinople, but the Council was also honoured with a visit from the District Grand Senior Warden - WBro Philip Freedman - accompanied by a very full retinue of District Officers.

Both ceremonies were conducted with aplomb by Worshipful Master Stephen Gallacher, assisted by his officers, in dramatic ceremonial and sincere lectures.

The Secretary, WBro Peter Dack, outlined the measures taken which have successfully restored the Council to good standing and all agreed at a splendid Festive Board, graced with lamb shanks, that the future of Perram, a Council with a distinguished history, looks very good indeed. The Brethren even managed to finish early enough to beat the Knights of Malta to the bar!

Members and visitors alike enjoyed a fine evening at Council of the Four Kings on Tuesday 23rd January. The WM, W Bro Stephen Fenton was delighted to welcome RW Bro Colin Woodcock DistGPref, who was accompanied by a delegation of District Officers. W Bro Stuart Graves conducted a quite superb Grand High Priest degree, following which the Brethren dined together in unity.

The members and guests of The Goose and Gridiron Council No. 275 enjoyed a fine Saturday morning meeting on the 21st Oct. Firstly, the Council Admitted 3 new members into the Saint Lawrence Degree and followed this by Installing a new WM, both ceremonies being conducted by the District Grand Prefect, RW Bro Colin Woodcock MBE. A light luncheon, with much conviviality, was later enjoyed by the Brethren.

The Britannic Council of Madeira was honoured to receive the Deputy District Grand Prefect, Steven Warwick, and his Delegation at the regular meeting on 29 March. Visitors and members of the Delegation were only too happy to “muck in” and help deliver a memorable ceremony of the Grand Tilers of Solomon for the 2 candidates. Following the meeting, there was a lively Festive Board during which the Deputy District Grand Prefect encouraged everyone to attend the forthcoming Spring Luncheon on 21st April.

On 13th March 2017, at Mark Masons’ Hall, London, The Goose & Gridiron Council No.275 was consecrated by the Grand Master M.W. Bro. Thomas Firth Jackson and a full team of Grand Officers. Events started at 11am and the ceremony was conducted in a most excellent way by the Grand Officers and Petitioners. After R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock - our District Grand Prefect - was installed as the first Worshipful Master, the new Council was closed and 80 of the 90 brethren attending were treated to a fabulous Carvery luncheon where the Grand Master was presented with a wonderful stainless steel Gridiron, designed and manufactured for this very special occasion.

The Goose & Gridiron is the first new Council for the District of London since 2006, and will meet on Saturdays to address the demand of AMD members unable to commit to weekday meetings.

A lively midweek meeting at the Londinium Matutinus meeting where three candidates learnt the value of humility from the wonderful degree of The Knight of Constantinople. A certificate was presented to two brethren by the District Grand Junior Warden Ben Dykes. An enjoyable buffet lunch was held afterwards in which the brethren enjoyed the festive board.

A really fantastic meeting was held on Wednesday at Mark Masons’ Hall where five new candidates joined the Order, thereby making the Council even stronger. The District as a whole keeps going from strength to strength, with all Councils having a healthy membership.

Superb meeting Wednesday evening (15/06/2016) at Mark Masons’ Hall, London where two candidates learnt the very important lesson of 'Truth' in an excellent Red Cross of Babylon Degree with help from the District Ritual Assistance Team and was witnessed by a District Delegation headed by the District Grand Senior Warden Patrick Jaillet

A quite splendid District visit Londinium Council. Great friends, great company and great ritual. 3 ceremonies, with the Installation, SLM & GTS. Superb performances from Neil Thomas Allen as SD, Andrea Di Lena as IG, but the star of the show was Hugo Rietveld with an almost Olivier-esq Lecture. This is a Council that dined five, 2 years ago; a quite remarkable transformation. Well done to all.

A super meeting of Britannic Council of Madeira. The District Grand Prefect was present with a District Delegation to see a first class Grand High Priest degree worked

Rumbelow Council enjoyed a fine March meeting recently (23/03/16) with RW Bro Colin Woodcock, DistGPref, attending in an Official capacity with an accompanying Delegation. However the highlight of the evening was the wonderful Red Cross of Babylon Degree that was worked by the Council. The ceremony was worked to an extremely high standard, with the District providing help via the new Ritual Assistance Team. A super meeting followed by a most convivial Festive Board.

As we have over the last few years come to expect a great meeting at Metropolitan (TI) A council, we were not disappointed and the District delegation headed by Deputy District Grand Prefect Steven Warwick were treated to an excellent installation of the Council’s new Worshipful Master for the coming year.

Metropolitan Council “A” Time Immemorial, the oldest Council in the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts and Councils Overseas held a regular meeting on 20th January 2016 at Mark Masons’ Hall, London. At the meeting eight brethren were “Constituted and created a Knight of the Red Cross of Babylon”. This Degree fills the gap between the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch and deals with Zerubbabel obtaining permission to commence the rebuilding of the Temple. The lesson here is of the supreme importance of truth.

The District's first meeting of the New Year was that of The Guild of Freemen Council No. 145.

It was a busy evening with a candidate for St Lawrence the Martyr and 4 for Grand High Priest; both ceremonies being conducted to the high standard the Council is known for.

The meeting finished off in typical fashion at the Festive Board being that of the famous Mark Masons’ Hall carvery.

Britannic Council of Madeira No. 46 met 29/09/2015 at Mark Masons’ Hall, London for their installation meeting where W.Bro. Boon Tan was placed in the chair for the first time, Boon then opened in the degree of Knight of Constantinople and conducted an also perfect ceremony and lecture and the candidate was duly impressed with this entertaining and amusing but at the end, the candidate was left in no doubt of the importance of the virtue of humility.

The evening ending with an excellent and very filling 5 course Festive Board of Salmon and Spinach en croute

New Members at Rose & Lily Council No: 15

Superb meeting last night (24/06/2015) at Mark Masons’ Hall, London where six candidates joined the Rose & Lily Council. Following their Admission into St Lawrence the Martyr they were then knighted in the degree Knight of Constantinople. This was witness by a District delegation headed by the District Grand Senior Warden Derek Blumsom

Londinium Matutinus Council No. 202 enjoyed a fine meeting on the 13th May 2015. Starting at 10am, it is the only London Council that meets in the morning. RW Bro Colin Woodcock MBE, District Grand Prefect attended in an Official capacity, accompanied by a team of District Officers. The Degree of St Lawrence The Martyr was worked first with 3 new candidates being Admitted, followed by an excellent Red Cross of Babylon Degree in which NINE candidates learnt the very important lesson of 'Truth'.

Perram Council No. 45 - Last nights' meeting was a great success with a new member Admitted to the Degree of Saint Lawrence the Martyr and four Anointed, Consecrated and Set Apart to the Office of Grand High Priest.

A great meeting at the Time Immemorial Council - Metropolitan “A” with 4 candidates for St. Lawrence the Martyr and 8 Admitted to the degree Grand Tilers of Solomon, the work in the temple was to a high standard but the over whelming mood was of enjoyment as can been seen from the smiles in the photographs. The night was finished off with a great roast dinner of beef and pork.

Britannic Council of Madeira No. 46 meeting 30th March 2015 at Mark Mason's Hall, London, Steven Warwick DepDGP was in attendance heading up the official visit where they were treated to an outstanding Grand Tilers of Solomon ceremony