Rumbelow welcomes DGP

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Published: Wednesday, 22 March 2023 23:29

A fantastic evening of fun and superb ritual at Rumbelow Council No. 67 on Wednesday 22nd March when they welcomed R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE, District Grand Prefect and a delegation of District officers.

Proceedings got underway in an unusual manner with the Lodge accounts being presented by the lodge accounts Gilbert and Sullivan, channeled via W. Bro. Richard Higginson with full choral support.

Next up was the ceremony of Knight of Constantinople with W. Bro. Mark Riches leading from the chair and the two candidates Bro. Paul Burgess and Bro. Paul Busby being conducted in splendid fashion by V. W. Bro. Jules Greenwall. All finished off by a flawless lecture by W. Bro. Terry Hall.

Both Bro. Pauls were then treated to W. Bro. Keith Florence giving a superb performance as King Solomon for Grand Tilers of Solomon. Once again ably assisted by V. W. Bro. Jules Greenwall who conducted the candidates and again all finished off by another flawless lecture by W. Bro. Terry Hall.

After the meeting was closed, brethren made their way to the holding area on the 2nd floor (aka The Bar), before assembling in the Connaught room to partake in a splendid and convivial festive board. Wine was taken, Toasts were made before brethren toasted to their next merry meeting.

More photos from the meeting can be viewed here

Metropolitan Council "A" - Welcomes District Grand Prefect

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Published: Thursday, 17 November 2022 10:04

On Wednesday 16th November members of Metropolitan Council welcomed the District Grand Prefect, R. W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE and a delegation of District Grand Officers to their meeting.

The District Grand Prefect gave eulogies for sadly departed brethren M. W. Bro. Timothy Lewis, Past Grand Master and W. Bro. David Alexander.

There then followed a busy schedule of work. Starting with W. Bro. Shirish Patel being admitted as a joining member.

Bro. Paul Askham-Spencer was then introduced into the order with Worshipful Master W. Bro. Terry Worrall conducting the ceremony of St. Lawrence the Martyr using the "Eastenders" Workings of the ritual.

The room was then prepared for the ceremony of Grand High Priest which was in the capable hands of W. Bro. Roger Keys, who Anointed, Consecrated and Set Apart five Brethren into the order with Bro. Jake Mossom acting as the Nominated Candidate.

The District Grand Prefect then rounded off the ceremonial by presenting members of the Council with their unique "A" jewel.

Brethren then retired to the Hertfordshire room where a joyful festive board was held in a room full of chatter and laughter. Wine was taken, Toasts were made before finally we drank to our next merry meeting.

Some photos from the evening can be viewed here.  

Autumn Event - "Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace"

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Published: Friday, 04 November 2022 20:39

On the evening of Thursday 3rd November, members of AMD Councils and their Partners and Friends joined us online via Zoom for a fascinating and entertaining talk "Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace". Our presenter was Sarah Slater a Guide Lecturer at Hampton Court Palace.

Sarah was dressed in one of her costumes a dark Victorian mourning dress which fitted well into her talk. Sarah gave us a potted history of Hampton Court Palace before leading onto the main subject which was discussing the various sightings and spooky events which have been reported at the Palace over the last 500 years.

A recent YouGov poll revealed that 34% of people believe in ghosts - However, a quick poll of those on our zoom meeting showed only 24% of us were believers. But, this did not distract from the talk as the content had sufficient content to satisfy both believers and sceptics, with Sarah revealing how some sightings had been explained whilst others had still not been explained.

The talk concluded with a short period of questions for Sarah, before our District Grand Prefect Colin Woodcock concluded the evening with thanks to Sarah and to everyone who attended.

It seems that the talk was well received with the following feedback:

"What an excellent informative and entertaining evening - good choice."

"Just a note to say how much we enjoyed last night’s Autumn Social Event. Sarah Slater is a great presenter. Her presentation was both informative and entertaining. The time went so quickly. We would certainly be Interested in attending either another Zoom with her or a real conducted tour at Hampton Court."

Perram Council No.45 - Welcomes District Grand Prefect

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Published: Tuesday, 01 November 2022 11:10

On Monday 31st October, members of Perram Council No.45 met at Mark Masons' Hall and welcomed to their meeting R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE*, the District Grand Prefect and a delegation of District Grand Officers.

After a moments reflection for the passing of our late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the meeting continued with an eulogy in memory of our Past Grand Master M.W. Bro. Tim Lewis.

W. Bro. Michael Winch then proceeded to install Bro. Aidan McDonald as Worshipful Master for 2022/23. 

W. Bro. McDonald then installed his officers before closing the Lodge. Members and visitors then retired to the bar, before an enjoyable Festive board.

* There is no truth in the rumour that when the inner guard went to the door to inquire "Whom have you there?", that the response was "Trick or Treat!".