News

A Christmas Message - 2015

Details: Published: Friday, 11 December 2015 11:27

A Christmas message from the District Grand Prefect for London

The season of good cheer is upon us; it is the time to send cards to people we have not seen for the last year, to receive gifts which do not fit or we do not need, the time to eat and drink far too much, to squeeze into packed trains and be generally trampled underfoot in crowded shops. And it is cold. Yes, it is Christmas!! I like Christmas, and as you can see from my opening words it has its funny side but it also brings out the best in everyone and everything. Family, community, friendships, helping others and performing simple acts of kindness have an added pleasure at this time of year. They truly bless those who give as well as those who receive.

As I look back over the year I reflect on the progress which the District has made, the tremendous increase in our numbers - to all of you new members, you are all most welcome into our marvellous Order and I hope and trust you are enjoying your membership of your Councils. I recall the lunch which was held at the Guildhall and then our Annual Meeting which attracted record numbers and was followed by an excellent meal. For the District it has been a most successful twelve months, I made numerous Official and Non-Official visits, met with most of you and generally found everyone in good heart.

District Grand Prefect’s Address 2015

Details: Published: Saturday, 21 November 2015 13:30

DGP’s Address to District Grand Council – 21^st November 2015

GALLERY

Distinguished guests, brethren all, I have already made so many ‘welcomes’ here but let me, once again welcome you all to our District Meeting. I do appreciate the support you have all given by making the effort to be here today, our numbers are up this year, again, and it certainly enhances any meeting to have good numbers.

It continues, for me, to be an enormous privilege to hold the office of District Grand Prefect for London and I am conscious of this every time that I visit a council or when I represent you in other Districts. Between Steven, myself and the Wardens of the year we have visited every Council in the District and on every occasion we have been met with all we would expect from this Order – good Companionship, well worked ceremonies and an enthusiasm and commitment to the Allied Masonic Degrees.

I shall still attend Councils over and above the Full Team visits, just to enjoy myself.

Before I go any further I must thank those who make such an effort to ensure that everything in our District goes smoothly and efficiently.

My hardworking District Grand Secretary Ben Dykes who has stepped down today only to take on other duties in another (lesser) Order and who I had the pleasure of Appointing our Junior Warden for the year. Ben thank you for your hard work and commitment over the last 5 years, I do appreciate it and I look forward to working with you during the coming year. A warm welcome to Peter Warner who has taken over the role.

Philip Freedman, our Director of Ceremonies, our Deputy DC David Morris and our Assistant DC – Matthew Hampson and all those who have accompanied me on the Full Team visits.

What a fantastic day - The first District lunch

Details: Published: Friday, 13 November 2015 21:38

GALLERY

The inaugural District lunch was held on Tuesday 10th November at the wonderful Guild Hall in the City of London, where we were hosted by Perram Council member Alex Bain-Stewart. 40 of us met at 11am on a windy Tuesday and after a welcoming glass of wine we were taken on a very interesting tour by Alex who, apart from many other talents, is a Common Councilman in the City of London. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the hour pass very quickly and we were all impressed and a little overawed by the architecture, paintings, sculptures and grandeur of the building. Even people who had been there before found something new and we were all left impressed and proud of this fantastic example of our heritage.

Back to the members’ dining room (have a look at the pictures and you will see how nice it is) and we sat down to an excellent meal. We had choices of venison, lamb or trout but I saw that the favourite was the lamb and it was excellent. The table was beautifully decorated with plates bearing the City crest and silver table centrepieces. Plenty of laughter, talking, jokes, a glass of Port to finish and all in the best of company – a perfect way to spend a lunchtime.

Thanks go to Alex for allowing us the privilege of using the Guild Hall for our lunch, to Scott Cargill and Scott Dunn for organising the event and to Julian Trought for acting as our official photographer.

Thank you to those who attended, it was very nice to see you all and helped to make it such a happy day. We shall do it again – it will always be in London and we shall try to make it different each time. Please listen out for news of the next one and join us with your wives, friends and partners.

R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE

Inaugural London District Luncheon – The Guildhall

Details: Published: Wednesday, 07 October 2015 23:02

Tuesday 10th November 2015
The Guildhall, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HH

Our District Grand Prefect, RW Bro Colin Woodcock MBE extends a personal invitation to all London Allied Masons, their families, friends and potential new members to the naugural London District Lunch.

The morning begins at 11.30am with a private tour of The Guildhall by our sponsor and host Bro Alex Bains-Stewart who, as a member of the Common Council, will be able to give us a wonderful insight into the workings of the Corporation of the City of London as well as the history of the building. Following the tour there will be a drinks reception after which lunch will be served in the Boardroom.

This event is designed to allow you to meet RW Bro Colin and other members of the District in an informal and relaxed setting in addition to providing an interesting day for your family and friends

Pricing for the lunch is set at £40.00 per person, however places are limited and early booking is recommended. Such events at the Guildhall are only available through the ‘sponsorship’ of individuals associated with the Corporation of the City of London and we are therefore indebted to our host Bro Alex Bains-Stewart.

Given that our Bro Alex has generously agreed to sponsor our lunch we have agreed that we will forward him a single consolidated payment, Bro Scott Dunn has agreed to receive payments and make payment to Bro Alex on behalf of the District.

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