Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts and Councils Overseas
District Grand Council of Kent
News:
Visit to Severn District Council Meeting held on 4th November 2023
On the morning of Friday 3rd November, the District Grand Prefect, R.W. Bro Brian Ward accompanied by his wife Toni set off to attend the Allied District of Severn meeting which was being held in Pontyclun in Welsh Wales the next day. On this occasion the DGP was being driven by Toni since he was still recovering from eye surgery and was unable to drive.
Unlike their last outing to Plymouth this journey was trouble free. Even the weather was nice. Sadly, the lovely planned weekend away for Toni at the Miskin Manor Hotel Spa and Leisure complex did not live up to expectations as the hotel was in receivership and all of the spa and leisure facilities were closed. As compensation we were up-graded us to a superior room complete with a four-poster bed which looked absolutely lovely but in truth was probably the most uncomfortable bed I have ever slept in. However, the breakfast was good and the staff were very nice so it wasn’t a complete disaster.
The most uncomfortable bed EVER!
On Saturday 4th November the weather eventually cleared up and by 10.30 am the sun shone brightly in Pontyclun. As expected, all of the arriving visitors including the Dep DGP W.Bro. Geoff Whale who had travelled down on the train were warmly welcomed and made to feel at home and were soon chatting and catching up with friends old and new over a cup of tea.
At 11:30 all of the visitors including eight District Grand Prefects from other Districts around the country were assembled in the temple and ready to welcome the District Grand Prefect from the District of Severn R. W. Bro Ron Slater who was accompanied by his officers of the year. In addition to this august gathering our very own R. W. Bro. Clive Manuel the P.Dep.G.M. was also in attendance as a personal guest of the DGP.
R.W.Bro. Bran Ward with his Dep W.Bro Geoff Whae and the P.Dep G.M. R.W.Bro Clive Manuel
Distigushed Brethren from the Peace and Harmony 60 Red Apron Lodge meet at the Allied District of Severn Meeting in Pontyclun (L-R Geoff Whale, Paul Clement and Clive Manuel)
As expected, a splendid meeting ensued which culminated with the brethren from Wales singing the Welsh National anthem with gusto. A song sheet was provided to the English with the phonetic version which would allow them to join in. In truth after the second line, I was lost and singing my own song. The Phonetic Version of the Welsh National Anthem is given below:
My hehn oo-lad vurr n'had-die un ann-wil ee mee
Goo-lard bay-rdd ah chann-tor-yon
Enn-wog-yon o vree
Ay goo-rol ruv-el-wirr
Goo-lard gar-wirr trah mard
Dross rudd-id cor-llar-sant ay goo-eyed
Goo-lard! Goo-lard!
Ply-deeol weave eem goo-lard
Trah morh un beerh, eer beerh horff bye
O budd-ed eer hen ee-eye-th barr hye.
With the song of 'The land Of My Fathers' still ringing in the rafters the brethren repaired to the festive board there to enjoy a splendid menu including a traditional Welsh desert called 'Bara Brith'. At the end of the Festive Board many brethren including the DPG remained at the bar for further refreshment and conversation. Reluctantly, and after many good byes and the timely arrival of Toni it was time to return to the hotel.
The Festive Board at Pontyclun
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