News - R.W. Bro Brian Ward, District Grand Prefect for Kent Welcomes Allied Masonic Friends from around the country

On Saturday 17th February 2024 R.W. Bro. Brian Ward the District Grand Prefect for Kent was delighted to receive and welcome Allied Masons to the 2024 Kent District Meeting held at the Franklin Rooms in Gillingham.

R.W. Bro. Brian Ward was supported by a retinue of District Grand Prefects from around the country supported in turn by members of their own Districts.

The retinue of District Grand Prefects

Welcome to Kent - District Treasurer W. Bro. David Barden W. Bro. Colin Tonbridge and W. Bro. Graham Mitchell welcome you to Kent

After being in purdah for a year, no one ordered any Guinness

A special welcome was given to R.W. Bro. Clive Manuel the Past Deputy Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees and R.W. Bro. Peter Brockbank the Past District Grand Prefect for Kent who had now completed his year of purdah.

Despite a serious incident on the A2 earlier that morning causing severe delays to journeys, everyone was in good spirits and old friends were able to catch-up with news from their respective Districts and Councils.

Almost ninety Brethren filled the Temple in what was a truly warm and friendly atmosphere. All of the Councils of the District were represented by their reigning Masters as well as newly received Brethren into the Order during the last year. Those newly admitted Brethren were presented with a commemorative set of cufflinks personally from the District Grand Prefect.

The ceremonial work was conducted in exemplary style by W. Bro. Jody Townsend P.G.S.tdB. the District Grand Director of Ceremonies while the administration for the day was faultlessly organised by W. Bro. Derek Wilkins P.GS.td.B. the District Grand Secretary.

The District Grand Prefect was pleased to announce that there had been a noticeable increase in Brethren visiting Councils around the District which was encouraging. He also expressed his thanks for the support that he had received at the Summer Race Day at his home where over £1,600 had been raised, a similar event would be organised for Saturday 17th August 2024.

The District Grand Prefect then appointed and invested the Officers for District Grand Council for the ensuing year:

Officers for the District Grand Council 2024-25
	Deputy District Grand Prefect	W. Bro. G.E. Whale
	District Grand Senior Warden	W. Bro. P. Langdown
	District Grand Junior Warden	W. Bro. R.G. Hartley
	District Grand Chaplain	W. Bro. Rev. H.T. Pashley
	District Grand Treasurer	W. Bro. D.P. Barden
	District Grand Secretary	W. Bro. D.R. Wilkins
	District Grand DC	W. Bro. J.A. Townsend
	Deputy District Grand DC	W. Bro. M.J. Plant
	District Grand Senior Deacon	W. Bro. D.C Cantlon
	District Grand Junior Deacon	W. Bro. A.I. Torrance
	Assistant District Grand DC	W. Bro. P.W. Hutchinson
	District Grand Sword Bearer	W. Bro. L. Smith
	District Grand Standard Bearer	W. Bro. D.I. Lucas
	Assistant District Grand Secretary	W. Bro. M.A. Woolcott
	District Grand Inner Guard	W. Bro. P.J. Swinge
	District Grand Steward	W. Bro. F. Brown
	District Grand Steward	W. Bro. D.N. Bondy
	District Grand Tiler	W. Bro. K.E. Murphy

The District Grand Prefect then continued with District Grand Promotions and appointments for the following Brethren:

	Past District Grand Senior Warden	W. Bro. Roy Skelton
	Past District Grand Junior Warden	W. Bro. David Berry
	Past District Grand Senior Deacon	W. Bro. Ian Smith
	Past District Grand Junior Deacon	W. Bro. Derek Ford

In addition to the appointments and promotions the District Grand Prefect requested that Bro. Peter Hayler of Paddock Wood Council No. 88 to be presented to him.

The District Grand Prefect then presented Bro. Peter with a certificate for 'Outstanding Contribution' to the order and for the support he had given to the District during his first year in the Order. Bro. Peter was clearly surprised and honoured by the award and thanked the District Grand Prefect, promising more ideas would come for the District.

Receiving his certificate for his "Outstanding Contribution" to the District, Peter Hayler in his first year in the Order

Following the work in the Temple the Brethren were treated to a feast of Kentish Fayre and a few glasses of Kentish Ale.

W. Bro. Geof Whale the Deputy District Grand Prefect for Kent highlighted the tremendous support that R. W. Bro. Brian receives from his wife Toni, who works tirelessly in arranging so many social activities and organising Brian’s extremely busy schedule.

I thought you had the locker keys!? Peter Willams and Peter Lapage discuss important matters with the DGP

Move over Gary Lineker

Canterbury Council 65 Perform the Grand Tilers of Soloman followed by an Installation

Mrs. DGP... Toni with her bouquet

W. Bro. Geof then presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to the District Grand Prefect to give to Toni as a token of thanks and affection from the brethren of the District for her outstanding contribution throughout the year. The District Grand Prefect thanked W. Bro. Geof on behalf of his wife and promised not to pretend they were a Valentines gift from him alone.

W. Bro. Whale then announced that due to the Brian’s support for Leicester City Football Club he might consider taking over from Gary Lineker as the front man for Walkers Crisps and presented him with a bag of his favourite Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps.

Everyone thought that Brian would be a good front man for the savoury snacks but were a bit unsure about Mr. Lineker ever becoming DGP!?

Article by W.Bro Mark Woolcott

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