News - Visit to Leeds for the Allied Yorkshire Annual Meeting

On Saturday 23rd March the District Grand Prefect for Kent set forth from Folkestone on the 06:08 train to London to meet up with his Deputy, W. Bro. Geoff Whale, at Kings Cross station before making the journey North to Leeds.

After enjoying a trouble-free journey together, they arrived in Leeds on time and were delighted to be greeted by a bright and clear sunny morning. The taxi ride to the Masonic Centre was straight forward but it has to be noted that Leeds must surely hold the record for the number of traffic lights (all red!) encountered in such a short journey.

D.G.P. for Yorkshire R.W.Bro. Brian Butterfield with the D.G.P. for Kent R.W.Bro. Brian Ward

The D.G.P. for Yorkshire R. W. Bro. Brian Butterfield with the D.G.P. and Deputy form Kent

The D.G.P. and his Deputy all ready for the meeting

Upon arrival at what is a truly stunningly beautiful Masonic Centre both Brian and Geoff were warmly welcomed by Brethren from the District of Yorkshire and were shown where to leave their bags and obtain refreshments in the form of teas, coffees and biscuits. Sadly, all of the really nice biscuits had been eaten by the time they arrived but there were plenty of plan rich tea biscuits available. After enjoying half an hour of catching up with friends from other Districts it was time to put on regalia and await instructions from the D.C. Following a number of processions into the temple the District Grand Prefect for Yorkshire, R. W. Bro. Brian Butterfield, accompanied by his Officers for the year processed into the temple.

The District Grand Council was then duly opened by the District Grand Prefect before all of the visiting D.G.P.’s, heads of other orders, distinguished guests, and visitors were welcomed. As expected, the banter between the D.G.P. and the visitors was extremely humorous and many references were made about the lack of Jammy Dodger biscuits. The general belief is they were all eaten by the visitors from Lancashire who all arrived early.

Visiting D.G.P.'s awaiting to enter the lodge room

The D.G.P. for Yorkshire R. W. Bro. Brian Butterfield with all of the visiting D.G.P.'s

The business of the day proceeded like clockwork and it was interesting to note that a number of non-collared appointments were made during the investiture of Officers. These included a new role for the office of social media. Following the investiture of Officers for the year the D.G.P. gave a very heartfelt address to the brethren of the district. The District Grand Council was then closed in due form before the D.G.P. processed from the lodge accompanied R. W. Bro. Brian Ward-Price Past Dep. G.M. and his newly appointed Officers and the guests and visitors. The brethren then gathered in the bar for refreshments before being called to the festive board to enjoy a superb meal together.

Following a very enjoyable festive board Brian and Geoff headed off to the station and were met with an equally abundant number of traffic lights on the way back to the station. Thankfully all the trains were running on time which allowed for a trouble-free journey home.

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