News - Visit to Preston for the West Lancashire Annual District Meeting

On Saturday 27th April the District Grand Prefect was rudely awakened from his slumbers at 04:00hrs by the alarm clock. This intrusion into sleep was necessary in order to catch the 05:08hrs train from Folkestone to Preston in time for the West Lancashire Annual District meeting at 11:00hrs.

Thankfully the journey was trouble free, and Brian arrived at a warm and sunny Preston at 09:40hrs which was very much in stark contrast to the dark and rainy Folkestone he left earlier that morning. Not trusting his navigation skills Brian decided to take a taxi to the Masonic Hall in Saul Street, which according to the map, was only half a mile away. His reasoning being that it would be a great shame to get lost and be late for the meeting.

Upon arrival at what is a truly magnificent Masonic Hall, Brian was warmly welcomed and given directions as to where he could leave his coat and bag and obtain refreshments. In truth no directions to the refreshments area were necessary as the smell of bacon butties gave a clear indication of where to go. However, it did take several attempts to find the room where he could leave his coat and bag! Being such a huge building with many corridors most of which were explored while attempting to find the room he was looking for. Eventually Brian was able to enjoy a bacon buttie and cup of tea whilst catching up with friends from other Districts. At approximately 10:30hrs it was time to put on regalia and prepare to enter the temple in procession under the direction of the Director of Ceremonies. Following a number of processions into the temple the District Grand Prefect for West Lancashire, R. W. Bro. Graham Snape, accompanied by his Officers for the year processed into the temple.

Visiting D.G.P's waiting to enter 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 is customary at Allied District meetings, the banter between the D.G.P. and the visiting D.G.P.'s was extremely humorous with many references made to where the actual centre of the universe lay. On the day it seemed to be East Lancashire but this was hotly contested by those brethren from Yorkshire.

The D.G.P. for West Lancs R.W.Bro. Graham Snape with visiting D.G.P's

During the greetings a special mention was given to R.W. Bro Mervyn Wilson as this would be his last official visit as D.G.P. of East Lancashire. Mervyn was standing down after eight years of leading his district and his company will be greatly missed by all. The business of the day proceeded like clockwork and following the investiture of his Officers for the year the D.G.P. gave a wonderful address to the brethren of the district. The District Grand Council was then closed in due form and two verses of the National anthem were sung. (The first and forth verses). Thank goodness we didn’t sing the sixth verse.

Fourth verse of the National anthem:

Not in this land alone,
But be God's mercies known,
From shore to shore.
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world over.

Having processed from the temple, and following the customary photographs the brethren then gathered in the bar for refreshments which included a large selection of Tetley beers on draught (even mild), before being called to the festive board to enjoy a superb meal together. The menu choice consisted of Bury Black Pudding or Leek and Potato soup to start, followed by Shin of Beef or Salmon with seasonal vegetables, ending with Apple crumble and custard or cheese and biscuits all washed down with a selection of wine. It was interesting to note that the toast to the King was given as “His Majesty the King, Duke of Lancaster”.

The Festive Board in Full Swing

A Magnificent Pint of Tetleys Mild

Following a very enjoyable festive board Brian walked back to the station without once getting lost. Sadly, the journey home was fraught with delays and Brian eventually arrived back in Folkestone at 21:00hrs where it was still raining and dark.

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