News - The Installation Meeting of Ashford Council Number 99

On Wednesday 24 July 2024 the Ashford Council Number 99 held its installation meeting at the Masonic centre in North Street, Ashford. The meeting was attended by eighteen brethren including one visitor, who else but Bro. Peter Hayler. The Council was opened in the degree of St Lawrence the Martyr by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro David Pugh, ably assisted by his officers.

Before proceeding with the agenda, the Worshipful Master gave a very warm welcome back to W. Bro. Roger Odd, who because of health problems had been unable to attend any masonic meetings for the last two years or more. This sentiment was seized upon by the brethren of the council and a spontaneous round of applause ensued. Roger replied with his usual eloquence and warmth saying he was delighted to be back.

Welcome back to W. Bro. Roger Odd

A ballot was taken for a joining member Bro. Christian Doll which was unanimously approved by the brethren before being congratulated by the D.G.P.. The Worshipful Master then installed the Master Elect Bro Roy Skelton into the chair of St Lawrence the Martyr. The inner workings were performed in an exemplary manner by the installing master, W. Bro. David Pugh. The installing Master and the Worshipful Master were then congratulated by the District Grand Prefect, R.W. Bro Brian Ward, and the rest of the brethren.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Roy Skelton and the Installing Master W. Bro. David Pugh

W.Bro. Roy Skelton with the Installing Master W. Bro. David Pugh and the joining member Bro. Christian Doll

The newly installed Worshipful Master, W. Bro Roy Skelton, then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers for the year in a very sincere and friendly manner. The officers for the year are as follows:

Officers
	W. M	W. Bro. Roy Skelton
	I.P.M.	W. Bro. David Pugh
	Senior Warden	W. Bro. Ken Nunn
	Junior Warden	W. Bro. Jim Howard
	Chaplain	W. Bro. David Waters
	Treasurer	W. Bro. Stephen Davies
	Secretary	Bro. Christian Doll
	D of C	W. Bro. Derek Wilkins
	Almoner	Bro. Ken Nunn
	Senior Deacon	Bro. Tony Bartlett
	Junior Deacon	W. Bro. Ian Smith
	Asst. D of C	W. Bro. Peter Dowling
	Inner Guard	W. Bro. Simon Norcott (Absent)
	Dining Steward	W. Bro. Stephen Davies
	Tyler	W. Bro. Lew Finnis

The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Roy Skelton was then due to work the ceremony of Knights of Constantinople for Bro. Simon Norcott but sadly Bro. Simon was unable to attend the meeting. This item will be deferred until the next meeting.

During the risings the District Grand Prefect asked the brethren of the Ashford Council to support and sponsor the social event being held at his home in Folkestone on the 17th August. The treasurer informed the brethren that the Council accounts were reasonably healthy and proposed that £250 should be given to support the event. This proposal was duly seconded and unanimously agreed by the brethren. The D.G.P. was absolutely delighted with this level of support and thanked the brethren for their support and looked forward to welcoming as many of them to his home on the 17th August.

The Brethren of the Ashford Council, July 2024

The Worshipfull Master and the Brethren of the Ashford Council with the Visitors

The Council was then closed in due form after which the brethren retired to the bar for refreshments and conversation before enjoying a most enjoyable festive board together.

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