News - The Hartley Council Expand Their Catchment Area For Their Latest Member

On Saturday 31st August the Deputy District Grand Prefect W. Bro. Geoff Whale made another visit to Hartley Council to witness a Belgium Mason, Bro. Didier Hannaert, admitted to the degree of St. Lawrence the Martyr.

The Master, W. Bro. Phil Clare and Didier are both members of the same Mark Lodge in Flanders. The agenda also included the degree of The Knights of Constantinople, at which both Didier and Bro. Adrian Grant (admitted last meeting) were Candidates. It should be added that to make Didier’s day trip to England worthwhile he also joined Temple Builders (OSM) Conclave in the morning.

The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Phil Clare, welcomes their latest member Bro. Didier Hannaert

Members of the Hartley Council with the Deputy District Grand Prefect, W.Bro. Geoff Whale

The Master vacated the Chair and the degree of St. Lawrence was conferred on Bro. Didier by the IPM, W. Bro. Tony Clayton, in an excellent manner. The Lecture was given in an excellent manor by the Director of Ceremonies our very own Past District Grand Prefect, R. W. Bro. Peter Brockbank. Upon completion of the Ceremony the Dep. D.G.P welcomed Didier into the Order and passed on a welcome from the D.G.P. before presenting him with a Gridiron lapel pin a trifold leaflet and an Allied pen.

The Master resumed the Chair and adjourned the Council of St. Lawrence, opening a council of The Knights of Constantinople. Bro’s Didier and Adrian entered to the orchestrated din of artisans (Conductor – Secretary, W. Bro. Paul Hutchinson, working very hard on a Saturday afternoon!). They were escorted to the Potentate, who said he couldn’t confer the degree on them, as he had transferred the power of veto to the 'Common people'. At first, they seemed a bit reluctant to agree to admitting them, but after answering one vital question, they agreed – permitting the Potentate to continue a most interesting ceremony.

With another Candidate due to join in March, things are looking rosy for Hartley Council in the immediate future, and the Deputy D.G.P. wished them well when he spoke briefly at Second Rising.

Afterwards, a number of members and guests enjoyed a convivial drink at the bar.

Article by Geoff Whale

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