News - Installation of a New District Grand Prefect for Southern Counties

On Saturday the 26th October the District Grand Prefect RW Bro. Brian Ward having set his Sat Nav in the dark, left his home at 6:30am to attend the Installation meeting for the new District Grand Prefect of Southern Counties RW Bro. Anthony Green, which was being held at the Masonic Centre in Botley Hampshire.

Enroute, he collected the District Grand Secretary W Bro. Derek Wilkins, and they headed off in a westerly direction. The journey proved trouble free until they encountered a road closure on the A3 which took them on a huge detour adding at least 30 minutes to their journey. This was not too much of a problem as the DGP had left in plenty of time for the journey. However, the closer they got to Botley the more unfamiliar the surroundings became. This was confirmed when the Sat Nav announced “You have reached your destination”. at the time of this announcement, we were in a lovely picturesque leafy cul-de-sac somewhere in Hampshire. It transpired that we had actually arrived at the District Grand Secretaries house for Southern Counties (Oops wrong post code!).

Having identified the problem the Sat Nav was reset, and we headed to the Masonic Centre in Botley which proved to be only 15 minutes away. On arrival we were welcomed by our hosts and pointed in the direction of bacon rolls and tea. Whilst enjoying these refreshments we were joined by W. Bro. Geoff Whale Dep D.G.P. for Kent and W. Bro. Roy Skelton who was there not only to represent Kent, but also in his capacity as the newly appointed Grand Inner Guard for the Order.

Brian and Derek enjoying refreshments before the meeting

At approximately 10:30am Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro. Glyn Goddard requested that the brethren take their seats to allow the proceedings of the day to commence. Following the processions of many distinguished guests and visitors the District Grand Council was opened by a Past District Grand Prefect RW Bro. Richard Dunleavy.

The contingent from Kent all set for the meeting

Awaiting the arrival of the Grand Master

The Grand Master, MW. Bro Thomas Firth Jackson was then admitted and rightfully took charge of the chair. He then conducted the Installation ceremony for RW Bro. Anthony Green in his usual polished and humorous manner. Following his salutations the newly installed DGP. then proceeded to invest his Deputy, VW. Bro. Lorry Brookes in a superb manor. It was unnecessary for any new district officers to be appointed as they will remain in office until the regular district meeting in February 2025. Following his address the to the brethren the business of the district was completed in a most efficient manner. The meeting was then closed, and the brethren departed the temple to enjoy refreshments and conversation at the bar before enjoying a very tasty festive board together.

Active Grand Officers with the Grand Master. Including W. Bro. Roy Skeltons

At approximately 3:00pm after saying their many good byes, Brian, Derek and Roy headed back to Kent but not before the Sat Nav was thoroughly checked by Derek.

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