News - The Hartley Council Meeting – Saturday 31st May 2025

The Deputy District Grand Prefect, W. Bro. Geoff Whale, made an unofficial visit to Hartley Council No 74 on Saturday 31st May and as always he, along with the other two visitors to the council, W. Bro. Alan Coxon M.B.E., Dist.G.J.W. and Bro. Hayler Dist. G. Stwd. were warmly received by the members.

The prime reason for attending the meeting was to enjoy the ceremony of the Grand Tilers of Soloman being enacted for Bros. Adrian Grant, our District Grand Organist and Bro. Didier Hannaert, a Belgium mason who travels over for the Hartley Council meetings and at the same time attends the 'Saturday club', which incorporates the Red Cross of Constantine and the Order of the Secret Monitor meetings.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Lee Curtis with Bros Grant and Hammaert

The Master, W. Bro. Lee Curtis conducted the ceremony of Grand Tilers of Soloman in a most enjoyable and efficient fashion, ably assisted by Bro. Russell Hughes as Senior Deacon. The ceremony was performed for both Candidates simultaneously, with Bro. Grant as sole Candidate for the actual admission into the chamber. The lecture after the ceremony was given by the I.P.M., W.Bro. Phil Clare.

The Dep D.G.P. W.Bro. Geoff Whale congratulates the new Master W. Bro. Lee Curtis

The Dep.D.G.P. made some appropriate comments at the Risings, and mentioned the annual Horse Race event on Saturday 2nd August, at the DGP’s home in Folkestone. A large donation had already been agreed in favour of this particular event at the previous meeting.

The Brethren of the Hartley council with their visitors

Following the meeting a few of the members enjoyed a drink with the Dep.D.G.P., before going their separate ways.

Article by Geoff Whale

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