News - West Kent Council 66 install a New Master

On Wednesday 15th October the West Kent held the installation meeting for their Master Elect. Sadly, the incumbent Master W.Bro. Martin Peart-White was unable to attend and install Bro. Paul Gillingham into the chair of the Council. Happily, and at very short notice one of the council stalwarts W. Bro. Archie Torrance stood in to undertake this task. His office as D.C. of the council was filled by W. Bro. Jody Townsend.

A total of seventeen members attended the installation meeting and were delighted to welcome the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Brian Ward and Bro Peter Hayler as visitors to their meeting making a total of nineteen present.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Paul Gillingham with the Installing Master W.Bro. Archie Torrance

When the council had been opened in due form by W.Bro. Archie Torrance the D.G.P. was welcomed by those present with rapturous salutations, to which he thanked the brethren most sincerely. This done the business of the council was attended to before the installing Master then set about the task of installing Bro. Paul Gillingham into the chair of the council. A task that he completed with flare and sincerity. W. Bro. Paul then installed his officers for the year, a task that he performed with real enjoyment.

The District Grand Prefect was then asked to present an M.B.F. Patron collarette and certificate to the Worshipful Master of the council, which of course he said he would be more than delighted to do. Upon completion of the presentation the D.G.P. took the opportunity to thank all of the brethren of the council for their very generous donation to the M.B.F. and achieve yet another ‘first’ within the district.

W.Bro. Paul Gillingham, Worshipful the Master of the West Kent Council accepts the M.B.F. Patron Certificate on behalf of the Council from R.W.Bro. Brian Ward D.G.P.

On completion of the Council business the lodge was closed in due form and photographs were taken. 16 of the brethren then retired to the bar for refreshments before dinning together at the festive board. As is typical of West Kent Council festive boards the conversation, laughter and jibes were in plentiful supply. One early jibe wanted to know if the Council was planning to change its name to the Roast Pork and Crackling Council, probably in reference to this menu selection being served on numerous occasions.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Paul Gillingham with the rest of the brethren of the West Kent Council

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Paul Gillingham and brethren of the West Kent Council with their visitors

A most delightful festive board enjoyed by the brethren of the West Kent Council and their guests

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