On Monday 27th October the Victory Service Club in London was again the venue of choice for twelve of the District Grand Prefects from around the country to meet up for dinner and drinks prior to the Annual Grand Council Meeting on the 28th October.

Having enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon in the bar exchanging ideas and generally putting the world to right they enjoyed a superb dinner together before retiring for the night. Having enjoyed the sleep of the just they assembled the next morning for a leisurely breakfast before heading off in procession to Great Queen Street.

Following the rehearsals, of which ten of the D.G.P.’s were required to form the escort for the installation of the Deputy Grand Master Elect R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock the D.G.P.’s dispersed to meet up with members from their own Districts.

During this time the District Grand Prefect for Kent, R.W. Bro Brian Ward was able to meet up with many of the twenty plus brethren from Kent who attended the meeting, including the four brethren were receiving honours. These were as follows:

	W.Bro. Alan Coxon MBE	P.G.St.B.	First Appointment
	W.Bro. Phil Clare	P.A.G.D.C.	Promotion
	W.Bro. Terry Dodd	P.A.G.D.C.	Promotion
	W.Bro. Geoff Whale	P.G.S.D.	Promotion

The meeting, which was extremely well attended was presided over by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Thomas Firth Jackson who was assisted by his team of Grand Officers including our very own W. Bro. Roy Skelton as Grand Inner Guard. The meeting was graced by the presence of several very distinguished brethren from many far-flung parts of the globe.

Notwithstanding the honour of any brother receiving a first appointment or promotion the highlight of the day was clearly the investiture of the new Deputy Grand Master R.W.Bro. Colin Woodcock, Past D.G.P. for the District of London. The ceremony, as expected was conducted with great flare by the Grand Master. Just before the meeting was closed a surprise field promotion was given to the Grand Director of Ceremonies V. W.Bro. Glyn Goddard to Past Grand Junior Warden and will now be designated as a R. W. Bro.

At the conclusion of the meeting the Grand Master accompanied by his active officers and the many distinguished brethren processed from the temple to a rousing fanfare. The brethren from Kent (those that could be rounded up) then assembled for photographs as a memento of this splendid day before heading to the Connaught Rooms for lunch. Prior to heading home several of the Kentish contingent indulged together for a few parting drinks. The only thing worthy of note was that the Past District Grand Prefect for Kent, Peter Brockbank only saw fit to buy the current District Grand Prefect for Kent, Brian Ward a half a pint of cider! Even his own Deputy Geoff Whale bought him a full pint.

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