News - Kent turns out in force for the District of Surrey Meeting

On Saturday 6th December the District Grand Prefect R. W.Bro. Brian Ward, accompanied by the District Grand Secretary W. Bro. Derek Wilkins, set off from Folkestone in the dark to attend the Annual meeting for the District of Surrey.

Enroute to Croydon, the Past Deputy Grand Master R. W. Bro. Clive Manuel was collected from his home in Ashford (despite missing the correct turnoff on the motorway), followed by the Deputy District Grand Prefect W.Bro. Geoff Whale from his home in Leybourne. With the car now fully loaded the onward journey to Croydon proceeded with a great deal of banter but otherwise without incident.

On arrival they were warmly welcomed by their hosts and directed towards where teas, coffees and bacon rolls were being served. (A perfect start to any meeting especially when the bacon butties and tea are bought by the Deputy District Grand Prefect). Whilst enjoying these refreshments the brethren from Kent were joined by Bro. Peter Hayler followed by R. W. Bro Noel Grout and W. Bro Raymond Johnson, both proud Kentish Masons but on temporary secondment to Surrey for the days meeting.

The DGP's with R.W.Bro. John French and his Deputy W.Bro. Bob Tuthill

The D.G.P's from Surrey and Kent with their Deputies

Having enjoyed the refreshments and time spent catching up with friends from other districts the brethren were then directed to take their seats in the lodge room. The D.G.P. for Surrey, R. W. Bro. John French opened the meeting in due form before greeting his guests and distinguished visitors from the length and breadth of the country in a very humorous and friendly fashion. Following the business of the day and the investiture of his officers for the year ahead the D.G.P. addressed the assembled brethren. The meeting was then closed in due form and the brethren assembled in the bar for refreshment and conversation before taking their seats at the festive board.

A splendid lunch then was enjoyed by all which consisted of a smoked chicken Caesar salad, followed by a superb fillet of lamb served with seasonal vegetables, followed by a very tasty Apple toffee crumble with ice cream.

A few of the Brethren from Kent who attended the meeting

When lunch had been consumed the District Grand Prefect was toasted firstly by his Deputy W.Bro. Bob Tuthill, who presented him with a wonderful cartoon sketch depicting him enjoying himself in tropical surroundings. Having responded appropriately a second toast was given by our very own Clive Manuel who presented John with an Ashford United Football Club “Nuts and Bolts” “home and away” hat as an alternative to his beloved Chelsea Football Club. You had to be there to appreciate the wonderful atmosphere at the festive board.

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