News - The District turn out in Force to support the District Grand Prefect

The 28th May was not the hottest day on record but it must have been very close. However, this did not deter any of the thirteen district officers who turned out to support the District Grand Prefect on his official visit to the Paddock Wood Council 88 installation meeting.

When the council had been opened in due form by W. Bro. David James (WM) the Distract Grand Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. Jody Townsend was admitted. He then informed the Worshipful Master that the District Grand Prefect was outside the door and that he demanded admission. The District Grand Officers accompanied by selected members of the Paddock Wood Council formed an escort and the DGP entered the Council to warm and rapturous applause. Having been officially welcome by the W.M. he was offered the gavel to which he gratefully accepted. Having been given the customary masonic salutations the DGP thanked the brethren of the Paddock Wood Council then went on to introduce the District Grand Officers who had formed his escort that evening.

The D.G.P. with his Escort of Active officers with the Master and Installing Master for Paddock Wood Council

They were W. Bros. Geoff Whale, Alan Coxon M.BE., Howard Doe, David Barden, Derek Wilkins, Jody Townsend, Pieter Swinge, David Bondy, David Pugh, Bill Pennell, Mark Woolcott, Nigel Cash and Bro. Peter Hayler. He also thanked visitors for giving up their time to support the Council. The District Grand Prefect then returned the gavel to the Worshipful Master so that he could install Bro. David Austin into the chair of the Council.

The Installing Master W. Bro David James with the D.G.P. R.W.Bro. Brian Ward and the new Master of the Paddock Wood Council W.Bro. David Austin

It has to be said that the installation ceremony was carried out with a great deal of skill and poise. It clearly showed that the worshipful master had spent many hours learning the ritual to deliver such a superb ceremony. The newly installed Master, W.Bro. David Austin then went on to invest his officers for the year with sincerity and confidence. The D.G.P. then congratulated W.Bro. David on being installed into the chair and felt sure that the Paddock Wood Council was in for a tremendous year of first-class ritual.

The remainder of council business was attended to with ruthless efficiency which included a wonderful surprise for the D.G.P. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously carried by a vote that be made an Honorary member of the council. Needless to say, he accepted with grateful thanks and informed the brethren that he was absolutely delighted by such an honour.

During the 4th rising the D.G.P. talked about the importance of recruitment and reminded the brethren of the challenge he had set at the district meeting to admit 14 new members to the district before the next district meeting in 2027. He then reminded the brethren about the social event planned for the 8th August in Folkestone and asked the council to sponsor a race for £50 and buy 6 horses at £5 each. Needless to say, that he was delighted when the council agreed to his request. Finally, he reminded the brethren that following the success of the last social event each council in the District had been offered £300 to donate to a charity or worthy cause of their choice and looked forward to knowing who would be the recipient of the money.

Visitors from the District attending the Paddock Wood Council meeting W.Bro. Terry Dodd and Bros. John Jerome and Tony Christholm

The Brethren of the Paddock Wood Council with the District Grand Prefects Escort

The lodge was then closed in due form which was followed by the customary photographs. Afterwards the brethren then assembled in the bar for refreshments and conversation before enjoying a delightful festive board together.

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