The 2019 Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council of Surrey of the Allied Masonic Degrees
The 2019 Annual Meeting took place on Saturday 7th December at Croydon Masonic Hall.
Brethren of the District of Surrey and their guests started arriving from 9 am where tea, coffee and bacon butties were being served.
At the same time rehearsals were taking place in the Wheeler Temple under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Anton Smith.
Following processions of the RW. Brethren and distinguished guests from other Provinces, the District Grand Prefect, RW.Bro. John V C French, attended by the District Officers of the year, entered in procession into District Grand Council.
The District Grand Prefect opened the meeting of District Grand Council at 11.00am and was saluted with 7 under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Anton Smith.
The District Grand Prefect welcomed all the guests from other Districts and other Orders in Surrey. A roll call of Councils was taken and all Councils were well represented.
The District Grand Prefect then presented W.Bro. Ian Clark, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Surrey, with a cheque for £2022 in support of the Surrey 2022 MBF Festival. W.Bro. Ian thanked the District Grand Prefect and the Brethren of the District of Surrey for their generous donation and their support for the Festival.
The District Grand Prefect then welcomed a number of Brethren who had been newly admitted into the Order since the last Annual Meeting.
The District Grand Prefect announced that he has much pleasure in re-appointing W.Bro. Robert Gregory (Bob) Tuthill as his Deputy District Grand Prefect.
The District Grand Prefect then appointed and invested the District Grand Officers of the year, and those promoted and appointed in Past District Grand Rank. He then addressed District Grand Council.
District Grand Council was then closed in due form and the District Grand Prefect retired in procession accompanied by his Deputy, District Grand Officers and Honoured Guests.
After refreshments the Brethren of the District Grand Council of Surrey and their guests sat down to a splendid lunch at the Croydon Masonic Halls.
To end a most enjoyable lunch the Deputy District Grand Prefect presented the District Grand Prefect with a caricature of RW.Bro. John riding a Lambretta – his newest vehicle.
To view all the photos of the day – click here.
Article and photos by Chris Eley, District Grand Photographer, Festive Board photos by Alan Brockwell
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