Thames Valley District Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Thames Valley District AMD was held on Saturday, 19 October at the Bletchley Masonic Centre. Our Deputy District Prefect W.Bro Bob Tuthill flew the flag for Surrey and the journey began with a torrential downpour that would have had Noah worried!
Once the tea and biscuits were available, though, it was the time for ‘meet and greet’ among the brethren, which set the scene for the day.
Having been called to order by the District Director of Ceremonies, the Right Worshipful Brethren and other distinguished guests, including past members of the District Executive, entered the lodge in processions. The District Grand Prefect, Right Worshipful Brother Robert W Chevin, entered the temple in procession accompanied by the District Grand Officers of the year. District Grand Council was opened in due form and the District Grand Prefect saluted under the direction of the Director of Ceremonies.
Following a knock on the door, the Grand Deputy Director of Ceremonies was admitted and informed the District Grand Prefect that the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Ian Bailey was outside the door of the Council and demanded admission. The Grand Deputy Director of Ceremonies escorted R W Bro Ian Bailey into the Council where he was offered the gavel, which was returned with similar haste! The Deputy Grand Master was saluted under the direction of the Grand Deputy Director of Ceremonies.
The District Grand Prefect welcomed the District Grand Prefects and other distinguished guests, including the Heads of other Masonic Orders. On the completion of elections and proposals the brethren stood in silent tribute to departed merit since the last annual meeting. The District Grand Prefect confirmed the re-appointment of Simon Gillas PGStwd as the Deputy District Grand Prefect.
Unfortunately, Brother Simon was absent from the meeting due to ill-health. There followed the appointments and investitures of District Grand Officers for the ensuing year followed by the presenting of 2 of the newest candidates to have joined the Order. The District Grand Prefect addressed District Grand Council expressing his desire for the brethren to continue in their efforts of finding suitable candidates. The Deputy Grand Master retired from District Grand Council following which, the meeting was called to order and closed in due form. The District Grand Prefect, together with the Right Worshipful Brethren and other Honoured Guests and District Officers retired in recession to the sounds of the RAF March Past, played by Bro Gil Singleton, the acting Organist.
The festive board that followed was a most enjoyable and delightful occasion with plenty of laughter and chatter (and short speeches). By now ‘Noah’s deluge’ had ceased and the sun was shining as everybody went their respective ways taking with them happy memories of the day.
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