News - Kent head to the West Midlands

At 6:00am on Saturday 31st January it was a dark wet and miserable morning in Folkestone. None the less the District Grand Secretary W.Bro. Derek Wilkins was in a bright and cheerful mood when he collected the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Brian Ward from his home. This was the prearranged time for them to set off together to attend the West Midlands Annual District Meeting being held at the Freemasons Hall in Burton upon Trent.

Thankfully the journey proved to be uneventful and they arrived at the masonic hall at approximately 09:30am. No bad thing because even at that time the car park was beginning to fill up. However, and more to the point, there was plenty of time for them to book in and enjoy a well-deserved bacon butty and a cup of tea. A definite 10 out of 10 for the bacon butty, they were huge and very tasty.

Freemasons Hall at Burton on Trent

Now this how to start any meeting. At least according to Derek it is

Having enjoyed an hour or so chatting with friends from all corners of the country the brethren were all seated in the lodge room by 10:45am. Following two processions into the Lodge room the District Grand Prefect R.W. Bro. Joe McCollum welcomed the 134 brethren, in attendance, many of whom were visitors, before he opened the meeting.

R.W.Bro. Brian Ward and W.Bro. Derek Wilkins ready for the start of the meeting

Having officially welcomed all of the visitors to the district, which always involves a great deal of humour, the D.G.P. attended to the initial business of the council. Having competed this with a great deal of efficiency he then went on to invest his officers for the year. Following this he addressed the brethren of the district pointing out many of the wonderful charities that the district had supported during the year.

Having completed his address to the brethren and conducted the rest of the council business he closed the meeting. The D.G.P. accompanied by his officers and distinguished guests and visitors then processed from the lodge room.

Following the usual photographs the brethren gathered in the bar for refreshments and conversation before heading into the dining room to enjoy a very tasty festive board together.

At approximately 2:30pm Derek and Brian said their farewells before heading home. Thankfully it proved to be another trouble-free journey, and they arrived back in Folkestone, in the dark at about 6:30pm.

R.W.Bro. Joe McCullum D.G.P. for West Midlands with the visiting District Grand Prefects

R.W.Bro. Joe McCullum, D.G.P. for West Midlands, with the visiting District Grand Prefects

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