News - The Installation Meeting of Hartley Council No. 74

On Saturday 31st January, the Deputy District Grand Prefect, W. Bro. Geoff Whale, made an official visit to Hartley Council to witness the Installation of Bro Denis Callnon, as Master of the Council, being held at the Shirley Woolmer masonic hall, Sidcup. He arrived so early that he was able to assist as High Prelate during the Enthronement ceremony of the Frederick Friday Conclave in the Red Cross of Constantine, starting at 10:30am.

The Master, W. Bro. Lee Curtis, opened the Council in the degree of St Lawrence the Martyr, after which the Council D.C., R.W. Bro. Peter Brockbank, saluted the Dep.D.G.P., (a real role reversal) who responded suitably, adding he was delighted to be present to see Bro. Denis installed, as they had been work colleagues some 40 odd years ago, well before Denis’s Initiation into St. Barnabas Lodge.

The Deputy District Grand Prefect W.Bro. Geoff Whale congratulates the new Master of he Councci W.Bro. Denis Babbington-Callnon

After confirming the minutes of their November meeting, W. Bro. Phil Clare presented the audited accounts, and then the Master proceeded to Install Bro. Denis in a very efficient and enjoyable manner, following which the Dep.D.G.P. congratulated Bro. Denis on his Installation, and wished him, and the Council, a happy and successful year. The Master then invested his Officers for the year, and conducted the remainder of the business.

The Worshipful Master of the Hartley Council W. Bro. Denis Babbington-Callnon with the Brethren and vistors

During the risings the Dep.D.G.P. thanked the W.M. and the Brethren of the Council for their warm welcome, and they, in turn, promised to support and sponsor the Horse Race and social event being held on 8th August at the D.G.P.’s home in Folkestone.

The Council was then closed in due form and the Brethren went their separate ways after a long and entertaining day of masonic business.

Article by Geoff Whale, Photographs by Ian Gallehawk

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