News - A contingent from Kent travel to the Southern Counties District Meeting

At 6:30am on Saturday 7th March the District Grand Secretary W. Bro. Derek Wilkins and the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Brian Ward set off from Folkestone to attend the annual District Meeting for the District of Southern Counties.

Enroute, they took a slight detour to pick up Bro. Peter Hayler from West Malling station but were very quickly back on track to tackle the mysteries of what the M25 might have in store for them. Thankfully both the M25 and the M3 were all flowing freely which made for a trouble-free journey. With only the slightest of detours described by Derek and a little sightseeing trip of the area the contingent from Kent arrived at Botley with time to spare. As is the usual custom they were warmly welcomed and were soon enjoying a much-anticipated cuppa, bacon roll and many conversations.

The contingent from Kent on arrival, Bros. Hayler, Ward and Wilkins

Bro. Peter Hayler enjoying what he considers the perfect start to any meeting

The contingent from Kent, Bro. Peter Hayler, R.W.Bro. Brian Ward and W.Bro. Derek Wilkins

Following several processions into the temple by the distinguished guest and visitors the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Tony Green accompanied by his officers processed into the temple to a fabulous fanfare of music. When the meeting had been opened R.W.Bro. Tony proceeded to welcome the five visiting DGPs and those brethren who had accompanied them, followed by welcomes to Heads of Order within the district and other distinguished guests.

On tramp from Kent, Bro. Peter Hayler, R.W.Bro. Brian Ward and W.Bro. Derek Wilkins

Visiting D.G.P.'s prior to entering the temple

Having dispensed with the routine business the D.G.P. then invested his new Deputy W.Bro. Mark Gannaway who was duly saluted by the brethren. R.W.Bro. Tony then went on to invest his officers for the year before he addressed the brethren of the District.

The remaining business of the day was attended to before the meeting was closed in due form. The brethren then gathered for photographs before heading to the bar for refreshments and then dined together at a very lively festive board before heading for home. The journey back to Kent proved uneventful.

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