News - A visit to the February meeting of Invicta Council No. 54

Monday 16th February saw an official visit by the Deputy District Grand Prefect, W.Bro. Geoff Whale, to Invicta Council held at Gillingham.

The evening started with some difficulty locating keys for the cupboard (big box) in which the Lodge furniture was stored – as the Secretary had taken his wife away for a holiday during half term, and not passed on the keys, believing another member had a spare set. Despite this the members found enough of the furniture to be able to set up the Lodge room.

The Council was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Chris Doll and the eulogy for R.W. Bro. Terry Bowler, who had been a member of the Council, was given, after which the Brethren stood in token of respect to departed merit. Terry was a very influential Allied mason, who had served as Deputy District Grand Prefect to R.W. Bro. Clive Manuel during the 1980’s and early 1990’s, for nine years in total, and had made a great contribution to the District.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Christian Doll welcomes the Deputy District Grand Prefect. W.Bro. Geoff Whale

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Christian Doll with Bro. Alan Campkin and W.Bro. David Raymond

The usual administrative elements were conducted until it came to present a Grand Council certificate to Bro. Alan Campkin, which the Dep. D G P. was in attendance to do. Sadly, the Asst Secretary, WBro Mark Kirby, had to report that the certificate was not in his possession, which meant this item had to be deferred. The Dep.D.G.P. suggested to the Master that he read a paper entitled “A brief history of the Allied Masonic Degrees”, which incorporated many facets of the certificate. The Master agreed and that was given by the Deputy, to the apparent interest of Council members.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Christian Doll with his Officers and Guests

Following the alms collection and the Risings, the Council was closed and the Brethren dined happily together at the festive board, with obvious enjoyment by all present – an excellent way to end the evening together.

Article by Geoff Whale

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