NOTES

Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters

Of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas

District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constituted 15th April 1997

Annual Meeting Saturday 23rd August 2014

1. Minutes of the Meeting, held on 24th August 2013

2. District Grand Recorder’s Report 2014

3. District Grand Treasurer’s Report and Accounts for

the year ended 30th September 2013

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Royal and Select Masters

of the District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight

held at the

Botley Masonic Centre, Brook House, Brook Lane, Botley. Hampshire SO30 2ER

on Saturday 24th August 2013

The Companions being assembled in the Temple, distinguished guests were received

at 10:45hrs.

The District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. George John Deacon, then entered in procession,

escorted by the following District Grand Officers:

Deputy District Grand Master Ill.Comp. David Warren, PGCondC

Dist. G. Principal Cond. of the Work Ill.Comp. Michael J. L. Whelan, PAGDC

District Grand Chaplain Ill Comp Laurie T Brookes, PGCaptG, PDistGPCW

District Grand Treasurer Ill Comp Christopher A. Boorman

District Grand Recorder Ill Comp Peter R Dack GMan

District Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill Comp Richard A Dunleavy, PGCondC

District Grand Lecturer Ill Comp John Prizeman

Deputy District Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill Comp Eddie Kusminoff, PGStdB

District Grand Captain of the Guard Ill Comp Brian Wisbey

District Grand Conductor of the Council Ill Comp Ronald E S Bentley

Asst. Dist. Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill Comp Richard Micklefield, PDistGCondC

District Grand Sword Bearer Ill Comp Nigel Wilkinson

District Grand Standard Bearer Ill Comp Derek Burt

Assistant District Grand Recorder Ill Comp Anthony (Tony) J Green

District Grand Organist Ill Comp R L (Frank) Cousins, PAGDC PDistGCaptG

District Grand Steward Ill Comp Peter Brown

District Grand Manciple Comp Andrew Spencer

District Grand Manciple Comp Peter Cooper

District Grand Manciple Comp Lez Ward

District Grand Sentinel Comp Brian Weedon

Companion Brian Weedon as District Sentinel was stationed at his post.

The District Grand Master opened District Grand Council in due form.

The District Grand Master was saluted with seven times nine, under the direction of the

District Grand Director of Ceremonies, the District Grand Master made a suitable

response.

The District Grand Master welcomed official and other Distinguished Guests from the

various Districts and Heads of other Orders from within the District as detailed:

DISTRICT GRAND TREASURERS REPORT

Once again I have to report that the general status of the District Accounts for last

financial year is good as can be seen from the published audited accounts for the year

ending 30th September 2013. Sales of ties and other memorabilia have made a much

welcomed addition to the District funds therefore District dues and Fees of Honour will

be held at the same level for the ensuing year. Charity receipts were also up on the

previous and donations of £500 was made from the District to the Hampshire Royal

Arch appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons (via The Grand Charity), and £50 to

Cancer Research in the name of V.Ill.Comp. Bob Francis.

I would like to express my sincere thank to Ill. Comp Peter Dack the District Grand

Recorder for his support and the assistance he has provided to me over the past years and

I look forward to working with Ill.Comp. Ron Bentley in the future. Finally I would also

like to thank Council Treasurers for their co-operation. However there are some

Council’s whose financial year does not coincide with Grand Council’s Financial Year

of 31st August, it would be of great help if those Councils could alter their dates to

match.

I would again remind the Brethren that the District now has a Charity account with the

Grand Charity where collections will be placed and earn interest from Tax refunds from

the Inland Revenue. Envelopes are provided for the collection and I hope this will be

well supported.

Ill.Comp. Chris A. Boorman

District Grand Treasurer

Somerset & Wiltshire R.Ill. Comp David Hartley District Grand Master

Ill. Comp Michael Burridge, PGCondC. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill. Comp Alan L. Thompson District Grand PCW

Ill. Comp George Paskins, PAGDC. District Grand Recorder

V.Ill. Comp John Massey, PGLect. Past Deputy District Grand Master

Devon & Cornwall R.Ill. Comp. Bill Clemens District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Tony Carney, PGCaptG. District Grand PCW

Surrey R.Ill. Comp. Arnold Long District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. John Fleetwood, PGSwdB. District Grand PCW

Ill.Comp. Peter McCarthy. PAGDC. District Grand Recorder

Comp. Robert Shepherd Waverley Council No.205

Wyvern

R.Ill. Comp. L. Eric Bourne, J.P District Grand Master

R.Ill. Comp. Andrew Sweeny, P.G.Conc Past Deputy District Grand Master

Grand Summus of the Scarlet Cord (M.Dist.Comp.)

Ill. Comp. Michael D. Saxon , PAGDC. District Grand Recorder

Ill.Comp. Kenneth L. Downes, J.P PGCaptGd.

Kent R.Ill. Comp. Roger O’Brien District Grand Master

V.Ill. Comp. Peter Mcintyre , PGLec. Deputy District Grand Master

V.Ill. Comp. David Viggers , PGLec. District Grand PCW

Cheshire, Shropshire and North Wales

R.Ill. Comp. Shaun Crutchley District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. John E. Lightfoot, PGCondC. Deputy District Grand Master

Hertfordshire R.Ill. Comp. Colin Hellyer District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Edward Long, PGCondC. Deputy District Grand Master

Comp. Graham Long

Essex R.Ill. Comp John C Jacobson District Grand Master

Ill. Comp Mark MacDonald District Grand PCW

Ill. Comp. Brian W. Hithersay District Grand Recorder

Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire R.Ill. Comp. Nicholas J. Murzell, District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Graham D. Seeman, DepGDC. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill. Comp David V. Hopkin, PAGDC. District Grand PCW

VIll.Comp. Nigel Willows, PGLec. Past Deputy District Grand Master

Grand Master Masons of the Operatives

Ill.Comp. Phillip Purves, AGDC District Grand DC

Ill.Comp Kenneth Harvey Past District Grand PCW

Ill Comp Paul Ackland-Snow , PAGDC District Grand Recorder

Comp. Huw Hopkin

Warwickshire R.Ill.Comp. David J.F.Rawlins District Grand Master

V.Ill.Clifford H.Bull, PGLec. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill.Comp. Simon M. Wensley District Grand PCW

Sussex R.Ill. Comp. Brian C Wareham District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Roger F Richardson, PGSwdB. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Thomas P Harty, PAGDC. District Grand PCW

V.Ill. Comp. Reynold V Phillimore, PGLec Past Deputy District Grand Master

Ill. Comp. Paul S Hollebone, G Man District Grand Treasurer

Ill. Comp. John C Gough, PAGDC. District Grand Organist

Ill. Comp. John E Shade, District Grand Sword Bearer

Comp. Bernard F Marchant, Asst.DistGRec District Grand Recorder (Designate)

Ill. Comp. Alan C Trotter, PGCondC PDistGCaptG (Sussex), PDistGLec.

Middlesex V.Ill. Comp. Glyn Hughes, PGLec. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill.Comp. Keith Waters , PAGDC

London V.Ill. Comp. Gordon Trew, PGLec. Deputy District Grand Master

Ill.Comp. Peter Probert, PGCaptG. District Grand PCW

South and East Caribbean

Ill.Comp. Ralph M. Craig, J.P. PAGDC District Grand Recorder

From our own District

RIll.Comp. Brian J. Barfoot Primus District Grand Master

R.Ill.Comp. John Brayford, P.G.Coun. Past Deputy District Grand Master

Companions Representing other Orders from within the District:

Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & IoW W.Bro. Jonathan Whitaker Assistant Provincial Grand Master

Degree of Thrice Illustrious Master (Silver Trowel)

Wessex Council have supported the District well again this year by holding Silver

Trowel Ceremony at their February meetings, at which nine of our District Companions

participated in the degree, and another ceremony at the July meeting where one

candidate was received in to the Order.

Degree of Excellent Master

Many of you will be aware that the Grand Master has obtain a Charter from Scotland to

work the degree of Excellent Master (or passing of the veils, see the introduction of our

ritual book for more information). The degree is to be conferred on those companions

who have previously received the Silver Trowel and again, like the Silver Trowel,

approved by the Grand Master. This District received two nominations to receive the

degree and the District Grand Master and myself were honoured to be chosen to take the

degree in Grafton Council at MMH. There is also an opportunity for Companions who

have taken the degree in other constitutions to become affiliated members and we have

received approval for two of our companions to become so affiliated. The degree is to be

introduced slowly and it is not envisage that we would carry the ceremony within this

District for at least another two years. We shall have the opportunity to make other

nominations at take the degree at the end of the year.

Deaths

It is with great sadness that I report the passing to the Grand Council above of the

following Companions:

Comp. Alessandro Bonelli Council No.209 18/02/2014

V.Ill.Comp. Robert Burns Francis, PGLec. Councils No.5 and No.71 19/04/2014

Comp. Brian David Larcombe Council No.5 04/11/2013

Ill.Comp. Ronald Hugh Trippier, PGStB. Council No.5 14/03/2014

Grand Honours

I am very pleased to report nine promotions and first appointments of companions of this

District within Grand Council, two of which are very well-deserved Active

Appointments.

Promotions

R.Ill.Comp. Malcolm E. Slater Past Grand Councillor

V.Ill.Comp. Richard A. Dunleavy Past Grand Lecturer

V.Ill.Comp. Alan C. Trotter Past Grand Lecturer (via Sussex)

Ill.Comp. Brian H. Howlett Grand Captain of the Guard

First Appointments

Ill.Comp. David C. Lawrence Past Asst Grand Director of Ceremonies

Ill.Comp. Alan L. Thompson Past Asst Grand Director of Ceremonies

Ill.Comp. Tony Pentith Past Grand Standard Bearer

Ill.Comp. Derek J. Smith Past Grand Standard Bearer

Ill.Comp. Charles J. Aspinell Grand Steward

Ill.Comp. Peter R. Dack P.G.Man.

District Grand Recorder

DISTRICT GRAND RECORDER’S REPORT 2014

Once again I would like to start my report by thanking the Council Recorders for their

help and support in the smooth running of our District. I also thank the District

Treasurer, Ill.Comp. Chris Boorman for his help, support and guidance throughout the

year.

After a number of year’s in the Office first as Assistant District Grand Recorder, then as

District Recorder I have been given the opportunity to support the District in a different

dimension and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the companions who

have provided help, support, guidance and counsel while I have held my previous two

offices. I know that I am handing over to a very safe pair of hands in Ill.Comp. Ron

Bentley and I wish him well in his new office.

Thanks are due again to Comp. Guy Sudron for keeping our Website refreshed with up-

to-the-minute information. It should be the first place to visit when you want to know

anything about the District. I would also like to thank Comp. Brian Weedon on once

again compiling the District Year Book, which really does gets better each year, and to

Comp. Alan Paxton for the printing of the Year Book and AGM paperwork.

Thanks are also due once again to Ill. Comp. Ron Bentley for the support regarding

dining arrangements and his hard work leading up to this Year’s Annual Meeting.

Official Visits Within The District

We once again had a full programme of visits with each of the ten Councils receiving an

official visits from either the District Grand Master, Deputy District Grand Master or

the District Principal Conductor of the Work all supported by the District Active

Officers of the year.

Membership Statistics

The overall membership figures have shown a slight increase again in 2013/14 when

compare to those reported at the 2013 Annual Meeting.

Council At AGM 2012 At AGM 2013 At AGM 2014 Carnarvon No.5 31 33 30

King Alfred No.71 53 52 50

Insula Vecta No.175 23 26 24

Branksome No.209 33 32 31

Silchester No.226 27 27 25

Harewood Forest No.246 28 27 27

Terra Regis No.263 25 26 23

Wessex No.283 31 42 47

Nigel Buckingham No.294 29 33 39

New Forest No.315 N/A 25 32

Totals 280 323 330

Provincial Grand Chapter Hampshire & IoW E. Comp. Colin Upton Deputy Provincial Grand Scribe Ezera

Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Dorset R.W.Bro. F. Jeremy Shaw Provincial Grand Master

Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Hampshire & IoW R.W.Bro. John Prizeman Provincial Grand Master

The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine etc. for Dorset Rt. Ill. Kt. Matthew Burt Intendant-General

Ill. Kt. Derek Burt Deputy Intendant-General

The Order of the Secret Monitor, Provincial Grand Conclave of Hampshire &

IoW.

R.Wy.Bro. Charles Aspinell Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler

Assistant Grand Summus in the Order of Scarlett Cord

Wy.Bro. Ron Bentley Provincial Grand Secretary

The Order of the Secret Monitor, Provincial Grand Conclave of Dorset and The

Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord

R.Wy.Bro. Gerald Hambidge Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler also

Provincial Grand Summus

The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord Provincial Grand Senatus of

Hampshire and IoW.

R. Dist. Comp. Ian Campbell Provincial Grand Summus

Disti. Comp. Malcolm Lloyd Assistant Provincial Grand Summus

Dist. Comp. Alan Thompson Provincial Grand Recorder

The Royal Order of Scotland, Provincial Grand Lodge of the Southern Counties

and Very High and Right Eminent Grand Seneschal of the Knights Templar Rt.Wor.Bro. Malcolm Slater Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master

The Royal Order of Scotland, Province of Dorset Bro. Lawrence Brookes Deputy Provincial Grand Master

Bro. David Bale Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master

Bro. John Brayford Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master

The Worshipful Society of Free Masons (Operatives) S.Western Counties Region

Rt. W.Bro. David Bale Deputy Grand Mason and Senior Passed Master

The Order of Allied Masonic Degrees, District of Southern Counties of England

R.W.Bro. Richard Dunleavy District Grand Prefect

W.Bro. Brian Howlett Deputy District Grand Prefect

W.Bro. David Smith District Grand Recorder

Representative other Orders from within the District attending the Luncheon:

Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset

R.W.Bro. Richard Merritt Provincial Grand Master

Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and IoW.

W.Bro. Charles Kemp Past Assistant Grand Master

Ancient and Accepted Rite - Rose Croix

V:.Ill.Bro. Alan Gregory Inspector General - Solent Division

Knights Templar, Province of Hampshire & IoW.

Rt.E.Kt. David F. Coombes Provincial Prior

Rt.E.Kt. Trevor Gulliver Past Provincial Prior

Royal Order of Scotland Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hampshire & IoW.

Rt.Wor.Bro. Alan Hamilton Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master

Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Wiltshire

V.W.Bro. John Bell Deputy Provincial Grand Master

Right Illustrious, Very Illustrious Companions and Distinguished Guests were in turn

saluted under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, for which

thanks were returned accordingly.

The District Grand Chaplin honoured the memory of those Companions passing to the

Grand Council Above:

Ill.Comp. Michael Kershaw, PAGDC King Alfred Council No.71 25/05/2013

Comp. William Whelan, PDistGStdB Branksome Council No.294 11/04/2013

The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Saturday 25th August 2012 having been

previously circulated were accepted as a true record.

The Roll of District Grand Council Officers was called and all were present.

The Roll of Councils within the District was called and all were very well represented.

The District Grand Recorders Report, having been previously circulated was taken as

read.

The District Grand Treasurer’s Report having been previously distributed was taken as

read. The District Accounts for the year ending 30th September 2012 were adopted with

a proposition from the Deputy District Grand Master proposed and seconded by the

District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.

Companions, I mention this, not for attention to myself but to implore you all, if you

haven’t had a PSA test, even if you don’t have the symptoms, please ask your GP,

prevention is better than cure.

On Friday the 23rd of August, I was able to present a cheque of £3,000 to the “Prostate

Project” on behalf of the Provincial grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons for Hampshire

& IOW. The intention is to build a new Urology Centre not just for men but for women

too. Companions, The Royal Surrey County Hospital is a Centre of Excellence in the

South, they have made great inroads for the treatment of prostate Cancer. The Centre

maybe in Surrey Companions, but we are all entitled to be referred there even if you live

outside the County.

Last Year at the Luncheon, I placed on the tables; Mark Benevolent Charity boxes in

support for the “Hope for Tomorrow” appeal which in total raised £84,000 collectively

from all the Progressive Select Orders of Masonry.

The Mark Benevolent Fund also presented a cheque for £72,000. This District presented

the PGM with a cheque for £500 and further donations were made by our Councils.

Companions, once again Thank you all for your generosity in supporting this Appeal,

and to you John Prizeman for leading the way to this magnificent total.

Companions, once again it is my intention to put out the boxes again and ask for

voluntary donations, this time for the “Prostate Project” but let me repeat Companions, it

is Voluntary.

Companions, today’s Meeting doesn’t just happen, and I am grateful to all who have

taken up so much of their time to organise this Meeting and to make it the success it has

been. To Peter Dack and his Team, Richard Dunleavy and his Team, to the District

Grand Treasurer, Chris Boorman, Assistant Recorder, Ron Bentley, the Manciples and

helpers. Brian Weedon and Alan Paxton for producing and printing the Agendas and

year books, to Peter Dyke and the Botley Centre for all their co operation, “Thank You”.

Companions, let us go forward and promote Freemasonry in General and this Wonderful

Order in particular, and once again Companions, thank you all for your support and may

the Supreme Master watch and guide over you and your loved ones.

R.Ill.Comp. George J. Deacon

District Grand Master

Of course Companions, I am aware of some of our Visitors who received Grand

Honours, and we congratulate them also, if I name them individually, I am bound to

miss one out!

What about the future, well Companions, the future still looks promising for our Order

and there is still a possibility of another Council for the future.

Now what about the District? Well Companions, in November we added another

Council to our District and had the honour of the Most Illustrious Grand Master J Alan

Wright together with his team to consecrate it. This Council has already admitted 4

new members to this Council and more are to follow, and I thank all the Founders for

their enthusiasm and support for the Council.

I was able to confer the Secrets of the Chair to Illustrious Companion Jonathan

Whittaker and today to promote Jon to Past District Grand Lecturer, Sorry Jon for

embarrassing you yet again, but it is in appreciation for your continued support for all

the Progressive and Select Orders of Masonry.

In July, Wessex Council held a Meeting at Farnborough Masonic Centre and with the

support of Guy Sudron and others, an “Open Evening” proved to be quite successful

and very informative, and I take this opportunity of thanking the Members of the

Council, Guy Sudron and Farnborough Masonic Centre for their support on this

occasion.

In February, Wessex Council carried out the Ceremony of the Silver Trowel to 10 of

our members and 2 Visitors from Somerset & Wiltshire. Peter Hughes was able to put

his acting skills to good use as King David, and this made a memorable day for all.

The attendance on that day was the highest to date and I thank the Officers of the

Council for carrying out such a splendid Ceremony on behalf of the District.

Our numbers are increasing and the future still looks promising, and it is only due to

your enthusiasm, encouragement and support that has made this all possible , we all

work as a Team and I am proud to be the District Grand Master of this very happy and

friendly District.

In August last year, I went for a Wellman check-up and discovered my PSA reading

was 9.6! Following on I then had a biopsy and diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I opted

for Brachytherapy treatment went to Guildford for treatment, first with Hormones then

external beam radiotherapy and Brachytherapy. This treatment began in January and

concluded in July with the last of my Hormone treatment.

I had my first PSA test and now have a reading of 0.1 and a smile on my face and I

feel great!

Ill.Comp. Christopher Boorman being the only nomination, he was duly declared

elected as the District Grand Treasurer.

Ill. Comp. Richard Dunleavy, PGCondC and Ill. Comp. Brian Howlett, PAGDC being

the only nominations as Account Examiners were similarly declared elected.

The District Grand Master re-appointed and Invest Ill Comp David L Warren,

PGCondC as Deputy District Grand Master.

The District Grand Master appoint obligated, invested and installed Ill Comp Peter W.

Hughes, PGCondC as District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.

The District Grand Master appointed and invested the following District Grand Officers

for the ensuing year:

Active Rank

District Grand Chaplain Ill.Comp. Peter Probert, PGCaptG

District Grand Treasurer Ill. Comp. Christopher Boorman

District Grand Recorder Ill.Comp. Peter R. Dack, GMan

District Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill.Comp. Edward Kusminoff, PGStdB

District Grand Lecturer Ill.Comp. Anthony (Tony) Green

Dep. District Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill.Comp. Richard Micklefield

District Grand Captain of the Guard Ill.Comp. Mark E. Gannaway

District Grand Conductor of the Council Ill.Comp. Michael J. Baxter

Asst. Dist. Gd. Director of Cer. Ill.Comp. Malcolm R. M. Lloyd, PAGDC PDistGLec

District Grand Sword Bearer Ill.Comp. Stephen H. Brown

District Grand Standard Bearer Ill.Comp. Alan L. Thompson

Assistant District Grand Recorder Ill.Comp. Ron Bentley PDistGCondC

District Grand Organist Ill.Comp. Frank Cousins, PAGDC, PDistGCaptG

District Grand Steward Ill.Comp. Richard E. Moyle

District Grand Manciple Ill.Comp. David F. Henwood

District Grand Manciple Comp. Guy R. Sudron

District Grand Manciple Comp. Michael Mulvaney

District Grand Manciple Comp. Alan Paxton

District Grand Sentinel Comp. Brian Weedon

Past Rank - Promotion

Past District Grand Lecturer Ill.Comp. Stanley Rickeard

Past District Grand Conductor of the Council Comp. Brian J. Weedon

Past Rank – First Appointment

Past District Grand Lecturer Ill.Comp. Jonathan C. Whitaker

Past District Grand Manciple Comp. Kevan C. Brooks

Past District Grand Manciple Comp. Brian G. Wiffen

The District Grand Master invited members of New Forest Council No.315 to conduct

the ceremony of Super-Excellent Master for four of its companions.

A Council of Super-Excellent Masters was opened and companions Edward J.

Manton; Christopher G. Saxton; John B Talbot and Peter W. Lewis were received as

Super Excellent Masters. The Council of Super-Excellent Masters was closed.

The District Grand Master invited Ex. Comp. Colin Upton, Deputy Provincial Grand

Scribe Ezera to receive a cheque (£500) on behalf of the Provincial Grand Chapter of

Hampshire and Isle of Wight in aid of the Royal College of Surgeons. Ex. Comp.

Colin Upton thanked the District Grand Master and the companions of the District for

their generosity.

The District Grand Master addressed District Grand Council, which was received with

spontaneous acclaim – Annex to these minutes.

An alms collection was made.

The District Recorder reported that there was well over 130 were in attendance both in

the temple and at the luncheon afterwards (signature sheets appended to these

minutes) and apologies were noted. The next Annual Meeting will be held at the

Botley Masonic Centre on Saturday 23rd August 2014.

The District Grand Master closed District Grand Council in due form. The National

Anthem was honoured and the District Grand Master and Distinguished Guests retired

in procession.

Ill.Comp. Peter R. Dack G.Man.

District Recorder

ANNEX to Annual Meeting Minutes of Saturday 24th August 2013

District Grand Masters Address 2013

Companions, we have arrived at the next item where I address you, most of this

address will be in the form of a thank you.

First of all can I thank you all for attending in such large numbers today and in

particular to our Guests, some who have travelled great distances to be here, it is

greatly appreciated particularly on a Bank Holiday weekend. Today we have Guests

attending the Luncheon who are not at present Members of our Order and I shall be

pleased to introduce them at the Luncheon.

I want to thank the Thrice Illustrious Master and Members of New Forest Council and

Volunteers for their performance in carrying out the SEM ceremony and I thank also

the Candidates for attending today. The intention was to show off our new Council

and give them the opportunity of playing to such a supportive audience today and I

am indeed very proud of their achievements, thank you one and all, but in particular

who is deserves a special mention to, V.Ill. Comp. Chris Court & Ill. Comp. Alan

Trotter.

Today is a special day for those who have received First Appointments and

Promotions to District Rank, and I do congratulate them on their well-deserved

honours and I hope they can give their support to me, my Deputy and Principal

Conductor of the Council on the occasion of our Official visits during the year. Our

Official visits are always well received, the work to a high standard and always a

happy occasion.

I would like to thank the Council Recorders and DC’s for their assistance on these

occasions and a special thanks to the Companions on the South island who support us

so well on the Mainland.

My thanks also to the outgoing Team who have supported the District so well and

have attended in such large numbers, please remember you are always welcome to

join us on any of our visits .My thanks also to the Councils who received us on the

occasion of an Official visit for the courtesy and hospitality we all received. Today

we say goodbye to 3 Companions who have held Office for 2 years or more, and I

would like to take this opportunity of thanking, Michael Whelan as District PCW two

and half years, Richard Dunleavy for his long service as Director of Ceremonies for 7

years and Laurie Brookes as Chaplain for 2 years., and I shall be delighted to present

them with a token of appreciation.

At the Annual Meeting of Grand Council, several of our Members received

Appointments and Promotions in Grand Council, they were:

First Appointments:

Jeremy Shaw, PGCondC.

John Prizeman, PGCondC. Matthew Burt, PAGDC.

Malcolm Lloyd, PAGDC.

Richard Micklefield, PGSwdBr.

Anthony De Boulay. PGStdB.

Promotions:

R.Ill. John Brayford. P.G. Councillor

Peter Probert, PGCaptG. (via London)

Michael Whelan, PGCaptG.

Chris Hutchins, PGCaptG.

David Smith, PGCaptG. (via Grand Council)

David Nicholas, PGCondC.