Allied Fest 2016
 
March 2016
What you might ask is "Allied Fest", that was the name coined by the late Michael Davies for the fourth Wednesday in March.  The next question why?  On morning of the fourth Wednesday in March T.J. Lewis Council meet at Chorley Masonic Hall, following that in the evening in the Furness area T.F. Jackson Council meet.
Let Allied Fest 2016 Commence!!
Allied fest part 1; around 10.00am members of the Order began arriving in Chorley Masonic Hall and in pleasant surroundings enjoyed a refreshing drink of tea accompanied by a plentiful supply of biscuits.
Tom Jackson, Bill Seddon Peter Watson and Paul Renton with the Candidates
At 11.00am Peter Watson opened the meeting, welcoming the District Grand Prefect Bill Seddon and members of the District Team, also welcomed to the meeting was the Grand Master Tom Jackson. Peter then invited W. Bro. Paul Renton to carry out the main event of the morning, that to undertake a ceremony of the Grand High Priest.
Relaxing after the Journey
During the ceremony Paul Renton admitted twelve candidates to the Order, following what had been a ceremony worked to an exceptionally high standard, the Master Peter Watson thanked Paul Renton for his work and invited all present to join him at Lunch.
It's a hard life!!
After the formalities of the morning had finished many Brethren continued in conversation. A large contingent though started a journey by car to Barrow in Furness for Allied fest part 2.
The Lodge Room
After an uneventful car journey around the picturesque Morecambe Bay members arrived at Barrow in Furness, arriving at the Masonic Hall they joined other local Allied Masons. Provision of a cup of Tea and succulent Bacon and Sausage Barmcakes allowed everyone time to relax before the meeting.
Bill Seddon welcomes Brian Davy (Not yet a member of the Order)
After opening the meeting John Torrance welcomed the Grand Master as well as the District Grand Prefect Bill Seddon hoping they would together with all present enjoy the work of the evening. He then invited members of the Council to assist him in performing a Ceremony of the Red Cross of Babylon.
Pre Dinner drinks
Bro. Peter Hampson, Brian Ogden and Chris Butterfield were then Constituted as a Knights of the Red Cross of Babylon. Ernie Gavan then presented the Lecture in this Degree.
Awaiting Dinner
Following the Ceremony, the Grand Master Congratulated W.Bro. John Torrance and all the members of Thomas Firth Jackson Council, on the high standard of Ritual worked.
Soft Drinks all round?
In reply John Torrance thanked the Grand Master for his generous comments inviting him and all present to join together for pre lunch drinks before enjoying a three course Banquet. The Cheese Board and Port rounded off the Allied Fest 2016.
 
A date for your diary March 22nd 2017     Allied Fest 2017
Report and photos from our Roving Reporter