Grand Tour Episode 1
 
A day out in Pontyclun
 
Saturday November 5th dawned a bright sunny but crisp morning, at 08.15 an official looking black car arrived at Gloucester Services on the M5, (these Services are operated by the same family who operate Tebay Services in Westmorland).
The Official Car (MI5 or AMD?)
From the car emerge four smartly dressed men, as they tuck into a hearty breakfast, the throngs of hungry motorists look upon these men in black suits, who are they?  Rumours abound, Senior members on the Intelligence Community enroute to GCHQ, Government Officials, members of the Royal Household, to those in the know they are four members of the Allied Masonic Degrees from West Lancashire attending the District of Severn annual meeting at Pontyclun.
Gloucester Services M5
Ron Slater welcomes Bill Richmond
Arriving at the Masonic Hall on Park Crescent, Ron Slater the DGP for Severn was on hand to welcome the Grand Junior Deacon Bill Richmond and the other members of his entourage, Frank Clarke, Andrew Bartlett and Bob Whittingham.
Following the meeting around 90 members of the Allied Degree sat down to a magnificent four course lunch together with suitable quantities of wine followed by a glass or two of fine Vintage Port.
"An Intrepid Trio" Frank Clark, Andrew Bartlett and Bob Whittingham
Frank Clark enjoys a glass of Vintage Port
At the end of the meal, after enjoying convivial conversation the intrepid travellers started their journey home, the journey back to Lancashire was surprisingly uneventful; Hilton Park designated the place for refreshment on the return journey.
When asked for a comment with reference to the days outing the Grand Junior Deacon replied "As Arnold Schwarzenegger said I'll be back!!"
Photos courtesy of our Staff Photographer, report by our Principality Reporter.