New East Lancs District Prefect
 
As in all walks of life things change, the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees is no exception, following nearly eight rewarding years as District Grand Prefect for East Lancashire Alex McLaren retired from that Office on Friday April 1st 2016.
Trying to set up a Group Photo
Bill Seddon and members of the District of West Lancashire
So on Saturday April 2nd 2016 Mervyn Wilson was Installed as the District Grand Prefect for East Lancashire. From just after 9.00am on a blustery Saturday morning members of the Allied Degrees from all over England and Wales descended upon Rochdale.
Relaxing with Refreshment
Bill Seddon District Grand Prefect for West Lancashire led a delegation of twenty-one Brethren. On their arrival they were able to meet friends and share a welcome cup of tea together with what is becoming a ritual for these gatherings “a tasty Bacon Barmcake".
Shortly after 11.00am the meeting was opened by Malcolm Moreland, following this the Grand Master entered to undertake the Ceremony of Installing a District Grand Prefect.
Ray Pye in conversation with Frank Clarke.
On being Installed as District Grand Prefect for East Lancashire Mervyn then appointed John Barlow as his Deputy.
Mervyn Wilson, Tom Jackson and John Barlow.
Following the Installation Meeting, guests were invited to pre lunch drinks before being treated to a four course Banquet in the company of many friends from both the District of East Lancashire and places as far afield as Northumberland and Kent not forgetting South West Wales.
Mervyn Wilson and Tom Jackson
At the end of the meal, many members enjoyed convivial conversation whilst others started their journey home some by car others walked to the railway station for the trip home, although tired everyone had enjoyed the day immensely, for some though arriving home meant a quick change then back to Chorley for the West Lancashire Allied Degrees District Social.
Report and Photos from our East Lancashire Correspondent.