Viscount Leverhulme Council Installation
 
On a fine spring evening, a number of Allied Masons made their way up the mountain, well hill really, overlooking Horwich to Ridgmont House home to Viscount Leverhulme Council No. 263. The reason for our epic journey was the Installation Meeting of V.L.C. No. 263. The council was honoured with the presence of V.W.Bro. Graham Paul Snape P.G.Reg./ Deputy District Grand Prefect.

Paul Snape, Malcolm Timms, John Dawber
After the domestic part of the business the Deputy District Grand Prefect was escorted into the Lodge by The Deputy District Grand Director of Ceremony and welcomed by the Worshipful Master.

Paul Snape, Ken Denton, Malcolm Timms, John Dawber
First item on the agenda was a ballot for a rejoining member, a joining member and a Candidate. The ballot was in favour for all three. The rejoining and joining member then entered the Lodge and was introduced to and welcomed by the Worshipful Master.
On an alarm the Candidate, Bro Kenneth Malcolm Denton, was admitted into the Degree by the Worshipful Master Bro. John Dawber in a delightful ceremony. The lecture was given by W.Bro. Geoff Catterall P.G.J.D./Dist.G.Secretary in his usual faultless manner.

Several Members of the District Team
Next on the agenda was the Installation Ceremony of Master Elect Bro. Malcolm Timms S.W. The ceremony was conducted in an exemplary manner by the Installing Master. The Worshipful Master then appointed his officers for the ensuing year.
The Deputy District Grand Prefect gave greetings on behalf of the Grand and District Grand Officers.
The Lodge was closed and all the brethren retired to the bar for liquid refreshment. The festive board at Ridgmont House is well known for its quality and today was no exception.
In response to the toast to his health the Deputy District Grand Prefect congratulated the Worshipful Master for attaining the chair of this wonderful Council and emphasized the importance of enjoying his year in office, along with the Brethren.

Members of Viscount Leverhulme Council
The evening concluded with the toast to the visitors, and after much handshaking and bids of farewell we made our way home saying to ourselves “What a good night that was” ….  
Report and photos by Ernie Gavan