East Lancashire District Meeting
 
Although the weather conditions were not good for driving on the M62 we still made excellent progress to Rochdale Masonic Hall early enough to enjoy a welcoming bacon roll and piping hot coffee. The bar lounge was a cacophony of sound generated by the chatter of Brethren in buoyant mood. Our Instructions were to be seated in the Temple at 10.45 a.m. to which we complied.
A trio of District Grand Prefects West Lancashire, East Lancashire and Kent.
The purpose for the gathering was The East Lancashire Provincial Grand Council Meeting held at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale on the 8th. September 2018. and at 11.00 a.m. The District Grand Director of Ceremony Worshipful Brother Peter Hegarty Past Grand Standard Bearer welcomed us to District Grand Council and called the meeting to order. He  announced the first of two processions, the first being the visiting District Grand Prefects of other Provinces and the second The District Grand Prefect  of East Lancashire Right Worshipful Brother Mervyn Frank Wilson accompanied by his District Grand Officers. The District Grand Prefect was escorted to his Chair In District Grand Council and salutations were given to which he suitably responded.
West Lancashire D.G.P enjoying hospitality.
A moment of silence and reflection was observed for those of our Brethren that have been called to higher service. A muster roll of District Grand Officers and Councils of East Lancashire was called and the District Grand Secretary conducted the domestic items on the agenda. The next item on the agenda was to appoint and invest the District Grand Officers for 2018 / 2019. The District Grand Prefect re-appointed as his Deputy, Worshipful Brother John Barlow Past Grand Senior Deacon. The District Grand Officers were escorted to the District Grand Prefect for Investment. Worshipful Brother Peter Hegarty Past Grand Standard Bearer was retiring from his post as District Director of Ceremony and the District Grand Prefect thanked him for his work over the years.
Visiting D.G.P.’s (Photo curtesy of W.Bro.  John Barlow  Dep.D.G.P.E.L.)
The investiture over The District Grand Prefect addressed District Grand Council. In his address he welcomed the distinguished guests from all over the country including the rather large delegation from his neighbouring district, West Lancashire lead by their District Grand Prefect Right Worshipful Brother Graham Paul Snape and his Deputy Worshipful Brother William Lawrence Richmond Past Grand Junior Deacon. Also attending was West Lancashire Districts Past District Grand Prefect Right Worshipful Brother  William Richard Seddon.
D.G.P greets V.W. Bro. Robert S.C. Mitchell P.G.Reg  District Grand Master of Lancashire Royal & Select Masters.
The delegation from West Lancashire consisted of two Right Worshipful Brothers, three Very Worshipful Brothers, seven Grand, five District Grand Officers and four other Brethren, not including several of the brethren who have dual membership. The District Grand Prefect congratulated three of the brethren Worshipful Brothers Frank Clarke and Ernie Gavan on their forthcoming appointments in Grand Council to Past Grand Standard Bearer and Worshipful Brother John Bicknell is to be promoted to Past Grand Junior Deacon.
There being no further business The District Grand Prefect closed District Grand Council. After The National Anthem the newly appointed District Grand Director of Ceremony  Worshipful Brother J. Christopher Welton Past Grand Standard Bearer formed an escort of the District Grand Officers for recession from the Temple, followed by the distinguished guests.
Delegation from West Lancashire

The photo session having taken place pre meeting gave us the opportunity to have a refreshing drink with old friends, and new before being called to take our seats for lunch. Lunch was a proper Lancashire menu, black pudding, Lancashire rag pudding and fresh fruit with coffee / tea. The toast lists at District Meetings are not too long and neither are the responses and soon we were heading homeward, back in the pouring rain. 

Report and photos by Ernie Gavan