West Lancashire visits to Yorkshire
 
On the 24th March 2018 a dozen (twelve to the younger Masons) or so Allied Masons made their way over the Pennines to the White Rose County of Yorkshire. The reason for our trek was to attend the Annual Meeting of the Allied Mason Degree District Meeting of Yorkshire. We left Lancashire on a rather pleasant Spring morning, the M62 being as it is some of us opted not to use the motorway and made our way through Colne, Ilkley and Otley to Leeds, and what a pleasant run it was. We arrived at Castle Grove Masonic Hall Leeds in time to sign in and get a quick cup of coffee / tea.
Dist. G. Sec. W.L. with D.G.P. and the Dep.D.G.P.
As instructed we were ushered into the Lodge Room at 10.45am for an 11.00am start. On taking our seats the District Grand Director of Ceremonies Worshipful Brother Raymond C. Johnson Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies called us to order and announced there would be three processions. The first procession  Right Worshipful District Grand Prefects from other District including our own Right Worshipful Brother Graham Paul Snape entered and took their seats, the next procession Past Rulers of the order Right Worshipful Brother Brian Ward Price Past Deputy Grand Master and Right Worshipful Brother John Barlow Past District Grand Prefect for Yorkshire and the last procession Right Worshipful Brother David Malcolm Cordell District Grand Prefect for Yorkshire escorted by his District Officers.
Dist  G. Sec. W.L., D.G.P. Kent, D.G.P., Dep.D.G.P & D.G.P. East Lancs
Once all the brethren were in place the District Grand Prefect opened District Grand Council. Salutations were given, and the Brethren took their seats. Next on the agenda was to remember those of our Brethren that had been called to Higher Service. After the minutes had been approved the Right Worshipful District Grand Prefect introduced the Distinguished Visitors including those from West Lancashire, The District Grand Prefect and his Deputy Worshipful Brother William Lawrence Richmond Past Grand Junior Deacon, Worshipful Brother Geoff Catterall Past Grand Junior Deacon / District Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother Raymond Pye Grand Steward / District Grand Director of Ceremony, Very Worshipful Brother Stuart Leach Past Grand Registrar, Worshipful Brother Frank W. Clarke Past District Grand Senior Warden, Worshipful Brother Geoff Moore Past District Grand Junior Deacon, Brother Robert Whittingham, Brother Dave Webster and Worshipful Brother Ernie Gavan Past District Grand Junior Warden / District Sword Bearer. There was also two more West Lancashire Allied Masons who were of course introduced in their other capacity Right Worshipful Brother Peter Brockbank District Grand Prefect for Kent and Right Worshipful Brother Mervyn Frank Wilson District Grand Prefect for our neighbouring District East Lancashire. All were warmly welcomed.
Delegation from West Lancs
A rather nice item was to introduce those Brethren that had been newly admitted into our Order in the past twelve months. After the Roll Calls of District officers and Councils of the District of Yorkshire the District Grand Prefect Appointed and Invested the District Officers for 2018/19. The District Grand Prefect then Addressed Grand Council. When any other business had been completed the District Grand Prefect closed District Grand Council and after the National Anthem the District Grand Prefect and His Officers along with the Distinguished Guests retired in processional order.
Castle Grove Maonic Hall Leeds
Whilst most of the Brethren were enjoying a pre-luncheon drink in the reception area the Brethren from West Lancashire went outside, took advantage and opportunity of the mild weather, to have photographs taken, job done we re-joined our friends and colleagues. The District Grand Director of Ceremonies called us into the dining room where we partook of a delicious three course followed by coffee / tea. In his response to the toast to the District Grand Prefect he informed us of the continuing improvement of the health of our Grand Master and indeed his own improving health. The labours and refreshment being over we made our way homeward another excellent Allied District Meeting thoroughly enjoyed by all.  
Report and photos by Ernie Gavan