Allied Masonic Degree District of Cumberland and Westmorland
Annual District Meeting
 
Another early morning, another long journey this time it’s to Cleator Moor in Cumbria. On Saturday16th Novemer 2019. Allied Masons from all over England and Wales gathered in the Masonic Centre in Cleator Moor, for those who have never been to Cleator Moor it is a quaint village near Whitehaven in the far north of England, to attend the Cumberland and Westmorland District Meeting of the Allied Masonic Degrees including a goodly number from West Lancashire. The journey to Cumbria was quite uneventful in fact is was a rather pleasant autumnal morning. We arrived in good time to enjoy a cup of coffee and meet up with some old friends and make some new ones before we were ushered into the Temple at 10.45 a.m. for an 11.00 o’clock start.
Grand Master, District Grand Prefects West and East Lancashire with Grand Officers of West Lancashire
When all the Brethren were seated the District Grand Director of Ceremony Worshipful Brother Francis Edward Hatton announced the first of three processions, leaders of other orders within the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, followed by the District Grand Prefects for other Districts and other Right Worshipful Brethren, the next procession was Right Worshipful Brother Joseph Edward Crosby District Grand Prefect and he was accompanied by the Active District Officers of the year. The District Grand Prefect opened District Grand Council the District Grand Prefect was proclaimed and saluted.
On a report the Acting Grand Director of Ceremony Worshipful Brother Ray Pye Past Grand Steward announced that The Most Worshipful Grand Master Thomas Firth Jackson was outside the door of the Council and seeking admission. The District Grand Prefect said they would be delighted to receive him. The Brethren were called to Order and The Grand Master entered the Council accompanied by The Past Deputy Grand Master John Hale and four other Active Grand Officers. The District Grand Prefect welcomed The Grand Master who was escorted to a seat in the Council and saluted to which he suitably responded.
D.G.P.’s West and East Lancs., District Officers and Masters in Office
The Distinguished Guests from other Districts were introduced including our very own Right Worshipful Brother Graham Paul Snape along the Brethren from West Lancashire. The Distinguished Guests were saluted. The next item on the agenda was to remember those of our Brethren that had been called to higher service. Several items of a domestic nature were conducted before moving on to an important item on the agenda , to appoint a Deputy District Grand Prefect.
The District Grand Director of Ceremony formed an escort and Worshipful Brother Lawrence James Hinde was presented to the District Grand Prefect and Obligated, Invested and Installed as Deputy District Grand Prefect of the District of Cumberland and Westmorland. The new Deputy District Grand Prefect was saluted by the Brethren of Cumberland and Westmorland and he suitably responded.
Active Grand Officers 2019/20
The District Grand Prefect appointed and invested the District Grand Officers for the ensuing year. The newly appointed Officers were saluted and the District Senior Grand Warden gave a response on behalf of them all. The District Grand Prefect addressed District Grand Council.
After any other business was concluded a collection for charity took place. The Acting Grand Director of Ceremony formed an escort and the Most Worshipful Grand Master retired from District Grand Council.
Not them green socks again???????
There being no further business appertaining to District Grand Council The District Grand Prefect closed District Grand Council and after the National Anthem retired from the Temple accompanied by the newly appointed Deputy District Grand Prefect an District Officers.
Whilst the room was being prepared for lunch there was enough time for a quick photo session and refreshing drinks in the bar/lounge area. A delightful four course lunch with coffee was enjoyed by all and after the usual toasts were proposed with suitable responses it was time to head back to Lancashire. Another splendid day of Allied Masonry over and albeit a long, long journey we’ll’ do it all over again next year, the Great Disposer of all willing.  
Report and photos by Ernie Gavan