We’ll keep a Welcome in the Hillside
At the start November on a bright Saturday morning a party of Brethren from West Lancashire arrived in the Welsh Valleys, actually Pontyclun, to attend the Severn District meeting.
Welcome
Pontyclun is a village located in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.
Pontyclun translates from the Welsh language as 'bridge [over] the River Clun'.
William Richmond, Geoff Catterall, Allan Comber, Richard Higson
The village is served by Pontyclun railway station on the South Wales Main Line. It has its own local rugby club, and a Masonic Hall home of Trisant Lodge
Arriving at Pontyclun Masonic Hall in good numbers they were welcomed by Ron Slater the District Grand Prefect following the welcome they were able to meet friends and share a welcome cup of tea together with a plentiful supply of biscuits.
Eric Poole, Geoff Catterall, Allan Comber, Paul Snape, William Richmond, Richard Higson
Leading the deputation was the DGP Paul Snape; he was accompanied by Geoff Catterall, William Richmond, Allan Comber, Eric Poole and Richard Higson, also attending was the District Prefect for East Lancashire Mervyn Wilson and Paul Waring. To the surprise of everyone present one of the party from Lancashire spoke briefly in Welsh.
The Men from the North
During his address Ron Slater the District Grand Prefect for Severn thanked the members from the two Lancashire Districts for their valued and regular support.
Mervyn Wilson, Peter Brockbank, Paul Snape
Following the meeting the party were able to enjoy liquid refreshment in the company of friends from both the District of Severn and other Districts visiting the meeting.
Enjoying Refreshments    
Following the four course Banquet whilst most of the party made their way back to Lancashire. Two members from Chorley continued their "Weekend Break" in Hereford and Hay on Wye.
Report and Photos from our Gohebydd Deheudir Cymru (South Wales Correspondent)