Palatine Council’s Surprise Visitor.
On Thursday April 20th members of Palatine Council met at Garstang Masonic Hall, after opening the Council the Master Stuart Brackstone, then started to conduct the business as itemised on the Lodge Summons.
Members of Palatine Council
Just as he was about start, there was a knock at the door of the Lodge, who was this latecomer?  Taking most of the members by surprise; it was the District Grand Prefect Paul Snape.
 
On entering the Lodge he was welcomed by the Worshipful Master Stuart Brackstone and offered the Gavel, another surprise, the District Grand Prefect said he would keep it for a short while and occupy the Chair.
 
The District Grand Prefect then shed light on why he had made such a clandestine visit. He explained that in two days time at the District Meeting V.W.Bro. Bob McGown was stepping down from District Office.
“Thanks Bob”
Referring to Bob’s CV, his first District Appointment was in 2005 as Dist.G.Std.B, in 2007 he was appointed Dist.G.Sec until 2013, then in 2016 Bob was appointed Dist.G.Chap.
 
Paul then went on to say.
“Those facts are a cold summation of his support to the Order. What that doesn’t tell you is the enormous amount of work Bob has undertaken on behalf of the Allied Masonic Degrees and Freemasonry in general.  I together with my two predecessors and all members of this District and further afield owe Bob McGown an immense debt of Gratitude, for his support, guidance and most importantly his friendship.”
All the members present then endorsed those comments with spontaneous applause.
 
Bob somewhat emotionally thanked the District Prefect for his remarks, saying whilst he had enjoyed his time undertaking the different roles within District, he felt it had been a great honour to serve the District.
 
The District Grand Prefect then requested the Worshipful Master to resume his position and carry on with the rest of the business.
Accordingly Ian Scott then presented an enlightening paper about the life of Sir Charles Warren.
The plates have been cleared time to depart  
The next business was to Declare as Master for the ensuing year W.Bro. Eric Picton, in reply Eric thanked the Brethren for their confidence in selecting him as Master Elect, stating he would do his best to maintain the high standard of work within Palatine Council
 
At the close of the meeting Stuart Brackstone then invited all present to join him at refreshment.
 
Report and Photos from our Wyreside Correspondent