West Lancs AMD District Meeting 2025
 
The 4th Saturday in April means only one thing in the Allied Masonic calendar, and yes, you’ve guessed it, the date of the Annual meeting of the West Lancashire District.
 
Distinguished guests from all corners of the realm descended on Preston Masonic Hall for the occasion. Many current and Past District Grand Prefects, and other Right Worshipful Brethren joined the wider Allied multitude for the event. The usual refreshments of bacon barms / babs / butties etc (however you wish to describe them), together with tea and coffee, were available for those who needed sustenance after their early morning sojourn.
One of the early risers was the West Lancs Secretary Mark Goldsworthy, who had decided to introduce a new code of dress at the District Meeting in celebration of a football team, Burnley I think, who had achieved success recently in being promoted to the premier league. I was left wondering whether this gesture was just a little below the belt dig at Blackburn FC, the DGP’s favourite team, which had not achieved the same level of success this year. A little bit under the belt Marc, and I think that any chance of your promotion has taken a big hit. Live and learn Marc, and be more charitable in future…..you know it makes sense!
‘Suits you Sir – VW Brother Geoff Catterall speaks with the District Secretary,
Marc Goldsworthy about the new Burnleyite dress code’
Your intrepid reporter, tried to sneak in to the Team rehearsal and take a couple of photos for this chronicle, but was met by a bulldog of a Tyler, Al Comber, who stood with his arms outstretched denying me entrance. With Alan’s words ‘over my dead body,’ ringing in my ears, little did he know that this scribe also had his own inscrutable methods to gain access to the rehearsal, and the following photos provide the proof. Sorry Al, but needs must.
My covert operation revealed the current District Team being put through their paces in the Lodge room under the eagle eyes of Ray Lamb, Kevin Poynton and John Sarti.
‘DC’s team, Ray Lamb, Kevin Poynton and John Sarti trying to sort out the modus operandi –
a bit late me thinks Brethren!’
 
‘DC Ray Lamb rehearses the troops'
‘Deputy DGP Mark Barton and DGP Paul Snape displaying the official we’re in charge look.’
‘Eyes to the front’
Of course, on these occasions, our DGP is always delighted to welcome his DGP colleagues together with other RW Brethren, and insists on a photograph to include in his archives.
‘DGP and Deputy with his distinguished colleagues’
Anyway, on to the main proceedings, bacon butties consumed, rehearsals completed, it was time to gather in the Lodge Room and await the various processions to enter. I must admit that, as I sat in my designated chair, that I was a bit troubled, feeling that I had missed a scoop. You may ask why? Well, earlier in the morning I thought I had fleetingly spotted the Grand Director of Ceremonies, but was unsure. As you know, if the GDC was present it could only mean one thing. Yes, you’ve guessed it, the Grand Master must be somewhere in the locality. Unfortunately, I totally failed to grasp the significance, which, as a star investigative reporter, I will never be able to live down. Sure enough, following the opening of District Council and some early business and salutations, there came a very loud knock on the door of the Council and the Grand DC was admitted, and he demanded the admission of he who definitely should be obeyed, the Grand Master himself. The GM entered to loud acclamation and was received by the DGP with much pleasure and offered the Gavel which he subsequently returned.
 
The tension was building, why had the GM surprised us with his presence. Odds were being laid at the significance, but nobody could have pinpointed the real reason, which the DGP revealed during his speech. The words silenced the packed Council, “after much thought, this will be the last District Council which I will preside over, as I have decided to stand down as DGP”. The words were initially met with silence, as nobody in the audience had expected the announcement, but the silence gave way to much acclamation for a DGP who had given everything in support of the Allied cause.
 
The emotion of the announcement subsided, as the business of the meeting had to be dealt with, time and tide wait for no man (and woman), and the DGP progressed the agenda in a clear professional manner. One of the main objectives of the morning was to appoint the new District Team, and this was carried out for the last time by RW Bro. Paul Snape, in his usual warm and congratulatory way.
‘Michael Clarke IPDGSW, Eric Picton DGSW, Paul Snape DGP, Mark Barton DepDGP,
Alan Fairhurst DGJW and Brian Henshaw IPDGJW’
‘The DGP and Deputy with the new District Team’
‘Dining with Distinction’
Soon, the formalities of District Council gave way to the companionship and chatter of the Festive Board. An empty dining room soon became packed and Brethren were still discussing the news of the impending retirement of our DGP. Odds were now being placed on Paul’s replacement, but only one person will select the new man on the block, and that is the Grand Master himself. Whatever the speculation circulating in the dining room, the GM returned the formal toast to his health with much pleasure but gave nothing away, focussing on thanking our DGP for the total commitment he had displayed to maintain and grow the Allied Masonic Degrees in West Lancashire over his many years of service.
‘The Grand Master thanks our DGP for his commitment to Allied Masonry’
A little later, a toast was proposed by W. Bro Eric Picton DGSW to the DGP, and Eric summed up perfectly the attributes which Paul had displayed during his years as DGP. The toast was received with much acclaim, and Paul responded with his usual humility and heartfelt thanks to all those who supported him over the last 8 years or so in his capacity as DGP.
‘Cheers Paul’
So, there you are, the meeting came to an end when the GM, DGP and his Deputy, processed from the dining room under the watchful eye of the Grand DC. Groups of Brethren remained to chat about the extraordinary and eventful meeting, still no clearer on who the next West Lancs DGP will be – watch this space!
 
The only thing to add, is to thank our DGP, Paul, for his friendship, stewardship and all-round dedication to the Allied Masonic Degrees in West Lancashire, and indeed nationally. Our DGP has been a mentor to many in the District, including this Scribe, over many years, helped us cope with the significant disruption of the pandemic years, and will leave the District in a much better shape than could have been expected in these circumstances.
Paul, you will remain as our DGP for the time being, and I know that you will continue to lead this order in your usual efficient and pastoral way until the Grand Master decrees otherwise. Rest very happy with your contribution, you have achieved much and I know that your commitment and affection for the AMD will continue long after your term in office ends. I hope that I speak for all the members of your flock in wishing you and Sally the best of health in your ‘retirement’ when it finally arrives. Perhaps you will be able to spend a bit more time pursuing your many hobbies, such as foraging for firewood and seeking out road kill (waste not want not!), with a bit of masonic activity thrown in when you have the time!!!!.
 
Words and photos by ‘He who will definitely not be the next West Lancs DGP.’