A visit to Keaw Yed Country
 
Westhoughton MH in the sunshine
What would members of the West Lancs District want to do on a warm, sunny Saturday morning? Go to the seaside, the local park or just basking in the back garden? Well, for many Allied Masons there was only one place to be on Saturday 25th April 2026 – Westhoughton Masonic Hall for the West Lancashire District AGM.
Anyone fancy a cuppa?
Well appointed Ballroom ready for the off?
The usual cuppa and a bacon barm welcomed early starters in the wonderful surroundings of Westhoughton Masonic Hall function room, make mine crispy please.
Practice makes perfect
Upstairs in the Lodge Room the District DC’s and Officers were already hard at work honing the ceremonial. I sneaked into the inner sanctum to take a few pictures of rehearsals, and to satisfy myself that standards were being maintained!  No problem, everything was ship shape and Bristol fashion.
Unfortunately, the Immediate Past DGP, Paul Snape had decided to give the meeting a miss, respecting the tradition of ‘purdah’, which essentially excluded Paul from attending the meeting. It is the first West Lancs District meeting he has missed in around 30years – some record!
A galaxy of DGP’s and other RW Brethren
Back to the proceedings, our DGP Mark Barton was kept busy with rehearsals and the necessary meet and greet of the many DGP’s from England and Wales who were attending the meeting in support of Mark. Proof is in the pudding as it were, and the DGP’s and RW Brethren lined up for a photo shoot.
Mark and Brethren find time for drinkies on the patio
Mark looked pretty relaxed, and made time during the day to welcome all the Brethren. Even finding time to enjoy a spot of sunbathing on the patio. But, time and tide wait for no man as the saying goes, and very quickly the Lodge Room started to fill and the waiting processions packed the surrounding corridors. The first to enter were the RW Brethren who were escorted into a packed arena by two very smart Deacons. Next up was the procession of District Officers led by the Deputy and Assistant District DC’s, and finally the District DC announced the DGP for West Lancashire, RW Brother Mark Andrew Barton, who entered with his Sword and Standard Bearers to loud acclaim.
Spot the difference – Past Officers (top photo) new team (bottom photo)
The District Meeting was opened in ample form, Brethren were welcomed and the usual salutations and subsequent business was conducted efficiently to the usual West Lancashire high standards. Of course, a very important part of the business was the appointment and promotion of District Officers for the coming season. We offer congratulations to all those Brethren who were appointed or received promotions. I was pleased to note that our Deputy DGP, Ian Douglas Nairn was re-appointed to continue in Office for the coming year. On conclusion of the meeting, the DGP and his Officers processed from the room to acclaim, and received the congratulations of many Brethen as they retired.
Plenty of chatter at a packed Festive Board
And so to the Festive Board. As the business meeting had been concluded with time to spare, there was time to have a chin wag with friends before the meal was served in the ballroom. The quality of the cuisine was excellent, and the buzz around the room was a good indication of Brethren enjoying themselves. Wine takings and toasts followed and brought us quickly to the conclusion of proceedings. I have a theory about the passing of time, which essentially says that time passes more quickly as we get older. This last year has gone so rapidly, for me, and I suspect that within the blink of an eye we’ll be meeting at the same venue in 2027, So, here’s to our next merry meeting!
 
Words and Photos by the Keaw’(s) Yed (ask someone from Westhoughton for an explanation, or consult Google)