H’way the Lads
 
A very apt headline, as 3 Allied Masons set out on an early morning journey to Gateshead MH for the Northumberland and Durham District meeting. Mark Barton, Al Comber and me met up at Mountfield Towers around 7am. Mark had woken up to ice and fog, and was worried that he might be delayed, but his driving skills meant that he arrived in time for the pick-up. Al was driving, and we set off with enthusiasm for the long trip. This was quickly dented a little, as, after travelling for a few miles, what else but a road closure on the M6 caused through a major incident north of junctions 28 up to 30. Traffic slowed and then stopped, and we continued to inch our way to the next junction (28) where all traffic was directed to leave the motorway. Checking the time, it seemed impossible for us to get to Gateshead for the start of the meeting. A quick chat on the phone to Paul Snape (stayed overnight in the Northeast) raised our hopes as he reminded us that the meeting only started at 11.30am which proved sufficient time for us to continue. The moral of this story is always to read the summons………in advance of setting out!
Back row L to R Ray Pye, Al Comber, John Bicknell and Richard Higson
Front row West Lancs DGP Mark Barton and Past DGP Paul Snape.
Anyway, we left the motorway and proceeded across country to pick up the M65 and eventually onto the A1(M). Thankfully, the weather was kind, and the final part of the journey was pretty uneventful. We arrived at the venue with half an hour to spare, giving us time to book in, grab a cuppa and a catch up with other comrades. Unfortunately, Geoff Catterall, who had also stayed in Gateshead overnight, had become unwell and had to return home. Hope you recover quickly Geoff.
We travelled past the Angel of the North sculpture which divides opinion, but, along with the Tyne bridge, has helped to put this region firmly on the tourist trail.
For those of you who like to understand the background to place names, the first possibility of the derivative of Gateshead is that of an ancient road which terminated at a crossing over the River Tyne which separates Newcastle from Gateshead. Gate, in this sense, being derived from the old Norse name ‘gata’ meaning a road or pathway. This term has endured and was absorbed into the early English language as ‘gate’ (also gat or gata). So, in this possibility, the road or ‘gate’ terminated at the Tyne crossing point, hence Gateshead.
The second possibility is from a reference by the Venerable Bede, who, in the seventh century, described Gateshead under the Latin name ‘Ad Caprae Caput’, which translates as ‘Goats Head’. He described the area as such in a reference to a monastery on the site. It is suggested that this possibility could have a reference to an area frequented by wild goats. There is also a possibility that there was a totem or emblem with a goat’s head overlooking the Tyne. Interestingly, a goat’s head featured on Gateshead’s old coat of arms. If this possibility is correct, the name must have changed to Gateshead at some point in history.
We had to do a detour via the M65
Back to the script, around 6 West Lancs Brethren attended the meeting on this occasion, and it was good to see such excellent support for our DGP at this type of event, (would have been 7 if Geoff had been able to attend) and long may that continue. The obligatory photo of West Lancs Brethren was taken for this article, and I also managed to take a photo of 3 VIP’s (well they were entitled to a free drink at the pre-lunch bar!) and I decided to put this photo into a new guess who competition. Have a look and see if the following chat gpt caricature gives any clue. Answers on a postcard please ……
Guess who?
Having calmed down a bit after the hectic start to our journey, we donned our glitter and took our place in our allotted seats in the excellently appointed Lodge Room.
Lodge Room ready for action
The room filled quickly, and soon the District DC (also Grand DepDC) was instructing the audience to turn off their mobiles. On this occasion his didn’t ring during the meeting (see previous article on website). In fact, he handled the proceedings well, and we were quickly applauding the various processions as they entered the Council. Once again, the meeting went to form, and there was no major upset to report. RW Bro Danny Guy, DGP, opened the Council and subsequently welcomed distinguished guests. The main focus was obviously the appointment of District Officers, and this was undertaken with the usual dignity. The Officers also received a certificate of appointment, all nicely wrapped up in large addressed white envelope. Very posh, nut I don’t think we can afford that in West Lancashire?
Say Cheese - Danny Guy DGP N&D front centre; Graham Newton back row left and Mark Barton back row second left
A photo was subsequently taken of N&D District Officers in the company of Distinguished guests, including our own DGP, Mark Barton, and Graham Newton DGP for East Lancs.
Ready for lunch
And so, to dinner, comprising a hearty vegetable broth, followed by braised steak and veg, and completed by a sticky toffee pudding and custard. As always, the toasts and speeches were short and sweet, but one of the highlights was the presenting of charitable cheques to the festivals of both Northumberland Craft and Durham Mark Provinces. A wonderful gesture.
Danny Guy, 3rd left, presenting cheques for Charity
Time to be gannin yem. The return journey was long but without any hiccups, in fact it was quite pleasant to be truthful. Soon we were arriving at Mountfield Towers where Mark had left his car. He and Al had still a few miles to travel home, while I was able to quickly change out of my uniform and crack open a can, cheers and thanks for the company.
 
Words and Pictures by the Canny Lad
Extra Pictures by the Jarra Marcher