Welsh Wanderings 14th February 2026
 
Not a bad day to be traveling to Measgwyn Masonic Hall in Wrexham, the home of the Cheshire and North Wales Allied District Meeting. My chauffeur on this occasion was a ‘PDHSO’ –‘ Past District He Who Should be Obeyed,’ who kindly picked up a number of Allied Brethren for the hour or so trip to North Wales.
 
Time was spent pleasantly as we travelled, the main subject of discussion being ‘why is a mitre used by the Most Excellent President in the Grand High Priest Ceremony?’ – a fair point when you consider that many of our ceremonies are based on Old Testament / Hebrew traditions – so the question posed was ‘should it not be a Jewish High Priest’s head Dress instead - which is a Mitznefet, a broad and flat-topped turban, adorned with a golden plate (a Tzitz,) which traditionally was secured to the turban with blue cords?’
 
Very philosophical, I had no idea myself but supposed that the discussion could also have included J’s sceptre in Chapter, which is also topped with a mitre. In truth, the allegorical nature of Freemasonry, and the focus on the Old Testament, probably means that we are bound to cross religious boundaries in our ceremonial. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but it helped to pass the time even though no clear agreement was reached. Comments/answers on a postcard please…….
Measgwyn Masonic Hall
I understand that this fine looking Measgwyn Masonic Hall may have roots going back to the 15th Century, possibly originally being a farmhouse. The Maesgwyn Hall boasts a large carpark and excellent facilities both upstairs and down. The name Maes Gwyn, translated into English, apparently could either mean ‘White Meadow’, or, according to D. Rhys Philips, it could also refer to a knight by the name of ‘Gwyn ap Nudd,’ (Gwyn son of Nudd), who was a Welsh mythological figure embedded in the Arthurian legends, and known in this area as the King of the Fair Folk. He is also referred to as a great warrior, who had a propensity to blacken his face before he went into battle, and which I presume was an adornment meant to put the fear of God in his adversaries.
View from Car park –Wrexham Football ground and University building
The town is currently home to a university and the Wrexham Championship  football club, both of which are just across the road from the Masonic Hall. In fact, the Maesgwyn Masonic Hall, has established strong ties with the football supporters and University students, both groups being regular users of the Hall hospitality. What a novel way to both serve the community, at the same time helping to stabilise the Hall finances! In fact, I understand that the internals of the Hall have just benefitted from a £30,000 refurbishment and is looking in good nick.
Nothing like a cuppa to help Brethren to relax after a long journey
West Lancashire Brethren ready for the Off
The attendance from West and East Lancashire members was excellent, with around 11/12  from each District present. Having said that, many are members of both Districts anyway through TJL and MEH Councils. Arriving early meant that we were able to find a good parking spot and have a cuppa and a chat with old and new comrades.
Harmony in West Lancs
I had a little time on my hands, and this AI caricature of our DGP and PDGP resulted, showing them putting the world to rights – can you see the likeness?
A trio of Grand Stewards including our own Roy Ashley on the left
A Visitation of District Grand Prefects, including Graham Newton of East Lancs (1st Left) and Mark Barton of West Lancs (2nd left)
Is there a meeting today?
The Lodge room is quite spacious, and the hundred or so Allied Brethren attending fitted in very comfortably indeed. My only gripe is that the minions weren’t allocated a seat number, so it was first up, best dressed. Still, this was a small price to pay for what had been a great day thus far. There wasn’t anything significant to report on the ceremonial, everything went as it should do in these sorts of meeting.
Are we being served?
Wot, no barm cake?
The festive board was serviced very efficiently by the catering staff, and the food was good, so no complaints there. Hang on, perhaps one comment, the main meal of pie, chips and peas was very nice but wasn’t accompanied by a barm cake, as I had the urge to make a Coccium Kebab! Never mind, maybe next time I’ll make up for it.
 
There, you are, all fed and watered, speeches finished, and goodbyes made, time to make our way back to God’s country, and perhaps even a Coccium delicacy for tea.
 
Words and pictures – Orrell Orator
Added Pictures – Chorley Chauffeur