East Midlands District Meeting
The new Masonic season is fast approaching when the Allied Masonic Degrees District of East Midlands hold their Annual Meeting of District Grand Council. When most Brethren are returning from holiday and readying themselves for what hopefully will be another excellent season, a number of West Lancashire Allied Masons made their way to Derbyshire to attend the East Midlands District Meeting. The meeting was held on Saturday 19th. August 2023 at the Derby Masonic Hall located in Littleover a quaint village on the outskirts of Derby, one of the previous owners of the hall were Rolls Royce a name synonymous with quality and excellence.
Derby Masonic Hall
After a quite uneventful journey, thanks in part to the completion of the now smart motorway up to junction sixteen, we were welcomed into the carpark and directed to the bar/lounge for a welcome cup of coffee. As instructed we took our places in the Lodge Room and at 11.00am the meeting was called to order. The Active District Grand Officers for East Midlands entered in processional order and formed an escort, they were followed by a goodly number of Right Worshipful Brethren from other Districts. Next to enter was the District Grand Prefect Right Worshipful Brother Steven Graeme Barratt with his Sword and Standard Bearer.
Rolls Royce Engine (Aero)
The District Grand Prefect opened District Grand Council and after the usual salutations he welcomed the many distinguished guests including the delegation from West Lancashire. The District Grand Prefect then continued with the agenda and the first item was to remember those of our Brethren who had been called to higher service. A roll of the councils of the District of East Midlands was called and the Worshipful Master or their representative gave a report of the work that had been completed in their respective councils to the District Secretary for the District Grand Prefect to peruse at his leisure.
Lancashire Delegation
The Deputy District Grand Prefect Worshipful Brother Ralph Everett Hitchen was reappointed. The District Grand Prefect then appointed and invested his District Grand Officers for 2023/24. The District Grand Prefect addressed District Grand Council. The work being completed District Grand Council was closed with the National Anthem. The District Grand Prefect and his Officers retired in processional order along with the distinguished guests.
Memorial in Gardens   
After a refreshing drink we were called to lunch a delicious three course meal followed by coffee. The toasts were kept short as were the responses and soon we were back on our way home. I’m beginning to think smart  motorways work we were soon back in Lancashire a day well spent in Littleover. 
 
Report and Photos from Ernie Gavan