Following in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie to Derby
 
Our District Grand Secretary, Marc Goldsworthy, kindly chauffeured Paul, our District Grand Prefect, Alan Comber and myself to our annual pilgrimage to Derby Masonic Hall  for the East Midlands AMD District meeting on the morning of Saturday 16th August 2025. We followed the general route of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army, who marched through West Lancashire from Scotland and onward to Derby during the 2nd Jacobite uprising; but I think he chose the A49 route when he got into England, and we travelled via the M6….
 
Luckily, it was a fine morning with lightish traffic, and so we reached Derby Masonic Hall in good time. We were received with the usual warm reception, and given options of tea or coffee, and, if you had missed breakfast, bacon barms
Can I have your attention please!
You will be aware that Derby is a traditional centre of engineering excellence and is renowned for being a base for Rolls Royce. Not just cars but also for the manufacture of the famous Merlin engines used to propel WW II aircraft such as the Spifire and Hurricane etc. Thank goodness we had this engineering excellence to help the country cope with the ravages of WW II. Many thousands of these engines were built, and there is an example of a merlin III engine sited in a glass case inside the Masonic Hall.
Engineering at its best
A monument to Derby Mason’s killed in the in both world wars also stands proudly in the grounds to remind us of their bravery and sacrifice.
Derby Freemasons Remembered
I always enjoy the visit to Derby MH, the building is in a pristine condition, with plenty of symbolism in the large Lodge Room.
Calm before the storm?
Of course, The obligatory team photos needed to be taken
A Declaration of DGP’s
West Lancs AMD Brethren on the naughty step
Always time for a drink with friends
The meeting went well, the DGP processed into the Lodge Room and opened the District Meeting. He welcomed all the guests, and the general business and appointment of his Officers was carried out in due form. Very quickly it seemed, the meeting was brought to a conclusion and the District Grand Prefect, his team and distinguished guests processed out of the Lodge room in fine style.
A packed Festive Board
Around 160 masons attended the event, and as a result the festive board was filled to overflowing. A hearty feast commenced with a prawn cocktail starter, followed by Gammon with trimmings main course, and completed by a strawberries and cream dessert. The usual after dinner speeches were kept short but sweet, and soon we were retracing our steps back to God’s Country.
 
I started this report by say we followed the route of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army from Lancashire to Derby. Well, we also partly followed his return route, because he also turned around at Derby to travel through Lancashire back to Scotland, and the rest is history as they say.
 
Words and Photos by Charlie’s Batman.
With additional photos from East Midlands District.