Red Rose Conclave No.188
   
Thursday 28th April 2016
 
Red Rose Conclave No.188 took full advantage of the Divisional Team visit at their recent meeting and held a “Friendship Meeting”.  This was despite the fact that it was known that there would be just one potential candidate.
 
The proceedings began, after the Conclave had completed its regular business, by the entrance of the Deputy Intendant-General, V.Ill. Kt. F.E. Hargreaves, and the Divisional Team.
Dep. Intendant General, V.Ill. Kt. Fred Hargreaves
The initial formalities were soon completed and V.Ill.Kt. Fred accepted the baton offered by the Sovereign and took the chair.  Immediately he explained that finding himself in this position was not part of the script as he and the Team had expected the I.G would be present.  Nonetheless, when he addressed the meeting it was very clear that he knew all the Team Members personally by his very humorous comments whilst introducing them.  One particular moment of friendly laughter occurred when he described the activities of one member who very regularly took to the high seas on cruise liners.  Fred said when he was given chapter and verse on his latest cruise he ended up feeling quite sea sick.
The M.P.S. Dr. Peter Szatmary with E.Comp. Ian McGovern
and Fred Hargreaves Dep. I.G.
The Divisional Team stayed in their seats after the Conclave was closed and the Candidate in his Royal Arch regalia was led in.  The presentations were given by six of the Conclave members, after the Recorder gave a synopsis of the topics that would be covered.  The response and questions asked by the candidate during the presentations were very encouraging.
Later he committed himself to join the Order when he had completed his year as First Principal in his Chapter.
 
V.Ill.Kt. Fred’s humour really did shine during his address at an excellent festive board, prepared by the caterers Pat and her daughter Sara.  They always do us proud here at Widnes Masonic Hall. 
 
Everybody enjoyed the evening. 
Report by Ill.Kt. Stan. S. Povall, P.G.Vice-Chamb., Recorder 188
Photos by Ill.Kt. Geoff. R. Gill, P.G.W.of Reg., Div. Marshal