Westhoughton Red Cross Conclave Meeting
   
Thursday 18th February 2016
 
A well-attended Westhoughton Conclave was delighted to welcome two new Worthy Knights to the Red Cross Order in the presence of P. Kt. Evan Walsh, Senior General of the Division of West Lancashire, who was representing the R. Ill Intendant General on this occasion. Evan was supported by a number of W. Kts. from his own Conclave, Dr. W.R. Waters 269, as well as other guests and Westhoughton members. The Conclave was also honoured with the presence of both a Past Intendant General, R. Ill Kt. Ken Shaw and a Past Deputy Intendant General V. Ill Kt. Geoffrey Porter, both of whom are members of the Conclave and participated in the evenings proceedings.
 
During the evening E. Kt. Tom Crompton (MPS Elect), W. Kt. Rey Morris (EV elect) and Ill Kt. Brian Sharples (Treasurer Elect) were congratulated on their Election to the Principal Conclave Officers for the ensuing year. E. Kt. Tom thanked the Conclave for the trust reposed in them.
 
A major part of the evening was then commenced with the Installation of Companions Peter Holden and Michael Gerrard Ireland as Red Cross Knights. This was done in the best possible fashion by the MPS, Illustrious Knight Steve Gregory, ably assisted by Officers of the Conclave.
Michael (left) and Peter (right) were welcomed into the Order by the MPS and
P. Kt. Evan Walsh after the Red Cross Ceremony.
They all want to get in on the action, with members and visiting Knights lined up
to offer their congratulations to Michael and Peter.
 
At a lively Festive Board, members and visiting Knights tucked into a very tasty meal of minestrone soup and Parmesan cheese as a starter, gammon topped with egg, chips and peas for the main course; with a wedge of apple pie and cream to finish. Coffee and mints rounded off a delightful repast. Plenty of chatter between diners ensured that we kept our concentration after such a filling meal.
 
During his response to the toast to Divisional Officers, P. Kt. Evan congratulated the MPS and his Officers for the quality of the ceremony conducted, with a particularly mention of the work done by the Orator of the Conclave, W. Kt. Alex Prescott, for his immaculate rendition of the Traditional History.
 
Later in the evening, W. Kt. Arthur Holden proposed a toast to his Brother, Peter, and Michael Ireland.  Michael responded on behalf of Peter Holden and himself, thanking all the Officers of the Conclave for their hard work and support on this special evening.
 
The proceedings were brought to a close with the MPS having the final words (as usual), thanking W. Kts. for their support and wishing them all a safe journey home. 
Photographs courtesy of Tony Fletcher, and words by Ray Pye