R. Ill. Kt. G. Brian Fairhurst 50 years a Red Cross Knight
   
Following the last two years Covid restrictions, celebrations of brethren having served 50 years in the Craft are fairly commonplace as Freemasonry attempts to catch up on lost time.
However, the Red Cross Division of West Lancashire definitely trumped the Craft on Thursday night the 21st April when they assembled in good numbers to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a Red Cross Knight. You don’t see those very often!
Brain Receives his certificate from the Grand Sovereign
R. Ill. Kt George Brian Fairhurst G.C.C. had chosen Dr. W.R. Waters Conclave No 269 where he enjoys an honorary membership his Conclave of choice to celebrate this very special Milestone in his Masonic Life, and there was no shortage of Red Cross Knights wanting to assist him in his endeavours.
 
The Grand Sovereign, M. Ill Kt. Graham Leslie Flight, G.C.C. accompanied by the Deputy Grand Sovereign, R. Ill & Em. Kt. Peter Hawken, MBE, G.C.C. travelled to Leigh to conduct the ceremonial under the watchful eye of V. Ill. Kt. Liam Bird, Acting as Grand Marshal.
After the Conclave was opened by the M.P. Sovereign John Michael Greenhalgh and the domestic matters discharged,  a report resulted in the Intendant General R. Ill. Kt. Graham Edwin Williams was admitted to the Conclave where he joined other members of the Executive and Divisional Team.
Int. Gen Graham Williams, MPS John Greenhalgh, Dep.G.Sovereign Peter Hawken
Grand Sovereign Graham Leslie Flight, Celebrant Brian Fairhust
with R.Ill. Kt's Garry Smith and Tom Jackson
A second report resulted in the Acting Grand Marshal & Grand Sepulchre Guard being admitted to the meeting along with the Grand Sovereign and his Deputy.

Following salutations, the Grand Sovereign delivered a delightful, truncated history of Brian’s Masonic career which in 2023 will see him celebrate 70 years as a Mason. Included were references to his family life, his work as a teacher and to times he spent in the forces with Camels getting a special mention!
 
Following which a Certificate was presented to Brian along with a special jewel marking the achievement. The assembled Knights showed the appreciation in the traditional Lancashire manner.
Distinguished Guests with Sepulchre Guard
After the Grand Sovereign, his entourage and celebrant had retired from the Conclave the MPS closed the meeting and we all retired to a festive meal befitting the occasion.
 
During the after proceedings further presentations were made to both Brian and our Principal Guests before wending our way home with a content feeling that we had all enjoyed another night of first-class Red Cross Masonry.
 
Congratulations are also due to those from the Conclave and Division who had put so much work into making the night so special.
 
Words and Pictures by Ill. Kt. Mike Beesley, P.G.Cham., Webmaster