Grand Conclave 2023
 
Tuesday the 4th July and an enthusiastic gathering of Knights of the West Lancashire Division descended on Great Queen Street to join the Grand Conclave Meeting of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Graham discusses matters of State
In total about 650 knights from all parts of the England and Wales were joined by representatives of 9 sister constitutions, the furthest away being Australia.
John Sarti attends to Frank Lairds needs (Once a Steward!!)
Our interest, of course was to support, not only Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign at the focus of his masonic year, but also those Knights who were to be appointed or promoted in Grand Rank, especially those from our own Division.
J Dawson, Gratton Williams and Stephen Gregory
Those from West Lancashire Division receiving honours this year were:-
PROMOTIONS    
V.Ill.Kt. Frederick Ernest Hargreaves
   Past Grand Junior General
Ill.Kt. Neil Cooper
   Past Grand Chamberlain
Ill.Kt. Colin John Rowling
   Past Grand Chamberlain
Ill.Kt. Michael James Hamilton
   Past Grand Standard Bearer (C)
     
APPOINTMENT    
P.Kt. Anthony Frank Hall
   Past Grand Vice-Chamberlain
Graham Williams, Frank Laird Colin Rowling and John Sarti
The meeting was conducted in an efficient manner and in no time at all we were spilling out into the various hostelries situated on Great Queen Street, where it is always a delight to catch up with friends from far and wide.
Mike Walker, Graham Williams and Frank Laird
We were soon called to dinner in the Grand Connaught Rooms and were served with a delightful meal by the pleasant staff.
Iain Brown with Neil Cooper
Attendance at Grand Conclave is open to all members of the Order, if you haven't attended, give it a try next year, you will not be disappointed! 2nd July is the date for your diary.
Fred Hargreaves with Mike Walker 'by special request!'
Toasts and responses over, we set about the trip back to Euston all hoping that the overtime ban by the rail workers wouldn’t affect our journey home.
Mike Walker with Graham Williams
I’m glad to say my journey, along with a goodly number of our Knights and our mutual friends from North and East Lancashire and Cumbria Divisions had a trouble-free transit.
 

Words and Pictures courtesy of Mike Beesley - webmaster.