On Saturday, 16th May 2026 at Freemasons’ Hall, The Griggs Centre, Sheaf Close Northampton the East Midlands District of Royal & Select Masters held its Annual meeting with over 140 Companions present including 19 Right Illustrious Companions travelling from all over the Country:

along with Right Illustrious Companion Michael Jolley, Custodian of the Ninth Arch, Past District Grand Master and a delegation of Companions from Towcester Council returning the Travelling Trowel, completing its journey around the District for this year.

The District Grand Master appointed and invested the new executive team of Ill. Comp. Ian Johnson P.G.Cond.C. as Deputy District Grand Master and Ill. Comp. Philip Marshall P.G.Swd.B. as District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.

Following the investiture of the District Grand Officers, the District Grand Master presented Silver Trowel certificates to Ill. Comps. Robert Venn, Genese David and  Michael Smith and then gave his address to the Companions in which he congratulated all those who were appointed or promoted in Grand Council in April, as well as those appointed and promoted in the District this year.

Having finished his address, the District Grand Master requested that the District Grand Director of Ceremonies present V.Ill. Comp. Ian Knox to him. The District Grand Master then expressed his appreciation for V.Ill. Comp. Knox’s long‑standing and exemplary service to the District, before presenting him with the District Grand Master’s Certificate of Meritorious Service. The announcement came as a complete surprise to V.Ill. Comp. Knox and was received with enthusiastic applause throughout the room.

Having entrusted the Travelling Trowel to Carillon Council to begin its journey around the District for this year, District Grand Council was closed by the District Grand Master and all Companions retired to the Festive Board.

A copy of the District Grand Master’s address and this year’s route for the Travelling Trowel can be found, along with many other useful documents such as the East Midlands District Yearbook, on the Downloads section of this website. You will need a password to access it that should have been sent to you. If you do not have the password please ask your Council Secretary.

Once again, a fabulous day at the Annual District meeting that started with Bacon Rolls:

… and ended with a Curry!
Remember ALL companions are welcome and indeed encouraged to attend, see you all next year.