Companions, with just over a week left until the deadline for registrations to dine, a reminder that the Annual Meeting of District Grand Council of the East Midlands will take place on Saturday 17th May 2025 at Sheaf Close, Northampton.

All District Grand Officers of the year and Companions holding Grand and District Grand Rank, together with the Thrice Illustrious Masters, Past Masters, Deputy Masters and Principal Conductors of the Work of our Councils in the District are summoned to attend. All other Companions of the Order are invited to be present.

The District Grand Master R.Ill.Comp. Martin Wilson and Companions of the District are delighted and honoured that the Deputy Grand Master R.Ill.Comp. Paul A. Norman, IX will be in attendance accompanied by the Grand Director of Ceremonies Ill.Comp. Graham Seeman.

District Grand Council will be opened at 11.15am, it is requested that Companions take their seats no later than 11.00am

If you have not already done so, please register your attendance and dining intentions (or to record an apology) BY NO LATER THAN SUNDAY 27th APRIL using the online GoogleForm link:

https://forms.gle/yuaefwBeMRMVNqZT9

Coffee and tea will be available from 9.30am. Bacon rolls will be available to order on the day at the bar for a modest charge.

Luncheon after the meeting will be:
Starter: Mixed Indian Starter, Onion Bhaji, Samosa & Dips
Main: Chicken Balti, Basmati Rice, Naan Bread
Dessert: Fresh Fruit Salad & Cream

The dining fee is £33 (inclusive of a pre-luncheon drink and wine/soft drinks at table) to be paid by BACS (preferred) or by cheque. All payments to be made in advance, no payments on the day. Payment details can be found towards the end of the GoogleForm.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

On Tuesday, 15th April 19 Members of East Midlands District were in attendance at the Royal and Select Masters annual meeting of Grand Council at the Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London.

The Companions all had a wonderful day supporting those Companions from East Midlands District who received Grand Rank appointments and promotions:

V. Ill. Comp. Nicholas K. Edwards was promoted to Past Grand Lecturer.

Ill. Comp. Robert A. Greenlees was promoted to Past Grand Captain of the Guard.

Ill. Comp. Mark A. Thompson-O’Connor (pictured) was promoted to Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (Acting).

Ill. Comp. Michael C. A. Caseman-Jones TD was appointed as Assistant Grand Recorder (Acting).

Ill. Comp. Stephen J. Finnigan was appointed to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ill. Comp. Richard Godwin was appointed to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ill. Comp. Matthew H. Arnold was appointed to Past Grand Sword Bearer and Ill. Comp. Christopher J. Mullen to be appointed to Past Grand Sword Bearer.

Following the formalities the Companions retired to the Grand Connaught Rooms for an enjoyable Festive Board filled with good humour and friendship.

And the day did not stop there, a few hardy souls staying for a drink in the Cafe at Great Queen Street and then over the road at The George before heading home.

A memorable day out for all those who attended and very many congratulations from the East Midlands District to all the Companions on their well-deserved preferment.

A reminder, Grand Council is open to all Companions. It is a vey enjoyable day out indeed and one that you are all encouraged to attend.

Nine Arches Council No. 302 met on Wednesday 9th April at Corby Masonic Centre to welcome 5 joining members and to elect the Thrice Illustrious Master for the ensuing year, Ill. Comp. Peter Dawson. Once the administrative business had been completed Nine Arches Council was closed and the Candidates for the Silver Trowel retired.

A Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters was opened and the degree of Thrice Illustrious Master conferred on Ill. Comps. Terence Stock, Chris Packham, Stephen Tunney, David Docherty, Stephen Orange and Nick Simpson in a superb ceremony.

With all the formalities completed the Companions retired to a most excellent Festive Board being well looked after by the team at Corby.

The East Midlands District of Royal and Select Masters Annual District Grand Officers’ Dinner was held at The Boat Inn, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne on Sunday 6th April 2025.

Ill. Comp. Andrew Woodward and his team were once again on excellent form with a fabulous menu and looking after this year’s Officers with their usual effortless blend of professionalism and hospitality that set the perfect tone for the evening.

The District Grand Master thanked everyone for their support during the year with extended thanks to all the Companions in the East Midlands District for their generous donations towards the sesquicentenary appeal.  East Midlands raising a fantastic sum of just over £20,000, averaging £83 per member in the District and being awarded £33,500 in share of the overall funds, the largest number of Charities to benefit from the Fund of any District.

On Thursday 13th March Eaton Socon was a hive of activity when Huntingdon Council No. 130 welcomed the District Grand Master, Rt Ill Comp Martin Wilson and his escorting DC Ill Comp Mark Thompson O’Connor, a delegation from Charles Herbert Perram Council No. 66 with the Travelling Trowel …

… two new Members; Comp Richard Reynolds and Comp Rob McGowan …

.. and still found time to Install Comp Ian Phillips as Thrice Illustrious Master!

An extremely busy but very memorable evening of Cryptic Masonry capped off with a fine Festive Board full of good cheer and laughter.

The Travelling Trowel will continue its journey around the District and is due to be delivered to Corby Council No. 195 on Friday 11^th April.