Thursday 14^th November was a very busy night of Cryptic Masonry for Towcester Council No. 131 as they welcomed two new members, Companions Martyn Sear and Charles Brice, a visit from the District Grand Master Right Illustrious Companion Martin Wilson and a delegation from Peterborough Council No. 243 bearing the Travelling Trowel.

Companions Sear and Brice were chosen as Select Masters in an exemplary manner by the Thrice Illustrious Master, Illustrious Companion Martin Holiday and then honoured as Royal Masters with Companion Simon Brown as Principal Conductor of the Work excelling on both occasions.

The Travelling Trowel having been warmly received will remain with Towcester until the New Year when it will be continuing its journey around the District to Charles Herbert Perram Council in Dunstable.

The Festive Board was held at The Boat Inn in Stoke Bruerne enjoying a fine menu including Roast Lamb with Illustrious Companion Woodward and his team making it a very enjoyable occasion.  The Boat Inn is the location for the annual Christmas luncheon which this year is being held on 15^th December 2024.  There are very limited places left for this popular event, please get in touch with the Deputy District Grand Master Illustrious Companion Ian Knox for further details; ian@theknoxs.com

At the Festive Board the District Grand Master provided an update on the Sesquicentenary appeal.  The District has currently raised £19,400 a fantastic effort indeed, but with now 2 meetings left before the end of the appeal if the District could reach £20,000 it would be a major milestone.  If you would like to contribute to the appeal on behalf of the District, please scan the QR code below with your mobile device and it will take you to the givetap.co.uk website where you can make your donation at any time between now and the end of the appeal on 31^st December.

On Wednesday 26 June the regular meeting of Charles Herbert Perram Council took place at Dunstable Masonic Centre on a very hot day. Fortunately due to the air conditioning in the building the Companions were able to undertake their various duties in the comfort of a suitably cooled building.

The Council was due to undertake the ceremonies of Most Excellent Master and Super Excellent Master on two candidates but unfortunately due to illness and holidays neither could attend. The Installation ceremony of Ill Comp Stuart French was able to be undertaken which was done in an exemplary fashion by Ill Comp Robert Venn.

After the work of the evening had been completed the Companions retired to enjoy cold meat salad which was ideal for the weather conditions

Pictured is the District Grand Master and Ill Comp Stuart French

On Saturday, 18 May the East midlands District held its Annual Meeting at The Griggs Centre, Sheaf Close, Northampton with 115 members of the Order in attendance.

At the meeting were 16 Right Illustrious Companions travelling from all over the Country. Also present was Right Illustrious Companion Michael Jolley, Custodian of the Ninth Arch, Past District Grand Master.

After the usual business of the meeting had been conducted the District Grand Master, Right Illustrious Companion Martin Wilson, then reappointed Illustrious Companion Ian Knox as his Deputy and then appointed Illustrious Companion Ian Johnson, previously the District Recorder, to be his Principal
Conductor of the Work. Silver Trowel certificates were then presented to six Companions and the District Grand Master to congratulate the recipients. The District Grand Master went on to congratulate those Companions of the District who were appointed or promoted in Grand Council in April. Following the close of the meeting all retired to the bar for liquid refreshment followed by lunch.