Freemasons’ Hall, Plough Lane, Christleton, flew the Welsh flag and was bathed in sunshine on Wednesday, 18 June, for the 2025 Cheshire and North Wales, Order of the Secret Monitor Provincial Grand Conclave.
Rehearsals had started at 9 o’clock for the Arch of Steel and the Provincial Grand Officers.
The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worthy Brother Anthony Lloyd, had everyone in their rightful places by 10.45, and the first procession of Distinguished Guests entered, led by Right Worthy John Stafford Stevens, the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of Staffordshire and Shropshire, and passed through the Honour Guard of the Arch of Steel.
Worthy Brother Lloyd once more called the meeting to order to receive the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler, Right Worthy Brother Tony Stringer, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Officers of the year.
With Provincial Grand Conclave duly open, it was established that there was a good representation from all the Provincial Conclaves in attendance.
During the In Memoriam, Right Worthy Brother Tony Stringer gave a very touching and personal eulogy to two of the departed merit, Right Worthy Brothers Gerald Colwell and Walter Yule, both Past Grand Guides. He particularly noted the distinction of Right Worthy Brother Gerald as having been a former Recorder of two Provinces - Essex and Cheshire & North Wales.
To lighten the mood after the In Memoriam, it was time to welcome the Distinguished Guests.
This part of the meeting is always entertaining and this year was no exception with humorous banter being exchanged between the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler and the guests of the Province.
Then it was time for the main item of the meeting, to appoint and invest the Provincial Grand Offices for the ensuing year.
First of the appointments was Worthy Brother Andrew Peter Christopher Tong as the new Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler.
Right Worthy Brother Stringer provided a background of Worthy Brother Andy before obligating, investing him with his appropriate regalia and installing him in his rightful seat.
On the completion of appointment and investiture of the Provincial Officers, the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler inspected his Arch of Steel, informing them that their performance was being monitored by the Commander and Deputy Commander of the Grand Supreme Ruler’s Arch of Steel.
Right Worthy Brother Tony then presented his annual address to the meeting, thanking his outgoing Deputy, Worthy Brother Paul Burton, for his support and service over the couple of years.
Finally, with the meeting closed, it was time to sing the Welsh Anthem and the National Anthem.
Congratulations must go to the Commander of the Arch of Steel, Worthy Brother Philip Rose, and his Deputy, Brother David Ginger, for the very proficient way the team supported the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler and represented the Province.
Very many thanks must go to the Provincial Recorder, Worthy Brother Alan Harrison, who not only organised a very efficient and effective meeting but also managed to arrange for the sunshine to shine brightly on the day.