A.M.D. District of London holds the inaugural meeting of Universal Council No. 286

Following a very successful consecration meeting in February, the inaugural meeting of the District of London's latest Council was held at Mark Masons' Hall on Friday 6 June 2025 in the packed Hong Kong Temple.

The membership had travelled from London to Scotland and from Rio de Janeiro to Cyprus - as well as many other countries - to be part of the exciting new initiative founded to celebrate the universality of the Allied Masonic Degrees.

The highlight of the meeting was the introduction of 8 new brethren into the Degree of St Lawrence the Martyr and who were then created Knights of Constantinople in fine theatrical style, with Bro. Tom Gold as Conductor dramatically demeaning all of us "commoners" with much derision and causing much merriment. We then accepted 2 brethren as joining members, thereby making Universal Council the largest Council  (with 53 members) in the District of London. When discussing the business for the next meeting it was forecast that there were to be further joiners as well as brethren wishing to join the Order!

After the meeting the brethren took refreshments before enjoying an excellent meal with quality wines. The evening the finished with the Worshipful Master raising a glass to our next merry meeting.

If you are interested in visiting or joining this vibrant Council, please contact the Secretary via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Paddock Wood Council No. 88 Installation Meeting A.M.D. District of Kent

On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the members of Paddock Wood Council No. 88 gathered for their much-anticipated Installation meeting. The event took place at the Wrotham Mason Centre, which was prepared to host a memorable evening for all attendees.

The council was opened in due form, adhering to the time-honoured traditions and protocols of this Council. The members, dressed in their formal attire, gathered with a sense of reverence and anticipation for the evening's proceedings.

The highlight of the evening was the installation of Bro. David James as the new Worshipful Master. The ceremony was conducted with great courtesy and attention to detail by W.Bro. Nigel Cash. His dignified manner and deep respect for the traditions of the council were evident throughout the installation, setting a tone of excellence for the proceedings.

After the installation, the brothers below the rank of a Worshipful Master offered their salutations to their new Worshipful Master. The gesture was performed with sincerity and respect, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the council's journey under W.Bro. David's leadership. W.Bro. Geoff Whale, Dept. D.G.P. rose to congratulate W.Bro. David on behalf of the District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Brian Alan Ward, as well as adding his own congratulations.

W.Bro. David James then proceeded to install his officers. Each officer was inducted with the high quality and precision expected within Paddock Wood Council No. 88. The seamless transition of roles reflected the unity and commitment of the council members.

Following the formalities, the evening transitioned into a celebratory Festival Board. This extra gathering allowed members to relax and enjoy each other's company in a more informal setting. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and joy as everyone reflected on the success of the evening.

The Installation meeting concluded in peace and harmony. The event was a testament to the council's dedication to tradition and excellence, with everyone leaving with fond memories of a special evening. The installation of W.Bro. David James as the new Worshipful Master marked the beginning of a new era for Paddock Wood Council No. 88, filled with promise and potential.

Cross-Border Allied Masonry

On Tuesday, the Britannic Council of Madeira No. 46 (District of London) had its summer meeting at Mark Masons' Hall and, in an arrangement that looks like becoming a permanent fixture, extended the hand of Allied friendship to the Eric White Council No. 136 (District of Essex) which was also meeting at Mark Masons' Hall an hour or so beforehand.

The members of Eric White Council were only too happy to attend the BCM meeting and help with the ceremony of the Red Cross of Babylon for 4 candidates (one of whom was one of their members). The ceremony saw some fine am-dram performances - a particularly sozzled Master of the Household and a sycophantic Master of the Cavalry - which kept everyone entertained.

The D.C. of Britannic Council of Madeira, W.Bro. Boon Tan, gave a superb and heartfelt performance as the Thrice Illustrious Sovereign.

Afterwards the members of Britannic Council of Madeira, Eric White Council and the other visitors from the District of London dined together and after the Festive Board drank a hearty toast "to our next merry meeting!"