On Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, the Grand Master’s Council T.I hosted a splendid evening of Cryptic Masonry at Mark Masons' Hall, welcoming the Grand Master, M. Ill. Comp Kessick John Jones, along with the District Grand Master, R. Ill. Comp Vincent John Driver and their escorting teams

Thrice-Illustrious Master lIl.Comp. Martin W. Payne skilfully opened the Council and led the ceremony conferring the degree of Select Master upon five members, marking a momentous occasion for the new initiates.

The event was characterized by the unique and personal styles of each participant, adding a special charm that left companions thoroughly delighted.

Special recognition should be given to the Captain of the Guard and Conductor of the Council for their excellent performance on short notice additionally the previous Thrice Illustrious Master delivered a captivating lecture, contributing to the overall success of the evening.

Festivities continued at the Festive Board, where the catering staff provided an excellent carvery, complementing the speeches and camaraderie. The Council can take pride in the success of the evening, a testament to their dedication to Cryptic Masonry.

There was another cracking good time at McMahon Council No. 52 at Mark Masons’ Hall on the 24th February 2022 with a packed agenda. The Council was opened by our District Grand Master, R. Ill. Companion Vincent Driver who shortly after handed over to Ill. Comp. Keith Johnson who conducted the ceremony of Most Excellent Master for two of our members. The Council then carried out the degree of Super Excellent Master under the hand of R. Ill. Companion Graham Redman who then restored the Chair to R. Ill. Companion Vincent Driver to install Ill. Companion Michael Fox as Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council.

All carried out in the personal style of each individual to the great enjoyment of all.

The pictures show the Companions at the Festive Board afterwards where the catering staff laid on another great meal for everyone.

A tremendous day of superb ritual and excellent Companionship was enjoyed by Grand Master’s Council No. 1 at Mark Masons’ Hall on 15th February 2022 when two candidates, Companions Andrey Chirikhin and David Hughes, were honoured with the degree of Royal Master. Each was introduced to the ceremony separately, first by our Principal Conductor of the Work, Illustrious Companion Martin Payne, and second by the Immediate Past Master, Illustrious Companion Keith Adams. Both performed in distinctly personal ceremonies to a very high standard to the great enjoyment of the candidates and all present. The Thrice Illustrious Master, Illustrious Companion Garnet (Mitch) Grayson then obligated and entrusted the two candidates in an equally impressive manner.

Following the meeting, great companionship was enjoyed by all at the Festive Board comprising a carvery dinner and the Council’s usual formalities.

It has been a long time coming but we are finally on line and I’m very grateful to all those who have contributed along the way and have been instrumental in making it happen.

The site is designed to inform members of up and coming events, Council meeting dates, District personnel and most importantly, to give an insight into our wonderful Order for prospective candidates.

I trust it will be useful to all and I look forward to seeing you in your various Councils throughout the year, as well as at the District meeting in June

Yours sincerely

Vincent
District Grand Master

Throughout this period of national and international emergency, the well-being and safety of our members has been paramount. This is why the guidance we have issued so far has gone beyond that published by the UK Government and Public Health England.

For our members overseas, our guidance has supplemented that provided by the local Public Health Authorities wherever they live.

As a result of the latest advice given by the UK Prime Minister yesterday, backed by the Chief Medical and Scientific Officers, our existing guidance has been reviewed and updated.