District Grand Council of West Yorkshire Annual Meeting 2026

On Saturday, 1 August 2026, the District Grand Council of West Yorkshire convened its Annual Meeting on a glorious summer’s day. The fine weather provided a fitting backdrop to what proved to be another highly successful and enjoyable occasion for the District.

Companions from across West Yorkshire were joined by distinguished guests from throughout the country to support the District Grand Master, Right Illustrious Companion Fraser McPherson, as he commenced his seventh year in office. Their presence added both warmth and distinction to the proceedings.

The meeting took place against a busy Masonic calendar, with several significant events being held across the north of England. As a result, a number of our regular visitors and Companions were engaged elsewhere on important duties. Even so, the Annual Meeting was exceptionally well supported, with an impressive attendance including 13 District Grand Masters, several Deputy District Grand Masters, principal officers, Recorders, and many Companions from neighbouring Districts.

This strong turnout was a clear reflection of the high esteem in which the District Grand Council of West Yorkshire is held, as well as the enduring friendships that continue to flourish throughout Cryptic Masonry.

In keeping with the District’s well-established reputation for efficiency, the business of the meeting was conducted with admirable precision. All formal proceedings were completed within the hour, underscoring the organised and professional manner in which the District continues to operate.

Following the close of business, the Companions retired to the Festive Board, where they enjoyed a light and refreshing summer salad. More importantly, they shared in the warm fellowship and unique companionship that are the hallmark of Royal and Select Masters. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, filled with the good humour that has long characterised Cryptic Masonry.

We were also delighted to welcome R.W. Bro. J. Trevor Bolton, Provincial Grand Master for the Mark in West Yorkshire, who, although not yet a member, kindly joined us at the Festive Board for the second consecutive year in a show of valued support.

With many guests facing considerable journeys home, the Festive Board concluded shortly after 2.00 pm, allowing all to depart safely while reflecting on another thoroughly enjoyable and successful Annual Meeting.

Once again, the 2026 Annual Meeting demonstrated all that makes the District Grand Council of West Yorkshire such a respected and welcoming District: excellent organisation, distinguished company, genuine friendship, and outstanding Cryptic companionship. In every respect, it was Cryptic Masonry at its very best.

A New District Grand Master for Dorset, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight

The Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council of Dorset, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight took place on Saturday the 29th of August at the Brook House Masonic Centre in Botley.  District Grand Council was honoured by the presence of the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones who was here to install the District Grand Master Designate, V.Ill.Comp. Peter Robert Dack, P.G.Lect.

There was a large contingent from Surrey attending to support the District Grand Master Designate.  Our District Grand Master, Deputy District Grand Master, and Principal Conductor of the Work ; along with Ill.Comps. Jack Love, Ian Smith, and Chris Eley; and on the Grand Team, V.Ill.Comp. Leslie Grout, G.Lect., our District Grand Chaplain; V.Ill.Comp. Robert Scott, G.Org., P.G.Lect., our District Grand Organist; and Ill.Comp. Mark Donovan, G.Man., although not on the installation team that day.

From 9.30 am the Companions of the District and their guests started arriving for coffee and bacon butties, while the Grand Director of Ceremonies and the Companions of the Escort were busy rehearsing the ceremonial.  It was good to see so many Companions from other Districts who came along to support the District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and of course our Grand Master and his team. 

There were also many heads and executive members of other Orders in Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight attending to support the District Grand Master Designate, V.Ill.Comp. Peter Dack.  By 10.50 am everyone was seated in the Temple.  Just after 10.55 am the Brethren were called to order by Ill.Comp, Mark Gannaway, P.G.Cond,C., the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the Presiding Officer, R.Ill.Comp. George Deacon, who opened District Grand Council in form.

District Grand Council received the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick J Jones, the Installing Officer, escorted by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, R.Ill.Comp. Graham Seeman.  The Grand Master appointed his Officers to assist him in the ceremony and was then saluted with eleven under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.  The Installing Officer addressed the Companions and asked the District Recorder to call the Roll of Councils in the District.  The Installing Officer addressed the brethren on the purpose of the meeting, to install V.Ill.Comp. Peter Dack as the District Grand Master for Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight. 

The Grand Director of Ceremonies and appointed Companions retired in procession, re-entered the Council and introduced the District Grand Master Designate.  The Installing Officer called upon the Grand Recorder to read the Patent of Appointment and then addressed the District Grand Master Designate on the nature of his duties and the qualifications for the office.  After the Grand Chaplain had offered a prayer the District Grand Master Designate took his Obligation and was invested and installed in the Chair by the Grand Master.  R.Ill.Comp. Peter Dack was then proclaimed and saluted under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The District Grand Master announced the appointment of Ill.Comp. Simon Lancaster, P.G.Cond.C, as Deputy District Grand Master and Ill.Comp. Clive Egerton, P.G.Capt.G., as District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.  They were introduced to the District Grand Master, Obligated, Invested, Proclaimed and Installed.

The District Grand Master addressed the Grand Master thanking him and his team for making this such a special day, not only for himself but all the Companions of the District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight.  The Grand Master said it was a delight to install R.Ill.Comp. Peter and wished him and the Companions of the District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight every success for the future.  The Grand Master and his Assisting Officers then retired in procession.

Before approving the minutes of the previous meeting those present remembered the Companions who had passed to the Grand Council Above since the last Annual Meeting.  After the regular business of District Grand Council had been concluded, he appointed and invested the District Grand Officers for 2026-2027.  The District Grand Master addressed District Grand Council.  He thanked all the guests and members for attending and helping to make this a very special day.  The District Grand Master closed District Grand Council and, accompanied by the Executive, Right Illustrious Companions, and other Distinguished Guests, retired from District Grand Council. 

We then enjoyed some refreshments and the opportunity to catch up with some old friends.  After refreshments we were called into lunch at the Brook House Masonic Centre.  There was a most convivial atmosphere in the dining room.  The Grand Master and the District Grand Master took wine with all the Companions.  In proposing the toast to the Grand Master, the District Grand Master presented M.Ill.Comp. Kessick J Jones with a small gift in appreciation of his support of the District of Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight.  He also presented the Grand Director of Ceremonies, R.Ill.Comp. Graham Seeman with a small gift.   He then had much pleasure in presenting V.Ill.Comp. Jonathan Whitaker, Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight with a donation of £2,500 towards his 2027 MCF Festival; and R.Ill.Comp. George Deacon with a donation toward his charity, Maggie’s Southampton, of £1,000.  It was a long but truly memorable day. 

Royal and Select Masters District of Kent Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Royal and Select Masters District of Kent was held on Saturday 3rd October at Franklin Road Gillingham. 
 
A bright and sunny day in Gillingham set the scene for what would be a fantastic meeting of the District of Kent. 
As members and visitors started to arrive, it was evident that the Temple would be exceptionally well filled.  With conversations flowing, not to mention the coffee and bacon rolls, it was soon time to head to the Temple for the District Meeting. 
 
The Director of Ceremonies, Ill. Comp. Jason Cameron-Potter called the Companions to Order, to receive the Right Illustrious District Grand Master, R. Ill. Comp. Andrew John Dive.  The District Grand Master then welcomed all of those present and opened District Grand Council. 
The District Grand Master was pleased to welcome a very healthy contingent of visiting District Grand Masters, together with Deputy District Grand Masters, and many other Companions from visiting Districts.  It was wonderful to see so many other Districts at the meeting to support the District Grand Master, and the Companions of Kent. 
 
The District Grand Master was pleased to make re-appointments within District Grand Council, together with some new appointments.  The recipients were congratulated with hearty applause from all those present. 

The District Grand Master was also pleased to present certificates for the Silver Trowel to four recipients, who had all recently received the Silver Trowel. 
 
Then followed the usual business of District Grand Council, before the District Grand Master addressed the Companions. 
The District Grand Master thanked every member of the District for their support, both at District Grand Council, and within each and every council within the District of Kent.  The success of the Councils, and indeed the Order in General, is down to the efforts of their members and the energy they put into the Ritual, and to making candidates welcome. 
The District has seen steady growth over the past 12 months, and it would be especially pleasing to see more members join the Order within Kent.  There is much to be done to promote the Royal and Select Masters within Kent, and this will be the focus of a dedicated team as we move forward into the next 12 months. 
The District Grand Master thanked the Deputy District Grand Master and the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work for all of their support, especially over the past 12 months where there had been considerable change within the Executive of the District. 

Following the address by the District Grand Master, those present gave a very warm round of applause, signalling that his message had clearly been well received, and that there was a bright future ahead for the District.  

The District Grand Master then requested the District Grand Director of Ceremonies to escort Ill. Comp. Karl Bowman to him, where he then appointed him as the District Grand Communications Officer.  This role had already been filled by Ill. Comp. Karl Bowman for the past two years, as an unofficial role, but the District Grand Master has now made it a non-collared official role, as it will play an important part of the recruitment and retention strategy for the District as we move in to the next phase of growth.  

The District meeting was closed with solemn prayer, and the Companions then moved to the Dining Room for a fantastic Festive Board. 

The District Grand Master was pleased to receive not one, but three bunches of flowers to take to his wife.  Perhaps this signals a new tradition in the District. 
As part of the District Grand Masters reply to the toast to Him, he was very pleased to make two donations.  The First was for £500 towards the East Kent Freemasons Craft Charity, and the Second was also for £500 towards the West Kent Freemasons Craft Charty.  These donations show the support of the Royal and Select Masters District of Kent for our Brethren in the Craft.  The Craft is the foundation for all Freemasonry, without which there can be no progression to the Companion Orders.   
Both recipients thanked the District Grand Master for the generous donations, and the support shown to both Kent Craft Provinces.