Meeting of the Provincial Grand Senatus of West Yorkshire

The Provincial Grand Senatus of West Yorkshire was duly convened on Saturday, 19 September 2026, when Companions assembled for what proved to be a particularly memorable and distinguished meeting. The occasion was marked by an excellent attendance, a warm spirit of fraternal fellowship, and a high standard of ceremonial befitting the Order.

The Provincial Grand Summus was honoured by the presence of several Distinguished Companions from throughout the Province and from further afield. Their attendance added considerable lustre to the proceedings, and their continued interest in, and support for, the work of the Province was warmly acknowledged.

A particularly significant and heartfelt moment in the proceedings came when the Provincial Grand Summus paid tribute to the outgoing Provincial Grand Recorder, R. Dist. Comp. John Marrison. In acknowledging his retirement from that office, the Provincial Grand Summus spoke with genuine appreciation of his quiet efficiency, unfailing diligence, and steadfast devotion to the interests of the Province. For many years, R. Dist. Comp. Marrison has discharged the considerable responsibilities of his office with distinction, and his contribution to the welfare and administration of the Province has been both valued and respected.

The tribute was continued at the Festive Board, where a presentation was made to R. Dist. Comp. Marrison as a token of the gratitude and esteem in which he is held by the Companions of the Province. It was a fitting recognition of many years of loyal and distinguished service.

In his address to the Senatus, the Provincial Grand Summus once again demonstrated his customary blend of good humour, warmth, and due seriousness. One particularly poignant announcement was that, during the past year, the Province had been spared the sad duty of recording the passing of any Companion to Higher Service. This welcome news was received with profound gratitude, mindful of the bonds of fraternity that unite us all within the Order.

The business of the Senatus was conducted with the dignity, precision, and decorum expected on such an occasion. The Provincial Grand Summus duly made appointments and promotions and took the opportunity to address each recipient personally, ensuring these moments of recognition were both meaningful and memorable.

Throughout the meeting, a palpable sense of unity and purpose prevailed. The proceedings served not merely to discharge the formal business of the Province, but also to demonstrate the continued strength and vitality of the Order and the fraternal principles upon which it is founded.

Following the conclusion of the formal proceedings, the Companions retired to the Festive Board, where an excellent evening of fellowship and conviviality awaited. The meal was of an extremely high standard and was appreciated by all present, while the company and conversation reflected the warmth and good fellowship which are such enduring features of our gatherings.

The waiting staff, Amelia, Isla, Jess, Scarlett, and Abbie, led by Stacey, also deserve commendation for their quiet efficiency and courteous service throughout the evening. Their professionalism contributed to the smooth running of the Festive Board and to the enjoyment of all who were present.

The meeting of the Provincial Grand Senatus of West Yorkshire was, therefore, an occasion of considerable significance. It combined the dignity and solemnity of our ceremonial with the warmth of fraternal fellowship and the enjoyment of good companionship.

The meeting served as a fitting reminder of the Order's enduring strength, the dedication of those who labour on its behalf, and the bonds of fraternity that unite Companions throughout the Province. It was, in every respect, a memorable meeting and a most worthy reflection of the strength, harmony, and vitality of the Provincial Grand Senatus of West Yorkshire.

 

Annual Meeting of the Order of the Secret Monitor – East Midlands Province

The East Midlands Province of the Order of the Secret Monitor gathered on Saturday 8th August for its Annual Meeting, held once again at Freemasons’ Hall in Littleover, Derby. The event marked a full year since Ray Ellis assumed the role of Head of the Order in the East Midlands, a year characterised by extensive visits across the region and a steady flow of new members welcomed into the OSM.

Nearly 130 members attended, reflecting the strong support and enthusiasm within the Province. The meeting focused on the investment of officers for the new year, a highlight of the OSM calendar and an important moment of continuity and renewal.

The proceedings were conducted under the calm and capable direction of Mark Thompson‑O’Connor, Provincial Director of Ceremonies, whose guidance ensured the meeting ran smoothly and with the dignity befitting the Order.

Following the formal business, members enjoyed lunch and refreshments, providing time for fellowship and conversation. The gathering concluded at around 3 pm, allowing those travelling from across the country to begin their journeys home after a successful and enjoyable day.

The Annual Meeting once again demonstrated the friendship and unity of the East Midlands OSM, a Province continuing to grow and thrive under dedicated leadership and the friendship shared by its members.

A Week to remember for the Scarlet Cord in the Borders

In the Scarlet Cord Provincial Grand Senatus of the Borders, the first week of August was at the same time highly significant and highly enjoyable. 

The 1st of August saw the companions descend upon Dalston, Cumbria for a full day of Scarlet Cord ceremonial and celebration. 75 companions were in attendance which included the Most Distinguished Grand Summus, Past Deputy Grand Summus, Asst Grand Summus, Grand Chancellor and 11 reigning Provincial Grand Summi.

First up at 10am was the Ian Stanley Currans Consistory No. 100.  Distinguished Companion President Gavin McNab and his team worked the first grade of the order on 6 candidates in what was an exemplary ceremony, including a faultless display of ritual from the representative candidate Brother Craig Bell.

No sooner had these new companions taken their first step on the Scarlet Cord ladder and been warmly welcomed by all the companions, than it was time for a change – in terms at least of the Installation Ceremony. The Installing President Dist. Comp. McNab performed an excellent ceremony for incoming President Alex R Brown who then installed his officers for the year ahead.  A full team was installed who will work hard collectively to take the Consistory from strength to strength.

With the consistory business being completed at around 11.30am a small recess was held to allow the companions to congratulate the new candidates and officers while the temple was prepared for the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Senatus of the Borders – the first Annual Meeting since its constitution in October 2025. 

Provincial Grand Summus Alan A Buntain then proceeded to lead an excellent meeting where all business was dealt with in a professional manner.  The Installation of the Provincial Officers for 2026-27 then took place with all offices being filled by the companions of the 3 existing consistories.  Amongst those installed was a new Assistant Provincial Grand Summus in Dist. Comp. Ron Simpson.  Ron is a very experienced freemason who is currently Prov. GSR in the OSM for North Scotland, and the Grand Seneschal in the Great Priory of Scotland.

At 11am the Consecration team headed by the Most Distinguished Grand Summus Ian S Currans entered the new consistory and carried out an excellent consecration ceremony.  Although the Scarlet Cord team are no strangers to consecrations (this was the 52nd Consecration that Most Dist. Companion Currans has conducted!) there were some new members of the team who carried out their duties to an exceptionally high standard.

The Deputy Grand Summus R. Dist. Comp. Francis C Spencer then carried out the ceremony of Installation and Dist. Comp. Alan Mossop was installed as the first President of the newest consistory within the Order.  After the investiture of the first team of officers, the address to the President was delivered impeccably by Assistant Grand Summus Trevor Currans. On closing of the consistory all retired to the festive board and continued to make new, and cement old, friendships.

The Borders Province continues to grow and develop, with its strategic aim being to promote and spread the Order amongst Secret Monitors in Cumbria and Caledonia.  It will do this by attracting candidates from all ‘airts and pairts’ by ensuring the very highest standards of companionship and excellence in the delivery of the ceremonial to a standard befitting its quality.

With the installation ceremony complete, the Provincial Grand Summus asked V. Dist. Comp. John Cunliffe to join him in the East, thanking him for his sterling work in setting up a new Consistory to be called West Cumberland No. 175.  He then presented John with the Past Provincial Grand Rank of Assistant Recorder as a token of the Province’s appreciation and gratitude for his efforts. Companion Cunliffe suitably replied.

Before closing the Most Distinguished Grand Summus Ian Stanley Currans addressed the companions of the province thanking all those who assisted on the day and the organisation and giving the province his very best wishes for the year ahead.

Fast forward 1 week and on Saturday 8th August the destination was now Penrith Masonic Hall and the consecration of West Cumberland Consistory No. 175, the fourth Consistory for the fledgling Borders Province. Once again there was an excellent turnout with many Provinces represented including two large contingents from the Borders and Lancashire in particular.