Saturday 11th April 2026 and the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge meeting was once again held at Bradford Grammar School affectionally known to many as Hogwarts. What a setting for a truly spectacular, colourful meeting organised with precision and run like clockwork. Congratulations to everyone involved. We are indeed The Premier Province!
There was a total of nine processions which brought in honoured guests, a host of Provincial Grand Masters supported by various officers from their specific Province past rulers and of course both our own Provincial Grand Maser R.W. Bro. J. Trevor Bolton and even the Deputy Grand Master R.W. Bro. Denovan Keith Wilson. The most colourful to enter was a delegation of Royal Ark Mariners who entered to the sound of ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave ‘. The most important procession and, I may be in trouble for this was of course over twenty newly Advanced Brethren who were escorted in and took their rightful place in Lodge, wonderful to see.
The main event was to appoint and invest Brethen to their new rolls within the Province. Some as first appointments and others as promotions, again all done with style and panache.
Before closing Provincial Grand Lodge Trevor spoke of what was to come in the year ahead, what had been achieved and, where we currently stand. He spoke of the work he his Deputy W. Bro. Andrew J. Brown and, the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters W. Bro. G. Gary Parker and V.W. Bro. Philip Oldfield together with the four Associations had achieved and in particular the success of the Grand Lodge certificate nights held in both Huddersfield and Wetherby with more in the pipeline. The continued growth of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge and the support they were giving to various escorted visits and Advancements. He spoke with passion of The Magic of The Mark imitative and how it was helping grow our numbers. Trevor also spoke of the relationship and support received from both the Craft and Royal Arch and how we should continue to support both the Craft and Chapter.
Trevor continued and mentioned the fantastic weekend enjoyed by many at the Provincial weekend at Grange-over-Sands and that yes, there would certainly be another.
The Cleeves and Whitehead Trust continue to do amazing work with £31,853 given to the MBF and £82,228 given in various other grants. Changes constitute progress and with the support of the Brethren we will continue to grow, smile and move forward.
The number of Brethren dining at the Midland was so good to see with a full room with plenty of chatter, great company and great food.
Trevor welcomed R.W. Bro. Professor Denovan Keith Wilson and presented him with a few gifts to show our appreciation of his presence. The Deputy Grand Master in response spoke of what a great Province we are and that the success was due to both Trevor and all our earlier Provincial Grand Masters and the work put in over the years. He thought it great to see the newly Advanced Brethren to process in as of course they are the future for us.
The Provincial Grand Senior W. Bro. Rod Dyer then gave the toast to Trevor. He spoke of all the essential decisions Trevor had made over the last twelve months and that the wisest was perhaps reappointing him as Prov.G.S.W.! Rod said that was ‘because I have has twelve months of carrying you – I mean supporting you!’. Rod said you are ‘a top bloke ‘a pleasure to work for and, the newly appointed officers would certainly find that. He went on to say that the sheer hard work and dedication is ‘why the whole Province luv and respect you’. Closing Rod said ‘Trev mi old Mucker, yer doing a great job, keep it up old cock, n everything’s GUNNA BE BOB ON’.
Our Prov. G.M. not to be out done said he had re appointed him Prov. G.S.W. for a second year but the simple fact was ‘nobody else wanted it!’ The good thing moving forward was that ‘this time you might get it right’ and that ‘at least in twelve months’ time you will have finished!’. He just hoped the Provincial Grand Junior Warden W. Bro. David Todd who would take over this time next year would not pick up any of Rods bad habits.
All very much tongue in cheek and plain to see the love and respect both held for each other.
It was such a brilliant day done in style and professionalism but as perhaps the last two paragraphs show done in a manner showing the fun and enjoyment our order is well known for.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager