Thursday 18th July 2024 and a good number attended Harrogate Masonic Hall for the A.G.M. Both the President W.Bro. Philip Harrison, and the Treasurer W.Bro. Stuart Prince of the B.D.I.M.A. were there to show support for Leeds & District and, the Associations and its aims.
The food as usual in Harrogate was first class and everyone certainly enjoyed it.
W.Bro. Keith Derry of Copley No.111 the outgoing President was unable to attend due to family commitments and W.Bro. David Todd stood in for him. David firstly welcomed W.Bro. Andrew Brown A. Prov.G.M. W.Bro. Richard Beecroft then read out an address from Keith saying he had enjoyed a great year visiting all around the district and had enjoyed two successful socials. He wished his successor a great coming year and knew it would certainly be a good one.
Business was well conducted, and the meeting ran smoothly. Notably a donation of £500 was given to The Cleeves and Whitehead Trust.
Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:
President W.Bro. John Clayton Pontefract No.878
Senior Vice President W.Bro. Philip Ireland Haywra No.525
Junior Vice President W.Bro. Jim Brown Ainsty No.1739
Treasurer W.Bro. David Todd Prince Leopold No.352
Secretary W.Bro. Richard Beecroft Prince Leopold No.352
W.Bro. Andrew Brown then addressed the meeting. Bringing congratulations from both R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton Prov.G.M., V.W.Bro. Alan Oldfield Dep. Prov. G.M. and himself. Andrews main topic was that of the proposed name change of ALL the I.M.A’s to make it more inclusive for all Mark Master Masons. This of course would have to be agreed by each individual I.M.A. and be unanimous from all four I.M.A’s so that we had a single and united face to the order in West Yorkshire. Basically, the name would change from as an example Leeds and District Installed Masters Association to something perhaps like Leeds and District Association of Mark Master Masons. Trevor as are all the rulers are keen to move and promote the associations as they are a key part of the order in West Yorkshire. They are hopefully going to go along with the initiative to hold joint Lodge meetings within their own areas to present Grand Lodge Certificates were a number can all be presented on the same night therefore encouraging visiting, supporting smaller lodges and, making it a special night for all, especially those receiving certificates. Andrew thanked L&D.I.M.A for their very generous donation which would certainly be put to good use. He thanked the new President W.Bro. John Clayton and all the members for their hospitality and wished them a busy, fun and successful year.
John in return thanked Andrew for his kind words and attending this evening and formally closed the meeting.
A super evening with Brethren staying on after for a chat and a good catch up.
The I.M.A’s really do a fantastic job and, whatever their new name may be deserveour support. Get out there support your own association and others if you can. As you all know visiting is fun and the life blood of our wonderful order.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager