Once again, an absolutely top day at ‘Hogwarts’. It really does seem to get better and better each year with all involved seeming to give themselves an even bigger mountain to climb to match what was achieved again this year.
The pinnacle of R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton our Provincial Grand Masters year made even better no doubt by the presence of the Pro Grand Master M.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman. Those receiving honours too must have had their day made even more special.
The colour and spectacle was just fantastic. Well, it would be with five processions including a delegation of Royal Ark Mariners and with music such as A Life on the Ocean Wave and, Land of Hope and Glory. Big smiles all around and a shiver down the spine, I am sure.
The fourth procession nearly didn’t happen as the Provincial Inner Guard said he was unaware that anyone was actually demanding admission. Trevor suggested he MIGHT want to check again and, with that The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master was admitted. It would be difficult I suppose for anything to go wrong especially with our Prov. G.D.C. W.Bro. Mark Holland running a great show, well supported by his team and with the Dep. G.D.C. W.Bro. Andrew Jennings present.
The main business was of course to appoint and invest Provincial Grand officers which was done in style and good order. There was other business to conduct as well. Cheques to the M.B.F. were made and both Diamond and Gold MBF collarettes to present. Trevor then gave his final address which will be on the website. The Lodge then closed in peace and harmony.
The Festive Board was first class and ran very smoothly indeed. There were only four toasts which were very entertaining indeed. Trevor gave the toast to the Pro Grand Master saying great things about him and Grand Lodge. M.W.Bro. John had actually chosen to visit West Yorkshire and had forgone his own Provincial meeting in the Province of Hampshire & The Isle of Wight. An honour indeed for West Yorkshire, although he is an honoury member in the Province. The Pro Grand Master said some great things about both Trevor and our three Past Provincial Grand Masters present, R.W.Bros. James Steggles, James Bennett Truswell and Brian Morris Batty. But he has a wicked sense of humour and with that wry smile he has and with a glint in his eye then poked a little bit of fun at them all. It really shows he is ‘One of Us’ and not just a name on the toast list.
Then it was the turn of W.Bro. Rod Dyer Provincial Grand Senior Warden. Rod spoke of the many great things Trevor had done and the initiatives he had brought since being Installed as Prov.G.M. 18 months ago, saying well done, Sir. But Rod being Rod closed his toast with the words ‘ Trev, me old mucker…yev made a brilliant start….keep it up old cock and everything’s barn to be BOB ON!
A really super day out and our Most Worshipful Pro. Grand Master cannot have failed to have enjoyed the splendour of the occasion, our ceremonial and ritual and, our company. Finally a chauffeured lift to The Midland Hotel in a Red Convertible Bentley must surely entice him to be with us once again very shortly. We certainly know how to look after our guests in West Yorkshire.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager