West Midland Divisional Conclave
The Annual Divisional Conclave was held at the Moseley Masonic Centre, Kings Heath with the Division being honoured by the presence of Right Illustrious and Venerable Knight, the Reverend Timothy John Nicholas L ‘Estrange, the Grand Eusebius
The Intendant-General, Right Illustrious Knight John Tristram, had pleasure in welcoming many guests, including Most Illustrious Knight Richard V Wallis, Past Grand Sovereign and many other distinguished visitors, including the Most Worthy Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor, Very Illustrious Knight Andrew Sweeney and the Grand High Priest of The Order Of The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Illustrious Knight Christopher Gavin Maiden and many visiting Intendant-Generals and Provincial Rulers of other Masonic Orders
The Intendant-General thanked the Divisional Officers for all their hard work and support during the past year, particularly P Kt Geoff Watkins, the Divisional Recorder and also his Deputy Intendant-General, Ill Kt Jim Mulligan, for his counsel and support. He made particular reference to Ill Kt Ray Nield, Divisional Viceroy, for his hard work supporting Conclaves within the Division and attending meetings in other Divisions
Right Illustrious Knight Tristram congratulated the in-coming Divisional Officers and looked forward to working with them. He spoke of the challenges facing the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and many other Masonic Orders in attracting and retaining new members and some of the steps being taken to address these
The Intendant-General confirmed that the Division continues to support the Grand Sovereign’s Care Fund for Children and the Royal British Legion Battle-Back charities and both had received donations during the year, which was only possible due to the generosity of the members of the Order. The collection from the meeting would go to Battle-Back
The Intendant-General was pleased to introduce and welcome four new Knight-Companions attending their first Divisional Conclave, they were W Kt David Morgan and W Kt Robert Grainger, St Oswald Conclave, W Kt Sean Warner, St Dunstan Conclave and W Kt Jonathan Bryan, St Chad Conclave.
During the excellent festive-board the Knights were entertained by Grand Eusebius, who amongst other topics, regaled those attending with the joys & frustrations of the online purchase of railway tickets, a theme which seemed to strike a chord with many in the audience.
The proceedings closed in perfect harmony with many expressing their wish to attend next year’s meeting on Saturday 15th February 2020