Warwickshire's PGL Meeting May 2017

The Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting on Saturday 25th May 2017 proved to be a historic event, one that our Five of Nine Club members were lucky to be a part of.

Not only with this being the 300th year of Freemasonry but the first time in 300 years that our wives, partners, friends and family were able to join us at the Provincial Grand Lodge AGM, not only were they able to do this, but they were able to do this at the home of English Freemasonry, Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London.

Making it that little bit more special was that our Chairman WBro Dan Thomas was set to receive his first appointment to the Acting Rank of Provincial Grand Steward and one of the members WBro Howard Smith was to be promoted to Acting Rank of Provincial Junior Grand Warden, fantastic recognition for our Club and a very proud moment too.

To make the most of this most historic event, a number of the committee made the decision to travel down to the capital on the Friday morning, arriving at the hotel where we met new and old Masonic friends who had also decided to make the most of the weekend, bags dropped off and straight to Covent Garden sampling the food and beer of London (and their prices).  After a full day of touring the drinking establishments, and a great evening meal with friends, an early night was in order for Saturday's early start, especially for those actively involved in the meeting.

Saturday morning saw our committee and members with brethren from our respective lodges, wives, partners and friends ascended on Freemasons Hall and what a great sight it was too!  Walking into Freemasons Hall was a fantastic experience which we believe our members will never forget.  Topping it off being seated in the Grand Temple seeing it in all of its glory.

As we sat in our seats the looks on our partners faces as they took their seats was a picture to remember watching as they took in the splendour of the fantastic building, and then it was straight into the business of the day with various brethren receiving appointments and promotions, with our very own WBro Howards being one of the first to receive his, and what an incredible achievement to see a Five of Nine Club member sat as Provincial Junior Grand Warden and very well deserved too.  It was also a great honour to have the Provincial Grand Master RWBro David F Macey (Patron of The Five of Nine Club) mention in his address how proud he was of the club and the progress that it has made since its launch last year.

To top off an absolutely incredible morning we made our way to the stunning Grand Connaught Rooms where we sat for luncheon, and what a great occasion it was, a grand room to say the least! With great food, great wine and more importantly great company.  Once the business of the day was over it was a quick change and back out to sample some of the sights and local drinking establishments around Convent Garden and later into Soho, where we met up with old and new friends as well as joining up with some of our other members we certainly made the most of the evening.

A great weekend was had by all and it was certainly an experience to savour as it may probably never be repeated again.

By Bro Carl Foster