On Tuesday 7th July, Worthy Knights from across the English Constitution of the Red Cross of Constantine, and delegations from independent Sovereign Grand Conclaves, arrived at Freemasons’ Hall for the Annual Assembly of Grand Imperial Conclave.
About 14 members of the Division of Hampshire and Isle of Wight braved the hot weather and many travel disruptions to be part of this meting.
Most Illustrious Knight Graham Lesley Flight, G.C.C., Grand Sovereign, presided over the meeting and, after the initial business of Grand Conclave had been undertaken, he was pleased to reappoint R.Ill. & Em.Kt. Christopher John Macdonald, G.C.C., as Deputy Grand Sovereign, and R.Ill. & Ven.Kt. The Revd Timothy John Nicholas L’Estrange, G.C.C., as Grand Eusebius.
The Grand Sovereign then appointed three Knights to the rank of Knight Commander of Constantine. Then followed the appointment to, or promotion in, Grand Rank of 131 Worthy Knights, of which there were 5 from our Division:
- Ill. Kt. Charles Aspinell promoted to active Grand Junior General
- Ill. Kt. Spike Bromley promoted to Past Grand High Almoner
- Ill. Kt. Robert Castle promoted to Past Grand Standard Bearer (L)
- P. Kt. Roger Curtis appointed to Past Grand Prefect
P. Kt. Kevin Smith appointed to Past Grand Warden of Regalia
who were were invested by the Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign. The Grand Sovereign then surprised the Grand Marshal, Right Illustrious Knight Paul Anthony Norman, K.C.C. by promoting him to Knight Grand Cross of Constantine.
The remaining business of Grand Imperial Conclave was concluded, the meeting closed, and attendees retired to refreshment.
The after-proceedings saw a large attendance at the meal and our Division were pleased to be seated at two tables making the after-proceedings quite comfortable, especially as there was a portable air conditioning uint near by keeping us a bit cooler than many in attendance.
Having such great support makes the day so much more special for everyone who attends.I thank everyone from the Division who attended. I hope you all enjoyed the day.
