On Saturday 6th December, having proceeding individually, our Intendant General, R. Ill.Kt. Steven Groeger and the Deputy Intendant General, Ill. Kt. Mark Denton, met at the Masonic Hall at Marychurch, an interesting arched post war building, well hidden , as it is set back from the road.
The Division had laid on some light breakfast snacks and some home made cakes (by the Intendant Generals wife Antonia) with hot coffee and tea on tap, which was well received by the guests from far and wide as well as the membership of the Division.
At 10.30 the Intendant General, Rt.Ill.Kt. Nicholas StJohn Middleton White, processed into the Conclave and then opened the Conclave in due form.
The Intendant General welcomed every one and introduced the distinguished visitors from other divisions as well as heads of orders locally, all of whom responded enthusiastically.
The Intendant General then re appointed his Deputy, Ill.Kt. John Redman and then the officers of the Division were presented for appointment by the Divisional Marshal and his Deputy Ill.Kt Paul Ackland. They were also assisted by the Captain of the Sepulchre Guard and members of the Guard.
The address by the Intendant General congratulated all those W.Kt’s that were appointed and thanking the Divisional Recorder P.Kt. Mick Carter, for his excellent work in organising this important event. The address was well received and we then moved to the closing with everyone looking forward to the drinks and festive board.
The W.Kt’s then proceeded to the Anchorage hotel for the festive board at which W.Bro. Tim Golder Assistant Provincial Grand Master (Craft Devonshire) was welcomed by the throng of Worthy Knights present. All then settled down to a hearty meal of Pate, Roast Pork followed by Apple Pie.
The Divisional Marshal, V.Ill.Kt. Roy Rudling, who is a well known Knight from our own Division, stood down from that office after many years and the Intendant General requested that he be presented to him. He presentation him with a voucher and some flowers for his wife as a token of thanks from the Division for his years of service. The role now being in the capable hands of Ill.Kt. Mark Richardson. In making the presentation, the Intendant General commented on some of Roy’s past endeavours in riding the Isle of Man TT on a Triumph Bonneville 668cc, and his sailing competitively in the Finn Class of boat.
The usual toasts were observed, the toast to the Intendant General given by the Deputy elicited an emotional response from the Intendant General.
The proceedings concluded, farewells exchanged and all departed to their own homes.