On a sunny September evening, Rocheberie Council hosted the first Inter District Meeting, with a visit from East Midlands District, and a presentation of the Travelling Trowel.

The meeting was pleased to welcome in excess of 30 Companions.  The photograph below shows a mixture of Rocheberie Council members, East Midlands District members, and a number of Acting Officers and visitors.

R Ill Comp Peter Wellings, District Grand Master was present, together with Ill Comp Peter Stokes, Deputy District Grand Master, and Ill Comp Chris Denley, District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work. 

Ill Comp Martin Grahame-Dunn acted as Thrice Illustrious Mater and opened the Council, at which point R Ill Comp Peter Wellings processed in accompanied by his District Officers. Then the Deputy District Grand Master for East Midlands, Ill Comp Ian Knox, processed in accompanied by his District Officers. R Ill Comp DGM Martin Wilson had been unavoidably detained at hospital.  DGM Peter Wellings stayed in the Chair and received the relevant salute after which he received the minutes and proceeded to explain the significance of the meeting, being the celebration of the 25th birthday of Rocheberie Council, albeit a couple of months early.

This was followed by a very convivial meeting which included a precis of the Council history so far and the handover of the Travelling Trowel by Warwickshire Council.

After the closing of the Council more than 30 Companions made their way downstairs to enjoy pleasant food and good company. The leaders of both Districts expressed the hope that this would be the start of a close and enduring relationship and judging by the warmth and friendship on offer all night, that hope seems likely to be realised. Finally, a special thankyou to Christopher Denley who initially floated the idea of 25th anniversary celebrations, to David Whitehead who co-ordinated the inter District Communications, to Hosey Davoudian who stepped in at the last minute to act as DC, and Tony Cheesman , the Rocheberie Council Recorder, who coped with everything thrown at him both on the night and in the previous weeks.

The Travelling Trowel is handed over by Warwickshire Council member Ill Comp Hosey Davoudian, to Ill Comp Martin Grahame-Dunn, Acting TIM, in the presence of the District Grand Master.

The District Grand Master, R Ill Comp Peter Wellings greets Ill Comp Ian Knox, Deputy District Grand Master, East Midlands District, with members of both Districts observing.