The annual meeting of Warwickshire District Royal & Select Masters took place on Saturday 1st November, again at Arnold House, the Rugby Masonic Centre. On a sunny morning, our District Grand Master R Ill Comp Peter Wellings ensured a happy and welcoming approach during the meeting and at the Festive Board.
As is regularly the case, a well attended meeting welcomed at least fifteen District Grand Masters and members of numerous Districts to the Rugby Masonic Hall, together with members of all of our Warwickshire Councils. Visiting distinguished guests were welcomed individually and thanked for attending. The visiting District Grand Masters are shown below with the District Grand Master.
Having dealt with the regular business required at an annual meeting, the District Grand Master proceeded to appoint his Officers for the year ahead. There were no changes to his immediate team, but several Past Thrice Illustrious Masters were appointed or promoted, and presented with their Certificates of Appointment.
Pictured below are the District Grand Master, R Ill Comp Peter Wellings, flanked by Ill Comp Peter Stokes, Deputy District Grand Master, and on the right, Ill Comp Chris Denley, District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, surrounded by almost all of the Officers in the team for the year.
In his address to the meeting, the District Grand Master explained that he had enjoyed a further rewarding year and had continued with visits to numerous Districts across the country, and of course to the Councils in the District on many occasions. He again thanked those who had come from far and wide to support him at this meeting.
The District Grand Master thanked his outgoing Officers for their support during the year, and for all that had been achieved during the year. Peter commented on some outstanding events that had taken place – the opening of the new Carolean Council Number 347, based in West Bromwich, the presentations of Sesquicentenary grants to the successful nominated Charities, and the first Inter-District visit which was between East Midlands and Warwickshire, and was well attended and appreciated by all present. He also gave Ill Comp Paul Harrison, Past Deputy District Grand Master a very special surprise by awarding him his Certificate of Service to Cryptic Masonry.
A collection at the meeting of almost £500 plus gift aid will be donated at the discretion of the District Executive.
The District Grand Master retired in procession, escorted by his Officers and the visiting District Grand Masters.
A very pleasant festive board, with photographs below, was enjoyed by all concerned, happily meeting up with old friends and new acquaintances from far and wide.
Following the lunch, the District Grand Master’s health was proposed in a toast presented by Ill Comp Peter Stokes, Deputy District Grand Master, with advice from Ill Comp Hosey Davoudian, newly appointed Deputy District Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Next year’s Annual District Meeting will take place on Saturday 6th November 2026, and the traditional District Sunday Lunch will be held on 20th September 2026.
Article by Ill Comp John Hayward, and photographs from several contributors.