Luguvalium Conclave No. 494

Luguvalium Conclave No. 494

The prevailing atmosphere at the latest meeting of Luguvalium Conclave No. 494 was one of cooperation and collaboration.

The setting was the masonic hall in Dalston, a village in the north of Cumbria. The numbers of the small conclave were swelled by a large number of visitors from Cumbria and beyond.

The Sovereign of the conclave is Nick Wilson who is also the recently appointed Provincial Grand Master for the craft province of Cumberland and Westmorland. The meeting provided a perfect opportunity for Intendant General Joe Sudhakar to present Nick with a cheque for £1,000 from the Cumbria Division R.C.C.  towards the M.C.F. 2027 Festival which the province is holding. 

Nick was not the only holder of a distinguished position in other orders. Also present were David Bowden APGM in the craft, Glyn Titterington Dep. Grand Supt. In the Royal Arch, Norman Milburn Grand Supt. In the Knights Templar Priests and Lawrence Hinde District Grand Prefect of the Allied Degree. Accompanying  Joe were his deputy David Stewart and Divisional Eusebius Barrie Hughes.

The main business of the evening was to install Iain Simpson and Glyn Titterington as Knights of St. John the Evangelist. 

The ceremony was an example of people coming together to deliver an excellent ceremony. All five conclaves of the division were engaged in the ritual to a greater or lesser extent. Brian Drake and David Bowden, who were visiting from other conclaves, undertook the major work in the second and third points respectively. Special mention is merited in respect of Liam Bird who had made the journey up from the Fylde coast in the Division of North and East Lancashire to act as Seneschal and delivered the traditional oration in impeccable style.

The combined efforts of these very capable ritualists meant that Iain and Glyn were able to enjoy a ceremony that was well delivered and meaningful. It was enjoyed by all privileged to observe it.

The usual caterers being unavailable it fell to recorder Keith Young to make alternative arrangements. Prior to the opening of the meeting Keith took orders for food which he then ordered with the travelling fish and chip van which services the villages in this rural area. It proved a great success and added to what had been a superb evening of ritual and fellowship.