The Higher Degrees Meeting held at Duke Street, St. James’s on Tuesday 4th June 2019 was particular well supported by Brethren from the North East Lancashire District.

A total of 6 candidates and 5 guests, along with Inspector General V∴Ill∴Bro. David Biggs 33° and District Recorder Ill∴Bro. Jack Aston 32° made their separate ways to a rather warm and humid London, where they found temporary relief before the meeting in the cellars of Davy’s wine bar on Crown Passage for a light lunch and some refreshing drinks.

The first part of the Higher Degrees meeting each June comprises a Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret 32°.

On this occasion, Ill∴Bro. Douglas ‘Dickie’ Dickenson, long-serving Director of Ceremonies of Bethel Chapter No.290 was one of eight candidates receiving richly deserved promotions to the 32°.

A particular highlight of the event, and a honour for our District, was the selection of Dickie as the Representative Candidate for the 32° ceremony and a corresponding place on the top table at the festive board, seated next to the Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Puissant Brother Alan Englefield 33°.

The Grand Consistory was closed and a Grand Chapter of Grand Elected Knights Kadosh 30° was opened. Some 40 Brethren from across England and Wales were honoured with promotions to the 30° Grand Elected Knight Kadosh, Knight of the Black and White Eagle.

Brethren from the North East Lancashire District receiving promotion to the 30° were:

Ill∴Bro. Stuart Ashworth 30° – Bury Chapter No.435

Ill∴Bro. Bob Codling 30° – Rochdale St. Chad Chapter No.494

Ill∴Bro. Nigel Gouldthorpe 30° – Mark Wilkinson Chapter No.194

Ill∴Bro. John Kershaw 30° – Rochdale St. Chad Chapter No.494

Ill∴Bro. Michael Squires 30° – Colne St. Bartholomew Chapter No.1073

In support of our candidates were Ill∴Bro. Peter Holt 32°, Ill∴Bro. Keith Harrison 32°, Ill∴Bro. Peter Aspinall 31°, Ill∴Bro. David Winstanley 31° and Ill∴Bro. David Pestell 30°.

As usual, the ceremony was followed by a drinks reception and an excellent festive board at the Royal Overseas League.

Dickie and David await the Top Table guests

North East Lancashire District candidates and guests

We offer our congratulations to all our newly promoted Brethren, we hope that their further advancement in the Order will give them much satisfaction and that they will treasure the happy memories of this special occasion for many years to come.