Ancaster Conclave celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Friday 26th January, 2024.
Since it was consecrated in the Masonic Rooms, Watergate, Sleaford, on Saturday 19th January, 1974, the Conclave has provided 5 out of the 8 Lincolnshire Division’s Intendants-General and the present and past Intendants-General were very much part of the celebrations.
The Conclave welcomed 20 guests, which included Founder Member and holder of the 50th year Membership Certificate, V.Ill.Kt. Bryan Walter Robinson, P.G.H.Chan., BEM., and the following Intendants-General - R.Ill.Kt. Dr. Alan Beckerton ( Derbyshire Division), R.Ill.Kt. Ralph Everett Hitchin and Immediate Past Intendant-General, R.Ill.Kt. Terence Desmond Ward (Nottinghamshire Division) and our Deputy Intendant-General, Ill.Kt. Raymond Wade, P.G.Chamb.
Before the celebrations commenced, the Conclave installed a new knight, David Alan Williams of Shire Chapter, No. 5610.
During the celebrations of the anniversary, various elements of the Consecration meeting were presented by the Sovereign, M.P.Kt. James McQuade. The origins of the name Ancaster by Ill.Kt. Michael J. Lock, G.Vice-Chamb., and the Consecration Oration was delivered by P.Kt. Christopher G. Jones.
A surprising highlight of the meeting was when the Intendant-General, R.Ill.Kt. Stephen Roberts, presented 40-year Membership Certificates to Past Intendant-General John Raymond William Clements, KCC, and V.Ill.Kt. Victor Barry Topliss, P.G.H.Alm.
A wonderful evening was concluded with a 5-course meal the same that was enjoyed at the Consecration dinner. During the meal, several members of the Conclave presented amusing reminiscences and tributes to members over the 50 years.
Newly Installed Kt David Williams being congratulated by the MPS and Em. Viceroy
MPS with his distiguished Guests
The MPS with his Distinguished Guests, the new knight and 40-year Certificate recipients
MPS proposing toast to "The Ancaster Conclave"
W. Kt. Keith Robinson reminiscing
W.Kt. David Buckenham proposing the toast to Kt. Williams (contemplating his response!)
The response!
Photographs kindly taken by W. Kt Wayne Lagden