At the March meeting of the Belmont Chapter, which is based at Stelling Minnis, our Inspector General V.III Bro Roger Waltham 33° made a very unexpected presentation during the agenda item of “Any Other Business”. His presence gave him the excellent opportunity to make a brief, informal, but very special presentation to some well known and highly respected Princes who were present.
With the agreement of the Most Wise Sovereign, the Director of Ceremonies escorted three Illustrious Brethren to stand with the Inspector General. The element of surprise was very evident on the faces of Bros Roger Odd 32°, Russ Wibrew 32° and Trevor Youens 31°.
Our Inspector General explained that he was taking the opportunity to extend a heartful ‘Thankyou” accompanied by sincere recognition and acknowledgement of their contribution to our wonderful and beautiful Order as our District Recorders, Present, Past, and Past Past! For well over a decade they have collectively assisted the Inspector Generals through the various challenges that the District has had to contend with, such as the Covid pandemic to name but one of them. Despite these challenges the District of East Kent has continued to grow and remains the second largest in the country.
The three delighted Brethren were then each presented with a very special and symbolic Red Rose as a meaningful token of the Inspector General’s personal thanks and acknowledgement of the value of their exceptional endeavour and support to the District.
It is worth noting that the Red Roses, which are few in number, have been hand-crafted exclusively for the Inspector General by a craftsman based in Cornwall. They are made from recycled drinks cans which makes them friendly to our environment. I must admit that when I first saw them I thought they were real roses.
The Belmont Chapter was a busy Chapter indeed on this special evening, a double Perfection was then delivered, Bro Dr. Michael John Roberts and Bro Lee Robert Piller both being Perfected into the Order.
The Belmont Chapter gave a big “Thankyou” to the Hoo Peninsula Chapter 1215 who loaned a second ladder to aid in the ceremony of Perfection. Grateful thanks were also conveyed to Ill. Bro Trevor Youens who assisted in the “First Point”. Collectively the help given was a true gesture of brotherly collaboration to ensure that both candidates had a most memorable experience.
The Inspector General certainly worked hard on this evening, also presenting a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Ibrahim Darwish 18° who was Perfected into the Belmont Chapter in January.
After all the business was concluded the Chapter was closed and in the unique setting of the Village Hall at Stelling Minnis the Temple was cleared away promptly so that the dinner could be served. All partook in this feast of fraternal affection, experiencing Good Fellowship, Good Ritual, and Good Food!