There was a fantastic attendance at the East Kent District “New Members Event” held on Saturday 4th February at the Maidstone Masonic Centre in Tovil. The event was organised to engage, inform and enthuse our newer members in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, known as “Rose Croix”.
The Inspector General for the District of East Kent, V.Ill.Bro. Roger Waltham 33° was delighted to open the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone and an overview of the aims of the meeting and the presentations that would follow. V.Ill.Bro. Roger then expanded on the significance of the Order and the role and structure of the Supreme Council 33°.
The District Recorder, III.Bro. Russ Wibrew 32° then gave a presentation on the District of East Kent, his role, responsibilities and the important uses of the District website. Also a reminder that it is vital members and Recorders keep him informed of any change their contact details.
Next, Ill.Bro. Trevor Youens 31° spoke about the origins and history of the Ancient and Accepted Rite which was very informative.
Ill.Bro. Lyndon Jones 31° gave a wonderful explanation about our ceremonies and ritual, emphasising the enjoyment we share and that anyone wishing to progress will be encouraged and supported as they progress through the Chapter offices.
E&P.Bro. Graham Chisnell 18° reflected on his experience of becoming a member when he “Perfected” into the Hubert De Burgh Chapter. It was a great insight into how much he enjoyed it and the meaningful impact the ceremony has on us all.
Ill.Bro. David Alexander 32° gave a very informative presentation on the Higher Degrees and promotions, using the various collars of the degrees which greatly aided in the visual splendour !
Finally, there was an open Q&A session which was very enlightening, not only for the newer members of the order but for their Proposers who had also been invited to attend.
V.Ill.Bro. Roger Waltham 33° then “wrapped up” the meeting with warm thanks to Ill.Bro. Charles Pottle 31° for initiating and organising the event at the Maidstone Centre and to all who had contributed to such an informative and friendly meeting. He concluded with what he hopes we will all experience, in the now famous saying of “Good Ritual, Good Food, and Good Fellowship”.
During the very appetising and enjoyable lunch which followed, a number of newer members expressed their views saying;
“What a wonderful, enjoyable, informative and very friendly meeting”
“ We should do this again especially for newer members in the future” was another view expressed a number of times.
There was, in conclusion, a presentation of flowers made to V.Ill.Bro. Roger Waltham and Ill.Bro. Russ Wibrew as humble gratitude for their valued support of this most successful meeting.