Following an informal discussion some time ago, between the Provincial Grand Supreme Rulers of East Lancashire & West Yorkshire the idea of a joint Convocation of the two Provinces was conceived.

The first of these joint meetings, it was decided, would take place in East Lancashire & many attempts were made to arrange a mutual date due to other Masonic engagements, but finally Thursday, 15^th May 2008 was finalised.

Burnley being the most convenient venue for our Brothers from West Yorkshire, a special dispensation was approved to move the May meeting of Cockroft Conclave, and for this we thank their Members.

Bury Conclave are in the fortunate position of having surplus Second degree candidates and offered to assist in the Ceremony, this would in turn allow two of their Members to obtain the Princes Degree.

The Meeting was opened to all members of the Order of the Secret Monitor in East Lancashire and we waited to see the response.

We were not to be disappointed!!

On the night Rt. Wy. Bro. Stewart Glasgow Carley, Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of West Yorkshire was accompanied by eleven Grand & Provincial Officers of his Province on the short trip across the Pennines. In addition we were pleased to receive Rt. Wy. Bro. David George Hill, Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of the Province of Staffordshire & Shropshire accompanied by Rt Wy. Bro. John L. Tewson, PGReg, Past Dept. Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler, from the then Province of Staffordshire Shropshire & Herefordshire.

A total of fifty-four, Brethren attended the Conclave.

What a night, not only prior to the Meeting,, with all the Brethren renewing old friendships & making new ones (see photographs), but the Ceremony itself was performed in an excellent manner.

Following the opening, Wy. Bro. Ian Ronson. P.G.Swd.B, acting Provincial Director of Ceremonies announced that the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of East Lancashire, Rt. Wy. Bro. Howard Stephen Nuttall was in attendance & was accompanied by Rt. Wy. Provincial Grand Supreme Rulers, Grand Officers and Provincial Officers from this and other Provinces.

The Supreme Ruler of Cockroft Conclave, Wy. Bro. David Ireson, Prov.G.B.B. welcomed the PGSR & offered him the Gavel which was quickly returned & at that point, making the most of being up-standing, Rt. Wy. Bro.Nuttall introduced the distinguished Rt.,Wy. Brethren in attendance.

The Supreme Ruler of Cockroft Conclave requested, Wy. Bro. Peter J. Morgan, P.A.G.D.C. Supreme Ruler of Bury Conclave to take the Chair for the Prince’s Degree Ceremony.

The whole Ceremony was a credit to all concerned & following the retiral, the camaraderie continued into the bar and to the Social Board.

With the minimum of toasts, Rt. Wy. Bro. Howard Stephen Nuttall responded with a welcome to all who had attended and thanked them for making this evening one which for pure occasion, atmosphere and friendliness in the true meaning of the Order of Secret Monitor has been unsurpassed in this part of the country.

He announced that  Rt. Wy. Bro. Stewart Glasgow Carley had invited the Provincial Grand Conclave of East Lancashire to a reciprocal visit to Ordersfelt Conclave N° 35, at Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire on Friday 19^th September, which he had happily accepted.

This was a real never to be forgotten experience, congratulations & thank you to all who organised, took part or attended. Here’s to the next time!!