Mid May saw the Border Reivers of Northumberland once more make a foray down to the Capital. This time in the guise of the members of the Rose Croix who were receiving their Higher Degrees.
Ill. Bros. Ian Hudson of Halystane Chapter No. 366, Keith Armstrong of St. Oswald Chapter No. 300, Bob Bennie of St. Gabriel Chapter No. 388, Gavin Latheron of Wudcestre No. 1025, Steven Sinclair of Aberwicke Chapter No. 423, and William Schardt of Royal Kent Chapter No. 8, all recipients, formed part of the contingent, which included other guests and the District Recorder, Barry Whittaker, led by the Inspector General for District of Northumberland, Very Illustrious Brother Stephen Read.
Setting off from Newcastle Central Station for the trip, and leaving plenty of time to arrive for the 3om start, the party managed to travel to within 15 minutes of Kings Cross Station when a complete signal failure caused a delay of 2 hours.
Keeping the Supreme Council regularly abreast of the situation, and now knowing that all hope was lost of arriving for the 3pm start, the party finally arrived at Duke Street at 3.45pm. The Grand Director of Ceremonies however, knowing of their predicament, had made a contingency plan and everyone was admitted, took their seats and received their well deserved honours.
On a lighter, and less stressful note, the return journey was far more enjoyable with no other complications and copious amounts of liquid refreshment available.
Of particular interest to readers is that the accompanying photograph to this article was taken in Supreme Grand Chapter and the nine vacant seats behind the members are where the Supreme Council members would normally be seated.
Many thanks to Very Illustrious Brother Stephen Read for the submission of this article.
Congratulations from Northumberland Freemasons to all the brethren on their very well-deserved honours.
Are you interested in joining the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Rose Croix in the District of Northumberland? if so contact head over to https://northumberlandrosecroix.org/contact-us/ to find out more.
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