On Thursday 20th November Sussex Ashdown Council, No 86 held its first Installation meeting after the amalgamation of the two Councils.
After the meeting opened the first order of business was to greet the new Deputy Grand Master R.W.Bro. Colin Woodcock, MBE, a member of the Council, with the appropriate salutation.
The District Grand Prefect R.W.Bro. Gene Earland then demanded admission to the Council escorted by W.Bro. Greg Shackleton, Dist.G.D.C. accompanied by a District Team. The W.Bro. Tan Rusby, Worshipful Master greeted the Dist.G.Pref., who was then saluted by the Brethren.
After the regular business of the Council had been completed, W.Bro. Tan Rusby, then Installed W.Bro. Lee Burke in an exemplary manner. W.Bro. Lee Burke was then congratulated by the Dist.G.Pref. as the first Installed Mester of the amalgamated Council. W.Bro. Lee Burke then invested his officers.
The Dist.G.Pref. then stated how pleased he was to see so many members of the Council present, and how well the two Council had come together, which bodes well for the future of the Council. Especially when so many distinguished Brethren are members of the Council:- R.W.Bro. Colin Woodcock, Dep.G.M., R.W.Bro. C Martin Wilson, P.Dist.G.M., V.W.Bro. John Bryant, P.Dep.Dist.G.Pref. (Surrey), W.Bro. Ivor Bennett, Dep.Dist.G.Pref. and as Honorary members R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson, P.Dist.G.M., not forgetting himself, R.W.Bro. Gene Earland, Dist.G.Pref.. Unfortunately, R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson was unable to attend as he was at MBF Trustees meetings at MMH.
W.Bro. Ivor Bennett, Dep.Dist.G.Pref., Council Secretary reminded the Brethren that in 2027, a special meeting would be held to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Sussex Council No 86.
The Brethren retired to the bar after the Council was closed in due form, which was followed by a wholesome festive board, conducted in a very friendly atmosphere.