District Grand Council of Cheshire & North Wales

W.Bro. Ian David Stone, P.D.G.S.W. (Dist.G.Sec)

Brethren, The District Grand Prefect, R.W.Bro. Peter Talbot, has carried out many visits to Councils during 2024–25. Several of these Councils have been able to carry out working ceremonies & introduced new members to our Order during the year, with several Candidates still awaiting admission.

Three District Team Visits were held during the Year with an excellent attendance of over 90% from the District Team members on average.

Unfortunately, I have to report that we have had notification of 2 Brothers who passed into the hands of the Great Disposer during the 12 months since our last District Grand Meeting, however, I can report that: -

The Current Membership shows an increase in membership over last year. Membership stands at nearly 170 over the 9 Councils in this District. The District Grand Prefect’s enthusiasm and the support of the brethren has resulted in the average age of our membership is beginning to lower, which it is hoped that will result in members will remain active for longer in The Allied Degree.

The District Grand Prefect, supported by 17 members of the District attended Freemasons Hall in London, to witness the promotion to Grand Rank to 4 Cheshire and North Wales Brethren, all who are present today.

This has also been a particularly good Year for Visits to the Other District Annual Meetings, with over 10 Districts being represented the District Grand Prefect, or his Deputy. Other members of Cheshire and North Wales Allied Masonic District have accompanied them on many occasions. Out of respect for the support shown to other Allied Districts and as a compliment, many representatives of Allied Districts from around the country have confirmed attendance on the 8th February in gratitude.

I am confident that you will greet our guest’s to the District and offer a very warm welcome, as they did to us during our visits.

Reporting on progress within our District I am please to announce that the District Allied Degree website is now fully functional and will be updated on a regular basis and it is hoped that members will use this facility as a useful tool to check up on events, profiles and future plans regarding the District. The reinstatement of this website was only possible due to the intervention of our District Grand Prefect who believed that this facility was most important in advancing the profile and interest in our Degree. Finally, may I extend grateful thanks on my own behalf, to all the Council Secretaries of Cheshire & North Wales Councils for the Assistance given to me during past the year as District Secretary.

Thank you, brethren that concludes my report from

District Grand Secretary of Cheshire & North Wales