The Grand Officers’ Mess once again held a “Special Meeting” at Duncombe Place Masonic Hall, York in March 2023.

The meeting was open to all brethren in the province and the Mess President Alan Brundall, welcomed VW Bro Charles B. Hopkinson-Woolley, The Grand Director of Ceremonies who addressed a capacity audience.

The Mess was very fortunate in being able to welcome such a distinguished guest to its meeting.

The speaker was appointed Metropolitan Grand Lodge Pursuivant in 2009, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2010, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2011 and then the Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2019.

“In Perfect Harmony” was the subject of the Grand Director of Ceremonies talk in which he emphasized that “Ritual shouldn’t spoil the fun in freemasonry, instead, let’s be encouraging and welcoming.”

We must ensure that our meetings are harmonies, and that we avoid dissent between brethren with different views and priorities, not just when we visit other lodges, but in our own lodges.

In thanking the speaker for attending the Mess, the Mess President Alan Brundall passed comment that the speaker enjoyed wine, opera, travel, skiing and shooting – although he did not say what of whom he shot!