Craft & Royal Arch Grand Officers Dinner

On Wednesday 21 st July 2021, the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Paul Gower and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp James Sharpley invited the Grand Officers who had been honoured with appointment to or promotion in Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter to a celebratory dinner, which was hosted in the Watermen’s Livery Hall, London.

Owing to the COVID-19 Government and UGLE restrictions in 2020 & 2021, Grand Lodge & Supreme Grand Chapter were unable to meet to confer on those who were receiving Grand Honours, but their honours were conferred in absentia in April 2020 & 2021 respectively. The Provincial Grand Master & Most Excellent Grand Superintendent thought that this milestone should be celebrated with a dinner, which would have been the case had Grand Lodge & Supreme Grand Chapter met as usual. The venue was selected with a provisional date of 7th July, but this too had to be moved owing to the extension of COVID-19 restrictions past the initial unlocking date of 21 st June 2021.

Over 70 guests, including the Executives from both Provincial Grand Lodge & Provincial Grand Chapter, were in attendance and enjoyed a sparkling wine reception followed by a sumptuous five course banquet. Whilst this was a celebratory occasion with little formality, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp James Sharpley proposed the toast to those Grand Officers who had received honours, which included the Provincial Grand Master, RW Paul Gower who had received promotion in the Royal Arch. The occasion concluded at a reasonable hour and was certainly enjoyed by all those in attendance.