Warrington Conclave No 119 Installation Meeting
 
On Tuesday 7th October the brethren of Warrington Conclave No. 119 assembled for their annual Installation Meeting at Warrington Masonic Hall. The Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler, Right Worthy Brother John Charles Bicknell, was in attendance.
The Conclave was opened by the Acting Supreme Ruler Right Worthy Brother David Knight and his officers in accordance with the ancient traditions of the Order.
Following the muster roll and reports and minutes of the previous meeting the main business of the evening was the installation of Brother Derek Hazlehurst as Supreme Ruler for the ensuing year. The ceremony was conducted with great care and sincerity, reflecting both the dignity of the office and the deep respect held for Brother Hazlehurst by his brethren, by Worthy Brothers David Knight, Mike Hamilton and Brian Potter all excelling in their part in the ceremony.
On conclusion our newly installed Supreme Ruler was warmly congratulated by Right Worthy Brother. John Charles Bicknell, who offered kind words of encouragement and good wishes for a successful year in office. The officers for the coming year were then appointed.
A collection was then taken for the charities of the Order a generous response reflecting the brethren’s ongoing commitment to the benevolent work that lies at the heart of our Masonic principles. The Conclave has donated:
  • St Rocco’s Hospice - £250
  • The Masonic Fishing Charity - £250
The Conclave and the brethren then retired to the festive board to enjoy a hearty meal of:
  • Smoked Salmon Cheescake, lemon dressing & parsley emulsion
  • Free Range Chicken breast, red wine, onion & mushroom sauce and roasted potatoes
  • Milk Chocolate Tart, accompanied by raspberry & vanilla ice cream.
With friendship and good cheer prevailing, following a round of toasts and responses a touch of humour accompanied the raffle draw when the winning ticket turned out to have been chosen using the winner’s own number generator! Yes! The Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler had won!
The room erupted in good-natured laughter as the coincidence sank in. Some called it “a triumph of technology,” while others joked that it was “proof that fate has a sense of humour.” One Brother quipped, “I’m letting him pick my lottery numbers next week,”
Of course, all agreed that the win was made in the true spirit of fun and fellowship. The lucky winner accepted his prize with modesty (and perhaps a slightly mischievous grin), insisting that it was pure chance — though the twinkle in his eye suggested he might just have faith in his own understanding of technology and that he will be offering his service for other Conclave raffles in the future.
This moment perfectly captured the camaraderie of the evening — laughter, good-natured teasing, and a shared appreciation that sometimes, luck really is on your side.
With Worthy Brother Derek Hazlehurst now installed as Supreme Ruler, the Conclave looks forward to a year of harmony, service, and continued success within the Province and invites you to join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 4th November 2025.
 
Report and photographs by Bob Williams, G.Stwd, Warrington Conclave No. 119