PROVINCIAL GRAND SUPREME RULER
WITH THE ACTING OFFICERS ATTEND
J. ALAN BIBBY CONCLAVE No. 315
 
On Saturday the 21st October 2023 the recently Installed Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler, R.Wy.Bro. John Bicknell, together with his newly appointed acting Provincial Officers attended the Installation meeting of the J. Alan Bibby Conclave (formerly Ancient & Loyal Conclave) No. 315 at its new meeting place of Pemberton Masonic Hall.
 
The acting officers, under the direction and guidance of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Wy.Bro. Greg Pinnington assisted by Wy. Bro. Bob Olive acting as Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, took the acting officers and the Arch of Steel through their paces as this was their first outing to a Team Visit.
Acting Officers of the Year
R.Wy.Bro. John Bicknell Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler (Centre)
and Wy.Bro. Frank Hatton Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler to his right
The Supreme Ruler, Wy. Bro. Ian Moss opened the Conclave at 11.00 assisted by the members and visitors and the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler entered in procession.
After being welcomed the Supreme Ruler offered the gavel to the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler who accepted and assumed the Chair then introduced the acting officers. He then requested the SR to reoccupy his rightful place so that the main business of the meeting could take place.
 
A ballot was taken for 5 Joining Members which proved favourable and they were introduced to the SR who welcomed them and presented a copy of the Conclave By-Laws to each.
 
The main business then took place which was to Install Wy.Bro. Andrew Bibby, the son of R.Wy.Bro. John Alan Bibby, Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler from 1995 until 2007, in honour of whom the Conclave had renamed itself.
 
The Installation was carried out in an exemplary manner by Wy. Bro. Ian Moss assisted by R.Wy.Bro. John Bicknell who gave the address to the Princes, Wy.Bro. Graham Greenall who gave the address to the Supreme Ruler and R.Wy.Bro. David Knight who presented the Weapons.
Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler and Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme with members of J. Alan Bibby Conclave
Following the meeting an excellent luncheon was enjoyed by all and the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler responded to the toast to his health by referring to his new Deputy, Wy. Bro. Frank Hatton and the distances he would have to travel in order to fulfil his duties as he lived up in Wigton, Cumbria and, other than his own Conclave, Castlerigg No. 363 which meets at Cleator Moor, all other Conclaves were located south of the River Wyre.
A raffle was held which raised the magnificent sum of £165.00 and R.Wy.Bro. David Knight P.G.G. won the first prize of a bottle of Malt Whisky and Wy.Bro. Bob Williams P.Prov.G.G. winning the final prize.
After the last Toast given by the Sentinel the brethren all departed after having thoroughly enjoyed a happy and successful meeting and looking froward to the next Team Visit to the Installation meeting of Concord Conclave No. 64 on Saturday the 11th November at Hope Street Masonic Hall.
 
Words & photos by John Bicknell