Today, seven brethren, V.W. Bro. Michael Sanders, accompanied by W. Bro’s Huw Hopkin, Ted Lewis, Laurence Riel, Kevin Dodd, Philip Damant and Brian McCormack, attended the Annual Provincial Meeting of Hampshire & Isle of Wight, held in the Guildhall in Portsmouth. Over 300 attended to celebrate their Sesquicentenary year and were treated to a fantastic reception. It was very fitting that a Past Provincial Grand Master was in attendance in the person of none other than the Pro. Grand Master John Herbert Prizeman, who was PGM between 2007 and 2016.

A wonderful potted history was presented, filled with interesting & amusing facts about the Province. This was followed by the investiture of the officers for the year but, the highlight was a field promotion which was conferred by the Pro.G.M. The official part over, brethren retired for the VIP drinks reception then the festive board. Over £1100 was raised at the annual “heads & tails” where the prize was a cake baked by Gerry Gangadean.

I came second, which, in reality, is first last, and missed out on a delicious rum infused iced cake. Indeed, there’s so much rum in Gerry’s cakes, they’re more Jamaican than Bob Marley.

The day ended all too soon and brethren, from numerous provinces headed home, having enjoyed a typically brilliant event. This is my third visit but certainly not my last. Brethren of Berkshire, consider attending and help us win the title of the largest number of Provincial Officers to attend. Whilst we had 7, Dorset claimed the gold medal with 8. Let’s right that “wrong” with a larger number next year. I can highly recommend it.

Everyone who attended received a wonderful goody bag containing a book, detailing part of the history of the Province, other keepsakes the best of which was a double sided coin to commemorate this wonderful anniversary.