On a bright and sunny morning of Wednesday 3rd December 2025, Ill.˙.Bro’s Phil Abram, Steve Hillard, Justin Randle and Perry Connor travelled to Duke Street to receive their well deserved 30°, promotions. With the exception of Ill.˙.Bro Randle who was already in London, the remainder, accompanied by the IG, Former IG, DR plus five other guests, met at Henly-in-Arden coach depot ready to head for Grand East. It was a tight fit on the 19-seater ‘mini-coach’ which had been ordered as all eleven of us had to squeeze into a 52-seater coach. A brand-new coach at that……..
The journey from Henley to London went exceptionally well and we arrived at Mark Masons Hall in very good time allowing us to enjoying our now customary pre 10 Duke Street Higher Degrees meeting, Soup & Sandwich lunch – with a glass of wine with compliments of the IG.
On completion of a generous and very satisfying lunch, the party moved to 10DS to witness a most spectacular 30°, ceremony performed as always by members of the Supreme Council. I’m sure it gets better and better every time. Apart from the quite superb delivery of the Work of the degree, the Sovereign Grand Commander’s explanation of the background and history of the degree, and in particular one of the signs was fantastic. And a special mention if I may for the work of the V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Surg Cdr N F J Scott-Moncrieff 33°, Grand Director of Ceremonies. If ever you want to witness exactly how ritual should be delivered with such passion, dedication and sincerity, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure, then when qualified, book yourself in to attend a Higher Degree meeting………
Following the meeting, everyone retired back to Mark Masons Hall to enjoy a quality evening meal before our long journey home. I am sure those that witnessed 10DS for the first time will look forward to a return in the not-too-distant future.
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