Monday 2nd December was a busy evening at the meeting of Stretton Hills Consistory No.137, with a first Grade Ceremony followed by the Installation of the new President for the Year.

The first ceremony of the evening was to welcome a new Candidate, by conferring the first Grade on Bro. Jamie Stubbs, a member of Shropshire Conclave No.268; Jamie is pictured with R.Dist.Comp.Graham Holden, Provincial Grand Summus, Dist,Comp. Stephen Ashworth (Primus L), Dist.Comp. Alyn Briscoe (President) and Em.Comp. David Blakeman (Primus O). David Blakeman carried out the ceremony in fine style, ably assisted by the Director of Ceremonies V.Dist.Comp. Wally Edwards and the members of the Consistory; Jamie fully enjoyed his experience as he expressed in his reply after his toast at the festive board.

R.Dist.Comp.Graham Holden then presented Comp. Martyn Davies-Friend with his 3rd Grade Certificate and invited now Comp. Jamie Stubbs to join them as he explained the Certificate and the various Grades comprising the Order.

The evening’s ceremonial was not finished, however, and Dist.Comp Alyn Briscoe proceeded with the Installation Ceremony, installing his successor Dist.Comp. Stephen Ashworth into the chair as President for the ensuing year. Stephen then proceeded to invested Em.Comp. David Blakeman as Primus L and Comp. David Kettle as Primus O followed by the remaining Officers for the year who can look forward to a busy year ahead with a large number of ceremonies to be carried out.

Dist.Comp. Stephen Ashworth had completed his three Grades followed by Preparation for President and entrusted with the secrets of the President chair along with others in 2010 but has had to wait for this his first opportunity to be Installed into a Presidents Chair.

The second picture shows the members of the Consistory shortly before the festive board of Thai Curry followed by sticky toffee pudding – a definite antidote to Christmas dinner.

The Consistory has met at the Church Stretton Masonic Hall since its Consecration in 2021 and the compliments on the quality of the building and the catering make it a great venue to welcome new members. 2025 is looking to be another great year for the Consistory and for Shropshire Conclave of OSM.