Dykes Conclave No 36 in the order of the Red Cross of Constantine is an anomaly amongst all the units in the various masonic orders which meet in the Furness peninsula. The conclave was granted a warrant in 1870 and originally met at the masonic hall in Cockermouth in what was then Cumberland. It later transferred to Whitehaven on the Cumbria coast before settling in Ulverston in 1938. It is now in the division of Cumbria whilst other orders in the area are in West Lancashire with Ulverston having pre-1974 being part of Lancashire.

The latest meeting witnessed the enthronement as Sovereign of David Grainger. This was a somewhat delayed enthronement as David had contracted Covid a couple of days before the original date.

On hand to witness proceedings was Rt. Ill. Kt Joe Sudhakar Intendent General for the Division of Cumbria. He was accompanied by members of his divisional team including his deputy David Stewart.

They were able to observe outgoing Sovereign Geoff Biddulph enthrone David in a delightful ceremony.

To mark the occasion the conclave agreed to make a donation of £250 to the Westmorland Youth Orchestra. On hearing this Joe rose and pledged a like amount from the division charity account making a total of £500.

David can look towards having a busy and fruitful year with two candidates, whom he had proposed, receiving a favourable ballot on the evening.

There was the usual friendly conversation and companionship at the festive board. The menu on what was a warm evening being a very acceptable cold meat buffet.

P.Kt David Sear