East Lancashire District AMD Meeting 2025
 
Saturday 13th September 2025 was the date of our sister East Lancashire’s annual District Meeting. This was one of the reasons why quite a number of West Lancashire AMD Brethren made the relatively short trip to Rochdale Masonic Hall. I say one of the reasons, because West Lancashire Brethren had an additional motivation for making the trip, and this was to provide support for our DGP, Paul Snape, on making his last visit to a District Meeting as DGP for West Lancashire, but more of that later.
Well appointed Rochdale Lodge Room
The journey to Rochdale was quite uneventful, and soon we were partaking in early morning refreshments of a hearty bacon barm at the Hall, washed down with a cup of tea / coffee. As we relaxed before the labours of the day, Brethren from all quarters of the country converged on the Hall, and soon the room was full of Brethren taking advantage of the same hospitality.
You can’t beat an early morning cuppa
Paul with his West Lancs bodyguard
Friendships renewed with plenty of handshakes and good humour, time passed quickly, and soon we were being called into the Lodge Room to take our seats for the District Meeting. As always with these meetings, the ceremonial was first class with an impressive precision, as the various processions entered the room and proceeded to their allotted stations. In welcoming the visiting DGP’s and their entourage, RW Brother Graham Newton, DGP for East Lancashire, made special mention of Paul Snape’s impending retirement as a DGP, and thanked him for the support that he had afforded East Lancashire over many years.
A Dawning of DGPs join Paul for a last hurrah
The meeting being concluded in due form, Brethren processed out of the Lodge room in a dignified way, and, following a visit to the bar, the dining room was filled to capacity for an enjoyable meal. A minimal amount of after dinners speeches concluded the proceedings.
A packed dining Room awaits the feast
Cheers Paul for a great innings
At this point, I must now pay respects to our retiring DGP, Paul Snape. Paul has been an outstanding leader in West Lancashire and a great mentor to Brethren in all AMD matters. Just as importantly, he has given personal pastoral support to many Brethren and families who have experienced trauma in their lives. I’m sure that in retirement, Paul will continue to inspire us from the back benches, and may that continue for a long time to come.
On a personal note, having worked closely with Paul over perhaps 15 years or so, can I say that he has provided me with considerable inspiration and support to enable me to carry out my District duties, and over that time has become a valued friend as well as a colleague. I think that it would be a mistake for me to suggest that Paul should now take a well-earned rest, because I know that he will continue to work hard and contribute to the wellbeing of AMD in this area, and beyond, and in all things Masonic. Nevertheless, I hope that Paul and his wife Sally are able to enjoy some moments of peace after Paul’s hectic life as a DGP.
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One Chapter closes, and another one begins, so, to finish this article, I know that we will all give our best wishes and support to Mark Barton and Ian Nairn, who are to be invested as West Lancashire DGP and Deputy DGP respectively at the investiture meeting on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 11am at Westhoughton MH, and I hope to see you all there.
Mark Barton and Ian Nairn, West Lancs DGP and Deputy DGP Designates
Words and Photos Ray Pye