AGM 2026
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Well over 100 Companions from home and away attended the twenty-ninth annual meeting of the District Grand Council of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, held on the 16th of July 2026 at Sindlesham.
17 Right Illustrious Companions were present, including the Past Deputy Grand Master R.Ill.Comp. Ian Alexander, IX, the Grand Director of Ceremonies, fourteen reigning District Grand Masters, and many others holding high rank in Grand Council.
The District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. Phillip John Purves, entered the Council in procession, accompanied by the District Grand Officers. After taking his place, he opened District Grand Council in due form and was saluted under the direction of the District Grand D.C.
From L to R; Ill.Comp. Malcolm Summers, Deputy District Grand Master; R.Ill.Comp. Phillip Purves, District Grand Master; Ill.Comp. Tim Weller. District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
The District Grand Master welcomed the visiting Companions and Heads of other Orders.
The administrative business of the District Grand Council was then conducted, following which, due to the retirement of Ill.Comp. Andrew Stephens from the role of District Grand Treasurer, Companion Richard J. Olliver was elected to the office. The District Grand Master expressed his thanks to the outgoing Treasurer for his outstanding service to the District.
The District Grand Master then appointed and invested his officers:
| Deputy District Grand Master | Ill.Comp. | Malcolm R. Summers |
| District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work | Ill.Comp. | Timothy Weller |
| District Grand Chaplain | Ill.Comp. | Raymond J. Head |
| District Grand Treasurer | Comp. | Richard J. Olliver |
| District Grand Recorder | Ill.Comp. | Simon R. Jeffery |
| District Grand Director of Ceremonies | Ill.Comp. | Paul R. Savage |
| District Grand Lecturer | Ill.Comp. | A. Peter Rawlinson |
| District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies | Ill.Comp. | Stephen N. Pope |
| District Grand Captain of the Guard | Ill.Comp. | David A. Hill |
| District Grand Conductor of the Council | Ill.Comp. | Robert G. Britten |
| District Assistant Grand Recorder | Ill.Comp. | Eugène M. Gratwohl |
| District Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies | Comp. | Paul J. Tomlinson |
| District Grand Sword Bearer | Ill.Comp. | Simon R. Gillas |
| District Grand Standard Bearer | Ill.Comp. | Ian A. Bailey |
| District Grand Organist | vacancy | |
| District Grand Steward | Ill.Comp. | Grahame F. Lee, MBE |
| District Grand Manciple | Ill.Comp. | L. Elwyn Hopkin |
| District Grand Manciple | Ill.Comp. | Anthony W. Nimmo |
| District Grand Manciple | Ill.Comp. | Spencer C.W. Swanson |
| District Grand Manciple | Ill.Comp. | Nicholas P. Turner |
| District Grand Sentinel | Comp. | Ivor R. Hawkins |
The District Grand Master invested those Companions who he had appointed and promoted in Past District Grand Rank:
| Past District Grand Lecturer | Ill.Comp. | Dr Neil S. Coleman |
| Past District Grand Captain of the Guard | Ill.Comp. | Jonathan M.W.H. Gibson |
| Past District Grand Captain of the Guard | Ill.Comp. | Paul A. Kiefer |
| Past District Grand Sword Bearer | Ill.Comp. | Raymond G. Harrison |
The District Grand Master presented Silver Trowel Certificates to those Companions who had received the degree since the previous District Meeting. He then congratulated those companions who had recently joined the Order and presented them with complementary memberships of the District’s 100 Club scheme.
The District Grand Master addressed the Companions: DGM’s Address 2026
Following a collection for good causes, the District Grand Master Closed District Grand Council. The District Grand D.C. formed the retiring procession and the District Grand Master and his Officers, accompanied by Distinguished Visiting Companions, retired from the Council.
The Three Principals together with the Past Deputy Grand Master R.Ill.Comp. Ian Alexander, IX.
The Three Principals, the Past Deputy Grand Master, and the attending Right Illustrious Companions.
The Companions retired to share a convivial drink or two before taking their seats for a most enjoyable Festive Board, to round off an enjoyable and memorable meeting.