The District of North East Lancashire was greatly honoured on 24th November 2015 when the Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Puissant Bro. Alan Englefield, 33°, accompanied by other Members and Officials of Supreme Council, visited Burnley for the Installation of the Inspector General Designate for North East Lancashire, Very Illustrious Bro. David Biggs, 33°.

Over 100 Rose Croix Masons, including numerous Inspectors General, District Recorders and distinguished guests from other Masonic Orders, gathered in the Temple at Nelson House for a prompt 11 a.m. start.

The meeting was held by dispensation under the warrant of Colne St. Bartholomew Chapter No.1073, and all the offices, including that of the Acting Grand Organist for the day in the person of Illustrious Bro. Reverend Canon Ken Phillips, 30° were filled by members of the Chapter. All of the 12 Chapters in the District were represented, along with others from neighbouring Districts, many with large contingents of Brethren who had made the journey into Burnley on what proved to be a cold and wet day outside, but a warm and thoroughly enjoyable day inside.

The Installation proceeded without a hitch under the expert guidance of the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Very Illustrious Bro. Nick Bosanquet, 33°, ably assisted by the Deputy Grand DC, Illustrious Bro. Graham McGowan-Smyth, 32° and the Grand Outer Guard, Illustrious Bro. Bob Helliar OER, 32°.

As we have come to expect and admire, the Sovereign Grand Commander, the Grand Prior, Most Illustrious Bro. Rev. Dr. John Railton, 33° and the Grand Secretary General, Most Illustrious Bro. Dr Giles Shilson, 33°, all played their respective parts of the ceremony to absolute perfection.

The newly Installed Inspector General’s Installation Address was received with great acclaim, after which the Third Point was conducted and the Chapter was closed, when the Brethren retired to enjoy an excellent 3-course lunch provided by Matt and his staff.