On Monday, 19th May, Pierre Caeiro, Grand Inspector of the Group of Lodges in Portugal, attended the Annual General Convocation and Annual General Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey. As honoured guests, he was accompanied by W.Bro Steve Johnston of the Lodge of Discoveries No 9409.
Over 1000 brethren gathered in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall in London to witness several hundred brethren receive first appointments and promotions. At the Convocation, the Grand Inspector escorted the Second Grand Principal, Excellent Companion Sir David Wootton into the Grand Temple. After a break, the Grand Inspector and W.Bro. Johnston entered in procession. The Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, Rt.W.Bro. Nick Burger welcomed them both and stated his intention to visit Portugal in the very near future.
Afterwards, they dined in the nearby Connaught Rooms on a VIP table hosted by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Robbie Dobbie.
W.Bro. Johnston later commented, “I was so impressed by the politeness of the Provincial Grand Master in the manner in which he greeted everyone. Also the enthusiasm of the Director of Ceremonies and his deputies with which they conducted themselves. It was a massive display of determination and practice.”