As the lyrics to the song by ‘The Lovin’ Spoonful’ (1966) go… ‘Hot town, summer in the city, Back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty. Been down, isn’t it a pity? Doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city. All around, people lookin’ half dead, Walkin’ on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head’. Those of us who sojourned to Grand Imperial Conclave at Great Queen Street were feeling every degree of heat and every word of the song…..!
We are always delighted with the warmth of reception at Grand Lodge but this year it was extra special, the streets were warm, the underground and buses were warm and the buildings retained the heat like a sponge. Trying to find a quiet ventilated corner, everyone looking for a fan, we assembled, found some refreshment and delayed putting on jackets and regalia for as long as we could.
The processions were formed up, the other visiting audience took their seats in Grand Temple and we began. The Intendants General with the VIP visitors made their way into Grand Temple to thunderous applause under the watchful eye of the Grand Marshal and the Grand Guard. The last procession was that of M.Ill.Kt. Graham Flight, Grand Sovereign together with the Grand Eusebius, Deputy Grand Sovereign accompanied by the Past Deputy Grand Sovereign Rt. Em. Kt. Peter Hawken and the Past Grand Eusebius the Rev, Dr, Peter Blackell-Smyth.
There is, of course, a well-planned and structured flow to this meeting. The formalities of proposals and votes, escorts well drilled, every move choreographed, making the spectacle of the day memorable. The recipients of appointment or promotion in Grand Imperial Conclave were called to order and processed towards the East for their investiture and congratulation from the Grand Sovereign. Devon & Cornwall were honoured with three appointments, promotion of Ill.Kt. Peter Durrant to Past Grand Standard Bearer of Constantine, first appointment of P.Kt. Peter Johns to Past Grand Warden of Regalia and first appointment of P.Kt. John Bate to Past Grand Vice-Chamberlain. There were two surprise appointments to Knight Commander of Constantine, the Grand Marshal and the Grand Recorder, These appointments had been kept so quiet that neither recipient was aware especially the Grand Recorder who would, under normal circumstances, have prepared the patent of office before the meeting.
After the formality of the proceedings ended with the recession of the Grand Sovereign, we gathered at the Grand Connaught Rooms for refreshment and conversation in a splendid environment. When the meal was completed, speeches and toasts ended and farewells made our arduous and hot journeys home began but in good spirits.