Today is the last occasion that MW Bro The Most Honourable The Marquess of Northampton presides as Pro Grand Master. It is twenty five years since Lord Northampton was first appointed in Grand Rank as a Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. He has been a High Ruler since 1995 and Pro Grand Master since 2001. During his periods of office as a Ruler he has overseen many changes, notably re-organisation of London and the implementation of the policy of openness and freemasonry in the community urged upon us by our Grand Master, together with other achievements. He has travelled widely on our behalf and in so doing has been a most popular and successful ambassador for us in the Masonic world beyond our own shores.

All this has been achieved with unequalled enthusiasm which has been an inspiration to us all.

The Board wishes to place on record both for itself and for the Craft our appreciation of the huge contribution Lord Northampton has made to English and indeed world Freemasonry.

The Board also wishes to thank Lady Northampton not just for allowing the Pro Grand Master to give so much of his time to us, but for her active encouragement, personal involvement and the enthusiasm she has shown for Freemasonry.