The Byron Club AGM- A Day of Inspiration, Fellowship and Celebration.

The Byron Club held their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 18th November at the Freemasons Hall, Newark, filled with discussion, presentations, celebrations and a wonderful buffet to feed those present.

Bro Jeremy Prosser, the Chairman of the Byron Club, or the Light Blues Club as they are more affectionately known in the Province, provided the following testimony of the occasion.

Bro Jeremy Prosser, Chairman of the Byron Club, welcomes those attending the AGM at Freemasons Hall, Newark

" The Byron Club held its Annual General Meeting today at Newark Masonic Hall- the first time this venue has hosted the event. In a refreshing change from previous years, the formal business of electing officers and approving proposals was seamlessly interwoven with three fascinating talks on Masonic History, the Order of the Knights Templar, and the Travelling Lodge of the Glittering Star."

"The meeting was opened by the Club Chairman, Bro Jeremy Prosser, who reflected on the remarkable growth in the membership and proudly announced that the Club now boasts members from every Lodge in the Province. Jeremy also highlighted a number of inspiring member-led activities, including the Byron Book Club, the Hall Representatives Scheme, and the Byron Podcast Group- all designed to bring members closer together and strengthen the spirit of the Club."

"Following this, Rt W Bro Julian Townsend, the Provincial Grand Master and Patron of the Club, delivered an uplifting address, emphasising the vital importance of the Byron Club to the future of Freemasonry in Nottinghamshire."

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt W Bro Julian Townsend, addresses the Byron Club members at Newark

"A highlight of the morning was the presentation of two special awards to Rt W Bro Philip Marshall and W Bro David Wall, recognising their outstanding support, service, and inspiration from the Club'e earliest days."

Rt W Bro Philip Marshall receiving his award from Bro Jeremy Prosser

W Bro David Wall thanked Bro Jeremy Prosser for the presentation of his award for his services to the Byron Club

"The first of the day's talks came fromBro. Keith Rodgers, who gave a captivating presentation on the early foundations of Freemasonry in Nottinghamshire. To the delight of those present, Bro Keith also presented the only two printed copies of his recently written book to Rt W Bro Julian Townsend and Rt W Bro Philip Marshall as a personal gesture of appreciation.

Bro Keith Rodgers presents copies of his new book "Nottinghamshire Freemasonry in the 18th & 19th Centuries" to the Provincial Grand Master, Rt W Bro Julian Townsend, and the Past Provincial Grand Master, Rt W Bro Philip Marshall.

"Next, Rt W Bro Philip Marshall returned to the floor with a riveting exploration of the Order of the Knights Templar, tracing its origins and illuminating its lasting influence on the Craft today."

"Before closing the session, Chairman Jeremy Prosser made a heartfelt announcement, recognising W Bro James Hague, the Club's outgoing Secretary. From the Club's very beginnings, James has worked tirelessly to guide, support, and sustain the Byron Club- often being, as Bro Jeremy put it "not only the oil that keeps the Club running, but sometimes the cogs too." In honour of his extraordinary dedication, James was appointed a Lifelong Vice President of the Byron Club, a well deserved tribute greeted with warm applause."

W Bro James Hague is thanked by Bro Jeremy Prosser for his contribution to the Byron Club, who also proudly announced W Bro James is to be made a Lifelong Vice-President of the Club.

"The final talk of the day came from W Bro Andy Harrison, who shared the fascinating story of the Travelling Lodge of the Glittering Star and its strong connections to military Lodges- showing how Freemasonry has travelled far beyond local borders to influence Brethren around the world".

W Bro Andy Harrison enlightens the audience with his presentation on the Travelling Lodge of the Glittering Star and its connections to military Lodges.

"With the formalities complete, members enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, generously organised by Bro Jan Clements of the Order of the Women Freemasons (OWF), the wife of the Chairman.

The meeting concluded with the closing words from the Provincial Grand Master, who congratulated the Club on its achievements, followed by a final round-up from the Chairman, Bro Jeremy Prosser, outlining the Club's exciting aims and objectives for the year ahead."

"The 2025 Byron Club AGM was a resounding success- a perfect blend of fellowship, inspiration, and forward-looking enthusiasm that truly reflects the spirit and strength of Freemasonry in Nottinghamshire".

Well done to all involved, especially Bro Jeremy Prosser and his wife, Bro. Jan Clements for organising such a inspiring and engaging event, and a big thank you to all those who attended the meeting.