Stanley of Bickerstaffe Chapter installation meeting was opened promptly at 6.00pm and following normal business including ballots for two exaltations which proved favourable, the chapter was then honoured by the presence of principal guest Philip Gunning as the representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Philip was accompanied by Paul Lundy, Frank Umbers and Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers.
The installation then began with all principals retaining office but with changes of position with promotion and relegation being the order of the day. First principal Anthony Prior returned to the office of third principal, second principal David Southward was elevated to first principal and Paul Smith to second principal.
Having taken their obligations, the reallocated principals were installed into their chairs beginning with Paul Smith as second principal who then retired and was substituted by Walter Lyon whilst first principal elect David Southward was installed by Anthony Prior, following which Paul Smith returned to observe the reinstallation of Anthony Prior as third principal.
The robe and sceptre address to the principals were then presented in order by past first principal Anthony Prior, Malcolm Sandywell and Paul Smith, all in an excellent manner, following which the past first principal was installed by David Southward and the officers of the chapter were then collared and installed.
Principal guest Harry Gunning then rose and congratulated the three principals on behalf of Mark Matthews who hoped them all to have an active and enjoyable year in office and further extended his very best wishes to all companions of the chapter. He went on to comment on the expert floor work and direction given by the director of ceremonies Greg Pinnington and the installing teams faultless delivery of the ritual.
As Philip was about to sit, David Southward rose to offer Philip cheques to the value of £900 for the benefit of Derian House £350, Friends of the Tithebarn £150 and Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association £400 which he remarked were an unexpected and significant amount for the chapter and which he knew would aid the eventual recipients. Alms were then collected raising £91, following which the Provincial team retired to be joined later at the festive board following the completion of the chapters ordinary business.
In his response to his toast, Philip remarked that he was very glad to be the principal guest at the chapter’s installation in which he had many good and long-standing friends and was overjoyed to hear the lively and active conversation in the hall. He believed it was a definite sign that everyone was happy and enjoying themselves and that this was therefore a successful, growing and continuing chapter, which will undoubtedly celebrate its centenary in three years’ time. With an exaltation in March, he believed the chapter to be in the safe hands of the three experienced principals who will later be able to pass on their baton of success.
Philip then spoke of the great efforts towards recruitment that Province is making through the continuation of the Membership Challenge and cited the interest of 10 potential military veteran recruits who attended the re-signing of Freemasonry’s Military Covenant by Mark Matthews. To aid retention, Grand Lodge has now rescinded the initial fees for joining companions. He went on to congratulate Graham Chambers on his forthcoming retirement as group chairman following seven years of service and also Malcolm Sandywell, who is to be vice chairman to the new Chairman Stephen Dunn.
Following Malcolm Sandwell’s toast to the three principals, David Southward responded and presented Anthony Prior with the past first principal’s jewel. The raffle was then drawn raising £180 with the new football team raffle raising a further £40, presenting a grand total for the evening of £311 for future charitable and worthy causes. The evening coming to an end, flowers and gifts were presented to the guests, the janitor’s toast was then given by Peter Smith, and all slowly departed in perfect harmony and peace.
