Three new principals were installed at the installation convocation for Sandylands Chapter No 5702. Paul Thompson was installed as first principal, David Shaw as second principal and Larry Branyan as third principal. This was the last meeting of Sandylands Chapter before the merger with Carnforth Chapter No 4951 in October 2025.
Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield was the principal guest and he was accompanied by Past Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, grand officers Keith Kemp, Dr Keith Lowson, Neil McGill, Frank Wilkinson, Chris Band, Phillip Gardner, John Robson, Ian Walker, Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder, group vice chairman Daniel Crossley, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Jeff Lucus and Provincial Grand Steward Derek Robinson.
The chapter was opened by the three principals and the chapter business was swiftly conducted, after which, director of ceremonies Keith Lamb requested permission to leave the chapter for a short while. On his return he announced that the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons stood outside the door of the chapter and requested admission.
On entry to the chapter, Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons informed the first principal that the Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield demanded admission. First principal Steve Fox replied that the chapter would be pleased to admit him. Chris processed into the chapter accompanied by grand officers, acting Provincial grand officers and the group chairman Chris Larder. Steve then formally greeted Chris, offering him his sceptre, which he politely declined.
Installing first principal Steve Fox invited David Liptrott to be installing scribe Nehemiah and the installation ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies Keith Lamb, who presented each of the incoming principals in turn.
Stewart McVernon, Geoff Bury and Tony Harrison gave the readings to the third, second and first principals respectively, prior to Steve Fox requesting all those below the rank of an installed first principal to retire from the chapter. On completion of the installation inner workings, companions were re-admitted.
The robe addresses were delivered in fine style. John Gunson gave the address to the first principal. Steve Fox gave the address to the second principal and Ian Stoke gave the address to the third principal. On completion of the installation ceremony, first principal Paul Thompson appointed and invested his officers for the year.
Director of ceremonies Keith Lamb and treasurer David Liptrott stood down and were thanked for their service to the chapter by Chris Butterfield. Former members of Carnforth Chapter who have joined Sandylands Chapter were appointed to the following officer roles. Director of ceremonies Alan Procter, treasurer Roger Nevinson, assistant scribe Ezra Chris Brown and second assistant sojourner Stuart Thompson.
Chris Butterfield brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated the newly installed principals and all those who had taken part in the ceremony. Chris was presented with notice of a £300 donation to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, for which, Chris gave thanks to the companions of the chapter.
A total of 47 companions dined at the festive board and the toast to the three principals was given by Ian Stokes.
First principal Paul Thompson is a retired facilities manager. He is married to Olwyne with one daughter and two grandchildren, a girl and a boy. In his spare time Paul enjoys gardening, bowls and walking. Paul joined Sandylands Chapter in 2020. He was exalted into Lancaster Castle Chapter No 5952 and was first principal in 2015 and is assistant director of ceremonies.
Paul is currently first principal of Vale Chapter of Installed Principals No 5256 and he holds the rank of Past Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer. He joined Vale Lodge No 5256 in 2005 and was WM for the first time in 2001 and again in 2023. He was also the director of ceremonies for several years and is a Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works. Paul is also a member of Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters No 9357.
