After losing a handful of members not to long ago, Carnarvon Chapter No. 2376 is back on track with a new first principal and new companions taking the majority of the other offices in the chapter.
The meeting started on time, despite missing a few principal guests, and was expertly directed by Bill Swindlehurst, the chapter’s director of ceremonies. The first business was to welcome joining companion Mark Humphrey who had been previously proposed by Kieran Taylor-Bradshaw and seconded by Neil Ward, with the ballot proving in favour.
Following initial business, Paul Leaper installed Comp Andy Ince as first principal for the first time in this office, having worked his way through the offices. Andy then started his duties and installed Neil Ward as his second principal, with Neil completing the set by installing David Robinson as third principal. Each installation was done with great ritual and was accompanied by several readings by Raymond Cookson.
With all three principals installed, they each received a robe address by members of Carnarvon Chapter, explaining the important positions they hold. Kevin Byrne addressed the new first principal, Steve Hallam gave the address to the second principal and Kieran Taylor-Bradshaw delivered the robe address to the third principal. All three pieces of ritual were given perfectly to the enjoyment of those present.
To complete the office investments, Bill Swindlehurst, Kevin Byrne and Steve Hallam stayed as director of ceremonies, scribe Ezra and treasurer respectively, while Mark Wolverson took the second assistant sojourners chair, Michael Kipping and Adam Dennett were absent and will receive their principal sojourner and first assistant sojourners offices at another meeting.
The address to the principals was given by John Fenton, who had also earlier installed Glenn Hornby as scribe Nehemiah. The address to the officers was delivered by David Crossley and stand in principal guest Peter Jan Hadfield presented the address to the companions of the chapter.
Before ending the meeting, cheques totalling £1,000 were presented to Peter by the first principal for donations to Sparkle Bean and The Alzheimer’s Society. Peter thanked the companions of Carnarvon Chapter for their very kind and generous donations.
The chapter was then closed by the three principals, with very new companion Kieran happily stepping in at the last minute and acting as the principal sojourner, and everyone made their way to the festive board, which was an enjoyable meal with great company.