The new principals were installed at the installation convocation of Morecambe Chapter No 1561. Andy McClements was installed as first principal and Bryan Cambidge as second principal by dispensation, after being initially installed as third principal. Unfortunately, Lee Fisher was unable to attend and will be installed as third principal at a later date. Torquil MacLeod stood in as third principal for the purpose of installation.
Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Stirling, was the representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Ian was accompanied by Past Grand Standard Bearer Neil McGill and the Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder.
The ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies Barry Robinson who presented the incoming principals. Installing scribe Nehemiah was Michael Church-Taylor. Brian Dewhurst, John Bates and Ian Stirling conducted the readings to the third, second and first principals respectively. The robe address to the first principal was given by Marian Korzeniowski and to the second principal by Colin Preston. On completion of the installation ceremony, first principal Andy McClements appointed and invested his officers for the year.
On conclusion of the ceremony, Ian Stirling brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated the newly installed principals and all those who had taken part in the ceremony. Ian was presented with a cheque in favour of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to the sum of £600. Ian gave thanks to the companions of the chapter for their generous donation. A total of 42 companions dined at the festive board and the toast to the three principals was given Malcolm Brown.
First principal Andy McClements is currently 56 years old and lives in Low Tatham with his partner Julie. They have four children, three girls and one boy in addition to three cocker spaniels. Andy has had a variety of jobs over the years and is currently a land agent, finding land throughout the UK for the major construction companies of residential and commercial properties. He also has a portfolio of residential and commercial properties for rent. Andy’s main hobby is shooting and he has his own pheasant shoot in the Lune Valley.
Andy was initiated into Scorton Lodge No 5791 in 2016 and has served in every office apart from senior deacon. He was master in 2021 and was awarded acting Provincial rank in the Craft as Provincial Grand Steward in May 2023. He has been deputy group charity steward throughout the 2021 festival and group charity steward from April 2021 to the present.
Andy was a member of Dona Conferentes Lodge No 9392 (the charity stewards lodge) but resigned in February 2025 as the meetings clashed with his shooting hobby and other commitments. He is currently a member of Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353 and Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615. Andy is also an active member of the West Lancs Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society.
