On a bright but chilly afternoon, the companions of Blackpool Chapter No 1476 and their guests gathered at Blackpool Masonic Hall to witness the installation ceremony of three new principals. Unfortunately, first principal John Lovie was unable to attend the installation due to work commitments and chapter treasurer Terry Barlow occupied the position of first principal for the duration of the ceremony.
Once the business of the chapter had been concluded, there was a knock on the door and chapter director of ceremonies, Ray Lamb, announced that Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, John Porter, representing Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, requested admission, which Terry Barlow readily acquiesced with.
John Porter processed into the chapter room accompanied by grand officers; Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly and North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross, supported by acting Provincial grand officers: Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer John Pitches, Provincial Grand Mentor Ray Lamb and Provincial Grand Sojourner Glen Jackson. John Porter was warmly welcomed into the chapter by Terry, who wished him a most enjoyable day.
Terry then requested Roy Rhodes to occupy the position of installing scribe Nehemiah, Peter Mann to occupy the chair of installing third principal and John Cross to occupy the chair of installing second principal and the installation ceremony of the three principals commenced.
The three principals elect were then duly installed into their respective chairs, Michael Sjollema as first principal, Chris Hill as second principal and Gary Wainwright as third principal. The scripture readings and prayers were delivered by Darren Clempson, Adrian Bromley, John Pitches and Glen Jackson.
Luke Bodenham delivered the robe address to the first principal; Darren Clarke delivered the robe address to the second principal and Ray Lamb delivered the robe address to the third principal. John Cross delivered the address to the three principals, while Mel Wainwright delivered the address the chapter officers. John Porter concluded the ceremony by giving the address to the companions of Blackpool Chapter.
At the completion of the installation ceremony, Michael Sjollema presented cheques totalling £700 to John Porter for the benefit of local charities. John read out the names of the recipients for the benefit of the companions: £200 to Brian House, a local hospice for children, £150 to Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, a charity which adapts standard wheelchairs for disabled people and children to enjoy time on the local beaches, £150 to Blackpool Streetlife, a charity that provide support for vulnerable and homeless young people, and £200 to Kindness Counts, an anti-bullying charity. John thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
During the festive board, an additional £138 was raised for deserving causes. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal with genial companionship. In response to the toast to the grand officers, John Porter rose to express his gratitude to everyone involved in the day’s proceedings and for the warm welcome he had received.
Bob Marsden gave the toast to the three principals, expressing his pleasure at being asked to propose the toast to the three principals. In his response, first principal, Michael Sjollema, thanked everyone for attending and expressed his excitement about his upcoming year as first principal.
After the usual toasts and speeches, Michael Sjollema concluded the day’s festivities by presenting a bottle of fine whisky to John Porter, hoping that he would be able to join them again soon.
