Companions of Great Eccleston Chapter No 8895 held their installation convocation attended by Gary Rogerson Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Gary was accompanied by grand officer Kirk Mulhearn.
Lancaster Group Chairman Scott Devine was also present and he was joined by Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Stirling, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Newby; Provincial Grand Sojourner Tony Nevinson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Stuart Bateson and Provincial Grand Stewards Stewart Aimson and Chris Gray.
John Thornton was invited to act as installing scribe Nehemiah by first principal Les Newlands. The ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies Stephen Hogg who presented Joseph Ayrton as third principal. Jonathan Slee was presented as second principal by Bob Tinsley and David Thornton, who has worked through all the offices in Great Eccleston Chapter, was presented as first principal by Scott Devine.
The readings to the third principal were given by Bob Tinsley, the readings to the second principal were given by Eddie Parkinson and the readings to the first principal were given by Vic Meddings. The robe address to the first principal was given by Neil Hartley, the robe address to the second principal was given by Tom Albert and the robe address to the third principal was given by Kirk Mulhearn. On completion of the installation ceremony first principal David Thornton appointed and invested his officers for the year.
Gary Rogerson brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and then congratulated the newly installed principals and all those who had taken part in the ceremony. Gary was presented with a cheque made payable to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity in the sum of £450. Gary gave thanks to the companions for their generous donation.
A total of 32 companions dined at the festive board. The toast to the principals was given by Les Newlands. This was followed by a raffle which raised £170.
First principal David Thornton sadly lost his wife, Patsy, to cancer a few years ago. He has a daughter Vicky and two grandchildren. His grandson Henry is the great grandson of Henry Hogg who was first principal of Great Eccleston Chapter in 1995.
David is a keen motorcyclist making annual European trips with other members of Wayfarers Lodge No. 7544 and has a small collection of oily old British bikes. He is also a very keen crown green bowler. Other hobbies include tropical fish, growing tomatoes and drinking Irish whiskey.
David was initiated into Wayfarers Lodge in Cleveleys and served two years as master in 2013 and 2014. He holds the Craft rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and is currently the lodge treasurer.
