The new season got off to a great start for the companions and visitors at Cuerden with Withy Chapter No 7733, part of the Chorley and Leyland Group, that meets at Halls for All at St Ambrose Church, Leyland. The three principals, ably led by first principal Tim Horton, worked through the chapter business with great skill and efficiency and at the appropriate moment, director of ceremonies David Coulson announced that Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah, John Andrew Topping, representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, requested admission.
The chapter received John, accompanied by Chorley and Leyland Group Chairman and acting Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, Dave Bishop. Grand officers Stewart Seddon and Neil Ward, Deputy Provincial Grand Sword Bearer John Pitches and Provincial Grand Steward David Forrest. The three principals welcomed John, who said how much he was looking forward to the ceremony prior to taking his seat.
A delightful ceremony of installation followed as Tim Horton installed Brian King into the first principal’s chair, with Garry Fishwick moving up to second principal and chapter stalwart Chris Blackwell taking the third principal’s chair. Robe addresses were given prior to the address to the three principals. Then it was the turn of John to give the address to the companions, which he delivered with great feeling.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, John rose to bring the greetings and congratulations of Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. John thanked the immediate past and installing first principal, Tim Horton, for a job well done and praised director of ceremonies, David Coulson and assistant director of ceremonies, David Forrest for steering the ceremony so well. John also praised Bill Briggs for delivering the scripture readings so clearly.
John was presented with three cheques of £100 each for Preston and South Ribble Pastors, Therapy Dogs, and Miles for Smiles. John thanked the chapter for such kind donations and said that the recipients will be extremely grateful to the companions for their generosity.
The festive board was a superb event with companions enjoying a three-course meal of pate or melon, steak pie, roast potatoes and vegetables followed by sticky toffee pudding or berries and ice cream.
Following a series of wine takings and toasts, John responded accordingly, thanking everyone for their support prior to the evening and throughout. He welcomed Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Designate, Mike Fox, to the evening and wished Mike every happiness and success for his year in the role of Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah during 2026 and 2027. John also spoke at length about the membership challenge, community engagement, charity and the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and similar illnesses.
John encouraged the companions to attend Provincial Grand Chapter, which will be held in Blackpool on 23 September 2026, to support their very own Ron Gates on his preferment, as well as the other group members receiving honours. He said that they would be well looked after by the South Fylde Group stewards, who he had briefed the previous evening at the Palace in St Annes. John also referred to the special Provincial Grand Lodge in November, which will celebrate 200 years of the Province, Provincial Grand Lodge in May 2027, the Provincial Ball in March 2027 and Provincial Grand Chapter in September 2027.
In his usual erudite manner, John rounded off his response by reading out two very powerful quotes from the very famous and well-known Freemason Winston Churchill, which the companions found quite amusing.