Makerfield Chapter No 2155 is a member of the Leigh Group and has held its annual installation. The principal guest was John Selley, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, accompanied by grand officers; David Case, Jonathan Heaton the group chairman, and acting Provincial Grand Stewards, Steve Gerrard and Derek Robinson. David Banks, one of the new companions, was used as ADC to assist in bringing the principal guest into the conclave, and including the recession. The DC was Anthony Roe.
As the chapter has had three new companions in the last year and another to be exalted in October 2025, with the prospect of another candidate in December or earlier in 2026, all from Makerfield Lodge No 2155, it was decided for past principals to occupy the first and third principles chairs by reaffirming, and to proclaim the second principle who kindly agreed to remain in office for a second year. This enabled the new companions to see a little more of a chapter installation and its workings.
The first principal of the chapter was David Eccles, who unfortunately was resting due to a recent operation, therefore sadly unable to attend and greatly missed. Phil Thomson was third principal, David Gordon-Williams was second principal, Eric Miller offered to take on the role of first principal to assist with the installation of Ian Boardman as first principal. David kindly agreed to remain in office for a second year and Arthur Jolley was third Principal elect. Finally, before the recess, John conveyed the best wishes of Mark Matthews the Grand Superintendent. Cheques that were presented to John were; £200 to the Bridge at Leigh and £300 to Leigh Masonic Hall. John thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
The whole ceremony had taken less than one hour leaving plenty of time to chat at the bar prior to the evening meal. At the festive board, John commended the companions for their hospitality and what a wonderful enjoyable evening he had, there was plenty of humour and banter. John mentioned the new companions and how important it was for them to be members of this wonderful Masonic order and the part they played in the ceremony.
