Hesketh Chapter No 950 held its annual installation at Fleetwood Masonic Hall. On this auspicious occasion the chapter was delighted to have Stuart Thornber as the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Unfortunately, due to ill health the first principal John England couldn’t attend, all the companions of the chapter wish him a speedy recovery. The chapter was opened by the three principals and standing in for John was Paul Smedley, Mark Spragg as second principal and David Martland acted as third principal.
The administrative business of the chapter saw a ballot for rejoining member David Shaw, joining member James Stewart and to confer honorary membership on Robert Boal all of which, proved in favour. On the evening only David Shaw was able to attend and as is protocol the first principal asked David to leave the chapter room, during which time, the sojourners conducted the ballot.
First principal Paul Smedley announced to the companions that the ballot proved in favour and David was then was invited back into the chapter by the director of ceremonies Steve Mitchell, where the first principal informed David of the good news. David thanked the members of the chapter for their confidence in him and that he was delighted to be rejoining his mother chapter.
With the chapter open, and the admirative business of the evening completed, there came a customary knock on the door, which saw Stuart Thornber enter the chapter room escorted by fellow grand officers, North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross, Duncan Smith, Harry Cox, Keith Jackson and Peter Greathead. After the formal greetings were exchanged, Paul Smedley got the main business of the evening underway by announcing the installation of the three principals for the ensuing year, Mark Spragg, David Martland and Peter Dunn.
Peter and David, both having served in the office of first and second principal before were duly presented by Steve Mitchell and reaffirmed their obligations. Then it was Mark’s turn who delivered his obligation with unwavering confidence. Those companions below the rank of an installed first principal were asked to leave the room for a shorth time, during which Mark was installed into the chair of first principal.
A mention must be made about Dennis Smith nimbly moved the kneeling stool around the floor, it would be hard to believe that he had had a double hip replacement during the summer, Dennis also delivered an excellent address to the first principal.
Scripture readings were given by, Mike Brayshaw, Derek Williams and Kieran Griffiths. with the address to the three principals being delivered by Steve Mitchell. The address to the officers of the chapter was delivered by Duncan Smith and finally the address to the companions of the chapter by Stuart Thornber.
Once the officers of the chapter had been invested, Paul Smedley had great pleasure in announcing completion of the installation, at which point Stuart Thornber rose to his feet to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to the newly installed principals and the members of the chapter.
A total of £500 was donated to charity with £100 to Victoria Hospitals, Blue Skies, £100 to the Northwest Air Ambulance, £100 to the Fleetwood RNLI, £100 to the Fleetwood, Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen and £100 Fleetwood Masonic Hall. Stuart Thornber thanked the companions of the chapter on behalf of the recipients for their generous donations.
Retiring to the dining room, the companions continued the evenings celebrations. During the evening, Stuart Thornber in response to the toast to his health, took the opportunity to extend his own congratulations to the principles and companions of Hesketh Chapter and wished them a happy and healthy year to come.
Stuart’s response conveyed messages from the Grand Superintendent, which included the importance of Masons taking the next step in Freemasonry and joining the Royal Arch. The new initiative from Province which see visiting officers attend the various lodges and chapters to assist them in growing their membership and attendance.
During the festive board, a raffle was conducted by Mike Brown and to complete the evenings fun and festivities, the janitors toast was delivered by Tom Egan.
