At Heysham Chapter No 4108, three new principals were installed at the installation convocation. Malcolm Hayward was installed as first principal, Peter Tooze-Froggatt was installed as second principal and Michael Church-Taylor was installed as third principal. Regrettably, Allan Finney, the outgoing first principal, was unable to attend due to ill health.
Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson was the representative of the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. Gary was accompanied by grand officers Phillip Gardner and Neil McGill, with the Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group, Chris Larder.
The ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies, Chris Larder, who presented the incoming principals. Ray Griffiths stood in for Allan Finney as installing first principal. David Tattersall occupied the position of installing scribe Nehemiah.
David Tattersall, Alan Dean and Phillip Gardner presented the scripture readings to the third, second and first principals, respectively. The robe address to the first principal was given by Ray Griffiths, to the second principal by Ken Needham and to the third principal by Brian Warrington. On completion of the installation ceremony, first principal Malcolm Hayward appointed and invested his officers for the year. The address to the three principals was given by Ken Needham.
Heysham Chapter’s scribe Ezra Alan Gregory has stood down after 25 years in office and was thanked by Phillip Gardner for his service to the chapter. Sam Hodgson has been appointed to take over the role.
Gary Rogerson brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated the newly installed principals and all those who had taken part in the ceremony. Gary was presented with donations to the sum of £300, £50 to the Lancaster and District Bowling Group and £250 to the Morecambe Masonic Hall fund. Gary thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
After closing the chapter meeting, a total of 62 companions retired and dined at the festive board. The toast to the three principals was given by Alan Gregory. A raffle at the festive board raised £155.
First principal Malcolm has been married to his wife Lynne for 50 years and they have two children, James and Gemma. This is the second time that Malcolm has been first principal at Heysham Chapter; the first time was in 2014.