Chapter of Fortitude No 281 held its installation convocation and was attended by Neil McGill Past Grand Standard Bearer. He was accompanied by Lancaster Group Chairman Scott Devine, group vice chairman Chris Larder and group secretary Daniel Crossley. Acting officers in attendance were Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Newby; Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Stuart Bateson and Provincial Grand Steward Stewart Aimson.
Malcolm Morrison was invited to act as installing scribe Nehemiah by first principal Richard Parker. The ceremony was conducted by acting director of ceremonies Bob Skelley who presented Connor Isted as third principal and Stewart Aimson as first principal. Regrettably David Grant was absent and Nigel Parrish stood in as second principal. David will be installed at the next regular meeting.
The robe address to the first principal was given by Jimmy Nisbet and the address to the third principal was given by Daniel Crossley. On completion of the installation ceremony, first principal Stewart Aimson appointed and invested his officers for the year.
John Cherry was the organist and 25 companions dined at the festive board. The toast to first principal, Stewart, was given by Jimmy Nisbet. First principal Stewart Aimson is married to Laura. They have two children, nine-year-old Lexi and three-year-old Zander.
After spending 14 years in the licenced trade, Stewart became a taxi driver as it gives him the freedom to spend a lot of time with his family and his hobbies. Stewart is the vice chair of governors at St Mary’s Primary School and is a civilian instructor with the Air Cadets.
Stewart joined Morecambe Lodge No 1561 as a birthday present to himself. He is also a member of Vale Lodge No 5256 and was WM at Morecambe in 2014 and at Vale in 2022. Stewart is currently assistant director of ceremonies at Morecambe Lodge and senior deacon at Vale Lodge. He is also a member of Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters No 9357 and is a founder member of the Shropshire Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge No 9971 where he will be going in the chair in 2025.
Stewart first joined Morecambe Chapter No 1561 later joining Fortitude Chapter where he has been in a principal’s chair for the past 10 years, in addition to his role as almoner and assistant director of ceremonies. Stewart is also a member of Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516 for Provincial Grand Stewards. Stewart is also a member of other Masonic Orders.
