Bryan Cambidge was installed as first principal at Morecambe Chapter No 1561 in the presence of Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle who was accompanied by grand officers Peter Mason and Neil McGill. The installation ceremony took place at Rowley Court, Lancaster by dispensation, as Morecambe Masonic Hall is currently under refurbishment.
Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin, led acting Provincial grand officers Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe Ezra Michael Southern, Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar Alastair Davidson, Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer John Pitches and Provincial Grand Steward Les Newlands, together with Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder.
Lee Fisher was installed as second principal and Matt Catlow was installed as third principal. The ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies Barry Robinson who also presented the incoming principals. Installing scribe Nehemiah was Phil Newby.
The readings to third principal were given by Michael Church-Taylor, readings to second principal by John Bates and readings to first principal by Andrew Whittle. The robe address to first principal was given by Ian Woods, to second principal by John Bates and third principal by Marian Korzeniouwski. On completion of the installation ceremony first principal Bryan Cambidge appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year.
Andrew Whittle brought greetings from the Provincial Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated the newly installed principals and all those who had taken part in the ceremony. Andrew was presented with donations in the sum of £1,916.45 of which £600 was donated to Morecambe RNLI and £1,100 to the Morecambe Masonic Hall Refurbishment fund. Andrew thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
A total of 40 companions dined at the festive board and the toast to all three principals was given by principal sojourner Peter Roberts. First principal Bryan Cambidge is a true ‘sand grown un’, having lived in Morecambe all his life. He is married and they have two children, two grandchildren, two dogs and a cat.
Bryan first worked for Cannon Hygiene, then moved to Reebok in the IT department. He then opted for self-employment spending over 20 years working for various big named companies that included Adidas, Reebok, Astra Zeneca, Burberry, Fossil, Nationwide and J & J. Bryan was in the fortunate position to be able to retire a couple of years ago and is now busier than ever. Bryan used to play amateur rugby league for Heysham Atoms, suffering a few injuries (mainly to his nose) and broken bones along the way. He now enjoys walking his dogs, going to the gym and looking after the grandchildren when required.
The month after he turned 21, Bryan joined Morecambe Lodge No 1561. He was proposed by his father Malcolm Cambidge and seconded by his grandfather Russell Armstrong and he has now been a Mason for 35 years. Bryan was WM of Morecambe Lodge in 2011, thereafter assistant director of ceremonies for five years and then director of ceremonies for the last seven years. Due to family and work commitments, Bryan wasn’t able to join Royal Arch until his retirement, consequently joining Morecambe Chapter in November 2021.
In 2019, Bryan received his first Craft Provincial honours as Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and has been an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies for the past two years. At Provincial Grand Lodge in May, he will be honoured with the rank of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. As a consequence of his new Provincial role, Bryan has been fast forwarded through the ranks in Morecambe Chapter and is very grateful to the officers and companions of Morecambe Chapter to allow this to happen. Bryan is looking forward to his year as first principal, not least because there are two members of Morecambe Lodge awaiting exaltation who are the current WM and immediate past master. Bryan is also chairman of Morecambe Masonic Hall and is keener than anyone to see the refurbishment works completed and have everybody back at the hall.