This year’s Provincial Grand Chapter meeting was once again held at the world-renowned Winter Gardens, Blackpool, and our Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, was delighted to welcome Second Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England, Sir David Wootton, as his principal guest of honour.
Last year’s Provincial Grand Chapter meeting was filled with sunshine, but this year, the weather was quite different. Wind and rain greeted the companions. However, as Sir David Wootton said: “In Blackpool, it’s not rain; it’s just liquid sunshine,” so we’ll embrace that perspective.
The morning began with the arrival of Ian Halsall, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, accompanied by his team of deputies. They were prepared to thoroughly evaluate the acting Provincial Grand Stewards to ensure that the Provincial Grand Chapter ran smoothly.
As the companions began to arrive, the Past Provincial Grand Stewards, dressed in their red regalia, were on hand to escort our honoured guests to their robing room. Companions from the Southport Group, who had volunteered to assist with check-in, ensured the safety of all arriving guests. The Stewards Captain, Iain Brown, deserves congratulations for assembling a fantastic team that operated seamlessly.
After checking in each companion (which has now become the norm at Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter meetings) were offered a free prostate self-check health kit. Additionally, Violet was on hand to provide the new Provincial gloves, ties and pocket squares that companions had been promising themselves.
Over 500 companions gathered to celebrate and support their friends and chapter members who were to receive their first appointments or promotions in the Royal Arch, so as you can imagine, the stewards and volunteers were kept rather busy. After the companions had checked in, there was still time before the main event to grab a drink in the bar or café and catch up with friends not seen since last year’s meeting.
The moment had arrived. After all the companions had taken their seats, it was time for the Grand Superintendent to make his entrance. Ian Halsall, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, requested that all companions rise to welcome Mark Matthews. Mark, along with all the Provincial grand officers, entered with the pomp and ceremony that we have come to expect at the Provincial Grand Chapter.
Ably assisted by his fellow Principals and attendant directors of ceremonies, Mark opened Provincial Grand Chapter in style. Following respect for departed merit, he welcomed the visiting dignitaries, who were welcomed and greeted with acclamation.
It was then that Jonathan Hughes, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer of South Wales, entered the hall and announced that the Second Grand Principal Sir David Wootton stood without and demanded admission. Mark greeted Sir David warmly and offered him the sceptre of the first principal, which Sir David graciously declined.
Mark proceeded to re-appoint Christopher Butterfield as his Deputy Grand Superintendent. Andrew Whittle was also re-appointed as Second Provincial Grand Principal, and Reverend Canon John Hall, Third Provincial Grand Principal. Ian Sterling was appointed as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.
Mark was then delighted to address the ensemble, bringing all up to date with the issues relating to Royal Arch Freemasonry in West Lancashire. A full transcript of Mark’s address can be accessed by 
With the Provincial team all complete, it was now the turn of those companions who were either receiving an acting rank, their first appointment or promotion in the Royal Arch. The Provincial Grand Stewards, assisted by the Provincial Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies, ensured all the recipients were escorted to the Grand Superintendent with dignity and style. The excitement was etched on every face as they approached Mark to be ‘collared’, accompanied by sincere words of congratulation from Mark.
After all the business had been transacted, the recession was enacted. The splendid parade witnessed earlier was re-enacted, but in reverse with slightly different personnel. The companions burst into a spontaneous round of applause. Everything ran smoothly, and the efforts of Iain Brown and his team of stewards from the Southport Group played a big part, along with all the directors of ceremonies, musical brethren, the janitor and those responsible for the heavy lifting.
The Empress Ballroom gradually emptied as the companions made their way to the post-convocation banquet. In the meantime, there was plenty of socialising, renewing old acquaintances, making new friends and sharing stories over drinks. It is always a delightful occasion when companions from all over the Province come together for a formal dinner. Excitement filled the air as they found their tables and took their seats. Mark accompanied Sir David and the other distinguished guests to the top table, where they received a resounding round of applause from all the attending companions.
Mark stood to propose a toast to the health of the Second Grand Principal, Sir David. He expressed his gratitude for Sir David taking the time out of his very busy schedule to join the companions of West Lancashire in celebrating the achievements of those receiving their first appointments and promotions in the Royal Arch.
Mark went on to address the companions. He emphasised that the Craft and the Royal Arch are one organisation and highlighted the importance of encouraging those who have not yet joined the Royal Arch to do so. He also reminded everyone to openly discuss the Craft with friends, colleagues, neighbours and family, sharing the friendships and fulfilment that can come from becoming a Freemason.
Sir David responded to the toast to his health and went on to talk about the significance of the light blues’ clubs, charity and engagement or as Sir David said: “FOMO”, the fear of missing out. He also said that when volunteering, remember, a volunteer is someone who didn’t fully understand the question.
Andy Whittle then stood to propose a toast to the health of our Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. He informed the companions that in West Lancashire, we likely have the hardest-working Superintendent/Provincial Grand Master of all the Provinces, and we should all be proud of the extensive work he does on our behalf. He then asked all companions to rise and give a bumper toast to Mark, our Grand Superintendent.
Next, it was Ian Sterling’s turn, the newly appointed Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. He congratulated everyone who had received honours and offered a hearty toast to each and every one of them. John Topping responded on behalf of the newly appointed and promoted companions, adding congratulations and giving some very useful advice.
All good things must come to an end, and that was the cue for Neil Higgins, the Provincial Grand Janitor, to give the finale toast of the evening
With a positive message in their minds, the companions left after enjoying a wonderful day in Blackpool. Although the journey home would be wet, it wouldn’t dampen their spirits. They looked forward to returning to the Winter Gardens, which would be bustling again next year. And in the words of Sir David Wootton: “It’s not rain, it’s liquid sunshine.” Mark looks forward to seeing everybody again next year.