A very special installation ceremony for Anchorsholme Chapter No 5854 was held at Cleveleys Masonic Hall and saw Gavin Eagan, Provincial Grand Janitor, installed as first principal. The companions and visitors were delighted to have Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Stirling attending, representing the Provincial Grand Superintendent.
Ian was accompanied by Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Duncan Smith, Harry Cox, Ian Ward and Keith Jackson together with John Cross the North Fylde Group Chairman and acting Provincial grand officers Dave McKee, Steve Willingham and Brian Horrocks.
First principal David Sangster opened the chapter with his co-principals Gavin Egan and Geoff Diggles. After the completion of the administrative business of the chapter, Ian Stirling and his colourful entourage entered the chapter room to be warmly welcomed by the three principals.
The installation ceremony started with Gavin Egan, first principal elect, Geoff Diggles, second principal elect and Ian Winnard as third principal elect being presented and completing their obligations. As each principal was presented David Sangaster asked for the assistance of Alan Lock, John Pitches and Brian Vaughan as installing officers.
Scripture readings were given by Bob Stafford, John Pitches and Chris Hardingham, and once the new principals had been installed into their respective chairs, Barry Simmonds firstly delivered the scarlet robe address; Adam Simpson next delivered the purple robe address and Del Hernon delivered the blue robe address. The address to the principals was delivered by John Chesters, while the address to the officers of the chapter was given by Ian Ward, leaving the final address to the companions, to the chapter’s distinguished guest Ian Stirling.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Ian brought the greetings on behalf of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to the principals. He congratulated the new principals and all the companions who had taken part in the ceremony, singling out those companions who had delivered the robe addresses to such a high standard. Gavin then had the pleasant role of presenting the amounts given to charity during David Sangster’s year in office, which amounted to; £100 to the Fleetwood Foodbank, £50 to Red Marsh School, £50 to Brian House, £50 to Kindness Counts UK and £50 to Fylde Bowling. Ian Stirling thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
The new principals then completed the evening’s business, closed the chapter and invited all the guest to join them at the festive board where the Principals’ Song was rendered by John Chesters accompanied by Keith Jackson. A raffle raised £300 to further the chapter’s charitable endeavours.
