The convocation of Scarisbrick Chapter No 2295 was opened in due form at 6pm by the three principals Barry Dearden, Steven Booth and Iain Brown, assisted by Colin Sherman the principal sojourner, Roger Abrams acting scribe Nehemiah and Les Gilston as janitor.
Before the installation proceedings commenced, the first principal Barry Dearden thanked the companions of Scarisbrick Chapter for the support they had afforded him during his time in office. Roger Bath, who was successfully balloted as a joining member of Scarisbrick Chapter, was then presented to the three principals, who greeted him warmly and wished him many happy years in the chapter.
The DC then retired for a short time to join a procession. After an alarm, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Halsall was admitted and announced that the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews demanded admission. Mark was accompanied by the Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle, Assistant to Provincial Grand Principals John Selley, the group chairman Phil Stock, along with grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers, The Mark was then warmly welcomed into the chapter by Barry, who offered him his sceptre which, on this occasion, Mark politely declined.
The next business was to install the three principals, The DC then presented Colin Sherman third principal elect, Iain Brown as second principal elect and Steven Booth as first principal elect of the chapter. Once all three principals had been installed, Steven requested that the scribe Nehemiah was to admit all other companions and the DC declared the three principals for the ensuing year.
As the immediate past first principal. Barry was presented with a Scarisbrick Chapter past first principal’s breast jewel in recognition of his service to Scarisbrick Chapter during his year of office. The officers of the chapter were then invested.
Once the installation was concluded, Mark stood and gave his own sincere best wishes to the three principals, the immediate past first principal and indeed to all the companions of the chapter, especially all those members of the chapter who took part in the installation ceremony.
Mark was then presented with three cheques on behalf of the chapter companions. They were for the sums of: £250 to Friends of Tithebarn; £250 to Southport Sea Cadets; £250 to Macmillan Nurses. Mark then thanked and warmly congratulated the companions on their very generous donations. A further £140.40p was then raised on the charity plate and the raffle at the festive board raised another £200.
After the first rising, Ian then performed the procession, and Mark accompanied by Andrew Whittle, John Selley, grand officers, Phil Stock and acting Provincial grand officers then retired. The chapter installation convocation was then closed following the completion of the risings. The companions then made their way to a lively festive board.
