Originally named Skelmersdale and Waterloo Chapter No 1380, the Bikers’ Chapter was born when the previous chapter was saved and moved homes from Southport to Bryn. With just a handful of members in 2017, the chapter is now flourishing with some 55 members and more in the pipeline. The installation was a very special occasion which was honoured by the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
The day started off with a hearty breakfast, a raffle which raised over £200, and the loyal toast before the 62 or so attendees made their way upstairs to the Temple. Unfortunately, the first principal for the previous year, Ian Wilson, was unable to be present so the role was filled by Andy Baxendale, the immediate past first principal.
Once the chapter was opened and the minutes adopted, a ballot was taken for a joining member; this proved successful and he was admitted. At this point there was a report on the door and the Provincial DC was admitted prior to Mark and the grand and acting Provincial grand officers entering the chapter. After greetings were exchanged, and once seated, the sceptre was offered to the Mark, which he politely declined before the installation ceremony got underway.
Installing companions were requested to occupy positions during the ceremony: first principal elect Ian Hunter was duly obligated. Second principal elect Ray Thain was presented as he was already an installed principal, and third principal elect Lee Walters obligated.
Readings for the third and first principals were given by Peter Chapman and Mal Kidd, with prayers delivered by Companion Rob Winn. All those below the rank of installed first principal were then asked to retire and Ian Hunter was installed as first principal by Andy Baxendale.
Installed second principals were invited back in and newly installed first principal installed Ray Thain as second principal, following which he in turn installed Lee Walters as third principal. Three excellent robe addresses were delivered by the following companions, to the first principal by Paul Brunskill, to the second principal by Martin Morris and to the third principal by Andrew Lane.
This completed the ceremony of installation and cheques were presented to Mark as follows; £50 to Ashton Masonic Hall, £100 to John Mason, £100 to Wigan & Leigh Hospice and £100 to Friends of Tithebarn. Mark thanked the companions of the chapter on behalf of the recipients for their generous donations.
At this point Ian Hunter made a very special presentation to the Mark by presenting him with his own leather waistcoat or ‘cut’ complete with Widows Sons MBA patches before making him an honorary member and Grand Patron of the North West Chapter of Widows Sons Masonic Bikers. Mark responded by saying he had been presented with a lot of items throughout his Masonic career but this was one of the best he had received!
The first rising was given and the Provincial DC called everyone to attention whilst Mark and the grand and Provincial grand acting officers retired. Following the subsequent risings, the chapter was closed and all attendees retired before several rode to New Brighton for fish and chips!
