On a bright and sunny afternoon, the companions of Blackpool Chapter No 1476 and their guests gathered at Blackpool Masonic Hall to witness the installation ceremony of the three new principals. After the general business of the chapter was concluded, there was a knock on the door. The chapter director of ceremonies, Ray Lamb, announced that Ian Stirling, representing the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, had requested admission.
Ian entered the chapter room accompanied by the Blackpool Group Chairman and acting Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Stephen Jelly. Also accompanying Ian were chapter member and grand lodge officer John Cross, the Chairman of the North Fylde Group and other Blackpool Group officers, including acting Provincial grand officers Colin Goodwin and Alan Barnes.
Ian was warmly welcomed into the chapter by the first principal Bob Marsden, who wished Ian a most enjoyable day. The three principals elect were then duly installed into their respective chairs. John-Paul Lovie as first principal, Michael Sjollema as second principal and Chris Hill as third principal. Bob Marsden, Terry Barlow and Ian Benson delivered the robe addresses.
Ray Lamb and Peter Mann provided the scripture readings and prayers. John Cross delivered the address to the three principals, while Mel Wainwright delivered the address the chapter officers. Ian Stirling concluded the ceremony by giving the address to the companions of Blackpool Chapter.
At the completion of the installation ceremony, John-Paul presented cheques totalling £570 to Ian for local charities. He read out the names of the recipients for the benefit of the companions: £200 to Brian House, a local hospice for children; £150 to Great Arley School for special needs children; £150 to Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, a charity which adapts standard wheelchairs for disabled people and children to enjoy time on the local beaches; £20 to the West Lancashire Masonic Bowling Society and £50 to the Blue Sky Hospital Fund at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, which will help to purchase items to make hospital stays more comfortable. Ian thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations,
During the festive board, an additional £180 was raised for deserving causes. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal with genial companionship. In response to the toast to the Provincial Grand Lodge officers, Ian Stirling rose to express his gratitude to everyone involved in the day’s proceedings and for the warm welcome he had received.
Bob Marsden gave the toast to the three principals, expressing his pleasure at being at the installation ceremony. In his response, first principal, John-Paul Lovie, thanked everyone for attending and expressed his excitement about his upcoming year as first principal. After the usual toasts and speeches, Steve James sang the Principal’s Song, accompanied by George Holden on the piano. John-Paul concluded the day’s festivities by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Ian for Mrs Stirling, hoping that Ian would be able to join them again soon.