Companions of Carnforth Chapter No 4951 met for their final installation convocation in April when the three principals elect were declared for the ensuing year. Kevin Beaumont was declared first principal, Dr Keith Lowson as second principal and Chris Isherwood as third principal.
Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, was the representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Gary was joined by Past Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison, grand officers; Peter Mason, Chris Band, John Robson, Keith Kemp and Neil McGill. Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder, group vice chairman Daniel Crossley and group secretary Lee Fisher were also present, accompanied by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons.
The chapter was opened by the three principals and chapter business conducted. Chapter director of ceremonies Alan Procter requested permission to retire from the chapter and on his return, he announced that the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons stood without and requested admission.
Rob Fitzsimmons then entered the chapter and announced that Gary Rogerson, the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, grand officers, acting Provincial grand officers and the group chairman requested admission. On entry to the chapter, the first principal Kevin Beaumont offered his sceptre to Gary Rogerson, which on this occasion was accepted.
Gary outlined a brief history of Carnforth Chapter which was consecrated on 3 December 1964 at Morecambe Masonic Hall by 14 consecrating officers together with Provincial Grand Superintendent L E Rutherford. There were 18 founding members and 41 visitors. Gary mentioned a few items of historical note in regard to 1964. A pint of beer cost 2 shillings and 3 pence. The Beatles took the world by storm. The Top of the Pops debuted on television, Sean Connery starred in the film “Goldfinger” and in the United States, the Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, and national origin.
Gary enquired from the first principal if the chapter accounts had been audited. He was informed that the accounts would be audited following the meeting. The bank account will be closed and remaining funds would be dispersed. The Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies passed the chapter warrant to the first principal who then presented it to Gary for safekeeping and return to the Provincial Grand Superintendent.
Group chairman Chris Larder gave the valedictory address and Gary Rogerson brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Gary was presented with a cheque in the sum of £500 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
The chapter was then closed for the final time and the procession out of the chapter was in two columns led by the grand, acting Provincial grand officers and group officers in column one and the three principals with members of Carnforth Chapter in column two.
Carnforth Chapter is merging with Sandylands Chapter No 5702 in September, after which the chapter will be known as Sandylands with Carnforth Chapter No 5702 meeting at Kerneford Hall in Carnforth. A total of 52 companions dined at the festive board and the toast to the three principals was given by David Jackson.
