The new Chorley Group Vice Chairman Peter Allan was installed into the first principal’s chair of Coronation Chapter of Westhoughton No 7258 for a second year in office. Additionally installed into the second principal’s chair was Jeremy Dootson and Derek McKee was installed as third principal at a meeting which took place at Westhoughton Masonic Hall. Peter had decided to ‘stay put’ for a second year to enable some of the junior companions to take office and climb the ladder.
Pictured left to right, are: Jeremy Dootson, Peter Allen and Derek McKee.
The meeting was very well attended with 57 companions in attendance and the chapter was delighted to have in attendance Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Barry Jameson, who represented the Grand Superintendent of the Province of West Lancashire Tony Harrison.
Other distinguished companions included Ian Higham, the Provincial Third Grand Principal in his first meeting since his investiture at Provincial Grand Chapter. Ian was delighted that it was at his own chapter that he had the first opportunity to wear his chain. Chorley Group Chairman Peter Locket, along with five acting Provincial grand officers of Provincial Grand Chapter also made up the visiting delegation.
The installation flowed very smoothly and the companions witnessed perfect ritual under the guidance of the assistant director of ceremonies Malcolm Lunt who did a fantastic job standing in at the last minute. Once the business of installing the three principals had concluded, some of the other companions of the chapter took part, with Jayson Jackson, Anthony Cottam and David Parker delivering the robe addresses to each of the principals. Andy Wiltshire delivered the charter of the chapter to Peter Allen. Peter Hegarty gave the address to the principals and Andy Cottam to the officers that had just been invested for the year.
Peter Allan (left) presents flowers to Barry Jameson.
Following those addresses Barry Jameson brought greetings from Tony Harrison and congratulated all those who had taken part on a high quality ceremony saying it was ‘a job well done!’ Peter Allen had great pleasure in presenting Barry with a cheque to the value of £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Barry thanked all the members of the chapter for their generous donation.
With the chapter meeting ended the companions retired to take the festive board which, in keeping with the high standards of the food served by the staff of Brookfield Hall, consisted of a mouth-watering beef dinner followed by sticky chocolate cake and a cheese board. During the meal a raffle was conducted by Peter Hegarty which raised a further £289 for good causes.
Following the toasts Barry rose to respond and thanked the companions of Coronation Chapter for a fantastic evening, both in the chapter room as well as at the festive board. He wished the companions well for the year and thanked them for the generosity shown. He also looked forward and made reference to the celebrations that will take place for the 2017 tercentenary and the hard work being done with both the Talking Heads and enhanced ceremony projects.
Included in the visiting delegation was the Provincial Scribe Nehemiah James Miller who responded to the toast to the Provincial grand officers making the point that the ceremony had been of a very high quality which the delegation had all enjoyed. He also gave the companions an insight into the origins of the office he holds which proved interesting.
The meeting concluded with Peter Allen thanking everyone who had taken part and with a bright year ahead he also revealed that a candidate was waiting in the wings for the next meeting. This addition to the membership was also enhanced earlier in the meeting as John Dutchman Smith had been welcomed as a joining member of Coronation Chapter. The year had started well.
The three principals (seated) flanked by Barry Jameson (second left), Ian Higham (second right) and acting Provincial grand officers.