At Semper Sursum Chapter No 5622, 58 companions gathered to witness the installation of Alan Tomlinson as the first principal, with Steve Harris as second principal and David Kyle as third principal. All three taking on their roles for the first time.
Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle, responded to the welcome offered to him by installing first principal Phil Renney, shortly after he had demanded admission and entered the temple, saying that he was looking forward to having a good time at the installation convocation. Andrew was accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, Past Second Provincial Grand Principal Chris Band, Past Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals, David Grainger and Barrie Crossley, Past Grand Superintendent of the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson and grand officers, Barry Fitzgerald, Peter Schofield, Allan Jones and John Wrennall.
Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Michael Fox and Provincial Grand Steward Darren Stainton were also in attendance. Additionally, the Chairman of the Furness and South Lakeland Group Chris Gray along with group vice chairman Harry Chatfield and group secretary Tony Jackson, were also present.
The chapter was opened in ancient and due form by installing first principal Phil Renney together with co-principals Alan Tomlinson and Steve Harris. The usual business of the chapter was dealt with and companion Geoff Biddulph was balloted for and welcomed to the chapter as a re-joining member.
The three principals were installed in according to ancient ritual. The scripture readings were undertaken by Bernie McGeough, Danny Wood and Steve Leonard. The robe addresses were given in superb style with the first robe address given by Steve Leonard, the second robe address given by Danny Wood and the third robe address given by director of ceremonies Alan Hilton.
Bill Merewood gave a commendable address to the three principals and Andrew Whittle gave a laudable address to the companions of the chapter. On completion of the ceremony, Andrew rose and brought the greetings and good wishes from Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated installing first principal Phil Renney and director of ceremonies Alan Hilton, along with all those who had taken part in the evening’s event.
Newly installed first principal Alan Tomlinson then rose and thanked Andrew for his kind words and on behalf of the companions of the chapter, he presented a note which, with Alan’s permission, Andrew read aloud, stating that there were donations to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for the sum of £300 and to the Northwest Air Ambulance for £300. Andrew thanked the companions on behalf of all those who would eventually benefit from the chapter’s very generous donation.
The collection in the chapter room raised £150 and the raffle at the festive board raised £507 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Given the rather warm temperature outside, the festive board of a cold meat salad followed by a cheese board was a welcome change.