Henry Cook Chapter No 1021, meeting in the Fairfield, Barrow, has a long history and proud traditions to maintain. Barry Bray the first principal and installing first principal of Henry Cook Chapter is a man who has continued these traditions and work ethic in his tenure as first principal, in that he likes to stay busy, Masonically speaking. He is the current master of Hartington Lodge No 1021, having previously be WM in 2012.
He opened the evening’s proceedings with the assistance of his coprincipals, Ian Thompson and Morton Richardson. The regular business of the chapter was dispatched before the 50 companions assembled in the chapter rose to warmly welcome Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Barrie Crossley, representing the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Barrie was accompanied by grand officers Rowley Saunders, David Grainger, Peter Schofield and Barry Fitzgerald; Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Gary Rogerson, group vice chairman Alan Pattinson, and group secretary Chris Gray. Also in attendance, were acting Provincial grand officers David Jopling, Graham Lloyd and Ken Needham. Barry Bray was in the chair and warmly welcomed all the guests.
The three principals were installed competently and warmly, with camaraderie and good humour. Third principal elect Glenn Hudson taking the blue robe in a very dignified manner. Barry Bray then reassumed his Provincial ceremonial duties while the ceremony continued.
New first principal Ian Thompson is the Group Membership Officer of the Furness and South Lakes Group as part of his busy portfolio.
A cheque to the amount of £500 was presented towards the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. The raffle at the festive board realised £280 for the chapter’s charity account.
