Bridson Chapter No 613, which is the oldest chapter in the Southport Group, is small in membership, but you wouldn’t have noticed this at its October 2023 meeting, which proved to be a populous and very happy fraternal affair honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield.
There were a considerable number of visitors, some of whom were only too happy to help slip into a couple of vacant offices to assist with the meeting for this was to prove to be a fascinating convocation in which Bridson Chapter hosted members from the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516, who were to give a very enlightening demonstration entitled, ‘See Who Seeks Admission’. This was a fascinating tour de force of introductions to the principal officers of the chapter and their backgrounds in biblical history. One by one, they were introduced and led to their respective chairs. It was even discovered that some companions had been mispronouncing the third principles name incorrectly all this time.
The demonstration all took place before the chapter was open when first principal Paul Carson, thanked the team for a wonderful performance. The team consisted of; first narrator was Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Sterling, second narrators were Bernard Snape and DC Douglas Smith, with Stewards Philip Powell, Michael Harrison, David Boyes, Jason Hengler, Stephen Holcroft and Robb Fitzsimmons.
Also in attendance was Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principles Malcolm Alexander, who happens also to be the first principal of the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire. When the demonstration was completed, the chapter was opened and all were delighted to hear that there was to be a proposal for a new companion to the chapter and long may this fine old chapter flourish.