The companions and guests benefited from another very special night at the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers' Chapter, one which will be well remembered in the annals of East Lancashire Freemasonry.

The Chapter was opened by the 1st Principal, EComp Allan Bennion, DepGSupt, whose first duty was of course to remember those esteemed masons recently lost to the Grand Lodge above - Comps. Desmond Franks, Cyril Atkinson and Arthur Renshaw. Joining members were then welcomed to the Chapter - Comps. Brian Sigsworth (Provincial Grand Charity Steward Designate and Deputy Chairman of the RMBI 2015 Festival Appeal Committee), David Biggs and Leslie Tayor.

There was a report and the the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Wes Marchant, PGStB, brought the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, EComp. Jack Price, into Chapter. Jack, as usual, looking healthy and radiant, had a smile for everyone as he entered, clearly pleased at the excellent turnout for this important evening. EComp Bennion and his Co-Principals, then had the pleasure of Installing their successors: EComp H Alan J Garnett, PAGSoj, ProvGSE, EComp Christopher John Bolton, PAGSoj and EComp Ian Lord, PProvGSwdB as First, Second and Third Principals respectively:

Chris Bolton, Alan Garnett and Ian Lord

After the investiture of the Chapter Officers the MEGSupt took the Chair and the evening continued to unfold. "The Royal Arch has an uncanny ability to transmit happiness and create an environment where the Companions can share and resolve problems", said Jack Price. "One recent problem", he continued, "was in selecting a successor to the role of Second Provincial Grand Principal of our Royal Arch Province. The appointee would need to wear the purple robe and chain, be dignified and have a smile for everyone. He would also need to have 'presence' - there are many who would qualify physically :-) and be available, willing and competent. But the person who undoubtedly has the best talent and fit for this job is someone who you will all know as a past District Chairman of some repute, a capable orator with a devilish sense of humour. One who has served the Royal Arch Province well over many years. I am of course referring, without any hesitation, EComp William Porter."

The MEGSupt then proceeded to invest 'Bill' with his robe and chain of office offering him this great opportunity to enhance and so be of great benefit to this magnificent Province. There was loud applause as Jack offered, on all our behalves, friendship, love and congratulations to Bill, who was then proclaimed by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Wes Marchant.

EComp William J Porter, Second Provincial Grand Principal

The MEGSupt then continued with the dilemma - "Who will now take Bill's previous place as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals with responsibility for the Manchester Districts? The answer of course is one who had served as an efficient and effective DORA under Ian Hancox in the past. He is young, committed and keen. He has also served the Province as a Provincial Warden in the Craft and as part of the Manchester District Team setup. Having served his apprenticeship and proved his worth it was now time to move on to even more demanding work for the Province. I am referring to EComp Stuart Hughes". Jack then invested Stuart as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals stating that he has no doubt the the new Second Provincial Grand Principal would keep his beady eye on him and occasionally offer him fatherly advice! There as again lound applause and later Jack again congratulated Stuart in the MEGSupt's office:

EComp Stuart Hughes, AProvGP, with the MEGSupt, Jack Price

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