News & Reports
Tuesday, 9th February 2010 at Sindlesham.
25th Anniversary of Prince Arthur of Connaught Chapter No 5261
The 25th Anniversary of the Prince Arthur of Connaught Chapter, which was Consecrated on the 12th February 1985, was celebrated on Tuesday 9th February 2010. The Convocation, held at the Berkshire Masonic Centre at Sindlesham, was attended by the M E Grand Superintendent, the Deputy Grand Superintendent, the Third Provincial Grand Principal and other Provincial Officers. It was a delight to see E Comps Frank Day, the Founding Third Principal, Rodney Fox, the Founding Principal Sojourner and Fred Edwards, the Founding Steward, not only present, but involved in the activities of the Chapter. The Founding Scribe Nehemiah was E Comp Keith Tomkins, who was unable to be present due to ill health. It was also a pleasure to see E Comp Russell Gotham, PGSwdB, the Consecrating Scribe Nehemiah and E Comp Harry Benford, PGSwdB, the Consecrating Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in attendance.
Above left to right: Russell Gotham, Terry Speight, Frank Day, Ken Benford, Kevan Neville, Fred Edwards, John Newman and Harry Benford
During the evening the Almoner, E Comp Jim Keal, presented a paperweight to the Founders on behalf of the Chapter and a cheque for £1000 for the Berkshire RMBI 2011 Appeal.
E Comp Frank Day, was further surprised when the R W Provincial Grand Master stood to present Frank with a Certificate to mark his fifty years in Freemasonry.
Above: Frank Day receives his 50th Anniversary Certificate from the PGM
It should not be forgotten that among all these celebrations an Installation Ceremony was also carried out when E Comp Kevan Neville was Installed as First Principal, E Comp Terry Speight as Second Principal and E Comp John Newman as Third Principal.
Above: The new Principals of the Chapter
Following the formal part of the evening the Companions enjoyed a very happy Festive Board, where the sum of £66 was raised to pay the ransom for the Gnome!
