Prudence Chapter has for many years met at a hotel on the Hagley Road, which has now ceased to trade. The Chapter has searched for some time to find an alternative venue, and for this Installation, chose to meet in the morning at the Knowle Masonic Centre, and then have lunch at Nuthurst Grange hotel just a short drive away in Hockley Heath. It may be that the arrangement with the hotel can be extended to have the meeting there too – this is to be explored before the next meeting. Consideration is also being given to the Chapter becoming a ‘daylight’ Chapter – ie, meeting in the morning.
Despite the Convocation being held in different circumstances, the Installation went very well, with E Comp Chris Cattell taking the First Principal’s chair and E Comp Geoff Walker taking the chair of Haggai. Comp John Day, who was to become Joshua was unable to attend and will be installed at the next Convocation. In his absence, E Comp Paul Buck remained as acting 3rd Principal for the remainder of the ceremony. Geoff and Chris are pictured below.
The Provincial team was headed by E Comp John Hayward, Assistant to the Provincial Principals, with E Comp Ivan Norris acting as Second Provincial Principal and E Comp Paul Buck acting as 3rd Principal with E Comp Mike Smith, Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. All are pictured below.
After a sad start to the Convocation, following a period of silence for the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and a eulogy for a greatly missed Past First Principal, E Companion Albert Barnfield, a most enjoyable Installation ensued. With E Comp John Starley, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal as Installing Principal, a well executed and at times light-hearted ceremony was guaranteed and took place, to the enjoyment of all present. A future meeting will see the Third Principal installed.
Finally, the two new installed Principals, with the Provincial team:
Ivan Norris, Geoff Walker, John Hayward, Chris Cattell & Paul Buck.
Final Note – Prudence is a lovely Chapter with great companionship and camaraderie but with only a small dedicated membership. If any Companions would like to consider visiting or joining the Chapter, bearing in mind the opening paragraph, they would be given a very warm welcome. A Candidate would also be equally welcome. Prudence Chapter has a long history, having been consecrated in 1914 and is determined to enjoy a happy future.
With thanks to Mike Smith for keeping us all in order and for his photography expertise.
John Hayward
