On an extremely warm evening of Friday 29th May 2026, 22 members which included the Inspector General, District Recorder and the Chapter District Representative attended the Enthronement meeting. Thank heavens the lodge room had such efficient air conditioning system. It was so much needed………
Prior to Opening the Chapter, the MWS, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General, was escorted into the room by the Director of Ceremonies, III.˙.Bro V Fogarty 32°. The DC then announced the entry of the IG, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, into the room who was very warmly greeted by the MWS who, for his last time, tempted the IG with his Chair & Baton. The IG received the Baton with thanks, however very politely declined to act as Sovereign and returned the Baton. The MWS then extended an equally warm welcome to three very distinguished members in attendance – Ill.˙.Bro Gordon Stacy 31°, and also the Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire in the Royal Order of Scotland (RoS), Ill.˙.Bro John Phenix 32°-elect, & also the former Most Excellent Grand Superintendent (MEGS) of Worcestershire, & Ill.˙.Bro David Emery 31°, who had the most fantastic honour of being a former Sentinel for the Supreme Council for a year during the MWS Patent as Inspector General of the District. This honour by the way, is an extremely rare honour as it only comes around for each District once every 20 – 25 years. All remaining visitors were also welcomed by the MWS in his usual, enthusiastic and at times humorous manner.
Before Opening the Chapter, the MWS also thank most sincerely, all the Officers of his year and the IG for all their help and much valued support.
Following the confirmation and approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting the MWS launched straight into enthroning the Sovereign elect, Ill.˙.Bro Gary Talbot 30°. And a most delightful Enthronement it was too. The new MWS then appointed and invested his Officers in a relaxed and experienced manner. A wonderful enthronement ceremony was then completed with an excellent Address to the Princes by the IG.
During the next item on the Agenda, the Treasurer announced notice that a sum of £500.00 was available in the Charity Account for distribution, and three local charities identified to receive an equal share of the funds.
The MWS was then delighted to propose that the Immediate Past Sovereign become an Honorary Member of the Chapter. This not surprisingly, also delighted the members who all welcomed and congratulated V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, at becoming Honorary Member. It was suggested that this momentous occasion should be celebrated with a glass (or three) of champagne supplied by their new Honorary Member, who said that unfortunately he did not have any champagne with him tonight, but he might have on a future occasion. (I do hope this was recorded in the Minutes)!!!
The MWS carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter before everyone retired to the Refectory for dinner, where the evenings good-humour, and merriment continued.
Next meeting – THU 29 OCT 26.
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