On Monday 9th March 2026, 9 members of the Chapter plus 7 Visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the 100th Meeting of the Chapter.
To mark this milestone journey for the Chapter, a ceremony of Perfection was to have been the ‘order of the day’, however due to a long-distance work commitment, the Candidate was unfortunately unable to attend. This did not dampen the spirit of the Chapter and all the hard work and preparation for the ceremony was duly rewarded with a super ‘full dress rehearsal’ in preparation for their next meeting………
The Inspector General was escorted into the room by the Chapter DC who presented him to the MWS Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 31°-elect. The MWS said that it was tradition for the Chapter to offer the Baton & Chair to the IG who would then conduct the remaining business of the Chapter. The IG replied to the MWS that it was his tradition to return the Baton immediately, and that as he (the MWS) had occupied the Chair on so many occasions, he could do the work himself!!!
With a huge grin as is always expected from the MWS, he continued with the Agenda…….
Before Opening the Chapter, the MWS asked Ill.˙.Bro Charles Dyer 32°, to act as 2nd General, and Ill.˙.Bro Mike Tonkin 31°, to act as Marshal. The MWS then Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting which were duly signed by himself and the IG.
The Chapter then carried out the afore mentioned rehearsal of the ceremony of Perfection, very well directed and coordinated by the DC. With the DR volunteering to act as the Candidate, E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°, presented the Intermediate Degrees with comfortable confidence. Marshal, escorting and conducting the Candidate throughout the whole ceremony, did so with a great degree of skill and experience, – as you would expect given that he is a Deputy Preceptor of the MRCCI. Special mention for Raphael, E&P Bro Chris Overall 18°, who also conducted the Candidate with a huge amount of confidence. It was so evident that the Officers had spent many hours with their heads in their ‘little red books’. The IG carried out the Accolade and the DR presented the Collar & Signs to a new acting Candidate – E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°……… The MWS can indeed be very proud of his work, and the work of his Officers for a fine performance. All good signs for when the next Candidate arrives……….
Continuing with the Agenda, E&P Bro Noel Nichols 18°, was declared the MWS elect for the ensuing year, and E&P Bro John Peglar 18°, declared to continue as the Treasurer for the ensuing year, both of whom graciously accepted the confidence that the brethren showed.
At the end of the 2nd Rising, the MWS of Bordesley Abbey Chapter RC No 918 ably accompanied by two of his many enforcers (affectionately labelled by the IG as the Bordesley Bovver Boys), presented the ‘Travelling Apron’ to the MWS who was so delighted to receive it into the temporary safe custody of his Chapter.
After collect Alms, the room was prepared for the Third Point which was beautifully carried out by the IG. The MWS then Closed the Chapter and the Brethren retired to enjoy a truly excellent 3 course evening meal in the Refectory, again rounding off a first-class evening. Congratulations to the Chapter Recorder for ensuring the evening was an evening to remember.
Next meeting – Monday 8th June 2026.
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