The companions of De Grey and Ripon Chapter No 1356 hosted their second joint convocation of the Woolton Group; the four chapters of the Woolton Group joined forces to stage the joint convocation entitled ‘The Excavation’. Guest of honour was the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison.
Tony Harrison (centre), with the three principals of De Grey and Ripon Chapter, grand and Provincial grand officers.
The chapter was opened in the normal manner, with all officers in their respective places with 60 visiting companions seated for the opening ceremony. Provincial Director of Ceremonies Ian Higham entered the chapter room and announced that the Grand Superintendent stood without and demanded admission. Tony was accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Sam Robinson plus a number of grand and Provincial grand officers of the Province. Tony was then welcomed by the three principals and was offered the sceptre by Albert Hogg, first principal of the chapter. Tony took the sceptre, as is his right and after a few words he then handed it back to Albert.
The main business of the convocation was a demonstration of the excavation of the vault. Group chairman Andrew Whittle then took over as director of ceremonies for the demonstration, John Leach of Grassendale Chapter No 4808 occupied the third principals chair and Alan Sale of Red Triangle Chapter No 3874 that of the second principal, this allowed David Spear and Matt Wilson to take their places for the demonstration.
Tony speaking to the companions.
Before the demonstration started Andy Sharp gave a short presentation about the excavation. Andy explained that the excavation covers one individual’s trials and tribulations of excavating and entering the vault and Andy informed the companions that this was the first demonstration of the excavation.
Rob Main then took over the running of the ceremony, with Rob Main, Matt Wilson and Mike Fox being the excavation team and seven selected companions stood in turn to read out their individual script relating to the ceremony. The excavation unfolded much to the entertainment and delectation of the companions, the excavation was well rehearsed by the company of companions from throughout the group, all worked in perfect harmony to deliver the story of the excavation.
At the end of the excavation demonstration, Tony congratulated all those who had taken part in the demonstration; special thanks went to Andy Sharp and Rob Main for their time and effort for putting the demonstration together.
Pictured left: Andrew Whittle (left) presenting a cheque to Tony Harrison. Pictured right: Andrew Whittle (left) presenting a bouquet of flowers to Tony Harrison.
Andrew Whittle presented Tony Harrison, Sam Robinson, and Albert Hogg with bound copies of the excavation, Andrew also presented an LED board to the four chapters to be used in the new advanced exaltation ceremony. Sam Robinson presented companion Graham Farley of The De Grey and Ripon Chapter with his Supreme Grand Chapter certificate.
At the festive board Steve Riley Snr was honoured to propose the toast to the Grand Superintendent, to which Tony responded by thanking Steve for the toast and then said we all have a lot to look forward to with the up and coming tercentenary and the Masonic Festival. He also spoke about the new care system and how it would benefit everyone. Tony once again thanked all the members of the excavation team for the demonstration. He also thanked Andrew Whittle and Vic Albin for inviting him to the joint convocation and thanked the grand officers, Provincial grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers for attending. As the festive season is now approaching, Tony wished everyone and their families a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
The excavation team.
Andrew Whittle then had the pleasant task of presenting a cheque to Tony on behalf of the Woolton Group, to The West Lancashire Freemasons Charity for £1,167, of which £261 was raised on the night with a raffle. Tony then thanked the Woolton Group members for their donation. On conclusion of the evening Tony was given a bouquet of flowers to take home to his wife Maureen, from the members of the Woolton Group of Lodges and Chapters. The final toast of the evening was in the hands of the janitor Tom Lunt who gave the janitor’s toast.