Over 100 companions recently headed to Kings Norton Golf Club for the annual the Principals’ and Past Principals’ Dinner – quite the mouthful! – better known as the PrinDin!  They may have come for various reasons: out of duty to the Province; to enjoy some scrummy grub; to catch up with buddies possibly for the first time this year; to hear from the Grand Superintendent; or to test their grey matter with the quiz.  Regardless, perhaps a little puzzled, they were certainly not disappointed.

The first announcement was which chapter had best supported the event.  Rather than simply going by numbers and therefore putting smaller chapters at a disadvantage, the percentage of attendees was used.  Leigh Chapter came in third with 29% followed by Athol with 33% but it was St Augustine’s Chapter that reigned supreme with a splendid 36% of their principals attending!

Towards the end of the evening, the Grand Superintendent was pleased to announce his new team, or rather the re-appointment of his current team with one exception.  Having sung the collective praises of David Graham, Michael Morris and Geoff Walker, he thanked Mike Ball for all that he has done as the Assistant to the Principals.  He then announced that, having selected three Michaels so far, he would be breaking that particular mould in appointing Frank Corrigan to succeed Mike at Provincial Grand Convocation in June.

Those with longer memories may have realised that the Grand Superintendent was appointed back in 2016 and that his patent would normally be for ten years.  EComp Philip was pleased to confirm that he would be continuing for a little while longer, news that was greeted with acclaim by all present.  He thanked those responsible for making the evening such a success including Nigel Hawkins for his quiz.

The irrepressible (and, as he suggested himself, unsackable) Nigel had obviously been reading – something that can always suggest troubling times ahead.  He had produced a quiz clearly designed to involve some seriously head-scratching, not just trying to understand some of the questions but also to search the grey matter for the answer, but thankfully also quite a bit of the humour that seems to follow Nigel around.  That was great as the Grand Superintendent always says that a companion is not complete without a smile!

In the ‘general’ knowledge section, we discovered all sorts of interesting (possibly), useful (doubtful) and entertaining (definitely) things.  Who knew that Madeleine and Karen were not storms as some suggested but rather the two new tunnelling machines for HS2?  We also discovered that there had been a lot more Archbishops of Canterbury than expected.  Thankfully there were some Masonic questions to show us that we don’t necessarily know as much about our beloved Order that we might hope or expect.  Some knew that Thomas Dunkeley was our first Grand Superintendent however some didn’t know who was the 15^th to hold that esteemed position – no names, no pack drill!!

Regardless, Nigel thoroughly entertained everyone and helped all make their daily advancement.  Whilst in some respects we were all winners, the Grand Superintendent was delighted to present wine to the victors and the requisite red wooden (or rather plastic) spoons to those bringing up the rear.  Once the coffee had been drunk and the toasts complete, the assembled throng went their separate ways and returned home.  All present had clearly had a great time, a fabulous indication that the Royal Arch in Warwickshire in is very good heart!