The recent meeting of Leigh Chapter was, as always, special. It was the installation convocation and the companions were delighted to welcome the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent who was accompanied by Ivan Norris and Leigh’s very own Sean Lambert acting as the Second and Third Grand Principal respectively. Sean is coming to the end of a superb and very busy year as an acting officer during which he has become a familiar face around the Province and it was very special to see him part of the Provincial team in his mother Chapter.

The Grand Superintendent opened the chapter in usual Warwickshire style before being called upon to present a Supreme Grand Chapter certificate to Leigh’s newest member. This he did with the great sincerity and warmth that one would expect from such an esteemed and experienced ruler. He was then able to take more of a back seat, for the time being, whilst the Most Excellent Zerubbabel, Mark Graham, installed one of Warwickshire’s elder statesmen, Edwin Maitland, as First Principal in splendid fashion. It was then a delight to see two relatively younger companions, Neil Johnson and Rich Pinner, make their next steps as they were installed as Haggai and Joshua respectively.

The addresses to the three robes were excellent, in particularly that to the blue robe delivered by Sean Lambert. The addresses delivered by the Provincial team were all to the highest of standards as we have come to expect in Warwickshire and, again, Sean deserves a mention in dispatches for his superb address to the chapter.

One must not forget Paul Skinner who kept a careful eye on all concerned as the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies – no small feat with the current Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, the Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies  and a certain Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies all in the room. I hasten to add that he acquitted his duties with aplomb!

The important business of the evening complete, the assembled throng adjourned next door to enjoy a magnificent festive board. The companions then departed having enjoyed another lovely Leigh meeting and it was clear that, with all that he did for the chapter, not only does Lambert love Leigh, but also that Leigh loves Lambert!