It was a delight to see the temple at Yenton so full.  Why?  Companions from around the Province and beyond had gathered for the Installation Convocation of the most prestigious chapter in Warwickshire.  All our chapters are special but the Warwickshire First Principals’ Chapter is just a little more special than most.

Whilst the Grand Superintendent was in attendance along with the Provincial Second and Third Grand Principals, it was the outgoing Principals who opened the chapter, with aplomb I hasten to add!  The Most Excellent Zerubbabel (MEZ), David Graham, welcomed everyone before inviting the Grand Superintendent to name those dearly departed companions who had been called to Higher Service since our last meeting.  The MEZ thanked the officers for their support of the past year, especially Suresh Modi for all that he has done since taking over as treasurer.

Following confirmation that a dispensation had been received for Nigel Hawkins to be First Principal of two chapters at the same time, the Grand Superintendent presented him to the MEZ who inducted him into the Chair of Zerubbabel in a most sincere fashion.  The H-elect, Albert Walker was sadly absent as he is recovered from a recent op and Neil Murray remained as H for the rest of the evening.  Geoff Walker then presented the J-elect, Paul Buck, to Mike Ball who inducted him into the Third Principal’s Chair in equally heartfelt style.  The two outgoing Principals completed their duties by delivering the addresses to the respective robes – no doubt, it will be Neil’s turn in due course.

The Principals then proceeded to invest the new team of officers, after which, the Grand Superintendent delivered the address to the Principal’s in his typically superb manner.  This then meant only one thing, that the floor was the MEZ’s to deliver his inaugural address.  This proved to be most interesting and thought-provoking and, rather than giving a precis, is worthy of being read in full by clicking here.

The new Charity Steward, Roy Dixon, appealed on behalf of Fisher House – the companions were obviously moved by his excellent appeal as a little under £500 was collected and made up to £501 by companion treasurer – if you are wondering why, just have a word with Suresh!

The labour over, the chapter was closed and the assembled throng moved from the vault to rest and refreshment and another first-rate Festive Board complete with plenty of laughter and, of course, some scrummy Yenton fayre.  One momentous change in office had seen Graham Lewis stand down as Scribe Ezra having held that important office for no fewer than 11 years.  The MEZ made a suitable presentation of a bottle of Graham’s favourite tipple to mark his great contribution to the life of the chapter.

So, Warwickshire First Principal’s is indeed very special.  Our next meeting will be on Monday 11^th May 2026.  If you can, come and along as, with Nigel in the Z Chair, we’ll be in for a treat!