On the beautiful Spring morning, of Saturday 9th April, with the Campus at the University of Birmingham bathed in sunlight, some 176 Companions mustered for the first time in 3 years, and, sadly perhaps for the last time, in the Avon Suite, which had been very well prepared by the “backroom team” from Provincial Office as the Temple for our Provincial Annual Convocation. What a great meeting it turned out to be.
Following the normal processions of Grand Chapter Officers and Visiting Dignitaries the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and his Principals, led by the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer processed under their respective banners and Provincial Grand Chapter was duly opened.
Following the lengthy introduction of our 70 Visitors the assembled company greeted them with great acclaim.
The MEGS then led the Convocation in paying Respect to Departed Merit and conducting the usual administration before commencing the re-appointment, prpromotions and investiture of those nominated. In particular he re-appointed E. Comp. Michael D. Cox, PGSwdB, as Deputy Grand Superintendent.
and then sadly said farewell to E. Comp. A John Yeates, PAGSoj, on his retirement as Second Provincial Grand Principal who has offered a great deal to the well being of the Province during his time as both Third and Second P.rovincial Grand Principal
and appointed E. Comp. Tim. M. L. Jones, PGStB, the Prov. DC as Second Principal
Given all theproblems presented by the last two years and to ensure he conducted a full year in Office he re-appointed E. Comp. Keith M Evans, PGStB, as the Third Provincial Grand Principal
There then followed all those who had been re-appointed and awarded honours this year, all of whom deserve our congratulations, including the appointment of the new Provincial Director of Ceremonies and his team. E. Comp’s Alan Bolton, Paul Webber and Neil Crabbe.
On his last Convocation as the serving PGM, E. Comp. Robert C Vaughan, PGSwdB,gathered his Provincial Craft team together for the final time.
On the closure of the Convocation the Companions moved to the Staff Dining Room to enjoy a very convivial lunch which concluded an excellent day of Holy Royal Arch Freemasonry.